Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The last of the lilacs






 The lilacs bloomed very spotty this year.

After the blooms had formed and gotten to a certain stage we had some 
hard freezes and so I only had five lilacs bushes with any blooms. 

Thankfully the Sensation lilac was one that had a few blooms survive.




In the Summer I always have an ice cube tray filled with little rosebuds
ready to dress up a glass of lemonade or water.




 It's just one of those little touches that makes an ordinary day a little less ordinary!




 Here's some pretty little silverware I found on Etsy.
It had a lovely pattern and was priced well too.







 



It is so nice to be able to go out in the garden every day and
cut a bouquet to bring in the house to enjoy.

Just another thing to be thankful for!




Now it is irises and lilacs...
soon it will be peonies and roses.




...but for now, I think the rose buds make my water glass
look pretty sweet!












This is what is happening in the garden the past several days.




A broken flower part gets another chance at life
(after it got killed by a runaway lawnmower last year)











I love bearded iris!




This particular one originally came from a friends garden.





and now it has made it's way from my garden to other friend's gardens.

I think shared plants is the best way to garden, don't you?





 foxglove and columbine







I am leaving tomorrow for a family reunion and will be away 
from a computer for a few days, 
but I really wanted to share more of the lilacs and these pretty blossoms
before they were too far gone to be pretty.

My peonies are coming on early this year and so today I sold a lot 
of the blooms to a florist because the early ones will have opened
before I am home from my reunion. 
It's the first time I have ever sold blooms from the garden, 
and the florist was happy to have them. 
I think I might do it every year with my peonies 
since I have SO many of them---too many, some might say : )

I will be home in time to enjoy some of the mid to late peonies,
 and will have some photos to share of them here.



I will be catching up with all of you after I am back from my little getaway
and hope you all have a wonderful weekend as well!



82 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh June, your photos are always stunning!!! And I love the idea of little rosebuds in your ice cubes!
Hope you have a lovely and peaceful getaway, I can't wait to see photos of your peonies when you get back.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Anonymous said...

Your blog is wonderful, I am happy that I found you All the best from Austria
♥Doris

Faded Charm said...

Hello June. I was just thinking of you and your lovely garden the other day. Ever since I started blogging i have been so amazed at how beautiful your gardens are. Can't wait to see more.

Inspiring photos you've shared also:-)

xoxo
Kathleen

butiksofie said...

I love your garden pictures!!!Looks like paradise! Our lilacs are gone already:-(...hug Anja

Barbara said...

Hi June,

I love this post, your garden pictures are so beautiful.

My favorite topic for today is making ice cube's filled with little rosebud. An awsome idea, thank you for sharing.

Love,
B.

Bente said...

Dear June. Your photos are stunning. Love your flowers from the garden. That silver was so beautyful.

Have a nice weekend and hugs from here

Maison Beldecor said...

Hi dear June,
how funny... I have the same wonderful glasses, they are sooo pretty and you are so right, the little rosebuds make it very unique. Wishing you a great getaway, hope you will have a lot of fun there!
Hugs, Bine

Victoria said...

How absolutely beautiful! I know if I were your neighbor I'd be more than happy to share flowers with you...they'd have to be mainly yours though because I don't have much of a green thumb!

Have a lovely getaway:)

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Good Morning June,
I'm sitting here with my first cup of coffee and feeling so serene and peaceful looking at your beautiful garden photos. What I wouldn't give to be able to walk through your gardens because I know it must be so heavenly.

I really love the idea of putting the tiny rose buds in the drinks....how charming and pretty.

I'm sure the local flower place was thrilled to receive your peonies to sell...just wish I were there to buy some.

Enjoy your get away and have a lovely time.

hugs
Sissie

Apple Blossom Barn said...

Hi June
There is no such thing as too many peonies!!!
Your garden is a true inspiation to me..

Best wishes

Denise

Unknown said...

oh soo soo sooooo pretty. That first photo should be the cover of a magazine.......so gorgeous. Thanks for the beautiful walk through your garden..

the old white house said...

I had to stop by for some beautiful inspiration and to tell you that one of your photos came up on my tumblr dashboard and I instantly knew who took that lovely photo! I must investigate mid to late peonies, I only have one season and it always ends too soon for me! Your little rosebuds in ice for summer drinks is so sweet, no rosebushes here my thumb isn't quite that green;0 That is just the kind of little touch that makes you so beautiful! Have a wonderful time with family, t.xoxo

Olive said...

I share plants too and even go and plant my lantana in my neighbors yards for them if they ask me to. Your iris and foxglove are splendid. I have no foxglove so must truly enjoy yours. Have fun sweet June.

Beehive Needleworks said...

Dear June...visiting your gardens is akin to strolling through a fairytale! The beauty and serenity are ever so dreamy!
Our Spring bloomers have dropped the last of their petals long ago, so it was indeed a delight to take joy in the fragrance of your blooms this morning. Thank you most kindly for that pleasure.
Wishing you a grand time at your family gathering!
Warm hugs...
Judy

Deborah said...

Your photos are just so gorgeous! love your garden :)

Bee happy x
Have a delicious day!

Home and Lifestyle said...

I love your garden pictures, it's wonderful!

Enjoy your weekend! Many hugs, Ingrid

Junebug said...

Good Morning June

Oh so lovely like usual! Little rose buds in ice cubes, just so sweet like you! You are about a month behind me in growing seasons. My peonies are about finished. We got some really hard rains so only got a couple of bouquets for the house. Boo,
Sad!

Family reunions are so much fun, so go enjoy and we will all be here when you get back. Coming to my neck of the woods, possibly!!

Take care Sister!

June

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I am always guaranteed a GASP of inspiration when I stroll through your gardens my dear! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my goodness...please tell me you are going to get more opportunities to be published!!!! Have a magical day dearest! Anita

flowersandhome said...

I wish I had a garden like yours with an overload of peonies ;-) Peonies just won't grow here, such a pity. A lack of light and sun I guess.
Love the lilacs you show us here!
Looking forward to many, many, many peonies. Never too much of those!
Have a great time at the family reunion.
Bye,
Marian

Tricia said...

Oh my goodness, June, your gardens are so beautiful. I love peonies, so in my mind, there can never be too many :)

Katherine said...

When I see lilacs I always picture an era long ago. They have such an old fashioned romance about them.

Your garden is ALWAYS stunning and it's a pleasure to sit and ponder each picture slowly. You are an incredible photographer !!

Julie Marie said...

Everything is soo beautiful June!... I am always sad when it is the last of the Lilacs... I have started pressing some of mine to savor them always... they press really pretty!... love your Bearded Iris and how sweet of you to sell some of your Peonies... love love love the roses in your ice cubes!... although I doubt any day at your beautiful home is "ordinary"... each day looks like pure enchantment! Have a wonderful time at your family reunion... and please post LOTS of photos when you get back... oh yes, your new silverware is just gorgeous!... xoxo Julie Marie

Wendy & Megan Chamberlain said...

What a beautiful lilac, seems to have white edges on the flowers? The lilacs have not flowered well in this part of the UK this year, the weather has been so contrary perhaps. Love seeing all the pics of your wonderful garden, looking forward to the peonies, my favourite flower. You can never have too many!
Enjoy the family reunion, safe journeying.

Trisha said...

Your flowers are always so beautiful! I work with an ex-biology professor and he recently taught us all about the Iris...Bombay Sapphire Gin is made from the Iris. I never knew! Hope your getaway is wonderful!

~Trisha

lalalulapilula said...

¡maravillosas esas lilas! me encanta su color. y los vasos con las rosas se ven muy bonitos. todas las flores son bellas.
cariños para ti. Lula :O)

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

Favoloso June! Can't wait to see your Roses. Ciao Rita

lalalulapilula said...

JUNE. EN MI BLOG "LULA VINTAGE" DEJE UN REGALO PARA TI. ESPERO QUE LO DISFRUTES,
LULA :o)

Peonies & Magnolias said...

Everything looks so beautiful, I can almost smell the lilacs! We now have daylilies blooming and everything else has finished since our blooms started early this year. Have a wonderful getaway.

Sandy

Patina said...

To many Peonies, I can't even imagine. Your pictures look so pretty June. All the flowers are so wonderful to look at.
Have a wonderful time at your family reunion.
Debbie

Susan Anderson said...

What a lovely idea to add roses to your water.
A treat!

=)

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

The little rosebuds steal the show! Everything is lovely as can be. I'm sure the florist was thrilled to get the peonies. I was thrilled to find some locally at a crazy good price. They don't grow here. Have a lovely time! See you for the peonies!

Unknown said...

I so love that your gardens come in after mine & I can truly enjoy many of our identical blooms, again. I have 50+ lilacs & not a SINGLE bloom this year, sigh! I planted 2 new bushes so I hope that next year they at least will share the beauty of blooms.

Did you see that our precious Tanza is back blogging? I was so excited, just adore her, like you.
http://teagirltanza.blogspot.com

Have a beautiful day, my friend ~
Hugs & love,
TTFN ~
Marydon

@nne said...

your garden looks like paradise! love, @nne

myletterstoemily said...

thank you for the rose bud ice cube idea!
of course, my family is lucky to even get
ice cubes. :)

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Just so beautiful...
Love the idea of the rosebuds floating in one's lemonade.
Enjoy your getaway!
Susan x

Dorthe said...

Sweet June,
Here the lillacs, also have almost been gone before they were there!
But so beautiful, and you photographed them so wonderfully.
The rosebuds in ice is the most lovely idea to brighten up a glass of everything in summertime, and I love you having "too many "peonis must be a JOY- I also love the photo of your Poppies -Oh so beautiful.
Dear, I wish you a lovely family getaway,and lastly have to tell you, that the Foxglowes picture is stunning- LOVE them and have them in my garden :-)
Hugs,Dorthe

Donna Reyne' said...

So wonderful! I am loving your lilacs from here!
The rosebud in your water is inspired my friend!
Have a wonderful time on your little trip and know that I am thinking of you!
Hugs and much love
Donna

NanaDiana said...

June- Your photos are just stunning as always! How wonderful that you were able to sell some peony blooms. W'hat a great idea. I wish I had more than I do...I only have one bush that produced 5 blooms this year.

I hope you have a wonderful little getaway- xo Diana

jewels in the garden +: ) said...

Dear June, you have a special way of making those little touches extraordinary!! Love it all! Wish I was the one sharing that 2nd drink with you. Your goblets are so beautiful. They look the same but with a different design. I can't stop admiring them, they look so refreshing and it's so hot here! You make it extra special with the rosebuds.
Enjoy your reunion and God bless you dear friend!
Julie +: )

jill said...

I always look forward to your posts they are always so pretty,enjoy your break.Love Jill xxx

Vintage Home said...

Have a great family reunion! Wonderful to see everyone!
I thought of you last night as I posted my entry...it is on FOXGLOVES! I think of all the wonderful plants in your garden & wish I had as much room as yours...I know how much work it is! ...but as tiny as mine is we still have some similar favorites..peonies roses lily of the valley hydrangea lilac!
I think it is great you sold some of your blooms...others will get to enjoy them too!
We are still so short of sun here...but the garden is still so exciting and so changeable...
I didnt realize I had missed a few posts over here...always such beautiful pictures!
Have a great time with your family...Colleen

Sharon said...

Your lilac is absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures!

Candylei said...

Ohhhh, the beautiful silverware and lilacs! Your photographs are gorgeous! Have a wonderful time at your reunion!!!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Gorgeous eye candy as usual! I love lilacs, we don't have them here in Orlando, and peonies, great to sell them, can't wait to see pictures, have fun!

Carol

http://www.pattern-addiction-and-more.blogspot.com said...

Always everything wonderful, dear June! Have a great weekend! Hugs, Barbara

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

Absolutely glorious photos June! Everything is just beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful garden with us! xo

Shabby soul said...

Darling June, how I adore your garden!!?
That gorgeous lilac (how I wish I could find something like, here in my town... but we haven't nothing peculiar!), that super sweet corner with fountain and irises...
be-au-ti-ful!
Hugs my darling friend
Silvia

Half-heard in the Stillness said...

How lovely to have rose petals in the ice-cubes, its so romantic and genteel and pretty.

I love the iris and poppies and I'm longing to see your peonies, oooh! I love love peonies!Congratulations on selling to the florist, wow!

I bet you are having a wonderful time on your getaway you deserve my lovely friend. I trust in involves something bubbly in a tall glass too at some point?

Biggest hugs always dear June,
Jane xx

BECKY said...

Simply gorgeous, June! Always such a breath of fresh air to visit your lovely blog! Thank you for sharing your fabulous lilacs! Can't wait to see the peonies when you return!

Hoping and praying that your reunion is wonderful! Enjoy!
Hugs,
Becky

wendy said...

I have a neighbor who has a few lilac bushes, and she called me to come and pick some. YAY...I was thrilled. I picked as many as I could and put them all throughout the house. I could only enjoy them for 2 days......before I had to catch a plane, and here I am in Reno, babysitting grandkids while their parents are in NYC.
Grandma duties...I'm exhausted (tee,hee)
What a cute idea to put little rose buds in ice cubes. I may just have to try that.
Very cool that you were able to SELL some of your peonies for others to enjoy.
You have the most beautiful garden...because you care for it so lovingly.
It always makes me happy to look at it.

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear June,
Even though you suffered some frosts, your lilacs still look very beautiful. You are so lucky to have so many peonies. They must love the position that they are growing in. Our garden is north facing and I only have a couple of peony bushes which I think were planted in Victorian times !! Your garden produces an abundance of flowers ( due to your hard work) and rewards you with so many blooms. I am a little envious as, and I think I've told you before, our garden is a very green garden. We have ferns and hosts that grow really well and a couple of rambling roses, wild geraniums and many shrubs but, your roses and peonies are so beautiful and they struggle in our garden. Not to worry though ..... we have lots of other things !! .....there are always plants that do well, whatever way ones garden faces.
Have a lovely time with your family June and, when you return, you can enjoy the rest of your peonies .
Sorry for my absence lately ..... my computer finally gave up on me and I am now getting to grips with my new MacBook Pro !!
Lots of love. XXXX

Kari from Meadowview Farm said...

Just beautiful! We had no lilacs this year due to frost...appreciate enjoying yours.
Kari

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Such beautiful photos. And such lovely blooms. I bet your florist would be happy with any of your flowers. They are all so gorgeous. I've never seen rosebuds in ice cubes before. Very sweet. Have a great time at the reunion. Best wishes, Tammy

Carole said...

I am so sad our peonies are gone already. Seems the weather never cooperates....either it's too hot just as they come on or it rains too much. We had Kopper Kettle this year and I may put a couple in the garden for myself. I think I'm hooked on the intersectional ones.
Love always seeing what's blooming at your house.

Hope your enjoying your time away.

hugs
Carole

Debby said...

Hi June, as always amazing pictures. I have a few pieces of the same silver that I found years ago. Yours is in much better condition. Love to use it for serving. Wishing you a wonderful summer.

Debby

Shabby-Rose said...

Hallo,
I'm a new follower.
Your blog is very nice!

lovley greats from germany

Ramona

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

You never disappoint in all your posts June! I wish you could hear me take a deep breath while reading your post! Such a delight in viewing your beautiful pictures! I love the rose ice cubes! So sweet. Can't wait to see your peonies! Hope you had a wonderful time at your reunion! Love ya, Maryjane

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Hello June!!! Oh my goodness, your photos are just breathtaking - they truly do inspire me to continue with my gardening challenges (I'm still learning)! I just LOVE your lilacs...well, all of your blooms really!!! It's so refreshing to stop by and see all the creativity you inspire!!! Thank you for that and thanks again for being such a sweet blog friend!


Hugs,
Jessie

koralee said...

Dear sweet June...your photos always take my breath away...your garden is stunning. My lilacs did not last long this year and my garden is a wet mess. We have had so much rain that when the blooms finally pop open they are attacked by the rain. It has been a very very wet year. Oh well the green is stunningly beautiful.
Hugs to you my friend. xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

I have got to remember about roses in ice cube trays!

Always love strolling thru your gardens. I am having a little iris giveaway over at my blog if you would love to have some more of those beauties!

bee blessed
mary

Draffin Bears said...

Hi June,

Your garden is so beautiful and love seeing what special flowers you have blooming. Love the sweet rose buds in the water glass.
I think shared plants are such a lovely way to garden, you remember the friend that gave them to you.
Have a wonderful time away at the family reunion.

Happy new week
Hugs
Carolyn

awal.ny said...

The gardens look beautiful. I am planting an iris for the first time this year. I am trying to find the perfect spot for it. As much as I say I am done planting, I keep seeing more beautiful plants to add to the gardens. I hope you had a wonderful reunion.

Barbara said...

I'd forgotten the short lilac season. I love them so.
But you'll have so many other beautiful replacements!
Have a wonderful reunion! It'll be such fun.

j adore said...

i love your blog.)))your pictures, wonderfullllll!!
kisses
Tanja

suziqu's thread works said...

Sweet June
Your photography is simply beautiful!
You really know how to capture the beauty from your garden so exquisitely!
Love the tiny Lilac flowers and those rose buds floating in the glasses - such a lovely idea.
Now that was some great Etsy cutlery purchase. I love them and love to use similar ones every day here.
We have so many similar flowers like the bearded irises, foxgloves and columbines.
Do you have the Apricot and Strawberry grannies bonnets (columbines) there also?
Oh I wish I could be there for the blooming roses and peonies June - no such luck unfortunately but I will enjoy walking through all that beauty with you next visit!
Hope you are having/had a lovely little break.
Sending all my gardening and creating love to you dear friend from here,
Big hugs,
Suzy

Rostrose said...

My dearest June, it's the same to me, I love and enjoy all the blooms one can find in garden or nature - flowers make life much more pretty ... and really special, if you put rosebud-icecubes into a glass :o) Your silverware is a wonderful discovery on Etsy! - and your lilac flowers are also really beautiful!!! In our garden lilacs, peonies, and bearded iris have unfortunately already finished flowering - the time has come for roses, hydrangeas and lavender - you've seen it... (uff, it came so fast... but I love them, too!)
Thank you so much for your nice words to Janas cakes - they make her happy!!!
I'm sending dear hugs and hope you had a fine time-out! :o)
xox Traude

Sandi said...

Your photos are stunning as always June! I LOVE the one with the silver forks...beautiful!!
I am at my sons tonight and catching up on my blog hopping that doesn't go so well at home. It is a wonderful thing this high speed internet. hee hee
Blessings~

Vicki said...

Hi, June,
Your garden is spectacular each and every year!! I, too, love the tall bearded iris. Gardeners are very generous people I have found and always willing to share with their neighbors. The vintage silver you found on etsy is so pretty. I bought some peonies at the market a couple of weeks ago and thought of you! I hope you enjoyed your family reunion. Enjoy your week. Sending love to you, my friend~ Vicki

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Oh June, always such gorgeousness!!!! I LOVE the idea of having rose buds frozen for summer drinks:) Once again your blog has made my day sunnier:) Have fun on your trip!
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Debbie said...

Hope you getaway was fun!
Love your pictures.
xxoo

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Dear June,
your photos are so wonderful!
I love your pink poppies and your lilacs!
Hugs
Yvonne

Ivy and Elephants said...

Dear June,
Do relax and enjoy yourself. Your garden is a paradise as always. So gorgeous! Only you could capture them so beautifully.
Hugs,
Patti

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Your pic's and lilac's are gorgeous.
Hope you had a fun getaway.
Can't wait to see pictures of my favorite flowers the peonies. I just have to figure out how to have them here where I live.
Love ya
Maggie

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi June: I was visiting Grace Gardens and admiring your beautiful blooms and photos. When I came to tell you I see you are going to have a few comments to come home to. Don't bother about answering me I just wanted you to know how pretty your posts were. Hope you are having a great weekend..Judy

Dreaming Woods said...

hello June,
i am your new reader and love your garden photos! Do you know Claus Dalby, who has a most gorgeous garden in Denmark? You can even see videos, though he does now speak English on them.

http://www.clausdalby.dk/

Ana said...

Oh my sweet friend,
Just what I needed after one tough day....A stroll through your beautiful garden. Definitely made my day. Hope you had a wonderful family reunion. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Sending you a great big hug.

Much love,
Ana

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I tell ya, every time I come here, I can literally smell the lilacs and feel the breeze.....we have had the most GORGEOUS days after thunderstorm evenings and early mornings. I so hope your world is as fabulous, but with a garden like THIS, I suppose Mother Nature has been good to you all. Thank you beautiful June, for visiting! Anita

Patty in Oz said...

I agree with Anita.....gorgeous garden and photos!

Have a fantastic get-a-way and thank you for the inspiration on your blogspot.

Hugs.
Patty

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Heaven on earth...my heart needed this today,x0x0

Barbwire Pretty said...

What a wonderful, beautiful garden you have and your pictures are just lovely. Thank you so much for the inspiration you have given me.
Bernice
From Southern Georgian Bay,Ontario,Canada

Anonymous said...

Hi, my friend saw you had made some lovely muslin hearts that were stuffed and decorated. Please could you point me to that page? I cannot seem to find them again now and saw them once but would love to see them again and hope to make some.
Cheers, Ruby.

Linda said...

Thank you for the beautiful lilacs! I grew up in a house surrounded by lilacs and I miss them terribly in the spring. I'm now in Southern California and planted two bushes of the variety that is supposed to grow here, but, alas!...one died and the other only gives me about 3 small blooms ~ which I treasure. It hardly earns it's keep in the garden, but I'm too sentimental to remove it. The sweet fragrance takes me back to childhood... and so do your photographs.