More Family and Flowers

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-09-13T06:13:00.004-04:00

Happy Tuesday everyone.
Please drop by http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com to see other late summer blooms.

After the 3 inches of rain from Lee we are back to no rain in the forecast. It has felt a little Fallish with the humidity so low which has been nice. I know Fall is close, not by the calendar, the acorns are beginning to drop and those really fuzzy caterpillars are showing up.

Mexican Bush Sage
Anyone who has followed my blog for any length of time should know I grow the very tall variety of Celosia. I never know how the plumes will look.

I also share the seed, just leave a comment and I'll get back to you.

AND I love how the Pinecone Lily/Shampoo Lily is turning this orangey/red color, perfect timing. Does anyone know if I can cut and dry this? I know it's full of liquid....guess I could shampoo my hair with it :)

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Today I am Thankful for the beginning of the season change.

Hi...

2011-09-09T06:40:00.004-04:00

Just a quick post to say we have been very busy around here...Hopefully by Monday things will return to "our" normal. I have missed ya'll! The gardens however are just full of butterflies everyday. I am happy to report that I have indeed created a "Butterfly" Garden! We did receive over 3 inches of rain from Lee and we are thankful for that as it was over a three day period.

And we have had a string of birthday's around here. AND our oldest daughter, not pictured, and her husband are in Yellowstone right now camping. Yes, we have heard the reports of the bear attacks..sigh AND one of the children below received her drivers license, so now we have 3 with operators, one with learners and one waiting in the wings....

4 of our 5 kids

We have been having nice cool mornings this week. My husband says it's a false fall....sigh I'm a itchin' to get in the gardens!! The first of Spring and the first of Fall seems to have an energizing affect on me when it comes to gardening. How about you?

Ms. Doris, come on by for your potato vine clippings.... :)

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Today I am Thankful to share in the new chapters and experiences the children are walking in their lives. So young and so full of life!

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-09-01T07:41:00.012-04:00

I know we all keep saying this, how does the time get by us so quickly?
The first photo is actual rain! We received 3/10 of an inch last evening. My apologies to those that are dealing with the rain from Irene.
Variegated Hydrangea, maybe it will bloom next year.

Balloon Flower

More than a thug is Glorybower, this garden harlot has spread herself all over one of the garden "beds." Seriously, I am going to be yanking her up by her thin legs and tossing her out!

Turkscap with Mexican Sunflower.

Nope the "white" Marigold isn't. I can handle the soft buttery yellow though.

Zinnia from seed and it was supposed to be pink.

?? Oh, I know their names. I made an area out of bricks for a container grouping. Some of the plants just gave up in the heat/drought and the others took it as a challenge. See the Sedum and the Creeping Phlox? It has just about covered the bricks. Volunteers came up through the little holes in the bricks.

I have also been making wall hangings out of clay.

The butterflies have been loving our heat. We see no less than 10 butterflies at a time.

And the Hummingbird Moths are everywhere as well.

Linking up with http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com and http://tootsietime.blogspot.com

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Today I am very Thankful for the rain last evening.

I Have

2011-08-29T15:02:00.004-04:00

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Today I am Thankful for new ideas.

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-08-23T06:10:00.003-04:00

The resecued Double Impatiens are hanging on. One of my gardening neighbors gave me a white Marigold that she spent 2 dollars on for 12 seeds....does this look white to you? I will say, it has faded to a nice buttery yellow shade since this photo was taken a couple of days ago. Perhaps as it ages it will fade to white?
Drop by http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/ to see what other gardener's still have blooming.

I am continuing to add items to my new site every few days. I am also happy to report that I have received some requests for special orders. http://handmadeandvintage.weebly.com/

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Today I am Thankful for a GREAT start to another school year!

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-08-18T05:50:00.009-04:00

Dianthus Feather Grass with Althea- Rose of Sharon Tree

Blue Bedder Salvia modge podge of Zinnias

White Vinca with Yellow Sulphur Butterfly. Sulphurs are a sign that the seasons are close to changing. We see them before Spring and before Fall.

Yellow Sulphur on Zinnia, no it's not the same Sulphur.

Hemaris thysbe , Hummingbird Moth or Clearwing Moth are seen on clear sunny days unlike most moths. The love my Dianthus and I have seen several at a time sipping the juice from fallen pears.

Don't know this Butterfly's name, looks like a Swallowtail, she sure was enjoying the pink Profusion Zinnias. Yesterday not only did I see the critters posted here today, I also saw several Gulf Fritillary Butterflies, several Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies and plenty of Bees. Could this Butterfly be an older Zebra Swallowtail? See how it has blue and not white on it?

Linking up to http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ for today and http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ for tomorrow.

I have started a new website http://handmadeandvintage.weebly.com it's a new idea of an old concept for shoppers. Remember the site is new and still needs some tweaking. Items are updated every few days. If you have a chance drop by and take look, if you see something that interests you "Get Your Haggle On."

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Today I am Thankful for all of this activity in my gardens!

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-08-16T07:44:00.006-04:00

Ms. Doris, the dark leafed Canna you gave me is beginning to bloom!

Linking up with http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com

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Today I am Thankful for the slight cool down of 68 degrees!

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-08-11T07:26:00.003-04:00

Does anyone know this vine? It's popping up all over the place.Isn't this Canna a beautiful shade of pink? Grace? It's a dwarf like the yellow one still in the container to the right of the photo below this one.

Do you like pink and yellow together? I'm wondering if they would look good planted together?

Linking up with http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com for today and http://tootsietime.blogspot.com for tomorrow.

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Today I am Thankful for God's grace and mercy.

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-08-04T06:43:00.008-04:00

I didn't venture (limp) far from the house. I did however find a few blooms to share this week.
Just starting to bloom, Angelonia is containerized with Spiky Dracaena.
My dinner (saucer) plate Dahlias are still blooming.

Double Althea--Rose of Sharon is blooming again. I thought it had finished for the season.

Jacobina --Plume Flower blooms on and off all season.

Takes Chives several years to become established enough to bloom. These are Common Chives.

Love to brush up against them and stir their fragrance in the air.

Bad light for this photo...hope you can see that it's a white Butterfly Bush...the one I rooted over a year and a half ago, planting it when it was just barely 6 inches tall. It's catching the pink Crape Myrtle which is about 10 feet tall.

Linking up with http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com for today and FF at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com for tomorrow. Drop by these links and see how others are gardening in the heat.

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Today I am Thankful for A/C.

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-08-02T12:02:00.004-04:00

Still my favorite rose in my gardens, grocery store find, 5 dollars. I know I've posted it before, but my goodness she is so worth repeating!Dealing with on going hip issues and now my knee has doubled in size, so rest is in order for a few days. Will keep you updated as I know more. Needless to say the bending, twisting, squatting and those beautiful, " I wonder how I'm going to reach that plant" poses are on hold as far as gardening goes right now. Just as well seeing how it is dangerously hot outside and the snakes are crawling. My diagnosis is, get this, Aging Athletes Syndrome.....yes, I was a gymnast for many, many years and then a coach, BUT I do believe my Dr. is beginning to think that gardening is a sport too!

Linking up with http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/

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Today I am Thankful that you 'can' teach an old dog new tricks, :)

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-07-28T07:07:00.010-04:00

Trumpet Lily buds with Turk's Cap Trumpet Lilies in another area Datura in the middle. Fix the date on your camera Darla!

Cosmos

Random Zinnias dropped off on my porch by an unkown neighbor, hadn't a clue of their colors. Butterfly Ginger buds

The Sedum boots are thriving on neglect, love that!

This Clematis Vine that was completely covered in blooms during the Spring, continues to push out a bloom or two in the summer heat. With each new bloom the colors are darker?? Loving this too!

Every now and then when I purchase a mixed packet of seeds, like the Cosmos, I am surprised with a beauty..

I would love to have a field of these colors....

Linking up over at http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ for today and http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ for tomorrow.

**If any of you are receiving strange emails from me, I did not send them and hopefully I have corrected the problem**

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Today I am Thankful that my gardens are continuing to give me blooms ..

Bloomin' Tuesday...and Random Stuff

2011-07-26T07:35:00.014-04:00

There really isn't much new happening in the gardens right now. Hot~~~.... I have learned if I want to keep Petunias growing through the hot summers I must provide them with shade. I am so loving the Pink Fountain Grass

Celosia is back!

Zinnias take the heat as a challenge.

Linking up with http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/

Painting continues..

"All that glitters isn't gold"

Took the three younger girls to visit with our oldest daughter and her husband in Daytona Beach over the weekend. They get to stay a week!

My Grandturtle....he's a Red Footed Tortoise....

A month ago we celebrated my FIL's birthday. Here is the birthday boy with 4 of his grandchildren, isn't he cute in his birthday hat?

For those of you non bloggers, if you click on the photos they will enlarge, click again and they will enlarge a little more....

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Today I am Thankful for Family and Flowers ~~~

Old Window

2011-07-22T06:40:00.009-04:00

Remember I showed you this old window at the end of my post yesterday? Still disregard the date stamp on my photos...

The two crowns I painted, the sheet of paper with french royal crowns is glued on and the other stuff I stenciled.

What do you think? I'm linking up with http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ for Feathered Nest Friday. Some serious home and garden inspiration going on over there!

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Today I am Thankful to continue to find awesome blogs!

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-07-21T07:17:00.012-04:00

My goodness time is flying. It seems as if the girls just got out of school for summer break and here it is a month away from them starting another school season.
Please take a look over at http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ today and http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ tomorrow for photos of beautiful blooms, plants, gardens and great ideas.
Brugmansia--Angel Trumpet has been strutting her stuff and walking by her in the early morning she has a delightful fresh fragrance.

I do not know what happened here. Clearly marked Blackberry Lily the seed was planted two years ago. Regardless, she's a keeper. Thanks Ms. Frances over at http://fairegarden.wordpress.com/ for the seed. I have another area where Blackberry Lilies are growing from seed from another garden blogger. I'll post on those at a later date.

Double Knockout Roses--These are very low maintenance plants, although with regular pruning you do not have that long period in between blooms.

Please disregard the date stamp on some of the photos, someone has been playing with my camera....sigh

Althea--Rose of Sharon

Two new to me plants, thanks DH for bringing me a surprise when you visit Lowe's.

Dwarf Canna

I'm really excited about this one!

Do you know this one? Any suggestions?

First two steps on my newest project....

Hmmm...

I do hope and pray everyone has a safe and blessed weekend. (the finished window is in my newer post)

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Today I am Thankful for the interest that has been shown in purchasing some of my signs.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T07:37:00.001-04:00

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Today I am Thankful for family and friends, even those whom I've not met in person.

Thank You..

2011-07-18T07:02:00.005-04:00

It rained on and off all weekend. We received about 3 inches of rain on Friday and Saturday. I have not checked how much rainfall we received yesterday as it was still raining when I came in last evening. Thanks so much to each and everyone of you that held my son in your hearts and minds this past weekend. The funeral was yesterday afternoon and it was so, so sad. If you feel prompted, please continue to pray for my son, the girl's family and all the young people that this tragedy touched.

An old porch table before.

After

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Today I am Thankful that God's mercies are new every morning.

Cottage Flora Thursday, FF and GBBD...

2011-07-14T07:50:00.014-04:00

Back of the block wall planter. I'm linking up with Cottage Flora Thursday over at http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ for today and FF over at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ and GBBD over at http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com/ for tomorrow. Thank you ladies for hosting these memes.

Cosmos

When you start Petunias from a mixed bag of seeds you never know what colors they will be.

Impatiens and Coleus from seed

Salvia with Zinnias in the mist of Dahlia foliage

This little Torenia aka Wishbone popped up in the middle of some Ornamental Potato Vine.

Home and Garden Projects

Before

After

Before

After

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Today I am Thankful that my son spent Tuesday night with us at home. His girlfriend was killed in an automobile accident yesterday morning. If he had not randomly showed up at home on Tuesday evening and been invited to stay the night, he would have been with her. Divine intervention. Thank you Lord.

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-07-12T05:55:00.008-04:00

Join Jean over at http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/ to see what other gardener's have blooming today and/or link up with us. Hidden Ginger

I hope the Brugmansia - Angel Trumpet Tree blooms are open this morning.

See the hanging container with the struggling white Geranium in it?

My oldest daughter said, "I bet you are the only person with a hanging Sunflower." Courtesy of some critter.

This is my first year to have Pinecones on my Pinecone Lilies, I did not know they flowered though. Thanks Ms. Doris three doors down for the starts.

I almost let this very light pink Crinum Lily fade completely white before I photographed it. Thanks for the reminder DH. We have from very deep pink to this almost white color on our Crinums. Our Crinums were rescued from the garbage of a construstion sight a few years back so we really haven't seen all the colors yet.

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Today I am Thankful for being able to see my oldest daughter over the weekend.

Weekend Sightings..In Our Yard..

2011-07-11T07:12:00.007-04:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend. We had some sunshine and some welcome rain. I'm asking for some help identifying a couple of things. First I show you a photo of a sick hummer..don't really know what was wrong with him, he wasn't flying far or fast which allowed me to snap a few up close photos.Not sure if this is an immature male hummer, because of the red dot on it's neck or a female. Regardless it was giving the sick hummer a fit. The next morning we found the male hummer by the porch..he didn't make it.

Woodpeckers like our pears. This is an immature woodpecker on the pears after taking lessons from one of it's parents.

I have also have watching this vine, haven't a clue how it got here, which happens a lot in my gardens. The bloom is this tiny yellow flower.

Then this fruit??? Any ideas?

Last up we have this very detailed cocoon of sorts hanging on one of the climbing roses?? Any idea what critter may have made this?

Thanks Gail at http://clayandlimestone.blogspot.com for the ID on the vine, it is Melothria pendula or creeping cucumber and the ID on the Bagworm Cocoon, don't think I want either one in my gardens!

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Today I am Thankful for the wonderful things nature allows me to see.

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-07-07T05:12:00.012-04:00

Today I am linking up with http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ and http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ for FF on tomorrow.

Plumbago

Alyssum

Gerbera

This Verbena I call Miss Prissy, she once had her own chair container but her butt outgrew it.

Crinums have been blooming for a couple of weeks.

Still my favorite rose, from the grocer for 5 dollars.

This Amaranthus, Joseph's Coat popped up in our parking area. The wind and rain knocked it over a few days ago, my husband has nicknamed it the 'Lion's Mane'.

The majority of my blooming plants are either finished for the season or are waiting for a slight cool down in temperatures to begin blooming again. It gets very hot and humid quickly during the day which makes for an unstable atmosphere with unpredictable thunderboomers in the afternoon. In the meantime the girls and I have been working on a few projects indoors. Some of the paper that we made the other day is being turned into bookmarks while some of the others will be framed. I will be sharing how I made the paper next week. I could share a video link with you that I viewed for this idea, but anyone that knows me, knows that I tweak every recipe I use.

Here are a few signs I painted yesterday. Today I will drill holes and attach the wire for hanging. I'll share more about the completed signs next week as well. Some things will be for sale soon...Christmas is only 5 months away... :) (special orders welcome)

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Today I am Thankful to "Walk by faith not by sight"......

One Word Wednesday --

2011-07-06T07:44:00.006-04:00

Paper

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Today I am Thankful for the time to try new crafts and ideas.

Still Busy...

2011-07-04T07:41:00.006-04:00

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Today I am Thankful for my helpers.

One Word Wednesday

2011-06-29T05:33:00.007-04:00

Busy...

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Today I am Thankful for the afternoon rain we have been receiving.

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-06-23T07:47:00.012-04:00

These memes that I participate in are making it challenging to find something different blooming every week. It's also making me look at my gardens with a more critical eye. Linking up to http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ and http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/

The next three photos are part of my full sun flower garden. The little porch to the right goes into the side of the house. Directly behind where I stood to take this photo and to the right is the front porch. The driveway in the background goes to the apartment attached to our home.

I took a few steps forward along our front driveway just past the wheelbarrow planter in the above photo.

I continued up the driveway a few more steps, turned to the right and zoomed in a little. See the lattice in the back to the left? Across the apartment drive is the new woody meadow area we are slowly working on. It started out as my 'scrap garden'. You know, where you toss all the left over seeds and plants that were growing where they weren't supposed to.

Of course these photos are not uploaded in the order I wanted them to be. Not blogger's fault, mine. In the garden strip by the roadside I have planted this newly acquired Ruellia tweediana--Desert Petunia or Mexican Petunia. I do have the popular purple ones, when I saw this pink one in the ICU at Lowe's for a $1.50 I had to save it. Yes, they spread around a bit, I find it easy to pull up and pass a long. They require little, if any care once established.

At the other end of our half circle drive is my mostly shade garden where I have this Rudbeckia beginning to bloom, thanks Ms. Doris. She is nearly 5 ft. tall. Do you know her first name?

Okay, back to the full sun garden. It is quite chaotic, if you look closely you can find some real treasures in there. Malvaviscus penduliflorus--Turk's Cap, Cardinal's Hat or Sleeping Hibicus as it never fully opens. It can grow up to 10 ft tall, tolerates just about any soil, hardy in zones 9-11

In my zone 8 it dies back in the winter but recovers quickly, drought resistant. Can be grown in more shade although it will become leggy and more vine like.

I had one Cleome return this year and have watched it like a hawk, waiting on those seeds!

The next two photos are of some little starts that I was blessed to receive from http://flowerladymusings.blogspot.com/ I wanted to show her their progress.

Keep your comments to yourself about the beautiful containers they are housed in right now, :)

I need a refresher on their names, Mom of Millions? Moses in a Basket? A Bromeliad? The leafier plant to the right is a Chinese Lantern I started from seed. It's struggling.

I am not normally this chatty in my posts. Hope I didn't lose your attention.

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Today I am Thankful for the 60% chance of rain we have today and tomorrow.

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-06-21T05:56:00.009-04:00

It's time to join Jean at http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com for Bloomin' Tuesday! My plants are alive, the blooms are few due to the heat. It is very challenging to keep everything watered. We did receive about one tenth of an inch of rain last evening and it was just beautiful falling from the sky.

Ipomoea 'Blackie'

Daylily

White Zinnia in the mist of Blue Bedder Salvia and Purple Coneflowers

Hibiscus with a guest. Thanks for the seed Dirt Princess.

I normally cut the first flowering stalks out of my Dusty Miller in order to get much bushier plants.

If you purchase black oil sunflower seeds to feed the birds, every now and then this happens!

Thanks for all of the nice comments about my veggies in yesterday's post. We do have an area where we 'try' to grow veggies. I did however plant the onions in my full sun flower garden and now that area has been replanted with Bell Peppers. Also in the full sun flower garden are hot Rooster Spur Peppers and hot Datil Peppers.

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Today I am Thankful that the majority of my plants are alive!

Veggie Victory!

2011-06-20T07:39:00.005-04:00

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Today I am Thankful for veggies in the garden!

GBB, CFT and FF

2011-06-15T04:30:00.018-04:00

Please join GBBD over at http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com/ on the 15th of every month. I am also using this post for Cottage Flora Thursday at http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ and FF at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ There are a lot of beautiful blooms, plants and ideas at these parties! Not going to complain about how hot and dry it is in North Florida, it is however, 79F - 21.1 C at 4:30 in the a.m. Broke the record again yesterday....102F - 38.8C ......

On the other side of the Brugmansia that I showed yesterday are yellow blooms. Will see if they stay yellow.

Zinnia - Red Spider reseeded from last year, in the most random places.

Double Day Lily--not my favorite..

Hydrangea-- Mophead is still showing off...just can't help but think of grandparents when I see the blue ones.

The Torenia--Wishbone, are back. Everywhere again!

Salvia--Black and Blue

The next two photos are of Clematis that bloomed their petals off early spring. Here they are trying to bloom again despite the heat.

Dianthus

Echinacea-Purple Coneflower--I don't have any of the newer fancy ones, yet. These are from my mother's garden.

Pentas

Here's the Crape Myrtle I mentioned yesterday.

Jacobina

I will be taking cuttings from these heat tolerant plants !

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Today I am Thankful for the A/C .

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-06-14T07:34:00.008-04:00

Hot, hot, hot I say! The temperature in my car read 107 yesterday!! Where, oh where is the rain? The plants and flowers are slow growing and the blooms are here and there.
On with the photos for Bloomin' Tuesday at http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com

Brugmansia--Angel Trumpet

Trailing Petunias from seed.

Welcome Back David...Tall Phlox

Monarda--Bee Balm

Container of Red Petunias in the shade of the Crape Myrtle Tree, which is blooming...geez why didn't I take a photo of it?

I believe this to be an Anisacanthus, Hummingbird Bush. I cannot however find an exact match of the foliage on any of the images I googled.

It was a cutting from Ms. Doris and was planted in the ground for two years growing only about 8 inches tall. Early this spring I planted it in a container and located it in an area that receives more sun. Do you know this plant?

Michelle, need some Monarda? :)

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Today I am Thankful for the Deans.

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-06-09T07:40:00.012-04:00

Linking up with http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ for Cottage Flora and http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ for FF tomorrow.

Dahlias and Silver Sage

Cleome with pink Fountain Grass

Agapanthus

A few of the many containers that dot my gardens.

Ornamental Potato Vines, Crown of Thorns, Nicoitiana, Scented Geranium

Black and Blue Salvia, May Night Salvia, Dahlberg Daisy, Bacopa, a pink Zinnia and returning Potato Vine from last year around the bottom.

Japanese Yew, Dusty Miller-that has been cut back, and burgandy spikey plant's name escapes me this morning...

Caladiums

String of Bananas

Creeping Jenny, (thug), Impatiens and that tall thingy that returns every year and has purple blooms...Spider Plant to the right.

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Today I am Thankful for so, so many things!

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-06-07T07:06:00.012-04:00

Thanks Jean at http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/ !

Look!!! We received rain on Saturday and Sunday!!

The Lupine really doesn't like temperatures in the 90's much less triple digits.

The temperature in the greenhouse yesterday, see the mercury?

Regardless of the heat the gardens are hanging in there pretty well.

Fennel

Gomphrena

Hibiscus--Painted Lady

Platycodon grandiflorus--Balloon Flower

Zinnia--Green Envy with a disfigured center..

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Today I am thankful for the rain we received over the weekend!

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-06-02T07:22:00.012-04:00

Wow, June 2nd already. We are still in a drought with stifling heat, official temperature yesterday was 103...HOT and DRY! With my husband's diligence in rotating garden hoses everyday we are doing pretty well at keeping most plants alive and thriving. Today's contribution to Cottage Flora at http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com and tomorrow's FF over at http://tootisetime.blogspot.com are..
Justicia brandegeana--Shrimp Plant Mish Mash container with Dahlias, Hibiscus, Silver Falls, Allysum and some Sedum tucked somewhere in there..sigh

Last week I featured my double Althea--Rose of Sharon, today my single.

On either side of the old red bench I have this same combination from seed. Impatiens, Coleus and a small Hosta (not from seed) in the middle somewhere, sigh.

The Hypoestes--Polka Dot Plant is NOT just a house plant here. Returns with a vengeance every year in the garden.

Cleorodendrum bungei--Glory Bower is beautiful....BUT it stinks and will aggressively take over an area in one growing season.

Gaura--Whirling Butterflies

One of the best smaller roses I have was purchased at the grocer, 5 bucks. It's now about 2 1/2 feet tall.

Euphorbia milii--Crown of Thorns will have to be lugged to the greenhouse come frost season. All parts are poisonous if ingested and the prick of a thorn can cause the gardener's finger to triple in size, just ask Ms. Doris.

Last but not least by any means in ICU is a two toned Impatien resecued from Lowe's. The tips were pinched for rooting and the plant repotted. Fingers crossed!

It's been a busy week around here...school season is coming to a close tomorrow. The children have all had various schedules with taking exams, exempting exams, regular Church services and preparing for VBS. My visiting has been hit and miss, my apologies. I will do my best to return your visit. Thanks for continuing to drop by.

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Today I am Thankful that tomorrow is the last day of school..probably not as thankful as the children though.

Bloomin' Tuesday...LUPINE

2011-05-31T04:39:00.008-04:00

The Lupine bloom is finally opening and I love it. It may appear to be planted in an unusual place because it is. I had to make sure it received individual attention.

It wilts almost completely down during the hottest part of the day, (which is nerve wrecking to see) for crying out loud, if your thermometer read 103 farenheit or 39.4 celcius you'd wilt too. Therefore I have watered it everyday, this area also drains quickly. Remember, we are in a drought, over 11 inches short of rain this year. Could be the driest May on record. There is a wild Lupinus villosus--Lady Lupine which I actually featured on April 27, 2011 growing wild on my SIL's property, they are not the same species.

I have two more in this same area, no bloom stalks yet. I have one in the full sun garden mixed in a patch of Forget-me-nots..the soil there retains moisture longer so I have not witnessed any wilting, it also doesn't have a bloom stalk, yet. I will planting these again next year in an area that receives some mid-day shade...Jean over at http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com whom I'm linking with has a patch of purple lupine blooming. Now let's see if I can be successful with collecting the seed.

Jane Cowell Hibiscus is blooming.

Giant Swallowtail with tattered wings on the butterfly bush.

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Today I am Thankful for the nice holiday weekend we just had.

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-05-26T04:48:00.013-04:00

So far so good with the Lupine seed, thanks Grace. This plant is very important to me, not only because of where the seeds came from..also because I spoke to a MG at the local nursery here and was told that Lupine would germinate in our zone although it would not grow and definitely would not bloom. Looks like it might bloom to me! Should I take a photo to the nursery, give them a call or invite them over to see it? :)

White Carnations--Dianthus

Celosia volunteering to grow in a row at the edge of the driveway...gotta be moved or tossed.

Echinacea purpurea--Eastern Purple coneflower with Salvia farinacea 'Blue Bedder' Sage or Mealycup Sage

Liatris spicata--Gayfeather, Blazing Star or Button Snakeroot gets better every year.

I have it here and there throughout the gardens.Tall Phlox- Nicky

Althea--Rose of Sharon , double....don't know why I didn't show my single.

Monardo didyma, Bee Balm--Jacob Kline

Linking up with http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ and FF for tomorrow at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ .

Do have a safe and happy weekend!

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Today I am thankful to be celebrating my husband's 50th birthday this weekend.

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-05-24T06:48:00.012-04:00

Still have a few Poppies blooming. Susans, a garden staple.

Cosmos

Centaureas

Dahlia--some are shy and

some are not.

Zinnia

And my very first Heuchera bloom! Isn't she lovely? Don't have her special name in front of me right now, do you recognize her?

Thanks Jean at http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com for hosting Bloomin' Tuesday.

The Spring weather bringing tornadoes to so many areas is just heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected by them. We on the other hand are experiencing a drought. My car read 102 degrees yesterday.

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Today I am Thankful that God really is in control.

Which One Of You Oregon Gardener's

2011-05-23T06:45:00.006-04:00

Grace at http://gracepete.blogspot.com/ or Catherine at http://agardenerinprogress.blogspot.com/ sent me these seeds and what is it? A Poppy? She is so delicate and pretty.

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Today I am Thankful for this surprise in the garden.

Address For Rain Gardener's Family

2011-05-20T11:04:00.004-04:00

It is my hope and prayers that we gardening bloggers who so generously share our cuttings and seeds will be even more generous with our cards and prayers to the family of Linda Karr aka Rain Gardener at http://gardeningbytrialanderror.blogspot.com/ ...... in the news of her recent passing.

THE KARR FAMILY
c/o Ronda Siglar
113 Kollock Road
Winlock, WA 98596

I thank you in advance.
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Today I am Thankful for my blogging friends both past and present.

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF--ADDED INFO!

2011-05-19T07:23:00.015-04:00

Just heard that Linda Karr aka Rain Gardener--Gardening By Trial and Error has passed away. See http://beccasgardenspot.blogspot.com/ so, so sad.
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Oh my is time flying! It's time for Cottage Flora at http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ and FF tomorrow at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ I have been busy painting, shampooing carpet and juggling sprinklers. We are now about 10 inches short of rainfall for the year with no rain in sight. Hope I can keep up.

Here are my offerings for today.
Nicotina
Four O'clocks right in the middle of the path, sigh.

Jacobina

Lobelia

Brugmansia

Lacecap Hydrangea

Calla

The Butterfly Bush I rooted last year, the blooms are at least a foot long and

the bush is about 10 feet tall.

Ragin' Cajun Ruellia

Purple Coneflowers and Blue Beddar Salvia

Mish mash container area.

Please forgive my neglect in visiting....I will be around to see what you have going on in your gardens...in the mean time, thank you so much for continuing to drop by. You all are always welcome here.

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Today I am Thankful to all of you that continue to visit my gardens.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T07:10:00.002-04:00

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Today I am Thankful that I am almost finished painting!!!

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-05-12T09:21:00.000-04:00

It's time for that end of the week link-up. Joining up with http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com for Cottage Flora Thursday and http://tootsietime.blogspot.com for Friday Flaunt.

Finding new blooms, hooray!
Canna Lily
Update: The Cinderblock wall in April..

Today. There has been some growth, I can actually see the white Begonias now.

Guara--as you can see this one has the tiny dark pink flowers and the larger lighter pink to white flowers.

Fading Iris, Petunia, Profusion Zinnia, Diamond Frost Euphorbia with Cordyline and Brugmansia to the right.

Glad

Stachy- Lamb's Ear

Silver Sage in bloom. To the right is one that has just finished blooming. The silver leaves on the bottom are bigger than my hand!

Lilum- Red Dutch

Green Envy Zinnia

Datura last evening..

this morning.

Have a Happy Weekend!

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Today I am Thankful for the increase in our rain chances!

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-05-10T06:09:00.009-04:00

Foxgloves are beginning to bloom. After three years in different areas of the gardens I believe they are putting down roots and should have some off spring in the near future.It's Bloomin' Tuesday over at http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/, she is celebrating three days in a row of sunshine....we on the other hand are praying for a little rain. We are way behind on our rainfall and yesterday it was 96 degrees fahrenheit, I guess that's about 35.3 celsius. It's currently 70 degrees at 6:17 a.m. Watering is becoming a balancing act in the gardens. Several of the Hydrangeas are setting buds and some are even beginning to blush.

My first Astilbe bud, ever..if you have any tips on these plants I would love for you to share. I am so tempted to pinch off this bud. Yes, I'm a pincher! I will sacrifice new blooms early in the season for bigger, stronger plants with blooms later in the season.

For those of you that love flowers in the Dianthus family, you should try Carnations from seed. They are very drought tolerant, love full sun, some shade and are cold hardy here. They also do well in containers.

Have a great Tuesday!

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Today I am Thankful for a few new blooms.

GGW "Picture This Contest"

2011-05-07T09:03:00.003-04:00

GGW "Picture This Contest" for May, 'Lighting: A Closer Look.'
Judge Alan Detrick says, "Shadows often act as a balance to bright areas. Paying attention to the light is an essential element in creating that "Magical" image."
Click on photo to enlarge...

My entry : Red Breadseed Poppy in the early morning sun light. Link to the contest page:
http://www.gardeninggonewild.com/?p=17015
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Today I am Thankful that I am NOT late in entering the contest this month :)

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-05-05T06:32:00.021-04:00

Linking up with Cottage Flora Thursday at http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ and FF at http://tootsietime.blotspot.com/ join the parties!

Calibrachoa and Diamond Frost Euphorbia
One of 4 seeded Larkspur areas

Coleus from seed, reseeded Impatien under the Lacecap Hydrangea

Yellow Petunias with Forget Me Nots

Poppies from seed this year thanks to two Oregon gardeners.

African Daisies rescued mid winter

Verbena bed

Loving the Crazy Daisies started from seed in o9.

Gerbera Daisy

Dahlia from seed

I do hope those of you receiving threats of frost, snow and more rain will soon have rays of sunshine warming your faces and gardens.

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Today I am Thankful for the small cool down in the temps....it was a little early for the 90's.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T06:21:00.002-04:00

Click to enlarge

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Today I am Thankful for the 100 or so raindrops that fell yesterday.

Spanish Moss -- Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-05-02T07:28:00.008-04:00

Tillandsia usneoides, Spanish Moss, Florida Moss, Long Moss, Graybeard is not related to either mosses or lichens. It is of the Bromeliad Family and yes it does flower as seen below.Epiphtic plants grow on another plant, they do not rely on the host plant for nutrients, epiphytes make their own food. It was harvested for years as stuffing for automobile seats, furniture and mattresses. Some songbirds use the plant as building materials. Warblers and Bats are fond of it.
It's time for Bloomin' Tuesday over at http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com
I borrowed some myself :)

Happy May!

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Today I am Thankful for a sense of humor.

FF -- Ms. Doris' Garden

2011-04-29T09:33:00.015-04:00

I'm joining http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ for FF.. This week I am featuring some flowers from Ms. Doris' Garden Three Doors Down.
I love to see her Amaryllis bloom and I almost missed them this year.

Lovely Hibiscus

When Ms. Doris showed me her Alstroemeria blooming she exclaimed, "It's a miracle!"

The next two photos are of two of her Hydrangeas blooming. Remember, she has over 70 in her collection.

She has so generously rooted me cuttings of different Hydrangeas, I'm up to about 8 now.

Spirea-- Anthony Waterer

A few of her containers.

This is Allen Caesar, named for her DH.

Agapanthus

Only Ms. Doris could pull off a combination with different water and light needs...

A piece of Autumn Joy Sedum that I gave her is doing quite nicely with the portulaca.

Torenia, Impatiens, Allysum and Fern

This is the area where the tree fell in that bad storm we had a few weeks back. Looks great again!

Thank you Ms. Doris for letting me visit, I really enjoyed it as usual. My post is late today because I started watching the Royal Wedding at 4:30 this morning...

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Today I am Thankful that I could view a 'real' fairytale wedding.

Wildflower Wednesday --Lupinus villosus

2011-04-27T07:58:00.006-04:00

I am linking up with Gail over at http://clayandlimestone.blogspot.com/ my first time for Wildflower Wednesday. Her linky is located in her sidebar.

While visiting my SIL I noticed this bloom from a distance and had to investigate. With the help of my BIL we have identified it as Lupinus villosus--Lady Lupine. It grows specifically in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.
It likes a scrub area with sandy soil, quite drought tolerant I might add, as we are about 8 inches behind in our rainfall for the year. Do you know this plant?

Noted to be great food for caterpillars. What type of caterpillars were not indicated. Further research should be done for personal information on my part.

Just had to add this interesting bridge that my SIL and her husband built. Across the bridge and around the corner to the right is their home and at the edge of the property is a lake.

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Today I am Thankful for Gail and her bulldog tenacity concerning wild/native plants and flowers and the pollinators that we so desperately need. She certainly has me keeping my mind and eyes open.. :)

Dahlias From Seed - Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-04-26T06:49:00.008-04:00

Here are some of the Dahlias I started from seed in February...thanks Lona! There are still a few Dahlias that haven't bloomed yet.

I still do not know how this Dahlia got here..I sure am enjoying it though. (yes those are onions behind it)

The Larkspur is starting it's show on the red brick castle wall. I have 5 Hydrangeas some Monarda and a very tall skinny white Butterfly bush in this area as well. Please ignore the HUGE very old container of Bromeliad, Queen's Tears in the back right..don't quite know what to do with it.

Linking up with http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/

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Today I am Thankful!

GGW "Picture This Contest"

2011-04-25T06:55:00.006-04:00

This is my entry for the "Picture This" Contest over at http://gardeninggonewild.com/ where the subject this month is "Let's Talk Light". Please click photo to enlarge.

Uh Oh....I may be a little to late....sigh

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Today I am Thankful for these contests that make us look at our gardens and garden guests in a different 'light'.

Cottage Flora Thursday and FF

2011-04-21T04:43:00.017-04:00

Joining Cottage Flora Thursday over at http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com and FF over at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com

Look at the growth on this Silver Sage in three days.

Sigh...

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Today I am Thankful that my eyes can see color.

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-04-19T06:28:00.003-04:00

Jean over at http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/ has started her Bloomin' Tuesday back up for 2011.

My contribution today is Asiatic Lily 'Dolly Madison' (Lilium)

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Today I am Thankful for the joy in my heart.

Poppies

2011-04-18T08:10:00.004-04:00

Because they are pretty. Please click on photos to enlarge...If you double click they will enlarge a little more.

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Today I am Thankful for the many generous gardening bloggers that happily share their seeds.

Three Memes Today....

2011-04-14T07:34:00.016-04:00

Linking up with http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/ for today's meme.... for tomorrow's memes GBBD at http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com/ and FF at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/

These photos don't even come close to my gardening space and the things I have tucked here and there. Click photos to enlarge...Caution: Weeds and Leaves

For those of you that have asked...we live on 2 acres with plenty of backwoods.

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Today I am Thankful for all of this gardening space.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T05:58:00.006-04:00

Click to enlarge...

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For those of you interested in the cinder block wall. We used chicken wire shaped to fit in the protruding blocks, lined with a plastic grocery bag with holes poked in them. We hooked the chicken wire over the opening of the block. Spray painted it to match the blocks and covered it with moss. Because I like moss. The stacked blocks, three high, were filled about 3/4 of the way with sand, the rest soil, for planting. Forgot to mention we used Quick Grip glue to secure the blocks...seems to have worked quite well.

Pam wedged 8 inch nails in hers to hold her wire lined with black plant fabric stuff. In the post previous to this one there is a link to exactly how Pam built hers.

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Today I am Thankful for the 3/10 inch of rain we received Monday night.

Cinder Block Saturday--Gardening With Teenagers

2011-04-11T06:28:00.008-04:00

What a wonderful weather weekend we had for playing in the garden/yard. I have been reading and rereading Pam's Block Wall post found here http://www.penick.net/digging/?p=10996 Three of my girls and one of their friends didn't think the gray color of the blocks would blend well with the other colors of our garden art, so this is what we/they came up with.Keep in mind when you are gardening with teenagers you must let them add a little of their personality...which is a small price to pay for their labor. (and it's just paint)

I still need to add more moss in areas...all in all I believe they did a great job. The wall sits on the edge of our property street side. We did get some curious looks, a few thumbs up and a couple shouts of "I love it!"

Then the girls wanted to paint a cinder block all their own as a keepsake of our day....three of my girls on the right, their dear, dear friend on the left.

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Today I am Thankful that these precious teenagers wanted to spend the day with me outside!

Fertilizer Friday --

2011-04-08T05:37:00.010-04:00

It's FF over at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com ... I declare this time of the year things are happening so fast in the gardens I could do a post everyday...I'll try and restrain myself. Calibrachoa I have several of this Dianthus. She gets bigger and better every year.

Achillea Paprika started from seed the winter of 2009.

Centranthus ruber--Red Valerian

Poppies are forming buds

I started Blue Bedder Salvia from seed a few years ago.

I adore Alyssum and toss seeds here and there. I see some Royal Carpet Alyssum in the midst of the African Daisies--Voltage Yellow.

I have Airplane/Spider plants in these two red buckets. I sprinkled Alyssum in as a filler/spiller.

Again, I have been very impressed with the Weigela--Wine and Roses. I don't know that it's in a good location as fas as color goes, kind of blends in with the mulch. Oh well....

Everyone have a blessed and safe weekend. Hoping your weather cooperates with whatever plans you have.

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Today I am Thankful for beautiful spring colors!

Cottage Flora Thursday

2011-04-07T07:01:00.010-04:00

Linking up to http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com for Cottage Flora Thursday. Grace, here is a hint of something that might be in the package.... When I did the collage of our blooming fruit trees I forgot to include our Navel Orange Tree.

Abutilon

Hey, Garden Fairies do ya'll know how this Dahlia got here? I seriously do not have a clue. I planted Dahlia seeds in peat pots and then planted the pots. This one is NOT in a pot.

She has no idea how close she came to getting yanked out of the soil when she was much smaller.

Ranunculus

And the roses are doing quite nicely after the pruning and sprinkling of coffee grounds.

I got the greenhouse all cleaned up yesterday and planted more seeds--different types of Zinnias, Cosmos, Cucumber, Watermelon, Hibiscus, Nicotiana, Lavatera.....hopefully I will be planting mid season for late season color...do you stagger your plantings or do them all at once?

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Today I am Thankful that I live in long growing season zone.

Ms. Doris' Garden After The Storm

2011-04-05T11:57:00.008-04:00

About 2:30 this morning we had a band of severe weather come through our area, it lasted about two hours. In our area we call them thunderboomers because the thunder is so loud and strong it shakes the houses. The lightning show was like being in a disco with the swirling disco ball....remember those? And the wind oh my! Mid morning I answered a knock at my front door to find Ms. Doris standing there with a very distressed look on her face. All she could say was, "My garden is destroyed." I grab my camera and off we went to survey the damage. The first photo is the main section of her very large gardens February 1st of this year. There has been rapid growth and many new plantings in the ground and in containers added to this area in the last 6 weeks. When we got back to her gardens, this is the first sight I saw. Photos below are of the same area.

That's her garden shed in the back.

Two very large branches from the top of a tall Maple Tree had crashed into her gardens.

Only a dedicated gardener will understand the blood, sweat and tears it takes to garden on this scale and the sinking feeling in your heart when you see this type of damage.

Even in her distressed state of mind and running around picking limbs out of plants and her wonderful husband cutting up the larger ones, she sent me on my way with two pass-a-longs. A purple butterfly bush and a hydrangea, oh, she has over 71 hydrangeas...give you an idea of the hugeness of her gardens?

I left her with a hug and encouraging words that her plants will probably look better than she has imagined once the limbs are removed.

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Today I am Thankful that Ms. Doris and her husband were not injured as these limbs could have fallen on their home.

Wordless Wednesday Results---The Real Story

2011-04-03T19:28:00.010-04:00

HEYYY, it's the 15-year-old Over the past few days, viewers/followers of my mother's blog have graciously given their time to look at my pictures and take a crack at what I'm doing.A lot of you guessed that I was helping my mom with a new garden area, and the swing was my reward. Some of you guessed that the area was for the family, and I decided to be nice and help set up this little family get-away spot. I am sorry to say that am not nearly that nice. The entire idea was completely selfish, as the area is for me and only me.

It all started about a month ago, when my scatter-brained self randomly suggested that we hang up a swing at our grandmother's house in Alabama, since we would be visiting her over spring break. Dad commented from the driver's seat of the truck "Why don't we just do that here at home?"

My reply, "Really?!? Can we?!?" "Sure." he drawled. My sisters threw me doubtful glances, not believing that Dad was serious. But he was.

So, a month passes by, and we visit our grandmother (and celebrate my birthday) in Alabama. On the Friday we get home, Mom takes me outside, saying that she wants to show me something. Now, being a teenager, I had forgotten about my request for a swing a month prior. And, living with a mother like mine, I assumed I had an afternoon filled with hardwork and weeding, a great ending to my spring break.

So, she leads me out back, behind the tool shed, and stands there looking at me... and I stand there looking at her. We look at each other for a while before I realize that in a small clearing behind the shed, hanging from a tree, was my very own rope swing!!

So, my mom, being the way she is, says to me (after I fool around on the swing for a bit) "And you can make it your own little place, and plant flowers and eveything." So, these pictures are of what I've done so far.

After reading all the comments I (not my mom) came to the decision that One over at http://onenezz.blogspot.com/ is the winner of the Wordless Wednesday competition!! Congratulations!!! E-mail my mom at rusdar at hotmail dot com, with your mailing address. Please put Wordless Wednesday in the subject line.

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Today I am Thankful for a totally amazing mom like mine, and the fact that she's mine and no one elses!!!!!!

P.S.-- Hey Grandaddy Green, I know you're reading this!!

Fertilizer Friday

2011-04-01T04:57:00.019-04:00

It's time for FF over at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ . I hope you don't get too many April Fool's jokes pulled on you. Here's a collage of some of our fruit trees. The large tree is the grapefruit, see the white carpet of blooms underneath it? It is still loaded with flowers, we also have tangerine, lemon and peaches here. When you walk out our front door you are hit with a wall of sweet fragrance. After months of viewing forced Amaryllis from garden bloggers up north it's our turn in the south. Finally a bloom on one of my Amaryllis.

Millet Ornamental

Double Knockout

Knockout

Dwarf Azalea

Diamond Frost Euphorbia with Cordyline...I had just pulled up a rather tattered Cordyline from last year to toss when I spotted new growth emerging from it's sides...first for me. Should I cut the old blades off?

OH MY STARS! White Wisteria is blooming for the first time!!

Virginia Sweetspire

A few of the Ranunculus

A very welcomed visitor.

Weigela Wine and Roses

Here we have the White Butterfly Bush that I rooted last mid summer. When I planted it, it was only about 6 inches tall. It was barely touched by our very early and cold winter....

Don't forget to enter my give-a-way in the previous post.

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Today I am Thankful for this time of the year when it seems there is something new and or different in the gardens everyday.

Wordless Wednesday...You Tell The Story--Give-A-Way

2011-03-30T07:43:00.010-04:00

The story that comes closest to what is happening in these photos wins the give-a-way. Gift (s) not yet determined but will be garden related. Winner will be announced Monday morning April 4th.

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Today I am Thankful that a 15 year old with a heart like this lives in our home.

Iris and Clematis

2011-03-28T08:12:00.011-04:00

The Irises are beginning to bloom.

Dutch Iris

Can you smell the rootbeer scent?

It's not all the way open yet.

A gold colored Iris.

Ignore the neighbors home in the background.

The last of the rescued Clematis has opened and I am so pleased it's solid purple.

Front of the chair--

back of the chair.

If you know the names of the Irises or this Clematis please share.

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Today I am Thankful for the color that is showing up in my gardens.

Cottage Flora Thursday

2011-03-24T08:42:00.019-04:00

I am linking up to Cottage Flora Thursday over at http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com .
We returned home last evening from our mini vacation and boy howdy was it needed. This time of the year is amazing to me in the gardens, things seem to change over night and two or three days there is a vast difference.
A tiny corner of the big sun garden.
Larkspur is setting buds.

This area should be full of Verbena soon.

One thing is for sure about rescuing plants. You never know what color the blooms will be. I find it exciting although sometimes placement of the colors may clash...but hey, it's my garden!

Nasturtium

Salvia Hot Lips is happy.

Container combos

I have been waiting to finally see a double bloom on my Morning Glory...the first three blooms were singles and I was not feeling it...feeling it now though.

Just look Gail at http://clayandlimestone.blogspot.com

the PPPP is doing you proud!

I can't say I have ever seen Lavender bloom quite like this.

Some of the Clematis Vines...please do not inquire about their names...heck if I remember, some were rescued for a buck a piece so I really didn't care.

2. This is Nelly, I know that.

3. Rescued

4. Rescued and growing happily in a Pink Dogwood

5. Name tag read Ms. Bateman, growing happily in a Crape Myrtle Tree.

Those are the two Loros that stay adorned in burgandy clothes year round.

I still have two more Clematis Vines that are just about to bloom...I may be able to find more blooms to link with Tootsie tomorrow for FF.

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Today I am Thankful for the safe and fun mini vacation I enjoyed with my husband.

Happy Spring and Random Things!

2011-03-21T04:21:00.013-04:00

I do hope everyone is having a wonderful start to Spring 2011.. The season where gardens can change overnight, don't blink!

A photo of my only son, just because I think he's handsome.

This Loro I don't picture often, she has a bad haircut we are trying to let it grow out. Her clothes stay mainly green until late winter and then she changes into this brilliant burgandy outfit, unlike her cousins in the roadside garden, they like to adorn themselves in burgandy year round.
We still have a few Daffs blooming.
Ah, very soon we will be taking turns inhaling the sweet scent of Rootbeer~~~
Southern Garden staple...Azalea

Here we go again asking for help on a plant ID...(thanks for the ID on the neighbor's shrub Tina and everyone else) this small tree grows wild in our backwoods..

What do you think?

I won a giveaway over at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ she always sends the coolest gifts...

I love all of these, my favorite? See that little round green tin with the white flower? That is some type of hand cream for gardeners and I mean it does the job! My knuckles, thumbs and index fingers were so cracked and dry they were hanging on different types of fabric...you know what I'm talking about. A common problem with gardener's hands. Can't tell you how many different lotions and hand creams I have tried that only soothe them temporarily. This one not only soothes upon application, it also heals the problem areas. So, Tootsie, where can I get more of it? SERIOUSLY!

I really like the gloves too! Thank you.. :)

I'll be away from the computer for a couple of days. See ya later.

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Today I am Thankful for vacations, even the short ones.

FF -- Plant ID Please and The Birthday Boy...

2011-03-18T05:52:00.011-04:00

It's time to show off what's happening in your gardens...drop by http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ to see more...and Tootsie has some neat containers she is sharing today.
On my drive coming back from taking one of the girls to school I spotted this white Wisteria growing in some Crape Myrtle Trees...I have a white Wisteria but has never bloomed.....yet!

Just roll down your car windows and the perfume is intoxicating.....love it!
A few sights from my gardens.....Verbena

Focusing on the pink mounds. When you stand in the path the fragrance just dances on the breeze.

Phlox Subulata

She has outgrown the size indicated on the plant tag....fine by me. Yep, that's a 12 inch ruler.

Ah, the first Clematis bloom of 2011.

One of our dear neighbors, long time gardener, stopped by yesterday and asked if I could please find out what this shrub is that grows in his yard. He said is grows similar to a Spirea but a little more leggy.

It's a pretty little thing. So, me being the gardener that I am, made fresh cuts in the stem, dipped it in some rooting hormone and placed it in some soil, just to see. Do you know this plant?

My Dad was born 76 years ago yesterday...weighing in at a whoping 2lbs. His crib was a dresser drawer and they carried him around in a shoe box. The odds of him living very long were not in his favor. Must be something to that Irish Luck!

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Today I am Thankful for the perfume that God sprayed on the flowers.

My neighbors, for sharing their gardening knowledge and questions.

And I Praise God for the favor on my Dad's life.

(and Springbreak starts today for the schools!!)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T08:01:00.001-04:00

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Today I am Thankful to be celebrating my Dad's 76th Birthday !

Foliage Follow Up -- Silver Sage, Salvia Argentea

2011-03-16T06:33:00.006-04:00

Pam over at http://www.penick.net/digging/?p=11020 hosts Foliage Follow Up on the heels of Carol's GBBD over at http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com/ .

Today I am featuring yet another rescued plant from the shelves at Lowe's. Silver Sage, Salvia Argentea purchased for a whopping dollar a piece, I brought home the last four they had in November.

It is most enjoyed for it's downy-silver rosettes and the fact that it is not fussy about soil. It does prefer the soil to be well drained and located in full sun. 1/2 inch to 1 inch of water per week once established is all it requires. If planted in part shade it will not have the beautiful silver color and will become more green.
It is seldom sold as a potted plant, score!
It can grow up to 4ft. tall and equally as wide.
Propagating: In it's second year most Silver Sage produce off-shoots, little exact replicas of the parent plant. Dig up and re plant. It also flowers in the second year, similar to salvia with flower stalks white, pale pink or yellowish. If flowers are allowed to fade and the seed ripens most Silver Sage will die believing it's life cycle is over. Cutting off the flower stalk before the flowers open will extend the life of the Silver Sage. Another choice would be to let the seeds ripen and fall where they may for self-sowing...or collect the seed and sow where you would like them.

Cold Hardiness: 0 to -10F I have been most impressed with the size of the leaves. Already 6 inches long and quite a bit wider.

Prune off damaged leaves or if they are not growing in the direction you prefer. Not pictured, on one of mine the leaves are twisting a bit...I'm just watching to see what it does.

NON-EDIBLE

Hopefully I will have seed to share at the end of the season and maybe even some off-shoots.

Do you know my Silver Sage?

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Today I am Thankful for the challenge of encouraging rescued plants to keep growing!

GBBD-- A Day Early...

2011-03-14T11:39:00.013-04:00

On the 15th of each month, Carol over at http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com hosts Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, where gardeners from around the world join to share what they have blooming. It's the start of an exciting time of the year around here. Finally, a few new blooms to share.

Spanish Lavender, 'Quasti'....after many attempts to grow it in the ground, I have figured out I am most successful with Lavender in a container. I love all of the tiny individual flowers that come together to make one big bloom.

Nasturtium

This guy was in such a hurry to bloom this year, it only has three leaves on the plant.

Celosia starting to bloom before the plant reaches mature height.

The Loropetalums in my yard and around town have had outstanding blooms this year.

For those of you that love Dianthus....start some carnations from seed....the off shoots root easily in sand and are sometimes better plants than the mother plant..evergreen/silverish here...

Petunias

Cosmos

One of my dear neighbors brought me this container of Wild Violets she dug up from her gardens..She brought them from another city she lived in years and years ago. I left the container outside all winter....do you know it's name?

And then here we have Wild Violets that pop up everywhere...I should do some research to see if they are native. This one is different from the one from the neighbor.

Something strange happened with my husband and I rescuing plants over the winter. I rescued Petunias and so did he...my flat said 'mixed' for the color, his had no indication of color....every single one of the rescued Petunias are red....I have never had red Petunias before...My husband also suprised me with a couple flats of rescued Snapdragons...'mixed', they are all yellow! I just thought it out of the ordinary...but fun.

I do hope your weather is starting to show more Spring-like conditions...It's a very exciting and busy time in the gardens.

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Today I am Thankful that my friends and loved ones are safe, healthy and happy...My thoughts and prayers are with Japan and everyone around that has been touched by this disaster.

FF--Rose Update, Sedum...and.....More

2011-03-11T06:25:00.028-05:00

Let's get this party started! Head over to http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ and check out early Spring gardens from around the world and also over at http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/2011/03/cottage-flora-thursdays-10.html

Rex Begonia

Strawberry
Mostly Poppies and Purple Coneflower

The trellis is about 4 ft. Clematis seems to be happy. All 7 of mine are loaded with buds.

Random Sedum Containers

Forefront, thanks Grace at http://www.gracepete.com/ ...Creeping Phlox was looking great until the two inches of rain we received knocked the blooms down. It will rebound.

Bottom left--

Chocolate Ball Sedum...I love it!

Astilbe

New Rose

From the grocery store for $5.95..

Alicante Hit, Poulpah033

short,busy,compact,upright,vigorous

Height 8" - 16"

Successfully propagates from softwood cuttings...hmmm

Rose Update:

On Feb. 8th I asked for help in rescuing my roses. Thanks for all of the advice and tips. I trimmed and tied my roses according to the advice I received, loosened the soil around the base of each rose, added about a cup of used coffee grounds and watered it in. I have been giving the roses 1 gallon of water per day if there has not been rainfall.

Can you see the long thicker cane to the left? New growth in the last 4 weeks...

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Not too bad huh?

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Today I am Thankful to all of you that willingly share advice, tips and sometimes a gardening secret.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T07:22:00.008-05:00

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Today I am Thankful for all of the well wishes about my poison ivy.

I did not receive an injection, the Dr. thought a prescription of steroids would be better to use as needed. The swelling is almost gone, the itchy scratchy continues....

Weekend...Facts About Poison Ivy, Sumac & Oak..

2011-03-07T04:55:00.014-05:00

The only purple Crocus to bloom so far this year.Yep, went and got me a good case of poison....blistered red arms, swollen eyes, generally miserable. Phoning the Dr. today for a shot....it's not good to have it around your eyes. Next two photos, the new area we are working on and where I got into the poison.
We already have quite a bit coming up out here, this was my pull and toss area. It should be interesting this year.
The little area between the trees to the right, we planted 30 white Caladium bulbs and where the poison vines are.

Miniature/Dwarf Azalea

The oil is called urushiol of the poison ivy, sumac and oak. 1/4 ounce of urushiol is all that's needed to cause a rash in every person on earth.

500 people could itch from the amount covering the head of a pin.

1 - 5 years is normal for urushiol oil to stay active on ANY surface including dead/dormant plants...

This Snapdragon has been here for 16 months

If you come in contact with the oil of these poison vines, the oil will remain on your dirty laundry in your dirty clothes hamper until it's washed. Leaving you vulnerable to contact with the oil when you sort your laundry. Put clothes directly in the washing machine.

One of the resuced Snaps...I was pulling and cutting big brown hairy vines off the trees and the runners that grow just beneath the soils surface. In my mind I was thinking, I bet this is posion. See, Virginia Creeper also grows in and with poison. And I know I see it growing on these trees every year. It has 5 leaves per cluster where Poison Ivy and Oak have 3 per cluster .... Sumac 7 to 13 on a branch...with the vines dormant....well no leaves to count or observe.

Love how this Daff is resting on the Dianthus bloom.

I usually get into some poison every year. It gets worse with every contact. It's been about three years since I've had to have a shot to clear it up though.
For more information go to http://poisonivy.aesir.com

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Today I am Thankful for God's gifts of the medical profession.

FF-- A Couple of New Kids In The Garden

2011-03-04T04:44:00.014-05:00

Well fellow gardeners, so far so good on Old Man Winter backing off for several weeks. My fingers, toes and everything else are crossed in hopes if he does return, it will be brief and his tracks light.

Stop by http://tootsietime.blogspot.com and see what stage gardens from all over the world are in. Thanks Tootsie!
The sun has been so bright here, the lighting in the photos? not so great..

Verbena
Hey Grace, over at http://www.gracepete.com the Lupine is having a growth spurt.

New purchase: Grace Ward Lithodora-Carrasquilla azul Grace Ward-Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward'.... dadgum, how many names does she need? The tag reads: Trailing Perennial, morning sunlight only, semi-moist, bloom time early spring, medium growth rate, 6" x 12", cold hardiness: -10 to -20..

Brilliant blue flowers in early spring, can be used as a groundcover, lovely spilling over walls, excellent for rock gardens.

New purchase: Georgia Blue Speedwell, Veronica peduncularis "Georgia Blue' . The tag reads: Trailing perennial, full sun, semi-moist, fast growth rate, 12" x 12", cold hardiness -20 to -30

I have been hanging onto this bottomless container for over a year now. I loosened the soil on the ground, placed the container over that soil and planted the Speedwell inside...it just looks like it's in the container, well, I mean it is, it just can't be picked up and moved so easily.

My husband and I both rescued plants through the winter...we have quite a few Petunias and so far they are all red...here is one pail of them.

The Calibrachoa is filling in nicely.

This ice plant stayed outside in my garden mailbox all winter...I just new it was a goner. I started giving it a little water and shabaam! It's greening up.

Here is my Creeping Jenny Chair, Jenny will cascade over the sides of the chair making a skirt like display while the Dracaena Spikes add a little interest with height and the Clematis Vine fills out the back rest.

New Purchase: Cuphea llavea "Vienco", the tag reads: Sun or part sun, moist well drained soil, blooms late spring through fall, 12" tall...haven't you heard this called, Bat Face?

I paired it with yellow Petunias, Dracaena Spiky and Blue Fescue...should make an interesting combination in the months to come.

I hope your Friday is fun-filled!

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Today I am thankful for, actually right now, I can't choose just one thing. I am thankful for A LOT of things this morning.

Blogger Award

2011-03-03T10:09:00.003-05:00

Thank you Heather at http://dustybay.blogspot.com/ for this award. Funny thing is, I would never of thought stylish would describe my blog.
Of course there are rules, like linking back to the person that awarded you the award. Done.

Post 7 random things about yourself. Done.
1. I wake up VERY early every morning.
2. I watch Young and the Restless when I'm not gardening.
3. I wish I was better at container combination plantings.
4. I want to go to Oregon. There are a few domestic gardens I would love to visit!
5. I am waiting 'not' so patiently for a plant order to come in the mail.
6. I love, love that first cup of coffee in the morning.
7. I love, love reading gardening blogs with that first cup of coffee in the morning. Makes for a great start to my day.

Choose 15 blogs to award this to....not gonna get done. Oh, I could choose 15+ to award this to. Problem is, a lot of blogs are not accepting awards. If I read or follow your blog and you would like to have this award, PLEASE take it. You are all stylish!
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Today I am Thankful to Heather for thinking my blog stylish......

March Madness (not basketball)

2011-03-01T06:34:00.010-05:00

Happy March 1st everyone! The weather has been so beautiful. The garden is marching right out of winter into spring with a madness, (enthusiasm). Although it's not officially spring. If Old Man Winter decides to make a late winter visit the gardener will be running around with madness, (rage), pulling her hair with short bursts of mumbling coming out of her mouth...hopefully this will not happen, the neighbors already think the gardener gardens with madness, (wild foolishness). This sight would only confirm their suspicions.

Petunia
Verbena

Pansies, Daffs and Dianthus

African Daisies, Stock, Petunias, not in bloom Larkspur and Clematis on the trellis.

Pear Tree

Navel Orange

We have two types of Peach trees, sorry I do not know their first names. It was a Peach Bloom in the post before last. Ya'll are smart!

My Dahlias are emerging too..I know it's early for them!

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Today I am Thankful for this time of the year when the A/C and the heater both are turned off!

Fertilizer Friday AND Has Your Blog Content Been Lifted?

2011-02-25T07:35:00.015-05:00

I just received an email from a fellow gardening blogger that a post of mine was lifted and posted on another blog. I verified this and found several other gardening blog posts on that sight that belong to some of ya'll. Please email me at rusdar at hotmail dot com and I'll give you the details.

The Bumbles are beginning to show up. White Petunia

The last Friday of February, can you believe it? Our February has been more Spring-like than I can ever recall. Oh, I am not complaining, I just don't want Old Man Winter to make a late visit and ruin what's going on in the gardens...join us over at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ to see what flowers/plants are being featured today.

Datura

Brugmansia

Pyrethrum-Painted Daisies

The large container of Pansies are just about to cover the Butterfly sign....hopefully the Butterflies will not need a welcome sign to visit. They have a standing invitation to my gardens.

I need an idea for the mailbox garden. It's full sun...I do have a Clematis on the mailbox...any suggestions?

Some of the Daffs in bloom...I still have some just emerging out of the soil and others with very swollen buds. Forgotten her name.

Ice Follies

February Gold

Erlicheer--double--yes, it is fragrant!

The long awaited blooms of the Camellia...

I do hope the rest of you will soon see Spring in your gardens.

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Today I am Thankful that Spring is closer than it was yesterday!

Wordless Wednesday...Guess What Fruit Flower This Is..

2011-02-23T07:16:00.001-05:00

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Today I am Thankful for a small chance of rain on Friday.

What A Wonderful Weekend...

2011-02-21T09:37:00.002-05:00

In the collage above, (click to enlarge) top left, Rosemary blooming. I have always had Rosemary in my gardens, this is the first time I have ever had any to bloom. Top right, all of the Daffs are either in bloom or are about to burst open. Bottom left, newly purchased Verbena. Middle, Goldfinch I photographed while doing the BYBC over the weekend. Bottom right, the first Morning Glory bloom of the season, started early in the greenhouse. She was supposed to be the Red Crimson Rambler, I'll take this delightful pink though.

The weather was just perfect this past weekend and appears to be continuing in the upcoming forecast. It really feels as if we have began an early Spring. (only time will tell)

Is your weather warming up?

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Today I am Thankful for wearing flip flops in February!

FF -- A Day Early...

2011-02-17T11:50:00.009-05:00

Friday is FF over at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com , you can visit her today too. This old rickety bench was from my Mom's garden...it was just about to go in the trash when I decided I would try and get at least another year out of it.

Some moss, watered down paint and some glue.

It is sitting on the upper back deck steps between our kitchen door to the left and our bedroom doors to the right. It's a little better..I see I didn't paint the underneath, sigh. The containers on the steps will go out in the garden in a week or so. See the Diamond Frost that I overwintered? Looks pretty good huh?

Below : Ranunculus, I have 30 of them up in the garden. Rex Begonia, Nasturtium from seed. Dahila from seed, Lobelia from seed, Texas Bluebonnet from seed, Early Girl Tomatoes from seed, Poppies from seed, Celosia from seed and Astilbe from tuber....

Today I am Thankful for this beautiful weather we have been having and I am hoping your weather is wonderful too!

GBBD

2011-02-15T07:14:00.013-05:00

Thank you Carol at http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com for hosting Garden Bloggers Bloom Day on the 15th of every month. Not only do we get to share our blooms, we also get to peek into beautiful gardens around the world.
My contribution this week begins with the first Daff bloom of the season.
Painted Lady Hibiscus has been overwintering in the greenhouse.

Newly acquired POTunias...love the soft yellow.

Callie Bright Red Calibrachoa..also recently purchased.

Stock

Osteospermum..Voltage Yellow

Osteospermum Astra Series

Osteospermum Astra Series Patented

The ever faithful Pansies

and the faithful Loropetulam.

I do hope everyone had a sweet Valentine's Day and that you let those around you know that you love them. Overuse, I LOVE YOU!

Take a look at what we have to look forward to this week. Makes it easy for a gardener to get out of bed in the morning.

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Today I am Thankful for Carol and her faithfulness in hosting this ever growing meme each month.

2011-02-13T19:51:00.002-05:00

I am so honored to be featured on Growing4Seasons by our own..Tootsie aka known as Glenda..

do take a peek. http://growing4seasons.com/2011/02/interview-with-darla/#comment-559

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Today I am Thankful that great gardeners believe that I have something to offer... :)

Fertilizer Friday

2011-02-11T10:46:00.011-05:00

Time to join FF over at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com , she is also having a give-a-way. After I dropped the youngest medium child at school this morning I found myself browsing the nursery center...Oh, how the flowers and plants are pouring in. I used some self-control and only purchased a few things.
Two Camelot Foxglove, Two Spanish Lavender and

a Callie Bright Red Calibrachoa.

Lets' have a small look inside the greenhouse this morning.

The Voltage African Daisies are ready to be moved into the garden.

A rooted Jacobina is finally putting on some new growth at the bottom. whew!

Jane Cowell Hibiscus was planted in the garden through most of the winter...about three weeks ago it was looking rather (dead) sad. This was a surprise replacement from my husband last spring when the winter took my first one away from me. I dug it up and put it in a container, it is now putting out some leaves..another whew!

At the end of summer I received another surprise, this time in the mail. I commented about Jean's beautiful white Rose of Sharon tree and the next thing I knew I had three little ones delivered right to my door! They went dormant on the front porch until the end of December, I then put the container in the greenhouse...viola! Thanks Jean!

Diamond Frost is doing wonderfully...Nasturtium in the foreground that I started from seed, they are such a pretty green.

Overwintered Ornamental Potato Vine...I also have cuttings rooting..the more you cut the bushier it gets.

My heart just sang a song first thing this morning. The youngest medium kid was looking out the kitchen door and she said.. "It looks so pretty in the greenhouse, may I go in there?" Me: "Well of course you can." I was grinning the entire time I was getting my camera!

Hoping to have a few different blooms for GBBD on the 15th..

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Today I am Thankful for the little things that make my heart sing!

Preparing For Spring...Other Than Seed Sowing...

2011-02-10T11:55:00.014-05:00

For those of you suffering from winter doldrums, winter blues or as Skeeter put it over at http://tinaramsey.blogspot.com , Seasonal Affective Disorder aka SAD here are a few things you can do inside to prepare for spring.
Purchased a decorative wood birdhouse for a dollar. With some paint and moss I now have a cute little accent to add to my gardens, shelf or a container. A few metal pails before...pails are shown after painting in the photos below.

A pinecone out of the yard, a paper ball for a dollar some glue and moss.

One of the pails after sponging on different colors of paint and a few light strokes with some sand paper.

A piece of my Rosemary from the garden....I'm working on a small Rosemary Tree.

Just dug up some struggling Thyme and potted it up in another painted pail...yes, that's a painted fork in the pail with some moss on it.

If I can't find the right herb for this pail, perhaps some pink Painted Daisies would look nice.

Old plastic container from the dollar store that was repainted last Spring....

is now spruced up again for this Spring.

A plain terra cotta pot covered in moss.

Last but not least....I have some Angels that my Mom and Dad made some twenty years ago. They were decorated for Christmas. The one in my last post in the greenhouse, my SIL had and redone it with a gardening theme and gave it back to me. I just fell in love with it and had to redo one for one of my most Dear Friends....it will be in the mail next week...

Ya'll that are looking outside at a blanket or perhaps a quilt of snow..start working on your containers and little container art so when Spring arrives you'll be ready to plant them up and set them out!

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Today I am Thankful for that Dear Friend who sent me a book with great inspirational tips from the gardening shed.

A Little Garden Color and Rose Question Cont...

2011-02-09T11:34:00.007-05:00

Thanks to all that offered advice on pruning my roses...I thought I would show a little garden color today along with another question about roses..

Crocus

Pansies
Dianthus

Dianthus

Greenhouse Guardian Angel

I believe I have a method to pruning my roses thanks to you all. Today's question about Roses:

Do you use Epsom Salt or Used Coffee Grounds around your Roses?

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Today I am Thankful for good health and happiness.

Help Me Rescue My Own Roses...

2011-02-08T09:57:00.007-05:00

The regular readers here will know that I am a big rescuer of plants from big box stores and nursery centers. I desperately need help in rescuing my own roses. I have never claimed to know anything about roses other than they like sun and water. February 14 is fast approaching. I know that's when I prune my Double Knockout Roses, not pictured, is that when I prune all roses? and how far?

This rose was rooted from one of my mom's old roses a couple of years ago and has grown, uh, pretty well in this container. It has large red roses and likes to ramble some. I somewhat buried the container and wrapped the canes around this trellis. (I accidently left some roses in containers at my old garden and the roots grew through the drainage holes into the ground and they performed much better than the ones I planted directly in the garden)
I believe this is Double Delight...

This is Joseph's Coat that my son gave to me one Mother's Day when he was a little boy.

I had so much hope for this newly acquired climber last year...ordered the old fashioned, bloom forever, big red blooms to climb the lattice and arch over the walk thru with cascading blooms...(operative word--BLOOM) Oh, it bloomed, some, and they were a very interesting bright orange, sigh.

Here is the top of it higher than the 6 ft. lattice....I actually think the first rose featured today is what this one was supposed to be. As you can see I have canes without leaves...HELP ME PLEASE!

I also have another climber on a little trellis that blooms light pink roses, also rooted from one of my Mom's. It's over by an Oak Tree by a Clematis, it is full of leaves and green as it can be...do I prune it too and how?

On a happier note...LOOK! I planted some Liliums on January 7...the Dolly Madison's are up! I also have some Glads up that I planted the some day, now I'm waiting on the Lilium Red Dutch to show up.

Do not pay attention to what Jack Frost did the the Walking Iris in the background they will recover just fine.

While everyone else around the country is receiving snow, we are receiving rain about every other day...

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Today I am Thankful that today is supposed to be a sunny day!

Fertilizer Friday -- Greenhouse

2011-02-04T10:08:00.009-05:00

Hooray! It's Friday..drop by http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ and join the pre-Spring party.

A few things in the greenhouse. The Dahlia seeds that Lona sent me are sprouting.
My husband's father is from Texas, so in his honor I am trying my hand at some Texas Bluebonnets-Lupinus texensis- Texas State Flower.

Coleus Mixed...I love to see the foliage start changing from green to the reds...I just wonder what they will look like this year.

**Experiment** Pyrethrum- Painted Daises...the experiment is...these only grow in zones 3-7.

Hmmmmmmm. I'm zone 8.

Small container to the left, rooted Hydrangea macrophylla normalis- Lacecap Hydrangea, I think it's "Blue Billow." Middle with the large leaves, rooted Brugmansia. Behind the Brug, rooted Odontonema strictum- Firespike.

Overwintering Painted Lady - Hibiscus.

Another photo of the rescued Stock...she's filling out pretty good, don't you agree?

Do have a Blessed weekend. Here's hoping all of you 'snowed in' will soon see signs of Spring!

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Today I am Thankful for the wonderful gift of my greenhouse!

Ms. Doris' Garden

2011-02-01T14:22:00.016-05:00

Finally found a couple of hours to visit Ms. Doris, Three Doors Down...I could have stayed and talked plants all day. Here are a few interesting plants and items I photographed today.

I have been lusting after this plant for a year or so now..Aucuba 'Variegata' ... I hope to try and root a piece of this.

Arachniodes simplicior, Indian Holly Fern, Shield Fern, Holly Fern Kiwi...I like the Kiwi name the best. This is a fern I wouldn't mind adding to my gardens.

Camellia are dotted throughout her grand gardens.

Mahonia bealei--Leatherleaf mahonia...I haven't been real found of these plants in the past. Seeing this one up close I may be changing my mind.

Look at the size of this rose hip! The rose was covered in them. When we were approaching this climbing, maybe Cherokee Rose, Georgia State Flower, I was thinking what type of fruit is that!

Love this little iron lawn set. That container behind it is probably a six inch, that gives you an idea of the size of this furniture. Just darling!

Ms. Doris has her Daddy's old rock collection, here is a Coral Brain or Brain Coral...very unique.

We all love a good moss covered rock in the gardens.

She has some areas where nothing will grow, and why should it, look at the natural beauty of the tree roots.

We were standing at the back of her gardens looking toward the back of her home...got an idea of how big her gardens are? Soon all of this will be green and lush!

She and I'm sure Mr. Doris, have been busy laying stepping stones as to have that 'flow' feel. Leaves are everywhere...the price we pay for gardening under beautiful trees.

Up close to the back of her home and leading towards the back of the gardens, see the arch covered in vine to the left, she has concrete poured walkways. Going to the right of the photo the walkway leads right into her gardening shed.

Thank you Ms. Doris for a great couple of hours and letting me photograph your gardens again. I'll be back soon as we have a lot happening around here this time of the year.

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Today I am Thankful for Ms. Doris and her friendship.