View from Afar - the Big Picture

These are pictures of my backyard giving you the big picture of what it looks like. The picture above is looking around the side of the garage to the front yard.

 The next few pictures are panning around the backyard. Some are taken from the back deck.

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?