The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I like the story of how America came to be independent. I like anyone who has a mind to think and act independently. I like even more that I live in a culture that places a premium on freedom. That freedom came and continues to come with a very big price. I so respect any person who contributes to what it takes to let freedom ring. Today I am thinking about those people who valued independence and freedom above all. The 4th of July is a holiday that celebrates the best of what Americans can be. There is always a lot of impassioned discussion about what constitutes the best we can be. I like any idea delivered with passion and conviction. Bring it on-I am listening. What did I do over the celebration of this 4th? I spent a lot of time thinking about how lucky I am to live in America. I went to the shop at 7am to feed the dogs, and check on MCat. Once Rob arrived to water the plants at the shop, I knew I could go home with no worries. I came home. Buck and I had lunch on the deck at noon.. Home with family is good.
I weeded, dead headed, watered, and greatly enjoyed being outdoors at home. I took pictures. I rarely have a chance to be home during the day-I so enjoyed this. The corgis despise the booms from fireworks. I have one hand on them, and the rest of me thinking about how great it is to be home, and to be free.
To follow are pictures of my garden from today. I hope you are enjoying your fourth as much as I am enjoying mine.
I have a little fireworks of the gardening sort going on today.
I was in my garden too today. Beautiful and inspiring. Happy weekend. Thanks.
Happy weekend to you too, Donna. best, Deborah
You must have an irrigation system with so many stunning pots. Your garden is beautiful.
Dear Diane, I water all of my pots by hand. It takes a little over an hour, every other day.I enjoy it. all the bhest, Deborah
Beautiful plants and containers. . . giving me ideas for next year. Do you bring all of the pots indoors for the winter?
Dear Cathy, all of my Italian terra cotta pots go in the basement for the winter. best, Deborah
Today hydrangeas blooms comparable to coconut layer cakes.
Dear Mary, The July garden is great. best, Deborah
please tell me the lime green plant that looks like lacy ferns. all are beautiful!
Wonderful!
A treat for the eyes and rivals any fireworks display!
Thank for a peek into your summer fare..the pots are beautiful..your plants are happy..
Enjoy each display.
God bless..thanks
Marie
Your personal gardens show your passion for beauty, thoughtfulness and friendship. Happy Fourth of July, Deborah. Enjoy the time to be home playing with your own gardens.
Happy Fourth Deborah,
Great celebratory post.
In my house it’s a bittersweet holiday.
My British/American husband starts out quite jovially, but by the end of the day it occurs to him that his side lost. So he goes outside and waters the garden.
But ultimately, all is well. Given that we live in this country. That we’re free.
And that the earth that nourished our forefathers allows us to survive and thrive and enjoy its splendor.
Your blog celebrates the beauty of the garden in all its seasons.
Thanks for sharing and Happy Fourth!
Terry
I love the maindenhair fern. Do you treat it as an annual? Just learning to garden in the midwest. I so enjoy your posts.
Happy 4th of July to you too, Deborah! I always enjoy your thought and photos.
Beautiful. Artistic. Magnificent. Inspiring.
Thank you for the private tour!
I got emotional over your comment on freedom and your thoughts over your predecessors. In Holland we are not so philosophical about these things, but we had better be.
Your photos never disappoint, and your compositions are an inspiration to me and my fellow gardeners at a historic church in Salem, MA. I must admit that I have disdained striped petunias all my life, but in your July display they seem right.
Dear Lynn, I love those petunias! I wish I knew the name. They have the most fabulous fragrance too. best, Deborah
I don’t know the exact name of your striped petunias, but the color looks like what is called “rose star.” Different seed companies have their own names for their own versions, such as: ‘Ultra Rose Star,’ ‘Hurrah Rose Star,’ ‘Picobella Rose Star,’ ‘Carpet Rose Star,’ etc.
They are beautiful petunias — they almost have a morning glory effect, because of that star. And it’s smart that you plant them with an equal amount of light/chartreuse green — and in such an awesome terra cotta pot, too.
Thanks for this Abbie. I think it is ultra rose star. This is the first time I have seen it. best Deborah
Your garden, and your posts, are such a gift to me. Thank you for the wonderful garden tour. All the best and happy day after Independence Day.
Today in Lincoln Nebraska the humidity is in the 60’s and temp. in the 90’s and it is time to reminisce over some past Dirt Simples. One I would like to recall is when you got your new puppy. What was the date of that post and what breed is that pup? I really enjoyed reading about the Corgis and Schnauzers also.
Our garden has been remodeled two times in the past two years and somehow my Tansy is missing. I didn’t think that was possible as it has been in the garden many years.. This year is the year of dill and wild arugula.
Dear Virginia, thanks for writing. You must be thinking about Rob’s Berger Picard puppy. On April 24 I wrote the post The New Berger Picard in the Neighborhood. best, Deborah
I so love seeing your yard look so lovely. I grew up half a mile away and I remember it in all it’s various stages over the years, so seeing it so lush and full of life makes me happy. Thank you for all of your efforts to keep something beautiful where sometimes things aren’t so lovely!
Thanks, Liz. I do try to keep it all up. On the rare occasions when I am home during the day, people walking by always comment about the yard. It is easy to do-I really enjoy it. best, Deborah
What type of upright elephant ear is that with the yellow stems?
Dear Lynn, it is alocasia lutea. best, Deborah