1310 - Butterfly and Camomile

This butterfly waited long enough for me to take its photograph as he sunbathed next to camomile in bloom.

1309 - Amaryllis

I suspect our very dry winter and spring led to the best display of amaryllis in the gardens since we moved into the house.

1307 - Hollyhocks

I was surprised when several pale hollyhocks came up, as I don't remember planting this color last year.

The fall was mild last year, so I was able to gather lots of seeds to plant close together in the terrace near the top, left of the gardens.

I hope to have even more seeds for next year.

1306 - Poppies

These poppies volunteered in the front gardens next to the garage doors.

130504 - Sweet Peas

Late last winter, I purchased two of these in small containers from a nursery that not only promised this was the first year these sort of sweet peas were made available for purchase, but that they would be amazing.

They are spectacular in the fride (FRont sIDE) garden.

130410 - Anemones

After several days of rain, cold and fog, the sun has returned.

Anemones are blooming in the terraces to the right of the staircase.

310331 - Sweet Peas

The first of the sweet peas are blooming in a front garden.

The vines are nearly four feet tall and climbing up a trellis I made from garden twine.

130303 - Hyacinth

Dozens of hyacinths are blooming in the gardens.

They are one of my favorite cut flowers.

130303 - Candy Tuft

Candy tufts have begun blooming in the gardens.

130303 - Anemones

This winter, I planted dozens of anemones. The purple and red ones are the first to bloom.