Taking Time to Smell the Flowers

Here's Codie smelling the dianthus which have bloomed this week.

They really are pretty.

The maiden pinks have also opened up.

I really like these because they are so petite and always make me stop for a closer look.

While crouched down taking the photo of the maiden pinks I couldn't help but notice the johnny jump ups all facing the sun. If you look at the previous photo you will see one hiding in the dianthus. These self seeded and I almost pulled them out because I didn't like where they were... but I am glad now that I didn't.

The rhododendrons have the most blooms I have ever seen on this plant.  

The scabiosa or pincushion flower which is a much nicer name has started to bloom and will bloom all summer long. You can see there are a lot of buds on it. Behind it is my favourite hosta - sum & substance. I love it's large leaves which add contrast to the garden and add a tropical feel.

Serendipity

serendipity |ˌserənˈdipitē|

noun

the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way

The siberian iris are looking beautiful.

Here is  closer look.

You can see them here again in the rock garden. I started out with one plant and it has self seeded over the years . The seed heads are so nice that I leave them on until spring. Every once in a while I have to dig some out that are just not in a good spot... but then they make nice gifts. The smoke bush half way up the steps also self seeded from the neighbours tree. I probably would never have planted one there but I love it now.  

Speaking of self seeders these daisies and wood anemones were never planted in my garden. They just magically appeared. They seem to like it here so I let them stay.

They are pretty, don't you agree?

I Should Have Started More Seeds

Can you believe this cost $56? I went to the garden centre to buy bedding plants this week and was amazed at the cost. I was trying to be thrifty too. Next year I am going to try to start more flowers from seed. I usually start vegetables and perennials but next year....

Speaking of vegetables, my garden is coming up nicely. You can see onions, lettuce, peas and those are tomatoes (that I started from seed) behind those bags. I have also planted beans this week. Last night Clare (my husband) also planted some things. But I noticed this morning that he failed to label anything so it will be a surprise. Hmmmmm...

The bachelor's button have bloomed this week. I planted them years ago int the garden and they have self seeded all over. After they bloom I just pull out the ones I don't want.

The Camassia is showing off well.