Yet another surprise perennial at the house I bought a few months ago.

With all the petals of the flower jammed into the half-open bud (above), it really is kind of ugly. But the change in a few days is a complete turnaround.

That transformation reminds me of the work I’m doing on the house. It started out somewhat dirty and unkempt. But when I’m done with the house, it’s going to look real nice. At least the perennials that popped up added beauty without any work.

I caught a few ants crawling around, looking for the peony nectar they’re attracted to.