My pretties...

 It was a very late start to planting this year!

 To even find a day that it wasn't raining to attempt and plant was a challenge!

It's been a couple of weeks now and the plants are starting to thrive. 

I haven't had to water much, the good Lord is taking care of that

so , It's all good  :)

 Around the house....

Deck planters 

 I Love picking out flowers to plant in these planters

Brings lots of color to our outdoor living area.

Hanging plant

My perennial shade garden (north side)

I love this garden, always prettiest in the spring and early summer.

Lily of the Valley

Jack in the Pulpit 

 Columbine

Hosta

 an accent pot

some extra impatiens from my deck planters

Full bloom, Weigela....Love this corner of my front perennial garden

 West side, The perennials here will be blooming soon....cant wait!

Front Garden, only one DayLily thus far, wont be long and it'll be full of

yellow flowers.

~ ~ ~ 

I planted my Zinnia's from seed around the front tree, it'll be awhile before we see the fruits of my labor, but I'm so looking forward to fresh cut flowers to bring indoors. 

Hens and Chicks

Saturday morning Rick and I made an impromptu visit to

 our friends Jim & Valerie's house.

We thought if they were out and about we'd stop 

otherwise we'd venture back to the homestead.

We found them milling around the neighborhood visiting new neighbors

Jim spotted us and we were quickly corralled, 

we turned the car around and went to gaze at Valerie's beautiful blooming flower's, visiting as we walked. 

I loved hearing the stories about each plant and it's origins.

as well as admiring the beautiful display of colors.

Here's one of the best parts....

Valerie shared some of her pretties with me,

I was gifted these little plants

Mom had them when I was growing up... I remember

They are called Hen & Chicks

Aptly named Sempervivum, derived from the Latin "semper" meaning

 "always" and "vivo" meaning "to live,"

The meaning of the plant reminds my of our friendship.... Always & alive
~~~

The spot

When I got home I walked the yard,

 looking for the perfect spot to plants my hen & chicks

I gathered a few rocks we have round the landscape 

(they come from the north shore)

and I planted my little treasures

 I will alway think of Valerie and our lasting friendship when I 

walk by this  (once barren) spot in my shade garden.

It takes a bit of work....

...But it's worth it !!!

The deck is up and running.

~~~

Now it's time to get the flowers (annuals) in the ground

Made a trip to Whitings, and brought a whole trunk load home

My mother's day basket from Brianna, Chris & Audrey

My beautiful Gerbera daisy from Jenny & Brice

I bought myself this cement basket for mother's day, and I love my new flowers in it.

Before and After...they will grow big and trail over the planter.

My traditional ring of Geraniums around the tree

~
So the planting is done and the deck has already been occupied for a couple of evening meals and plain ole lounging. Now I can just sit back and watch everything grow :)

Around the house

Springs a blooming at the Hemmer house

One of my favorite flowers/plant in my yard is my Cushion Spurge.

It's always in full bloom in mid-april and stays that way for several weeks.

I love the vivid yellow flowers and it's such a perfect shape.

I split it about every 3 years cuz it gets so big.

~

Then there's my little Vinca Vine that sprouted itself up next to the house about 5 yrs ago. I didnt plant it and actually I thought that plant was an annual, but it always comes back every spring. I love the pretty little purple flowers, it just adds a nice little touch in the spring.

~

Hybrids (beasty dandelions)

I've collected my annual "bucket-full" of dandelions this spring and I have to tell you. They are gigantic this year.... Hybrids ! They are very large with many yellow flowers on each root.

I love the sound of the "POP" when I dig them up...it's just so satisfying.

~

I will not let those little devils attack my yard, and I'm lucky enough to have been able to keep up on them since we sodded this yard 23 years ago.

It's managable with a city lot...not too big,

but big enough to have to work at it.