The peripatetic guest invites you on a walk.

I was a peripatetic guest this weekend, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The hot summer has risen to the mountain tops, so I am sending you a meandering through my friend's gardens before they fall over. 

I have watched this garden patch evolve over the last 20 years. The beauty of this artist's style is her ability to let go. She fights the weeds, but the flowers reseed themselves, where they may, to striking effect.

Lillies and roses mingle democratically with Queen Anne's Lace and daisies.

"Gardening is civil and social, but it wants the vigor and freedom of the forest and the outlaw. " ~Henry David Thoreau

The "morning's catch" waiting to be arranged. 

Gardens are a form of autobiography.  ~Sydney Eddison, Horticulture magazine, August/September 1993

My friend's grandchildren call her bossy, but I would say her garden vibrates with her great love of beauty.   She also uses words like "behoove" and her southernisms delight me. 

A meander is good for the soul. 

"Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden."  ~Robert Brault

My guest room opens to this tidy little space. 

While visiting gardens and my friends is good for my soul.....

I can always find a good place to shop!

Randy McManus is a floral designer extraordinaire.  His adorable little shop in a friend's old playhouse is an honor system establishment!! Visit his website to see some of his amazing floral designs and accessories. He is my favorite!

Garlic Jelly!! Who knew. Thanks for walking with me. My new blog friends have been, decidedly, a great addition to my life!