a late spring blooms

Chicago's weather has been up one side and down another (very typical, in other words) with cool, breezy days and warm, sunny ones, too. I finally found the right day - without a ton of other things to get through - so that I could enjoy planting my annuals and weeding out the perennials. Now, typical city fashion will tell you that backyards are small, the neighbors are close, and the summer days are the only ones that keep us from hibernating year round. Our's is no exception. But I love our home and it quaint little location. In a few weeks we are thinking of installing a PVC fence in place of the chain link that is there, allowing just a bit more privacy. The one thing that I love the most about the backyard, that you can't see here, are the lights that line the garage, and illuminate the nighttime BBQs and quiet family time.

I always love to add something new each year that makes it more comfortable. This year I picked a couple of things (couldn't resist) and one was a beautiful copper wind chime. I adore copper, especially when it ages like this with the glorious turquoise edging.
By far, my favorite in spring are the azaelias that bloom so boldly around my birthday; my original bush did not survive the winter (crazy Chicago snow beat it up). So this year I have invested in a couple of new guys to keep me smiling. I have yet to put them in the ground, it will require a little bit more muscle today.

My flower garden is occupied by many,many friends -green in color and a lively little group of buggers. I don't even remember how the frog theme got started back here. But they make it just a little bit more adorable.

How could you resist? These guys are great to dig a hole...

...or just hang around!!!

Now...keep an eye on this one. It doesn't look like much, i know...but it means the world to me. This belonged to my great grandmother, Mary Susan. When my grandfather inhierted the old home place, his mother left behind many beautiful flowers - this is one of them. All of my mom's sister and her have 'some' of this. I am sure there is a eco firendly, latin species sounding name for this one, but we know it as my grandmaother called it: Star of Bethlahem. In a few short weeks the greenery will continue to grow thicker, little buds will begin to pop out over night, and bright pink blossoms will come and go ALL summer long.

Note the time and temp: Early morning, but so chilly with not much hope of rising above the mid 50s today. Well at least we won't see snow for a while!!!