Saturday 18 July 2015

More Summer Color

I don't just get my summer color from painting, I get it from the world around me. My home in the country is surrounded by forest so every day I see the bright greens and the dark shadows of the forest as the sun moves across the sky and the patterns change.
my front yard

In contrast to the forest, my yard is filled with flowers in pots and gardens giving me a show of vibrant colors and offering birds, bees and butterflies natural nectar.
the view from my kitchen window

I start most of my flowers from seed I harvest every fall or purchase from seed catalogues.  Once summer hits I spend about 2 hours every day watering, deadheading and weeding. I try to get all the gardening done before the weather gets too hot.
self-seeded poppy
This style of poppy has been in my garden so long that I don't know where it came from. It seeds itself every year but when I harvest the seeds they never seem to 'take'.
a salvia
I will harvest seeds from everywhere; friends gardens or flower pots I pass in the town of Creston. The small pink flower in the above photo was harvested from one of the town's pots. I don't know what it is called but I think it is a salvia. I have it in red too and the hummingbirds love them.
In my courtyard
 From spring to late fall my gardens are a constantly changing delight - lots of work but worth it to me.

10 comments:

  1. Beautiful yard Val!! Love that little puppy! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Leone, The pup is a favorite of mine - I painted him orange a year ago and he really makes the flowers pop!

      Delete
  2. Such wonderful color in your yard. Makes you want to hang onto summer for a long time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lorraine, I really like my yard in the summer with all the color but then I like it in all the seasons. Winter with a fresh coat of snow and the sun shining thru the trees, Fall, when the leaves are turning color and the squirrels are busy gather the walnuts and Spring when everything is fresh and bright green and I can watch the budding of the flowers and be greeted by the returning birds. I am so lucky to be living in such a great place. - Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  3. So lovely Val! That poppy is amazing! I have never seen one like that before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sheila, I have never seen poppies like this except in my own garden. I checked poppy photos online and didn't see any like mine either but the seed catalogue has one the same except it is pink and it is call "pink peony poppy" - I have always called it my carnation poppy. Have a great Sunday!

      Delete
  4. Read this the other day and then got side tracked. Loved the garden tour and see how you can enjoy such a beautiful spot. I too love to garden, well I complain a lot more while I am doing it, but love it when I get to sit and look at it. Plants
    are so special and usually take so much abuse and of course they encourage the wildlife to visit. My animals are very proprietorial and must investigate anything new. Am sure this gives you inspiration and peace. Thanks so much for,sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Nelvia. I know what you mean about complaining when you garden - it is so hard on the back and the knees. But is is a joy to see!

      Delete
  5. Thanks Val for the hint you gave on my blog about using the ATG tape for adhering fabric to card stock. I will look for it.
    I can see how you get painting inspiration from your yard. Looks lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Eileen. Although I rarely paint flowers anymore, I think my yard does give me inspiration in the peace it provides. We bought the ATG tape on-line, I think through Ebay - good luck!

      Delete