Loving what I've been given.

Jim worked until almost dark last night putting the thin strips of wood on the top of the pergola.

The mini solar lights are put up, and set for warm white.

I sat out here last night, and it was so peaceful....until the mosquitoes started buzzing in my ears!!

I stayed out as long as I could, and then had to retreat inside.

I just love the job Jim did on this little garden oasis.

It's surrounded by Iris, Daylilies, Hollyhocks, climbing roses, Peonies, and Blackeyed Susans.

There is also Phlox, Veronica, and Clematis.

There will always be something in bloom throughout the Summer months.

I am still waiting for the rambling rose to arrive from Heirloom Roses for the arbor we made using a hay ring from Tractor Supply.

The HoneySuckle is growing on the right side. I used chicken wire to train it to go up that side of the ring.

It will fill in nicely.

I added my wonky ice cream table and chairs to this new garden, and put a brick boarder around it to keep the black mulch from spreading.

I never really knew how to prune my roses back properly. Heirloom Roses sends a video when you order from them. After watching the video early this Spring, I went out and pruned my existing roses.

What a difference in the roses this year!

Not just in rose production, but in the size of the bushes!!

they are three times the size they were before!!

It's amazing!

I must admit, when the roses from the company first arrived, I was a little doubtful they would even survive.

I have since changed my mind!

I have plants that are filling out beautifully, and are even producing roses already!!

My husband was VERY skeptical when the boxes of Heirloom Roses kept coming containing rose plants with barely a leaf on them.

Now, he is convinced that Heirloom Roses is a great company, and worth all the money I spent....lol.

This is not an advertisement for the company....just my personal opinion.

I am also very pleased with the Red Shed items I got at Tractor Supply this year.

They have the cutest things for the garden and porch, if you like "farm"  decor.

We moved from our hobby farm, to the lake, so all of the cute things at Tractor Supply really made me happy this year.

The peonies are really popping!!

The hollyhocks are from Land of the Giants!

I am so happy they grow so well for me, since they are one of my favorite flowers!

I brought them up from the farm.

This is the largest hollyhock I have ever grown!

There have been some tall ones here at the lakehouse, but this one is so big around!!

See it on the left??!! 

Pretty big, huh?

Anyway, this is the view from under the pergola.

It's beautiful at night.

This morning, there was a dove just about four feet away, hiding under the flowers, cooing.

It made my eyes fill with tears...just so serene.

This is where I am sitting, typing at my computer.

Enjoying the outside.

Watching the Dragon Flies flit from one place to the next.

Hearing birds of every sort.  Baby birds chirping from nests high up in the trees.

Listening as the breeze catches the wind chimes, and they bump against each other.

Gently pushing my feet into the pea gravel under the vintage patio table and chairs I purchased from Like Mother Like Daughter in Howell....one of my favorite shops.

Recognizing the slow rumble of thunder in the distance...hoping it carries much needed rain within the darkened clouds.

Appreciating my husband that built this space for me to love.

God is good to me in so many ways.

Have a nice weekend.

xxoo