tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121570912024-03-07T01:01:54.215-08:00Gardening While IntoxicatedBlatherings of an urban gardener who spends more time musing on the patio glass in hand than on digging, planting, weeding, or any other gardening task.EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.comBlogger517125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-40478017697769169892019-11-26T13:11:00.001-08:002019-11-26T13:11:36.669-08:00Gardening While Intoxicated Episode 2: Top 5 Holiday Plants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here is the second in the video series I'm doing with Johanna Dominguez. These are common holiday plants, but there are a few hacks in here you may not have considered. Check it out!</div>
EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-34328065108302192252019-11-21T13:09:00.001-08:002019-11-21T13:54:57.621-08:00A classic conservatory<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pittsburgh's Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a seamless, almost flawless operation. Everything that one would expect to see at this time of year (moving into the holidays) in an American botanical gardens is in place. The mum show is waning, but the poinsettia show is waxing. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Its large garden railroad runs through miniature farms with interactive watermills, tractors, even herds of goats. Small groups of Chihulys pop up throughout the glasshouses. The winter light show starts in a couple weeks. Santa is on his way.</span></div>
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If that were all, Phipps would not interest me too much. Model trains can only fleetingly hold my interest, I dislike mums and (for the most part) poinsettias, and—heresy!—I am not a big Chihuly fan. The glass objects are very pretty placed among flowers and foliage, I grant you.<br />
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But that’s not all. What does impress me is the superb care of a magnificent plant collection that’s often displayed in its proper contexts. Orchids are embedded in a dense, lush display, well-labeled, and including a rare collection of Paphiopedilum (slipper orchids). A tropical forest area has a Cuba theme; a veil of heat and humidity descends as air-tight doors close<br />
behind you. Having experienced random drafts and fluctuating heat/humidity levels at conservatories in the past, it is all the more impressive that this greenhouse is not just perfectly maintained—it’s also energy efficient. In fact, Phipps has LEED Platinum certification.<br />
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There are also gorgeous fern, palm, and cacti collections. I fell in love with a massive Agave americana ‘Marginata,’ which, while maybe not the rarest plant there, was thoroughly dominating its space (above).<br />
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I saw an interesting question posed in a Facebook group for growing professionals. “What do y’all (sic) think are the top dangers to public gardens as establishments?”<br />
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The answers were equally interesting; here are a few:<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Being turned into amusement parks for the sake of wooing visitors.”<br />
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“Lack of adequate funding for maintenance and infrastructure.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Being seen as irrelevant, out of touch and elitist to younger generations.”<br />
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I don’t think the Phipps is in danger of any of this. It looks well-funded and it takes plants very seriously. But I didn’t come there for the railroad.</div>
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EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-65659107272905006862019-10-31T10:30:00.001-07:002019-10-31T10:30:31.026-07:00Gardening While Intoxicated is off the wagon!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MMJG8xWPhGs" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Likely, I'll be transferring this blog to another provider, like Wordpress or one of those hip new web builders these kids today use. For now, I am back posting here. It will mainly be videos, like this one, produced by my video partner Johanna Dominguez. It's a primer on bulb hacks, including planting in big pots and forcing. Enjoy!EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-43496678624106522452013-01-12T20:01:00.001-08:002013-01-12T20:03:10.037-08:00Flowers in the snow <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I always thought the Christmas-blooming hellebores were a
myth—something that only happens in England or in much warmer zones. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s early January and I have flowers in
full bloom in the front yard. Not such a common occurrence in Buffalo. This
must be one of the helleborus niger variety, which really does flower in the
depths of winter. I guess it would have been flowering under the snow, if there
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Also up, if more expected: snowdrops. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I was never one to care much about "winter interest," which usually means evergreens, seedheads, and sculptural grasses. When it's cold outside, I'm inside. But 50 or better temps with flowers? That's interesting.</span></div>
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EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-34124481645013154582012-08-19T09:55:00.001-07:002012-08-19T09:55:46.906-07:00Blush noisetteThis is one of the energizer bunnies of the rose world. It dates from 1817 and was bred in France, though I had also read that it was bred here, in the south. Probably it's simply used a lot in the south. Mine is kept in a pot and brought into the root cellar in the winter; it's hardy only to 6 and not usually grown in cold climates. (Who knows if that's still a factor.)<br />
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BN is in bloom from late May through frost. There are tons of buds on each spray always--almost too many. It's a fabulous rose. It's also one of the first roses I planted here.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5WgNEbl66cYyj_sZxf0Pheuc6P_3HXb0MXcgTVSGv3oVaTChndgrb2giJawL8tBItcHqgJLAw0-wCWxBE1V-UfmwlK-FR5ZodVkl2PzerVc2tUI__dRucmEt-4AkGhPqF7MZ/s640/blogger-image--838362386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5WgNEbl66cYyj_sZxf0Pheuc6P_3HXb0MXcgTVSGv3oVaTChndgrb2giJawL8tBItcHqgJLAw0-wCWxBE1V-UfmwlK-FR5ZodVkl2PzerVc2tUI__dRucmEt-4AkGhPqF7MZ/s640/blogger-image--838362386.jpg" /></a></div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-84765048356428996072012-08-10T10:24:00.004-07:002012-08-10T11:32:17.768-07:00Dirt makes you happy—and keeps you young<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here’s the proof—lovely Sally Cunningham on the arm of
daughter Alice as she approaches the outdoor “altar” for her recent wedding to
boyfriend Jack. At 60+, Sally is one of the busiest and happiest people I
know, in spite of the many frustrations of pulling together a career out of
several occupations—gardening expert for <a href="http://weknowplants.com/">Lockwoods Greenhouses</a>, writer and speaker
on plants and organic gardening, columnist for <a href="http://www.buffalospree.com/">Buffalo Spree</a> and the Buffalo
News, and consultant for the <a href="http://www.nationalgardenfestival.com/">National Garden Festival. </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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The wedding was the first opportunity I have had to see
Sally’s garden, although I knew, with all her consulting and traveling, that
her personal garden was all too often a case of the shoemaker’s children.
However, the garden had clearly received some extra attention for this special
occasion. It has a lot of cottage garden elements, and fits Sally’s country
landscape very well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rustic touches include a swing, small treehouse, and a wooden
ladder used to hold pots and other garden elements. The plants are our old
favorites—rudbeckia, ferns, hellebores, many shrubs, and lots of pots thrown in for late season
color. Sadly, Sally can’t have hydrangeas, as these would be eaten by deer, so
she included them just for the day, sunken in the ground in pots. <a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/life/home-style/garden-expert/article995810.ece">Check out what she says about the preparations here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wishing every happiness to Sally and Jack!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-5232806515401681342012-07-29T09:23:00.001-07:002012-07-29T09:23:40.975-07:00Miss 2012Re: Garden Walk visitor comments. There is always one plant that everyone asks about. In the past, it's generally been strobilanthes (Persian Shield) that gets all the attention.<br />
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This year, however, my 8-ft tall Castor Bean (ricinus) is the one. Which is fun because then I can enjoy the look of horror in their faces when I explain how poisonous the seeds are (possibly the most poisonous plant in the world for this reason). Though not illegal.<br />
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Runners-up? All the colocasia (elephant ear)--do I bring it in, how does it get so big, etc. And the tall rudbeckia "Golden Glow." Size matters, it seems. At least this year.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfOIsDz9tWt2NIlP_U5kk6NxC4xkFrpw7qTHRfcRjN4swTRpP5P8ZD6-JqVvyY1kQ5wS9nBP9arL6IOW-UjsQFq093ZfUw9DKBMlygw70QpNu-CROlpeHwfTofCtnkPwW_Z2N/s640/blogger-image--1712597509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfOIsDz9tWt2NIlP_U5kk6NxC4xkFrpw7qTHRfcRjN4swTRpP5P8ZD6-JqVvyY1kQ5wS9nBP9arL6IOW-UjsQFq093ZfUw9DKBMlygw70QpNu-CROlpeHwfTofCtnkPwW_Z2N/s640/blogger-image--1712597509.jpg" /></a></div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-67354614050880391382012-07-24T14:14:00.001-07:002012-07-24T14:18:01.517-07:00Love the plant; can't remember the nameWhen I bought this plant at The Plantsmen in Ithaca, in April, it was just a black nursery pot with a few small weeds emerging. Once established in a shady spot, however, it did exactly what it's supposed to do: it grew big serrated leaves and tall stems with small but interesting yellow flowers.<br />
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But by then it was July and for the life of me I could not remember what this thing was called. Ken Parker, the native plant specialist at Lockwoods here in Buffalo, came to my rescue. "Stoneroot," he said, looking at my iPhone picture. And so it is. (Colinsonia canadensis, to be exact.)<br />
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This might not be for everyone, but it is one of a collection of woodland natives I've been gradually installing. It's medicinal too--supposed to be good for the kidneys. I'm sure mine could use the help, but for now I'm enjoying it for its clearly woodland aesthetics.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIV_gD0vChUKiioKuhTfM8JU_2JDYcHKrFEuGRb1zb0ehHgCeBApvMoQc-N4_Y4Uj5vLQcwzHSy0kDBKJKDT0bcBMqRP3PLRoxi4JRDvc1WqaCYZRzJumRwatjemF9Ghyupp2a/s640/blogger-image--2098028785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIV_gD0vChUKiioKuhTfM8JU_2JDYcHKrFEuGRb1zb0ehHgCeBApvMoQc-N4_Y4Uj5vLQcwzHSy0kDBKJKDT0bcBMqRP3PLRoxi4JRDvc1WqaCYZRzJumRwatjemF9Ghyupp2a/s640/blogger-image--2098028785.jpg" /></a></div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-52917005425592932192012-07-08T20:34:00.001-07:002012-07-08T20:37:19.538-07:00A pretty weed, ID'd.After pulling bales of this out of my garden a few years back, I encountered it again in a charming garden on Euclid, in Lockport. It's part of Lockport in Bloom. (No linkie from this mobile post.)<br />
<br />
It looks great here, and I discovered its name: commelina communis (Asian Dayflower). <br />
<br />
You've seen it everywhere, I bet, but it rarely looks as nice as this.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfV42URm4_jqGCTIYvloqpInC6x5JCuOt1tY059fMjkdiVOkCDkLWBdOxRppL9zSm5PVEG-NTDUtyIDjfZO2qoAedkqG0qH2Yy16Maj-Q3KtODu_tX9mNzT8cmYcofylZN74Ze/s640/blogger-image-1872674649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfV42URm4_jqGCTIYvloqpInC6x5JCuOt1tY059fMjkdiVOkCDkLWBdOxRppL9zSm5PVEG-NTDUtyIDjfZO2qoAedkqG0qH2Yy16Maj-Q3KtODu_tX9mNzT8cmYcofylZN74Ze/s640/blogger-image-1872674649.jpg" /></a></div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-90800305447809140332012-07-03T17:29:00.002-07:002012-07-03T17:29:32.468-07:00Re: satisfaction. You can get it.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOB8SMFkdSJCJzGlJ-FsOMUlbp82yNouRhcySs1mDdzH3w68SMxE0VMREeEOnDcs4cLT0Cm48-cM9AOifJylpopxGRyOPQiYY5649WHCXBSW0GMOya2I-RCLhkS1xWomJUCus/s1600/satisfaction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOB8SMFkdSJCJzGlJ-FsOMUlbp82yNouRhcySs1mDdzH3w68SMxE0VMREeEOnDcs4cLT0Cm48-cM9AOifJylpopxGRyOPQiYY5649WHCXBSW0GMOya2I-RCLhkS1xWomJUCus/s320/satisfaction.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<br />And I already have it, lots of it. Lilium “Satisfaction,”
that is. Every summer it’s the same. I puzzle over the pods that are hanging
heavy on my various lilium stalks and wonder: “Which one is that going to be?”</div>
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It is all being revealed now. The physical evidence, as well
as the online bulb ordering records, indicate that I added a lot of “Satisfaction”
to the garden in the fall, as well as some “Conca d’Or” and Auratum “Gold Band.”
So far, the first of these is earliest in bloom—though, as I’ve already noted,
most everything will be early.</div>
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I’m OK with “Satisfaction.” It is forward facing, rather
than down facing (as many of my lilies are), and it has a relatively mild scent. The colors
are very like popular daylily colors. But sometimes I wonder if I’m not better
off sticking closer to the species lilium, the ones that look closer to lilies
as they would be in the wild. I’m looking forward to the Auratum for that
reason.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For now, though, I’ll take “Satisfaction.”</div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-76902376456004247662012-06-30T08:28:00.002-07:002012-06-30T18:47:06.776-07:00Hello summer!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLspuV2AGc_N2P72HBviMAt1U-l8w7Au79GXO_cUKV5eIV0hP5D8PjbHco05R9RPg1uoHzCq_S5Ny2czNVTLnIOGWrM1razN3CcOh1mdpS4t6HhOc-TR5zGY97DdJzXVq8ufPE/s1600/pinkhy12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLspuV2AGc_N2P72HBviMAt1U-l8w7Au79GXO_cUKV5eIV0hP5D8PjbHco05R9RPg1uoHzCq_S5Ny2czNVTLnIOGWrM1razN3CcOh1mdpS4t6HhOc-TR5zGY97DdJzXVq8ufPE/s320/pinkhy12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When gardeners get together these days, the talk is
inevitably of earliness. Ten day, two weeks, a month—depends on what plant
you’re talking about, but they’re all ahead of their time. That will happen
when you have ninety-degree temps (occasionally) before summer even officially
begins. Not to mention the boost of hot weather we had in the early spring.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This is the first year I have had lilium regales and
daylilies opening in June, and my hydrangeas have almost completely colored up,
as you can see, above. Containers and hanging baskets have to be watered almost
continually, and there's no rain in sight. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Nonetheless, I’ll take it. I’ll take it over the triple-digits
they’re having down south. They said this would happen, and it’s happening.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Those of us on garden tours are a bit concerned, but it’s
also a good lesson. You can’t depend on flower power alone in a garden. There
has to be structure, foliage, texture, elements like water features and
sculpture, and some sort of design that holds it all together even when all
your lilies are bloomed out (as mine may be by Garden Walk). But most of all,
the garden needs to be an attractive and comfortable place for the gardener to
hang out. Because it’s too hot to garden. Or at least that’s what I’m telling
myself.</div>
</div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-64749118084975369092012-05-22T10:15:00.001-07:002012-05-22T10:16:54.664-07:00FOTD: Poppy envy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYSEdRPR3HROg4t6v1Anm9AXaq3IuOLBOg59tSkF35lmA_mDvT_e1KG4I2HJEs_KhfmgmO0fdEnEgJ1eXTFxxObr6ER9QG-RQDgx2xeEgsJdKi37DPcFefPa53RJeBffkT8D7/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYSEdRPR3HROg4t6v1Anm9AXaq3IuOLBOg59tSkF35lmA_mDvT_e1KG4I2HJEs_KhfmgmO0fdEnEgJ1eXTFxxObr6ER9QG-RQDgx2xeEgsJdKi37DPcFefPa53RJeBffkT8D7/s320/IMG_4813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It seems like almost every gardener has the conditions to grow these successfully and well, but I've never gotten into poppies. I just don't have an open sunny spot to spare for them. But after visiting Asheville North Carolina for the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151130032657525.390211.662507524&type=1">annual garden bloggers' get-together</a>, I might need to become bitter about this. I saw beautiful poppies in almost every garden, including a blue variety gardener Christopher Mello had carefully culled and selected to get (below).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9N-HIzBCutEK8Ho85PzwnrnA5lbB3bRdbS32_17msjwuvN5TYSJPLJjvHRtni4CwBAusgOaBSUfTBYIcnZpBAp_bYDLW8WnF-Z1XY2cgNhHVl7a45ziV-_fLZxp0DOBPAnNv/s1600/IMG_4774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9N-HIzBCutEK8Ho85PzwnrnA5lbB3bRdbS32_17msjwuvN5TYSJPLJjvHRtni4CwBAusgOaBSUfTBYIcnZpBAp_bYDLW8WnF-Z1XY2cgNhHVl7a45ziV-_fLZxp0DOBPAnNv/s320/IMG_4774.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
They say the best way to do it here in Buffalo is to throw the seeds on the snow in February or so. Maybe next year I'll try.</div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-27920922871982078982012-04-21T07:16:00.003-07:002012-04-21T07:16:57.094-07:00FOTD: a solution for hybrid tulips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIRtyGMrrT9TGu8Bz3Bz__VQKox1YN14CMSPscoShs0LCqk9vEOn5iA2FdSXKLT_EoiHshk_TVRTxXfOdHNk1iFjVe7drvxqAKudWKx31LpYjePB9C-cJBrS3avPE2hNWnXbu/s1600/potsporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIRtyGMrrT9TGu8Bz3Bz__VQKox1YN14CMSPscoShs0LCqk9vEOn5iA2FdSXKLT_EoiHshk_TVRTxXfOdHNk1iFjVe7drvxqAKudWKx31LpYjePB9C-cJBrS3avPE2hNWnXbu/s320/potsporch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many say their hybrid tulips come back year after year.
That’s nice for them, and I think, given proper conditions, it is possible. It’s
not possible on my property, and, even if it were, I’m not sure I’d want to
give up that much in-ground planting space to tulips</div>
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<br /></div>
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What I’ve done is create two circular raised beds in front
and plant hundreds more in containers. (And plant different species tulips
throughout the garden every fall.) The hybrids are treated as annuals, for the most part, and
composted yearly.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTQe8U6P8iJ13U9PrDiwuHZ9Yi738YWdGPfEIDUTIEA8xDPmFqjfAmp4WiOHvrzTXBgUU3-5qP98O-ODMLIWPACV-fPFjf7W0-lQvWWMDwBaDJhDtjONNC398T8WYGeyOmChj/s1600/potsfountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTQe8U6P8iJ13U9PrDiwuHZ9Yi738YWdGPfEIDUTIEA8xDPmFqjfAmp4WiOHvrzTXBgUU3-5qP98O-ODMLIWPACV-fPFjf7W0-lQvWWMDwBaDJhDtjONNC398T8WYGeyOmChj/s320/potsfountains.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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A first-year tulip bulb is almost magical. I wonder if it
would just come up without soil or water, as long as it had a proper chilling
period. All I do is throw the bulbs in pots, out them in the garage, take them
out in April, and voila.</div>
</div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-29015889483544970212012-04-06T07:14:00.000-07:002012-04-06T08:40:36.603-07:00FOTD: Never enough<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Speci<span style="font-family: inherit;">es tulips are just as elegant and interesting as hybrid
tulips, but they are small. You have to have a lot of them (sort of like
crocus) and you have to observe which ones have the healthiest return rate
throughout the seasons and plant more of those types.</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWoIWzFJGe4D2eB6Z2CLYYlxe8u5D5Kmn0XPVLwgGW-UzGGK2RMNLILr8qidylm-TqjttIjgCSP-92c9UEltWYxC5Yq5Fak6e43uwAFH8_U8At2E84BbMuJ8NPmuD-QY_1lMO/s1600/apricot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWoIWzFJGe4D2eB6Z2CLYYlxe8u5D5Kmn0XPVLwgGW-UzGGK2RMNLILr8qidylm-TqjttIjgCSP-92c9UEltWYxC5Yq5Fak6e43uwAFH8_U8At2E84BbMuJ8NPmuD-QY_1lMO/s320/apricot.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Pictured above is humulis “Persian Pearl,” which is one of
the most beautiful species out there. I love the combination of it and
batalinii “Apricot Jewel,” below. That’s the other thing about species—they can
bloom at any time between early April and late May depending on variety.
Something else to watch.</div>
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And always plant more.</div>
</div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-22967084621286740472012-03-24T18:52:00.003-07:002012-03-25T17:49:02.643-07:00FOTD: Doubling up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3HznDv5FBMu0B-NNBtYlASGcfQbWXFHar_zD-AfMF931GWHyzPX53qQl7UBmEpMZ_-ie6y_LhDFd5o5n2JpKN-6nIiYmUGAxBR987heBdnIL1h9aIG36yTvsZv53_jXhbX6H/s1600/montreaux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3HznDv5FBMu0B-NNBtYlASGcfQbWXFHar_zD-AfMF931GWHyzPX53qQl7UBmEpMZ_-ie6y_LhDFd5o5n2JpKN-6nIiYmUGAxBR987heBdnIL1h9aIG36yTvsZv53_jXhbX6H/s320/montreaux.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Horticultural purists aren’t big fans of doubles. They feel
hybridizers can unnecessarily complicate a simple form, making it fussy and
ungainly. I don’t like all doubles, but I do enjoy double tulips. Most are
scented and they seem to last longer that the singles, especially Black Hero,
the double of Queen of the Night. The ones here are Montreaux, as forced by the
local botanical gardens for their spring flower show. Double tulips, for the
most part don’t seem to buckle under their own weight.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRtnxen-2LYfE0xi0wXfYz6kCmKAq3K6aGxPk4IXxCOXrSUNGSDU0LYyvWsykamGbMZPworhP3JQfC8MVGVRMynskXvPB-CpKkYjVdRSeBveGakLbIruI5w3KK6kItE0dJF2d/s1600/obdam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRtnxen-2LYfE0xi0wXfYz6kCmKAq3K6aGxPk4IXxCOXrSUNGSDU0LYyvWsykamGbMZPworhP3JQfC8MVGVRMynskXvPB-CpKkYjVdRSeBveGakLbIruI5w3KK6kItE0dJF2d/s320/obdam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />This can’t be said for double daffodils, which emerge
earlier and can get clobbered by spring rains. They stems don’t hold up the way
tulip stems do. I’ve had these Obdams for years, and they invariably end up
face down in the mud. But they’re still lovely.</div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-43326796607283073232012-03-22T18:45:00.000-07:002012-03-22T18:45:18.040-07:00FOTD: Hellebores, again<style>
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A man walking by the house asked me about these today, and I
was glad to talk about them. I now have ten, several of which have
grown into fairly large clumps. But I never would have gotten addicted to them
if not for three important factors:</div>
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-Interesting varieties in different colors and double forms
are now commonly available, especially from Plant Delights, and they seem to be
just as vigorous as the single whites I started out with. It looks like I have
Onyx Odyssey and Kingston Cardinal, and (maybe) Ivory Prince, as well as some I
can’t guess at.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mGqasd9mmrj2VWGt1Xm30tZAPxpfEtt-hvPR3Oi4hkmbGmhUjvHh3D90aMauUUOqhtwToKLX2mBTov9gDCM64r2E9JVW2lrvrZyz8CD2cfzsxRoqfLiMRT98XMVb7n-Ia7DC/s1600/h2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mGqasd9mmrj2VWGt1Xm30tZAPxpfEtt-hvPR3Oi4hkmbGmhUjvHh3D90aMauUUOqhtwToKLX2mBTov9gDCM64r2E9JVW2lrvrZyz8CD2cfzsxRoqfLiMRT98XMVb7n-Ia7DC/s400/h2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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-They have a really long flowering period. They start in
April (March this year) and the flowers hang on through June. </div>
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-They not only love shade, they can thrive in dry shade and
compacted, root-ridden soil. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg_d47Usng4qTMl8eENtXYXYzAb7zAH3QsoHzNt700taXbPwQZEPF1DBecdFoQ8vg14bNWD2MthdL-Z3xTYrdj2IOkm8dGTgSWCCGuVJJZ28uchrmm3wLoJOe8hg_twKbnNsQ/s1600/h3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg_d47Usng4qTMl8eENtXYXYzAb7zAH3QsoHzNt700taXbPwQZEPF1DBecdFoQ8vg14bNWD2MthdL-Z3xTYrdj2IOkm8dGTgSWCCGuVJJZ28uchrmm3wLoJOe8hg_twKbnNsQ/s320/h3.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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I am considering carpeting the entire front garden in them. </div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-70119200627943471952012-03-21T19:25:00.002-07:002012-03-21T19:25:24.653-07:00FOTD: Behold the Parrot<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5pfrVFFyHGZ7zLoxJ_VFvAba5jAsTRGyLjlnm1DqO1NnUGImWF0RGcnDNs6CZPONmy2DJtSAoPzJCNs3vQUddVAaX6TtCwJlbLV5z-c326uSxQUxbvicFnFLEcbmatpWzAQg/s1600/vaseparrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5pfrVFFyHGZ7zLoxJ_VFvAba5jAsTRGyLjlnm1DqO1NnUGImWF0RGcnDNs6CZPONmy2DJtSAoPzJCNs3vQUddVAaX6TtCwJlbLV5z-c326uSxQUxbvicFnFLEcbmatpWzAQg/s320/vaseparrot.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Over the top? Pushing the envelope? Gorgeous beyond belief?
Parrot tulips are all that and more, and this is why it is mystifying to me why
more gardeners don’t grow them. </div>
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It’s possible that parrots don’t return year after year
like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>… oh, that’s right, very few
hybrid tulips return with regularity. Or maybe some feel they’re expensive?
Yeah, that must be it—I’m sure I paid all of $8 for the group that yielded this
bouquet. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEBY8Xz-QE0PdZRDbcn6mSdSeUjMwF7JyWzC56suygrxOpJu5VbYQ0X6-iAG6tvmsZQoURgfYzw7M4uvFWEnTFyKmqCEEQtK6BFTaCWLCK023PBUdaqWXX103CaWnPN5hDaf5/s1600/parrotcu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEBY8Xz-QE0PdZRDbcn6mSdSeUjMwF7JyWzC56suygrxOpJu5VbYQ0X6-iAG6tvmsZQoURgfYzw7M4uvFWEnTFyKmqCEEQtK6BFTaCWLCK023PBUdaqWXX103CaWnPN5hDaf5/s320/parrotcu.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Actually, I couldn’t care less if other gardeners embrace
parrots. The only thing that will make me upset is if the demand gets so
minimal that I can’t find them anymore. Expect organized dissent when that
happens. As for these parrots, a blend from ColorBlends wholesale, they have
more than fulfilled any and all expectations of pleasure that I ever expected.
In fact, I’d be disappointed if they returned next year. It would lessen the
drama.</div>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-82016399675820520312012-03-20T19:08:00.001-07:002012-03-20T19:13:37.963-07:00Flower of the Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5_DtRzWue36BMeFxHFhdSuR80DXNDHtBhdxENVQNvZPPLYJJ1TPebAvwUEOkes1dh6uxTN14w331ex9WpcenGjI9lYR099UVfj5p2G3bDLxs_SuGXiUvdpw2iJHxB3vhs30I/s1600/fotd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5_DtRzWue36BMeFxHFhdSuR80DXNDHtBhdxENVQNvZPPLYJJ1TPebAvwUEOkes1dh6uxTN14w331ex9WpcenGjI9lYR099UVfj5p2G3bDLxs_SuGXiUvdpw2iJHxB3vhs30I/s320/fotd1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For some time, I have been at a loss about how to invigorate this blog. I already post weekly on another, much more widely read blog, and—to be honest—the task of writing for this blog had become onerous. At best. How many blogs does one person need?<br />
<br />
Indeed, in these days of Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, do we need blogs at all? Maybe we don’t. But blogs are not really about need or readership. They just exist. This blog exists, and in order to keep it that way, I’ve decided to turn it into a project, namely the flower of a day project.<br />
<br />
Today’s flower is a hellebore. A fancy one.EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-66261550465558425262011-11-01T19:15:00.000-07:002011-11-01T19:18:00.103-07:00No bulb left behind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl70CCXztJqLRYvHT2undab6zXnuqZbnY-u0TORBn8mCFKzsq4PCK17QXGW2RazMDDTCMsCjxW3RRnlOsYQ5EbaJ_24Sd4Nz_fq-cz1SZJCKKMWNJfCK9E1fblyef2oBodyXjA/s1600/5804.IMAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl70CCXztJqLRYvHT2undab6zXnuqZbnY-u0TORBn8mCFKzsq4PCK17QXGW2RazMDDTCMsCjxW3RRnlOsYQ5EbaJ_24Sd4Nz_fq-cz1SZJCKKMWNJfCK9E1fblyef2oBodyXjA/s320/5804.IMAGE.jpg" /></a></div>
There are 920 in the house and 150 on the way. It’s kind of crazy, but many will not be going on the ground—they’ll be in big pots to be set out in spring and in smaller pots for forcing in the root cellar. Here’s what I’ve got:
Temple of Beauty (top) will fill the two raised beds in front. Prinses Irene, Passionale, Orange Princess, Black Hero, Sensual Touch will be in big pots everywhere.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt8Ms1yiGrVOYFdD-LkiQ_9afnzgcse17sOkVyaWXVBjUK_QFLgwVhDjKQkgDQKsuIRx_bukZok91nPCzmTpQX70DNYn1Qx7TQ8ciCfLFqwb265k9hVlvE4ajIWanV-fDjLim/s1600/species.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt8Ms1yiGrVOYFdD-LkiQ_9afnzgcse17sOkVyaWXVBjUK_QFLgwVhDjKQkgDQKsuIRx_bukZok91nPCzmTpQX70DNYn1Qx7TQ8ciCfLFqwb265k9hVlvE4ajIWanV-fDjLim/s320/species.jpg" /></a></div>Oratorio, clusiana Chrysantha, dasystemon, humilis Magenta Queen, and Little Princess will go into the ground, along with some grape hyacinth.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE1IAUyn3C4N-SNj69MeZG2A4lFwyJCAjcDeYxk-JZIcMd98KszVVe2NmaHlBqZ-peyndmR8n7iOsHxhHcQN_sCAQ3tQvXWxzlERmz2lNU-rf3vxCUtsYm_bVS8XVLcHkH8-t/s1600/hyacinths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="139" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE1IAUyn3C4N-SNj69MeZG2A4lFwyJCAjcDeYxk-JZIcMd98KszVVe2NmaHlBqZ-peyndmR8n7iOsHxhHcQN_sCAQ3tQvXWxzlERmz2lNU-rf3vxCUtsYm_bVS8XVLcHkH8-t/s320/hyacinths.jpg" /></a></div>
Parrots, hyacinths (Hollyhock, Mulberry Rose, Madame Sophie), and tazettas (Erlicheer, Golden Rain, Grand Primo, Wintersun, Early Pearl) will be forced.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSRbWfeq9gjVXeC31XMDewU9Hnb6xBRTdkxx6jmEah4-bGPEnilpS71q7PuymrEv86FOfiby-3e5bEQQby6g-1kFf9Q57SX24ePODi3W1gaQD7BRidAwbAlXKMhKg_uh4gsdM/s1600/narcissus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSRbWfeq9gjVXeC31XMDewU9Hnb6xBRTdkxx6jmEah4-bGPEnilpS71q7PuymrEv86FOfiby-3e5bEQQby6g-1kFf9Q57SX24ePODi3W1gaQD7BRidAwbAlXKMhKg_uh4gsdM/s320/narcissus.jpg" /></a></div>
Then there are some Rose of May narcissus that I’m not sure what I’ll do with.
It sounds like a ridiculous amount of bulbs. But it’s amazing how they get spread around—creating quite an ordinary display, when all’s said and done. I completely get how people can plant thousands without batting an eye.EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-54270107526189311432011-10-22T21:09:00.000-07:002011-10-22T21:24:02.110-07:00When fall works …<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalsaoD4Kvf0mLw9WPeULVMPlWtXlQ0g-zqYKG1Hgvje0fNP84fhWOcQmf_poqJWXdGwyG9jye02HgvQzBEcO-rAK_3IxMuQRktlGcZtxDQPFEOZ2bC5u6SpLpc0H_RKv3NqEB/s1600/pville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalsaoD4Kvf0mLw9WPeULVMPlWtXlQ0g-zqYKG1Hgvje0fNP84fhWOcQmf_poqJWXdGwyG9jye02HgvQzBEcO-rAK_3IxMuQRktlGcZtxDQPFEOZ2bC5u6SpLpc0H_RKv3NqEB/s320/pville.jpg" /></a></div>
Many gardeners say fall and spring are their favorite seasons. Not so with me. I like summer, the hotter the better, with the cicadas buzzing and the lilies filling the air with fragrance. Spring has its compensations (a huge box of which are sitting in my hallway waiting to be planted). So too, does fall, though it can be a somewhat melancholy season, especially when—as I discussed in the last post—the leaf color is compromised.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDm0Prn3EitZMfCGruaR1IorbDdxIoWeL7J8269HZRKaX_9AAQINT34zEmLKbFZpThjP6BKM5DdCK80kMT-91TfVHCF27jrvMjShemOahmrGg-dAFeX6kXBp-jZTcKsELJzxN/s1600/pville2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDm0Prn3EitZMfCGruaR1IorbDdxIoWeL7J8269HZRKaX_9AAQINT34zEmLKbFZpThjP6BKM5DdCK80kMT-91TfVHCF27jrvMjShemOahmrGg-dAFeX6kXBp-jZTcKsELJzxN/s320/pville2.jpg" /></a></div>
However, the foliage wasn’t a total wash. This is one of the benefits of fall—with not all that much going on in the garden, there’s time to take drives to where the foliage doesn’t suck, as well as visit some fall festivals. I do prefer the fall country festivals to the summer city ones, which tend to be too hot and crowded. Western New York has not one, but two Pumpkinvilles—the better of the two is south of Buffalo, in Great Valley.
Thank god for non-orange pumpkins, or I would have gotten tired of these plants a long time ago.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVUaS47_cYJr-pFAOkSpZoSk-NDHrrACL3gRh4F9O8JNX1Evnu0Hoe2zTgyisGsxAPlIKZIZVrJo_zGHjG71f89PpN6D8YzI3-2sYugQE5-YlTz_cHt2aRS5AOmXHQfbjRzMA/s1600/rural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVUaS47_cYJr-pFAOkSpZoSk-NDHrrACL3gRh4F9O8JNX1Evnu0Hoe2zTgyisGsxAPlIKZIZVrJo_zGHjG71f89PpN6D8YzI3-2sYugQE5-YlTz_cHt2aRS5AOmXHQfbjRzMA/s320/rural.jpg" /></a></div>
Rural drives in the fall also offer great farm stand action, and random tableaux like this one.
As for the garden, it’s about finished, with a frost expected tonight. Some flowers (the roses, and most annuals) have soldiered on through October, not seeming to realize summer is over. Next spring, I’ll plant more of the best cultivars, as well as try some roses in containers. And so the love/hate affair with roses continues! Another angst-filled saga—suitable for fall.EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-23280321910632475362011-09-27T13:00:00.000-07:002011-09-28T17:43:11.260-07:00Fall color—and the lack thereof<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMI0pBYGDfbXdO-lqBYvZYEkV2sEJIXtEKsoXTT_t1wD_TwJRS6BrOpn4y1SVW18XpPqXvgeHId7am93nw6Fgz6WOhqJG0_hT-7qWrS7oWAIzklKKRBthd485JZmTJMNl6sso/s1600/pump.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMI0pBYGDfbXdO-lqBYvZYEkV2sEJIXtEKsoXTT_t1wD_TwJRS6BrOpn4y1SVW18XpPqXvgeHId7am93nw6Fgz6WOhqJG0_hT-7qWrS7oWAIzklKKRBthd485JZmTJMNl6sso/s320/pump.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657086250085778546" /></a><br />A good thing we visited the fabulous <a href="http://www.pumpkinville.com/">Pumpkinville</a> (above) last week, because these pumpkins are providing the blast of brilliant autumnal hues we usually expect from our trees—a blast that will be somewhat dimmed this year.<br /><br />Not all the maple trees in Western New York have the dreaded tar spot, or the <i>Rhytisma acerinum</i> fungus, but enough do that leaf peepers will notice a considerable amount of dull brown patches along local roadsides this fall. Norway, red, and silver maples are said to be the most affected, but it seems more widespread than that this year—at least to my unscientific eyes. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgjVS3tazw4KJX5ljygjj2mW3QTuqhti24Zb0CjoD9kYSg71bTFynDCVlZzh7rSZIZ8cGkB7ZTlUn4DAgKIHDB22Vfr4UgA2HPUiyS6DfazZst5gbQ_y-jHIGRFo_Hswmk7Vb/s1600/leafspot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgjVS3tazw4KJX5ljygjj2mW3QTuqhti24Zb0CjoD9kYSg71bTFynDCVlZzh7rSZIZ8cGkB7ZTlUn4DAgKIHDB22Vfr4UgA2HPUiyS6DfazZst5gbQ_y-jHIGRFo_Hswmk7Vb/s320/leafspot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657086247490666994" /></a><br />And here’s the depressing prognosis, courtesy of the <a href="http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/ppdl/expert/Tar_Spot_on_Maple.html">Purdue Extension</a>:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Tar spot diseases seldom are detrimental to the overall health of infected trees. Tar spots may cause premature defoliation, but are not known to kill trees. Tar spot diseases are best managed by raking and destroying fallen leaves because the fungi overwinter on leaves.</span> <br /><br />According to all sources, the tiny spores infect the leaves in the spring, and their growth is much aided by very wet springs, as we had this year. (Apparently, Buffalo got the lion’s share of its annual rainfall in May.)<br /><br />I also saw this on the <a href="http://umaine.edu/homeowner-ipm/2011/09/22/tar-spot-fungus/">University of Maine’s extension site</a>: <span style="font-style:italic;">If infected maple leaves begin to crinkle and turn brown, anthracnose, another common disease of maple, may also be present.</span> This must surely be the case, as I’ve noticed the spots before, but never as bad as this, and there is crinkling. <br /><br />Sources agree that treatment is unlikely to help, and in any case would mean blanketing the city with fungicide. The municipality is unlikely to ever remove the infected trees, as the disease will not kill the trees. So I am stuck with ugly trees and their horrifically ugly leaves in front of my house pretty much every year. <br /><br />I’m not alone. Tree owners throughout the Midwest and Northeast are asking their extension services about this, if google is any indication. Here's my answer: don’t plant Norway maples, and replace those you can with a good mix of other tree species. All trees get diseases and infestations, but if we don’t depend on a monoculture of just one type of tree, the impact is not as dire. I wish the people who chose to plant my block almost entirely with Crimson King Norway maples had thought of that! <br/><br/><i>Leaf spot photo by JP Thimot.</i>EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-33900391090403846622011-09-19T20:09:00.000-07:002011-09-20T13:08:55.447-07:00Do I have to talk about my garden?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd5sMNmSMF2JyLGuD5FKikvQ4KU6dF5heAW6LHgxhGtrhsjqqgXPR170epo_MrB1eXpSnJ4ylBFHfbZ4HnH53sd-IPr_R3u6EInuzse75ir-8ZHesCLkVTBqRFwFjBETcy8SQ/s1600/bloedel1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd5sMNmSMF2JyLGuD5FKikvQ4KU6dF5heAW6LHgxhGtrhsjqqgXPR170epo_MrB1eXpSnJ4ylBFHfbZ4HnH53sd-IPr_R3u6EInuzse75ir-8ZHesCLkVTBqRFwFjBETcy8SQ/s320/bloedel1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654274261212402658" /></a><br />I’d much rather not. It looks fine and all—in fact, there’s been a decent amount of late season activity, thanks to tireless annuals, oblivious tropicals and a few warhorse perennials (rudbeckia, buddleia, etc., etc.). Things are winding down now; it’s almost time to bring the houseplants in and bury the bulbs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLRGC7vnhylfjCOGfkCc4zdQCoQtMprlRhZIvTx4i04g06wizPy98wGr_PKqbl_BuLiYh3PAGckXg9zTeolQV7DxuWlJpqP1C6DrjNNCHQdlBn2IXt8MOlhkR0Am6Qr0XP_EC/s1600/bloedel2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLRGC7vnhylfjCOGfkCc4zdQCoQtMprlRhZIvTx4i04g06wizPy98wGr_PKqbl_BuLiYh3PAGckXg9zTeolQV7DxuWlJpqP1C6DrjNNCHQdlBn2IXt8MOlhkR0Am6Qr0XP_EC/s320/bloedel2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654274268331269490" /></a><br />To a certain degree, this has been a summer of looking at other people’s gardens. In July, the Seattle bloggers’ meet-up provided a whirlwind tour of magnificent private and public landscapes. The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island was the most spectacular site we visited, in my opinion, and I think most of the bloggers would agree. There have been many posts on the Seattle gardens, but I am sharing just two images from Bloedel, at top and above. This is part of their Japanese area. I’ve seen plenty of Japanese gardens, but the variety of specimen trees, the artistry, and the luxuriant spectrum of greens in this one set it apart.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyik4NelOpcpozTB-kLMDEzSUHMHTnPaf19ECCtXINzUJ2bmP7BZDDppNwkV0SVAJIpkB79i2W1LTfplYvHAkoipMuf-X1z-IGvmh4Mx0CSX4kzODyG75fmsIXsZZ7JentQwNh/s1600/ldm.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyik4NelOpcpozTB-kLMDEzSUHMHTnPaf19ECCtXINzUJ2bmP7BZDDppNwkV0SVAJIpkB79i2W1LTfplYvHAkoipMuf-X1z-IGvmh4Mx0CSX4kzODyG75fmsIXsZZ7JentQwNh/s320/ldm.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654536230869058258" /></a><br />In August, we had two great garden visits, one private and one public. First we stopped by the fabulous property of Layanee/<a href="http://ledgeandgardens.typepad.com/ledge_and_gardens/">Ledge and Gardens</a>. She made us a wonderful lunch, most of it fresh from her garden, and then we walked around in a steady rain to view her extensive gardens. There are several beds framing the house, more around the pool, and a good-sized vegetable bed. I didn’t take as many pictures as I thought—the rain, we were talking—but here’s a decent one (above).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGI9pG8HyWLjXzQoaCOj6ml2WOYHyY9w_qFl57lAOODjV5qObW3XRr4RI9glJajDglFnaaoZNuTuOyyvRd05pw-h3R67N4p14dZafVlT3KcVBQG46L1NJlw72moraUP-EJYXfh/s1600/mount3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGI9pG8HyWLjXzQoaCOj6ml2WOYHyY9w_qFl57lAOODjV5qObW3XRr4RI9glJajDglFnaaoZNuTuOyyvRd05pw-h3R67N4p14dZafVlT3KcVBQG46L1NJlw72moraUP-EJYXfh/s320/mount3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654274300302757186" /></a><br />Finally, we saw the formal grounds of Edith Wharton’s former home, The Mount, on our way back from New England. It’s gone through some rough times over the years, but is being restored. Wharton was an accomplished landscape designer in the classic fashion, clearly inspired by gardens she’d seen in Europe. I liked the contract between two equally formal spaces—a shady walled Italian garden and the quartered sunny flowerbeds. There are also magnificent buddleia and hydrangeas massed along the slope to the house (not visible here). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPERy0qj_KN7Bm_6gciqAQe2Ynk9TIhIqF1nj3REg6Q66pMGJLrKmErCzZMMJhcr0yG7fmJ22pHIynP3GpSWC4MkzHTA2BelxBSQ4E0oLUujxvlLXNSapqHgnXizZ4Z9Xqg2Pq/s1600/mount.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPERy0qj_KN7Bm_6gciqAQe2Ynk9TIhIqF1nj3REg6Q66pMGJLrKmErCzZMMJhcr0yG7fmJ22pHIynP3GpSWC4MkzHTA2BelxBSQ4E0oLUujxvlLXNSapqHgnXizZ4Z9Xqg2Pq/s320/mount.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654274286483524482" /></a><br />That will be it for garden tourism unless we make it to the tropics this winter. Fingers crossed!EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-47745965395353025612011-08-27T19:07:00.001-07:002011-08-27T19:10:10.041-07:00Spending on spring already<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7zqLf2BNTd54d8_Nh9J8SEtQMXzUMutwlnY3wW_cPPI5aM-Lqh_BOp0V2QLlEhU8oHpyPBp5zfI1Etef4nJcM4R-O-HS8oFF0Do3lZ6Mc55dwazpP5QV_xPTb1AbDwjayVvi/s1600/tulips-and-daffs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7zqLf2BNTd54d8_Nh9J8SEtQMXzUMutwlnY3wW_cPPI5aM-Lqh_BOp0V2QLlEhU8oHpyPBp5zfI1Etef4nJcM4R-O-HS8oFF0Do3lZ6Mc55dwazpP5QV_xPTb1AbDwjayVvi/s320/tulips-and-daffs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645722830009307554" /></a>
<br />Lame as it is, the new Woodbine bulb campaign I <a href="http://www.gardenrant.com/my_weblog/2011/08/please-tell-me-this-is-a-joke.html">mocked so heartily</a> over at Garden Rant has gotten me thinking about my fall bulb order. Not that it takes much to make that happen.
<br />
<br />Bulb planning is what enlivens the dog days of the declining late summer/early autumn garden. I think about bulbs I want to force, bulbs I want to plant en masse outside, and bulbs I want for container planting (not the same as forcing). I think about species tulips and ephemerals that will perennialize (more or less) throughout the garden. I think about fall-planted lilium. I think about amaryllis (hippeastrum). And then I order them.
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<br />I'm guessing most gardeners don't enjoy the process of planning the bulb garden as much as I do. (Otherwise, why would a ridiculous promotional campaign be needed?) They'd like bulbs to act as most perennials do-get planted and return every year with a certain amount of maintenance. And I know many gardeners claim that their bulbs do just that. Indeed, daffs, species tulips, alliums, and a few others will certainly return quite reliably. Reliability can be boring though. That's why I plan for different varieties of hybrid tulips and daffodils and force different tazettas and hyacinths ( as well as come tulips) inside every year. It's somewhat extravagant (though probably less than a pair of expensive shoes each year), but it's fun.
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<br />Let the fun begin.
<br />EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-33784272191075226182011-07-14T10:59:00.000-07:002011-07-15T10:03:22.936-07:00Advice to the design-challenged: plant lots<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTabucUskeF3Ikb6J5xKrrrn5ROQBsJ7zushgvNfY6ks2OelAns49Imii6YTzUqwjrjVc5q_05_HdUdhFQc0_79JG8VhR8Gm11RZnDO6xd2aQuU2yhLFidLN3wTH1M4CqGHJit/s1600/2beds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTabucUskeF3Ikb6J5xKrrrn5ROQBsJ7zushgvNfY6ks2OelAns49Imii6YTzUqwjrjVc5q_05_HdUdhFQc0_79JG8VhR8Gm11RZnDO6xd2aQuU2yhLFidLN3wTH1M4CqGHJit/s320/2beds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629269615970547986" /></a><br />It’s a good thing that the previous owners left good, well-delineated planting areas in my urban front beds, side beds, and courtyard area, because I’m not that skilled at overall garden planning and design. I just love gardens and plants. I guess I’m like those people who say they don’t know much about art but they know what they like.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbdZ6kc0ox_FgqhN-z_4dHZyUl_rbwGvfiqOfOtQhoWc3OK721s2OC8bmEIlp_dF3SRDChEg_rkL5ziIA3ten0ihvbNJ88MCtpszuOuTE1dJU58KiWcY_iJnFOnxcrvQfeGS2/s1600/timezone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbdZ6kc0ox_FgqhN-z_4dHZyUl_rbwGvfiqOfOtQhoWc3OK721s2OC8bmEIlp_dF3SRDChEg_rkL5ziIA3ten0ihvbNJ88MCtpszuOuTE1dJU58KiWcY_iJnFOnxcrvQfeGS2/s320/timezone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629269619430676754" /></a><br />This is what I like: full, colorful beds with mostly tall plants, and lots of fragrance. That said, I’ve had to compromise because of the abundant shade throughout the property. Shade will limit your color and number of blooms, depending on how much there is. But that’s OK, because I like foliage too. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR20Mb99K_PucINRDyqASw7CIsk2sM6zFUcMBq9-kPGE46NvCVjbKUhhKtfsZuh40_QjLYSWqVs7_FpnQxZFboo61ONR6dXtpRW8TukVaISCtw_eSoMTzE5gEm1NqSl-liLJHU/s1600/pond.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR20Mb99K_PucINRDyqASw7CIsk2sM6zFUcMBq9-kPGE46NvCVjbKUhhKtfsZuh40_QjLYSWqVs7_FpnQxZFboo61ONR6dXtpRW8TukVaISCtw_eSoMTzE5gEm1NqSl-liLJHU/s320/pond.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629269631332523634" /></a><br />My strategy has been to ignore any and all spacing recommendations that come with plants. I squeeze it all together and let the best plants win. This gives me the fullness that I’m after and is also useful in making sure I get the most bang for my buck in the few beds that have good sun. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJb3V2CKmc1PrJoMdBWiA-bOksnPj6L4umqMB0o3yuGM2Ahd2ooS9CJagA8683P2MJJRyc6BRipLkb8WlxvSRR1hVUNHDOjXARs0eTyAUiR2tkEooA8pkCxJoQr7DDqoqiaQW/s1600/trumpets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJb3V2CKmc1PrJoMdBWiA-bOksnPj6L4umqMB0o3yuGM2Ahd2ooS9CJagA8683P2MJJRyc6BRipLkb8WlxvSRR1hVUNHDOjXARs0eTyAUiR2tkEooA8pkCxJoQr7DDqoqiaQW/s320/trumpets.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629269620538293826" /></a>Given my limitations, a smart thing to do would be to have a succession of spring to fall flowering plants for maximum wow factor, like daffodils to daylilies to rudbeckia to grasses in a sunny bed (with some slight additions), but that would be too limiting. So trial, error, and pack-it-all-in is still my design plan. And aim for a mid-summer peak. That’s partially for Garden Walk, but also because mid-summer is when I most enjoy being in the garden. Which is what it’s all about—not the work, the being there. Right now, the emerging lilies are making that especially pleasant.<br /><br />And—let's not forget! <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com">Happy Bloom Day</a>!EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-12876688418778813512011-07-08T10:09:00.000-07:002011-07-08T10:17:22.750-07:00Thanks, Birds & Blooms!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4oxWbmisFA0oYCzw2RsrROESh2R4jqR9_8yVapLIhCpyTmrL5fSKJKU-I9MxTJ-oHZIVRkABOoL61-Ns4bNL6YZGmF8cWfiKwhB2bIpVmDYK4uEF9bNtYPO-vgZcLKxtfSNE/s1600/birds%2526blooms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 74px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4oxWbmisFA0oYCzw2RsrROESh2R4jqR9_8yVapLIhCpyTmrL5fSKJKU-I9MxTJ-oHZIVRkABOoL61-Ns4bNL6YZGmF8cWfiKwhB2bIpVmDYK4uEF9bNtYPO-vgZcLKxtfSNE/s320/birds%2526blooms.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627031403836372066" /></a><br />I am <a href="http://birdsandbloomsblog.com/2011/07/08/blog-of-the-week-gardening-while-intoxicated/">Blog of the Week</a> currently over at the Birds & Blooms website. <a href="http://birdsandbloomsblog.com/about-us/">Birds & Blooms</a> is a gardening magazine that focuses on bringing wildlife to our backyards through gardening—they cover a lot of general interest gardening stuff as well. The print magazine has a 2.5 million circulation, and the website is organized by gardening region. Editor Stacy Tornio came up with some really fun questions for me; check it out!EALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.com2