Bev's Colorado Garden

Happy Fourth of July

2008-07-03T19:25:00.007-06:00

This combination appears every year, just in time for the 4th of July. Planting was unintentional, but I sure do enjoy it.

Paprika Yarrow

My day will be spent cutting back more salvias, as well as the Russian Sage so that it isn't so thin and leggy when the monsoons come, which they usually do, even in a dry year. Speaking of dry, the other day it was announced that we had received only 2.8" of precip so far this year, compared to the usual 8". That's quite a difference. That was before a good rain that we had yesterday. Just stay away hail!!! I will be happy to spend the weekend at home and not out on the road, just nice a quiet (I hope) and taking care of my gardens. Can't ask for more than that.

Over The Top Garden Art & Other Stuff

2008-07-01T14:57:00.007-06:00

We visited an estate sale last weekend and this caught my eye. Just what I needed for this corner of the patio where our fountain used to sit. They wanted $50 for it but gave it to me for $30. And, of course, I just couldn't leave it alone. Those cute little shelves were just calling for something to sit on them. Now I have a place to showcase some of my watering can collection.

One BIG Fuzzy Bee!

Time to cut these back

The Salvias were stunning this year as set off by the Silver Sage

Summer has arrived for sure, as we will see temps in the 90's this week. I have already begun cutting back the many salvias in the strips. They certainly have been lovely and thick this year. I feel sorry for the bees that are trying to get a last minute taste as I hack off the tops. I tell them not to worry... there will be more soon.

Evelyn is lovely as usual

This Heuchera looks nice to welcome visitors. I can't find the tag to identify it.

The Beautiful Blues

2008-06-16T13:04:00.009-06:00

Iris and May Night Salvia

Blue Montana

I just about made it for GBBD for June! But being only a day late is not all that bad, considering this is the first month I have made this year! Seems to be a theme going here, and it's BLUE. I do love blue/purple flowers and they are in abundance in my gardens this time of the year.

HUGE leaves of Japanese Anemone due to my special winter mix

For some reason the salvias are particularly strong and beautiful this year. Even my DH noticed and commented on them. The stems are so tall.

False Indigo

Creeping Turkish Veronica

A few daisies to break up all of the blue

Bright Blue Flax

While I lost a large number of new plants to winter kill, the older perennials really prospered. I'm wondering if it was the special winter mix I put on them last Fall (EKO Organic Compost, Earthgro Garden Soil, horticultural corn meal, Yum Yum Mix & Winterizer, and alfalfa pellets.) To that mixture I added bits of cotton bole and mushroom compost that I had left over. It certainly has been worth the effort, now that I see the results.

It's About Time??

2008-06-16T12:15:00.003-06:00

Know that statement, This is the first day of the rest of your life? Well.... that is more fitting for me today than I'd like to admit. I can't believe it has been sooooo long since I've updatede my blog! Good grief... there are still snow photos of April! It's not like I forgot or anything. Illness and dealing with my father's death had to take priority over everything else for a while. As of this week I finally have his house cleaned out, remodeled, and ready for sale. What a difficult journey that has been, especially not feeling well. The house was in horrible condition because of my parents' declining health in the last several years and it needed a LOT of work. Throw in a handyman who was as slow as molasses in winter, and a recently diagnosed back condition, and there you are...no time or energy (mostly energy) left over for blogging. I feel like I have my life back as of today. There are so many things that had to go undone for the last three months that I had to do triage every day to see what would be a priority. Thank goodness my wonderful DH did a good job of cleaning up the perennial beds in the Spring and putting in some new plants. I was only able to keep up with a little weeding and some watering. But bless their beautiful little hearts, those perennial beds have just carried right on without me. That's one of the wonderful things about perennials.

We had a very strange, cold spring with little moisture. Not a good tulip year. The cold got to them, as well as most of the new plantings I put in last Fall. Quite a few plants and bushes suffered a lot of winter damage. The problem was that it was sooooo cold, and yet sooooo dry!

I missed Bloom Day on the 15th, but did take some photos which I will go ahead and post a little late. I'm looking forward to catching up on every one's blogs and getting back in action. Gardening will be limited while I have a shot in my back and start some extensive physical therapy. But I plan to take care of myself now and get healthy. Gardening is my inspiration!

Don't Like the Weather? Just Wait!

2008-04-21T11:57:00.006-06:00

That's what they say about Colorado. I think the rest of the sentence is something like 5 minutes. There are many areas of the country that use this saying, but in Colorado, we really mean it!

Here we are, all cleaned up and ready to go for another year. I love this Silver Sage. Temperature was in the 70's.

And... here we are a couple of days later.

And...here we are the next day. Back to Spring again!

This part of the area that is under construction in the back.

Yes, there are tulips under here somewhere!

Pasque Flowers a week ago.

And, here they are buried in snow. True to their nature though, they recovered nicely the next day.

Aliums trying to grow through the snow.

The weather has been beautiful, although windy, for the most part since this last snow. But don't count on it staying that way. We still have a couple weeks or so before we are out of the snow danger zone. I've seen it snow a foot or more in late May... we'll see how it goes this year.

Ready to Roll for Another Year!

2008-04-07T14:39:00.005-06:00

Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa luciliae)

Okay, bring it on Spring! I'm ready. Every day there are new green sprouts springing up among the last of the winter debris. This is also my blogaversary. I began my blog last April, 2007. It's hard to believe it has been one year already and that Spring is coming so fast now. We still have snow every couple of days or so, but it is not staying around long, thank goodness. Soooo.... bring it on Mother Nature, and let's get this show going for another beautiful year!

Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)

My very favorite spring flower is beginning it's beautiful display. And after coming close to getting run over last winter by a neighbor's truck. It's a hardy little thing.

March Continues Like a Lion, For Me

2008-03-26T10:21:00.007-06:00

Looking back over March, I can't believe so much has happened. This month now seems like a year. Lots of good and lots of difficult times. So, please excuse this self-indulging post before I get on with the 2008 gardening season.

My doctor had just informed me that I still had another six weeks to fully recover from my second round of bronchitis which is sweeping the country. The next day my father began his final decline and passed away on March 12. The beautiful part of this sadness is that he was 92 years, and had been ready to leave his earthly body since my mother died 2 1/2 years ago. He missed her immensely every day. He was always a very stubborn man and refused to go to a doctor for many, many years. It is very difficult to care for someone like this, as I didn't know what to do when he became ill. His greatest wish was to die in his own home and not go into a nursing home (don't we all want that?) and I shouldered a great deal of stress in supporting him. (I kept thinking that any day now a social services person was going to knock on the door and tell me that I was guilty of elder abuse... keeping this declining person from medical care, all by himself and almost blind.) But he was actually happy being alone and was a very independent person. FINALLY I got him to agree to ente a hospice/palliative care program and this was a lifesaver for me and a way to honor his wishes. They were great most of the time, but as with almost all healthcare services these days, were overburdened and not always available for as long as a few hours when a crises arose. In the end they were really there for me and I could have not done it without them. I now have the wonderful image of my dad being placed in his new hospital bed which he LOVED, holding onto the rails that made him feel so secure, and smiling as he looked out at his beloved backyard for the last time. That was probably his last conscious interaction, and in the years to come it will mean everything to me to have honored his last wishes. He died peacefully the next day.

Now, onto more pleasant times. My wonderful son who lives in Boulder supported me every day and continues to do so. I am so fortunate to surely have the MOST wonderful son in the whole world! Don't most of us mothers think like this??? He celebrated his 40th birthday in the middle of all of this and I feel bad that he had to share such a special day during such a difficult time. Being the great person he is I didn't hear one complaint, and I hope we can make it up to him one of these days. He even sent me these beautiful flowers to cheer me. Didn't I just say how great he is??

Back to gardening! We had a couple pretty good snow storms so far in March, including a good one Easter Sunday. They melted fast and have added lots of good moisture. The snow pack in the mountains is 126% of normal, so let's just hope it doesn't all melt at once and cause flooding in various areas of the state. My heart goes out to the people in Missouri and other areas that have suffered recent flooding.

My DH has cut back almost all of the perennials, grasses, and trimming. How nice and fresh it is to look out at my strips and see lots of little green areas and many tulips peeking through the ground. It smells fresh and wonderful. The little crocuses always bring a smile to my heart.

As to my Garden Tracking program....well.... I haven't even had a chance to install it yet. My plan now is to get it started along with spring flowers and begin recording with this season. I will play catch-up later in the year when things hopefully calm down. I spend my days doing triage...whatever needs the most attention at the moment gets done. I'm really anxious to get caught up on my favorite blogs. My joy comes from taking a nice stroll along my gardens, smelling the fresh spring air, and listening to the beautiful chirping of birds. Aren't our gardens such solace at times like this? They give back so much for the time we spend tending them. There is nothing like working in a garden to bring a feeling of peace, calm, and gratefulness for all that life has to offer.

Spring is here, days are warming, and my heart is healing. What a beautiful time of year for a new beginning!

March Comes in Like a....Lamb?

2008-03-03T13:14:00.004-07:00

Such a wonderful, short reprieve from winter! Saturday was 73 degrees, a NEW RECORD for that date. It was quickly followed by snow and cold the next day and a chilly, frosty 16 degrees this morning. March is typically our snowiest month of the year with an average of 9.4 inches of snow. February brought only 2.7 inches of snow, well below the average of 5.1 inches. It made up for it with cold, however, and those 2.7 inches consisted of mostly ice on the roads. There's a good chance we will have snow for Easter (not unusual in any year) as this year it is so early.

I usually take advantage of every semi-warm March day by cutting back all of the plants that I left for winter interest (a lot this year). There are over 20 Russian Sages that need to be cut back and that is quite a job. I like to get it out of the way so that I don't walk over the many tulips emerging. I do it a little at a time, since my old body won't be used to this kind of exercise yet. Not that it ever does though. I'm really concerned about getting my gardening started this Spring, as I have been so sick with bronchitis. It has been a month now, with two doses of antibiotics and one relapse. Today is the first day that I am feeling half-way human. Now, if I can just keep it up. Seeing all sorts of little green shoots peeking through the ground certainly goes a long way towards cheering me up. Along with the birds singing more each day.

Garden Management Software

2008-02-25T11:01:00.003-07:00

I've been researching several programs for managing my plant information on my computer. Right now all of my information is in various hand-written journals that I keep from year-to-year. When I want to look up a specific plant I have to go to the year and try to find the info on this plant. This takes a lot of time, and I would love to also have a photo of the plant without having to print it and paste. What a time I've had trying to fine a program! Last fall I purchased a program from Canada: Garden Management System. I was really excited, thinking this would be the ideal system, but I am not satisfied with it for various reasons, mainly that the garden description information for each plant is very awkward. I also have trouble returning to the main menu without having to completely reopen the program each time. I am going to return this product.

So.... on with my search. My next choice that got me all excited was Premier Gardens Management System. This program would be just about perfect it if worked. I downloaded the free trial. I've contacted their support several times with no response and am about to give up on this one, much to my regret. The problem is that it will not let me enter all of the plant information that is needed. I thought perhaps because it was just a trial version. But again, they will not respond to my emails.

Another one that looks like it would be good is Garden Tracker. But again, I cannot find a way to purchase this product and have not heard back from their email service. Guess I'm just going to have to give up on this entire project.

This was my big winter project. Now I'm way behind in everything because of being sick with bronchitis. I thought I was over it and got a relapse, so here I am again! I've been dealing with this thing for a month now and am really tired of it. Not much energy to do very much. Hope I will be better very soon!

UPDATE: Well, I made up my mind and ordered Garden Tracker. They were very responsive to my email inquiry and the program does everything but wash the dishes. It has all sorts of reports you can generate, you can make labels for all sorts of things, a handy workbook, etc. I didn't order everything, just the software version because I doubt I will have the time to use everything it offers. Now I'm excited about receiving it and hope it meets my expectations.

Love Is In The Air...Count Those Birds!

2008-02-15T11:58:00.003-07:00

I've noticed some subtle (and some not so subtle) changes in the animal/bird behavior in my backyard. Every morning, the first thing I do is take feed out to my platform feeder and check the water in the birdbath. What's that I'm hearing??? Little house finches are starting to make some noises... little chirping sounds that will soon lead up to their beautiful mating calls. There is nothing so beautiful to hear first thing in the morning. The Eurasian Ring Necked Doves are mating, and so are the squirrels (they're the not so subtle ones). And the Flickers are beginning their mating calls. Could it be that Spring is in the air??? Yea... can't come soon enough for me.

To celebrate, I submitted my list to the Great Backyard Bird Count that is now in progress until the 18th.

Valentine's Day 2008

2008-02-14T12:49:00.002-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day 2008! Another milestone towards the arrival of Spring....and Color... and Flowers! It feels as though it has been ages since I've been able to smell my roses, walk in the sunshine, marvel at my gardens. Sigh!!!!

It's another cold, snowy day here in Colorado. Yesterday in was about 60 degrees. Can you believe that? Yep, that's Colorado. My husband got out the frozen hose and watered for me. I'm still recovering from bronchitis and need to stay quiet a while longer. Six weeks my doctor says until I'm over this thing! Meantime, my seeds have arrived from Park Seed. Where in the world am I going to plant all these??? I've started a database for my plants, which is not going well. I plan a post about it as soon as I have worked with this program a little more. And yea.... I've purchased my 2008 hand written journal. Every little sign of progress is met with enthusiasm and joy on this cold, winter's day. My DH is going to get us some takeout so I don't have to go out today. What a gem!

Four More Weeks... So They Say!

2008-02-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

A weatherman said that we only have four more weeks of winter! Hah! If only. I'm really sick of snow. This has been another of those winters where a system rolls in every couple of days. Luckily we haven't been really dumped on like last year (knock on wood). In anticipation of the end of these "four weeks" I just HAD to see some color, so I'm posting a few of last summer's photos, just to see something other than white!

Having been down with a nasty virus the last week or so I'm now far behind in my winter chores, but I DID get some seeds ordered from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, and they are on their way! Mostly lettuce, spinach, cucumber, herbs, and squash. It will be fun to try some new varieties. And I continue to gather ideas for my back yard birdbath garden makeover. One of these days I will draw out a plan. In the meantime I continue to enjoy all of the birds, especially the Ring Necked Doves, but NOT the damn starlings that make a mess out of everything. I hate these birds as much as I hate the grackles in the summer. Always something!

Thinking About Slow Food...

2008-01-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places for growing herbs. It is protected from the wind by the side of the house and faces south. Herbs love it here. This is my very favorite rosemary plant that I have been able to winter through one year. I'll have to see about this year... I have it covered and protected as much as possible.

It's time to get serious about ordering seeds. This year I would like to try my hand at some heirloom varieties. There are many excellent blogs to peruse on the subject of seeds. In the meantime, I become more and more interested in Slow Food. The first time I heard this term I could not understand what it meant, (I thought it was food that takes a long time to cook?) and I still don't have a real hold on it, but am beginning to think that it has a lot to do with what I have already been doing.

I have always cooked a lot from "scratch" and with lots of fresh foods. I try to eat as few processed foods as possible but I'm afraid if truth be told I still have a ways to go. I'm not an "activist" but do try to live my life in a responsible way, thinking of the environment and my impact on the earth. Again, I have a long way to go here too, especially when I read what others are doing. Boy, do I feel guilty sometimes. However, the best I can do is to be me and do as much as I can in my own small ways. One thing that I'm proud of is that I changed to using biodegradable kitty litter instead of the heavy old clay stuff. Anyway, getting back to my point... thanks to a book about Alice Waters and Chez Panisse Restaurant, I found the Slow Food USA site. I especially was drawn to this way of thinking:

"Slow Food is also simply about taking the time to slow down and to enjoy life with family and friends. Every day can be enriched by doing something slow - making pasta from scratch one night, seductively squeezing your own orange juice from the fresh fruit, lingering over a glass of wine and a slice of cheese...") particularly the part about lingering over a glass of wine, and how I do love cheese! All this has made me excited to choose which veggies I will plant this year.

As to the book about Alice Waters, I found it VERY enjoyable reading, and quite interesting about her life and restaurant. It did, however, make me exhausted just reading about all she does and continues to do. Not to be funny, but she does have a LOT on her plate (all good, slow food, of course). She has inspired me. I plan to read her new book about simple, Slow Food and how to live that way of life. Hopefully something will rub off on me! For anyone who enjoys reading about food and interesting people I highly recommend this book.

And... Another!

2008-01-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Here we go again. Another day of snow and cold. It was a very frosty morning with a beautiful full moon. The average temperature for January is now 28.1 degrees. Colder than usual. I need to get my seeds ordered soon.

To add more room for veggies I'm thinking of moving the large pots to the front and filling them with vegetables.

There was a wonderful article in our local paper the other day about container plants. It was right on subject for me because I'm trying to find more room for veggies this year and have decided to try some large containers placed next to the raised beds. About the only place we have full sun in the back. It gave me some interesting ideas:

Pepper Mini Belle produces a decorative plant.

Lettuce Mini-green Improved produces tennis ball-size heads.

Balconi Red Tomato has an exceptionally sweet taste.

And this sounds nice for shade: Blazin Lime Iresine

Something to think (and dream) about!

Another Snowy Day...

2008-01-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

The days are beginning to all look alike. Snow... snow... snow. It comes in every two days or so. Instead of complaining (well, I always do plenty of that too) I'm working on ideas for my backyard/water feature redo. I researched several of the ideas submitted in the comments and they are some good ones, especially for the shade areas. When I get more ideas I will draw out a plan. I'm thinking that Snow in Summer might be good along the dry sidewalk area. And I will need a flagstone or mulch path along the border garden so I can maintain it. I'm beginning to get excited about the prospects. After all, what's a snowy winter day for?

Help: Redo This Garden!

2008-01-17T10:27:00.001-07:00

Here's the challenge: This area of the backyard (I call it the "Birdbath Garden"...duh) goes from hot sun near sidewalk to deep shade under the trees. I've tried many different things with this area, including taking out most of the grass and putting down wood bark mulch -- HATED that!! I've planted just about everything I could think of around the birdbath: tulips for spring, thyme for ground cover, all sorts of perennials, you name it. NOTHING does well here except for the year I surrounded the birdbath with containers of geraniums (and those don't look real great until later in the summer). I always go into this project with beautiful visions of what it will look like and every time I end the season very discouraged.

This area looks good in grass because it breaks up the various areas. But... the grass under the shade needs to be replanted several times a year, and the grass around the sidewalk dries out, no matter how much water it has. Sooooo...... what do I do? My husband is thinking of planting buffalo grass in the area. I like that idea, but you need to make sure that it is a variety that will grow in shade. As the catalogs come in I put my virtual glasses on and envision many ideas. There are nice collections of wildflower seeds. Wouldn't it look good to "naturalize" this area with buffalo grass and wildflowers? I like that idea very much. But here we go again. Most wildflowers need a lot of sun. Another idea... ground cover. Maybe I should explore that more. The problem here is that this area does get a lot of traffic from maintaining the birdbath and flower beds. In the winter it is exposed and gets lots of cold snow and wind. I have zillions of vincas that we inherited next to the fence and I'm tired of them. They are also difficult to walk among without tripping.

How about a nice big water feature that would replace the birdbath (although I need to keep the heated part for the winter)? Don't think we have the energy or money to do that, but maybe I could do it on a smaller scale. I could place some rocks around the birdbath and build up around them? But we are finally making progress in removing tons of red rocks that used to cover this area, making it difficult to plant in areas. What to do? Right now I'm lost. But that's what winter is about, right? Dreaming and making plans. So, I'll be looking at more catalogs and doing some more planning, and I hope to come up with a solution that will work. Back to the drawing board!

If anyone reading this blog has any ideas, please let me know.

Now...this is more like it!

2008-01-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

Notice the footprints? The early morning visitor is our resident fox who walks the same route through our property every day. Here he is on his way back. When he first arrives in the morning he has diagonal tracks across the grass.

This is more like a beautiful Colorado winter day! A fresh snow fall last night and dazzling sunshine today. Terribly cold though! I suppose we will get as tired of looking at winter snow pictures as we did coneflowers in the summer??

Getting Started....Kinda

2008-01-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

I love the shape of this little sage

The Ringed-Neck doves were busy at the feeder this morning. Too bad I have to photograph them from far away and through the window, but they are pretty spooky.

Finally, a week not interrupted by a holiday. Time to get settled in for the winter and start accomplishing some things, right? I thought I'd have much more energy for it than I do today, but ya gotta get started somewhere. A walk outside for some inspiration, that's what I needed. Not much there. Brrrr... it is cold. As you can see from this photo there is a storm coming in:

Nature's birdhouse. Many little birds take shelter in the "poodle" trees. A good use for them!

At least this winter (so far) has not been as bad as last year, and for that I'm very thankful. This time last year we were still getting stuck in the drift in from of our house.

I've started a list of things I want to accomplish this year. But the top chore is to reorganize all of my gardening publications, books, journals, calendars, etc. Now that I am retired I can devote more room in my office to my gardening passions. First, I need to clean out 20 years of stuff accumulated during my stint as a freelance graphic designer. And that is going to be quite a job. Old client files, artwork, books, supplies, you name it. I have been trying to do a little each day so that it doesn't feel so daunting, but it is slow going. Meantime, awaiting are four years of plant tags, piles of books and gardening publications, and a new software program to keep track of it all, which I am using as incentive to get this done. I can hardly wait to get started on that (okay, I see a theme here!)

Speaking of work, I still do have one client: our local Humane Society. I work on their website and I just love it. I love doing things for animals and working with people who love them. With that in mind, I think I'll stop now and get caught up with their work so I can get started on with mine!

Peace for 2008

2007-12-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Peace to all my gardening friends for 2008. I hope that your hearts are full of love and your gardens will be full of flowers. This is the time of year when I relax from the cooking and shopping of the holidays and take time to enjoy the love and gifts I received from my wonderful family. I take the week between Christmas and New Years to decompress and not expect too much from myself. Time to get out a jigsaw puzzle and spend some lazy hours accomplishing little. By the end of the week I will be ready to reorganize and get going for the new year. And, of course, the many seed catalogs will start coming in the mail and the excitement will build, dreaming about the coming gardening season. Meantime, I observe the peacefulness outside my window and enjoy watching the antics of my Ringed-Neck Doves. Peace to all!

Careless Neighbor Update

2007-12-19T14:44:00.001-07:00

Just missed a seafoam sage. Several sprinkler heads were run over, but it looks like they popped back up.

The snow is starting to melt, so I can begin to get a better idea of the damage done by my neighbor's truck when he jumped the curb and ran down the parking. I really think most things will be okay (thanks to all the mulch I have down) except those that will be crushed by the posts. As soon as I can get at them better I will pick them up. There are several tulip bulbs that will be coming up around the posts, so I want to get that area cleared.

New aster was in the path, but I think the dried foliage acted as a cushion and hopefully saved some root damage. There will be tulips coming up under where the posts are now.

This is where he cut across the corner. Can you believe the sprinker head is still standing? Won't know if id will work, however.

Luckily, the tires went right in front of a couple lavender plants that I had transplanted this fall.

This log was dug further into the ground. I'm really surprised that he didn't flip his truck when he hit all the logs and posts.

This is the area where I planted several small plants I got from High Country Gardens. I still can't tell if they were damaged. All said and done, I think I will be pretty lucky.

Careless Neighbors Leave Their Mark

2007-12-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

It was an agonizing morning yesterday when we discovered that a truck had jumped the curb and run down the middle of one of our strips. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later, and that's the chance you take when you garden that close to the street. One year we a neighbor slid into some of the upright posts, which thank goodness stopped his forward progress, but it was nothing like this. My heart sunk as I realized that the path was right over most of the new plants I brought back from Santa Fe this fall. After the initial shock I rationalized that perhaps the posts did stop some of the momentum of the truck and since there was already snow on the ground (and lots of mulch) perhaps there was some cushion for the tender plants. A couple Russian Sage were knocked over and will need to be cut back as soon as weather permits. It could have been a lot worse.

Heidi and her owner come to help...

...or maybe not.

Later, a neighbor came forward to tell us that he had lost control of his truck. I had an idea it might have been him. He and some friends live in what I call the "party house." Every weekend they sit out front and party until 3 a.m. and I've had to complain about the noise. When the weather gets colder they stay in their big diesel truck and run it for quite a while, several times during the night. Since they rent, I suppose they are out there smoking and whatever else they don't want their landlord to know about. The noise is so loud right outside my window that neither a pillow over my head nor my ipod earphones drown it out. Sooooo... I guess it was nice that he at least admitted that he was the one and even offered to pay for the damage. It's amazing that he would do that, and while I give him credit for doing so, it was very difficult to stand there and "appreciate" his actions, even though that is what I said. I still feel bad about my plants and we told him that we really won't know the damage until we see what happens this spring. Most of my plants are pretty hardy. But still, the fact that I have to put up with this guy and his cohorts all the time just pisses me off. Just one more reason why I can't stand the guy. Ughhh!!!

On the lighter side, it was a beautiful (if icy) snowfall and we really needed the moisture. One of our NICE neighbors brought their St. Bernard over to console us and have some fun.

Chickadee-dee-dee (Winter Bird Watching)

2007-12-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite wintertime activities (well, not very active on MY part) is to sit and watch the birds. I especially love hearing the chickadees when I venture outside. Their little perky chirps fill me with joy. How can a heart not be lifted with their antics? Better than any anti-stress medication I can think of!

My HH (handy husband) built a beautiful high platform feeder outside my living room window so I can see them even while sitting down (which I do a lot of in the winter). This also helps protect the birds from the neighbors' lurking cats. I also have tube feeders in the front, outside my office window so I can see them while sitting at my computer. The frog is a funny "earthquake detector" that we got in Santa Fe one year. It sits atop the first feeder he made for me that includes a peanut feeder for squirrels. I don't feed peanuts any more because they destroy too many plants by burying them. As you can see though, they get their more-than-fair share of birdseed.

This shows the outside of the feeders.

Flicker antics.

I would love to have some Orioles and other beautiful birds I see in photos from parts way east of Colorado. Still, I do have a nice list of frequent visitors to my feeding stations:

Chickadees (of course), Flickers, Downey Woodpeckers, Juncos, many different Finches and Sparrows, Bushtits, Crows (not too excited about these), Starlings and a Robin or two who hang out with them, my VERY favorite Ringed Neck (Eurasian Collared) Doves, Blue Jays, and even a Hawk or two or possibly a Prairie Falcon. I so enjoy watching the doves strut back and forth. They are new to our area the last few years. Once in a while we also see a White Winged Dove too. In the summer we have the beautiful Goldfinches and Turtle Doves.

Ringed Neck (Eurasian Collared) Dove

This is the best photo I've been able to take of the doves. They frighten easily at the slightest movement, so I tried getting a photo through the shutters. Sometimes I have as many as 15 or more at one time.

Every morning (and more often during cold or snow) I take food out back (sunflower chips, a mix called "Chickadee Chew," consisting of black oiled and striped sunflower seeds, a couple kinds of millet, tree nuts and peanuts. I add to this a handful of hulled millet, which the doves love, and all the other birds are happy to leave for them. I also have a heated birdbath that gets MANY visitors, since a lot of people do not keep water out in the winter. When the Starlings visit I know that I must go out as soon as they have left and clean out the debris, as well as refill the now empty birdbath. I've had this heated bath for about four years and couldn't live without one. It really works well, and I feel so good knowing the birds have a source of water. Several suet feeders complete the menu.

These crows are okay in small numbers.
And here are some beautiful sunset photos that my hubby took the other evening.

Veggies put to bed for the winter.

Nature Redecorates for Fall

2007-11-29T09:36:00.001-07:00

It was a cold, windy day yesterday. I decided to bundle up and take a break from household chores and take a brief walk outside. Having just finished redecorating my living room and choosing a color palette, I was conscious of the colors that greeted me. Can you imagine any more beautiful color combinations that those provided by nature?

Dusty greens, bronze and beige, accented by a touch of silver.

How wonderful it is to experience these lovely colors this year.

The Sedum Autumn Joy is always a stunning sight.

As well as the dusty green of Powis Castle Sage, Blue Avena grass, and the fuzzy remains of Rose Campion.
Frosty Morn Sedum adds texture and color.

And the Russian Sage creates a beautiful textural background.

Plumbago, Rose Campion and Heuchera

Wandering around the corner, this color combination struck me as very unique.

Lastly, here is a pile of brush and leaves to help St. Francis give protection for the little birds during the winter.

When I got back inside I noticed that these are many of the same colors I used to redecorate my living room! No wonder! I'm wondering how many of us gardeners are inspired by nature's beautiful palette? Probably a lot of us.

Where Did November Go?

2007-11-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

A light snow fell right before Thanksgiving but soon melted, just what I love about Colorado. This year there is some nice "winter interest" on the strips due to the lack of heavy snows that knock everything down.

The roses are now put to bed. I cut off any extremely long branches that will break during winter winds and then wrap the bushes in twine, again for the same reason. I rake up all the debris, mulch and top soil around them, then I added some winterizer from High Country Gardens. After that my husband helped me put down new compost and garden soil, piled up against the bushes, and then mulch was added. Now I can go into winter knowing my roses are nice and warm, and given a boost to start them next spring. I don't mind doting on my roses since I only have a few bushes.

OMG, I can't believe looking at the calendar today! November has blown by. We had a small Thanksgiving snow storm after setting highs the days before (76 degrees)! I'm just thankful that so far (knock on wood) it has not been as snowy as last year. Because of this there is actually some "winter interest" on the strips and I enjoy looking at them every day. The only gardening chore I have not done yet is to clean up my tools. Gotta do that soon!

So, where has November gone? Well, I have spent most days redecorating and painting, and trying to catch up on household chores that went lacking during a busy gardening season. Wow, I didn't realize how far behind I was! I still have lots I want to accomplish by Christmas, but the progress I am most pleased with is getting all of the gardening books out of the living room and into my office. True, they are not organized here yet, but that is my next project. It will be good to have all of my information at hand while I'm at the computer and at my desk. Should make things much more convenient and efficient. And the next project will be to start a central catalogue on my computer of all my plants (from the very beginning). I'm looking forward to winter days to accomplish this.

This week I plan to catch up on all my favorite blogs and see what everyone has been up to. It feels good to have accomplished a few projects.

Frosty Morn

2007-11-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I got up early to get started on a busy day, but Iafter looking out a window I just couldn't resist grabbing my camera and running out to capture nature's beauty on this frosty morn.

I love to find nature just the way it is, no rearranging allowed. Doesn't she do a beautiful job? Here with Lamb's Ears.

I couldn't believe this attractive array of colors arranged by the wind. A fleeting display, for sure.

Partridge Feather sage

Corsican violas. They will peak their pretty little heads out from the snow most of the winter months. Unless we have several feet, that is. Let's not even think about that yet!

This Dusty Miller sage comes back every year. It is supposed to be an annual here.

Pasque Flower foliage

Oregon Grape Holly offers a lovely blue hue next to other plants

This Autumn Joy photo should be rotated, but I loved this composition more

Culinary sage

Sedums

Wild and interesting textures of Bachelor's Buttons

This Is More Like It!

2007-10-26T10:16:00.003-06:00

The Perovskia - Russian Sage - have begun to adorn themselves in stylish Winter White...

... making a lovely backdrop for the Sedum Autumn Joy, Ava Agastache, Desert Sunrise Agastache, Salvia Rose Queen and the remains of Lamb's Ear. I love to look out my bedroom window in the early morning and see the sun backlighting the filmy white branches.

The Hardy Pampas Grass rises above the Pyrocantha, which is loaded with berries this year.

One of the interesting things about gardening in Colorado is that each year brings something different to every season. Depending on weather, moisture, etc. some fall seasons have more color than others. This year the snow we had last week was too much moisture for the Sedum Autumn Joy and a lot of foliage broke or fell over. This will be the second year in a row that I most likely will not able to enjoy their beautiful winter texture. And, they are one of my favorite! And a lot of trees that had not yet begun to change color will now just be a dull brown instead.

This was the Honey Locust last fall. (Not so this year.) It was stunning, at least until the heavy snows came and stayed all winter. As a matter of fact, it was one year ago today (October 26) that the area experienced a blizzard which left anywhere between 1-2 feet of snow. We got a foot where we live. So.... I consider myself very fortunate this year. Monday had a high of 49 and a low of 21 (VERY COLD!) but the rest of the week was in the 70's and absolutely beautiful. I was able to do some more fall cleanup. Probably not so this weekend though. I've learned to take every opportunity I can to work outside.

This is More Like It

2007-10-26T10:16:00.001-06:00

What a Differance a Day Makes

2007-10-21T12:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was 79, a beautiful (but windy) day. I appreciated every moment because I knew what would be coming during the night. I'm glad the "Termination Project List" is nearing the end and this moisture is wonderful, even though the high today will be 38. That's Colorado for you!

Now just a recent memory

A brave rose still hanging in there

And the zennias are nice and warm with their little winter caps

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

The new sedum garden today...

and yesterday.

Petunias putting on their last show yesterday...

... but not today! Japanese Anemone tried to withstand the wind.

So it's a good day to get out the winter clothes, put on a pot of soup, and let the gardens enjoy some much-needed moisture. The next few days it will be back in the high 70's again. Knowing that it makes the cold bitter wind easier to endure. Especially since it's Sunday and I don't have to be out in it. Here's to the first snow of the season!

Termination Dust

2007-10-16T10:10:00.001-06:00

According to legend, the Native Americans called this first sprinkling of snow "Termination Dust." Time to terminate projects and chores before the winter comes. I love this concept. So, every year this time I make a list of termination chores.

This year I made a mix to top-dress the gardens: EKO Organic or Cotton Boll Compost, Earthgrow Garden Soil (for the sand in it), horticultural corn meal, Yum Yum Winterizer (from High Country Gardens), and a few alfalfa pellets (I get these from the farm store for $7.50 for 50 lb.). The corn meal is a new addition this year to hopefully help combat root rot from compacted snow.

Prospect Lake

The garden art is mostly put away. Beds are composted and new plants mulched. More mulch will be applied later. Containers are being emptied. Garden bench and potting area in the process of being cleaned up and reorganized. Perennials will soon be cut back when more frost occurs. Outdoor furniture, fountains need to be cleaned. Hook up electric warmer for bird bath. Get suet feeders ready. Prepare some containers for indoor use. Clean veggie beds. Cover air conditioner and put away summer fans. Take liquid garden supplies inside. Drain sprinkler system and disconnect hoses. And lastly, clean tools.

These photos were taken at a memorial site honoring the various military services. There are many beautiful and thoughtful monuments. It was a beautiful morning to get out and see how the trees are coming along. Not much color yet.

These striking monuments remind us to take a quite moment from our busy day to appreciate and remember the many servicemen who have given (and continue to give) their lives for freedom.

October Blooms

2007-10-14T14:35:00.000-06:00

The last rose of the year - Yellow Dream

And here is Voodoo's last blooms. I've never seen her get this tall! I think it was the new organic fertilizer that I used - "Peace of Mind."

I can't say that I have any "new" blooms for October, but there is still plenty of color to enjoy on a stroll through the gardens. Rudbeckia 'Cherokee' was a new plant this year and it is blooming like crazy right now. When the Autumn Joy Sedum was in it's pinkish stage I was sorry that I had planted them together. But now they go nicely as neighbors.

As I wander along the strips I see that my little 'Ava' Agastache (middle) is really trying hard to be as colorful and strong as it can. Last year is was huge, but at least it (barely) survived a difficult winter. I notice that most of the color is now gone from the Perovskias, Russian Sage. When the sun catches them in the early morning they have a filmy white edge. Seems like they look lovely in every stage.

I was quite surprised to see Salvia Rose Queen sprouting some healthy new blooms. I was thinking of leaving the dried stalks as winter interest, so I'm glad I had not gone ahead and cut them back. This was a nice treat.

Several little clumps of Feverfew have emerged this month. I truly love this flower. It adds such a delicate touch to the more commanding plants around it.

Here is a closer view of my 'Ava' Agastache - very late to the party, but at least she showed up. I originally planted four and now have only two.

The entry garden still looks colorful. I can always rely on Salvia 'Victoria Blue' to add a dramatic touch to this time of year.

A side view of one of the strips clearly shows that it is fall.

And lastly, it is this time of year that the annual Salvias (various reds) finally come into their own. They always hold out all year until just before it is time to snow. I love a touch of purple with them. I know... old ladies and stuff... but I have always loved this combination in just the right amounts. I'm a purple person for sure.

There are really quite a few blooms still hanging in or reblooming but these are the highlights. We've had one frost and today has been about 50, so tonight should offer another one. This has been a wonderful gardening year but I can't say I'm sorry that it is ending. Rather, I'm ready for some rest and to start dreaming for another season ahead.

The Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off

2007-10-11T09:23:00.001-06:00

It was a beautiful weekend. My new plants were all in the ground, watered and mulched. So it's time for some fun. I've seen photos of those large pumpkins but had never been to a weigh-off. It sounded like a great idea for a lovely day. I've never had room to grow pumpkins but love driving by fields of them in the fall. Sets the scene for the season. This event was held in Old Colorado City, a delightful historic shopping area west of town. There are many quaint shops to stroll through, outdoor restaurants, ice cream and chocolate to tempt you.

I think these are some kind of gourds.

Beautiful shape (don't know the significance of the rat)

Waiting their turn.

Groovy!

The largest were saved for last. We left before the end so don't know who the winner is.

Getting weighed

Careful travelling

Pumpkin carving drew lots of attention.

Old Colorado City. Friendly and fun.

The festivities included a scarecrow contest.

Here's DH and a scarecrow. Guess which one.

And if your feet get tired you can always hitch a ride.

Well, that was a nice reprieve from end-of-summer chores. Now back to work. I'm trying to add compost to all the plants on the strips but it is a difficult chore, what with the mulch in the way and the size of the plants. Hopefully I got enough down. I always spread some more around in spring when I clean up the beds. This year I used a mixture of compost (either mushroom or cotton burr), Yum Yum Winterizer and corn meal. I'm hoping the corn meal that I purchased at High Country Gardens will help prevent root rot from compacted snow. Yuk, I don't want to think about that yet!

Happy Thanksgiving Canadians!

2007-10-08T12:59:00.000-06:00

Cotoneaster - Peking (cotoneaster acutifolia)*

Many of the blogs I enjoy reading at Garden Voices are from some wonderful Canadian gardeners. Until I got interested in garden blogging I didn't know much about our Canadian neighbors and especially their love and knowledge of gardening. I have learned much from all of them. It's amazing how many plants we have in common. Now I feel much closer to our gardeners from the "North." Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!Many of the blogs I enjoy reading at Garden Voices are from some wonderful Canadian gardeners. Until I got interested in garden blogging I didn't know much about our Canadian neighbors and especially their love and knowledge of gardening. I have learned much from all of them. It's amazing how many plants we have in common. Now I feel much closer to our gardeners from the "North." Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Tammy Weisberger of Allrecipies writes about the history of Canada's Thanksgiving.

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* About the Cotoneaster - Peking : (From Nature Hills Nursery)
The Cotoneaster Peking, 'Cotoneaster acutifolia', is an erect shrub with slender spreading branches. The Peking Cotoneaster is best used as a hedge, or in groupings. This shrub displays yellow to red fall foliage and performs best in moist, well-drained soils. This shrub does well in partial shade to full sun light. Cotoneaster may be appreciated more for its dark green foliage than its blossoms. The small flowers are white to pinkish. Three-eighths inch black berries ripen in September and persist through mid-winter and are appreciated by some song birds such as the Robin and Catbird. Use this plant in the landscape for hedges, screens, and groupings.

I have three of these shrubs. I think the birds fly off with the berries because we find them in unusual places throughout the yard and never know when and where another will emerge. They are very easy to grow and have lovely autumn foliage. Their only downside is that they can get pretty floppy and an early winter snow will take them to their knees.

More Information on Salvia Pitcher's Blue Sage

2007-10-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

This is interesting! In one of my recent posts I showed this photo of Salvia Pitcher's Blue Sage (flopping on ground) and could not identify the yellow plant. I had an idea it was some kind of a false sunflower. This weekend I received an email newsletter from High Country Gardens, and would you believe it? Both of these plants were featured. It was great to get some information on them, as I was unable to find anyone at the nursery who could fill me in. Here are the photos and information as they appeared in their newsletter:

Salvia pitcheri 'Grandiflora'

Salvia pitcheri 'Grandiflora' (Pitcher's Blue Sage) is a blue-flowered prairie native, tall, lanky and a very showy fall flower. It likes well-drained soil with not too much clay. Sometimes it gets a little iron deficient in alkaline soil, so work in some soil sulfur at planting time. Pinch the tops a few times during June and early July to improve the plants shape and increase the number of flowers. This plant calls for a little extra work, but well worth the effort. Zones 4-9.

Helianthus maximiliana 'Santa Fe' is one of the last perennials to bloom in the fall and certainly one of the showiest. The large golden-yellow flowers are tightly stacked on the top 3-4 feet of the stem and the large deep green symmetrically arranged leaves make an attractive hedge many months before the plant blooms. It likes any soil. Rabbits and deer don't like it, butterflies do. Zones 4-9.

It looks to me that the Pitcher's Blue Sage would be possible to grow here if I could plant it with other plants that could help hold it up. It's bright blue color would certainly add a bright spot, especially when combined with the yellow. I think I would prefer more of a gold than a bright yellow. Maybe I will consider this plant now that I know more about it. Sounds like a challenge, for sure.

High Country Gardens Visit - Part 3

2007-10-05T14:31:00.000-06:00

Here is the entry to the Country Garden. Very impressive!

I'm not a fan of vinca. Our front and back yards were full of it when we bought our house ten years ago. I've taken out a lot but it keeps on going. I really dislike trying to rake through it and cut it back in the spring. There is, however, some varigated vinca along the back fence that does look nice and grows where nothing else will. Now, this display I really liked! Probably because the whole area was dedicated to it and it's beautiful under this tree. Very striking.

I didn't write this down but believe it is Hummingbird Mint Orange. I have Orange Carpet and it is not as upright. Think I like this upright version more than the ground cover I have.

There were still many stunning plants in bloom. Lots of salvias and penstemons. Sorry that I didn't write them all down but I was getting pretty tired out by now. I noticed that they did stake them here. The other thing I noticed is how many of the varieties were repeated in the Xeriscape Garden. It shows how the plants can work in many different themes.

Here is my first purchase. I thought it would be fun to place it on the ground and put sand and water in it for the butterflies. It would be great out front where all the butterflies are, but after I got home I realized that it would probably get stolen there. I don't have many butterflies in the backyard, so will think of what to do with it there. Anyway... I thought it was so pretty! Too bad it wasn't on sale like a lot of their pottery was.

Okay... here it is. My cart! It doesn't look like much here, but this is what I got:

1 - Verbena Homestead Purple
1 - unmarked Heuchera
2 - Agastache Cana 'Purple Pygmy' - gorgeous color
2 - Agastache 'Ava'
3 - Hyssopos officinallis (deep blue/pink)
1 - Agastache rugosum Korean hyssop (foiliage is looking purple - beautiful)
3 - Stachys coccinea, Scarlet Hedgnettle
2 - Knautia macedonica 'Mars Midget' (have tried to grow these before)
4 - Sedum spectabile 'Neon'
6 - Mahonia repens Colorado creeping holly (very small plants on on sale!)
1 - Gallardia aristata 'Amber Wheels' blanket flower (my husband's choice)
1 - Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Rote Crocke' (Red Bells Pasque Flower)
1 - Achillea soroica 'Serbian yarrow' (ground cover with white flowers)

While I was there I also picked up another bag of Yum Yum Mix and Yum Yum Winterizer, as well as some horticultural corn meal.

These containers had just been planted for fall. Lots of good ideas. The deep blue one is $300!!

Here is my collection back home and ready to be planted, along with a few other plants I already had. Thank goodness for the warm weather we have had so far this fall. Many days still in the 80's and no frost (yet). That may change this weekend, so I worked hard to get everything planted. Whew! The planting was so hard. It was difficult trying to dig into ground that has been through a hot summer and needed a jackhammer. A few times I asked myself, "What were you thinking?? It's so much easier to dig in the spring!" What was nice, though, was being able to see where I actually had room to plant, since everything is as big as it will get. In the spring it looks like I have all sorts of room and I end up getting things too close. Now.... if they will just make it through the winter. So far everything is doing well and the plants love the cool nights. I also added Yum Yum Winterizer to each of the plantings. I'll take some photos next year when they are (hopefully) more mature.

I enjoyed my trip very much, especially seeing plants that I've only seen in catalogs.

My Visit to High Country Gardens - Part II

2007-10-02T13:04:00.000-06:00

My next stop was the Perennial section, but along the way my eyes were drawn to this walkway featuring furniture, firepits, fountains, etc. So... on my way...

I enjoyed looking over almost every perennial, even those I didn't want. Just to feast my eyes on all these plants and let my imagination run wild with what I could do with many of them.

Their signage is very good and gives most of the information needed to make a decision. I also liked the height of their shelving. I didn't have to bend down to read the labels. What a relief!

Next stop was the annual greenhouse. Talk about color! The first view took my breath away.

So many choices. How I would love to do some containers with these beauties.

And just look at this Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender!' I believe the sign said that it has been here for three years.

I think they did a good job of arranging plants and colors in pleasing designs. Certainly did catch your eye.

Also, many interesting displays and arrangements. Lots of ideas to work with.

Look for my next post when I will show what I bought! Right now I must get outside and plant the rest of them. The perennials I have already planted are doing well and seem to enjoy the cooler weather. Much different than when I have to plant them in early summer and chance a hot spell right after I finish. Then they just droop their little heads and take a long time to recover.

Salutations from Santa Fe!

2007-09-30T17:48:00.000-06:00

Finally, I was able to fulfill my dream of visiting High Country Gardens in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I have ordered plants from them for years and have wanted to visit their demonstration gardens, but family matters have kept us from traveling for the last three years. So, you can see why this was such a treat for me last week.

Their "official" tours had ended for the season, however, I had just as much fun (although not as informative) wandering around on my own. My first impression was how much shade there was in the Xeriscape garden. One thinks of a xeric garden as baking in full sun all of the time (like my hellstrips), but that's not the case. It was amazing to see how many of the plants were flourishing in filtered shade from the many trees.

My very next impression was how close together everything was planted...just the way I love it! This time of the year most of the plantings were quite large and some were lodging (a nice way to say falling over). And there was NO staking that I could see! Everything is so close that neighbors were holding up neighbors and looked very happy and secure having each other to lean on. The downside of visiting this time of the year is that there was no one around to answer questions or identify plants, many of which had long ago covered up their signage. Not wanting to disturb them I chose to just enjoy most of them for their beauty without knowing their identities. For example, there were many different varieties of beautiful salvias blooming. Many of these are not perennial in my part of the country so I just walked by and let my mouth water.

The amount of shade at the time of morning we were there, coupled with the bright sunlight, drove my camera crazy on it's automatic setting. I love the blue cast it put on the next photo.

I expected more of an arid look, so was surprised by the lushness of this setting.

Here I was delighted to find the plant that has been haunting me for the last couple of years as I tried unsuccessfully to grow it. That's Salvia Pachypylla, Flowered Purple Sage. You can imagine how I oohed and aaaaw'd all over the place! The light silver-green foliage complements the lovely pink-blue blossoms. These photos did start me wondering though...what kind of companion would you put with these colors? Would they clash with my other plants? We'll see. I do have one trying to hang on with it's dear life. I planted it with a Sunset Hyssop with it's lavender and salmon blooms. I hope it makes it through the winter.

I've never seen so many different Agastaches and Hyssops. I'm sorry that I can't identify them, but I sure did enjoy seeing them.

Now, HERE was a very interesting plant! The "bluest" I have ever seen! It's so blue that it almost hurts your eyes and wow, does it stand out! It's Salvia Pitcher's Sage. One thing, as you can see, is that it really flops. I noticed that they usually paired it with yellow. They told me that the one above that is completely on the ground "probably should be staked" and that the reason it was so "floppy" was that this area is not watered often. I sure would love to have this plant, but have made a vow not to get any more "floppy" plants because of all the wind we have. Who knows though, maybe next year it will be on my order list as it is difficult to resist this beauty.

Here is one plant I did purchase. A Serbian Yarrow, which is a ground cover. I loved the color of the foliage and they had only one left. So, I had to get it, the poor, lonely little thing.

Off into the sunset (well... sunrise, really) for now. Next post I will show the perennial sales area, the annual greenhouse and the cottage garden. There was so much to see that my eyes couldn't take it all in! Believe me, they tried though. And just wait and see the plants I got. Just hope I can finish getting in the ground VERY soon before it cools any more.

Fabulous Fall!!

2007-09-24T08:30:00.000-06:00

Yippeeee!! My favorite time of year is here! I love the colors, I love the angle and warmth of the sun, I love the smell of leaves, I love the crunch of leaves underneath my feet as I walk. I love that it's my birthday next week (well... not the number of years), but I love that my birthday is in the fall. AND this year, I'm celebrating by realizing my dream of visiting High Country Gardens in Santa Fe. YEA!! We've been planing a trip there for the last three years and have not been able to get away, so this will be a real treat for me to see how some of my favorite agastaches look close up. Several should still be in bloom. I'm sure I'll have lots of photos to share when I get back.

Grandmother's Cut Flower Garden

2007-09-20T08:59:00.000-06:00

Gardening time has been limited this week (hate that--"retirement" has spoiled me), but I did manage to get my hands dirty and my arms scratched by roses for a while yesterday. While doing a walk-around I noticed several new and different little blooms in my "Grandmother's Cut Flower Garden" that was planted directly from seeds this spring. A torrential downpour a couple days later washed all of the tiny seeds together so they are kind of cramped while still blooming their little hearts out all summer. I ran in to get my camera and took some closeups of the tiny flower heads. There are so many different kinds that I have not had before and I'm enjoying discovering new ones every week. Here are some to share with my blogger friends:

These two are Pinks, or Dianthus, planted separately

Several flowers look as though they were hand painted with a brush

And LOTS of interesting texture

Very dainty!

This reminds me of an Indian blanket or feathers

Sorry for the blur...wind was terrible...but I love this color

Even some beautiful cosmos

And more beautiful seed heads.

Most of the seeds are annuals, but a couple are perennials. I will plant this mix again next year and try to give them more room to spread out a little, although with all the wind this area gets they are nice and cozy supporting and protecting each other.

Sept GBBD - I'll be late!

2007-09-14T18:31:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! I just wanted to get something up quickly. Due to some previous commitments I haven't been able to post lately, and will not be in touch until a couple of days. I have taken some photos of the few NEW blooms and will post them later. In the meantime, here is my favorite combination of plants: Russian sage, Sunset Hyssop, Ava Agastache, Autumn Joy Sedum, Pink Cloud Saliva (on rebloom) and some other misc. plants. Also, a Silver Sage that is heading out... figured that counts as a "bloom." Have a great GBBD. I will look forward to checking in with all of you when I get back to my computer. It will be an interesting month of blooms, for sure!

I Asked For It.....Brrr!

2007-09-10T13:04:00.000-06:00

This morning it was 49 as a cold front came through last night. Not much precip but the plants are very happy to be out of the hot sun for once, and SO am I! It feels good to have some nice cool air coming in the windows and gives me an excuse not to garden, since I have many other things I need to accomplish. Tonight it is supposed to be near 40. In 1941 it actually got down to 28 this week! Anyway, here's some:

Happy, happy lettuce

Happy basil

Really happy petunias (they LOVE the cool evenings

And...happy entry plants, especially morning glories that are tired of wilting in the sun.

In a couple of days it will warm up again and then maybe we'll have the start of our Indian Summer. It's great to have a break like this.

Stimulating Streetside Strips

2007-09-09T15:49:00.000-06:00

Several blogger friends told me that they enjoyed seeing the larger view of my "Strips" like the one in my Labor Day post. So, I thought I'd show some streetside views, which I usually don't publish because: (a) the street itself is ugly...asphalt...uninteresting and difficult to photograph, and (b) I have a running hatefest with the foundation and driveway junipers and don't like to draw attention to them. Actually, I have finally come to overlook them most of the time. They were inherited with the house and my husband likes them. They are typical of houses built in the era when ours was, and at a time when everyone was going nuts over them. I don't like the smell, I don't like how they make my skin itch, and I certainly don't like the sneezing they cause me. Okay... enough griping. On to some more attractive subjects.

The top photo looks west from our corner. Notice the morning glories climbing the stop sign (another reason I don't take long shots of this area). My husband takes responsibility for the "corner" garden and he has done a wonderful job with it this year. It has been beautiful through every season. Below is a picture of what this area looked like before (2003).

The following two views look down the same strip, only from the other direction, looking east. I love the way the early morning light comes through the Russian Sage. In the foreground I have some ornamental grasses and a culinary sage, which then leads into my new sedum garden. Since it borders the alley I decided to plant shorter perennials to allow for better visibility.

Here is the other side of the property. This is what it looked like before...

And here is what it looks like now. The foreground area is shaded by a large tree. For the last couple of years I had horrible neighbors on this end and I pretty much lost interest in working down here. That has now changed (thank goodness) and I will be doing some new planting here. I have several Heucheras planted in the middle of this strip and they are doing so well, and look so nice that I am adding more.

Here is the corner looking south toward the Heuchera bed. The berm in the turf area was our first gardening project when we moved here ten years ago.

And here is my favorite tree and one of the reasons we bought this house. It is a huge Honey Locust and dominates the entire block. When this area was developed every house received at least one Norway Maple. Ours is in our back yard and gives us wonderful shade all summer. When you look down the block you can see a whole row of them. Their leaves are such a lovely dark green.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed the tour of my neighborhood and strips. All total we transformed 1375 sq. feet of hellstrips into plantings that are much more beautiful to look at and enjoy.

Labor Day Fun, Sun & Gardens

2007-09-04T12:03:00.000-06:00

Aaahh... September! The dog days of August will soon be a memory. Here's to cool nights and Indian Summer days. Bring them on! Labor Day weekend always begins here with a hot air balloon festival and this year (unlike a cold, rainy 2006) was beautiful. Just the kind of weather Colorado is known for. And the balloons were able to ascend for three mornings in a row. The thing that makes this festival fun is that you can walk right among the balloons as they are getting ready for launch and get a close-up view of everything. I used to enjoy walking among them but a bad knee and hips, plus the crowds that get larger every year, keep me away. So, here is the view I had as some of them came over our house.

Next on the agenda for the weekend was a Garden Party. Nothing I like better than appreciating other people's gardens and hard work. This is a new garden that a neighbor (Barbara) just finished. She is a delightfully interesting person, having worked at the Smithsonian, and she has varied interests and activities. So, her garden reflects this. I fixed her a little hostess gift of a cheese dip in a flower pot, securing fresh flowers from my garden in straws. The cheese dip was a recipe from The Golden Bee Pub at the Broadmoor Hotel.

Here's Barb working on her Carol Mackie Daphne (just kidding).

This view looks out over the herb and rose gardens. Oh... to have a nice clean slate to work on, not to mention actually having room to walk among and tend the roses.

Grapes are ready for harvest.

Close up of Carol Mackie Daphne in bloom. This shrub is certainly happy where it is.

I really love the molded concrete paths. They are such a natural color and texture and set off the various garden areas. The walkways were designed for use with a wheel chair, or to accommodate a (handicap) bath chair that she uses to garden... a great idea!.Here is the herb garden. The light-colored plant is curry, something I have never planted. It smelled divine, and she had a curry dip to go with it.

Barb has planted about 20 new roses and I enjoyed seeing the many different selections that she chose. It's so nice to see something so fresh and new. And again, I love those paths.

I've been wanting to put supports like this over my raised beds. They are made of pvc. She has done such a nice job of labeling. I love that and wish I had done more. It makes it so interesting to view plants and be able to identify them. The tender veggies have all been harvested and she has another crop planted for fall. If we have a nice Indian Summer we should be able to get some more lettuce and a little spinach (I hope).

Looking out from the veggie beds to the corner. Barb designed these raised beds herself. It's amazing what she has been able to do with this relatively small yard. HGTV should take this as an example of what a REAL makeover it!

Barb got a few roses from a farmer in the southeast part of the state who specializes in growing roses that do well in Colorado. This was a beautiful example...Morden Sunrise. Great job Barb!

Versatile Verbenas

2007-08-31T11:26:00.000-06:00

Verbenas are my reliable "fill-ins" for color when autumn arrives and perennial blooms are beginning to be a little tired looking. Every year I buy about 2-3 flats of these little gems and scatter them throughout the gardens. These are annuals called "Serenity Mix." Love the name too. I can use plenty of that about now. This year I was disappointed to find that most of the seedlings were rather tall and lanky, where they are usually small and compact - just right for planting. I was concerned when they seemed to struggle this year, but I think I just forgot how they love the hot weather and really don't come into their own until late summer and early fall...which makes them perfect, as far as I'm concerned. Right now they are beginning to spread and produce more blooms. By the end of the season some of them will have filled in a good two feet. I usually don't take the time to deadhead them (which gives them a one-up on petunias), but if I happen by with a grass shear I will give them a little trim. This produces more blooms, but these little gems are happy to bloom away, however much neglect they receive.
Another GREAT thing about the verbenas is how they attract butterflies way into the fall when other plants have stopped being much of a food source. Especially the Painted Ladies. So, if you are looking for a very well behaved, versatile, and happy little bloomer, verbenas can't be beat.

They go well in rock gardens too. Here with Corsican Violas and Victoria Blue Salvia.

The Serenity Mix has beautiful pastel colors

I love this combination of Bubble Gum Petunias, Violas, and Verbenas

Here they love to weave in and out of California Poppies

And they love to snuggle under most any perennial...May Night Salvia

Easy to care for and very drought-tolerant. You can't ask for much more from this pretty plant.

Here it is finally(!) beginning to do its little "spread" thing. It will easily get to 1 1/2 - 2 feet wide.

Next year I may try these flowers from seed. I would like to see what happens if I direct-sow them.

GB Book Club Aug/Sept

2007-08-27T14:00:00.000-06:00

I couldn't readily put my gloved hands on Carol's selection A Hoe Lot of Trouble but I was able to get another book by Heather Webber from my library. So I read Trouble in Spades. Nina Quinn owns a business called "Taken By Surprise Garden Design," where she specializes in garden designs called "Minis," or In-And-Out-In-A-Day Redo's (think of HGTV). In this instance, her sister Maria, is getting married and Nina is designing a Japanese-themed garden for her reception. Maria's fiance disappears, which halts work on the project. To fill the gap Nina accepts a "Mini" design for a local philanthropist. In the process her crew unearths a body where a pond is being installed. Another body turns up in her sister's pond, and as usual, Nina is involved in solving the crimes and finding Maria's missing fiance.

This book is full of colorful characters, from Tam (Nina's assistant), a new "macho" employee who is very suspicious, several funny neighbors, and a dysfunctional family (don't we all belong to one of those?). Not to mention Nina's hunky husband, Kevin, from whom she is separated. Her stepson Riley, lives with Nina, and she becomes involved in a "flirtation" with his school vice president. I'm sure we have not heard the last of this relationship, as the book leaves us anticipating the next development in Nina's love life. She has a difficult time (trying) to resist her estranged husband Kevin as he tries to lure her back.

There is non-stop action as Nina and her cousin (and best friend) Ana, work to solve not only the murders, but hunt for a pantie thief who is roving the neighborhood. Some of the funniest moments involve a small Chihuahua dog named Daisy, given to Nina by one of her employees. The little dog is not housebroken and is always running off and getting in trouble. Daisy eats some morning glory blooms and falls ill. Thus, the subject for the author's article at the end of the book. I had no idea sooooo many plants are poisonous to animals. Some of them are: holly, hydrangea (darn), oleander, azalea, foxglove, morning glory, bulbs such as amaryllis, lily of the valley, tulips, daffodils and day lilies. She offers suggestions for garden planning to keep animals away from these culprits. One of her suggestions is to sprinkle granular laundry detergent around the plants. That's one I haven't hear of!

I plan to read some of Heather Webber's other Nina Quinn series, as they make a nice break while sitting in the shade with a glass of tea on a hot August day. I love mysteries and I love gardening and I love animals. It doesn't get any better than than!

Rainy August Morning

2007-08-24T09:04:00.000-06:00

This was the scene as the day ended yesterday. A large thunderhead, one of many that have been dropping lots of rain and hail in the northern part of the area. We woke up to .1" rain, which made it a lovely morning for a stroll through the gardens and taking photographs.

I couldn't stop taking photos of the Japanese Anemone. The moisture made the buds a darker color than they usually are, and many of their pretty backs were turned toward the light. You normally don't see this view from the front when you walk by.

The roses are beginning their last beautiful flush for the season, and a lovely sight it is.

Yellow Dream with Russian Sage

Outstanding - Sharifa Asma

Tabboo

I have been adding to my collection of Heucheras this year. This is Creme Brulee.

This came in a hanging basket. It looks like Marmalade, but I'm not sure what it is.

Sunset Hyssop 'Acapulco Gold'

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is beginning to bloom. Here with Salvia 'Blue Cloud'

And here with Russian Sage

And finally, a flower head in "Grandmother's Cutting Garden"

Corner Curb Appeal

2007-08-23T13:35:00.000-06:00

Here is a photo of the corner of our property. I've actually let my husband plant whatever he wants here (pretty much without my "advice") and I must say, this is the best year yet. He is really making a showpiece out of it. Now that the mum's are blooming they look so great with the other flowers. I see I've passed on my purple obsession to him. Good job hubby!

I've been away from posting and gardening this week, taking care of my Dad, and yes, I do have a part time job that I plan to blog about one of these times. That has kept me busy this week. And it has been WAY TOO HOT to do much of anything except try to keep things alive. Gardening the Inferno Strips, I realize, can be very challenging because of the hot asphalt and cement that surround these areas. The ground may be somewhat damp under the plants, but the air temperature on hot days seems to bake the foliage. It is difficult to determine how much to water and what would be best for them. Last night we had a quick downpour that gave us .3" in 10 minutes. With pea-sized hail. I will be glad when August is over, to tell the truth.

"Entry" Garden and Guard Cat

2007-08-17T15:33:00.000-06:00

Okay, put your shades on if you want to view this garden! Near the front entry I have a spot that I struggled with for several years. Half of it is in deep shade most of the day from the porch, and the other half is in hot sun most of the day. I wanted something bright that would lighten up the shade. Yowzie!! Did I do it or what???

The fence in the background covers up the hose reel, etc. My husband found these boards for free at the recycle yard and I gave them a little white wash. I decided I wanted to have some more heucheras, so they are the mainstay of this area. Plantings in this garden include: Coleus, Creeping Jenny, Heuchera 'Crimson Curls,' 'Green Spice', and 'Dolce Cream de Menthe.' Other plants are: 'Charmed Wine' Oxalis, Brunnera 'Variegata', 'Cardinal' Lobelia, and Celosia. I'm sure I stuffed a few more things in here as time when on, including Golden Dewdrop Duranta erecta 'Lime,' Lysimachia Lime, Victoria Blue Salvia, with the ongoing Sweet Woodruff and False DragonHead that were already there. Whew, can it get any more crowded in here? Oh, and a Jacob's Ladder in the middle.

And don't be coming up to do anything naughty at my house, because the Big Blue Red-Eyed Cat is guarding everything!

August Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day

2007-08-14T14:54:00.000-06:00

Determined to be more organized this month, I toured my gardens and divided plants into four groups: New Blooms, Reblooms (plants cut back that are on their second bloom), Continuing Blooms, and Annuals. I also decided to highlight the "Top Ten Newbies" for August. The above plant is a new one purchased only yesterday from Ace Hardware, and leads the list. It's a spectacular, large plant with several blooms: Black-Eyed Susan 'Cherokee Sunset.' Rudbeckia hirta.

This "vignette" was replanted recently with some new selections, my favorite being the Echanacea Sundown "Evan Saul.' It is a beautiful companion to the Sunset Hyssop. The other new plant in the middle foreground is a Mojave Sage Salvia pachyphylla. I have tried previously to grow this, so I hope this one makes it this time.

Echanacea Sundown 'Evan Saul'

Just barely making the August list, I have two blooms on the Japanese Anemone. This is now a huge plant in it's fourth year and gives me so much pleasure until the first frost.

Lobelia Cardinal Flower

Speedwell

Mallow

Salvia greggii Autumn Sage Purple

Aster New York 'Alert"

Plumbago

Also (not pictured) purple, white and bronze mums, and Blue Mist Spirea.

REBLOOMS include: Salvia Blue Cloud, Salvia May Night, Salvia Royal Crimson Distinction, Blue Montana, Dianthus Firewitch and others, Wild Geraniums, Beacon Silver, and Clematis, and Rose Campion.

CONTINUING TO BLOOM: This is quite a list. Cosmos, Coreopsis, Sunset Hyssop, Coneflowers (purple and white) Rudbeckias (three kinds), Russian Sage (lots of it), Agastache, Roses, Daisies, Penstemons, Yarrows, Sedums, California Poppies, Orange Carpet Hummingbird, Corsican Violas, Blue Bells of Scotland, Hollyhocks, Baby's Breath, and Hollyhocks.

ANNUALS include Cutting Garden mix, Pink Bubblegum and other Petunias, Zinnias, Marigolds, Celosia, Wax Begonias, Impatiens, Verbena, and Salvia Victoria Blue.

It will be interesting to see how many will be in the "New" category for September. This list continues to get smaller. I have decided that one of my goals for next year is to plant more fall bloomers.

America The Beautiful Park...Fountain Follies

2007-08-12T15:43:00.000-06:00

Waiting for the fountain to be fixed.

We have a beautiful new park in the Pikes Peak area called America The Beautiful Park. Named because of the view of Pikes Peak where Kathryn Lee Bates wrote America The Beautiful. The City has done a wonderful job planning this large park. It's highlight is a $1.6m fountain named for the wife of Spencer Penrose, one-time owner of The Broadmoor. The funds were provided by a philanthropic organization, donations, city taxes and state grant money. It is HUGE! Water drops from 344 jets that line the ring, is captured in a 13,000-gallon basin, treated and then recycled. The circle, or ring, revolves and frames Pikes Peak (when clouds are not covering it). Concerts and held here, as well as a farmer's market, and it is fast becoming a central gathering place for people and entertainment.

The problem came on opening day June 7, when the new fountain was dedicated. Within ten minutes of opening, a hordeof about 200 children (and some animals) descended upon the structure that soon became a prime wading spot. Almost immediately the filters became clogged with grass, dirt and pet fur which overwhelmed the fountain's water filters and clogged the water jets. It was back-to-the-drawing-board as City officials put their heads together to work out a solution. Many solutions were considered, including not allowing waders. Hah!! Good luck with that, I say. A new filter was installed for $20,000 and it took about $3000 to repair the fountain. A compromise was reached allowing people to wade in the lower part of the fountain, but not the upper edge.

Now, I say, what were they thinking when they designed this? Do you know what happens when children and water mix in the same area?" Enough said. As for me personally, I'm really not anti-children...I'm just "old" and want some peace and quiet in my old age. Is that too much to ask? I guess so. I've done my part as a den mother, school volunteer, mother, and now grandmother (funny how my own grandkids don't bother me??). I just want to go to a park, enjoy the scenery, a concert, a picnic, the bees, the flowers and more scenery. As large as this park is, you need to go pretty far to avoid all the kids that descend upon the it... I'm talking hundreds of children from local day care centers that use the park as their headquarters... I'm not kidding! I thought if I went there during the week it would not be so crowded... NOT. There is a huge state-of-the-art playground and covered picnic area, not to mention the fountain that the waders control. Yet, it is difficult to find a spot along the trail of cozy shelters and seats without running into yet another day care group or their leavings of smashed sandwiches and potato chips that are now large grease spots. Okay, I'll stop ranting before I get pelted with wet diapers. But, damn, I wish there was some place where adults could go for some peace and quiet (other than the old folks home). And I wish developers would allow areas for older adults as well as children. Rant over.

An attendant must now be on duty when the fountain is running to keep the public from climbing on the top concrete lip around the base.

There are walking and bike paths that wander along the edge of the park. They did a good job of installing some seating areas to get away from the main area of the park and enjoy the many native and xeric plants. That is, if you can find one without a day care group.

There are areas containing native grasses and stonework running diagonally. These were very distinctive and mirror the red sandstone formations found in this area. I loved this idea. It makes me think of mountains and grasses and how important they are to us. This is truly a beautiful park and spread out enough that you really can get away from the crowds if you wander away from the public facilities.

Free-Spirit Gardening...Is It For You?

2007-08-10T15:30:00.000-06:00

My Free-Spirited Garden

The other day I stumbled across a book in my library that I had forgotten about. It's the free-spirited GARDEN: Gorgeous Gardens That Flourish Naturally, by Susan McClure. Funny how books appeal to me differently from time to time, depending on where I am at the moment. This one jumped right out at me as I realized that this is pretty much how I garden. Susan describes a free-spirited garden as, ...a carefree blend of flowers, herbs, and vegetables that reproduce themselves, arise impromptu from seeds, or spread into bold masses and drifts. She goes on to say that, "free-spirited plants multiply without need for your help or money, they fit perfectly into modern lifestyles."

So, I take a mental look at my gardens. Now, is this free-spirited.... or are these invasive plants run amok?? She does a good job of defining the difference, but I'm not sure... where do you draw the line? Susan explains that "among the exuberant free-spirited plants are tyrants..." One of the examples she uses is spearmint. It's all how willing we are to manage the "more rambunctious free-spirited plants."

This is an enjoyable and informative book with glossaries and photos scattered throughout. I recognized many of the free-spirited perennials in my gardens: Common yarrow, Bugleweed, Clustered Bellflower, Snow-in-Summer, Plumbago, Creeping Jenny, etc. Most of all, it gives me permission to defend my kind of gardening. I tend to let things creep and leap, but I also keep an eye on them. And when they get to the point that they are, in my opinion, getting out of hand, or taking up too much of their neighbor's space, I "rearrange" them.

That's just what I did yesterday. I grew tired of looking at several plants that were too leggy and covering up a nice little Blue Mist Spirea that was beginning to grow. I cut back and yanked out a lot of stuff and instantly felt better. But it was funny. I found myself having this conversation with my plants:

(Me) Okay you guys, you've outgrown your limits and as much as I hate to I'm cutting you back and getting you more under control. Consider this tough love.

(Plant) Suurrrre, when you didn't have anything growing here you thought we were just fine! It was okay for us to spread all over that empty space where you needed something green. Now that you have some fancy new plants you are cutting us back. That's gratitude for you! We feel soooo used. Humphh!!

(Me) No, no, no. I really do appreciate what you have done for the garden. You were there for me when I needed you and I want you to know that I really do acknowledge how beautiful you have been. Look how pretty you will look with your new neighbors and your new hair cut.

I must say I ususally feel a little guilty, but it did need to be done. I see many Free-Spirited gardens on the garden blogs I read. I think most of us gardeners are just free-spirited people anyway.

My Husband's New Yard Art

2007-08-07T14:19:00.000-06:00

My husband surprised me the other day with his creativity. He bought some plastic wine glasses on sale at Wal-Mart. They were scratched and a very cheap. He put eye screws in the bottom and hung them with small chain rope. Walla!! Not only to they catch the light and add a touch of color to my "Critter Corner" but, the real reason for their being, they help add some weight to the branches, giving us a little more shade on the picnic table. Pretty neat, huh??

Astonishing Agastache 'Ava'

2007-08-05T17:46:00.000-06:00

I have received some comments asking about the 'Ava' Agastache that I featured with the sleeping bee. Since this is one of my VERY favorite plants (gosh, what isn't) I decided to do a post dedicated to it.

This is the third year for this plant. It is getting shadowed by a large Russian Sage next to it, which I keep cutting back so that 'Ava' can get more sun.

Two seasons ago I purchased four plants from High Country Gardens. The 'Ava' was their 2005 introduction and they are their specialty. I couldn't resist when I saw the photo in the catalog. The first year, of course, they pretty much slept, but the next year (last year) they were spectacular!! I was in love for sure. Last year, I'm afraid to say, they didn't do so well. Do you think it might have been the 1-2' snow drift that covered the area for weeks on end?? Huh? You think? It is highly unusual for snow to stay on the ground that long in this area. But then, it certainly was an unusual winter. I lost two of the plants. But I love them so much that I'm going to replace them next year.

'Ava' seems to be a bit temperamental, but as the catalog states, "This plant takes two to three growing seasons to reach mature size and will live for many years when happy." They go on to say what it is that makes them happy. Being buried under 2 feet of snow for weeks on end wasn't one of them. They are fairly expensive ($9.29 each for 5" deep pots). I think they are worth every cent. I really think they would continue to do well if not for so much snow. Also, some of the Russian Sage are invading their territory, so I need to do something about this. But I love the combination of the two. I am going to order some of their "Yum Yum Mix" winterizer fertilizer to help them out this year. I love these plants so much that I feel they are worth it.

This is 'Ava' in her second year (2006). She was spectacular. Unfortunately both she and the beautiful Rabbit Brush behind her succumbed to heavy snow drifts last year. I was very sad to seem them go. It was just one of those bad years.

Another view of 'Ava' in all her beauty before the winter storms. This plant remains lovely way into Fall if it can withstand the winter. (Two out of my original four survived).

And here she is in 2006 with Russian Sage (Perovskia) and Sedum 'Autumn Joy.'

This "vignette" from last year (2006) includes the Russian Sage, Agastach 'Ava,' Agastache 'Sunset Hyssop' and Sedum 'Autumn Joy,' together with other companion plants.

Principally Perovskia (Russian Sage)

2007-08-05T16:42:00.000-06:00

When I designed my "hellstrips" I knew that the plant/bush that I wanted as the mainstay would be Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). I planted about 20 of them. Not only do I love the beautiful blue/purple color, but they help take up a lot of space. To break up the long strips I planted what I call "vignettes" of Perovskia and several companion plants, broken by smaller plantings to allow access and add variety. I purchased them from many different nurseries and in many different sizes. In early Spring I cut them back to about 10-12" hoping that they will stay more compact. As you can see, they don't. They might possibly be a little too tall for use in hellstrips, but I find them to be very dramatic, especially when driving down the street. Believe me, you want to have plenty of room for most of these beauties.

If you are interested in learning more about this gorgeous bush High Country Gardens has some information about growing and purchasing them in most of their catalogs. Their 2007 Fall Edition states they are "one of the most common plants in new western xeriscapes..." They show suggestions for companion plants as well.

Perovskias can add a beautiful look to the winter landscape. The branches turn a soft, textural and "filmy" white. Before the first heavy snow I trim back some of the longer branches on the bottom and try to cut back on the weight they must hold. This helps quite a bit. But sometimes if the snow is early it will take them to their knees. These bushes I trim back quite a bit so that they are not too stressed.

I am in my second year of an experiment (holding my breath every time) to see if trimming the plants back before they set flowers will help make them stronger and better able to withstand storms. See what you think. I think it may be worth it.

Here are the plants that are the "control" in my experiment. They were not trimmed back. The flowers are "fluffier" and they may be a deeper blue, but you can see what happens when we get a lot of moisture. The Perovskia in the first photo does get some shade, but the second one is in full sun all of the time.

The following photos show the Perovskia's that I trimmed back just before they began to bud. You can see that they look "thinner," but seem to be standing more upright. And they are not flopping as much. There are a couple of different forms of the plant here and I'm sorry that I do not have the information at hand as to which they are. I will go back to when I planted them and see if I can post that. There are forms (High Country lists them) that stand up better.

I wish I had more room to truly show off these beautiful shrubs. I would love to see them on a dry hillside with other rugged companions to do them justice. However, we garden with what we have and not what we would like to have. Right? So, I enjoy them where they are and get many compliments from people passing by. My favorite thing to do is to stroll along them in the early morning when the sun is back lighting them, and seeing all the little bees still asleep in their blossoms.

I Bee Sleeping

2007-08-02T18:23:00.000-06:00

Russian Sage Perovskia, was full of sleeping bees this morning, and will be a "hive" of activity the rest of the day. Bees love these plants.

Agastache (Ava's Hummingbird Mint) provides lots of good sleeping places. Even the brightness of this Hollyhock could not wake up this one.

August... And the Heat is On

2007-08-01T08:51:00.000-06:00

Tri-color sedum showing August color

This was the oncoming hail storm in mid-August, 2004. I hope this doesn't happen again this year. Knock on wood!

Here it is the first day of August, hard to believe it goes so fast. I have a wonderful calendar with flower paintings for each month, and August reads:

Indulge in idleness...
Sit and enjoy the flowers in full bloom...
Rest,
Relax,
and BE!!

Sounds like a good idea to me! I've had to rest a couple of days because of overdoing it. I reorganized about three different areas in the strips and added some new plantings. Digging in hard-packed clay at this time of year is NOT fun, but I wanted to get this done because each day kept calling for some good rain. Hah... NOT!!

Speaking of August, today's local newspaper says that "Monsoons and heat means it's August." This year has been so strange though. The monsoons have been stalled over the western part of the state, with no signs of shifting any time soon. It looks like we are in for a drier year all overall, even with all of the spring moisture we received. There is ample evidence that global warming is the cause. In 2004, we had a violent hail storm which I just want to forget. And in late August of 1992, it got down to 39 degrees. Talk about temperature extremes! Makes gardening interesting, for sure.

The Organized Gardener

2007-07-27T16:36:00.000-06:00

This carries all my heavy duty supplies for planting, deadheading, etc. Look at the new plants I got today (yea!!). I plan to do a post about them soon.

In order to arrive at my back patio (because of previous remodeling jobs) I must exit my kitchen into the garage, then walk a narrow concrete ledge for the length (narrow because I keep too much stuff there, like all my bird feeding supplies), down a few steps and across the back porch, along a sidewalk where my veggies are located, turn the corner and walk the length of the house to the patio. Needless to say, I try to make this trek as little as possible. I carry a basket (sometimes two) of supplies I can't do without:

Gardening journal and pen

Gloves

Book or magazines to read

Latest garden catalog (here it is High Country Gardens )

Bug spray

Lotion, glasses and sun visor

Ipod "Shuffle" in case of noisy neighbors

Tool belt that holds pruners and phone

Energy bar or snacks

Cold water

And anything else I think I might not be able to do without. Sometimes that includes breakfast or lunch. Now, all I need is a porta-potty and I'd be all set for the day! Taking a lead from Carol of May Dreams, who has most likely already asked this... what do you like to carry in your gardening organizer?

Really, Really... Slow Food

2007-07-26T17:31:00.000-06:00

We have a wonderful organization here called the Horticultural Arts Society. They sponsor and mantain a beautiful garden in an old park downtown. Their Heirloom Vegetable Garden is so interesting because of the signage which tells the story. I love the flowers they have planted with the vegetables to discourage pests. This group does a great job in maintaining and beautifying this area.

Yesterday was grocery shopping day. It was hot, hot, hot, and I had many errands to do. I have to visit two grocery stores -- the natural food market and the "regular" food market. Just can't afford to do all my shopping at the natural food market. Thank goodness more traditional food markets are beginning to stock local produce and products. Anyway, the point of this story is that not only does it take time to buy the food, but when you get home you have to wash or properly store everything so it doesn't spoil. There was fresh Coho River Salmon and Talapia, so I had to have some of that.

We still don't have tomatoes, but I did find some nice looking heirlooms, which I added to my cart, along with some luscious organic green grapes. At the traditional store they had just put out a new shipment of Olathe (Colorado) corn which looked like it just jumped off the stalk. So, I loaded up on that. One hasn't lived until one has tasted Olathe white corn.

So, here is what I did for dinner for two (which was three hours later by the time I got all the washing and everything done): Grilled salmon fillet with a soy marinade, corn grilled in the husk with a lime-chili butter, cucumbers and basil from my garden with tomatoes (not from my garden) and a homemade dressing. Oh, and I also had to go out and cut herbs. Then, peal and cut fresh Colorado peaches for dessert. We have the MOST wonderful peaches from the Western slope near Grand Junction, where the nights are cool and the days are heart. Nothing like them!

I think that's about it, but by the time I shop and get all this done I'm too tired to eat and enjoy it. Of course, I never learn to do the cooking the NEXT night when I'm hopefully not so tired. I get so excited at all the fresh stuff and I just can't wait. And don't even mention when I go to the farmer's market! I wanted to take a photo for this blog but was tooooo tired to do so. Dinner was, however, delicious. Oh, for the energy I used to have when I was young(er).

Purple Curb Appeal

2007-07-24T16:15:00.000-06:00

I took this photo today on my morning "walk about" before the heat of the day. Purple Coneflower Echinachea purpurea, is a drought tolerant perennial and is one of the very best butterfly and bee attractors. Even though this plant calls for full sun or partial shade, I find that because of the broad leaves it easily wilts in the hot afternoon soon, especially when it is young. So, I need to give it a quick, cold shower almost every day that the temperature rises. It makes me wonder why they classify this as a Xeric plant, but once it blooms it is pretty tough. I think it is one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden. I would love to explore some of the other colors. Tomorrow is going to be hotter yet so I know I will be out there with the hose. It still beats throwing water down the gutter at dried up turf, however. And a pretty alternative too.

Garden Bloggers Book Club July

2007-07-24T14:22:00.000-06:00

My Summer in a Garden, by Charles Dudley Warner, is a treasure trove ripe with wit and wisdom. In the introduction, Henry Ward Beecher calls these writings "...curious and ingenious papers, that go winding about like a half-trodden path between the garden and the field...." Charles Dudley Warner dedicated this book in 1870, to his dear wife, Polly. Each chapter is a weekly garden "letter" or an "honest sketch of experience," that he wrote for a daily newspaper in New England. His purpose in writing these articles was to write something that he, as well as his readers, would enjoy.

It took me a while to get into this book and begin to "enjoy" it. At first glance, this thin publication leads you to mistakenly believe that you can finish it in one reading before the ice melts in your tea. Not so, for me, anyway. There is such a depth to this book (I thought) that I found I needed to absorb it in small doses in order to appreciate all of the intricacies and truths that are familiar to just about every gardener. It is filled with meaningful analogies and antidotes that left me laughing on almost every page. Take the one on lettuce. "Lettuce is like conversation: it must be fresh and crisp, so sparkling that you scarcely notice the bitter in it." Or, "Lettuce, like conversation, requires a good deal of oil to avoid friction..."

My favorite way to appreciate this book was to take a break from my gardening chores, sit in the shade, and read or ponder one article at a time. I found his writing to be so rich that I needed to go slowly to enjoy every sentence, many of which I had to read more than once to fully understand.

I loved this book. I'm keeping it in my gardening goodies basket to enjoy whenever I need a good perspective on life or gardening. As Warner recites in the Eleventh Week, by reading this book I feel that, "In half an hour I can hoe myself right away from this world...." I plan on opening it to a random page and see what treat awaits me this time.

And, have you ever read such a heartfelt tribute to a dear cat as the one he wrote for Calvin at the end of the book? From his neighbor's chickens, children, and cows, to his battle with weeds and birds, this book is relevant at one time or another to every gardener.

Beautiful Morning Stroll

2007-07-20T15:41:00.000-06:00

It's a beautiful morning after a nice fresh rain, so please join me in a stroll around my gardens.

This plant brings me much joy. It is Agastache rupestris Sunset Hyssop. Why I don't have more of them I don't know, but plan to remedy that next year. It smells like root beer, and it's blossoms are such a beautiful shade of orange and lavender. It is a water-wise plant, but surprises me when it seems to droop on a hot, sunny day. I can't figure out why. So I give it a quick dash of water when it does that. Isn't it lovely?

These were direct sown from a mix called Grandmother's Cut Flower Garden. Soon after they were sown we had a huge downpour and they all washed together. I just left them, as I didn't want to disturb them. They need to be thinned but I thought I see what the do first. They are just beginning to bloom. This is my oldest garden and seems to be in constant need of redoing one part or another most of the time. That is a Rose of Sharon among the flowers. It had not blossomed yet. I could not fine the name of this sedum, but I believe it is called Dragon's Blood . It grows nicely with Orange Carpet Hummingbird Mint. Penstemon Whippleannus with Blue Oat Grass. I think this look like a fountain!

As you can see, this Penstemon (I think it is Whippleannus) does not do well in wind. I'm being a little more selective about what I plant because of all the wind we have here. Plants need to be pretty sturdy to withstand that much. I also did not expect it to get quite so tall.

We had .3" rain last night. While many areas south of us received severe storms and street flooding, we lucked out with a gentle rain that was much appreciated by all of the gardens. It was a beautiful morning for photos so I took a few to share. It was also a good time to see where my "problem areas" are and think about what to do. I have not posted for a couple of days because I needed to get some non-gardening chores done. The only way to do this was to not allow myself near the computer until I achieved a measure of progress. This blogging is addictive!

Attack of the Grackles!!

2007-07-17T17:09:00.000-06:00

Bad, bad, bad Grackles!!

I thought these blooms were so pretty, so I kept several of them, knowing that the onions would be smaller, but still, I enjoyed the blooms.

The other day as I neared my vegetable garden I was welcomed by the VERY strong odor of onions. When I got closer about a thousand grackles (must be, at least) suddenly flew up, seemingly turning the sky black (remember The Birds?). It turns out that they were after my onions, a few of which I had let bloom because I thought the blooms were so unusal and pretty. Don't think I'll make that mistake again! I've never seen anything like it. They must have been going to seed and that was something that appealed to the grackles?? I already have to put up with them (grackles) emptying all of my bird feeders and turning my fountain and bird baths into mud at least once a day. They seem particularly bad this year and there are sooooo many babies. There aren't too many things in the animal kingdom that I don't like, but these are certainly one of them. Their constant squawking is an assault to the senses. I pulled all of the onions, but I can see they have been back looking for more. Sometimes I wonder what Mother Nature was thinking??

July Gardener's Bloom Day

2007-07-14T15:22:00.000-06:00

"Voodoo" has never had so many blooms at once!

Certainly the highlight of my garden right now is my small rose garden. I have never had so many blooms as this year! I think I owe it to the new organic fertilizer I used for the first time, Peace of Mind. I have applied it twice.

Many of my garden areas are in transition. The Salvias have all been cut back (boo hoo) and are beginning their second bloom, although not as full. I cut back my beautiful large Pink Poppy which was a star attraction next to the May Night Salvia and Snow in Summer (which looks dreadful at the moment). Next to take center stage will be the Russian Sage. They are the mainstay of the hell strips from now on, and are almost in bloom.

Several Yarrows are in bloom, including red (Paprika), white, purple and gold. Autumn Joy is beginning to bud (is it that time already?) Here are photos of some of the highlights of this July 2007 Bloom Day:

And here is my pride and joy... Endless Summer Hydrangia... YEA!

This Creeping Jenny has the most delightful blooms, which I do not recall seeing before this year.

These Asiatic Lilies were a gift from a friend. I once had several plants but this is all that remains.

I'm posting this photo of a Hollyhock for my garden buddy LostRoses!

This is one of my Penstemons. I'm planning a special post on them in the near future.

What more beautiful way to view a Purple Coneflower? I do not know what kind of butterfly this is...perhaps someone could enlighten me?

This is a bright combination of carnations and Butterfly Blue Delphiniums.

This the first Rudbeckia of the year. They seem to last only a couple of years so had to be replanted this season.

This is in a container, a very delicate Salvia "Nymph Coral" which caught my eye at the nursery.

Other new blooms for July:

Gladiola - 1 so far

Cosmos - just beginning

Morning glories

Coreopsis

Hollyhock

Purple Monkshood

Continuing to bloom:

Rose Campion

California Poppies

Violas - many varieties

Verbena

Dianthus - a few varieties

Feverfew

Companula Scottish Bells

Shasta Daisies

Herbs continue to do well, thyme is heading out and cilantro is bolting. My 2 lavenders are blooming but need to be in a location where they get more sun.

Vegetables: Second crop of lettuce is showing leaves. We actually have about 3 green tomatoes, which is exciting. Have been harvesting cucumbers, yellow squash and peppers.

A Tribute to Lady Bird Johnson

2007-07-12T14:13:00.000-06:00

There is a wonderful tribute and memorial to Lady Bird Johnson on the Wildflower Center website http://www.wildflower.org/. She will be missed and honored for her environmental work and love of flowers that she shared with so many of us.

Seven Random Things About Me

2007-07-10T17:22:00.000-06:00

I was tagged by Beth at Morning Glories to participate in the Seven Random Things About Me meme. To keep this post on topic, I won't go completely random but make it seven things about myself as a gardener.

1. I believe I inherited my Love of Gardening from my paternal grandmother who lived a very hard life on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. One day I found a photo of her in her flower/vegetable garden and recognized the look of wonder and contentment on her face. It's a gardener thing. You can always recognize that look.

2. The one thing missing in my Garden is a Cat. I love seeing photos of cats in gardens. They go together. I used to have one and she would follow wherever I went, until she became too old. Now her ashes reside in a special spot of my "Critter Corner." My present darling feline, Kayla, is a rescue cat. She is an older cat with a heart murmur and is declawed, so she can't be outside. I also like to feed the birds and always felt bad setting them up for a target, so it is just as well.

3. Simplicity. My art career taught me that simplicity is usually the end result of a great deal of complexity. First, you need to see what doesn't work before you find what does. Just like life. I admire simplicity in other gardens, yet mine don't reflect that. They are full to the brim. Guess I haven't mastered that yet when it comes to gardening.

4. I hold Conversations With My Plants as I garden. "Do you not like it here...would you rather be somewhere else... okay... let's try." Or, "Thank you for your beauty.... I so much appreciate you." Or, "Now, you better come around or you're outa here!"

5. If I had the money I would: Install french doors in the living room that opened into a small deck with steps down into the yard, put in a new driveway, and build a beautiful garden shed.

6. The Biggest Mistake I've made in my garden is planting Mexican Evening Primrose! I'll never be able to get rid of it. I don't mind it in small doses but it refuses to stay where I want it.

7. The Thing I'm Most Proud Of is bringing joy to others when they make a special effort to stroll by and see my flowers. It does my heart good to know I've given them a quiet moment to appreciate nature. A few are other caregivers who take this time to put their worries aside.

And now to hand this off to some other garden bloggers.

Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to then report this on their own blog with their 7 random facts as well as these rules. They then need to tag 7 others and list their names on their blog. They are also asked to leave a comment for each of the tagged, letting them know they have been tagged and to read the blog.

Here are the folks I'm tagging:

Bliss

Ellen - Wicked Witch of the Wool

Garden by the Ruins of Narberth

Girl Gone Gardening - Nickie

Lost Roses
Empress Of The Dirt

Nature Trail

Garden Exploration Tour 2007

2007-07-09T10:41:00.000-06:00

Well, this is our local 2007 garden tour. It was called "Garden Exploration," but I called it "Garden Exploitation." For the last several years the annual tour was sponsored by a local garden club whose members put their hearts and souls into it. One of their purposes used to be to inspire the "ordinary" gardener by demonstrating what could be done by individual homeowners. NOT so this one. This year it was sponsored by The Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs and the American Society of Landscape Architects. Yes, the landscapes and gardens were spectacular and showy. Of course they were, because they were professionally designed and maintained. I really didn't need to be reminded of what my garden and home limits are, but I did enjoy drooling for a while. Here's what I don't understand: Where do all these people work and how do all these people have soooo much money? This town doesn't seem big enough to hold that many millionaires and mansions. It was area, after area, after area of large estates and homes. I missed the friendly feeling of the previous tours. Oh... and you had to be a billy goat in order to traverse most of the terrain. With only one exception they were all hanging on the edge of a hill. Each one trying to be taller than the other. Anyway, here are some photos of a few of the landscapes. Don your oxygen masks and come along.

My Favorite

I loved her theme of cobalt blue in so many of the "rooms." She even had a cobalt blue hose and sprinkler head!! Talk about hose envy!

By far, this was the most delightful, cheerful and "lived in" landscape. The owner greeted us, and her enthusiasm and love of her gardens was very much in evidence. I could have stayed here forever and savored every nook and cranny. It was great to see a garden with so much of the owner's input and personality.

My Second Favorite

Beautiful stonework, paths, fountains, water falls, what more could you ask for? Except the $$ to own something like this. My favorite feature here was the wonderful use of Pikes Peak Purple Penstemon used throughout the landscape. I thought this gave a nice continuity to the gardens.

Zen Retreat

Finally... a level site to rest my poor knees. This garden is close to the Broadmoor Hotel and features a Zen retreat.

1927 Spanish Mansion

These are not real animals, but rather a beautiful sculpture. I believe they are panthers. The other view shows them in the background of the swimming pool area.

This "wine bottle tree" was an hit with everyone. Every garden room had a different color palette, yet the entire landscape was very Tuscan-inspired. Containers and colors were rich and textural and used in stunning combinations. Of course, the gardener was there to answer questions.

This 1927 Spanish Colonial gave me a "Great Gatsby" feeling. It went on forever on a bluff (what else) with sweeping views. Lots of beautiful sculpture and garden art.

Back Patioscape

Here is where the tour began. Another vertigo-inducing site. The area that appealed the most to me was this tiered back patio. The wall increases seating without taking up floor space, and the planting bed is supposed to be safe from deer. I wonder? I did like the gas "campfire" to the left because it was made to look like a natural part of the landscape.

This is the neighbor of the first home/garden on the tour. It was getting more attention than the tour home, and you can see why.

All in all, I appreciate very much what I have and the gardens that I have created. These would all be too much for me!!

First Yellow Squash for July 4th Dinner!

2007-07-05T12:49:00.000-06:00

Well... we don't have much of a bounty yet, but we did have two tiny yellow squash (I like them when they are small). So, I fixed a bed of fresh greens from my garden, along with the squash and onion, then made up this dish. (I love being creative in the kitchen.) It is a Chicken Tostada. Chicken breasts were baked yesterday by marinating with fresh lime and tequila, olive oil, rosemary and cilantro (from my garden). I placed leftover frozen corn and black beans on the tostada, topped with sliced chicken and havarti cheese, sprinkled with more cilantro and smoked paprika. Then placed it in the toaster broiler until melted. Was VERY delicious, if I do say so. My husband always teases me about being able to recreate my cooking because I do so much on the fly, but I think I'll remember this one. Because the chicken was already cooked it took only a small amount of time and no hot kitchen. Suuuure would love to have had one of those nice tomatoes that everyone is showing to make this dish really complete!

Happy 4th To Everyone!

2007-07-04T10:26:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful day it is here in Colorado. Last night we had 1.2" rain and all the plants are celebrating. I think I'll join them. Took care of my Dad this morning and plan to spend the rest of the day out back in my "Retreat" reading, thinking, planning, eating, etc. Right now I'm reading a Linda Howard ("Ricochet") and I have another to start: "Death in The Orchid Garden" by Ann Ripley. I've not read her books before. I love garden mysteries, so if anyone has some favorite authors please let me know. I'm also reading Carol's Book Club selection, and an interesting publication from Denver Botanic Gardens on native plants. What are you reading?

So... hello to all my garden buddies and thank you for your interest in my blog. I LOVE hearing from all of you. Have a great 4th!

New Bird Feeder - Garden Art it Ain't

2007-07-02T16:18:00.000-06:00

My husband found this stump at the yard waste disposal site. Of course, he noticed it (hey, it's a guy thing) and lugged it home, thinking it would be good for something. I decided it would make a unique feeder for the ground-feeding birds. Well... it is different. And the birds love it.

Where I'm Spending My Time

2007-07-02T16:03:00.000-06:00

Here is where I've been the last few days. Temps have been pretty warm during the day (86) yesterday and will be warmer today, which is nothing compared to other areas. Still, it's too hot to do any heavy gardening. I'm just trying to keep things cool and hydrated (including myself). The mornings have been quite cool out in the backyard in the mornings. Around 60 on the patio. The lows during the night have been about 49, so that's quite a temperature range. Typical for Colorado. So, I get up early in case the screaming kids next door decide to spend all day trying to see how loud they can be in their wading pool, sit in the shade until I'm shivering, then into the sun to water until I'm too hot, and so on.... such is the life of a gardner. I like this time of the season when most of the heavy chores have been done, and it's mostly a matter of maintaining and deadheading, plus a little weeding. Back to my book.

My Veggies

2007-06-27T15:44:00.001-06:00

My husband built these raised beds (good job!) I buy cheap umbrellas from a discount store to use as shade for my lettuce and other tenders. They work well because I can put them up and down as needed. Squash and Zucchini are behind vines at far end. Fence trellis and potted willows are an experiment to hide view of horrible neighbors and their big trampoline, dog poop, dead grass, weeds and a zillion screaming kids. The remainder of our backyard is in shade.

Herbs do well along south exposure and brick wall (very hot!) That's where I was able to overwinter Rosemary. Morning glories will one day (I'm waiting...) climb on trellis.

With everyone showing such beautiful photos of their veggie bounty, I thought I'd better get on the bandwagon. Not that I have much of a bounty yet. But we are enjoying a nice variety of greens on a salad every evening. Other veggies that we have:

Peppers (my husband loves these). Tomato plants - 2: Actually have a couple of blossoms. Who knows, may have a tomato by labor day! Cucumbers, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Spinach - not doing well. Also Cilantro, Parsley, Basil, Onions, Oregano, Rosemary, different Thymes (especially lemon!) Culinary sage and Dill.

Guess that covers most of it. My husband built these beautiful raised beds. I think he did a great job and I sure do enjoy them.

I'm a Proud Mama...

2007-06-26T17:10:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it! And I really need to crow about this. I finally have a bloom (at least the beginning of one) on my Endless Summer Hydrangea. I have spent practically the national debt trying to grow hydrangeas. I've seen them (not often) in my city and have tried everything and everyplace I could think of to grow them. I had finally decided that I would just have to buy a large plant every year and treat it as an annual. But still I'm challenged. This cute little darling is now appearing. It has been in this location (east-facing) for three... yes, that's 3 years and is finally showing signs of life. Last year it didn't bloom at all. Now it is about 10" tall. I have babied it, I have talked nicely to it, I have cussed it, and at last!!! I even planted a companion (coneflower) in front of it to block out the hot afternoon sun, and Sweet Woodruff around it's base to keep in in moisture and give it company. Guess I'll have to hold a shower tonight... heavy rains are expected. Last night (middle) we had a very strange lightning display to the north and east. The whole room kept exploding like flashbulbs. It was really kind of frightening. Some rain, but thank goodness no hail. Hope we are as lucky tonight.

A Salute to Salvias

2007-06-25T14:04:00.000-06:00

Purple Rain

May Night

Blue Cloud

Royal Crimson Distinction

Caradonna

Rose Queen

Unknown - Sky Blue

I think this is Caradonna

I noticed this weekend that several of my salvias will soon need to be cut back so that they may bloom again before fall. Doesn't seem possible it's that time already. Seems just yesterday that I was marveling at their beginning spring blooms. It got me to thinking how much I appreciate salvias. Along with many other sages, they are quite a mainstay in my garden. They are very dependable and hardy, as well as beautiful and make great water-wise or Xeric additions to the garden.
So, everyday I watch them, tell them how beautiful they have been this year, and dread the day soon when I will have to cut them back. They will appreciate it, however, so they don't have to fall down during the July monsoons which may or may not be with us this year.

Room For Roses...

2007-06-22T15:47:00.000-06:00

Sharifa Asma

Taboo

Voodoo

Melody Parfume

DA Evelyn (my husband found on sale for something like $5)

My Mom's Rose, Nancy Reagan - new this year

Yellow Dream Rose with Feverfew

I have a small, but intimate, bed of roses. I love pulling in the driveway and having their beautiful faces greet me. So far, this has been a good year for them. They loved the wet, cold, spring and I watched them closely for any signs of blackspot.

My goal this year was to rid them of the thrips that almost ruined them last year. The spring had started out hot and dry last year and they really took hold. I was determined to get rid of them, and whether or not it was my effort (hope it was) or Mother Nature's, I'm pleased to report that I see very little sign of thrips this year. Last fall, before I put them to bed, I removed most of the surface soil, then placed newspapers on the ground around each rose. Then, I piled lots of clean compost mixed with a little manure, with a heavy top dressing of mulch for the winter. Then I prayed... a LOT!

This spring when I uncovered some of the soil and mulch, I used Bayers 2 in 1 systemic, being pretty generous. As each bud began to appear I sprayed with Safer Rose Insect product. Later I added a new fertilizer I found at the nursery...Peace of Mind Organic (boy, did I ever need that). I had lost two new roses because of the harsh winter, and two of the older ones are recovering. But I've had some beautiful blooms this first flush, with.... get it.... NO THRIPS! Hooray! A rosarian I'm not, but I sure do love my roses.

So... Summer Arrives at Last!

2007-06-21T17:03:00.000-06:00

Lamb's Ear, Paprika Yarrow and Salvia Blue Cloud

This Salvia Blue Cloud is HUGE this year!

Paprika Yarrow and Salvia May Night

After a cold, wet, Spring.... Summer arrived today in all it's blazing glory. Just in time, I say. It feels good to be warm and all of the plants are rejoycing in their new found warmth. I can't belive how tall many things are this year, after all the moisture we've had. It certainly made and difference, and I am enjoying the process of seeing how my "friends" are all reacting. Of course, I'll be complaining about the heat any day now. But maybe not. I think a bit of a cool-down is on the way. Here are some photos I took today of my plants rejoycing!

This Place is For The Birds...

2007-06-19T16:16:00.000-06:00

My "Critter Corner"

This was my inspiration. I love the branch that weaves everything together.

This is my backyard retreat (taken last year).

Last year, while on a Xeriscape tour I fell in love with this bird house fence. I love birds and I collect bird houses, so this year I thought.... why not try my hand at this?? While I prefer the more natural look of the tour fence, my fence is white and my bird houses are colorful, so I decided to work with that. Besides, this corner is VERY dark and shady (it's my secret retreat... sh... don't tell) and needed some color to add some life. I name all my gardens, and this was "Pooky's Garden," named after a dear cat whose ashes are there. Although it will always be that to me, I've decided to name it my "Critter Corner," since I place all sorts of little animals and hokey things around in it. A House and Beautiful display it ain't, but it gives me great pleasure and brings a smile to my eyes. I love to sit here and relax and solve all my problems. (If only.)

Now Blooming June 15th

2007-06-15T17:24:00.000-06:00

The "main attraction," starring right now, is this combination in one of my "strips." The stars are the May Night Salvia and Pink Poppy. Co-starring Snow in Summer and Corsican Violas. Also appearing: Penstemon Elfin Pink and Wisely Pink Sun Rose. The red is a young annual Salvia and a small Poppy.

Here are my top "Favorites" in bloom now. Roses are just beginning their first flush. I still have some white Bleeding Hearts and a couple periwinkle blue Iris. Blue Flax is also still blooming brightly every morning and many of my Penstemons are beginning to awaken. Husker Red looks like it will be particularly beautiful this year. Salvia Rose Queen is also beginning to look nice. And.... FINALLY I was able to have the first salad from my lettuce. What a treat! Even had a couple leaves of spinach. Cilantro doing well. So is Rosemary which, I'm proud to say, I was able to keep over winter.

A Poppy for my gardening friends

2007-06-11T17:45:00.000-06:00

I haven't had my computer on for two days, so am behind in my posting (not to mention gardening). My father is 91 and is trying to still live by himself with the help of hospice care. I'm trying my best to honor his last wishes and make his remaining days as independent as possible for him, which is what he wants most. Wouldn't we all? But the last several days have been very challenging.

Today I took the whole day to myself to redo one of the gardens in my back yard. It felt great, and even though every bone in my body hurts, it's a good hurt. I will post some photos when it is more "camera ready," as we used to say in the graphic design world.

I want to thank all of the wonderful people who have left such kind comments on my blog. It brightens a difficult day to find a comment waiting me and I wish I could sit down and have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with each of you. Gardeners are such a soulful lot... It's good to know there are other people who face the same challenges and share the same excitement that a few plants and a little dirt adds to one's life. I did take time to take a few photos and offer this one in honor of my fellow friends and gardeners. Thank you so much.

My Favorite Local Nurseries

2007-06-08T13:57:00.000-06:00

This is Hillside Gardens, and as the name implies,

is on a hillside at the site of an old landfill. They hold many events and weddings here, and it is so peaceful to meander around.

Good Earth Garden Center

Not a garden center... new fountain

which will rotate water when operational.
I'll take another photo when it is.

We've had damaging winds for three days in a row. Last night the temp got down to 37. The lowest since 1906. I covered up some veggies but all the flowers did fine. Terrible wind chill today. I had to wear a jacket and fleece vest, and the wind stung my eyes. I'm telling myself it's a good thing...

that we haven't had to water the lawn yet this year.
that the city now has more than enough water and is able to sell some to the farm canals.
It's a good thing to be able to work outside without breaking a sweat.
that everything is so lush and green.
that we have not had a damaging hail storm right where I live (knock on wood).
that we don't experience tornados, hurricanes, and floods like other parts of the country.
that we are not troubled by too many bugs and pests.

So, to celebrate all these good things, and because I'm going crazy from the wind and caregiver stress, I decided to treat myself to a leisurely stroll through a couple of my favorite nursiers (and yes... I did pick up a few things along the way).

An Advantage of Hail??

2007-06-06T13:09:00.000-06:00

Look what I found at Ace Hardware today! I got 144 plants for $12 because of hail damage. I'll nurse them back to health and they will be great for some of my shade gardens.

Today we are having hot, desiccating winds that sap every bit of moisture from the foliage. The ground beneath them is damp to the touch, but the plants look like you haven't watered them for a month! A good day to stay inside and get caught up on some office work.

I'm Just Wild About.....Color!

2007-06-04T12:57:00.000-06:00

Yikes! Am I ever into bright colors this year. Must be all the dark, gloomy days are getting to me. I had already decided to use more cobalt blue this year, and on an impulse while plant shopping, saw the chartreuse planter. Looks like I have a theme now. Had to protect them from hail yesterday and I just made it before it really started coming down.

This is killing me, but I promised my aching body (arthritic knees, etc) another day of rest before doing more gardening. Did water exercises this morning, and I plan be more diligent with them. It's hell getting old. I used to hike all summer in Rocky Mountain National Park, play tennis, ski, take exercise classes, and run a busy boarding kennel.

Here come those black clouds again. Better get things covered.

Snow in Summer...Don't Even Think About It!

2007-06-03T15:18:00.001-06:00

The way this year is going, I wouldn't be surprised. It's happen before. The Snow in Summer Cerastium tomentosum, looks beautiful right now. I read a few complaints about this plant because of its invasiveness. But, hey, when you have 1350 sq. feet to fill I'll take it. I read an article that said the best place to plant this was as a form of "dry riverbed," meandering under a small bridge. I think that would certainly be beautiful. I like it for its dainty flowers and soft green foliage.

I wore myself out yesterday trying to get my annuals in. Mostly Verbena. So, today I'm paying for it by having to recuperate. Oh... for that energy I used to have when I was younger. I used to get soooo much done. Working a stressful full-time job, raising a son,mostly by myself, because I was putting a husband through school (course, he decided after doing this that I was no longer good enough for him... but that's another story which I'd rather forget), and yet I seemed to be able to get everything done.

I notice a lot of posts about how much rain a lot of gardeners have had. More than we have. At least everything here is lush and green and it's nice to have some cool weather to work in.

Lambs Don't Like to be Wet...

2007-05-31T12:53:00.000-06:00

This is the way they do best... small, neat clumps.

Poor drenched Lamb's Ears

It rained (what else) late last night. Also sounded like hail, so I just buried my head under a pillow and tried not to think about it until morning. Everything was sopping wet but thank goodness I didn't see any hail damage. I realized on my morning "stroll around," that I have not taken the time this year to supervise the Lamb's Ears (Stachys lanata). If you don't, they tend to get away from you. AND they do not like to be wet! I usually pack them in with companions that like to support each other... this also helps when recovering from hail. If I keep the little Lamb darlings nice and compact and don't let them spread they do much better and add such a beautiful soft texture to the garden. I also cut back most of the flowers and just let a few strong ones stand. Sooo.... I'm sorry little Lambs... I'll pay attention and give you some tending. After all, we ARE supposed to be in a droubt, aren't we???

Today is finally a beautiful day (at least for the moment). I'd better get out there and get to work!

Here We Go Again!

2007-05-30T14:40:00.000-06:00

The temperature yesterday afternoon was 49 with a freezing wind. I covered veggies, a few containers, and some new plants. The low last night was 35. Dangerously close, if you ask me! There were damaging winds, downpours, tornado warnings, golf ball-size hail in some parts of the State (thank goodness not here!) and more snow on Pikes Peak. Forecast calls for thunderstorms and rain every afternoon as far as we can see on the weather map. If it's like this now, what will it be like when the monsoons come (July-August)? Yikes!

A Memory Garden

2007-05-28T17:10:00.000-06:00

Mom's new rose - Hybrid Tea Nancy Reagan

Today is my mother's birthday. She would have been 87 years old. She ended her difficult journey through dementia more than two years ago. On the day she died I told her that I would always plant flowers for her on her birthday, just like I always used to do. She would watch me planting outside her window, tap on the glass and wave, and I'll always remember the happy smile on her face. I felt it again today. I have a garden in front of my studio window which is dedicated to her. Last year I planted a tea - Princess Grace de Monaco, but it did not make it through the winter. This year I got a beautiful rose - Nancy Reagan. I had to think long and hard before puchasing it (because of her political affiliation) but the color finally won me over. I told the nurseryman I was buying it even though she was a Republican and he got a good laugh. Mom loved Nancy, so this rose will be perfect for her.

The first year after her death I wanted to do some kind of a remembrance garden where other seniors could appreciate it. I remember how she loved to have me wheel her into the garden at the nursing home so she could see the flowers. She would touch and feel each one. I chose a nursing home where my grandmother had once been. They informed me that their large courtyard was already taken care of by a club, but there was a smaller one available. Perfect, I thought. My husband helped me and we planted several flats of beautiful flowers around three raised beds. During the process I found out that it was the smoking area for employees. There went my vision of sweet little ladies in wheelchairs, oohing and aahing over the beautiful colors, just as my Mom used to do. So.... I figured, working in a nursing home is such stressful work that perhaps I can lift a heart or two and help make facing the rest of the day a little easier for some employees. I know how hard they work. Whether I actually did or not I don't know. But my Mom knows, and I know, and that is what's important.

My thoughts today are with Mom, and with all of the families of our servicemen now serving, and those who have given their lives for freedom. You EACH deserve a memory garden.

This is more like it!

2007-05-26T10:42:00.000-06:00

More sunshine yesterday than we have seen in quite a while, and with NO afternoon thunderstorms, just a cool wind which made it easier to garden. We tend to get a bit spoiled and cranky here in Colorado when the sun doesn't shine.

I worked all day and my body is letting me know today that I overdid it. Just don't have the energy and fitness level I used to have. I planted several new perennials which I will photograph when they are ready to present themselves to the camera. Also several Petunias which I always plant along the front of the house in what I call my "Studio Garden." They are easy to deadhead along here, which is why it is the only place I plant them, other than in containers.