Kaseys Korner

Hort Couture plants

I'm officially enthralled by these new "hort couture" plants/containers ~ have you seen them?

It's marketing genius!  High fashioned plants ~ why didn't I think of that??

I want to buy every one my greenhouse sells!  Unfortunately, my budget won't allow it (marvelous restraint, wouldn't you say??!) but this one did come home with me ~ Ophiopogon 'nigrescens.'  I only have to find somewhere to showcase it now.  I wish I hadn't finished planting containers or bought that regular elephant's ear.  The 'hort couture" Colocasia 'Blue Hawaii' would have come home with me also.  If you haven't seen these, click on the link.  There are some incredible plants out there and next year, I'm definitely saving room for more of them. Oh, I'm a new fan of their blog too ~ click on over ~ you might become one too.

Now that I have you drooling, can you salivate a bit over Clematis integrefolia ~ in full bloom right now.

Hasn't it formed such an impressive clump?  That's about 15 years in the making.  This plant has been hauled with me thru four gardens.  I believe that's what you'd call a "keeper!"

Have you got any plants like that?  Ones that, should you have to move, you would absolutely, hands down, have to dig up and take with you?  I know I do ~ I have a list ~ and I think of them before any item in my house!

objects in the garden

love 'em or hate 'em??  Some people prefer to avoid them all together but I fall in the camp of liking them within reason.  "Reason" to me is if the object appears vintage (I'm a fan of anything antique) OR if it can be incorporated tastefully into your surroundings.  The "artist" in me likes to create garden/photography vignettes with these objects.  Here's a couple photos of several that currently reside in my garden ~ what do you think?  Do they "enhance" the garden or detract from it??

Bird Cloche with hardy fern.

Victorian Style Cloche resting under the viburnum hedge.

Fancy Hummingbird feeders serving duel purposes of being both functional and decorative. 

Gerbera daisies in old funky vases are perfect for a garden party.

 

Bee Skep with Allium 'purple sensation.'

And there you have it.  Did these photos help cement your stand regarding "found" objects in the garden or not?  Feel free to spill your guts!  ;-)

As May winds down

the garden is winding up.  I am enjoying every minute of it ~ it feels even more special than usual ~ I think because of the very long winter we endured.  As often happens in the evening, last night found me strolling the garden, camera in hand, ready to capture any new blooms for you (and for me ~ let's not kid ourselves!)  This time of year, we garden photographers have the joyous "problem" of deciding where to aim the camera first, there's such an abundance of blooms.  It didn't take me long to settle on the direction of my new David Austin rose 'Crown Princess Margareta:'

She earns the distinction of being the first rose to open in my garden ~ beating out all my other more established bushes.  She is going to be every bit as beautiful as I remembered (from a garden tour last summer when she first went on my "had-to-have" list.)  She is loaded with buds so I will absolutely be aiming in her direction again (and often.)  You might possibly even get sick of seeing her!  Just sayin'...

Next, I turned to my only white Allium, 'Mont Blanc:'

Not sure why I only have one??  It seems a travesty looking at this photo and at her in real life.  It practically glows in the moonlight ~ I can testify firsthand to that knowledge ~ don't ask why I roam the garden at that hour tho!  I definitely think it's worth adding more of this color ~ what do you think?  Does anyone else grow white Alliums?  I can't remember seeing that many??

I also couldn't refuse pointing the camera at Echium Amoenum (although it doesn't look like I stabilized the camera while doing so!):

Remember I bought this rarely seen perennial two years ago??  I wasn't sure how it would do but it's returned faithfully for the last two springs so I definitely think it's here to stay.  Look how many bloom stalks it sent up this year:

It forms such a neat, tidy clump, doesn't it?  I only wish the hummingbirds were here to enjoy it.  It will be long finished blooming by the time they show up but I'm positive it would be a favorite.

Something I almost didn't photograph is Astrantia major 'Ruby Wedding:'

That's because the baby bunnies have been treating the foliage as their own private smorgasbord!  Both of my plants are almost completely devoid of leaves.  I don't remember them bothering it last year?  Who knows, maybe Astrantia is an acquired taste???!  ;-)  At least they left me some blooms, right?!

Lastly, I couldn't resist turning my camera to something else the garden has produced a bumper crop of ~ baby robins:

They are so cute ~ full of curiosity and bumbling abilities ~ how could I not?  We have so many this spring and they are quite entertaining to watch.  Hopping everywhere with their adorable but vulnerable selves ~ 1" tail feathers and all.   My dog has been relegated to a leash when he goes out for his backyard duties, just so he isn't tempted to snare one.

I know your gardens are beautiful too.  I've been doing my best to get around and admire them as well.  If I'm a little slower than normal, you know the reason!  It's so hard to be inside with all this action going on outside!  Hope everyone has a terrific Memorial Day weekend. 

iris season

has begun in my neck of the woods.  I know it's been going on for a while elsewhere but now I get to enjoy the blooms firsthand instead of thru my computer screen.  The first one to open was a pass-along from my dearest neighbor Shirley:

 

Then today, I noticed one of the "blacks" had joined in by the vintage gate:

Like so many flowers, I only wish the blooms would last longer.  They seem to be finished as quickly as they start.  Luckily, I have a fairly good assortment of colors and a (sort of) staggered bloom period so I'll be sharing more as the "season" progresses.

Today I also finished planting my containers (I think ~ you never know with me).  In honor of the occasion, I took a snapshot of the front patio where a few are displayed ~ several you've seen already.

A little side note:  I have since turned the vintage wheelbarrow in the opposite direction so that you no longer view the back when walking up my sidewalk.  Not sure why it didn't occur to me to face it front-on in the first place. 

The trellis behind the wheelbarrow (you have to click on the photo in order to see it) has Clematis 'Multi Blue' growing on it which is about to bloom!  When the buds open, they will join 'Josephine:'

(from the birdhouse container) and Clematis Integrefolia (in the front garden):

 

You will see more of the latter since it's only just started.  'Integrefolia' is a scrambling bush-type clematis which I manage to keep somewhat contained by encircling it (from emergence) with an obelisk.  Here's a snippet of said obelisk with one, of the bazillion, yellow jackets we're experiencing this spring:

 

Not sure why there's such an abundance ~ I usually don't notice them so much until fall??  It's been difficult for us to sit outside tho, they are so plentiful and brazen.   Maybe it's a hint not to sit?  There's so much to do this time of year I hardly indulge myself anyway. 

On that note, I better get off the computer and onto some of those tasks!!  Be back soon...

first time ever!

growing Asphodeline lutea (planted last spring) and look what I found last night!

Oh yeah.  A bloom stalk.  Does it get any more exciting? 

Well, I'm sure it does ~ but you have to admit, a new plant and a new bloom is always invigorating.  One of the common names for this perennial is King's Spear.  Maybe you're familiar with it??   

I've been so busy the last four or five days with the end of school, graduation parties, etc., that when I finally got back to touring the garden so much had changed.  The foliage is really getting thick ~ here's a slice to show you what I mean:

The pond is between the burgundy 'Husker Red' foliage & the Camassia blooms (blurred in the background) ~ but you can't even tell it's there.  In fact one of my neighbors stopped by when I was cleaning the pump filter and said he never even knew I had a pond!  Wow, where has he been??  Maybe I tucked it away a bit too much??

Unlike the pond, Allium 'purple sensation' is very visible.   The more Alliums I have, the more I want.  They are addictive that way, don't you think?

It's easy to see why too.  They hardly take up any space, bloom for a nice length of time and provide endless photography opportunities.  Looking good from every angle even underneath!

sigh.  so incredibly lovely.

Please stay tuned for more new blooms ~ I didn't have time to finish resizing & watermarking all my recent photos but I promise to be back soon.

end of school walkabout

We're singing "School's out for summer" in our house today since yesterday was my daughter's last day.  Yippee!!  Every year, we wait anxiously for this date because we both love summer so much (and I like having her home with me) ~ now we're trying to figure out what we're going to do with ourselves! 
Last night I did a LOT of weeding.  Not very celebratory but a necessary task.  I think I emptied four buckets into my yard waste container!  Enough of that! 
A lot less taxing and fun were the few minutes I spent with my camera checking for new blooms.  Thermopsis (I need to find the tag for you) is blooming for the first time in this garden:

I love any "lupine-like" plant which is why this one ended up finding a home here.  It's a bit scraggly, having only three small bloom stalks but each year should get better. 

In the back "berm garden" some of my $1.00 clearance bulbs are making a late appearance.  Muscari "white magic" being one of those:

These should be long over by now but I thought they needed 8 to 12 weeks of chilling before I planted them?  That meant they just went into the ground about the end of April.  I'm not sure if that was the right decision or not because by the time I planted the bulbs, half of them were dried up.  :-(

Around the pond, Primula japonica 'Miller's Crimson' has turned out NOT to be 'Miller's Crimson' ~ I think it's a mixed variety??

Even tho it's not the rich red color I was going for, I guess I'll let it stay.  What do you think?  There are four of these blooming right now and none of them are red!  darn it.

Exceeding expectations are the Anemone 'coronaria's' brought home from the clearance section of Lowes:

They are sporting all sorts of new growth with blooms/buds galore ~  making me very glad I saved them. 
I think the examples in this post go to show, you never know with gardening.  The surprises are half the fun and far outweigh the disappointments.  At least that's been the case for me.

Now I need to fulfill another promise ~ that of whipping up a batch of chocolate waffles to celebrate the first full day off of school!  Happy Friday everyone!

Birdhouse container & more

Like a dog with a bone, it's pretty hard to shake me away from container gardening during the month of May.  I'm still working at composing mine but I thought I'd share the latest with you ~ I hope I'm not giving you "container overload?"  That would be a foreign concept to me but I realize not everyone is into them with the same passion.  If you fall into that category, simply skip this post!

 
First up is my "Birdhouse" container ~ you may remember this one from last season?  I planted a Clematis 'Josephine' at the base of the post and now, in it's second year, it's starting to take off & give a glimpse of how I envisioned it would look:

Barring any casualties or unforeseen circumstances, imagine how full and lush it will be in year three?!  As you can see, there are only two blooms on the entire vine (at least so far) but those two are making me very happy. 

'Josephine' is already one pretty girl ~ and she's not even in her prime yet.  I'll be sure to share her fully matured!  The remaining contents of this container have been switched up since last year.  This season, the other "big players" are Violet tubeflowers, pink phormium, & Lion's Ear.  We'll see how that combination pans out ~ it could be scary or spectacular ~ I'm taking a gamble.

Next up is the "Croton" container.  It's a partial shade one so the contents reflect that.  Also, don't judge it too harshly, it's in it's infancy and will definitely be much more impressive as it grows "into itself" throughout the season.

Right now, the croton is the "star" of the container but I think it will get competition from the other inhabitants as they get their "pot legs" under them!  Those other inhabitants include (2) different coleus (name tags already misplaced), one 'Sonic Salmon' New Guinea Impatien, (2) Calibrachoas, and (1) Lysimachia congestiflora.  It will be fun to look back at the end of summer and compare these photos to the "fully matured" ones.

If you like planting containers you probably already know about Fine Gardenings "Container Gardening" issue.  If you don't, you should without a doubt, check it out and bring one home.  I buy one every year and I can certify that it overflows with inspiration.  This years issue looks like this:

I can tell you, after four years of purchasing these issues, they've certainly elevated my thought process about planting a container.  I never realized what artistry was involved prior to studying them but there is definitely art at work, from the colors & shape of the pot to the plants therein. 

For those of you who are not container gardeners, I promise to be back in the garden next post.  :-)

indoor blooms

I know the focus this time of year is usually on outdoor blooms but I just have to share the "bounty" going on in my greenhouse bathroom right now.  It just wouldn't be right to keep it to myself.  First the $6.00 clearance Phalaenopsis Orchid (bought two years ago) opened it's first bud today on the new bloom stalk:

A closer look because you knew I couldn't resist:

Two slipper orchids remain in bloom ~ the one my brother sent me from Hawaii and 'Pine Knot' that I recently shared with you:

They look striking paired together, don't they?

Something else blooming profusely is Streptocarpus 'Black Panther:'

What a great little houseplant.  It must thrive on neglect because I pay it almost no attention and yet it rewards me with a bevy of blooms.  What's not to love about that scenario?

Last but not least, an African violet (name unknown) picked up on a whim at Lowes:

 

I bet you can guess why it ended up in my cart?!! 

Tomorrow the amaryllis are being moved outdoors for the summer.  I haven't told them yet, but I'm sure they'll be excited!  :-)  While I'm out there, I'll be sure and photograph the garden.  It seems like it's been a while.

finally, the sun

exactly what I've been waiting for ~ waking up to bright blue skies and sunshine.  I haven't checked the forecast but I'm hoping I can add "warmth" to that mix, then it will be absolutely perfect.  Just the kind of day to do more container planting! ha

Most of my annuals have been gathered, now the fun begins in earnest ~ assembling them in proper containers & pleasing combinations.  One container that won't take much thought is the one housed in my vintage wheelbarrow:

That's because I'm repeating the zinnia & lantana combo from last year ~ why fix something that isn't broken, right? 

For those of you interested in something new, here's one with a more modern twist ~ the "Black & Blue Salvia" container, potted up yesterday between rain showers and wind gusts:

The "ingredient" list is pretty simple ~ (1) prickly succulent (so sorry not to have a name ~ my knowledge of succulents is horrendously limited), (1) Fiber Optic Grass, (4) 'Black & Blue' Salvias, (1) 'Sweet Georgia Light Green' potato vine and (3) 'Luscious Lemonade' Lantanas.  I have an idea about how to make this one even more spectacular so stay tuned.  That is, if I can find what I'm looking for....

Notice a theme here??  It seems as tho I'm really in a "yellow" mode this year.  Remember this:

 

Another blue & yellow combination.  Hmmmm...  See what I mean?  Some years are like that.  I remember the year I planted a LOT of orange.  I wasn't "conscious" of selecting a specific color scheme while plant shopping or maybe in the recesses of my brain, I was??  We'll have to see how the rest of the planting goes.  I do have a little pink to throw in for those of you who love it like I do! 

Pink goes well with yellow too tho so who knows??!!  ;-)

shades of yellow

I finally couldn't help myself yesterday ~ I had to get outside and plant a container, potential freeze warnings or not.  All those plants sitting in trays (in the garage) were calling to me!  It felt so good to be back playing with textures and dirt and color combinations again. 

As you know, I don't usually post my containers right off the bat (preferring to wait until they've filled in a bit) but this one is different ~ I'm happy with it from the start.  Therefore, you get the unique opportunity of seeing it moments after conception! 

Excuse the surrounding mess, I was in too much of a hurry to move the other empty pots before snapping a photo. 

As you can see, I used my black pedestal container as the base.  I fell in love with the yellow/green grass on my greenhouse hopping expedition last weekend so the entire container was built around it. 

I wish I knew the name ~ there was (of course) no tag.  I can share the remaining "ingredients" list tho, in case you're interested.  Draping over the sides is Sedum 'Angelina' (one gallon container divided into three sections), 3 "Coppertone" Sedums (nussbaumerianum) are arranged between 'Angelina,' then 2 'Pot of Gold' Lantana's, 1 'Lanai Red' Verbena, 1 'Freckles' Coleus and one (unknown) Dahlia round out the contents.

Originally I had something else in mind for the center of the container but the coloring of the dahlia was so striking I had to go with it.  It was purchased at Lowes, with a tag merely saying "dahlia" in it ~ sorry there is no more information.  It's so frustrating to those of us who want names!

 

All those dark specks on the petals are potting soil residue left over from filling the container.  They still don't detract from that amazing color tho.  It's really like a fireball with the yellow, orange, red color combination, don't you think?

Despite the touches of red, I've named this container "Shades of Yellow" ~ I hope you like it!