Several years ago, Dad gave me cuttings from his hydrangeas. They endured the drought that lasted two years or longer! Now, the rain has returned, these plants are really growing. I like to leave the blooms on the plant and allow them to turn a deep, rich color. Then I cut them, hang them upside down in a dark corner of the basement where they dry, and can later be used for decoration.

Ancient churches and graveyards dot the English countryside. We ran up on this one while visiting the Cotswalds last May. The skies in England are so unique. Looking at this photo, you quickly understand why people in Britain often say the weather is “bright” even though rain clouds hang ever so low.

I love my Hemlock tree and vow that no matter where I live I will always find a way to have one or two or three in the yard.

I have to admit that while this was a really cool sight, it also was a little creepy. These are air roots  growing down from a plant high up in the rain forest section of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

This photograph reminds me of one that a friend (fotosimile.com) took in this same spot a couple of years ago.  I really don’t know what is so inviting about little boats and lakes but there definitely is something.