Mother Nature's Garden Evolution

Bluebirds

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 04:33:00 +0000

One of our bluebird boxes was not being used. We cleaned it and hung it upside down on the fence to dry.

A couple of days later when we returned to get the house to hang it, the bluebirds seemed to have already occupied it.

They seemed to be going in it a lot as if building a nest and later feeding babies. When we checked, nothing was in there.

We have had high winds and although the box is simply resting on the fence rail, it hasn't blown off.

We set the box upright. Maybe all the activity was desire to build in it for soon there were four little blue eggs.

He knows I'm watching him watching me. Makes for a good photo!

Time passes and soon

four more little bluebirds

are ready to join our big beautiful world.

Daily Bluebird Development

Daylily Garden 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 03:21:00 +0000

My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:54:00 +0000

My love is like a red red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
My love is like the melodie
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.

So fair , my ,
So deep in love am I;
And I will love still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun:
And I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.

And , my only love
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my love,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.

Let's Go With Red

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 08:53:00 +0000

Pelargonium/Geranium

We have had a long cold spring, but our temperatures are in the 90s F lately. It is definitely summertime weather. The heat will probably curb the pelargonium's enthusiasm for bloom unless it has been bred to endure more heat. Night time temps are more favorable. We will see.

Young Male Red-bellied Woodpecker

I'm usually outside working in the garden from the crack of dawn until about 9 a.m. Then it is time to go inside where it is cool.

I have to watch out for that cat.

Are you smiling yet?

Grapevine Sphere and Gerber Daisy

Purslane

Purslane can take the heat. It needs full sun to open those pretty flowers. I have a few sunny spots in my mostly shade garden.

Purslane Close-up

Poker Primrose/Primula vialii Close-up

Fruit, Nuts, and Honey

On hot days I love fruit, nuts, and honey with a cold glass of milk. There is more than one way to beat the heat. Hubby cooks on the grill a lot. Think cool.

Hemerocallis 'Charles Johnson'

Hummingbird, Come Back

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Fri, 20 May 2011 22:49:00 +0000

For some reason, the hummingbirds seemed to abandon the feeder. I expect the female to not come as often because of nesting but the two males were also missing. First, I made sure the feeder was clean and had fresh nectar with a higher percentage than the 4 to 1 sugar mix I usually use. They soon returned.

I went to Lowes looking for plants that hummingbirds might find attractive and noticed Primula vialii. Common names for this plant are Chinese pagoda primrose, orchid primrose, and poker primrose. These flowers, a red cone of calyxes from which orchid funnel flowers bloom from the bottom up, last for many weeks beginning in late spring. The 1' to 2' plant prefers a partly shady location with perhaps early morning or late afternoon sun provided it is kept moist. Originating in the mountains of Yunnan province in China, it is hardy to - 31 °F. It does well as far as heat is concerned to USDA Zone 8b. An ideal location for this plant in your garden would be at pond edge, around fountains, or even downspouts where the soil is always moist.

Since we are having cool wet weather at present, I can enjoy Primula vialii on the deck in a container in dappled shade. When the temperature soars, it will be relocated to the garden.

I thought the Gerbera jamesonii 'Jaguar' red was the perfect hummingbird color. If you have observed hummingbirds for long, you realize they will feed from any color. They will probe each and every orifice.

It is reported their favorite color is red, however. Gerber daisies flourish when the temperature is in the 70s F.

Of course, in a few days when the sun shines, the temperature will zoom back into the 80s. The red verbena I bought will be happy in the sunny spot I have chosen. Verbena's cascades of umbels will also make great landing pads for butterflies.

Now, no matter what our erractic weather conditions, I have a tempting offering for the hummingbirds advertising the feeder.

Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Mon, 09 May 2011 11:02:00 +0000

Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:21:00 +0000

Let all the earth praise him.

Woodland Spring Fantasy

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:37:00 +0000

Hydrandgea macrophylla 'Merritts Supreme'

If spring is a little late in your area, you can always pick up hydrangeas that have been forced for the Easter flower market. They can keep your spirits high as you wait for spring weather.

Spring beauty is an edible corm sometimes called fairy potatoes.

By the middle of April, spring is in full force. It is my favorite time of year. After weeks and weeks of longingly, expectantly waiting as for a lover, the weather is mild, the flowers are blooming, the hummingbirds have arrived, and I am filled with happiness.

First Tree Peony Bud Ever

I rush to the garden with euphoria as my companion to see what spring charms await me.

Irises are coming along nicely.

What gifts did spring bring? Where are they? What delights are in store? Perhaps, a lovely fragrance or a diamond drop of dew. Listen. I hear music. It is in the trees, the birds, the wind, the water, and the air. From the pond, from the grass, from the flowers, I hear spring everywhere soft as a whisper or loud as the thunder.

Persian Lilac

Why do I love dogwoods so? Without any help from me, the woods around me turn white with myriads of dogwood blossoms. It's all natural. They just flourish here. They are like a starry night sky. All I do is marvel at their numbers and drink in the beauty which fills me with awe and wonder. I am at peace and one with the universe. Embraced by a breeze and kissed by the sun, I'm a part of every living thing. Ecstacy!

It is dogwood season here.

Street View

Looks like an almost all white hosta sport down in there.

And, oh the wonder of it! Something new I've never seen before. Genes re-aligned in an endless cycle of possibilities and sprouted from a spec of a time capsule dissolved by the rain and ignited by the sun.

Hosta With White Edge

All Green Hosta

Yes, spring washed away the gray of winter and filled the skies with blue. Up and down the mountains leaves bloom in every hue.

Azalea

Hellebores are setting seed and new foliage.

Narcissus biflorus/Twin Sisters

Fern Urn/Kimberly Queen

Clematis

Tree Peony

From the Heart Comes Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:11:00 +0000

Persian Lilac/Syringa x persica

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens

Weeping Cherry/Prunus pendula

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout

Narcissus 'Bell Song'

Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.

Victor Hugo

Narcissus 'Ice Follies'

Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day.
W. Earl Hall

Twisted Trillium

Where flowers bloom so does hope.

- Lady Bird Johnson

Trillium stamineum

I think my favorite ephemeral is the trillium. I find its mottled leaves are so pretty against the leaf litter.

A Hellebore Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:58:00 +0000

We took a few days to visit family and friends in Georgia.

Blooming in gardens along the way were star magnolias and camellias. In the northeast corner of Georgia in the higher elevations around Dillard, wild rhododendrons were everywhere budded and ready to bloom. Just seeing them makes me want to go back when they bloom sometime in May I was told. Oh, there is a place called Dillard House where the restaurant has no menu but serves you all you can eat of everything they have for the day including two or three meats, rolls and cornbread, lots of vegetables, and desert. You will have to take some home with you because it is impossible to eat it all.

This large camellia has a beautiful color similar to Kramer's Supreme and a big boss of anthers.

My sister-in-law's garden in Atlanta is filled with hellebores which means there is a host of flowers for several months of the year. They are quite happy growing around a blue stone patio and paths on a red clay hill with mature deciduous trees overhead. The hellebores in my garden are due to her generosity.

As the season progresses the hellebores are interspersed with seasonal delights: pansy, hosta, hydrangea, spirea, annuals, etc.

You don't often see snow drops/galanthus in the south but you do see snow flakes/Leucojum aestivum with their little bells of white dotted with green. There is a hybrid with larger blooms called 'Gravetye'.

Carolina jessamine/Gelsemium sempervirens beautifies the utility area.

A bathtub and bed frame add a touch of whimsey to Betty Jane's garden.

She uses lots of solor lighting to highlight the garden at night.

Narcissus 'Ice Follies'

When we returned home Narcissus 'Ice Follies' and 'Thalia' were blooming. Also blinding red tulips were blooming...what few the squirrels didn't eat.

Tulipa fosteriana 'Red Emperor'

I always bring home plant souvenirs. This time it was blue-eyed daisies/Osteospermum.

March Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:58:00 +0000

You can find out what's blooming around the world in March if you visit May Dreams Garden for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day which is the 15th of each month. Take a look and see what can be added to your flower parade.

Wine Helleborus x hybridus

The hellebores have been blooming since February and the flowers will last for many months.

Helebore x hybridus

Many gardeners are complaining of their losses this year due to the harsh winter; but, the hellebores have been unaffected and are flourishing.

White Helleborus x hybridus

For some reason, I favor the white ones.

Helleborus x hybridus

Narcissus 'Tete a Tete'

Short in stature but color intense, mini Narcissus 'Tete a Tete' can command your attention. Tete a tete means head to head and there are two flowers per stem seemingly in a conversation. This fact may help identify them if they get lost among other minis.

A mulch of leaves remains in the beds until April when it will be removed and added to the compost bin.

Jonquils

Unlike other narcissus, jonquils have tubular rather than flattened foliage.

Forsythia

You can always count on forsythia for a big splash of color.

Lycoris squamigera/Naked Ladies

Lycoris adds a lot of green to the garden as early as February. They will soon be covered with daylilies. Then after the daylilies bloom like a big surprise out will pop the naked ladies.

Texas Red Flowering Quince

For color as intense as any azalea but earlier, plant quince.

Pond

The plants have started growing in the pond but, the fishes are the main attraction now.

Bradford Pear

Fruit trees are the showiest elements of the early spring garden.

Confederate Violet

Lastly, the violet is lifting its pretty head from the beneath the woodland leaves.

Tiny Evergreens

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:48:00 +0000

I attended the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show on the last day. Wouldn't you know, my phone/camera was needing a charge. So, here is one floral arrangement that caught my eye.

As far as the plants were concerned, I found the miniature evergreens of interest and added three new ones to my collection. They grow very slowly and take many years to reach their mature diminutive size making them perfect for trough gardens. These were purchased in 4" pots.

The source of miniatures are witches brooms. Normal size trees due to disease, insect damage, etc. sometimes form growths/witches brooms that are more compact. The branches can be grafted to normal rootstock or they can be started from seed of the broom and reproduce the miniaturized form.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Rimpelaar' is a miniature conifer with blueish gray foliage that is hardy in zones 5-9. In ten years it will be a foot tall and wide. Mature Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Rimpelaar'

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Spiralis' is a slow growing narrow upright evergreen reaching a height of three to five feet in ten years and is hardy to -30°F. It has a loose irregular upright habit. Mature Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Spiralis'

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Snowkist' is a white variegated conifer that matures at 24"x18''.

I collected Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Golden Sprite' a few years ago and it can be seen here. I found my previously purchased mini's to not be as hardy as expected in a tiny pot, but in the ground much more hardy.

Learn more about witches' brooms.

Oh, So Hardy!

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:45:00 +0000

Moss

There is a lot going on in the so-called dead of winter. My January garden is a tiny thing. Although it looks lush and tender, the fern moss is hardy to -5° F. It is completely happy outside in this 3"x 4" bonsai pot. I brought it inside to photograph because I'm not completely happy outside in the cold! A high fired pot is impervious to freezing temps as well.

Fern Moss

Mosses are non vascular and reproduce by spores. You can read more about moss here.

Other Mosses

Lichens

Lichen on Wood

A woodpecker probably dislodged this little piece of wood with a lichen growing on it. I found it on the ground and added it to a bed of moss. The little shiny black bug near the top (I only noticed when processing the photo) may have been his target.

Lichen and Sedum

A lichen is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus for structure and algae for photosynthesis. More about lichens here.

Birds

It is quite common to see beautiful cardinals at the feeders but the mockingbird usually hangs out in the front where there is a utility pole, one of their favorite haunts. However, freezing temperatures and snow-covered conditions brings him to the feeders. Most all the birds love the sunflower hearts and pieces. I've added chopped dried cranberries to their diet as well.

Mockingbird

The red-bellied woodpecker does have a red belly though it cannot compare with his head. They are fond of the suet formulated for woodpeckers. All the birds love it.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

The feeders have been brought closer to the house for convenience but they will not remain. Too messy! I'm always amazed how the birds endure the harsh winter.

Front View

Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing but to turn it into glory. William Barclay

Christmastime is Here

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:53:00 +0000

Christmas Cat

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:15:00 +0000

2009

Who knows why I stopped by Pet Smart last Christmas Eve, noticed an openly loving, white cat with big blue eyes, and adopted him. I immediately, named him Christmas; since, Eve would not have been gender appropriate. Soon, he began to work his holiday magic and transform non-cat persons into cat lovers.

Although Christmas is a mouser, he is very social and gentle with people. He made friends with the children next door and their Jack Russell terrier. They all play chase; and, Christmas has a turn as IT, chasing after the kids and the dog. He made friends with the military retiree to the east of us. He goes in and watches TV with him and usually has a snack.

After a number of ear infections, Christmas had surgery to clear the problem. It took about three months for his hair to grow back.

2010

All in all, Christmas has been good for us; and, I think we have been good for him, as well.

Jingle bell, jingle bells, jingle all the way.
2010

Merry Christmas

Wildlife Fare

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:44:00 +0000

Everything is attracted to the screech owl box but the screech owl. The bluebirds are always checking it out, but the squirrels usually win the right to spend the night in it.

Mr. Squirrel is having supper. No need to sully the sleeping quarters. He lets the shells drop on the ground.

I was noticing all the food for wildlife while out taking a walk. As well as the squirrels, deer come and eat the acorns.

Beautyberries are still available, and the birds will eat them when other things are depleted.

There are plenty of goldenrod seeds. Goldfinches eat those.

Nandina berries remain for a long time and provide, if not food, a feast for the eyes Nature provides bountifully and beautifully.

Is There Not Glory

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 19:09:00 +0000

Noah

Is there not glory enough in living the days given to us? You should know there is adventure in simply being among those we love and the things we love, and beauty, too. ~ Lloyd Alexander

Strawberry Bush/Euonymus americana

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:09:00 +0000

Growing in the fence row out back is another native, Euonymus americana/strawberry bush, with striking seed capsules. It is a sparse bush with green stems which spreads by stolons as well as seed. Check out the USDA distribution map to see if it is native to your area.

Crane Fly Orchid

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:28:00 +0000

If you go out in the woods today, you may find a native, terrestrial crane fly orchid/Tipularia discolor. In autumn, the crane fly orchid corm sends up one leaf, a dark green, almost black leaf, puckered lengthwise, with a hint of purple midrib.

If you check, the backside of the leaf is purple also. It is amazing how such a small thing stands out on the forest floor. They persist throughout winter taking advantage of the missing leaf canopy. Usually by late spring or early summer the leaves die back and in late summer a leafless, bottlebrush-like stalk of tiny flowers appears. Snuggled against the moss covered root of a tree, the ones in my garden survive no matter how much mowing or leaf removal or lack thereof. I love finding natives in my garden. Have fun. Explore.

It's a Beautiful Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:50:00 +0000

Each morning gets more color as the sun lights the leaves. I can't really capture it, but it's really beautiful. We are having a delightful fall with many pleasant days. I cleaned my front door today and dressed it with a basket of flowers (silk).

It is amazing how pink fits in with the scheme of things.

When the season changes there are special things to eat. Acorn squash with butter and maple syrup is a favorite.

Eeek! A mouse, if only a catnip mouse, in a cage to temp our feline this Halloween.

The Raven

Halloween Ghost

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:58:00 +0000

Here is our big, bad Halloween ghost cat. You better watch out! He will rub all around your legs purring loudly.

Cool weather makes us want to cook. Today we are making beef stew and French bread. I'm hungry already just thinking about it. There is nothing better than being greeted with the aroma of bread baking in the oven unless it is a big smile and hug.

While Rachel was having her car serviced yesterday, we took off for the park with Noah. He loved the slide.

Noah has discovered he can entertain by making faces. He is delighted if you will join him.

On the way home, we stopped and picked up some pumpkins.

I added white and soft buckskin colored pumpkins to our surroundings for a touch of Halloween.

It was a great, cool, sunny, October day. Even the big kids had fun.

Wonderful Wildflowers of Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 09:48:00 +0000

Goldenrod

Ironweed

Magnificent colonies of beautiful goldenrod and sprinklings of purple ironweed are blooming all along America's highways and byways at this time of year. I was delighted when ironweed/Veronia gigantea volunteered in the garden in contrast to the goldenrod. Thank you birdies, my most probable benefactors.

Swamp Sunflower

You may also notice stands of Helianthus augustifolius, yellow daisy-like flowers, commonly called swamp sunflowers.

Wild Ageratum/Floss Flower
Floss flower is now in its prime also.

There is some in my garden around the pool.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Although it is not a wildflower but just as carefree, Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is making a show.

Hibiscus

I moved the tender hibiscus and lantana to the sunniest, warmest location to encourage continued bloom.

Lantana

Cypress Vine/Ipomea quamoclit

Hummingbirds passing through can continue to feed on the abundant cypress vine, a wild morning glory.

Turtlehead

Perched on the pink turtlehead/Chelone lyonii is a praying mantis ready to snap up a meal.

We seldom see or hear the barred owl, but about 4:30 this morning I heard him just outside my bedroom window in the dogwood tree. Once you watch the video and hear his call, he is easily recognized by call alone. I'm glad to know he is still out there somewhere.

May all your weeds be wildflowers.

Tersa Sphinx Moth Caterpillar

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:57:00 +0000

Marked with false eyes to emulate predator instead of prey, the Tersa sphinx moth caterpillar is well protected. His color blends with his surroundings making him almost invisible. Trying my best to remove them, I missed one and he kept munching away on the pentas and at this stage has turned gray. Retracting his head and mouth parts when disturbed, makes its false eyes appear even larger.

Without spinning a cocoon, it buries just beneath the loose soil and leaf litter to pupate. These moths are unusual in that they are day feeders of honeysuckle and four o'clocks for example.

Hummingbird Moth

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:32:00 +0000

Do you shop for your hummers? I do. At this time of year I'm looking for something to fill out the season. I think they apprecaite something different just as we do.

I am always adding tubular flowers

to the garden to entice them.

Along with the hummers came the hummingbird moth.

They favor the Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender' with its dark stems, lavender flowers, and deep green leaves with maroon undersides.

They and the bees like Torenia/Wishbone Flower as well.

Special Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mother Nature) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:39:00 +0000