Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Outdoor Wednesday Maple Street style...

I wanted to get outside early this morning because the heat has returned and I needed to mow my lawns today. The sky looked very pretty, so I thought I'd snap a few pictures.
No, sadly, these clouds won't bring any rain. They are only teasing us. They are on their way to Arizona for the monsoon season.

It is a very rare thing to get rain here in the summer. It would be nice though. They did block out the sun for a while while I mowed and I was thankful for that.



These morning glories are taking over my back fence. This time of year you need to go out very early to see the flowers open. They don't like the heat at all!


As I was trimming, I delighted in all the flowers in my yard. The flowers bring joy to me. They are the fruits of my labor.






Black eyed Susans are a wonderful flower. It's amazing to me how long this flower lasts on the stem. I cut them for vases inside too and they stay so nice longer than any other flower I bring inside. I had a vase in my bathroom that kept for 2 weeks before they started to fade!





These miniature roses are one of my favorites too! The color is amazing and the camera really doesn't do it justice. Would you believe I bought these at Trader Joes...that's a small grocery store in my area.






These are so sweet...a little hot right now, but still lovely. They look just like tiny tulips.















These two are on succulents. They grow and flower like crazy this time of year. They are a great summer ground cover, but they will go away in the winter.




















Of course, it isn't summer without zinnias. I take a lot of photos of them I know, but I never get tired of them. There are so many styles and colors of this wonderful flower. When I dead head this flower, I always save seeds for next year. I mix up all the seeds and I never know what I'll get. That's the beauty of gardening my way...












And who is this little flower you ask....this is the Stella flower! She is the most wonderful of all the flowers...I had the privilege of spending Saturday afternoon with her while her Mommy worked. She is a joy!!
I hope your Wednesday is a great one...go over and visit Susan and the others for more Outdoor Wednesday treats!











16 comments:

Weezer said...

I love all those flowers. Unfortunately, we've got so much shade and little sun in our yard so flowers have trouble keeping their little faces up. Love that photo of Stella. What a doll she is.
Check in at my blog. I've left you something there.
Weezer

Ebie said...

Hi Linda, your blooms remind me of my recent visit to the Arboretum. The black eyed daisies are so pretty.

When I saw these beautiful clouds on the way out to work, I hurriedly went back and brought along my camera.

How lovely to see your precious little flower. What a joy...

xinex said...

In spite of the heat, your flowers are still gorgeous, Linda. It has been raining all day here. At least, I won't have to water the plants. Thanks for stopping by. Someone told me the vine climbing up the gazebo is a morning glory. The flowers are similar to yours but the leaves are not the same...Christine

Terry said...

Love your flower pictures! Love the picture of Stella the most! She's adorable! :0)

Sharing with Sherri said...

You have so many beautiful flowers! My favorite one in the bunch, is the Stella flower!! What a cutie patootie!!

Hugs Sherri;)

Ben and Carrie Tracks said...

I happen to know your neighbor with the silly hat!! (just kidding - your picture is safe with me) :) Thanks for stopping by our blog so we had the opportunity to find yours :) Lovely pictures...

My Cozy Corner said...

Thanks for stopping by to visit me.
I love your blog and I'm going to be following your journey in bloggerville. Gardens are wonderful. I love to garden too. Your photos are great. Thanks again for stopping by.
xoxo
Betty
http://bettycozycorner.blogspot.com

eileeninmd said...

Hello Linda, your flowers are beautiful and your skywatch shots are wonderful too. But my favorite is cute little Stella.

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Lovely and joyful photos, Linda. Stella flower is such a cutie. She must get it all the time. :-)
Su-sieee! Mac
This and That. Here and There. Now, Sometimes Then

Kathleen said...

You have so many beautiful flowers in your garden, I can well imagine what a joy it must be! The Black-eyed Susan is gorgeous. That last little flower is just perfect!

Mary said...

Loved all the flowers, but I have to say the Stella flower is my favorite :-)

Jeanne said...

Hello Linda, thank you for your comment yesterday. I am still trying to visit yesterday's list. It is Loooong.

Your sky is lovely and I need to trim my flowers too. Your flower photos are gorgeous. Especially Stella flower. She is so darling.
Hugs, Jeanne

Marina Capano said...

Hi! What a just beaitiful pics! so cute baby!

xoxo

annies home said...

what wonderful pictures from your garden they are all beautiful from the flowers to the wonderous cloud formations they are great but that last precious flower tops them all

Ms.Daisy said...

Hi,
Love the photos of the clouds = very neat! Stella is adorable, so sweet!


~Jean

Lee Prairie Designs said...

You saved the best for last!!! She is a doll. Your flowers look great. Thanks for sharing, Carolyn