Peaches!

 

Our backyard bounty, which soon became peach crisp.  Alice Waters' recipe never fails (although I never peel my peaches as she suggests). 

This is how I feel sometimes.


Photo by Christoffer Relander, found via This is Colossal.

Summer

Even in the city, sometimes a swing can bring out the country. 

 

"When they [the legs] are folded against the body, the insect is supposed to be in a prayerful attitude.  It all depends, however, on your idea of prayer.  I am reminded of quite the opposite attitude, particularly when the weird thing turns its head and looks at me over what isn't its shoulder"

- "Time Marches Back", by Mabel Gillespie, Nature Magazine December 1939

More mantis here, here and here.

Hedge Cubes

A simple yet effective use of plant manipulation in Paris.  I don't mind a clipped hedge like this, despite my previous rants.  If you're going to force a plant into a particular shape, make it count! 

Photo and more info from Historical Gardens.

VT Cairns

Stacking stones is part of our common heritage, and people to this day seem to get a kick out of taming rock.

In Vermont last week, I came across several formations by the river.  Hurricane Irene gifted the banks with a large assortment of quarried marble, from which people had fashioned a fire pit, thrones and miscellaneous collections.  I added to it some of my own pieces as well.  Later that day, my mother and I saw this simply built bench at a local nursery, which looked very similar to those down by the river. 

A new gardening assistant joined me as I turned on the hose earlier today.  She was quite curious about whatever was shaking her intricate web -- unfortunately for her, it wasn't a juicy morsel, but just a clumsy human hand.

I'm going to be extra careful when reaching for the faucet from now on.

Driftwood Mobiles

Reba Stewart, driftwood mobiles (1961-62).

Ellsworth Kelly Plant Drawings

Wishing I was in NYC to see this at the Met.  Thanks for the heads up, Jean.