Kaseys Korner

feelin' like May

I participated in the annual 'Rush for the Roses' event at a local greenhouse yesterday (of course I bought another David Austin ~ it's mandatory, isn't it?!) but what struck me most was all the other buying going on.  No one seemed focused only on roses ~ annuals, veggies, perennials, etc., were also being loaded up in garden carts.  More like a normal May-weekend-buying-frenzy which is our usual 'safe' time to plant.  I hope this wacky weather doesn't come back to bite us & frost all the tender plants that went home.

I said "us" because I was among those purchasing ~ besides the rose, another hibiscus,

Pink, of course!

and to feed my latest obsession (with standards) ~ a violet tubeflower standard!

Can't wait to plant it with something equally scrumptious around the base.

Maybe a yellow companion?? 

With planting on the brain, I stopped by Lowes to get some potting soil and was thrilled to find Hosta 'Frances Williams' for sale at the low price of $5.98!  For you long time gardeners, I'm sure you remember when this was THE coveted hosta and you couldn't buy it for less than $20 something?!!

Goes to show, if you're patient enough, every gardener can afford those much desired plants.  Of course by now, 'Frances" has been replaced by some newer, more-sought-after varieties but that's okay, I still find her highly attractive.  :-)

I bet you know what I did today after reading about yesterday?? 

Yep ~ a bit of planting.  Not everything, but the hostas, new rose and a couple other odds & ends.  Plus I did a little rearranging in my beds (something I'm remarkably lax about but trying to change)  I couldn't help it ~ it was a beautiful day and the supervision was supreme:

ha. (annoyed at having the camera pointed in his direction)

At eye level with the plants, I noticed "Jack-in-the Pulpit" ~ something I'd overlooked:

I added two of these last year, because the tag specified "nursery propagated" ~ making me feel better that they hadn't been dug from the wild.  (important because of some reading I'd done on how collecting has almost eradicated some species from their native habitats.)

Not in jeopardy of that happening ~ Muscari ~ best viewed in my position, eye level:

Looking upward, for the first time ever in April, soon-to-be-blooms on Clematis 'Asao:'

That shows you just how warm we've been ~ I guess I'm not the only one who thinks it's feelin' like May?!?

P.S.  Saw the first Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly today ~ the earliest sighting for them in this garden ~ also a "May" thing....

Tulips galore, part II

I had so much fun photographing the tulips in the previous post, I decided to do it again.  Anything that enjoyable bears repeating, right?!!!

Besides, 'Sensual Touch' just keeps getting better & better:

So it would be stingy of me not to share the goodness with you! 

They've opened to the most heavenly shade of apricot/coral/orange ~ like having a gorgeous sunset on a stem. 

Definitely, definitely ordering more!!!!

Also, all my fellow pink lovers, you'll be thrilled to know 'Foxtrot' deepens to an even lovelier montage of our most beloved color:

Yummy, yum, yum ~ right??!!

Enough of the updates, let's move on to some new blooms (because this time of year it's hard enough to keep up without going backwards!)  Another exquisite double, 'Charming Beauty' is opening next to 'Sensual Touch:'

That was good planning, wasn't it?  I think it would be even more magnificent if I added in some yellows this fall???  Note to self....

Then there are Greggi tulips, 'Tsar Peter:'

which, I think, are starting to multiply.  :-)

Most happy about that. 

The next photo's for you Shady Gardener ~ look how the Virginia Bluebells have multiplied since you shared the start with me:

I had to move them once but I think I found their happy place! 

They've rewarded me with a nice clump so thank you, again, very much!

Finally, the new project ~ an enclosed yew bed with a lilac standard as the centerpiece:

The left side of the bed is actually part of the yew pathway I put in last spring.   I'm still deciding what to plant in the center but whatever I decide, I'm pretty sure there will be some veggies mixed in. 

Above, a longer shot of the back garden ~ I've certainly made a dent in the grass now!

The garden is re-energizing me ~ thank goodness ~ so much happening every day, it's impossible for it not to rub off!  Thank you for all your support too ~ you've left me the nicest comments & they absolutely made me smile.  :-)

tulips galore

I'm officially nominating myself in the category of "worlds worst blogger" ~ so if anyone is still reading out there ~ feel free to check that box next to my name!  The truth may sting but it could quite possibly motivate too....

No excuses, no promises (in regards to future postings) but at least I haven't shown up empty handed ~ I have tulip photos for all.  :-)

Upon viewing, you'll notice I had a "thing" for double & peony flowering varieties last summer (when I placed my order.)  I'm not at all disappointed now that they're blooming ~ please admire the delightful lushness with me ~ 'Gudoshnik:'

Don't you think a photo of 'Gudoshnik' should be right next to the definition of "divine?"  I sure do!

If pale creamy yellow perfection is not your thing, maybe 'Foxtrot' will be??

I know I am eating it up ~ pink loving girl that I am. 

Having said that, 'Sensual Touch' is also dropping my jaw with it's magnificent combination of fringed petal edges & fully double blooms:

The catalog described it as "smoldering orange, golden-apricot & rich tangerine with pink flushes & yellow edges."  SOLD (as duly noted)

That is some "in your face" genius coloring.  I'm definitely ordering more!

Out front, 'Indian Summer' (not double) is fronting 'Akebono' (fully double) for a breath-taking display:

Could it get any better???  When the neighbors all stop to drool, it has to be a winning combo, right?!

' Indian Summer' has been in the garden several years now and still ranks at the top of my favorites list.  I can't imagine pink & orange being paired more exquisitely.  'Akebono' was a new addition last fall.

Backtracking to the rear garden, check out the display below of 'Big Chief' (I think?) tulips & Double Pink Flowering Almond:

The Almond is new ~ thanks to many of you and your fabulous portrayals last spring.  You made me think I *had* to have it and now I'm so glad I do. 

Sprays & sprays of sweet pink blooms & buds ~ it's really, really incredible ~ and totally lives up to the hype. Is it greedy to already want another??

Also, would sharing a "normal" tulip photo seem quite unremarkable or not (after the exotic beauties featured above??)

I'm feeling a little sorry for my "regulars" after waxing on and on about the newbies.  Can you blame me tho??  I'm truly not partial ~ blooms of any kind & color are thoroughly appreciated and relished ~ it's just the novelty of the new toy bulbs putting stardust in my eyes.... 

Anything doing that in your garden??

 

 

Springs magic spell

has woven a cocoon of enchantment around this eager gardener.  The freshness & emergence of life are heady intoxicants.

Invigorating pops of color have appeared almost overnight. 

Tulip 'Akebono:'

Fritillaria lutea maxima:

Hellebore 'Kingston Cardinal:'

and 'Phoebe:'

dot the garden.

amidst an abundance of Narcissi including this small cupped variety, 'Dreamlight:

and sweet cowslip, Primula veris, has made its earliest appearance ever (in this garden):

Charming blooms, all of them.  A small sampling of what lies outside, but a giant boost for a color starved, bloom thirsty gardener.  I know you can relate....

Note:  Hopefully they can persevere thru the snow & rain mix predicted tonight.  If not, I'll have a lovely bouquet on my table in the morning....

 

'Bulb A Licious' time of year

lots of spring love to share today. 

A pretty pink drumstick primula:

some gorgeous purple striped crocus buds:

followed by Muscari 'Pink Sunrise' against the Fairy garden gazebo:

topped off with Daffodil 'Lemon Glow,' Hellebore 'Blue Lady' and a vintage watering can:

oooh, that's so good it deserves another look:

or two:

Aaahhh, springtime.  Lovin' every minute here ~ hope you are too.

yellow phal orchid

generously sprinkled with spots and the teeniest dash of pink:

blooming in the greenhouse/bathroom. 

Such a pretty way to start the day...

Lots coming up in the garden too although my camera and I have not been working as "one" lately.  Need to get back in unison so I can post more. 

Every day something exciting is uncovered & discovered ~ it makes you wonder why Christmas gets billed as the "most wonderful time of year," doesn't it? 

Happy Spring (a week early but it sure feels like it here right now!)

vibrant leap day

Double pink Streptocarpus:

Amaryllis 'Lady Jane' (not quite in bloom):

and Pink Phal orchid with Amaryllis 'Red Pearl' in the background:

Not a bad way to wrap up February!!! 

5 reasons to like snow

No, I haven't done an "about face," I'm still not a fan. BUT, in light of the fact we're finishing up the snowiest February since record keeping began, and more snow is forecasted this week (not to mention March is typically our snowiest month) I thought some slippery mind tricks were in order to get thru the remaining days of winter!

Here we go ~ let the trickery begin... (whatever works, right?)

1.  Snow is good insulation.  Okay, I can get on board with that.  I have a few borderline hardy plants that will most likely survive the winter because of almost constant snow cover. 

2.  Snow is good moisture.  Well, got me there too.  But I've always been in the camp of rain is better and less destructive.  Plus it doesn't turn dirty and icky looking afterwards.  Having said that, the worries of having to hand water all the evergreens planted last summer hasn't been an issue with regular snowfalls. Props for that!

3.  Inclement outdoor weather, forces the creative mind to turn to other pursuits.  Like crafting:

Always more fun in winter (to me) than summer.  Okay, this isn't so hard (or bad) right?

4.    Snow and cold kill unwanted pests (or at least knock them back) in the garden.  That's a very good point ~ I can't find an argument with something that beneficial.

5.  The snowy months of winter make spring all the more appreciated.  AMEN sistah.

No mind tricks required ~ I'm SO on board.  So are the Eranthis hyemalis (winter aconites) who decided enough is enough and broke into bud anyway.  *pretend you hear a 'hallelujah' chorus here*

Well now ~ there's five reasons and they were easier to come up with than I thought they would be.  hmmmm.   I think I'll let that "settle" for a spell and see if a reversal of thinking is in order.  Could this bonafide summer girl actually have a change of heart about winter??  That's probably pushing it.  But positive reinforcers don't ever hurt...

It's never a good idea

to go shopping while plunged in the depths of winter blues. Know what I'm sayin'???

Everything was frosted (again) this morning ~ witness the vintage shears:

So the remedy (of course) was to hop in the car and hit the flea market.  While away the blues...

Such a good job was done that two items made the trip back home.   Doesn't sound like a lot but check 'em out ~ one very cool piano stool:

An awesome fit with my burgundy chair, don't you think??  (I'll probably recover the top in new green velvet)

But sit yourself right down for the second item ~ a magnificent vintage iron birdcage:

Look at all that swirly goodness & the iron flower on top.  ♥♥♥ 

I think there's even 50 year old bird poo in the bottom!  Ha ~ why doesn't that gross me out in the least???!!!!

It wasn't good for the checkbook, but it sure was good for the soul.  I can't wait to see the birdcage in the garden overflowing with blooms.  There's my happy girl again!   :-)

 

 

restless discontent

Normal for me in February but worse this year because of the continual news coverage about the "winter that never was."  What??

Everything in my garden is white:

and HAS BEEN since October (for the most part ~ January provided a little relief.)

I run the risk of being considered monotonous and a bore if I perseverate much more but let's just say it's been a loooonnng five months.

Half the fifteen days of February have brought snow and colder than normal temps ~ oh wait, I said I was done complaining....

Okay, I'm done now.  Bible...

Instead I'll try to focus on the pink phal orchid, still blooming in the greenhouse/bathroom, instead of the snow encrusted landscape outside:

and view the glass as half full ~ we're partway to March right?

Surely it will warm up in March.  Even here.  Won't it????