Kaseys Korner

Statuesque 'Elodie' lilies

on a soft summer night.

“In June as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them.”

-  Aldo Leopold 

Strolling thru the garden this last eve of June, it's easy to see what spurred Leopold to write those words.

Buds and new blooms abound.

Each one looking particularly fresh in the soft light of evening.

and even more so after a quenching rain shower.

Aaaah, pure refreshment!

This time of day, along with dawn, are my favorite to walk, view & photograph the garden.

Even tho there are new blooms throughout the gardening season, June always seems the most luxuriant month.

Above & below:  Bullock's Orioles inspecting the lilies for insects.

Always a delightful combination.

(forgive the quality of the Oriole photos, I took them thru my bedroom window ~ blinds & all!)

When we flip the calendar to July in the morning, 

the real heart of summer begins.

The pace will slow.  No more "mad" leaps of growth.  

A chance for both plants & gardeners to breathe and savor the luscious time of year. 

But first a celebration.

Enjoy, as I know you will.  As Leopold said, it's impossible to ignore.

 

 

 

Fuchsia 'Hidcote Beauty'

and other scenes from the June garden.

Above:  Fuchsia 'Hidcote Beauty'

I thought I was beginning to move forward but recently, a slide backwards.

It's been hard to maintain any type of concentration which means a struggle when it comes to composing a smoothly flowing blog post.  Believe me, I've started (and trashed) more than a few...

So, as promised, instead of abandoning you, photos with sparing words.

Above & Below:  Back garden sporting more green than any other color.

Bloom cycles are slightly off, compliments of our strange, wet Spring.

Above:  'Kiwi' Aeonium

Colorado will definitely not be making it's quota "300+ days of sunshine" this year!

That bright ball of happiness will have to be found in other forms.

Certainly Pelargonium 'Apple Blossom Rosebud' will help make up the deficit.

Talk about instant lust!  When I saw it featured on Grace's blog last year, I immediately ordered two plants from an online site only to have them arrive as 2" sticks.  

Refusing to be deterred, I babied them all winter and now, at last, sweet success. 

Around back, the Arabella Table is crammed with goodness.

From top to bottom...

Including a surprise appearance by Double Amaryllis 'First Love.'

At least I *think* it's 'First Love?'

In typical fashion, the tags have *somehow* separated from the bulbs.

How does that always happen???

Vintage silverplate salt & pepper birds.

Begonia 'Rose Petticoat' container.

Begonias (of all sorts and in larger-than-normal-quantities) have found their way into my garden this year.  

 

I really need to work on saying "no."  It's two little letters.  

N.O.  

Why oh why do they disappear from my alphabet when faced with blooms like this??!!!

 

No self control!!!

Anyone else amazed that the 4th of July is next week?  

It's hardly felt like summer here.  I hope the next two months improve ~ the season seems short enough without losing part of it....

 

 

 

 

 

Antique 'Horse Ear' Urn

A new antique urn is gracing the garden.

I was "watching" it earlier this Spring on Ebay then forgot about it after losing my brother.

Last week, I finally went back to my "watch list" & couldn't believe it was still there.

I think because of the price?  I thought it was too expensive at first too but then, after what happened, I decided who cares??  

Life is short ~ if it makes you happy, do it.  I thought I might have "buyer's remorse"  after I purchased it but I didn't/don't.  It's just WAY too spectacular for regrets.

I know nothing of it's history other than it's numbered, very heavy (Iron???) and exquisitely detailed.  I think the "ears" are horses (or possibly dogs???)  

I did some quick research and found two companies (Mott & Fiske) that manufactured cast iron items around the turn of the century.  I will have to examine it closely when I remove the plantings this fall to see if I can find any other marks (besides the number.)  I didn't see anything when it arrived but I was so excited to plant it, I didn't take time to examine it thoroughly.

I hope you won't get tired of seeing it, because just as with my other antique urn, I'm thinking this one will be featured often!!  

I planted it with Begonia 'Cherry Bon Bon' and a Yellow fan-tailed Scaevola.

Once it fills in a bit, I will share a new photo of the whole container.

Meanwhile my house is filled with peonies because it's raining so much they are doing nothing but flopping over.  I had just cut some more & set them on the Trader Joe's Nectarine crate when I realized what a pretty combo that made.

Roses are starting to come on now too.  A little later than usual.  The pink (unknown name ~ already here when I moved in) are blooming.

Above:  Framing the zinc thermometer.

Over the years, many people have asked me the name, I wish I knew so I could share it.  

Whatever variety they are, they're dependably hardy even in our volatile climate which makes them a valuable anchor plant in the garden. 

The rain I mentioned earlier has forced me indoors much more than usual for June.  Today we received 1.8" in 55 minutes!!!!  A lot for us!  

As a way for me to be "in the garden" when I actually can't, I put together this quick card with one of my old rose photos.  

So simple, just a beautiful patterned paper, leaf ribbon (Martha Stewart) and bow.  

Hope you and your gardens are doing well.  I want to get back on a more regular posting schedule.  Earlier this year I was publishing a new post every Sunday.  I don't know if I'll try to get back to that day or not but once I figure out what works for the summer, I will let you know so I don't leave you hanging.  As always, thanks for all your support.

 

Itoh Peony 'Canary Brilliants'

Focusing on "happy" right now & one thing that's captivated me ( and brought joy) for quite some time is following the restoration of this grand old French Chateau:

http://www.chateaugudanes.com/captains-log

I've been hooked since first discovering the blog/website. Taking on a project of this caliber, with so much history behind it, would be daunting but oh the rewards. I think I would LOVE to do something like it but not by myself! What a legacy the family, the country of France & the town are bequeathed by the restoration of an estate so magnificent. How could anyone not find that goal appealing?  It seems especially meaningful to me right now.  The chateau has endured for centuries.  It's intriguing to think of the triumphs and losses encountered over such a span of time.   I imagine within and surrounding those walls, every earthly occurrence has been witnessed.  How lovely to bring it back and allow future generations to forge & add new memories to all those that predate them.  There are so many spectacular homes falling into decay around the world & country, I wish more people would tackle similar jobs instead of tearing them down & building something new (but not necessarily superior.)

The quote on the May 30th "Captain's Log entry was so lovely I had to copy & paste it here (afterall it IS still Spring):

"Now that the winter's gone, the earth hath lost

Her snow-white robes; and no more the frost

Candies the grass, or cast an icy cream

Upon the silver lake or crystal stream"

   ~Thomas Carew

The weather here has been as turbulent as my emotions ~ hail, tornadoes, wind & drenching rain with one 90 degree day sprinkled in for hope.

Above:  Clematis 'Snow Queen'

David Austin Rose 'Lady Emma Hamilton'

Despite the less than ideal incubating conditions, there are lot's and lots of babies:

& nesting activity around the garden.  

Above:  Mourning Dove nest 

I've also had a new project/distraction lately ~ relocating baby bunnies.  One day, I returned home to see sixteen in my garden!  No wonder so many of my cherished plants are chewed to the nubs or lost completely.  

Above:  Siberian Iris 'Caesar's Brother'

Finally, the subject of my post, Itoh Peony 'Canary Brilliants.'

New last fall ~ purchase inspired by my friend Dana who is just a little obsessed with them....  in a positively good way, of course.  :)

Now I see why.  'Canary Brilliants' is truly a creation of splendor.   If I can keep the hail from destroying her, she will do much to buoy my tender spirit...