Natural Beauty

One of the things I love most about summer is planting flowers and herbs, then watching them grow. They are like the gift that keeps on giving as new blooms appear everyday, brightening any space.

As Michael and I have a patio and flower beds in which we are able to plant, I have seized the opportunity to beautify our home.

Lobelias and Zinnias (which are just beginning to bloom).

This is why Zinnias are one of my favorite sun-loving flowers. Look at that color!

Our collection of pots in the back corner of our patio.

Basil
Which is growing beautifully! (I'm going to give it a couple more weeks before I make pesto.)

Cilantro

Greek Oregano

Peppermint

And Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley.

Here is our backdoor flower bed.
Full of Impatiens, Vinca, Lobelias, Parsley, and a rather large and fertile Hosta plant. (The Hosta was here when we moved in. Good thing I trimmed it back because it was HUGE!)

And on our front porch, PROOF that I have inherited the "Resurrection" gene from my dad and grandfather. This Hydrangea was practically a goner after one night outside in freezing weather. (Completely space cadet moment on my part, how embarrassing!)

But, I nurtured it by cutting off all the dead leaves and branches, giving it water, love, and much sunshine. And it has rewarded me with this beautiful purple-ish bloom. I've already counted two more buds where it should bloom any day now.

Yay for summer!

Pictures of our vegetable garden to come...