"Nobody sees a flower—really—it is so small
it takes time—we haven't time—and to see takes time,
like to have a friend takes time."
GEORGIA O'KEEFFE
I only have to walk into the room to catch the scent of freshly picked peonies sitting on the dining table. Although the deep magenta blossoms make quite a show, it's the soft pink ones (name escapes in the moment) that fill the room with their unforgettable fragrance.
Summertime, summertime... oh the joy of garden delights in the summertime.
Here is a mix of favourite moments from my week, mostly in the shape of flowers... either from my own garden or from the small but delightful botanic garden at Greenland, a local garden centre.
One
"Peonies are always fully themselves. We never
mistake them for some other flower. No one ever says,
"Oh, that peony looks just like a double-flowering tulip!""
CHRISTIE PURIFOY, Garden Maker
Two
"I am excessively diverted."
JANE AUSTEN, Pride and Prejudice
Three
"At some point in life the world's
beauty becomes enough."
TONI MORRISON, Tar Baby
Four
"We might think we are nurturing
our garden, but of course it's really our
garden that's nurturing us."
JENNY UGLOW
Five
And outside my study window wafts the fragrance of hundreds and hundreds of blossoms on the mock orange shrubs blooming beneath it. Planted four summers ago, they now nearly reach the second story of our house. And if I lean out my window, if I dared, I could almost pluck a few sprigs for my desk. We planted a mock orange about 20 years ago, which is almost as tall as our house. A gift that keeps on giving, it's the most successful plant in our garden and continues to thrive.
"And because the breath of flowers is far
sweeter in the air..."
FRANCIS BACON
Bonus
Ever beguiled by the next new book that crosses my path, I must tell you about one that arrived on my doorstep this week. I first heard of it from Lorrie who blogs at Fabric Paper Thread. It's called Dear Paris, The Paris Letters Collection. Oh my, I can already tell this is going to be a summer favourite. The author, Janice MacLeod, is a fellow Canadian who lives part of the year in Paris. Her book is a collection of illustrated letters that celebrates her life while living in that beautiful city.
Before I sign off, I want to extend to you an invitation to visit me where I am also guest blogging today. My piece is titled In the Shape of My Words in which I reflect about shaping our words into beautiful thoughts for good.
❦
Wishing you a beautiful day,
Brenda
Photo credits:
Photos by Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life
My Summer blog schedule:
I post on Fridays
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful flowers and quotes. I love peonies and our blooming season here is short! Mock Orange is a must for my garden. Going to add it this year.
Deanna Rabe
My peonies are all over now but have been an absolute joy. How true Jenny Uglow's quote is. My garden is definitely a place pf nourishment and solace.
ReplyDeleteOur neighborhood is delightfully full of blooming peonies right now. They are such exuberant flowers, so perfect for this early summertime!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful peonies! Mine are long gone, and I missed them for the most part because we were traveling. I love the quotes you come up with, too! Heading over to read your guest post.
ReplyDeleteBrenda was just visiting someone else whose peonies are blooming. Mine are gone and they are already missed - so glad you shared yours...extends my season a bit. The book sounds delightful. Nothing is better than a tall glass of lemonade - a swing - a shade tree and always a good book! Hope you have a delightful July dear one. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteNow I seriously want to plant a peony bush. And I have the perfect south facing bed in which to do so, too. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers and lovely quotes! I will check out the book. It sounds like it could be a nice summer read.
ReplyDelete