Spring and Growing Things

Since summer is officially less than a week away, I think it's time to share some pictures of things growing around here this spring. It has been a strangely beautiful season ... too cold, too hot, too wet, too dry ... but in spite of the ups and downs, the farm is quite lush and green. So, without further ado, here are the pics.

Last year I planted 12 tulip bulbs (first time ever!) and 11 came up. I was in shock.
In the early spring, we have a backyard of violets.
A Scented Sun camellia that froze in the late winter tried valiantly to open. Even though it wasn't perfectly gorgeous, it had a beautiful scent!
Weldon was determined to plant more red raspberry bushes for me. The perfect place, according to him, was in the front yard! They're growing nicely and have even produced a handful of berries.
Last year, Katie and I transplanted some irises from Pat's old place. They all came up this spring and one plant even produced an iris!
The peonies were beautiful, until the rains beat them to the ground.
The hummingbird bush/plant went wild this year, climbing over the mailbox, the peach tree, and the fallen log. I think I'll have to find a new home for it.
We buy strawberries not far from here, but it was an incredibly short season due to all the rain!
Our black raspberries are doing themselves proud.
Baby kitties are sprouting up
and grandkids are getting bigger.

I love growing things, especially when they don't depend too much on me :-) Life is good, and it's a joy to have so many things to smile about, each and every day. Count your blessings, name them one by one!