Black Eyed Susan flowers.  They add charm to any garden or landscape.  They are easy
to grow, low maintenance and quick growing.  They are good flowers for beginners to
grow.  They are drought and heat resistant, making them ideal for hot and dry climates.
And, best of all, these flowers will reseed after the first season, so you will have
flowers next year, without having to replant. 

The flowers will bloom prolifically between early summer and early fall.  As a
bonus, they will attract bees and butterflies.  They are lovely to cut for bouquets
too.  ~info from ...  funflowerfacts.com/

While visiting my friend yesterday, I was reminded again, as to how much I like this
particular flower.  She had a bouquet by her side door, in the white ironstone
pitcher.

And a bouquet of the same black eyed susan flowers in an old crock on her porch.

Along with a small, delicate bouquet in an old glass jar, on the table.  I thought to myself,
that it was a tiny presentation, that made a big statement.

But, truthfully, not as big of a statement as the delicious crystal glass of iced coffee
my friend served to me.  If you ever want to up your iced coffee recipe up a notch,
try adding just a few very small amount of chocolate chip ice cream to it, in place
of cream.  It tasted so good on that hot summer afternoon!  Friendship, flowers,
sunshine, and iced coffee...perfect combination!  What a rare treasure!

Her gardens were so well manicured and hosted an abundance of both daisies and the
black eyed susans. 

The pink cone flowers added another dimension to the gardens, and the bees never
noticed me taking their pictures.

Out front of her home, the blooms of lavender, offered a lovely fragrance.

And looked so good growing near the purple and white overflowing window boxes.
My friend is most certainly a gifted and artistically minded gardener!  I guess opposites
attract in friendships, right?  She grows them and I photograph them.  Good team!

Speaking of nature, I recently purchased this book at our local Barnes

and Nobel Bookstore.  Seeing it's colorful cover, interesting title,

and most of all, the author's name, immediately sparked my interest.

I have read other books by Francine Rivers and always found them

to be on my favorite's list.  I must tell you though, this is my all

time favorite of hers.  It is done in short chapters, sharing many

aspects of nature.  It is truly inspiring, and educational!

It opens one's eyes to the amazing world of nature from God's point of view.

For example, did you know, that "ants offer good life

lessons:

They work hard.

They know winter is coming.

They make preparation for the lean times ahead.

They work together.

They thrive.

They survive.

Good concepts for us to keep in mind, as we live here in this

world. 

Great book!

Thank you for stopping by.