Garden Glory

I don't know about anyone else, but I can use something a bit uplifting and cheerful today.

When I downloaded these from the camera and prepared them for the blog, I discovered I have enough garden pictures that this post would be too long, if I used them all. So, there will probably be another garden stroll in a day or two.

The neighborhood gardens are all flourishing, except for mine, of course. The bunnies have completely destroyed everything I planted this year, except one lonely strawflower, which is starting to bloom. (Not the plant pictured above, which I looks a little bit rose-ish, but I don't know what it is for sure.) Anyway, while walking Piper, I have been taking pictures of particularly beautiful blooms. 

The hydrangea (or change rose, as it's sometimes called) blooms pink or blue, depending on soil acidity. these were interesting because the same bush had pink, blue and purplish blossoms all at the same time. 

It's very confused. I can relate to this! 

Daylilies dazzle the eye with their many varieties and colors. 

Hollyhocks are blooming, too, and this deep maroon one by an old, historic homesite seemed to evoke the era of the house, itself. 

I think these pink beauties are dahlias, but do correct me if I'm wrong, dahling. :)

Nasturtiums are flowering at the neighborhood restaurant. I wonder if they're using the peppery, edible blooms in any of their dishes this season. 

I do have one volunteer rose growing wild among the spirea bushes in my yard. I think the rabbits missed it because its stems are tangled in the woodier shrubbery. 

I hope this was a nice respite from the great, wide world. Sometimes it really is important to stop and smell (or at least look at) the roses and other beautiful things surrounding us.