Family and Flowers

NEW BLOG!!

2009-06-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

You do have to pay for more uploads once you have exceeded the number of 'Free' uploads. At this time I am creating a new blog.. http://morefamilyandflowers-darla.blogspot.com it will take a little while to add all of the extras.. I do hope you will add this address to your list as I want you to continue to visit. Now to start my blog list!

HELP!!

2009-06-18T06:30:00.001-07:00

I have exceeded my number of photo uploads.........what do I do now?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2009-06-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

Butterfly Bush Salvia

Salvia

Hibiscus

Impatiens, Caladiums and Lantana

Impatiens with Creeping JennyAloe update

Blackeyed Susan Vine with Morning Glory

Saturday I got permission to enlarge this bed.

Two of the girls and myself got this much done yesterday! Whew it was HOT!!

For more Bloomin' Tuesday click on the banner to the lower right.

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day..

2009-06-15T03:34:00.000-07:00

Orange Zinnia with Sun loving Coleus, Oxblood. Yellow Zinnia

Gerbera

Hibiscus, Painted Lady

Althea, Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus Family

Clematis

Last of the CallasDouble Knock Out RosesBrazilian Plume Flower aka Jacobina

Thank you Carol at http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com for hosting GBBD!

Abelmoschus manihot

2009-06-13T05:06:00.001-07:00

I posted this plant on my This and That Thursday of this week. If you remember I gathered a seed head from a plant at my Dad's this past Summer. (one of the many flowers my mom grew) It finally bloomed yesterday and what a beauty! Abelmoschus manihot (Hibiscus manihot) A large ornamental okra with dinner-plate-sized yellow flowers with dark eyes.

Unfolding slowly in the morning.....

(it didn't take the bees long to find it)

closing gradually in the evening.

Height - 6ft. to 10 ft.

Spread - 3ft. to 6 ft.

Growth Habit- Clumps

Fast Grower

Full Sun Only --(mine is in the shade, maybe it will grow bigger in the ground in the sun)

Moisture - medium to wet

Attracts Butterflies and Bees

Texas

2009-06-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Lets keep those Texans in our thoughts and prayers!!! 250,000 without power!!!!

Skywatch and Fertilizer Friday....

2009-06-12T03:39:00.000-07:00

It was still in the upper 90's last evening as the Sun was going down. For more Skywatch Friday go to http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Fertilizer Friday over at Tootsie's..... http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/

She's waking up.

This and That Thursday...

2009-06-11T04:08:00.000-07:00

Ragin Cajun RuelliaThe critters are coming out in full force.Strawflower

Dahlias--Can you pick a favorite?

I 'believe' this is going to be Abelmoschus manihot (Hibiscus manihot) A large ornamental okra with dinner-plate-sized, sulfur yellow flowers with dark eyes. Flower lasts only a day-unflolding slowly in the morning and closing gradually in the evening-the abundance of flowers open on any one day conceals their short span of life. Plant needs plenty of fertility and water. Inedible seed pods with tiny hairs that catch morning dew.

I took the seed pod from my Dad's yard last summer. Another one of the many flowers my mom grew when she was alive. May get to post a photo of the bloom soon!

More busy critters

Just look at this beautiul stepping stone one of our daughters made for me in her Art Class at school. The colors of Autumn.

This is for Catherine at http://agardenerinprogress.blogspot.com . Torenia Wishbone growing in some soil dumped out of a container on the back deck. How's that for easy growing?This is for Grace at www.gracepete.com My Celosia is almost to the top of the lattice, how is yours doing?

More growing beside the lattice and throughout the Full Sun Garden. If you have not visited these two ladies I highly recommend you do.

I love how the Zinnia looks when it's beginning to unfurl. Some flowers are just beautiful in all of the flowering stages.

The Dragonflies are out in abundance around here. For those of you who are a little shy of these creatures....they are so harmless, the girls catch them by their wings, inspect them and release them.

Don't know what to think about this thing!

Our precious Garden Angel oversees the entire Full Sun Garden.

That's it for This and That Thursday!

I am beginning to collect seeds for whatever seed exchange I can find in the Fall.

I have Cleome and Milkweed already and will be watching for the Hibiscus Manihot. Will let you know as the list 'grows'.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-10T05:43:00.001-07:00

Click to enlarge.

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2009-06-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

It's time for Bloomin' Tuesday over at Jean's place. Just click on the Bloomin' Tuesday Banner to the lower right for more beautiful blooms.
New Guinea Impatiens, Begonias, Torenia, Sweet Potato Vine and Daff stems that haven't died back.
Impatiens with Hypoestes (Pink Blush)

Update on my first ever Aloe bud.

Hypoestes that came back from last year with some Crinum Lilies.

Second showing for the Double Knockout Roses.

Tall Marigolds with Lambs Ear.

Same Marigolds, Blue Bedder Salvia and Double Daylily.

Guara (Whirling Butterflies)

Dahlberg Daisy, Vinca, Zinnia, Phlox and Liriope.

Geranium with a piece of Potato Vine that apparently fell in the container when I was pruning the Potato Vine in the container above it.

Cleome

A mess!

Morning Glory

Homestead Verbena, Potato Vine, Blackeyed Susan Vine and a Sunflower to the left.

Four O'clock that I believe blooms at 4 in the morning!

Butterfly Bush

Susans

Fantasy Zinnias, Purple Coneflowers

This Hyacinth Bean Vine is huge.......no blooms yet. The one in the shade is blooming though.

Royal Carpet Alyssum with Potato Vine, this hangs over the banister on our side porch.

Can't wait until my Amaranthus get big so I can show it off!

Now come on and get over to Jean's!

Hi!

2009-06-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

I messed around with the computer over the weekend, either I did something right or it just decided to straighten up on it's own. Could have been all of the bad weather we had.....
I went to the nursery over the weekend, big shocker there, right? I purchased this new container from Home Depot. I planted Oxblood Coleus with some Sweet Potato Vine. Should make a nice contrast. The Coleus is sun loving and the color intensifies with heat. Over to the left the dark colored plant is Black Varnish (Pseuderanthemum) foliage plant. Plants purchased at the local nursery.
Just look at this Hibiscus........so many buds!

I just tickle myself when I get something to root. I took a cutting of this Althea, Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus family last summer. It's a double ! Thanks Judy...

This is my Single Althea, Rose of Sharon in the garden.

Firebush

It's about 2 feet tall now, should double in size by the end of the season.

I love this color Gerbera Daisy.

We can't decide if this Gerbera is an off white or a very pale yellow.

Glads are blooming. I am so tired of these plants!

I stumbled, literally, on these Sunflowers blooming in the full sun garden. Guess they liked all of the rain.

Now to play catch up with you all!!

Thanks!

2009-06-06T04:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all of the concern about the tornado. Yes, it was a confirmed tornado! My husband said he could see the roof material swirling in the air and then flying out of the air. There was some automobile damage as well from the roof material. Can't say this is anything I would want to see first hand that's for sure.

My computer has been having some issues the last couple of days....Maybe I'll be able to post later today. For now, off to visit you all!!

Close Call and Skywatch!

2009-06-04T13:03:00.001-07:00

We had some terrible weather this morning. My husband is a Construction Superintendent, he has been overseeing a very large 2 year project at an Elementary School. This morning he was sitting in his job trailer when he heard a weird noise. He got up to look out the window in time to see a tornado rip the roof off of the school. He had no where to go (that trailer office would have been in the next county!) He started praying for it to go away, it went back into the sky. Praise God there were no injuries and school is out for the summer. On the noon o'clock news they said there was no indication of tornadic movement. Tornados are one of Mother Nature's unpredictable and sometimes undetectable mysteries. It was quite an experience for him. We don't normally have this type of weather activity around here. I can't wait to get the whole story when he gets home from work, if he gets home tonight. Can't leave the roof open, hope there isn't too much rain damage either. The phone just rang....he said, "Don't know when I'll be home, do whatever you want for dinner."

Between the hot days and the afternoon thunderboomers we get to see the sunset rays. Photo taken from our front porch this past Monday, June 1, 2009.

For more beautiful Sky photos from around the world.. http://skyley.blogspot.com/ (can't do anything at Skyley, can't even get a pointer to x out)

This and That Thursday...

2009-06-04T03:44:00.001-07:00

Just some random garden shots. Photos taken last evening.
Cosmos, Purple Coneflowers, Forget Me Nots and part of the Cleome to the left.
Mailbox containers placed in the center of the Liriope.

Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea, Forget Me Knots and Marigold.

I like the blue mixed in here. Because I was unsure of the nature of Forget Me Nots, this is a container placed in the other flowers.

Black Eyed Susans Rudbeckia in the back. My wheel barrow needs to be replanted, the two weeks of rain we had saddened the Petunias. The Sage to the left and bottom right looks good.

Black Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia aka Muppet Flower..... Top

Front--Look how thick the stem is.

Back. Did you know that the Rudbeckia is the host plant for Silvery Checkerspot butterfly caterpillar?

Phlox

The Purple Coneflowers Echinacea purpurea are really starting to put on a show.

This Gerbera is more of a red than orange.

I am loving how this area is filling in. The Potato Vine Ipomoea Spp. 'Marguerite' -Morning Glory Family, returned from last year.

Zinnia, Vinca and some Dahlberg Daisy peeking in.

My first EVER Aloe bud.

This container is placed between two Asparagus Ferns.

I know the bird bath needs to be cleaned!! Scarlet Beebalm--Monarda is about 4 feet tall. These stems were weighted down by the rain.

While these were not.

Ahh, my first white Butterfly Bush. Buddleia 'White Profusion'

That's it for This and That Thursday!

Watery Wednesday

2009-06-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

For more Watery Wednesday http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com

Bloomin' Tuesday...and Awards..

2009-06-02T03:46:00.001-07:00

Calla's are happy. Here's the mystery 'Show Off'

Shrimp Plant is beginning to bloom

White Zinnia

How did this guy sneak in here?Nastrutium

I thought after two weeks of rain I had lost the Strawflowers...They seem to appreciate the sun.

I have a few different types of Zinnias...I just love this color one.

Balloon Flower is open. Jean did you send me these seeds? I have confused myself with my organizational skills as of late!

Forget Me Nots, Cosmos and some Purple Coneflowers.

Lacecap Hydrangea

Begonia - Get on over to http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com for more Bloomin' Tuesday.

I have received two awards in the last couple of days..! Thank you Karrita from http://mymothersgardens.blogspot.com/ for this One Lovely Blog Award.

Thank you Patsy from http://bennie-thesmiths.blogspot.com/ for the Uplifting Blogger Award.

I do appreciate that some of you believe that my blog is worthy of awards and I do appreciate them. This time of the year is pretty busy, so I may not get to pass them along. Not only that, it's getting tough to pick only a few. I believe everyone who takes the time to blog and visit is worthy. Thank you again, Karrita and Patsy!

Weekend Garden Photos

2009-06-01T08:26:00.001-07:00

We have had Sunshine for the last 3 days.....whoo hoo!! Temps in the 90's though. My plants and flowers were very happy to see some sun.
Mailbox container This is the container that the House Wren made her nest in and is now raising her babies.

Mostly shade garden up by the street at the end of the driveway.

Scarlett Beebalm, you can see part of the garden of the photo above across the driveway to the left. This Beebalm is in the Red Brick Castle Wall Garden.

A portion of the Red Brick Castle Wall Garden. Beginning to fill in nicely.

Garden up the front yard by the street.

Same garden longer view.

I finally have a Candycane Zinnia blooming....Where am I going to put these now?

Another one of my roses...........name? Lost Tag.

Mailbox container, Clematis is planted in the ground though.

Hope your weekend was full of sunshine and laughter!

This Morning Around The Garden..

2009-05-30T08:27:00.001-07:00

Look how the Muppet has grown. I wish this guy would have lit on a pretty flower instead of the nasty trash can.

This Hibiscus has been in the same container for three years. I have about 5 more of these throughout my gardens started from seed off of this plant. I have been waiting for one of them to finally open.

It makes the biggest flowers!

Mezoo is finally spreading.

Containers from my Tipsy Planter

Cleome is about 3 feet tall.

Joseph's Coat Rose

Ahhh, a Balloon Flower.

Fertilizer Friday at Tootsie's!!

2009-05-29T04:20:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things that I will be fertilizing later, I just took brownies out of the oven and now I have a Pineapple Upside Down Cake baking. My in-laws 56th wedding anniversary and my husband's birthday today....Oh and the last day of school!! Gonna be a busy one around here!
Double Daylily

Dahlberg Daisy

Phlox, White Diamond Frost Euporbia and Royal Wave Petunia

Clematis is at it again.

Not only did this Calla bloom yellow, it's going to out do the pink ones in size. Show off!

Tiger Lily with Caladiums

New Guinea Impatiens

Dahlias

I have a ton of Foxglove from seed. Maybe they will bloom next year?

Sunflowers are opening.........what the squirrels haven't gotten. SIGH...

I saw this Monarch on the Milkweed yesterday.

Get on over to http://tootsietime.blogspot.com and see what else is being fertilized today...I know it's a long way to Canada, well worth the trip though!

This and That Thursday...

2009-05-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

Hubby's old work boot with Impatiens Painted Lady Hibiscus.......I just love this plant!

Jane Cowell Hibiscus

I took this very old green plastic container spray painted it lightly with an off white color, stenciled a few things on the front, smeared some green paint at the top.

Sprayed two coats of polycrylic to seal the paint and then filled it with Neon Star Dianthus, Torenia (wishbone) and some Potato Vine. VIOLA! A gift for the School Bus Driver!! I believe there should be a School Bus Driver Appreciation Day..... Our bus driver has gone above and beyond her call of duty to ensure our youngest gets home safe everyday.

You can't see them but they are in there.......our baby House Wrens!!

The rains have the Glads beat down, so my husband cut two and gave them to me. I keep a glass of water on the front porch for rooting my Potato Vines that I scatter throughout the gardens. I put the Glads in with them for color on the porch.

Guess what? My Poinsettias are putting on new growth........Yes, I still have these from Christmas.

That's it for my This and That Thursday.........!

Monthly Garden Progress

2009-05-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

February 25, 2009March 26, 2009April 28, 2009

May 27, 2009

This month's garden photos should be a lot better than this. We are in our second week of rain and the plants are showing it. It certainly has greened up!

The full sun garden continues to fill in though.

I have already pulled Susan's, Cosmos, Marigolds, and Zinnia's out of the paths.

I just pretty much let this paticular garden re-seed year after year. It gets quite congested, I like the look for the most part. I do see where I need to make some changes.

I think next month I will include the progress from another flower bed too.

Here's hoping other garden bloggers will share the monthly progress in their gardens. Looking forward to seeing Marsha's at http://marsha-garden.blogspot.com the first of the month.

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2009-05-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Just a few blooms today, tomorrow is when I do my monthly progress of my flower bed. I started in February. Should see some big changes!
Phlox--annual star, mixed colors Red Poppy

Dark Orange Poppy

Dark Pink Cosmos

Pink Cosmos with a dark center

Hanging container of Homestead Verbena with a small container of Ornamental Potato Vine, that's the Blackeyed Susan Vine on the lattice behind the potato vine.

Still watching this Susan

Not only do I have a Yellow Calla up in my 3 year old PINK Calla bed.....

I also have a double Calla????

The prettiest bloom of all today....our baby graduated from elementary school this morning....sigh.. No more elementary children or purchasing Childrens Tylenol....

For more Bloomin' Tuesday click on the banner to the lower right.....

Today's Flowers

2009-05-24T04:44:00.000-07:00

Dahlia 'Louise' Painted Lady Hibiscus

Amaranthus, pretty foliage no flowers.

Purple Coneflowers

Mezoo is blooming

After three years of pink Callas, where did this yellow come from?

Pretty colors on the Nandina

Scarlet Beebalm For more of Today's Flowers click on the Today's Flowers Banner to the lower right.

Fertilizer and Skywatch Friday..

2009-05-22T04:50:00.001-07:00

Drop on by http://tootsietime.blogspot.com and see who's fertilizing on Fridays. These may be two of my favorite containers. Dahlberg Daisy, Intensia Cabernet Phlox hybrid, Diamond Frost Euphorbia

and the other side, Royal Wave Blue Petunia.

JacobinaIt's still raining.

Zinnia with Vinca

Nasturtium Whirlybird mix and Forget Me Nots.

Susans, Peter's Gold Carpet, Cosmos, Clematis on the lattice, Marigold, Zinnia and Hot Lips Salvia. Who planted the big flower in the middle?

I put this container in the middle of a chair. Red Fountain Grass, Mezoo Doreanthus, Luna Alyssum and small gold Celosia. Gerbera Daisy in the container to the left, Sweet Potato Vine in front, Purple Coneflowers and Society Garlic on the left.
(I would like to see how you use chairs in the garden)

A small portion of my full sun garden.

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Skywatch Friday at http://skyley.blogspot.com

See the two planes? Bi-level planes? Thought they were neat. Gray skies all around us this week.

This and That Thursday..

2009-05-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

My first Rose of Sharon bloom of the season.... What in the world is on my Hyacinth Bean Vine?

I find something new every few days in this wildflower mixture that I planted in Dec.

Pink Bachelor Button

Thought this was bright and sunny.

Forget Me Nots and ?

The Lacecape Hydrangea from Ms. Doris is beautiful.

...Monarda didyma L. Scarlet Beebalm is beginning to bloom.

We don't only grow flowers. Here are a few food items that we are working on. The others are not post worthy quite yet.

Cherry Tomatoes

Our Crookneck Squash is loaded with blooms. We have them planted in large containers.

Update on the Grapefruit for Patsy.

A few things from our backwoods.

Stinging Nettle grows all over the place. When you touch it with your bare skin you will get a terrible sting which can be very painful and itchy. The stinging sensation is caused by formic acid which covers the tiny hairs of the plant. It has been used as a medicine in Europe for over 2,ooo years.

Elephant Ear bud. Ferns

Here's the mom to the eggs I posted yesterday. House Wren we believe.

Can anyone help me with the ID of this plant. If so, what are the growing conditions of it?

I hope you enjoyed my This and That Thursday!

More Blooms and Birds..

2009-05-20T04:57:00.000-07:00

This is my four way shepard's hook, I have two Proven Winners Raspberry Blast Petunias in the front and back, two Proven Winners Peter's Gold Carpet on both sides. I was worried for a while that they were not going to fill in, no worries now! Thank you Anna at http://flowergardengirl.wordpress.com for your Proven Winners post which sent me out on a mission to find them.Ms. Doris, the Sweet Peas are beginning to bloom!

Finally, a Hyacinth Bean Vine Bloom.

I am still watching this Blackeyed Susan bloom here. So many stalks have grown together I can hardly wait to see what the bloom looks like.

It could be a Muppet !

Do you have any idea how startled you can get when you put your fingers in a container to check the moisture level and a Bird flies out on top of your hand! Guess I'll be leaving this container alone. It's either a House Finch or a Wren, forget what hubby told me. The little reddish brown birds.

Firebush is back.

Seriously ya'll, do Cleome started from seed often have two colors on them. No the lighter color is not faded.

This little guy was a true Busy Bee!

I just love the Tiger Lilies and have been kicking myself for not buying more of them.

Here we have a couple of more visitors, Woodpecker in the Pear Tree. Red bellied?

The Hummingbirds just love the overcast rainy days.

I have had many of you ask how many different types of flowers I have. Yes, I still have some about to bloom that I have not posted yet. A couple of summers ago one of the girls and I made a list, then is was about 160. Now ya'll have me curious. I am going to start a new list and let you know. I am curious to know how many flowers you have in your garden. Ms. Doris, what about you?

Bloomin' Tuesday...Looking for C S

2009-05-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

I found C S.

Bunny Tails GrassZinniaPlumbagoBush Morning Glory--Convolvulus

Forget-Me-Nots

Zinnias

Phlox-mixed colors also sowed seed directly in the ground in December.Blackeyed Susan Vine

Zinnias, Cosmos and CelosiaBlackeyed Susans

Wisteria is blooming again.

Gerberas

Stokes Aster, Impatiens and a container of Coleus I started from seed just about ready to plant.Hibiscus--Painted Lady

Royal Carpet Alyssum with Delphinium

Dahlias

For more Bloomin' Tuesday click on the Bloomin' Tuesday Banner to the lower right of my page. Thanks Jean for hosting this meme every week!

The Weekend...

2009-05-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

I do hope everyone had a great weekend. Because of the pulled pectoral muscle and the Costochondritis, inflammation of the chest wall, my weekend was mainly watching everyone else work. Costochondritis is pain and tenderness in the locations where your ribs attach to your breastbone, most often occurs in women over 40.......ain't age grand! Beats the alternative though!

I do have to say, it is one of the most painful things I have ever dealt with. More painful than harmful.

My Caladium is blooming.

I love how the garlic blooms emerge from the little sack.

It was a strange feeling watching my son do one of my favorite jobs, push mowing around the flower beds. See the hill? That's one of the reasons I'm having to rest.......

How was your weekend?

GBBD 15th of the Month and Fertilize Friday!

2009-05-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you Carol at http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com/ for hosting GBBD and Tootsie over at http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/ has started a new meme, Fertilize Friday.

First and more important..the little girl in the middle had a Birthday yesterday!

These photos were rushed......went to the Doctor this morning.....have inflammation in my chest wall and a pulled pectoral muscle.........no sweeping, mopping, vaccuming, raking, mowing.....for many weeks........nothing with a twisting motion so as not to do permanent damage. He said I could pull weeds though.......figures!

Torenia with Begonia

Sunflower

Mophead Hydrangea

Impatiens, Hosta, Giant Liriope, Hydrangea

Lacecap Hydrangea

Impatiens, Hosta, Caladiums, Lantana

Blue Bedder Salvia (too much sunlight on this photo)

Royal Wave Blue Petunia

Petunias are just about ready for a haircut so I can get a second showing.

One of my favorites.........Calla

Dahlia

Diamond Frost Euphorbia Proven Winners with Marigold and Mondo grass.

Gerbera

Salvia

Geranium with White Salvia

Agapanthus

Raspberry Blast Proven Winners Pertunia with Peter's Gold Carpet also Proven Winners.

Susan

Zinnias

Susans

Blackeyed Susan Vine

New this year Dr. Rupple Bicolor Clematis

Cleome are pink and white?

Zinnia

Homestead Verbena

Geranium with white Alyssum

First Canna of the season.Milkweed

Morning Glory Grandpa Ott'sZinnias

It would take a month of Sunday's to show everything that's blooming around here! Love this time of the year. My son's lineup was a photo lineup and he could not make an ID. He wants to be as close to 100% as he can be.

Now that I know what's wrong with my chest I will be mailing out the items promised......you know who you are....

Skywatch Friday and Update

2009-05-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

These were taken Mother's Day evening from our front porch. For more Sky photos click http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/

Update: For those of you that remember my son was beat in the head with an AK 47 Assualt Rifle in January during a home invasion, he and his friend had to go to the police station today to view a line up. I don't know if it was a photo line up or a people line up. Will let you know. For those of you that want to read the story you can go to my archives for January, it's under more important than gardening.

Larkspur and Kaleidoscope Four O'clock

2009-05-13T07:36:00.001-07:00

I planted these Larkspur in December not knowing what would happen. I have been very pleased with the blooms. Although I may have needed to stake them up. Still a lot more blooms to open. Love the purple and white on this one.

The deep purple is pretty.

Not real found of this lighter purple.Like the pink

This white with a touch of pink/peachy is pretty too.

I am so loving the Kaleidoscope Four O'clocks. So far only the pink and white have opened.

Just wanted to share a couple of new to me flowers that I started from seed. There are plenty more to come!

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2009-05-12T03:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon....... this morning......Tiger Lily

Flowers from the wildflower mixture I planted in December. Do you recognize any of these?

Poppy?

Bachelor Buttons

Baby's Breath--Gypsophila?

Cosmos with the Bachelor Buttons

Wishbone- Torenia Clown Mix

Hydrangea

Lacecap Hydrangea

Stokes Aster

Lambs EarStinky Marigold

Painted Lady-Hibiscus

Daylilies and Society Garlic

Part of my Full Sun Garden

White Zinnia, Cosmos, and the pink Zinnias are Fantasy

For more Bloomin' Tuesday click on the Bloomin' Tuesday banner to the lower right. Thanks Jean!

A Wonderful Weekend!

2009-05-11T08:49:00.001-07:00

Swallowtail.......right Leedra?

The Sunflower over the weekend, haven't looked at it today.

Agapanthus

Blackeyed Susan on steroids.

Look how many have grown together. Reminds me of a celery stalk.

Hubby bought me two truck loads of mulch.

One of the flower beds where the mulch was spread.

It's beginning to fill in nicely.

Thought the sun shining through this Caladium was neat.

Calla's are doing good.

One of the two chairs I received for mother's day. Yeah, that's me trying it out.

I do hope all of you had a wonderful weekend celebrating Mother's Day.

Thursday Things Continued...

2009-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Lacecap Hydrangea Mystery plant from the neighbors. Ya'll wanted to see the bloom so maybe you could help ID this plant.

The blooms aren't open yet, this is what they are doing right now. This plant grows mostly in the shade, some afternoon sun.

Pink Vinca

Oh so happy girls weeding around the tomatoes!

Buddleia-- I can't figure out which one this is......Black Night, Purple Emperor??

Hubby got another skink!!

Sunflower is beginning to open.

It won't be long now for the Susans. Click to enlarge, this one turned out kind of good.

I find the Strawflowers interesting in every stage. Delphinium in the back.

These Purple Coneflowers, Zinnias, Susans, Cosmos, Four O'clocks, Celosia, Balloon Flowers, Salvia, Pineapple Sage, Firespike and more are going to be beautiful when they bloom. Most will bloom about the same time.

and......what the heck is on my Milkweed? I know it's a bug....what kind?

I do hope everyone has a Blessed weekend. We may hit a record high tomorrow! Remember your sunscreen no matter what climate you are in.....

Thursday Things......

2009-05-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

Everything is still looking a bit beat up from all of the rain we had. When the sunshine comes out things will perk right on up though.
You never really know what type or color Zinnia you will get from seed. I think I'm going to like this one. This one isn't bad either.

Here I have yet another color Cosmos, so far the standard pink, white and now this little lovely.

I planted a package of mixed Cleome seed, only see white for now. Glad I bought those two purple ones.

Well apparently this 'Hot Lips' Salvia mix does change with the heat, it is almost all white now.

Look Grace from www.gracepete.com I went to Home Depot, LOL.
My big kid daughter was in town over the weekend and gave me a gift certificate for Home Depot. Have you ever seen an idea that you just couldn't get out of your mind until you tried it? I used the certificate to purchase these containers and a few plants to put in them. My husband brought home a steel pipe, drove it in the ground about 4 feet, dropped some rebar in the middle of it and viola!

It will be just lovely when it all fills in!!

Watery and Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-06T03:28:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that we have needed rain in our part of the world. Why does if have to rain so much so quickly? 1 and 7/10's in less than two hours. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the rain....

It's just too much at a time when you live at the bottom of the neighborhood. Thank you 2sweetnsaxy at http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com for hosting this meme.

Wordless Wednesday
See Wicked at http://wickedgardener.blogspot.com we have problems with them too!

Who even hosts this meme?

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2009-05-05T04:56:00.001-07:00

Cosmos Pink Verbena (aka Miss Prissy around here)

Cosmos

Apples

Grapefruit

Visitor

I have not found a stage of the Morning Glory that isn't pretty to me.

I wonder what this Black Eyed Susan bloom will look like? I have had Gerbera Daisy's do this but not Susans.

Zinnia

Sunflower bud-planted by the birds.

Walking Iris--this is the 4th or 5th showing this spring.

Florida Blue Lisianthus -Lisianthus russelianus 'Florida Blue' -Full Sun (of course mine is white)

Mounding

Bloom Time-Summer

Growth Rate-Medium

18-24"x12"

Cold Hardiness 20

For more Bloomin' Tuesday click on the banner to the lower right..Thanks Jean!

A Few Firsts..

2009-05-04T05:06:00.001-07:00

First of all, Thank You to all of you for your concern about the Coyote....haven't seen him since Friday...HOORAY!! My husband and I were able to see his tracks though. I know they have about a 12 mile range that they roam, hopefully he is done around here..

First Calla of the year.
First Black Eyed Susan Vine bloom.....she's blooming on the ground, her vine is just barely up the lattice.

I think the Morning Glory's are pretty in the evening too.

Bunny Tails Grass is still going strong. My girls named the Bunny Tails, I think this is Oscar!

and look.....Caladiums are starting to show up. I planted these in October, the ones from last year still haven't shown up. I know they were very late last year.

Now, I'm off to visit as many of you as I can..........

Interesting Friday

2009-05-02T04:23:00.001-07:00

I know some of you say to leave the Bluebird house alone until the end of the summer. My hubby read that you should clean out the house after the babies have left because of mites and bacteria that would cause the birds to not return. So we (he) cleaned the house and found one left behind. It was sad, but obvious this birdie was not meant to be.

I sure can see how the bugs and bacteria would love to make this a home, it was yucky!

He gave it a good spraying out, left it open to dry and now we wait and see.

Random flower shots and a short story.

Besides constantly on the lookout for snakes, skinks, the neighbor's mean dog and foxes, now we are on Coyote patrol!

Yep! You read correctly...............a Coyote that is very comfortable around this neighborhood.

He will not 'shoo' off. Yesterday morning he was just standing there staring at me, I stomped my feet, clapped my hands and was yelling the 'get from here' that we all say when we want a stray to go away. He did not 'get' so I got, got back in the house.

Sweet Ms. Doris came over to give me some pass along plants and she said the Coyote growled at her and killed a raccoon in her yard. This is a little scary to me.

We apparently have no one that will help us trap the Coyote without a steep fee......minimum 100 bucks.

So, guns are loaded! Ms. Doris, you did tell your husband to load his gun, correct?

Sad, but true....Coyotes have been known to attack humans.

So, here's to gardening with a shovel in my hand!!

Last Day of April 2009

2009-04-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

After fretting through the few freezes that we had here in North Florida at the end of the winter, I can hardly believe it's already the last day of April. Things are sure filling in fast around here.
Here's the Morning Glory that everyone keeps warning me about. I know what a garden hog they can be, I'll worry with that later. For now, I sure am enjoying the show.

Cosmos are beginning to join the garden show.

Nasturtium-Dwarf Alaska Mixed Colors

Nasturtium- Whirlybird Mix

Nasturtium- Empress of India

My wheelbarrow has filled in more since I posted it a few days ago.

AHH, the Gerberas! Still have two more colors to open.

I still for the life of me cannot remember where or when I purchased this red Verbena...I've had it several years and now it's popping up all over. (which I don't mind at all)

My first Larkspur bloom

Pink Wave Petunia, Marigold and Alyssum sprinkled in.

I missed the first Daylily bloom of the season.......here's the second one though. These have the sweetest scent.

I do hope this last day of April 2009 is finding your gardens filling in and getting ready to BURST with color for May!!

A Visit With Ms. Sandra

2009-04-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is one of the things she has displayed on the side of her shed.
Ice plant that she is rooting...

Roxie and Dixie

Click to enlarge and you will see Dixie's different colored eyes...she is not blind.

Gerbera Daisies

I love this old bucket full of sedum hanging on her front porch.

Rose moss as a ground cover..

The Catalpa Sphinx Moth is a common hawk or sphinx moth--

it's the caterpillar stage that is most often encountered and best known. The caterpillars have long been valued for fish bait---references to their collection by fishermen date back at least to the 1870's.

Catalpa Tree is the only host plant. These moths mostly fly at dusk or night and are not commonly seen.

Ms. Sandra is waiting to collect these for her Mother's Day Fishing Trip!

We call this her "Mother's Tree" because her mom planted it.

This is the bloom getting ready to open. Anyone know the correct name?

Her Society Garlic is going strong. Has a little visitor behind it and on it.

The Zinnia area is coming along.......see all the other Zinnia seedlings...this is going to be a very colorful area.

We learned this year to pinch our Mums and now they are growing by leaps and bounds.

Alyssum as ground cover.

Of course this is not everything, when it fills in some more I will post about her gardens again. Plus...my battery went dead, sigh! Thanks for the visit Ms. Sandra...as always it was too short.

***I know you are reading this at work***

Wordless Wednesday and Award!!

2009-04-28T07:53:00.001-07:00

Please click to enlarge this one.... I have the honor of receiving this award from TWO fellow bloggers.....Now, just how special is this? VERY!

It is one of the most meaningful awards in blog world because it honors someone who is incredibly inspirational in her intelligent and witty writing. And by doing so, this award celebrates women's smart, strong and inspirational spirit! It honors women who spread joy and love like an Acorn......a small package growing into a tall and sturdy oak tree which gives more acorns.............. Thank you Cherry at http://gagirl46.blogspot.com and Becca's Dirt at http://beccasgardenspot.blogspot.com

I am leaving to go visit my other friend Sandra and nose around her flower gardens. I will try my best to pass this award along when I return.....am I the only one that finds it hard to choose some bloggers over others, when they are all so great?

Blooming Tuesday and Monthly Update

2009-04-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

My full sun garden..February 25, 2009

Full Sun Garden..March 26, 2009

Full Sun Garden..April 28, 2009

Small Kid's Songbird Wildflower Mix that she planted last Thursday.

For more Bloomin' Tuesday click on the Bloomin' Tuesday Banner to the lower right.

Bloom Of The Day........some strange stuff...

2009-04-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

http://floridabackyard.org is doing a Bloom Of The Day........just playing along. Here is my first Bunny Tail Plume.......I hate Skinks.........before

after.......my husband's a good shot! Yes, I know they eat all types of insects......but they hang out on our front porch and are making babies like crazy.

My Oak Tree is bleeding out....................

any ideas? My husband has been saying for several years now that this tree has to be cut down..

Sad to me.

Here's my unidentified bird again........Mississippi Kite????

I promise to drop by and visit all of you at least by Wednesday..........busy, busy around here!!

Today's Flowers

2009-04-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

Posting a little early, will sign up on the meme after Church.
Diamond Frost Euphorbia, Dahlberg Daisy and Phlox.
Gerbera Daisies

Painted Lady Hibiscus

Dianthus

Shasta Daisy

Strawflower

Dahlberg Daisy with Royal Blue Wave Petunia

Profusion Zinnia

Guara--Whirling Butterflies

To view more flowers from around the world click on the Today's Flowers Banner to the lower right.

Skywatch Friday and.........

2009-04-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

This has been the blue of our skies as of late.......reached 90 degrees yesterday! See the bird in the top of the tree? Wonder what it is? Double Knockout Roses to the left, Plumbago, Rosemary, Jane Cowell Hibiscus, Snapdragons and Petunias.

Funny to see a Daff blooming with all the spring and summer blooms.

Morning Glory is taking off!! It's okay that I'll be pulling extras up next spring.

Hyacinth Bean Vine is starting to grow on the lattice.

Then I heard this noisy little thing. Pileated Woodpecker.

For more Sky photos http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Take Your Son/Daughter To Work Day!

2009-04-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

After the small kid and I got up this morning, had our coffee and hot chocolate we made three lunches, woke the family up, got Dad out the door and took the two medium kids to school. When we returned home we started supper. Cabbage and squash, Mixed up the brownies....stuck them in the oven and headed outside. We did come back in to take the brownies out of the oven and read a few blogs.

Getting the mix ready to put on the flowers.

Taking a little break from cooking and gardening.

She decided to plant a little pink blush in the rotting stump in one of the flower gardens.

The little wagon she rested in is now becoming her Songbird Flower Mixture Container.

We had to stop here and run pick up the medium kids from school. Upon returning we got busy cooking the sausage for supper.

Now that the brownies are cool.........

She cut them and placed them on a plate..........she did good didn't she?

She truly would not have went to work with me without taking flower photos. Here are some of the photos she took. I think they turned out great! click to enlarge

....and here is her Songbird Flower Mixture "Wagon Container" with a few small spots around the wagon where we also placed the Songbird Mixture.

It will be beautiful and feed the birds fresh birdseed through the winter after the flowers fade! Our day is not over, we still have to heat up supper, serve it and clean the kitchen.....I have really enjoyed having the small kid home and what a BIG help she is...!

Flowers, What Is This and Birds

2009-04-23T04:59:00.000-07:00

Cosmos

What in the world is this stuff? Fungus among us!

Tina at http://tinaramsey.blogspot.com/ identified this as "Dog Vomit" yuck! I confirmed it as Fuligo septica a slime mold that has 5 different stages. Pretty interesting. Thanks Tina!!

The wildflower packet is doing great.

The Bluebirds are taking very good care of their babies...it's so fun to hear the babies chirping and to watch the parents feeding them.

Any Ideas?

2009-04-22T06:26:00.001-07:00

Ms. Doris and I went to another neighbors home yesterday to give some suggestions on sprucing up their backyard. As we were leaving we spotted this plant. Apparently this is the flower bud coming up here........they believe the bloom is red.

We were wondering if it could be a native.....click to enlarge for a better view.

It covered quite a large area underneath an Elm Tree and next to some Cast Iron Plants.

A shade plant for sure.........?

Any suggestions or ideas on where or what I should look up would be much appreciated.....she said she would share this with us too! I would like to have an idea of what it is first though.

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2009-04-21T05:07:00.000-07:00

Dahlia Caladiums are coming up--Buck

This Lupine was in a wildflower packet that I put out in December.

Another mixed container with Red Fountain Grass, Mezoo Doreanthus, Luna Alyssum and Gold Celosia

More wildflowers from the same packet with the Lupine, I think these are a type of Daisy.

They look fake, that shiny part is how they really look.

MiniFamous Calibrachoa Million Bells--I think this may be Cracklin' Fire

Intensia Cabernet Phlox hybrid--Proven Winners with Dahlberg Daisy and Diamond Frost Euphorbia--Proven Winners

Royal Carpet Alyssum with Petunia Easy Wave Blue

Strawflowers

Clematis, Pansies, Petunias, Four O'clocks in there, Vinca, Zinnias and Liriope Grass-- all aren't blooming yet.

Plumbago

Double Knockout Roses

Supertunia Raspberry Blast Petunia hybrid, Peter's Gold Carpet Bidens ferulifolia both Proven Winners

Salvia 'Hot Lips'--

See how the mix changes with the heat?

Cleome, 'Hot Lips' to the left, Purple Coneflowers, Zinnias, Cosmos, Marigold and Balloon Flowers in this area.

For more Bloomin' Tuesday click on the banner to the right. Thanks Jean!

Three Doors Down At Ms. Doris'

2009-04-20T05:24:00.000-07:00

A lovely stroll through Ms. Doris' gardens yesterday proves that flowers bloom when they are ready, not when we think they should. Just three doors down her gardens are ahead of mine.

Right away I was greeted by this baby rain frog peeking up from the Lily to see who the visitor in the garden might be.

Louisiana Irises were putting on a big show.........apparently I missed the others that have already bloomed.

I have not one Iris blooming.

Amaryllis--mine do not even have buds on them yet.

Skullcap

Snowball

These wonderful Amaryllis were Ms. Doris' mothers, if anyone knows the name of them please let me know. I was most amazed at these flowers, it's one of those flowers you see and exclaim, "Oh my goodness, look at that!"

I think Candycane would be a great name.

Yellow Millionbells with Fiber Optic grass to the right.

Her Calla Lily was still blooming, she said it did not die back over the winter, mine are just now peeking out of the ground.

Bottle brush

Virginia Sweetspire was full of blooms

Some double Impatiens under the window of her potting shed with Azalea bushes below.

I could not capture the delicate pink of this beautiful rose, the bottom of the rose is closer to the true color.

Ms. Doris has so much more than this in bloom. Impossible for me to capture all of it, not to mention remember the names of each flower, tree or shrub. I do hope I have the names of these flowers correct........Thank you Ms. Doris for a wonderful stroll around your gardens, I will be back.

Skywatch Friday

2009-04-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I have a fellow blogger who says it is hard to read the green lettering on the blue background so, black it is........

This morning over Lake Ella...

For more Skywatch photos. http://skyley.blogspot.com

Look!

2009-04-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

A visit to the local Home Depot........on the Milkweed I purchased........hope this little fellow makes it. He had to listen to country music in the car on the way home and yes, I talked to him!
This fellow was chasing a little lady around in my garden........what does go on when I'm not home?

The Cosmos bud I posted yesterday was open when I returned from the store.

Along with the 3 Milkweed I also purchased Vinca, Impatiens, a yellow Strawflower, a Cherry Tomato plant, Candycane Zinnia Seeds and 7 Dahlias---the Dahlias were only .99 a piece.

Now, out to the garden I go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GBBD 15th of the Month!

2009-04-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

Morning Glory-Grandpa Ott's Ipomoea purpurea
Heirloom seeds from Botanical Interests
Very late blooming Daff......and I have a couple more just emerging!

Dependable Double Knockout Roses

My first Agapanthus bud. I purchased one container divided it and got 7 plants. Didn't think they would bloom this year.

Volunteer Verbena

Nasturtium Empress of India the flowers are a much darker reddish orange than the photo shows. Seeds from Burpee

Cleome that I purchased. I have found 5 more that I started from seed Ferry-Morse Four Queens Mix, curious to see what colors will be on those.

Buddleia- Butterfly Bush

Cosmos started from a random pack of seed. Doesn't matter the brand of seeds for these flowers they always grow for me just like Zinnia and Susans.

Snapdragons have been going since November.

Shasta Daisy that I brought from my old home.

Star Jasmine is starting to bloom

Small piece of my larger Shrimp plant that I rooted over the winter.

The Primroses are still holding on.......don't know much about these.

Thanks Carol at http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com/ for hosting GBBD

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2009-04-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

After 3 t0 4 more inches of rain yesterday and last night, (we were actually under a tornado warning for several hours) some of my flowers are a little beat down. I am trying not to repeat flowers......here goes.
Ragin' Cajun Ruella
White Salvia

Surprise color of the Gerbera Daisy

Salvia 'Hot Lips' S. x microphylla

Tall bushy clumping salvia to 24" tall. Mix of red or white flowers, mix changes with heat.

Zones 7 - 9

Alyssum Royal Carpet

Finally I think I know which Clematis this is thanks to http://amellowlife.blogspot.com ! Fireworks Clematis

Gaura Gaura lindheimeri or Whirling Butterflies,

Plumbago

Purity Candytuft Iberis sempervirens 'Purity' mine bloom late Fall through late Spring--nice evergreen ground cover.

Electric Lights Fuchsia--shade and more shade here. Morning sun in cooler climates. I do hope I can keep this one alive!

Begonia from Ms. Doris

Honeysuckle my husband is training on a tree........

Virgina Sweetspire Itea virginica - from Ms. Doris

Zones 6 - 9

Full Sun - Part Shade

5 to 10 feet tall

5 to 6 feet wide

Mature shape upright and arching, great for butterflies

Bloom color from white to pinks

New Guinea Impatiens

4 to 8 hours of sun daily --not here! Shade baby.

I have seen several of you post about Spiderwort Lily--I kept thinking that looks like that weed that grows everywhere here, well lo and behold it is.

Spiderwort Lily Tradescantia virginiana

North American Native

The genus of spiderworts is name for John Tradescant, who was a gardener for King Charles I of England.

May be a noxious weed or invasive

We let them grow wherever they want on the slope of this hill, helps control the washing out when we have several inches of rain at a time.

For more Bloomin' Tuesday click on the banner to the lower right of my page.

A Colorful Easter!

2009-04-13T05:10:00.000-07:00

Walking Iris - Neomarcia gracilis
In Finland it is called Apostolinmiekka, which means Apostles' Sword or Apostles' Flower.
When the plant has 12 0r 13 leaves, the leaves are the disciples and Jesus rises in the middle of the plant (the flower).
The flower only lasts a day.
*All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested*

Petunia Easy Wave Blue

In this container we have - Intensia Cabernet, Phlox hybrid pink

Dahlberg Daisy yellow

Proven Winners Diamond Frost Euphorbia white

Proven Winners Supertunia Raspberry Blast, Petunia hybrid is doing good.

I love the brightness of the 'Profusion Double Fire" Zinnia orange

Red and white Petunias

Snapdragons

Clown Blue Torenia- Wishbone, Blue colored trumpet-shaped flowers with deep blue markings, each cupping has a little "wishbone" inside the bloom throat. These re-seed heavily year after year.

The girls found all of the eggs, hard-boiled and plastic!!

I love the yellow inside the purple of the Wisteria--perfect colors for Easter.

I do hope your Easter was colorful too!

Welcome back Dorothy at http://mawdot.blogspot.com ! Dorothy gave up blogging for Lent and so inspired me that I gave up daytime T.V. Thank you for being a positive spiritual influence Dorothy.

Easter Blessings...........

2009-04-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today has been very busy for me as I am sure it has for most of you. Cooking for Easter and working in the yard. So, this will be a short post. Not sure if I will be able to post tomorrow or not.

These flowers are growing where I scattered a pack of wild flower seeds. They are a buttery yellow and close up at night.........any ideas?
This one is not quite open yet.

Here is my Joseph's Coat Rose that my son gave me for Mother's Day about 12 or so years ago.

This is the same bloom as above. All of the blooms are different colors, from yellow to orange to pink...........very pretty.

I pray that all of you and yours have a Blessed Easter Day.......May love and laughter last forever after!!

Good Friday!! ....Recipe Lesson

2009-04-10T05:05:00.001-07:00

Easter Cookies or Forgotten Cookies---Great to do with children and learn a lesson.

To be made the evening before Easter.

1 cup whole pecans

1 tsp. vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 300 *this is important DO NOT wait until you are half done with the recipe*

Place pecans in zipper baggie, beat with a wooden spoon to break into small pieces.

After Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman Soldier

Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.

When Jesus was on the cross He was given vinegar to drink

Add eggs whites.

Eggs represent life, Jesus gave His life to give us life

Add pinch of salt.

Salt represents the salty tears shed by the followers of Jesus

Add 1 cup of sugar.

The sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us

Beat with mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.

The color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been forgiven

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto wax paper covered cookie sheet.

Each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid

Put cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

DO NOT open the oven door, Jesus' tomb was sealed. (Door may be taped)

GO TO BED.

You will feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.

Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Easter morning, open oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty!

May this weekend be filled with reflections of God's Grace and Mercy.

A Little Of My Gardens..........

2009-04-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

Actually after close to 12 inches of rain and then two nights of the return of Old Man Winter things really look pretty good. What's in the wheel barrow? Celosia, Pink and White Wave Petunia, Alyssum, Sage and Variegated Vinca Major. Maybe it will begin to fill in.

Here we have Ivy around the base of the tree, Foxglove, Lupine, Larkspur, Glads, Horsetail in the little white container which is moved several times a day, it's just one of those things that never looks good anywhere but you want to keep it, new container might help. Volunteer Red and White Verbena, Volunteer Petunias, Alyssum dabbled around and a Purple Coneflower.

Larkspur has buds on them.

Here we have Night Shade Salvia, White Salvia, Red Salvia, Delphinum, hanging Geranium, Susans, Dutch Iris in the back to the right, I planted 7 can only fine 4, a couple of Bush Morning Glory, I see an Agapanthus and that row of large Irises.......may never bloom.

This is blurry, does anyone know the name of this white Salvia?

This pink Verbena has gotten so prissy she requested her very own white chair!

Homestead Verbena is a little faded after being beat up so bad, it will recover quickly.

Just because I am in love with this Clematis.

I know you are reading this Ms. Doris, look! the Lacecap Hydrangea you gave me is budding.....

This Wisteria is not the same as you see growing wild. For one the smell is less than pleasing, we keep it pruned so as not to take over, hope we will be able to do the new white one the same way.

Now I am off to the local Nursery, I know I NEED something from there!

Watery Wednesday

2009-04-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

Remember I said we returned a little early from our trip because the pump in the crawl space could not keep up with the rain? Well that and living at the bottom of the neighborhood hills we pump ground water for days even after the rain. This is what it looks like every couple of hours when the pump kicks on!! For more Watery Wednesday please click the banner to the bottom right.

Bloomin' Tuesday...(some)

2009-04-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the flowers that I have blooming right now. With an expected cold snap I will be covering plants and bringing containers in. We all know there is always one last cold snap before Easter........why don't we listen?

My Dad gave me a cutting from one of my Mom's climbing roses last year, here it is still in the container.

My Clematis is doing quite well.

Yellow Snapdragons have finally decided to give us a show.

Hypoestes-Pink Blush is coming back.

Dianthus-Sweet William

White Petunias with Pink Dianthus

Tagetes-Marigold

I have my first Purple Coneflower bud of the year.

Salvia-Hot Lips

The colors of the Gerbera Daises will be a surprise because I rescued them from the snares of my Dad's lawn mower blades!

Yarrow

Cleome

For more Bloomin' Tuesday click on the Bloomin' Tuesday Banner to the lower right, thanks Jean for hosting this meme!

I'm Back!

2009-04-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

Mistral Delphinium Deer Resistant
Light purple summer flowers
Fine, grass like foliage
Perfect for the perennial border
Full Sun
Growth Rate Fast
Size 24 - 30" x 18 - 20"
Cold Hardiness -20 to -30

We are back from our trip and boy howdy did it rain in Mississippi while we were there and boy howdy did it rain here at home while we were gone! We had to come back a little early due to the fact that the pump in the crawl space could not keep up with the water coming in. We had some water in the basement to clean up. Hubby spent most of the weekend working downstairs. Of course on one of his runs to Lowe's I managed to pick up a few things.

Tiny Tim Euphorbia - Mounding Perennial

Creamy flowers with red eyes

Long bloom time

Full Sun

Growth Rate- Medium

Size 10-12" x 12-24"

Cold Hardiness 0 to -10

Deer Resistant

Electric Light Fuchsia

Shade

Growth Rate Medium

Size 16 x 16"

Cold Hardiness to 32

Will not be setting this out until the weekend. Cold snap coming, in the thirties tonight and tomorrow night. Bringing in some containers too!

Proven Winners Peter's Gold Carpet--bought two of these and another Raspberry Blast Petunia along with a 4 way Shepard's hook to hang them on.

Trailing

Annual except in zones 9 - 11

Full Sun

Care Easy

May Night Salvia Deer Resistant

Vigorous summer perennial

Dense, puple blue flower spikes

Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Full Sun

Growth Rate Fast

Size 18 x 18" (it's larger than this now"

Cold Hardiness -20 to -30

Also purchased another Guara Whirling Butterflies, Golden Dewdrop, Creeping Phlox and a White Wisteria. Now, I have some catching up to do!!

Wordless Watery Wednesday...

2009-04-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

Yep, two posts in one! Packing to go out of town.........no kids! Just me and hubby........YIPPEE!
See you in a couple of days.................this is the amount of rain we recieved over night.......expecting more through Thursday!! Pray for traveling mercies for us please.

Bloomin' Tuesday...Part ll

2009-03-31T11:10:00.001-07:00

You will have to excuse my excitement, I am home alone and a real girlie squeal about a new bloom is not as affective without someone here to hear it..My husband will hear it when he gets home, by then it will be ready to burst out of me!
I posted questions about the Nasturtium in my first Bloomin' Tuesday Post, well in preparing for the very ugly weather we are supposed to be getting I was taking down my hanging baskets to put on the front porch...........and look, look, just look!

and I found three more buds!

This is the other type that I have that was not on the earlier post. This foliage is reddish burgandy on the back and tips with the leaves a greenish blue. Red flowers. Empress of India.

That's verbena in the basket with it and the Lord only knows what the little tidbits of green are.

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2009-03-31T05:22:00.000-07:00

Not to be outdone by the Ornamental Kale--the flowering Cabbage is getting in on the act.

Daff- Large Cup Ice Follies -- last of the Daffs to bloom!

This Hibiscus is so root bound............in ground or larger container ? That has been my question.

Nasturtium sowed the seeds right in this container there's some Forget-Me-Nots in the center.

I bought this one because I was unsure of the the seeds. I have several different kinds scattered around...........when do they bloom and how large do the plants grow?

Store bought Celosia smaller than the type that reseeds crazily in my garden.

I am enjoying this Cleome, bought two plants and now the seeds I sowed directly in the ground are coming up.

Struggling Impatiens.......they will do fine.

Cyclamen--we have had about 4 inches of rain this past week and now they are predicting 6 -12 inches more in the next 3 days............Let's just hope that "they" are a little off in their prediction!

Yeah, yeah, we all know that this is red Salvia not orange!

Petunias

and some more Petunias with Marigold and Alyssum seedling coming out the side of the planter.

No, these are not all of my Petunias by any means.

Dianthus

Dianthus............of course I have more of this too!

and just because I am still trying to get better at the bird photography (it's not easy for me) here are two Mourning Doves.

For more Blommin' Tuesday click the banner to the lower right of my page! Thanks for hosting this Jean!!

It Was A Super Sunday!

2009-03-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we packed the girls up and sent them on a 9 day vacation with their Grandparents..............YIPPEE! That means that hubby and I get to do what we want when we want without stopping to make sure everyone is accounted for, fed, cleaned, homework done and the bickering down to a minimum.
After a trip to the grocery store and Lowes, where we picked up some tomato plants, a couple more loropetulam, some african marigolds, begonias, some other shrub I can't remember right now, supertunias and Guara we came home and got to work.
This is the Guara Guara lindheimeri - a heat tolerant perennial, fast growth rate, size 3 x 3 and cold hardy 0 to 10.
Have any of you grown this before? It's new to me.

I posted this crazy wild onion yesterday, I have never seen wild onions do this. What is it doing?

Thanks to http://flowergardengirl.wordpress.com/ I finally found Proven Winners Supertunia Raspberry Blast!

I can't wait for this hanging basket to over flow with these beautiful flowers!

My geraniums are starting to bloom. It's more of a peachy pink color than I picked up with the camera.

African Marigold

My Salvia "Hot Lips" is starting to bloom, haven't seen the red and white together on a bloom although there are seperate red and white blooms so far.

and the Bluebirds have been very diligent taking care of their new home!

To finish our Super Sunday my husband boiled crab legs, grilled steak with mushrooms and onions and cooked some mashed potatoes. Hope your Sunday was Super too! (Now I'm off to mow the lawn)

Today's Flowers and....................

2009-03-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

Today's Flowers posting early, will add my name to the Meme when it's updated.
Primroses are still hanging in there.

Butterfly Bush

Gerbera Daisy

Society Garlic will bloom until frost

Snapdragons

Beautiful Dogwood Tree bloom, it does resemble the cross as mentioned in the Legend of the Dogwood Tree, see the blood stains?

Prickly Pear Cactus out by the road, neighbors side.

My husband found this unique leaf. Pretty enough to be a flower.See all of the Tangerine buds..................click to enlarge.

Grapefruit is full too. Citrus Trees smell divine!

What in the world is this wild onion up to?

Ahh, the first rose bud on my Double Knockout Rose Bushes.

And.........my first Hummingbird photo this year!!

To view more Flowers click on the Today's Flowers Banner to the lower right.

Candle Winners.....Your Candles Are Ready!!

2009-03-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well everyone knows that I have been wanting/needing some rain........Well, we sure have been getting it, so today I finished the Giveaway Candles. Blossom at http://lili-aimhigh.blogspot.com/ first place your candles are the three to the right, blue, peach and the little striped one in front.
Carolynn at http://aglowingember.blogspot.com/ yours is the light orange one to the left. Last but not least by any means is Catherine at http://agardenerinprogress.blogspot.com/ yours is the green one! Click to enlarge.
I etched some little pictures on the containers and then I used some glass paint to decorate them a little. There's a bumblebee at the end of the yellow dots and some tulips coming out of the grass.

Here I etched three little flowers and put a red dot in the center.You can see the Bumblebee on this one to the left of the tag and below the tag is a lady bug.This one has a vine coming down the left side and across the bottom I put a red dot in the center

of the flowers.

Once you burn the candle completely, clean the container with hot soapy water you will be able to see the etching better. You can then reuse the containers to hold candy or whatever. I sure hope you enjoy not only the candles but having a cute little container later. If you would like to know what the candle will smell like before you light it, plug in your hair dryer put in on the highest heat setting and melt the top of the candle, let it sit still to dry. Will be mailing them this Monday!

Skywatch Friday

2009-03-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, March 25 at 7:15 a.m. leaving our neighborhood. about 7:25 a.m. passing near Lake Jackson and then from our front porch in the evening.

For more Sky photos click http://skyley.blogspot.com Thanks gang for hosting this every week.

Put On Your Walking Shoes....

2009-03-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

I have seen several butterflies and hummingbirds this past week, here is my first butterfly photo this Spring. First we will start at the mailbox. Clematis and it is loaded with blooms.

At the bottom we have Petunias, Pansies...

Liriope Grass, Snapdragons and Four O'clocks....can you say MESS?

Let's walk around to the other side of the yard in the back by the potting shed. We have Petunias, Marigolds, Cyclamen, Primroses, Liriope Grass, Zinnia, Black Eyed Susans, Purple Coneflower and Cosmos seeds up on the sides of the shed and around back with two Pineapple Sage in the back as well. No photo of the back and sides.

Between the potting shed and the fruit trees we come to the red brick castle wall garden.

Petunias and more Petunias with

Sunflowers coming up through them. Alyssum, Diantus and Red Salvia, White Butterfly Bush, Bromeliad, Red Shrimp Plant, Nandina and some bulbs not photographed.

Now we will walk up the hill to the curved bed out by the street. Ornamental Kale, Stock, Daffs, Petunias, Double Knockout Roses, Dianthus, Candytuft, Four O'clocks, Irises, Glads, Lambs Ear, Rosemary...there's more up to the left as you curve around.

Now, back down the hill to the other side of the house is the large full sun bed, this was taken on Feb. 25, 2009

See the bare tree to the left?

One month and a day later...........big changes. Didn't it come back strong.......Rose of Sharon.

Now let's have a look see at what's happening in this garden. Some Blue Bedder Salvia started from seeds, a Rose of Sharon Tree that I rooted.

Look at all of the Purple Conflowers growing!

Snapdragons, Rosemary and some Cosmos started from seed over the winter.

This is the large Mum, (I love it), Red Verbena, Cleome, Salvia coming back to the right and some Nasturtium and Forget Me Nots in the barrell.

Pineapple Sage

Four O'clocks, Zinnias, Cosmos, Glads, Canna Lilies, Hyacinth Bean Vine, Sunflowers and Cleome.

Down this way we have Lupine, Foxglove, Larkspur, Verbena, Gerbera Daisy, Black Eyed Susans, Ivy around the tree and trying to grow on the Lattice along with Black Eyed Susan Vine and more Hyacinth Bean Vine.

More Vines......Sweet Pea, Morning Glory and Hyacinth Bean Vine.

Back to the Red Brick Castle Wall.........look at this healthy Bee Balm!

Okay now down this last hill by the basement door where my husband had to build this up with railroad ties to keep it from washing away is a wildflower mix.

Although we didn't look at all of the flower beds I do hope you enjoyed seeing some of what's happening around my yard. I know it sounds like a lot of plants in areas, I love the over crowded look when it's all in bloom. Wonder how much it will change in the next month? I also have Common Thyme, Phlox, Alyssum, Bush Morning Glories and Sedum scattered around. We didn't even cover the containers with Geraniums and such, Hydrangeas, Jacobina, Mints and, and, and. Oh I almost forgot..........I have Coleus seeds up!! Have a great gardening day! We are expecting some much needed rain today, hope it doesn't rain 7 inches all at once.

Wordless Wednesday -- Sort of...

2009-03-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

My other gardening friend and I took her sister's truck to the Nursery in the next town and got one scoop of potting soil for $20.00 that's a lot of bagged soil for almost $10.00 bucks a bag!