Blooming Friday.....Camellias and Tiny Loropetalum Blooms

I was looking at some of the blooming Friday posts and decided that it was time for me to participate. I took my camera out this morning and found several plants in my yard blooming, but nothing looked as beautiful as the fall blooming camellias. I added them to my landscape several years ago and have not been disappointed. I hope you enjoy the blooms.


This camellia is actually climbing the side of my house that is seen first from the drive.


Although it is full of buds, the only ones that are opened are hiding near the wall at the bottom of the plant. I guess they are shy.


See....no visible blooms yet!


I believe that this little bee was hiding from his friends.


Speaking of hiding....do you use plants in your landscape to hide unsightly things?


I just had to sneak in this picture of the loropetalum bloom. It is tiny, but beautiful.


Camellias are one of the South's best plants.


Don't you agree?

Hope you enjoyed the Friday blooms! Have a blessed weekend!

Rain Is a Good Thing

Yesterday brought us some refreshing rain! We had been hot and dry for so long that I thought this day would never come. We were sitting in church when it happened. The pastor was saying a prayer when we heard it...the rain pouring onto the tin roof of the sanctuary. Now, that is a sound that can only come from God! I think that I even heard some 'Praise the Lords' mixed in with the prayer and the rain. Today promises even more.

I thought that I would venture out this morning with my camera before the heavy rains come later on. I wanted to see if my thirsty plants enjoyed the showers of blessings. I believe that they did.



The knockout roses that had been languishing in the dry heat seemed to be singing a chorus.



The little pot of asparagus fern hummed along.



The writing spider listened intently to the concert.



It is amazing that the downpours didn't wash her away.



The loropetalum seemed to hold on to every drop that fell.



And every fall spider web appeared to be clothed in splendor.



The little mum seemed to jump for joy to finally have some cool, autumn temperatures!

Fall is finally here! "Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

Things Are Happening Around Here

During my daily walk around the yard, I realized that things are really starting to happen around here. Things are blooming, budding, and growing all over! This has to be the most exciting time of the year for me. I love the changes that seem to come with the dawning of each day. Am I the only person who finds joy in new discoveries in the garden every day? Regardless of whether I am alone in my feelings or not, I literally can't wait to wake up in the mornings to see what the day holds.

I hope you don't mind my sharing some of these happenings around my house.



I know that spring is really here when I notice my peonies starting to peek through the soil. I happened to mention to my dad that I needed something to support them as they grow; he made me seven of these cages and brought them to me this afternoon. My dad has to be one of best there is!



The loropetalums are blooming. I love the dainty little flowers, and the color is gorgeous.



The star magnolia is in full bloom now. I have enjoyed watching the white flowers sway in the breeze. Fortunately, the nights have not gotten cold enough to damage them yet.



The redbud is getting ready to open its pretty pink flowers any day now.



This time of the year when the sun is setting, even the pond seems to come alive. I love the way shadows come over the water and the last light of day illuminates the trees in the distance. What a peaceful ending to a perfect day!