Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life. Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
I usually run with a theme. Winter is still here, but the garden is showing signs that regardless of our calendars spring is not far away. Health issues have meant that the garden has been neglected and it has got away from me, but these emerging blooms have spurred me on to do a bit. And a lot of work is needed.
One of our camellias is coming out and the others are heavy with bud. If the birds leave those buds alone we will have a beautiful display later.
This tuberous begonia flowers all year round. Which is wonderful.
Tulips are emerging.
These and other Dutch iris are several feet tall and probably should have been divided. Next year. Hopefully they will bloom this year anyway.
The white violets in the front garden are blooming, but in the back yard the purple ones have beaten them to the punch.
One at least of our orchids has come into bud too. Yay.In other news Batty is rapidly becoming the six million dollar cat. He had two visits to the vet last week with a persistent (but intermittent) cough and wheeze. Hopefully his treatment will work this time. If not he will be going back to the specialist. Poor, poor Batty (though we seem to be more worried than he is). I also have some scary symptoms which hopefully I will get a diagnosis/treatment plan for in the coming weeks.
I hope you find beauty and brightness in your week.
Beautiful images EC, the flowers are precious.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you. I hope to uncover more blooms as I weed.
DeleteThe flowers are beautiful in winter. Spring and summer blooms must be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI was late at the spring items here because of my shoulder injury from my fall off the bike. Slowly most got done but I realized it wasn’t the end of the world if it didn’t get done either.
Feel better soon, EC. I pray you get a diagnosis and treatment ASAP.
Marie Smith: Thank you. We are expecting a hot and dry summer so it is in my interest to get as much as possible done before the weather gets too hot for me outside. I don't think that garden work is ever finished but I really need to have more done than is currently the case.
DeleteCrossing fingers for positive news for both you and Batty. It would be nice for some weeks to have stress-free zones built in, wouldn’t it?
ReplyDeleteYour garden always looks amazing whatever the season. You’ve put in so much effort over the years and it really shows. I love seeing the many different things you have on display.
Hugs to you, my dear friend and sister in the hiss and spit department.
River Fairchild
River Fairchild: I/we are doing a lot of hissing and spitting at the moment aren't we? Just at the moment the weeds are in control. Shortly I will go out and do a bit more before (shudder) coming in to continue a book cull (also overdue).
DeleteThe garden is stunning. I am familiar with all your flowers as over the years I have had similar, but never as luscious as your displays. Please take care of you and I hope your concerns are eased by your doctor.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: Thank you. Fingers tightly crossed. I will need to see two different flavoured doctors but I do hope that Batty doesn't need to go back to 'his' specialist.
DeleteHere's hoping Batty gets better. I don't know how people with multiple pets afford the vet bills.
ReplyDeleteMike: Vet bills are indeed painful, but the cats are members of the family.
DeleteOh no, EC, I hate medical issues, if I have them, or my cats. I hope Batty and you both will be ok. It seems almost like time travel, that you will soon go into spring and we here into fall. My mind sometimes sees it as a phenomenom.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I really like our opposite seasons. If I don't like what we are experiencing I look to your side of the world for relief. I do hope Batty will be ok. He has had a rough time on the health front.
DeleteVet bills can mount up quickly, I am told. Friends of ours recently spent over $8,000 on their dog. Your garden looks great, Sue, although I am sure the work involved looks daunting. I think that Miriam is starting to find it all a little too much. Potted plants on the balcony of a nice condo is starting to seem appealing!
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Vet bills are expensive. We have no option but to find the money though. We took the cats on in sickness and in health. I totally understand where Miriam is coming from. Our garden is labour intensive and I fear it is too much for me. I am not ready to give up yet though.
DeleteShe is not giving up yet either, Sue, but I think the time will come.
DeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Sadly, yes. And it will be a hard day for both of us when it comes.
DeleteYour garden is beautiful. You and the skinny one are the best cat parents ever. I shudder to think of your vet bills.Wishing you and Batty a day filled with much good health.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Sandra Cox: Thank you. Batty loathes his trips to the vet and wouldn't agree that we are good cat parents. He thinks we are CRUEL
DeleteThe flowers displayed in your post are an amazing sight! There's beauty and delight for those looking at them.
ReplyDeleteDUTA: Thank you. Despite the immense amount of work involved the garden (mostly) brings me solace and heart balm.
DeleteYou have a very beautiful garden
ReplyDeleteroentare: Thank you. Like the parson's egg it is good in parts.
DeleteYour garden is as beautiful as always. Love that camellia!
ReplyDeleteAlso sending my very best wishes for a health improvement for you and Batty. I have my fingers crossed for you.
Diane Henders: Thank you on both counts. I hope to unearth more of the beauty in the garden in coming weeks. Blood, sweat and tears will be involved.
DeleteThe birds are sitting in the trees, just sizing up what looks tasty in the garden below, or even fun to play with. There are many signs of spring approaching, but it can be a while yet. Good luck with sorting out your medical issues. It is for us to forget what you are up against.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: The birds are indeed watching. And sometimes coming down to help. I hope that Batty and I can sort out our respective medical issues. Forgive me but I don't understand your last sentence.
DeleteMay only good news, good health and peace of mind be your visitors this coming week, and beyond, EC. Give your two little furry mates special cuddles from me. Take care....
ReplyDeleteIn my mental blankness, I failed in my response above to change the "Anonymous"...sorry....Why I have to do that every time beats me.
DeleteLee: Thank you. That anonymous caper is irritating isn't it? You have as good a week as you can.
DeleteYour winter as so mild as compared to ours. I can't believe the amount of spring flowers already blooming.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you need some gardening help from a landscape company to catch up. I sympathize with you as I'm finding it harder and harder to weed all my many gardens and also can't weed them all in time before they come to seed. I believe the old saying, "One year of seeding, seven years of weeding.
Poor Batty, and poor you. You have both been plagued with challenging health issues but you both soldier on. Enjoy your beautiful flowers.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: Our winters are indeed mild compared to you, though my city is renowned as a 'cold hole'. Winters here are harder than in many other parts of Oz. I hear you on the one year of seeding giving seven years of weeding. And sadly I will have at least seven years of weeding ahead.
Deleteare so mild
ReplyDeleteJulia
Julia: I knew exactly what you meant - and make similar errors too often myself.
DeleteYour garden is quite beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and Batty are both better soon.
My selections will be over here.
messymimi: Thank you. Parts of the garden are a disgrace. Perhaps in coming weeks I will show the other side of the coin. I pulled two large bags of weeds this morning and you can barely see where I was. Thank you on the health front. As always I look forward to your selections - and your skyscapes.
DeleteIf your symptoms are scary, then I need to find a way to be scarier and frighten them away. I always find it difficult to grasp that we are opposites--you have winter while we have summer, yet you celebrate Christmas during your summer and I could go on and on so just push my off button now.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I like our differences, though Christmas in the heat of summer (with tradition geared to cold weather food) is a bit much.
DeleteYour garden will be an ocean of colour by spring. I had a little chuckle at Batty being the six-million dollar cat. That's what I used to call Lola when taking her to the vet several times a year. Thankfully these days I only take her to get her "manicure" twice a year. I hope Batty's troubles can be fixed or at least a treatment plan that keeps him well and away from the vet so often. And I hope your own medical issues aren't too bad this time.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Batty has already cost us thousands this year and if we have to go back to the specialist that figure is likely to double.
DeleteI hope the garden IS
an ocean of colour, but I need to do a lot more weeding first. I hope my medical issues can be sorted soon. I am tired of them.
DeleteThe garden is becoming pretty, love camellias and ours are also heavily budded and some out.
ReplyDeleteGosh I do hope you are ok, and your symptoms not too bad EC.
Sounds like a million dollar cat you have there, hope all is not too bad with it.
Take care..
Margaret D: Thank you. How we wish we had taken out pet insurance when we got these boys.
DeleteSeems like an early spring--- but I'm easily confused. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteBill: It is looking more like Spring each day. Thank you.
DeleteIt's definitely looking like spring might be on its way in your world, while I am still under an "extreme heat advisory" for the next three days.
ReplyDeleteI feel for your weeding woes. I am so glad all my herbs are in pots. I still have to weed them, but that is much easier than an entire garden. You certainly have some amazing and lovely flowers, though.
I am SO sorry to read about Batty and his woes. I can't begin to imagine how much you have already spent on that cat to get him well. And I am equally concerned about YOU and your medical problems, too. I hope the doctors can help you, dear.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: I hope you can stay cool and safe in your current conditions. My heart goes out to you. I hate the heat.
DeleteWe have a big garden and it is not a minimum care garden. I won't allow himself to use poisons - bad for the birds and the insects/lizards so he doesn't weed. Sigh.
Hopefully Batty and I will both bounce back.
lovely gardens, hope Batty gets well and hope you find a treatment option that works
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: Thank you.
DeleteHi EC - beautiful Spring flowers ... I do hope that diagnosis for you and that for Batty proves Spring-like ... new beginnings and hope for the coming while. I feel for you re the weeding having read your reply to Bluebeard and Elizabeth ... but beautiful photos - thank you. With thoughts - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. I love your spring wishes for Batty and me. I will try and do a bit of weeding most days and hopefully I will get on top of it (as much as you can in the garden) before summer hits us.
DeleteThese are lovely. We woke to a coolish 11 C. this morning. A cold front. The weeds are growing like stink. I cannot keep up, but I've no excuse that it is too hot!
ReplyDeleteI hope you solve Batty's problems. It is worrisome.
Jenn Jilks: I cannot keep up with the weeds either and a period of inactivity on my part has allowed them to flourish. Poor Batty has had a heap of medical woes since he came to live with us and I do hope that this one can be resolved and is the last.
DeleteI hope your mind can soon be put to rest about all the symptoms and all the patients ( I can hope)
ReplyDeleteYour garden is full of treasures!
kylie: Hope is a fragile essential. Thank you.
DeleteI quite enjoy weeding - not too difficult and quite productive - love seeing mounds and mounds of weeds piling up. And since all the weeding clearly just encourages more weeds to grow up, in greater strength out of determination and spite, I don't feel too guilty about interfering with nature. To interfere with your book culling: if I haven't recommended this earlier: wonderful book by Richard Mabey: Weeds. One of these annoying erudite Englishmen who seem to know everything and quote Shakespeare and other obscure dead English white guys too often, but nonetheless he is funny and I am trying to learn from him to appreciate the weed. You and Batty are, as they say, sending many veterinarians and doctors children on nice vacations.
ReplyDeleteFrances: More booky temptation? Sigh. And of course I will have to investigate - despite the dozens of boxes of books currently on our front veranda waiting to be collected. I suspect that Batty at least is paying for the vet's children's school fees.
DeleteAh, I forgot. You have the good sense to live in a country with a health care system…
DeleteFrances: Even so, I have expended money on my own health - but not nearly as much as we have forked out for Batty. I suspect my neurologist will order expensive tests so I may be talking to soon.
DeleteStill producing this lovely photographic work! 🌹 I saw you are reading Alexander MacCall Smith, a wonderful, humorous author, isn’t he. I have moved to my own blog, and it would be wonderful if you left a comment and I could continue to contact you. Love from Carole. https://caroleannecarr.co.uk
ReplyDeleteCarole Anne Carr: It is lovely to see you here - and of course I will check out your new blog. I am currently (interspersed with other books) rereading Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.
DeleteCarole: I might be being silly (quite possible) but I cannot find anywhere to comment on that link.
DeleteAwe, I'm sending happy and healthy good wishes for Batty hopefully all will be mended. Funny thing about gardens and mostly grass this year, it seems our grass has been overrun by weeds and that it's a spread of more weeds than grass. Yikes! But there's always good even in the bad and draughts and I have wildflowers or weeds or whatever that are incredibly beautiful and healthy! Oh, my whatever is happening around Minnesota? Take good care of you too.
ReplyDelete21 Wits: The weather is scary in a lot of the world isn't it? And worries me for the future. Weeds thrive in any conditions and with a bit of rain often seem to have ambitions to take over the world. I do hope that Batty recovers, and have my fingers tightly crossed. You take care of you and yours too please.
DeleteMi piace il profumo delle viole.
ReplyDeleteBuona serata.
Giancarlo: I love their scent too.
DeleteBeautiful flowers! It looks like spring already. Hope those health problems clear up. Take care.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: Spring has a way to go yet, but is very obviously on her way. Thanks for your good wishes.
DeleteBeautiful flowers. Sending all my best blessings to Batty and will put him in my prayers. I always have prayers for both children and animals they are the most vulnerable. I hope you had a good Sunday and things will be better in the new week.
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: Thank you. I hope you and your precious fur babies are doing well.
DeleteLooks like you had fun out there with your camera taking pictures to share with your admirers (like me). And so sorry to hear Batty is still struggling. Sending you plenty of love and hope your symptoms go away. Hugs to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteDJan: Very shaky hands at the moment means that I struggle to take photos. However my father always told me that I am more stubborn than stains. I will persist - and kind comments like yours encourage me.
DeleteSorry about you and Batty! Hope you get good news and Batty gets healthy.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Many thanks - and hopes.
DeleteYour flowers are beautiful! My iris need to be divided as well, but I keep putting it off. I hope your kitty gets better quickly!
ReplyDeleteSusan: A lot of plants in our garden will benefit from being divided. Soon. Ish.
DeleteI loved seeing all your flowers! So beautiful. I collect begonias.
ReplyDeleteNas: We love begonias too. They like it on our front veranda and we have a lot of them.
DeleteSnow drop are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on, and stay safe.
peppylady (Dora): They are, and I am pleased that some of our clumps of them are thickening up.
DeleteOh EC after enjoying the splendid flowers, then being concerned about little Batty, I see the worrying news about your health. I hope that a very effective treatment plan will be implemented, quickly.
ReplyDeleteKim: Thank you. Fingers remain tightly crossed for Battie. Sadly the medicos are talking three possible options for my diagnosis - and treatment is only available for one of them. The other two will have to endured/managed.
DeleteSorry I spelled Battie incorrectly. I hope your diagnosis is treatable, or that the endurance/management isn't difficult. It must be a worrying time, I'm sorry you are having to deal with it
DeleteKim: Not a problem. I actually spell his name both ways myself. It is a frustrating time for me, not least because I am going to have to wait weeks for answers.
DeleteI love your flowers. They are so common in Poland too.
ReplyDeleteGosia: Thank you. They are familiar to a lot of people across the world.
DeleteBeautiful pictures
ReplyDeleteRajani Rehana: Thank you.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Spring blooms. It's such a positive time of year, isn't it? So sorry to hear that both you and Batty are suffering. I hope that you both get the treatment you need.
Have a gentle week.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. It is indeed an exciting time of the year in the garden (and busy). A gentle week sounds perfect. That you for that lovely sentiment.
DeleteIt looks like spring is on its way. Yes, sometimes circumstances don't allow to work in the garden much, and then of course the work just piles up. It is fullfilling work, but intense and not easy. I have a labor intensive garden and am thinking how to eventually change that because I know that I will not be able to keep up with it forever.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: Ours is definitely a labour intensive garden too. And yes, I am slowly starting to look at ways to change that. I hope (so much) that I can get more or less on top of it this season though.
DeleteLovely flowers.
ReplyDeleteHena Tayeb: Thank you.
DeleteWhat beautiful blooms and plants you have!
ReplyDeleteNot too long until Spring but you seem to be getting a jump start. Thank you for sharing some of that beauty with us.
You're in our prayers, EC. Sure hope you feel better soon.
Wally Jones: Spring is indeed getting a jump start. As well as the blooms and the weeds there are plenty of insects and I am starting to see skinks (which are too fast for my shutter finger.
DeleteHopefully you and batty are both doing better soon. All of those flowers are so pretty I love the colors on some of them and I do love tulips.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: Thank you. There are tulips emerging all over the garden and I do hope they haven't peaked too early.
DeleteHow's Batty's cough and wheeze? That camellia is beauty personified. Hope your day is sure and steady. Hugs
ReplyDeleteSandra sandracox.blogspot.com
Sandra Cox: Batty is still coughing and wheezing but less often and for shorter periods. The vet said that we should know in a week to ten days whether the treatment has worked. I hope so. I really, really hope so.
DeleteToes crossed on Batty's wheezing. And for you, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight to have a flower that blooms all year long. I did not realize begonias did that.
Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com
DeleteSandra Cox: None of our other begonias flower all year round. This one just seems to be in the perfect spot. Thank you for your wishes for Batty's and my health.
I'm so glad you're inspired to get back into that garden. You have some lovely flowers beckoning!
ReplyDeletecleemckenzie: Thank you. How I wish I had been inspired to get back in the garden earlier. Much earlier.
DeleteOh, white violets, they are so pretty, but not so hardy as the violet ones.
ReplyDeleteHopes and prayers for your health.
Charlotte (MotherOwl): We have lots of white violets that come back year after year. We also have some pink ones but I haven't seen them yet this year.
DeleteSo pretty! Y'all are having an early spring. We're still in high summer here in Texas.
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: I have been looking at your temperatures and shuddering. I hope you can stay cool.
DeleteGorgeous flowers! So sorry that you and Batty are having health issues, and wishing you both well from them super fast. I hope next week proves free of all problems.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. Batty does finally seem to be getting better. Which is lovely.
DeleteYou always bring brightness to my week and I hope some is heading your way. Hugs and hopes to you all!
ReplyDeleteJemi Fraser: Your hugs and hopes are very, very welcome. Thank you. A bright week to you too.
DeleteAll of your blooms are beautiful but I must confess my favourites are the violets, both white and purple. Thank you for the injection of beauty into my day. I hope both you and Batty get better news. Hang in there, dear friend.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: Thank you for trawling though back posts. I love the violets too, and delight in them appearing each year. I am indeed hanging in.
DeleteCan't wait to see the orchids blooming.
ReplyDeleteSandra sandracox.blogspot.com
Sandra Cox: There are quite a lot of them on our front and back verandas - we look forward to them blooming too.
DeleteIt's been a LONG winter here in Hobart and I'm really really looking forward to seeing some flowers very soon... Roll on Spring! (tentativelytasmanian.blog)
ReplyDeleteMedicatedMoo: Our winter has been much milder than usual and there are flowers and blossoms bursting out all over my city. I suspect your spring is not far away (and I hope summer isn't hot on its heels).
DeleteYour flowers are gorgeous, Sue. I'm sorry that you are experiencing scary symptoms. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: Thank you. I have an appointment with the neurologist as the end of next week. Hopefully I will get some answers, but I suspect more tests are likely.
Delete