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just busy ~ like this spider who spun a beautiful web between two of my pond plants:
I was lucky enough to discover it right after the sprinklers ran at 6:00 AM this morning.
I haven't had time to get my book out and ID him ~ and I'm not very up on my Arachnidas. If anyone knows, please tell me ~ at this moment, I'll happily take the easy way out!
I hope to slow down soon and be back around to visit you all.
Blooming now as far as the eye can see:
Well, a slight exaggeration (I know it's hard to believe coming from me) but they truly do extend the entire length of my home (on the north side). It's really pretty coming around the corner now and seeing those nodding bells of pink.
The thing that really motivated me to blog today (I don't usually on Saturdays), are the first blooms on Clematis 'Purpurea Plena Elegans:'
She's belongs in the "viticella" group (which means she has smaller flowers that are somewhat downward facing). I purchased her last summer from Heronswood Nursery and while she grew and seemed healthy enough in my garden, not one bud/flower appeared. I hadn't looked at her for several days then this morning, suddenly there were buds ~ I think it's nice to take a break from the garden every once in a while, just for the surprises you find when you return. I really shouldn't be posting a photo of her just yet, she doesn't look anywhere near as pretty as she will in full bloom, I just couldn't stand not sharing. You know I will definitely re-photograph & post again tho ~ it's in my blood!!
I also picked my first batch of peas this morning ~ I know it's almost July ~ seems super late ~ but hey, at least they matured for me to get some, right?
Pea and dumpling soup, here we come.....
Lastly, two more pictures of the cute little baby Blue Jays:
I caught two of them squished together this afternoon in the Aspen tree. They've been moving all around the yard ever since they left the nest ~ going over to the neighbors, out front, along the side of the garage and now back to the back garden where they started.
It's not hard to figure out the spot "du jour" ~ they make such a racket whenever Mom feeds them, you instantly know their location.
On another sadder note (one of several lately) an adult (male) Bullock's oriole was dead in the middle of my street this morning (apparently hit by a car). I know he was either on his way to my feeder or had been there and was headed back to the nest. That makes me take his death really to heart. Of course, I picked him up and gave him a proper burial so he wouldn't end up like a piece of cardboard. I hope the babies make it now ~ it will be so much harder with just one parent to provide for them.
Now that we're all depressed, I better sign off and get back to work. What a way to leave you, huh? Six lashes with a wet noodle for me!
There are baby birds everywhere you look in my yard this year. More than I can ever remember? and more to come ~ Mama Robin is sitting on a new nest outside my living room window right now. The cutest of the babies at the moment are the little Blue Jays.
A pair has built a nest in my pine tree for the last two years and each year four babies have successfully fledged out. This year I thought there were only two at first but yesterday I saw four lined up side-by-side, on a bough, in this evergreen. Darn if that wasn't a "Kodak Moment" but was my camera handy? Noooooo. ugh. I hate when that happens. I should tape it around my neck and never let it leave my body.
As a result, these sub-par photos are all you get. You can still see how cute the one is tho. (and finally growing tail feathers). When they first fledged, they had almost zero tail feathers ~ stressed me terribly ~ they are so vulnerable then.
It won't be long now and I'll have some baby Oriole photos to add to the mix!
Entirely different category, check out this "baby:"
No, your eyes do not deceive you ~ that really is a bud stalk on my Clivia! In June, no less. I can't believe it. It looks like it's coming up out of the foliage properly too (unlike the stalk that bloomed earlier this year way down in the foliage). I took it outside with my Amaryllis for the summer and apparently, sunshine & fresh air are very good things. :-)
Both favorite colors at one time or another in my life ~ one retains that title still ~ I'm sure I don't have to tell you which one! I have a lot blooming in both right now ~ I didn't notice it so much walking thru the garden but I sure did while uploading my photos. One of my favorite images from yesterdays photo spree is that of Clematis 'Hagley hybrid' blooming on the antique bird feeder:
I planted 'Hagley hybrid' last summer but nothing happened. It sat and sat making me wonder if it was even happy in this spot. This spring however, it answered that question by taking off ~ now we're seeing a glimpse of what it will look like when it reaches its "prime" and smothers the bird feeder completely in blooms. It might be more than a girl can handle ~ with the pink rose surround too:
Aaahhh, that's what I call a vision in pink.
You can see peanut shell remnants inside the bird feeder if you look closely. The blue jay parents are so busy feeding their babies right now they don't have the luxury of flying off with the peanuts one at a time ~ so they've been cracking the shells right inside the feeder. Not at all usual behavior for them during the rest of the year.
Nearby, climbing the ailing aspen tree, is a purple clematis (name long ago forgotten):
It almost gets lost in the vegetation underneath the trees making me forget it's there until suddenly ~ a pop of color. Rarely are there many blooms because of the less than ideal conditions (too much shade) but what blooms do form are greatly appreciated in this space.
In the corner shade bed, blooming for the first time in my garden, is Penstemon 'whippleanus:'
Also known as "Whipple's Penstemon." It's hairy ~ more than I expected. This penstemon was started from seed because it's not always readily available in plant form. I only had one lone specimen germinate but hopefully it will seed about, it seems happy enough. It's one of the few penstemons that can tolerate some shade and planted in this location, it gets morning sun only. Here's a longer view so you can see more of the plant itself:
Nothing that impressive yet but I hope to have a nice stand of them here in the future. The fluffy purple/pink cloud-like effect in the foreground is created from a Thalictrum plant blooming nearby.
A pleasant surprise, because I thought I'd lost all of them, was finding a few 'Lauren's Grape' poppies beginning to open.
'Lauren's Grape' was named after Lauren Springer who we (in northern Colorado) have the great fortune of living nearby (at least for part of the year). The poppies have seeded themselves better than I ever could (or did) ~ next to Stachys lanata (Lamb's Ear). I think it's a nice pairing now that it's in front of me! I usually deadhead the bloom stalks of Lamb's Ear, preferring only the foliage but now I'm not sure why I was ever doing that? I was definitely depriving the bumbles of a favorite food source by doing so:
You can be assured the practice will be discontinued from this year forward!
Gardening is all about lessons, isn't it? Doesn't seem to matter how long you work at it, there's always something to learn. That's why it's a life long hobby, passion, obsession I guess ~ it will never be predictable or boring.
A couple days ago one of my old Adirondack chairs broke. I had been thinking of replacing them, they were cheap, knock-off models that were getting pretty rickety, but I wasn't quite ready yet. I'd been pondering if I wanted more of them or if I would prefer a change all together. Since we sit out there all the time, and I hadn't figured out the answer yet, the fastest solution to our immediate seating problem was to move my table and chairs around from the back patio. Now I'm trying to decide if I like them out front ~ I know I don't like the big void they left on the back patio. Maybe you can help me ~ and check out the garden at the same time??!! Here's a side view ~ what you would see walking up my driveway and turning onto my front walk:
and a view from the street:
Not sure I'm digging it or not? I really think I preferred this look better:
the side view again with the "old" look:
Maybe it's time to break down and get some new Adirondack chairs after all?? I think I miss them already and looking at these photos is helping me make that decision.
Since we're on the front patio, we may as well see the porch again, right?
Maybe not ~ I should have moved that tacky yellow jacket trap before I snapped the picture! I think I may have overdone the containers this year ~ they are everywhere. Too much of a good thing?
Swinging around to face the street, you have to take one more look at the orange 'Cleopatra' foxtail lilies:
They are really beautiful this year. I hope this clump grows and grows over time.
Thanks for letting me review my options "outloud" with you. I sure appreciate your input but I think posting has helped me make up my mind. We'll see if you come to the same conclusions as I am...
that's what I think I have. or maybe I should qualify that and say I have bulb and tuber mania! Everything blooming (that is captivating me right now) is either from a bulb or a tuber. Weird how I used to think of bulbs as just spring bloomers, huh? They are certainly much more than that! Scroll down and see what I mean.
There's another Allium opening ~ this time it's Allium 'cernuum:'
Don't you love the "nodding" bud?
It gets even better when it begins to open and "spread its wings:"
I also promised to show you a fully opened Allium 'azureum' bulb, so, keeping my word, here it is:
Really magnificent, right? And such an easy way to get a bit more blue in the garden.
Drawing everyone's attention in the front garden (surpassing all the Alliums) are the Desert Candles, Foxtail lilies ~ whatever you choose to call them. Here's a slice of Eremurus 'Cleopatra' who put up four bloom stalks (second year in the garden):
Easy to see why everyone focuses their attention on them. It also doesn't hurt that they are at least 5' tall ~ a very commanding presence indeed.
Not to be outdone by 'Cleopatra' are a small clump of yellow Eremurus (exact name escapes me at the moment) located near the Canterbury bells:
If that isn't a sight, I don't know what is. These have been in my garden for at least five years but never put up more than two or three bloom stalks. I think they don't get as much sun as they'd like being partially shaded as they are by the limbs of the big Bur Oak.
Oh, one more (unexpected & slightly out of its season) discovery, a grape hyacinth! It's blooming so late because it was one of those clearance bulbs (bought in Jan/Feb??) I had decided they weren't going to do anything this year then as I was weeding under the aspen trees, there it was ~ Muscari 'comosum:'
Interesting, huh?
I have so many photos to share, more than I have time to write posts really, but I'm going to try and consolidate them so you at least get the chance to view the best of them.
Not now tho, my little doggie needs to get to his "spa" appointment so I bid you "adieu' for today. :-)
in shades of lilac and indigo (is that what you'd call the deep purple?) have burst into bloom in the front garden ~ side by side with Penstemon 'Husker Reds':
I was secretly hoping for some pink but how can a girl complain about color like this? The lilac shading is so subtle it borders on being white:
Alas, the lilacs aren't double (my personal preference) so the only seed that will be saved (and let to sow about) are these:
They remind me of another favorite ~ the cup and saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) which blooms here late in the summer.
Being the garden gurus you are, I'm sure you know that Canterbury Bells are in the Campanula family. How appropriate. A family of lookers for sure.
I haven't found any seedlings from last year, so, since they are biennials, I may not be enjoying them again (in my garden) for another two years. I hope that's not the case but on the off chance it is, I better get out there now as much as I can...
I thought I'd give all you container lovers out there a little peek at what I'm calling my "Papyrus" container. I couldn't do it earlier because it didn't look like much ~ it's still not "knock your socks off" gorgeous but at least it's finally headed in the right direction.
It took 'Tropicanna' Canna forever to break dormancy this year ~ I should have started it in the house early on. Now that the leaves are unfurling, the color scheme is finally coming together. It's totally vibrant (which is what I was going for) and I'm feeling pretty smug about the whole affect/composition.
For those inquisitive about the "ingredients," included in the container are one each of 'King Tut' Egyptian Papyrus, 'Tropicanna' Canna, 'Persimmon' Cajun Hibiscus, 'Trusty Rusty' Coleus, Aeonium Arboreum 'Atropurpureum,' Nemesia 'Spicy Orange with Pink Eye,' Lime Green Potato Vine and two Calibrachoas (one apricot and one yellow with red eye).
The 'Spicy Orange with Pink Eye' Nemesia is bowling everyone over tho (forget about everything else), it's what gets the most comments. Can you see why?
Stunning, right?? I've never fooled too much with nemesia's before but now I'm thinking that was an oversight of grand proportions.
Of course you will be seeing this container again (and again) as it continues to fill out and (hopefully) meet expectations.
Also worth noting, two more David Austin roses have opened their first buds:
Above 'Abraham Darby' ~ a little tattered and beaten up around the edges but nonetheless, every bit as spectacular as I remembered him from last year.
and sweet 'Gentle Hermione.' (2009 Mother's Day gift from my daughter).
The garden is really pleasing right now. I can't tell you how happy that makes me. Oh, never mind. You all know the feeling quite well from your own gorgeous masterpieces.
Last evening, I sat by the pond for a little while just taking in the surroundings (oh and making mental notes about what needed to be moved where and where I needed to add something, etc., etc.) You know it's never just about sitting. I think I told you a couple posts ago that I have quite a few Alliums in bloom right now ~ it seems many of them are located near the pond! Like Allium azureum:
These are just beginning to open ~ imagine how amazing they are going to be?? Brilliant blue balls of color. hmmm, hmmm, hmmm.
There's also bright pink spots of color provided by Allium ostrowskianum:
They are much shorter in stature than azureum but every bit worth having in the garden.
My favorite Allium, besides 'schubertii,' has to be Allium bulgaricum:
Also very aptly known as 'Mediterranean Bells' ~ who doesn't love a little dangle? I certainly do! They are tall too, standing about 3', so not to be overlooked ~ as if that could happen.
Here's another view:
I've never regretted a single Allium I've added to my garden. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the "flowering onions."
Another gorgeous one (that I see in a lot of gardens & also have in mine) is Allium albopilosum or christophii:
These are so airy, they fit anywhere. You may know them by their more common name 'Star of Persia?'
'Mont Blanc' and 'Purple Sensation' are long done blooming but there are still a few left to bloom, like 'Moly Jeannine' and 'cernuum.' You can bet I'll photograph them for you when they open!
Now I'm wondering how many of you are as addicted to these fantastic bulbs as I am??!
another reason we love June, right? Always something new bursting into flower. After a soggy weekend (2+ inches of rain) and cold temperatures (highs in the 50's) I'm sure the garden will enjoy a warm up this week just like me. My latest blooms are the 'Sarah Bernhardt' peonies ~ my only other peony aside from 'Bowl of Beauty.'
I usually end up cutting 'Sarah's' blooms and bringing them indoors (the only flower in my garden, besides lilacs, I do that with). If I don't, I miss out on that delicious scent. The flowers usually flop over anyway and can no way be appreciated with heads bent like they are when viewed in an arrangement.
Yesterday I also finally planted my (garden tour) Sibirica Iris purchase 'Caesar's Brother:'
It's mostly a clump of foliage, only having two blooms/buds left. But that's okay, it's for next years garden not this one ~ you know how that advance planning works.
Also just opening, Clematis 'Snow Queen':
She is new to the garden as well so I don't have high expectations from her this year. I do expect more from Clematis 'Multi Blue' who was planted last season and I don't think I'm going to be disappointed:
Already she's doing a good job brightening up the trellis, don't you think? A closer look:
and a longer shot ~ with the zinnia wheelbarrow in the foreground:
You can't help but smile with views like this at your doorstep.
If the weather forecast is correct, today is our last day in sweatshirts then we're going to quickly return to 90 degrees. It's been a shocking roller coaster to say the least. I, for one, am ready for the sun (as always!)