Feast for the Eyes

We are having some seriously nice weather here for May making it VERY hard to be inside for any length of time, because who knows how long it will last.   The girls and I got out yesterday though, and met friends at one of our favorite nurseries, this little oasis tucked away out in the hills about twenty or so miles from home.   First of all, don't even ask me what the names of all these plants and flowers are.  There were hundreds of varieties, and most were tagged but after awhile I couldn't see straight.  So much to take in.  Made my head spin and my eyeballs twirl.  All I can tell you is, we just marched around making exclamatory noises like a gaggle of geese.   I was so overwhelmed that I came home empty-handed (which is probably a good thing; remembered my resolve to think things through before I plant more stuff).   Grace bought Lady's Mantle, and Ginger bought a carnivorous plant, that she's since been feeding little green "spittle bugs" to, with maniacal glee.  (hey. you're only a kid once and besides, the plant does need to eat.) 

Anyway, the Peonies are in season now and they had some beauties.  Hard to tell the actual scale from this picture, but this was nearly a foot across.   I kid you not, it was huge.  Like a dinner plate.

The color glowed on this one, causing everyone to gasp. 

More eye candy and more drooling.

Pretty pinks and squeals of delight.

I wonder if deer would eat these? I know I wanted to.

Speaking of that...update:  The deer still haven't touched any of my roses (or any other flowers for that matter) after spraying them with the magic concoction.   Isn't that just the best news?  Just look how they're taking over that bench outside.  No one around here has the heart to trim them back either now that they've finally made it this far.  It looks like they're headed for the back door though, so I might re-think this at some point.  Especially because the red and white roses behind the pinks are also starting to wake up and blossom.  I can't remember the last time I saw those in bloom either.  It's all so pretty and exciting around here!  Dawn made the pretty banner bunting from old quilt blocks, appropriately called, Grandmother's Flower Garden.  How perfect is that?

Comments

[Mrs.Staggs]

The weather is beautiful here too!
You have the prettiest views outside your windows. I went plant shopping yesterday, and I was overwhelmed too. I ended up only buying the lobelia I needed to finish up the windowboxes. The flowers are so pretty and your roses....wow!
Dawn's banner garlands are really great! 'Course, she's a lot like you, that way. Everything she makes is wonderful!

[Dawn]

The garden photo is my dream garden!!! Love the varieties!
It was a sweet little surprise to see the garland hanging there..
I am going to seriously miss your blog this summer! I know that there are times that one must take a break..But I will still miss you.
xo

[Mama Urchin]

That bunting is fabulous. It looks like stained glass.

[KarenV]

What gorgeous flowers! :) Such a feast for the eyes. The banner is beautiful too.

[sara, the house of charm]

Oh , the peonies are breath taking!!!!

[Miss Sassy]

Gorgeous photos. I love, love, love the bunting! I just made my first bunting (and blogged about it...). Old quilts is such a lovely idea and looks so beautiful.

[Felicia]

Thank you so much for sharing those peonies. I can't seem to grow them here in middle Georgia and I think they're just about the most beautiful flower I've ever seen.

[Sherry]

Gorgeous nursery! Fabulous peonies (I have none as I am too lazy to stake their poor heads up.) Love the bunting, and it's such a pretty scene with the colorful tablecloth, the bright white window sash and the sunlight and roses outside. I'm glad Ginger found a use for spittle bugs. I'm wondering if a carnivorous plant would lure my kids into some de-spittle-bugging. Hmmmm. (One of the Beverly Nichols garden books has a gem of a paragraph on spittle bugs---I wish I could remember which one!)

[Anina]

Wonderful! The weather is great out here too. I just strolled in the garden this morning and took a bunch of photos and blogged all about it.
We have to breathe it in because it'll only last a little while.

[little jenny wren]

Those peonies are amazing, I had no idea they could be so large. The bunting is very special isn't it.

[Annette]

wonderful garden and blog!

[Colleen]

Thoose Flowers are striking! I also really love Gingers shirt in the first picture, looks very pretty with her blond hair :) Carnivorous plants are fun..i had one once, has she named it?

[Chris and Laurie]

Your Peonies are so pretty. I love the bright colors.

[Christina]

I just want to say you'll be missed this summer. I have been reading your blog almost everyday for the last few months. I guess I'll have to "get a life" for the summer. I can understand though, my husband and I are expecting our first child (a baby girl) this September and have lots of projects of our own to work on this summer before she arrives.

[Suzy]

What beautiful peonies! And the roses, oh my! Isn't this weather grand, I can't stay inside and get anything done, my house is a mess. Sewing studio has cobwebs too. Thanks for sharing such lovely pics.
xo, suzy

[Patty]

Once again, i am jealous of your peonies. My little peony bush is full of green leaves but not a single bloom. Maybe next year.

[Diane B]

Vicki, As usual, your flower photos are amazing! I am a shut-in and a visit to your blog makes me feel like I'm actually walking through a garden. Thank you, Diane

[Mae]

That garden is beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

[Kim Sherrod]

What gorgeous flowers! Thank you so much for the tour- they look so beautiful! I am so happy that those pesky deer have gone someplace else for dinner! I love the banner- Dawn just did a swap with me for one of her gorgeous doll quilts and I am busy on an apron for her- I hope you have a wonderful summer with your family and enjoy all the sunshine that you can! We have some much need rain right now- I hope it doesn't stop for a week or so! Have a happy summer! Kim

[LadyMarcia]

I haven't had time to catch your blog for the last few weeks as I've returned to work, being sent near and far but what a joy it was to see you enjoying my little token of thanks on your table!! I was thrilled to see how lovely it is in it's new home. I think of you often and am reminded of my recovery days lingering over your blog. I've truly missed the time I spent lingering here and realize how peacefully beautiful your site is. I wish you the happiest of summer days, planting and sowing your garden, sipping lemonade on your colorful front porch and snapping pictures of your flourishing bounty. I envy your lifestyle, oh distant new friend of mine. Marcia :-)

[paula luckhurst]

I think the view with the bench and roses is beautiful.

[jenny]

gorgeous flowers, garden, everything. :)