Purple Echinacea

I couldn't resist picking another purple Echinacea.  This one was just soaking up the sun as it reached for the sky.  The perfect flower to represent summer.

 

I think I'm suffering from the 'Monday Blues'.  I just couldn't wait to get home today from work.  Even though I had no problems getting up this morning I just wasn't in the right frame of mind.  Does that ever happen to you?

This photo was edited with the Florabella Collection using a French Kiss Tableaux Texture.  Photoshop French Script & Vintage French Brushes also by French Kiss.  

Today I am joining ...

 

Inspire Me Monday @ Create With Joy
Macro Monday 2 @ Lisa's Chaos 
Tuesday Muse @ A Rural Journal

Sweet Shot Tuesday @ P52 Sweet Shot
Floral Love @ Mona's Picturesque

French Garden Box

The purple coneflowers and helenium dancing in the garden were just begging to be picked.

I've arranged them in this farmhouse style glass and zinc holder.  It is a nice alternative to a mason jar or vase to enjoy your flowers. Once the blooms fade, I envision this holder on the kitchen counter with wooden spoons or in the craft room filled with a bouquet of paint brushes.

The vintage book is the 1962 edition of Roger Tory Peterson's Field Guide to the Birds, which belonged to my husband's uncle. He was a World War II paratrooper who was captured by the Germans on D-Day, June 6, 1944 .  For the remainder of the war he was in a POW camp, but eventually was liberated. He didn't like to speak about his experience; however, I can't imagine how these events impacted his life.  

Last year while treasure hunting I spotted this charming garden box.  In French, the word 'Jardin' means garden. 

 

 I thought it would make a nice herb planter or since it has a handle I could use it to store some garden items or cutters. It has a nice sage green rustic finish.

 

 

I hope wherever you are today it is sunny and bright.

Summer Garden Tour

Hi everyone,

I can't believe it is the middle of July already.  With all the rain we received in June, followed by the heat and humidity I haven't been outside as much as I would like.

Today I hope you will join me for a stroll through the summer gardens ...

 

Heirloom clematis 'Elsa Spath' provides a fragrant journey.

 

 

Purple-blue flowers with white filaments. 

 

 

As we walk toward the gazebo we have a Monarch enjoying a purple coneflower. 

 

 

Don't forget to feel the soft and fuzzy leaves of the Stachys.

 

 

Delicate violas are tucked in crevices.

 

 

These dainty tulip like flowers are Texensis 'Princess Diana'.  They wrap around a wrought iron trellis next to my garden bench.

 

 

Cleome is blooming in front of the gazebo.

 

 

For several years I have been admiring Feverfew from afar.  This year I finally planted some of my own.

 

 

This variety of lambs ear is called 'Hummelo'.

 

 

Pretty stalks in rosy-lavender hues.

 

 

A pink Knock Out rose reminds me of bubble gum! 

 

 

This circular garden is filled with 'New Hampshire' purple geraniums.

 

 

A wrought iron trellis is covered with 'Jackmanii' clematis.

 

 

In front we have a 'June' hosta blooming.

 

 

which is accompanied by 'Marilyn Monroe'. 

 

 

Shall we take a peek at the pond garden?

 

 

Echinacea blossoms can be found in many different shades of orange.

 

 

Tropical plants fill the edge of the pond.

 

 

Aztec Arrowhead has distinct burgundy markings.

 

 

There is always a shy one among the bunch.  Does he really think I can't see him?

 

 

Elegant water lilies bloom every year.

 

 

The tranquility of fish swirling around.

 

 

This year the bees seem to really like the pink yarrow.

 

 

Can you smell the aromatic leaves of the Monarda 'Grand Marshall'?

 

 

Reliable purple Echinaceas fill the garden by the back door.  A pleasant reminder that summer is here!

 

 

Thank you again for strolling with me on this Sunday afternoon.  May your week be filled with laughter and joy.

 

Today I am joining ...

 

Mosaic Monday @ Little Red House

Garden Tuesday @ Sidewalk Shoes

Tuesday Garden Party @ An Oregon Cottage

Fertilizer Friday @ Tootsie Time

A Pansy Tea

Hi everyone,

 

It's tea time so please sit and enjoy a cup with me while we catch up.

I've brought out my princess pansy teapot blooming with lovely purple pansies.  I just adore the scalloped detail.

Today I am sipping green tea and having a freshly baked banana muffin.  Would you like a piece to nibble on?

 

 

Pansies are the first flowers I plant in the spring and they bloom all summer.

Their smiling faces add a touch of grace and joy throughout the garden.

Named after the French word for 'thought' (pensee), the pansy is said to be a charmed flower.  Don't you agree?

Thank you for stopping to visit. 

 

Today I am joining ...

 

Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmation

Tuesday Cuppa Tea @ Antiques and Teacups

Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage

Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner

Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a daily cup from Mrs. Olson

Daisy Love

 

It was a day for daisies.

simple beauty ...

so pure and white.

He loves me, he loves me not ... with every falling petal.

Just these seven little words,

like a fairy tale ... he has my heart.

 

Thank you for stopping by.

 

Today I am joining ...

 

Macro Monday 2 @ Lisa's Chaos

Bloomin' Tuesday @ Ms. Green Thumb Jean

Garden Tuesday @ Sidewalk Shoes

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters

Blissful Whites Wednesday @ Timewashed

Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner

Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a daily cup from Mrs. Olson

Open House Friday @ Bernideen's Tea Time

Fertilizer Friday @ Tootsie Time