Garden Party

You know the old adage, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."  Well, the same holds true for, "When there's a party in the garden...throw a garden party!"  It's a no-brainer, really.  As I was harvesting lavender and weeding beds, I asked myself, "Why should the zinnias, phlox and geraniums have all of the fun in this hot and humid weather being served up for the 4th of July?"  So, that's just what I did...I threw a garden party.  In fact, I threw a couple of them.  And, of course, just whom did I find dipping into the the lavender lemonade and aperitifs before the guests arrived?  Well, let's just say it wasn't Tucker, the dog--this time.  Thank goodness there was still enough left for the thirty or so people who filtered in and out of the Blooming Hill Gardens throughout the July Fourth afternoon.

The Fourth of July is perfect for showing off floral fireworks in the afternoon garden that mirrored the shimmery plumes in the night sky and who can resist the toothy grin on a wiley-looking snap dragon or the sweet face of a shy lace-cap hydrangea bursting through the foliage...I ask you!  The dahlias enjoyed the butterfly sparklers while the bees just come for the liqueur.  You know those kind kind of guests--a little inebriated and always the life of the party.  You just can't do without the kind of entertainment that the bees and butterflies provide.

I didn't even mind that those interloping clovers who always come uninvited, tromping through the grass.  They seem to show up with every one of their friends and relatives while those devil deer stood in the shadows and spied on us, wondering where the leftovers will be stored.

After the Fourth came Kevin's 20th birthday and we were off and running again with a colorfully-candled chocolate cake and a bright and sunny day.  Just look at Kevin and his girlfriend, Lara...both at 20 years-old and full of lots of hopes and dreams...Their futures look so bright I thought I might need a pair of Foster Grants just standing next to them.  I'm pretty sure I got a little suntan, to say the very least.

Then finally, it was Garden Club garden party time and the roadsides leading to Blooming Hill were laced with Rose of Sharon, wild chicory and, for a little culinary appetizer, wild raspberries that guests were practically in a dead heat with the birds, in order to beat them to a mouthful of juicy, ruby-colored hors d' hoeuvres.  What a way to get the party started.

With each celebration this past week, everyone needed a little lavender aperitif to wash down the sweetness of the surrounding floral infused atmosphere.  How perfectly wonderful this summer party week has been and what a lovely idea the flowers had by urging me to throw a garden party.  I think I'll do it again, very, very soon.  The bee balm, cone flower and helianthus (false sunflower) all seem up for another go-around as does the Russian Sage...let's just hope they help clean up!

If you missed the party, don't worry.  Blooming Hill's Garden Shop is open on Fridays and Saturdays or by appointment for all of your "gifty-garden" needs so, stop by and visit us and a good time will be had by all even without a garden party in progress!  Since it's summer, we may be out partying in the garden or just plain partying so, you may want to call ahead and just make sure we are here...703-431-0779.  See you soon.