Picasso Petunia!

How very lovely is this flower? A small work of art designed by Mother Nature, herself. In the grand scheme of things maybe just an insignificant little blossom, peculiar though, it captured my attention! Blooming comfortably on my daughter's deck this little darling begged me to capture her essence. The grandchildren and I hung hummingbird feeders, which these lovelies also attract. Picasso Petunia's, require very little care and nature has painted them with hot pink centers, framed by lime green frilled edges.
Ah, to just sit, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, after ride from hell. Fifteen hundred miles from Fort Myers, Florida to Massachusetts, holiday traffic a nightmare. We traveled route 81, hoping to avoid traffic and so did everyone else. I must confess that I turn into a five year old when cooped in a car, far to long and that I did. I need a bathroom and ice cream every half hour and my feet land up on the dashboard. "Not a pretty sight", I must say. I am sure this vision has rattled the cages of a few truckers. The hubster has the patience of a saint and I, that of a spoiled brat. 
I console myself with the fact that the Almighty, really did put me in the correct century, though. Can you only imagine this journey in a covered wagon, looking straight up from the base of a mountain, having to find a different route!!! Oops!!! 
Where is that, Flint McCullough, when you need him?  
Like my little petunia friend, I am firmly planted and glad to be home and so our summer begins......! 

I told you it wasn't a pretty sight! Only a half hour to our final destination from here, a sight for sore eyes! Can't get any closer, in dire need of a pedicure! 
Yes indeed a spoiled brat am I!!!!!!!! 
Enjoy your Holiday!

Old Time Favorite!

Old Time Favorite
"Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas."~Elizabeth Murray~
Is there any flower that screams summer more than petunias? Their color vibrant, ready to capture the focal point in any garden. I have grown them for many years with varying degrees of success, depending on the variety. Mostly taking them for granted, as they are readily available everywhere and easy to grow. My relationship with them started many years ago, when my dad helped me plant my first hanging basket. Pinch them back, don't let them get to leggy and don't be afraid, they will come back, fertilize once a week, he would declare. Great advice that I follow to this day. I wish I could take credit for the beautiful basket above, but I cannot. There are two baskets facing each other, framing the entrance to my sister-in-law's backyard. Their playful nature  and whimsical attitude, a perfect choice, lending vibrant color, a beautiful contrast to the shades of green that surround them. 
Sweet petunia's, sweet memories and visual delight. 
What more could one ask of a garden???

Sweet, Sweet Petunias!

Sweet, Sweet Petunias
Go to sleep my sweet, sweet petunias
 the day has been long and you have been strong
 You have brightened my day
 shown your beauty proud
so delicate you sway with the slightest of breeze
sleep tight my sweet darlings sleep tight
for tomorrow another day you renew your true colors
your demands so subtle
a mere pinch, food to sustain, occasional rain to create the dew of night to morn
remember my name, remember my name
whisper to future generations this message
know to educate thyself is to educate generations foreword
Water my seeds, water
~Rosemary Aubut~