THE RAIN BRINGS, BY LEADA WOOD, TEXAS ARTIST

 

My Mom and Dad brought me this sign from one of their trips to Missouri, many years ago. It sure sums up how I feel about my garden! Here at Dragonfly farm in Texas we have been blessed with rain and cool, cloudy days...but I know the heat will be on eventually. I have been out capturing the moments with my camera so during the dog days of summer I can sit in my cool studio and paint. I wanted to share some of them with you.

Nothing as beautiful as our flag waving in the breeze. The symbol of our freedom, so many have given their lives for the privilege... and I am grateful.  This photo was from a trip to the hill country to see all the gorgeous wildflowers.

Feeling a little tropical around here with all the Hibiscus in full bloom.  Boot Man gave  them to me for Mother's Day! Flowers I can enjoy all summer long, they love the heat and bloom profusely.

The Petunias have loved the rain as well and are bigger than a bushel basket. The baby kittens love to hide under them.

The Herbs and garden have enjoyed the rain as well. You can see the garden has been calling me and taking my time away from painting and blogging...ah well, it's LIFE! I have been enjoying the time in the garden, while it is cool enough to do so. These photos are of some of my Herbs, Sage, Basil, and Dill. I grow others as well.

The Caterpillars have been plentiful on the Fennel...I grow it just for them. In turn I have lots of beautiful butterflies. As you can see from the photo they get pretty big!

Spring on Dragonfly Farm always brings baby kittens, one of my favorite things! I hope you have enjoyed my little tour of the farm and a peek into my life. Now you know what I have been up to...just in case you wondered. Have a wonderful week!

Every good and perfect gift is from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.   James 1:17

Summer Time by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Summer Time and the living is easy. I have been enjoying my little piece of paradise here in Texas. The weather has been really hot! I get out early or late and hang out under the air conditioning the rest of the day.

 

After a painting marathon to get ready for exhibitions and shows things finally wound down a little the end of June.  I decided it was time to relax and enjoy the beauty surrounding me before I have to get ready for all the exhibitions and shows coming up this fall. Recharge my batteries... Life is good!

 

 

Although it is not tropical where I live, it is hot enough to grow tropical flowers. It would not be summer at our house without Hibiscus. I plant them in every hue in single and double varieties. These beauties happened to be blooming today. I had already picked the red and orange double ones to put in a vase. The funny thing about hibiscus is they are proficient bloomers but the flowers fade after a day. I have painted many  Hibiscus portraits.

 Summer time blues...love those Plumbago! Another plant that thrives in the hot Texas sun.

Here is my little kitchen garden by my door, easy access for cooking! I have basil, marjoram, oregano and sage. I keep my rosemary and lavenders in raised beds as they grow quite large. I love to pick fresh tomatoes spritz them with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and sprinkle fresh cut basil on top. It just doesn't get much better than that!

 

I love zinnias! These perky pink beauties were blooming today. I always think of my grandmother's  garden whenever I see moonflowers or zinnias. She had oodles of both...guess that is where my mama and I got our love of flowers from. I enjoy having plants from my loved ones gardens...it keeps a little of them close to me, especially after they are gone. Very comforting.

I plant geraniums every year as well. They come in every color but I always seem to like the red the best. I guess that is because I know my little hummingbirds enjoy red flowers and I love my little hummers!

The crepe myrtle is the best! They bloom profusely from June until late August. One of the best shrubs or trees for our area.

I hope you enjoyed the little tour of my little piece of paradise and will come back to see me again!