The garden before the storm

We are supposed to receive some rain and thunderstorms for the next day or so in my part of the world, so I snapped some quick photos of the garden before bad weather rolled in. My roses are just starting to bloom, something I have been patiently awaiting for the past several weeks. One thing I love about gardening with perennials is the way the garden changes every week or so. It is never static. Things are always either going into bloom, like the roses, or going out of bloom, like the bearded irises, with hints to what is yet to come. The next wave will feature daylilies and shasta daisies.

A potted pedestal of annuals lies just beyond the gate to bid you adieu.

My favorite rose, a David Austin 'Heritage,' is one that I have had for 13 years. If you have never grown David Austin roses, I am sorry to inform you that you are missing out. They combine the best traits of heirloom roses (fragrance and form) with disease resistance and repeat blooming. They are relatively pricey, but, in this case, the splurge was worth it. Someday I hope to acquire a few more, but for now I am deeply satisfied with my 'Heritage'.


This is a climbing 'ice berg,' which boasts pure white blooms, although, sadly, no fragrance.

A viburnum and Siberian irises take the front stage, while beyond the flower bed, a ring of common daylilies edges of the yard. The climber has only been sited here for a couple of seasons, and has yet to really reach its potential.

The scarlet blossom must be one of the parents to this 'heritage' rose, as they grow from the same root stock.

A close-up of an unfurling bud.

In this time of quickly-brewing storms, may you create the opportunity to seize the moment and take in the beauty that surrounds you.

Until next time...

Anne