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

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

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

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......