One Day Closer (Pt 2!)

All right ~ it's still winter, i get it ~ and yessss, the snow is pretty. Great. Now it can go away!

 Last evening...

A few shots of the yard this morning ~ gotta try out the new camera! 

So, all right, Mother Nature, it's the month of my birth, the month of Spring ~ time to ACT like it!

One Day Closer

...(But not close enough) to Spring, but there ARE signs...

The peppers on my Pumpkin pepper plant are STILL bright! No, didn't want to eat them (guess i should've tried them, at least) Maybe this year, because I intend to plant more of them! The only color in the landscape all winter! I highly recommend them.

Managed a couple of walks in the nearby park, and found a few nice shots...

The deer are thick in that park,as they are in all of the parks around here!

 My "neighbors" are out and keeping me company, as they have all winter!

If you look very closely, you can see the Winter Aconites are nearly in bloom

 And the "Blue Eyed Blonde" looks healthy and ready to go! 

See ~ wasn't kidding~ she IS a Blue Eyed Blonde!

Ooo! One more ~ the Butterbur is beginning to show itself, too!

My Garden Interview - Part 3

...A continuation of my hypothetical interview...

***i'm currently reading an older garden book titled, "Gardening From The Heart - Why Gardeners Garden" by Carol Olwell. The reason for this book is interesting, because, as she points out, gardening is hard work,

considered pretty much low grade manual labor, and is rarely lucrative -

so why do we do it? She compiles the story of many gardeners who were interviewed for this book. i am barely past the introduction, but i feel compelled to put into words how i myself came to be a gardener, and why....***

Q: Any garden organizations?

i became involved at that time in the Master Gardener program - the very first year it was offered in my area (1991). It was a wonderful program, and i got to "shmooze" with fellow gardeners! The only downside was that most of my fellow "students" were retired folks - and i was in my thirties! i thought it was a good deal - the fee was $25, for the

literature and instructors (there wasn't anything offered online in THOSE days!), and you agreed to give back so many hours in volunteer time, i believe it was around 20 hours back then. It quickly became a very popular program, and a lot more people became involved with it. Later it was decided that you had to give so many hours each year to

"recertify", which i just did not have time for in the growing season. NOW the fee is up to $175, you have to volunteer 50 hours, and need 10 hrs. of volunteer work plus 6 continuing education hours annually to recertify! Whew! So, even though i have not recertified, i do still call myself a "Master Gardener" anyway - seniority ought to count for

something!

Q: Any funny stories?

We sold our first little house in '97 to a very young couple who were not even in their 20's yet, it was November, but they were very impressed by the gardens. I had taken photos and had a few enlarged to show prospective buyers. Unfortunately, they both had jobs and went to school, and had no clue how much work that was gonna be! i did take starts of my favorite plants to go to the new house with me, but left just about everything.

The following July, i received a phone call from my former neighbor. All she said was, "Oh my God, Nanci, they're tearing out all your plants and throwing them away!" i was there within 10 minutes, on the pretense of visiting said neighbor. The young people weren't QUITE throwing away everything, but threatening to, and i could see why. When i had lived

there, i walked around virtually every day, automatically weeding, deadheading, pruning...they had done none of that. The Hollyhocks were 7 feet tall, the vines had literally absorbed part of the yard, the groundcovers were covering WAY too much ground, my arbor that i painstakingly created from PVC pipe was broken and laying in the vegetable garden space - it looked like an abandoned property! To their credit, the new owners were very considerate and told me i could dig up

everything i wanted to, so i borrowed a shovel from my friend next door and started digging in the 90 degree heat. An hour later, after i had filled the trunk AND back seat of my car, i called my husband and told him to come over with his pickup truck and more tools! When we came home with the plants, i had no idea what i was going to do with them - it was early July, in the middle of a heat wave.These plants were my

BABIES! Now that i had rescued them i was NOT going to lose them! So we shoved them all into our 2 garbage cans filled with water and i spent the next week or so finding spaces for them. Now, planting in weather like that should only be done in emergencies (like this was), but - it CAN be done.Out of about 40 plants, only 2 did not make it, i am proud

to say!

 One more unfortunate thing - about a month after that, I

discovered that the vinyl lattice we had put up all along the fence row was gone - the young couple had taken it down and put it out for the garbage pickup - all five hundred dollars worth of it!! i almost cried over that - wish i had known. BUT, to this day, i really have no idea what i could have used that for at the new house! It was such a waste,

though...

My Garden Interview - Part 1

***i'm currently reading an older garden book titled, "Gardening From The Heart - Why Gardeners Garden" by Carol Olwell. The reason for this book is interesting, because, as she points out, gardening is hard work,

considered pretty much low grade manual labor, and is rarely lucrative -

so why do we do it? She compiles the story of many gardeners who were interviewed for this book. i am barely past the introduction, but i feel compelled to put into words how i myself came to be a gardener, and why....***

Q: How did you become a gardener?

N: First of all, i need to point out that it was never really a conscious decision to "go forth and garden!"

i never knew my grandparents on my father's side, but i do know they were avid gardeners, so i'm thinking i had it "in my blood", since i sure as heck know it wasn't thru my parents! They didn't even like to be outside! i think Mom took me to the park several times when i was young,

and they liked to sit out on the porch in the evenings in warm weather, and THAT was probably only because we didn't have air conditioning back then, and it was the only way to stay cool! We had a fairly large and swampy back yard- (this is the Black Swamp area, after all) , but except

for some hideous foundation plantings of evergreens, one Poplar tree, one rose bush and one white Spirea, that's all there was in the whole area! Being an only child with few neighbor children, i spent many long

days in that backyard on my own, getting hundreds of mosquito bites and black bare feet from the muddy yard - how i didn't end up with Hepatitis or some '60's equivalent of the West Nile virus is beyond me.

Anyway, we were visiting my uncle's house one summer day, and my cousin and i walked into one of the farm fields surrounding their property. She told me that they knew the owners of the fields, and that they were

allowed to pick some of the produce out of the fields if they wanted (whether that was true or not, i never really knew...Being 12 and very naive, i didn't question it ). She picked a tomato right off the vine

and handed it to me, and actually had to instruct me to eat it right there, as i just looked at it for a second - i had only seen tomatoes in salads before that (yes, i had an extremely sheltered childhood!). When i bit into that beautifully ripe, warm tomato, standing in the middle of

that field, that experience it was so awesome that i had an epiphany of sorts - and actually changed the course of my life! i did not immediately know what to do about this new feeling, but within about 2 years, i had a small vegetable garden plot in our backyard.

i did have somewhat of a social life in my late teens, so of course with other things on my mind, i didn't have as much time to garden. Until after i was married - and for a few years we lived in an apartment, so except for the 40 or so houseplants i acquired, i did not do much gardening. i tried to keep my plot going at my parents' house, but they wanted to stay inside when i was there and expected me to sit inside and visit with them! So that was not feasible for very long.

CONTINUED SOON

i used to have quite the T shirt collection. Radio stations, comic book characters (still have my "Elfquest" shirts!), rock bands, etc. Of course, that included my gardening interests, too - but i didn't go for " Happiness is Gardening" or "Gardeners Have The Best Dirt" - noo..my humor is a little different...

Don't know if this company's even still in business, but i loved the shirt! i don't really wear it much anymore - my "tomatoes" don't really line up! LOL

...And from my favorite nursery, Plant Delights, came this funny ( but sensible) play on words. If you're not sure, an 'annual' is a plant that lives only one season and dies. A lot of folks in my area spend tons of money on flat after flat of 'tunias and marigolds (for "color"), and do it all over again the next spring. Hey, i buy 'em too - after all, that's how most nurseries make the majority of their income - but i also use a lot of perennials (that come back in the Spring) so i don't have to buy everything yearly!

But, whatever you gardening humor, or no matter how i feel about it, just plant SOMETHING!

pLANT dAY! ~ !***(a running commentary on the most interesting collector's plants I own) ~ *Perilla*

Perilla frutescens has been a part of my gardens for so many years now that i take it for granted, but i would hate to be without it! i knew absolutely nothing about it when i acquired it thru a Master Gardener plant swap (but, of course, that has never stopped me!). Also known as False Coleus and Beefsteak Plant (?), it's an annual in my area, but reseeds vigorously, so i always have it. Some people claim it is very invasive but, although it is in the Mint family (and most of that family is horribly invasive!) and it is all over my garden, it is easy to pull out and throw in the compost or move to containers, (in which it does very well). It comes in a green form, a purple form, and a couple of fairly new cultivars (Vanilla Perilla and Magilla Perilla - oh, those wacky plant people!). i have the common purple form, it looks very similar to purple Basil, but it keeps its deep purple color in sun, in shade, moist, dry - it doesn't care! Bugs leave it alone. Some leaves turn out with ruffled edges, and some do not. The leaves are not large, but you may have seen some of my Perilla leaf jewelry - they look very nice cast into pendants!

This time of year, when we see some bare spots in the beds, and my spousal unit complains, "We need to put something there", - i just point at the purple haze (ooo, Hendrix!) covering the ground, shake my head, and say "Perilla". In two weeks, the space will be bare no more! It can grow to a height of 1 to 3 ft., depending on location and/or the flower spikes.

There is conflicting information about using Perilla in food - some say it can be used as a substitute for Basil, but i have also heard it can be poisonous in any sort of quantities. i was told by a Vietnamese lady that it is frequently used as an herb in her country, so i'm not advising you either way. It has a fairly nice Basil-ly scent when the leaves are bruised, but i honestly don't like Basil flavor very well, or i think i'd try it.

The decorative factor and ease of growing it is good enough for me!

A Spring Garden Stroll

...A garden friend....(who i painted, naturally!)

..An 'artsy" shot!

                                         ...Although i really hate the Cottonwood tree across the street, the "fuzzies" falling, backlit by the sun, are pretty (i guess...)

The variegated Kiwi vine actually is showing its white and pink splashed foliage for the second year in a row!  

First Waterlilies in bloom

We've had a lot of rain this Spring ~ and my Hostas love it!

"Sweet Kate" Tradescandia is one of my favorites. Those colors are almost blinding in bright sun!

Never had a lot of luck with Penstemons, but they're doing great this year!

....And, of course, the sky blue of an Amsonia (If you've gotten any emails from me in the past, "Amsoniared" has been my email name for many years! Hey, 'Amsoniablue' was taken!)

The Princess And The Cherry Tree

Once upon a time, in the northern Land Of The Five Lakes, a tree seed found a lovely spot in which to start its life, and began to grow. It just happened to be the land belonging to the Monarch and the Princess. (You may recall the Royal Wars in the land of literary works of fantasy many years ago, when the King was banished and the Monarch's rule began).

The Princess, who was known to nurture much flora and fauna, happened upon the young tree one day and was pleased. The little seedling, as it grew older, had small peach sized leaves, panicles of white flowers in Spring, beautiful bark, and golden leaves in the Autumn. It was an unknown type to the Princess, but she was sure it was a tree of petite ornamental heritage that just happened to find her lands. As a season or two passed, the Princess inquired of her royal clan (The Masters of the Garden) as to what tree it might be, but they could not answer. She even inquired of the magic PC (Prophet Creature) who also could not answer.

 

So the tree stayed, and grew. And grew. And then, as it matured, it proceeded to send thousands of progeny down upon the royal lands to create a small forest of its own kind, which began to displease the Princess. Finally, one day, the magic Prophet Creature revealed to her that the tree was not only a Cherry tree, but a BLACK Cherry tree, which was a duplicitous and evil life form!

The Princess informed the Monarch that she wished for the tree to be removed before it and its progeny invaded the royal gardens any further. Their many subjects

 

 

 

 

 

   

agreed.

The Monarch, wishing to keep tranquility in the Castle, also agreed and proceeded to remove the large branches one at a time. The task is not yet completed as of this day... 

 

The Moral of this story - Beware of evil beings that disguise themselves as alluringly beautiful ~ by the time you realize what is happening, it may be almost too late! (And your Royal Spouse may threaten to "crown" you!lol)
THE END

Plants On The Ground ....

OK, i couldn't resist! Actually, i guess the correct title should be "Plants IN The Ground", but, whatever!

i had a small revelation yesterday - i realized i hardly ever plant plants the "normal" way anymore; that is, planting the seeds directly in the ground, keeping them watered, and having them sprout right where they need to be! i have started plants from seed for years, but indoors, to transplant at the proper time. OR (file this under "lazy") - i just buy plants!

So i never get the fun little thrill anymore of seeing those first few seedlings breaking out of the ground, which actually was one of my favorite memories at the very beginning of my gardening life. i had almost forgotten that feeling....so this year, i planted a row of early spring veggies - 2 kinds of spinach, 4 types of lettuce, white, purple, and black radishes, as well as carrots that are supposed to be a mix of 4 colors! That was two days ago, and i am impatiently looking at that patch every day, and watering it (using a watering can, the old fashioned way, so i can feel more connected with the earth).

i have lost touch with my garden somewhat in the past few years, partly because of a job change, which gives me much less vacation time than i used to have, along with my garden sculpture business that takes up most of the REST of my time! i'm not complaining about either situation, but still i'm not giving my treasured plants the attention they need!


The tomato plants, which used to reach 3-4 feet tall, have ended up in the past two years as scrawny,weed choked, foot tall things that had a half dozen small fruits on them at the most! i just lose track - BUT i am now making a middle of the year resolution to give the veggie garden some TLC this year - i'll update you about this later!

Spring Thoughts..

I love Spring! LOVEIT LOVEITLOVEITLOVEITLOVEITLOVEITLOVEIT!!!!

My little heart is overflowing with it! If this feeling could be bottled or made into a drug, i'd be an addict! There are many people i know who really don't notice the seasons....how can they ignore the smell of new growing plants and flowers, and the chorus of birds and toads early in the morning at sunrise? How do they not see the sun, the blue sky, the trees in flower, or the new bright green leaves? And who would want to miss it?

Even on a COLD Spring day (and we get plenty of those!), it's still beautiful and a LOT better than a Winter day! My only complaint is that it doesn't last long enough, and, if we do get a really WARM spell, all the blossoms quickly unfurl, but fade just as fast, making everything that much more fleeting.

Yesterday was one of those warm days, though - the air temperature was well over 80 degrees (F), and i even managed to get into the pond for the first time to do some maintenance! The water wasn't 80 degrees though! No problem - once my legs went numb, it didn't feel too bad at all! LOL



i really have to get some of those shoulder high gloves for working in the pond - no other kind would work, and if i'm messing with water lily roots,it takes me days to wear the purple stains off my hands.

WARNING: Lily roots don't LOOK purple, but they definitely dye your skin! Another warning - they stink! They smell rotten - i have had people send lilies to me in swaps and apologised to me because they couldn't wash them well enough to get the smell off!


i usually get in wearing shorts and deck shoes, which work pretty well to keep me from slipping, (If i have to get in there and it's REAL chilly, i do have hip boots) but still, we have a rule at our house - no getting into the watergarden without supervision - yes, it's only 24" deep; but one slip and hit of your head on any of the rocks in and around it, and you'll be one of those "freak accident" deaths in the local newspaper! How embarrassing would THAT headline be?
"WOMAN DROWNS IN 2 FOOT DEEP WATERGARDEN"

A Wish For You All...

Peep Romance by David April

I hope everyone has a wonderful, peaceful, fulfilling day tomorrow, whether you celebrate Easter Sunday or not!

~nanci~

Lilac Lore

The Lilac buds are swelling. Even at this early stage, you can already tell whether you're gonna have a good bloom year or not.

The buds (above) are just going to be leaves, while...
...

THESE show the first signs of tiny purple blossoms! Don't know if it would be as easy to tell on yellow or white Lilacs - i'm sure the dark purple type are easier to see. Anyway, i'm happy to say that i saw very few non flower buds this year!

Fish Favorites

Pet shop people don't like me. At least if they've seen me before. i'm the one who goes into the fish department, stops at the "10 cent Feeder Fish" tank (the 30 gallon tank filled with 500 1/2 inch goldfish), and wants to pick out ten "pretty" ones! Yes, they always warn you that those fish may be inbred and/or diseased, and there's a chance they could affect the health of your current fish population - which is very true! - if you just toss them in immediately. So i definitely recommend putting the new purchases (even if they were NOT feeders) in a quarantine tank for a week or two first. i don't always do that, but that's my risk to take! Most of the time, the store employees are very polite about it and actually chase down and net the fish i pick out. NOTE: don't come in on a Saturday or at a busy time and expect them to take that time - be considerate :o)

Some of the cheapie fish in the pond - the little ones in the photo above are Rosy Red minnows

Seriously, though, my feeders have done very well. Oh a few do die right away, but that's why they cost practically nothing! But i try to pick out color mixes, longer fins/tails (Comets), things like that, and they breed with the others and really create a colorful bunch of fish. In fact, around here, that's the only way i can find Comets anymore.

These two (the bigger ones) are Koi - they cost a little more than the feeders! This is the first time this year that they made an appearance. i had a third, but haven't seen him yet - he may have not made it thru the winter...

Nature ~ Again Resurrected

It has been less than a week since the snow faded away - it had effectively kept any flower growth dormant. But now- the Winter Aconite is suddenly in full bloom!

One small group of Crocus have appeared...

 The fish can finally see the sky...

And the Pitcher Plant that resides in a pot in the pond looks incredible, considering it has been frozen in solid ice for the past 2 months!

i haven't seen my young Palm  since the cones went over him in November - time to peek....

 Oh, and he looks very healthy!

  

One last small miracle - my Foxtail Lily is emerging! It was very iffy as to whether it was hardy enough for my area - apparently THIS year it was!