Juillet au jardin

Chers Amis,

July has arrived sultry and green.  I am so thrilled; I actually have blooms in my front beds! We have such deep shade that flowers are a rarity. Last year I moved a clump of bearded iris out of the bed as they hadn’t performed their spring duties for several years.  This left a big gaping hole begging to be filled.  It is probably the sunniest place in the yard so I decided to try some monara (bee balm) and a scented geranium.  Both are thriving and the bee balm is covered with buds, one spidery red blossom started opening yesterday.  Last week I went down to my favorite local nursery and bought a Becky’s Daisy for the last spot in the bed.  On verra….

Beneath the Japanese maple I saw this white mushroom poking its head timidly through the cedar mulch. As you can see their are tiny toadlets partout, and yes, Caddie and Scarlett are naming each and every one.

The pink leaves are on the caladium in my two containers that flank the steps to the front porch.  I am always amazed that the simplest creature – a jumping spider – or a raindrop can look so lovely up close.  We are surrounded with beauty outdoors, sometimes we just need to slow down and look.

–Marjorie

PS. I am participating in Outdoor Wednesday.  Pop over to Susan’s at A Southern Daydreamer to take a virtual stroll.