Saturday, July 30, 2011

Bye bye beautiful...


The peonies are now done blooming for the year
 and all I have to remind me of them are the pictures.

Hundreds of pictures, I might add.








This is a photo of our reading room.

I have never read in this room. lol!
My husband sometimes reads his Western Horseman magazine in here.
Does that count?
The only reason it got the name reading room is that there used to be a huge bookcase
in here filled with all the books in the house.
It was way too large for the room  and found another home with one of our daughters.


This is where all the children gather when they come to get away from the adults.
No, I don't worry too much that it is all white because that is an Ikea sofa/chaise and I bought
two slipcovers.
One for when the children come, and one for...
hmmmm...I'm not sure what it's for. lol!
I guess it's for when the other one is so shabby that it can't even qualify as chic.

This room is where you will usually find my husband when he has a show he wants to watch
or a nap he wants to take.

And no, pink doesn't seem to bother him at all!



 Peonies in the gazebo



















Peonies to welcome you at the front door.




By the bed






Me thinks there could never be a more beautiful flower.
Many come close, but this one is
Queen in my garden!



Thank you all for letting me share today!

101 comments:

Janet said...

Beautiful photos of beautiful peonies. They are definitely one of my favorites. They don't grow here. Thanks for sharing yours.

Unknown said...

How many peony bushes do you have, sweet June!!! Good golly! I don't get near this many off mine. Yours are beyond beautiful!

Elegance, romance, peace, beauty ... can this be my room?! I'd never want to leave, chuckle!

The most appealing part of you, June, is the serenity that surrounds you in your gardens, home & yourself ...

Love you, my special friend ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Me thinks you are right June!
And after looking at your gorgeous photos I feel light and airy and pretty as a pink peony! lol.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful flowers and your lovely home...I don't blame your husband for wanting to nap in that picture perfect room!
Take care, Laura

Julie Marie said...

Hi June... your Peonies are so beautiful, I can see why you hate to say goodbye to them... but I know you preserve many to remind you of Summers days in your garden... I love your reading room, it looks so peaceful and serene... I would spend hours in there... I believe I have told you before, I love seeing the portrait of you and Landon when he was a baby... love to you... xoxo Julie Marie

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi June,
Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could freeze them in time and have them forever! I agree with you that they are the most beautiful and perfect flower.

Your home is so lovely. I think the reading room is so pretty with all the floral pillows and the white sofa.

thanks for sharing so much loveliness.

hugs
Sissie

Dorthe said...

They are perfect, and so beautiful, June-it must be fantastic to have that many busches with them, that you can cut those big buquets-to fill your beautiful home, with even more beauty.
Hugs,Dorthe

Alaina said...

I love all of your pictures of your peonies and I will have to enjoy yours. Mine did not do well at all this year and I am hoping that I will not have to move them or loose them.
I could see my husband enjoying a nap on that couch too, all those fluffy pillows are just calling for it. I love the pastel colors. I hope you are feeling better and mending well over the summer.

The Vintage Farmhouse said...

Oh wow! It's all so pretty!

The Feathered Nest said...

Oh June...they ALL are so beautiful to me and your home, HEAVENLY!!!! I want to see your home in print, NOW...AND I want a copy :) Sending you hugs and love, Dawn

Lovey said...

Absolutely beautiful....I think they are the most beautiful of flowers ever and you've captured that beauty...beautifully...ha did I tell you they were beautiful...smiles and happy weekend.

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Your peonies are just gorgeous but then again so is your home. Thanks for your sweet comments, that's one of my fav sayings. Happy Weekend, T

Unknown said...

Thank you for "letting" you share??Are you KIDDING ME??? Wow...left me breathless. truly...such beauty in your home and garden. love...love...love!

Carole said...

How I wish I had peonies like yours. It does seem like ours go by so fast. One minute they're there the next gone. One reason I love coming to see yours June. Have you heard of Coral Supreme...so pretty but only a single type.
Real men wear pink is what my hubby says....haha

x
Carole

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Beautiful, gorgeous and fabulous! I love your "reading" room!

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

Hi June

The peonies looks so beautiful and I can see why you you will be sorry to see them go this year. I love your reading room, very pretty and peaceful looking.
Have a lovely weekend
Isabelle x

Deborah said...

Me agrees with you!
Peonies are my very favourite!
They are the most romantic, soft, fragrant, shabby shic bloom of them all!
And you know what? I'm pretty sure they are in the dictionary under "beautiful"..at least in my dictionary anyway :)
Love these dreamy photos of your home!!
Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Deborah xoxoxoo

NanaDiana said...

What a gorgeous room! I love it! I love peonies too-they always remind of overdressed, blousey ladies. Yours are gorgeous and ours are all done now too~ xo Diana

joanne said...

I agree, the most perfect of flowers with all their lacey frills. Your home is so beautiful...do you live in a magazine????

Olive said...

They are delightful and I am so grateful for the beautiful images for it is too hot to grow them in this part of the south.

Claudia said...

Oh what a blast from the past, June. My grandfather, who was a Canadian-born cowboy, used to read Western Horseman all the time. I remember dreaming of owning a horse (he had 2 and he boarded others) so I would always look through his magazines. Thanks for the nice memory.

Love your gorgeous peonies.

xo
Claudia

Sandi said...

Love your home AND your peonies June...and YES I am jealous! HA! I sure have trouble growing those beauties!! I will keep trying though. It doesn't help that my son weedeats here for us and he chopped off one of my plants this year!! :(
Blessings~

Unknown said...

...gorgeous, Gorgeous, GORGEOUS peonies dear June!!!

your garden is truely enchanted with "laughing angels"! ~ they are happy and delighted by all the beauteous flowers...

xo, Rosemary

DustyLu said...

Gorgeous images and beautiful peonies! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Lulu

Draffin Bears said...

Hi June,

I couldn't agree with you more, peonies are one of the most beautiful flowers, and yours are just so pretty.
Love the soft pink and white together and your photographs, are wonderful.
Your reading room looks the perfect place to relax. Thanks for showing us all the beauty and I hope you are having a lovely weekend

Hugs
Carolyn

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

God has barely made a more beautiful flower....and your setting for them must please HIM to no end, because they are so MAGNIFIQUE in your garden and home.

The most excellent images of them !


Rose

Donna Reyne' said...

You are so...cute!
I love peonies too and wish I had them as late in the year as you do!
It seems that everything here blooms at the same time...it makes it so hard to keep up! I completely missed my peonies this year!( I think I was at Rebecca's)
:)

Your reading room is gorgeous!
So cozy!

Anonymous said...

June I just know your living room is going to end up on the front page of Romantic Homes!! What a gorgeous room! Peonies...sigh...they truly are so delightful....and so seemingly impossible for me to get to bloom- 2 whole blooms this year out of 4 plants....patiently waiting for more next year along with pink poppies!!

bee blessed
mary

Patina said...

One of my favorite flowers June!
I just wish they bloomed more then once a year!
Love you "reading" room all the wonderful pinks and whites.
Hope you're feeling great!
Debbie

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

June ~ your peonies are exquisite as is your beautiful home! How do you like your Ikea furniture? I am toying with the idea of a new sofa and am wondering if Ikea is the way to go... (*_*)

Heaven's Walk said...

I TOTALLY agree with you, June! There is NO other perfect flower than the peony! I adore your reading room, the buckets brimming with peonies....just everything! :)

xoxo laurie

Mariette's Back to Basics said...

Dearest June,

One can never get enough from the peony... Yours were all gorgeous; you're lucky for living in the perfect region for them!
Enjoy your Sunday and lots of love,

Mariette

Diane said...

You have a rare husband indeed. I can just picture him stretched out on that white couch with a pale pink cushion reading the Western Horseman! Great picture! The peonies are precious. I agree with you they are so wonderful, I need more. I just planted some hollyhocks that someone gave me this evening, I love the hollyhocks, too. I'm just enchanted with the different colors. Thanks for sharing your beautiful peonies. Diane

Sandra said...

Hi June. What beautiful peonies. I have enjoyed looking at all of your photos. I haven't done much gardening this year but after seeing your photos, I feel like working in my yard again. :)
Blessings,
Sandra

Junebug said...

ooh, ooh - love, love peonies!! Mind are done also and I'm so sad. You take the prize for beauty. I love the soft ruffles and the fragrance. your house must smell like imagine heaven! Wish you could have been along today for the Barn House sale - fabulous! Hugs! Junebug

{oc cottage} said...

Oye vey am I gonna get a cramp pinning those to my Pinterest board! ;} Is there anything prettier...besides size 4 jeans or a double cheese pizza??!!!

m ^..^

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I love coming here, your pictures, flowers and house are gorgeous!!

Carol

Jane said...

The peonies are beautiful and so are your photos! And your reading room....love it!!
Jane

Barbara said...

Hi June, your photos are so wonderful, and I love them very much. With these pictures you will remember them the rest of the year!
My roses are still blooming a little bit. I have cut a lot of them, but they will bloom again until the end of October, if the wheather is not too cold.
Enjoy your Sunday. I am greeting you from Switzerland. Barbara

Lana Manis said...

June ~ your photos are exquisite! Peonies are one of my very favorite flowers. I can find no fault with them... not even when they have little ants on them! :)

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

I can't get enough of your beautiful peonies and the gorgeous pictures you take of them, June. Your reading room is very pretty. I love when guys are not afraid of a little bit of pink and some frills.
Hopefully you are fully recovered from your surgery.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Hugs to you,
Julia

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I've never seen so many beautiful blooms so beautifully presented in one space before. Absolutely gorgeous as is your living area. The pink is so pale that you don't even realize it is pink. And that touch of aqua is fantastic! Such a wonderful combination. Hope all is well with you! Have a great day. Tammy

Monica said...

Just enchanting, June! I wonder how my peonies bulbs are, stored away in boxes among my stuff! Can't wait to plant them again! The tree peonies bloomed this year, now let's see if they will make it through winter!
Hugs,
Monica xo

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Talk about GATHERING BEAUTY....You dearest are the Queen in the garden of gathering the most beautiful HOMEMADE images of your home. I have a gorgeous home myself, but I can NEVER capture it with the camera. But I so appreciate your comments about my love for writing and I am hoping that with learning about writing this summer, PUTTING THAT KNOWLEDGE into PRACTICE will develop the love and ability I have now to BLOOM as brightly as your peonies and leave the same image and aroma of delight. THANK YOU JUNE for sharing your heart! Anita

Carolyn said...

Hi June,
I love all your peony pics! I am always a little sad to see them go and for some reason I always plan to dry them like you but once again forgot to do that.
I love your reading room too.

Take care,
Carolyn

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Hi June, your peonies are absolutely gorgeous. I can certainly see why they are the Queen in your garden. Have a wonderful Sunday!!!
Hugs~~~ Daphne

My name is Riet said...

HI dear June. You nmake the most beautiful photo's of the most beautiful flowers. I love coming here and on your new blog to awe about your beauties.
Have a great Sunday.
Hugs from Riet

Pondside said...

So beautiful! Who wouldn't wish to spend time in the reading room. I'd say that one's blood pressure would go down on entering - like falling into a beautiful cloud.

Maison Beldecor said...

Hello dear June,
ohhh I'm overwhelmed, I can really understand that you can't say good by. Your peonies are so gorgeous, but please consider how many luck you have, to grow this huge amount of peonies in your own big garden...
Big hugs, Bine

P.S. the little white bucket with the bee is so sweet, perhaps you know my german name Bine means bee...

chateau de fleurs said...

Hi June, everything makes my heart go "pitter- patter" ! The peonies and your beautiful decor! So serene and soft almost dream like. I hope all is well, thanks for stopping by , it's always so good to here from you! XO Christie

Wendy & Megan Chamberlain said...

Oh June all those heavenly peonies, so sad that they are finished blooming for the season. But there is always next year..........
I became interested in peonies after seeing them in Chinese art and fabrics. After some research I found that they were favourites in China long before the tulip became so fashionable in Europe. Growing up in Africa and not having seen them as flowering plants, I paid an exorbitant amount for just six blooms when I discovered them for sale in a local flower shop. Definitely the most beautiful of flowers.

Ironstone and Pine said...

Your husband doesn't mind all the pretties AND he reads western horseman....? Has he got a single twin??! love the pics!

BECKY said...

Absolutely DIVINE! You are so fortunate to be able to grow them. I haven't even ever seen a plant down here in central Florida. I occasionally see hydrangeas, but haven't seen one peony...it's a shame!

So much fun to enjoy yours!!
Thank you!
Hugs,
Becky

Privet and Holly said...

Hi sweet June!
Love those peony
shots and LOVE that
room! Can't believe
that someone who
reads Western Horseman
would actually sit
in that precious room....
how cute is that??
Hope all is well with
you and that you are
enjoying a grand summer!
xx Suzanne

Unknown said...

Thank you for the beautiful photos! Everything is burning to a crisp here with the heat. At least I can enjoy a garden through you blog. Love you reading room. I think I'm seeing one of those Ikea sofas in my future! Love it!

Suz said...

Oh, June. This is such loveliness. It makes me think of, "God's in his heaven. All's right with the world."
Hugs,
Suz

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Dear June,
your peonies and photos are just gorgeous!! I think I said that before:)Thank you so much for sharing them.Hope all is well.
Have a wonderful start of the week.
Hugs,
Marie

corporate road solutions said...

I am also doing same work with single roses only, I like your work to do with the colorful rose or other flowers. All are looks very beautiful.

Unknown said...

ooooh my.......these shots belong in a magazine......so so gorgeous!!!

Pamela said...

Gorgeous photos...I can just smell those beautiful peonies too!
I love your reading room...so lovely!!

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

Your reading room is beautiful! As well as all the shots of the peonies!

It's great that your husband doesn't mind the pink. Gotta love a secure man!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I always love to see what you have to share June and your pretty peony shots are wonderful! Your reading room is so pretty...I have that same bucket in my Paris Hotel Suite (master bedroom)!

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh my .....peony heaven. They are beautiful June.
....and, your home looks stunning and the addition of masses of peonies just gives it extra beauty.
Your photos are lovely and, if the truth be told, I am a little envious !! Just a little !! XXXX

Victorian1885 said...

Dreamy... I feel so refreshed when I come and visit your beautiful Blog! Your Peonies are so perfect in every photo! Have a great week my friend..

Hugs,
Wanda

offset printing said...

Those peonies are wonderful. They can take you away with those meek colors. I think your reading room looks awesome. Nice photos!

Marie said...

Absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing.

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Just gorgeous!
Kelly

Vintage Home said...

Men that don't mind pink are the best...its my daughter tho that reads the horsey mags!...Stunning pictures of your beautiful peonies..I can't believe you still have them ...hmmm I can smell them when I look at your images!...Thanks for sharing!

Vintage Home said...

..hahah ...so funny was reading back up and saw Pam form French Buttons had said the same thing...we live in the same province!

Reading Tea Leaves said...

Beautiful, just beautiful June - the peonies and your photos. Oh yes, I could very easily take a nap in your reading room - its like a lovely dreamland....

Enjoy the rest of this lovely summer week.

Jeanne
xox

Garter Mademoiselle said...

June, I love it how you say at the end of the post, "thank you for letting me share today". THANK YOU for sharing all your beautiful photos with us, and your flowers, garden and home. I love your reading room. How cozy! Your home is so welcoming, and I love how you have decorated it. Are you sure you don't want to fly on over to me and give me a few lessons - my house is just a hodge-podge of this and that, no rhyme or reason to it. But it is home. :-) I hope you and the family are enjoying the start of the new month. August already? Can that be. hugs from afar, Debby

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Hello June:)
Love your Peonies as always. And your reading room is beautiful:) I LOVE the archectural piece above the sofa:) Always such beautiful photos to brighten my day. Hope you are having a wonderful week:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

jewels in the garden +: ) said...

Dear June, where did July go???
I was away from blogging for most of it and so happy to come by and see your beautiful pictures...and your absolutely beautiful home! Your home is breathtaking! I want to live there, do you have room for me? : ) or can you come help decorate mine?? pretty please

Blessings to you and Happy August!
Julie

ps...I am going out to find a copy of Somerset Life! Congrats!

Ana said...

Oh my dear friend June, your pictures and gorgeous Peonies just take my breath away. Ahhhhh! So beautiful. Until next year my sweet Peonies.

Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana

The Thrifty Reenactor said...

Your peonies are just beautiful!!!

Blessings,

Kim

Beverly said...

Oh, I am so glad you shared your peonies with us. Even the memory of them is beautiful in your photos.

Even though we have many more roses than peonies, I agree that peonies have the most beautiful blooms in the land.

Sheila said...

I love your garden!

I have an off-topic question. I'm coming to Idaho later this month. Can you recommend some antique stores within an hour's drive of the Silverwood theme park? Thanks!!

Barbara said...

June, pink and white are so divine together. Dreamy and romantic. And you know how I love peonies. I am loving your photos!

Felicity said...

What a treat.

Here's a little secret....I've never encountered a peony in real life....never.

So I relished every single one of these glorious images and only wished that I could inhale deeply all of their glorious perfume!

Happy day Lovely You!

xx Felicity

Lisa said...

June,
You know how I love your dried peonies, right? Well a month or so ago my grocery store had some beautiful pink & white ones on sale so I bought some. I let the water evaporate & sure enough they dried pretty nicely. But over time they kept turning darker until I was left with a mocha (not a pretty mocha) color & some of the petals fell off. I cannot bear to toss them. Any suggestions for next time. Also, do you think they'd survive our Texas summers?
I'll bet you didn't know your blogs name had changed to ask.com?
Lisa

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Peonies are my favorite!

a Bohemian Market said...

Hi Darling June:
It is your missing California friend, Carole Emens, and I thought of you this morning because there is a piece on AOL regarding Colin Ferrell and how he dignified Angelman Syndrome in a video clip and I felt a tug at my heart! He made me think of you and the joy you receive with your son. It is on AOL.TV or the front page of AOL.
Isn't your son's name Langdon? Did I remember close?
Your peonies make me want to swoon; like gossamer tissue paper! Glad to be able to say hi and I love your ethereal peonies.
Peace & Love
Carole

Rebecca Nelson said...

JunieGirl...

Do you know if IKEA still has this sofa? I'd so like to get one like this.... I need a change...a big change and I'm so afraid of making a mistake. Do you love the sofa? Happy with the quality? Slipcovers OK? Do they Pill?

Love your flowers~

They fade too fast. Glad you have pics!

xoRebecca

Farah said...

Hi June... it so nice to be here again with all of you sweet friends your blooms are out class so lovely and I can smell them too... blooms itself are class and photo shot is marvelous too...
Now I am back from my vacations and in blogging world too…
A little post to share some of my moments of vacation... hope you like to visit and enjoy it...
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah

Unknown said...

Just checking in on you, June. I hope you are well & having a lovely weekend.

TTFN ~
Hugs of lvoe,
Marydon

@nne said...

sooo beautiful! hugs, @nne

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Such stunning pictures of beautiful flowers! Talent in both areas! :D

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

How strange June honey that I went to bed thinking about you and your love peonies and then I find you on my site this morning and peonies on your site as well. lol
As you know your peonies are my background on my computer. Never have I seen such beauty like you mentioned ...Me thinks there could never be a more beautiful flower.
I have only seen one plant here in my area and it is nothing compared to yours.
Next time I am lucky enough to be at a bookstore I have to see about a book on these.
I think our Texas heat is probably just to much for them.
Miss you honey and I appreciate your lovely thoughts left for me today.
Sending you much love
Maggie

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi June Sweetie...
Oh what a beautiful share. I simply adore each and every fragrant photo. The peonies are so gorgeous. Grandma had the biggest bush and I so remember how wonderful it smelled. I also loved all the pinks, so pretty.

Oh and I love the little baby shoes on your night stand. How precious they are.

Have a beautiful Tuesday sweetie. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

Erica said...

Beautiful photos! So dreamy!

affordable medical insurance

Vintage Home said...

hmmm not sure if you will get this.....your Grace Garden blog is stunning this last time...every time!....
Truly the shasta daisies this year are prolific & showy!
Have I missed something or have you been sick....hmmmI must have a bad memory....hoping this finds you well..colleen

koralee said...

Sending you oodles of love my sweet friend...Your photos are stunningly beautiful...your home is amazing. Hope you are feeling better sweet one. xoxo

Georgianna said...

Hello, dear June!

I love your peonies! I love your getaway room! I love your decorating! It's all luscious and dreamy and makes me happy. :) After traveling so much this year, the comforts of home are extra special. Yours is such an inspiration.

I hope you are well.

Sending hugs. xo – g

Half-heard in the Stillness said...

Dear June, what wonderful wonderful Peonies! Your photographs of your home are so lovely, how white and bright and clean everywhere is! I would love to be able to have our home so light filled.

Tara said...

Why can't they bloom all year round?! I don't think it matters if you call it the reading room as long as it LOOKS pretty, right! It is a lovely room, so soft and gentle and peaceful. I'm sure it keeps the kids nice and calm and mellow, hee hee! have a great weekend June, it was wonderful was hear from you!

sevencherubs said...

So, so gorgeous Jane. Would love to grow them in my garden...a time and a season. One day I will find a little more time to get around to it. So love dropping by your blog - so uplifting and brings some beauty into my home and day. N x

Suzanne said...

Hi June~ I just LOVE your reading room! ie, nap, get-away room, :)
Your photos should be in magazines!...and I agree, the Peonies is a beautiful flower!

ps. which way did you head when you went to IKEA? We've wanted to go, but weren't sure which one would be easiest to get to...OR or UT?

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

PS...did you make your own banner for your blog? I love your personal pictures! I would love to do something like that...personal. Just wondering if you did it yourself or if you paid someone. Such a pretty blog.

Hugs,
Maryjane

BeehiveCottage@rocketmail.com

suziqu's thread works said...

Oh Dear June
Sooooooo much beauty with these peonies - also my favourite rose!
And boy I am in real need of viewing everyone of them right now.
Thank you for sharing so much beauty dear friend,
Love and hugs,
Suzy

butiksofie said...

Dear June, your peonies look soooo beautifully, hughs Anja

Seawashed said...

Your home is so pretty...always. Your flowers are ethereal. Your photos make me imagine how beautiful heaven will be.

Cassy said...

Those lovely peonies added beauty to your home.

Cassy from Rock Guitar Lessons