Great Excitement! (In my world, anyway...)

 I almost feel as though this post should be preceded by a drum roll!  However, in the absence of sound effects, I would like to announce that my peony Athens is flowering!  It is absolutely beautiful and I am delighted.  I know that this isn't world shattering news and in the great scheme of things, it means very little, but to me at this moment, it is wonderful.

 Isn't it beautiful?

 In other news, my clematis Warsaw Nike is flowering for the first time with velvety purple petals.

 Clematis Crystal Fountain is also putting on a good show.

 Alliums are still in flower too...

 and allium Christophii is just unfurling.

 It has lovely silvery lilac flowers.

Cirsium rivulare atropurpureum is also coming into flower, echoing the peony which is behind it on the border in a pot.  The cirsium may be a short lived perennial but this is its second year with me and it is doing well since I potted it on.

And finally...another look at the peony earlier tonight, just starting to go over a little.

There is another bud getting ready though.  I do need to get these peonies potted into bigger pots as they are drying out very quickly, which can't be good for them.  I have promised myself some gardening time on Sunday and in the meantime, I'll water them daily.
After all that excitement, I may need to go and lie down...