Confessions of a Serial Tiller

Adventures in Hydroponics

2012-02-01T21:46:00.002-06:00

Hello! I can't believe we have had 70 degree temps on Feb 1. If that old groundhog has a sunny day tomorrow maybe we can just forfeit this whole winter to spring. I wanted to share my newest hobby...hydroponic gardening. This was my set up I requested for my birthday. Glen did a good job I think! We researched designs on the internet and he sketched up our own version.

Then it was my turn to figure out exactly how to use it. I am more a fan of rooting cuttings than starting seeds or actually growing entire plants in it. So, I set about finding some cuttings in my yard. A few roses, some camellia, holly twigs and african violet leaves. I prepared them Thanksgiving weekend and transplanted 2 of the roses today.

Here is the best rooted one (although both were good)

I suffered information overload from all the sites recommending "these" nutrients and "that" growing medium. I was eager to get started so I just used what I had...some liquid plant food and some coconut coir. I was dreading a dark cold winter with nothing to putter around with that was garden related. Well the winter really has been mild but I've enjoyed the hydroponic set up just the same. It is situated in my basement underneath our staircase which makes it convenient and out of the way. It contains 28 growing "holes" and the containers I used were just plain clear cups from Wal-mart with holes poked in the sides. By the way..the camellias and holly were a dud. The african violets rooted well. So what are YOU doing till spring??

Treasure Hunt

2011-12-23T22:18:00.000-06:00

I celebrated the winter solstice with a big ole HURRAH...since it marks the end of shortening days. As the days lengthen so does my mood lighten. I am on school break so I promised myself to tackle a chore most days that I have been putting off. The potting shed was a wreck so I spent an afternoon cleaning and organizing (sorry no pictures). While I was down there I decided to look and see if I could find any "buried treasure."

CAMELLIA- YULETIDE--appropriate isn't it?

This variegated ivy keeps my windowbox from being bare!

Bud on my pink lenten rose

This is my "woodland garden" that I started 2 years ago. I took a pic at this angle to show you its proximity to my house. A little story about the rock edging in front- I recently removed this from my dad's house when we sold it. I didn't know it but my brother told me that he and our dad hauled these from a location in Wayne County near the Buffalo River. He further said they had been the foundation of an old springhouse. I love things that have history so this made me especially happy to keep them near me and in my garden. I have bulbs, gold dust acuba, hellebores, azaleas, bleeding hearts, etc in this area. Right now it's the hardscape and the acuba keeping it real.

YUCCA- COLOR GUARD- It has a faint pink blush if you look close.

Birdbath with violas

Pixie says "Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Garden!"

Gnome for the Holidays

2011-12-11T17:49:00.001-06:00

I love to use nature's freebies to ramp-up my entry --just as much as I like decorating indoors for the holidays. I like to experiment and create things that can carry me not only through Christmas but to the end of January (at least). I bought the sled for $3 and the gnomes for $2 each at yard sales this summer. It's hard to buy Christmas decorations in July (or sweaters, etc.)...but when December rolls around I'm always glad I did. I re-painted the sled (it was badly weathered) and was quite tickled with the results. I'll subtract the gnomes and keep this out until it starts to look dry and unhappy. My school vacation is coming up and I plan to stop neglecting my blog. I'm sure you'll also be keeping track of your favorite blogs as I will to sustain you through the winter months ahead. Merry Christmas to everyone!

Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May

2011-11-01T19:30:00.000-06:00

I gathered some of the last roses for the season to make a happy bouquet for all to enjoy. It is amazing..they are sparse and on struggling bushes-- individually, but when put together I must exclaim wow!

I am dreading the time change this weekend. Already I'm racing home to continue to plant a few remaining plant orphans. Too soon I'll be on the couch with my garden magazines for company and a head full of plans that I will never have the time/energy to execute. Oh well, such is the life of a gardener!

Hedgeapple Happiness

2011-09-27T18:32:00.000-06:00

I was yard-sale-ing this past weekend and saw a bunch of these in the road...so I immediately stopped and gathered a Wal-Mart bag full of them. I love the chartreuse green color! I know my sister and sister-in-law thought I was crazy but I planned to do something decorative on my back entry (of course).

I tell you, a gardener never stops learning about things does he/she? I have heard of "hedgeapples" all my life but never really knew what they were all about. Heck until I did an internet search I thought they grew on vines (they grow on trees). Their real name is Osage orange. Apparently they were widely planted in rows as an impenetrable cattle fence before the advent of barbed wire. They are also believed to have bug-repellent properties. This blog has a very interesting post if you'd like to know more: http://www.walterreeves.com/landscaping/osage-orange-uses/

I just think they are a wonderful (free) fall decoration!

Thankful For What I Have

2011-08-26T21:00:00.000-06:00

I read in the Lowe's Garden Ideas booklet today...(I'm paraphrasing) that if you are unhappy with the way your garden looks right now just snap some pictures and then make a note to look at them in February...suddenly they will look gorgeous! I thought that was funny (and true enough). Since we have a long growing season it is easy to get weary and tired during this hot, dry month. So like the article says I have decided to focus on the positives!

Let's all do the "wave!"

Bronze leaf canna, carex and heliopsis

Helenium

Banana- Love the splotchy leaves. (This should be fun to overwinter!)

A little Vinca goes a long way. I am noting things that have not flagged in this horrid heat...vinca and lantana top the list so far. Most of my potted annuals have bit the dust already.

Variegated ivy, white begonia, sensitive fern and climbing euonymous. Cooling shades of white and green.

The "working" area of the yard. My tire o' herbs has done well.

Cashmere bouquet is running rampant around my spring house, I forgive it though when it's blooming so well when not much else is.

Any "birdie" want to go camping? I picked up this sweet camper birdhouse at Burke's Outlet.

Obedient Plant

Pink anemone...love this late season plant.

Well that's about it for this time. I am off for a 4 day weekend, so with cooler temps and low humidity forecasted (due to hurricane Irene), I plan to be out and about. Glad to finally post again, I've missed y'all!

July Flower Fireworks

2011-07-01T22:27:00.000-06:00

Well July is "officially" here although June felt much like July! My garden is in its usual state of disarray since I can't last out there for hours like I do in the spring and fall. I have been gone 4 days on a Niagara Falls vacation..what a weather change! It was zero humid, nice breeze with highs in the 70s-80 and 50s at night! What a slam back to be submerged in high 90s again today. I hear we got several inches of precious rain while I was gone..hallelujah!

Looks a bit like fireworks doesn't it? This is a passalong daylilly from my friend Glenda. I like the markings! This is my first bloom to see of this one. Always exciting!

This sunflower "planted" itself! It is taller than me (which is not saying much I know!)

Big ole daylily bloom on a short plant...I like it! It is a beautiful orange.

Of course I can't travel without "borrowing" a cutting of something! This came from an old cemetery in Pennsylvania. It is the cutest mini-rose, I hope I can successfully root it.

Good old faithful tiger lilies!

Elephant ears are getting ginormous. There's some yellow cannas blooming alongside.

Well it seems like I have a yellow/orange theme going in blooms. I admire anything that can look so happy in this heat. I leave you with a parting shot of me and Glen at Niagara Falls. I can almost feel that wind and mist as I look at this picture.

Does Absence "Really" Make the Heart Grow Fonder?

2011-06-02T19:59:00.000-06:00

Wow, I have really been absent from blogging but hopefully somebody missed me. Nothing like 98 degree heat and humidity in early June to run one indoors to blog. I could barely get a few pics of my daylilys this evening..camera lens kept fogging up! I had to drag out the water hose yesterday and water the new transplants and annuals in pots. No rain in sight..this is a weird weather year so far.

First blooms for this delicate clematis:

This little white rose isn't even knee high but man can it kick! It was LOADED. No idea what the name is..found it on a street corner hanging over where I could snip a cutting..hee hee.

Gooseneck loosestrife. Don't gasp..I know this one can be invasive but where it is I think it'll be fine. It had proven to be a difficult spot for much else to grow. I love the curved form and tough as nails habit.

Daylily I bought from Rabbit's Daylily Patch near Florence. If it was a named one then I have forgotten!

Another "Rabbit's" find planted last year.

Ms. Annabelle Hydrangea is showing out too. Been planted about 3 years going on 4. Stunning no?

I'll have more to share when daylilys peak and I can get some long shots of the garden . Pretty much a sea of green right now. As long as it does not turn brown from all this heat I'll be happy.

Eye Candy

2011-05-04T20:49:00.000-06:00

No foreplay this time...just jump on in!

Orange rose= Westerland

Paris and Nicole (the resident flamingoes) bid you farewell till next visit!

School Break = ME TIME!

2011-04-19T20:37:00.000-06:00

I'm 2 days away from a week out of school-- Spring break I'm ready for you! I have plans to garden, camp, garden, yardsale, garden, pedicure, garden, massage and finish off with some gardening! Ha. I have managed to get some time outdoors in the evenings. So far I am keeping pretty well with my "do-one-thing-a-day-and-it-will-eventually-get-done campaign for this growing season. Things are happening so fast in the garden. Makes you want to freeze it in time to slow it down. The irises, clematis, and roses are starting to pop like popcorn. Feast your eyes fast is my mantra.

Introducing the first rose in my garden..a foundling.

I had to call on Glen for this job. It's not impressive now but next year it should be. 20+ stella d'oro daylilies were planted on each side of my hillside stairs to help hold the gravel and make them more finished looking. Pixie is inspecting my work!

I decided to stop fighting this shady area and plant things I KNOW will like it there. I bought the heucherella stoplight (center) at the perennial plant sale in my last post. I have lusted after this in magazines and was oh-so-happy to locate such a nice healthy specimen. It never knew it was transplanted.

I realize many people probably don't realize where my garden is in relation to our house. This might give you some idea. Can you see the red roof of my potting shed and the spring house half buried in the hillside?

Last year it was funny, I had to stand directly over this obelisk to even see my clematis. They have risen to new heights better for viewing this year.

Dont'cha like the little zap of red that the native columbine gives? This good color combo was completely accidental. There is reddish veining in the heuchera if you look closely. It seems that anything looks good against the chartreuse spirea.

And for a parting shot....

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

2011-04-11T20:05:00.000-06:00

If I could liquefy Monday through Friday and inject it into Saturday and Sunday then the weekend would seem SOOOO long! However when I have a very fun Saturday it just zooms. Barb and I went Saturday to Nashville to a perennial plant sale and back through Franklin for the Bloom-n-Garden Expo. I was up at 4:30 am and back home by 5:30 pm, by that time I was flippin' ~~tired~~ delirious! All I had strength to do is wander about the garden, hopefully to spy out a place to plant my treasures when I recover.

The Perennial Plant Society of Nashville really go all out. Here is the mascot with some random guy she pulled into the picture. I should have cropped him out (smile).

They take this sale seriously. It wasn't scheduled until 9 am but people were lining up at 8:00. Apparently they knew something we didn't so after much coaxing Barb convinced me it was worth standing in line for an hour against my loud protesting. I thought what the heck so I had someone take our pic. The line behind us is LONG!

Once it was opening time it was "Katie bar the door!" People were racing all directions toward their favorite plants. It was all neat and orderly with things alphabetized by botanical name. I am grateful to know that hemerocallis= daylily...I would have lost out if I had been standing at the D's! I didn't get any pics inside (I would have been stampeded). Imagine 10,000 13 year olds at a Justin Bieber concert and you'll be close to imagining the scene. Barb scarfed up some peonies (she's a sucker for those) and I got some phlox, tiarella, rosemary and daylilys. I knew my ninja skills would be handy someday.

This is the scene at the Bloom-n-Garden Expo. A big old county fair looking place in a stock barn. Much more laid back. They had lots of this & that. I mainly got cute ideas for garden decor. Barb lugged out a Japanese maple--green edged with red. I'll quit blabbing a minute and show you the pics I took.

Check the frog....

Love the espalier....

This gets my vote for cutest booth...a mini potting shed with all kinds of cool garden junque d' art!

Could someone give me a "piggyback ride home?"

Gardening Tazmanian Devil Style

2011-04-03T16:38:00.000-06:00

We have our 70s-80s back as of Saturday! I have been all over my garden kicking up dirt and weeds as I went. I make a goal every spring to do at least one garden chore per day so I can keep on top of things. So...when God let off the pause button I was ready to rip! Storms are forecasted for tomorrow and as long as they are not severe I will welcome some showers-- I'm not ready to drag out the hose yet!

Glad these tulips returned, I needed a jolt of orange.

This "obelisk" brought to you by my wonderful brother-in-law Richard. He is an awesome woodworker and brother. (I apologize for being so bratty when you and Barb were dating!) I have been drooling for one of these for years but they are so expensive. I painted it red and planted an orange climbing rose beneath it.

Mom's funky birdbath I inherited. I didn't want the bother of changing out annuals every year so I opted for green/white hosta in this shady area. Good call?

I never get tired of photographing my bleeding heart (obviously) I did manage to create a little vignette with my thrift store angel (thanks Barb), climbing euonymous and native sedum in my iron kettle.

My body told me to cool it for a while so I just sat on my stone walkway and enjoyed the view. Thank you Lord for all of your beautiful creation and entrusting a slice to me!

Rebirth, Renewal and Rejuvenation

2011-03-26T13:24:00.001-06:00

These early spring days have been so welcome after the winter we've had. Last Sunday the "family" went out for a drive in my (new to me) Geo Tracker. I always wanted one! We explored the back roads of the county while enjoying 85 degree weather...no I didn't stutter. Very warm for March. I have been smacked back into reality today though it is rainy/stormy/50s outside my window.

I know this rain we're having will continue to make things leap up even more. I continue to be amazed at how fast things are coming on up and out! I changed the tablescape on our main entry porch a few weeks ago but just now have had time to post the pic.

Bleeding hearts. I love these flowers and if you didn't know it, they are easy to propagate from cuttings. I broke a few accidentally last year so I stuck them in a plastic shoebox with moist potting soil and they rooted in a couple of weeks. That "plant" was planted in the fall and is now thriving in my woodland garden and has a few blooms on it's tiny branches now.

The spring house facade. The climbing euonymous had reached the roof peak so I decided to train it over the doorway for the "cottage-y" look I love. It is so pretty with the chartreuse new growth in spring.

Long shot of the garden featuring pink charm daffodils and goldmound spirea for contrast. Gee, I need to turn my birdbath top right-side-up don't I?

The pond is finally cleared of leaves and debris. Soon the cannas will fill the blank spots. We also found 2 "residents" besides my 2 goldfish. Glen was cleaning out some leaves by hand and dragged out 2 very large frogs! I always joked that I had a frog named Charlie down there because I would hear a splash everytime I walked down the hill. I guess Charlie has a bride. What should I name her?

View from the opposite end of the garden. I was shocked to find that some of my old fashioned white iris had tall bud stalks and fat buds. Wow, I'm ready to see them again. So has spring "sprung" where you live yet?

Spring Roll Call!

2011-03-02T22:09:00.000-06:00

White Lenten Rose?....."here"

Pink Lenten Rose?... "here"

Sedum?... "here"

Archangel Lamium?..."here"

Crocus?... "here"

Bleeding Heart?... "here"

Daffodil?... "here"

Well, it looks like the early arrivals are here at last. Let's hear it for the Class of 2011!

May the Force Be With You... (and Me!)

2011-02-14T21:31:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd share my "forced" forsythia branches with you. Nothing like fooling mother nature a little bit! She sure has had fun with me this winter..ha. We are enjoying temps in the 60s this week so the real thing will appear in a couple of weeks. Till then...may the force be with YOU.

SNOW LAUGHING MATTER

2011-02-10T12:41:00.000-06:00

Well this is round #7 according to the weather-people. This was only a couple of inches but it has made the roads treacherous to the point I called in work today (which I never do). Regardless I am continuing to see signs of spring even in the snow which I'll show you in a bit. I am waiting with "baited breath" for Sunday through next week...50s then 60s! Now that's what we are used to here in my area in February. That will be the green light for so many things to grow and bloom. Here are today's discoveries:
SUMMER SNOWFLAKE (HOW IRONIC)

NOW ISN'T THIS A CONTRADICTION?

LOOK! A BUD ON MY DAFFODIL!

WINTER HONEYSUCKLE BLOOMING BRAVELY

I SEE COLOR ON MY LENTEN ROSE!

HEY! WHO TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS?

I'm looking forward to March 1. It's like my oasis in the desert, my checkered flag so to speak, an ending and a beginning.

Wordless Wednesday- Can't Garden= Baking

2011-02-02T21:02:00.001-06:00

Before & After

2011-01-29T08:41:00.000-06:00

I am bored today so I turned to my "old" garden photos for comfort. I started photographing my garden in 2006 and I am so glad I did! I was really in awe of the transformations that have taken place. You know as gardeners you are constantly working and adding and editing and the effect just seems to creep up slowly over years. In other words, you don't realize how far the garden has come until you reflect on those first images. I thought it would be fun to share a few with you.
This is 2007....

This is 2010....

This is 2007...

This is 2010...

This is 2007...

In 2010...

And another from 2010...

In 2007...

In 2010...

In 2007...

In 2010...

and more 2010...

In 2008...

In 2010...

I sure am inspired to continue this journey now. This garden is entering it's 5th growing season for 2011. I am often so envious of those 10+ year old gardens featured in all the magazines. I have to stop to realize though, that a gardener's quest for perfection is never truly realized. All we can hope for is that "snapshot" in time, when the garden echoes the vision we have imagined.

Seed Spree

2011-01-22T17:54:00.000-06:00

Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.
-Henry David Thoreau

Well put Mr. Thoreau! It takes great faith to expect a plant to sprout from the tiniest of seeds doesn't it? We gardeners are a believing bunch. I can buy 6 packs of plants all day long but there's just a special satisfaction I get from one plant started from seed. It's like my own private miracle. Yes there are disappointments but that doesn't stop me from trying again (and again, and again). January is fast wearing out it's welcome with me, so to fight off severe cabin fever Glen got me out and about today. Here is where I ended up-- at the Wal-Mart seed racks of course.

Yes, I am a sucker for the "cheap seeds," but I figure if I get at least one plant..it will have been worth the .20 it cost me. I plan to have a whole row of sunflowers if my father in law will let me share his garden space.

Apparently seed sowing is like childbirth, you give yourself time to forget the pain and you're ready to go at it again. I didn't have success with watermelons last year but I'm going to try again. Also I want to try growing basil because I had the most delicious pesto-type dip at a plant swap I attended last year. So I'd like to try my hand at that.

I paid a little more for these seeds. I always like to try something I have never tried before, thus I bought the stock. Anyone grow this before? I also LOVE love love zinnias so this purple one intrigued me. I can just envision big bouquets of this. I have had Johnny Jump Ups before but they quit jumping after a while so I plan to get them going again.

More cheapies. I have had great luck in the past with salvias (plus the hummers love me for planting them). Nasturtium is another easy one for me. I am giving Lupine another go even though they were a no-show last year when I sowed them.

We also stopped and prowled in the thrift stores since I am also having yard sale withdrawals. I like kitschy stuff so I picked up these smiling faces to hang in my kitchen. They go with the rest of my retro stuff.

Stay tuned and hopefully I'll show you the results of today's purchase in a few months.

How Far We've Come, My Garden and I

2011-01-17T12:10:00.004-06:00

I came across this "garden" photo while cleaning in my office today:

... and "I" was even surprised at how much things have changed in the past 5 years. It has truly been a labor of love. I saw the potential in this spot of land even then.

Now let's fast forward through a lot of sweat and aching muscles to 2010.....

This photo was taken last May when the world was fresh and wearing new green clothes. You can't see the spring house in the second photo, it is directly to your left here.

As my garden has grown, I have grown. I have learned many lessons such as: sometimes a propagated stick (when given some years) rewards you with a feeeling you don't get when you just buy that plant, some plants just don't like my garden no matter what, that your brain makes plans that are usually rough on the rest of the body (in those times keep ibuprofen handy), there will always be a weed to pull so sit on those benches and swings and appreciate your hard work!

Here's looking forward to a good growing season in 2011.. and shaping our own patches of land to reflect who WE are.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day January

2011-01-15T16:39:00.002-06:00

We are slowly thawing out from our big snow that slammed us Sunday night. That's it..I've met my quota for snow, now I'm ready for it to melt and to see the daffodils spring up! It was a "balmy" 45 degrees out so I ventured outside to see what was going on for Garden Blogger's Bloom day (sponsored by Carol at May Dreams Gardens). I was hard pressed to find a bloom but I did find some signs of life to photograph

WINTER JASMINE

WINTER HONEYSUCKLE

Not in bloom now but I did have 2 blooms before this snowfall.

WITCH HAZEL

I mail ordered this last year and although it's not very tall (maybe 18") it has put on some buds! I say hoorah for ANYTHING that has winter interest.

FLOWERING QUINCE

Just waiting to make her "big" debut.

These shoots breaking the ground....

Will later turn to this in April- SUMMER SNOWFLAKE

(leucojum aestivum)

BRADFORD PEAR

has fuzzy/fatter buds

One last thing to check before heading indoors...

Hm, apparently the birds DO appreciate my first try at making homemade suet. Like my sister said, " what's not to like about fat and peanut butter?!"

Garden Frosting

2011-01-10T11:00:00.004-06:00

It's a rare day in southern middle Tennessee when you wake up to 8+ inches of the white stuff! My school is closed so I get to enjoy a snow day---Yay! I haven't had one of those since high school (and that was in the 80's.) I love a pristeen/un-walked on snow so I hurried out to snap some pics before the landscape becomes defiled. I also love the lone sound of my boots going crunch crunch in an otherwise hushed atmosphere. By the way, thank you sister Donna for buying these boots for me 2 Christmases ago...they are awesome!

MY HOUSE LOOKING UP FROM THE GARDEN

SNOW ON MY BIRDBATH LOOKS LIKE A WHITE BUNDT CAKE

SNOWY ARCH

I'VE HEARD OF FROST ON THE PUMPKIN BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS!

THE "SNOWBIRD INN"

OUR BACK ENTRY

THE ABOMINABLE PIXIE..ALL SHE NEEDS IS A TINY WHISKEY BARREL UNDER HER CHIN!

HECK SNOW EVEN MAKES "ME" LOOK A LITTLE BETTER!

Hope you enjoyed the walking snow tour at the Frazier house. I know our friends farther north wonder what all the fuss is about but it's a rarity to have this much snow this far south. I think it's about time for some snowcream and a snuggie! See y'all!

Starting out the New Year With a Bang!

2011-01-02T17:46:00.000-06:00

I just spent 4 days in balmy Navarre Beach Florida where the temps were in the upper 60's! It was overcast and rainy most of the time, but this was a trip to visit my sister and not so much about the beach. I did a lot of shopping and eating to close out 2010. However, I am strong in my resolve to move more and eat less in 2011 so I can continue to do the things I love, especially garden well into my old age (however much that ends up being!) I came home and went straight down to the garden to see if anything was happening and took photos of a few things.

WINTER HONEYSUCKLE

WINTER JASMINE

VARIEGATED SEDUM

BLEEDING HEART

I am afraid these brave souls will regret sticking out their tender heads since it's supposed to be in the 20's by morning. I carefully covered up the bleeding hearts and sedum with leaf cover and told them not to wake up just yet. The 2 tiny winter honeysuckle blooms smelled so sweet. It was like a breath of spring to see and smell the stirrings of life already. God's magical cycle of life is truly amazing in the plant world. I'm so blessed to live in the South where the winters are not so harsh and long. Happy New Year everyone and may your gardens (and YOU) prosper!

It's Officially Winter

2010-12-23T21:13:00.000-06:00

Well the longest night of the year came and went on the 21st launching us officially into calendar winter. I say this because I feel that Dec 1 was the start of winter here in southern middle Tennessee. We have had below average temperatures for most of this month except a few unseasonably balmy days on Monday and Tuesday this week (60F). I got out and took a few pictures since the weather was nice. Hard to believe snow is forecast for Saturday morning!

I like this climbing euonymous, it keeps my spring house from looking so bare. It is incredibly easy to root too. Usually it's color is more variegated when new spring growth appears.

I searched high and low for a bud on my white hellebore (my sister already has one on hers) but alas I came up empty. I am constantly looking for plants with winter interest and these never disappoint.

Carex (sweet flag) is looking fresh edging my goldfish pond.

Surprise! I actually found some fat buds on my winter honeysuckle and winter jasmine.

We are blessed with native cedar trees...ahh green in winter!

What's this? A touch of purple still lingers! Thank you heuchera.

Euonymous shrub (Blondy)- I like the yellow stems and crazy variegation don't you?

My woodland garden spot..sleeping now but in spring I hope to see a crop of spanish bluebell bulbs waving hello among many other things I planted last summer.

Pixie, I don't think there is a Christmas present in there for you! Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you get lots of great gardening stuff in your stocking and under your tree..and maybe even a tree!

Fake Snow, Gingerbread, and other Christmas Chaos!

2010-12-13T19:29:00.000-06:00

Well Christmas decorating was at a standstill until Saturday. I was having the girls over for our yearly party-- which started out as a cookie swap 4 years ago. I had a few more ideas that I needed to bring to life so I spent the day creating Christmas magic --my style.

I found this milk glass urn planter at a local thrift store. I took this idea from a magazine. Proof that not every tree in the house has to be decorated to say "Christmas."

Do I have Prince Albert in a can?? Nope, I was thinking more like a snowman in a jar. I think he has enough air to last till Christmas is over. I endured much harassment by Barbara and Donna to put something in my large glass jar...are y'all happy now??

I have become quite fond of vintage looking Christmas decor. I found this little planter at this year's yard sales. Add a little natural greenery from the yard = priceless.

This is the "windowscape" in my kitchen greenhouse window. More vintage finds from yard sales. I love these kitschy trees..this one even had all the lights. Check out the poodle pulling the wagon full of Christmas balls. I love old poodle figurines too.

Now it's time to party! Here's the gang beginning in the back row L to R:

Melissa (Ash's buddy), sis (Barbara), Me, sis in law (Donna)

Front row: niece (Ashley), Olivia, best bud Melissa (Olivia's granny) oh and Ashley is holding Pixie who is tired of posing for this pic! Pic was taken in my sunroom.

Each year we have tortured Ashley with various craft projects...one year was wreaths with real greenery, then ornament painting, last year was scrapbooking. To end her pain we let her pick this year's project..gingerbread houses. She is our little Korean Paula Deen so naturally it was her year to shine! Here is a pic of our ginger-village!

I struggled along with mine. All I can say is that powdered sugar and icing hide a multitude of sins! Somehow it came out looking like a gingerbread version of the Amityville house...LOL!

They say art imitates life..'tis true here. I was more interested in landscaping my ginger-yard! Check out my rustic fence, shrubs, marshmallow tree, stepping stones leading to my m&m koi pond (the orange m&m's are the koi!!) oh and my pretzel park bench adds the final touch don't you think?

Glen wandered about in girl land not quite sure what to do but enjoying the snacks all the same! I caught him in mid chew here! Hope you have a merry (and tasty) Christmas!

Help Me Welcome a New Blogger

2010-12-09T20:31:00.000-06:00

THE DIVA HERSELF

Hello all! We are all in the Christmas spirit and decorating is underway full swing right? I finally talked my sister in law (Donna) into putting all her decorating adventures on her own blog. She loves to decorate with cheap things from yard sales, clearance racks, etc. She has such a good eye for the items she buys and I'm always impressed with how it turns out when her visions come alive. I'd like to invite you over to her blog to take a peek. It's always encouraging to get some comments on a new blog. Enjoy! http://discountdecoratingdiva.blogspot.com/

It's Beginning to Look (and smell) Alot Like Christmas!

2010-11-27T17:15:00.002-06:00

Today's temps in the 50's lured me outside for the great Christmas greenery hunt of 2010. We are blessed to live in Tennessee where an abundance of native evergreens grow and are free for the cutting. Among todays bounty are as follows: 2 types of pine, cedar, magnolia, and holly tree. Glen also found a native possumhaw just a short nature walk away.

This is my first year to have a lampost to decorate so I added some greenery to the exisiting red bow. Red seems to be my theme this year.

I keep the red star hanging year round on my back porch. I also seem to have a star theme going on. Notice the star shaped lights in the basket. Coincidence? Yes...a happy one. Can you guess what the colored globes are? Yep, once they used to hang on a swanky 60's hanging light fixture I suppose. I bought them at yard sales this summer just because they were cool colors/shapes.

Full view of the table. I have decorated underneath too with my fresh greenery. I love this table. I got it 2 weeks ago at a late-season yard sale that my flower buddy Glenda was having.... Only $6, could it be true?? I think other people were afraid to risk it because there was a can of wood stain stuck to the top. Glen rescued it without too much trouble. Thank goodness for the durability of enamel tops. I'll treasure this table forever, especially since it was Glenda's!

My arizona cypress needed a little haircut to look presentable enough to drape with red lights. I have them lining my sidewalk too..keeping the red theme going. About the arizona cypress...I've had it 3 years and have yet to see the uniform growth habit demonstrated on the tag. It grows crazy-wild! I will give it kudos to it's drought tolerance and beautiful blue/green needles...the other reasons I bought it.

This little tree is artificial but I think it looks real enough in it's terra cotta pot. I'll probably leave it out all winter so things don't look so empty on the porch. It's another yard sale find I'm glad I bought (now).

POSSUMHAW HOLLY

Happily trekking away with my treasured berry branches!

Pixie says it's time to get busy...only 28 days till Christmas!!

Daylight "Savoring" Time

2010-11-13T22:15:00.001-06:00

I STILL don't like this time change! I just want to cry, kick and roll around in the leaves-- but my tantrum would not change the fact that it is dark by 4:45! So I must stop feeling sorry for myself and get out there and enjoy the daylight I have (mostly on weekends). I am still putting a few things in the ground as time and weather permits. I usually don't give up the fight until temps get in the 40s and below during the daytime. I have been busily picking up bags of leaves on the curbsides and scattering them over my flowerbeds too.

This is the first full year of growing for this camellia. I can't remember if it's called Christmas Cheer or Yuletide? This is the first bloom for this year.

I have been pleased with the acuba's ability to rebound. I found 3 brutally uprooted and tossed in the trash heap last year and rescued them. They have proven to be beautiful and tough and very tolerant of dry shade. I think I'll keep them!

I thought these persimmons made a pretty picture against the blue sky. We have a couple of small trees that have been loaded down this year. Last year there were hardly any. I have actually eaten a few of them...tasty.

Oh to see the fresh green variegation of Italian Arum--a delight when so much is brown.

I plan to use these pretty rose hips in some winter arrangements soon.

That's about the size of things here in southern middle Tennessee for November. I am not relishing the winter that lies ahead but God knows best. He knows we gardeners would work our fool selves to death if He didn't run us inside for a few months each year!

Octoberfest- The Ultimate in Redneck Fun!

2010-10-18T20:26:00.000-06:00

We reserve the 2nd Saturday in October every year for our girls-day-out Octoberfest in Hohenwald, TN. This year Glen tagged along and chauffeured the ladies around. We had a ball as always. Here are the highlights....

THE THREE SARDINAS

SELF APPOINTED OCTOBERFEST QUEEN

DONNA HOLD ON.....

COOL CHRISTIAN WATER TO QUENCH THE SOUL AND BODY

DEEP FRIED HEAVEN...WHAT CAN'T BE BATTERED I WONDER?

AT LEAST THEY'RE HONEST

ASHLEY AND MELISSA ENJOY FUNNEL CAKES AND DEEP FRIED OREOS...YUM-O

WHEW, JUST WHEN MY SUPPLY WAS RUNNING LOW....

ALL THESE YEARS I DIDN'T KNOW IF MY STAMPS WERE SANITARY OR NOT!

MELISSA TAKING A MEXICAN FOOD BREAK..OLE!

I KNEW I'D FIND HIM...THE MULLET KING!

STILL BARGAIN HUNTING BUT WEARING DOWN

YES DONNA, WE'RE GOING HOME....

T-T-T-THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

Mum's the Word

2010-10-07T17:45:00.000-06:00

You would think this post contained a lot of mums but actually there are only 3 blooming if you don't count the one I just put in my fall display! I like to buy the 4" pots on clearance for .25 each and plant them at the end of the season. They just seem to do better in the garden than larger pots. I have always loved the bronze colored ones. I have a white one that is in full bud so it should show me something soon. Then there's always the sheffield daisies that wait a little longer to strut their stuff about mid month. I think if it were not for mums I would have to take an antidepressant right now. I also have some other stuff to show you. Take a peek:

MY BACKDOOR PUMPKIN DISPLAY

FRESH TRIMMED HEDGE

YELLOW MUM

PURPLE AND BRONZE MUM

STALWART MARIGOLD

I know anyone can grow a zinnia but I'm lovin' the deep red color on this one! Must save seed...

Finally cleaned the garden shed so I can walk around!

My recycled vintage yardsale napkins turned into a valance! Those are ladybug tablecloth weights at the corners..so cute!

I finally got a much needed break from work..they let us out at 11:00 today and I'm off tomorrow. Plan B is to divide the daylilies that are eating my garden!!

"Extra Crispy" is only a good thing at KFC

2010-09-24T19:14:00.000-06:00

Well I've been experiencing the September drought as many other bloggers all across the south. If Mr. Weatherman is not on an acid trip then we shall see much cooler/seasonal temps after today...and RAIN. I was pleasantly surprised by a few things that have managed to produce a bloom despite the unhospitable conditions. Let me share with you....

LYCORIS

ANNUALS-MARIGOLDS AND SALVIA

IMPATIENS

MORE IMPATIENS

SWEET POTATO VINE "BLACKIE"

CHICAGO PEACE J&P ROSE

I'm ashamed to do any broad views of the garden so you'll just have to be satisfied with my "spots" of beauty. I bought some pumpkins today so I can get together something pretty on my porch entry. Then there's always the mums and pansies....come on FALL!

Aunt Lorene's Garden

2010-09-06T20:32:00.000-06:00

Every year in September we go to Glen's aunt Lorene's house for a huge dinner after the McGlamery cemetery decoration. Aunt Lorene is a long time gardener in her mid 80's who hasn't slowed down! When Glen and I first married she was so generous to me. She divided beautiful white peonies with me that had been her mother's which stand on each side of my white arch today. I also have hosta, a lilac bush, vinca vine, red leaf canna and some elephant's ear she gave me. While everyone is catching up on family talk I usually sneak away and see what's going on in Lorene's garden. Would you like to come?

Finally a picture of the lady herself..on the move of course!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

2010-08-26T20:36:00.000-06:00

I have recently changed jobs and will begin instructing LPN students next week. I have been on a rollercoaster ride it seems since I ended my old job on the 18th. Not much time to garden but I do sneak out and snap a few pics. I am glad at least that the job is starting as the season is winding down. I won't feel like I'm missing out on as much. Maybe by spring I'll have a better handle on things. This is what is going on right now out and about.

HELENIUM (MARDI GRAS)

CLEMATIS (SWEET AUTUMN)

MORNING GLORY

JAPANESE ANEMONE

CLERODENDRUM (CASHMERE BOUQUET)

I am also very grateful for the weather "change" we have experienced this week. Temps are in the 80s with very low humidity. I feel the renewed strength that the changing season brings. Happy Gardening!

Curbside Fun

2010-08-05T20:54:00.000-06:00

I thought it would be fun to do a collection of pics of some of my "curb shopping" finds over the past couple of years. Glen is a good soul. He knows when I yell "pull over"...I have found something to either stick in the compost pile or make some kind of garden ornamentation from. See what ya'll think of these. I'm such a recycler. This is actually made of plastic...what wonders some clorox and pressure washing can do.

This birdbath base was broken in two...nothin' a little Goop adhesive couldn't fix. Thank you Kim for telling me that!

There was nothing wrong with this concrete pot..just its mate had crumbled badly so I took the orphan home.

Doesn't everyone need a rusty wheelbarrow?...(or 2 or 3..which I have)

I have a thing for old chairs and the box was just a bonus at the same stop.

This lovely red gazing ball is actually an oversized plastic christmas ball. Can you believe it?

This lovely flowerpot was not a curb find but was destined for the garbage nonetheless at Glen's former work. He knows his wife so well...so he dragged this wringer washer home for me. All 10 tons of it!

So sometime take the road less traveled...you never know what "treasure" you'll drive up on!

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

2010-07-26T18:59:00.000-06:00

The dog days of summer are definitely here! (see pic below)

At this time of year I am tired and so is my garden. We have had rain all around us but none here. I am hopeful though that we will get some this week. I am thankful though that some flowers thrive in these xeric conditions.

LIMELIGHT HYDRANGEA

RUDBECKIA "GOLDSTRUM" AKA BLACKEYED SUSAN, OSTRICH FERN AND SHASTA DAISIES

RUDBECKIA "TRILOBA" OR BROWN EYED SUSAN

MORE RUDBECKIA, PURPLE PHLOX AND AGASTACHE "TUTTI FRUITTI"

I have been working on my woodland/shade garden in the past few weeks and it's really taking shape. I'll post my progress soon. Till then I'll have to steal my tolerable moments in the garden and wait for the next act and the flowers/foliage it brings..FALL!

St. Louis Botanical Garden

2010-07-08T22:47:00.001-06:00

We are back from our 3 day trip to St. Louis. The last day there we visited their botanical garden. We were blessed with an overcast day and not miserably hot temps. Here are some highlights.

THE SECRET GARDEN

VICTORIAN GARDEN

DAYLILY GARDEN

LOVED THE GLASS SCULPTURES IN THE FOUNTAIN!

GLEN IS COOLING OFF IN THE MISTERS...

I took many individual flower pics for my own reference. Here are a few I thought were neat-o.

FIRECRACKER FLOWER "ORANGE MARMALADE"

DAYLILY "PARDON ME"...LOOK HOW SMALL!

ROSE "STRIKE IT RICH"

We visited the famous St. Louis Arch and Anheuser Busch factory, ate tons of food (Lamberts--yum) and did some shopping. Glen is such a sweetie...he took me to the Lowe's near our hotel and I hit a honey-hole of plants! I got several clearance plants...variegated yucca (3.62), 3 evergreens (1.00 each) and a pygmy red barberry to replace the one Glen mowed down this spring (4.25)! We took the scenic route home (off the interstate) and I got to hit an antique mall. Can life get any better??

VACATION: A Tiny Glimpse of Retirement

2010-07-02T20:58:00.000-06:00

Hello from Utopia! Tomorrow starts my first full day of 9 days off work! What shall I do I ask myself? It stretches out before me seemingly without end. We're travelling to St. Louis for 3 days next week. Hope to take in the Arch, Botanical Garden and maybe see the Bellefontaine cemetery plus anything else we have time for. I saw a garden show about the St. Louis Botanical Garden and it looks like my kinda place. Since the humidity has been lower I am back in love with my garden again. I have been enjoying some late season blooms and garden views.
Phlox "Peppermint Twist"----

Hydrangea "Cityline Paris"---

Watermelon "Sugar Baby" is definitely my baby and first attempt at growing watermelons- ever!

Is "cottage garden" a synonym for "eclectic mess??" I sure hope so.

Pond - I like to keep my tropical looking plants segregated to this area.

I think the Tiger lillies look like fireworks (how appropriate)!

These orange daylillies are real troopers and the most vivid orange.

The spring house depends on foliage for interest right now.

This white rose was a "foundling" 2 years ago and started from a cutting. It gives a shot of coolness right about now that is desperately needed.

So whatever your 4th of July holiday plans are...make sure you get out and see what's blooming in your garden. Like fireworks..those blooms are here today and gone tomorrow in a flash!

How Dry I Am!

2010-06-22T20:45:00.000-06:00

We have had rain but with this continuing heatwave it seems to evaporate on contact! I am not ready to be dragging around hoses, watering cans and sprinklers but alas..it is the only way to keep the show going. Things already look like they do at the end of August in my garden. I still have some stalwart bloomers who enjoy the sunbathing.
This rose was found by my sweet husband in the bottom of a bargain bin at the Aldi grocery store. I'm not usually good with "body bagged" roses but I took a chance on this one. It is a floribunda called Camelot. I am impressed with its disease resistance and clear coral pink blooms like this one:

I have a few more daylillies that have bloomed since my last post. I know none of their names unfortunately.

I have lovely pink blooms for the first time on this asiatic lilly:

I am still lamenting over my pot ghetto...still too many things to get into the ground. All the while I'm steadily potting up my rose cuttings that are ready to come out of the misting system. I see now how this love of propagation is fueling the vicious "can't get it all in the ground syndrome...." but i wouldn't have it any other way! Hello summer!

Day Tripper

2010-06-13T20:47:00.002-06:00

Yes, I am a Beatles Fan! My daylilies are cranking up and filling in the holes left by the irises. I don't know the names of my daylilies. I have a few id tags (somewhere) but most were given by friends, obtained through plant swaps or from one of my favorite places in Florence-- Rabbit's daylily patch.

Last but not least an asiatic lily that has bloomed for the first time. This was a Big Lots find believe it or not!

Sweet Garden Songs

2010-06-06T21:02:00.000-06:00

I am no expert on music but I was thinking that the garden right now reminds me of an orchestra in which I am the hardworking conductor. I'm out there every minute I can be waving my conductor's wand, er- shovel? Of course it's not all me, the plants know their cue and burst into song at just the right moment! Sing along with me.....
First a broad view of the garden...my new garden stairs are almost finished!

The foundation plantings are sounding (looking) sweet. I always get a brash sound from this Japanese Dappled Willow standard at this phase of growth. It looks like a punk rocker in the midst of my sweet Stellas and Fairy rose.

The spring-fed pond is humming along nicely (with help from the frogs). I was lucky to not have lost my cannas as so many did last winter.

The Spring house is a very "cool" place. I depend on hostas, ferns, bleeding hearts, impatiens and hellebores to harmonize in this deep shade area.

Sweet autumn clematis has finally made the climb over the archway. Thank you Phillip for this plant! Also the rose is a spectacular "found" rose from my travels. It is large single petaled with hot pink edges and a white eye. The flowers are in clusters. It is a vigorous climber (likely planted in the wrong spot) I may have hit a sour note with it's location...likely will move it due to the dangerous thorns too near the path.

So what's playing in your garden??

I'm Up for the Challenge!

2010-06-02T17:05:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Ruth at Muscari Musings for challenging me to post the 8th pic in my 8th album and this is what popped up:

This Nikko blue hydrangea bloomed for the first time last year and was given to me by my coworker (and plant addict) Kim. She came in to work all frazzled and hot one morning after digging a piece of this up for me. It sat and sulked for 3 years until last year. You can imagine my joy at seeing blooms emerging!

Here is a later pic in full bloom:

There are too few blue blooms in the garden and I just love the sky blue color of the Nikko. The artemesia combo nearby was a happy accident. I think they compliment each other well don't you?

Plant Swap Fever!

2010-05-25T20:01:00.000-06:00

Well the bi-annual Middle Tennessee Plant swap at Henry Horton State park was last weekend. I have not missed a one since I found out about it in fall of '07 I think. It is usually my sister Barbara and whoever else we can drag along to tend our table that could give a rip about gardening (thanks to Ashley this time and Donna at other times past!) We have the most fun/food/and flowers! The only bummer this time is that my back has been giving me a fit and I have not planted one single thing I brought home! I may have to point and let Glen dig the holes until I'm better. He would do that for me...darling man! Anyways, here are a few highlights:

Me- I couldn't be more excited than if I was 5 and it was Christmas morn!

Our plant swap table; Isn't it ever-so-cute?

Lots of goodies. I think its the coolest thing to trade what you have too much of for things you don't have. I have been able to have such a variety in my garden for no cost.

Until the next one in October, I'll be busying myself with more propagating and digging/dividing in the fall for one last hoorah for the year. Stay tuned.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T20:41:00.000-06:00

The Search is Over for the Rose of My Childhood

2010-05-11T20:25:00.000-06:00

We moved in a 1940's wood siding house in Waynesboro, TN when I was about 6 years old. I clearly remember every bush, flower and tree in the yard like it was yesterday. I was the kid that came in, swallowed supper and went back outside with my friends to catch lightning bugs until I was made to come in on summer nights. Our yard was my playground. In the backyard was an old rose of the palest baby pink. It had ruffled semi-double petals and a perfume like no other. I don't know what happened to that rose only that it has been gone for many years and I have scoured catalogs, the internet and yards for one of my own. It was my unicorn until today! A family friend had this rose in her front yard (which I pass every day going to work). I could not tell from the road that it was anything but a pink rose. Today we caught Ms. Eileen standing out in her yard and stopped to ask for a cutting. I could have cried as I got closer and saw the golden stamens on those familiar pink ruffled open petals. The final sensory shocker was as I took the first smell. Funny how smells are an important part of our memories we form through life. I was just feeling sad and missing mom on Mother's Day. It was like a consolation from God to find this rose.

Iris-sistible!

2010-05-06T19:55:00.001-06:00

Ok, I feel another love affair coming on-- between myself and iris! No dear rose(s) not to worry you are not being replaced. I have enough "love" to go around! Thanks to plant swaps, generous friends, boost jobs from cemeteries and unsuspecting vacant lots (and one weak moment in Walmart)...I have collected quite a few. Each day for the last few weeks I run to the garden and find a new gift has opened. I only know the name of one of these so feel free to help me ID some of them if you can.

A plant swap beauty...it is a ghostly blue color- very unusual I think and I love the ruffled petals.

Supreme Sultan...my Walmart Iris.

I have no idea about this one but it is a very small bloom and short in stature. I love the pastel color blend.

I have been coveting the white/purple blends in others' yards...Surprise! I have one too! I love the edging of the purple with the white, it makes it glow.

This year a generous co-worker gave me free reign to get flower starts from her mother-in-law's yard (she's in the nursing home). She must be a lover of iris too..I found 3 nice varieties there including this one. Yay!

The next two are the dearest of all as they came from my mom's house. She had them for years until they had all but stopped blooming. About 4 years ago I laboriously dug them all out, shared with my sister and co-workers then planted the rest. It took 3 years for them to start blooming but they have been faithful since. The pastel lavender has a sweet scent that carries on the wind. Makes me want to stop what I'm doing and say "hi mom!"

Thanks for sharing my "presents" with me!

Backordered Rain?

2010-05-02T20:52:00.000-06:00

I think God gave us rainy days so we gardeners would rest and not feel guilty! I have caught up on my rest and have eaten way too much food during this monsoon-of-a-weekend. I crept outside and snapped a few pictures before yet another deluge began. Thank goodness I keep an umbrella stashed in my potting shed! My mom used to call such rains "gosling drowners." A co-worker dubs them "toad stranglers." All I know is a lot of rain fell in a short time. I would tell you how much if I hadn't been lazy and put off putting up my rain gauge.

Heritage rose is no worse for the wear from the beating rain:

I felt sorry for this little bee...he looks so bedraggled and weary on my iris:

This rose was one of my year old babies blooming for the first time. Glad the rain didn't destroy these until I could see them at least.

Not the best photography to be sure but I was glad to see my cheap-o remedy for " peony rain flop" is working...plastic 6 pack coke rings.

We were blessed here in extreme southern middle Tennessee. The severe flooding and heaviest rains this weekend stayed on the western edge of our county as it marched northward. Our ground is saturated so it will be a few days until I can do much in the actual ground. On the bright side we are due some sunny 80 degree days all week. Just in time for the workweek...but I digress.

Who's on First?

2010-04-26T20:20:00.000-06:00

Reminds me of the Abbott and Costello routine! I have been experiencing a lot of firsts this year in the way of blooms.
This siberian iris came from a yard sale 2 years ago...well worth the $1 I paid for the pot.

It's not a bloom yet but I am excited to see what color this peony will be. I bought it when it was a little whiff of a thing about 3 years ago. It was a Fred's dollar store plant in the moss baggie!

First bloom on another "found rose" from last year. This has been a vigorous little thing to have started from a stick last year!

Lastly, not a flower picture but another installment on the "Stairway to Heaven" project as I like to call it. I sure do have a wonderful and handy hubby!

Ladies and Gentlemen I Introduce to You the First Rose Blossom of 2010!

2010-04-18T19:34:00.000-06:00

First a little background about me and roses. About 3 years ago I had an interest re-kindled in heirloom roses. I say re-kindled because I have always loved roses-- even as a child I have memories of them. I just didn't know the differences between the heirlooms and the hybrid teas till recently. I had all but given up on roses until I stumbled upon some people on the garden web who were chatting away about finding them in old home places, cemeteries and even roadsides. Then the fever hit. I started propagating in a simple mist system and had whopping success. Even Glen has been hooked! Every spring we combine our beloved back road drives with my passion. I swear Glen can spot a stem with briars on it at 1000 yards! I am not someone who simply MUST have an ID for every rose although you are welcome to tell me what you think I have. I just name them according to where I found them. So it is for this posting. I just know this rose was found in Alabama at Wesley Chapel church and cemetery. It re-blooms all summer and is white with pink edges. The blooms are small and not fragrant, the leaves are healthy all season. It was near a grave from the 1940's.

Here is the mother bush:

I'll be glad when the other roses join in-- but until then I'll enjoy the sweetness of these first blooms.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day April 2010

2010-04-15T19:51:00.000-06:00

Garden Blogger's Bloom day sure did sneak up on me this month! I'm sure everyone has been busy as bees since the last bloom day--so have the flowers!

White Iris passalong (a first bloom for me this year yay!):

Chocolate chip ajuga earns its keep in the garden at this time of year:

Lily of the Valley:

Archangel Lamium:

Catchfly:

Next months preview: Roses, peonies and iris oh my!

Be sure to visit May Dreams Gardens to view the other beautiful blooms featured on Bloom Day.

http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/

Here a Bloom there a Bloom

2010-04-13T19:06:00.000-06:00

I have been enjoying the sights of spring and have been pleasantly surprised by some new blooms not before beheld by these eyes. Are your ready to take a peek?
I'm always "verklempt" by the first iris bloom.

Native columbine procured at last falls Middle Tennessee Plant Swap.

Lamium Archangel- surprise I didn't know it bloomed a lovely lemon yellow!

Solomon's seal has surely sealed it's place in my garden. Also a last year's plant swap find.

Other than enjoying my blooms I've been really working myself into the ground every evening after work and the weekends. Today I had Glen dig up 4 forsythia bushes that have only caused me grief since I planted them in my perennial bed (before I knew it was to be a perennial bed). I am passing those along to a coworker. Now I have 4 nice holes to put something in that I really do want!

Wisteria Hysteria

2010-04-10T20:51:00.000-06:00

Yes 'tis true that certain things will drive a gardener mad ie: a plant that seemingly will not bloom. Did my wisteria hear the mutterings under my breath or threats of shovel pruning? I was afraid to even hope that these buds were the ones I had anticipated for approximately 7 years, the fledgling blooms of my dreams.

Oh the suspense...

Do I hear Carly Simon in the background??..."anticipation is making me wait"...

Zip a de doo dah! My oh my what a wonderful...er...bloom! Yes I am quite hysterical over this as you can tell. Those who are blessed enough to have experienced this for years in your garden you surely must know the euphoria I am experiencing. (along with the bees who are covering every open blossom). I think wisteria is God's way of teaching us patience.

A final parting shot...

Fast Forward Through Spring

2010-04-06T20:25:00.000-06:00

Don't y'all feel that way? After waiting so long for event the tiniest speck of green all of a sudden things have been exploding like fireworks! Hard to believe how many flowers have come and gone already. I would miss so much if I didn't check the yard daily now.

My bleeding heart is looking quite regal already:

Creeping Jenny has been doing more "leaping" than "creeping!"

the upper garden

The lower garden

My little shady corner. I am especially loving my brunnera "Jack Frost" I have wanted this plant for a long time. It was a souvenir of my Huntsville trip to Bennett's Nursery.

My new red/orange gazing ball will look better when underplanted.

So this is where my help went to!

So hold on to spring while you can. In the words of Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Well said.

April Foolin'??

2010-04-01T20:07:00.000-06:00

Well I'm wondering if mom nature is trying to April fool me?? I was thinking I would not see any blooms from the snowdrops I just planted last year. Look what I saw today! I thought they were called "snowdrops" for a reason!

Another surprise I found was on my wisteria. It stubbornly has not bloomed for probably 6 years now and I'm wondering if these are bloom buds? I am always disappointed to see them leaf out with no blooms so I'm not getting my hopes up. I can't remember what the buds looked like before the leaves emerged.

My catchfly is blooming too, love its early pink blooms.

Lamium "chequers" has a nice purple surprise for me.

Looks like I'm not the only one that is loving these 80 degree temps and that's no April foolin'!

Adventures in Hypertufa

2010-03-29T21:12:00.000-06:00

I have wanted to try making a hypertufa trough ever since I saw my first one at a plant swap a few years ago. Barbara and I decided during the long winter months that we would give it a go in the spring since it takes a few weeks to cure enough to plant in. I'm condensing our steps but here's the link for the directions I used. http://www.efildoog-nz.com/hypertufa.htm

First we chose some regular cardboard boxes for the trough and some old mixing bowls for the others.

Next we combined 2 parts peat, one part portland cement and one part sand. Look at Barbara go!

Add water till you reach "mud pie" consistency...this looks like "mud pie "consistency to me!

Now to get our hands dirty! (gloves help)

Looks Good to me!

Stones add a decorative touch.

24 hours later the unveiling...

Roughing and smoothing the edges with a wire brush makes it look aged.

This is not a project for lazy people! Barb and I thought we could whip these out in no time but it took a few hours. I guess if we had a crew like Martha Stewart has to do the supply gathering and mixing it would have been more fun. I'm glad we stuck with it. Now we have these great planters and even better memories of good times spent as sisters!

Peek-A-Boo I see YOU!

2010-03-22T17:49:00.000-06:00

Today is nasty and overcast but that didn't stop me from checking to see what is peeking out of the ground!

I have about 4 different varieties of later daffodils which are teasing me with their fat buds!

I am trialing a tip I saw in one of my (many) garden books. Obviously using 6 pack holders to (hopefully) keep my peonies from a mud facial during their peak bloom time.

Saturday I relocated some shamrocks. They will be a nice edger to view as I pass through my white arbor.

This native sedum is freshening up. It makes me smile to see it "pouring" from the spout!

I would really love this wisteria if it would bloom! I keep thinking..."maybe this year." I am enjoying the purple hyacinths at the base of it.

No Pixie is not laughing at me...she found a nut to mouthe on!

I am impressed with the vigor of this native columbine. This is my first time to grow it and it seems to be thriving in a difficult spot.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day March

2010-03-15T16:43:00.000-06:00

Time for another bloom day! Seems like it rolled around faster than I thought it would. I also thought I would have more blooms by this time-- but hey, I'm content with what I have. First up is the bloom commonly cropping up in my yard (cemetarius blowover2us) LOL We live across from the cemetery and are always getting some stray silk flowers "blooming" in our yard. They are very frost resistant!

Now for the real blooms! Here's my white lenten rose-

My pink lenten rose-

My mini daffodil which was given to me and I don't know the name-- only that I'm thrilled to see a bloom for the first time!

Winter jasmine-

I also have winter honeysuckle blooms which don't photograph well for me. See you in April!

Ready, Set, Yard Sales!

2010-03-14T19:46:00.000-06:00

There is only one thing that gets my heart rate up faster than the first blooms of spring...the first yard sales of spring!! I bought this old galvanzed bucket last year and finally got around to painting it this cool green color. It was missing something so I called on Barb (my artsy sister) and look how she jazzed it up! I can just see it with a big fat pink geranium sitting in it.

Just this past Saturday I thought I'd check the paper to see if any sales were advertised. I thought it would be a long shot-- but there were a couple. I bought this (heavy) concrete pitcher at an estate sale. I paid $18 (which is a bit much for me) but I really thought it was pretty. Actually I'm sure it was worth it; it is in great shape. I already have it sitting in its place of honor by my white arbor.

Crocus and Croakers

2010-03-10T17:05:00.000-06:00

Ah, the sounds of spring! Just in the past few nights have I heard the springtime song of the "peeper" frogs. I
was surprised to find one last night resting on the arm of my porch chair! Please stick around and eat some of those horrid japanese ladybugs!

Now for the sights of spring. I was happy to see this little purple fella-

My variegated sedum is stretching out further-

White hellebores are just catching up with the pink ones-

Tulip in my tire planter testing the air-

Purple hyacinth is not sure just yet-

Pink lenten rose has added some blooms for company-

It is amazing how just a few warm days and rain can bring on spring! It only gets better from here! Stay tuned....

The Pine Trees Foretell Easter

2010-03-07T20:54:00.000-06:00

My SIL Donna sent me this in email form. I had never heard it before and was very touched by it. Enjoy.
http://wandascountryhome.com/pinetrees/index

Goodbye February (here's your coat and hat as you go)

2010-02-28T17:29:00.000-06:00

I am ready to kick out February and usher in March! It felt like March was knocking early on Saturday. I battled wind all day and had the red/windburned face to prove it. I was able to mark a few things off my gardening to-do list such as weeding and mulching this area where my daffodils and tulips are planted.

I also cut back my monkey grass and cleaned up dead stella d'oro and hosta foliage. Sunday I planted a few yellow iris bulbs and spent the rest of my outdoor time just soaking up the sun, listening to the birds chirp and watching the goldfish swim. I have to MAKE myself turn a blind eye to all that remains to be done and just sit and "be" sometimes. I'm looking forward to the gifts March brings.. ornamental trees, forsythia, quince, daffodils, tulips and many more!

Beginnings of a Woodland Garden

2010-02-25T21:18:00.000-06:00

I am really curious to see how my woodland garden emerges this spring. I started it last fall so I would have something nice to look at as I come up my driveway. I want LOW maintenance since I have so much else to tend to in other parts of the yard. Also I thought it would be a good place to plop some of the woodland plants I acquire at plant swaps as well as support my hosta habit. I have since added 2 large boulders to anchor the left and right corner. Kudos to Glen for moving them from a remote area of the property for me!

Pictured are the 3 mature acubas that started it all. Me and my coworker Kim (aka my gardening partner in crime) were driving by to get lunch one day and spotted these tossed ruthlessly on the side of the road behind the local college. I couldn't get them in the back of Kim's Explorer naturally so I went back to work hoping they would still be there after work. After giving Glen a few pitiful looks --he took me to get them and helped me plant them with the tractor. (and he thought that tractor was bought for him....)

You can see how the groundskeepers hacked on the one in the back! Later I planted 4 blue lacecap hydrangeas along the back in a semicircle and along the front the common green/white hosta. There is a stump to the far left (out of view) that I have ringed with fancier hosta I got on clearance late last fall. I hope to add hellebores, ferns and other shade loving perennials.

Let the (Gardening) Games Begin!

2010-02-18T20:26:00.000-06:00

Everyone is so into the Olympics lately but this gardener just doesn't have time for that. I have my own sport to begin training for..extreme gardening! It is about this time of year that I realize how out of shape I have become over the lazy winter. I was winded just pushing a wheelbarrow up my hill today-- with nothing in it! After a string of below average temps for the entire month of February I was revived by the 52 degree temp that greeted me post workday. (insert angels singing Hallelujah chorus here). Unwilling to waste a moment of daylight I enlisted my chief hole digger (aka Glen) and my chief soil tester (aka Pixie) and set about planting some bareroot trees and shrubs. Strike these off the growing to-do list...Grancy Greybeard (fringe tree), redbud tree, 3 burgundy glow barberry shrubs and a mockorange shrub. Here I am standing by the redbud looking all proud. I should get at least a bronze for today's accomplishment.

My First Garden Blogger's Bloom Day!

2010-02-15T19:34:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Carol at May Dreams gardens for sponsoring this. I am so excited because it's my first submission and coincidentally at the start of the GBBD year. I have only one bloom to show but it has brought me much happiness! I don't know the name of this lenten rose since I acquired it at a plant swap. It is the only thing that is bravely trooping on in the unseasonable cold and snow we've had this winter in southern middle Tennessee. Shine on little one!
http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/

Nothing says I love you like CONCRETE!

2010-02-14T16:03:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I got my perfect Valentine's gift from a local nursery in Florence, AL. Dear Glen was more than happy to have both Valentine's day and our anniversary (Feb 25) covered in one fell swoop! She resembles the Bird Girl statue found originally in the Bonaventure Cemetery of Savannah Georgia. I have named her Lorie (short for Lorraine which is the name of the little girl who posed for the original statue). She will look better when I clean off my porch behind her and when the Heritage rose beside her is covered in springtime blooms. She makes me happy everytime I drive down my driveway as she is positioned by my back entry. Here is a link to the Bird Girl history you may find interesting.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_Girl

A Junkin' We Will Go

2010-02-07T20:03:00.000-06:00

There is only one thing I love (almost) as much as gardening...yard sales and thrift stores! Saturday was a fun day spent with my sisters going to Goodwill 1/2 price Saturday. We covered lots of ground in Lawrenceburg, Columbia, Spring Hill and Franklin TN. I felt like I had been on a world tour after going to so many in one day! Barbara and Donna know my heart lies in anything that can be potential garden decor (aka, the older, rustier and most peeled paint an item has the better!) I thought I would share some of my treasure finds with you.

Here is a little weathervane thingy that was still new in the box. It is temporarily sticking in my overwintered Kimberly fern in the sunroom.

Here is a plethora of goodies. A wooden butterfly (begging for brightly colored paint), some colored rocks in a jar, a rusty red star metal luminary, a mug that says "gardeners know all the dirt" which will hold my markers in the potting shed, 3 matching glass beaker looking vases (will be oh-so-cute with a single zinnia in each, 3 cool gardening books (herbs, flower arranging and general gardening), a little birdie tin, and a funky mushroom picture that somehow I couldn't live without. I'm sure you will be able to pick out some of these items in future garden shoots. A girl's gotta do something till spring and this trip eased my gardening withdrawals for a while!

SNL and Gardening are two of my favorite things!

2010-01-31T21:02:00.001-06:00

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Ice Ice Baby

2010-01-30T10:57:00.000-06:00

Shoot, I was singing the praises of impending spring just Thursday and just look what happened! My 3 blooms I was tickled over-- (lenten rose, winter jasmine and winter honeysuckle) are now shrouded in ice! Oh well , I guess it is still January.
I thought this was a cool ice effect on our windmill.

Now I'm glad I didn't remove ALL the dead vines!

Even the fairies were caught by surprise!

My Arizona Cypress...probably dreaming of Arizona.

Memories of mom

2010-01-28T21:11:00.000-06:00

January is not a fun month for me-for many reasons. The obvious being the weather but the lesser known is that my mom passed away 6 years ago on the 24th. I have so many things of hers that I proudly display in my garden. They give me a good feeling when I look at them. One of the ones that symbolize her and many summers in my childhood yard is this homemade birdbath/strawberry planter. Mom had to decorate and garden in a time before Lowe's or even Wal-Mart. She had a job as a private sitter for an elderly lady and the job lasted for about a year. She had become good friends with this ladys family and when they were dealing with her estate they gave mom some things she had admired- one of them being this birdbath. After mom passed, my dad steadily dug up and moved everything in the yard, which was ok since he was just trying to maintain things easier and mow. This thing is very heavy so it took Glen on a tractor to pick it up with a front end loader so we could take it to its current place of honor. It was in disrepair, in need of paint and tlc. It originally had some old marbles stuck in the top of it which were long gone. I found a jar at a flea market and replaced those. It is a whimsical piece and has seen many winters--definitely 30 but likely many more. I like the fact I can leave water in it for the birds and not worry about it freezing and cracking. Glen put some red castle rock around it and I planted the base with hosta later on. I'll post pics when it comes into its full glory in the spring. Mom, I hope you're happy...your little girl is a garden junk-a-holic just like YOU!

Take a Sunday Drive With Me

2010-01-24T20:16:00.000-06:00

Glen and I were going stir crazy after church today so we embarked on one of our favorite activities...road trip! We like to explore the roads less traveled and our county is full of them. Second to gardening I love cemeteries and the history that surrounds them. We ended up in Clifton Tn, a very small town on the TN river and located the town cemetery there.

I thought this was different gravestone for a child. I am always touched by children's graves and think about the grieving parents from so many years ago.

We hadn't done enough to need a rest but I thought the bench was a good photo op for me and Pixie! She loves to explore cemeteries too. I might have helped myself to a few "loose" iris rhizomes as a souvenir (don't stone me, they were badly congested!)

Clifton is also home to a celebrity of sorts- T.S Stribling. He won a Pulitzer prize in 1933 for his writing. This is his home which is now a library/museum. Google him if you're a history buff. He is also buried at the cemetery we visited.

This is a funny fern growing on a fallen tree. Any of my native plant people have an ID?

T.S. Stribling's grave marker. (no wonder he went by T.S!)

We had spent the day and were driving home around 6pm. Pretty desolate looking huh? LOL this is a house we saw on the way home. Glen is fascinated with the old homes that have the hallway in the middle. There are so few left standing anymore. Hope you enjoyed our "drive."

2009 Highlights

2010-01-21T18:19:00.000-06:00

Sometimes revisiting the past can be really helpful, especially when planning the current year's garden. I was looking through some '09 pictures and thought I'd share some of my favorites. I'm glad I keep each season's photos on a disc. I am starting my 5th year gardening in this location. Though I am not where I want to be with this garden, I sure have come a long way!

This is an old cement block spring house that was our first project- even before the house was built! Glen needed something to do so he put a tin roof on it and we painted it. Of course I made it mine and dolled it up.

Just an overview of the garden- a big contrast from my prior post huh?

I love the pathway Glen poured for me from the quickrete form we bought. The flamingoes are standing beside my pond which is fed by a natural spring. I love my glass squirrels, they are a yard sale find and are like the ones my mom had when I was growing up.

I love my iris -they were my mother's and remind me of easter with the pastels. I love repurposing old things for the garden (hence the tire planter)

Cold Frame

2010-01-18T17:45:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of my cold frame Glen built last fall. I haven't "taken it for a spin" to see what it will do yet. The main reason I wanted one was so I could start seeds early. The bed is an existing seedbed we made with posts. Glen welds so he made a simple metal frame to lean the windows on. The ends are enclosed with a fiberglass type material we had. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

Walking the Perimeter

2010-01-16T10:47:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I thought I would visit the sleeping garden and make some spring plans. I like to see the winter bones and it's now that I can definitely assess the need for more winter interest. I am greedy, I don't like the span between the fall killing frost and the first sprouts of spring. I want to see a bloom in December, January and February! A tall order eh? Why is is we poo-poo the hollies, evergreen trees, camellias and such during the heights of summer when they are so vitally important during the drab days of winter? No more I say! I am making a conscious effort to do better! I have already ordered a witch hazel and have plans to buy a thuja green giant. Last fall I planted a possumhaw which I hope will reward me with red berries this year. I am anxiously awaiting the blooms of my lenten rose and shamelessly as a peeping tom I'm looking up their "dresses" regularly for flower buds! Take a walk in my barren landscape and give me some suggestions that maybe I haven't thought of. I don't mind, after all we're FRIENDS!

Laughing at Winter

2010-01-15T17:37:00.000-06:00

These are my foxglove seedlings I started last summer and obviously should have divided already. Actually I had my doubts that they would make it but after Glen built a cold frame over my seedbed last fall they started to thrive almost immediately. They seem to have not been fazed by the weather although the cold frame is not airtight. I would recommend that anyone try foxgloves by seed. This is my second year to grow them and they are not that hard to grow. Well worth the $1.99 a pack I paid for the seed. One mature plant at Lowe's was selling for $9.99 or so last year!

A Pixie flower??

2010-01-14T18:03:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone! This is a picture of the only thing that is growing in my yard right now! My maltipoo Pixie had a grand time playing in our first snowfall of the year last week. I enjoyed the snow but I'm glad to see it go along with those 20 degree temperatures during the day! I am looking forward to Friday and Saturday and the forecasted highs in the mid 50's!