There have been some nice and not so nice things happening in my life lately. Since I'm trying not to dwell on the "not-so-nice," I'm only focusing on the "nice" today. It isn't very surprising that those are all associated with the garden since that's my "go-to" source of joy.
First, a couple of unexpected gifts came my way last week. One from my daughters music instructor, who surprised me with a pair of Fiskars gardening shears and a book:
Wasn't that so nice? I've never own any gardening shears before so it will be fun to try them out. Just slipping my hand in them, they seem very comfortable to use. The book looks great too but I haven't had time to do much more than flip thru and check out a few photos.
The next gift came compliments of a next door neighbor who was moving. Before she left, she called and asked if I'd like her fairy garden ~ I'm sure you know my answer ~ "YES!"
I've been tempted many times to give fairy gardening a try but always resisted. It seemed like something I could become totally addicted to ~ so many cool miniature pieces to collect. Now I have the perfect reason/excuse to delve in!! Thank you Dora!
I've also been lucky to catch some great fall sales. I haven't bought any plants but I have found some cool containers. This huge urn was being clearanced out so, of course, I HAD to snatch it up!
I'm either going to move my Brugmansia into it or have fun scheming up a container arrangement for next year.
Two matching black urns were found to position on either side of the yew hedges (also on clearance.) Small arborvitaes were placed inside (bought for $3.00 a piece). If they don't survive the winter, I won't be out much.
Can you tell I was thinking ahead when I assembled & placed them?? I picture them sprinkled with snow and for some reason, snow covered urns seem prettier than plain ole snow on the ground?? Forget that last sentence ~ it's too early to go there!
Back to blooms, while we still have them! The most exciting ~ Kirengeshoma palmata (Yellow Wax-bells)
First year in my garden and I wasn't sure I would see any this season. You can bet I'll be watching it closely from here on out tho!
Then there's Fuchsia 'Lena Dalton' ~ one hummingbird is still zipping around the garden and at some point always ends up on her:
Too bad I can't capture a picture of them both together.
That would be really spectacular, wouldn't it?
Finally, not a bloom but beautiful just the same ~ new growth foliage from Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon' purchased this spring:
It's very small ~ only 18" tall ~ but it got off to a good start this summer. There's lots to look forward to ~ a garden is always good for that, isn't it?
Love it Kathleen - that huge urn is the same one I just got on clearance and can't wait to figure out what to do with it. Love the black ones too. I can't wait to see what you do with the large urn and the fairy garden...what a wonderful neighbor.
Please email me and let me know what the not so good thing was - I'm worried about you. And I'm dying to know what you decided on the carpet!
Posted by: Dana | September 18, 2011 at 05:51 PM
You've never had gardening shears before? I'm surprised. What tool do you use for pruning instead? Fairy gardens look like fun--I might have to try that, too. The Japanese Maple looks small enough to fit in the fairy garden. Very pretty!
Posted by: PlantPostings | September 18, 2011 at 07:29 PM
I've missed so many great posts here. I finally had a chance to go back and catch up. Your pictures are just so nice, you really capture a peaceful feel in your garden.
The urns will look pretty in snow, but lets hope that will be awhile.
Hope everything is okay, I'll send you some good thoughts :)
Posted by: Catherine | September 18, 2011 at 09:22 PM
Beautiful photo of the yellow flower bud (the Latin name is so long)
And congratulations on the nice gifts. Gifts are good!
Posted by: Kala | September 19, 2011 at 04:18 AM
I adore the new urn Kathleen. Gotta love those sales. LOL! A Fairy garden is so fun to make and you will have a great start with those items from the neighbor. The Fuchsia's are so pretty. The little rabbit is so cute. Have a great week.
Posted by: Lona | September 19, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Little Japanese maples like that usually get eaten by the bunnies, you have done well!! I love that Fuchsia....what great photos too. Sorry to hear life isn't all roses for you now. Hope it improves. Nice of the music teacher sharing the book and shears.
Posted by: Janet, The Queen of Seaford | September 19, 2011 at 05:57 PM
Kathleen I hope you are doing OK, and glad your garden is about to bring you joy. Love the fuschia, so beautiful.
Posted by: sweetbay | September 20, 2011 at 08:49 PM
sorry, I meant to say able!
Posted by: sweetbay | September 20, 2011 at 08:50 PM
So glad you have some good to take away the bad. Nice unexpected gifts are always a treat so what a thoughtful music instructor! The 'Red Dragon' almost out competes the fuschias!
Posted by: tina | September 22, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Nice is good, Kathleen ... as were your gifts and this lovely post. Happy Autumn :)
Posted by: joey | September 22, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Love all three of those urns Kathleen! Can't wait to see what you do with the one, your container plantings are always spectacular. What a nice little Fairy Garden your neighbor passed along to you. Hope the not so good things get better. Take care.
Posted by: Racquel | September 25, 2011 at 05:26 AM
You are a Great bargain hunter - and you always come up with wonderful items. Love that little mini-acer! :-)
Posted by: Shady Gardener | September 29, 2011 at 09:11 PM