summer=peonies

Summertime means my favorite flowers have started to bloom. When I was younger, I spent many summers at my grandparents' house in Bergen County, NJ... my grandfather was a farm boy from Georgia, and as such, always kept the garden and yard lovely enough to make Martha Stewart green with envy; over an acre of lush plants and trees, a veggie garden, and beautiful flowers. And in the summer months, Grandma always had a small glass or vase full of fresh flowers on her kitchen table. The peonies she grew were pink and white, and were always my favorite for their vibrant color, subtle yet sweet scent, and their intricate layers of petals.

I've planted some white and fuschia ones that have yet to start blooming (I am like a little kid out there every day- have they started growing yet? how about now? ) I am guessing it's because it hasn't been warm enough yet....so in the meantime, I've purchased a few bunches at the grocery, and have made a point to snap some photos of them when I see a color or stage that catches my eye...

...which reminds me- I really need to invest in a good macro lens for my digital!