Summer Flowers & Friends

Since it's August and it seems liked we've been stuck inside in the air conditioning forever,

it was about time to brave the heat and see what has been going on in the backyard. 

Around here, late summer usually brings hot days of relentless sunshine, but not this year! Cloudy days with rain aren't a bad thing though, thanks to Mother Nature there's no need for extra watering.

All the extra heat and rain has brought about some interesting developments

including this little patch of volunteer violas blooming in the driveway cement.

Then there's some other voluntary visitors who are equally colorful,

although this Yellow Swallowtail butterfly would dwarf those violas.

So it was time to smell the roses,

listen to Elwood's watery tune,

and the bees buzz,

while counting ourselves lucky that there was one lace cap hydrangea bloom!

We welcomed the visits from the bugs that are amazing and helpful and

try to overlook the ones that are not, because 

you just never know what you'll find in a garden until you take a good look. 

Have a great weekend everyone!