tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819Tue, 13 Jan 2026 02:28:04 +0000A garden diary capturing the joys of gardening in coastal Virginia.http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Gene)Blogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-1969924506452295494Sat, 16 Sep 2017 02:03:00 +00002017-09-15T22:03:35.682-04:00 Fall is here. Cool evenings, mild day time temps and for me adequate rain.  Everything is looking lush. This first pic is my curb garden. I've tried a lot of combinations over the past 30 years. Some looked nice but required a lot of maintenance and others never lived up to expectations. But Melampodiumin self seeds, rarely needs water, stays neat, blooms for five months and is free.&http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2017/09/fall-2017.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-7411764404668249669Sat, 19 Aug 2017 03:32:00 +00002017-08-18T23:32:34.869-04:00 It was a bit dry in July but with a few nice showers everything looks better. The last few days have been stifling hot and humid. Only a week or two and the weather will break...I hope. The Angel Trumpet is always a show stopper. Heavy blooms now. The tuberose clumps are good size but only a few spikes. Some years there are none. I don't understand what makes it bloom but it's an http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2017/08/summer-2017-4.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-2580014942946914472Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:02:00 +00002017-07-05T22:02:57.340-04:00The 4th of July marks the beginning of the Dog Days of Summer for me. My garden has a tired look during the heat of the day but springs back by morning.  It's been dry for the last couple of weeks but as I pulled a few weeds today I was surprised how much moisture is in the soil. I'm a heavy mulcher and it does make a difference. Lots of color in the garden today. First Zinnias in the http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2017/07/summer-2017-3.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-5126272021553172542Tue, 13 Jun 2017 02:33:00 +00002017-06-12T22:33:46.814-04:00 Lily's are in full bloom. They're like sentinels in the garden. Some are over four feet tall with thick stems that with stood a 30 plus knot wind last week. The roses are in a recovery phase after first bloom so the lily's don't have any competition.  But the flowers blooming that I find most interesting are Gardenia and Calla Lily. They are almost wax like and you http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2017/06/summer-2017-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-5548773975432629356Sun, 28 May 2017 02:22:00 +00002017-05-27T22:22:53.954-04:00Spring showers came late this year and the Summer heat came early. I think I switched from AC to heat and back at least twice each week lately. But the garden is lush and blooming.  Yellow Primrose. Pink Primrose.  This Christmas Amaryllis has never bloomed this nicely...it's at least 15 years old. Rose Campion Red Hot Poker A pass-along Siberian Iris from my http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2017/05/summer-2017-1.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-4837802790263474813Fri, 12 May 2017 00:12:00 +00002017-05-11T20:12:39.467-04:00I enjoy taking these Mother's Day rose pictures as I remember my mother, wife, and daughters. It's my rose bouquet for them and all mothers. Since it was only light rain today I took these pics before the heavy rain moves in tonight and tomorrow.   Black Magic  Cecile Brunner   Cinco de Mayo  Don Juan  Mardi Gras  L.D. Braithwaite   http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2017/05/mothers-day-roses.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-1477385954442055036Sun, 07 May 2017 01:52:00 +00002017-05-06T21:52:34.109-04:00The bearded Iris put on quite a show the last couple of weeks. Just a few blooms now but it was a riot of color. I took these after the rain last weekend. Some were too water soaked to get a good picture but these 10 held up to the heavy rain.  These last two pics are of the Japanese Snow Bell tree. It is very fragrant and filled the yard with a delicate scent. http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2017/05/spring-2017-3.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-1000228529410360474Thu, 20 Apr 2017 03:07:00 +00002017-04-19T23:09:58.368-04:00It seemed like Spring would arrive early when I last posted. March was a roller coaster of temperature swings. A couple of hard freezes that burned the early rose growth and knocked most of the hydrangeas down to the crown. I think all will recover though. This is what is blooming in garden the last two weeks. I love tulips and though this is not a good zone for them I treat them as annuals. The http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2017/04/spring-2017-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-8753766906293841522Wed, 01 Mar 2017 03:27:00 +00002017-03-01T18:19:14.167-05:00 It's been awhile since I've posted to my blog...I took a sabbatical. Now I didn't stop gardening. I just took a breather from blogging. Gardening is my dirt therapy and keeps me centered. But it' time to talk about the Spring garden. It's early...about 3 weeks earlier than normal. I always marvel at the lushness of new spring growth and the freshness of the flowers after a dull and mostly http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2017/02/spring-2017-1.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-5531451970100655575Tue, 22 Dec 2015 04:52:00 +00002015-12-21T23:52:15.420-05:00I always look forward to the first day of winter, not because I like cold weather, but the days begin to get longer again. The longer days awaken the the garden though it has been so mild this fall that nothing is in a deep winter sleep. I took a quick walk around my home garden late this afternoon to see what caught my eye. The most interesting blooming shrub right now is Mahonia. This is one ofhttp://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/12/winter-solstice-2015.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-1978762970457953083Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:27:00 +00002015-10-29T09:40:00.816-04:00 It was a misty warm day today so I got to spend a little time just admiring what was still blooming. I enjoy the lingering beauty of these late summer blooms since the end is near so to speak. I took a lot of pics today but these are the best of the lot. First some blooming blue Iris, still blooming tall verbenna and a late blooming stokesia daisy. Mums bring an intensity of color http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/10/end-of-summer-blooms.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-349544537750818416Fri, 18 Sep 2015 03:08:00 +00002015-09-17T23:08:48.648-04:00This week marks the end of Summer but the garden should continue to bloom for a couple of months. A couple of nice showers last week awakened the red naked ladies. The clumps are getting bigger…one clump had six blooms. I've tried Toad Lily's in a couple of different spots in my garden. They are almost invasive and just look disheveled to me. This is probably the last pic I'll ever http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/09/mid-september-garden-flowers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-6299684814932086007Sun, 16 Aug 2015 02:43:00 +00002015-08-15T22:55:59.339-04:00Seems as though the garden always looks a little tired this time of year. In reality it is just a breather until the burst of fresh blooms that signal the next season.The most impressive flower in August for me is the Naked Lady. They are stunning this year. My Cereus has bloomed 5 times this summer and I saw another three buds forming tonight. I didn't stay up late enough to capture it http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/08/dog-days-of-summer.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-1112183131260013169Mon, 20 Jul 2015 03:34:00 +00002015-07-20T08:51:05.349-04:00 I enjoy flowers as they bloom in the garden but for me seeing them arranged is even better. These floral arrangements showcase the artistic talent of the volunteers that work their magic every Friday afternoon. Enjoy these masterpieces. I saved the best for last. This is an awesome massive arrangement!!!!! http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/07/garden-flower-arrangements.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-4294801025038635798Fri, 17 Jul 2015 02:42:00 +00002015-07-16T22:42:47.932-04:00I started eight different colors of Benary's giant Zinnia seeds in early Spring and transplanted them into the cutting garden in late April. The two cutting beds are 4 x 32 feet. One is used just for Zinnia's and the other for gladiola and a few other cutting flowers (Queen Ann's Lace). Here are pics of the cutting bed and the different Zinna's. The Lime color is new this year and not as full as http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/07/zinnias-in-bloom.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-4239653509883864247Fri, 10 Jul 2015 02:45:00 +00002015-07-09T22:45:13.867-04:00Nothing says summer like Black Eyed Susan's. They bloom with wild abandon in the  hot humid sun of July. They don't get a lot of respect but I like them. This one is mounded so nice. The Gladiolia are starting to bloom. Here are a couple blooming today. Liatris has been blooming for several weeks now. This is Cherokee Sunset if I remember correctly. Lily's continue to bloom. http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/07/summer-flowers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-4564281087203345586Sun, 28 Jun 2015 04:04:00 +00002015-06-28T00:04:31.977-04:00It's hot, humid and wet. The garden loves it and I'm getting used to it. It is a simple joy to see the beauty in summe flowers. The hydrangeas are in heavy bloom now. The first Dahlia opened this week. Here are some dark day lilies. But the big lilies are not to be out done by there smaller brethren. The first rose is Black Jack. This rose suffers with winter http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/06/summer-is-officially-here.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-4146558052889738375Thu, 18 Jun 2015 02:23:00 +00002015-06-17T22:23:41.712-04:00It may be the last week of Spring but the weather says August. Another much above normal hot week. But the garden is looking lush and healthy. I can't believe the height of these first two lily clumps…at least 4-5 feet. These next two lilies are so delicate and such color. New Day Lilies are blooming each week.  Here's four more. I'm surprised the Yarrow has held up in http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/06/last-week-of-spring.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-3719863424446095079Fri, 12 Jun 2015 03:08:00 +00002015-06-11T23:08:18.527-04:00It feels like August. It's hot and humid with sticky nights. But the garden thrives even if I don't. LOL!!!! Lilies are just gorgeous this year. Here are four that are blooming today.   I divided some Russian Sage a year ago and this division loves its new home.  The parent never looked this good. I'm always fascinated by the 'light' in a tall verbena floret. Even though http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/06/feels-like-august.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-1436720519274325577Wed, 03 Jun 2015 02:45:00 +00002015-06-02T22:45:04.263-04:00As I walked through the garden last week taking pictures, I found myself lingering at not only those in the prime of their bloom but those that were swelling almost bursting it seemed. So I thought I'd start the blog this week with those waiting to bloom. And now for what's blooming this week. First Lambs Ear. Next the first Hydrangea's. Yarrow, Campanula and Primrose…all are http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/06/waiting-to-bloom.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-1131661771981591505Tue, 26 May 2015 03:13:00 +00002015-05-25T23:13:49.846-04:00I've spent a lot of time just enjoying the bountiful glory of a garden in bloom this past week. The first blooms of spring are always special but it's the late spring garden that just dazzles the senses.  Primrose in full bloom. Siberian Iris. Just a few Allium blooms again this year. I really like the bloom but less than half of those I plant bloom it seems. I took the advice of thehttp://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/05/more-may-flowers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-8492499286940048911Fri, 15 May 2015 01:54:00 +00002015-05-14T21:54:24.292-04:00Several years ago I bought probably 60-70 iris's at an estate sale. They had not been taken care of for a number of years and most were shriveled up tubers similar to the shape of your little finger. The first year they just got healthy, last year they bloomed some, and this year it is quite a show. These are blooming this week. http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/05/bearded-iris-showtime.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-5589193703419132947Sun, 10 May 2015 18:27:00 +00002015-05-10T14:27:42.863-04:00A Mother's Day bakers dozen of roses for my wife and memory of my mother, grandmothers and aunts who always had time to to enjoy the simple beauty of the rose. Cherry Pie  Erfurt  Excellenz von Schubert  John Paul II  Joseph's Coat  Madame Gregoire Staechelin  Mardi Gras  Paprika  Penelope  Sombreuil  St. Alban  http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/05/mothers-day-2015.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-3687468016303608960Fri, 08 May 2015 02:55:00 +00002015-05-07T22:55:00.110-04:00Ever year these azalea bushes get bigger…they are now above the eaves. It is spectacular. George Tabor is a one of a kind Azalea.  My other favorite Azalea is Martha Washington  My scraggly rhododendron blooms. Some day it may become a good sized bush.  I've got a couple clumps of salvia that are blooming nicely this week.  Once Solomon's Seal breaks in the spring http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/05/wall-of-flowers-2015.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886463554262638819.post-3761843405487728584Thu, 30 Apr 2015 21:26:00 +00002015-04-30T17:26:51.159-04:00There is something special about the first rose bloom of the year. The shrub, climbers, and old roses are not cut back hard so they tend to be the first to bloom. I just shape them a little and then clean out weak and crossing branches. The hybrid teas, floribunda, etc are cut back hard so they need another week or so until they bloom. Here are four that are in boom this week. The first one is http://genesgarden.blogspot.com/2015/04/first-rose-blooms.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Gene)0