Easter Sunday in the Garden. . . . . . .

 It's Springtime and North Carolina's azaleas are in full bloom. 

Everywhere, from suburban gardens and vintage back yards, to formal parks

 and rural trails through woods and forests, this native plant blooms in gorgeous

 colors from pure white to deep purple, and all shades of pink, orange and

 red imaginable. Azaleas add Southern charm in the high western mountains

 and the eastern Atlantic coast. . . . . .and all points in between. 

The many days of rain recently have certainly brought the fig tree along quickly

 and we are now seeing quite of lot of fruits tucked into those beautiful

hand-shaped leaves. I love this now huge tree so much - often feel like

 kicking myself into believing I've grown it from a tiny potted plant.

Much tree 'whispering' went on here over the years!

Took these two photos of the tree from front porch yesterday early morning. 

Severe storms had passed, everything still sodden but thankfully no major damage here.  

We always move our cars back down the driveway away from the huge oaks in

 the back garden when winds are high!

Hoping your Easter is full of blessings and special moments.

Country Home. . . . . . . . . .

On Thursday, a sunny afternoon trip south of the city took us through green

 and gold farmland. Once off the highway, weaving our way through small towns

 and communities, we noted agriculture was obviously the main way of life. 

Fields had been tilled ready for crop planting, trees were almost fully leafed out

 green and gorgeous.

This country farmhouse, old and in need of perhaps a little sprucing up, stood

 surrounded by huge trees. I asked Bob to turn the car around so I could go back

 to take these few photos with my phone. We talked of how we'd love to know

 the history of the farm, its inhabitants, was it still in the same family, will they

 plant a usual North Carolina crop this year, corn, soybeans, cotton, even tobacco.

 I can imagine the perfect sunflower field here. . . . . . . waking early on summer 

mornings to see a field of tall golden 'faces' turned toward the rising sun.

Yesterday the weather was the exact opposite of the lovely day in the country. . . . . we

 were under a tornado watch almost the entire day whilst having more storms with

 strong wind gusts and heavy rain. Thankfully our area was not too bad, but not far off 

property was damaged and many people have lost power. 

. . . . . and the fragrance is divine!

At the kitchen window

We were so lucky.  

No hail, no damaging winds, no tornadoes. . . . . . . . just a lot more heavy rain!

The flowers and shrubs were battered but with a little sun they are looking up.

Not a cheerful Monday outside . . . . . . . . .

Heavy rain for the entire day along with boisterous, gusting high winds this morning.

Twigs, catkins, even small branches showering down on the roof. . . . . . . . . and

 with our big old trees I get nervous in storms such as this!

I'm sure many of the now full blooming azaleas and 'snowballs' will take a beating.

 I've started a small vegetable plot. On Sunday, my neighbor was kind enough to

 till up this old bed where we grew tomatoes for several years - but haven't used

 for the past few summers. The soil seems great and looks healthy - a few

 tomato plants, perhaps a couple of peppers and an eggplant should do well.

The potting shed is so useful and often hides surprises!

On our recent trip to see friends in the Charlotte, NC area, we found this 

birdhouse to replace the very old one now falling apart on the post in the 

front garden. We've had a new post put in but won't exchange the houses

until the current nesting 'homeowners' have moved out with their 

offspring. Love this one because the whole roof can be lifted off and the 

six compartments are attached so can be cleaned out easily at the end

 of each nesting season. The bright copper roof - covered for transport

 to prevent fingerprints - will eventually weather to a lovely patinaed green.

. . . . . and last, but by no means least, let me introduce Gruff.

This cutie pie came over with my neighbor, and whilst tiling the garden bed we

 became good friends. Gruff was here for the weekend whilst his very lucky owners

 were away, and I just have to say he is the friendliest, best behaved, obedient little

 dog I've ever met. I fell for him big time, did a little photo shoot, and am trying to

find out what breed - or perhaps mix - this lovely boy is. 

Anyone have an idea? He's 8 years old, never barked, did as he was told 

with just a few words, and loved to cuddle.

Hopefully my neighbor will mind Gruff more often so I can spend

more time with him!

So what to do on such a bad weather day?

I have plans. . . . . . . so must away.

Have a good week dear readers. . . . . . and tomorrow I think Scribble Picnic

 will be back so please stop by here again - the theme is Quilt(s).

Goodbye to Queen of the Night. . . . . . . .

Queen of the Night

The rain pounded on the roof last night, sending gurgling rivulets of muddy water 

down the back garden, pooling around the gazebo and deck, stirring sand, clay, 

gravel into a murky mess.

I was happy I took photos on Saturday as now the azalea blossoms are scattered 

about the soggy garden, branches bowing to the ground under the weight of water.

April showers became a storm ~ Nature can be less than gentle.

Thank you for the generous comments on my previous garden post.

I too would enjoy having you each here to share a nice cup of tea, and something

sweet to nibble on, while we talked about the hard work and huge pleasures a 

garden brings.

The tulips were literally swept off their stems in the storm.

However, a little forethought, and a growing love for flowers at 

the end of their blooming cycle, produced these.

Queen of the Night ~ a tulip of a dark maroon which looks almost

black when it first opens. They are quite stunning mixed with pink

or white tulips blooming at the same time.

I noticed that the last phase of bloom changed the petals, they

became lighter with shades of purple, plum, aubergine, ink blue,

really magnificent.

I cut tulips for these images just knowing I would enjoy playing with them 

before their petals fell and drifted away on a Spring breeze.