Wednesday, July 20, 2016

SUMMER SERENITY


My flower garden was lush earlier this week.

Even in a small flower garden, serenity thrives.

Summer is passing quickly. The cicadas' call marks the time.  Last night I was surprised to see a few lightning bugs rising up out of my zinnias.  It has been so hot and humid here that the robins, chickadees, and even the squirrels sit around on the tree branches and ground looking deflated, mouths open, trying to catch their breath.

On days when the thunderstorms miss us, and the sun hammers down, I spray the spruce tree branches with water and water the ground beneath the old spruce.  The shade and the coolness of the water in the branches seems to drop the temperature there under the tree a bit.  The birds and squirrels all gather round under the tree in their shady little oasis. They crave the cool, misted shade so much that they don't fear me.

This is my favorite zinnia of the season so far.  I am hoping to be able to save some seeds from it.  It is the prettiest, bright, clear pink coral color.  It came from a packet of California Giant Zinnias.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer.



19 comments:

  1. What a gorgeous zinnia! I hope you get some seeds from this beauty to plant next year.

    It is hot and humid down here in s.e. FL also. In the shade it is much cooler than out in the sun. Gardening has to be done in the mornings.

    Enjoy your sweet garden ~ FlowerLady

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  2. That is one beautiful zinnia! We didn't plant zinnias this year so it's on the list for next year, even if we have to dig up more of the backyard. ha! It has been hot and humid here in Central Indiana (when it's not storming). Any outdoor work is done early in the day.

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  3. Wow that is one beautiful zinnia I do hope you can save some seeds to plant next year. It is hot here too. We have been lucky to have some showers in the afternoon to cool things down some. Have a blessed day. Madeline

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  4. Gorgeous pictures my friend! It has been very hot and humid here too, with very, very little rain. I water under our big trees, but the garden has been cut back and the grass is very brown. I do keep water for the animals/birds and feed them. I feel so sorry for them. Our robins have went! We had so many and they have gone for about a month now. I hope they are getting food!
    Big Hugs!

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  5. Such beautiful flower gardens. I'm doing my best to keep things lively here at my mom's. I water on the days I feel like it. Everything at my home is all,but near dead. We did have a bit of rainfall here today. I hope the same for my yard :) Blessings

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  6. Hidy Doo, Mizz Sue....I also have a small garden..mostly container gardening this year...and I sure have enjoyed it. Your flower is really pretty...love the color...pray for rain..we are burning up out here in West Texas....

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  7. Your flower garden is stunning, lots of TLC there !
    Yes, I see signs of summer fading, when the heat and humidity takes hold in July and August it seems to take it's toll on flowers, animals and people alike.
    Enjoy what is left, soon we'll be moaning about how cold it is :)
    ~Jo

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  8. All the warm weather and rain in st louis sure has made our flowers pretty! Good to hear from you.

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  9. That's a cool trick you do with the water.

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  10. Love your garden - Zinnia are my favourite flower and I always try to grow some every year - unfortunately the slugs took a liking to them and I only have one or two left :(

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  11. What a beautiful garden you have..and I love your Angel..Would you believe I have never seen a lightening bug..we don't have them here..I wish we did.

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  12. What a beautiful garden you have..and I love your Angel..Would you believe I have never seen a lightening bug..we don't have them here..I wish we did.

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  13. Nothing makes me happier than my flower garden. Right now it need lots of attention so within a day or so I will fill the yard debris barrel to be taken away. Just thinking about it makes me happy.

    I hope your zinnia seeds come back like the ones you have now. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

    b+

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  14. Nothing makes me happier than my flower garden. Right now it need lots of attention so within a day or so I will fill the yard debris barrel to be taken away. Just thinking about it makes me happy.

    I hope your zinnia seeds come back like the ones you have now. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

    b+

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  15. Your garden is just lovely! I do hope you are able to save some seed from that zinnia. It is a showstopper!

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  16. Your garden is just lovely! I do hope you are able to save some seed from that zinnia. It is a showstopper!

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  17. Dearest Susie,
    You bought back fond memories of our previous home here in Dublin, Georgia before moving to Pennsylvania, Italy and back to Georgia... We used to have lots of Zinnias and always loved them. Even though they're easy prone to mildew spots in the high humidity area.
    Don't our birds and squirrels become like pets? They live with us year after year on the same property and feel safe.
    Thanks for your visit and comment.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  18. I love the splash of color that zinnias will give you. I just saw that you are a teacher too. What fun to know another teacher blogger.

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  19. SO many flowers. I love zinnias - so looking forward to being able to plant them again!

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