The Bunnies' Buffet

Structure in a Midwest Winter Garden...

2012-01-16T21:43:00.001-06:00

Once again, I've slid off the grid. Holidays & such. One thing I did do that was 'garden-y', was to look out the windows at my dormant landscape - a lot. Sometimes it made me wistful, other times it made me peaceful. During our first "real" measurable snow fall recently (in January, which is unprecedented in the Midwest) , I also noticed the stark 'structure' within the gardens.

Pink Guara (dormant - January 2012)

With garden edges obscured and stone walkways covered, dormant plant structure became the visual interest. Organic sculptures - only not in a museum. I would have never before imagined it, but the views just struck me. Maybe because there is more 'vacant' space in the gardens since they are relatively new - but I wished for more to look at. (Note to self: need more plants - Spring 2012)

'Wine and Roses' Weigela - in the Winter Sunset 2012

Though there wasn't the vibrancy of the 'growing' months, this Winter 'garden' had quiet poise. There was a 'Zen' ambiance I could have looked at all afternoon. Believe me, it's a short trip around these gardens - plunked in the middle of suburbia. But I have seen amazing landscaping in small places, and that gives me motivation!

Sunset on the 'Shade Garden' - the rustle of the winter grass is riveting

So, while it was refreshing to reconnect with the 'winter shade' of gardening - I'm "ok" to have a few more fallow months before I get back into "garden mojo". (I am anxious to see last year's new perennials come up in 2012. Now I just have to add more - 'sweeps' of Anemones and Candy Tuft, a new 'Natives' garden in front, visual 'green' screening...) Until Spring 2012, I'm going to live vicariously through my garden blog friends. Slowly but surely, I am getting around for blog visits - and looking forward to see what you have been up to!

Namaste

Happy Holidays...

2011-12-31T16:21:00.000-06:00

Just a quick hop on the Blogosphere to wish all of you a peaceful & bountiful New Year!

All the best,
Shyrlene
©

Carpe Diem! ("Skip School" and enjoy...)

2011-11-05T19:20:00.000-05:00

Previously, before gardening (BG?), I never thought much about the Autumn season - other than the changing of the leaves. I certainly didn't get "up close and personal" or think of November as a month with a lot to look at. THAT is a lot of lifetime to be missing the views I captured yesterday, on a simply gorgeous Autumn day.

Sugar Maple in sunshine
- one of the last trees to shed leaves for the Winter

It actually started when I was out running errands, and stopped for a 'to go' coffee. As I pulled up to the store front, I immediately noticed the Autumn-themed landscaping in the sidewalk garden:

Note to self: add Dusty Miller (Centurea cineraria) to gardens next year

Even though the Garden Mums were starting to fade (it is November in the Midwest after all!), this garden looked so robust. As the bright colors of summer start to pale, the russet colors autumn are a warm & welcoming segue to the change of seasons. Once my errands were done, I took a 'San Antonio Stroll' around my gardens... it was an eye-opener.

November Images in the Garden at the Bunnies Buffet

Stole a quick photo of the neighbors' Burning Bush

The garden glider blanketed in late Autumn leaves...
(... and playing with the color saturation in Photo Studio)

Hollyhock - robust in November

The last of the Pink Guara

Sugar Maple with an Azure Sky backdrop

The last Double Pink Knockout Rose bloom...

The colors just blew me away. The fact that so many plants were still hanging in there was fantastic. And we will take all the sunny, 60-degree days we can get! There is still garden maintenance to be done, and yard art to be put away (while the ground isn't frozen) - so I am due for a 'power day' cleaning up. In the meantime, I will enjoy the last fading images of the 2011 garden season.

Sweet Potato Vine - paling in the sun

Weigela - with burnishing leaves in November

Sugar Maple in sunshine and shadows

I've missed being on the Blogosphere. Our 'shared' home PC has been dedicated to school use recently, but I'm getting a foothold back on the family 'schedule'. Looking forward to catching up on your blogs!! Happy gardening...

Passive / Aggressive Gardener?

2011-10-22T14:50:00.001-05:00

Weekends have become so precious. The Monday through Friday routine on Life's "Habitrail" feels faster and longer, but then that could just be me?

What a GREAT photo - on the technology "habitrail"
(from the creative minds at Microsoft clip art)

I look out the window today, on a cool crisp Autumn Saturday, and it makes me smile. The Arabian Nights Dahlia continues to bloom insanely, though the stems look more like abstract art? Winds and storms blow the plants to & fro, and then new growth points straight to the sun... (The stems are also very brittle, so 'note to self: plan a better support system next year'.)

That 'baby' Shepard's Hook doesn't stand a chance
(trying to hold the dahlia up)!

Now, my question is ... why is it one minute I want to conquer the world (in my gardens), then in the next minute I look disinterestedly out the window, denying the season clean-up work that needs to be done? Is that 'passive-aggressive'? Is that 'burnout' from work? ..or do I just need a few days off to recharge my batteries? (Never mind, I think I just answered my own question.)

In the meantime, I have been appreciating the Autumn foliage! My "$3" Garden Mums from Lowe's have come back for the 3rd season. Their snowy-white blooms look amazing with the Royal Purple Smoke Bush as a back drop. They also 'glow' in the night against the dark Autumn night.

Awesome contrast:
Royal Purple Smoke Bush back drop to the Snowy White Garden Mums

Up close and personal: talk about the best 'bang for your buck'

Other Autumn 'pleasers', included a recent trip to pumpkin farm, Sonny Acres. The entrance garden was fascinating:

Call me "Guppy" - I had to stop and check this out

Coolest plant in the garden!

And while the last of the season's blooms are out, some plants are throwing up a new growth, while others are done for the year - even without the 1st frost:

A snapshot in time ... 10/07/2011

As I toured around the gardens recently, I found a renegade Maple shoot changing colors (it was so cute I couldn't pull it). The Center Glow Ninebark is fully recovered from last year's powdery mildew, and 'dressing' colors for Autumn. The Cottage Garden is strategically placed near a Sunburst Locus tree, that showered all it's yellow leaves last weekend - they should mulch in the yard nicely. The early Spring riser, Crimson Pixie Asiatic Lily went dormant early. The new stone path in the Cottage Garden looks charming bathed in leaves, while the Dark Red Hollyhock/Malva continues to push a few new shoots. And finally, the last dinner-plate Rose Mallow bloom faced the setting sun, one last time...

I hope you aren't as conflicted as I have been about gardening. I look forward to visiting your gardens this weekend!

Peace in the Garden! ...

My Friends Continue to Inspire Me...

2011-09-28T00:37:00.001-05:00

Gardening is a facet of my life I never envisioned when I was younger; it was in my DNA but I was in D-nial! Now I'm up to my elbows in compost and mulch, and what is even more fun than being in the garden - is taking a stroll in a friend's garden. Today I would like to feature the treasures in my friend Lydia's gardens.

A little Autumn dressing

From the curb to the back corner garden, you are welcomed, both inside and out. This post will end up mostly being a photo montage, because sometimes "a picture really is worth a million words". Enjoy the virtual tour...

There are always seasonal updates...

I didn't fully appreciate the detail in Lydia's gardens until I bribed her into letting me take my camera on a 'walk-about' this Fall. Nothing says 'up close and personal' like a wide-angle zoom lens. I won't deny I am envious of her yard art collection, and if any of it 'happens' to disappear - I will flatly deny I was ever there.

Is this not a treasure trove ?? (That Sunflower has my name on it!)

Here are a few strategic views, before I get into the down-n-dirty detail. You have to see the "Big Picture" to appreciate the visual invitation to stay for a visit.

Autumn Color

Close up - on a Wistful Dreamer

A Little Corner of the World...

Serenity in a Crazy World

And unlike me, Lydia has a guard over her plants - with a sharp eye and a keen sense of smell. This big boy is always on the look out for the bunny brigade. There is always the 'ying and yang' of who has the upper edge - but I've heard his bark. It'll get your attention!

He looks like royalty assessing the kingdom

Continuing the tour... I may have to steal some of her Grasses too.

The Garden Angel that keeps peace n harmony in the backyard.

Now, the 'money shots'! I'm not really happy until I can get a macro shot of a bloom or two...

'Someone' (who will remain nameless) challenged me to get right up on this shot...
(double-click to zoom in to see why)

Check out this "Pollen-ator"

Note to self: put on 'Wishlist 2012'

Sweet Autumn Clematis

There was so much blooming and so many beautiful flowers around the yard. I took advantage of Picasa to make a collage of some of the tender views I was privy to. The nuances can be missed if you don't walk right up for a closer look (even - in my case - that you have to contort your body to get there).

Bold or subtle - they are not to be missed

And if there weren't enough blooms outside, why not make a statement inside as well! The photo below was the center piece on her dining room table. (She would have noticed if they 'disappeared'...) Lydia was more than generous to let me invade her home, gardens and play with the 'garden sentry'. I figure if I play it right, I might invite myself back in the Spring / Early Summer - when a whole different set of plants are in bloom!

"BAM!"

So, where have your toured lately? As the chill of Autumn is in the air - it might be time for a trip to the Arboretum... Hum!

I'm in Trouble! (Rhododendron trouble...)

2011-09-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

If there is sage advice I could give to new gardeners, never get too cocky about your garden skills! Just when I thought I had quite the 'garden mojo' going, my PJM Rhododendron has given me a reality check. Here is a shot I took yesterday, before my always-generous husband offered to water my gardens:

Quick snap shot - 09/17/11
(PJM Rhododendron)

Now first of all, for those of you not familiar with this cultivar of Rhododendron, this is an 'evergreen' of sorts. It never sheds its leaves. They turn a gorgeous shade of dark bronze during the winter months. I may be panicking for nothing -- but these yellowing leaves have me clutching my heart! As you can tell by the curled green leaves, it IS in need of water (they filled out happily after getting a thorough soaking later).

Can anyone with Azalea/'Rhodie' experience and expertise tell me if I've screwed up - with woeful neglect, unknowingly? As a quick synopsis of historical care so far: I purchased it April of last year - deliriously happy when bloomed riotously this Spring, it is planted in a protected (from North & West winter winds) corner by my 3-season room, I mulched it with a 2-3" layer of pine mulch (as is suggested), and watered it faithfully when there were dry spells.

My dear Rhodie - in happier days

You may think I am making a mountain out of a mole hill, but you see, there is unhappy history here. Illinois is probably not the most hospitable area for Azaleas & Rhododendrons (I envy NJ - where they grow like weeds), but 3 times I have tried to find/create a little corner of the world for this 'favorite'. I was hoping "3rd time was a charm".

Another place - another Azalea: that eventually met an untimely 'end'
(It was planted in that garden - not left in a pot)

I did a little research, and have learned that Azaleas/Rhododendrons have shallow roots - and often new plants with tight root balls require slow soaking to get established. If there are any other suggestions or recommendations you have - I would greatly appreciate your wisdom!

Big thanks Garden Blog experts! ...

Turn the Page ...

2011-09-06T20:27:00.002-05:00

The sun is setting notably earlier these days. I'm enraptured by the way blooms look in the early evening.

I have a better appreciation for Rudibeckia this year
(They have fleshed out in sweeps of late-season color)

I don't remember Labor Day weekend feeling so much like 'the pivot point for a seasonal change', but for some reason this year, it did. It could have to do with the fact that it was 96 degrees and humid Friday (09/02/11) and 67 degrees and breezy on Monday (09/05/11)??! I'm in a quarterback 'fall back' position on gardening right now. Taking a step back, walking around - looking at what has done well, what is getting established and what is struggling. And, timing is everything...

Camping out in my 3-Season room Labor Day weekend 2011

After 7 years of 'garden' journal-ling, my "Quad-rule Mead Composition Book" is full --- to the brim, if you look at it on the left. It's jammed with notes, sketches, plant tags, post-its - you name it (there were 'lean' years where not much was written). This weekend, I had to break down an buy a new one. I splurged! Instead of spending $0.99 on the traditional black variety, I bought a glossy-finished, cosmic-colored composition book for $2.00, though I did have to sacrifice the "quad-rule" for 'wide-rule'.

A peek at the "Sun Garden" through the window
(Pink Guara is bursting everywhere - LOVE this for a cottage-style garden)

So I've 'turned the page' - quite a few actually - in my new 'Garden Journal II'. I'm making notes for "Wishlist 2012". On the top of this list - more 'orange' perennials, to mix in with purple and pink - big, random splashes of color. Just because. More gardens in 'full sun'. Exploit the west side of the house - where there is +5 hours of sun. 'Blow out' the Cottage Garden to include larger patches of 'sunny' space. (Jim, at Jim & Pat's Gardening Adventure, suggested making the garden bigger from the start.)

"Sweet Autumn Clematis" in bloom recently

It's time to get 'the nerve' (like Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz), and cut in more garden in the front yard - where it's sunny most of the day. I was thinking of making an island of just Illinois natives? Just a thought...

It's not the most crisp photo I've taken,
but I just love the slender grace of the Pink Guara bloom

In the new journal, I made a list of the plants I added to the gardens this year in 2011. It didn't seem like a bunch, until I looked back in review. I checked off a bunch of 'wishlist' plants: perennial Hollyhock (Alcea Mars Magic), Bluestar (Amsonia Hubruchtii), 'Morning Light' Maiden Grass, variegated Jacob's Ladder, Bugbane (Actaea ramosa "Brunette"), "Petite Snow" Butterfly Bush, Asiatic Lily (Lillium "New Wave"), Candytuft ('Snowflake') and Japanese Anemone (Anemone sylvestris). Spring / Summer 2012 will be an interesting 'growth' season - I'm anxious already!

Bounty from a farmers' market at a recent event
(My friend's keen sense of style & me with a camera...)

Next season, I have to make a note to appreciate local gardeners more. A friend of mine explores local farmers' markets frequently. Nothing says beauty like fresh cut flowers, but my gardens are small and I'm a bit selfish - wanting to see perennial blooms in the garden as long as possible. Farmers market, ho!

So now - it's on to Garden Mums, ~~Petunias~~ Pansies (Thanks for the correction, Lizz: Garden Mensa) and cleaning up the gardens for next Spring.

Mums & Petunias
(Orange & purple - bold n daring from one of my garden mensas!)

Hope your gardens are all the delight you imagine.. and more, as we turn the page to a new season.

Light 'Play' and Gentle Breezes

2011-08-14T11:42:00.001-05:00

I'm feeling 'garden-y' ((?) probably couldn't find that in Wikipedia) and Zen this morning. The heat & humidity broke today, so all the windows are open and there is an amazing breeze blowing through the house. Paging through a new issue of Garden Gate, as I sat in my 3-Season room I noticed the 'light play' on the plants in the "Shade Garden" from the morning sun.

Garden Blogger, Cat - The Whimsical Gardener has a keen eye for the art of the garden, through her photography. I look at my garden in a whole different way now - as a photo op and perhaps some personal artwork in my home. My favorite plant progress shots are taken at sunset (as a self-described NON-morning person, 'sunrise' shots will be few and far between). The other evening the Cottage Garden was bathed in sunset. Here are a few shots I was able to capture:

Sunset on the Sweet Autumn Clematis
(by my 'Budding Photographer)

'Morning Light' Maiden Grass and Perennial Hollyhock
(at Sunset)

Yellow Daylily Bloom in Sunset shadows

Arabian Nights Dahlia bloom
(Must plant more Dahlias next year!)

I'm entranced by the beauty of this garden in sunset!

So now that my 'anchor' gardens are in place and I have a sense of closure on what's done so far - I'm back in the garden plant books and pouring through garden magazines for the next phase of planning and planting. Many of you provided a great recommendations for my 'wishlist' in 2012 and there are a few plants I fell in love with (like Lavender) as I perused my favorite garden 'haunts'.

Borrowed from the creative talent at Microsoft Clipart

I have also had a chance to surf the Blogosphere a bit and catch up with many of your blogs. Summer has been 'spotty' for getting online, so I am incredibly behind. In my 'virtual' travels, I try to leave you a comment - so you know I've been by. It still blows me away how much talent is shared in this format. Recently Tufa Girl and Toni -Signature Gardens were doing separate whorl-wind driving tours (the real kind) and introduced me (and their readers) to Karen at Quarry Garden Stained Glass. Many of you may already know about this talent, but if you are new to the blog as I was - stop by! "Wow" doesn't even cover it.

Time to wrap up. It's a busy day in our house-hold as we pack up one of the "chitlins" (my kids) for another year at college. (Geez, I must have fallen into that 'space-time contium' again? Somehow school is starting up, which means Summer as quickly coming to an end...)

Since my post was all about gentle breezes and "light play", here is a little 'non-garden' shot to finish out this post:

Sunset at the Pier - Gulf Shores, FL

Sunshine wishes...

Thieves, Summer Storms and Sunshine

2011-08-07T21:28:00.000-05:00

Garden design at the 'Bunnies Buffet' has always included the thought process, "what does the garden look like from inside the house?" I like to think of the landscaping as a 'canvas' through the windows. Seasonal weather often keeps us inside - so the view looking out should make me smile?

Garden views from the window...

A few weeks ago I was looking out from the family room and notice a big 'gap' in the Cottage garden where there should be none. About a month ago I planted a full seed package of russet colored Sunflowers all along the back of the garden. My hopes were a "wall of Sunflowers" as a back drop! They had been flourishing - growing like crazy!! The last time I really saw them, they were at least 15 inches tall. Now - GONE. No crumbs, no footprints, no nothing - like they were never even planted?!! (I have my suspicions; there are some very satisfied looking bunnies cruising around the backyard - but they aren't talking.)

Crime scene: no plants, no remants, no incriminating foot prints ...
only the yard art that indicated the plant site

While the 'disappearing' sunflowers was a mystery, the leaning Arabian Nights Dahlias were not.

Leaning Dahlias ... from a wild thunderstorm

In spite of 'plant thieves' and storms, there has been major progress in the Cottage garden removing weeds and adding stepping stones. Here are a few shots of what's going on...

The "Bones" of the Cottage Garden

New this year:
Monarda ("Marshall's Delight"), Hollyhock and Maiden Grass

Arabian Nights Dahlia - raindrops in sunshine...

Hibiscus ("Fireball")

Hosta Fortunei

Hibiscus "Fireball" in bloom

Rudibeckia

Time to start investigating other late Summer bloomers. There seems to be a prevailing "red" & "yellow" trend at the Bunnies Buffet right now. Maybe "Sunset" Echinacea next year, for variety? Any thoughts or recommendations for Zone 5?

I wish you a break in the heat and a gentle summer rain for those that have suffered through the +30-day "Heat Domes" (who had even heard of such a thing before this year?)!

Weeds and All...

2011-07-21T22:55:00.000-05:00

Once again I've stepped out of the 2011 'Space - Time Continuum' - low & behold, it's July 21st. Like many areas of the US, it is hot (really, really hot) and dry outside, and I find it so interesting to see what is growing in this oppressive weather. I took another 'Tour De France" around the backyard to see what's going on...

"Arabian Nights" Dahlia - with a "Lemon Yellow" Daylily back drop...

Back in the 'Cottage Garden' there is actually some blooming going on! A new annual (started from seed I might add...) - "Arabian Nights" Dahlias are large and in charge. The (3) plants are about 3 feet tall and very sturdy, while the blooms are a bit diminutive & would fit in the palm of your hand. The perennial Lemon Yellow Daylily is hardy and looks amazing next to that dark scarlet red - a happy location accident.

"Sun Garden" in Sunset
(Pink Guara, "Wine & Roses" Weigela, Sedum, Moonbeam Coreopsis and Paprika Yarrow)

I am willing to show the 'not so pretty' side of gardening, as I let weeds remain co-located with my perennials. It is just too incredibly hot to pull weeds - and what the heck, they stay dark green in 'sauna hot' temps. So if you look close (or double-click on the picture above), you'll see 'weeds among us' in the gardens - but I'm just not going to get OCD about it. It's just ... too... hot!

Sedum Angelina, Pink Double-Knockout Rose, Sweet Autumn Clematis
Moonbeam Coreopsis, Fireball Hibiscus, Pink Guara and Rudibeckia

Many of the plants are putting on a 'pretty face' right now. One of my garden buddies 'gifted' me the Sedum Angelina last year. I put it in a terracotta pot this season - placed on a stand (aka upside down cube-shaped pot) for height and visual interest. Apparently it's quite happy, as it resembles a 'Chia Pet' now?! The Pink Knockout Rose is still recovering from 'bunny decimation' - and is happily blooming.

The Sweet Autumn Clematis continues its climb up the trellis - about 3 & 1/2 feet up. The Hibiscus is a riot of blooms. Those dinner plate-sized flowers are going to explode - like the plant itself, that has quadrupled in size this year (growing from a 1 stemmed plant to 4). I am going to have to add Pink Guara down in my 'Cottage Garden'. It has such awesome movement to it in the breeze - it just says 'cottage'. It is so much more hardy then the "Sweet Dreams" Coreopsis rosea - which currently looks so anemic I feel bad for it.

Variegated Ribbon Grass

As Greggo so aptly noted on a past post - I really like my "halo fade" effect for photos. In this case, it blurs the dandelions, so you can appreciate the Variegated Ribbon Grass and my little Sun chime. I really like this garden vignette - and the stepping stones and fence keep the Ribbon Grass corralled in a small area.

Stay cool! (I'll never complain about my shade trees ever again.)

I Slid Off the "Grid"...

2011-07-02T15:34:00.032-05:00

I'm quite sure I stepped into the 'Twilight Zone" or a "Space-Time Continuum"? How it got from June 11th to July 2nd in the blink of an eye is beyond me - but the fact remains, it is officially July.

The rain has backed off a bit, but the weeds continue to thrive. (Is there any climate they don't thrive??) I haven't taken 'full garden' pictures - because there hasn't been a time where there aren't weeds in one corner or another! (It's embarrassing to claim to be a 'gardener', while a big chunk of the landscape is riddled with the 'weed de jour'.) I was even temporarily disheartened by all the weeding I've been doing - only to look out the next week to ... more weeds. Then I found out you can burn 350 extra calories and hour - just weeding - and I was cool with the workout.

...In Training... for "Weed Slaying"!...
(Thanks to the imagery of Microsoft ClipArt)

In spite of it all, I do have some wonderful rewards - both blooms and more planted perennials:

Monarda didyma "Marshall's Delight" (Bee Balm)
3 perennial plants introduced to the 'Cottage Garden' this year

Hosta Fortunei flower bloom - either Albomarginata or Francee?

The Sunny Faces of Moonbeam Coreopsis
(there is no such thing as too many)

I love my 'Crimson Pixie' Asiatic Lily so much, when I found
this "New Wave" Asiatic Lily yesterday - it was a 'must have'.

Here's a quick "Nickel Tour" around the garden - via the latest photo collage:

Believe it or not - the Monarda didyma was taken in natural sunlight...

Perennials - established or new - are coming along well. It's interesting to see how 'leggy' new perennials are in their 1st year of growth in the garden - tall and lanky. I've been ghosting around a few of my favorite nurseries lately - both Platt Hill Nursery and The Growing Place - judiciously selecting 'wishlist' plants. I found the Amsonia (Blue Star) at Platt Hill - and was thrilled to see an established plant in their sample gardens. It's an amazing plant - highly recommended to anyone in it's favorite 'grow' zones. I treated myself to a Butterfly Bush too...

Blooming underway on the new Butterfly Bush

The "Morning Light" Maiden Grass is starting to stretch for the sun. I can't wait to see it at full height, especially knowing it's an Illinois native plant (now showcased in many nurseries). Platt Hill also treated me to the variegated Jacob's Ladder I've been looking for. Just yesterday I took a spontaneous run to The Growing Place (a 'must visit' nursery in north-eastern IL). I was delighted to find a true perennial Hollyhock - Alcea Mars ("Magic") Red for the 'Cottage Garden'. It is said to grow up to 6' tall - on sturdy stalks with silky dark red flowers mid-Summer. I love the leaf structure alone - much less the flowers to come.

Alcea Mars ("Magic") Red Hollyhock

Even the "Fireball" Hibiscus (Rose Mallow) is robust. The leaf structure on this one is so cool (I'm such a geek).

Rose Mallow ("Fireball" Hibiscus)

Sweet Autumn Clematis
(After weeks of rain ...finally planted and happily growing up a new trellis)

So, I'm back 'on the grid' again and looking forward to catching up on the Blogosphere. Happy Blooming...

Is it the "Buffet" or "Bed & Breakfast"?

2011-06-11T15:07:00.002-05:00

Gardening this year as certainly been 'interesting' in the Midwest. It's been unseasonal - continuing to be cool, cloudy and rainy (with intermittent hot & humid days interspersed). As a matter of fact, I am starting to feel like not only do I provide a "buffet" for the local bunny population - but also 'refuge'. Case in point:

Bunny 'Foo'
Seeking refuge under the tumble composter during a downpour.

There has been area flooding, but certainly nothing like Tennessee and Louisiana. Standing water like this typically happens in March & maybe April - not June:

Even the neighbors with dogs try to protect their lawns with orange snow fence.

In spite of it all, my gardens continue to do well. Here is what is in bloom:

The Pink Double Knockout Rose is in bloom -
protected by bird netting & "budding" Red Twig Dogwood branches

My classic: Stella D Oro Daylily bloom
(they've been with me since the beginning - the first time!)

Royal Purple Smoke Bush - reaching for the sky

'Crimson Pixie' Asiatic Lily

New garden addition: Sweet Autumn Clematis - a gift from friend Lydia's garden
(If it ever stops raining, I'll get the trellis in the ground and get this growing wild!)

Rounding out a garden 'walk about':

From top left: "Wine & Roses" Weigela, variegated Jacob's Ladder,
Actaea Ramosa "Brunette" Bugbane, Royal Purple Smoke bush, Moonbeam Coreopsis,
Double Knockout Rose, variegated Ribbon Grass, Asiatic Lily bud

It's another cool, rainy Saturday - but there is great hope for tomorrow, sunny and 70. Time to plant the Bugbane, Jacob's ladder and a couple of new Anemones, to be clustered with the first one. With all the rain, it does continue to look "lush", like Spring. Now that I've finished my post, it's time to start surfing my favorite garden blogs.... batten down the hatches my garden buddies! Can't wait to see what you are up to!

The Ugly Side of Gardening...

2011-05-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

Planting two boxes worth of perennials kept me focused on the basics last weekend. In the meantime, with rainfall every other day, the weeds have been flourishing. My 'Cottage Garden' almost lost it's definition - as the green from the weeds blended in with the green of the grass. It's been killing me to look at it! So I 'skipped school' Friday -- and weeded the garden. It's not glamorous - but it is rewarding:

This is the "ugly" side of gardening - the "untold truth": Weeds! Uck!!
(That little 'gem' to the bottom right: "Arabian Night" Dahlia)

What you can't quite discern among the weeds in the photos are new Bee Balm (Monarda didyma - "Marshall's Delight"), Blue Star (Amsonia Hubrichtii) and Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis "Morning Light"). I've also transplanted 3 Yellow Day Lilies and a couple of struggling Moonbeam Coreopsis. Once the rain stops tomorrow - I'll be able to finish the job. But in the meantime, here are a few shots of what's coming up in the garden...

Yellow Day Lily - Flower bud

Cheddar Pink blooms

Asiatic Lily - Flower buds in the sunshine

Center Glow Ninebark - incredible color

"Recovering" Hosta

Amsonia (Blue Star) in bloom
(I love this new addition to the garden - Thanks, Jean!)

And rounding out the tour...

Golden Privit, Dappled Willow, Flowering Ajuga,
May Breeze Phlox, Asiatic Lily, Hosta, and Anemone blooms

The (plant) Will to Survive...

2011-05-15T15:53:00.001-05:00

Now that the existing plants in the gardens have been strategically be rearranged, I've been on a mission to start picking off/purchasing the plants on my "2011 Wishlist". As I've been rooting through my garden tools, my husband started straightening the garage. Low and behold he uncovered this......

This poor thing had been buried under a stack of 'stuff' by the lawnmower. It's been buried - alive, smashed with something on top of it, covered in darkness for at least 6 months (...just a guess??...) with no water! I feel terrible!! How could this have happened?!? It's lack of photosynthesis makes it tricky to identify. There are very few 'key indicators' of what it might be - other than it's leaf structure. It didn't have a plant tag and looks more like a 'friend gift' than a purchase (which makes me feel even more neglectful). So, I immediately brought it outside in the light and gave it water. It resembled a Hosta, so it's sitting over in part shade - just in case. I'll post updates on it's recovery (wouldn't the joke be on me if it ended up being a weed?).

"Wine and Roses" Weigela

Obsessing over the extended forecast for the last couple of weeks, waiting for a decent weekend - I decided to seize the moment and took last Tuesday afternoon off. First stop - the garden center at Lowes to see what was what. There was a gift card burning a hole in my wallet. I found a couple of Weigela - to set as book-end anchors in my "Sun Garden". There was a Patriot Hosta with my name on it, for the new garden under the front bay window. It will take your eye from the West to the East in the front yard. Then there were (3) little lime Sweet Potato Vines that said "buy me" - so I did. Who can refuse a $3 plant?! After the heat of an unseasonably warm (92 degree) day, I spent the late afternoon planting.

'Morning Light' Maiden Grass, Candy Tuft and Bee Balm

The weather crashed and burned this weekend, but that did not dissuade me from hitting one of my favorite nurseries yesterday. In the cool 55 degree wind and drizzle, I wandered around Platt Hill Nursery with a cart. It is highly recommended to come prepared with a list of plants that you want to buy - for two reasons: (1) you never remember what you need without it, and (2) it slows temptation to buy everything you see! My eyes are always bigger than my budget - so I bring 'cash only', to slow the insanity.

Anemone, Butterfly Bush, Amsonia (Blue Star) and Phlox

By the way, after rubber-necking a fellow plant shopper's cart, THIS was an impulse buy.... (and I swear, I was not stalking her cart - pinky swear!)

"May Breeze" Phlox

I only made it partially way through the "sun plants" list (with the exception of the Anemone) before the cash/math said it was time to stop. Looking at those treasures - just waiting to be planted - gives me an adrenaline rush. Today will not be that day. It is currently 44 degrees, cloudy/rainy with 30-40 mile-an-hour winds. It's gloomy out, but there were still some photo ops in the garden....

A flowering Ajuga reptans - 'Black Scallop' Bugleweed

The Double-Pink Knockout Rose -
is recovering from bunny near-annihilation, thanks to bird netting

A little creative planting - with Variegated Ribbon Grass in the Shade Garden
(growing it in shady conditions keeps it in check, it's aggressive in sunny ares)

The "Berri-Magic" Holly is flowering
(there still has been some winter damage, so next cold season - it gets covered up)

In quick summary, here are a few other plants 'in progress' on a cold, windy day....

From top left.... Royal Purple Smoke Bush (finally budding), new Patriot Hosta, Center Glow Ninebark, Dappled Willow (recovered from last year's slugs and bunny snacking), Asiatic Lilies/ Rudibeckia/Yellow Day Lily, Hosta ('Gold Standard' ? or 'June Plantain Lily'), 'Fire & Ice' Hosta, Pink Guara, Japanese Painted Fern and Vicary Golden Privet in the center (also recovering from near-fatal bunny decimation)

Here's to garden planting ... sooner than later would be nice!

Well, Hello There Gorgeous!

2011-05-09T23:47:00.001-05:00

Gardening is about learning and victories - large and small. I am here to tell you, this is a large victory...

Ain't she a 'peach'?!!
(Sense a purple theme in the area - aka Gazing Ball?
Ajuga skirts the stepping stones too, just out of sight.)

Growing this PJM Rhododendron has been a total labor of love - and - "3rd time IS a charm". I am completely enamored with Azaleas and Rhododendrons, ever since I first saw them on the east coast in New Jersey. They are very happy on the east coast, like Hibiscus in Florida, the soil must be just right - they grow as big as a house. Here in the Midwest they are much more fragile - though many landscapes in the area attempt to grow them (note to self: all "Zone 5's" are not alike).

"Rhodie" invited a friend over to hang out.
(those flower petals were still unfolding - fresh out of their little 'nest')

This is my third attempt to grow this tender plant. Not paying attention to the "tip" on the plant tag the first two times -- I did not plant this treasure's predecessors in a protected area of the garden. Cold NW winter winds left nothing but brittle twigs, with no hope of any recovery in the Spring. I was devastated, but hard-headed - not willing to say "Uncle". Low and behold, looks like I got this one right?! The bonus, this Rhododendron is an evergreen - so you have foliage to look at all four seasons.

"Mary, Mary, quite contrary. How does your garden grow?"

Like most of you, I've been up to my elbows in dirt these days. While the weather is not fast to cooperate, I am still out there - re-organizing my gardens in the back. Re-purposed Day Lilies from pre-construction were planted in a part-shade area of the "Shade Garden" last year. Slow to thrive and bloom - they now have been shuffled to my new "Cottage Garden" in a very sunny corner. I moved a lone Moonbeam Coreopsis to a grouping with it's family in the "Sun Garden". I put two more Moonbeams over in the Cottage Garden - they weren't coming back too strong this spring. With all the Sphagnum Moss and Mushroom Compost there is in the Cottage garden - they should be all jacked up by the time the weather gets nice?!

Thanks for the Feng Shui -
from the creative minds at Microsoft Clip Art

Now that I feel "Feng Shui'd" (and it feels so good!) -- time to go plant shopping!! It feels great to be back on the Blogosphere after a brief absence. I'm looking forward to catching up on what my garden blog buddies are up to! ...

Peace, in your garden!

Wordless Wednesday - 04/27/11 (field report)

2011-04-27T23:49:00.000-05:00

Earth Day ... Lots of Smart People Out There

2011-04-22T17:55:00.004-05:00

Earth Day image - courtesy of Microsoft Clip Art
(they just rock!)

If you get a bunch of gardeners and landscape designers in a single forum - and it happens to be "Earth Day", you are going to have a LOT of people weigh in on "do" and "don't" ideas. There might not be a more passionate group of folks. Not only do they believe in recycling, reducing landfills and not polluting - but they re-introduce "green plant matter" back into the environment. They reduce lawns - and plant bigger gardens. They restore natural habitat - like woodland areas, native prairies and plan xeriscapes.

IL Native Prairie - local Forest Preserve

I posted quite a diatribe in my last post, about "Sustainable Gardening", because the more I learn - the more important I feel it is. Two key elements for me, in my gardens - as I am re-establishing them in the last 3 years - are (1) planting more Illinois Native Plants, and (2) not planting 'invasive plants' for my Cold Zone. Just today I was reading an excellent post on the Gardens Eye View, "Innocent or Invader". The author is also participating in an "Earth Day blog project", hosted by Sage Butterfly: Earth Day Reading Project. Jean, at Jean's Garden participated in the project as well - one of my favorite resources included in her post was Local Harvest / Farmers Market. The website includes a map of the US - that lists all the local produce businesses in your area.

Thanks to Garden Walk Garden Talk, I found a new garden blog that really caught my eye. You may or may not be familiar with This Garden is Illegal, but I really appreciate the perspective of her Earth Day post. I also just read a post from Patio Patch - she had some profound thoughts and great resources on the subject. All these posts have many links to other garden bloggers and green initiatives. Check it out!

Often, we don't look into the every day areas around us - Garden Talk Garden Walk put this recent post up: Street Trees - How Sad. Dakota Garden planned to change as much of her yard to garden as possible - you can check out her progress from the humble beginnings: Making a Garden from a Yard. Deep Middle always has compelling information about eco-issues and sustainable gardening: Exhibit A-Z for Not Having a Lawn. Here are a few other links with garden bloggers with something on their minds: Fairegarden: Earth Day Rant, Wall Flower Studio Seeds: Happy Earth Day, Garden Daze: Earth Day Week - In Praise of Native Plants, and Mr. McGregor's Daughter: Save the Earth by Saving Open Space.

Garden Images at "The Bunnies Buffet" on a rainy "Earth Day 2011"

So on this rainy day in April - Earth Day 2011, Carpe diem. The animals in my yard certainly are - Robins, Cardinals, to name a few, are in wet weather Heaven - pulling 'Scooby snacks' from the dirt. One of the resident bunnies is hanging out under the bench - grooming itself as it begins to rain. So, for a little ray of sunshine - let me post a quick shot or two of a blooming Hibiscus, an indoor plant that I just adore.

Sustainable Gardening... Better Late than Never

2011-04-16T17:21:00.000-05:00

Jan, at Thanks for Today, recently sponsored her annual "Gardeners Sustainable Living Project" event (3/15/11 - 4/15/11).

Sixty four garden bloggers posted entries (links included on Jan's blog site) about their sustainable garden efforts, and at last count - 170 comments were posted as well. While I didn't post during the event 'dates' - I've thought a lot about "sustainability" and "reducing my carbon footprint".

(Thanks to the imagery of Microsoft Clip Art)

While the buzz words are new - the concept of treading softly is hardly cutting edge. Back in the 70's Greenpeace made a name for themselves - certainly more visible and radical than most. It certainly made 'saving the earth' headline news. Way before then - back in the 40's, there were Victory Gardens. Growing up, I have very fond memories of my grandparents gardens - 2nd generation Victory Gardens. My siblings and I spent many summer mornings picking Rhubarb from my grandmother's flower garden - for Strawberry Rhubarb pie that night, or green beans or corn from my grandfather's garden.

(Thanks to Microsoft Clip Art)

"Green Initiatives" have effected me both personally and professionally. At work I team with my organization to reduce utilities, recycle legacy electronics, re-purpose office furniture and recycle paper & plastic. Many years ago we teamed with a in-house grassroots environmental group (volunteer employees) to replace acres of grass with natural prairie (with IL natives). One of our other anchor facilities is currently installing a field of solar panels to augment power resources. While I'm sure most corporations have the same initiatives, it is rewarding to know the contributions we've made.

(Image by Microsoft)

Personally, the view of the my world has changed notably over the last 20 years. Our yard has gone from all grass (a mono-culture, susceptible to a host of problems), some standard foundation evergreens, a single Sugar Maple sapling in the back yard & the parkway tree (whatever it might be?) - to an ever evolving footprint of "more garden and less grass". I may have mentioned in an earlier post that a neighbor referred to my backyard as a 'field of dreams' last summer. It made me smile.

Gone are the days of the "green carpet" lawn and single sapling!

I've previously talked about re-purposing the busted up concrete from our renovation project, to be used as stepping stones in my Shade Garden. It's a path used every time we walk from the front to the back - and it too makes me smile. I'd like to add a small dry creek bed along side of it, to redirect rain water to the back gardens. I've been salvaging old stone mulch for reuse here - it might not be much, but at least it doesn't end up in a landfill.

This area has grown so much - - and no more annuals
(like the Wax Begonias in this photo), only Shade-happy perennials

I'm becoming bolder as a gardener and garden designer. Plants, like hair cuts (just roll with me on this), are forgiving --- if you cut too much, it grows back, and usually much healthier. My gardens are larger - I have greater aspirations for more plants. I'm deep in "natives" homework, and last year I splurged on a tumble composter (still figuring that out as I go).

No, I'm not composting in my family room
- just putting it together where I wouldn't lose the nuts & bolts

So as I look out on a 40 degree day, as the rain (and snow?!?) streaks down - I look out on my 'field of dreams' and I'm encouraged. My plans for 'bird & butterfly'-friendly plants excites me. We certainly know the bunnies are comfortable in my yard. Robins and rabbits call the Colorado Spruce 'home'. The 'Cottage Garden', thick with sphagnum moss and mushroom compost, is full of worms - so the birds are in heaven. I'm not at peace with the dandelions yet - I guess that will have to be a stretch goal. Currently we co-exist, or I periodically dig them up.

Growing in the gardens - on a rainy day (4/16/11)
(Yellow Day Lilies, Double Pink Knockout Rose [a recent bunny chew bone],
Paprika Yarrow, Pink Guara and PJM 'Rhodie' surrounding the Crab Apple)

So, if you haven't had a chance, check out Jan's project. Here are just a few quick links to some of the project's participants (both amateur and professional gardeners): Alan Becker-Garden Guru, Curbstone Valley Farm, Carolyn's Shade Gardens, Deb's Garden, Elephant's Eye, Jean's Garden, and Rosey at Dung Hoe, There are some tremendous initiatives (big and small) out there - not very far from where you live.

On the Road Again...

2011-04-01T13:49:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted some 'meaty' content (no offense vegan friends). March seemed like a dormant month -- here I was, all jacked up for the 2011 season, but the whole month was primarily grey & 35 degrees (Fahrenheit). Don't get me wrong, I love the sound of the Robins and Cardinals singing in the morning - they just have a better outlook than I have recently!

So it became evident it was time for a "Road Trip". My gal pals and I packed up and headed south to Kentucky again to visit my "Illinois Ex Pat" friend, with the promise of warm temps and sunny skies. We got there just in time for... grey skies and 39 degree temps - but there were adventures to be had, with flora and fauna to be enjoyed.

Besides being one of my inspirations in gardening, my friend is also a self-proclaimed "bird nerd". As you can see by the collage above - her backyard was a bird retreat for many. Even with the colder weather, her gardens were at least 2 weeks ahead of anything up here in IL. Her Hyacinth was blooming profusely and the Pasque Flower looked lovely. The most intriguing plant just starting to bud, was her Wisteria. To me, it unabashedly says "southern grace" and she has great aspirations for it's future growth - extending along the backyard.

The 1st annual for my friend - Million Bells, while
Pasque Flower, Wisteria, Hyacinth, Rhododendron and Clematis are up

Of course the day of our trip home, the skies were clear and it was already 52 degrees as we were leaving in the morning. What we couldn't have predicted was the eclectic find just down the highway.... Yard Art, as far as the eye could see! Now yard art is certainly a personal preference - from the quaint to the exotic, but it usually stimulates conversation.

(If you haven't had a chance to stop by Along Life's Highway, you are missing a genre of entertainment you didn't know you needed! The blog sponsors the 'Yard Art Game', where "field reporters" submit photos of yard art they come across. [A special thanks to Rosey at Dung Hoe - who originally introduced her blog readers to this treasure.])

White River Yard Art
(the link to their website: Yard Art)

We had to stop! (Ok, I did - and made my girlfriends join me.) I asked permission to take photos and post their contact information. You can choose the artwork either finished or unfinished. It's up to you and your creativity.

So, we had a blast and each walked away with a memento of the visit. I am boisterous and bawdy (at times), but when it comes to yard art, I'm a bit timid. This is my 1st piece of concrete yard art....

Sweet & innocent - just like me!

Next time, I think I'm going to be a bit more bold. I'm kinda diggin' the Easter Island Head totem! Wonder what the neighbors would say?!? It would be quite an unique statement in the middle of my Cottage garden - don't you think!

Happy April 1st! I won't say I'm going to miss March 2011 weather - but of course today is grey and 36 degrees, with rain. So that's a bit "different"! Happy Gardening...... (...come on sunshine!...)

Wordless Wednesday - 3/23/2011

2011-03-22T23:33:00.001-05:00

Am I - Really Ready??

2011-03-06T17:48:00.001-06:00

For the last two months I have been making everyone nuts with my 'Spring Fever'. I've looked out the windows longingly, every weekend, while I compose the post of the week. There have been mounds of snow, blizzards, freezing sunny days and icy rains - and yet nothing has dimmed my enthusiasm. The design planning, the wishlists, the researching - it's all gone really well. All those activities require mental exercise.... but not physical exertion. There in lies the problem.....

Let me sleep!!
(Clip Art from Microsoft)

Now I'm not saying that I need to train for a marathon - though some of our garden blog friends do. Yesterday I had a BIG reality check after some light furniture moving & home sprucing for a friend. I'm not as young or as strong as I used to be! Not an easy thing to admit!

Now don't expect me to do "power stairs"....

NO way ... that's not going to be me!
(Clip Art from Microsoft)

I do need to get into better shape if I have any chance of getting my 'action item list' complete this season! Aching backs and sore muscles are not going to cut it! In the meantime, I have enjoyed the new growth on our interior plants.

The Hibiscus, Meyer Lemon and Oxalis are sending up new growth

The Fuchsia opened a second bloom.
What a treat in early March!

Since I've had 'gardening on the brain' - I took a stroll through the yard today, to get an early glimpse of what might be coming up. The inclement weather took a break today, the snow flurries melted, the icy rain had dried up (mostly) and the sun was out.

Growing - 03/06/11

My biggest thrill was seeing the PJM Rhododendron - not only growing (a miracle for me - this is my 3rd try), but with flower buds evident! As you see, it takes center stage on my collage. I just can't wait for the iridescent purple flower clusters to bloom!

Also up and breaking through last season's leaves and debris - from top right clockwise: Common Orange Tiger Lilies, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hybrid - Pot of Gold), Sedum (album chloroticum 'Baby Tears), Asiatic Lily (Lilium Hybrid - 'Crimson Pixie'), Paprika Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium), and Bugleweed 'Black Scallop" (Ajuga reptans).

So I better get going - putting together my 30-day 'warm up for Spring' routine together. Otherwise I'll be crying the blues again, with some garden injury that could have been avoided (maybe)!?! In the meantime, back to the books!! (I re-discovered this great book in my garden library this weekend -- "Creating Beds and Borders" by fine Gardening.)

Happy Gardening (and garden planning) this week!!!

Wordless Wednesday - 03/02/11

2011-03-02T20:55:00.011-06:00

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-02-27T22:56:00.004-06:00

This month I was doubly fortunate, when "Orchid de Dangau" and "Deb's Garden" generously awarded "The Bunnies Buffet" with a "Stylish Blogger Award".

Makarimi has an incredible gift for growing orchids, along with other wonderful exotic plants in Malaysia. It never ceases to amaze me when I connect with a fellow garden enthusiast half way across the world. Blotanical once again was the catalyst for networking garden bloggers.

Deb has an incredible landscape that she has transformed over time. She has woodland gardens I can only dream of. Deb's blog brings you along as seasons change and her garden's evolve. Her photo galleries are a treasure trove of information and beauty.

Along with the award, there are a few duties that come along with.....

1.) Recognition to those that gave me the award (so easy to do!)
2.) 7 Random things about me... (hum, I'll have to think about that)
3.) Award 15 fellow bloggers with the "Stylish Blogger Award"
4.) Drop the awarded nominees a note to let them know they were recognized

7 Random things about me:

"Stylish" even in my youth?!

1.) I've become OCD about garden planning in 2011 - sketching & reading like a maniac
2.) Corporate construction project management was my favorite job - ever
3.) I'm hoping to re-create a peaceful sanctuary in my backyard over the next few years - because nothing breathes life back into me faster than a few solitary moments enjoying a gentle breeze and beautiful landscape
4.) I gave up my motorcycle when I found out I was pregnant with my oldest - an easy sacrifice
5.) I'm a guppy for a fun software program, but will go into a coma if I have to read anything technical (like a tech.manual or a contract's terms & conditions)
6.) Macro-photos of plants stop me in my tracks; simply incredible
7.) Music - of all kinds - rocks my world & sooths the savage beast (when I get beastly!)

Now, other bloggers that you should check out as "Stylish Bloggers" (in random order):

Along Life's Highway

Tufa Girl

Plantaliscious

My Little Garden in Japan

Garden Walk Garden Talk

Ink and Penstemon

A Gardener In Progress

Dusty Bay

Faire Garden

Gardening While Intoxicated

Roses & Other Garden Joys

There is so much talent on the Blogosphere! Thanks for your inspiration, your creativity and your sense of humor. It's a really cool place to hang out!!

Peace out......

1 Year of Garden Blogging Bliss!!

2011-02-20T17:41:00.002-06:00

February 21st is my 1-Year Anniversary of garden blogging --- the proverbial "Blogoversary" ("Blogaversary"? [sp?])! I simply cannot believe it?! My family can't believe it's only been a year - but then they are my 'blog guinea pigs', so I test drive posts with them 1st.

Celebrate !!
(thanks to Microsoft clipart)

First, I'd like to send a shout out to Anita ("Holla"!). She is the person that introduced me to the idea of blogging. I'd also like to send a shout out to Lizz & Judy - who threw me into gardening years ago, by buying me my 1st plants whether I was ready for it or not.

Thirteen months ago I knew of blogging, but had no idea what world it would open up for me? A bit of Google research back then ("What is this 'blog technology' you speak of?"), and I jumped in - right in the middle of the pond! (I'm kind of like that with technology toys - leap first, ask questions later.)

Right in the Middle!

My very first (non-family/friend) visitor that left a comment was Jean, of Jean's Garden. If for some reason you have not had a chance to visit Jean, I highly recommend you do!! Jean is one of the most effective and influential Garden Blog resources I've come to know. She features a monthly post -- "Blog of the Month", which features 3 garden blogs that are new or under-appreciated in the Blogosphere. At the time, Jean also recommended I join "Blotanical" (garden blog directory & networking website). It is another networking resource that is great to connect into.

"Looking back"
(Microsoft clipart)

I looked back at my 'maiden' post. Wow, what a difference a year makes?! Twelve months later, this is what I know:

(01) There are incredibly talented gardeners & landscapers out across the globe
(02) Garden Bloggers are generous by nature
(03) Garden Bloggers are each unique & bring individual gifts to the Blogosphere
(04) Information and knowledge comes at the 'speed of light' online
   (only limited by the speed your internet provider brings to your home)
(05) An online garden journal is a powerful personal tool
   (if your memory is fuzzy, posts will remind you)
(06) A picture really is worth a million words
(07) Latin names for plants are still intimidating to me, but I am no longer afraid
   (practice, practice, practice)
(08) Sometimes it's best to step away from the PC
   (pull out the old garden planning 'tools' - like the graph paper & a pencil)
   (garden reference books are "golden" - there's always a new 'pearl' waiting for you)
(09) Garden blogging is an adrenaline rush
(10) There is still a LOT to learn

Oh, ya - lots to learn!
(Microsoft clipart)

Thank you for your inspiration, talent and sharing a corner of your garden world! I'm all jazzed up for garden season 2011 - probably more than ever. It's been a fantastic 'blog' year... on to the next!

Happy Garden Planning!

Amping up for 2011

2011-02-13T19:03:00.001-06:00

It was a 'garden planning day' today. I spent the day looking over garden photographs from 2010 and reading my garden journal. There were wishlists, sketches on tracing paper and paging through the "Perennials for Illinois" guide book - that is dog-eared and tabbed from front to back. As I've mentioned in the past, I am a visual person -- the sketches on tracing paper has become one of my most effective tools for garden planning.

Getting an idea of mature size & shape of existing bushes
In the 'South by Southwest Garden'

I fell in love with another new plant (at least new for me) - Mallow (Malva moschata & Malva alcea). My goal for the SSW garden is to have a 'cottage garden' feel to it. Have tall, field friendly flowers/plants that move with the wind, supported by a strong architectural backdrop from the dark emerald Arborvitae.

Mallow
(Labeled for reuse on Google)

Reviewing my garden photos from last year (and there were a boatload!) was a trip down memory lane:

A trip down memory lane
Gardening 2010 at the Bunnies Buffet

It was a good sense of accomplishment! Reviewing the perennials I would like to add to my gardens reinforced my resolve to back away from impulse buying when it comes to annuals. It also helped prioritize the plants to be bought, and which gardens are going to get which plants. It's all about the 'bang for the buck'!

My 2011 Wishlist
(using FreeFoto.com for images)

So as the temperatures in the Midwest start to edge up - forecasting 52 degrees (f) this coming Thursday, things are looking up! (I'm not naive to think temperatures will stay 'up'.) Planning helped take the edge off of my 'cabin fever'. Now it's Spring's turn to show up....

Happy Garden Planning!