Sunday Stroll - Town

We went to Charlevoix (Michigan) yesterday for lunch, 

and the beautiful window boxes and container gardens

 in the alleyway

 took my breath away.

The flowers are nurtured by this lovely flower shop,

located in the alley.

They tend not only their own lush displays,

but those of neighboring businesses as well.

What a nice afternoon in town;

good food, good company, and beautiful surroundings.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you joy.

Head on over to Steve's blog to see the beautiful treasures he found Out on the Prairie.

Sunday Stroll - Solstice

Summer sun,

and summer rains,

are bringing color to the garden.

We have had many visitors,

and some quiet days,

and are looking forward to a beautiful season.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you good company.

Speaking of good company, you are invited to visit 

Steve's blog Out on the Prairie to see his latest stroll.

Sunday Stroll - Sweet William on Parade

There are still iris bloming,

 but many bowed down to a morning thunderstorm

that caught us all by surprise.

The Sweet William (dianthus) in the wildflower border

are taking center stage.

They are sweet and have shown up in many colors.

Some are wearing all of their colors at once.

The garden is a delight for the senses

in mid June.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you joy.

Please head on over to Steve's blog, Out on the Prairie to see his Wild Play Stroll.

Sunday Stroll - Iris and More

The iris are still blooming,

and gardens smell like freshly baked cake and sunshine.

Other flowers are leaning in,

to bloom in turn.

Strawberries are ripe and delicious.

You know you are picking your strawberries in beautiful Michigan,

when you find something like the berry below!

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you joy!

Speaking of joy, head on over to Steve's Out on the Prairie blog

 to experience the joy of  frogs and turtles.

Sunday Stroll - Iris Blooming

Rain at dawn cannot wash away 

the color and beauty of 

the Iris blooming in early June.

Every single blossom smells

like a field full of swtneeess.

Soon, the full pink peonies

will add their scent

to the fresh and fragrant air.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you joy.

Lots of fun things to see over at Steve's blog, Out on the Prairie!

Sunday Stroll - Flowering

Things are beginning to bud in the flower beds, 

like this old fashioned rosa rugosa,

or this stately iris that I call "Elaine's Purple"

 after the friend who gave it to me.

The creeping phlox is in full swing,

and the coral bell is just waking up

to lure the hummingbirds in.

Late blooming narcissus are brightening up

one edge of the corner herb garden.

Almond

Meanwhile, in the orchard,

the fruit trees are wide awake and singing.

Apricot

Plum

Peach

Apple

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you peace.

For more flowers and some incredible bird photos, head on over to Steve's blog: Out on the Prairie.

Sunday Stroll - Foraging at the Vineyard

We spent the afternoon at the local vineyard

participating in a foraging walk and dinner.

There were surprises hidden all along the way.

The apples blossoms will soon be open

beneath brilliant blue skies.

Spring is, truly, a breath of fresh air.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you joy.

Be sure to check in with Steve and see all that he has discovered, Out on the Prairie.