Peonies are my delight in the garden just now. The various bushes bloom at different times, prolonging the season. These creamy white Duchesse de Nemours are nearly finished, but how beautiful they've been.
Foxgloves, roses, and Lady's Mantle meld together in a fine trio against the hedge. The foxgloves are taller than I can remember, towering far above my head.
Here Gertrude Jekyll seems to be whispering something to the foxglove. I wonder what secrets flowers would tell. Only the very nicest, I'm certain.
I mentioned that my parents were celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary in my previous post. Here they are in May 1955. When I show the photo, people often comment on how lovely Mom's dress is. I agree, but Mom tells me it wasn't the one she would have chosen. Her father and stepmother chose it for her.
Several years ago Mom donated her dress to an organization that makes gowns for stillbirth babies.
And here they are after 70 years. Still in love, still smiling. Marriage isn't always easy, but they've stuck together through thick and thin, committed to each other and to God. My siblings and I are so thankful to have them.
One last peony image for this post. We made a quick trip to the mainland to celebrate with Mom and Dad, taking them out for lunch, having a special cake, and a short photo session. Just eight of us - my parents, my siblings and I, and our spouses.
Today I've puttered in the garden, including cutting this bouquet of peonies. There were just a few white buds left, so I included them along with the pink ones.
May has been such a lovely month with plenty of sunshine and some much-needed rain, making it perfect for getting the vegetable garden in. Last night after arriving home I went out to see three pole bean seeds barely poking through the dirt. This morning they are unfurling their first seed leaves. So much fun to watch.
"And then, one fairy night,
May became June."
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Luscious flowers. A 70th wedding anniversary is quite something. Glad you could all celebrate together.
ReplyDeleteHow very special to have reached 70 years, that is quite unusual I think. And how lovely your Mum looked, even if she didnt choose her dress.
ReplyDeleteMy peonies are still in bud, but I wait in anticipation!
What a lovely month for you. An amazing celebration for your parents. They were married the month after I was born. A very long time ago! I too love paeonies but struggle to grow them well. When they do flower we always seem to be on holiday! Such is life. B x
ReplyDeleteWarm congratulations to your parents on reaching their 70th anniversary. What a very special couple they are, and how lovely they look on this rare and wonderful occasion. Very few people will achieve such a long marriage. Your Spring flowers are gorgeous, especially the pink foxgloves and roses. They look so delicate and pretty.
ReplyDeleteThe peonies are gorgeous, the bees hard-working and your parents are happy 💕
ReplyDeleteWonderful June to you all! Greetings from sunny Finland 🇫🇮
That is so interesting that your mom's wedding dress was chosen for her. How nice to still be able to hear your mom's stories. Your celebration sounds intimate with just the siblings and spouses. How nice that you could all gather for this special celebration. Looks like your peonies are ahead of ours. Enjoy the first Sunday in June!
ReplyDeleteSuch a milestone for your parents! Congratulations to them.
ReplyDeleteThe peony blooms are gorgeous. Some of ours will bloom in the next two weeks. Others are far behind.
Thank you for your flower pictures. They brighten my day. Thank you for sharing about your parents anniversary. We just had our 50th on May 10. Happy June! Marilyn
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your parents. They were a lovely pair back in 1955 and they're still beautiful people💗
ReplyDeleteI think 2025 must be the year of the Foxglove!!
Lorrie - how blessed you are to still have your parents with you! And 70 years - a testimony to love and patience! Your flower photos are gorgeous - makes me so excited to think of all that color waiting to come alive in my flower garden! Enjoy June, my friend!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo of your parents and congratulations to them!
ReplyDeletePeonies and roses are my favourite flowers but peonies have finished blooming for most of them. Now we are having lots of roses SO nice!
Happy month of June!
I loved seeing the photos of your parents -- old and new. How lovely (and yes, so was the dress!) Your garden is fabulous. You must have the magic touch -- it's dazzling!
ReplyDeletePeonies are a favorite flower of mine! Due to our grey skies, rain, and cool temperatures, my peonies have lasted a longer than normal! I'm enjoying every one! Your parents are an inspiration! My own parents will soon celebrate 66 years! Many hard years, but they have a testimony of God's faithfulness to them!
ReplyDeleteYour garden is looking so very lush and beautiful, while most things here are dying off from the heat. And the wind currently blowing outside is bringing with it dust unfortunately. The photos of your parents are precious treasures. I wonder how many children are able to celebrate their parent's 70th wedding anniversary. Such a blessing that you all were able to gather together. May this new month bring you joy.
ReplyDeleteHello Lorrie, your parents are a very handsome couple! Both in the earlier photo and the latter one! Your photos are so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful, wonderful post, Lorrie. The peonies are really beautiful but your mothers donating her dress for such a purpose is even more beautiful.
ReplyDeleteFunnily, I think your eyes remind the eyes of both of your parents. And there's much resemblance between them and other members of your family. Warm congratulations to them on reaching a very special anniversary.
Happy June!
Congratulations to your parents on their 70th wedding anniversary!
ReplyDeleteI am always sad when May leaves us. It is my most favorite month of the year. Maybe it is the peonies, which I also love; but I just think it is the fresh green growth. Happy 70th to your parents.
ReplyDeleteYour peonies are just beautiful and the best part of all of course is to see your happy parents . Sincere congratulations on their very special anniversary . That's such a lovely story about your mother's wedding gown...what a wonderful gesture.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this ramble through your beautiful post with all the glorious photos. And to see your mom's wedding dress - so similar to my mom's who was married the following April. I'm sorry your mom didn't get to wear the dress she would have chosen, but how lovely to pass it along all these years later for such a special use and cause. I love the Fitzgerald quote at the end. Thanks, Lorrie.
ReplyDeleteBonjour Lorrie,
ReplyDeleteQuelle chance d’avoir encore vos parents et de fêter avec eux ce mémorable anniversaire de mariage. C’est rare et précieux.
Vos pivoines sont absolument magnifiques. Profitez-en bien car leur floraison est trop brève quand on les aime.
Je vous souhaite un bon weekend au jardin.
Hélène
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Heartfelt congrats to your parents on their incredible 70th anniversary!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special milestone, and they look absolutely wonderful celebrating this rare and beautiful occasion.
Your spring flowers are gorgeous!