Here’s one of my favorite spots this time of year — the flower bed on the north side of the house. Right now, it’s bursting with life: shades of green so vivid they almost glow, and splashes of color that make the space feel cheerful and alive.
This bed is home to three different types of Hostas — Can you spot the differences. Each one has its own personality: some with broad, waxy leaves that catch the sunlight, others with ripples along the edges, and a few that seem to glow with a soft sheen. Nestled among them is a patch of hardy ferns, their lacy fronds adding texture and movement as they sway in the summer breeze. And behind it all, a bold row of orange day lilies stands tall, like little flames dancing in the sunlight.
I’m always amazed at how much variety is packed into a single bed using just green leaves and colorful blooms. There’s a rhythm to it — the way the plants complement one another, the way shadows fall across the leaves, the way the colors shift as the sun moves across the sky. Nature keeps it simple — and stunning.
Even on a quiet afternoon, just sitting near this flower bed is a little escape. I notice bees humming from bloom to bloom, the soft rustle of the ferns, and the occasional flash of a butterfly weaving through the day lilies. It’s a reminder that summer at Otter Creek isn’t just about the warmth of the sun — it’s about these little pockets of beauty that make this place feel like home.