Our rhododendrons are a riot of color this time of year, with purplish pink clusters stretching onward and upward in practically every corner of the garden.
Looking out our front window and finding all this fleeting beauty, it seemed the perfect day to celebrate. Marie packed a basket, and I cut flowers for an impromptu "Rhododendron Tea"--taken picnic style--on the lawn.
I was so happy with our bouquet of peonies, roses, irises, azaleas and purple bells, all at their peak, the perfect supporting cast for sweeping drifts of rhododendrons. As you can see, Maureen appreciated them as well!
But why no rhododendrons in the "Rhododendron Tea" centerpiece, you ask? This article will explain:
Behold the lovely rhododendron--and beware its maddening toxins.
It's nice to know we are completely surrounded by mountains of deadly toxins potent enough to take down whole armies! If any of you gentle readers ever need a boatload of arrow poison, you be sure to check with me first, ya hear? And even if you do not have time to read the article, please at least scroll down to the chilling final sentence.
You might say it is a warning written especially for me.
Look at that PICNIC BASKET! Oh, it's lovely - and I just realized that I have everything I need to make one just like it! Guess what we'll be doing this afternoon? (althoug hour garden doesn't even have its lilacs out yet - northern climates!)
Posted by: Beck | May 31, 2007 at 10:05 AM
What a lovely tea party! I love the last photo, with Mother Mary standing guard to protect all from any rhodie ills. Fascinating article too, Alice. But your bushes don't say "Eat Me" or "Drink Me" so you'll be okay.;-)
Posted by: Kimberlee | May 31, 2007 at 10:24 AM
What fun, and such a beautiful setting, those Rhody's are amazing, and not surprising at the Cottage!!
Posted by: Meredith | May 31, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Gorgeous!
And that article was fascinating. I just had to LOL at that last line!Perfect!
Posted by: Theresa | May 31, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Ohhh I could just sit down and have tea with all of you (I will bring something yummy to eat) xoxox Clarice
Posted by: clarice | May 31, 2007 at 12:00 PM
You are truly surrounded by beauty~beautiful lawns, beautiful flowers, beautiful children!
Posted by: betty | May 31, 2007 at 03:19 PM
Interesting Article (loved the last line) but the pictures are gorgeous as are your children.
Posted by: Theresa ♥ | May 31, 2007 at 07:35 PM
Alice, what an interesting article...and yes, I think it was written for you. :) Gosh, the shrubs and your girls are so beautiful!
Posted by: Cheryl M. | May 31, 2007 at 10:32 PM
The last line of the article had me chuckling aloud, Alice!
Posted by: Jennifer | June 03, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Your photos are breathtaking! I've never seen a rhododendron that big before.
Posted by: Jennifer James | April 26, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Patsi girl ! you have so much in bloom I am jealous ; )I love that Rhodo ! .. I would rellay like to know the full name so I can keep an eye out for one myself .. I think azaleas are not quite liking me .. my original one has darn right refused to flower for me the last few years and I am fed up on that .. I'm moving Quickfire hydrangea in that spot and moving the azalea to another spot .. some where ... good heavens ! WHERE ??????
Posted by: Ronnie | April 24, 2012 at 02:21 AM
I didn't realize that he itleslratud Little Bear. Now I need to look at my book. Little Bear is the reason I call my kids Brother Bear and Sister Bear. Sister Bear, my oldest, was given a Little Bear from my dad. She was his Little Bear until her brother was born then she became Sister Bear. Ah, Maurice, you will be missed.
Posted by: Reiswich | June 02, 2012 at 04:24 AM
Kaylyn Henry Bear's Gram - Hi Rebecca! what great pics. I LOVE them. I spent some time reading thugroh your blog entries and had a great time learning about you, your darling boys and your amazing talent. Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us. We are blessed!!September 23, 2006 11:59 PM
Posted by: Leonardo | June 04, 2012 at 01:40 AM
From what iI've gleaned from renadig Kirkman's Walking Dead', smashing their skulls seems to be just as effective as a blade, and there's less chance of getting your weapon stuck. I'll stick with the hammer.If I know Kelly, she'll meet up with a zombie who feels some inexplicable compulsion to protect her from his brethren horde.
Posted by: Daine | July 14, 2012 at 01:14 AM