Peonies

Big, bright and beautiful!

Yesterday there were so many buds on the Peonies. Today the very welcome sight of large pink blossoms appeared! It is a really good thing that the plants were staked yesterday afternoon. The big bright blossoms were able to withstand the heavy rain this morning.

Looking forward to seeing more bright flowers this weekend!
Happy Gardening!

The Beautiful Month of May!

Every week during the month of May there are always new "happenings" going on in our gardens.  A quick walk around our yard or a glance out of our windows bring beautiful sights!

Today, the large cluster of lavendar Chives can be seen from a distance.  A closer look at the Irises brought a great surprise!  The long slender buds are beginning to form.  Soon there will be many more.  The big pink Peonies are beautiful and there are more buds!

In another area the small green Zinnia sprouts have popped up. They were planted from seeds that were harvested from last year's abundant colorful crop.  It's a tradition to save the seeds, plant them the following year and enjoy the gorgeous colors!  Spring is a beautiful time of year!

Enjoy!
Happy Gardening!

May Colors!

There is a rotation of color in our yard when the flowers start to blossom.  I've been waiting for the Peonies' buds to open and this morning some did.  Bright pink flowers!

Overnight, the Iris buds appeared.  It was also a very welcome sight today!  Before I know it the lavender flowers will be visible.

The Zinnia seeds planted last week are beginning to sprout.  It's always so cool to see.  The seeds we planted were saved from last year's colorful crop.

Spring is here and beautiful colors are visible!

Enjoy!

 

New Colors of Spring!

I always appreciate the beautiful colors that Spring brings to our yard.  From the early sprouting Hyacinths, the flowing yellow Forsythia bushes to the yellow Daffodils.  Outside my computer room a burst of pink blossoms have erupted.  I often view them while glancing outside the window.  Admiring them outdoors is so much better.  The tall stalks are staked up, because of the recent rain.

Vibrant purple Irises have now made their appearances.  I had been watching the large clump in our front garden.  Yesterday, a smaller group in our back perennial garden started to blossom.

 
The Variegated Iris usually has one blossom every Spring.

Today was the day it blossomed!

New England's 4 seasons bring changes to our scenery throughout the year.  Each season is enjoyed, because it will change- yet again!  The pastel and also vibrant colors of Spring are just gorgeous!!

Enjoy!

         

Spring in New England!!

Just walking around our home outdoors beautiful colors change when we go around the corner.  The pink Peonies are just bursting with fragrance.  The flowers are heavy, so the stems are staked- ready for any rain that may fall. 

Turning around 180°, the Purple Irises come in view.  The first buds opened this morning!  There are so many more that will add color to our yard this week.

The lavender Chives are going a bit wild!!  The delicate flowers always add color to our back perennial garden.

Glancing to the right- the Variegated Iris!  It has flowered again this year!!

On our deck 3 potted Citronella (Mosquito) Plants are very helpful- all summer.  The Vinca adds a bit of color to the pot. 

Spring is a great and beautiful time of year!! 

Enjoy!

     

Solar Green Tea

The sun has been brightly shining and it feels like summer has arrived!  My glass pitcher found its way out of the cabinet and has been put to work.  Solar Green Tea!  :)  This is not prepared with matcha - the fine powdered green tea that is used in the Chanoyu - but made with tea bags.  

This past weekend family members were in town and cold unsweetened Solar Green Tea was a hit!  It's similar to the tea that our MIL/mom made many years ago.  She lived in the sunny state of FL and used cold water, bags of black tea and the sun to prepare her beverage.  Her thought always was - "Why purchase it when you can make it so easily yourself?"  I like that thought!  I also like Solar Green Tea.

The method is easy.  Easy is good!  On a sunny day I fill my glass pitcher with cold water and place it on my front window sill.  Add 3 Green Tea teabags and forget it for 3 - 4 hours.  Later, remove the tea bags, cover and place in the fridge.

While my Solar Green Tea was brewing, I was on my computer.  Whenever I looked out the window in my Computer/Sewing Room, the gorgeous Peonies were in view!

This afternoon I need to "brew" another pitcher!

I'll Enjoy!
Yummy!

***Update - June 2, 2011
Yesterday afternoon as I was "brewing" my pitcher of Green Solar Tea, I didn't know that Mother Nature was brewing a surprise for us residents of Western Massachusetts.  The city of Springfield borders my town of Longmeadow on the north - here in MA.  We drive into the South End and Downtown so often.  We are accustomed to snowfall, but not tornadoes.  Today has been a day of helping and thinking of our neighbors.
~Judy