Small but beautiful

Well it's been far too long in between posts.  I have several in the works, but want to get at least one typed up!  I like to think it's been so long because I've been living and keeping busy (but I'm certain the formatting of the last post didn't help...do not use a less than sign on blogger!)

We are far into spring and I've been spending a lot of time in my yard.  The usual mowing, weeding, and playing with Rylie.  But also planting, eating, and burning.  I had some friends over for dinner recently and my friend's seven-year-old son took a look at my garden and quite seriously said: "your garden is small, but beautiful".  Such a wise and lovely sentiment.  I could not agree more.  I've been hard at work and have had the help of a few very generous friendly hands.  Let me give you a bit of a tour. 

To wet your appetite...but of course this is a recent bloom and wasn't there originally.  I did trim all the roses back and have been so pleased with the results.  I inherited all of the roses. 

I had this grape vine (which had at some point extended over the patio, but did not currently).  The vine divided the yard in half and supposedly was going to attract fruit flies and the like. 

so I took it down!  Now the yard is open for Rylie exploration.  Thanks to my neighbor for lending his electric saw and to the helpful feet (and hands) of a friend

I promise we monitored the burning of the grape vine so it was safe.  I actually still have some left.  If you need a fire to last, use grape vine as it burns very slowly.

and it burns beautifully.  I just bought sticks for s'mores!

Part of the beginning garden.  Three tomatoes (much bigger now) a rose bush that has since bloomed and a volunteer leek? or onion?  I actually had to move the top left tomato because of the peony.

that's the peony in its early stages.  The beans in their early stages too!

Kale and brussel sprouts...and another rose bush!

Brussel sprouts and broccoli (I now have three baby broccoli buds!)

The peony begins to emerge

Clematis growing on the fence between me and my southern neighbor.

the peony opens and two baby butter lettuce plants begin (see if you can find them).

And the peony expands

and makes a lovely centerpiece

for a delightful grilled meal cooked on the firepit grill

Remember that rose bush above?  Well now it has gorgeous blooms.

Roses and peony are friends...but the small lettuce is struggling to find sun in the shadow of the peony

A more wild variant of a rose bush.  I should really learn about them!