tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79200346488700641952024-02-18T21:25:11.670-08:00Faire GardenFred Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419417500085952044noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920034648870064195.post-7213947436338381252008-07-21T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-30T23:42:12.819-07:00Web Walk<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIhUITYw_4tyqQgrhn-fobzPUvhalT9v10kCYkLU1ZIub1OTw1TDwEHEhLGP-jAihHAjN9QHBw_qpUi7jsQRVbq5gV2WGU96SJNXEd5CJUQ1ARTARh_rVkevQrC9iH_KJBMjWFpy66lE/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+075+(3).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224082312832356354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIhUITYw_4tyqQgrhn-fobzPUvhalT9v10kCYkLU1ZIub1OTw1TDwEHEhLGP-jAihHAjN9QHBw_qpUi7jsQRVbq5gV2WGU96SJNXEd5CJUQ1ARTARh_rVkevQrC9iH_KJBMjWFpy66lE/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+075+(3).JPG" border="0" /></a>It is early morning and we are going out the back door to have a walkabout the garden, as we try and do every single day. We have had some rain recently so says the dragonfly's flagon. Good deal. That means the plants should be pert and perky. Off we go!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA3VEhd-ryPlkRmw-JhLk5RD-jqsSkwuifkNmDjJija9wMV6ZXgySBgwKmW5OKATxCjJJ7e7LFgktTCmRHzs8XEx4stLSBpU8iNFwxkMasmFyFO7g8qNX9hXWhP2qcEwbB3vSnCKG9j8/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+001+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224082161488799874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA3VEhd-ryPlkRmw-JhLk5RD-jqsSkwuifkNmDjJija9wMV6ZXgySBgwKmW5OKATxCjJJ7e7LFgktTCmRHzs8XEx4stLSBpU8iNFwxkMasmFyFO7g8qNX9hXWhP2qcEwbB3vSnCKG9j8/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+001+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Turning left to go up the stone steps to see what's happening in the veggie garden we come upon this bit of filament where the gravel path meets the block wall. Oh goody, misty moistiness. The camera is at the ready, for we may get to see some interesting things on this foggy morning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhOE0Qp7AzzMRwBC4N0jrGhr5AsYXIO5Vgv7vXp8NdKaD3STDe9RUa5bKa4ze7ynwu6Y6n7SoGvEjI4fS4rWRu86BMCw7rAzGJre75xZnEagIsW6m-XmBvFFweidxDjFfBDtpq1f4xDk/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+012+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224081744515998114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhOE0Qp7AzzMRwBC4N0jrGhr5AsYXIO5Vgv7vXp8NdKaD3STDe9RUa5bKa4ze7ynwu6Y6n7SoGvEjI4fS4rWRu86BMCw7rAzGJre75xZnEagIsW6m-XmBvFFweidxDjFfBDtpq1f4xDk/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+012+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Looking up at the arborvitae hedge that lines the back of the veggie patch, we see some filmy weavings. The evergreens are always a good spot to find such things when the wetness catches on the nearly invisible threads. Let's continue down the hedge to see what else will show itself to us.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhzwlrmGe93LnApnW6V_sSS66LOUvtB_tdaSlKdhyFjhwbDG7OsybPk8ayhjhSKVJ5SDSOxtBgD8oGlwgzIpSCJfbAiWk6qfBQIurJx_A4QmxXLUMouU1Gya7o_bFu8Hkc0xADExCzQA/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+013+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224081353153700130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhzwlrmGe93LnApnW6V_sSS66LOUvtB_tdaSlKdhyFjhwbDG7OsybPk8ayhjhSKVJ5SDSOxtBgD8oGlwgzIpSCJfbAiWk6qfBQIurJx_A4QmxXLUMouU1Gya7o_bFu8Hkc0xADExCzQA/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+013+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> On the tomatoes, with the arborvitae behind, someone has been a busy spider. You have created a vision of beauty Ms. Arachnid. Very geometrical.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ5UKM3rOVNDiqs4pvD4MqLFvzkTbn66lfuM_lJYKw0Vla0CtMoJJjHZVSW1SPbtOvohQyNM4AhPCqEV0VuqSharfYkXaIfDFSZuA5aJ3UhZ3JXOGynuHnwkHyQNZZnRRy3pmR3X6950/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+016+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224081077550231586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ5UKM3rOVNDiqs4pvD4MqLFvzkTbn66lfuM_lJYKw0Vla0CtMoJJjHZVSW1SPbtOvohQyNM4AhPCqEV0VuqSharfYkXaIfDFSZuA5aJ3UhZ3JXOGynuHnwkHyQNZZnRRy3pmR3X6950/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+016+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Still at the tomato row, this masterpiece reminds us of a lacy collar on a victorian dress.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4D0Drb7fNMDiyRdFH32UPfxzpgLu9q215yxW3QM286qCl6d-sVicrr8IIz-hDQh4XJtZWdXkg4DWTJi02yqWXqP272qBIfcKm9nlKGlkE6oE7VbS4uTlRRkRb9P3n6ygVzn1vlu72pPs/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+026+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224080816231649298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4D0Drb7fNMDiyRdFH32UPfxzpgLu9q215yxW3QM286qCl6d-sVicrr8IIz-hDQh4XJtZWdXkg4DWTJi02yqWXqP272qBIfcKm9nlKGlkE6oE7VbS4uTlRRkRb9P3n6ygVzn1vlu72pPs/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+026+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Down in the area we call the flat garden where the old gravel driveway of the house next door used to end, more of a parking lot really, the blue Atlas Cedar holds the spinnings of a free style artist. There may be a pattern here, but it is not readily apparent. Good job though, we applaud the effort.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvvuppiZNvQdeTwnmgOOpAZdrKEVW_awlufZxNwxnCdxa7V8H1683ZxSJO0qD_bCFPgSUXbrMmaAUK-UMRaKivE1278pAHvlrlAmqLEDV5xx09-EEVVnYi7-w1gvVVvK93fmC46bEkYs/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+023+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224080480983655458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvvuppiZNvQdeTwnmgOOpAZdrKEVW_awlufZxNwxnCdxa7V8H1683ZxSJO0qD_bCFPgSUXbrMmaAUK-UMRaKivE1278pAHvlrlAmqLEDV5xx09-EEVVnYi7-w1gvVVvK93fmC46bEkYs/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+023+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Now what's this? It certainly has a web look to it doesn't it? This is a large fan covering that was found laying out for the trash pick up. It got picked up allright, and just fit inside the diamond at the end of the arbor built by our Gardoctor. It may get painted someday, or not. The foggy background gives it a sense of mystery. Was this the work of a large spider with access to a welding machine?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeXukD8n_YxdquBu_CL20S9xeTu9aKN7brwsiAalBcJducMoAThmZ1v6wB0_n3iEJx2I_GWXM1WOOPCKqydHYGgju8UctsFXdQAomixXfV7iNuarc5yIhkGgUO4UvLBKeNXdtibLsxQA/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+002+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224080087485735842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeXukD8n_YxdquBu_CL20S9xeTu9aKN7brwsiAalBcJducMoAThmZ1v6wB0_n3iEJx2I_GWXM1WOOPCKqydHYGgju8UctsFXdQAomixXfV7iNuarc5yIhkGgUO4UvLBKeNXdtibLsxQA/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+002+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> I hope this one shows up, you may have to click on it to see the web covering the entire breadth of the pond. These master builders must be able to jump great lengths to get started on one of this size. We are still waiting for the first waterlily flower, this area has gotten more shady through the years and may not let enough sun in for flower production. The leaves are still lovely though and echo the shape of the glass fisherman floats.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFL67uf8IWtADxirqOjrPO3wdOAwJikijt-vMpX-hvHCl0DnSrYisQ3bC4lIkjKaE7NHcF3AB6zxLYFbPJhd1CG3uCrutZjc61mqFuvwRv3oyyIS7fR76AiM5bH085p6NoCzvNvFHs9M/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+073+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224079710245958450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFL67uf8IWtADxirqOjrPO3wdOAwJikijt-vMpX-hvHCl0DnSrYisQ3bC4lIkjKaE7NHcF3AB6zxLYFbPJhd1CG3uCrutZjc61mqFuvwRv3oyyIS7fR76AiM5bH085p6NoCzvNvFHs9M/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+073+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Walking around to the front to get the morning paper we notice this work of art on the weeping blue atlas cedar. In the distance is the row of Knockout roses that line neighbors Mae and Mickey's white fence. Hi there neighbors!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg7efe374ZYxO1O0UbqicUG5L1tpq44mCiu1iTUXYw3dAyOFa3iyBRkqIi8XfBmWKxFDcqq8EbcRC9TE4j-YhdaaVvM3hxD9M-yA0S0ZXbcIYcU2wA0c-v5N6eRglhuAFf_2uMunXN54/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+041+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224079376279542002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg7efe374ZYxO1O0UbqicUG5L1tpq44mCiu1iTUXYw3dAyOFa3iyBRkqIi8XfBmWKxFDcqq8EbcRC9TE4j-YhdaaVvM3hxD9M-yA0S0ZXbcIYcU2wA0c-v5N6eRglhuAFf_2uMunXN54/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+041+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Up near the front door on the post that used to hold dearly departed rose Killer, now home to a Carolina Jessamine, yet more webbing is spotted. Everywhere we look are more webs. Are they always there and we just don't see them on sunny dry days?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwylBK8ckj18YQSbmr-VkpblAyB0XWK4gsJukcMndoayD2kyT66qHKl4VQ95wkoiU652-kq6IljdaIA3_O95Ib9sw37DwityYNgW-IUj5KYt6yjbBVNp_9IE75_WA_NfO2Ozj6escUaM/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+045+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224079057361204562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwylBK8ckj18YQSbmr-VkpblAyB0XWK4gsJukcMndoayD2kyT66qHKl4VQ95wkoiU652-kq6IljdaIA3_O95Ib9sw37DwityYNgW-IUj5KYt6yjbBVNp_9IE75_WA_NfO2Ozj6escUaM/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+045+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> There were several webs with the large opening at the bottom as you can see here, I hope. I have never noticed before that type of spinning, with the egg shaped open space. Interesting. The coloring on the fading iris leaf has always attracted me. I have woven baskets out of this strong material, braiding it first for more uniform thickness. I'm afraid my basket making days are coming to an end however, for my hands lack the strength necessary to pull the weavers tight anymore. Adjustments will have to be made in the weaving process for that lack. Anyway, I have made a lifetime supply of baskets, sold some, given more away and have the rest hanging on the rafters in the garage loft space. Storage has been a problem for the larger ones, hanging is the best solution. They look pretty, but really attract the spider webs!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq9nXQyACPN5K_n9oDWBpane1NKuXHAyfp9rpmKmnAwIBZYiGIlyjrIlCQ2mDR0mK09V3jFE0BzfRKgA7i0Xe24Y8vJe4LCPvtQiYesopKZsci5CMC4J882ErPArEUn7ZRhyphenhyphenJyxmO7S4/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+061+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224078878191708866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq9nXQyACPN5K_n9oDWBpane1NKuXHAyfp9rpmKmnAwIBZYiGIlyjrIlCQ2mDR0mK09V3jFE0BzfRKgA7i0Xe24Y8vJe4LCPvtQiYesopKZsci5CMC4J882ErPArEUn7ZRhyphenhyphenJyxmO7S4/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+061+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> We got off track there a little, please forgive me. Back to the web walk, I think this one is on a butterfly bush. The gold chamaecyparis is in the background.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3FLoMErS0STJ6A3hfsGiNj-0FcrfWXPCMtofU0BQAQFv1uUTybMQT4nSRW0h9EBzm4k9P_05TxYkLz14kTiLE75XxcQPNz-S1t1TdzmeL4I5HVTs77QZ3ZAePlIi5B2LS58iAb16DW8/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+069+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224078664397313202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3FLoMErS0STJ6A3hfsGiNj-0FcrfWXPCMtofU0BQAQFv1uUTybMQT4nSRW0h9EBzm4k9P_05TxYkLz14kTiLE75XxcQPNz-S1t1TdzmeL4I5HVTs77QZ3ZAePlIi5B2LS58iAb16DW8/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+069+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> We have always called this type of web as belonging to the writer spider, also called a wolf spider. This one is in the rosemary topiary forest and the weaver is small, now. We have seen very large black and yellow spiders weave this same form of web. I hope this one doesn't get that large, or he will have to be removed.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZULqvuECNlol3psMgT-qFzY1eGp7E2bixIgiu7tPKKe_LNnhcXIn2kuUfJYQidq8l6aTuF8uvvqP_feBL3Uwvn5UZIafRaFfhPtPip3EdDZEYUYd-MGCkaCZJ8Ktkm0HXhoslp7KTlo/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+047+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224078420523382994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZULqvuECNlol3psMgT-qFzY1eGp7E2bixIgiu7tPKKe_LNnhcXIn2kuUfJYQidq8l6aTuF8uvvqP_feBL3Uwvn5UZIafRaFfhPtPip3EdDZEYUYd-MGCkaCZJ8Ktkm0HXhoslp7KTlo/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+047+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Drat, this photo taken in the black garden doesn't show the web well with the Summer Wine ninebark. But look just past at that spot of bright pink! The new lily is beginning to bloom. Hooray!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7imfHVe4qIRmO-NU2qDIfsYOu6Lp6phGcbSGZTsIs5zLtozkMvlr2nUO-bFz05aBOWImaEkzQno2gwc06dqDsBPgNJuTIRAoCmjWHUpRyr6v5khpKjR2lIX5Vq2-OdVnF88A0rOv9u0A/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+052+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224078032788233746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7imfHVe4qIRmO-NU2qDIfsYOu6Lp6phGcbSGZTsIs5zLtozkMvlr2nUO-bFz05aBOWImaEkzQno2gwc06dqDsBPgNJuTIRAoCmjWHUpRyr6v5khpKjR2lIX5Vq2-OdVnF88A0rOv9u0A/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+052+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Loaded with buds is this species lily, new this year, Black Beauty. Once again, there is nothing black about it, but it still is worthy of a spot in the black garden. Look at those luscious blooms.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYtOWrST_48Gw89q1yJxpeKLGtDeTNo4qtjf12mR8T-Rqwd8-MDuH9YYUo3R1UH8z8WRz89edO6eD083g-kvanspZ9gYl1543cFS76YgMrLIfyfb_ROLWF47ZYEGJdWTATFJRBXmlfC8/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+051+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224077657618562290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYtOWrST_48Gw89q1yJxpeKLGtDeTNo4qtjf12mR8T-Rqwd8-MDuH9YYUo3R1UH8z8WRz89edO6eD083g-kvanspZ9gYl1543cFS76YgMrLIfyfb_ROLWF47ZYEGJdWTATFJRBXmlfC8/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+051+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Maybe the black refers to the stamens, for they are very dark. Not would I would call black, but maybe they darken with age. Well that winds up our web walk for today. Foggy wet mornings show us art in the garden that is normally not visible, although in the mornings sometimes we feel a thread across the face and know that we have interrupted the work of our friendly spiders, just doing their job. We cooexist with them, knowing some are dangerous. There is a place for all here, as was meant to be.</div><br /><div>Frances </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Fred Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419417500085952044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920034648870064195.post-35805842816727620922008-07-17T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-30T23:43:36.588-07:00A Little Whimsy In The Garden<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiaipt-U1xAacaKia8IoHDuDZDk19MphWXRo16ZkFEiOnCAAPQbJE1y6aNgMHAn5J75D0LYCa5b4JlHMNeoy36Pc3ruqzMpl02zBaDU7_D0e22Vow5nnyV0EJq-U-I-rPYDU5xrhBoXg/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222912985432661378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiaipt-U1xAacaKia8IoHDuDZDk19MphWXRo16ZkFEiOnCAAPQbJE1y6aNgMHAn5J75D0LYCa5b4JlHMNeoy36Pc3ruqzMpl02zBaDU7_D0e22Vow5nnyV0EJq-U-I-rPYDU5xrhBoXg/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+001.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our story opens in the maternity ward under the deck at Faire Garden General. Mister and Missus Bongo Congo are beyond excited, for her sand has broken. A little even splashed up onto her cheek. Mister looks a little worried, but she assures him that everything will be okay.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXjFMwDBBvbsSFv0qunxas5XgilUWwx6SisJa1DZDSFle26zHHtKRJAnvVGcB7YDOcfHw1uAPJ0Qf-o9IKPDczdAlHhhrdeRYkUWoLlffnkOOMeibfMvGny6qgGMH-1DD6Mhedbb47Vo/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222912619266789826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXjFMwDBBvbsSFv0qunxas5XgilUWwx6SisJa1DZDSFle26zHHtKRJAnvVGcB7YDOcfHw1uAPJ0Qf-o9IKPDczdAlHhhrdeRYkUWoLlffnkOOMeibfMvGny6qgGMH-1DD6Mhedbb47Vo/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> Let's go back in time a bit to last year. Heathcliff Bongo Congo came to Tennessee from a colder clime. He was a wild and wooly fellow with bark like skin and a hole in his mouth for a future job working with water. He found a spot in the heaths and heathers that felt like home to him.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi_w88rYzENzBlMSkzUFXKDVRpeqqaQC37qausGJA1nvWf8SghwUzshmCWoe-lX03m7nrbzK9XCF9tSxSYCGxglh0BaIsPtwCHoNfPOBJruGs-0ukIpsh4lusJxkpUewP5mkBzxT_zPA/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222912223731980770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi_w88rYzENzBlMSkzUFXKDVRpeqqaQC37qausGJA1nvWf8SghwUzshmCWoe-lX03m7nrbzK9XCF9tSxSYCGxglh0BaIsPtwCHoNfPOBJruGs-0ukIpsh4lusJxkpUewP5mkBzxT_zPA/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+009.JPG" border="0" /></a> The demure lady Catherine was from a hot, dry windy place and felt comfortable up in the knot garden among the thyme.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0wXl9RAiyzhxDv-AG96c912Ld8KZmYNux-RjxwJTl1PKCAxaFKh74ilwOrXbmFbvwVr2HgaAy7hUjH3z9pRRiXBiEHFzpl2M0288uoUseQTMUVv5EbVVDbdDwPRTApeBaJMLIZnKa-M/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222911866654668690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0wXl9RAiyzhxDv-AG96c912Ld8KZmYNux-RjxwJTl1PKCAxaFKh74ilwOrXbmFbvwVr2HgaAy7hUjH3z9pRRiXBiEHFzpl2M0288uoUseQTMUVv5EbVVDbdDwPRTApeBaJMLIZnKa-M/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+008.JPG" border="0" /></a> She was happy, but felt something was missing in her life. She would daydream of having adventures with daring and romance.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz7S43eKlbeIk9QJ-idg0oOnMKZK3AA88qxRKp6uSO-HyQ5LaLDsTIzvwkgDWHKhSkMX-NmYNKKDi85FwjX2Vwz2QJ63jWjO0OcY6qmeAbJnJXI9KMXTdfmPKBT1OroywiavcFDVOK5M/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222911519702786658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz7S43eKlbeIk9QJ-idg0oOnMKZK3AA88qxRKp6uSO-HyQ5LaLDsTIzvwkgDWHKhSkMX-NmYNKKDi85FwjX2Vwz2QJ63jWjO0OcY6qmeAbJnJXI9KMXTdfmPKBT1OroywiavcFDVOK5M/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+006.JPG" border="0" /></a> Chance would have it that these two would meet while working at their summer jobs picking berries in the food patch. They would both sneak the best looking fruit into their mouths while no one was looking. They caught sight of one another and laughed with embarrassment. But there was something else in that nervous laughter.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwUwHZgFPs1lZIqijCOpxuxMlpr4BSXz8Gghs3pf_XxCnWaG9nZKM-jD2EM1N8X4oYFn9YhNluXS80O8iJfadk-Zu-sITP0soDtd4sNBQZ7yWARKfOx9Pf-mNTzUEhc5HmddbOdWgIgo/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222911173646710594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwUwHZgFPs1lZIqijCOpxuxMlpr4BSXz8Gghs3pf_XxCnWaG9nZKM-jD2EM1N8X4oYFn9YhNluXS80O8iJfadk-Zu-sITP0soDtd4sNBQZ7yWARKfOx9Pf-mNTzUEhc5HmddbOdWgIgo/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> Chemistry drew them to each other, it was undeniable.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXdaO876arrZWdfBDr4mB1XHItTQ-xS85lpZapRDiJnfh9M13ztMvCXgOsoGYn5YHDXg10uUklNg1urN1P8z8IVAHZVYYjaC5DmwUzr4wrD95Ayg78Jx2z5_T6wzIJF7MvCandSRfSbA/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222910727799050034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXdaO876arrZWdfBDr4mB1XHItTQ-xS85lpZapRDiJnfh9M13ztMvCXgOsoGYn5YHDXg10uUklNg1urN1P8z8IVAHZVYYjaC5DmwUzr4wrD95Ayg78Jx2z5_T6wzIJF7MvCandSRfSbA/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> They began traveling around, having found that they both shared the same interests, including mythology.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0QVbSEQlxaKy3QM6qSmwmL4wN-GTfSQfgRtvsNvwnppNOQgrV2xAmwGCccgUWGt-mKUF-djq5zGI0eieACllrEcJ1TbBNmZ_eUOtIautJxu8yrKapv0HBSQQhFJcfxAv8Btq9cboASg/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222910234641791170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0QVbSEQlxaKy3QM6qSmwmL4wN-GTfSQfgRtvsNvwnppNOQgrV2xAmwGCccgUWGt-mKUF-djq5zGI0eieACllrEcJ1TbBNmZ_eUOtIautJxu8yrKapv0HBSQQhFJcfxAv8Btq9cboASg/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> Finally she took him home to meet her parent, a hypertufa trough rimmed with colored marbles. Bongo Congo was terrified of not being accepted by the civilized pater/mater. The composition of our lady and planter included peat moss and perlite with the sand-cement mix that had formed Bongo Congo. How could he ever convince him/her that he was worthy of the most exquisite creature he had ever known?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGiOAPrI_dDUoPuhzcUZhgihMNZ9TtCF-DOdDENktngp3LQXv0AGx1YpeMSMYI07dEOdFotbnMAd-gjU_wxhN3B6fwMSo_v1nmqHux0xLN-f0YEZszhG2gkUUzoCO8Wuc56SiAivOUTY/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222909861872329170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGiOAPrI_dDUoPuhzcUZhgihMNZ9TtCF-DOdDENktngp3LQXv0AGx1YpeMSMYI07dEOdFotbnMAd-gjU_wxhN3B6fwMSo_v1nmqHux0xLN-f0YEZszhG2gkUUzoCO8Wuc56SiAivOUTY/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+013.JPG" border="0" /></a> He took her to meet his own family, the bowl made from leaf casting material, his brother, Itchy. She was shy and turned away, feeling out of place also. Bongo Congo and Itchy were a pair, the bowl made to catch the water that cascaded from the spout of BC's mouth. How could she come between them?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxwoS-ZU_zRqDHQ0Wctye1ImcDu0XZf63A3gzNUK0oRd5_BZuTlXhme201ExI5UpmkfuwFMYwXkNG1bHLFQWMV-6KcyzoGSWnCahxbmalLReUy6E6oQdoOUQ4k5v7SRpAFpckFmPRHHw/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222909488031927298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxwoS-ZU_zRqDHQ0Wctye1ImcDu0XZf63A3gzNUK0oRd5_BZuTlXhme201ExI5UpmkfuwFMYwXkNG1bHLFQWMV-6KcyzoGSWnCahxbmalLReUy6E6oQdoOUQ4k5v7SRpAFpckFmPRHHw/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+014.JPG" border="0" /></a> True love prevailed once again. They eloped and went to the rocky shore for their honeymoon. They had always been big fans of the movie "From Here To Eternity" with Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_anHeSes4exAi9NoWkg1M0ON_NJ8u9rlxOeAUKUz9UtKoqZx-ThKIu9key3RKA9vG_CfGj5MWPSbmw8EOYh0PiGWQo5abdHxzwYLVrj4mLo2SMJS7um0Uv_Pf7S4FX_1LBTuVJ5vta_s/s1600-h/June+18,+2008+5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222909128995717170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_anHeSes4exAi9NoWkg1M0ON_NJ8u9rlxOeAUKUz9UtKoqZx-ThKIu9key3RKA9vG_CfGj5MWPSbmw8EOYh0PiGWQo5abdHxzwYLVrj4mLo2SMJS7um0Uv_Pf7S4FX_1LBTuVJ5vta_s/s400/June+18,+2008+5.JPG" border="0" /></a> More recently they participated in the midsummer night's festivities with the crowd of fairies that traveled here for that big event. That was a special night and the result surprised them both, for she learned that another was to join the family they had created together.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC1vATvYn-CZ9wVEJer25euHyEkcJcKMGe3hF9-HSR2OlAl-6rlc3ZhuiKqqdU73KccSu0V4kxBn_WsY43xxAMkI-Md-XVebvPLrn_sMz8HnfLzWJqkXb0XEmUkJcAxU-LKI4ulNEa8Q/s1600-h/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222908869252021666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC1vATvYn-CZ9wVEJer25euHyEkcJcKMGe3hF9-HSR2OlAl-6rlc3ZhuiKqqdU73KccSu0V4kxBn_WsY43xxAMkI-Md-XVebvPLrn_sMz8HnfLzWJqkXb0XEmUkJcAxU-LKI4ulNEa8Q/s400/July+10,+2008+bongocongo+003.JPG" border="0" /></a> Serving as midwife, I helped Cathy do what nature had intended. The offspring is still wet behind the ears in this shot right after birth but smiling and happy about the whole thing. What a joy she will be to her doting parents.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmRnzBKcgQeQJUe9AUVc9vKXSWZPpKZLcWlkvjlVNGFgOObAB70M27rBbcmwbvArMGXZtfhMqwTg0bmAV8pc6CCChXrCFb5LQwWR3UyUzLisy0MFcJH8T5x924oWkrJ9Fxgy_07xD2jk/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222908555904105282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmRnzBKcgQeQJUe9AUVc9vKXSWZPpKZLcWlkvjlVNGFgOObAB70M27rBbcmwbvArMGXZtfhMqwTg0bmAV8pc6CCChXrCFb5LQwWR3UyUzLisy0MFcJH8T5x924oWkrJ9Fxgy_07xD2jk/s400/July+11,+2008+spider+webs+063.JPG" border="0" /></a> She is seen here in the nursery with other new additions to the garden, cotinus leaves and an eight ball squash leaf casting. They all need to set and harden before they can venture out.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcv2btMjRgNeAsHESVTYSTvZIx2CgLjGJdrdkTf19YDGHwB_oK_p3XSAh4ivcCmmF6qfQhsvrnblfJi4Gf404oO-Vd2ewSLHR_anBeXqCcnJ6d_HOeiayP7mWnoiErbxfEG-RhUiscoM/s1600-h/July+14,+2008+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222908327531549682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcv2btMjRgNeAsHESVTYSTvZIx2CgLjGJdrdkTf19YDGHwB_oK_p3XSAh4ivcCmmF6qfQhsvrnblfJi4Gf404oO-Vd2ewSLHR_anBeXqCcnJ6d_HOeiayP7mWnoiErbxfEG-RhUiscoM/s400/July+14,+2008+001.JPG" border="0" /></a> The happy family together here for their official portrait. It was rumored that People magazine had offered millions for the rights to this photo. But the Bongo Congos have no need for either riches or notoriety and wish to live a simple, natural life, sans paparazzi. We will honor that wish. May we introduce to you Whimsy Bongo Congo. </div><div>~~~</div><div>We wish to thank Nan Ondra at Gardening Gone Wild for this month's topic of<br /><a href="http://www.gardeninggonewild.com/?p=1272">Garden Blogger Design Workshop,</a> Whimsy in the garden. It was an honor for her to choose a topic named for our new little resident. Thanks, Nan.</div><br /><div>Frances </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Fred Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419417500085952044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920034648870064195.post-5008227150930913392008-07-15T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-30T23:44:42.412-07:00July Bloom Day 2008-A Wide Variety<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8vT5gISbBPQzjSwrzokJkUHen6XftWIFOoRLFlz1UQrfPxoCub1OOCfjSrH_FXvjb1IW5IpAbLJveguNNPDGrcFoAVPppQU0788XpGWiRXfAPHoI0tTeK8KgPI5E-rDElN7DS7CbuSQ/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221924839665703202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8vT5gISbBPQzjSwrzokJkUHen6XftWIFOoRLFlz1UQrfPxoCub1OOCfjSrH_FXvjb1IW5IpAbLJveguNNPDGrcFoAVPppQU0788XpGWiRXfAPHoI0tTeK8KgPI5E-rDElN7DS7CbuSQ/s400/July+7,+2008+074.JPG" border="0" /></a> As we were assembling this month's bloom day photos for the flower extravaganza sponsored by super blogger Carol at<br /><a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com/">May Dreams Gardens, </a>it was noticed that the flowers open now are as wide a range of types as any other time during the year. You will see what I am talking about in this post. Most of the orchids we grow bloom during the winter months, that is the object of having them, exotic flowers in the greenhouse/sunroom during those dreary days. But here is <em>Paphiopedilum Honey 'Newberry' x Paph. primulinus 'Lemon Glow'</em>, with even more buds showing for future flowers in the dog days of summer. The Old Farmer's Almanac lists the traditional timing of the Dog Days as the 40 days beginning <a title="July 3" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July_3">July 3</a> and ending <a title="August 11" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_11">August 11</a>, coinciding with the ancient heliacal (at sunrise) rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. There is a growing bud on another of the paphs as well, hooray!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMXH33ksbZi0tuzCo0fxFQCNLUxqJz3crNl7nBJRRq2wNSsLAaBygSwL8scquTq0QrW13J_OlQB7ALIQTX6eYSXztGlRRLVDbKE7-7DSCupIsFquZpkFdD8pRrGxdDWczErFNW9WjREE/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+076.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221924683036620402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMXH33ksbZi0tuzCo0fxFQCNLUxqJz3crNl7nBJRRq2wNSsLAaBygSwL8scquTq0QrW13J_OlQB7ALIQTX6eYSXztGlRRLVDbKE7-7DSCupIsFquZpkFdD8pRrGxdDWczErFNW9WjREE/s400/July+7,+2008+076.JPG" border="0" /></a> This vanda alliance hybrid usually give us three blooms a year.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEiI-Rwv1isZ1VM7GkPfADqkACPLfM1rXtB-MOo3U0LeGin0aALF12w9gMTmmfrpfpXu9QVodYWPGeyeST2P2Cjs-_DQ6O3JRHVrPCnTwuD9T7zEy5JxEZwJ1z1o6EnJTaghUofkrTGw/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221924472102037202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEiI-Rwv1isZ1VM7GkPfADqkACPLfM1rXtB-MOo3U0LeGin0aALF12w9gMTmmfrpfpXu9QVodYWPGeyeST2P2Cjs-_DQ6O3JRHVrPCnTwuD9T7zEy5JxEZwJ1z1o6EnJTaghUofkrTGw/s400/July+11,+2008+001.JPG" border="0" /></a> More seasonal is this coneflower, <em>echinacea 'Sundown'</em>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKXsz1S453GMp7sSLk2gz49LWpE2OxcWbBr-uua76mPwEfx9XJDMg5q_QUoyeEUqR9DA1I4eDx8Hw2gTUtiEyWSrxZqvWF05b4-xY8GmhalOC4tWKV_EVjRHeayDBNjo1Z23QEkTWIWg/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+013+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221924335455685250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKXsz1S453GMp7sSLk2gz49LWpE2OxcWbBr-uua76mPwEfx9XJDMg5q_QUoyeEUqR9DA1I4eDx8Hw2gTUtiEyWSrxZqvWF05b4-xY8GmhalOC4tWKV_EVjRHeayDBNjo1Z23QEkTWIWg/s400/June+30,+2008+013+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a>We couldn't resist <em>E. 'Coconut Lime'</em>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkExyBnTQzKHQUZpLQG8NIGHUVWTyEtp4KcDmCdDBh2VZlCYHsjSd7revg_5iPTjF1MOddydwiXxyXBXWJRK7IbSjkR7MbeneX7Sa_dg0Z2Dl23D94XUPxzhscPEtoj-gDBLvyL2FP_f4/s1600-h/July+1,+2008+035+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221924113086760066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkExyBnTQzKHQUZpLQG8NIGHUVWTyEtp4KcDmCdDBh2VZlCYHsjSd7revg_5iPTjF1MOddydwiXxyXBXWJRK7IbSjkR7MbeneX7Sa_dg0Z2Dl23D94XUPxzhscPEtoj-gDBLvyL2FP_f4/s400/July+1,+2008+035+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> <em>E. 'Harvest Moon'</em> has been a good performer also.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdr9_FOc7v2_HiiBCF_R2g3VGvtkqhymfp7c2-U2rO1eOvQW16gBk_bqMF4fz1qkzKWCT-GWYTZdeGniYk4Sm0Acxn6P_epQt3ojYo3diMNUN5XLBY_L2sIoEOHSBoSShaT-lUNY_JLw/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221923989735829426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdr9_FOc7v2_HiiBCF_R2g3VGvtkqhymfp7c2-U2rO1eOvQW16gBk_bqMF4fz1qkzKWCT-GWYTZdeGniYk4Sm0Acxn6P_epQt3ojYo3diMNUN5XLBY_L2sIoEOHSBoSShaT-lUNY_JLw/s400/July+7,+2008+080.JPG" border="0" /></a> Roses grown here include old fashioned or antique roses such as this <em>R.</em> <em>'Grootendorst Supreme'</em>, we have nicknamed this one Thorny. Even the leaves have sharp spikes.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNgd2RvU3QXF-UeA1DSUfdVNSZiwkjyTKKzluqresJqghlVvpcYPSIWdmF78sM_zbTFviAjfyQ5MQUiSqBa-8bFO2NbHNYzwqRmRHNFThM6SqklzEHknEs7RhLdagLO9us9q2e2W3wyI/s1600-h/July+2,+2008+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221923820536418642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNgd2RvU3QXF-UeA1DSUfdVNSZiwkjyTKKzluqresJqghlVvpcYPSIWdmF78sM_zbTFviAjfyQ5MQUiSqBa-8bFO2NbHNYzwqRmRHNFThM6SqklzEHknEs7RhLdagLO9us9q2e2W3wyI/s400/July+2,+2008+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>Rosa' Ferdinand Pitchard'</em> is unscathed by the Japanese beetles so far, thanks to Jersey and her milk jug of soapy water.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1W47SsHonO2rS37H94xTMBLhxzle5CLVtR-QRB1lzOI9kg3fY3Jv5uHewLSImDANUshi3Nh6tDs6NeJS5VFNxlBlQijo-tPAS3EtURFPrn80h4jnz9JuChDeG9pPGRWjCR3K6rwdpto/s1600-h/July+9,2008+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221923649236717970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1W47SsHonO2rS37H94xTMBLhxzle5CLVtR-QRB1lzOI9kg3fY3Jv5uHewLSImDANUshi3Nh6tDs6NeJS5VFNxlBlQijo-tPAS3EtURFPrn80h4jnz9JuChDeG9pPGRWjCR3K6rwdpto/s400/July+9,2008+003.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dahlias have been known to winter over here, so we like to give them a try. This is a brand new one, no cultivar name. Lowe's refers to it as *annual dahlia*, we hope for this to be perennial dahlia instead. It could happen. For those of you sensitive souls who have an aversion to red and yellow, what do you think of the addition of the orange from our little friend the Pearl Crescent?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQugorer6DAowHISdeIOXaLr1XD2rpc6wBonCCAmlJ_cz-4UK7Vtzg-4duNOE7XdN1MDcKHPo6arvWF-05oGsLn0CSFmJoE0uS43-huSn-NwUOSK11L5OsruuSayB9T8PNdw5bqA0Zqeo/s1600-h/June+26,+2008+021+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221923515814006322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQugorer6DAowHISdeIOXaLr1XD2rpc6wBonCCAmlJ_cz-4UK7Vtzg-4duNOE7XdN1MDcKHPo6arvWF-05oGsLn0CSFmJoE0uS43-huSn-NwUOSK11L5OsruuSayB9T8PNdw5bqA0Zqeo/s400/June+26,+2008+021+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> We have had luck overwintering the seed started <em>D. 'Bishop's Children',</em> when we don't try and move them mid season that is. I like the washed out color on this one. The dark leaves earned it a place in the black garden, surrounded by taller shrubs to help protect it against the ravages of winter.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2hMQO_xa-O-oWlGcL7AxSxfYx3mFQ21aKU-DZBmo7rDs_sGDDjdTBofVaWx5-zawsmG_zxSMtHxoFfZrGzpje5mMWBtKbwDZ9j0oMwT_jlkGDidqgakB8B0VL4YdVI77PpD0PAIrbKk/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+062.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221923319715507490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2hMQO_xa-O-oWlGcL7AxSxfYx3mFQ21aKU-DZBmo7rDs_sGDDjdTBofVaWx5-zawsmG_zxSMtHxoFfZrGzpje5mMWBtKbwDZ9j0oMwT_jlkGDidqgakB8B0VL4YdVI77PpD0PAIrbKk/s400/July+7,+2008+062.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another annual one with iridescence to the petals. I'll let you know next spring if these made it or not.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6ng2tB7nuY3aEJElxQtz9S7vbsVlkLDmodmQCIJvWVZGzfQZxr3zCkUFeUE0YM7oFnDXS5OWmifVPpCES510IQscBhRTyI7HQM6rx41oR7FalelTMfX1amy0c6eUW06DUN3jYMOfWF4/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221923174435618562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6ng2tB7nuY3aEJElxQtz9S7vbsVlkLDmodmQCIJvWVZGzfQZxr3zCkUFeUE0YM7oFnDXS5OWmifVPpCES510IQscBhRTyI7HQM6rx41oR7FalelTMfX1amy0c6eUW06DUN3jYMOfWF4/s400/July+7,+2008+052.JPG" border="0" /></a> Searching for the truest blue of the eryngiums, this flower and stem seemed the darkest hued.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRfMbJQ4nHcZSF0PN3VGhInUgF4AdogdemLb8ErCUhv_iJ90xixrt_7vNBk8BkIJWdgEepaln2oJiVEN4AWIZTJXs-AJvbczP0nn_An4PFcqqLyztxTui5NsPg-5yTTDk9SsmT6AnBsI/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221923021422129394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRfMbJQ4nHcZSF0PN3VGhInUgF4AdogdemLb8ErCUhv_iJ90xixrt_7vNBk8BkIJWdgEepaln2oJiVEN4AWIZTJXs-AJvbczP0nn_An4PFcqqLyztxTui5NsPg-5yTTDk9SsmT6AnBsI/s400/July+7,+2008+053.JPG" border="0" /></a> Followed by this one.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsjTbWXr21cVQLtPaUCSGQwdEspj2HftsScVAxYVp1B6AElLxH_GgFlx2fq6ntpnLMAAyja5scrW3eJlBF5SCyUVUdpg9djvH-mwlRNXDlH0vBS8JkLax85j8hl5-FEVwHMKHWOwKYTY/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221922872456225090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsjTbWXr21cVQLtPaUCSGQwdEspj2HftsScVAxYVp1B6AElLxH_GgFlx2fq6ntpnLMAAyja5scrW3eJlBF5SCyUVUdpg9djvH-mwlRNXDlH0vBS8JkLax85j8hl5-FEVwHMKHWOwKYTY/s400/July+7,+2008+048.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here is the whole plant, showing many blossoms of varying shades of steely blue next to it's new best friend, <em>Helenium 'Mardi Gras'</em>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8ldMRgtAvhRDLYmoiO9JLXvP64WWM4wjnIrKzQiGWU1VMRudhlywcS_2pJKLrZeoDbxsVdTJrdoDaHbg2UqK4WsxstB2gKtbBxuGAgtSocIdLcmKPEL8-BXtorEXNlMySbNKev0mRQA/s1600-h/July+1,+2008+039+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221922424751070466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8ldMRgtAvhRDLYmoiO9JLXvP64WWM4wjnIrKzQiGWU1VMRudhlywcS_2pJKLrZeoDbxsVdTJrdoDaHbg2UqK4WsxstB2gKtbBxuGAgtSocIdLcmKPEL8-BXtorEXNlMySbNKev0mRQA/s400/July+1,+2008+039+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a>The blue balloon flower, <em>platycodon</em>, a passalong from neighbors Mae and Mickey offers cool color during the hot days.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnBME9qM6fqqzuKaOlQQPY4Ga5b9h0wcAwS5EjKxAgEFJkAO9Ys20wCAOwkowVRa-IMwepgURZMNwdC4kdm_SesYHP9X2Tt4Vy-Ls_6Ri_ilyICOva-msLKlVbEoXqpOLMcJVWmoqBvQ/s1600-h/July+1,+2008+043+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221922315518962498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnBME9qM6fqqzuKaOlQQPY4Ga5b9h0wcAwS5EjKxAgEFJkAO9Ys20wCAOwkowVRa-IMwepgURZMNwdC4kdm_SesYHP9X2Tt4Vy-Ls_6Ri_ilyICOva-msLKlVbEoXqpOLMcJVWmoqBvQ/s400/July+1,+2008+043+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> We love the white one too, with it's blue veining.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3QVBZn0W4m9YqKt10gkd9dTO2XuPRgSTPL3Ld63qKY_7gjEkde5oPSYFWMdXU2ADyhX3BeR9gWmJabnBmrqWJNQ4s0u2L1zOJC9-HEmWFJWLZ1TCDw5dF8Ed46LOZc3829ZCk7vOzAY/s1600-h/July+8,+2008+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221922208662473474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3QVBZn0W4m9YqKt10gkd9dTO2XuPRgSTPL3Ld63qKY_7gjEkde5oPSYFWMdXU2ADyhX3BeR9gWmJabnBmrqWJNQ4s0u2L1zOJC9-HEmWFJWLZ1TCDw5dF8Ed46LOZc3829ZCk7vOzAY/s400/July+8,+2008+013.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em>Monarda 'Blue Stockings'</em> is visited by butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSuTEh00YHtTJphLdueiBgah_zSTBsqmn0UykIvx1K_YTolOVt679IvH4t_GmXFUS1I8yHZWhnc0diTLxpp66EdDdNQ30FymFvKVUTWzFUicW_m4X22KILVWCRPCf4vMX8PJZDRCUWuE/s1600-h/July+1,+2008+015+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221922015219162658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSuTEh00YHtTJphLdueiBgah_zSTBsqmn0UykIvx1K_YTolOVt679IvH4t_GmXFUS1I8yHZWhnc0diTLxpp66EdDdNQ30FymFvKVUTWzFUicW_m4X22KILVWCRPCf4vMX8PJZDRCUWuE/s400/July+1,+2008+015+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> As is the red <em>M. 'Jacob Kline'</em>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRXqfRqgg2OHPq1x1LL04aBVlKycEZvkNWl8SMZ-SNnGC6YFCbGNr3gIJRuZPCfcQ3niRZ5S_h_nZHo8cMT1IRaVL1VpPKxfN0FryL_d97v6D6ZOLgl1PSOrFikj1QOXR1mf98o9YOhY/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221921862107886674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRXqfRqgg2OHPq1x1LL04aBVlKycEZvkNWl8SMZ-SNnGC6YFCbGNr3gIJRuZPCfcQ3niRZ5S_h_nZHo8cMT1IRaVL1VpPKxfN0FryL_d97v6D6ZOLgl1PSOrFikj1QOXR1mf98o9YOhY/s400/July+11,+2008+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> The first flower opened of the <em>rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'</em> group. This little bee wants some pollen, but the actual flowers in the center don't appear to be open for business just yet. Or maybe those at the outer edge are available for the early diners. The brown plate special.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5R5z5Eqb_1B9DpigrV9JURu5KRJzioOw1xlA0tJCTwUJSB0Pb0nIObMzg8zwzev2ovnlCgqL1YHUuThPfQ4WJzqmibrgQcD0jt8poTYPHUZ6-MsicKE6DCGqhY11MkNrIktdj_ndo5s/s1600-h/July+8,+2008+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221921694410769842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5R5z5Eqb_1B9DpigrV9JURu5KRJzioOw1xlA0tJCTwUJSB0Pb0nIObMzg8zwzev2ovnlCgqL1YHUuThPfQ4WJzqmibrgQcD0jt8poTYPHUZ6-MsicKE6DCGqhY11MkNrIktdj_ndo5s/s400/July+8,+2008+015.JPG" border="0" /></a> The white <em>phlox paniculata 'David'</em> is enjoying it's new home in the white/yellow garden. Blooming next to it is <em>rudbeckia hirta</em>, the annual gloriosa daisy. In the background is <em>echinacea 'Harvest Moon'.</em><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J5amcbQV7lnkYWUA4NJu9i7VJ8VhQ3y7BWy5VWr7iR8AzMGczvAmK3_qHT7uVVguqB1mKiLQY4jAC4RzifWOa1N85nqe6XVG7urUveAdke4E74sDSdKFf0aBzu6_5sdN1BQ1uctM03k/s1600-h/July+1,+2008+044+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221921507566802498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J5amcbQV7lnkYWUA4NJu9i7VJ8VhQ3y7BWy5VWr7iR8AzMGczvAmK3_qHT7uVVguqB1mKiLQY4jAC4RzifWOa1N85nqe6XVG7urUveAdke4E74sDSdKFf0aBzu6_5sdN1BQ1uctM03k/s400/July+1,+2008+044+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> The old fashioned no name <em>phlox paniculata</em> from Mae and Mickey is very tall and mixes well with the other bright colors of the summer garden. Paniculata means tall when it is seen in the latin name of a plant.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5vU6-_G__JmeEuORcgBWmx7qD8xGaTs6iIu7Sm2K5PcyxMAjzBVZHjT2sp31r4tnanInVxpKfrFxP_3_Yn0hlURi-XTuuE1SMI6arkS9aG1A5zqBjqSdnNUKJOyh4riNJhu-60IQBBk/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221921357371689378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5vU6-_G__JmeEuORcgBWmx7qD8xGaTs6iIu7Sm2K5PcyxMAjzBVZHjT2sp31r4tnanInVxpKfrFxP_3_Yn0hlURi-XTuuE1SMI6arkS9aG1A5zqBjqSdnNUKJOyh4riNJhu-60IQBBk/s400/July+5,+2008+016.JPG" border="0" /></a> This morning glory snuck by me and bloomed in the pyracantha bushes. We are overrun with all colors of these as they carpeted the top of the hill when we bought this property. Many years of seeds are buried in that soil, and germinate everywhere. We try and catch them all now, but mistakenly let them bloom in the beginning when there was lots of open garden space to fill. The flowers are admittedly lovely, but too many seeds!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTPzjKiQOPeqWDPqs5LW2euZIabXviGhnYVeQszBM5yC_CDxgdTiA46qwl0FLrKN8qQQtPsUqwBWS6YpEl62X8vDKNkHdVQEEfP_hG6h90XbiTD-nZ4LNUanlnNji-4_EWPu9fS7ILCw/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221921239327136594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTPzjKiQOPeqWDPqs5LW2euZIabXviGhnYVeQszBM5yC_CDxgdTiA46qwl0FLrKN8qQQtPsUqwBWS6YpEl62X8vDKNkHdVQEEfP_hG6h90XbiTD-nZ4LNUanlnNji-4_EWPu9fS7ILCw/s400/July+7,+2008+018.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another plant that came with the property is this <em>prunella vulgaris</em>, self heal is one of the common names. According to some laboratory studies, prunella has many potential benefits, including anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-oxidant properties. It is an evergreen rosette in the winter and flowers mid summer with these charming little blue trumpets. At twelve inches tall it fits in nicely with the penstemons in the old gravel driveway of the house next door that was torn down to build our garage. A volunteer purple perilla lends dark mystery to the vignette.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCl5Haj9omXVmOvNJbZNG6Czhh4EZD-OwsRGknFHfK8X_hUY3XfqyGcPh81dOjU3zPX_zzKT911PSjRH12Gx8yqoOJnJCibpD1MX7MiGcWJY_gZFsLY9hzplaGO9Thfi530tS7b4FeR5Y/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221921052675366466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCl5Haj9omXVmOvNJbZNG6Czhh4EZD-OwsRGknFHfK8X_hUY3XfqyGcPh81dOjU3zPX_zzKT911PSjRH12Gx8yqoOJnJCibpD1MX7MiGcWJY_gZFsLY9hzplaGO9Thfi530tS7b4FeR5Y/s400/July+7,+2008+020.JPG" border="0" /></a> The first zinnia of the year, one of the self sown. The butterflies and hummers are mad for these flowers. We sowed many packages of seeds this spring, too soon, and they all rotted in the too cool soil. We bought more and those are up but not flowering yet.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5FTpWPLcOwfRIF4691rVTM9xP1EvbZ_dPhf5_eXk4QjW2XVd1D_P4JD4-1bcM0nYfzZJsTYf_o_-6lqTrMUih-ElH5i6WxNX0SF94Af34PRp6-pmOjzWVecRPd9fU66f00qp-9Bhu1I/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221920947905099202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5FTpWPLcOwfRIF4691rVTM9xP1EvbZ_dPhf5_eXk4QjW2XVd1D_P4JD4-1bcM0nYfzZJsTYf_o_-6lqTrMUih-ElH5i6WxNX0SF94Af34PRp6-pmOjzWVecRPd9fU66f00qp-9Bhu1I/s400/July+7,+2008+022.JPG" border="0" /></a> On the new arbor minus the climbing rose Killer, the crossvine, <em>Bignonia 'Tangerine Beauty'</em> is happily winding its way across the top.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_9_HMDV0qQjd1dl3aiLgXAFnQ4erv5JdoSdYtIC4x62Xf9DD9duhVVqsN1cI5EITedG_hfk3KHlcJkghvCaPNxJGShficHDbYmX_PT9btO8NmohRB4iOG8ev6Zv_yU04ooFUare_CDs/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221920682132404978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_9_HMDV0qQjd1dl3aiLgXAFnQ4erv5JdoSdYtIC4x62Xf9DD9duhVVqsN1cI5EITedG_hfk3KHlcJkghvCaPNxJGShficHDbYmX_PT9btO8NmohRB4iOG8ev6Zv_yU04ooFUare_CDs/s400/July+7,+2008+044.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tiny purple flowers of moss verbena stand out against the dark leaves of groundcover <em>ajuga</em> <em>reptans</em>. Growing in the concrete swan planters is a tough task, the pot portion is small, letting the moisture dry out very quickly. The verbena is well suited to the dryness, a native of the south, we grew it in our Houston garden. It shall be seen if it can overwinter here.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9W81bauEGTwfmuWcMPo2Q_8ho2J6THFqsJDsQX1rzh1iO8oGVsuEPUa18ALFkhwdLWssgO80D6LDRoMkNqKT4CsoE4Nua0Umk3KbPtLDXA3afzdBC_N8PnP_LgIZHKTreSbSehEV80g/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221920495268668754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9W81bauEGTwfmuWcMPo2Q_8ho2J6THFqsJDsQX1rzh1iO8oGVsuEPUa18ALFkhwdLWssgO80D6LDRoMkNqKT4CsoE4Nua0Umk3KbPtLDXA3afzdBC_N8PnP_LgIZHKTreSbSehEV80g/s400/July+7,+2008+081.JPG" border="0" /></a> The southern standby crepe myrtle is opening. We have several cultivars here and there, this one is Zuni, two stand sentinel at each end of the center curb planting.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAK_Hj94xvMQh4XZBAv2zKsWQEoCbc1_Sp7-paui_1_s5ADSU9zKvRu2heYCBfB4e2KhGcme3jFPGVIHoXxv0pNPuoL6_ywC9GEOI5yPHmSCTfxh7J1obbGr9kJjvjk0A7107RFfZB58/s1600-h/July+8,+2008+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221920279822360194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAK_Hj94xvMQh4XZBAv2zKsWQEoCbc1_Sp7-paui_1_s5ADSU9zKvRu2heYCBfB4e2KhGcme3jFPGVIHoXxv0pNPuoL6_ywC9GEOI5yPHmSCTfxh7J1obbGr9kJjvjk0A7107RFfZB58/s400/July+8,+2008+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> A pink oriental lily, name unknown, as it was a free gift from Wayside last year with the purchase of some viburnums. A package of three, two are this light pink and one was Stargazer. That was a pretty good freebie.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl__j4FqH-5wDce9q-C2sOzwgJCWH0UreIAbt-VeqqgyRqv_VNsH-Ru42MJtjek4AIvbGoFFUSdoGEqXKtcMBrAHfh1bYqmNi_UQkEE5SG_APR24R4buQ7WiIyoh9H68dAUviDu1tUMoc/s1600-h/June+26,+2008+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221920023903208930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl__j4FqH-5wDce9q-C2sOzwgJCWH0UreIAbt-VeqqgyRqv_VNsH-Ru42MJtjek4AIvbGoFFUSdoGEqXKtcMBrAHfh1bYqmNi_UQkEE5SG_APR24R4buQ7WiIyoh9H68dAUviDu1tUMoc/s400/June+26,+2008+018.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em>Liatris spicata</em> in the yellow/white bed. It was supposed to be white.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlYyWQ0lI1xwopYhr05b8HXou9Wzqi-elSeOQ4ORDCwW6d1YrC4Ayqdxe78BaweoPr1WALhwRTxdwEzuONPRrltD2cMJyHPnU9c43SuFpJauJ1osSRD7qFq744ruduuTdOsSRZJIGCWY/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+041+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221919638564217554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlYyWQ0lI1xwopYhr05b8HXou9Wzqi-elSeOQ4ORDCwW6d1YrC4Ayqdxe78BaweoPr1WALhwRTxdwEzuONPRrltD2cMJyHPnU9c43SuFpJauJ1osSRD7qFq744ruduuTdOsSRZJIGCWY/s400/June+30,+2008+041+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Seeds from Semi of the annual <em>scabiosa atropurpurea</em> produce red, purple and near black flowering plants. They are in the black garden and give candy colored accent to the dark foliage.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE-6545q0Pn9kD-BKxDWlwW5EcQIAfPJWQ8LdosexVAOfr0XrrIJ2ebtVYFpyx_2BvXosXodDSUAUIfJuDDsE5WCkeTrs-8uRVjo_jDYZs252bMumNxhkaRdK7gI7JQmhNhZVptFxkkk/s1600-h/July+11,+2008+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221919499595916114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE-6545q0Pn9kD-BKxDWlwW5EcQIAfPJWQ8LdosexVAOfr0XrrIJ2ebtVYFpyx_2BvXosXodDSUAUIfJuDDsE5WCkeTrs-8uRVjo_jDYZs252bMumNxhkaRdK7gI7JQmhNhZVptFxkkk/s400/July+11,+2008+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> Blackberry lily, <em>belamcanda chinensis</em>, with hornet attached was given as seed by friend Laurie years ago. We have faithfully saved the seeds and planted them in this bed by the shed where the eryngium, helenium and stipa call home, trying for a mass planting some day.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uUXMjWmE0eI82427R9NoVjqm0LGuTBllBG4UKIW-2BJCGVZ3UfsMZuqiuQtxxks5okFYaghwcqA8phHa3Dx9XD0YF3lFe4eUJ88pbWt-8Bn1q33LB01iH2-wlD3lmaVZ7xGD0UaGxiQ/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+088.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221919345511106498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uUXMjWmE0eI82427R9NoVjqm0LGuTBllBG4UKIW-2BJCGVZ3UfsMZuqiuQtxxks5okFYaghwcqA8phHa3Dx9XD0YF3lFe4eUJ88pbWt-8Bn1q33LB01iH2-wlD3lmaVZ7xGD0UaGxiQ/s400/July+7,+2008+088.JPG" border="0" /></a> Nastursium 'Alaska' seeds were sown in the blue strawberry jar in the driveway.<br />The leaves are the thing here, the flowers are a bonus.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyfEENb8tdVPi_Lh4I3LJg0XCheMWmrpRbYiX-VQ-mtfiTcga4Y4vf7IYmpzpEOqGnB8pzUJwbHHJKHwygW9k8BBzY4hYWRSm8U-uYzQANs6whQp_JyLwhYbhPPIxOt-y0z_ep2VDXMY/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221919139301795666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyfEENb8tdVPi_Lh4I3LJg0XCheMWmrpRbYiX-VQ-mtfiTcga4Y4vf7IYmpzpEOqGnB8pzUJwbHHJKHwygW9k8BBzY4hYWRSm8U-uYzQANs6whQp_JyLwhYbhPPIxOt-y0z_ep2VDXMY/s400/July+7,+2008+091.JPG" border="0" /></a> Also from seed, new to us this year is <em>cerinthe purpurescens</em>. While not as purple as the photo on the seed packet, we are liking them so far. In the background the Japanese blood grass is showing good color. This grass is planted along the forty foot wall behind the main house as a common thread, along with scores of other plants. I love the look of the sun backlighting the red blades.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdQq90i7aqEYcmiN3C0FnSLEyZ_yivwY9OSG0HPmSU1tI2Xo_D5wZzsYid-p7x33QjtgM6xZLUtP1dv1QWhNuNLsGT4GiQFdZ7c6HNw8Anfl9KyXwMXRwspp5NHQdluPoK8MpND7KzZU/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+100.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221918933986890098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdQq90i7aqEYcmiN3C0FnSLEyZ_yivwY9OSG0HPmSU1tI2Xo_D5wZzsYid-p7x33QjtgM6xZLUtP1dv1QWhNuNLsGT4GiQFdZ7c6HNw8Anfl9KyXwMXRwspp5NHQdluPoK8MpND7KzZU/s400/July+7,+2008+100.JPG" border="0" /></a> The wall is just at chest height for me to walk along and pull weeds and tend the flowers growing along it. The containers are all here also to soften the look of the block and are within easy reach of the hose spigot to keep their thirsts quenched. This is micro gardening at its best. I can pull a stray weed, pinch a spent bloom and admire the growth without getting dirty or working up a sweat. Lining the path is a sea of purple perilla. They are very close to being pulled for they have grown too tall and will get much taller, about four feet. I don't like to wade through that much foliage to get to the wall and the deck. A few will be left but they should not be allowed to flower. I say that every year, that is why we have what you see above now. This year I mean it. No flowering.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6nmI7apgddbA0484uD2CDUK3pTGx3cywjZvlacLM0SDqfY5ReGEpPnPJm8Q_cSa-sCXpWIMH8T936nqBUxt_jWXLxSiRTu3GOMtdJJVzozWrjifJeyhgCQsiTHcYnvuPtfN633eS6yI/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221918491326393122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6nmI7apgddbA0484uD2CDUK3pTGx3cywjZvlacLM0SDqfY5ReGEpPnPJm8Q_cSa-sCXpWIMH8T936nqBUxt_jWXLxSiRTu3GOMtdJJVzozWrjifJeyhgCQsiTHcYnvuPtfN633eS6yI/s400/July+7,+2008+038.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the segment of flowers coming to the end of their season. The larkspur was the best ever this year, planted in the veggie garden at the same time as the sugar snap peas. We are allowing the seed heads to form for next year's sowing. We cannot grow delphiniums here, but these relatives offer that same true blue color.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OOOJNI9eXeB5kJG4llH5IKa3pBrmmRR6Coqpa9QtLQdInrKLioRhTYj9xxFIHP2GZ0ielB-TslytzK-sRQvhWiVI_W8Zd4HG3RYoLnmBZSGleLUNmtLjizLLmNAmXOVXUA-iJRHk9_I/s1600-h/July+1,+2008+050+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221918332225608946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OOOJNI9eXeB5kJG4llH5IKa3pBrmmRR6Coqpa9QtLQdInrKLioRhTYj9xxFIHP2GZ0ielB-TslytzK-sRQvhWiVI_W8Zd4HG3RYoLnmBZSGleLUNmtLjizLLmNAmXOVXUA-iJRHk9_I/s400/July+1,+2008+050+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> The last two flowers of <em>crocosmia 'Lucifer'</em> look striking against the foliage of ninebark 'Summer Wine', <em>Physocarpus opulifolious 'Summer Wine'</em>, in the black garden. There are seed heads forming, what should be done with them? Does anyone know when to sow them? Just let them drop to the ground, or harvest and save them for special treatment?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwwg20PdzdfCgkmP8QteXqFRZsf3qaPL6dN6zWowHta1MYXx8wO0X7-C34Fjn2vd_wJt6Ccp3JNeGa1W8ju117GDhyeKKoutIot8_leHUbfaqZWR1zrIR3VWOnn6TtGQ9N2SjzWHSdDE/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221918220719468386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwwg20PdzdfCgkmP8QteXqFRZsf3qaPL6dN6zWowHta1MYXx8wO0X7-C34Fjn2vd_wJt6Ccp3JNeGa1W8ju117GDhyeKKoutIot8_leHUbfaqZWR1zrIR3VWOnn6TtGQ9N2SjzWHSdDE/s400/July+7,+2008+039.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another last bloom, this one of nigella. Most of these have been pulled to keep from having them engulf the entire yard. We still love that blue though.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyzA1Wi5keHWE0LTo8TeiZm0zeoU3XBo3X3wXa5i2NmeS7n_nhxgAkioaUcAM9mQf5fRAnf5U09jUSQV8ogwemHGr_46izecG0urvLt5FirV9L7pEpyEY78ZkjDHSys07eW23I50xPdA/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221917927022136802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyzA1Wi5keHWE0LTo8TeiZm0zeoU3XBo3X3wXa5i2NmeS7n_nhxgAkioaUcAM9mQf5fRAnf5U09jUSQV8ogwemHGr_46izecG0urvLt5FirV9L7pEpyEY78ZkjDHSys07eW23I50xPdA/s400/July+7,+2008+045.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dianthus 'Firewitch' sends out sporadic lone flowers long after the big spring show. They too are welcome now.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Phr8UzfBmSDEhBu1L8ox-R5zZa0hMK8T4gsIusREvcmkgYF3-Dtr21yYbYG9CQYrAnQytaYcykKdF2lBJgv85NzaVAB58Hn7JuSYqztw3h69kAdlVwA0iJDlbXs6UylhM8yZlR7szcA/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221917785893422850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Phr8UzfBmSDEhBu1L8ox-R5zZa0hMK8T4gsIusREvcmkgYF3-Dtr21yYbYG9CQYrAnQytaYcykKdF2lBJgv85NzaVAB58Hn7JuSYqztw3h69kAdlVwA0iJDlbXs6UylhM8yZlR7szcA/s400/July+5,+2008+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> But the strangest of all is the new flowers blooming on the hellebore. It must be the extra watering that this area has been given, where the hydrangeas now live, around ferngully. It is disconcerting to see these February flowers blooming now.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5lretSot_yWr5qcBhif_6CuST-EMYFsNQOO0D279_uhafiVmHWrUXgFIX13cq93_WC23YW1t3r4352sYoon5VpU2HPiGgKB8M4r3NvtXNPHXONK3GEo-Q3K_7Qd6l8vMXEEcqCJGQYE/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221917631289318466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5lretSot_yWr5qcBhif_6CuST-EMYFsNQOO0D279_uhafiVmHWrUXgFIX13cq93_WC23YW1t3r4352sYoon5VpU2HPiGgKB8M4r3NvtXNPHXONK3GEo-Q3K_7Qd6l8vMXEEcqCJGQYE/s400/July+7,+2008+082.JPG" border="0" /></a> Even more jarring is seeing these pansies blooming. The plant as a whole looks terrible, but these individual flowers are welcome.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfH1kG0aiLXFNzmRAndgXclsL8985OSERccH0SAu91Sqp0x_uBWI4jS81Z7Ou-38uNUYimi49U3mb-QnAC6lHcbpMw3Rp7BzmXYIUTPH5zsTO8fMeJjYn4aCWtRIZ53x7lcvupHF1Oe6w/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221917517833465186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfH1kG0aiLXFNzmRAndgXclsL8985OSERccH0SAu91Sqp0x_uBWI4jS81Z7Ou-38uNUYimi49U3mb-QnAC6lHcbpMw3Rp7BzmXYIUTPH5zsTO8fMeJjYn4aCWtRIZ53x7lcvupHF1Oe6w/s400/July+7,+2008+083.JPG" border="0" /></a> A little tattered but still our Maureen.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHk7GhvnOyUNIPdBbVqQ8V_QIr8-6s3mb1eCtR0waCExvdt_YpGpGf_9EuwZKjz4y2nFDb4A4lpzMbVBbqcVRC5-ZVD-iGtCXeCe3wRLL0ufAtro5sKUY8AHf9v7GrIE97vwi_sAiKBI/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221917420288164738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHk7GhvnOyUNIPdBbVqQ8V_QIr8-6s3mb1eCtR0waCExvdt_YpGpGf_9EuwZKjz4y2nFDb4A4lpzMbVBbqcVRC5-ZVD-iGtCXeCe3wRLL0ufAtro5sKUY8AHf9v7GrIE97vwi_sAiKBI/s400/July+7,+2008+084.JPG" border="0" /></a> Miss Charlotte is still a looker.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaclZkEB4NvjbseVO2W6vwMgZY4_rSn034WFaeBKUaUtrH3j3dJKD_ePs4Q6RvtGcgvH7LUSdGhnnhLMwAhbEXKLHI_xEYvdfqG64GaM5UkoasvneOTp6msS0oBB-C4Njj4qxHndcZvl4/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221917294949744898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaclZkEB4NvjbseVO2W6vwMgZY4_rSn034WFaeBKUaUtrH3j3dJKD_ePs4Q6RvtGcgvH7LUSdGhnnhLMwAhbEXKLHI_xEYvdfqG64GaM5UkoasvneOTp6msS0oBB-C4Njj4qxHndcZvl4/s400/July+7,+2008+085.JPG" border="0" /></a> Proof of the true season, the Autumn Joy sedum is going from broccoli to pink powderpuff stage. Backed by Blue Star junipers with some wayward Japanese painted fern peeking up, these flowers mean fall is coming. They even have Autumn in the name.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6dStEKMiFd10CRTCx-hcFmJ29qRVLhzKpLgG9kAioxSE2TyHpPmkZMUPIqLOMYTu0_FyLG92hiwYJeotbOJXiOF_FcTme3Vra8fuIIWYv0YvH1zdqzdznK8rqtFQTqAykqoY5jFo7XM/s1600-h/July+9,2008+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221916894188562034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6dStEKMiFd10CRTCx-hcFmJ29qRVLhzKpLgG9kAioxSE2TyHpPmkZMUPIqLOMYTu0_FyLG92hiwYJeotbOJXiOF_FcTme3Vra8fuIIWYv0YvH1zdqzdznK8rqtFQTqAykqoY5jFo7XM/s400/July+9,2008+006.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /></div><p align="center">There has been rain here over the last few days. It comes in brief cloud bursts accompanied by thunder and lightning. These storms have added over three inches of water to the gardens and it is much welcomed by the plants and gardener alike. Keep it comin'.</p><p align="center">Frances</p>Fred Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419417500085952044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920034648870064195.post-19235290477580857112008-07-13T17:01:00.000-07:002011-08-30T23:45:51.884-07:00For Someone You Love<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETxm0sxHoi5zgEKr2MuGhEDQl2Ig5aXrI5sK9Mrz6ua9UoGyH0t4KNt8ErENzlmrFHh8FhEEUiwGKuFkaQBM-nnZFDQ2KleqO35P-rBIgMdo52OdJ62QhxBm4t9ieq2YxkG31EJxirso/s1600-h/July+12,+2008+024+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222607198144901058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETxm0sxHoi5zgEKr2MuGhEDQl2Ig5aXrI5sK9Mrz6ua9UoGyH0t4KNt8ErENzlmrFHh8FhEEUiwGKuFkaQBM-nnZFDQ2KleqO35P-rBIgMdo52OdJ62QhxBm4t9ieq2YxkG31EJxirso/s400/July+12,+2008+024+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> After reading<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/opinion/06rich.html?scp=1&sq=Frank%20Rich%20Wall%20E&st=cse">this piece </a>last week by Frank Rich in The New York Times, about the new Pixar movie "Wall E" I was primed and ready when offspring Semi, her offspring LTB, age two, and I went to the big multiplex in Knoxville to see it. I knew what to notice from reading Rich's review and was expecting something wonderful and earth shattering. I don't go to the movie theatre much, and so this was a big deal for me. We were way early, the halls to the various screening rooms were still closed. We chatted for a while and were happy when the lights came on the marquee showing the movie names and times. We gave our tickets to the usher and had our pick of the seats, we were the first ones in. We took our places in the middle of the middle row of the room, front row of the second level so we could put our feet on the railing. We pulled down the armrests and watched the previews, waiting for the feature in excited anticipation. The big Disney castle came on the screen and the state of the art sound came alive. The story began and we were enchanted by the character of the little trash compactor Wall E as the ground was laid for his big adventure to save humankind from a fate that seems all too near right now. I don't want to say anymore about the story, but only want to persuade anyone reading this post who loves nature and green growing things to go see Wall E. Go with a loved one, many loved ones, complete strangers or alone, it doesn't matter. Just go.</div><div align="center">Frances</div>Fred Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419417500085952044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920034648870064195.post-40864660131933774022008-07-10T07:00:00.000-07:002011-08-30T23:52:12.513-07:00Butterfly Bush Standards<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiaZUWJKSfXxSq1LK6Oi_qE6c5z-tpeebnHHQV6Z7Og09XLdj-NN_mcR1gyLw-QKnba6H24Ij7qY0XqBLv0R6bgOWIEWCDhZ06RgPbEa45c_ThbQ04lw7Ug0W3NdDSYsecxVG7_1DfAk/s1600-h/July+6,+2008+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220368260579947730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiaZUWJKSfXxSq1LK6Oi_qE6c5z-tpeebnHHQV6Z7Og09XLdj-NN_mcR1gyLw-QKnba6H24Ij7qY0XqBLv0R6bgOWIEWCDhZ06RgPbEa45c_ThbQ04lw7Ug0W3NdDSYsecxVG7_1DfAk/s400/July+6,+2008+1.JPG" border="0" /></a> A summertime delight of the Faire Garden is the butterfly bush, <em>Buddleia davidii</em>. Although considered an invasive in some areas, we have not found them to be difficult to control. The height, up to ten feet unpruned, adds great vertical interest to the shrub border. But we prefer to grow them as standards, removing the lower limbs and giving the one trunk a strong metal stake for support of the large trusses of small flowers. A bumblebee is enjoying <em>B. 'White Profusion'</em>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SOT1zEAck0cYc8X-bdSk4Pu7W8_eIXnkVcfCzcoJYPMhZyW8p3LLG4jTe4s3BgeZJFbK_gPqd_854RG8PFlYCZ3QNbqXltPSbUBHptLNVQRlWtB0u_iOj2MArwCSmcHQLOpyUwTsaUU/s1600-h/July+6,+2008+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220368113567956066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SOT1zEAck0cYc8X-bdSk4Pu7W8_eIXnkVcfCzcoJYPMhZyW8p3LLG4jTe4s3BgeZJFbK_gPqd_854RG8PFlYCZ3QNbqXltPSbUBHptLNVQRlWtB0u_iOj2MArwCSmcHQLOpyUwTsaUU/s400/July+6,+2008+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> The white flowers are many and this variety is the most prolific of bloomers of our group. The fragrance is honeyed and perfumes the air on still summer nights.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE56gJBhXZWqOc0gtm-9Pb0XZPfCIrJsZn8N3CKHNPo_e67hWbG4MtVN_boE46G9MzqV8SSruD6y8xWE6I7ri16RSr5LXIX8XQZICiNUHDLKeSddDzmCMAKDyIcyDfhqkFI8YO4VY9f8/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220367959494770658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE56gJBhXZWqOc0gtm-9Pb0XZPfCIrJsZn8N3CKHNPo_e67hWbG4MtVN_boE46G9MzqV8SSruD6y8xWE6I7ri16RSr5LXIX8XQZICiNUHDLKeSddDzmCMAKDyIcyDfhqkFI8YO4VY9f8/s400/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+3.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is how we grow the butterfly bushes here. The metal stakes are fence posts, found on the property but readily available at home improvement stores. Driven deeply into the ground they support the heavy blooms during wind and rain, when there is wind and rain that is. After some of our colder winters, the whole stem will die back to the ground, but a new leader will be selected from the fresh spring growth and trained against the stake with the old trunk cut off. Sometimes I leave the old trunk standing to fool the eye into thinking it is growing the flowers until the young one gets thicker. This is for aesthetics only. You can see the narrowness of the stem here, but with plenty of fullness at the top. These shrubs bloom on new growth so the diligent pruning to keep them somewhat rounded pays off in more flowers. A copper wire holds the top to the post, for those strong wind gusts that occasionally pop up.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_BoBzQkbUFRJjkSMLijEIIR16UcjfmaUFMH5iRiqAoDv0zeIhBTtsX98An4Fsy4rdVJB4mO4Kot_8TzpSzbse0yXNej5hsLftfxCH9kIBV9yo9NPY1RWRh0-CxWJg8raXuaakLZsisQ/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220367621366244642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_BoBzQkbUFRJjkSMLijEIIR16UcjfmaUFMH5iRiqAoDv0zeIhBTtsX98An4Fsy4rdVJB4mO4Kot_8TzpSzbse0yXNej5hsLftfxCH9kIBV9yo9NPY1RWRh0-CxWJg8raXuaakLZsisQ/s400/July+7,+2008+4.JPG" border="0" /></a> A view of the same white butterfly bush from below, taken from under the deck. A big advantage to growing these large shrubs as standards is the planting area beneath them. Even though our garden is not tiny, we don't wish to waste the precious soil in any way. The butterfly bushes appreciate ample sunshine and good drainage. They are not heavy feeders but would be more lush with a little more rain than we have been getting. Under normal conditions, rather than the extreme drought we are suffering through, they are considered drought tolerant. The sun easily penetrates the foliage and flowers to allow any type of sun loving plant to thrive underneath. Shown here in the yellow/white garden are some of the fancy echinaceas, Harvest Moon and Summer Sky, along with white nymph salvia and Icicle veronica.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_8t6fPkzqIkL6uhNLAPbsbXJh21hgRh3nkrdzJ3cuuZf-Ql7se5On8uHx59Fi9oMY0CSNlL497fnz4BbL6_TUGiWktLBZzHXtnWxeo7FzyKGWv3BH9APqPVKSEq5S1w-uiAo1wqvimg/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220367240564019538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_8t6fPkzqIkL6uhNLAPbsbXJh21hgRh3nkrdzJ3cuuZf-Ql7se5On8uHx59Fi9oMY0CSNlL497fnz4BbL6_TUGiWktLBZzHXtnWxeo7FzyKGWv3BH9APqPVKSEq5S1w-uiAo1wqvimg/s400/July+7,+2008+5.JPG" border="0" /></a> The view from the deck looking down on the same bed shows the butterfly bush in the jungle of foliage. Look for the stake to find it in the middle of the photo. Click to enlarge to see what else is in this bed and the surrounding area. Straight back is the carcass of ferngully and to the left is the new arbor at the property's edge. Admittedly the garden is pretty wild and wooly. Seeing it in a picture brings that thought home more that seeing it is person everyday. Macro versus landscape. ;-><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqt8oB1sbIpCokrIgg40xguZZwGryL8Elf2jR9ifwdmhU8CmKmZK16SuEekvEZXPAWD2Ohyphenhyphen7GVR0IYFtmLdRBfajKqvgCZv92GJAp2Mk58SuApt7puCF_nEF7jNytbtjoJSutpF-Ql-Y/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220366824300286082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqt8oB1sbIpCokrIgg40xguZZwGryL8Elf2jR9ifwdmhU8CmKmZK16SuEekvEZXPAWD2Ohyphenhyphen7GVR0IYFtmLdRBfajKqvgCZv92GJAp2Mk58SuApt7puCF_nEF7jNytbtjoJSutpF-Ql-Y/s400/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+6.JPG" border="0" /></a> Moving on to <em>B. 'Pink Delight'</em>, planted up around the knot garden at the top of the hill. There are three standards there, two on each side of the bench and one at the end by the shed. That last one appeared as a seedling and was trained using the aforementioned method. There is another seedling growing in the middle of the path. I am waiting to see what color the bloom is, it already is budded, before deciding its fate.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp3RuDr_dmN7UubjWIvKd8gwoYFn58T8ERoHjr_uXaNXq5nnqrBZeWGudt11MZf0uNC0lFRJXbjma1atpW5DcNvb7ErVZrQm8r0QFXqUEdNFbQ08T8KVoNyJ1OR-LNgfgMD04cDg4ouY/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220366678311472626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp3RuDr_dmN7UubjWIvKd8gwoYFn58T8ERoHjr_uXaNXq5nnqrBZeWGudt11MZf0uNC0lFRJXbjma1atpW5DcNvb7ErVZrQm8r0QFXqUEdNFbQ08T8KVoNyJ1OR-LNgfgMD04cDg4ouY/s400/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+7.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the newest tree, the stem is quite thin, but the flowers are coming along. It takes about three years for a small cutting to start looking like a tree instead of a stick. These root very easily,in addition to seeding about. I just stick the prunings in the ground and hope for the best. The pink color is not showing up well because these are all spent blossoms. I need to do some pruning on this guy. Normally I prune for shape, taking large branches off to keep the top more compact. But since this is a younger plant, I need to let it grow on a little more before shaping begins in earnest.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXBYbxxJHJATDQ1xy78RUGnT0IjJr40_faBbbm7WOWhaeLXvfO1cwdcnakzyFVaatJQxRJfrE5yXJ4iSS2Gx6_HCyESxjPbqVIbmEANm3jA6RhyhkBpz5vGwBboDvJrONDsmNd-Jwl2c/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220366385773681522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXBYbxxJHJATDQ1xy78RUGnT0IjJr40_faBbbm7WOWhaeLXvfO1cwdcnakzyFVaatJQxRJfrE5yXJ4iSS2Gx6_HCyESxjPbqVIbmEANm3jA6RhyhkBpz5vGwBboDvJrONDsmNd-Jwl2c/s400/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+8.JPG" border="0" /></a> Pink Delight grows quite large and the blooms are also big, when we are not in a drought. No extra water makes it up here, dragging the hose to the top of the hill is just too much for me anymore, so these are not as lush as the ones closer to the house and hose spigot. Those are the breaks, guys. The large trunk was cut down last fall on this one, it had gotten too large to manage. A new shoot came up from the roots and has been trained up the post. I need to prune those long branches, but the drought has me holding back on that chore. No need to stress these shrubs any more than the lack of water is doing already.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaUiKMMUg9bskVgMjXFcbIPcGYqUp17PomxzFZM-PpaoVVvjqq-czckWFZBclGPteSb73C6t3momtWxszDPEP5PmYvo5eayLFflhwbhvvXb4PoMVsClNTwb40U0U-L5cSEWLuzERpibs/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+9.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220366130893670370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaUiKMMUg9bskVgMjXFcbIPcGYqUp17PomxzFZM-PpaoVVvjqq-czckWFZBclGPteSb73C6t3momtWxszDPEP5PmYvo5eayLFflhwbhvvXb4PoMVsClNTwb40U0U-L5cSEWLuzERpibs/s400/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+9.JPG" border="0" /></a> The third of the three, looking a little sad. He should perk up now that the curly willow was cut down. Of course because the willow was left with a six foot trunk, leaves are growing back. We have decided to keep these trees, there is one on each side of the bench, pruned to the trunk each year until we get sick of doing that, then out they go. We should have known that these willows would grow so quickly, from cuttings from our Texas tree, but were trying to fill this space in the beginning stages of the garden. Unfortunately our television dish was unhappy with the size of the willows also, the final thumbs down to their existence. The boxwood hedge and butterfly bushes were being shaded in addition to having all their moisture sucked up by the thirsty tree roots. They should grow better now that the willows have so little foliage to nourish. We hope.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhvmj47HrxamdQcsy6HPNKYo4xCfH0wX_Pi53gKi9kZtzFMQGEU8z9AysMXqPFCZVlIExL0ZZZCpEcDRMF_z61DCiXSJFFtTufasS9C73amU7JE4jyaos7ct06FsiwE5w9bBCU6JUgg4/s1600-h/July+6,+2008+10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220365910803606754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhvmj47HrxamdQcsy6HPNKYo4xCfH0wX_Pi53gKi9kZtzFMQGEU8z9AysMXqPFCZVlIExL0ZZZCpEcDRMF_z61DCiXSJFFtTufasS9C73amU7JE4jyaos7ct06FsiwE5w9bBCU6JUgg4/s400/July+6,+2008+10.JPG" border="0" /></a> Next up is <em>B. 'Potter's Purple'</em>, growing in the shrub border amongst the decidous azaleas. This gives some summer color to the area at the five to eight foot level. The hummingbirds visit this one frequently. It gets extra water when the azaleas and tree peonies are given a drink.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8r8cyudyXLZ8mUuh-j3PrqmQ_F39kwIfrMBV51dG0zQG3RT-QoNRPYTp61fIRzyich7YytfiZBT5Zl_kfcGWMc2e8uz0kEC9XJ0tOYZhSEkynIjd6YTz1K4U12Sm7a22PypvEhxGmzI/s1600-h/July+6,+2008+11.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220365685108611218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8r8cyudyXLZ8mUuh-j3PrqmQ_F39kwIfrMBV51dG0zQG3RT-QoNRPYTp61fIRzyich7YytfiZBT5Zl_kfcGWMc2e8uz0kEC9XJ0tOYZhSEkynIjd6YTz1K4U12Sm7a22PypvEhxGmzI/s400/July+6,+2008+11.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another shot of Potter's Purple with the gold mops chamaecyparis in the background, a good combo.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnICqbUNuMj-ig86PDmjPq9_X2JfGYpBC1hHUugZK7wNxdhK4jJjyflkBk9N7tqGYB22fygAo4nUT77grenbQRR_aqWoMipsql-Z8fq2Csi39Kj5ef_CVx0hW9BgFfXORfV1154CaW9ns/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220365233316832626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnICqbUNuMj-ig86PDmjPq9_X2JfGYpBC1hHUugZK7wNxdhK4jJjyflkBk9N7tqGYB22fygAo4nUT77grenbQRR_aqWoMipsql-Z8fq2Csi39Kj5ef_CVx0hW9BgFfXORfV1154CaW9ns/s400/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+12.JPG" border="0" /></a>It is a little too sunny in this photo, but you can see how the standard allows for the daisy 'Becky' and some purple monarda to grow well underneath it. The blotches of red are gaillardia 'Burgundy'. There are tall garden phlox nearly ready to open under there also, mauve and white. The trunk is a couple of years old on this one. It produces a good system of nourishment to the flowers and leaves. But as the trunks age, they don't do as well providing for the tops and need to be renewed. I just let one of the suckers grow tall, cutting the rest, sometimes I let two grow to see who is more robust. It is a process.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfyxwRxAWzBYyiwe2ZR96nlfoIBlkBZGGgqs6PIWFKKPY0rsjHhFR9WABa11zOqun0emzrBT7IQ0R9ivi1AsMEcIkuZ1eU3ir5haI6SZYvCCyR7bWVJ4kxL4ZE-XGv5LLKM64oOrCzsg/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+13.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220364831513771138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfyxwRxAWzBYyiwe2ZR96nlfoIBlkBZGGgqs6PIWFKKPY0rsjHhFR9WABa11zOqun0emzrBT7IQ0R9ivi1AsMEcIkuZ1eU3ir5haI6SZYvCCyR7bWVJ4kxL4ZE-XGv5LLKM64oOrCzsg/s400/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+13.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a two year old cutting of Potter's Purple in the black garden. He has recently been pruned of side branches that were too low, leaving the leader to carry on. Red yarrow is blooming underneath, with rosemary on the left and <em>calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'</em> on the right in the background. Just to the right is the foliage and a couple of hanging on <em>crocosmia 'Lucifer'</em> red blooms. We are growing <em>B. 'Dark Knight'</em>, but his blooms are not open at present, he is still small and not very vigorous.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo3pgLXldA2wBTwmfL0mV2Wlui0nF04edezW84QptzYDf8W-3bG8t4yhpxGFzGzHSrQhXJ4PpcR9e_gUgdfMdDYnoCNke3bwehOi8QPHdZaF80Y1pyI5FdR0-7vamYIisyD8GibBQNOw/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+14.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220364621664385282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo3pgLXldA2wBTwmfL0mV2Wlui0nF04edezW84QptzYDf8W-3bG8t4yhpxGFzGzHSrQhXJ4PpcR9e_gUgdfMdDYnoCNke3bwehOi8QPHdZaF80Y1pyI5FdR0-7vamYIisyD8GibBQNOw/s400/July+7,+2008+14.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>B. 'Royal Red'</em> is a bit of a misnomer on this one. Red is not the word we would use to describe this color. He is not as vigorous as some others, but is still having his best year so far. Sometimes all the pruning is not welcomed in the weaker of the cultivars. The lack of water is affecting them too.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vozcSW54C2JKM_2Y856VD8bygpkdSHZxPhU0ghU0hCl1YIFL7Ix-VYCpgdpa-sF3svflj9vGLcjWOxlCMpvyQMcmacDiBFfLdF1gFrlyO0ZLv_0zVrYdlQ89YkVohjH9caXoNFCPgbU/s1600-h/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+15.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220364194705172162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vozcSW54C2JKM_2Y856VD8bygpkdSHZxPhU0ghU0hCl1YIFL7Ix-VYCpgdpa-sF3svflj9vGLcjWOxlCMpvyQMcmacDiBFfLdF1gFrlyO0ZLv_0zVrYdlQ89YkVohjH9caXoNFCPgbU/s400/July+7,+2008+butterfly+bush+15.JPG" border="0" /></a> Royal Red backed by gold mops and supported by <em>echincea 'Ruby Star'</em>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg7EN6k4zw4Ep7djk766IFYwLNG1v5B-BGU1bSG_5hlmcNiSe7KQL6T4cYbX6K-NA2cIKHJda4I1K-iMAMpMwMo0WuJD-6v64DLH1m5H8IGYEOrvATpyQ-yteALQcp5rIoC_eQjxcklg/s1600-h/July+6,+2008+16.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220363925861654130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg7EN6k4zw4Ep7djk766IFYwLNG1v5B-BGU1bSG_5hlmcNiSe7KQL6T4cYbX6K-NA2cIKHJda4I1K-iMAMpMwMo0WuJD-6v64DLH1m5H8IGYEOrvATpyQ-yteALQcp5rIoC_eQjxcklg/s400/July+6,+2008+16.JPG" border="0" /></a> Of all the colors, this yellow <em>B. 'Honeycomb'</em> is our favorite. However, this one is the most likely to be killed to the ground during winter, and is then slow and small during the growing season. That happened this year, the photo is of a potted plant being brought to one of the offspring. By the time this is published she should already be the proud owner of Honeycomb, so the surprise will not be spoiled. But the flowers are exquisite, so we will keep our sensitive fellow anyway. There have been new introductions in the butterfly bush world, more compact and winter hardy varieties. We may try those in the future, but for now we appreciate the stature of these oldies who are sometimes goodies. Coming soon, the standard trained pee gee hydrangeas!</div><br /><br /><div>Frances </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Fred Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419417500085952044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920034648870064195.post-61955956356962090792008-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-30T23:56:31.785-07:00Interesting Insects<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiaJGyoXM3efgc5FS9Nt131VJPXcd_ukNmJ8U86KlKqm4AEnRMCnx0d2G_FTTh0Kee-7tAe7Ds9vjwHaogB_qi1iAwfYNxE5okYU_y-eKmkPCQh1XGIRWLEPB0e68OgzMYTWCL49ibmA/s1600-h/July+3,+2008+dragonfly+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219590783283045538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiaJGyoXM3efgc5FS9Nt131VJPXcd_ukNmJ8U86KlKqm4AEnRMCnx0d2G_FTTh0Kee-7tAe7Ds9vjwHaogB_qi1iAwfYNxE5okYU_y-eKmkPCQh1XGIRWLEPB0e68OgzMYTWCL49ibmA/s400/July+3,+2008+dragonfly+1.JPG" border="0" /></a> We have been getting some visitors in the garden. Most of them can even fly in to have a look around. Some even let us get close enough to snap a photo.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3EMhjzSprtILprVkQlhazv35FPxF-HKrWqpv2kJ4UVXXAAvsMX5x_T23IFcVJamQA4cYaMy8DNthsrpqMoy97xaYnf3O49cQuqhRr8dvH22aP_1bt0i_1WDiY97blFdw8ku6j6i95TQ/s1600-h/July+3,+2008+dragonfly+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219590688779596658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3EMhjzSprtILprVkQlhazv35FPxF-HKrWqpv2kJ4UVXXAAvsMX5x_T23IFcVJamQA4cYaMy8DNthsrpqMoy97xaYnf3O49cQuqhRr8dvH22aP_1bt0i_1WDiY97blFdw8ku6j6i95TQ/s400/July+3,+2008+dragonfly+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> What colorful eyes he/she has. Maybe it was thought that the blue chair on the deck was water?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr39aMA9QB4C5iSPo8O61VVuou8H8JHMQ1QLuX7jU9F_AnEkLOsuX60SH8G1kkhIoQuHKHuwtEsN9Oci1sG-XRlZkR23YbX12Oiv6nSVXbMwSnsUV3uxKzDoWJVqFqfxFrIi7kTXre0Qc/s1600-h/July+3,+2008+dragonfly+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219590579988734546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr39aMA9QB4C5iSPo8O61VVuou8H8JHMQ1QLuX7jU9F_AnEkLOsuX60SH8G1kkhIoQuHKHuwtEsN9Oci1sG-XRlZkR23YbX12Oiv6nSVXbMwSnsUV3uxKzDoWJVqFqfxFrIi7kTXre0Qc/s400/July+3,+2008+dragonfly+3.JPG" border="0" /></a> Many pictures were allowed, from any angle and so very close. This is not the norm for the woman with the camera and living creatures. As the careful quiet footsteps get closer and closer, trying not to frighten the object of a desired shot, just as we are close enough to get the little green box centered, off they go, flittering and fluttering randomly. But not this one, not today.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2amX3aW9HmSy6ZD69DEQFT9C_fNEmqZlWxIZCy0_b_F8nhO9VwfCyvZrLfmrU0t7AKJjf4ae_flmZ5vPlxt2BlX9n1IS7nE9nAVhOpzWxoflCcLQXYjqodwhmp1z06yadRrrgztGhhEA/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219590466565615842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2amX3aW9HmSy6ZD69DEQFT9C_fNEmqZlWxIZCy0_b_F8nhO9VwfCyvZrLfmrU0t7AKJjf4ae_flmZ5vPlxt2BlX9n1IS7nE9nAVhOpzWxoflCcLQXYjqodwhmp1z06yadRrrgztGhhEA/s400/July+5,+2008+4.JPG" border="0" /></a> This larger one is another story. Many attempts were made to get close enough to macro, but this is the best that could be done, using the zoom. Pretty interesting, don't you agree? This appears to be a white tail dragonfly. I know there is a difference between dragonflies and damselflies, the wings being folded at rest on the damsel. For a good site to help with ID and see photos sent in from around the world, try<br /><a href="http://www.whatsthatbug.com/odonata.html">What's That Bug?</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxwiEdfm5Iw_2vjke7IoCAIDoYXcB0gxTlUBr0Vrve4Q8A5bgThJURZ3h5yokbvPkqrTsj5E2jGaqfdXskkFJfxpbne2KBHXgDPOrwrEg4MPxtj_6aQ85WvcKoE34_emdgJ2tgjIkdOQ/s1600-h/July+2,+2008+5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219590362390940482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxwiEdfm5Iw_2vjke7IoCAIDoYXcB0gxTlUBr0Vrve4Q8A5bgThJURZ3h5yokbvPkqrTsj5E2jGaqfdXskkFJfxpbne2KBHXgDPOrwrEg4MPxtj_6aQ85WvcKoE34_emdgJ2tgjIkdOQ/s400/July+2,+2008+5.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ah, staying put if not holding still on the <em>echinacea 'Bravado'</em> is this Black Swallowtail. There are several butterflies with similar markings to this, but the darling green with yellow and black striped caterpillar was seen near this bed chomping on the parsley recently. Then it was gone, and a few days later, here is this beautiful butterfly. Nature at it's best.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mNpSEXdbmdo8VIqAgHqrNoI-pNd42eYEqTwujhtuj_YzpZj4DBRx0aoulHxOQIGQyHQqei7hP0Svt17F2GrfiOPu4M3OoET1YfXdgYQAfYDWPP006b2seoW2KKR9tMrk4cHv6GTxxvg/s1600-h/July+3,+2008+6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219590237757045218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mNpSEXdbmdo8VIqAgHqrNoI-pNd42eYEqTwujhtuj_YzpZj4DBRx0aoulHxOQIGQyHQqei7hP0Svt17F2GrfiOPu4M3OoET1YfXdgYQAfYDWPP006b2seoW2KKR9tMrk4cHv6GTxxvg/s400/July+3,+2008+6.JPG" border="0" /></a> This little Pearl Crescent is resting on an azalea leaf. This is one of the most common of butterflies, found near puddles and flowers. We aren't well stocked with puddles just now, but flowers we gots.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJIpcSyet6LqNa7HAcIilR7HLGZ0Lj4BHWx4t9BNcNDnU09AgIX_fpbBZOg06wqUnjAoVPNdNpegnxKvJ891Xg1LrUzrX7MbH9vtCEDdPX6K7lWzgRuqpJKekor2VVLB32rpVykNwySk/s1600-h/June+2,+2008+7).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219590143254523810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJIpcSyet6LqNa7HAcIilR7HLGZ0Lj4BHWx4t9BNcNDnU09AgIX_fpbBZOg06wqUnjAoVPNdNpegnxKvJ891Xg1LrUzrX7MbH9vtCEDdPX6K7lWzgRuqpJKekor2VVLB32rpVykNwySk/s400/June+2,+2008+7).JPG" border="0" /></a> As far as the most common butterfly here so far this summer, this Great Spangled Frittilary wins hands down. The larva feed at night on violets. Finally, something that eats our overpopulation of violets. Welcome GSF, please have lots of babies, we can feed them all.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdATUtsFJ4TEwiTb7hLYrTRRHDFR2NuNBjBLiHuStS1Aw1SvCZ4IESJZZFJYa2Ed_bSoot_7vNYxiadhwNGv1T0MoapfT5Bu8tqaERumvCpTTyZ3-dsdo3ivpBvtCyhWNLML0Sut70mCQ/s1600-h/June+5,+2008+8).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219590020081083666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdATUtsFJ4TEwiTb7hLYrTRRHDFR2NuNBjBLiHuStS1Aw1SvCZ4IESJZZFJYa2Ed_bSoot_7vNYxiadhwNGv1T0MoapfT5Bu8tqaERumvCpTTyZ3-dsdo3ivpBvtCyhWNLML0Sut70mCQ/s400/June+5,+2008+8).JPG" border="0" /></a>The most seen at one time on this clump of <em>asclepias tuberosa</em>, butterfly weed was nine. We have been sowing seed of this plant every year to try and increase its numbers. Seed has been the most successful method of propagation, but it has taken three years to get the seedlings to flower. Gardening is all about patience, we know.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISRitIK7aW3bOqBUnXOCtGTOwQPN-Incx-9ty0rCx6PNyzzFRMBJg6NzjmfYjyshWQgqqQ8_OhUg_JlPIpQBM_Gen7SoFQO7ziV9TIHUMWiWUWk-F7FUEvlF-r3_MpuMp8SQNP5TyyLc/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+9.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219589732277123570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISRitIK7aW3bOqBUnXOCtGTOwQPN-Incx-9ty0rCx6PNyzzFRMBJg6NzjmfYjyshWQgqqQ8_OhUg_JlPIpQBM_Gen7SoFQO7ziV9TIHUMWiWUWk-F7FUEvlF-r3_MpuMp8SQNP5TyyLc/s400/July+5,+2008+9.JPG" border="0" /></a> With their moth like bodies and hopping flight pattern, the skippers have a different appearance than the other butterflies. There are over two thousand kinds, with many being similar in coloration. We have many, but they all seem to be the same type. If anyone knows the name of this one, please feel free to let us know in a comment. The lantanas are a favorite of the butterflies as well as the humans with their bright colors and laugh in the face of the drought attitude. They are not hardy but are readily and cheaply available. This flower says summer with a capital S.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNw5Zv7_agssp3aJGhJfJP8U8dAbgSmEpFCcUFtxKIQNE05zZpCexVPyIoAugWT703cHEpOuqcFZtfeboXfYhkWPoyEP5G-NBHcuiNSjxu3lqkYaoWgoh29zuT6UpiOuhYKOz1QEs688/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219589630284625762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNw5Zv7_agssp3aJGhJfJP8U8dAbgSmEpFCcUFtxKIQNE05zZpCexVPyIoAugWT703cHEpOuqcFZtfeboXfYhkWPoyEP5G-NBHcuiNSjxu3lqkYaoWgoh29zuT6UpiOuhYKOz1QEs688/s400/July+5,+2008+10.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a hairstreak of some kind. They have a swift darting flight pattern and are attracted to flowers. This one is enjoying the blue <em>veronica 'Sunny Border</em> <em>Blue'</em>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr_E3E9ikPyzahpOnfjnuGopfx5AMIzbQhrJIF7Mr-7fCiqatw8g4KAB3paF-sazf_eUhJfGwrHBhAQHYsdKg5JDhpmbIFBIZvFynieHlO0fOT5ZSpwQUiKhD3wUYxem9WmOEmtDQqjY/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+11.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219589517378512514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr_E3E9ikPyzahpOnfjnuGopfx5AMIzbQhrJIF7Mr-7fCiqatw8g4KAB3paF-sazf_eUhJfGwrHBhAQHYsdKg5JDhpmbIFBIZvFynieHlO0fOT5ZSpwQUiKhD3wUYxem9WmOEmtDQqjY/s400/July+5,+2008+11.JPG" border="0" /></a> Uh oh. Even though a butterfly, and we love butterflies, this Cabbage butterfly is a true crop pest. The larva feeds on brassicas of all kinds as well as mustards and nastursiums. We have given up trying to grow any of the cabbage family plants in the veggie patch since we don't want to spray at all. Brussels sprouts, red cabbage and kale were all eaten to shreds by these caterpillars. We are growing ornamental kale this year and it too is full of holes, but since we aren't going to try and have a meal of it, it can be left to these guys. The flower shown is lavender Hidcote.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpk5Crl4axje-hq3UFpYWKVzOXEUDABEOaWtbZCRkRTm2EeN8gHt93F5Ibv1bw3iIZpyOQhz-VBKmBWaRv4B433J08gF4n2bf-W5F1CXttCWzFWXQugvZerjYfa6AwtaJ-X2R4C4eQU/s1600-h/July+5,+200812.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219589386504974178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpk5Crl4axje-hq3UFpYWKVzOXEUDABEOaWtbZCRkRTm2EeN8gHt93F5Ibv1bw3iIZpyOQhz-VBKmBWaRv4B433J08gF4n2bf-W5F1CXttCWzFWXQugvZerjYfa6AwtaJ-X2R4C4eQU/s400/July+5,+200812.JPG" border="0" /></a> This page from the Knoxville newspaper hangs in the guest bedroom for quick reference. It helps narrow down the possibilities when we spot a new visitor.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg9cGCvjX7494kfZK4Ch53SLm6FBClcnFmh2NRT-Aktld7mqWt_wVWWyhLUEp9eoM5jMkenVBlXe0K6QF5XWIVwcTF9jLiThq7Vjmkmo96JgOfI4ajo1FUPki_neR2dMuyuvn_zhaEQ8/s1600-h/April+28,+2008+13.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219589062148098802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg9cGCvjX7494kfZK4Ch53SLm6FBClcnFmh2NRT-Aktld7mqWt_wVWWyhLUEp9eoM5jMkenVBlXe0K6QF5XWIVwcTF9jLiThq7Vjmkmo96JgOfI4ajo1FUPki_neR2dMuyuvn_zhaEQ8/s400/April+28,+2008+13.JPG" border="0" /></a> On to others, this ladybird beetle seems to have different markings than what is expected. It may be the Asian species that is invading our homes. The site What's That Bug? had some helpful photos of both types of the<br /><a href="http://www.whatsthatbug.com/lady.html">ladybirds </a>in addition to the dragonflies.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9seXvd3fvNV4zOEx8ub38H-1UtfgNf5rdqg5o9wiYhpybziwK3GujfrCCSJO-qNT423jQwXGwWwj9JOuSj9S47dtaRjNsekVzhI_5odt1UFSjNI2JPnjjz2TMbJJ0vq6oU01pd_4l-Q/s1600-h/May+26,+2008+14.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219588973315857986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9seXvd3fvNV4zOEx8ub38H-1UtfgNf5rdqg5o9wiYhpybziwK3GujfrCCSJO-qNT423jQwXGwWwj9JOuSj9S47dtaRjNsekVzhI_5odt1UFSjNI2JPnjjz2TMbJJ0vq6oU01pd_4l-Q/s400/May+26,+2008+14.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is what most of the ladybird beetles look like here. This one shows up well on a furry lamb's ear leaf.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZso4fLtpHwO5B_YqJxBr4ydYXUFpZ7-jgUWQ2-Nsh47hTBXSEADB2SsnWMboPU5r4GEsLKAZhN-afNC8N6puF10Z6R3K5dibE_lBWi7mvhV5BASQqrmNZmUHpqglrDPY8eHOvFEhyAI/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+15.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219588852258910018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZso4fLtpHwO5B_YqJxBr4ydYXUFpZ7-jgUWQ2-Nsh47hTBXSEADB2SsnWMboPU5r4GEsLKAZhN-afNC8N6puF10Z6R3K5dibE_lBWi7mvhV5BASQqrmNZmUHpqglrDPY8eHOvFEhyAI/s400/July+5,+2008+15.JPG" border="0" /></a> This sadly is a common occurance. The landscape fabric that lines the paths around the veggie garden and the compost bin causes the spiny legs of these two inch long beetles to get tangled and they get trapped. I always try and free them but wonder if the threads still are binding them after they are tossed into the brush pile. They seem so large for a bird to eat, and I worry about the bird eating the fabric fibers too. Sigh.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyxpjgstx8q6FXQf7Q7GkpoPKTaiuvMUadt6UnZM8JzAXQiESNssxAbJHJw4bcpTIVWbZomQ_RmUflzhu6zpz3VArRyeJajlJtTjLV-IsIIPFUAwgk4C-VCauoBoHlcDHkhA7ebuOv5g/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+16.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219588735087567058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyxpjgstx8q6FXQf7Q7GkpoPKTaiuvMUadt6UnZM8JzAXQiESNssxAbJHJw4bcpTIVWbZomQ_RmUflzhu6zpz3VArRyeJajlJtTjLV-IsIIPFUAwgk4C-VCauoBoHlcDHkhA7ebuOv5g/s400/July+5,+2008+16.JPG" border="0" /></a> We are in the process of adding as many echinaceas as can be afforded to the garden. Fancy ones or old stand bys, this is the flower that has the longest bloom period and is beloved by the insect world. There are baby plants at the base of several mature specimens that promise to enrich the summer into fall garden in the future. These two bumblebees are working so hard, luckily the <em>E.</em> <em>'Ruby Star'</em> is a huge coned flower.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb850f_r4Qrfvma9Z4XFPP9VvAxwL84lv-6SkuzG5mWfrV6Fe9JnHchyphenhyphen7-mnLK8QSYCTukUDQ6HkVEcMdHL8jIZVxAFXx1yh5tQCjq5ef7PnvMmPexkx_Ly_VXqxTQDDXrg_Ym0cwY7dM/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+17.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219588626132577570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb850f_r4Qrfvma9Z4XFPP9VvAxwL84lv-6SkuzG5mWfrV6Fe9JnHchyphenhyphen7-mnLK8QSYCTukUDQ6HkVEcMdHL8jIZVxAFXx1yh5tQCjq5ef7PnvMmPexkx_Ly_VXqxTQDDXrg_Ym0cwY7dM/s400/July+5,+2008+17.JPG" border="0" /></a> On the climbing rose Moonlight is a suspected spotted cucumber beetle. We are growing cukes here for the first time and don't wish any harm to be done to them. Why is this guy on the rose anyway, is the rose being eaten? Or is a little drink of nectar being enjoyed?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV243OqFBs3qHslh1GLek571Ms3zCh-w6iAGLcPkhhIUNJldofqHMnostIJTjbxH1I9e_2y52DcZro2YFVoOTTMtNBC7lrPrmCAFk5zd_EGIGQKuuHrsIcZTm68tqrly9tDgU_wwZHB0/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+18.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219588525959708610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV243OqFBs3qHslh1GLek571Ms3zCh-w6iAGLcPkhhIUNJldofqHMnostIJTjbxH1I9e_2y52DcZro2YFVoOTTMtNBC7lrPrmCAFk5zd_EGIGQKuuHrsIcZTm68tqrly9tDgU_wwZHB0/s400/July+5,+2008+18.JPG" border="0" /></a> On the real cucumber flower, this green tinged fellow is bathed in the yellow light as the sun shines through the petals. This act should help insure pollination and more food for us.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytRO3wAZaqf4B7vybzk-g26byvU13czXXopQn2qxW9MAOu2qIED8rAkW54JB8ObIoXkSvlE3miv2e4lNfvtWRPEm6BJFAFv64-fwmwg_VW28rjC4xF522vht02uAe8K7Jv3Duv-3r2TU/s1600-h/July+5,+2008+20.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219588420696919202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytRO3wAZaqf4B7vybzk-g26byvU13czXXopQn2qxW9MAOu2qIED8rAkW54JB8ObIoXkSvlE3miv2e4lNfvtWRPEm6BJFAFv64-fwmwg_VW28rjC4xF522vht02uAe8K7Jv3Duv-3r2TU/s400/July+5,+2008+20.JPG" border="0" /></a> On <em>Helenium 'Mardi Gras'</em> it looks like there are some small type of hornet. This large plant has been blooming for several weeks and is covered in these winged diners. They don't seem to be bothered by the camera wielding human but this photo was taken PDQ. Stings and attacks have occurred in this bed by the shed before. But those insects were larger than these. Still, we will do our best not to upset them.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYLQJOweQTZl1H-O77TLNDQw5EULde1zGjGueyFUAAobrPx3pf7hI0VlmaLagQ3LcxtQHvhHHToTxG0MfC2MOb6l25rezN_nBBJH6owIjUhndgeRVeyYSxt7amGdwynVHWQuq3IMqC88/s1600-h/July+3,+2008+21.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219588282245584722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYLQJOweQTZl1H-O77TLNDQw5EULde1zGjGueyFUAAobrPx3pf7hI0VlmaLagQ3LcxtQHvhHHToTxG0MfC2MOb6l25rezN_nBBJH6owIjUhndgeRVeyYSxt7amGdwynVHWQuq3IMqC88/s400/July+3,+2008+21.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cover your eyes if you are the least bit squeamish, for we have come upon the bane of the summer garden, Japanese beetles, on a rose flower of course, About Face. Arghhhh! At least we did not enlarge and crop for a closer look to protect the sensitive among you.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2Ua_au9kMLQswOT4F8RC3YUVvE6PSQuw_ieCBzM7oClWlAqVpGhuTsE46msOyvY0tb5JTjroVLWLcJSjJdotGpWqxUENuHm3rRGc0KtNcHTdrhVWIZ4dBb-0I4DxfHQJehx_z8xUpN8/s1600-h/July+3,+2008+22.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219588044214913890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2Ua_au9kMLQswOT4F8RC3YUVvE6PSQuw_ieCBzM7oClWlAqVpGhuTsE46msOyvY0tb5JTjroVLWLcJSjJdotGpWqxUENuHm3rRGc0KtNcHTdrhVWIZ4dBb-0I4DxfHQJehx_z8xUpN8/s400/July+3,+2008+22.JPG" border="0" /></a> Never fear, gentle readers, for Jersey the Mayfield dairy cow is rushing to the rescue with her yellow jug.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPdPXKFXFRdQRWYF_X8aBmOvy-sW9Ptn-yWDmL2mItJenssdQMFs7seORz2_ITGmmGWU7T11mbH3D08JxnYyDpbIf6TnwqTmFHtsRa_d27jgIEqjiF3ihDCNXeZH91BB9WWIoGXdE3wg/s1600-h/July+3,+2008+23.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219587914379768674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPdPXKFXFRdQRWYF_X8aBmOvy-sW9Ptn-yWDmL2mItJenssdQMFs7seORz2_ITGmmGWU7T11mbH3D08JxnYyDpbIf6TnwqTmFHtsRa_d27jgIEqjiF3ihDCNXeZH91BB9WWIoGXdE3wg/s400/July+3,+2008+23.JPG" border="0" /></a> Filled with soapy water, the Japanese beetles will be knocked into the milk jug and will not come out alive. While all forms of killing are to be avoided, these beetle scouts will not be returning to their group, a sign to them that there is a dire fate at the Faire Garden waiting for any more of their kind who dare to show up here. We try and welcome one and all for a balanced system set up with brilliance by nature. Some losses are bound to occur and some leaves and flowers will have some holes. That can be tolerated for the satisfying knowledge that we are not poisoning the environment with bug killing chemicals. The birds can safely eat the insects of their choice. We can safely eat the food grown in the garden as we gaze upon the myriad life that shares the garden with us. It is good.</div><br /><div>Frances </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Fred Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419417500085952044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920034648870064195.post-43304871369107550542008-07-04T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-31T00:07:15.717-07:00Veggie Harvest<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLDPYSgDFxSL65XL_zg37VlRVZ8TT9kGzBin7O95nljfpfa4SWQlO2hUzP6BwRoMMz6FnxeWaeq33A9Qw79CpxFsSviQebSA7_zf7wkcbUX3tyHVeg3udqUm0Rb0KiRT6_PrPNWRxR4g/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218509291790144354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLDPYSgDFxSL65XL_zg37VlRVZ8TT9kGzBin7O95nljfpfa4SWQlO2hUzP6BwRoMMz6FnxeWaeq33A9Qw79CpxFsSviQebSA7_zf7wkcbUX3tyHVeg3udqUm0Rb0KiRT6_PrPNWRxR4g/s400/June+30,+2008+1.JPG" border="0" /></a> It could be said that we are in the midst of reaping what we have sown. The decision to grow more foodstuffs this year has proven to be a good one. Many things have happened since the first seeds were sown back in January, redwing and red marble onions. The price of produce has skyrocketed and the danger of certain edibles has made having that veggie patch out back even more than a whim. The sugar snap peas were beyond successful, giving us many meals and some leftover for freezing. After the peas were pulled, after our beach trip, the pole green beans were sown, Kentucky Blue, a cross between Kentucky Wonder and Blue Lake. We grew this variety last year and had a bountiful harvest even with the drought. It is time to start picking beans.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RnaR_kZcpE0T4s5hLUFhN36tefUaw0YvTWTdP9zwPNE6vUpdsvE7AbTdfqRJLvpcoQ6850oOtR5X9CwcQah-mjVnktHVtPgw_7YPTc-M_46t_m-kVxdrLzvh6El2teHJ9-n7tlyGPAM/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218509061066204770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RnaR_kZcpE0T4s5hLUFhN36tefUaw0YvTWTdP9zwPNE6vUpdsvE7AbTdfqRJLvpcoQ6850oOtR5X9CwcQah-mjVnktHVtPgw_7YPTc-M_46t_m-kVxdrLzvh6El2teHJ9-n7tlyGPAM/s400/June+30,+2008+002.JPG" border="0" /></a> Seeds were sown in May outside of zuchinni Eight Ball. This is a tasty and fun shaped variety. We have harvested several of these round beauties already.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRqAqOiIz2r9oUXnfujgxrJZPH4bnYAEYUUzx_ZTfz-d5qY3yhjMfXCWvQcWx8LS39FBHXJuC_DBnyDvtVfIiOuGLggqFqrgByfEItSza8w-5QMhzC_dLp5H12XNjFFsqvxz5ikaB2UY/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218508911606804786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRqAqOiIz2r9oUXnfujgxrJZPH4bnYAEYUUzx_ZTfz-d5qY3yhjMfXCWvQcWx8LS39FBHXJuC_DBnyDvtVfIiOuGLggqFqrgByfEItSza8w-5QMhzC_dLp5H12XNjFFsqvxz5ikaB2UY/s400/June+30,+2008+003.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another squash, Magda, has been bearing well also. This is a new variety, from Park seed, that was recommended in a talk that<br /><a href="http://back40feet.blogspot.com/">Chuck B.</a> wrote a post about. This inspired our dedication of the loamy space between the arborvitae hedge and the chamaecyparis 'Gold Mop' hedge to food growing. This is a fifty foot by seven foot stretch of land that was the site of an old Japanese privet hedge. We cut down the privet, covered it in heavy black plastic for over a year, dug out the roots and were rewarded with some very fine tilth where the privet had grown. We are in the process of building a stacked block wall to level the space and give a tired gardener a seat while planting and weeding. We have fifteen feet of wall done.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSP_1k1j4fek2_sXI8AXQG3vIGd3J3BY44pTGNSQCdL2_mpcq3oZGotbQKvrv-LFYSR4a-Pqp2CnxgaTlM7KnEDYPy9YUB6AEYuaW0wcV8ak3RhUiymsBrRE-vOdH3rRsJFOMFEoHwAJQ/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218508753451671858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSP_1k1j4fek2_sXI8AXQG3vIGd3J3BY44pTGNSQCdL2_mpcq3oZGotbQKvrv-LFYSR4a-Pqp2CnxgaTlM7KnEDYPy9YUB6AEYuaW0wcV8ak3RhUiymsBrRE-vOdH3rRsJFOMFEoHwAJQ/s400/June+30,+2008+004.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tomatoes are not a new crop to us. This is one thing we have grown ever since we purchased our first house, back in....well a long time ago. Pennsylvania, California, Tennessee and Texas have given us home grown tomatoes. Some years were better than others. We have planted two red grape tomato plants in the new raised planter. They have done well so far, giving us reds for our salads.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGM9m24Dp2C0NF6Db1zijcUe8-QThMFR43OJ-mpduk7QARrRGGmacyrRTBDDtwNaCjthyJn1zGbdTPhtsudGlKwlyxuTDYwQF_maSGSUwYQfdmpT92vUUuVaB-5UdE1qKTXSPn7lFFGE/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218508255229878706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGM9m24Dp2C0NF6Db1zijcUe8-QThMFR43OJ-mpduk7QARrRGGmacyrRTBDDtwNaCjthyJn1zGbdTPhtsudGlKwlyxuTDYwQF_maSGSUwYQfdmpT92vUUuVaB-5UdE1qKTXSPn7lFFGE/s400/June+30,+2008+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Park's Improved Whopper. We had good luck with it last year so are giving it another go. Also planted are Golden Gem, a small yellow, Brandywine, Black Krim, Cherokee Purple and several self sown plants, unknown variety. So far the volunteers have larger tomatoes rather than small patio types, that's all we know for now. Some of the plants have the potato leaf look of Brandywine, that would be great for that is a tasty one. Some are even growing in the compost bin and have set fruit there.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1rIEjVHrZVqx5alAXSXbZWaV2UrbK1x4lqIQZ_6OwUP98T0i2ogTlcCXjd-lQpmpN_yFWGfZazmQe0xfZO8ZnWSjW_zp3gZ-7OK9bggMR6rDnFU1nXuKwbYubd4MiUsb8AhfC5h7nTE/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218508084546987602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1rIEjVHrZVqx5alAXSXbZWaV2UrbK1x4lqIQZ_6OwUP98T0i2ogTlcCXjd-lQpmpN_yFWGfZazmQe0xfZO8ZnWSjW_zp3gZ-7OK9bggMR6rDnFU1nXuKwbYubd4MiUsb8AhfC5h7nTE/s400/June+30,+2008+006.JPG" border="0" /></a> We are growing three pepper types, but the jalapenos are giving us the most peppers, on tiny plants. The others are yellow banana and Aruba, a cuban type that made the most wonderful rellenos last year. So far the Arubas have only now begun to flower, but we started them from seed ourselves rather than buying plants, so that is to be expected. We have Black Pearl also, but just as an ornamental. The descriptions say the little dark marble sized fruit are firey hot. They would be a pain to prepare too. But they come true from seed, so there will be more for next year. Also an ornamental that is too hot to eat is the<br />perennial pepper. Click<br /><a href="http://fairegarden.blogspot.com/2007/12/perennial-pepper.html">here </a>to read that story. It is back and some of the volunteers have flowers already. The little orange balls look good with the fall foliage.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j6lJUsTDAjtr6PhabbGNYN81Wp2w1EvhTAqa-v0J85bNzFUl_I9HAeZayjyCWqKV38e50DtzwPZlTgIKaFRTSxA3QUI-w318ttpNHaPNnEE6a8T4STigLQ4q6A_rtkEFjr4FDpZt164/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218507856909451650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j6lJUsTDAjtr6PhabbGNYN81Wp2w1EvhTAqa-v0J85bNzFUl_I9HAeZayjyCWqKV38e50DtzwPZlTgIKaFRTSxA3QUI-w318ttpNHaPNnEE6a8T4STigLQ4q6A_rtkEFjr4FDpZt164/s400/June+30,+2008+7.JPG" border="0" /></a> For the first time ever, we are growing cucumbers, on tomato cages. That really helps with the space issue. This one was left on too long, it was overlooked in the daily perusal. It will be fine in a cucumber onion salad with basalmic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Sometimes simple is best.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw0onMF8nDZAaFMR2mEn9ZwQPqYGOUiZ2NvL0criFzcg0kG-lwXPaNDhLWxtvUuN-pgD0VI7HPfSStQvauwogcYE5WQOAGAPRIQGawQR_mAfYZxNlEffTZ7x-hEGpEWbrcmkpku-hl2E/s1600-h/July+2,+2008+8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218507664898144386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw0onMF8nDZAaFMR2mEn9ZwQPqYGOUiZ2NvL0criFzcg0kG-lwXPaNDhLWxtvUuN-pgD0VI7HPfSStQvauwogcYE5WQOAGAPRIQGawQR_mAfYZxNlEffTZ7x-hEGpEWbrcmkpku-hl2E/s400/July+2,+2008+8.JPG" border="0" /></a> We haven't gotten around to harvesting any of the swiss chard yet. It is as ornamental as it is edible, but we will begin soon to pick some and freeze some too. This year we only grew the ruby instead of Bright Lights because we had some leftover seeds. The old seeds had a good germination rate in the greenhouse, good to know.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhbTLArceMGkIMelTq1zN1h6J-ks15qRbNJ8Uwhk4Z9E4E24vnhkGioD8aM95sBBDnpmI7JAbn89jMWzAHTqHm6FWqZlG6WhSOLEiR5_oT4qBfRi05uGVZce67s4kMVKnLZo2qcHu_ss/s1600-h/July+2,+2008+09.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218507411605000146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhbTLArceMGkIMelTq1zN1h6J-ks15qRbNJ8Uwhk4Z9E4E24vnhkGioD8aM95sBBDnpmI7JAbn89jMWzAHTqHm6FWqZlG6WhSOLEiR5_oT4qBfRi05uGVZce67s4kMVKnLZo2qcHu_ss/s400/July+2,+2008+09.JPG" border="0" /></a> Besides the onions from seed, which are still fairly small, the onions from sets that were planted to keep the rabbits away from the peas are ready to dig. A few of them went to flower and were pulled and used then, for that spoils the onion formation. The tops are totally dry on these, ready to pull.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjadYkJpjHK46IjbEBP0onsGxZupxfLpGqB_LdM3VmCQucQV9d0WMLtF1-dIIJQKoc_zwNhIGeuSSAGnsg_cYjOnzqMQ-CurOHNVXG-0wqpBuMPAshJBmP4t5cYQpurgjWGJ_zd4sH9Ek/s1600-h/July+2,+2008+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218507184473603090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjadYkJpjHK46IjbEBP0onsGxZupxfLpGqB_LdM3VmCQucQV9d0WMLtF1-dIIJQKoc_zwNhIGeuSSAGnsg_cYjOnzqMQ-CurOHNVXG-0wqpBuMPAshJBmP4t5cYQpurgjWGJ_zd4sH9Ek/s400/July+2,+2008+010.JPG" border="0" /></a> Out of the ground, they could be cured and stored, but we need them for the cucumber salad so they will be used today. I don't know if any will get stored, we use a lot of onions.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtrOupIJkDiCE9B-txmakCahy-AI89PBzMMC7S0V39hjN527WXCs2riU2OZqVszmC_ZEotj85CoBb8nS9nEkSOv1uCRTL5O9ijWxVeafp1EXnoQJRVnlkFLzNkMtpznHl_uxuopr5XLI/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218506979214062002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtrOupIJkDiCE9B-txmakCahy-AI89PBzMMC7S0V39hjN527WXCs2riU2OZqVszmC_ZEotj85CoBb8nS9nEkSOv1uCRTL5O9ijWxVeafp1EXnoQJRVnlkFLzNkMtpznHl_uxuopr5XLI/s400/June+30,+2008+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is my harvest tote, a straw purse from Pier 1. It is perfect because I can hold it on my arm and have two hands free to pick and cut the day's take. Tomatoes, peppers and a few green beans are out of focus inside, as the camera decided that I was trying to take a photo of the purse's rim, silly camera. Sometimes it thinks of the strangest things to focus on.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc96zI-YKnzx6w0fs2wBzwLKKlVbcW3mA8ZAMVbcZJuBBGSFTgMqpJZI_Y-m7Ij88upJ4h7xrbGUe1N-P3WEylSujlobQgB1hLlCeXnqY7-1Ula303XejK-2x0TpcQ6wNv6dRaZaEj4Cs/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218506698885452226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc96zI-YKnzx6w0fs2wBzwLKKlVbcW3mA8ZAMVbcZJuBBGSFTgMqpJZI_Y-m7Ij88upJ4h7xrbGUe1N-P3WEylSujlobQgB1hLlCeXnqY7-1Ula303XejK-2x0TpcQ6wNv6dRaZaEj4Cs/s400/June+30,+2008+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> Inside the fridge the squash collection is growing frighteningly. We need to get cooking, ratatouille coming up. Please ignore any dirt and that onion skin, housekeeping is not our forte.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMcKCwmARZRMYB1rxjwihmoRr2MEuW8WALd4CnP3utYScNRxWUhIyuHO5r5HLRdxjBNAK2FxE2XO890nYgQpNdPwSUDBQXuUm3JUvubs9gl3sLHw9GQgSc2dtwEvOS7oPM1P4LDYk6Ik/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218506507101564194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMcKCwmARZRMYB1rxjwihmoRr2MEuW8WALd4CnP3utYScNRxWUhIyuHO5r5HLRdxjBNAK2FxE2XO890nYgQpNdPwSUDBQXuUm3JUvubs9gl3sLHw9GQgSc2dtwEvOS7oPM1P4LDYk6Ik/s400/June+30,+2008+013.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the view above my kitchen sink. Beyond the ripening tomatoes you can see the side door to the stone facaded garage. We have a circle drive because we bought the house next door to build the garage, giving us two driveways onto the street so we made a semi circle connecting them. I love it. Beyond the driveway is a planting area lined with pink muhly grass along the driveway and beyond that are the large pine trees that mark the property boundary. The grasses are starting to show tiny bits of pink blooms, it seems too early for that now, but they bloomed early last year also. Probably stress from the drought is causing this. But the pink color lasts well into fall, are we already beginning fall at the start of July?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyPCKexTqdFg_HZI6pcfm60a-7uYtitweeVA-8rk0Dnjcm755bJzVP8U0v6eOomVUMMxB0qzGg36LfqcYbQt16TwYRjXi8X_GIJ0whYxJ9L363EF6JLlW-W992ODk7JKY39jGz9nnrX0/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218506235081388226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyPCKexTqdFg_HZI6pcfm60a-7uYtitweeVA-8rk0Dnjcm755bJzVP8U0v6eOomVUMMxB0qzGg36LfqcYbQt16TwYRjXi8X_GIJ0whYxJ9L363EF6JLlW-W992ODk7JKY39jGz9nnrX0/s400/June+30,+2008+016.JPG" border="0" /></a> A still life of produce, pretty enough to be considered as a model for a master. Or just a quick pic and food for our tummies. I especially like the bristles of the vegetable brush just showing behind the cutting board. Nice artistic touch. But what is in that basket just to the left? Looks intriguing.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iX3RV6wpfkCvd4uvkZTwG4RyFuWz0KXpd4HmZEKXbriKdyjF3PpjwLeASeePVVt6ORx8Z3ghINZOAGido6tGcEE08RktjgHRDv33k1Mv7GMmJ0QAJYf2_ICqkvBPv_TFiZK0Ww57gVE/s1600-h/June+30,+2008+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218506007532744738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iX3RV6wpfkCvd4uvkZTwG4RyFuWz0KXpd4HmZEKXbriKdyjF3PpjwLeASeePVVt6ORx8Z3ghINZOAGido6tGcEE08RktjgHRDv33k1Mv7GMmJ0QAJYf2_ICqkvBPv_TFiZK0Ww57gVE/s400/June+30,+2008+015.JPG" border="0" /></a> Why it is our pride and joy, the garlic harvest, all braided and cleaned. Last September we planted these two kinds of garlic, ordered from Seed Saver's Exchange, Inchelium Red and Tochliavri. They got mixed up but it doesn't matter, for the Red Toch was sold out for this year already, so we ordered lots of the Inchelium. We have been eating the smaller heads, too tiny to braid and look pretty in the basket and they have been scrumptious. We eat of alot of garlic, so this won't last long. We will try and save some to roast though, a good way to savor fine garlic. We are hoping to be swamped with tomatoes so sauce can be made and frozen, but we still have a few containers from last year so it may be time for some pasta, chili, and pizzas, that will use it up.</div><div>~~~</div><div>Hope you enjoyed seeing the food growing in the garden this year. It is as attractive as the flowers, even more so really. We had lettuce and spinach in addition to the snap peas earlier and a few radishes that bolted way too soon. We hardly got to eat any. There are carrots that are in the new raised bed, but hardly enough to make a meal. Leeks and eggplant are still quite small. The experiment is still playing out, we will see what works best for our climate. In the fall we will plan on more lettuce sowing. And the garlic has already been ordered, so that bed needs to be prepared. We are not very experienced in the planning and growing of the food beyond tomatoes, and even that is a gamble with the weather man rolling the dice. But the advantages are many, and we like knowing how and where the stuff we put into our bodies was grown. </div><div>Frances</div><div>Post Script : Hope everyone enjoys the Independence Day holiday here in the US. We are going to Semi's for a cookout, and even bought a flag cake. We are taking tomatoes and cucumbers from our garden for the salad. Cake and salad, the two healthy food choices!</div><div>F<br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Fred Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419417500085952044noreply@blogger.com