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The garden is in full swing, carry on... |
Follow-Up Postings:
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Thu, Jun 8, 06 at 11:49
It's so quiet here, I guess that I'll have to start a thread. I got up at 6:00 so I could spend ˝ hour deadheading. The iris' are getting on my nerves. They look so crappy with all the wilted flowers on them. I'm going to try to do that each day. Either deadheading, wandering or possibly weeding. Honey, I was able to find a copperleaf plant this year too. I will have to post a picture of the container. Below is a link to info about overwintering it. I will definitely try it. Thanks for the nice compliment on my photography skills, I try, but there are so many great photographers here that I know I can't even compare to. Your iris' are so pretty with the water drops on them. I'm not sure on the iris name, I have it somewhere… T, thanks for the nice note from EP. V, stay calm ;o) Ei, I will have to post a picture of a little corner of my garden that I now think of as Ei and Deanne's garden. I just put the Thomas Edison dahlia there last night along with the container w/ Illustris and coleus from Deanne. Have a lovely day all, Michelle |
Here is a link that might be useful: Copperleaf plant
- Posted by chloehoover z6b VA (My Page) on Thu, Jun 8, 06 at 13:28
Just a quick pop-in to say hi -- that copperleaf plant is very cool, Michelle - I see it can get 10 to 15 feet in "native habitat" - wow. Honey - love your garden & containers they are all so fresh & colorful. Things here in my garden are looking stressed - need water - I've had several different lilies blooming - if I ever get the prints developed I'll post -- I feel like summer is here & will be gone in a bang! My Scheepers & VE bulbs catalogs arrived yesterday (for fall) -- sheesh, hard to think about bulb planting already but I know I need to make a list - there were ones I definitely wanted to get. A lunchtime project perhaps. Happy birthday, EP -- sounds like you're having a fine time -- those muffins sound wonderful. V- glad to hear about how to care for well-traveled plants - I hope to put those instructions to good use at the IU3 - who can resist buying at least 1 thing? Better than any post-card! --Cindy |
Happy Belated Birthday Sue! Eden |
Cindy, thanks for the compliments on my garden. Actually the pic of my garden for EP was taken last yr before the high winds flattened the whole back and side of it. So far this yr, things aren't as colorful and I think it'll take me a couple seasons to work out moves and new combos in various locations. Also, some lilies that were supposed to be dwarf aren't and have to be moved and other areas aren't getting as much sun as they used to. Oh, well. You're just a little ahead of us on lily bloom. Ours haven't started yet. Michelle, thanks for the link on care of Copperleaf. Glad you were able to find one, too. Can't wait to see what you did with yours. I'm really taken with it. Re the discussions of tried and true bloomers: Knock-out Rose gets my vote. I have two of the singles and both bloom their heads off continually throughout the season, they stay neat and lush looking, etc. right up until frost. I just got the double one and am hoping it performs just as well. Break's over. Back to the shovel. TTYL. |
I was going to say Good Morning, can't believe it's already almost 2pm. It's a beautiful day here today but thunderstorms possible later today. Bella's back so things are moving along at a faster pace, lol. I snapped a few pics for you all to peruse... First, the paver project Containers (I'll do some close ups of individual ones later when they've had a chance to grow a little) And a couple miniature gardens for Babs Sorry, don't have time to stick around right now, but I'll try to get back for a chat later tonight. Eden |
- Posted by babs_clare (My Page) on Thu, Jun 8, 06 at 14:55
Eden!!! your stonework is so attractive! Thanks for showing me the liliputian gardens-you did such a great job and I LOVE the miniature touches. I have to steal your idea(please?)-Pat Cataan's will have perfect minature items to add to my garden-the hose and boots-and all are so cute! Leave those pics up so I can get a longer look later at *all* the containers-you did a great job on them-I would love to have that many plants to coordinate. I bet you had a blast!I have a pic of my started minigarden-I still need to get more plants though.(I'll post the pic later) I am SO mad at the squirrels(no offense to Timmy!)and chipmunks. One of them dug up my miniature garden(I did get a pic before the destruction happened).The largest of the hen & chicks was flipped out of the dirt and my pebble design was undone-the digging rodents have been really bad this year. I found a huge gaping tunnel leading under my oregano in a bed and when I shoveled into it to see who was living there out squeaked a striped chip-varmit(aka chipmunk).He's lucky I didn't behead him. They keep digging up my annuals too grrr. Honey-thanks for filling me in on the morning glory I need to find one of those. Yes if you can get the pot to dry out I bet the plant will be fine-now that it's warm at night the MG's will really get growing. Also you probably know not to fertilize them-otherwise they flower less and leaf up more.(you probably already know that-I keep forgetting and keep catching myself as I water the other plants with miracle grow.) Michelle-be very proud of me that I am remembering way back to the last idyll off the top of my head that...I love the monarch larva!!! What a great shot and hopefully you get to see it morph into a butterfly too. That iris is a beauty-I like the hints of purple along the standards-just stunning. Does that one have a great scent too? It's interesting how not all irises smell as strong or with the exact same scent. V-your advice does make sense. I wish our public schools were good ones but they are really bad-otherwise I would easily send AJ & Ry to public schools. We never imagined the Catholic schools would be losing enrollment like they are or we wouldn't have moved here. Luckily AJ is a bit of a leader in his class and he is liked by pretty much everyone-I'm psyched that the class bully is relocating: ) I appreciate your feedback,V. We're hoping a nearby school that just closed will funnel some boys this way to AJ's class-maybe this is a temporary lull.(am I too much of an optimist?) Ah yes I know it's gardening season because I forgot to wear gloves while pruning my mom's shrubbery yesterday and now I have a huge blister on the finger that I do a million things with-ow(yeah that sounded weird huh.) I have more to say but I need to get out and do some watering-I hope we get some rain soon. Deanne how are you doing? ~Babs |
Hi gals. My doctor appointment went fine. My BP is reaching a more acceptable level, but she upped the strength in a new prescription. Time zipped by so fast, and I had 3 other places to go afterwards, so I never made it to the Appliance store. I was aiming at being home at noon, and only missed it by about 10 minutes. ( My dr. appointment was at 8:15.) Honey, it sounds like both you ahd your Dh have a good sense of humor. Ei, How big is your Maackia? Mine is finally about 10' tall. It 'IS' very slow growing. The flowerbuds are equally slow developing. I hope yours will transplant successfully. V, I was thinking the girl might be afraid that the new boyfriend would be jealous if he knew your son was a former BF. Maybe they worked that out afterwards. T, thanks for the update on EP ( Jane). It is so good that you had that news from her to post. I haven't got to the BD thread yet. Will she be able to access it? What Site does she post on? I am a member on 3 others, besides GW. ( Actually 4 others, but one I didn't care for, and haven't been back to in months.) Honey, your iris are lovely. I too, miss seeing jain here, but 'see' her on Garden Buddies frequently. Michelle, I am with you on the "crappy" looking iris. A lot of mine get very tacky looking leaves. I trimmed down a bunch yesterday. All this talk about "copperleaf"is beginning to get to me. I read it as "copperhead" in Michelle's first post of this thread! LOL Eden, your yard is beautiful! I love that paved area. Is it shaded? I'd love to have something like that, but it would have to be shaded. Your containers are outstanding. I really like the miniatures. Re: containers, a lot of my combos are in the pots that I purchased plants in. Not fancy, but cheap ! I am so happy with the colorful display on my deck this year. I hope I soon get the means to take and post pics. Marian |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Thu, Jun 8, 06 at 16:42
Eden, your paver project looks fabulous! I really like the cobblestone look. I have been looking and looking at your containers. I love them! You have so many interesting plants. Those miniatures are just so cool. I'd love to see some more close up pictures. I know what you mean though about wanting to wait until they fill in a bit. I am going to wait to show mine (hoping they get better looking LOL) Babs, bummer about the varmint damage. Marian, the cooperleaf is much nicer than a copperhead. I checked on line and read that they are Iowa's rarest snake and that they are endangered. I guess we are on the very northern edge of their territory. Fortunately I rarely ever see a snake here and then they are just garter snakes. Later |
Good evening all! I was just outside with the mosquitos, taking photos. They're ferocious! Well with company coming tomorrow, I did my best between showers to tidy up. I didn't get everything done of course, but I'll show you some of what I did.(The good stuff only of course!) I edged the front berberis hedge: Removed old tulip stems in front bed. Weeded only part of this bed with the pink peony. Staked a clematis in this bed. This is an integrifolia (non clinging). Mowed beyond this yellow/blue garden where the pink columbine snuck in... I hope tomorrow morning I have time to clean up more of the dead tulips and faded iris. Yes Michelle, they look like wadded up kleenex tissues! Well Eden's miniature gardens are just adorable. Can you imagine the fun she had in putting those together? V, I'll be waiting for your Scheherazade story tomorrow morning! One a day...;-) Good night! |
I've decided it's impossible to keep up with the house and the gardens to my usual standards with Bella thrown into the mix this summer. Since I seem to require things semi- organized and tidy to be comfortable I guess I'll just bumble along the best I can in both departments but try to cut myself some slack. I got a few couple of salvias that I'd overwintered repotted today, hot lips and san carlos festiva. That's about the extent of the gardening that I got done. And I did some vacuuming and laundry. Bella and I also took a walk. Quite the exciting day here. Oh and if anybody wants a dog real cheap...Bud decided to tear after a squirrel through the garden today leaving many broken stalks behind. He's laying low after the scolding he got for that. I got some bad news yesterday. My mom's been diagnosed with lymphoma and will have to undergo chemo and radiation treatments. Since they live approx 5 hours away from here it's going to be hard to help out and be there for her as much as I'd like to be but I'll do whatever I can. Thanks for the compliments on my gardens and containers. I really enjoyed putting them together and it was so much fun choosing the tiny garden accesories. There's a miniatures shop near here and I could have gone wild in there. They had a display that was a miniature conservatory. I couldn't believe the detail that was put into it. The more I looked at it the more I saw. Marian, glad your BP is at a safer level and hope you get your stove issue resolved real soon. My stove and refrigerator are the ones we bought when we moved to this house 26 years ago. They're been so reliable that I hate to replace them but I know the time's coming. I know so many people who buy new ones that are supposed to be the latest and greatest but are nothing but trouble. The older I get the more I want just the basics that I actually use on my appliances. I figure there's less that can break down that way, lol. Babs, of course you use my ideas from my mini gardens. I can't wait to see pics of yours. I was surprised when I actually thought about it how many tiny plants I've collected over the years. Another garden obsession of mine I guess... I know there is alot more I was meaning to say tonight but I'm so tired. I'm just waiting for Meg to get here and pick up Bella which should be any time now and then it's off to bed for me. Hope you're all having a good evening, Eden |
Marie, your gardens look quite well groomed in your pictures. Everytime I see a shot of your front bed I'm reminded how much I love the way you have it put together. Everything is looking just lovely at the farm. Enjoy your visit with your friend tomorrow. Eden |
- Posted by veronicastrum z5 IL (My Page) on Thu, Jun 8, 06 at 21:27
I'll mess up 'bug's schedule with two stories today and maybe none tomorrow. So what's the first clue that you are getting stressed? When you go to put a new load of laundry in the washer and you realize that the load in the dryer was washed WITHOUT any laundry soap. And before you say it's probably not that bad, there were some really filthy gardening clothes in that load. They don't smell bad but they sure don't smell clean. Time for a do-over! The good news is that I had a cleaning lady at the house today and she did a wonderful job! And she's very reasonable (dare I say that she's dirt cheap?), so this may be a regular occurrence. Michelle, I know one reason why it was so slow today - because I kept checking the last idyll and marveling that no one was posting. Never dawned on me that it was at the end... Babs, I think we have a fawn in the woods just off the back yard. We saw the doe in there this evening and I went tip-toeing over there but I misjudged where they were at. I think she's got the fawn stashed just behind a brush pile, because when I got a little more brave, thinking they were gone, she suddenly ran off a short distance and then started snorting at us. DD & I beat a hasty retreat since they have been known to charge if they think the fawn is threatened. Speaking of DD, do you know what she and several of her friends did today? They threw a picnic at the local park, and invited several of their favorite teachers! Okay, I am going to do a little more picking up around here and then go to bed. I got a good night's rest last night which I badly needed and I've felt better all day. And it will cool off quite a bit tonight, so that will make for good sleeping weather. I'd better post this before I do something dumb and lose it! V. |
T, a correction...EP is 'June', not Jane....I 'knew' that! :-( Eden, I am so sorry that your mom has got such a scary diagnosis. I understand about the distance problem. It is that way with our son and I. Marie, it is beautiful at your place. So fresh and neat, with lovely flowers. V, How about when you go to put a new load in the washer, and discover there is a wool blanket still in there waiting to go into the dryer! And you have already started the hot water for the new load! Marian |
EP sent me the recipe for the flax muffins she mentioned that she was making this morning. I'll include it in this post. I told her that I had just written down on my grocery list that I wanted to buy some flax seed and a grinder for them. She mentioned that I can buy the flax already ground (flax meal). I'm not sure what I'll buy, but will see what I can find at the store. DH was home all day so I just stayed at home and did some major rearranging of my sewing/computer room. I ended up putting everything back the way it was.........what a waste of time and energy! Some things are still cluttering up the entryway and will need to be put away, thrown away or ???? Sugars! Eden, I'm so sorry to read that your mother has been diagnosed with lymphoma. Any diagnosis that includes chemo and radiation must be a horrible shock and frightening. I'll keep her and you in my thoughts and prayers. Marian, I have a electronic controls double oven and I was quite concerned about how well it would hold up over time. I've had it since 1993 or 1994 and it is still functioning great. I know that you have said you aren't pleased with how it is browning your food, so I can't help with that, but did want you to know that the electronics portion of the 'newer' appliances can work very well for a very long time. V, your daughter sounds like a very lovely woman. You know, for a long time I've been bothered by something. I often use the words "gorgeous, wonderful, lovely, beautiful, etc. etc. etc.". When I'm typing them I sometimes think "I sound like I'm just praising everything and how sincere does that come across to others?" So I stop, back up, erase what I've written.....but I end up putting the same thoughts back down when I continue typing. I am only sharing my feelings of what I see, what I 'hear' in what you share and what I know of your personalities from meeting many of you. I enjoy you, I'm impressed with your talents, your sharing, your kindness to each other......I'm in awe and so thankful for what you bring into my life. So......please know that when I'm saying you are wonderful, you are brilliant, what you've done is fabulous....I am very sincere --- each and every time. :O) Ei, you've been on my mind a lot since your post. Sorry but you are an Idyll from the top of your head to the tips of your toes......no getting out of it---you'll just have to learn to accept it. ;oD LOL Honey, I loved talking with you the other day. Thank you for the shoulder and understanding. Mary......knowing you brightens my days. Sue........thank you for being there. I'm in a bit of a melancholy mood if you couldn't tell. ;o) But I'll get over it......LOL T. (did I tell the other T. congratulations on selling her home and how beautiful her new home is? Congratulations Taryn!) Here's the recipe from EP,(she posts on Garden Forums as ju_ni) Flax meal muffins made by EP on May 26, 2006 ( a variation of a recipe found on internet) 1 cup self rising flour (or 1 cup all purpose flour + 1 and ˝ teaspoon baking poweder and ˝ teaspoon salt) ľ cup ground flax seed ˝ cup brown sugar ˝ teaspoon nutmeg ˝ teaspoon cinnamon 1cup non fat dry milk 1 cup water (or substitute 1 cup of applesauce for dry milk and water) I cup raisens makes enough batter for one dozen muffins. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes. This makes a 'firm' product since the recipe contains no fat or egg which could be included if desired. Muffin is good sliced very thin for use with a preferred spread. Other possible variations might include adding applesauce and nuts or shredded apple, zuchinni, or carrot. May 31, 2006 I substituted one cup of applesauce for the non fat dry milk and water. I added a cupfull of chopped walnuts. Result: good. Volume: slightly more than previous method. Yeild: 12 to 18 muffins. The smaller ones might not need as long in baking time as the larger ones. I made 18 muffins and baked for 25 minutes. |
- Posted by full_bloom z5 IL (My Page) on Fri, Jun 9, 06 at 0:57
Marian - Glad that all went well with the doctor and I am so glad that you are the type that takes care of herself! My Maackii is probably over 6, but less than 7. I guess that's a pretty large size to be thinking about moving, huh? Well, I'm going to try, as it certainly isn't doing the tree any favors leaving it where it is. I am very proud of my move of Seven Sons. Not a droopy leaf to be seen...uh oh, probably just jinxed myself. Well, I will keep serious patrol on it and water regularly, that is unless I forget...LOL! You had me laughing with the exclamation points! I *thought* you were using more than your normal! :-) Hmmm, seems to me you don't have enough, but that's probably just me...LOL! Eden...I am always so tickled to see your gardens...they are so magical, what a lovely personality you have put into your home and gardens! Your containers are gorgeous! *And* I *love* the mini-gardens – they are just so sweet. You have such a way of making it all look so spontaneous and totally captivating. It takes a keen eye and a wonderful imagination to dream up the charming things you do....wish I had the knack! I always get a big smile on my face thinking about Bella growing up in Grandma's garden. What a magical place your home must be to her. Your paver project *is* beautiful and does have a cobblestone look to it...reminds me of the streets in the town I grew up in. They still have some cobblestone streets there...I love that look! I am *so* sorry to hear about your mom and know how upsetting and frustrating it must be for you not to be able to get to her easily and I know you will do all you can. You must be feeling a little overwhelmed right now, with Bella and mom and all that you do. You are right...don't worry too much if the house isn't as perfectly clean as you would like, there's plenty of time to clean the house; later. Right now, as you say, you deserve to cut yourself some slack! Will be thinking of you and mom and keeping good thoughts. Babs – Well, I know one thing you definitely need for you mini-garden. You need one of those metal lawn chairs like the yellow one Eden has in her mini-garden...only you should paint yours purple. Don't you have metal chairs just like that in your garden in purple? I *definitely* remember a pic of that...or am I really losing my mind? So sorry to hear about the lousy squirrel! Boy the creatures sure can create havoc; can't they? Want to post my leaf bath that was ruined (maybe tomorrow). Want to see if any of you think it can be repaired and if so; how. Michelle, can I tell you how *touched* I am that you named a corner of your garden the Deanne & Eileen Garden? Honestly, that is so sweet...I've never had anything named after me; I'm really tickled! :-) Can you plant it that way again next year, so you can name it after us Marie – your gardens are gorgeous! I too am in love with the front bed and I also *love* your stone wall. Well, everything is just beautiful....can't wait for that Canadian Idyllunion! :-) Don't worry Taryn, whenever you are ready! :-) Sounds like you worked hard in the garden today Marie...me too! I hope you are okay Deanne? I am missing you, especially in the morning. It's always such a pleasure to open up the Idylls and find your gorgeous pics and a nice chatty post about your day's plans. For the record, I always hesitate to say anything because I know sometimes you guys are just busy and I don't want to put any pressure on you. But you can be sure that I always miss any of you when you haven't posted for awhile. I hope the weather hasn't got you down Deanne? I really *do* know how that can affect a gardener and I'm sorry to think that may be frustrating you. Last year I complained so much about the drought that I know you guys must have been sick of hearing it, but it was *so* depressing and devastating to me. In fact, I'm still not over it...LOL! Some of you may have noticed that I'm like Chicken Little this year, but instead of "the sky is falling", it's "The Rains Aren't Coming...The Rains Aren't Coming!" LOL! BTW, weather forcast says *maybe* some rain here by the week-end. Anyway, I hope things are drying up a bit and the sun is shining down on you Deanne! T – you are such a sweetheart...Thank you! I'm sorry you are feeling a little melancholy. I get that way too sometimes. Sometimes when I'm feeling melancholy though, I actually like it. Sometimes it's quite cathartic to soak it in a bit, play some blues music and just have a good cry. Afterwards, I always feel better. But that may just be me...is that telling you guys too much? :-) And T, I *know* you are always sincere. Sweet, kind, generous, caring *and* sincere! Hi V! I really enjoyed talking to you yesterday! You need a little breather though and good that you were able to treat yourself to the cleaning service...you deserve it! I agree with T...your DD sounds like a lovely girl. I bet the teachers were just tickled to be thought of so kindly. Well girls, I'm off to bed. Grocery shopping will be a breeze for me tomorrow, since all I need to get is lettuce...LOL! That's good, now I'll be able to help mom more. Hope to wake up and see a post from Deanne! You don't even have to put up pics, if you don't want...just come in and say "Hi", so I know not to worry. V's right about the gorgeous evening...I *love* cool nights and just sheets! :-) Tonight as I was pulling up the driveway after my errand running, I had the windows rolled down on the car and this song came on the radio and I *couldn't* leave till it was over. I was singing along in my more than croaky voice and I think I may have scared some of the neighbors...LOL! But I was having fun. Do any of you remember the Hukstables? I'll never forget the episode when they were lip synching this song...Omigosh, did I *laugh*...especially when little Rudie sang the Whoa Baby!....LOL. Anyway, it was fun hearing the song again.... Ray Charles - The Night Time You know the night time, darling I know the night time Whoah! whoa baby I said baby You know I want you by my side Yes, I know I'm a goof! :-) Sweet Dreams and Have A Lovely Day Tomorrow ALL! Ei |
- Posted by babs_clare (My Page) on Fri, Jun 9, 06 at 1:46
So GOOD to see Ei in rare form once again!!!!!!!!!; ) Thanks for reminding me-I'll bet you a glass of wine; ) you've got a raccoon knocking over your bbaths and works of art. OR you've got a squirrel on steroids...you just never know. Purple chairs? Who has purple chairs?: ) ((Eden))I'm sitting here trying to think of the right words because I remember when we were told my mom had ovarian cancer. It is a shock and you feel disbelief when the words are spoken. I'm sorry she got that diagnosis and I can only imagine how it is for you to worry long distance about your mom. I know there are two forms of lymphoma and I hope she has the less aggressive one that is easier treated. Regardless, my prayers are with you all. Our hot water heater decided to gush-yeah water everywhere! BUT it can always be worse so I'm taking it in stride. I bet the washing machine goes next-every time I use it(almost daily)I say,"Please work!" Ok the upside of a hot water heater going? It makes you clean the basement,lol. Now if we had a finished basement I'd be irritated. T-I always take the benefit of the doubt that people mean what they say here-I know I do-things that I say are gorgeous(I say that alot)really *are*! I think we all know there are only so many words to express feelings about how we feel or what we see. I suppose I could drag out a thesaurus and dazzle you guys with some new adjectives: ) lol. Ei-Deanne had some things she had to take care of-I think she's OK but just busy-she mentioned she'd be away for a few days from idylling. Goodnight Marian-it's 1:44am! Good morning? Ok it's off to bed for me... ~Babs |
Morning all. I started to answer Ei's question about Deanne, but see that Babs just did. Yes, she did say she would be away for a few days. Teresa, I have never thought that you are insincere with your comments. I use all those same words to express my appreciation of the lovely things posted here.( I am afraid my comment on the previous thread was the cause of you feeling that way.) :-( Babs, sorry about your water heater, but glad it did no damage. Mine is in the utility room that has a drain in it's cement floor, so it is only the kitchen and bathroom fixtures that can cause damage. Thanks, Eileen. I may be (have always been) a little too independent and bull-headed! It comes in handy when you are put in the spot of full responsibility! I need to put on my bug-repellent clothing and get out and water the potted plants. TTYAL |
Bug spray here I come! Yes Marian, they are fierce here too these days. DH has a big day with presentations to make...so once he is organized and on his way, I hope to tidy up things a bit more. Later! |
TGIF! A very quick post here. I'm trying to get my monthly reports finalized. The weather here is still gray and drizzly. Yuck. Eden, so very sorry about your mom. Lately it seems like so many people have cancer. I wish the best for her and your family. OK, five interruptions later.... Have a great day! Sue |
Good Morning, Thank you all for your kind words and concern about my mom. I really appreciate them. It's cloudy and cool here today, kind of a gray day. Megan called this morning and she was up with Bella with the stomach flu all night. Bella didn't eat much here yesterday but seemed fine otherwise all day. Strange how that kind of thing always seems to hit at night. Meg stayed home with her this morning but will bring her over this afternoon so she can work her evening shift if Bella's feeling ok. I'm hoping to get an entire day of working in the garden in tomorrow so am doing inside stuff today. Sunday in the Garden Conservancy Open Days here and Brad and I are planning on going to check out at least 3 or 4 of the gardens. Their are 6 on the list. Michelle, one has a grandchildren's garden so I especially want to see that one. My mom and dad are coming down today for a class reunion this weekend and then my nieces dance recital on Tuesday so we're celebrating Father's Day a week early at my sister's Sunday evening. It's shaping up to be a busy weekend. Babs, oh no on the water heater. Remember when we had that problem last Nov? Hope your repairs can be completed quickly. V, too busy to add the detergent to the laundry huh? You'd better slow down a little. Hopefully you'll be able to after the graduation party. What a great group of kids your dd and her friends are to host a picnic for their teachers. Ei, that's terrible about the damage to your birdbaths. Hope you figure out who or what the culprit is before they do more damage. T, hope you're feeling better real soon. I feel the same way about everyone here on the idylls. This is such a talented and great group that's there's lots to compliment everyone on (sincerely). Sue, you've been quiet lately. I know the weather out east must be getting to you and Deanne. I hope it dries up and warms up for you guys this weekend. Deanne, if you're taking a break, miss you and your beautiful pictures! I haven't forgotten about sending your begonias. With that cold and then really hot weather we had they were looking a little stressed so I wanted to wait but they're starting perk up. I'll get them to you SOON! Drier just buzzed so time to go do some folding. Later... Eden |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Fri, Jun 9, 06 at 11:44
Eden, I'm so sorry to hear the news about your mom. My prayers will be with her and your whole family. The distance makes it extra tough for you I'm sure. I was interested to hear that you have some miniature plants. I have a small raised area on the NW corner of the house that I thought I would plant with all miniature plants. I have gotten a few mini hostas but haven't started planting. Be sure to take some pictures of the gardens that you tour (especially the grandchildren's garden) T, I know what you mean with the words fabulous, lovely etc. Babs, pass the thesaurus please. LOL Writing isn't my long suit, but I do mean every compliment that I give and truly believe that you all do as well. There are so many things of beauty here. Marian, I would definitely check with the store on your stove. It sounds a little wacky. I have a digital stove and it is relatively easy to use. I'm not sure you really can mess it up. Ei, I'll name that corner for you again next if you tell me this fall just how to overwinter the Illustris and the dahlia. 'bug, thanks for the nice stroll through your garden. I thoroughly enjoyed it. V, what a sweet thing for your DD and friends to do. My kids went to a small private HS and DD liked to bring a rose for each teacher, the cook and the secretary on the last day of school. I was always touched by that. Michelle |
You guys never cease to amaze me. Not only are you the kindest and most caring of people but when any sort of gardening is mentioned ,,low and behold, there are at least a couple of others here interested in the same thing. Michelle, I've collected quite a few of the mini hostas over the last few years. There used to be a lady who sold them at the Farmers Market until this year and I would get alot from her. I probably have at least 20 or so. My favorite is Blue Mouse Ears but the smallest are Venusta and Cats Eyes. They are teeny tiny. I also have 3 or 4 mini heucheras, some alchemilla, iris, campanula, aquilegia and a tiny rose called Baby Ci. I also have a few of the miniature conifers and even a tiny dwarf tree that's about 6 inches tall growing next to my pond. There's a neat mini thalictrum too that makes a good ground cover. I could send you some of that if you like. The other minis would be hard to divide, they're so small but I could pick you up a few that are available here and send them to you. Most aren't expensive, I pick them up for $5 or so, except some of the mini hostas can be pricey. I don't know how easy the mini stuff is to find where you are. Just say the word. I pick up the tiny stuff whenever I run across it and have even started a few from seed. Babs, that goes for you too. Let me know if you'd like any of the thalictrum or for me to pick up anything else and send you. I'll be sure to take the camera on the tour Sunday. The sun has come out though it's still very cool so I went out and took a couple of pics of some plants I wanted to share. The first is my sambucus Black Beauty since we were discussing this shrub a while back. It's being upstaged by the alliums in this picture I wanted to show you the neat foliage on this echinacea sparkler. I got it last year and it's still small but is the foliage is just beautiful. I hope it sticks around and gets larger next year. And Marie and I had been discussing sedums through email so I wanted to post a picture of a new one I found. It's sedum African Sunset on the left, much darker purple with a shinier leaf than sedum Black Jack which is on the right. I think I'm really going to like this one. Back to the housework for me. Break time's over. Eden |
Had a lovely but short visit with my clematis friends. So much for showing off! Chris ended up squishing some yucky caterpillers on a shrub for me and finding an ant hill under an ailing clematis! But of course he appreciated all the things he was supposed to- and more. What a fine fellow! I had found a clematis Blue Pirouette which he was pining for, and he surprised me with a baby 'C.Black Prince'. http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=87 You really should grab a Clematis Blue Pirouette if you find one. They are rather like Durandii, but a bit more twisty. I love mine! Lindsay was dropping off some sculpture for the annual juried art show at the museum. She is new to the world of plants, but already spotted poppy Patty's Plum and several Hostas which she covetted. I see danger in her future! Eden! After the Michigan Idyllunion, I went to visit the Canadian friend of the hosta grower that David B took us to see. He runs a place called Hosta Choice Gardens, 30 minutes west of London, Ontario. DH and I enjoyed an afternoon there with Charlotte and I was particularly fond of a hypertufa of miniatures there. I have seen echinacea sparkler at several nurseries and love the foliage. So far I haven't bought one. Do I really need another echinacea? Probably! I bought a white one with green centers called Jade the other day. Of course it is still sitting in the ghetto waiting for its home. I MUST get stuff planted soon. This will be a fairly cool weekend and everything is dry and needs watering. 'Bug PS: Here's an interesting 2 pages of photos on garlic mustard. Have a look. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Invasive plant
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Fri, Jun 9, 06 at 16:37
We went to our landlord's place last night to mow the weeds and thistles. Since we rent land from her, there are some strings attached and this is one of them. There were Canadian thistles that were 4' high. We mowed with a tractor and pull behind mower. I didn't see any garlic mustard, but we did discover a huge patch of marijuana. We got quite a chuckle about our 80+ year old land lady growing it. We mowed it anyway. I think the wildlife was a little annoyed with us. There were deer, a fawn, rabbits, a pheasant, a vole and a frog that all took off running when we came near. Eden, I could have figured you would have a mini hosta collection. LOL Thanks for the offer to shop for me. I'll let you know if I can't find much around here. Although, I found 2 mini hostas very cheap without even looking for them. Your Black Beauty contrasts nicely with the fence. Would you believe that I bought e. 'Sparkler' last year also? Mine is much smaller than yours, so doesn't seem to be a strong grower. I like that sedum's shiny leaves. I think I mentioned earlier that I got Black Jack, but its Purple Emperor. I have about 15 different kinds of sedums. I really like their drought tolerance and ease of propagation. 'Bug, I really like the little trough garden. Have fun gardening. We are supposed to have a cool, wet and windy weekend. We do need rain though. Michelle |
Hello, I wrote this much earlier today but I wasn't able to log in to post it, so I'll give it another attempt. Good morning! I'm getting ready to leave for errand running (errand strolling? This lady doesn't do much running...). I just wanted to pop in and pass on EP's thanks for the cards and birthday thoughts. She appreciates the friendships she's made here and does 'see' some on the other forum---she just isn't able to log on here any longer due to some snafu. I did web searches, talked with our vet's office, called his breeder and did everything I could think of to try to figure out what was happening. His behavior became more neurotic and there were two episodes where he didn't appear to recognize one of our daughters nor myself. His body language at those times was such that both of us were hesitant to approach/touch him--and this is a dog that we'd had since he was a tiny puppy. The guess (by the vet & us) is that he was dealing with a brain tumor or some type of other problem that was altering his thought processes. He wasn't enjoying life as he had and he was becoming more unpredictable in his behavior. We decided that we couldn't chance that he would turn on someone and were most afraid that he might hurt Jamie who was at his face level. We tried and tried to think of a way to adjust our lives to adapt to what he seemed to need, but there just wasn't a good solution that we could come up with....for him...for us...for the safety of others. Our vet concurred that putting him down was prudent with the behavior he was exhibiting. This had to be one of the most difficult and heart wrenching decisions we've had to make concerning one of our pets. Just to look at him, during his calm moments, he appeared healthy. I look outside so many times during the day, expecting to see him chasing birds, bunnies or elk off of *his* grass. He was in so many of my photos that I figured sooner or later someone would ask about his absence and I thought it would be better, for me, if I just shared it now. |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Fri, Jun 9, 06 at 18:35
(((T)))) I'm so sorry for the difficult decision that you had to make and for the loss of your dearly loved pet. No wonder you have been down lately. Michelle |
Oh T, how painful. First Woody, now you. It is awful to have to make these decisions...but in fact, there's not much to decide when the pet is miserable. Concentrate on curvy beds.... :-) 'bug |
Megan just left with Bella, poor little thing. She's not feeling well at all. She just wanted to be held and rocked all evening. I just hate it when little ones are sick. Marie, I love that tufa pot with the mini hostas. It really showcases them. I just have most of mine spread throughout the garden, mostly here and there along the pathways. You have to really be looking to discover some of them. Michelle, 15 different sedums! That's alot. The nursery where I got the African Sunset had a few new ones that I hadn't heard of before that I'd like to pick up eventually. I cut back Matrona and Frosty Morn the other day to try to prevent them from flopping later in the season and then had to run around finding places to stick the cuttings throughout the garden. I just couldn't bring myself to throw them into the compost pile when I knew how easily I could have more plants. T, hope you're doing ok tonight. I've been thinking of you. It sure is quiet here on the Idylls tonight. Where is everyone? Hope you're all having a nice Friday nite. Eden |
- Posted by babs_clare (My Page) on Fri, Jun 9, 06 at 23:01
T I'm sorry you had to let your poochie go-it's a tough decision when it's someone you love so much. YOu've obviously had a lot on your mind-I echo Michelle's thoughts that no wonder you have felt out of sorts. Eden-so you even horde those miniature plants: ) So far I only have one tiny mini garden so I think I'm good with plants-you mustn't temp me!lol! I did buy a sedum-no label so I have to sleuth to find out what I bought. It looks like a bonsai-ish tree,only four inces tall and with rounded bunches of leaves-a pic will explain it all...I wish I had more time! Been cleaning up and shopping for a water heater. Ryan was having a hard time waiting for us to attend to the business of shopping for a heater so I naturally took him to the plant nursery for a diversion; )while Chris handled the details.(Chris was home because he's tying up the last ends of his dissertation for final submittal)Odd that the water tank went on the same day his stuff was all due-they actually granted him an extra day after he talked with his dept. chairperson. Ooooo dinner was a good one tonight~poached salmon topped with scallions and pineapple & drizzled with a honey lime sauce; ) I have this feeling Ei is lost somewhere in her garden searching for weeds-why do I think that? Almost a fool moon-oops a full moon...that explains alot around here at home lol. Have a good night! |
Evening all, I just returned from a business trip to Nashville TN, our decorative painting convention, I really MISSED you all a lot but couldnt' get on line because of firewall stuff and whatever. Anyway, I really didn't want to say I was going out of town on this forum, I don't feel comfortable talking about trips anymore since this 'clippings' thing. Anyway, Eileen and Babs, I really appreciate your asking about me and missing me. I encountered a few unkind people at convention who made it known that they were totally surprised that I'd maintained my weight loss because they were completely expecting me to show up at 300 pounds again. What's with that? It is interesting how people react to the changes I've made. Some are so supportive and some are cruel. I'm feeling a bit frustrated at the moment. I was gone only a few days and the gardens are a sodden MESS and we are looking at another three or so inches of rain here again tonight. I thougth the problem would be Doug not watering the plants instead the problem is to much water. Yikes... I sure hope this rain goes to those who need it soon. I was pleased and surprised that I was able to do some networking at the convention and pick up some work, an article with our society magazine and again the possibility of a seminar in Taiwan. We'll see. Also, it looks like a couple of the designs in my portfolio have been picked up by Sam's Club so we'll see how it goes. The contracts arrived while I was gone so I guess this is a real thing. OK time to hit the sack. I'm bushed and need to get some sleep so I'll say good night to all and I'll check in tomorrow. D |
T, so very sorry, I missed your post about your difficult decision. (((((T))))) That never is easy but you did the right thing. Deanne |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Fri, Jun 9, 06 at 23:32
We spent a little time picking up rocks again tonight. The wind is unbelievable. This afternoon it was 86 degrees it is now 60. Which is supposed to be tomorrows high. Good rock picking weather. I told Rick to put all the flat rocks on a separate pile as I have decided to make a small raised bed in one area that has rocky soil and things aren't growing very well there. It sure beats digging thru the rock pile for the appropriate rocks. 60 degrees should be a good day to do some rock and maybe brick work. We also worked on that copper tuteur that I started months ago. It will be finished tomorrow. The clematis are waiting to be planted and I also grew some hyacinth bean vines to put on it. It is huge. Eden, poor Bella. Those little ones just break your heart when they are sick. I have quite a few of the creeping sedums for my raised rock bed. My Frosty Morn hasn't gotten big enough to flop and last year only 1 of my 3 Matronas flopped. I should cut that one back. It is in a very well amended bed. Actually, something pruned the Frosty Morn for me earlier this spring. Either deer or rabbits. I have never had them bother sedum before??? I'll leave you with a picture of my trough garden. This actually is a calf trough. It had some nice rust holes on the bottom for drainage. I found it on Rick's junk pile. The one I had seen had a cool rock that was hollowed out and it had water in it. Since I didn't have a rock like that, I used a dark dish for the water feature. Its about 4' long. Night all |
Da, I hope you have a wonderful birthday! :o) T. |
- Posted by full_bloom z5 IL (My Page) on Sat, Jun 10, 06 at 0:12
I'm so beat tonight and I just lost my post! Darn it! T - I'm so sorry to hear about your boy. That's so hard and no wonder you were feeling sad. I hope I didn't upset you when I was talking about melancholy. You had good reason to feel sad, not like my silly self. It's the curse of having pets that they can't live as long as we do. All you can do is love them, care for them, give them a happy home and hope that you've given them 1/10th of the happiness they've given you, and of your boy, I know it's true. Chasing bunnies and Elk off his grass and having a family who loved him, that's a good life! I hope you'll remember that and take comfort in that, even though I know you will miss him so. Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your pics Eden...you always find the neatest plants. Are there a lot of great nurseries out by you? Poor Bella...hope she's feeling better tomorrow. Babs - how did you know? LOL! Yes, and I even bought a few bags of mulch...shhh! I came in the house tonight looking like the mini-me of Bigfoot. More twigs and leaves in my hair (if you want to call it hair), mud on my cheek, caked with dirt from head to toe, gosh I even scared myself! Oh well took a shower and then off to get a cappucino. I thought the coffee would wake me up, but no, I'm still pooped so I'm gonna cut this short and get to bed... Oh here's a little trivia quiz for you (I got 10 cents off my coffee for guessing right): Who was the mustachioed actor who was originally offered the part of Indiana Jones, but turned it down? Marie - Sounds like you had a pleasant day with your clematis friend. I *love* that trough planting. Eden, Michelle and Babs talking about mini-gardens has me wanting one. I have a hypertufa trough that I made last year, but the planting is uninspired. Well, I'd love to do an Eden mini-garden, but I'm just not that creative, but maybe next year I'll try to do the mini-hosta thing...I really like that. Marian - I was just thinking tonight about the Maackii again. Now that I think on it my tree *has* to be at least 10 years old...slow is right. I've been eyeing it all day and trying to resist digging it out. I know it would be better to wait until fall, since rain is so undependable here these days. Sorry about having to be *so* independent. I can imagine sometimes it would be nice to let someone else take the reigns. I *do* wish I had a little more of your gumption though...it must give you confidence! Deanne! Welcome Home! :-) Sorry you had such unpleasantness on your trip. Good for you for knowing it is *not* you - it is them. I guess, if you can muster it up, you should really feel sorry for them because you know that they must be very unhappy with themselves. Just sorry you had to go through that and sorry about the wet gardens. Thank goodness the gardener is home! :-) Was going to post a pic of my broken leaf bath and some roses, but I'm too tired tonight, so I will just say good night for now....Pleasant Dreams All! P.S. Michelle...I just saw your trough...how neat! Love that it is old and "recycled" too. What is the plant that looks like a starfish? How cool! You guys are so creative. Funny thing Michelle, this year I've noticed that our weather conditions are the same...I don't think it was like that last year. Tonight it is in the *50's*! Yikes, that's a little too cool for summer, even for me. Okay...off to bed now...Good Night All! Ei |
((((T))))) I'm so sorry to hear of your dog, and your difficult decision. I totally agree, you did the right thing. I would have chosen the same route, and had to when my cat got cancer. Your decision might not seem straight forward to some, but it does to me. The dog was miserably ill and it could have hurt someone else, that's very clear cut to me. I hope you heal from the loss the way you're supposed to and can then enjoy the abundant memories you have of your beloved pup. Eden, I'm so very sorry about your mom having lymphoma. I did a bit of reading on it and linked 2 sites that sounded interesting and maybe helpful. There seem to be a few different types of lymphoma, so I hope the info is about the right types. Lymphoma therapy. I hope sweet Bella, is better quickly. I agree, it's hard to see little ones sick. I know I'm in a mess of trouble when my kids have kids. I still hate to see my kids be sick as adults, so I'm probably going to be the same with any grandchildren. Michelle I love the trough garden. I've always wanted a canoe garden but haven't come across a wrecked one yet. Those 4' high Canadian thistles aren't Canada's fault you know? ;) I think there was a lax invasive weeds imigration policy back when the thistle and friends made it's way up here. ;) Deanne glad to see you're back. I hope you know those silly people who talk meanly are small sad people who have to attempt to belittle a brilliant slim, fit, healthy, artist/gardener who has everything going for her, in order to even register on the map. What a sad sad waste of good space and air. Too bad some people ever learned to talk, isn't it? Ei I hope your sister's doing okay. I hate that our loved ones get sick ever. The prognosis is so much better nowadays, so there is much more hope. keeping her moood positive and her strength up by eating right is supposed to go a long way to healing cancer patients. All the best to her. Hi Marian. I hope you get the range issues sorted out soon. What a drag to not be able to use some of your stove due to glitchy electronics. I wish I could use my cook timer on my stove, which I've never figured out how to use, so I know a little of what you mean. Hi everyone else who I've missed. I'm just too tired to keep typing. Yeona |
Here is a link that might be useful: Breakthrough treatments for ymphoma
Hello my dear Idylls, I've skimmed this thread quickly, but don't have time for a lot of comments. But want to send my prayers out to Eden and her mum. I'm starting to take cancer very personally now. And also to Teresa--what a heart-wrenching decision to have to make, but I believe you made the right one. Hugs to you both... The home inspection did not go well, major electrical woes throughout. He was an electrician so hodgepodged things together in any fashion he chose. So now we have an ammendment to our agreement that they have a qualified, certified electrician (who we get to approve) go over the place with a fine tooth comb and make a detailed list with price quote of all the work that must be done to bring it up to standard. Then they must either agree to have the work done (then it must pass the local electrical authority's inspection) or take the estimated cost (plus another $1500 for other miscellaneous things that need work) off the purchase price. We'll see what happens. What a pain, and so unnecessary, as he should have known better and was qualified to do it right the first time. Must go now. Gigi and the boys are receiving friends and family at 10:00am, service for Bruce is at 11:00am, with reception to follow. Going to be a tough day, but I hope will bring them some closure. I'm bringing the boys, who look so grown up in their dress pants and shirts, as Gigi requested to bring kids unless one didn't want to, and I know it will be a diversion for Ryan and Reid. Will follow up this day with a free concert by the Grand River to see the band Chiliwack. Will be a nice stress relief I think. Taryn This one goes out to my buddy Bruce: Gone Away (The Offspring) Maybe in another life And it feels Leaving flowers on your grave I reach to the sky And it feels Oooooo, yeah oooooo, oooooo, Ohh yeah. I'll Save Your Soul I reach to the sky And it feels Oooooo, yeah oooooo, oooooo, Ohh yeah. |
Good Morning, I looks to be a beautiful day here today. Last night when I took the dog out right before bed it was downright chilly here too and felt more like an autumn night. I'm off to the farmers market in a little while but am getting a late start today. I need to see if I can find a musa rowe red. I gave mine to Jenni for one of her container gardens. We went out the other day and she picked out enough plants for us to put together 3 pots for her balcony but we couldn't find a decent banana anywhere so I just gave her that one of mine hoping I'd be able to replace it today. I'd also like to get a couple of windows washed and most of my annuals planted out today. Unfortunately a trip to the grocery store is also in the picture, not one of my favorite activities, but I need to get ingredients for a taco salad I'm making for tomorrow night. Michelle, I love your trough garden with the little dish of water. I like using old things like that when I find them too. Deanne, welcome home. You were missed here. I'd just like to say that I can't imagine you ever gaining back the weight you lost. You didn't just go on a diet, but have made major changes in your lifestyle and thinking patterns that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Those people who expected you to have gained back weight must not know you very well at all or they would have realized that. Babs, you guys are smart to have the water heater installed. Brad put ours in himself last fall and it was no easy feat. I've rarely seen him in such a bad mood as he was that day. Ei, I think I know the answer to your trivia question. I heard it recently on some show on tv, wasn't it Tom Selleck? Glad you had a day to enjoy in your garden. I always figure the dirtier I am when I come in at night the more productive I've been. You should try a mini garden. You ARE very creative! Yeona, thanks so much for the links. I'll pass them on to my mom. She's in the process on deciding where to go for treatment. She has the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and unfortunately it looks like it's one of the more aggressive forms. I must get going here if I'm going to get all I want to accomplished today. I should have been out of here a couple of hours ago and I'm still sitting here in my pjs so I've got to get myself motivated. Be back later. Have a great day! Eden |
Sorry, but this is going to be another drive by post...this whole weekend is turning into a blur. Yesterday I made plans with a guy I work with and his wife to go to a free concert at the Mohegan Sun Casino last night-Delbert McClinton. Here in CT we have two very large Indian casinos-some of the highest grossing casinos in North America so I hear. I don't gamble and have only been to them once before. Anyway the concert started at 8 PM, seating started at 6:30, but because it was free we had to get there and get in line at 4:30. The casino is almost an hour away so I had to dash out of work early on a day when I was rushing to get statements out. I also had made plans with Bryan for lunch and we got to discussing some issues in the office and lost track of time so I ended up running around like a nut. I'm not a fan of crowds so don't usually go to things like this but it turned out to be alot of fun. We didn't get home til after 10:30. Today we have tickets to a garden tour at a shoreline town. It's been raining for days and was pouring this morning but it's supposed to clear up later this morning and be somewhat OK for the rest of the weekend. If my garden was on a tour I'd be freaked out because the way the weather has been it would be impossible to get it ready. My friend is supposed to be here at 9:30 so I need to hit the shower soon. Tomorrow, another garden party in the Boston area at the garden of a woman I know from the New England forum... T, I'm so glad you decided to share the news about Seiko with the group. I was hoping you would. Everybody here has pets and knows exactly what you're going through. OK, now I really have to run. Have a great day! Sue |
- Posted by gardeningmary (My Page) on Sat, Jun 10, 06 at 9:53
Good morning I've missed posting a few times but have been thinking of the challenges so many of our group are facing. Teresa - what a painful decision to make and what a range of emotions you must be feeling. I hope sharing here was in some small way cathartic - you know how perfectly the Idylls understand pets and their relationships. Many hugs. Taryn - today will be such a hard day for you. When I went to the memorial for Susan and the girls I had to keep myself together for Annie but all I wanted to do was to crawl into a hole and cry in private. The service was very comforting and being surrounded by people who loved the family the way we did was a great support. I hope Bruce's service will offer the same for you. Eden - how sad I am to hear about your mother. I'll be thinking a lot about her in the next few months. Ei and V - the same for you too. You and your loved ones are in my thoughts. Deanne - its good to have you back. Its not the same without you! You should send those people with the negative comments over to Ei for a lesson in positive thinking lol! Glad you could pick up some work. My fuschias are stunning at the moment and the coleus starting to take off. It gives me a good feeling everytime I walk by or water them. Michelle and Eden - I love your troughs. Anything with miniatures has a special appeal to me, so I wonder sometimes why I am drawn to such huge plants in the garden. Speaking of huge plants, my fantastic Persicaria Polymorpha was beaten down by the storms we've been having and 3/4 of the hollow stems with flower heads were snapped. Its very discouraging as this is the anchor of one of my poppy beds and provides the backdrop for their flowers. Sue - how is yours doing? Babs - are you cross linking your wish list plants with those that the deer don't enjoy? Unfortunately our roving troup love my Roseanne geraniums and even with regular repellent spraying they've been nibbling away. I can't seem to link the Buddleia Bicolor but Plant Delights has it if you do a Google search. The good news is its deer resistant. I have lots more to say but no time. Sorry to those i"ve missed. I just got back from the market and need to round everyone up for music lessons. Its 48F at the moment and rainy and I'm chilled to the bone. Time for anothe cup of Joe. Have a great day Mary PS Happy Birthday Da - card to follow. |
Good rainy morning! I was about to start the chant for "No More Rain", but then I thought about last summer's drought and figured I'd better be careful what I wish for! Really though, can't it rain on the days that I am stuck in work all day?? Eden, sending good thoughts and prayers for your mom. T, how sad about your dog - he was a handsome thing! You surely did the right thing to end his suffering, but I know it was hard for you. Taryn, thinking of you today as well. I am loving all the miniature gardens - especially the mini hostas! I am a hosta nut, but the only mini I have seems to get lost in the garden. The troughs are a great idea. Ei, I remember the Cosby Show episode with that Ray Charles song - priceless! I loved that show. Sue, does that party on Sunday involve peonies by any chance? If so, I'll see you there! Have to go now, DD (aka sleeping beauty) just woke up and wants her Saturday pancakes...she is turning into a night owl like DH. DS and I had our pancakes hours ago! Later! -Wendy |
Morning all. Yesterday was one of my droopy days. I think it is because the temps have increased too much for my body's adjustment. :-( Eden, I hope sweet little Bella is better today. I always wished I could do the suffering for my son when he was sick,and my GDs also. T, I am so sorry about your dear pet. I know how hard it is. Yep, Michelle, the range's digital controls are definitely "a little wacky". LOL The resident deer pruned a bunch of my Purple Cone Flowers, and the ends of some Tiger lilies in the same bed. The mooonlit nights have them grazing there while we sleep! :-( Deanne, good to see you back safe and sound. Sorry about the rudeness of those unkind people. They are just jealous of all your expertise. Some people thrive on being mean! Yeona ( Hi!), I have often thought of using an old row boat, that Nolon brought home years ago, for a flowerbed. He has always poopooed that idea, but I still may do it some day. Taryn, sorry about the wiring woes. We will have no one to blame if ours is not up to standards. Nolon both wired and plumbed this house. I do regret that he did not put in enough plug-ins. When we sold our brand new house, in Idaho, there were several things they stated had to be finished before they would buy it. We came down on the asking price quite a bit too. I hope to never be around if I ever have to be involved with a home sale again. I was really annoyed with some of the snotty things they said about our choices of carpeting, etc. Sue, I am not fond of crowds either. but I did enjoy the River Fest in Little Rock when I went with our son several years ago. Your evening sounds like fun. I'm glad it was better than you expected. Wow! You sure have a busy schedule! The garden tour and garden party will be great...if the rain holds off. We are in need of rain here. I hope all are having a nice week end. I called my sis yesterday morning. Her DH had a valve put into an aorta Wednesday, and I was checking on him. He came through it fine, but she gave me some disturbing news. Our 59 year old nephew was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was removed Monday.He has lost the ability to speak ! I certainly pray that that can be reversed. The test results had not came back yet. So I can only pray that it was not malignant. He had had a tumor removed from his colon a while back, and there is another one now. The earlier one was not malignant. I belive he is scheduled for a full body scan. Marian |
This is what happens when I get interrupted, which is constantly...I forget things I wanted to say. These were my thoughts while cooking pancakes: Babs, I bought a cape fuchsia called 'Moonraker' last year, and I was able to winter it over in the basement and it is huge this year. I have to say it was probably my favorite tender plant from last year. Sue, BJ's has 24" pots, a bronzy color, if you are still looking for big pots. Deanne, I can't believe those people would comment on your transformation in such a negative way...you have worked so hard, what you have done is way more than some fad diet. I think some people are just negative. At least you got some work at the convention. Re: the clippings in the corner of each post, it is disturbing to think that someone might be clipping our thoughts shared here as if they were coupons... Also, Marian, how scary for your brother - good thing he went to the hospital. Hope he is doing well. That's all for now! -Wendy |
Good morning all, Well Doug and I went on a date last night after he picked me up from the airport and we went out to the Outback for a tenderloin. I was so proud of Doug when he ordered the 7oz steak instead of the 9 or 12 oz. Progress is being made. We both had salad, and steamed veggies with our filets and I have to say it was a delicious meal without too much guilt involved. We did order a bottle of cabernet that went down nicely with the steaks. He was craving one of those blooming onions but talked him out of it. No more fried onions for us. Our convention was at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville and that place is unbelievable. The size of the indoor gardens would boggle your minds. They have nine acres under glass! Have any of you ever been there??? They have some really beautiful tropical plantings that are impeccably groomed. Sue, you'd have loved it! Unfortunately nothing was labeled and there was nobody there you could ask about what some of the plants were. There were a few there I'd love to have for my summer containers. The downside of this place is that it is beyond belief expensive and you can't get a healthy meal there. In all the restaurant and food service areas there isn't one place you can get a salad with a piece of grilled chicken on it. It all comes with melted cheese or sauce or whatever. The first night I was there we ate at a nice fish restaurant in the 'Cascades Atrium' and I asked them to just broil 6 oz of swordfish and get me some steamed veggies and it cost me $47.00! Basically I lived on power bars and instant oatmeal and had only one meal out in their restaurants per day to try and keep costs down. I did a bit of a 'walk-about' in the pouring rain this morning and it is beyond discouraging. The irises have all been pounded into the dirt along with my Salvia 'May Night'. The first flush of June roses which are the best of the year are ruined by the rain and everything is looking terrible. The dahlias, cannas and callas are just sitting there sulking and I'll be lucky to get any flowers out of them at all this year. There is lots of mushy foliage everywhere, the slugs are on the rampage and all I have to say is thank heavens I'm not doing a garden tour this year. Rain, rain go away come again another day…. Like two weeks from now. I sure wish this was falling on someone who needs it. Wendy,I know what you mean about being worried about going from this to drought though. It's entirely possible I'll be yearning for a good soaking rain in three weeks or so. Eden the paver project turned out wonderful and the containers are fabu! I love them all especially those little mini gardens. They are too cute for words. I'm going to have to re-do a few of my containers because they've just gotten way too wet and some of the plants aren't doing well or have died off. Who knew we'd be halfway through June and still dealing with this constant soggy weather with 50 degree temps. Yep it is only 59 degrees out even as I type this post. ~~ I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. That is going to be difficult. Also sorry to hear Bella wasn't feeling well. It always breaks your heart to see the little ones sick. Marian, sorry about the deer demolishing your lilies. That really is a bummer because that means no flowers until next year. I hope they left the rest of the plants alone so they can store up enough energy to bloom well next year. ~~That is awful about your nephew and brother. I hope they both get well soon. Taryn, Too bad about the wiring problems. I hope you can resolve it and that everything works out. Mary, so happy to hear that the fuchsia are looking good. I just love those plants. Even with all this rain and cold mine are still looking good. I haven't checked on my P. Polymorpha yet. I'm expecting it will have suffered the same fate as yours. Thank heavens the Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' is only just starting to get some size to it so it is still OK. Yeona, you made my day with your comment "What a sad sad waste of good space and air. Too bad some people ever learned to talk, isn't it?" I'm still laughing. Thanks! OK it seems I missed a couple birthdays here so I'm going to go and make a couple cards. Have a great day all, |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Sat, Jun 10, 06 at 13:06
Cold, damp and windy. Damp, but still no significant rain. The wind has decimated some plants such as the lupines, peonies and the Carefree Beauty rose which looked so lovely a couple of days ago. It is odd how the wind which rattled the windows last night can tear apart some plants and others handle it quite well. Most of the other roses are just fine. Taryn, my thought are with you today. I hope the service brings some measure of comfort to all. Deanne, good to have you back. I have seen pictures of that hotel. My parents have been there. Marian, I must clarify that the marijuana grows wild. No one planted it. We occasionally find a few plants around the farm, but this was quite a large patch. Although, the people that lived there last did have teens. Around here meth labs are becoming more of a problem than growing weed. DD and Kenzie just left. She had ordered a childs Dyson vacuum off Ebay. She didn't realize that when she set the account up, she still lived at home and so it was sent here. DD has a purple Dyson and wanted Kenzie to have one too. It was very cute. I guess we will head out to pick some rocks up and then maybe I'll work somewhere that's out of the wind. Later |
- Posted by gardeningmary (My Page) on Sat, Jun 10, 06 at 13:29
Happy birthday Da |
Michelle, I forgot to tell you how much I love your trough garden. So clever to use an old piece of junk and turn it into such a lovely container garden. I detest windy days. That really is a shame about your lupines and peonies. I just hate it when the weather ruins the flowers you've waited a year for. Too funny that Kenzie has her own purple vacuum. I'd love to see a pic of her pushing that around. D |
- Posted by gardeningmary (My Page) on Sat, Jun 10, 06 at 13:38
Marian - I was jsut reading about your family members health concerns - how upsetting. I hope medical care and family support can help them through what lies ahead. So far I've kept the deer off my lilies with some brid netting laid over the top. Roses, gerniums and otheres regrow but when a lily bud is snapped off its so very frustrating. Hope a few of yours survived. Michelle - David had a toy vacuum and it was one of his very favorites to play with. Unfortunately teh real thing has less appeal now he's old enough to use it. I'm doing this post in drips and drabs. Time now to get dressed warmly for Little League. I'll be shivering on the bleachers for a couple of hours. Mary |
Happy Birthday Da! Hope you're having a great day. Eden |
Hi everybody, Just in from the garden. It's getting too chilly out there. How often can you say that in mid-June? I got a good portion of the annuals planted out today but still have a long list of "things to do in the garden". I got my replacement banana this morning and a couple of sedums, Lynda Windsor and Stardust. (Bab's I think I may be beginning to horde sedums now, lol.) Good progress was made today because I planted much more than I bought. I stopped by to visit a friend who has 3 bog gardens and some really neat pitcher plants. Some of them were blooming today, they were really something to see. Makes me want a small bog garden but where oh where would I squeeze it in? Mary, it was good to have a post from you. Hope you didn't get too cold at the LL game today. When I get cold it seems to take forever to get me warmed back up these days. I even turned on the furnace to take the chill off in the house last night because I just couldn't get warm. Deanne, sorry to hear your gardens are so soggy. Don't get discouraged. The plants have a way of bouncing back quickly. I agree it's hard to see things in ruins that you've waited a year to see though. Hope it clears up for you all out east real soon. Marian, I'm so sorry to hear so many of your family members are having health problems. I hope they all recover quickly and completely. I think the old row boat would be such a neat plant container. That would be so cool! You should do it. Michelle, I googled the purple Dyson. It's the cutest thing. I bet Kenzie will just love it and love vacuuming right along with her mom. I've been looking for a child size broom for Bella so she can sweep the deck when we're outside but so far no luck. Wendy the pancakes sounded really good this morning. Taryn, I hope the day wasn't too hard for you all and was a good memorial to Bruce's life. You were in my thoughts often today. I'm off to feed and water the livestock (dog and cats) and then off to bed early tonight. Tomorrow will be a long and busy day. Eden |
DA! Very good wishes for your birthday! I have made a card for you...in BLACK!...but my server won't let me post pictures today. DH is investigating this, but in the meantime, I'm not forgetting you! :-) It has been a beautiful cool (cold) day here. Unfortunately I only managed 3 hours of sleep last night and so today has been rather a loss. It's not like it used to be in school days. I did manage to grocery shop (I agree Eden, YUCK!) and saw some chairs that would be perfect for our patio. They cost $70 each and I simply can't afford that now, especially with Idyllunion coming up. I bought grass clippers though. DH helped me this afternoon with clipping around young trees and watering them. Then I passed out for an hour's sleep. I've been moving the sprinkler about as things are very dry. Tomorrow is one of our Gravel Watch meetings, so no gardening then either. I hate missing these two perfect cool windy days without bugs, but I hope Monday and Tuesday will still be OK for work out there. The moon is extraordinary outside my window tonight. It is watching over my shoulder as I type! :-) I must try for an early sleep now to catch up, but I am thinking of one and all! What a wonderful "village" we are! 'Bug |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Sat, Jun 10, 06 at 23:13
Wendy, my party involves Peonies tomorrow also-see ya there! Eden, so sorry about your mom's diagnosis. T-that is so sad about your dog. You made the right decision, even though it was a tough one. We went to "Doggie Fun Zone" today-was loads of fun. It's basically lure coursing (plastic bag on a string powered by a motor) with some small agility objects-jumps, A-frames, tunnels, etc. Ollie as a bystander barked everytime the lure went by, so did a Chinese Crested. So, Ollie got his 2 turns and did very well. Then the owner of the DFZ decided to have him and the CC race together-Ollie won the first round and the CC won the second. He had a blast and it was so much fun to watch all the dogs-some of the bigger dogs couldn't go around the first turn and their momentum kept them straight and therefore over the 3 foot wall at the rear of the course. Mary, my Persicaria polymorpha looks ok-I'm really surprised. Many other plants-esp the peonies-have wilted stems. |
- Posted by babs_clare (My Page) on Sat, Jun 10, 06 at 23:24
Eden you crack me up! Those wheels are always turning,if you want a bog garden you'll come up with a way: )...I always thought it would be cool to make a bog garden by sinking a pond liner into the ground and just filling it with soil and adding water as needed-I'm sure there's more to it than that but sometimes you have to get creative when you have a zillion tree roots that suck up any chances of a bog lol: ) I am smiling about your sedum obsession because I'm now realizing that there are SO many types of sedums besides Autumn joy and the ones we are familiar with.(kinda like those clematis Marie talks about.lol) I like your sense of adventure with plants. I'm so sorry your mom has the more agressive lymphoma-I will still keep hope that she responds well to her treatment. Michelle I was lol about the canabis plantings of your older friend-what a surprise I bet. T-hey I've been to that waterfall! I think we hiked three miles up the side of that too(that was many years ago when I was more spritely; ) I've got hot water again! Marian I have to say this Lowe's installer guy was pretty good. He called to say he'd be here around twelve then called to make sure he was going to the right address and was here by 12:10. Chris was his Jr, assistant; ) and he said the guy really made sure things were done right and updated things to code. I almost spit when yesterday the sales guy back at the store wrote up our installation invoice-for some strange reason he said we couldn't have anything done until *Mon.* but they advertise same day or next day service so I don't know what that was all about but I was prepared to raise a ruckus and did object(nicely but firmly with gritted teeth--kidding!). It all worked out so no bad experiences here thankfully. Wendy-Yes! Cape fuchsia(phygelius)is a very cool plant! I couldn't decide whether to throw caution to the wind and put it in the ground or pot it up. Supposedly if I put it near a south facing wall it will just die down to the ground and come back the following year if well mulched even though it's a zone 7 or warmer plant. But-You convinced me to pot it up and bring it indoors for winter. Do you let it die back before putting it in the basement? If I kept it from going dormant I wonder how it would do as a houseplant...I probably don't have enough sun though. Wow the root system on the plant is nice-I can see how in its native home it would be a big spreader-I have lots of runner roots sending out growth and it should like the larger pot I put it in. I got the newer cultivar,'New Sensation'. I plan to experiment with propagating it from cuttings like we do the other fuchsias(though Cape Fuchsia really isn't a fuchsia at all!).Anyway if it works I'd be glad to share with other idylls. Deanne welcome back home! You need to ignore people who say such nasty things about your weight success. I just can't believe how shallow someone is to say such things. I think insecure people do things like that. They simply don't have a clue either which is really irritating. MAry I was chattering my teeth with you-too cold today!!!In an optimistic sense though...it was great for a no sweat mowing of the lawn: ) sorry I have to go-I always have MUCH MORE to say as you all know but Chris just put the movie dvd on! ~Babs |
Evening all, We've just returned from a graduation dinner for MJ's oldest son who just graduated from HS today. What a fine young man he has turned out to be. I must be getting old and cranky though. I find sitting through a dinner in a restaurant with a party of 16 to be excruciating. I don't seem to be able to 'connect' with people much anymore and social chit chat makes me crazy. Most people don't 'get' what I do for a living and seriously don't 'get' the way I garden. To them gardening is throwing in a few marigolds and petunias. I felt like I had absolutely nothing to talk about. Bug, how come you only got 3 hours of sleep last night? Must have been the moon, I didn't sleep well last night either. LOL ~~ BTW you are lucky to be able to see the moon. I haven't see the night sky for a week. Eden, I lol when you said you planted more than you bought! That is always a good feeling. Right now I'm so bummed about this incessant rainy, cloudy weather that I don't even feel like plant shopping. I'm thinking a nice warm sunny day will fix my attitude though. I agree with you that I wish it would warm up soon. I can't remember another year where June was this cold and wet. Yukky! Mary, it made me cold just thinking about sitting outside in the weather for two hours. I hope you didnt' get too chilled and that the game was fun. OK without further ado, wishing Da a happy birthday.... HOpe it was a good one and that you can check in with us sometime soon. Nite all, |
- Posted by full_bloom z5 IL (My Page) on Sun, Jun 11, 06 at 0:35
Happy Birthday Da! Hope you had a lovely day! Marian - I'm so sorry to hear about all the health woes in your family. I hope there will be some good news about your brother soon and your other family members too! I can imagaine how distressed you feel not being able to reach your brother. That's so sad about your nephew too. I sure hope that there will be better news for him too. Wish there was something more comforting I could say. I hope that you are okay?! Wendy! :-) Yes, I *loved* the Cosbys...glad to know you enjoyed them too! :-) Eden...you were right! It was Tom Sellek. When you think of it, doesn't he seem like he would fit the part too? I hope you *do* do a bog garden...I'd love to see how that turns out and how you dreamed it up! :-) Thinking of you and mom. I will keep her in my prayers! Funny about the sedums Babs...I was thinking the same thing. I never realized there were any other varieties other than Autumn Joy...LOL! You girls sure know how to expand someone's horizons. Hope you enjoyed the movie Babs! We watched Cheaper by the Dozen 2 tonight. It wasn't that good really, but not offensive. I am partial to the *original* black and white version of that movie...much funnier, I thought. What did you guys watch? Has anybody seen Failure to Launch? Was it funny? We have run out of movies to rent and am looking for recommendations. I hope the Prairie Home Companion movie gets good reviews, I think it would be something I would enjoy...lots of my "fave" actors in it. Paul and I went to a play today called Lettice and Lovage....It was wonderful! The actors were perfect for their parts, lots of fun. I was so taken in by the whole play that I didn't even want to leave the theatre. I *loved* Lettice Douffet! She kinda reminded me of my Aunt Marie! :-) The play was written by a British playright and it is a comedy about a woman (Lettice Douffet) a tour guide who creates interest in a house she represents by telling fantastic stories about the home in order to entertain and inform the tourists. She is such a character...what fun! P.S. Thanks Mary, that's very kind of you to say and it's always so nice to hear from you and to hear about what's going on with your lovely family. P.P.S. Thinking of you too Taryn. I hope that today was a day of comfort for Gigi & the kids - and for all of you, of course. Hope everything works out with the electrician too. Well off to bed with me...Good Night All! Ei |
- Posted by full_bloom z5 IL (My Page) on Sun, Jun 11, 06 at 0:38
LOL Babs! :-) Are exclamation points catching?!?! ;-) |
- Posted by full_bloom z5 IL (My Page) on Sun, Jun 11, 06 at 1:13
Okay, one more round and then I will leave you guys alone...I just wanted to say Thank you Yeona! It feels so good to know there are people out there pulling for you and sending their good thoughts. Yes Marie, this is a wonderful "village"! Wish I could see our moon....maybe I'll go outside on the porch and look for it! :-) "Goodnight room Goodnight moon Goodnight cow jumping over the moon Goodnight comb And goodnight brush And Good Night Bella, Ryan and Kenzie too |
Good morning! Some sun for today, finally! Babs, my cape fuchsia never really died back. I believe it is a zone 7 plant, so it was one of the last things still going in November. When snow was in the forecast I brought it into the basement and put in a darkish corner - I guess I forced it into dormancy. I left the stems and leaves alone and watered it some. It was pretty dry and rustly by April. I put it out on the deck to see what would happen, and sure enough there was a little bit of new growth. I cut it back to just a few inches high, and it sprouted tons of new stems. I thought of putting it in the ground, but I really like it in the pot, and I didn't want to have to dig it up again in the fall. It probably could use a bigger pot though. I did have one cutting survive and it is still pretty small, but I am not a plant mama like Deanne! Deanne, you'll just have to hang out with us more, we 'get' you! Ei: "Goodnight light and the red balloon My son loved that story, I read it to him every night for over a year when he was 2 or 3. After a while I didn't even need the book! Enjoy the day all! -Wendy |
Good morning! The sun is actually peeking out today. I've been up since 5:30 because I wanted to squeeze in a walk before I got engrossed in other stuff. For June it was a chilly stroll-51 F and breezy. It was breezy yesterday too-at least things are drying out. The garden tour yesterday was a hit. Eight gardens and only one that I wasn't crazy about. A few of the gardens were on fabulous properties with large beautiful homes. You should have seen some of these joints. One house had an attached three car garage and a detached three car garage with a whole separate driveway. Most of them had pretty patio and/or inground pool areas. Some of the gardeners were into containers and had some creative containers and plant combos scattered around. Not much in the way of unusual plants in the gardens-at least to me. I always end up answering all the questions of the people walking around asking what this, that and the other plant is. My friend told me I missed my calling...lol. All the gardens appeared to be owner designed and maintained and I always prefer to see gardens like that. We had a delicious lunch at a cool little restaurant on the Guilford green. I had lobster, mushroom and artichoke crepes with asparagus and rice pilaf. Tom had the panini special-pulled pork with sweet potato fries. Unfortunately we were on the run and didn't have time for dessert but at a couple of the gardens they were serving cookies and cold drinks so we made out on that end. After the tour I hit a few of the area nurseries and picked up a bunch of annuals-mostly some more coleus but I also found that tender purple leafed Cotinus I've been looking for. Hopefully today I'll make some headway in the garden but we have to leave around 2:30 for the party (yes, Wendy, it involves peonies). This party ought to be fun. I think just about everybody who posts regularly on the NE forum got invited-or at least everyone who came to the Logees outing that Martie organized in January. It will be interesting to see who comes. I've been asked to bring my camera so I should have pictures to share. Babs, I grew Cape Fuschia last year in a pot-a yellow flowered variety-but I didn't try to overwinter it. If it's zone 7 hardy I could probably plant it in the ground around the patio and have a shot at getting it back. The Musa basjoo I overwintered out there is already 6 feet high and it hasn't even been all that warm yet. I also got a Salvia 'Argentine Skies' back. One plant is now a two foot wide circle. The hummingbirds are flitting around this morning. Summer can't be far off. OK, I need to get moving-lots to do and not enough time to do it all. Enjoy! Sue |
- Posted by gardeningmary (My Page) on Sun, Jun 11, 06 at 13:32
Ei - In the great green room there was a telephone, and a red balloon and a picture of the cow jumping over the moon. There were three little bears.... I still know that from heart and love it. One day I'd like to do a minature room setting with all the items. I'm looking forward to seeing Prairie Home Companion. For a good movie DH and I saw "Water" last week - an amazing Indian film about the life of widows who have to follow the strict code of behaviour laid out in the holy books. It was sad, but beautifully filmed. Sue - what fun your tour sounds. Hope today is as good. Babs - glad you have hot water back. I needed some yesterday afternoon. I think I've only just thawed out. Today is cool and overcast, in other words a great day to do some heavy work in the garden. I've promised Annie and David a bike ride first so I'm off for a pedal. Enjoy your day Mary |
- Posted by babs_clare (My Page) on Sun, Jun 11, 06 at 14:31
Everyone is probably enjoying an apres-peony party...but here I am cold and feeling not sick, but not well. I am drinking tea and eating peanuts, which feels good at the moment. We went through a long meeting today- starting at 9am and ending at 2pm. On the return trip I suggested to DH we stop at a nursery known for its laughably high prices. I checked things out and came home with a Centaurea Amethyst in Snow, a Nepeta 'Candy Cat', and a Purple Spider Clematis. Well, I just couldn't leave them there.... Michelle, I was worried about your discovery in the field the other day. Amusing as the story was, these things can be terribly dangerous. Around here plots are often booby trapped or guns are used for protection. Airplanes patrol a great deal. Often pot crops are grown between rows of sunflowers or corn to confuse the people checking things out from above. We read plenty of reports in the papers, but I imagine more are discovered than reported. Stay safe! As to rock picking...that is about one of the worst jobs on a farm! Our neighbour used to hire the youth groups from church to pick rocks for him and give them a party afterwards! T, please tell me where the waterfall is. I feel as though I've been there. Have I? I hope you all enjoyed bike rides, flower tours, hot tubs, cooking, a good book or grandchildren...whatever makes you happiest. 'bug |
Here is a link that might be useful: new Centaurea
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DA! Hope you had a wonderful day, and can pop in and say Hi soon...Taryn |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Sun, Jun 11, 06 at 23:23
I can't tell you what a miserable wind we have had on Friday and Sat. Some of my shrubs really took a beating, more than the perennials. Its just like the edges of the leaves were burned. I think that because we are so dry and it's been so hot, they are stressed. I have been watering, but there's nothing like a good soaking rain. The wind was from the east which is very unusual, so maybe those shrubs are used to more protection. To think that we had water in our basement not all that long ago. The high last Sat. was 96 and yesterday it was probably 56 at the most. Very weird weather. You know those wadded up iris Kleenexes? They were blown right away and just the bare stems are left. Booby trapped huh? Seriously I don't think around here its much of a problem. Like I said earlier you hear much more about meth lab busts. As for rock picking, I don't mind if we do it when its cool and we try to only do 2 hours or less at time. Last year I didn't do it at all. The grandson's were hired. This year so far most of the rocks are softball to melon sized so are easily handled. Sue, 8 gardens and you liked 7, that must have been some garden tour. Our local garden tour is going to have 4. I already know that one isn't at all what I would consider a garden. Deanne, I meant to mention how that I was very impressed with your contract with Sam's Club. As for people not getting what you do or your gardening, I read a garden quote recently in one of the garden magazines that struck me. "It's a labor of love, not a love of labor" Some people say to me "what a lot of work" I know they just don't "get it" I think we all "get it" here. LOL That's one reason I'm looking forward to IU3, is to hang out with you all who "get it" Eden, funny you can't find Bella a broom. When my kids were little they had them. Kenzie likes to push around a Swiffer. LOL on your new addition. I could always bring you cuttings to IU3 if there are any I have that you don't. Mary, David sounds like my son, he had a toy mower that he dearly loved, but when he was old enough to mow, it wasn't nearly so much fun. Night all |
Good Moooorning! Rise and shine! :-) Well it is actually overcast here and they are expecting a high around 68F today. I am concerned because the prediction shows no rain right through Friday. Already I have been lugging the hoses about for some time, and on 10 acres...well you can imagine what fun that is. Yesterday DH and I watered baby trees that we planted last year along the creek. He cut the grass around them while I watered from plastic jugs filled with the hose near the house. Then I drove the gear along a path we cut by the creek. Time consuming, but all the little spruce and cedars have survived so far. Today I hope to get some edging and weeding done near the barn. The more I can tidy up the better the chances of finding spots to plant ghetto things! The dryness and cool weather make me worry about mildew once the heat finally arrives. Oh well, nothing to be done about it, except maybe ask everyone to wash their cars... Time to get rolling. A busy 2 weeks before DH's hernia operation...and then I'm sure Deanne can tell me how the time AFTER will go, waiting on him! Anyway, it is an awkward time now with him moving from one office to another and not allowed to lift more than 10lbs. It will work out...somehow. Time to get started. I wonder what will show up on Idylls this week? You just never know if it will be giggles or tears. I vote for giggles and sighs of relief!!! Take care all! |
Good morning all, Well, we FINALLY have a lovely, sunny day on tap here and even though I've got piles of work to do downstairs I'm going to spend the day outside in the garden today. (After I get home from the gym) I can't believe how many here have been dealing with challenging weather. It seems that everyone is either cold and raining, or hot and dry with assorted extreme wind conditions. Has anyone here had any stretches of decent June weather? I think we had just a couple days before I left for Nashville but other than that nada. Oh yes, I wanted to tell all of you that I had a dream last night, in fact just before I woke up which is why I remembered it, that Cynthia started posting on the Idylls again. Wouldn't that be terrific? I miss hearing about all her furbies and what is going on in her gardens. Michelle, your very hot, windy and dry conditions there sound awful. I hate it when it gets windy like that when the temps are hot. It just sucks the water out of the plants and causes as much as or more damage than too much rain. I feel your pain. ~~ I love your quote. That is the truth of it. Bug, I think we've been getting all the rain that is supposed to go south and fall on Cindy's gardens and all the rain that is supposed to go north and fall on your gardens. As Wendy said a few days ago, I hesitate to wish the rain away because then we'll be wishing we had some. I sure hope you get some soon. ~~ I'll bet you just can't wait until your DH is recovered from his operation. Speaking of operations… Here is the bad news. Doug had to reschedule his operation on his foot a couple of times because of work obligations and then he wound up scheduling it for this coming weekend then had to reschedule because it is our friend's daughter's wedding so he rescheduled it for July…. Yes you guessed it, he scheduled it for the Friday of IU3… I'm horribly disappointed (not to mention I could have spit nails when I found out). I won't be able to come this year. I'm going to sit in a corner and suck my thumb that weekend because instead of seeing all you guys I'll be waiting on DH hand and foot. 'Le sigh' as Da says. Mary, I hope you got a lot accomplished yesterday. Sue, where did you have that Cape Fuchsia? I don't remember seeing it last year. ~~ Sounds like you had a great time at the garden tours. So Tom went with you? Amazing. ~~ What did you wind up finding for coleus? Wendy and Sue, so how was the party yesterday? Wendy, can you do cuttings of that Cape Fuchsia? I'd love to grow that plant. Eileen, glad to hear your enjoyed the play. BTW I don't remember if you were the one asking about the review about the new Pixar movie "Cars" but the local person gave it a rave review. He said it was the best animated film he'd seen. I guess I'm going to have to go and see this one. OH yes, Prairie Home Companion also had good reviews as well. OK time to haul myself to the gym. Have a great day all, I sure hope some rain falls on those who need it. |
- Posted by babs_clare (My Page) on Mon, Jun 12, 06 at 8:45
Marie-if I'm right at what I'm guessing I thought it was Multnomah Falls from the Columbia River Gorge. T will set us straight: ) Man,I wish I would have had a digital back when I was there-definitely a breathtaking area. T are you very far from there? Wouldn't that have been something if we crossed paths(though I was there in '86-for my DB's wedding). A stress filled weekend only because Chris was acting like he had PMS. Apparently the actual submittal of a dissertation to the reviewers causes the same symptoms...mood swings,irritability,psychotic behavior...lol. He's DONE so now those symptoms are gone: ) I'm thinking the trip to IU3 is going to be just what I need. Michelle-I'm so sorry about your plants! YOur weather sounds frightful-it's been strange because our weather has been really quiet and you're not that far away. I think FL hurricane will bring us rain. I hope it shifts things in a good way for you though. Sue I have a plan(always have a plan; )to keep the phygelius in its pot for this season and if I don't kill it it should get large next season and I'll divide it and Darn I got a sad call just now that the daughter(late 20's)of a good friend who has MS is back in the hospital with 104 fever and they had just put her in hospice care. We had gone to a benefit to raise money for her meds back in fall and she looked so good-you'd never guess she was ill. She had only just gotten married three yrs ago when she was diagnosed-I've never seen such a fast progression of MS. Some great cards for Da-will she stop by to see them? Michelle you 'Goth' flower is very cool-Da will like that: ) I don't mean to zip off here but it's my last full day of freedom since school lets out tomorrow...: ) ~BAbs |
DOUG! SORRY! YOU CAN'T DO THAT! Deanne is our speaker. She's presenting a talk on colour theory, no? That's been arranged for months now... Yes, Cynthia is a real loss. Yet, as I watched movie ads floating across the screen this morning and had to log in TWICE, as well as put up with the clippings and incredibly slow loading- I was totally disgusted with this site. * !#&^$%!*8! The sprinkler is running and the wheelbarrow loaded for action. Now breakfast with DH. |
- Posted by chloehoover z6b VA (My Page) on Mon, Jun 12, 06 at 9:02
So much talk while I've been "out" – Eden – Im sorry to hear about your Mom's illness – it's so tough dealing with these issues isnt it? T- no wonder you've been melancholy – tough decision to make, even when the right one, will make you so sad – it truly is one of the hardest things to do, I think – have had to do myself a time or two.... I see a new wave happening here – the mini gardens – Eden, so fun! Deanne – welcome back – I hope you felt very vindicated when you could just look down your nose (a very skinny one at that) & give those naysayers a drop dead look – they're probalby just jealous they couldn't make the same kind of life changes! People are definitely weird. Congrats on your contract w/ Sams Club – wow, you may be on the way to Big Time!!!!! Marian – Im sorry to hear about your relatives' troubles – it seems to be going around these days – not that that makes any of us feel any better – older, I think? Monique – congrats on Ollie's win! I do believe exclamation points are contagious.....!!!!! Marie – those are the most unusual sounding plants – I've not heard of any of them – I look forward to seeing photos – they sound very cool (as is the Da Birthday card). Yeah – we finally got some rain here – it's actually a gentle deep rain for Monday! |
- Posted by chloehoover z6b VA (My Page) on Mon, Jun 12, 06 at 9:18
Happy Birthday, Da - Hope it was memorable for you! |
Deanne, tell Doug to reschedule the foot surgery again. You can't miss IU3. Sorry, no time this morning-gotta run. The party last night was fun but we didn't get home til almost 11:30-late for a "school" night. Between the concert Friday night, the garden tour most of the day Saturday, and the party yesterday into last night, I'm exhausted. And I just found out I have to go to a strategic planning meeting next Monday and Tuesday that involves staying overnight. That one falls under the "be careful what you wish for" category. Sue |
- Posted by chloehoover z6b VA (My Page) on Mon, Jun 12, 06 at 10:26
Deanne – no, no, no – I've made reservations for the Color Theory Talk – and you're it! What can we possibly bribe Doug with to get him to re-schedule (what's one more time after all... LOL).... I have confess, June in this region has been quite a treat so far – this past weekend was absolutely glorious with no rain (altho I was unfortunately in Penna) – but so far, we've had lower than "normal" temps – low 80s or high 70s for the most part – and not much rain (not enuf rain in fact)... I confess I never know how much water to give the clematis – I don't want to waterlog 'em but they always seem pretty thirsty. Sue, Im really envious that you saw 7 marvelous gardens out of 8 – that's amazing. So what kind of garden party was it with the peony theme? Enquiring minds want to know. Taryn – Im sorry about the new home inspection problems – hopefully the owners will be amenable to your terms – boy, there's nothing scarier than an overly confident electrician – yikes. By the way, I love that little garden marker – what a neat saying. In re-reading the posts that I only skimmed quickly before, I see Marie that you gave a link to the Centaurea – it's a BB plant, eh? Very neat – I'll look up the others as well, Im curious. I've had good luck this year w/ my Salvia Black & Blue, Sue – it's huge this year – probably because of the mild winter. But Im thinking of trying to move a bit of it around to see if it will survive in some other spots as well, besides the protected spot I've managed to hold it in the last couple of years. I've decided I need more variegated shrubs/plants in my gardens to perk them up a bit - too much same "green" look right now (and Im one of those anti-yellow plant gardeners); I've noticed there are some good looking sedums in that category -- which ones would you suggest, Eden? --Cindy (who doesnt want to do real office work today).... |
Happy Birthday, Da! Hi Idylls. I've been taking advantage of this fabu weather and working up a storm in the garden. Friday, I dug out 2 huge junipers. What a job. My goal was to get them out of here w/o leaving any traces so DH wouldn't have a fit. Mission accomplished. I moved tons of stuff and made great headway on my plant ghetto, too. I think that means I must buy more plants, don't you agree? Truly, I must get this plant ghetto down to zero before vacation in July. I also successfully moved a 3' dia. Hosta Guacamole without destroying it by sliding it onto an old tablecloth and dragging it over to the area formerly occupied by a juniper. I was real proud of myself. There are a couple areas where the light conditions have changed. My trees have grown significantly and a neighbor's Rose of Sharon has also, thus shading what was formerly a full-sun area. Both May Night's have flopped there. I've moved one but still have another to deal with. And I'm still struggling with what to do with the back which is getting less and less sun. Most moves there must wait until fall. Sue, my hostas are on steroids, too. I split my 2 Sum and Substance in half this spring but you'd never know it! This weekend DH and I finally got Zones 1 and 2 of the sprinkler system fixed. It turns out that one of the pieces of 2" conduit we put down to run under the new paver sidewalk was moved when the contractor put the paver base down. The conduit ended in the middle of the walk. We had quite a bit of excavating to do to locate and the lines, heads, leaks, etc. DH still has to replace a couple heads around the yard, but the lion's share of the work is done. Now I can move a couple plants out front to their temporary home. Eden, your containers and yard are lovely! You have such a great eye for texture and color. And the new pavers are gorgeous! I'm so sorry to hear the news about your Mom. Are there any relatives close by up north to help out? Or is it possible for her to come down-state to have her treatment and stay nearby? Hugs to you and your family. That is such tough news. Marian, Babs, Michelle, thank you for the kind words on my containers. I'm really loving these dahlias. Michelle, re copperheads, I think before you joined us, Marian took on a copperhead and won! The message is – don't trespass in this gal's garden! Babs, thanks for the info on fertilizing JMG's. Wouldn't bloom builder work? Today I'm going to get some fishing line for the new obelisk trellis to weave a support for it. I've also emailed Jain from time to time and she said the same thing to me. OH, so sorry to hear the news about your friends DD with MS. How heartbreaking! Marian, I'm so sorry to hear the news about your DN! How awful! You and your family with also be in my thots and prayers. And your DB, too. You must be frantic not being able to get in touch with the family. (((((Marian))))). Re your dr's appt., I'm glad it went well. Sorry you have to take BP meds, tho, but it's good they have it under control. Re a sense of humor, DH and I both laugh a lot. I definitely learned it from him. I wish you were going to IU3, too. I'm sure you will be able to 'attend" vicariously, tho, thru all the pix we'll post. It's only a month away! And BTW, I think using an old row boat as a lawn planter is a neat idea. I'm sure you'd make it wonderful! "Bug, great pix of your gardens. Everything is lovely and so colorful! What a lot of work you put into them! Love that pic you posted of the mini-hostas in the Tufa pot. What a great way to display them. And thanks for the link on Garlic Mustard. I need to forward it to the board here. Our commons is just jam-packed with it and it reseeds in our gardens big-time. YUK! The other horrid weed out back is Thistle. Marian and Eden, I agree re appliances. I prefer fewer electronic gadgets, too. I usually never use them anyway and there are fewer things to fail. Hope your appliances continue to hum along, Eden. ((((T))))) So sorry you had to make that awful decision. As we discussed, you couldn't take the chance he would hurt someone, particularly a child. I hope that special memories of him will help heal the sense of loss you feel. I agree and ditto your comments on using "wonderful", "fabulous", etc. In short, this is a very special group of talented gardeners, photographers and just plain "good people"! Re your photo for Da – we were there! Idylls, that's just one of the breathtaking falls along a 17 mile drive near the Columbia River gorge. It's only about a half hour from Portland. Do put that on your list of places to visit sometime. V, you're probably right. There's probably a fawn hidden there. Your DD sounds like such a lovely, thotful gal. Bet she gets that from her Mom! Mary, everytime I go to the grocery, I'm reminded of you! Our store has added a whole new gluten-free section! How great is that. Sending hugs to you knowing how tough being reminded of the loss of your friend is for you. Deanne, anyone who made those awful comments to you are just jealous. I'm sure they secretly admire you for your weight loss accomplishments and your painting as well. Ignore them. They aren't worth your thots. Glad you made some good contacts for future jobs! And tell Doug he HAS TO reschedule so you can attend IU3. It's just unacceptable for you not to! I agree. I MISS CYNTHIA, TOO. Yeona, so good to see you posting again regularly! You're always so thotful. Taryn, so sorry the home inspection didn't go well and you're able to resolve the electrical problems with minimum cost. Think of it this way – home inspectors have to find something wrong to prove that they've done their job. At least, that's what we've found. Hi Wendy, Ei, Cindy and anyone else I missed! Ei, those exclamation points are catchy! Ok, did anyone see the news report about a declawed housecat treeing a black bear? This will give you a chuckle. See link below for a chuckle. I'm finally caught up! So I'm off to the garden. Later, friends. Honey |
Here is a link that might be useful: Housecat and Black Bear
Good morning. Fly by post. I've been out moving electric fencing so the horse can have more pasture (he's only getting a little bit of pasture at at time as the grass is so lush and he'll founder if I allow him free rein). This morning I'm going shopping with DDs for cribs and mattresses. They need mom for help with loading & unloading into the truck. It is drizzling and overcast. A wonderful day for putzing around inside. 'bug, Babs is right, that waterfall is Multnomah Falls which is located east of Portland Oregon. When my (and Sue's) friend from Australia was here last August we made a trip to see the falls. I'd driven by them on the freeway but had never stopped to actually look at them. Babs, we didn't hike up to the top, I bet it is an awesome view from there. Okay, I'd better get out of this chair and shake a leg if I want to be out of here in 30 minutes. Hello to all! |
- Posted by babs_clare (My Page) on Mon, Jun 12, 06 at 11:02
WHAT? Get out of here-you can't miss IU3 Deanne!! Can't he re-re-schedule?? I am so sad: ( Please do what you can to change that appt. Give me the number and I'll call; ) Sue Musa basjoo-of course,it's a banana: ) Who knew that could survive here-that's got to be an exciting one to grow at such a fast rate! Cindy I like that dark iris! ~B |
- Posted by full_bloom z5 IL (My Page) on Mon, Jun 12, 06 at 11:31
No time to post....but I am so distressed! Deanne! It *will not be* an Idyllunion without you! Meeting you is one of the things I was looking forward to most. *And* I was so looking forward to your artist's eye...I *know* you would have great suggestions for me and you told me you would help me to choose some edging plants and I was looking forward to hearing your talk on Color Theory! *And* it will not be "right" without you there! *Everyone* will be *so* disappointed. You can't *not* come! Isn't there any way Doug could re-schedule his surgery? That sounds pushy doesn't it? I'm sorry, but I'm just so sad about it. P.S. I've sent you an email! Well, gotta go for now...TTYL! Ei |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Mon, Jun 12, 06 at 11:51
Monday is always a bear here, but I just needed to echo what everyone else is saying: Deanne, tell Doug he must reschedule. I want to meet you! Tell him I'm going to cry! Later |
Ditto Deanne! Or maybe DD or MJ or someone else could be on hand to cater to him for that weekend! Where there's a will there's a way... T PS Thanks everyone for the support re Gigi (it was beautifl) and the good luck with the house. More later I hope... |
Hey, T. We hiked to the top of those falls and back! Really, it wasn't bad at all -- alot of "S" turns and gradual inclines. Of course, I'm comparing that to one of the others that was brutal. To see anything we had to decend on a steep trail all the way to the bottom. It took us a half hr. to walk down but more than an hour to climb back up! My, it was steep. Cindy, what is the name of that dark iris? Gorgeous! |
- Posted by gardeningmary (My Page) on Mon, Jun 12, 06 at 16:05
Deanne - I agree - please tell your lovely husband there is NO WAY we can have IU3 without you!! Is there any other day they could reschedule him for? or have your daughter fill in for a couple of days? or come early and just stay part of the weekend... or something..... Mary |
- Posted by mybrainhurts 6, MI (My Page) on Mon, Jun 12, 06 at 19:29
I knew that I would have to come and look as soon as I was done recovering from the weekend off. I had a great weekend just spending time on my computer. The coolest birthday present of all was getting the wireless connection. Yes. I can finally sit out in the yard and type on the computer. Why I'm not doing that now, I'm not sure since I'd be fine if I were wearing a jacket and had my little blanket. That sounds so odd to me because it was always kinda hot on my birthday where I grew up. I spent my life in Kansas and Arkansas. Bentonville, to be exact. The home town of the company that became Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. It was much different in those days than it is now. Wait a minute, I'm old enough to say that about something. Argh! Ok, that was a joke. I'm not having age issues although a male friend of mine is still not having a very good time with 30. The poor bachelor is feeling the impending shackles of cohabitation. I try not to laugh. I'm sure that I'll feel that same panic eventually. I had a talk with a stranger five years ago. Well, he was a relative stranger anyway. He was a soldier who was home on leave for a month. I knew that he'd disappear out of my life forever and it made it very easy to confide in him. Never mind the fact that he was very cute, well traveled, and quite the gentleman. When he asked me where I saw myself in five years, I kind of shrugged and told him that I gave myself a 50/50 chance of still being alive. While some people might think that I'm not as "grown up" because of living with my husband's parents rather than having a house, I feel a deep inner contentment where I'm at. I feel more alive and ready to take on the world than I ever have. I don't mind the numbers (32) getting bigger because that means that I've just learned more and I'm still kicking. Now that, my friends, was me rambling and getting off an a tangent after a tangent after a tangent. Try saying that fast three times. Ha! The second coolest thing was coming here and seeing all of the beautiful pictures. I'll steal time this week to make a thread with some pretty pictures. There are so many and I won't bog this conversation thread with them. Thank you. Thank you and thank you. If I try to name everyone, I'll leave someone out unintentionally. So thank you. ~Da, the babbling brook |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Mon, Jun 12, 06 at 23:02
Tonight was the night to place the copper tuteur that I started months ago in the garden. In the garage the thing looked huge. Its 23" square and probably 9'tall to the very tip, but in the garden I think it adds nice height. You can't see very well, but I also planted 2 clematis on it and also a hyacinth bean vine. I have the day off tomorrow and plan to do mega gardening. Night all |
Michelle is a tease! Michelle is a tease! So what ARE the clematis that you planted on your stupendously lovely tuteur? (I took lessons on punctuation from Ei!) No real news here. I'm hoping to do some garden work today but first must buy rabbit food at the mill and cat food at the vet's. Oh, and I broke a thumb nail yesterday which is no big deal I suppose in the scheme of things, but it upset me. If I can't be skinny for Idyllunion, at least I could have 10 decent grimey fingernails, no? ;-) On the good news front, I heard from "Clematisintegrifolia" after a long delay. Some of you may remember our meeting at last year's Idyllunion...I always will! Today is expected to be a perfect, hot, sunny, 75F day. :-) |
- Posted by gardeningmary (My Page) on Tue, Jun 13, 06 at 8:30
Michelle - that is GORGEOUS! What a fantastic addition to your lovely gardens. Did you have a plan to make it? These last few days before school ends feel like a race to the finish. Last night was David's Cub Scout Picnic then my Book group. Both were fun and somehow I ended up eating 2 dinners! Busy too the rest of the week. GB - hope Clematisintegrifolia is doing well. I too miss Cynthia and wonder if maybe she misses us just a tiny little bit.... Enjoy your day Mary |
- Posted by babs_clare (My Page) on Tue, Jun 13, 06 at 10:13
Oh Michelle-that looks exquisite in your garden(new word!-didn't use a thesaurus because it was exactly the word that escaped from my brain: ) It fits perfectly! You are SO creative. Was it hard to bend the copper for the top?? You did such a nice job! So who else is wondering if Deanne can arrange to be at IU3? Any chance Ms. Deanne?: ) : ) : )! Aj's last day of school-well a two hour day to get his grades and the promotion ceremony. Gotta go! Make it a fun one~ |
Good morning all, Well, the day is starting out at 63 degrees and it is supposed to go up to 80 or so today. It is a bit cloudy right now but that is supposed to clear and we are actually going to enjoy a summer like day. Woohoo. I'm going to spend it in the garden again. There is so much to do and every time I turn around I see another project I didn't get to yet or something that cropped up that I need to deal with. I'm going to cut back all the roses today. The hybrid teas are such a mess that it isn't even worth seeing in any of the buds will open up. I'm thinking if I prune them back severely and feed them I might get another flush of large flowers. (I'm hoping) I've got some kind of strange insect type eating away through my coleus in the back yard. It is tearing the leaves to ribbons, literally. I can't for the life of me figure out what is doing it. It must be happening at night because no matter how many times I check them during the day I never seen anything munching on them. Have any of you ever experienced that? Where the leaves are just all tattered like they were hailed on but you haven't had any weather that would have done that? The lilies are all growing at an amazing rate this year and I'm going to have to move a bunch of them after they bloom. The dwarf Asiatics I planted in front of the bird bath in the Sundial Garden are so tall they are covering that Hosta 'Wide Brim' I have in there. You can't even see it at all anymore. I've got to grab a photograph of the hydrangea petiolaris soon. It really is lovely right now and I'm enjoying the flowers tremendously, especially because it took years to get this full. The next door neighbor of the wisteria whacking fame was using his weed whacker around my front garden where my physocarpus is planted and I've got to get out there this AM to make sure he didn't wreck anything. I get nervous anytime I see him near the fence. OK, now RE the IU3 – You are all so kind! I'm a bit overwhelmed by your response actually. I'm hoping that they can move the surgery date up, which is unlikely but possible. If that happens and Doug doesn't have any complications I might be able to come for a day or two. He just can't put the surgery off any longer. He still can't do a lot of walking, even mowing the lawn causes that toe to form a blister and he winds up with an open sore on it again. It is really horribly disappointing but I won't be there unless we get lucky and they move the surgery date up. You'll all have to have a glass of wine or two (or three for me). Michelle, that copper tuteur is awesome! You continue to amaze me with the neat things you can make yourself. Your gardens are so pretty right now and that tuteur is going to be wonderful when the clematis are matured and blooming. Fabu-fabu! Mary, what did you have for your two dinners last night? I was so tired I almost didn't have the energy to eat one last night. An hour and a half at the gym and eight in the gardens is a bit much for me. Bug, sorry about your fingernail, I whacked off my left thumbnail last night. I didn't know that was catchy. So I've been to the gym and had my mid-morning snack so I'm off to the gardens. As always I have a list of 72 hours of work to get done in eight. Have a terrific day everyone. Deanne |
Good afternoon! A bit hot here, but some clouds so the sun isn't blazing constantly. At least it isn't raining! The party on Sunday was great - Mindy's garden is spectacular! You quickly forget you are in a suburban backyard - she has many water features and fountains to block out the street noise. Her lot is small (probably less than 1/2 acre) but VERY intensely planted - a cross between a botanic garden and a jungle - but in a good way. Her lawn is reduced to mostly paths, and a very small open area. Every time I walked around, I noticed something new. It was just beautiful. Seeing Sue, Tom, Les and Monique was a bonus - I didn't figure out that they were all coming until Sue mentioned a garden party. Deanne, you'll have to come down and see her garden, she loves to have visitors - told us we are welcome to come and wander anytime. Think maybe the dash is my favorite form of punctuation?! Michelle, the tuteur looks great in your garden - what a lovely focal point! Da, glad you could stop by. I miss Cynthia too. Deanne, I hope things work out so that you can attend IU3, I know you were looking forward to it. I have a rooted cutting of that phygelius 'Moonraker' that you can have - it pouted in my cold basement all winter, but it is taking off now. I don't really have a place for it in the ground, and I am running out of pots. Can't buy more pots, then I'll need more plants, and more dirt, then more pots, and so on...this could go on all summer! You are welcome to cuttings from the main plant too - anytime. We'll have to get together soon. Have to run to get some gardening in before picking up the kids. I'll wear gloves and be careful, in case the fingernail thing is catching! -Wendy |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Tue, Jun 13, 06 at 23:22
Thanks for all the kind comments about my tuteur. The clematis that are planted on it are 'Marmori' and 'Franzishka Marie'. I also have one named 'Laura' that still needs a home. I wasn't sure if there would be room for 3. I sure had a productive day. It got up to 84 so I was fairly hot, but kept plugging along with lots of water breaks. Ei, I believe you asked about the "starfish" in my trough garden. I got it in the houseplant section. Deanne, what a bummer about your coleus. I'm no help though. Babs, you get an "A" for the day. I saw a word on some gardening website that they were using to describe a plant. I wrote it down because I got such a kick out of it – unforgetamazable. Bending the top was the hardest part. I actually was going to have straight pieces meeting at the top, but the pattern that I got off the internet showed it like this. Rick just insisted that this was so much nicer. He even came home with the roll of copper. Marie, I'm sure you could make one. It really is quite easy. I am beat so I'm off. Michelle |
Good morning all, It is a stunning morning here with sunny skies and mild temps. It is 64 degrees out right now and I can hear the catbird singing in the hemlocks. There is a possibility of thunderstorms later on today and it always seems so unlikely that there will be violent storms when its so calm and lovely outside. I finally finished cleaning out the pond yesterday afternoon and I was ready to put the fish outside today but when I checked it this morning the water level has gone down so I've got another leak someplace. Grrrrrrr…. I don't know what demon possessed us to put in a pond with five levels. LOL So here is a pic of one of the coleus with the insect damage. You can see that the plectranthus is eaten up also. Whatever it is is also eating the dahlias on the patio. The plants in other areas of the gardens don't seem to be bothered. The worst of this damage is on the patio containers. This pic is especially for Eileen. I've found a new coleus that I know you are going to love. It is called 'Apocalypse'. This one is like a 'Felix' on steroids. This dark purple with the chartreuse edges has great substance. The plants in this photo from the upper left are 'Mt. Washington' – 'Plum Frost' – 'Apocalypse' you can see a tiny bit of 'Copper' showing on the lower right and the chartreuse is Ipomoea 'Margarita'. Here is the Terrace Garden from my second floor window. The hydrangea on the oak tree actually goes up another ten to fifteen feet. Monique, thank you!!! This Persicaria polymorpha came from her and Les' gardens. It's really come into its own this year and is truly lovely. I was afraid it was going to be flattened by the rain but it's fine. I'm in love with these 'Globemaster' allium. They are wonderful this year and have been blooming here for two weeks. So neat! OK I've got to get to the gym and get my day started. Hopefully I'll figure out what is going on with the pond today and I'll be able to get the fish outside…. Have a great day all, |
- Posted by chloehoover z6b VA (My Page) on Wed, Jun 14, 06 at 8:45
Da – Im envious of your wireless connection present! That's really neat. Michelle – I love, love that tuteur – and the fact that you made it – amazing! It is going to be stunning filled w/ clematis & the hyacinth vine – the size is just right too – how ever did you manage to figure that out? Scale of things seems to be one of my real weaknesses, among many others. These are boring, many times repeated adjectives to describe your workmanship – I guess we will all have to start hitting the thesaurus to expand our adjectives. Deanne, t hat Apocalypse coleus is very very restrained (maybe why I like it a lot) but definitely "has substance." Your terrace garden also has great "presence" and depth – it looks like mostly foliage at present but everything flows & is striking all due to foliage – the sign of a true master designer. I've been toying w/ the notion of trying to grow something up a large pin oak tree I have in my front yard – did it take you very long to get that hydrangea going and how much sun will it tolerate I wonder? I think it really adds to the layers of the border and the sculptural feel. As always, thanks for the wonderful color to greet my day! Honey – I believe that iris in the photo for Da is called Dusky Challenger – I might be able to get a piece off it in another month – would you like one? I think it's large enough that I probably should divide this year. Cindy |
- Posted by full_bloom z5 IL (My Page) on Wed, Jun 14, 06 at 8:56
Stacey Earle I don't need no diamond ring, I don't need much of anything I don't need no fancy car, I'm not going very far We don't need a lot, happy with what we got Now we've got a house full of them sweet little things "We don't need a lot, happy with what we got." "If we had everything, it would not be the same." "Turn out the kitchen light, let's sit outside tonight." Those words repeat in my head. Simple pleasures really are the best! It was the *perfect* evening. DH and I were sitting out on the deck last night after dinner and the temps. were in the mid-70's – still warm enough for me – perfect really; we're drinking a bottle of "Honeymoon Wine"; Scout's has fallen asleep on his bed next to me in my "bouncy" chair; the lilac tree is perfuming the air all around us; the birds are flitting back and forth to the feeder...there's a gorgeous cardinal couple - here comes the hungry robin tearing fruits off the Amelanchier - a tiny little bird sits on a branch and sings in tune with the stereo which is playing Stacey (my soul mate – if a girl can be another girl's soul mate in a strictly spiritual way). DH and I are chatting about "life" and moments - and I am listening and at the same time singing with Stacey. We talk about happy memories, like the time we stayed in Jackson Hole with our friends – the hot air balloon ride, the slow river raft at an eagle nesting site, the laughter and the peaceful moments shared sitting with our friends by the huge fireplace in the lodge; or the evening we sat watching a beautiful sunset and stared at the moon while visiting my best friend Anita in Arizona; and the night we drank too much but had a grand ol' time with our tour group in Italy – dancing and singing till 01:00 in morning; or getting lost while in some little hamlet in England - how we just decided to pulled over to the side of the road and start walking; wandering really, how we found this lovely old church where we sat and took it all in... We sure have been lucky; and even luckier that we know it. And I'm thinking, as we are talking about "life" - those moments were what life is really all about, and I'm thinking that *this* moment - *right now* - *this* is life too...what it's all about...the moments...the times when you live in the moment. The reality is that you can't have those moments, every day, all the time. But when you *do* have those moments, you have to seize them, immerse yourself in them, take them in and acknowledge them and say to yourself..."you are darn lucky to realize that you *have* had those moments." The simple things, the simple moments, they really are what life is all about and sitting on the deck last night was as "special" a moment as any of the wonderful trips we have made. It is a couple hours later and we are still outside, in the moment. I light some candles and pour another glass of wine and I watch as the sunset creates a golden haze - back-lighting a tree to the west. The tree just glows in an ethereal, magical, other-worldly way; and as corny as it sounds, I'm thinking "My God What a Beautiful World!" We're both quiet now, just taking it all in and the Eagles are playing "Love Will Keep Us Alive": I was standing The phone rings and DH answers – it is special friends of ours whom we always enjoy being with, but somehow never make enough time. Karin says "We were thinking of you guys and just thought we would call... thinking how we need to get together – it's been too long." DH is laughing as he tells me what Karin said because he and I had just been talking about how important it is to make time to be with the people who are important to you...to have those "moments" and here they were calling us! :-) It's getting late and getting a little chilly out. Paul goes in to get us both a jacket. We know we should go in, get to bed, but neither of us is quite ready...Norah Jones is singing now: Come away with me in the night Come away with me on a bus I want to walk with you Come away with me and we'll kiss And I want to wake up with the rain So that was my evening! A *very* special moment! DH jokes about how when he hopes heaven will be this place where you can replay all those special moments in your life whenever you like and how he needs to make sure he makes plenty of them for future viewing! :-) Been meaning to get here and post, but it's been a hectic few days. My sister's chemo was a little rough Monday and Tuesday was just a frantic race to catch up. But last night was "A Moment". So many things to comment on, I know I will forget a lot. First I want to say...Marian...where are you? I hope that everything is okay, with you, with your brother, with your nephew. I've been thinking about you! Then I just wanted to tell Deanne, how sorry I am to hear about the crummy weather and what its been doing to your garden. I really understand; I do. I know all the wet has been wrecking havoc on your gardens, but you sure wouldn't know it from all your gorgeous pics. Anyway, I'm glad the sun is shining on you now and hope it remains that way for a few days. That Persicaria is really a showstopper...very cool! Could the damage to your coleus and dahlias be earwigs? One way to find out for sure is to soak some rolled up newspaper and put it in the pot. In the morning you should find earwigs holed up inside the newspaper. You're right, I *do* love your new coleus...it's gorgeous! Can't imagine a "Felix on steroids"...he's such a fabulous grower as it is! I really love my Felix, Deanne...Thanks! :-) Your pot planting with just a hint of rose with the plum and chartreuse is so pretty! I also love your allium pic...the echo of color in the Allium and Salvia (?), but with such distinctly different forms is really nice! You have such an eye! I first noticed that pic when you posted EP's BD card and had meant to mention it at the time. I love globe alliums too...like pretty exclamation points in the garden and they last *so* long too!:-) BTW, just want to say, I really *hope* you can make it to the Idyllunion. It will *not* be the same without you. The thing I'm looking forward to is finally putting a face to all the wonderful personalities I've come to know here. I also really *do* want to pick your mind about the garden, but more than that, I just want to meet you! I *do* understand, if there is no way to work it out...sometimes that's just the way it is...but I'm still going to wish that somehow it *does* all work out! :-) Sorry about the pond leak! I spent yesterday afternoon cleaning all the spent blooms from the lilac tree out of my pond. Then I pruned the tree so that it is not hanging over the pond anymore because I could see the mess in the pond is *not* something I'll want to deal with every year. Michelle – your tuteur is beautiful! It really *does* make a statement in your garden. I can't think of a new word, so can I just say it is lovely? Have to admit I am getting a little self conscious with my "lovlies", "beautifuls", "stunning"...but the words all fit and they are so true about Idyll pics and Idyll gardens. BTW, I *love* the finial top on your tuteur too. Where did you get that...or did you somehow make that? It's the perfect touch. Speaking of "tuteur"...do you think the word derives from tutor...like your "teaching" the plant to grow upward? Just wondering! Your "starfish" is very cool Michelle. :-) Meant to tell you too - your geraniums are looking lovely here, but not blooming yet. BTW...didn't you say you would share a pic of the Deanne & Eileen corner of your garden? Hint...hint! :-) Oh and of course, I *have* to know...what is the name of the pretty pink peony in EP's BD card? The birthday cards were all so gorgeous. In fact, I enjoyed them so much that it made me want to see more...so I went back and peeked at EP's BD pics again too! What beauty! Wendy is that a Phygelius in the BP you posted? I'm not sure I know what a Phygelius is...but if you and Bab's love it, it's got to be pretty neat. Well, whatever the plant is in your picture it sure is neat! Mary & Wendy – got such a kick out of you posting words to Goodnight Moon too! :-) Yes, that was my son's favorite book as a little one and before that it was "Pat the Bunny"! :-) Later it was all things Seuss and I *still* have some of those saved to memory. I smile when I think of those days...what special moments....snuggling in the bed together, me sniffing his fresh washed head and him asking *one more time* at the closing of his favorite book. I have to admit I didn't remember the words to Goodnight Moon...it's been over 20 years, but I *still* have that book, and Pat the Bunny, and all his favorite Seuss books. They are stored in the "Memory Box", which one day I will give to him when he wants it...or maybe after *his* first child is born! :-) Loved your pic too Mary...another "sparkler"...I love the way you captured the dew drops...just beautiful. You grow such pretty poppies...I remember a pic you posted last year of them and I always think of poppies when I think of you...and sweetpeas too! :-) Oh, BTW...thanks for the movie recommendation. I also plan to see Cars. I thought because it was a child's movie, that I might not be interested, but it has great reviews and Paul Newman is in it. I am a *huge* Paul Newman fan. I think he is an exceptional human being, besides being a great actor and *still* one hunk of a man, no matter what age he may be! :-) Sue...I love your pic of Baptisia with the Knockout rose...a great color combo! I'm still playing around finding colors that look great with Knockout – it's an unusual color, but I really love it...it's such a terrific, dependable, carefree rose! It sounds like you had a great week-end. :-) Okay, just a few more pic comments and questions: Honey – your pic for EP looks just like it came from a cottage garden in England...so pretty! Eden – what is that gorgeous colored rose in your pic for EP? And that beautiful purple flower? I love the combination Cindy...your iris is *gorgeous* I've never seen such a deep, intense, moody colored iris...I love it! Do you know which one it is? It reminds me of the color of a tulip I had once...Philippe De Comines, which unfortunately I wasn't able to find last fall, but maybe I'll find bulbs of it this year. Speaking of which, guess what came in the mail this week-end? Yep, got a bunch of "Fall Bulb" catalogs too! I'm not quite ready for that yet though, so haven't actually opened them up! :-) I loved your sign too Taryn...no truer words were ever spoken! :-) I'm hoping to hear good news that all has been settled with the electricity issues. Keeping you in my thoughts! Marie – what a cool plant in your BD card to Da....what is it? It glistens! So sorry about those contagious exclamation points! :-) Babs been meaning to thank you for proving that I haven't completely lost it! :-) I love those purple chairs and love the colors you have planted around them *and* I love your BD pic too...that praying mantis is *so* cool! And Monique I *love* your golden and purple planting for EP...just beautiful! And, love the way that Euphorbia (?) echos the grass in the pot too! You have a great eye for combinations! Ah..."love", "love", "love"...I *am* getting self conscious about my words, but they are true! Anyway, I will quit with the pics and if I left anyone out please know it was an oversite... because *every* picture was just stunning! I *love* birthdays (there I go again)! :-) Well, I think I've touched on everything I wanted to mention...LOL! Anyway, I hope you all have a lovely day. I'm off to spread some mulch, maybe do a little dead-heading and just enjoy! :-) BTW, this is day 7 of salads. I always enjoy a salad and try to include them with every dinner, but I feel like I've been walking around for a week with an empty spot in my stomach with *just* salads. I need some meat! I promised Paul that we could do *one* more week of salads and then if he still wanted to continue, he would be on his own! :-) Anyway, TTYL! Ei |
- Posted by full_bloom z5 IL (My Page) on Wed, Jun 14, 06 at 9:21
Good Morning Cindy! Just checking my post and see you've named your iris. :-) It *is* fabulous! Anyway off to the garden...Have a great day! Ei |
- Posted by babs_clare (My Page) on Wed, Jun 14, 06 at 10:40
That Ei is so eloquent; ) Well you are you know! I think you would be a very successful writer~philosophical or otherwise you'd be great at it.Thanks for sharing your moment! You have a way of making me feel like I'm right there: ) I had an interesting 'moment' yesterday too(this won't be as eloquent lol)but it was with the kids. We had just eaten homemade pizza and were eating those little ice cream cups with the flat wooden spoons as Aj & I reminisced about last year's trip to a local botanical garden-maybe you recall the *giant* bug sculptures we saw. We started talking about how cool that would be to really make one. We brainstormed ways to do this as we slowly swung back and forth on our porch swing and savored each scoopful of chocolate ice cream. By the time we were done with dessert(those cups are pretty small)we had a plan to make our own giant ant using only natural materials just like the sculptor did. AJ got an insect book and we drew up how our ant would look and got started on the 'skeleton'. Do you know those campaign signs that are just a bent piece of steel wire with the plastic sign slipped over the wire frame? We used those sans the plastic sign as the legs and support for the spine which was a forked branch from a tree-complete with antannae! It REALLY looks like an ant already(newspaper will fill the body cavities and the cavities will be covered with possibly fall leaves or bark but despite any of that the whole moment of creativity and working side by side to figure out what we were doing was just priceless fun. Even Ryan was involved as he tried to color the wire legs with sidewalk chalk(hey, he felt useful; ) I think the thing that is so cool about our moment is that the kids are going to remember that and talk about it later just as we recalled the trip to the botanical garden a whole year later. It's not that hard to slow down and do this kind of stuff and I guess that's what I got from our experience and I know the kids did too. I wonder what the newspaper delvery person thought when they saw a 2-1/2'tall ant standing next to the drive this a.m. lol. It's about 5' long! (EI-that praying mantis stake came from the botanical garden we got this sculpting idea from) Michelle I was also wondering where you found the finnial ontop your tuteur from...do tell! Even though bending the stuff was hard it looks 'unforgetamazable'(lol) with a curved top. Good move Rick! You're going to laugh at me(it's OK)but I am trying to make a small obelisk from a couple of the campaign sign wires-much easier to bend than the copper!So I'm assuming you had to use a blow torch to solder the pipe??(I would have burned the place down; ) Deanne-sorry about your coleus. I know my coleus only just started looking better with the drier weather and slightly warmer temps. Still if the weather was affecting them I would suspect all the coleus would look tattered.I'm stumped.Do earwigs actually eat leaves of plants? Hey my Fuchsia'Beacon' is almost ready to bloom-love that plant and all the ones you sent me. The coleus pics you just posted are so rich looking-I'm taken with 'Apocolypse'-I have one with similar coloring but there's a zillion coleus so I think it's something else. So how old is your P. polymorph?? It's very attractive. Oops(I'm blushing) my sedum in my minigarden isn't a sedum I realized it's a jade plant: ) Marian can you please check in with us so we know you are Ok? I've been thinking of you and all that is probably on your mind. Cindy have you been reading your thesaurus today?? : ) ~Babs |
- Posted by michelle_zone4 zone 4 NW IA (My Page) on Wed, Jun 14, 06 at 12:41
Ei, what a special evening you had with Paul. I almost could feel the moment through your description. The peony is supposed to be 'Karl Rosenfeld' but that is supposed to be a double. This is the first year for it to bloom so maybe that's the reason. Babs, the finial, I got it at Hobby Lobby (a big craft store) I got it for $6.00. I had actually looked around quite a bit for one. Most were much more expensive. So I felt it was a bargain. You too can build with copper ;o) Actually, you just need to bend the copper slowly. I did have to solder, but I have read on the internet that some people glue theirs. Deanne, that container is luscious. 'Apocalypse' is a beauty. I have 'Plum Frost' this year and I really like it. That was the one that I took 7 cuttings off when I got it home and they are really nice size already. All that rain has your garden looking very lush. I am envious of your allium. For some reason mine seem to be declining. Do they need replacing after a few years? I had a dream last night that I drove up to Canada and surprised Marie. I kept saying I wanted to see her gardens, but the dream was over before I did. I did see her kitchen cabinets though. LOL Have fun gardening |
Hello! this will be a drive by. DH just came home sick. I've decided, "True love is holding the bucket" Poor guy. Deanne, I'm lovin' the Alliums, too: I've trimmed off the ratty foliage and am thinking I might use Les and Monique's idea with a can of spray paint. I just love the way they accent the garden. Your coleus are gorgeous as ever. You find such unusual ones. We don't have a great selection at nurseries here this year. Michelle, I had no idea you made that tuteur! Aren't you the talented one! I'm in awe. I'll tackle alot of things except those involving electricity or fire b/c I'm such a Klutz. You really outdid yourself. Tell me, will you have to string fishing wire for the clematis to climb? Babs, you MUSt post a pic of the bug you and AJ created. It sounds so cute. I concur -- what a great Mom you are. Your kids will have such great memories. Cindy, how sweet and generous you are! I'd love a piece of that Iris! It is truly special. Oh, gotta run help DH. I hope it was something he ate instead of a bug from his coworker's kids. TTYL, Honey |
Hi Everyone, Well, I got Bella's bug and have been feeling bad since Sunday. Didn't make it to the garden conservancy open days and this afternoon's the first I've felt like eating anything. Bella's here this afternoon and the poor baby is still not herself. She's not wanting to eat much and just wants to be held, rocked and read to. Michelle, I love the tuteur. Very impressive and the perfect ornament for that spot. Can't wait to see it with the vines growing up it. Ei, what a great description of your evening with Paul. It's wonderful to be fully there in the moment and realize how special it is when it's happening isn't it? I so enjoyed reading your post today. Oh, in the picture the rose is Graham Thomas, and I lost the tag for the purple clematis. I planted it last year and it's the most beautiful dark purple. I wish I could remember it's name. Babs, I loved hearing about your first summer adventure with the boys. I'd love to see a picture! I used to love doing lots of craft projects with my kids too. We did everything from tie dying to once making paper mache cats. It's so great that you're enjoying these days with them while they're young. Believe me, they'll be grown before you realize it. Deanne, for a garden that's been flooded the way your's has you'd never know from the pictures. Your persicaria polymorpha is spectacular. Mine's blooming now too, it's in it's second year and isn't nearly as full as yours. As for what's eating your coleus, it could be earwigs. We've had a problem with them here for the last few years and they definitely eat leaves. Honey, I wonder if Tom has the same flu bug we've had. There must be something going around these parts. If he has the same thing don't expect him to feel back up to speed for at least a few days. Swing by Telly's if you want a great coleus selection. They have rows and rows to choose from. The best selection I've ever seen. Cindy, that iris of yours looks like it's made of silk in the picture. It's beautiful! One last thing, just to prepare you all. I hope things work out but I may be following in Deanne's footsteps and not be able to make it to IU3. Things are really up in the air about my mom's treatment right now but I may be needed here during that time. I hope I'll be able to come but I thought I'd better mention that it may not be possible. On that bad note, I have to scoot. Time for Miss Crankypants, my new nickname for Bella since she's been sick, to wake up. Eden |
Enjoyed my daily read and sharing with everyone. This is going to be a short one today. I'm not sick, but I'm weak, tired, not hungry...and been like this for several days. Not sleeping well either. Anyway, got a haircut this morning. Last night something (coon?) knocked over one of me containers and all the plants were lying on the patio. Stems were wilted and broken etc. I picked up a few more on my way back from the haircit expedition to fill in the blank spots. Hope the critter doesn't return! Grrr. Waiting to see AJ's ant! :-) |
Hi ! I haven't had time to read all the past posts, but I did see where Eileen and Bab are asking about me. I have had the computer off for the most part yesterday and today. Tim and the girls came yesterday afternoon and will be in the vicinity until Friday. They have gone swimming in the nearby river this afternoon. Also, I made the range trade, and have waited for the delivery of the new one today. I kept the computer off in case the delivery man needed to call. It was delivered this afternoon, after the kids left to go swimming. It is much more simple, as I wanted. As the deliveryman said, it doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" to go haywire. I will be content with it...regardless. Earlier today a friend from town brought me a secondhand computer ( a Dell ), and a monitor. Tim isn't too happy with them ( naturally we thanked her profusely) , but he would much rather I get a new one, and a larger monitor, (this one is smaller than my old one). I don't know if he will be willing to install them. Ennyhoo, we are fine. I haven't heard from the relatives again, and hope to call my sister in the morning after the company goes to town to visit friends. I presume no news is good news. TTYAL |
Hi, I am in Nothern Vermont zone 4. Have zone 5 plants that do well here. Love the CI. New Dawn (Weeks roses)a climbing rose...18' to 20'. Will it grow here in zone 4? Have a very hard time with roses. Last year bought a "on its own root" bush that is doing very well. But the "grown on its own roots" are limited. any suggestions will be great. Thanks gigi |
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