Long Time!

It's been a really long time since I posted. Yikes! I was lucky to land a very cool full-time job doing what I love (I'm a craft editor!). As a result, there hasn't been much time for blogging. 

My blog will probably take on more of a family/gardening/when-I-have-the-time occasional DIY theme.

 Mostly I just want to keep my friends and family posted on what's happening with us. I kept thinking that I'd get a private family blog started up, but that never happened. So for the time being, I'll just blog here when I get the inspiration. 

 Since I can't resist taking pictures of my garden and it's summer time (finally!), I may be back with some more posts sooner rather than later. 

I filled up several pots with annuals like fuchsia and lantana hoping to attract the hummingbirds that showed up the past two summers. 

 The neighbors shared some iris that I planted last fall. I wasn't sure what they would look like, but they turned out to be a gorgeous peachy-purple. That was a nice surprise seeing them bloom this week. 

That's a crazy monster squash plant taking over in the center of the planter with a not as aggressive zucchini plant, nasturtiums and herbs in the front.  

 The really exciting news around here is that we got a hammock. I got a World Market gift certificate for mother's day and had to have it. It gets really hot in the backyard, so I think an umbrella is next on the must have list. A DIY job perhaps? 

 Jump for joy! It's warm in Wisconsin! 

 We're raising a soccer player now. So I guess that makes me a soccer mom. 

 Lantana waiting for the annual visit from Mr. Hummingbird. Or is it a Mrs.?

 Pansies by the front door. 

I can't believe how big this girl is getting. Time to pass this fire engine on to someone with shorter legs. Can you believe we left the truck out in the yard the entire winter? It was buried in snow, so I totally forgot about it. Yet it still plays the jingle when you honk the horn. Now that's quality! 

 Various varieties of foot-traffic-tollerant plants between stepping stones... ajuga, wild thyme, sedum and a few others. Some are taking off, others are slower to move along. 

We just planted several hostas and a fourth hydrangea plant in the front today. I skipped that photo because it's just not that interesting at this early stage. Once the hydrangeas start blooming it should be photo worthy. 

 Some late blooming tulips. 

I'll leave you with a shot of one of my favorite plants: lady's mantle. It's got the most beautiful blueish green leaves and it grows fast. I love fast-growing plants, don't you?

I planted several last year in a spot where I've had some trouble with pretty much everything. My trouble spot is in the front yard where there's a lot of dappled light throughout the day, but very little direct sunlight. I've tried various shade plants and shrubs, but nothing seems to thrive there.

The wine and roses weigela behind it is doing pretty well too, but it's not growing as fast as I'd like. 

I hope all you lovely readers are doing well! Until next time!