Wade and Gatton Hosta Garden Part 1

I know this is kind of the wrong time of the year to be doing this post but I love hostas and have been wanting to visit this place http://wadeandgattonnurseries.com/hosta close to Bellville Ohio. Finally this past spring I had the opportunity to go. I can't wait till next year to go again! This could become a yearly event:)  They have several thousand varieties of hostas.
Oh my, how do you decide which ones you just have to have? It wasn't easy!

This one is growing on a rock. I don't know how it can survive.

To be continued.

The last few Lilies

I can't believe it's the last week in July.  The summer is flying by way too fast!! Why can't winter go this fast??
 My lilies are almost done blooming. Sadly I didn't have near as many this year thanks to the deer who decided the buds would make a good snack:(   They never bothered them before this year. Hopefully I will remember to spray them with liquid fence next year. I used that on my hostas this year and they have not touched them.

Blackberry Lily

Stargazer Lily

Sunsets

Last night sunset was awesome! When I left for my walk I decided to take the camera along. Was I glad I did!! First I saw this watching me...

so I took his picture. On second thought that's probably a her. Then on to the sunset.

I didn't get my walk taken but I enjoyed watching one of Gods beautiful creations.

Lemon Orange Ice Tea

Today is another hot day here in Ohio and nothing tastes better than Iced Tea. If you are lucky enough to have mint growing in your garden try this delicious citrusy minty drink.

This recipe comes from  http://fleurcottage.blogspot.com/  Take 1 cup packed fresh mint tea leaves. I have spearmint.

Put this and 1 1/2 cups water in a blender.

Blend well

And pour through a strainer.

Keeping the liquid (it will be very green) add 1 cup of sugar and a 12oz can of lemonade concentrate and a 12 oz can of orange juice concentrate.

Add water and ice to make 1 gallon. Then enjoy!!

Very refreshing!

Smoky Mountains

Anyone who knows me well know my husband and I love going to the Smoky Mountains. One of our favorite things to do is hike. With over 900 miles of trails theres always a new place to explore.  Rhododendren Creek is a hidden jewel.

 Not mentioned in any trail book very few people know its there just yards from the road.  Winding your way back into the forest you will pass several beautiful waterfalls and cascades.

It is so peaceful and serene.

This is a short and easy hike approximately 1/2 mile long.  The most people we have met on this trail is two.

Hope you enjoyed this trip into Rhododendren Creek.

Daylilies

Daylilies are in full bloom here at Serenity Cove. These were given to me by a friend several years ago and I regret that I don't have names for any of them.

So many beautiful colors.

I can't decide which is my favorite!

I think I like them all!!

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers are ready in the garden so I made this salad. Growing up we always had boiled or mashed potato's with this salad and that's still how I serve it.  It is so good.

3 cups cucumbers sliced thin
1 small onion sliced thin

Dressing ingredients
1/2 cup salad dressing or mayonnaise (I like Miracle Whip)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. celery seed (optional)
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Mix all dressing ingredients in bowl. Make sure sugar is dissolved then pour over cucumbers and onions.

Linking to StoneGable

Sunset

Sunset over Holmes County

Sunset