This has been by far the latest the peonies have bloomed in ten years, but as usual, they were well worth the wait.

My one white peony, planted in Fall of 2013, is blooming for the very first time.

As for the indestructible ‘Bowl of Beauty’, they look as good as ever upon the first wave of blooms.

And all of the peonies are literally covered with paper wasps (?).

But of all the plants, nothing is a bigger creature magnet right now than the Baptisia.

Speaking of Baptisia, the ‘Carolina Moon’ is thriving right now as seen emerging above the also emerging Switch Grass (Panicum).

And that Panicum ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ is already showing signs of that great red leaf blade color.

Physocarpus (Ninebark) ‘Diablo’ is blooming as well.

As is Nepeta (Catmint) ‘Walker’s Low’.

Veronica (Speedwell) ‘Royal Candles’ has emerged within the last week.

Sitting in a wet spot has been no problem at all for Carex grayi. The unique seedheads add a sweet touch to these sedges.

As the years go by, I find myself disinterested in white blooms unless they are in a shaded spot. They just seem too difficult to work with in a bright area. As a result, I’ll immediately remove the blooms of these Penstemon ‘Husker’s Red’ and enjoy the foliage on its own.

How friggin awesome does the Lady’s Mantle look in the late day sun?

As I may have mentioned in the past, I do not have many mature trees on my property. But after 5 years now, the River Birches are looking great.

Big bro taking batting practice from our new found softball hurler.

And finally, another happy birthday shout-out to my partner in crime, confidante, best friend and soul mate. Everything great in my life is because of you. Thank you.

The peonies couldn’t have timed it any better by the way.

Before I ride off, a little info on that cocktail above.

It is called “magic juice” and in the spririt of all things social media, the recipe was sent to me by my wife a few weeks ago via Pinterest. Like she forwarded a pin to one of my Pinterest boards or something. Welcome to 2015, when a husband has never had it easier than just glancing at his wife’s extensive Pinterest boards for ideas for all occasions.

If you are interested in the magic juice recipe, check it out here. And please let me know what you think. I am not a sweet drink guy by any means and this is the farthest thing from it. The best way to describe it is: simply refreshing.

You are welcome.