This actually was the sky earlier this week, early in the morning as the sun was struggling to break through the clouds that it seems we’ve had forever. We might get one day of sun and then several days of dismal overcast weather and rain. I’m not really complaining because the rain has been great for the garden, particularly the peonies and the clematis. They are soaking up every drop they get which has directly led to this: the first blossom on the Paeonia Suffruticosa Hana Kisoi (tree peony) this year.
It only has 4 blooms which tells me it needs more of some kind of food and less of something else. I always have to look this stuff up, I can’t ever remember from season to season. When this bloom is fully open, it will reach about 9 or 10 inches across. Just a lovely bush.
The rain and chilly temps have discouraged me from spending time out in the garden but I did throw some caladium tubers in the ground as well as in pots on the deck this afternoon. And look, there are pots of lettuce and radishes coming along, both of which need thinning. And a couple of tomato plants, newly planted. 
And joy of joy, the Farmers Market opened today. Mostly bedding plants this early, but there I also found fresh asparagus and free range eggs and it looks like there are several new vendors selling bread and pastries this year, which will be sooo good for the waistline.
So that’s the garden to market report this week. More productive than the knitting and at least there’s one pretty picture. Lace knitting continues but it looks like the previous 279 rows so I’ll spare you. Spinning continues but right now it’s like riding a bike with training wheels: only exciting for the kid on the bike.
Have a good weekend chickadees!
I love the peony! If you want to post more photos of this one, I won’t be bored at all!
Lovely green-ness. Happy Weekend!
I am anxiously awaiting for our peonies to bloom. They are my favorites of the entire season.