The Sun Returns

It's an absolutely perfect day in the garden. Cool, yet sunny. The pink and white astilbe are flourishing and their glossy leaves shine brightly.

After several days of rain, all the flowers in the deck planters and pots have plumped up and show vigor.

The only un-vigorous life is in Chumley. Basking in the morning warmth, his head too heavy to lift.

 This last peony just opened for the first time ever. I must remember to move it this August. It won't do as well here as it could. Too crowded and shady, most of the day.

 A Julia Child rose glows against almost black leaves.

 Purple is always a great contrast against the green. Johnson's Blue Hardy Geranium. So dependable.

I am giddy over the opening hydrangeas. The bursting clusters vary from white to pink to blue.

In the back garden the red hydrangea is starting to show color too. A great huge bunch of blooms are in the making.

Chester waits for me as I shoot pictures of the lily pads.

Time for a nice iced tea...on the deck.