Without a doubt, this is the busiest time of the year. The traffic at the Jersey Shore more than doubles and it becomes almost impossible to keep up with social obligations. Where do we find refuge? In our gardens...once upon a time, it would have been the beaches and the ocean, however, for my husband and I, it is now the gardens.
Starting at the community garden, where I believe this might be our 18th or 19th year here. Happily, we see many of the same faces every year and welcome some new gardeners too. The Fair Haven Garden Club has a plot right next to ours and is in their 3rd year here (I think). I am always curious to see what they will be planting. We have two new water spigots at the gardens which is major progress. When we first started gardening here we had only the hand pump and it was quite the chore to water the garden.
That would be the pump on the right side of this mosaic...the only source of water at the community garden originally. Having 3 spigots is not only progress, it is a luxury.
Now the backyard garden at our house...that is really where the action is right now (she writes while giggling)
If you can call gardening an action...like watching the grass grow. The asparagus ferns have taken over an entire corner near the gate. The gladiolus are growing all around the outside of the garden promising lots of colorful blooms.
Inside the fence we have the horseradish and brussel sprouts taking over one corner. There is a tangle of pea plants, dill, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and lettuce growing. There is also a lone daisy plant that was originally outside the fence and wound up inside when the garden was enlarged. The entire garden is lined with metal wired fencing to keep out the bunny rabbits.
The flower beds surrounding the perimeter of our property are in full bloom right now. The tiger lily plants trying to edge out the hostas, and the hydrangeas also growing like mad.
In the back and side yards where there is more shade than sun, we have hosta's galore. I love when they flower and call the humming birds to our yard.
In the front yard, where sunshine is over abundant, we have roses, hydrangea, herbs, lavender, and many other plants and flowering trees.
That little Japanese Maple in the lower right corner of the mosaic was a volunteer from the larger maples that we have on the property.
The roses were cut way back in the fall, and it doesn't appear that it hurt them a bit. They are filling the garden with their color and their delightful aroma.
It is the hydrangea though, that I am so attracted to, and like my taste in all things, not the very pretty and colorful hydrangea that surround our house and fill these gardens. Nope, I have fallen for this oakleaf hydrangea.
Certainly not the bell at the ball or the prettiest face in the crowd, but the one with character.
The one that says "I'm cool" with it's pale greens and creamy whites. The one that is just off center enough to be interesting to me. Yup, this is my favorite plant of the year...but don't tell the other plants growing in the garden. I love them all equally ;)
This post is being linked to How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday (pink for the fairy roses), The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays, Scenic Sundays, Little Red House for Mosaic Monday, Smiling Sally for Blue Monday (blue for the audacious color of the hydrangea).
♥, Susan
Haha, I remember pumping that pump like MAD when I was younger! The gardens are looking very lovely this year.
Posted by: Jenna Ericson | May 31, 2012 at 10:38 AM
HPS!
Such a beautiful garden!
Gabriela
Posted by: Gabriela | June 01, 2012 at 12:10 PM
I am with you. I would rather be working in my yard than doing anything else. I have been told I am sick in the head,
Posted by: LaVoice | June 01, 2012 at 01:46 PM
Beautiful garden photos! Our roses also had a marvelous first bloom this year!
Happy Pink Saturday!
Robin
Posted by: RobinfromCA | June 01, 2012 at 03:20 PM
Oakleaf hydrangeas are a fantastic plant. I want to add more to our garden. Thanks for sharing. ~ Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | June 01, 2012 at 04:29 PM
Never heard of the oak leaf variety. They are beautiful as is your garden. xo Jenny
Posted by: Jenny Short | June 02, 2012 at 05:06 AM
wonderful cottagey garden photographs; lovely collages
Posted by: Carole M. | June 02, 2012 at 10:09 PM
I really dislike crowds of people and traffic. So spending time in your garden sounds like a lovely idea. Your roses and hydrangeas are gorgeous. Happy Sunday!
Posted by: Eileen | June 03, 2012 at 04:46 AM
It's a lovely garden, Susan. Love your cottage-like photos....:)
Posted by: bj | June 03, 2012 at 03:40 PM
Hi Susan,
I'll take that blue hydrangea! Gorgeous!
Happy Blue Monday.
Posted by: Sally | June 04, 2012 at 06:15 AM
Gardens looking good! Like the old water pump. Happy Blue Monday.
Posted by: Joy | June 04, 2012 at 05:19 PM
Such a lovely post! I'm so happy to see your garden and that interesting Oakleaf Hydrangea! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Anni | June 04, 2012 at 11:16 PM
Lovely and very healthy garden:)
Visiting for Blue Monday- hope you can stop by:)
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Posted by: Leah H. | June 05, 2012 at 07:51 PM
"If you can call gardening an action...like watching the grass grow"
Haha that made me laugh. In the spring I think that I can literally watch dandelions grow! : )
Enjoying your garden pics on my lunch break ...very beautiful!
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