Sunflowers peak around walnut rails of my garden fence searching for those first morning rays delivered by their namesake ball of fire. Many friends have come to join the colorful display. Today will be a good day.

Naked Ladies (Lycoris squamigera) step forward out of the weeds to surprise a determined clump of Black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

A virgin Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia) joins them, dressed in pink for her "coming-out" party. The others nod their approval.

While, just behind, a once standard white hydrangea (H. Paniculata)  reigns in her current wildness to give the young pink beauty her turn in the spotlight.

And so, the garden party begins.

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