Ithaca Garden in early July

The season seems to be rushing and everything is in bloom early.  It takes daily watering to keep all the plants from parching, both those in the ground and those in planters.  I have varied the heights and textures to keep interest throughout the gardens.

Right now, everything has been mulched, which adds some parameters to the garden and should help with the water retention.

The garden right behind the house used to be a swimming pool but was converted into a garden in 1980, using soil from the pond.  Another berm in the yard was formed from the second pond dig in 1991.  Additional soil was also brought in for supplementation.

The berm behind the pond was from the third excavation only 7 years ago. While digging out the cattails, the contractor found some wonderful large stones that have become sculptures and part of the berm. Each garden has its own character and makes for a very enjoyable space in the summer.

Patio and picnic table in front of greenhouse

Part of "pool" garden

Part of "pool" garden

Walkway in "pool" gaarden and plants on deck

Cluster of plants near patio

Cluster of plants heading to the back garden

Garden on back hill behind "Pool" garden

Berm garden

Berm garden

Berm garden

Petunia pole

Echinacea overlooking lotus pond

Day lilies in herb garden

Lotus pond and back berm

Back berm

Lotus

Looking at house from the herb garden

Herb garden

Path back to the house

Mallards, Monet, and Soft Sun

This is a lovely time of year in the Fingerlakes region. The soft sun in the early morning illuminates the best of nature.  I went out this morning, following an evening rain. The water lilies were just opening up, the rain water was puddled on the leaves, and the ducks were navigating the vegetation in search of food.

With patience, I was able to photograph the Mallard pair as they exited the pond and headed for the gardens.  Handsome male!  The pair were not successful in raising a family due to other wildlife, but have remained residents of the pond for now.

The photos here include Echinacea, Water Lilies, resident Mallards, unknown flower, Foxglove, and Hibiscus.  I hope you enjoy today's share.

Back lighting after a rain

I love the morning light behind the flowers, especially with a hint of rain on them.  The pictures here are of Echinacea and Crocosmia, early in the morning this week. Rain has been scarce this summer and the pond is down several feet.  I have to water the gardens almost every day to keep everything healthy and flowering.  The days are becoming shorter already and the insects serenade in the evening.  Geese seem to reflect on the changing day length and sign a chorus of confusion flying back and forth in the sky.  Ah, but the summer is lovely.