We woke up Sunday to a lovely view across the valley just after dawn. Fog in the valley shows the layers of hills and mountains so much better than a clear view.
Gradually the fog burned away, and we decided to go for a nice little drive with friends in our little British cars.
We drove a route around the countryside past beautiful mountains and lovely pastures.
There were shades of green everywhere as the trees and meadows come to life again.
We went by an apple orchard, but the blooms were already done.
Horses saw us coming and strolled from their barn toward the road. I love those old barns.
The clouds were a bit threatening, so we headed for a favorite local restaurant for lunch.
Arriving back home, the azaleas are in full swing!
The light pink azalea that was just buds a week ago is now beautiful.
The island is in full bloom, three white azaleas, and more pinks.
I need just a couple more to fill in that last spot. I planted gladiolas there but they didn’t bloom. Up at the house, the iris blooms have started.
I actually took these before the drive, while the dew was still on the flowers.
Two blooms and a couple more buds. I plan to dig these up this year and divide them as they aren’t blooming like they used to.
I am so ready to dig in the dirt. I’ll be picking up my torenias the first of May, and those will go into the hanging baskets. I have some lettuce and pansies, and I’ll show you those when I get them potted up. My little bakery box greenhouses are still doing well and the tomatoes are coming along too.
How is your garden doing?
From My Carolina Home 
Love your blog Carole. We are down South for a month and headed your way. Hope we get to see the beautiful area and back roads from our truck and 5th Wheel. Looking to move somewhere from PA and your area is one we will be looking at. Keep up the great pics.
You have taken some lovely photographs – I love the cars!
beautiful photos!!! Love the island in all it’s blooms ♥♥♥My Iris are just getting ready to bloom and I can barely wait. 🙂
Thank you for sharing scenes from my MOUNTAIN HOME. Oh! what memories!
Fun R and R!!!
Hello Carole, the cars caught my husband’s eye. Could you please tell us the car maker and model? Thanks!
Hi Gayle, the blue one is ours and is a 1974 TVR. The green one is a 1971 Triumph TR6
Love seeing your flowers!!! Bearded Iris are some of my favorites. My Mother purchased a “bunch” of bulbs in every color that a local lady raised to sell. I remember all the beautiful colors from my childhood. None of the family lives in that area of Arkansas anymore. She asked about them recently. They require lots of weeding, separating, etc. (As you know). Seriously doubt they still exist.
Hey Carole, what are bakery box greenhouses? I have been using egg cartons.
See this post – https://frommycarolinahome.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/march-garden/
I feel goofy now that I know about bakery boxes. Of course, those would be ideal. Do you have trouble separating the plants? I feel guilty (crazy) choosing which ones get to live. Thanks for the information. DH will be happy when I move all of these seedlings outside. This year, I have pepper plants and meyer lemon trees ready for transplanting. I have learned to purchase cherry tomatoes already started and blooming in pots with framing surrounding plants.
Gorgeous view.