from Bluebird Hill

It is summer and I so enjoy my gardens.  I also love to paint in watercolor and have been inspired by some of the flowers in bloom.  Here are the latest

Sitting in a rocker on the porch is the ultimate summer pleasure.  Just listening to the birds and watching the hummingbirds and butterflies gives me proof that there is a divine being.   Some of my favorites are butterfly bush, for the obvious reason.  Of course who can resist roses? Hydrangeas do so well here in the south, that I have several varieties.  No fragrance, but definitely a great show!  Coneflowers and black eyed susans hold up well to any heat and do well in arrangements too. Hydrangea Coneflowers Cleome

I love the whiteness of the snow, fresh fallen and all sparkly.   Then, we drive through it with our cars, and it becomes dirty.  After it falls, the winter months are often cloudy and gray. I choose to plan my surroundings so there will be color all year.  I love the look of this metal art in the snow.  It draws the eye, and brightens things up. Add greenery to your landscape with fruit and berries.  It will provide food for the birds, and winter color.  The birds will stay and take care of pests the rest of the year. Gardens that have borders of green, like low hedges, provide structure to the winter garden. I also like to add features like ponds, birdbaths, fountains and benches. They all have a seasonal function, but also add interest in the winter, like this bench in the photo below.

 After the storm        The trees are dressed in gowns of ice.  Crystal earrings adorn the leaves of the shrubs, and the snow on the eaves fall like teardrops,  sliced by rainbows.