the reluctant gardener

i like flowers, don't get me wrong. but this yard is full--full!--of amazing, beautiful, intricate and valuable flowers and plants, and i'm not sure i really know what i'm doing. we inherited an incredible piece of backyard landscaping art when we bought this house, and i'm certain that, with each passing summer, i am ruining or undoing part of its splendor with my inexperienced gardening style and my total ignorance. so it is always with great relief in spring and early summer that i welcome the perennial blooms that remind me that, so far, i haven't accidentally "weeded" out some intentional beauty.

the poppies have popped,

the irises are opening,

and the peonies are on their way. my favorites, for sure.