Kaseys Korner

2015 Vintage Wheelbarrow

I never thought I would beat the zinnia/lantana plant combo for my vintage wheelbarrow but I may have just done it this year!

Last Spring, long before planting ever began, I decided upon a color palette of purples, pinks, blues & chartreuse green.

After that, the fun began.  Assembling colors, habits, shapes, etc.... 

Following is a complete list of all plantings in the container: (1) 'Electric Star' Cordyline, (2) Nicotiana langsdorfii, (2) Persian Shield, (1) gal container 'Black & Blue' Salvia, (1) gal container unknown purple Salvia, (1) Salvia 'Wendy's Wish' & (3) Petunias 'Cascadias Rim Magenta.'

Now that it's typed out, what a LOT of plants!  No wonder it's overflowing to the max. (but in the best possible kind of way!)

Above:  A better view of Nicotiana langsdorfii

I love those dainty green bells but unfortunately they get "lost" in many of the views.

Above:  Nicotiana langsdorfii just beginning to bloom with Clematis 'Betty Corning' in the background.  This photo was taken earlier in the season.

The wonderful thing about this combination, besides its abundance, is how attractive it is to bees & hummingbirds.   It is always loaded with winged visitors.  :) 

 

 

Since we're already on the front patio, we might as well take a peek at few other containers there.

Aeonium 'Kiwi' Container

Begonia "lantern" hanging under the Bur Oak.

One afternoon, I looked outside and was very sorry I hadn't filled the birdbath (like I usually do every single morning)

Of all the days, a baby Blue Jay was trying hard to take a bath in just a tiny bit of water.  

You know I trotted right out after they were finished & filled it up.  I have not forgotten that job again either!

Lately, I've also been seeing Monarch butterflies more abundantly than I have the past few years.  Even more exciting, I've noticed them fluttering about the milkweed foliage (blooms long spent.)  I sure hope to find some caterpillars soon!

Earlier in the summer, Western Tiger Swallowtails enjoyed the blooms from that same plant.

I can't believe there's only five days left in August ~ where did the month go?  I'm feeling almost a little desperate about clinging onto what's left of summer.  As always, I wish for a gentle, graceful transition to fall as we close out this month & get ever closer to that new season...

 

 

 

Dahlia 'Big Brother'

Several days ago, I finally got a chance to sit on my back patio, first thing in the morning, with my coffee, and take in the garden ~ starting the day the way I wish I could start every single one.

It shouldn't be that difficult but somehow it just is!

You probably noticed, I didn't just SIT while I was out there (I don't know why that's so impossible??)  

I did a little pruning & deadheading too.

Mostly on the 'Lady Emma Hamilton' rose standards.

I do everything I can to keep them looking fabulous.

Wouldn't you??

A few days prior, I had noticed buds on the "Surprise Lilies" (Lycoris squamigera.)

True to their name, they always just seem to pop up out of nowhere & suddenly be there & in bloom ~ just as they were this morning.

One thing I can't seem to catch in bloom, no matter how early I get up:

Moonflowers...

I think I need to try late evening instead.  I find them in bud:

but next thing I know, the bloom is wilting.  

It will be my new personal challenge to find a perfectly open flower....

Dahlia 'Big Brother' is spectacular any time of day.

But that brilliant color is the perfect "wake up" for even the most non-morning person.

(Unknown name) Fuchsia standard recently began blooming;  the flowers especially charming dangling in the first rays of sun.

Before going in, a quick peek by the front step:

Gladiolus 'Coral Seas'

How happy am I to have planted these??!!

Already I "need" another morning to begin this way....  I better make it happen soon because August is zipping right along and we all know what follows.