"Extra Crispy" is only a good thing at KFC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!