Peonies and a New Addition to the Garden

The Sarah Bernhardt Peonies that line our front walk are now in full bloom. They were the last variety to open.

Their double blooms are a pretty pink, with hints of fuchsia, and bright yellow centers.

Aside from a few smaller buds on other bushes, these are the last of my peonies to bloom. It's bittersweet. 

But it means that my garden roses will soon be in bloom and ready for cutting, as well as the hydrangeas.

I love their different shades of pink.

The boys and I are anticipating another new addition to our garden.

Do you see her?

She's been busy making her nest on the down pipe, tucked in the ivy on the back sun room.

Since her nest is right beside the dining room window, we've watched her busily flying back and forth, all day long, making her nest ready. We even saw her and daddy "playing tag" as Willen put it. Now she's stopping flying about, and is sitting on her nest. Any day now we're expecting to hear the commotion of little baby birds.

Until then, we're patiently watching her keep her beautiful blue eggs warm. We think there are three, maybe even four, but we've only dared to take one quick peek.

Rainy Days and Spring Flowers

 

Today is the most dismal of days. Our snow is slowly melting in a foggy rain and the skies are gray and heavy.

 

It doesn't look like we'll be seeing the sun for a while.

 

Until then, the spring bouquets I picked up this weekend will brighten up the house.

 

 

How dreary is this?

 

 

A perfect collection of spring flowers from The Watering Can.

 

 

 

White Hyacinths, White Tulips and some Pussy Willow.

 

 

 

I also picked up a bunch of Forsythia branches to force.

 

 

Their bright yellow flowers are the epitome of springtime.

Pink Peonies

[All Photos - The Grower's Daughter]

This morning, after a few days of much needed sunshine and warmth, I was able to cut a few of the first peony blooms in my front garden.

Much to my delight, these were already established when we moved in. I prefer soft pinks and delicate whites and creams, but these still make me happy and smell heavenly.

Earlier this season, I planted a white Peony Tree (From Japan), as well as a row of white Festiva Maxima peonies especially for cutting. I can't wait to enjoy them next year.

Until then, these lovely beauties will fill my little bud vases, and grace each room around my house with their delicately aromas.

Have a lovely rest of the week and weekend ladies. I will be celebrating with two weddings, one belonging to my sister, who coincidentally, is having white peonies and the softest pink garden roses for her bouquet. I can't wait!

This is a pretty apothecary bottle I picked up at a Flea this past weekend on my way home. It has remnants of a hand written label and looks gorgeous in this old white utensil caddy I found at the show. More to come on those...