Lofty Outlook

As Summer begins to prepare for her exit... with darkness beckoning sooner on the horizon,




The flowering of chrysanthemums ,


apples ruby red and sweet dangling in the orchard, we begin to change our daily rituals...


As we journey through these days of promise and reflection one can not help but notice the sun shining on a grassy knoll,


the clouds beginning to appear dark and brooding... alas the prelude to Autumn is upon us.


* A group of cormorants perched in their favourite tree, overlooking the mighty Niagara River.

* Historic Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake was also most willing to relinquish its beauty for several of the photos.

Vision

Sometimes one feels they can not see the forest for the trees...

But by setting one's sights on the facets that lie closer to your field of view opportunities of delicate beauty are revealed.


As the high pitched thrill of the cicadas echo overhead the penetrating rays of sunshine dance with wild abandonment on the growth below.
Queen Anne's lace yields her flowers to a passing bumblebee.


The ochre yellow Goldenrod begins swaying courtesy of a gentle zephyr.


The regal thistle with her crown of purple stretches skyward.


There is much to see beneath the canopy of trees... one needs only to linger for a short time to savour its delight...

Fruits Of One's Labour

Even though the land seems parched and the humidity level balances on the edge of tolerance this is the time in the garden that truly inspires...



The bounty Nature yields is for enjoyment now and well into the cold Winter that lies ahead.



The woodpile stands drying in the hot sun awaiting the coolness of an Autumn's evening and the soft glow it shall reflect from the woodstove...


The ornamental gourds are forming bumps, swelling in size, soon to change to soft butter yellow and bright, vibrant orange... to bring harmony to the harvest table.

My new David Ramsey hydrangea has presented its first flower in soft luscious pink, the colour of candy floss... everblooming it shall great me with gifts until the end of Summer...


* The sheep in the vineyard are part of the natural cycle of dealing with the weeds that grow amongst the vines at Featherstone Estate Winery in Vineland. Located atop the Niagara Escarpment the owners have chosen this gentle way to give back to Nature as she presents delicious grapes to them.

The Passage of Time

Tis true it is only July but there are subtle changes on the landscape...


the fields have yielded their first crop of hay.



The sunflowers are blooming in my garden


and down there in the lush green vines lie the beginnings of plump pumpkins, soaking up the rain water and basking in the sunshine...


One of my readers had inquired about a flower I had shown in a previous post.
They are called Goosenecks... small wonder why.

Rhythm of Nature

We are locked in a heatwave and though we may wilt beneath its oppression, the functions in the garden continue like the ticking of the clock...

Unfettered by the relentless humidity or perhaps encouraged so, the flowers bloom forth with abandon.

So too is the journey of the bee, traveling hither and fro gathering nectar to appease her Queen and bestow the gift of honey to we humans.

I am thankful for the bright sunshine and as one takes refuge in a quiet corner on the porch or beneath a shady tree, it is a perfect excuse to do as little as possible and perhaps be a little creative as well...

Miss Maddie has found herself a comfortable spot to enjoy the lazy days of Summer.

Rhapsody

If indeed Nature has a melody then it must begin with the dappled rays of the early morning sun...


As the warming glow transcends the horizon, the illuminating stream reflects the beauty found in its path.



For each moment of its arrival the mystical intensity is enhanced, sending the song forward in its rhapsody of Nature...

Pink Profusion

As June surrenders its long days into July


And the rich, nurturing rains of Spring have yielded their magic...


My gardens are painted in pink.


One of my favourite colours is found in every corner and along each path.


A delectable concoction, a profusion of pink...