Favorite Summer Things: Black Eyed Susans

Our Black Eyed Susans rallied after a deer attack earlier this summer (not so our beautiful tomato plants). Now, they are blooming away and cheering us with their simple beauty. If all flowers have a certain character and mood to them, then Black Eyed Susans are straight forward and happy and a perfect reflection of a sunny summer day.

Peonies

I bought a bunch at a wholesale market on Friday and was shaking my head at how expensive they were. The foliage looked wilted and I was questioning my decision. Did I really need to indulge my love of them.

The guy at the flower store said to cut off the unnecessary leaves and then assured me "They are going to be beautiful, they just came in today."

I was skeptical of both statements and thought to myself you'd make a good used car salesman.

Happily, I was proven wrong. The peonies filled two vases and are glorious. Watching them slowly unfurl was fascinating. Every time I looked at them this weekend, a smile came to my face. Worth every penny.

Affordable Luxuries #14: Peonies

 

Along with violets and lilacs, peonies top my favorite flowers list. There are a few blooming in our yard right now which are sadly getting beaten by the rain. I'm going to treat myself to a bouquet from the corner deli today while they are still available and enjoy watching them burst in to full bloom. Ten dollars and a few stems pay off in terms of flower power when it comes to peonies.

Images: Girl with Peonies by Espranza Moya
Jackson Dress from Plumo
Drawing Study by Martin Schongauer