Some very exciting developments over the weekend.  The first are the new flowers sprucing up the courtyard. The dahlias I love, because I'm a big fan of full, fluffy flowers.  The people at Lowes were unable to tell me whether these were perennials or annuals, and the tag didn't say either way. I've done a bit of research, and it seems it will depend on our zone. So they might be okay if I bring them inside for the winter. A random shopper at Lowes told me they'd be okay in the winter if I cut them down and put some mulch on them. So, we'll see.

In addition to the dahilas, we picked up some other annuals, two hibiscus trees, and another hanging basket , that I'm thinking I won't hang. All of which join the hydrangea I brought home lat week.   And while we're on the subject of flowers, you must meet the incredible growing rose:

This amazing rose lives by our trash cans, in a very unpretty part of our yard. The area is mostly mud and gets so much rain we had a drain installed a few years ago. This climbing rose is a unbelievable.  It was here when we moved in six years ago. We've done nothing to encourage it's growth, aside from throwing the long vine over the arbor that it grows near. Instead, it's almost like we've been trying to destroy it.  The whole area was dug up with a bobcat when they put in the drain, yet the rose still grows.  It gets a zillion flowers every summer. If I knew what it was, I'd buy thirty more and scatter them around my yard. 

In other news, we finally spent our own stimulus check, for the sake of the economy, of course. I'm breaking into the world of digital SLR's, with the entry level Nikon D40.  I trust you noticed the photos in this post were much improved over previous editions. Expect more original photos from me in future, because I just can't stop clicking.