What is the Rush?

The problem with spring is that it leaves so quietly and carefully that you only notice when the grandstand band of colors arrives pushing an air of heat and humidity ahead of itself and down your throat.

I soon realized in my mid-morning weeding the other day that I will have to get up earlier.  I accepted that the long-sleeved shirt I was wearing might protect me from the sun but needed a much lighter weight to protect me from perspiration drowning.  I have already gotten three tick bites this year and not even left my yard!  Summer is here.

Below some of my beauties for your lock-down pleasure.

These peonies above have finished blooming weeks ago but they made lovely bouquets. I had promised myself I would try some still-life photos, but never got around to it.

These Asian iris above are blooming abundantly in the sun and last only a day.  They spread like crazy so I will have many tubers to give away in the fall.

I realize that mums are supposed to bloom in the fall, but even after pinching these back, they were in a rush to show their colors!  I am hoping they are double blooming??  Some mums are and I am too stupid to remember which ones because some are new and did not double bloom last year.

And while the bumblers arrived in the spring, they are here throughout the summer!  Note the pollen saddlebags on this fellow!  If he can fly I can survive this pandemic.