Four Bubble Vases '06

I'm trying a different way to post today, and this is only my second attempt; therefore, I'm not going to write a lot as I'll probably be writing it again! As much as I like to work in the garden and watch them bloom and grow (a song in my head now!), I also like to pick them. What makes me chuckle about the title of this post is that there are no longer four vases; and then again, maybe I'm not really chuckling. Yes, I am. That's the way life goes. But I sure am glad I snapped this photo before they became three (rose, scented geranium, alfalfa, rose).

Gifted Coreopsis

CoreopsisJy07
Originally uploaded by kage2007

I was gifted with this plant more than a half dozen years ago and didn't really appreciate it until the last year or so. It has proved itself in my garden by coming back year after year and getting big enough to divide without conquering a huge area. Years ago I had planted it, too, but didn't expect it to come up as it did and must have pulled many thinking they were weeds. I've done that a lot over the years--over 18 years as these gardens developed (and continue to do so). This plant looks like a small, airy bush and has come up in some of the poorest soil I have, and it comes up in shade as well as sunlight. You just gotta love something that is so agreeable.

A Reason for Milkweed

MilkweedJy07
Originally uploaded by kage2007

Milkweed reminds me of my childhood as I had pulled many seed pods apart just to blow or fluff the seeds into the wind--and such a silky feeling. I don't remember being attracted to the flowers nor their wonderful fragrance (like I am now). I must have found Monarch caterpillars on them, as that is solely what they feed on (and makes them distasteful to birds); and that is why I let them grow in my gardens now. The flowers are a perk; it's the caterpillars we are after. Years ago I bought a butterfly pavilion for my kids (4' long?), and with it came a card for 10 Painted Butterfly caterpillars. After sending the card, the tiny caterpillars arrived, ate everything in the small jar, grew rapidly, and attached their chrysalis to the paper on the lid. I was then to take the paper, attach it to the inside of the pavilion, wait for them to turn into butterflies, and then release them. We did that once and then collected Monarchs ever since. With a few fresh leaves and water every day--it's just an incredible natural event. We had ten this summer, releasing the last yesterday morning. Already I heard someone say something about getting some more. I haven't tired of it, either.

No Scoffing Here

PetuniasJy07
Originally uploaded by kage2007

There was a time I would not have planted them--so old fashioned (maybe just common) were they. But two years ago when I planted a blue New Wave Petunia in my backyard and saw it quickly embrace a rock and then cover the ground around it, that could have been enough for me to never be without some. It was, however, the scent that cinched it for me. I decided to try something new with the planter this year and pulled out all the Pot of Gold and replaced it with red, white and blue petunias. It's given me much pleasure. Hub said he may have to take some. I don't know what color he'd take, but it's still those blue ones that pull me closer (and weeding isn't so much a chore, either!).

A Malva Surprise

FengShuJy07
Originally uploaded by kage2007

I'd have to check my journal (if I ever wrote anything about this!) to see how long I've had the Malva. Time DOES fly, but I'm thinking...maybe...4 or 5 years. I bought it from an elderly lady in a neighboring town during a citywide rummage sale. I'd never heard of Malva before, and she had a picture of it and described it; the pot in my hand didn't look like much but seemed to hold much promise. I came home and checked my books but didn't find anything on it. SisterV checked and I think came up with some reassuring information that I had made a good purchase. It's in the foreground of this picture (the other side of the Feng Shui Garden) and looks like mini Hollyhocks; and from last year to this it has doubled, I swear! I'm delighted and can give some away now, not that it's become too much, but because it really is a sight to enjoy. Doing dishes (I can see it from the window) is not so bad when you have such a view--not for me, anyway. I'll take this kind of surprise any day!

My Hub is Like A Bird.

LilyJy07
Originally uploaded by kage2007

It is ok that my hub likes a lot of things I plant. He might have actually even asked if he could have some of these lilies, and now I realize that he has spread them across the yard and saved me the time and effort of doing it (not that I would have even thought of it--to enjoy it by now). As these fade, his Morning Glories (some wild) may be ready to bloom, so he's thinking ahead. I think the dog ran a path through mine as all the petals are off, but I am still enjoying these. I'll let him spread whatever he wants now (even if he steals them), just like a bird.

Volunteers Welcome!

JohnnyJy07
Originally uploaded by kage2007

I planted a small, 3" pot of Johnny Jump-Ups years ago. I've learned to appreciate them more and more--maybe because they are in the Pansy family, and sisterV likes (the term is too mild) Pansies so much! Small clumps will find a place to grow; and if I pull any out, it's usually by mistake. Some seeds have found a spot across the yard, and they seem to like to hang on to the rose bushes for support (even hub can't pull them, I see). I don't welcome all volunteers, but these are here to stay.