This is my brand new Butterfly Gaura, a native North American wildflower. It's a little odd looking - kind of weedy and grassy - but these gorgeous little butterfly shaped flowers perched along the tall stems are a sweetly redeeming feature.
Look, look, LOOK at my pretty little Buttercup! These grew wild along the roadside at my Grandparent's Muskoka cottage and I was beyond thrilled to find them at Sweetgrass Gardens. I clutched my little pot of Buttercups for dear life, even after the owner tried to persuade me to get something bigger and showier for the wet patch at the back of our yard. They bring back sweet memories and make me smile. There's nothing I'd rather have in my garden.
My Mom and Dad had to take down a nearly 40-year old maple tree in their yard. It was splitting and in danger of falling on the house behind them. They're not altogether that fond of the people behind them, but they were still reluctant to allow a dangerous tree to lean precariously into their yard.
So, because I'm nostalgic and My Beloved is becoming a "found yard treasures" pack rat, three sections of the tree have found their way into our backyard. The stump in the foreground is a little stool in the middle of our vegetable patch, a smaller piece is toppled over against the back fence in a spot that is going to eventually be filled, in part, with native plants (aiding in our attempt to make it look wild and unplanned), and the third, if you look closely, is now a table tucked in between our two Muskoka chairs.
It was My Beloved's idea. Because he's clever like that.
And finally, this is a Flower-of-Jove that I planted last year. It was called "Peggy", so I had to buy it in memory of a dear family friend (of the same name) who passed away last year. As a new perennial it didn't bloom at all - it barely even grew - but this year it has grown to twice its size and is now covered in this pretty little trumpet-shaped pink blooms. I think Peggy would be pleased.
And that's how my garden grows. At least for now.
