Blissful Gatherings

End of May garden walk

2011-05-22T12:09:00.001-07:00

I took a little walk through the garden to see what was blooming and I found...
Lastly, a few Wisteria still hanging from the front porch scenting the air as I swing and enjoy my evening tea.

Current blooms around the yard

2011-05-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

Everything is greening up around here and blooms are just beginning to show themselves. The Lilacs are spreading their wonderful perfume throughout the yard. The Quince is brightening the back garden with coral blooms. Ajuga is taking over the paths already with their periwinkle spikes. The Redbud tree is in full bloom. The fern grows about 8 inches each night and will soon allow much privacy throughout the garden. Next week the poppies will drop their spiky shell to reveal the bright lava orange greeting anyone who enters through the back door. The Wisteria is releasing its first drooping blooms on the front porch. Yes, everything is greening up except .....in the back near the woods, it is a different story....during the winter the deer have dined on my Arborvitae trees just high enough to reveal the woods. No more green backdrop for the Hosta edged flower bed. I will be shopping for another evergreen that deer don't find palatable. Oh the joy of it all. I hope you are enjoying your spring blossoms.

Spring is here but someone forgot to tell the weather man

2011-04-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

Things are turning green and popping through the ground, sunshine is shining most days but the temperature has been too cold to begin yard and garden work. I'm itching to rake the garden from the dried grasses and fallen limbs. My fingers are needing to dig warm soil , plant pansies and spread mulch. My garden time was cut short last year, ending in September, because of family health issues so it has been an extra long departure from gardening.
I don't have any photos to share at the moment but as soon as the days warm, I will take a nature walk.
Last month I attended a quilt retreat in Williamston Michigan and the B&B I stayed at had this sweet gazebo which I must return to see this summer. I want to cross the bridge over this creek and take the trails into the woods. Hopefully I can slip in between weddings which they book every weekend.
When the weather warms, I'll be back....in the mean time, there are plenty of seed catalogs to peruse.

Hibernating and Happy Holly-days

2010-12-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Holly-days gardening friends

It looks as if I have abandoned my garden blog. Please accept my apologies for that. My days pass so quickly and I have so many interests that now winter is here, my garden is sleeping and I am hibernating.
It is very cold here today with ice and a small dusting of snow. The Christmas lights are framing the garden arch and gate but that is all the attention my poor garden is receiving at the moment.
The only flowers I have seen are from the beautiful arrangement my dear friend,Terri, sent me last month. They lasted such a long time and really left me content until my own come awake in the spring.
I did take a chance on a beach walk a few weeks ago. The road to the Lake looks so dreary this time of year.
However once I arrive my destination it doesn't make any difference if the sun were shining or not. This view numbs me to any negative influence.I hope you are enjoying your days planning future plantings and entertaining thoughts of experimenting with new flower beds. I am packaging gathered seeds from the Fuchsia Morning Glories to slip inside gifts. I ordered some glassine envelopes which I stamp garden images on. These make a thoughtful gift everyone enjoys whether they have a garden or not.

Enjoy your winter break from the garden and I wish you Happy Holidays & a fruitful New Year !

Autumn has come and almost gone.

2010-10-27T03:44:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a while since I blogged. Crazy quilt projects and family health issues have kept me away, not to mention trying to keep up with my daily blog. Enough excuses, I am back and the leaves are turning here in Indiana.

Its time for mums....

and apples.... and cleaning up the last of the garden. My yard is filled with leaves but I haven't had time to do anything about that so I will let the wind blow them away this year. It isn't easy trying to keep up a yard,garden,hobby and home and I have learned not to fret about it.
Stop and smell the roses remember?
The Japanese lanterns are turning orange. I will harvest them for dried arrangements.
Autumn is here and soon we will be forced to stay indoors so I suggest you create vignettes sprinkled about your home to reflect on when the white stuff begins falling. On this little shelf in the hallway I have gathered several items made by friends with a bird theme. This will certainly bring a smile to my face each time I pass it.
Enjoy every day because you don't know what tomorrow will bring.

New blooms and berries!

2010-06-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I took a little garden walk with Angell.This Hydrangea was given to me by a dear neighbor who now has MS and can't tend her flowers anymore. Years ago we exchanged plants. I gave her August lilies (naked ladies) and she gave me this beautiful hydrangea. It has never bloomed before and I am excited to see it has blue and pink blooms.

I have only had the old fashioned creamy white hydrangea in the past.

This year I bought a few annuals that I usually plant by seed. The Zinnia's are doing well.

This is "Rudy"

I love Astilbe!!!! My Horticulture teacher in 10th grade turned me on to these beauties.

I planted the Lamb's ear which I found at the Herb Barn in MI when DS was little. I thought he would enjoy feeling the soft lamb ear shaped leaves and I loved the soft gray/green color.

I soon learned not to touch the blooms because they are sharp. In nature everything has a tool for survival. This is its defense against being eaten by animals.

That is all for the new blooms, now for my surprise treat. In the back of the garden I discovered the black raspberries were ready to snack on!

Another post on yesterdays walk can be found on my other blog here.

Have a super great day!

Blooms after the rain

2010-06-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

The rain brought many blooms in the front garden........

Basket flower

Lavender

Lamb's Ear

Campanula

Osteospermum

Rose Campion

Living in harmony and sunshine.....

Have a nice evening!

Join me for a rainy day garden walk

2010-04-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

Last nights rain brought many colorful petals floating to the ground making beautiful paths fit for a princess to stroll. Its a bit chilly so put on a sweater and join me is you wish...............

Dark pink Dogwood petals..............

Forsythia petals..............

light pink Dogwood petals.

The blooming trees were outstanding this year. I love to stand under the cluster of Red-bud,Dogwood,Crab apple, Forsythia and Lilac while looking straight up because I feel like a little girl again in a magic fairyland. So many delicate colors above my head.

The fern are speeding their way through the moist garden floor near the frog pond. I love a garden after a rain. The scent of wet earth and green is splendid.

Walking through the garden this afternoon I found new flowers claiming their spot . I try not to "control" my plants too much because I prefer the natural look. Its fun to see where a plant will choose to take root. Unless it is in the walkway and in harms way of traffic I leave it to flourish like this pretty purple money plant.

Last Autumn I started lining the back garden with Hosta just along the woods. In another month the leaves will have hidden this view which is actually inviting to me. I love wandering woods and often miss our 20 acres of woodlands .

In the center of the garden the fountain is speckled with floating blooms and waiting for a sunny day when I am longing to listen to the calm sound of trickling water while I stitch.

As much as I love rust, the old rusty fencing I acquired last month was not visible in its original state so I gave it a quick brush of cream paint. It is too pretty not to be seen I think.

The lilacs are just incredible this year.

I picked a bouquet for the living room a few moments ago and I am enjoying their fragrance as I type.

Rain or shine, nothing stops DH from working. He finished the railings on the front porch and is adding railings to the formal entrance. A new walkway is next.

Goodness! Look what is almost in full bloom.

What a happy plant! A good place to say....until next time.

Spring has Sprung

2010-04-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

It has been much too long without posting. There really was nothing garden related to speak of stitching took my attention through the Winter. However Spring has Sprung around here and everything is green, the grass has already had the first mow and garden items are gradually being placed back into the garden. I am thrilled to see my "Alien" flower has survived my late fall transplanting and is thriving beautifully. Soon it will look like this....

The poppies are filling in with their fuzzy foliage and soon the large green pods will form and burst open when no one is looking into bright orange crepe flowers that will only last a day or two. The poppy makes a grand entrance and exits quickly so you must be ready to enjoy it as soon as you see the first split on the pod. It usually rains when it blooms and I only catch glimpses of the bold beauty.

I will be doing a lot of transplanting this year moving plants around and adding a few new ones. I wanted to create a new cutting garden space near the woods however I am giving it a second thought because each year gets tougher to accomplish all I want between gardening and stitching. Do I need more area to care for? I must think on this a bit more. Until then I will enjoy the greening of the fresh Spring garden.

The snow outside is frightful........................

2010-01-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr is't cold out there. Cold yet beautiful.

Too cold to make a snowman .........

so I'll sit inside and stitch as I dream of Spring flowers and bird song.

Featured on Garden Planters website

2009-11-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

Apparently my garden blog link was featured on Garden Planters website. Thank you for whomever is responsible.
I wasn't aware of this site but after browsing a bit I thought it would be of interest to other gardeners.Go have a look about to read many garden related blogs. It is quite enjoyable, especially now that here in Northern Indiana we are approaching the winter months when our gardens are sleeping. Enjoy!

It's been a while

2009-11-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

What happened to Autumn, Summer for that matter? My year was so busy I seem to have missed posting from my garden. The garden is now put to rest for Winter and I will miss it. A sweet online friend of mine sent me a sweet poem and I would like to share it with you. I will remember this during the cold and snowy months as I anticipate the first greening of Spring...Thank you Vanessa.This expresses my feelings as I sit and stitch in my garden.

Garden Dream

Vanessa Hall

Thank you for letting me come visit you today

I needed some quiet time, to think, & ponder,

So I decided to go to your beautiful get-a way.

This was just the place,

I didn't need to wonder.

Though I didn't come alone,

I took something special with me,

My handmade basket containing my stitching

I had to bring it,it's part of me you see.

O, to sit in your garden

a place of sweet serenity

with the sound of the birds,

it was special to me.

The birds call out songs of love to & fro,

Such a tranquil place

For me to go.

I sat & stitched under your canopy with glee

in hopes you'd come by & stitch with me.

The time was so sweet

Didn't want it to end,

It's fun to talk

And stitch with a friend.

The evening breeze wafted

with floral scents from your flowers,

Oh how I love it

And could sit here for hours.

The Fairies came out at dusk

a danced on our table,

we tried to catch them

but we were not able.

We watched as some brought babies

On the wings of dragonflies,

Delivering them to the mothers

Who let out sweet sighs.

Oh, how I enjoyed my time with my friend,

I'll be looking forward

To doing this again.

(Just something silly for a sweet person)

Vanessa

The fairies cane

?????

2009-08-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

Finished for the day...had to make you smile.

Too full to fly?

2009-08-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

Talk about being a glutton! Look at this fella, happy as can BEE.

Then we have this thing...I have no idea what it is.

I don't know what this is either?????

I found him near the back door. Must be a great day for bugs!

X marks the spot.

Hidden from the storm

2009-08-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

A tornado with 120 mile per hour winds whipped through my small town of Chesterton the other night. We experienced heavy rain and some wind, but nothing like what tore up the center of town. Thankfully no one was injured. I am surprised with a tornado that close we didn't lose any limbs from our old trees.

Apparently 45 years ago, 25 years before we moved here a tornado ripped off out barn roof. So perhaps this property had it's share of destruction?

I stayed away from town yesterday because I knew streets would be blocked and confusion would be everywhere. I must venture to town this morning because a rental house I am painting for my MIL is one block from the middle school where the roof was blown off. Yikes! I must get some painting accomplished, so off I go. I hope the sites aren't too upsetting. The pictures on TV didn't even look like Chesterton with all the destruction.

Enjoying a beautiful sunrise

2009-07-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was treated to a beautiful pink sunrise. I sat on the porch with Angell, my Chihuahua, as the sun rose across the corn field. It was breathtaking and quite a glorious show of natures finest colors.

You can see the beginning of the show, the small bit of pink in the lower left corner above the trees. Just a couple minutes later.................breathtakingly beautiful pinks following periwinkle and purple.I wish I could capture the true colors however I must be content with the images stored in my mind.
I walked up the front walkway headed back to swing a bit more before starting my day.
A little later I step out the back deck to see the chameleon plant is taking over the sidewalk.
I spot the Adirondack chairs and make a mental note to call a friend for a visit over tea.
It is a mildly cool morning and after the treat of the beautiful sunrise and the birdsong I am ready for anything.

Hot and humid start of Summer

2009-06-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

The weather has been HOT and HUMID here in the Dunes. If I didn't have a swimming hole I would not venture outdoors at all. However.....the flowers and weeds love this weather and are flourishing. As soon as it cools off, even if it is raining, I must deadhead and weed the garden.

Shall we take a quick garden stroll? Follow me..........
the first thing I see that is now in bloom, Golden Loosestrife. Many people don't care for this invasive plant but I think it is interesting and adds texture. Besides, it wards off snakes and kills fleas...if you had any.
Entering the main garden path I see the Spiraea is in bloom. This dark pink one always blooms before the pale pink????

Something is fluttering about..can you see what it is? (Hint:It's teal)
Another creature has been visiting the garden at night.......The deer have eaten the Turtle head buds. I hope they have time to produce more. I love the pink blooms with the unusual shape.
I found this poor little single Foxglove about to bloom. I wonder where his buddies are?
The Campanula never disappoint. Always overly abundant in delicate bell shaped blooms.
Heading toward the front of the house I see two Clematis in bloom. Large vivid Violet blooms to greet me each morning while having tea on the porch swing before the sun takes over and shoos me indoors.
Walking down the front walkway I spy the Stella D'oro lilies in bloom. Always a cheerful greeting as well.

Then we have the little annuals of which I have forgotten the names of. They bloom orange and this creamy yellow every morning and close up at night. They seem very hardy and I will make them an annual planting. Heading toward the "faux beach" area I see the Rose Campion has started to bloom. I plant these with Lambs ear because they both have the gray/blue foliage and fuchsia flowers.
That is about it for new blooms.

Let me take you on a little house browsing in Valpo. I snapped these pictures of older homes on my way to a friends house. Valporaiso which borders Chesterton is filled with beautiful old homes that you just want to go up to the porch and sit for a while as you sip lemonade.I love this house but would not want to clean the windows :-)
This looks inviting.................

This is more my style....brick, arched windows, big porch...oh my...................

Love this entrance. The detail around the door is beautiful.
Gee, can you tell I'm taking these pics while driving? Yikes!!!!

Well, it was supposed to rain all day but it is about 85 and sunny so...I am off to sew a bit and then go take a dive. Hope you enjoyed the little tour, I did. Have a good one and stay cool!

Wed June 3 garden walk

2009-06-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

Apparently during the time I was in PA the Black Locust trees shed their fragrant Wisteria-like blooms all over my garden covering every inch of it. It was so pretty when I left it last week and now there are tiny creamy blooms everywhere. I scooped about 10 filled nets from my fountain and hosed off the Hosta and fern as best as I could without damaging them. The rest will have to dry and blow away or decompose. :-( My mother-in-law was bringing a friend by to see the garden and I must say I was happy it was cool and rainy so they canceled. There is nothing like spending hours in a garden only to have a guest see it at its worse possible state.

With the bad, you must see the good! Seeing past the petal covered garden I am pleased to enjoy and share the newest blooms..........

I discovered this pretty little bloom on my sweet potato plant this morning. I have never had the chance to see one before. Lets get a close up view shall we? Following the sweet aroma through the garden I see the old rose is in full bloom. This rose is what I call simple beauty...no fuss, no muss!

Next I find the wild roadside Columbine is blooming. Such hardly little things for looking so delicate.
I stole a start of these shortly after we moved here on a walk down the road. Shhh. Don't tell. They were growing on the side of the road and it was the first time I had ever seen one. I just had to try to establish them in my new sparse garden almost 20 years ago next month.

The fern have taken over the back of the once "Summer kitchen", currently "garden shed "soon to be "shabby studio". I love how they layer themselves to look like a bush.

The phlox, which I also dug from the roadside is continuing to bloom. (Elizabeth, I will be sending some this week :-)

The Japanese Iris are blooming. I tucked them everywhere in the garden for bursts of color.

I see there is one last poppy about to burst open in the back garden. They were so pretty this year.

The Campanula has just started to bloom. These bloom throughout the Summer. One of my favorites which I call "fairy flowers". If I were a fairy, I would want to live in one.
Uh oh! Look who won't leave my side ever since my return from PA. Angell thinks her mom may leave her again. So sad. Just look at that bewildered expression on her little face.

Peonies are starting to bloom. This is the only one open today. By the weekend I hope to have a few bouquets throughout the house. I think they smell like roses although no one else agrees????

Grandma's Big Blue Hostas are starting to fill out and take over the path to the frog pond.
Speaking of frog pond, look what was hiding among the fern.
A Rhododendron. Now I am reminded of PA and all the beautiful ones I saw there. Check out my other blog for the homes with these beauties.
Also by the frog pond which is hidden by fern the Wigellia is in bloom.
Down by the little "beach" area the Iris are on full display. These were from my friend and neighbor, Lynda. She is such a sweetheart and her visits are few but memorable.
I see the little cup shaped pale pink wild flower is invading last years plantings. I really don't care and I think it is a pretty bouquet by nature.

Heading back to the house, the little yellow daisies are doing well. They had a rough start but now I think they are well on their way.

I hope you enjoyed the garden walk. I am off to finish some stitching projects. Have a sunny day with pretty blooms!

New additions to Iris garden

2009-05-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the morning with my friend Jill. She took me to a nearby nursery that I didn't know existed. I found these two beautiful beaded Iris. I love the cinnamon and yellow colors together, but the purple and pale yellow is a show stopper. What a dainty beauty.
The blue eyed grass is booming. I am excited to see it survived the winter.Yeah!!!

I guess it's true, Orange is the happiest color! I just had to stop and stare at these bright delights. The yellow one is my favorite color of yellow.

The raccoons dug my newly planted Petunias and sweet potato vines from the planter last night. What a mess! I should sit out there with a sling shot tonight!
It rained last night so I didn't have to water today. Wouldn't it be nice if it rained every other night as we slept? A girl can dream....... Have a great evening and a sunny tomorrow.

Growth in the garden

2009-05-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

Although it has been terribly busy around here, I do take time to tend to garden chores. The fern are so tall and everything is incredibly green. Lush, fresh, and beginning to bloom!
Phlox mixed with fern................
and bearded Iris from my friend Lynda Martinez.You gotta love Spring in Indiana! It teases and taunts, but when it actually arrives, there is nothing so rewarding.
The snowball bushes are blooming overhead.
This Rhododendron was given to me by my friend Ken who was tossing it because it was dying. I had no idea what color it was, and only owned pink ones previously. Such detail!
The Wigelia is blooming behind my tea area and in the front yard. Soon the tiny ants will have the peony's open. I can't wait to cut a bouquet for my newly painted dining table and sit and enjoy tea and a stitching project.
I hope you all had a safe Memorial day!

Garden is getting color!

2009-05-15T14:24:00.001-07:00

I walked through the garden early this morning to snap a few pictures of new color. The flowers I bought the other day really make a difference.

The lilies are so sturdy.The pansy was from mom.
My first Iris in bloom!!
Love this little bright girl!
I'm glad I got a pic of the first poppy, it is raining as usual and blooms are falling as they open :-(
Isn't this going to be gorgeous when fully open?
This is my favorite color of yellow.
I'm afraid that is it for today. It is raining cats and dogs, so I am off to stitch!

Gardening Bliss!

2009-05-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

There truly isn't a more peaceful place than standing or sitting in a garden. Even with the many sounds of nature, the body begins to relax as you view lush greenery, colorful blooms, comfy sitting areas, and suns rays beaming down along the garden path. I "live" in my garden as much as I can during the warm months, which are never long enough.

A quiet little sand bed creek runs behind our property and when it rains a lot, the rushing sound of water is so enjoyable. However it isn't heard often enough during Summer, which is why my husband keeps me supplied with a working water fountain. This year I received this beautiful two tiered fountain. It fills my garden with the sound of playful water as I weed , plant, dream, and entertain. I adore it, and him.

Yesterday I spent the entire day with my mother hitting many flower stands and nurseries buying up colorful plants to enjoy throughout our short season. We need the colorful blooms in our gardens to enjoy at the present and remember in the future, when the grass is brown and covered with snow. We need it so desperately that many gardener's cannot wait until their perennials bloom. We are out there searching nurseries and road side stands for colorful annuals to quench our desire for color as early as we can get it. Yesterday these two gardeners did just that.
I planted my purchases, watered them thoroughly and slept soundly through the night. Morning found me rejuvenated and ready to take a trip into Chicago with a friend to explore a Textile warehouse.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T04:22:00.000-07:00

I wish you all a Happy Mother's Day . Have a wonderful day enjoying what you love........your two legged children or............ your little four legged children...... or even your large four legged children . Sip your tea ......smell the flowers.....and celebrate you. :-)

Rainy evening garden walk

2009-05-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

It rained a bit yesterday afternoon and I strolled out to the garden with my camera.....care to join me for a rainy garden walk?

Stepping outside I am immediately enjoying the heavy scent of the two huge Lilac trees that border my back deck. The lilac near the driveway was the first thing I noticed and fell in love with that Spring day when I first stepped barefoot on the property. I had been gardening when I took a break to read the paper and saw this house offered. DH said go take a peek, and I did, dirty hands, bare feet and all. My father made the gingerbread at the peaks of our home as a welcome gift.

Stepping off the back deck, I see the poppy buds heavy, soon to burst their bright orange glory in a few days. Hopefully the rains will hold off and allow me to photograph them this year. They are so delicate and cannot withstand rain at all. I think planting a poppy at the entrance to any garden is such a cheerful welcome.
On the other side of the garden entrance off the deck is a volunteer money plant. I saw him growing, but could not bare to disturb him, knowing I would soon be rewarded with purple blooms. These are sprinkled throughout my garden. Nature planted them to surprise me I think.

The Peony and fern have doubled in size since yesterday, no exaggeration! I love the fern at this stage, looking so strong and fresh! I see the snow on the mountain is in need of thinning. My mother brought this home from grandma's, and it has taken over every garden we plant. Oh my!

Here we have the newly planted Aster. What a beauty! The striking purple/blue color is amazing.

Turning to the right I have placed my beautiful wire plantation chairs from my sweet neighbor/friend, Lynda. She will be invited over for tea in the garden when the Rhododendron blooms and we will sit and enjoy....after I place cushions on them of course.:-)

My poor little "young" side garden will soon be filled with color as the roses, iris,day lilies, Lavender, and assorted perennials begin to bloom. The lilac in the background was a very small piece I took from the one by the deck three years ago. My dirt is magical! The large stones beside the lilac were most likely dug up when the house foundation was dug or the field across the street because our home is built with a boulder foundation...you heard me, no concrete poured here. The cellar's walls are made of huge stacked boulders.
To the left of the side yard garden sits my two Adirondack chairs awaiting guests. I love sitting in these chairs, they are so comfy and hug your body. My father built two for me years ago and they have since been replaced by these from my son last year.

Back into the house, I have a few things to do before evening. Hopefully our next garden journey will offer new blooms....until then.........

Happy May Day!

2009-05-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

Happy May Day!!!

No May poles or baskets filled with fresh picked flowers hung on doors this year. I enjoyed and miss sneaking a basket of flowers on neighbors door nobs before sunrise. I didn't plan ahead for this year. Perhaps next year I will be prepared.

Our Spring certainly has been rainy. It is great for the flowers, but sometimes they bloom during the rains and you don't get a chance to enjoy them. When the rain stopped yesterday afternoon I ran out to capture some color. There wasn't much, but it was enough to lighten my heart and start me dreaming of tea in the garden and digging in rich dirt.

The forget me not started blooming a couple days ago...... and Georgia Bluebells were waiting for me heavy and drooping from rain drops.I love to see the purple and blue tones together and incorporate that into my work whenever possible like in this fairy pouch.There is fungus among us!!!! I found these morel mushrooms growing in my garden. I used to eat this when I was growing up. They were delicious. I am afraid of them now and DH hates any kind of shroom. So they remain a "texture" in the garden for now.

The Quince is beginning to bloom. Love those coral blooms!
The delicate fern fronds are unfurling and releasing that fresher than fresh GREEN scent.......the pond mascot, a large concrete frog from my mother in law, keeps an eye on the pond and wonders when it will be cleaned??????? One of my Bleeding Hearts is in bloom. Such structure amazes me.Perfection!

This yellow native plant was from my mother's friend, Julia, who was an avid gardener. I will always remember walking with Julia collecting plants when these bloom. Such a pleasant woman with great knowledge of botanicals.

The lilacs have blooms forming and hopefully soon I will have fresh bouquets all around the house. Spring is such a magical time of year. Life exploding through the ground offering color all around. Hey! That rhymes! :-)
That is all I have for today. I do wish each of you a wonderful May Day and hope you enjoy your blooms and have a colorful season.

Try it...you'll like it! Lavender hair conditioning spray

2009-04-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

I have been ordering freshly dried Lavender buds from Layla for a few years now because I do not harvest enough from my plants to stuff my Inner Child dolls with. I am always very pleased with the dust free fresh whole buds I receive.

As I was browsing this morning I happily stumbled upon this refreshing idea to scent your hair with the delightful soothing fragrance of Lavender, my all time favorite. Perfect to use as we start the new Spring season. If I had a daughter, I would spritz her hair before she left for school. A delicate scent with calming properties. Not that my daughter would be "crazy" like me, but what a wonderful scent for her to remember from childhood.

As you can tell from the ingredients, it is non drying because there is no alcohol. I just had to pass this along to all you gardeners who enjoy making natural products to enhance daily life. Also for all who love Lavender and enjoy giving home made gifts. Presented in a vintage bottle with a Lavender sprig tied with a silk or Organza bow and tag would be a welcome gift. May day is just around the corner!!!!
A big thank you to Layla for sharing.

Happy Earth Day!!!

2009-04-22T14:24:00.001-07:00

Well Happy Earth Day to you all! It is a sunny day here in Indiana and if the wind would stop blowing it would be warm. I'm not complaining though because it was perfect weather to plant a tree and tall grasses.
I am extending my garden toward the West woods ,which will offer a sunny space for perennial planting and extra seating. I have many plants that need divided this Spring, and they will be moved to the new area as I never tire of Purple Cone flowers and Siberian Iris.

Saturday afternoon I planted new Hostas and Daylillies. Before long I will have it filled along the perimeter using the 30' tall Arborvitae as a back drop. I can't wait until I can share photos of everything in bloom.
Until then, these pretty petals are all I have to offer.
.............and this little fuzzy visitor with a face filled with pollen!
After my quilt class this weekend, I hope to spend some time cleaning the garden shed and transforming it into a stitching studio. The temps are supposed to be in the 80's!!!!!

Spring is trying to stay!

2009-04-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

It actually snowed two days ago! Today is cold but very sunny. I saw some daffodils in full bloom from my pantry window. They looked so cheerful I had to smile. I am staying in to sew today but I will be thinking of garden days...
Soon I will be posting new blooms and thoughts from the garden. Can't wait to get my hands dirty!
See you soon.

Past Blooms.....anticipation

2009-04-01T04:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for such a warm welcome in joining me through the garden. I hope you find this new blog a peaceful place to relax and explore new seasons in the garden.

Perhaps I will offer a seed exchange some time, or a giveaway for joining me. A Sweet Annie filled silk ribbon embroidered sachet perhaps???? Tea and honey sticks???? We shall see. I'm always up for a little fun.

For any gardener, each year it is hard to wait for the color in your garden. Anticipating a peaceful retreat on a warm sunny day after such a cold Winter seems like it will never arrive.

Pour a cup of tea and join me. Spring has not yet blossomed here in Indiana so I thought I'd post a few flowers in my garden that are just waiting for their turn to bloom.....first, the flowers showing green sprouts....life...Forsythia bush is greening up...Naked ladies aka August Lilies are 8" tall. The leaves come first, dye off and around August the tall stems shoot up 6" overnight until they are about 3 feet tall and a single or double delicate pink bloom with purple tint displays itself for a few weeks. Definitely a show flower. As you can see, it is a popular with continuous visitors.
my loyal favorites..........

a surprise.........

.....a few annuals may be tucked among them.
There are plenty more, but I must ready for a mini class this morning. I was invited to lunch by a sweet lady from the Quilt guild to give her a quick lesson in making dragonflies. I am off to whip up a few examples and gather a kit for her so she can have a choice of applications. Fun!
Have a great day and take a peek in your garden :-)

Garden Greens ...great place to start

2009-03-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

I try to bring any and all color into my garden. This is the canvas where I don't try to control my colors like I do in my work.
I let them play among themselves. Only being relocated if they don't get along and thrive together.

MAY 2008 Garden

Starting with the basics.....GREEN. There are so many shades of green in a garden. Although the eye picks up the differences, the mind usually doesn't. That is, we don't really think about shades of green, we only expect it to be there. In the foliage, stems, grasses, etc.
Ivy....dark,fresh,hardy,invasive, beautiful! Climbing to the top of my garden shed/studio.You've got to love it!The Ivy also will take over the front walkway if I turn my head for a moment. On the right Ivy inades......as the daisies claim the left side. Similar green shades just different textures.

Grandma's Big Blue Hosta, although green, has a blue cast to its large textured leaves. Long before I owned a piece of Grandma's Big Blue Hosta, I played "Land of the Giants" with hers in West Virginia. The leaves were so tough, they withstood my childish rough abuse.I used to imagine I was walking beneath the huge leaves waiting for a wild animal to attack as I made my way through the giant forest. My fingers, which were my "people", would climb the stalks to drink water which the leaves stored so well. If you own a Hosta, water it and watch where it flows and collects. It is a pretty neat thing to see. Nature knows her stuff.

PROJECT~

Using a large Hosta leaf is a great way to create natural looking stepping stones. Trace a Hosta leaf on the ground where you don't mind disturbing the soil. Dig 3 inches of soil from within the traced leaf shape. Pour concrete mixture in the shape and lay a Hosta leaf on top. You can weigh it down with a few rocks if it is windy. Let sit for an hour and lift off the leaf. You may color your stepping stones with patio paint/stain, or leave natural to age the wonderful mossy patina concrete tends to become. Do not step on until concrete cures for a day or two.

Speaking of BLUE greens, my absolute favorie herb happens to be Lavender. I love the foliage as much as the flower. I use the buds for stuffing Inner Child Dolls, sachets, dried bouquets, and sprinkled between my sheets and in my buble bath. Hey, you only live once, and sheets are always being washed right? Go for it. Enjoy your slumber while breathing in the calming fragrance that you grew yourself.

Another favorite BLUE green in the garden is the Globe Thistle among the tall grasses.You have to respect the Globe Thistle. Remember not to bend over too quickly to pull a weed if standing too close! Ask me how I know ;-0 !!!!!!

Fern...my favorite garden foliage. Here it grows wildly woven among a Rhodedendron which is about to bloom.I allow it to take over, sometimes it even travels to the other side of the garden. It creates the perfect hideout when you hang a hammock in the center of a patch of Fern. Talk about serenity! As I gently swing myself and my garden bud Angell, using a long strudy driftwood stick I gathered from a beach walk, the fern fronds rub against the hammock releasing an amazingly sweet aroma of "GREEN", a scent I would love to capture in a fragrance. Almost as sweet as fresh mown grass.

This shiny beauty was given to me by a very sweet and generous friend/neighbor/Master gardener, Cindy Waldo. It is a favorite of mine because it is another plant which seems a bit prehistoric like the Hosta. Very thick stalks, sturdy and beautiful leaf coloration. The name escapes me at the moment, sorry. Cindy...where are you????? :-)
There is a pretty bright yellow flower which resembles a daisy in the Summer/Fall. It is beautiful against the deep plum purple stalks, veins, and under leaf color. I'm sure Cindy has no idea how much pleasure I receive from her kind sharing of this plant. It thrills me to watch it morph into such a striking specimen each year.

The old Poppy plant still thrives tucked into a corner near the back door. It offers a silvery green before the bright day-glo Orange explodes. Unfortunately the delicate Poppy chooses to bloom during Spring shower season and I have to keep an eye out for the bursting blooms daily. Some years I never get to see a single bloom because as the bud cap pops off, the rain saturates the delicate blossom and it falls to the ground without ever getting to show its beauty and grace. Some things are just not fair for plants & humans.

That is all for this morning. I must tend to my second Bliss, crazy quilting! See you in the garden...........

Seeing first light

2009-03-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

It all starts with a sunrise..........
.....as the sun rises, colors emerge.

Welcome

2009-03-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

This blog will be dedicated to all things associated with my gardening.