Sunday, May 24, 2020

What's in the Hoop? What's in the Flower Garden?

 I've been hand quilting Blind Man's Fancy Tea in the Rose Garden all during the merry merry month of May. 
 I'll probably still be hand quilting it all during the merry merry month of June too. 

 It's been raining a lot lately but when it is not I enjoy looking for what is in bloom in the flower gardens. 



 I have both Tree Peonies and Herbaceous Peonies. The Tree Peonies bloom first. 




I have several different varieties of columbine (aquilegia) in bloom. I'm always glad to see some blooms. The day after I took these photos I went out and the deer had eaten every single flower. 


 I also have several different types of clematis but this one is the only one blooming right now. 


 I also have several different types of lilacs.  This white one I brought back from the farm in northern Iowa where my great grandfather homesteaded after he emigrated from Ireland.  The farm was in the family for over 100 years (a century farm) but was sold a few years ago by my dad and his siblings. I used to spend the summers there and was sad to see it go to another family but that's the way it goes.  This lilac reminds me of all the good times. 

I was glad to see this one in bloom. The parent bush was hit by lightning several years ago. I took cuttings from it right away and am glad I did because the lightning strike completely killed the lilac bush. . I wasn't sure my cutting was ever going to bloom. This must be my lucky year.  I liked this lilac because it is unusual with the petals rimmed in white. 


23 comments:

---"Love" said...

Your flowers are very pretty, and I love those roses in your quilt! ---"Love"

Tammy said...

Your Blind Man's Fancy is so sweet! My peonies have not quite opened yet. My bleeding hearts bloomed last week. They are so sweet. I love all the spring flowers-wish they would stick around a little longer. Have a wonderful Sunday.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Roses are beautiful, on your pretty quilt, and in your garden ;)

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Beautiful blooms both in the garden and in the hoop! We used to have a big garden of columbine, but they've died out over the years - I'd like to plant some more one of these days. They are such pretty flowers!

Deanna W said...

So many pretty blooms in your garden, jealous but I know mine will be coming soon!

Julierose said...

What gorgeous lilacs--my Grand-mere had a beautiful white one
called LeMoyne...I've never been able to find another...
I think perhaps (just maybe, fingers crossed, walk in a circle 3 times) that Spring has come here...~ ~ ~ waving from my yard Julierose

Kim said...

No wonder your month of May has been merry working on this pretty quilt. My, your peonies are beautiful and aquilegias are always such sweet flowers. I call them Granny Bonnets. 'Tis fabulous you were able to transplant the white lilac from your great grandfather's farm to your garden. There is nothing like the sweet fragrance of lilac. The purple one is beautiful. I cannot believe a deer ate all your flowers in one night....really....goodness me, they must find your aquilegias very tasty. So, so glad there are no wild deer roaming about in this neck of the woods. =)

Jenny said...

Such a lovely looking quilt you are working on. And I love your garden photos, so pretty.

Quilter Kathy said...

I loved seeing what is in your hoop and your garden... so much beauty to enjoy!

Mary said...

Your photos are beautiful!

The Joyful Quilter said...

Your quilt is going to be SEW pretty and your garden is gorgeous!!

Pamela Arbour said...

Nice blocks. Beautiful flowers

MissPat said...

That first dark red peony is gorgeous. Don't get me started about the deer. They destroyed one of my lilacs just as it was about to bloom. Most of my columbine have disappeared, so I guess it's time to spread some more seed. I potted up some dahlia tubers this weekend. They were gifted to me last year and I was surprised that most of them survived the winter in my basement. And that rose themed quilt is going to be a stunner.
Pat

Laura said...

Loved your garden tour! Your blooms are a little bit ahead of mine. I also have tree peonies, but they bloom after the other peonies do. Funny how it is the opposite for you...must be climate influence or something. :)

Linda said...

Loved all your flower pictures. Whenever I see lilacs blooming I am always back in the garden of the house where I grew up, lived there until I married. We had two lilacs, a lovely mauve one and a white one. I’ve never had a lilac in my own garden. I love the one you grew from a cutting, never seen one like that before. Very pretty.

Cynthia@wabi-sabi-quilts said...

What's in the hoop mirrors what's in the flower garden. Love those tree peonies! In Japan peonies are significant - can represent a strong spirit, good fortune, etc. They can withstand the wind and stay beautiful.

gayle said...

I love both your flower gardens - the indoor and the outdoor!

Jill said...

Pretty floral quilt. Love the red half square triangles. Peonies are a favorite. Currently, mine are buds.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Beautiful flowers and terrific photos of them. I can smell those peonies from here!

Ann said...

With all the beautiful flowers in your yard, it's no wonder your floral quilts are so gorgeous. You are quite a gardener.

QuiltGranma said...

LOVE the fabrics in your quilt, and your choices in where to place them, so subtle at times. Such beautiful flowers, thank you so much for sharing them.

audrey said...

Oh my, your flowers are Gorgeous!! Perfect time of year to be working on a flower quilt.:)

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

Your peonies are beautiful! I once snuck onto my grandparents old property under darkness and dug up some of my grandmother's favorites. They happily reside in my garden now!