An embarrassment of riches

The phrase an embarrassment of riches means an overabundance of something, or too much of a good thing. It originated in 1738 as a translation of a French play called L'Embarras des Richesses.

Example: "All four of them have their own cars but there's no room in the driveway—an embarrassment of riches".

Or: "She grew more flowers than she can even pick."

But that's how nature is. Come January, what I wouldn't give for one bouquet like this.

While I was complaining about August rain, the flowers were soaking up every drop, and got a terrific second wind in September. I've been watering all summer long, but a hose will never replace a slow drink from the sky.

It's been a cool and damp English climate, perfect for dahlias. And this white ball wins my "favorite flower" prize.
Be sure to look for the Wave Petunia variety next spring. They've made a petunia lover of me.

And how can you not smile at frilly, silly begonias?

A garden isn't meant to be useful. It's for joy.
Ruth Goddern.

(And that's a good thing, because it's been a lousy season for growing vegetables.)