The lake so silky smooth, blades of grass wrapped in morning dew, the light sounds of chirping birds in the distance...just a few words to describe this summer morning at the lake.  Such a change from yesterday's 4th of July morning when Mother Nature started the day off with her version of fireworks and pounded us with pelting rains and windy gusts that broke the barrier of sultry heat present the two days prior.

Such a contrast can leave one's head spinning; but then when a day like this is given, it is so worthwhile.  

Summer is the most incredible time for flowers and even though the gardens are a bit mixed up with all the crazy weather patterns (early warm spring that in May turned to cold and set), it has made for unusual blooming cycles.  Right now you can take a walk and pick wild strawberries, blueberries and even raspberries....all at the same time.

Our two-year old yellow peony ‘Garden Treasure’ opened the first of her magnificent yellow blooms after the 4th of July rain storm; fragrant and exquisite.  We are very fortunate to have this rare peony at Burntside.  Hope everyone enjoys the photo.

Peony Garden Treasure

The early summer has brought many guests who are gardeners, which has been enjoyable.  In mid-June we hosted a workshop for a group of MN Botanical Artists who are doing a project on the ‘endangered boreal forest’.   Margaret Haapoja, a master gardener who writes gardening stories for state and national publications, came to celebrate her anniversary with her husband, Don.  Their visit coincided with vacation time for Betsy Danielson and her husband, Jerry Kolter; Betsy does landscape design in Sandstone, Minnesota.  Laverne and Barb Dunsmore of Countryside Gardens came for dinner as well. Toss in guests who just returned from living in South Africa and gardened there and you have a small glimpse into the wonderful garden conversations that have taken place recently.

-- Lonnie