Evan's Garden Journal

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

2011-10-17T18:41:00.001-04:00

So, I'm cheating again. I didn't take any of these photos on Garden Bloggers Bloom Day (the 15th of each month.) I usually just go out and take some pics when I remember (usually the 16th or 17th) and post those. These were taken on October 7th. Some of the flowers are still in bloom and some are not. The hydrangeas are not really in bloom, but their spent blooms from summer still look pretty.

I purchased this Clematis H.F Young in the spring. I planted it, watered it a bit, and pretty much forgot about it. Late in summer I noticed that the foliage had died back (not unusual in some Clematis, but I was afraid I'd killed it!) I watered it, and lo and behold, new foliage started emerging! And then recently, a bud appeared! Which developed into this beautiful bloom. I was very excited!

I know I've taken more than a few pictures of my ground cover roses, but they've just been outstanding. I'm interested to see what they look like over the winter months.

I think the birds need to get their act together and come have a snack already! This American Beauty Berry is still chock full of berries! Mom got me the pink one, that I hope to put in Evan's Garden, along with a new Bergenia (called Pigsqueak!)

Toad Lily (Tricyrtis) and Turtlehead blooming like crazy in Evan's Garden. I think I may need to get some white Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) to go with the pink. I love Turtlehead. Such a great little reliable plant.

2011-09-16T22:53:00.000-04:00

A few Lorapetalum blooms have appeared since I pruned last month.

This Pineapple Sage tells it all. It.Is.Dry! But finally the heat seems to have left. I am so ready for Autumn!

I've been really impressed with my new groundcover roses. I haven't babied them at all. They seem to be black spot resistant, too!

The rose bush that I'd been thinking was Apothecary Rose, I now believe is a Knockout. I just don't think anything else would be this resistant to black spot and bloom all summer long. Great plant for the South!

Empty!

I babied this American Beautyberry Bush a bit since planting it last fall. But that was mostly when I had just planted it. It's done rather well in spite of the heat and drought this summer.

Toad Lily in Evan's Garden. I'm ashamed to say that I let the weeds take over most of the backyard this year. It was too hot and humid to get out there, and when I could, I had to worry about two little rambunctious kids. Very disappointing season this year.

Jewelweed. It's pretty, but I find that, yes, it is a weed!

Some of my oh so lovely weeds. My husband weed whacked and I tore out a whole bunch the other day. I can see Evan's Garden again! I can't believe I let it get so bad. Note to self: ALWAYS mulch in spring!

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

2011-07-15T22:20:00.001-04:00

My new little path leading through my Butterfly/Hummingbird Garden. The butterfly part is nice and neat. The hummingbird part is a little wild. The arbor was my Mother's Day gift this year. It looks pretty good from this angle. Because it's on a hill, however, from other angles it looks, as my mother said, a little wonky. It will probably have to go to a flatter place, unless I can make this spot flatter.

This is a volunteer Corydalis lutea. I have it in a pretty shady spot, and it has a few little blooms. I wonder how it would do with just a tad more sun.

Purple Coneflower

Closeup of Rudbeckia fulgida "Early Bird Gold."

Evan's Tree is still lookin' good!

Garden Visitor

2011-07-06T21:37:00.002-04:00

(I'm post dating this, so I can do a little catching up. These photos were taken on July 6.)

We've recently had a couple of visitors in the garden. The first occasion included a mama and a baby deer, but this time, it was just the one. We all ran excitedly to the window to have a look.

Miranda said something like, "Look, an animal!" The "animal" heard our voices or sensed our movement, and peered in at us.

And then she decided it was time to go.

Early July Blooms

2011-07-05T21:54:00.002-04:00

I love any plant (well, except aggressive weeds) that can put up with our long, hot (and oftentimes dry) summers. This annual Vinca has been up to the challenge of over a month of 90 degree temps and not enough rain. They've bloomed non-stop, except for the ones that don't get quite enough sunshine. A great plant for full sun in the Southeast.

Another trooper this year is Echinacea. This is Echinacea purpurea "Kim's Mophead Coneflower". They have been a workhorse this year. They're starting to look a little rangy, mostly because I've been slow about deadheading. And I have had a little mildew on the leaves in late summer. But that can be managed with a little milk and water spray. Fantastic plant for sun and drought.

And the old standby, Purple Coneflower (looks pink to me!) A native to the eastern US. A garden favorite. It's a clumping perennial that's not fussy and not a thug. And gorgeous. This and the Kim's Mophead have been covered in bees and butterflies this year.

Another garden favorite is Black Eyed Susan. This variety is "Early Bird Gold." It's a cultivar of Rudbeckia fulgida that blooms earlier and longer than other varieties. For me it's been a clumper, and not a seed spreader. I have not found it to be thuggish at all (unlike the R. fulgida "Goldsturm" in my garden.)

We call this Evan's Tree, because we planted it in honor of Evan's birth in 2004. It was just a tiny thing then, only about 18" high. But it had a nice shape. Now, this Crape Myrtle is a good seven or eight feet! I believe it's Lagerstroemia indica x faueri "Acoma." I didn't prune it at all this year (and I usually only snip a couple of inches off when I do prune.) Look at those flowers! Just beautiful.

June's Bustin' Out All Over!

2011-06-27T21:54:00.004-04:00

We've had some severe weather in the area lately. Wind and rain (thankfully, no tornadoes!) We seem to lose some small limbs every time we have a storm. This large branch is the biggest so far this summer. And unfortunately, it fell right on top of my...

Lovely Hydrangea aborescens "Annabelle." This is the one that I had pictured with Duncan a month or so ago. It looks like it will be fine. I'm glad I got to enjoy it before the damage!

I purchased two white Hydrangeas for the Easter service at church last year. One in honor of Duncan and Miranda, and one in memory of Evan. One plant has a creamy white bloom...just one! And this one pictured is tinged with blue. Since taking this photo, it's turned even more blue!

The Crape Myrtles are starting to bloom. My parents purchased this small tree in honor of Evan's birth in 2004. It was itty bitty then. Perhaps only two feet tall. Now it's easily eight feet! With quite a spread! I think it's Lagerstroemia indica x faueri 'Acoma'

I purchased these groundcover roses from a local big box store. There have got to be 30 blooms in that cluster, and as many buds!

Rudbeckia fulgida "Early Bird Gold"

Got loads of this to spare if anyone's interested!

Echinacea "Kim's Mophead" is outstanding this year! The honeybees have been frequent visitors, as are butterflies. Definitely need to make the effort to get some more.

This is what one expects to see when looking at a Daylily from the side.

So, what's going on here? This is a Daylily that thinks it's a Tulip.

Stunning from the top, too!

Vegetable Garden Update

2011-06-27T21:45:00.001-04:00

Here's my little haul from the vegetable garden! I'm actually posting this (finally) in July, and we've eaten most of the potatoes and a goodly portion of the onions. I need to get to work on the garlic, because there's a ton! I don't think the potatoes did as well this year as last year. I planted more than twice the number of plants. I suppose it's to do with the early onset of summer temperatures. Hot, hot, hot. And dry. Hopefully, I'll have better luck next year. The tomato crop has been so-so. As well as the onions. Kind of a disappointing year for veg so far. I've planted some late season black beans and corn (not many seeds came up for the corn, sadly), so we'll see how they do.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

2011-06-15T22:27:00.000-04:00

I'm going to pretend that I actually got this posted in time for Garden Blogger's Bloom Day on June 15th. The photos were taken then, but not downloaded for a few days. What to expect? Daylilies! And some other stuff. :)

Plant Trade Daylily

Echinacea purpurea "Kim's Mop Head" is a favorite with bees and butterflies!

Daylilies line the pathway across from Evan's Garden

Daylily, "Big Bird" in Evan's Garden!

Aesculus parviflora "Bottlebrush Buckeye" also in Evan's Garden

Daylily with Dryopteris ludoviciana "Southern woodfern"

Daylily "Justin Brent" amongst the Crocosmia

Hydrangea aborescens "Annabelle"

Dahlia "Alpen Diamond"

Calla lily

New Daylily (I have to check the label for its Cultivar)

Daylily "Wineberry Candy"

Mystery Daylily that was supposed to be "Wineberry Candy!"

Late Spring in the Garden

2011-05-31T15:24:00.004-04:00

Evan's Garden

Knockout Rose "Sunny"

Hydrangea aborescens "Annabelle" and Hydrangea serrata "Miranda" plus Japanese roof Iris and Echinacea purpurea "Evan Saul"

The Hydrangeas are showstoppers this year, in spite of the heat and lack of rain.

"Ditch" Daylilies

I love how tough Daylilies are. They are stunning year after year, no matter the conditions. And they spread, so one can share!

Annabelle Hydrangea and Duncan

Duncan got tired of saying "Cheese," and ended up looking a little funny. Mommy's a bit slow with the camera finger.

The Big Blooms of Annabelle

So long Sweet Peas! You were tasty!

On to some summer beans, I hope.

Unknown Daylily

Echinacea purpurea "Kim's Mop Head"

I've seen honeybees and butterflies frequent these Echinaceas. I'd like to get more, but they're still a little hard to find locally.

Rudbeckia fulgida "Early Bird Gold"

Another tough plant is Rudbeckia. "Early Bird Gold" blooms all summer. It has spread in the last few years, and I need to divide them and give some away. Any takers?

Daylily "Paper Butterfly"

The blooms of "Paper Butterfly" are huge! Just a beautiful daylily.

Dinner with veggies from my garden (sweet peas, new potatoes, carrots, and onions!)

Vegetable Garden Journal

2011-05-25T23:21:00.003-04:00

Carrot pushing out of the ground.

After planting some 50-60 carrot seeds this spring, and only 5 or so coming up, I'm pleased that I got anything decent to eat. I figured if this little fellow was pushing itself out of the ground, it was ready to be pulled. So, I pulled it. And ate it. (Along with the taters and peas. And some scallions.)

Volunteer tomato coming up in my oregano!

I planted three store bought tomatoes (one Heirloom and two Romas), but I have several coming up from seed from last year. I can't wait to see what they are!

Sweet peas.

It's getting a little too hot for these springtime veggies. I didn't plant a lot, but had a couple of small harvests. In a word: yum!

Potato

Most of my potatoes are coming in nicely. I did dig up two plants that looked like they wouldn't survive. There were a few little new potatoes per plant. So, a disappointing harvest for them, but they did taste good! Hopefully the other potato plants will yield more taters.

The little happy yellow African Marigolds were some of Evan's favorite flowers.

I hope to pull the Sweet Peas soon and replace them with some sort of summer veg. I'll have a good bit of space in my small garden once all the spring plants are done! Now if it would just rain and stop being so hot, I might have a chance for a summer harvest, too.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

2011-05-15T20:56:00.001-04:00

There are loads of things blooming right now! Here's a sampling:

Hydrangea serrata "Miranda"

Sambucus nigra "Black Lace" Just missed getting a good picture of my first ever Sambucus bloom. It was beautiful. I may have one on my phone, but I haven't checked. Stay tuned!

Miranda Hydrangea

A bloom on one of my potato plants!

Look at all the buds on my Hydrangea aborescens "Annabelle"!

I can't wait to see these in full bloom!

Aquilegia caerulea "Swan Pink-Yellow Columbine"

A new acquisition from Santa Rosa Gardens. I've not had a whole lot of good luck with Columbines, so we'll see how this one works out!

Coreopsis "Center Stage"

Another one from Santa Rosa. Feathery foliage makes the flowers really stand out!

Fairy Rose

These last three plants are items I picked up at trades, so I don't know a lot about them.

Hardy Geranium

Rose

I keep wondering what Rose this is. I go back and forth between Apothocary Rose and just a Knockout. I'll figure it out one day!

Duncan's Gorgeous in the Garden!

2011-04-18T21:51:00.003-04:00

Deutzia Chardonnay Pearls (also called Duncan) looks amazing this year. I've decided I must have another! The chartreuse foliage does darken for me come summer. I wonder if it were in a sunnier spot, if it would retain the color.

Iris Duncan's Smiling Eyes is also spectacular this year. I have two Duncan plants that bloom at the same time, but they are in different parts of the yard. I think I may have to get these two together.

And a funky little frog that was on the handrail to the front door.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

2011-04-15T21:40:00.000-04:00

Deutzia Chardonnay Pearls or Duncan

Knockout Rose, Sunny

Tiarella

Iris Duncan's Smiling Eyes

Not sure why my photos are coming back so hazy. I don't know if it's been all that humid, user error, or camera fail.

Vegetable Garden Journal

2011-04-12T21:28:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple more recent photos (from April 1) of my little vegetable garden. I didn't realize how terrible they were till uploading, so I apologize for the blurries.

Sweatpeas starting to get a little taller. Very slowly. I think that's garlic in the background leftover from last year.

My potatoes and onions are coming in nicely. I've given up on the lettuce and planted a tomato and basil in the spot. And I only have 4 or 5 carrots coming in, so I shoved a couple of Roma tomatoes and two bell pepper plants in that spot. I should probably expand my veg garden, so I don't have to cram things so closely together.

Not feeling the best today, so that's it for now.

Woohoo, it's Spring!

2011-04-11T22:05:00.003-04:00

Yeah, I know, Spring "officially" began in March. And it's certainly felt like springtime (even summer!) here lately. These photos were mostly taken in mid March, so they are not too far off.

I just wrote a paragraph to follow each picture, and Blogspot lost it. I don't know that I'm up to doing that again. grumble grumble

Tulip "Miranda"

The tulips I planted in the fall in honor of my daughter, Miranda! I'll be looking for ways to keep the tulip bulbs over the summer, so hopefully I can replant come fall.

Stylophorum diphyllum Celandine Poppy

I Love, love, love the Celandine Poppy! Great little native perennial. The foliage is attractive and the flowers really pop. This one is in Evan's Garden. I just purchased three more for the woodland garden.

Veggie Garden in mid March

Ahhh...mid March in the Vegetable Garden. When I still had high hopes for my carrots and lettuce.

Azalea

Azaleas are a beautiful staple of the American South. This one is (I believe) a non-native evergreen variety. I just picked up a couple of native deciduous Rhoddies over the weekend. So excited!

Sweet Peas!

And the itty, bitty sweet peas. So full of hope. I should probably do more research on veggie gardening. I feel like I research my annuals, perennials, shrubs, etc. with a vengeance and have a good idea of what to expect. With veggies? Not so much. I plant the peas in February, I should have peas to eat by April, right? Nope. More like May or June. Maybe.

Vegetable Garden Journal

2011-03-13T09:13:00.004-04:00

Carrots - first planting February 12. I'm not sure if anything came up, because my two footed critter (my daughter, Miranda) kept getting in there. 2nd attempt started March 5. I think! I can't find a calendar to write all this stuff down. I obviously should have written it here from the get go.

Sweet Peas - started February 19. There are some 20 seedlings up now.

Potatoes - (3 varieties) started February 26/27

Onions (sets) - started February 26/27. Loads of onion greens starting to show.

Lettuce mix (seed) - started February 26/27.

I have garlic (or onions) that didn't get harvested last year and a solitary carrot from last year. I'm hoping for a good spring harvest!

Not much to report

2010-08-29T22:59:00.003-04:00

I can't find my camera. So, I can't share the photos I took around the 15th (you know, Garden Blogger's Bloom Day.) It's been hot, humid, and miserable for the better part of the month. Although, the last few days have been rather nice. We've had a little rain, but I'm starting to wonder if some things are going to make it. I bought several "Miracle" Heucheras, and it'll be a miracle if they all come back! I'm pretty sure I've lost at least one. Maybe up to 3-4. Sigh. Such a disappointingly (is that even a word?!) dry year. I had such high hopes in the Spring, as I'm sure we all do. I am very much looking forward to some consistently cooler weather. Then the gardening bug will bite again and make me forget all about this summer. I hope!

Feeling a Tad Discouraged

2010-08-05T22:31:00.002-04:00

It's been a long, hot, dry summer. And here we are in August. I've always felt like August here in the Southeast really knows what the dog days really are. It's too hot to work, things look like they are done. Done with the heat, humidity, and ready to go dormant any ol' time. This gardening season started off so promising. Evan's Garden was re-done and looking amazing. It's mostly hanging in there, but there are a few things (Chocolate Joe Pye Weed, for instance) that may not make it. I've lost other things along the way. It's so discouraging to put so much effort, time, and heart into a project, and then Mother Nature doesn't bring the rain. Sure, I've done some watering. I lug the hose and sprinkler around. I also tote my watering cans up and down the hill with water from the rain barrel (which is A/C drainage mostly, not rain!) But still things are wilty. Will they make it? I'll just have to wait and see. I truly hope this is not a sign of things to come. I don't want to have desert for a back yard! hopefully, this fall will bring more rain, but not flooding like last year! Where is the happy medium?!

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

2010-07-16T22:49:00.004-04:00

One of my few bell peppers. Waiting for it to turn red...

I have several Roma tomatoes and finally made some salsa fresca tonight. Yum!

Black eyed Susan as pretty as ever. Someone at a plant trade told me this is probably Rudbeckia hirta, and not R. fulgida. It has fuzzy leaves. It's spready for me. And another of my love/hate plants. Love it right now!

Knockout Rose, "Sunny" is starting to put on a mini show again. I moved them from Evan's Garden after the flood. They seem to be happier in their sunny, drier spot. "Sunny" also has a pleasant scent.

Million Bells (Calibrachoa) is considered an annual, but can overwinter in my area (zone 7b/8 depending on which map you follow.) Unfortunately, one of the three Million Bells I purchased this spring has succumbed to the hot, dry weather.

Melampodium has a terrible name. But it is a beautiful and tough annual. I'd read some really positive comments on a gardening forum about Melampodium...it's tough, drought tolerant, and blooms like crazy. I had a few small ones last year that didn't do so great, but this year is a different story. After looking a little peaky at first, they have done very well. They looked peaky because of an early hot spell before they were watered in. But they've tolerated hotter, drier spells since.

One of the few Daylilies still hanging on. The others are starting to look a little rangy. Browning foliage. I'll do a little cleanup to get them purty again soon.

This is Rudbeckia fulgida "Early Bird Gold." I know I've raved about this plant already. But it's like the Energizer Bunny of Black Eyed Susans! Just blooming like crazy. The R. fulgida, unlike the R. hirta discussed earlier, has smooth leaves. It also seems like a spreader, but so far, easily maintained. Love it!

Echinacea purpurea, "Kim's Mop Head" is still blooming like crazy. I haven't pruned it or pinched back any spent blooms. I may do that to see if I will get some new flowers later. It worked last year.

The old fashioned favorite, Purple Coneflower. There's not much to say besides, "It's just beautiful!"

Colorful Visitor

2010-07-13T22:53:00.002-04:00

I was excited to see a beautiful little Goldfinch in the garden recently. I rushed to get the camera, and then cursed my shaky hand. I finally had to stabilize the camera on something steady, and got a few decent pics.

He flew over to the Cutleaf Coneflower for a snack. The Goldfinches are the main reason I keep that plant. Another of my love/hate relationships. It's tall and lanky (I suppose I could prune it for size, eh?), and it gets pathetically wilty in the heat around here. But the flowers! The flowers are stunning! And, apparently, tasty. To birds, at least.

I look forward to a return visit!

New Stuff!

2010-07-07T08:45:00.004-04:00

Evan's Garden in all of its summer glory! Well, it's mostly nice foliage right now, but there are a few blooms here and there. The Ligularia mentioned previously and now Toad lily (Tricyrtis.) Although, I was unable to get a good picture of the orchid like bloom. I will definitely try again, because it's beautiful!

Over the 4th of July holiday weekend we worked on indoor and outdoor projects. You can probably see in the first picture there's a lot more gravel in that drainage ditch! Justin used up the rest and we'll have to get more, but it's finally looking more like what we want. I also filled in the crevices of the stone patio with sand and pea gravel. I think it looks great!

I finally planted all the native ferns I got at the spring plant trade. I also transplanted my Stokesia over to the other side of the creek. It is going through some shock, but hopefully with some TLC it will be fine.

My new little garden bed! On Friday I put some pine straw down here and there, but there was still a large blank space. The soil was the same color as the pine straw, so instead of feeling some accomplishment from the straw installation, I was discouraged, because everything was BROWN! And, frankly, boring. Justin told me that he wouldn't be hauling any more rock through there, so I could work something in if I wanted. I found all of these plants at the local Lowe's. The 2 gallon daylilies "Daring Deception" were $4! And the 6 inch Heucheras "Miracle" were $2! A bargain. The Dryopteris ludoviciana were not on sale, but having so much good luck with them already, I knew I'd be happy.

The area below the new bed is sloped gently towards the patio area. I decided to place my little dwarf Mondo grasses there. I've had 18 small plants since probably April, so I'm pleased that they are actually still alive! And hopefully now that they're in the ground, they'll do great. I'm hoping that they'll spread together and eventually make a small grassy area.

The patio with the Mondo and new bed in the background.

Another look at the new stuff. (Can you tell I'm excited?!)

I dug up my potatoes recently. We got a nice little haul. Not bad for a first time. I guess we'll probably just eat them up now and not bother with trying to store any, since we didn't get a huge haul.

Onions, garlic, and carrots...oh my! And some Roma tomatoes. I was very pleased with my onions. I will definitely try to cure some for later in the summer/early fall. We had hash brown potatoes with onions last night with veg from the garden. They were really good! Oh...someone needs to share their carrot secrets with me, because I only got a handful of small ones. Tasty, tho.

So, it's been a busy time, but I'm very happy with how things are looking so far. I told Justin yesterday if he ever decides that we should get rid of the weedy grass to the left of our patio/garden are, I'm up for the challenge!

Last Week in the Garden

2010-07-02T22:44:00.004-04:00

I ventured out a week or so ago in spite of the heat and got some pictures of a few things that are making summer time look good.

This, I believe, is Dryopteris ludoviciana, or Southern Wood Fern. I think it has some other common names, too, like Southern Shield Fern. It sure makes it confusing when trying to find out information on a plant, when looking by common name. It's native to my area, and has done really, really well in a partly sunny spot. In some books it says Southern Shield Fern is evergreen or semi-evergreen. I just planted it this year, so I'll be interested to see what it does come Winter.

I'm so happy with Evan's Garden this year! It's mostly brand new, and I had thought about moving the location and changing themes. But I'm so glad I didn't (or, at least I am until another flood!) I was able to continue the animal theme with some of my new plants. This Ligularia is also known as Leopard Plant. This is my first bloom (and it's still blooming!) I looked at the other plants today, and it looks like I will have more soon! I love the happy yellow flowers! It's pictured with Ostrich Fern (a native!)

Another native plant is Aeschulus parviflora. Also known as Buckeye. I had 4 blooms this year. When this shrub gets to full size 6-10' tall by 8-15' wide, it's going to be spectacular! I'm also interested to see the seed (which looks like a buck eye, hence the name.) We picked them up as kids for good luck.

The orange Crososmia looks amazing. As usual. Also pictured are Echinacea "White Swan" (former resident of Evan's Garden) and Rudbeckia hirta. I've had lots of bee visitors to the Crocosmia.

This is Dahlia "Pam Howden." I'm considering moving her over to my Shrub Island/Family Garden. She doesn't get much sun where she is, due to the stupid Crocosmia. I also have a Daylily "Justin Brent" to move there, if I can find it amongst the...Crocosmia. Sigh.

Duncan and I watched this butterfly go from flower to flower on this Echinacea "Kim's Mophead." Such a lovely little visitor.

And the Coneflowers have been blooming like crazy!

We're working on the backyard project over the 4th of July weekend, so hopefully we'll have some good pictures soon.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

2010-06-15T21:42:00.004-04:00

I remembered! Usually I forget to post what's in bloom on the 15th each month. And today probably shouldn't count, because I took the photos yesterday. But it was too stinkin' hot to go out today. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

I have been very fortunate to make some wonderful online gardening friends in one of the many gardening forums on the Internet. We do plant swaps once or twice a year. We talk plants, family, do the swap, and the best part...eat! I got several daylilies last year at the trade. I have no idea what any of them are called. I could care less, really, because they are just as beautiful even if I call them a "Passalong Daylily."

A Double Daylily I picked up at a plant trade.

Another trade! I'm so lucky!

One drainage ditch is starting to come along nicely. I can't wait for this project to be over, honestly. Once the stone is in and I can get the mulching and final planting done, I really think our yard will look very, very nice.

The daylilies have just been magnificent this year. I purchased this little beauty from Crazy Eddie's this year. I had different plans for the several that I picked up, but ended up placing them along one of the drainage ditches. They are all supposed to be George C. Bingham Daylilies. After looking up the photo of that variety, I don't believe that's what I have! That's ok, though, because I love it! I wouldn't mind if there were some more this color in there!

Daylily, "Paper Butterfly"

I picked up several "Paper Butterfly" Daylilies when a local nursery was going out of business. Huge flowers on top of this compact 18" plant. It does a bit of re-blooming, if I'm lucky. It's a good spreader, but doesn't go crazy.

Echinacea purpurea, "Kim's Mophead"

There are tons of blooms and more buds covering both of my Kim's Mophead Coneflowers right now. When I found these for sale last year, the lady at the nursery gushed about them and said they just bloomed all summer for her. I've been pleased as well. It's 18"-24" tall on a neat plant. It doesn't seem to get leggy like some Coneflowers.

Early Bird Gold Rudbeckia is bustin' out all over, just like the month of June. I can't say enough good stuff about that plant. It's the same size as the Paper Butterfly Daylily and Kim's Mophead Coneflower. I have them all in the same area, and they just look like they belong together. Now, if I could just get the shorter thing in front right. I've got Wave Petunias there. And even though I've been periodically pinching back, they're still leggy. I may use Million Bells next year.

Daylily, "Wineberry Candy"

After looking at all these Daylilies in this post, I feel like I should rename it "Garden Blogger's Bloom Daylilies"! Wineberry Candy is up by the road. It's not technically a "Hell Strip," but it's pretty steamy by the asphalt. They are also a good spreader. The ones I didn't divide to take to this year's trade have just been loaded with blooms. It's been a real treat. Hopefully, the temperatures will get cooler, so I can actually go outside and enjoy the garden again soon!

Stoked

2010-06-11T22:45:00.003-04:00

The Stokes' Aster (Stokesia laevis) is blooming now in my Butterfly Garden. The Crocosmia is trying to take over, but the Stokesia is putting up a good fight. (Note to self: clear out some Crocosmia.) I've been thinking about moving the Stokesia along with some of my Rudbeckia hirta (I've been calling it fulgida, but was told recently it's hirta?! I'm so confused!) over to an area on the other side of the creek. I read somewhere that Stokes' Aster can take a little moisture. It's a native plant to parts of the Southeast, including wetlands. So, I'm going to give it a shot. I was lamenting that this pretty little yellow variety called "Mary Gregory" hadn't come back. I thought the blue and yellow would be so pretty together, and then...

There it was! Just hiding amongst the stupid Crocosmia. (Are you noting at least the hate part of the love-hate relationship I have with that plant?) So, yeah, I was pretty stoked. And then I thought, "Stoked. Stokes' Aster." Snicker snicker. Sigh. Yes, I'm that lame.

I was thinking of planting the Stokesia and Rudebeckia together, although they may not bloom at the same time. If they did it would be really fabulous. I can't say that I haven't thought about just getting rid of that Rudbeckia (I mean, it's spreading into the lawn! What does that?! Notice another love-hate relationship going on here?)

Of course, moving all of these things means a largish space to fill in the Butterfly Garden. Oh no! I guess that means new plants! **evil grin**

What's Blooming

2010-06-06T22:49:00.003-04:00

Hydrangea serrata "Miranda" Lovin' the blue flowers! They are having less wilting this year than last. Hopefully, that trend will continue. One plant is more robust looking than the other. And hopefully, she'll perk up after this season.

I picked up this pink Campanula at a plant trade. This is my first experience with Campanula. And, so far, I'm pleased. I have it in a spot that gets only a little direct sun, mostly filtered sunlight. And it seems happy. It's always nice to pick up a new plant...especially if it's not fussy.

Hydrangea aborescens "Annabelle" is always a knockout. It's just astounding how huge those blooms get! That particular plant suffered a little beating during a recent storm, but seems somewhat recovered. These are also native to the US! I haven't had any wilting from the Annabelles this year now that they are established. I do have some from my dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea. It may have suffered some damage in the September flooding. Hopefully, it will be back to normal sooner than later.

Rudbeckia fulgida "Early Bird Gold" This photo was taken on May 31. This variety of Black Eyed Susan is supposed to have an extended bloom period. And from my experience last year (and so far this year), I can say it's true! They bloom like crazy, and don't seem to suffer from some of the late summer ugly foliage that I get with my Rudbeckia hirtas. There is some spreading, but as of now after having the plants for a year, they're not going nuts.

The Daylilies, on the other hand, are going nuts! They are blooming all over the place and looking magnificent! This is Hemerocallis "Paper Butterfly." The flower is huge on this compact 2 foot plant. It spreads nicely, but not aggressively. I can honestly say that I get the whole Daylily obsession thing.

And More Recently...

2010-05-31T22:07:00.004-04:00

Hydrangea aborescens "Annabelle" and Hydrangea serrata "Miranda" - Aren't they purty?

The dark purple foliage of Sambucus nigra "Black Lace" mingles with Deutzia gracilis "Chardonnay Pearls" aka Duncan. Love that finely cut leaf-age on the Sambucus, too. Still no blooms from either Elderberry. Hopefully, I've moved them for the last time and will have blooms next year.

In Evan's Garden I have this new Malva sylvestris "Zebrina." Rose mallow "Zebra" has been flowering like crazy these last couple of weeks. A large limb fell recently and knocked it over a bit. I went over to remove the limb the next day, and was surprised that it was stuck down some 3-4 inches into the ground! That could have hurt someone had we been outside. yikes!

The little memorial marker I have in Evan's Garden. I have Forget-Me-Nots planted there, because I'll never forget my little boy.

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho

2010-05-30T21:31:00.004-04:00

We've begun work on getting the drains done in the backyard. We put down weed fabric, a thin layer of gravel, and then the pipe.

Here's a closeup.

And we got a good head start filling in the rest of the drain (over the pipe) on the back portion of the Back 40. It looks like we'll definitely need to get more #57 gravel! It's been hard, hot work now that we're getting to summertime. Hopefully, we can get it finished and see the benefits to the yard soon!

A Couple of Weeks Ago...

2010-05-29T23:13:00.004-04:00

I took some photos of what was in bloom. Then a couple of somebodies got sick (me included), and I haven't made the effort to get back on here to post them. so, here are some planties that bloomed in mid May.

Corydalis lutea and a purple leafed Heuchera in the Butterfly Garden. I love the lacy foliage of the Corydalis. And those happy little yellow flowers perk up a shadier part of the garden. (And it's still in bloom!)

Virginia Sweetspire Itea "Henry's Garnet" flank the sides of our flagstone patio. Tough native shrubs that don't mind getting their feet wet.

Blue is the New Pink

Hydrangea serrata "Miranda" My Miranda Hydrangeas have changed from pink to blue this year. I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first, since these were plants I picked out because my daughter's name is Miranda. You know, pink for my little gal. But the blue is really lovely.

I believe this beauty is Clematis "Niobe." I have a small trellis in the center of a small bed on the side of the house. It's a hot, sunny spot, so I keep experimenting with what works there. Right now I have a couple of dwarf Yaupon hollies, some Angelonia, Million Bells, and Melampodium. Nice summer color for my hot spot.

Evan's Garden and Spring Flowers

2010-04-19T21:00:00.005-04:00

I've had limited time to get out and plant, because we've all been suffering from a stomach virus. The kids had one Easter weekend, too! Just the non-stop ickies. But when I have been able to get out there, I've been pleased, and honestly, overwhelmed by all of the plants that are coming back! It seems like almost every time I look, I see something I thought had surely died in the flood. Once we're all feeling better, I can't wait to get some more work done.

Hardy Geranium and Columbine

I had a tough time getting Blogger to upload my piccies, so I just limited myself to whatever. The Geranium and Columbine are in my Butterfly Garden. They are flowering beautifully, although they tend to wilt in the dry weather we're having. Rain is in the forcast, so hopefully we'll get caught back up for the year soon.

Deutzia gracilis "Chardonnay Pearls" or "Duncan"

My Duncan Deutzia is putting on quite a show! In fact, it seems like the plants in flower are really going for it this year. It's strange. Major rain. Long, cold winter. Some brief really hot temps, and then back to spring. And no rain. Is that the formula for good flowers?!

Iris cristata, Crested Iris

A cute little native Iris. Iris cristata is in the area that was flooded, and it's come back looking great. Iris as a species seems to be pretty tough.

Bell Flower

I know this isn't a great photo, but I did my best. This is the first time I've had a bloom on my Bell Flower. Another little native that likes the woodland setting. The Hepatica in the background also bloomed for the first time.

Evan's Garden

And here is where I've spend much of my recent planting time. And I'm very, very pleased. I love the color combinations of the foliage, and look forward to blooms. I planted a few more things over there today. Because our situation is uncertain (hubby's job), I decided to wait to move Evan's Garden to a different spot. I'm keeping it here for the moment. It still has the animal theme, plus some extras. I think it's lovely.

Duncan's Smiling Eyes Iris

2010-04-16T21:50:00.001-04:00

Progress!

2010-04-10T21:57:00.003-04:00

It finally feels like we're making progress in the Back 40. Justin proclaimed today that we are at the point where we can put the stone in the drainage ditches! Woohoo! I had lost patience already and started planting Itea around the proposed Patio area last week. I finished those today, and...

Planted lots of new planties in the garden formerly known as Evan's Garden. I have Heuchera "Autumn Bride," Ligularia (not sure which cultivar, but with purple foliage), Dryopteris filix-mas Undulata Robusta - Male Fern...

Plus Itea "saturnalia," and "Henry's Garnet," Aesculus parviflora Buckeye, and some other stuff, too.

Here's the Spring Veggie Garden! There's one lettuce that keeps getting nibbled.

The Azaleas are finally in bloom! About a month later than usual, but as spectacular as always.

Now, we just need to get the rain falling again. It's rained only half an inch here this month, with no more in the forecast. I'd hate for all my new plants to die, because we're headed back into a dry pattern. It would be nice to have a normal year instead of all the extremes we have been experiencing.

The Eye

2010-04-02T23:46:00.003-04:00

This week I keep thinking to myself that my eyes feel like the Eye of Sauron, because they're burning and open all the time. haha. A little Fantasy/geek humor for ya. But seriously, the pollen has been really bad this week. The kids and I played/worked in the Back 40 each day, and my eyes, nose and throat were all feeling the effects of springtime allergies. That said, I have had a busy week back there. I loaded up 12 bags of soil amendment on a wagon (3-4 per trip), and towed them down the hill (read: chased down the hill by the wagon! Gravity can be scary!), across the creek, and jumped over a drainage ditch to the point of destination. Of course, then Duncan scoops the dirt into the drainage ditch. Nice, new, expensive dirt literally down the drain. I've moved the stones for the patio around to see where I want them to be. I've lugged slate tiles down there to see if they'd look good as a walkway along the creek. I carried plants over today (including leaping over the creek with 2 shrubs in my arms!) I've definitely gotten many gardening workouts in this week! And for all the excitement I've had about my plans, it seems like each time I start laying things out to see what it really looks like, I'm disappointed. So, the "plan" seems to be fairly fluid. Which is ok. Frustrating, but ok. In good news...perennials are coming in here, there, and everywhere. I'm hesitant to put in new stuff, just in case that coneflower really is coming back. But at the same time, I am so antsy to do some gardening and get my hands dirty!

More Spring Gardening!

2010-03-28T22:34:00.003-04:00

Sigh...I just love spring. It's always an exciting time of year. The warm air coaxes us outside in our shortsleeve shirts. And we play in the dirt, and perhaps best of all, we don't have to worry about mosquitos. Well, alright, that's probably not the best part about spring, but it's pretty good. I'm excited by all the perennials that are starting to peak out. It's always a mystery whether something will come back or not, but this year I really am wondering (since our fall flooding damage.)

The Beautiful Daffodil at the end of my driveway.

Daffodils are often called harbingers of spring. I certainly think of them as a sign of a new season. They are tough little plants. They are long lived, and produce such bright, happy flowers.

This is a Tiarella. And, I'm happy to see the little buds rising above the attractive foliage.

Here's my Spring Vegetable Garden. I put up the little picket edgers to keep the little critters out (you know, my daughter! and sometimes my son.) I just planted my carrots today along with some Nasturtium. I'm hoping for some good eats in a couple of months. I'll have to figure out where to put my summer veggie garden one of these days.

What's still to be done...all the planties I've purchased this spring. Already! Most of these will go in the garden formerly known as Evan's Garden. And in the Back 40.

And even more work! Lots of big, thick stone that somebody will have to put somewhere! I'm thinking for our little patio/sitting area in the Back 40.

Springtime in the Garden!

2010-03-24T22:06:00.003-04:00

Finally...lots of gardening activity going on at my place! I planted my spring vegetable garden two and a half weeks ago or so. And I have seedlings coming in! Loads of onions and garlic, lotsa peas, teeny weeny broccoli, and my potatoes look like they're actually breaking through, too! I'm so excited! This is my first spring vegetable garden. I am trying to keep an eye on nighttime temperatures and the calendar. hopefully, I'll have a nice little harvest in a couple of months.

In other areas of the garden, daffodils are blooming and perennials are peaking out. Duncan's tree, which is a Royal Star Magnolia, looks magnificent this year! Big, beautiful white blooms. And there are perennials coming in that I thought may have been lost in the flood. Many plants don't emerge until later, so I won't know for another month or more about them. My Woodland garden, on the other hand, seems to have lost the fight to flooding, digging, excess dirt and trampling. A Shuttleworth's ginger, some Iris cristata, and my Lobelias seem to still be there. But not much else. It's disappointing, but I'll be able to replant once the drainage system is installed. We're almost done digging the drainage ditches. We need to get those done (hopefully soon!), and do the rock and pipe thing and maybe then we will be able to plant. Ugh! It feels like it's taking forever!

Has Spring Finally Sprung?

2010-03-08T22:39:00.004-05:00

After what seems like a very long and cold winter, we've had a few warm days in a row. And the nights aren't supposed to go below freezing this week. I'm hesitant to say that Spring is here, because even here in the Deep South we get late freezes that kill off all of our new growth and spring buds. So, let's just say I'm cautiously optimistic. We are still working on the ditches in the Back 40. They are still draining! They're probably a good 18" deep and 2-3' wide depending on where you look. There is a wet weather spring that, apparently, drains through our yard. We're the lucky ones that have the lowest property around. The good thing is that the drains work. We just need to get the width, depth thing finished up, then we can do the rock, pipe thing. I took the kids out to run around in the warm sun today (in short sleeves!) and to check and see if any perennials are breaking through-a favorite early spring activity. The daffodils are up and about to bloom...about a month later than usual due to the wacky, cold winter. My poor Daphne odora blooms look like they got bitten by the cold. I still took a wiff, and caught a hint of yummy scent. We went back to the back and played. I didn't see much beyond Daffies and Daylilies breaking ground. Then a certain little girl decided to be naughty, so we had to go inside. I did have an opportunity to go back out later and do some actual work. I finally planted my Aesculus parviflora (Buckeye.) The Buckeye is a native shrub with gorgeous blooms and large leaves. Got that in the ground, moved my Itea "Henry's Garnet," and my two Yellow Knock Out Roses. I also removed my poor, dead dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea that bit the dust after the floods in September of last year. So I'll just have to wait and see what comes back. And then go from there. I feel like I got a good start today. Bring on Spring!

Ditch Diggin'

2010-02-22T21:38:00.003-05:00

In an effort to give the Back 40 better drainage, we've been digging ditches. We got started on what would have been Evan's 6th birthday. It was cold, muddy work, but just the sort of thing a little boy would love.

We started in the area where I installed a path next to Evan's Garden last summer. We continued forward to the creekside and back to the back of the property. Lots of roots. Lots of rocks.

Next, I started the new trench where the playground used to be. That one goes forward to the creek and back to the back, as well. The topsoil in the back part of the yard got scraped away in the fall floods, so water has pooled there since then. When we dig water fills in the bottom of the new hole. It makes for hard work! Mud is so slippery and heavy. We'll dig, then let it drain for a few days and let the water table go down, and then start up again.

We purchased gravel and piping to go into the trenches once they are the right size. And we'll top it off with heavier stone and/or stepping stones for paths. I'm so antsy about getting this part of the project done. I want to get my plants in so they'll be somewhat established before summer (and any possible new flooding.)

Bloom Day--A Day Late...Again

2010-02-16T10:51:00.003-05:00

Our Crape Myrtle we call Evan's tree, because it was planted in honor of Evan's birth.

We don't have much for blooms just now. And these pictures aren't actually from the 15th, but they're still purty.

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Our Japanese maple that we've christened, "Hirohito."

We picked up this Leyland Cypress (we call him Leyland. Clever, huh?) for Christmas 2000.

And the Daphne odora I planted on the one year anniversary of Evan's death. She actually has buds coming in. And the scent is so, so lovely. I used to have another Daphne, but I got a little shovel happy last year, and I think I hit some roots. It's a shame, because it was a beautiful plant, and the one that I had shared with Evan. I beckoned him over one day to take a whiff of the scent. He looked at me like I might be playing a trick. But he did come over and sniffed. And looked at me with a look of pleasant surprise on his face. Sometimes if the winter is fairly mild, Daphne blooms on or around Evan's birthday. But we've had unusually cold weather this year, so she has still yet to bloom. Hopefully, the snow and below freezing temperatures won't have an impact on the blooms!

A Second Look

2010-01-30T22:23:00.002-05:00

I thought the other day that we had been given the "gift of dirt." That wasn't quite accurate. After a second, closer look, I have found that although there is some new sediment back in the Back 40, there are dips and rises everywhere, and new scraped out areas. We have noticeable erosion. So, we are hoping to go on the attack as soon as possible. We're thinking we'll install French drains and dry creek beds, in hopes to get any flood waters directed back to the creek. And I'm starting to think about doing raised beds for my gardens and play areas for the kids. So, I'm trying to do my research on raised beds to decide what to do. Any body have any advice on doing raised beds? I'm thinking either a concrete product or stone for edging.

More Rain

2010-01-25T22:29:00.003-05:00

We had quite a storm roll through yesterday. According to my handy dandy new rain gauge, we ended up with 2.8 inches of rain. It was enough in a short enough period of time for us to have another flood in the back 40. So, today we have more standing water (because it hasn't dried out completely since September), mostly organic debris, and silt. Places I had dug out before to act as a channel down to the creek, are now filled in again! The big flood last year seemed to scrape away more than it left. This time it kind of feels like we got a present. A dirt present. Just when I think I might have it all figured out (or at least, some ideas figured out), we get flooded again. And of course, all the rain has given me time to think. And I believe that those years of drought (2006, 2007, 2008) kind of made me forget that the back part of my yard is a flood plain. I've been thinking about doing some hardscaping (read: patio) back there, surrounded by native shrubs to act as a flood breaker. Maybe some raised beds and some dry creek beds, to give the flow of water direction. Of course, it's difficult to plan with the distraction of more flooding. It's difficult to get to work when the ground is like a wet sponge. So, it's definitely been a frustrating period. And I don't know if I should do what I'm planning or not. It seems like planting some anchoring plants would be a good thing. I may have to call in a pro for help this time!

Good News!

2010-01-20T21:38:00.002-05:00

We had some rain over the weekend, but the mud didn't stop my son, Duncan, and me from playing outdoors in the beautiful weather the last couple of days. We've gone from unseasonably cold to unseasonable warm. But just a little above average. We'll be seeing some more rain tomorrow and back to average temps for the weekend. Duncan and I spent most of our outside time in the Back 40. There's plenty of mess for a little boy to get into without getting into too much trouble. I took the opportunity to get out my shovel and dig around a little. I dug a hole in the area of Evan's Garden, and in a couple of areas where I'd like to place some shrubs. I was mainly testing the ground. I wanted to know if the hole would fill up with water, or if the weekend's rains had drained in those spots (because it certainly hadn't in others!) I'm happy to say that all of tests came back with no water! I'm feeling more encouraged about the future of the gardens back there now. It's still going to take a lot of dirt/pea gravel/stone/plants/etc. to get it looking like my backyard oasis, but at least I am hopeful.

Is it Spring, yet?

2010-01-09T22:08:00.002-05:00

I feel like I'm waking up from a long winter's nap expecting the new growth and buds of early Spring. But then I become aware that it is still Winter, and a rather chilly one at that. This morning it was 12 degrees. Twelve! I live in the Southeast US. We don't get those temperatures around here. In spite of the weather, I did get some gardening done in the first couple of days of 2010. I planted some Acorus in the still damp back 40. Still wet in places. I planted a couple in standing water. I went inside feeling uncertain about this. I looked up Acorus to see if they like wet feet. What I found was they do ok with shallow water, not too deep. They like things consistently moist. I decided to dig them all back up the next day and add some organic matter to the soil and see if I could give them a good start that way. I went back out the next day. Things weren't wet, they were frozen! I managed to dig all the little plants up, improve the soil, and replant. The temperatures have been mostly below freezing all week with a small amount of snow. The last I saw the Acorus looked just fine. Fingers crossed. But I am seriously over this weather. I really feel for my friends in more northerly areas. I don't know how they can stand it. Of course, I stayed inside the house entirely too much and have a case of cabin fever. I imagine people who are accustomed to cold weather are better equipped (like owning more than cotton pants! Jeans are useless in the cold!) I'm trying to do what I do best this time of year: plan. We hope to add more stone here, there, and everywhere. Terraced beds on the slope, patio and pathways in the back 40. Too bad we have no wheel barrow to cart stone around. (Our two wheel barrows floated away in the September flooding.) The bridge is gone, too. So, we'll have to use our neighbor's until we get a new one. I'll try to not be distracted so much by the temperatures, and get busy with planning Evan's New Garden.

Thinking about giving up

2009-12-10T23:09:00.003-05:00

With all the rain we've had in the past few months, the back 40 is still wet. We still have pools of standing water here and there. When we dig down into the soil, the water wells up in the hole. All the work I wanted to do since the big flood in September has, for the most part, been put on hold. But now I'm starting to wonder if I should alter my plans. I'm sure not all years will be as wet as what we've had lately. Drought is part of our recent past, afterall. But I'm beginning to think I should just embrace the whole idea that the back 40 is a flood plain, and put appropriate plants there. And here's the biggie...move Evan's garden. So really I'm thinking about giving up having Evan's garden in its current location. Not giving up entirely! I've been considering installing some more terraced beds on the slope-y part of the backyard, and maybe use one of those for Evan's garden. It's disappointing and exciting at the same time. I suppose I should wait it out and see how things go. But there are some plants that just can't abide having wet feet. And that area back there has been wet for months. I'm pretty confident I will lose some. Others are tough. It is a wait and see game, I guess. Just trying not to feel too discouraged about the state of my yard in the meantime.

Other Purty Stuff

2009-11-20T10:56:00.002-05:00

I took these photos earlier in the month. This hardy geranium that I got in a trade is spreading nicely. It's funny to hear me say this, because I generally have an aversion to plants that spread. Oh sure, some clumping is ok, but really spreading has always kind of freaked me out. I was afraid for a while of suckering shrubs. Of course, there are things that spread too much (Chinese privet, kudzu, English ivy, etc.), and others that are manageable. And those can always be shared with friends, which is part of what makes gardening rewarding and so much fun.

Pam from Digging has suggested that Garden bloggers should consider doing a foliage day the day after Garden Blogger's Bloom Day each month (that's on the 15th.) I immediately thought of the gorgeous fall color on my surviving Oakleaf hydrangea this year! It didn't bloom, but by golly it's making up for it this fall.

My one lowly Camellia. I've had this Camellia for several years. It's been moved about a couple of times, eaten by deer at least once, and never has it bloomed until this year. This year, when it was in the thick of the worst, fastest part of the flooded area. Other plants in the area floated away, got flattened, and some things just didn't make it. But the Camellia came through the flood with flying colors. And now it has blooms! Or, bloom. But isn't it beautiful?! I need to go back out there and see if there are any more. There were buds! I thought it would be fun if I could find an animal named Camellia. No luck so far. Mostly names. If you find one, let me know. I'd like to get more!

Bloom Day

2009-11-15T22:59:00.003-05:00

This is that same Rudbeckia "Early Bird Gold" still blooming in November! The regular old Black Eyed Susans quit blooming ages ago (like August.) Early Bird has been going strong for 4-5 months. I am so impressed with this plant!

A non-native Butterfly Weed I picked up at the spring plant trade. It's starting to wane a bit now, but it's been lovely for weeks.

And the oh so lovely Dahlia "Pam Howden." What a beautiful bloom! She just knocks my socks off.

And she's still blooming...in November! Of course, we haven't had our first freeze of the winter, yet. More rain, yes, but nothing lower than about 35 degrees.

And here's all the stuff I still need to plant!

More Work and More Rain

2009-11-11T22:46:00.003-05:00

I am fortunate enough to live close enough (but not too close!) to both my parents and my inlaws. And even more so, because my mom and my mother in law both enjoy gardening. We talk about plants, we wander around each other's gardens, but best of all we plant shop together. We've picked up some new things for Evan's Garden this fall, and just a few days ago my mom and I put them in the ground. The new area is separated from the rest of Evan's Garden by what used to be the stone path. I removed the stones and threw them (literally) over to a new patio area. That is still in progress. The path will still be a path, but instead of stone, I'll use pea gravel. I dug up the concrete pavers I had around the playground that floated away during the flood and used them to border the path. I still haven't gotten the pea gravel. Justin wants to do a French drain underneath it for better drainage of the area. Anyway...Evan's Garden is on the right edge of the back 40. The path is next, then a new little perennial bed full of more zoo plants! And then the patio. After that will probably be the new playground that Santa told me he'd like to get the kids. So, lots of work done, and lots more to be done. As usual. But it feels great to have a good start. We were able to get the plants installed during a week long sunny spell. It was wonderful to see the sky again! But alas, the tropical storm past through over the last couple of days, dumping 3 or more inches of rain on an already fairly saturated spot. So, I expect to have puddles for a little while again. I'm just hoping that they'll dry up in time for Evan's death anniversary on November 24. I'm hoping to go back there with my mom and mother in law and plant something special in Evan's garden. Fingers crossed for nice weather!

I Actually Did Some Gardening!

2009-10-26T22:24:00.004-04:00

So, mild weather and drier weather has got me back outdoors. It's been cool, but pleasant. The ground is still kind of like a wet sponge, but hopefully that will get better in time. It's probable that it will rain tomorrow, so maybe not for a long time! I did acquire some new planties for Evan's zoo garden recently. I bought some Ligularia, commonly referred to as Leopard Plant. This variety has purply green leaves and yellow chrysanthemum sort of flowers. I don't know which cultivar it is, because the label simply said, "Ligularia." whatever. I like it! I also picked up and planted (thanks to some muddy help with my mom!) part of what I hope to be my living mulch--Mazus. I hope to interplant some daffodils, as they bloom around the same time. I had a couple of Heuchera "Autumn Bride" that I dug up a month ago that looked really nice with the Ligularia. So, Evan's garden is starting to look like a garden again, instead of just a mud pit.

Yesterday I dug up most of the stone from the path and carried over to the new stone patio area. I also carried the stones from my veggie garden path (I'll replace the path with mulch.) So, I got a good workout yesterday! The patio will need more stones, and filling material, but it's already looking good. (no pictures, of course!) I hope to carry on with the zoo garden theme on the other side of the path (this is the path by Evan's garden). so it would be Evan's garden-path-more animal plants-patio-playground. So, hopefully it will turn out great. It will be a lot of work (don't I say that every time?!), but I will be so happy to be in the garden again!

Just Frustrated

2009-10-16T21:58:00.004-04:00

So, it rained the day after I did all that work moving dirt around and digging up stones from the path. Which means, the back 40 is more pond than yard. And the stone path is once more covered in silt. Oh well. I'll just dig it all up again. If it ever dries out! Ugh! I'm tired of the water. I've started looking for plants that don't mind wet feet, while I wait for the water to drain. So, at least I feel like I'm doing something. I'm itching to get out there, especially now that the weather isn't hot and humid. I feel like I've missed the best weather, because it's been too wet. One day...hopefully soon!

Can You Dig It?

2009-10-11T22:05:00.002-04:00

Duncan did a little digging in the front yard (he was looking for treasure), while I put down the rest of the pine straw that I'd purchased before the flood washed the rest away. He wandered around to the back 40, and I followed. It's still quite muddy and puddly in places. Duncan wanted to explore the remains of his poor, broken playset. Justin pulled most of it out of the creek yesterday. He needed the chainsaw to break it up. The playground is dump bound, I'm afraid. But it certainly has been a subject of interest for Duncan since we watched it float away the night of the flood. While he explored, I decided to do some digging myself. I started moving silt and filling up the puddles...the low spots created by the raging flood waters. I decided to scrape around and see if the path by Evan's garden was still there. The stone path I built in July. I dug down a good 4-6" and found stone! I scraped until most of the stone was exposed, moving the excess silt/dirt/gravel over to the low spots. So, I'm happy the stones are still there. I'm going to have to dig them out, and build up that area. Maybe do better drainage this time! We're still thinking of putting a patio and some pathways back there. And we're thinking a new playground may be in order.

Of course, this all flies in the face of the decision I made earlier this week. I decided to embrace the fact that the back 40 is, for all intents and purposes, a flood plain. I decided that I would plant things that could handle periodic flooding and standing water. I figured I would leave Evan's garden as is, for the most part. I would plant "living" mulch--a groundcover like mazus, blue star creeper, or something that can deal with shade (or some sun) and moisture. And the grassy/weedy areas I planned to use a dwarf acorus. It's a relative to iris. It likes moisture, even boggy conditions. And in the places that are better drained maybe dwarf mondo grass. Of course, that's a couple of different shades of green for the grass. So, has this all fallen by the wayside? Probably not. I think we'll have plenty of space for the hardscaping and the new planties. And, as I seem to say often, it's going to be a lot of work.

Starting over

2009-10-05T06:09:00.003-04:00

Pink Turtlehead, Chelone lyonii

I finally decided to do a little work in the back 40 yesterday. It's still wet and muddy, and with rain all night, I'm sure the previously shrinking puddles are all back. In spite of difficult feelings about the flood damage, I was inspired to get my hands dirty. Although, it would have been better to have gloves! My mom gave me a couple of plants that needed planting right away. I put my new Turtlehead in Evan's Garden. I looked at the damage there again, trying to determine what I may need to purchase in the future. It's hard to tell. I guess I won't really know until Spring arrives.

Coneflower "Evan Saul," Echinacea pupurea

I replaced the Evan Saul Coneflower in the Shrub Island (am I still calling it that? Maybe I should call it the Family Garden, because it's filled with plants with cultivar names of family members.) I need to get one more and that garden will be in good shape. It's the one garden in back that did not take a beating in the recent flooding.

Virginia Sweetspire "Saturnalia," Itea

I propped up this Itea a week or so ago, and it's actually still standing! And looking great. It looks so good, that I've thought about buying more! The other Itea I have (Henry's Garnet) is also in good shape. I have to find the little things in life that make me happy, eh? Because then I walk over to my poor hydrangea...

Oakleaf Hydrangea "Sikes Dwarf," Hydrangea quercifolia

This is one of the plants that I just don't know if it's going to make it. It's ironic, really. I have two hydrangeas that look like they could be on Death's door. One killed by flood, one killed by drought. It was dry for a good bit of the summer, and then September brought over 15" of rain. I will wait till Spring for both of them. If they don't come back...well, then I'll know what to do. Here's a picture of this Oakleaf Hydrangea in all her summer glory:

Evan's Garden Update

2009-09-30T22:17:00.003-04:00

I crossed back over to the back 40 yesterday to have a better look at individual plants in Evan's Garden. It was disheartening. One Oakleaf Hydrangea was flattened, and had lost leaves. Many leaves are dying, too. I tried to prop it up with a stick. It just looks sad. I also propped up my Itea "Saturnalia." It too was flat on the ground with some dying foliage. It looks like a fighter, though. There are definitely coneflowers still there. I may be missing a fern or two (Christmas fern), and I really don't know about my Tiger lilies. I didn't see any trace of them, but there's a lot of silt, so they may be buried. Other bulb plants lay there with their bulbs exposed completely. I don't know why my second trip back there was harder than the first. Maybe this time, because I was thinking about what all I am going to have to do, I became overwhelmed. One thing is clear for the short term: I'm going to have to get some proper stakes for my shrubs! We still have pools of standing water here and there in the back. Some are pretty big. It looks like some spots were dug out by the fast moving water. I thought that the puddles would have dried up by now. It's been 4 days since the last rain. I'm afraid the mosquitos are going to take advantage. wah!

Evan's Zoo Garden

2009-09-26T22:49:00.004-04:00

I went through the garden taking pictures a few days before Garden Blogger's Bloom Day this month with the intention of posting the pics, well, on Garden Blogger's Bloom Day (the 15th of each month.) I posted some pictures of my not very tasty carrots instead. I took several, but I just noticed some of the cool animal plants that were in bloom at the time. So, I decided to post them all together.

Spider Lily Lycoris radiata

Spider Lily at its peak. This is one of my fall favorites!

Toad Lily

Toad lily flowers are small and very orchid-like. The plant has been a bit of a slow spreader, but not invasive. For me, they are best enjoyed up close.

Turtle Head, Chelone lyonii

Turtlehead is a wonderful native. It has lush, dark green foliage, and strange turtle head shaped flowers. They don't mind a bit of moisture.

"White Swan" Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea

Coneflowers have been showstoppers all summer. And my White Swans and Kim's mophead (also white) are still blooming.

"Cat's Whisker's" Orthosiphon aristatus

Cat's whiskers is an annual in this region. They have bloomed their little hearts out. And grown to an impressive size.

We were hit with a week of rain, and then devastating flooding earlier this week. Evan's Zoo Garden took quite a beating. All of these lovely plants were under what was basically a river for hours (thankfully not days!) But the raging current took its toll on my son's memorial garden.

Our backyard during the flooding.

Evan's garden

Everything is covered in silt and flattened and partially defoliated. I suspect with some TLC, everything will come back. I haven't done any work yet. I have felt a little defeated about the whole thing, honestly. And the bridge giving us access to the back 40 floated away. I can still get back there from the neighbor's yard, when I want to begin the cleanup process. It's pretty overwhelming. I have a "where do I go from here" sort of feeling. I have to say, however, that we were extremely fortunate not to have any flooding in the house, other than a small amount in the garage. And gardens can be re-planted. So, when all of the puddles dry up and I get that gardening itch again, I'll be back out there.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

2009-09-15T23:06:00.002-04:00

"Dirt Makes Me Cuter" shirt. I need one of those.

Instead of blooms I'm sharing my recent carrot bounty. I dug up lots of these little suckers, cooked them up, and...was a little disappointed. They weren't nice and sweet. They were kind of earthy. If you know what I mean. I wonder if I may have left them in the ground too long.

I'll try to actually get some blooms up soon. I've mostly been a weeding machine lately. I haven't stopped to smell the roses, or even admired the dahlias. Oh, I did stop and smell the Ginger, tho. Very nice!

Pretend Gardening

2009-09-14T21:46:00.003-04:00

I have a pretend garden on Facebook. I play the game Farm Town (my husband calls it Crack Town for some reason.) The player plows, plants seeds, harvests, and then starts all over again. Some things earn the player coins and some things cost coins (like buying seeds, plowing, etc.) Raspberry seeds grow into plants, then bear fruit in just 2 hours! Of course, if the player doesn't harvest in a timely manner, the fruit goes to waste. The virtual seeds have a 100% success rate. There are no weeds, there's no drought, no floods, no scorching heat, no mosquitoes!

I went out to work in my real garden yesterday. I pulled up the peas that I haven't touched since The Attack. I dug them down into the soil in hopes that they'll decay and give the soil some good nutrients. I'll probably be yanking out the rest of the veggie garden this week. It's been a somewhat successful venture, this vegetable garden. I got lots of tomatoes, and perhaps enough peas and beans to do a three bean soup, a handful of carrots (that didn't taste all that great), some tiny onions, cukes, and herbs. It's funny. The bed that I just deconstructed looks an awful lot like the "harvested" virtual bed (although, less cartoony.)

We're still in the dark about what the future holds...where will Justin be working this time next year? Will we still be living in this house?, etc. It's hard to make plans for next year's garden when I just don't know where I'll be next year. But I hope that I will learn from this year's gardening experience and become a better gardener next year. (unless we end up broke and have to live in an apartment with no yard. Then I'll just be pissed.)

Fall is in the Air

2009-09-07T22:04:00.002-04:00

August was hot and sticky. I think this time of year is often called the Dog Days of Summer. And after doing a fair amount of work outside keeping everything watered and pruned, etc. in June and July, I pretty much give up in August. Maybe it's called the Dog Days, because gardeners are as tired as dogs. It's just too hot, too weedy, perennials start to look leggy. I look out the window, and I say, "Meh." I did do a little bit of weeding. And that's pretty much it. There are still things blooming. Interesting things. But have I lugged the camera out to get a picture? nope.

But now that it's September, and there's a little bit of Fall in the air (although, it'll probably be short lived around here), I'm thinking about getting out there again. I did some mulching and yanking annuals over the weekend. I have plans to hit my favorite perennial place (where things are 50% off! Woohoo!) I don't want to go crazy, because we may have to move. I just want the beds to look neat. Not that crazy end of summer look they currently have.

Come on Fall, I'm ready.

Goldfinches!

2009-08-11T23:07:00.002-04:00

Ok, I know these pictures are grainy, but I was so excited to see the goldfinches out there. Had I run outside with the camera, I'm sure it would have flown away.

And here he is on a sunflower! They've also enjoyed my Black Eyed Susans and Cutleaf Coneflowers, and interestingly enough, my flute playing!

I wasn't quick enough to get pictures, grainy or otherwise, of my little hummingbird visitors. They loved my Crocosmia while it was still blooming. And lately they're enjoying my Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Black and Blue Salvia (Salvia guaranitica), annual salvia (Salvia splendens), and even my Alpen Diamond Dahlias.

More than One Kind of Knockout!

2009-08-04T06:16:00.002-04:00

Evan's Tree aka Crepe myrtle

The rain has really perked things up around here. It's also made it really humid again. I guess that's one of the things about living in the South. It's Summer. It's Hot. Deal with it. And again I say the prayer, "Thank you, Lord, for the inventor of Central Air!" Even in the heat we have tons of blooms. I know there can be a lull in the Dog Days of Summer. Maybe we haven't gotten there yet, because it's beautiful out there! We planted that Crepe Myrtle when Evan was 6 months old in honor of his birth. It was less than 2 feet tall then. I think it is upwards of 6 feet now! And I'm loving the umbrella sort of shape. I think the ultimate height for this one is 12 feet tall. I'll try to remember the cultivar. One of these days.

Dahlia "Alpen Diamond"

I got Alpen Diamond as a freebie when I ordered several dahlia tubers from J&C Dahlias. I must have put it in the right spot, because it seems extremely happy. I never dig them up. Although, after three summers, I may have tubers to share by now.

Dahlia "Pam Howden"

I wrote a few weeks ago about how I didn't think my Pam Howden dahlia was going to come up. Well, I was wrong. This is also a dahlia from J&C Dahlias. I first saw the opening bud as I was wandering around the yard scratching my itchy arms after the pole beans decided to get fresh. I saw that peach color and said, "Oh my." And I have to say that she is stunning. I should bring her in and make a bouquet. I used to do that more often. I'd enjoy my flowers inside as well as out. But I haven't done it lately. Maybe it's a lack of a cutting tool. When I'm outside I'm usually with a little one, and don't like to carry around dangerous implements. I'll have to make a special trip.

Knockout Rose "Sunny"

My newest acquisition. I've been admiring other people's Knockout Roses for a long time. So consistent. Supposedly trouble free. And this year they came out with yellow. And what's more, it has a pleasant scent. None of the other knockouts are scented. I looked at some pretty ones at a local nursery, but they were about $10-15 more than I wanted to pay. Then I found several on sale at Lowe's. They weren't as big, but they still look nice. So, I bought two for myself and one for my mom and one for my sister in law. This picture is actually from my mom's plant, which is still in the pot. She forgot to take it. If she forgets again, it's going to end up in my yard. It's tempting to go back and see if I can find some more. I really need to find a place in my usual walk from the car to the front door, because the scent is really nice. And the flowers are sweet. I put my two in Evan's Garden. I know, it's supposed to be a Zoo Garden. But my little boy really did have a sunny disposition, and these beautiful flowers fit perfectly in his memorial garden.

Attack!

2009-08-01T18:18:00.003-04:00

My Trellis of Pole Beans Toppled Over

I decided to tangle with my pole bean plants after some heavy rains (that's right, people, it rained! Alot! We ended up above average for July. woohoo!) knocked my homemade trellis over. Again and again. I propped it up with more bamboo, but as you see, it toppled over again. The last time I went out to fix it, I decided to pick some beans at the same time. It hadn't occurred to me that on previous occasions I had worn gloves. After the sticky leaves started winding themselves around my neck, my arms, my legs, I decided I was done collecting beans for the day. I felt a little like Harry Potter and the Devil's Snare from the second book. Then I started to itch.

I'm sensitive to numerous plants, so I wasn't really surprised to start breaking
out all over my arms, legs, and neck.

I came inside and washed with cold (always cold water on rashes!), soapy water. I went back outside, and thought it was all over. But one washing was just not going to do it this time. I got Duncan and took him inside. I took the bean-y clothes off and stepped into the shower.

And waited. I called Justin, "Are you coming home soon? Because I'm having a really bad allergic reaction." He suggested Benedryl, and said he was on his way. So, I took some Bennies, and waited it out with the kiddies. Thankfully, it was better by the time Justin got home.

The bean plant is on its side again. And I think it's going to stay like that for now.

Summer Beauties

2009-07-28T22:10:00.003-04:00

Salvia guaranitica "Black and Blue"

I have no excuse for not blogging about the garden. The garden has exploded with color, scents, and in some cases, food! Black and Blue Salvia probably has its name from the cool blue and black flowers. But I hear that it can be a thug in the flowerbed. For me it does spread a bit, but (so far) it's not out of hand at all. I'm awaiting the yellow blooms of my Goldenrod growing next to the Salvia to really make that Black and Blue pop.

Lobelia cardinalis "Cardinal Flower"

Cardinal Flower is a glorious native plant. It likes some moisture, so I've been lucky that it's so happy, as our rain supply has not been up to snuff lately. I had thought that in my springtime privet chopping, I had killed my Cardinal Flower. I flattened something that turned out to be another Lobelia...Great Blue. When I went back to get a replacement plant, I picked up another Cardinal flower. Now that they are blooming, I see that it was the Great Blue. Funnily enough (is funnily a word?!), the blue lobelia I planted last year and thought didn't come back...came back! So, I've got some blue, too.

Rudbeckia fulgida "Black Eyed Susan"

Here's good ole Black Eyed Susan. She's been magnificent this year. All of my Rudbeckias have just been beautiful. I love that pop of color that you get with yellow flowers.

More Tomatoes!

I've been blessed with maters, and beans, more basil than I know what to do with, some cukes, a zucchini (and more coming), and some other stuff. My first year doing the veggie thing has been pretty good. I have to admit I've been lazy with the beans. I pick them and let them dry. I figure I'll shell them and cook them when I have enough to cook for the whole family. Next year I'll try to plant enough plants that I'll have more coming in. Chalk it up to a learning experience, right?

Sunflower

I have several different color sunflowers back behind my vegetable bed. The one in the picture has been the most popular with wildlife. Every morning at breakfast we watch bees, birds (goldfinches!), and various insects snacking. Yesterday Duncan and I watched a squirrel tearing into a sunflower munching on those delectable seeds. And as Duncan said, the squirrel, "made a mess." These flowers and many others have made my yard bee-central, even the endangered honeybee! It's been an absolute pleasure being in the middle of my very own wildlife preserve.

July Blooms

2009-07-13T22:58:00.004-04:00

Lilium lancifolium "Flore Pleno"/Double Tiger Lily

June showers didn't bring the July flowers (because it barely rained in June), but the flowers came anyway. I planted this Tiger Lily Bulb last fall in Evan's Zoo Garden, and waited. The foliage came up, and it's finally flowering. And boy was it worth the wait! What a spectacular bloom! The foliage suffered being stepped on or knocked over, so it's pretty horizontal, so I'm happy to have a bloom at all!

Echinacea purpurea "White Swan"

I have several White Swans in Evan's Garden. Here and everywhere in my yard the Coneflowers are having a great year. Such a classic beauty. I need to get out there and do some deadheading, and maybe I'll have blooms into Autumn.

Dahlia "Evan Matthew"

I'm very pleased my Evan Matthew Dahlia is up and blooming. It only grew to about 12" and never bloomed last year. I moved it, and hoped for the best, but didn't expect it to come up at all. Obviously, I have been rewarded! hopefully, it'll come back next year. This is one that I'll just have to wait and see.

Sunflower

I've been oooing and ahhing over the lovely sunflowers in my veggie garden. I have the one in the picture and a lovely small pale yellow kind. I sit at the breakfast table, and watch all the bees and birds, and insects checking them out. I was so proud of my contribution to the honeybee population, until...I got stung! Yesterday I went out to water something. I bent down because the heavy rains of last week have made the tops heavy. I brushed up against a bloom, and thought, "That sunflower has a poky cone." But then it really hurt. "Ow ow ow!" And maybe an expletive or two. I need to stake the blooms back up, so they're not leaning over the path. Don't want the kiddies to get stung!

Echinacea purpurea "Purple Coneflower"

And more Echinacea.

The Canal

2009-07-10T22:47:00.003-04:00

You may remember this pile of stone. I purchased it to do a border around the kids' playground, but then changed my mind. I wanted a Path! A path beside Evan's memorial garden. So, on June 27 I started digging. I had read all sorts of books with directions on laying a stone path. I watched a video online. I felt like I had a pretty good grasp on the situation. So, I began digging. And the whole not raining more than two tenths of an inch for the previous few weeks didn't make it easy. The ground was hard.

But I managed to dig what Justin referred to as "The Canal." It was about 13 feet long, 3 feet wide, and I thought 6 inches deep. When I got the tape measure out, it was more like 12 inches! So, I had to put some dirt back! There was rain in the forcast for July 5, and I really didn't want a mud pit in the backyard, so I decided on July 4 to "get 'er done." We got the sand and some paver dust, and got to work.

And I think it looks pretty darn good. I used up most of my big stone, because I was trying to get rocks that were a good size to step on. I obviously didn't tamp down the sand enough (um...hardly at all!), because after the heavy rains we've had this week, the path is not quite flat.

To be honest, it wasn't flat in the beginning. It's just less so now. I'm hoping adding some pea gravel or more sand will help. Overall, I'm pleased.

The project is not complete. Besides the not being flat part, I encountered a tree root back near the woodland garden. I've been trying to decide if I should start the curve there, or cut the root. I've read that roots bigger than one inch should be left alone. This one is probably right about one inch. Now that we've had some rain, the ground should be soft enough that I can dig around to see what may be the best way to go.

We hope to do more paths and a stone patio. Big plans! And a lot of work!

Is it July Already?!

2009-07-07T17:05:00.005-04:00

The furnace outside has been set to scorching (add in extra sticky for the humidity level), so we've been busy hanging around doing the lazy Summer thing inside. We've received a pitiful amount of rain in the last month, despite the announcement that the drought is over. Probably should have waited on that one, eh? I am pleased that we actually did have a good soaker today, however. I need to get myself a rain gauge to have an idea of how much we're getting.

Daylily "Justin Brent"

In my eagerness to fill my garden with family named plants (Evan, Duncan, Miranda for the kids), I found this beautiful Daylily called Justin Brent offered by Ellie's Daylilies. Just lovely! Justin is, of course, my hubby's name. Now, I need to get a Pam plant for me. I had some Pam Howden Dahlia's, but they never came up. So, I may try again. And then maybe I can move on to other family member's names. Fun!

Maters!

I've gotten a couple of red maters lately. There are dozens of fruits on the plant, and I was wondering when I would actually be able to eat any of them. Now! Yeah!

Sunflower

My first success of a flower from seed! Woohoo!

Rudbeckia "Early Bird Gold"

I just can't get over how great these Rudbeckias have done. I think I may get some more (or divide the ones I have) to put in Evan's Zoo Garden. Weeks and weeks of those wonderful bright yellow flowers. How perfect for a little boy's memorial garden.

Echinacea purpurea "Purple Coneflower"

And the always lovely and always reliable Coneflower. They are looking fabulous this year. They are considered to be drought tolerant, but they, like most plants, like the better rain conditions we've had this year.

Stay tuned for the next installment about how my "canal" is transformed.

Weeds and Things

2009-06-22T15:13:00.003-04:00

Ivy Like Weed

Got this awful stuff everywhere. At least it pulls up easily. More so today, because we're getting rain! Woohoo! We haven't had any more than some sprinkles in more than a couple of weeks. And with the heat wave on, my poor little plants are wilty. Except the weeds. I can admire their tenacity in that regard, but I still don't like 'em!

Echinacea looking a little peeky

I know there are some funky green Coneflowers out there, but I'm pretty sure this one didn't start off that way. I'm pretty sure this was a "Razzmatazz," with pink mum like blooms. I'll have to look through my photos to be sure. Any chance one of the newer Coneflower hybrids could wack out like that? I figured if anything, it would revert to the regular Purple Coneflower. But green?!

More Stone!

I bought this stone to do a border around the playground area in back. Now, I'm think I'll use it for a path by Evan's garden. I'm thinking pavers around the playground instead. What do you think?

The Fruits of my Labor

2009-06-19T08:32:00.005-04:00

Another Beautiful Nameless Red Daylily

I got this red daylily at the plant trade. It's planted in a small grouping of daylilies, a Turk's cap lily and Swamp Hibiscus. All trade plants! How cool is that? And free! (My inner cheapskate just sighed happily.)

Hymenocallis festalis "Spider Lily"

This is the one Spider lily that looked fantastic that I also got at the trade. The three others I picked up at Crazy Eddie's are looking much healthier. So, hopefully I'll get blooms out of all of them this year!

Sarracenia purpurea "Pitcher Plant"

Pitcher plants are cool little insect eating plants. I placed this one back in the backyard where we have a mosquito problem. hopefully, this plant will get plenty to eat!

Echinacea "Evan Saul"

I moved my Evan Saul Coneflowers from the Butterfly Garden to Evan's Garden last fall. I crossed my fingers, but didn't hold my breath. You know, just in case. They didn't look all that great when I moved them, but now, they look super happy and healthy. And I think the blooms are more orange this year. Helps to have some rain, I guess!

Daylily "Big Bird"

My new centerpiece in Evan's Garden is Big Bird Daylily! A fabulous, tall (I'd say probably 3 feet?) daylily with bright yellow blooms. I placed it in front of my Buckeye, which will eventually be 10 feet tall by 10 feet wide. now? It's just a baby, and looks dwarfed by Big Bird.

Echinacea purpurea "White Swan"

I planted all of these White Swan Coneflowers in the fall after we were put on a watering ban. I had a lot of lugging around buckets from my rainbarrel. I ran out of water, and waited (not so patiently) for either rain or the AC drain to fill it back up again. We got through the dry period, and this year's rains have everything up and beautiful. Although, we haven't had any rain around here for a couple of weeks. And the temperatures are in the 90's. Not cool! Literally!

Orange Crocosmia

A hot orange color for the hot summer garden. I've got lots of Crocosmia in my Butterfly Garden. It looks just like strappy foliage until mid June, and then, Wow! It's like fireworks on the ground!

Onion!

Our first little mini harvest! I'm so excited that we actually have enough of a couple of things in the Veg Garden to eat! Woohoo!

Beans!

I've got lots of beans on my bean trellis. And there are actually some beans coming in on a couple of my black bean plants! It's funny, but I'm so excited because I guess I didn't think anything would come in for me. I realize that I will have small yields, because I didn't plant a lot of stuff, but hopefully I'll have enough for our little family. And I will definitely have the learning experience, right? If we are still in this house next year, I will definitely add at least one new veg bed (two, if I can.) And and arbor, and....:)

My Bounty!

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

2009-06-15T22:25:00.004-04:00

We're experiencing a heatwave here, and I'm more inclined to stay inside in the air conditioning than to go outside and do work in the yard. Although, I did get out there last Friday after purchasing some new plants while visiting my parents. I went back over to Crazy Eddie's and found a few Spider lilies (hymenocallis festalis) for Evan's garden. They looked horrible. But I decided to shell out the $1 per plant, and baby them. I also planted a Big Bird Daylily (same color yellow as Big Bird on Sesame Street! Thanks, Mom!), a pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) , some annuals, a replacement Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) for the one I killed, and a new Turtlehead (Chelone)! So, some really cool plants for Evan's Garden, and the Woodland Garden. I sprayed myself with bug spray, and got to work, telling my husband to check on me periodically. When I got back inside, I took a shower, and was really starting to feel weak. I think I really pushed my limits that day. Thankfully, after chugging some water, and getting some peanut butter crackers (thanks, Justin!), I was ok.

I didn't take any photos of my new stuff, but here's some of what's in bloom and of interest right now:

Dahlia "Alpen Diamond"

This Dahlia was a freebie when I purchased 3 "Evan Matthew" Dahlias from J&C Dahlias. Alpen Diamond has been a robust plant, with pretty pink blooms summer and into fall. I haven't staked her in the two years (going on three) I've had her, but I may this year.

Tomatoes!

I've been very excited about all the little tomatoes coming in. Until Duncan, aka Mini Godzilla plowed through the veggie garden the other day. He spotted a tomato, and said, "apple!" and dropped it to the ground.

Fallen tomato

Naturally, it was one of the biggest ones!

Black bean bushes

He also uprooted at least 2 black bean plants. I obviously need to get the boy a garden of his own to destroy, so maybe mine will be safe(r).

Echinacea purpurea "Kim's Mophead"

I've got blooms on almost all of my Coneflowers! What a great plant! So many colors to choose from now, and different heights. There's a Coneflower for everyone! My Echinacea purpurea "Evan Saul's" are flowering, as are my White Swans. I'll try to get some pictures of them soon. I wish I had a telephoto lens, so I wouldn't have to go out in the heat to get pics!

Rudbeckia fulgida "Early Bird Gold"

And these little Rudbeckias are really lighting up my front beds. When they arrived in the mail (from Santa Rosa Gardens), they were small and rootbound. I put them in the ground right away, and they've really taken off. I'm very pleased with how happy and healthy they look. My "regular" Black eyed Susans still haven't bloomed. They have buds, but "Early Bird Gold" is definitely living up to its name!

One of These Things is Not like the Other

2009-06-14T18:18:00.003-04:00

There used to be a patch of lawn up by the edge of the road that really suffered. I think it was just too hot there by all that asphalt. It was (and is) a sunny spot, but needed something a little tougher than fescue. Because the fescue? It couldn't take the heat, and was letting weeds infiltrate. Tsk tsk. So, I took shovel in hand, and dug out an area probably about 3 feet deep by 20 feet wide. I amended the rock hard soil (which might have been part of the problem, ya think?) and decided to plant one of nature's toughies: the daylily. Daylilies can take drought, they can take moisture, they can take heat, they can take sun, they can take part sun. Shoot, they may be able to take shade, but just not bloom so much. I thought to myself, "If anything can make it up there by the road, it's daylilies."

Hemerocallis "Wineberry Candy"

This was back in the Fall of 2007. I went to a local nursery and looked for what was left over from the summer. I wanted a bunch of one kind of daylily, so I had my work cut out for me. I ended up choosing "Wineberry Candy," because they had several plants, and I figured I could divide them out to make up the rest of the area. My internal cheapskate was happy.

And when Summer 2008 rolled around, I had lots of pretty blooms in a once difficult spot. Not all of the plants bloomed, but I figured they would, too, in time.

Summer 2009 is here, and the daylilies are looking spectacular. And this year, almost all of them are blooming. "See," I said to myself, "all they needed was a little more time." I drive or walk by them each day, and smile. Until I discovered something was amiss.

There was (and is) a single red nameless daylily in there with my peachy-purple throated "Wineberry Candies"! Who is this beautiful stranger? And why couldn't more have been just like her? That's right. I love the red one. In fact, I've been thinking about buying some red and yellow daylilies to put in raised beds around the playset in the backyard. This means I don't have to buy the red ones! My inner cheapskate is very happy!

Now, if only some yellow ones could show up for free. Hmmm.... Anybody wanna trade?

Cut Down and Puffed Up

2009-06-10T22:20:00.004-04:00

Echinacea purpurea "Evan Saul" after being mowed down

Garden beds that lie too near the weeds, I mean, lawn, can sometimes fall victim to The Lawnmower. Unfortunately, the Shrub Island-turned-plants-with-my-kids'-names-Garden is not clearly marked, and my Evan Saul Coneflower was sheared. When I saw what was left of what had been a big, healthy plant, I almost cried. Not to mention the fact that this is one of the plants named with the same name as my son who died. It was a tough blow, but it is coming back.

Astilbe

I think I picked this Astilbe up at Crazy Eddie's Used plants last year. Maybe Mom remembers. I'm sure it was called something. Too bad I don't remember. They look beautiful, and they're blooming later than most Astilbes in this area (Zone 7b or 8. They've changed it a bit.)

Daylily "Paper Butterfly"

I suffered the disappointment of losing my "Teddy Bear" sunflowers in Evan's garden recently. They were tiny (about an inch), in spite of the fact that they had been in the ground for weeks and weeks. I think I may have inadvertently disturbed them when planting my new Bat Faced Cupheas. So, now I have a place in the very center of Evan's garden, the place for a showy plant, that is absolutely empty. I'm so disappointed and frustrated. I'm not sure what to put there.

I was considering dividing and moving these Paper Butterfly Daylilies there. They are big and beautiful. I had hoped for color for a longer period, though. There is a new yellow Knockout Rose. What do you think?

And as promised, Annabelles!

Hydrangea aborescens "Annabelle"

The Annabelle hydrangeas in my yard have been fantastic this year. I have no regrets about moving them out of Evan's Garden to the Shrub Island. They seem very happy there. I also have two more in the butterfly garden (one newbie as of this weekend!) Can you believe they are native hydrangeas?! I don't know if any other hydrangea has the puffed up balloon like flowers, which are a favorite with the kids. A hit for the whole family.

I had to get a shot of Annabelle's big blooms.

Me and Annabelle!

June blooms

2009-06-08T22:45:00.001-04:00

I took the kids to Grandma and Grandpa's for a few days last week, and I took pictures of what was in bloom before heading out.

Hydrangea quercifolia Oakleaf hydrangea "Sikes Dwarf"

I have two of these Oakleaf Hydrangeas, and only one was blooming. It's starting to fade now, but hopefully, I'll get some blooms off the other soon! The wetter weather has produced stunning blooms from the hydrangeas this year. I can't wait to share my pictures of my Annabelles!

Hemerocallis fulva "Ditch Daylily"

These beauties are called ditch dayliles or common dayliles. You do see them in ditches, as well as in the garden. And maybe there are fancy new varieties of daylilies that have ruffles and purple throats, etc. But I think the Ditch Daylily is stunning, particularly en masse. They look fantastic on the creek bank in our backyard, and they do the job of controlling erosion.

Echinacea purpurea "Kim's Mophead"

And here is my Kim's Mophead Echinacea that some people don't believe exists! I can't wait to see how she'll look when she gets to mature size.

Rudbeckia fulgida "Early Bird Gold"

And finally Early Bird Gold rudbeckia. This rudbecia was discovered in a field of the Goldsturm rudbeckia. At this nursery Early Bird began blooming earlier, and continued to bloom later. Supposedly it doesn't rely on the longer days for it to start blooming like other rudbeckias. And mine are blooming! And the Goldsturms I have aren't.

Miranda and Friends

2009-05-27T15:52:00.003-04:00

Hydrangea serrata "Miranda"

I purchased a couple of Miranda hydrangeas this year for the Shrub Island-turned-plants-with-my-kids'-names-Garden. The pictures I saw online had blue flowers, so imagine my surprise when they came in pink! I'm guessing the ph to the nursery's soil was alkaline. And I'm also guessing that, unless I started amending for next year, I'll have blue blooms in future years. Where I live you never, ever see pink hydrangeas. I don't know if it's because people prefer the blue, or they just don't want to go through the hassle of altering the soil ph. Laziness, in other words. Thing is, I like the pink. I mean, it's my daughter's hydrangea, afterall.

See how pink "Miranda" is!

Spigelia marilandica has got to be one of my favorite native plants. Look at those vibrant red blooms. They really light up my woodland garden. I don't have much else blooming back there past early spring, so the Spigelia is a real standout. Hmmm...maybe I need some summer bloomers in there. Any ideas? Heuchera? I need to get some more Spigelia, too. One is just not enough!

Spigelia marilandica "Indian Pink"

I have a few things blooming in Evan's Garden: one Oakleaf Hydrangea (the other's not even in bud!), two Virginia Sweetspires (aka Itea), melampodium, bat faced cuphea (thanks to LaLa!), and this fabulous "red" Tiger Lily. It's kind of burnt orange to me. What do you think?

Red Tiger Lily with Itea "Saturnalia" in Evan's Garden

The Afters

2009-05-22T22:51:00.003-04:00

As promised, here are a few pictures of some of the work I've been doing in the yard. The previous post had the before pictures. These are the Afters.

A closeup of the part of the creek that I'm de-weeding. Here's the before picture from last summer. I've transplanted daylilies from further down.

Here's a look of what still needs to be done. And what is making me feel like I took on too big of a project!

And the new and improved and smaller azaleas! Here's the before. After seeing my handiwork, Justin said, "That looks like it was a lot of work." It didn't really feel too bad at the time. maybe because of the pleasantly cool temperatures. However, when I moved all of the branches from the driveway to the back, the pile was big enough to be a whole azalea! Wow, did I give those things a pruning!

Just Plain Lazy

2009-05-21T15:41:00.005-04:00

About posting, that is. I went to the Plant Swap, as promised. And it was as fun as usual. Plant chatter, different kinds of plants to share, and a touch of hysteria when the trade began. I bagged the following (through pre-trades and the general trade): Hibiscus coccineus, Turk's Cap Lily, lots and lots of daylilies, including "Pardon me," Penstemon smallii, Cleome, Penstemon "Husker's Red," False Blue Indigo, Spanish Lavender, Epimedium, Sensitive Fern, "Spider Lily," Alstroemeria, a buckeye for Evan's Garden, a small native Azalea and fern for mom, and maybe more. I've gotten most stuff planted, except the dayliles, hibiscus and Turk's cap. But I know where I want to put them. And today I have a crick in the neck, so I may not get to them. Although, I did some pruning...

I pruned the enormous azaleas at the end of the driveway. As I clipped I remembered the last time I pruned them. I was 9 months pregnant with my second son, Duncan. I had just been taken off bed rest, because the doctor said it was ok to go into labor at this point. So, imagine a very pregnant mom pruning enormous shrubs! With her 2 year old, Evan, running around gleefully. Duncan just turned 3 the other day, so it's been over three years since I pruned those plants. And they looked it. Now, not so much. I can't say they look perfect, but they are no longer enormous! Of course, I should preface this whole pruning paragraph with the story of the lost bypass pruners. I've been needing to prune back the azaleas and the unruly mailbox honeysuckle for weeks, but I couldn't find any of my 3 bypass pruners. After weeks of looking, I finally went and bought some more, only to find another pair within a few minutes of breaking in my new ones. Typical! Over the weekend I got out the big loppers and the landscaping pole saw, and took down some privet branches. It really opened up the yard! It's great how nice a yard can look without those stupid weeds reaching in every corner. Stoopid privets. Unfortunately for my new Cardinal flower, when Justin and I dragged the branches back to stack at the back of the property, it got flattened. Not sure it will recover. I'm totally bummed, because I just got it this year, and was so purdy!

My other project (besides plant trade stuff and pruning) is de-weeding the creek banks. This is actually a major project. There are a few layers of sediment that have accumulated (seems especially so, since the drought) over the rocks that the previous owners installed. I've been digging out weeds (and hostas!), and scraping off dirt down to the rock layer. And digging up and transplanting daylilies from further down the bank. The idea is to have daylilies along the entire (or, at least, most of) the bank. It's quite an undertaking. We'll see how it goes. I need to take some "after" pictures, now that you've seen the befores.

With the uncertainty of our current situation (hubs is getting laid off next month), we've talked a lot about fixes for inside and outside the house. I kind of suggested that I could just take on the outside, and would he care. Nope. He basically gave me free reign...within a budget, of course! It's kind of exciting. Although, I keep making the mistake of asking him what he thinks, and what he thinks usually involves putting in grass seed. I should remind him how much he hates to mow. I'm thinking a checkerboard pattern with paver squares, and groundcover squares for the area that's too wet for most things. I figure I might as well put something there that won't mind it, right? And the kids will love jumping from square to square. Shoot, I think I would love that, too! So, we'll see what actually takes place.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

2009-05-15T22:51:00.003-04:00

So, I'm cheating again. I actually took these photos the other day with the not fancy camera. But those things pictured are still in bloom. So, it's only kinda cheating, right?

Here's the latest Veggie Garden Photo (yes, Mom, I still need to mulch!) I've been bugging my neighbor about coming over to pick lettuce. Justin and I are letting it go to waste, and my neighbor is interested, but she keeps forgetting. I noticed the green lettuce was looking a little picked over the last couple of mornings. I asked Rebecca today if she had come over. Nope, she had forgotten again. I think the bunnies have found my garden! Oh no! They don't like purple lettuce, at least!

This is the unnamed Clematis that has had wonky flowers for the past couple of years. And after a spring pruning this year, it seems to be back to its usual gorgeous self.

And here's my surprise Foxglove hanging out with what I believe is an Apothecary Rose. They look really lovely together in person, even if this photo doesn't show it.

I'll be attending the plant swap tomorrow! I lined up all my trades in the driveway. I didn't see any snake activity, so hopefully it's gone! I'll pack everything up in the car in the morning, and look forward to plant talk and food and fun. What's better than free plants, chit chatting about plants, and yummy food? Well, there are probably better things, but free plants are always good. I'll post my booty (my plant trades!) when I get home.

May Beauties

2009-05-11T22:53:00.003-04:00

April showers really have produced May flowers this year! We've been experiencing wet weather for the first time in a few years. It's actually pretty much what we average, but it seems a lot wetter, since the drought years were so tough.

I took a walk around the yard with the not fancy camera (I really need to get some batteries for it!), and got some good pics of a few things (and bad pics of a lot of things!) Here are some of the decent ones:

Clematis "Niobe"?

I read in the spring about the different types of Clematis, and the different times one should prune them. I cut one (or both maybe?) back in the spring, and they are both coming in beautifully. Last year I had strange blooms on the unnamed pink Clematis. The one or two flowers that have bloomed this year have looked perfect!

My Plant Swap Stash

Here are all the plants I plan to take to the swap this weekend! It's always fun to get together and talk plants and family and everything else. The other day when watering my stash, I saw a snake slither out of one of the pots. I'll definitely have to take care when packing them into my car! I certainly don't want to have a snake in there, or give one to a friend, either!

Apothecary Rose?

Speaking of plant trades...this little rose appeared in my box one year. It's still pretty small, but loaded with blooms this year! A surprise plant showed up right next to this rose...a foxglove! I dug them up (along with many other plants) during my "dig up the toxic plants" period. Since they are biennial, I am guessing this plant had the rest period last year, is now up and looking lovely this year.

Wave Petunia

I bought a bunch of annuals from Crazy Eddie's recently. I bought a hanging basket of Wave petunias for something like $4. I brought it home, and divided it into three pieces. Three plants for $4! As Clark Howard would say, "What a savings!"

Peony "Sarah Bernhardt"

Peonies are just plain gorgeous. I also got this from Crazy Eddie's. Sarah Bernhardt is supposed to be fragrant, and this plant has had a nice scent before, but not this bloom. Or maybe I should take another whiff first thing in the morning.

My House is Kinda Dirty...

2009-05-06T23:00:00.003-04:00

Because I'm spending all my time gardening! Yeah! I don't like having a dirty house, of course, but I figure I'll catch up soon enough. I've been digging up and dividing things for the plant swap on the 16th. The seeds that I sowed outside are all (or mostly) up and looking great. The only exception is the Bunny Tail grass. The little leaves that were up appear to have disappeared. So, I may just put something else there. I'm a little bummed about it. The sunflowers I sowed are looking great. I've got three kinds of beans coming in (including black beans!), carrots. hopefully everything will continue looking good and bear lots of food for us. I'm starting to feel like I should have prepared a bigger space. My mom tells me, "Four plants. That won't be enough." Well, where do you learn how many are enough? I'm also thinking about making a small bed over by the hedge that separates my yard from the neighbor's. This is where I had originally wanted the bigger bed, but I'm thinking a small bed would be great there. We'd have a grass path between it and the veggie garden down to the lower part of the yard.

I think I mentioned before that I found a picture online of a front yard garden that inspired me for my front yard garden. I have a traditional style house, and always tried to go for symmetrical beds, but my combination of plants or colors was always off. It doesn't help that the foundation shrubs I have are still pretty small (always buy big for your foundation plantings! Lesson learned!) I got my Rudbeckia fulgida "Early Bird Gold" in the mail. I planted them and the Echinacea purpurea "Kim's Mop Head" for summer color. And now I have purple Salvia splendens (annual salvia) in front, with melampodiom on the edges for some bright yellow. My color and plant selections are somewhat different from the original picture, but I'm hoping that my take on the other gardener's idea will look as good as his! Fingers crossed.

Weird Stuff

2009-04-30T21:58:00.002-04:00

Anybody know what that is on my tree? Just little red dots. Only a few leaves have it. Should I do something about it?

If you click on the picture to enlarge it, you'll see a snake skin on the upper left. I already knew there was a snake living in the creek area, but does it have to be a litter bug?!

In the Garden Today

2009-04-29T23:06:00.002-04:00

Miranda checks out Evan's Zoo Garden!

I created this new path in my Woodland Garden recently.

Deutzia gracilis "Chardonnay Pearls"/Duncan, Japanese Roof Iris, Echinacea purpurea "Sundown"/Evan Saul, Hydrangea serrata "Miranda", and Hydrangea aborescens "Annabelle." And just a peak of my Sambucus nigra "Black Lace." Nice, huh?

The Veggie Garden - welcome, beans!

Clematis "Niobe"?

Oh Hail No!

2009-04-24T13:54:00.003-04:00

We had some more severe weather last night that resulted in pebble/marble sized hail. Thankfully, the hail didn't last too long. The plants looked a bit downcast this morning, but they've perked up now. So, it definitely could have been worse. Hail always scares me, because I've always associated hail with tornadoes.

I've been planting like a maniac, and I'm mostly done except for some annuals. I was afraid of a late freeze, but it's not looking like it's going to happen (crosses fingers), so I might as well get those going soon. I think I'll be going back to Crazy Eddie's Used Plants for more cheap stuff. I hate to spend much on annuals, since they're just here for the season. Ya know what I mean? I planted my Miranda hydrangeas in the same "Island" bed as my Duncan Deutzia, and also decided to put some Evan coneflower in, too. I sowed some seeds in the veggie garden--sunflowers, two kinds of beans, and carrots. I also sowed the Teddy Bear Sunflowers and Bunny Tail grass in Evan's Zoo Garden. We'll see how they do out there. If I just leave them alone, they'll probably be fine!

I've also been thinking about digging up (stop rolling your eyes, Mom!) my Beautyberry Bush (it's never bloomed and never put on a berry show), and replace it with a native Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) that I'll be getting at the plant trade next month. It's a cool, large specimen plant with bottlebrush flowers, and those neat buckeye things later on. And it would fit right in to the Zoo theme. I just am not sure about how much sun it will get there. That is my only hesitation.

Spring Smiles

2009-04-19T22:14:00.003-04:00

Lonicera X heckrottii "Gold Flame"

Welcome Spring! We had a couple of brushes with freezing weather, but for the most part, everything is coming in and looking great. I have my "Gold Flame" honeysuckle merrily welcoming the mail ma'am, visitors, and bees! Although, it typically will have some powdery mildew as the weather gets more humid. Small price to pay for such a beauty.

Orthosiphon aristatus "Cat's Whiskers"

Mom and I just picked up the tropical "Cat's Whiskers" last week. What a great addition to Evan's Zoo Garden! I dug up the sickly gardenias, and put these in in their place. I looked Orthosiphon up on Dave's Garden, and there were nothing but rave reviews. My only fear is that I won't be able to find it again next year. However, from what I've read it's easy to propagate, so maybe I'll take a few cuttings before our first freeze in the fall.

Dahlia "Evan Matthew"

I was completely stoked to find that my Evan Matthew Dahlia is back! I didn't kill it. Hooray! I moved it from the butterfly garden to Evan's Zoo Garden back in the fall. I figured that I'd be replacing it. I'm hoping this year for what I didn't get from this Dahlia last year: blooms.

Deutzia gracilis "Chardonnay Pearls" or "Duncan"

I tried to get some closeup shots of the Duncan Deutzia with no luck. It's a great little plant. The chartreuse foliage really stands out in the more wooded garden, the bell shaped flowers are sweet (I haven't noticed a fragrance, unfortunately), and the size is good 2-3' tall and wide (at present). I decided to place my Miranda Hydrangeas and some more Evan Saul Coneflowers in the same bed. So that all of my children's named plants will be together.

Iris "Duncan's Smiling Eyes"

My first blooms from "Duncan's Smiling Eye's" Iris! Oh so lovely. And the name is such a perfect description of my happy, little Duncan!

Iris "Duncan's Smiling Eyes"

So Disappointed!

2009-04-19T08:16:00.003-04:00

The kids and I were out of town most of the week, spending some quality time with the grandparents. I watered my seedlings on Monday, thinking we would return Friday morning at the latest. Well, while we were away, I learned of the death of a longtime friend. She lived in the same area as my folks, so I decided to stay one more day to be able to attend the visitation of someone special. We got home Saturday morning, and many of my seedlings were toast! I'm so upset! And these were my do-overs from the last failed attempt. So, now I'm thinking I will just sow the seeds directly into the ground, and let Mother Nature take care of it (she has much more experience!) So, fingers crossed, I'll still have my Teddy Bear Sunflower, Bunny tail Grass, and veg. And another thing...I finally called Wayside Gardens to check on my Panther Lily that they were supposed to send in the spring. The lady on the line said the order had been canceled, and a coupon sent (it was in the mail yesterday), and a 15% off coupon. And I feel the same way she did, "They should have let you know." So, she canceled it off my credit card. I can't say the Wayside experience was all negative, I did get the other bulbs I ordered in good time last fall, and they're coming up now. So, I may use that coupon for something in the new catalog.

Give Peas a Chance

2009-04-08T23:05:00.003-04:00

I took the kids outside to play this afternoon. After two days of unseasonably cold weather, it was so nice to be outside and be warm! I took a look around the gardens to see if I had any damage from the freeze. And, for the most part, covering up stuff seems to have worked. I covered up my Hydrangeas, Japanese maples, and some tender perennials. There were only a couple of things that got nipped. The one thing I was most disappointed about was my Persicaria. The foliage looked so beautiful yesterday! Alas, no more. The Texas Tarragon looked like it may have suffered some damage, too. Everything else in the veggie garden looked pretty good, albeit a little wind blown. I was righting the pea plants, so they'd be back on my homemade tents, and I noticed I had several little peas coming in! I was so excited! These are my very first peas. I said, "Look Duncan, peas!" He got all excited, because I was excited. He kept saying, "Peas!" I was afraid with his rough handling, we may have pulled them all off, but they remain intact. There is probably only enough for one serving! Hopefully, we'll have more coming in soon.

What's up part 2

2009-04-04T23:03:00.002-04:00

More plants are coming up each day. I'm pleased to say that my Hepatica and Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata), and my Spigelia marilandica are all coming up in my woodland garden! These are all woodland natives. I'll try to get some pictures once they are all up more. However, Mother Nature is throwing a curve ball at us. They're currently calling for a couple nights of freezing temperatures. I have so many tender things with leaves now, not to mention the buds, and the fantastic flowers! Agh! It's so disheartening! It's not unheard of, of course. In fact, the last two years in my area, we've had late freezes. I didn't bother to cover stuff up either year, and then wished I had. There are so many plants up now that I really care about (things in Evan's Zoo Garden, and my Duncan Deutzia, my Duncan's Smiling Eyes Iris has a huge bud!), that I will definitely be pulling out the sheets and blankets this time.

In the meantime...it's beautiful this weekend. We spent most of the afternoon outside. I planted some daylilies my neighbor gave me (they're called "By Myself!") on either side of my veggie garden. I'm thinking about planting sunflowers in the back. I dug up a bunch of liriope. And my seedlings are so so.

What's Up?

2009-03-31T22:43:00.003-04:00

I talk to my mom fairly regularly. And in Spring, those conversations revolve around "what's up" in the garden. I am ever the optimist, "Just give it a few more days or a week, Mom, it'll probably come up." Mom never seems to think anything will come back. I'm happy to say that it looks like most things are coming up in Evan's Zoo Garden! It's a little early to look for some stuff, but all of my coneflowers are up--if only just barely!

Spotted Trillium Trillium maculatum

Well, I have a trillium that's up in my Woodland garden. I think there are supposed to be one or two more. I'll keep my eye out. I also have a surprise Trillium in my lawn! I showed it to Duncan, and he ripped off one of the leaves. So, maybe now it's a di-lliam? I need to delicately remove it to a better location, or else the lawn mower will get the two remaining leaves!

Celandine Poppy Stylophorum diphyllum

Oftentimes, woodland plants have colors that blend in with the forest, and aren't noticeable. Pretty, but softer shades. Not Celandine Poppy. I can see the bright yellow flowers from my house. I love this little plant. Great foliage that reminds me of oakleaves, and flowers with pizazz.

Hardy Geranium

I have several hardy geraniums in my butterfly garden. I mostly don't know their cultivars, because I got them in trade, or one was not labeled at the nursery.

Hardy Geranium

I do know that I really love them. They grow into nice little mounds, and the flowers sit atop little stalks (for lack of a better word.) They come in pinks, blues, purples, and others. Rozanne, which I bought last year, blooms sporadically through the summer, but mostly (for me) hardy geraniums bloom in early to mid spring.

My new stone path in the Veg Garden!

And this is how I spent my morning! Miranda and I went to the stone place and got more stone and mulch. She was asleep when we pulled into the drive, so I put her to bed. Then I got to work! It only took about an hour to get everything installed, and I think it looks great!

Disaster!

2009-03-29T21:10:00.002-04:00

When I came downstairs this morning, I saw that my poor seedlings all looked terrible. I don't know if I've over- or under-watered. Or if a sneaky little boy sprayed them with vinegar. Just don't know. I went and bought some nice dirt and repotted the ones that looked like they might make it. And started some new seeds. It was very discouraging. After potting them in bigger pots, and watering them (they were dry--ugh!), I took them to the sunniest, warmest spot in the house. My bathroom. Now, I just have to keep up with the moisture and keep away little hands. Hopefully, this time will be more successful. Fingers crossed!

Rain Rain Rain

2009-03-28T18:20:00.003-04:00

I think we may end March with a surplus of rain this year. We may still be behind for the year (I'll have to check.) We have been utterly and completely waterlogged since Wednesday. So, not much gardening. I did, after an arm twisting from my mom, plant the rest of my lettuce and onions. So, I have 12 heads of lettuce, and 8 onions. I have no idea about how to harvest onions, so any pointers would be appreciated. I bought some carrot seeds that I'll start in April. no idea on harvest for those, either. Do ya just dig 'em up after a month or two?

I didn't do much gardening, but I did do some purchasing! My mom came to help with the kids on Wednesday and Thursday, and we made time to go to Crazy Eddie's Used Plants! Ok, it's not actually called that, but the prices are so low (because it's an outlet), that it conjures up images of crazy salesmen and "their low low prices" and "everything must go!" They sell mostly "popular" plants that you find everywhere, but at rockbottom prices. They're not going to have all kinds of cool cultivars, just the usual. So no, I didn't find Rudbeckia "City Garden" or any of my choices for my kids' names. But that's ok, I'm starting to think I might try Rudbeckia "Early Bird Gold" instead of the "City Garden." It's one that's supposed to bloom longer than the usual Rudbeckia fulgidas. We'll see! What I did pick up from Crazy Eddie's: Heuchera, Tiarella, Abutilon...and I think that's it. We also went by my local Perennials place (in the rain), and I was pleased to see more organization, more plants with tags. It's nice to not have to guess what's what! They're making more of an effort this year, and that makes me happy. I want them to succeed.

So, we have a few days where the sun is actually supposed to reappear. Maybe I can wade back to the back 40 and make sure everything is ok, and then once things are a little drier, get plantin'!

I Have a Vegetable Garden!

2009-03-22T22:10:00.003-04:00

It's official! I got to work this weekend. I bought some bamboo poles and string, and made my own tepees, after seeing how expensive they were ready made. It wasn't so hard to make. The hardest part was keeping my 2 year old son from destroying them!

After making the first tepee, I stuck it in the ground, and planted the sweet peas plants at the base. Then I did the same with the second.

I decided to plant my lettuce back behind the tepees, so they might get a little afternoon shade in our hot climate.

I planted my little onions alongside the lettuce. I've read a lot about crop rotation and companion planting, and I'm hoping that my placement is going to work. Who wants lettuce that tastes oniony? I also planted my new, teeny rosemary in the back, and a low growing Golden Thyme in the front. I'm hoping it will spill over the rock wall.

Today I planted a couple of Texas Tarragons on either side of the proposed path. I'll probably stick with flowering annuals or herbs alongside the path. Since the path doesn't go anywhere, I think I may put something as a focal point at the end. I'm thinking a nice urn shaped pot with some flowering annuals and trailing annuals, as well.

We're thinking we'll do the path in the same stone as the wall. This was Justin's idea! I just need to get on the ball with mulching, before I'm overrun with weeds!

I can't wait till my first harvest!

Plant Shopping with LaLa

2009-03-18T20:54:00.002-04:00

I've looked a little in the nursery sections of the big box stores lately, to see if there is anything interesting. I've delayed going to real plant nurseries, because there wasn't anything interesting. I thought, "I'll wait a little longer, then they'll have the fun stuff in." But when the weather gets into the 70's, it's hard not to give in to the plant shopping temptation. Today, LaLa (aka my mother in law) and I got together to check out some nurseries in her area. We had plans to check out 2 or 3 places. But after lunch with the kids, we only had time for one. But it was a good one! I was excited to find some things for the veggie garden, as well as Evan's garden. Earlier in the day when LaLa made a call to a different nursery, she asked about two plants she knew I wanted: Rudbeckia fulgida "City Garden" and Echinacea purpurea "Kim's Mop Head." The guy on the other end said they had "Kim's Knee High" and went on to make a comment about people finding things on the internet or in magazines that don't exist. Well, I'm pleased to say that I found "Kim's Mop Head Echinacea" at the one nursery we did visit! If that other place was more convenient, I could take the tab in to show him, with a haughty, "nanny nanny boo boo to you!"

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

2009-03-14T21:34:00.002-04:00

Woohoo! I'm actually remembering to do this! I took these pictures the other day, but everything is still blooming. And this way I don't have to go out into the chilly, soggy weather. We all win!

I called Pansies "Pandas" when I was a kid. I've never had much luck with pansies. I really love them, but they don't love me so much. Around here they supposedly will bloom all winter. And the nice displays at fancy neighborhoods do. Mine are mostly just green until the weather warms up. I hear they like to be fed, and I never feed them. Could that be it?

Here's a Daffodil that was covered in snow a couple of weeks ago. After the snow melted these beauties perked right up.

Mom gave me these Daffodils a few years ago. Thanks, mom!

Old Stuff

2009-03-13T15:58:00.003-04:00

My hubby found the memory card with the photos from last month's "Garden Blogger Bloom Day," which had gone missing in the Great Broken Camera Debacle. Well, it wasn't really a debacle. Just a little boy with butter fingers. So, here are a couple of things that were in bloom on February 15th.

We planted this Royal Star Magnolia in honor of Duncan's birth. There were a couple dozen flowers. And then it snowed. Poor thing, didn't have a chance.

This is one of the daffodils in Evan's Garden. They looked really beautiful for a few weeks. They didn't do so well after the snow, either. Once I figure out where my "fancy" camera is, I'll post pictures of the daffies that did make it through the cold. After admiring the hundreds of daffodils on my neighbor's property, I have decided I need more. I just have two plants in Evan's Garden and several lining the street in front of our house. I'm definitely going to plant more in Evan's Garden, and possibly along the creek bank. I suppose that will be a fall project.

And, of course, the biggest excitement here lately is our brand new rock wall! We went and purchased rock last Saturday, they delivered it, and Justin got to work. I didn't expect it to be done for a few weeks, so I kissed the cool season veggies good bye. Justin surprised me, however, and got the wall finished, and the soil installed all last weekend! I did some more dirt moving this week, and moved my sickly looking herbs over. Hopefully, they will be less neglected there. I started some seeds for warm season gardening--basil, tomatoes, summer savory, as well as some fun stuff for Evan's zoo garden: Bunny Tail Grass and Teddy Bear Sunflower. Now I just have to decide if I have time to get some cool weather stuff in the ground. I guess I should do some research. Can't wait!

This and That

2009-03-05T21:16:00.003-05:00

I took some pictures for Garden Bloggers bloom day last month. I was lazy and didn't get them uploaded. Then, a certain little boy dropped the camera one too many times on the floor, and now the camera is broken, and I think my photos are lost. No biggie about the pics. However, the camera will be missed! The photos were of some really lovely Daffodils in Evan's Garden. yellow. Very nice. I decided I need some white ones in there, too. This time of year for the Southeast, Daffodils are everywhere. They're just beautiful. It makes me want to plant them all over the place for next year!

This past weekend, this is how the Daffodils looked! They are mostly recovered, but not all of them made it. Snow on Sunday, and 70's this weekend. Wacky! Oh no. Don't think I'm complaining. I'm all about the 70's. This may actually mean I can go outside and do some work in the yard. I'm so excited! I've got some winter clean up to do, and of course, work on the veg bed. Maybe I can twist an arm and get my birthday pallet of stone this weekend. I have to admit, though, ever since I got a couple of plant catalogs in the mail, all I can think about is ornamentals! I've been pouring over the catalogs, the gift card I got to Park Seed burning so hot in my pocket, I can't stand it! And now...after doing a little surfing on GardenWeb, I found a thread about front yard gardens. I've had such a difficult time with my front beds. I've been so frustrated. I just wanted something that would be pretty and look good with a traditional style house. I found a picture on this thread that I really like, and will use as my inspiration for my front gardens. I'm so excited that the design part is out of my hands. I already know it looks good. Of course, I'll have to tailor it to suit the size of my space, but hopefully I will finally like what's out there!

Nothing Going On

2009-02-25T06:40:00.002-05:00

I've been couped up in the house with a snotty little girl for the last couple of weeks, so I haven't done any gardening. I've barely even thought about gardening. Maybe it's because I've been fighting the cold off, too. Our terraced bed for the veggie garden is still waiting on some stone to finish the wall. And dirt. I don't know when the bed will be ready, so I haven't purchased any seed. I guess it won't be ready in time for spring planting, so perhaps I should start looking for late spring/summer seeds. Looking forward to warmer weather!

Sometimes You Just Gotta Do It Yourself

2009-02-09T22:32:00.003-05:00

Yesterday the weather was beautiful. We took the kids outside for some playtime in the yard, and Justin and I got to work. Justin started putting down the last of the mulch, and I decided to mark out where I wanted my veggie garden. Pretty soon, Justin was not feeling so well, and went back inside. I don't know if it was the good weather or having fun with my son, but I started digging. I ended up digging a trench in preparation for the stone wall that will be part of the terraced veggie bed. My neighbor came over and offered help. So, we chuckled about how "I am woman, hear me roar" and how we can do anything. We ended up with a trench 12' long, 2' wide, and maybe 2' deep. Justin came back out. The look on his face was truly priceless. It was one of those, "What the heck has been going on here?!" looks. But he got in on the fun, too. Justin measured out the space, and put some string out for us to have as a guide. All of this while my son, Duncan, "helped." He dug, then refilled, stepped on the string, and hammered the stakes. There's nothing to tucker a little guy out like 4 hours of play/hard work outside. We got the first course of stone (rocks that were found on our property) down, along with some sand and gravel. Now we just have to go get some more stone! It's so exciting to have broken ground on this project. There's still a lot of work to do, but it feels great to finally have started. Woohoo!

Mom Says, "Don't Worry"

2009-01-31T22:16:00.002-05:00

So, I guess I won't. She claims there's plenty of time before getting even the early veggies into the ground. And, here's the best part, she's gonna come help! Yeah Mom! So, I guess I can get all excited again, and start to plan.

Anybody know anything about square foot gardening? I've looked into it a little. I'm wondering how it works once the plant is at its mature size. Or do you keep it somewhat pruned? I need to do more research.

Feeling Discouraged

2009-01-26T22:09:00.002-05:00

I'm coming off a cold turned bronchitis, and finally starting to feel normal again. After barely leaving the house for the past couple of weeks, I met Justin in the backyard for the Vegetable Garden Discussion yesterday. It was basically the "This is where I want it" and "This is where Mom and Dad think I should put it" chat. Not much more was said, actually. Justin is, in general, a quiet person. So, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when he let 24 whole hours slip by before mentioning the garden. And, to be perfectly honest, I forced his hand. I asked him what he thought. He said, "That it'll be a lot of work." Of course, I already knew this. But it was like he took the wind out of my sails. I was already feeling a little overwhelmed about the project, and now I just feel discouraged. What to do.

Bloom Day

2009-01-15T23:59:00.002-05:00

When I see Hyacinths I think of Renaissance madrigals. Particularly, an English madrigal about spring. Or maybe I'm thinking about madrigals, because one has been stuck in my head all day today. Well, Hyacinths certainly do make me think of spring.

I'm enjoying this one indoors, as it's a little early for them to arrive outside. Where I live, spring is just another couple of months away. You wouldn't know it by the cold weather we are currently experiencing. These little beauties would not be happy outside in the teens. Neither would I!

This is one of the plants I received from some pretty wonderful people who got me a subscription to 6 months of plants. This, of course, is the January plant. It's lovely, and the scent is captivating. I just have to make sure my 2 year old son doesn't poor salt on this one like he did the Cyclamen, my December plant. Sigh.

Do De Do

2009-01-14T11:35:00.003-05:00

Well, I've thought about doing some gardening. Does that count for anything? I walked around the future site of my veggie garden, and measured in "Pam feet." I bought some calendula seeds, 'cause I hear they're a good companion plant. Plus, they're cute. I have some nice gardening gift cards, thanks to some generous family (my birthday was the other day.) Maybe I should do a to do list here. Maybe putting it on the Internets will get me going.

To Do:
1. Put together my new "portable" (it's way too heavy to be really portable) greenhouse. Let's be honest...get Justin to do it.

2. Start some seeds.

3. Prep the veggie site

a. Till
b. Amend
c. Terrace
d. Amend
e. Plant
f. mulch
g. Consider fencing because I know there are lots of bunnies and deer out there

4. Finish spreading mulch.

5. Have fun. Perhaps that should be #1!

New Year New Garden?

2009-01-03T08:04:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm living up to my "I'm the worst garden blogger" title. Although, there's not a whole lot to do these days. We were blessed with a surplus of rain at the end of 2008 (surplus in December, not for the year.) I got some more mulch down in time for colder temps, but I've mostly holed up in the house and did the Christmas thing. My kids and I spent a few days with my parents this week. I decided to draw up a plan for the proposed veggie garden. We argued about the site a bit, and then I sat down to plan. And pretty soon, I was feeling overwhelmed. The whole idea of planning for different seasons of planting, organic pest control, and questions about sun, water, and fertilizer just made me feel like a fish out of water. So, I'm still kind of at a stand still with the veggie garden. I was thinking a potager style, rather than rows. And I'd like to incorporate my herbs in the bed, too. I still need to do research and measuring, and bed preparation. But planting for early veg is coming soon! What's a girl to do? Ideas anyone?

Is Spring Here, Yet?

2008-12-03T14:03:00.002-05:00

Not much going on here. The weather is consistently cooler now, so I haven't been out too often. A few friends purchased a 6 month subscription of plants from Harry and David's for me in memory of Evan. So far, I've received a mum and an Amaryllis. The Amaryllis is on its way to having some fabulous blooms. I'm afraid the mum will end up in the compost. It has definitely seen better days. Like the day before it shipped to my house! I know people have glorious indoor gardens, and keep them all year round. I'm just not one of them. I'm much better with the outdoor plants. I plant them, water them a bit, do some pruning, and let Mother Nature do the rest. I feel a little guilty, since the mum was a gift. But at the same time, in the compost bin it will be the gift that keeps on giving!

Cold Weather Blues

2008-11-21T22:10:00.003-05:00

I spent the earlier part of the week at my parents' house (aka Grandma and Grandpa's). It's been a cold week there and here at home. Temperatures have been well below freezing on some nights, and not particularly warm during the day. And the wind really has made the cold bitter. This makes me thankful I live in a place that's not colder! I don't think I could handle the cold that our northern neighbors endure.

Many of those blooms I had last week are gone gone gone! My poor Pineapple Sage is toast! So sad. I haven't gone to check on that clematis, but I don't think it survived. Oh well. That's why we have spring, right? How many more months till then?

Bloom Day

2008-11-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

A Pansy in Evan's garden.

Our bridge and leaf filled creek.

Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)

The hummer favorite, Pineapple Sage, is blooming like there's no tomorrow. And noting the lows for tomorrow, that may be true!

I was surprised to see this Clematis in bloom. I'm afraid the 20 degree temperatures predicted for this week will certainly nip this beauty.

Some wonderfully elegant late blooms from Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).

Pansies: Everyone's winter favorite (including deer!)

This Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera x heckrottii 'Goldflame') is still blooming gracefully on our mailbox.

More Work on Evan's Garden

2008-11-12T20:21:00.003-05:00

I got the Oxblood Lily bulb, the Allium bulbs, and my pansies planted today. I amended the soil for the pansies, cause I hear they like to be fed. hopefully, they'll like it there. Nice reds and yellows...two of Evan's favorite colors. I think I'm done with planting and fall cleanup in Evan's garden now. I decided this time around to include annuals in Evan's garden. The pansies will be replaced by "Teddy Bear" sunflower and probably "Blue Angel" Angelonia next spring. I thought I would like always having a planting task for his little garden. I mean, I know I'll have to mulch, weed, and thin out things, but it's fun to add something new periodically. And maybe even change it up in future years. I like having options.

I've still been lazy with the photos. I've got the following still in bloom: Pineapple sage (love it!), "Goldflame" honeysuckle, sage, pink muhly grass, a tomato plant(!), and some coneflowers. Plus pansies, of course.

The last couple of months have been jam packed with transplanting, planting new stuff, digging up, thinning out, and watering (which is a task when using rain barrel water in a bucket!) It's nice to feel like I've accomplished so much, but I'm a little concerned about lack of gardening activity over the winter months. Hmmm...hopefully, I'll be starting some seeds from Santa after the new year. And there's that little edible garden project I've been thinking about. That means building a bed. Which means dirt. Lots and lots of dirt. And some sort of border, like concrete blocks or something. And then planning. That's the fun part! Besides doing the work and reaping the rewards. Ok, maybe I'll be busy after all.

Evan's Garden and more

2008-11-11T15:29:00.005-05:00

I picked up some more pansies today. I plan on putting them in Evan's garden where the sunflowers will go next year. I thought it would be nice to have some color over there in the colder months. Besides, most of what's there is deciduous. I still haven't planted my bulbs. I guess I better get them in the ground while I still know where the perennials are, or I may accidentally dig something up! Mom brought me my Oxblood lily bulb the other day. They're pretty small, so I haven't decided what to do with it, either. So many decisions to make before it gets cold-ish. At least in the Southeast, we don't have to worry about the ground freezing. Just doesn't happen. So, I could delay planting bulbs for some time. Except for that accidentally digging up something thing. Mom also brought me several Allium bulbs. I love Alliums. They're so whimsical. I'm thinking about putting them in Evan's garden, too. But I don't want it to look bad. I need to do some research on designs that incorporate bulbs and perennials. And maybe I'll even get the ground broken on my Veggie Garden project this winter. Hee hee! We'll see. Right now we have an enormous pile of wood chips in the front yard that we need to disperse before our HOA has a hissy fit. Don't want another Nastygram!