Garden pix!

So long time, no blog.  Short version: I got married, had a baby, left the State Department and moved into a 600 year old cottage in England.

Now on to the good stuff: what is happening in garden?

These irises are the most amazing color.  Vigorous old clematis thriving in the back.

 The climbing hydrangea will be in full bloom in the next few weeks.  I am working hard to keep it under control so it doesn't pull the house down.  There is a lovely honeysuckle the color of a Pacific sunset on the right.  The perfume is heaven in the evening.

Happy poppies and columbine galore.

 The wisteria is in full bloom in the front and we just planted a bunch of roses along the front wall and around the door.

 View from the garden bench in the back.  One of my favorite places to hide.

 Columbine bouquet from yesterday.

 Detail of the honeysuckle.

 Lovely flowering sedum as seen from the sidewalk.

This peony is enormous.

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For the next entry, details of ritual markings pointed out to me by a local conservation officer yesterday.  Apparently beams over doorways and chimneys were marked with symbols to keep away evil spirits.  Paradoxically, this "white magic" invokes the Virgin Mary for protection.  We found these markings in the beams all over the house as well as taper burns from candles (before candles were invented) leaned against a beam.   Since most of the beams are painted, you can see them best in the side of the house where there are a few unpainted beams.

It is so exciting to be living in a house of this age.  And trying when you are constantly knocking your head:).