Backwoods Cottage

Easy Garden Obelisk

2013-06-19T11:09:00.001-07:00

Happy day to you…my friends. It is time for another garden project.

This one has been germinating in my brain for weeks now and has finally come into bloom.

A garden trellis obelisk

Why do I call it easy???

Because unlike all the obelisk plans I found online this one has no angle cuts.

Since it is going in the garden and I plan on it being covered with something that climbs I did not care if edges matched up precisely or were perfectly mitered.

I wanted fast and easy…

Want to see how we built it?

The photos are not the best but I had to take them in less than optimum light.

Materials:

8 – 8 ft 2 x 2’s (I think these are pine or fir)

3 inch wood screws

Cut 4 - 2 x 2’s 72 inches long (legs)

Rungs for ladders

2 – 8 inches

2 – 11 5/8 inches

2 – 15 5/8 inches

2 – 19 3/4 inches

2 – 24 inches

Second set of rungs to attach ladders together

2 – 1 1 inches

2 – 14 5/8 inches

2 – 18 5/8 inches

2 – 24 3/4 inches

2 – 27 inches

Now that you have your pieces cut you are going to build a ladder

Lay 2 of the 72 inch pieces on a flat table. We used the edge of the table as a straight edge.

Measure up 6 inches from the bottom of both legs for placement of the bottom rung or crosspiece.

Fasten the rung to the legs. (24 inch piece)

I would recommend pre-drilling but my husband cheats.

When I make the next one I will pre-drill.

He is screwing in at an angle to prevent splitting

(it does not always work, shh don’t tell him I told you)

Since the legs are at an angle and the cross pieces are cut square we only line up the top corner to the edge of the leg.

The gap you can see will be covered later.

We start with the lowest rung then attach the top rung. (8 inch piece)

Same deal, again match up the top corner.

Here is a better photo of lining up the rungs to the leg edges.

Check for square, you do that by taking measurements on the diagonal and adjusting the legs until the measurements match as closely as possible.

The adjusting is called racking, you push on the corner that has the longer dimension (if they don’t match) by half the distance.

(clear as mud??)

example: If one side is 1/2 inch longer push the corner a 1/4 inch then re-measure (it is not an exact science but it will bring it closer to square)

Keep racking until dimensions are equal or very close.

Now attach your other cross pieces or rungs.

We measured from the bottom of the bottom rung and the top of the top rung (hook your measuring tape on the bottom rung and pull it to the top of the top rung and read)

We divided that measurement by 4 to get our placements for the rungs.

Ours were 16 1/4 inches apart. We marked the spots for each rung.

The placements of the rungs is from the bottom rung at 16 1/4”, 32 1/2” 48 3/4” (see sketch at bottom of page)

Now you should have your first ladder built.

Now the really sweet part of this is the next ladder will be a piece of cake.

Use the first one as a template.

No measuring or figuring this time.

Lay your 2 x 2’s right on the ladder you just built.

Just whip along matching board for board and your second ladder will be complete in no time.

Now lay your ladders on their sides to attach the side rungs.

This set of rungs are 3 inches longer than the ladder rungs, they will overlap the first set as you see in the photo.

Attach the remaining rungs to the opposite side and voila’ an easy trellis obelisk

You can attach a top plate with a fancy topper but I did not have one.

I have considered cutting out a silhouette of a flying pig and attaching it.

Maybe make it a weather vane but that is for another day.

Now paint it whatever color you wish.

I would recommend painting or using a protective oil (tung oil) on this since is it just pine.

If it was redwood or cedar you could just let it weather.

Current price at our local lumberyard for 8 foot 2 x 2’s is $2.30 each.

So the total for this project for the lumber was about $20.

We had the 3 inch screws on hand and I drug out an old can of spray paint.

Now I just need to build a couple more and I am set.

Here is a rough sketch of the first ladder if a visual will help you.

It is all downhill after you get the first side built.

Happy building.

Fabulous Greek Pasta Salad

2013-06-17T06:44:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow will be a bittersweet day.

We say goodbye to some special friends.

They are moving to be closer to family, which is a good thing for them but a sad circumstance for us.

On the upside, we get to have a large going away party for them and there will be FOOD.

Lots and lots of very good food.

‘Sigh’

I love food.

The sun will shine, the temps may reach the upper 70’s (if we are fortunate, been on the cool side the past few days here on this mountain) and we will be with friends.

My latest fave ‘to go’ dish is….. Greek Pasta Salad.

Most everyone loves it and if you are fortunate enough to get to take any home…

it is even better the next day.

It is easy to make too…

Can it get any better than that?

Greek Pasta Salad

Recipe from My Recipes

Dressing:
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

1 pound gemelli or other short pasta
3/4 medium English cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 dry pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved $
1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved (I cheat if I don’t have enough Kalamata I use black olives to supplement)
6 ounces feta, crumbled
3 cups firmly packed baby spinach

Preparation

1. Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper and olive oil until well combined.
2. Make salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, or as label directs. Drain, rinse under cold water and transfer to a bowl. Add remaining ingredients, toss with dressing and serve.

Take a copy of the recipe with you.

You will be asked for it!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Pamela

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iPad Display DIY courtesy of Shanty-2-Chic

2013-06-12T15:45:00.001-07:00

Did any of you see the great DIY gift idea over at Shanty-2-Chic?

I LOVED it! An iPad display aka: Keep your IPad out of the way but visible while you do stuff.

In fact I have enjoyed their blog for a few years now, it was one of the first ones I got hooked on before I even tried my hand at blogging back in 2010.

I immediately was smitten, they were into TOOLS and building things.

They provide easy instructions so I do not have to think…a plus…and they keep coming up with things I have on my to do list.

Just recently they showed a DIY for a hose holder, a nice drink cooler, some really cool tables and, and…

…well the list goes on.

Soooo.. that being said you must pop on over and see what goodies they have for you.

And without much further ado….

here is my version of the iPad Display…I had such visions in my head…

and yet I must admit it did not turn out the way I thought. I think they turned out too busy..

and if you look close you will see I got the dimensions wrong on two of them.

1st faux pas….can you see on the Rose display above…..the front is taller than it should be..I still can’t figure out how I did that…

and now look close at the photo above…

the center display is narrower..I did not do that on purpose either, I just had turned it sideways.

Did I mention sometimes I don’t think???

And yet I still had fun with these. I used chalkboard paint for the background (so you can write love notes when no iPad is present) then added the decorative painting.

Now, if mine can turn out despite my obvious struggle to pay proper attention then certainly this project is a breeze for someone who can keep their wits about them.

Now to make it more manly for dad’s, paint sports motifs or just stain it like the gals over at Shanty-2-Chic did.

It is a perfect holder to keep the iPad from getting buried under the piles in the Man Cave, don’t ya think???

Do visit the ladies over at Shanty, you will be glad you did.

Ta ta…happy building.

How I plant Iris

2013-06-11T08:10:00.001-07:00

If you have read my posts lately you will know that I do not profess to follow the text book way of gardening.

Not at all..

I am lazy, find short cuts and just free wheel it.

Really..

So if you are wanting to follow standard rules of how and when to do things in the garden then I must warn you, you are in the wrong spot.

My methods have been learned by first hand trial and error over the past 20 years in various climates, conditions and zones.

That being said, on with the show!

If you want reassurance that this method will work just take a quick peek of my latest Iris posts.

Each photo is a separate post filled with my Iris’

Despite my disclaimer I am so glad you stayed,I love sharing my garden with you all.

My last post was about ‘how I dig up and separate my iris …’

I will say that the standard procedure for “when” to dig up and transplant your Iris is 6 to 8 weeks after bloom, but I do it anytime after the current blooms fade and are done for the season.

Have you dug up your iris, separated them, cleaned them up? (spraying the dirt off with a hose so you can see if there are bugs or rot to cut out is optional)

You can plant what you want to keep right away or wait awhile. They are not too fussy.

Share the extra rhizomes with your friends, they will love you forever.

Now find the keepers a fresh place in your garden…

a spot that gets a good 6 hours of sun each day and has good drainage.

Iris can withstand drought but not soggy feet.

Here is my spot (nothing special here)

Sprinkle on a tablespoon or so of Bone Meal to help them along

Stir the bone meal up in the dirt, mixing it in lightly

Now you can plant just one rhizome.

if you wish a batch of one color in an area here's the trick.

Plant three with the pointy nose of the rhizomes facing each other in a sort of circle. Spacing is not critical but I place mine about 3 inches apart.

Water them in and keep them watered through the summer, not soggy though.

Do not bury deep.

Iris like to be close to the surface. I leave a bit of the tops showing when I plant, that way I know they are not too deep.

In cold, cold climates do mulch a bit before hard cold starts but be sure and rake it back as soon as warmer weather begins.

And one day next Spring, you will have some fresh Iris blooms to enjoy, and if they take a bit longer it will be the following season. All the sweeter for the wait.

I hope this helps all those out there that were skittish about digging up and dividing your overcrowded Iris.

It really is this simple.

Until next time! Ta…

here is another side note: My garden soil has been amended over the past 15 years with chicken manure and compost so it drains well, is crumbly and great for planting in.

The best thing you can do for your plants is feed the soil. That is different than feeding your plants.

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June 10 Garden Tour

2013-06-10T09:30:00.001-07:00

Are you ready for some eye candy?

Florally speaking.

Tess D'Urbervilles

Then, have I got a treat for you.

Seriously.

So come join me on a garden walk again.

The iris and a smattering of clematis reigned supreme for a couple weeks…

but now the roses and foxgloves are taking center stage.

My Warsaw Nike clematis is still showing off and will for most of the summer. I have to keep tying it higher and higher. I love this Clematis, it just does not quit.

This is my back stairs. Now from the other side,

Warsaw is snuggled up to my Grandpa Nute Rose.

There is a story behind that rose, and I have told it before, but I shall tell it again

One day.

In places, the garden is getting way ahead of me…

believe it or not, there is a pathway thru there somewhere, complete with stepping stones.

Really!

I promise.

Look close and see if you can find it.

My Tess rose is nearly covering the arbor on one side. I have Eden on the other but I am planning on putting another Tess Rose in its place so there is red on both sides of the arbor. Eden will get a nice new home.

Eden will get a nice new home.

Somewhere, around here.

Canterbury Bells provide a splash of purple in what is now a more pink garden.

Soon the garden with be dominated by yellows and oranges.

Below are my Gaillardias, another tough, drought resistant, never stops blooming performer.

Foxglove, this one leans towards a creamy yellow in color. The only one like it in my garden.

This is barely a smidge of my floral abundance right now but your eyes would glaze over if I kept going

I am not sure why but the deer are not coming around.

Last night they were in my neighbors back yard but they did not even glance over here.

I do have some tiny wind chimes hooked to different plants and the deer are startled by them when they chime, they run off lickety split.

Maybe a new tactic to discourage the deer???

Good bye for now, come again. I will have more to share…and I love sharing.

How I Separate My Iris

2013-06-08T08:08:00.001-07:00

First I will start with this disclaimer..I am not an expert, I am sure there are other ways to do this, I am only sharing how I do it and have had success.

I live in the Sierra Nevada mountains of N. California at the 4500 foot level. We get plenty of winter snow and cold, then some mighty fine summer weather averaging in the 80's to low 90's. We are considered a Zone 6 or 7.

I have gardened with Iris for 30 years now. Here and in the San Joaquin valley.

Most will say that you should wait until late August and September to do this, but I have found mine do better if I do it earlier.

Like now...

right after they are done blooming.

They get a chance to put down thick new roots with little competition. And there is enough leaf surface left to still build nutrients in the rhizome for next years blooms.

I also prefer doing it right after they bloom since I have a tendency to forget what color was where by Fall. :)

This clump of Iris is done for the season. Sometimes if you deadhead you can get a small re-bloom near Fall but I only have a few that do that, and this is not one of them.

Someone asked me how I deadhead my Iris.

Briefly, to deadhead I just snip off the bloom, then the stem and let them fall to the ground, I snip every inch or two. I do this with the majority of my plants, the bits that fall to the ground compost in place and gives the worms something to eat. (not my roses but most every other plant in my garden gets composted in place like this)

… I will keep snipping until I reach the juncture of the leaves. And that is it for deadheading them, I keep the leaves whole as they feed the rhizome and get it ready for next years blooming. I do not cut the leaves until they have died back naturally.

I do not dead head beforehand, I just get to digging but if you want you can dead head before you start.

If I am going to store or cure the rhizomes to give away I prepare a container with a bit of straw to lay them in, the straw lets air circulate around them helping to discourage rot. But that is optional, I also just lay them out on the deck in a shady place to dry out. We have little to no humidity where we live so this is sufficient, if you live in a very humid environment you may need to do some other things to avoid fungus.

I start a good 5 to 6 inches back from the base of the clump of iris and dig my fork in, I also have used a good shovel to do this job so if you don’t have a digging fork, no worries, almost everyone has a shovel.

Iris are not planted deep, in fact I have some I tossed in an area and did not bury at all and they came up and are blooming like crazy right now.

Even though they are not deep, push your fork down about 5 inches and lift up under the clump, if it is a large clump you will have to work your way around, loosening the dirt and roots.

I had to come around to the other side but it is coming up fairly easy. That is the nice thing about iris, they do come up easy, usually.

Once pulled out of the ground I shake off the dirt. I don’t wash them, even though they still have a bit of dirt on them it is easy to see if there is any rot or fungus.

These have some healthy roots, I trim the roots back to about 2 to 3 inches, and I trim back the leaves to about 5 or 6 inches. As I work with them parts of the clump fall off, meaning rhizomes separate from each other at a joint, of their own volition.

If you want to separate ones that do not fall apart or you wish to cut out diseased or old gnarly bits, whip out a sharp clean knife and cut it off at the joint

It is easy to see where a joint is, the rhizome narrows (see example above).

It is highly recommended to thoroughly sanitize your cutting tool between cuts so you do not spread disease. I have read denatured alcohol or bleach water is the best sanitizing solution. I have had not trouble with disease (just fortunate I suppose) so I don’t bother with the cleaning step and cannot recommend one solution over another.

I started to use the basket of straw but there were too many so I laid most out on the shady porch to dry. I will print a photo of this iris in bloom and place it with the rhizomes so I know which color it is and whomever I gift them to will also be able to see the color.

Next post I will show how I replant.

Happy Gardening! I am enjoying our fine weather, in the mid-80’s here. Perfect for the garden! Time to go dig up more Iris and some other volunteer plants.

Poor things volunteered to come up in the wrong spots. But I have a trick for digging them up and transplanting them even when it has gotten rather warm. (they don’t really like it but they survive)

Until next time…

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Starship Enterprise Iris

2013-05-28T20:12:00.001-07:00

As promised and with all the pomp and circumstance due such a beauty…

TA DA!

My all time favorite Iris (so far) ‘Starship Enterprise’

Doesn’t she really take your breath away.

Didn’t I tell ya she was gorgeous!

Starship Enterprise does put the rest in the shade but they still have a beauty all their own.

This one below is similar though not quite as flashy.

It rained here yesterday and it added a bit of panache to the photos.

Now below, in all his regal glory, is The Sultan.

He is very dramatic indeed, and just a few steps away is another drama king…

Superstition, in real life it looks more black, but these photos show his purple side.

Not to be outdone is another royal one…

Prince George…or what is Edward…hmmm, it is Prince something or other.

See that behind him, to the left???

That is one of my trumpet lilies.

You think this garden smells luscious now, just you wait until those babies bloom. Then the entire neighborhood will be perfumed!

I tried to get a good photo of the entire side yard. You would see this view driving up beside my house.

I live on a corner lot.

I get a lot of drive by gawkers. I don’t’ blame them, I drive by real slow myself when I come up this hill.

I also attempted to get a good shot of my roses, I stood at the top of my back deck stairs and shot downward. So if the angle seems awkward that is why.

Things are changing daily in the garden. As the iris fade soon they will be replaced by warmer weather loving flowers.

The mostly purple border will be awash with summer yellows, oranges and reds. I tried to toss in some blue with Delphiniums and Larkspur but we shall see how well they do this year.

Enjoy!

If you are looking to start your own website then here is a deal for you. It is only one day so grab it while you can!

I am an affiliate of Hostgator. A gal has got to support her garden addiction somehow!

I love Sunday Mornings

2013-05-26T06:58:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year. The sun is up by 5 am and the birds are especially tuneful.
The neighborhood is quiet (everyone sleeping in, I suppose) and my garden beckons me.

Grab a coat this time, it has turned cold this week. I mean fah-reezing.
Literally, 32 degrees.   I can prove it.

One of my San Romano tomatoes just curled up her edges and will now need a bit of a trimming.

Poor thing. The other, not three feet away looks fine, but my Basil just completely gave up the ghost and I will have to replant.

I have extra Basil tucked away in the greenhouse, just in case of such an occurrence. We are in the mountains and cold can strike even in June, and I gotta have my basil come Fall.

I make the best Pesto.

It is my taste of summer throughout the winter months.

Do you have your coffee or tea? Wrap your hands around the warm mug to keep your hands warm and we will see what has bloomed.

Can you smell the faint hint of wood smoke in the air? The campers up at Big Trees State Park must be enjoying a cozy camp fire on a chilly morning.

Beverly Sills. This is my only Pink iris. I think I need to add more pink.

This guy below is not as flashy as some but the colors are subtle and interesting.

I honestly used to know all the names of my Iris and I had a map drawn of where everything was.

I kept it in my desk drawer to refer to when I forgot plant names but when we moved for a year and then moved back I just tossed my beloved plants, bulbs and corms in the ground without rhyme or reason.

I was in a hurry.

Dutch Iris in blue, I had some called Tigers Eye that was striking but it has not come back.

A friend gave me this one, it is smaller than the Bearded Iris but quite lovely.

I call this one Lemon Chiffon.

Not because of its color, but because of its scent, it smells faintly of Lemon Chiffon pie.

I came in the ‘scented’ collection I bought from Schreiners.

Icy Blue

Elise’

There is an iris just to the left of this one, it is called Starship Enterprise. It is my favorite one of all, it is just starting to open so be sure to come back to see it. I am sure it will be ready to photograph tomorrow morning.

I must not forget Josephine..one of my clematis, she has been putting on a show herself. She is close in coloration to Nelly Moser but just slightly a darker hue of pink.

My cup is empty, time to get a refill.

I am going to sit in the garden and just enjoy the quiet of the morning, sip my coffee and dream of where I want to move what plant, what I would like to add or take away.

Half the fun of a garden is changing it around.

The other half is being surprised in Spring by what comes up because through the long winter months, buried beneath all the snow, you forget what you have done.

Enjoy this long, fun weekend. I know I am.

Come on back, I will be sure to share Starship.

Hand Painted signs and a sewing class

2013-05-25T07:47:00.001-07:00

I have been busy…busy painting signs.
That is a very good thing. I work in my fabulous studio that everyone envies (I can’t blame them I love it!) and if it is warm enough I have the French doors swung wide to enjoy the blooms just outside.
One of the signs that kept me busy this week. It came together so easily, the pansies covering the ground at the base of my Grandpa Nute rose were my reference as well as a photo the customer sent me.
I am not that great with small lettering but the signs below required them, tedious for me.

They went out this week for a Bridal shower. The customer must be from Jersey.
Ya Think.

This Yellow Roses sign was ordered along with a custom Secret Garden sign. Time to paint another.
One last sign to share for today..

Now I am off to watch an online class. My sewing machine has been calling to me and I want to brush up on some techniques. Have you ever taken a Craftsy Class?
They are having a sale this weekend.
I signed up for the Sewing with Knits class but there are lots of others available. The sale runs through the 27th if you want to give a class a try. 60% off is pretty good. They also have some free ones.

Ta ta…
Pamela

PS: I am an affiliate with Craftsy.

May Morning Walk

2013-05-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

Good morning.

Would you like to join me on a fine early morning walk?

Grab yourself a hot beverage of choice and a sweater, the morning air is chilly, and join me.

The robins are singing their sweet song of spring, they serenade us as we mosey along the garden path.

Fresh iris’ have opened.

Nearly all take our breath away. Each has a unique twist, some release a sweet perfume.

Their names even sound delicious, Boysenberry Truffle.

A few yellows are adding contrast to the many shades of purple we have in the garden. Some garishly bright..

and some delicately subtle.

A few roses have started to open, a bit early for us here on this mountain but welcome all the same.

Dream Weaver

A little darker and one that supposedly will do well in the shade.

Zepherine Droughn

Now we must walk on past the old straw bale raised bed, it has done its duty and now it is seeing new life.

Last year it held big fat Brandywine tomatoes and some Tromboline zucchini, which soon grew so lush it camouflaged the entire bed, and they were so delicious.

Now the rich compost is being used to start new beds and heavily mulch others. No waste here.

Once past the straw we turn right, and what greets our eyes but a rather shabby looking chicken house…

Cecile Brunner is glamming it up with her abundance of blooms whose spicy scent greet you as you approach to collect the eggs.

And a sweet surprise as we glance along one of the garden beds, planted with seeds.

A humble green bean shoot. How such a small event can make your heart sing.

There were a few popping up in this row, now to plant another.

I hope you enjoyed our morning walk.

Come join me again, we shall do another soon, very soon. I promise.

My Mega Millions Potting Bench

2013-05-18T14:47:00.001-07:00

Yep, my humble, lowly DIY cedar fence board Potting Bench is my #1 Pinned item on my Blogs.

Crazy! The photos pinned are rather bland looking but it is something people have taken a liking to, blasé or not.

Over the past couple of years I have decorated it and redecorated it. I was able to view it out my large sliding glass doors and I liked to see it all gussied up. (past tense something has now taken its place, more on that at a later date)

This is one of the inspirations for my potting bench, I did not get a good photo but it was enough for me to go from. This was taken at a garden show in Boise, Idaho in 2010. There were tons of vendors with unique and beautiful things for the garden, if you are ever in Boise when they have this show I would recommend going.

Potting Benches are one of the “Jack of all Trades” type piece of furniture. I use it in lieu of a mantel, I have a wonderful wood stove that provides comparatively inexpensive heat for our little cottage on the hill but there is no fancy smancy mantel to decorate upon. So my potting bench is transformed each season.

The creamy color is Annie Sloan Chalk paint and it has held up well for being outdoors for a couple years through all sorts of weather.

And I do mean “all” sorts of weather. (The dark streaks on the back is mildew, that sands right off once warm weather returns.)

I loved my pink roses with it last summer, it set off my hypertufa planters I had made and planted with succulents.

The top, in yellow, was not the chalk paint but a milk paint without the exterior additive. I am sure if I had used the additive it would’ve held up much better.

Styled for Autumn.

Now that you have seen all the ways to fancy up one of these babies, you probably would like to build one for yourself. The cost for materials not counting the glue or screws was about $45.

If you wish to view our step by step building of this versatile potting bench, please click on over POTTING BENCH BUILD

Another thing I use my potting bench for is a backdrop for some of my sign photos. The back of this was left unpainted and the cedar has aged to a lovely weathered gray.

Time to go play in the garden. Until next time…

Pamela

My garden keeps blooming, May 15th

2013-05-15T08:33:00.001-07:00

I hope you enjoyed my post yesterday. I cannot believe how quickly flowers just start popping open all over the place when it gets sunny and warm this time of year.

I have a few more photos to show you from my walk this morning and one from a few mornings ago, I had forgotten to share my Rhododendron that has not bloomed in 6 years and has this.

If you recall I mentioned having another color Iris that is scented deliciously like Grape Kool Aid and this is it.

It is even more powerful that the one I shared yesterday.

I have them scattered throughout the garden so as you walk you can be delighted by their sweet perfume. (makes you wish this was ‘scratch and sniff’ doesn’t it)
This iris is rather understated with its dull yellow color but still a beauty.

If you stopped in yesterday I had shared a shot of my Purple Speckled Idaho Homestead iris, and behind it was a peach colored bud, well this morning she was open and ready to shine. You can see the speckled one behind now.

I attempted to get a good shot of the front garden today.

I know that ugly fire hydrant and snow pole is distracting but I work around them. I have vines climb the pole to disguise it in summer and the Black eyed susans grow up taller than the hydrant so it is not as visible either later in the summer.

Below is my Fire Witch dianthus, love this stuff, I keep saying I am going to get more and make an edging of it along my walkway. It is so bright and cheerful and it blooms and blooms.

Now to my favorite Clematis…. Warsaw Nike. Why is it my favorite??? Because it blooms not once but ALL summer long and it is a hearty soul here.

It is climbing up my back deck rail and is nearly to the top. I will have to attach a lattice above the rail to let it climb even higher soon.

Here is my parting shot for the day. This is the front walk entrance from our upper driveway. This iris along with my Bourban clematis steal the show right now.

Here's to sunny skies today! Tomorrow we are to have rain but the garden needs it so I will not begrudge a day or two for a good soaking rain.

ta!
Pamela

May 13th Garden Walk

2013-05-14T11:20:00.001-07:00

I have started my morning garden walks, things are starting to pop open and though I still have tons of weeding to do (our last rain storm followed by pure warm sunshine has given the weeds a jump start) I ignore them and tour for blooms to photograph and share.

My Clematis are all starting to open up..I have several but I will start with the first two to open up.

Bourbon Clematis

This beauty shares the arbor over our front walkway with a Tess D'Urbervilles English Rose.

Nelly Moser Clematis

This one is located just in front of my front porch rail.

My Iris are getting started too, this one is a bi-colored iris, unfortunately I cannot remember the name. I bought the majority of my iris corms for Schreiner’s.

They ship only huge healthy corms, I have never lost a one and they reproduce like crazy.

This is one of the old fashioned “Flags” they are scented, this one smells like Grape Kool-Aid. I have another color in my collection here that has the same scent and when you walk past it is soooo delightful.

This is the one my cousin dug up in an old Idaho homestead’s forgotten garden. Do you still have this one Brenda???

It is loaded with buds and the orange one behind it is getting ready to open.

Now to a couple roses…

Crown Princess Margareta English rose

Dream Weaver climbing rose

And my favorite of the moment,

Cecile Brunner

It is climbing my chicken house…

When the sun hits it you cannot even smell the chickens, the rose scent is so powerful it overrides the chicken doo, not THAT is powerful.

Enjoy the rest of your day….

Pamela

Woo Hoo 100 on Facebook.

2013-05-13T19:21:00.001-07:00

I said I would giveaway one of these signs

when we reached 100 Likes, and today is the day.

And the winner is Melody Harmon.

Dear Melody, let me know which sign you want and I will get it out to you ASAP!

Congratulations!

Thanks everyone for your participation.

Maybe we should do another for a 200 like goal!!! What sign should I offer???

Come back tomorrow, I have some garden shots for you.

Pamela

Cheap and Easy Cedar Fence Board Planters

2013-05-13T07:54:00.001-07:00

Have you got a bare spot you want to gussy up?

My back deck rails were less than pretty and I want to see cascading flowers when I look out my kitchen window. (pretend the flowers are all filled in and cascading down hiding a good portion of the pickets and the view of the neighbors back roof)

My fix…. cheapo DIY planters made from cedar fence boards.

1. Buy some cedar fence boards, I went with two 6 inch wide x 6 feet long and one 8 inch wide, and some scrap wood to make the ends. (note: They are called 6 inch and 8 inch wide but in actuality they are 5.5 and 7.5 inches wide)

The 6 inch boards $2+ and the 8 inch were $3.50+

2. Square off the dog eared end and dry fit the boards. Fence boards are willy nilly and do not always match in width or length. So you have to make them match with your trusty tape measure and saw.

Or just line them up and then view and mark how much to cut off.

3. I put the end piece on first, used just scrap pieces of wood I had on hand. I applied wood glue before nailing. Actually this is a photo of me putting on the last side but it does show my end piece is just scrap and the generosity of Titebond glue.

I started out with my brad nailer but it jammed so I fell back on a good ol’ hammer and finish nails. A wee bit slower but still quite effective.

4. Screw to deck rail so the pesky raccoons will not knock your wonderfully roomy planter to the ground below. Here I am letting the glue dry before filling. Be sure to drill holds for proper drainage, I drilled mine towards the back of the planter where it hangs off the deck rail.

5. I gave them 24 hours to dry then I had fun planting them up. I left them unpainted or stained, I want these to weather naturally to a soft grey, that will not take long at all.

6. Mix up some coconut coir into your potting mix for added water retention. It is natural, sustainable and easy to work with. You can purchase Coconut Coir in bales or bricks, a little goes a LOOOONG way as it is compressed.

First I must soak the coconut coir for a good few hours, make sure you have plenty of room in your bucket, this stuff really expands as it soaks up the water. I mix it maybe a quarter or third of coconut coir to 3/4 or 2/3 potting mix.

7. Fill you fantabulous planters with the potting/coconut coir mix and plant all your cascading flowers, give them room to fill in.

We have Purple Wave Petunias, Trailing Lobelia and a wee bit of white alyssum. I will be sure to share once it is filled to overflowing with flowers.

These were cheap and easy to make, I had the wood glue and finish nails on hand, for a total on the rest of the supplies it may have ran me about $8 per planter and they are a good size to fit plenty of flowers, 6 feet long by 7.5 inches wide. If you wanted you could also just slip in some 4 inch pots instead of putting the soil in the boxes. The height of the sides is just right to hide the pots and you could easily change out the flowers is you wished.

So there you have it, quick and easy planters.

Now off to photo what is blooming this fine Monday morning in my garden. I will share that tomorrow, I do hope.

Pamela

Custom Growth Chart

2013-05-06T08:57:00.001-07:00

How is everyone this fine Monday morning. We have awakened to a bit of rain after a unseasonably warm week for the month of May.

When I was not painting away on special orders in my studio (with the French doors flung wide to enjoy the fresh air) I was in the garden. More on that in a moment.
We had a baby shower to attend this weekend, (wish I had gotten photos, the gals that put it on did a fantastic job) and I had to whip up a gift. The parents wanted to wait until the baby was born to find out the gender so my present needed to be gender neutral. I have had an idea for customizable growth charts knocking about my brain for a while now.

Ones that can hang on the wall, be move around or taken with you if you move. And the above is what I came up with for a start. Since we do not know the name or the birthdate of this child it is plain but when I add a line of growth charts to my website the customer can order plain stained wood like this or I can paint the background a color, names, birthdates and sayings can be added along with motifs.   A longer version will be available too.

I already have a couple orders just from gals seeing this one at the baby shower so I think it will be a great addition to the website.

Now on to my garden.   I am slowly getting things cleaned up. Here is my side yard complete with roses climbing the porch posts.

I pegged many along the lattice to garnish as many blooms as I can, and these bushes are LOADED with rosebuds so soon this will be full of color.

This rose is already blooming away but it is always first.

This is one of the mini roses you can pick up in Wal-Mart or grocery store in a little 4 inch pot.

Since this one does so well for me I just picked up a red one in SaveMart when I spotted it.

I over winter this pink one every year in the greenhouse or on my side porch and it has just flourished and blooms thru the summer without let up. I have had this one for 7 years now and it just does not quit.

The Creeping Jenny is filling in the dry bare areas as I wished it to, now this can get out of hand for some people so be careful where you put it or of where you live, I can control it by not watering and since we have dry summers that works but if you live in an area that gets plentiful summer rain you might want to skip on this one.

I have a few iris starting to bloom, this darker purple always goes first and is normally done by the time any others open but this year I have an early bird on another.

This white one with lavender edging is just opening up and it has stayed rather short, now sure why might be the spot it is in.

A carpet of lavender and pink creeping phlox, a shame this only blooms a few weeks. The dead clump of sticks there is really my Butterfly Bush. It is just starting to bud out. I have to cut it back hard each Fall or the snow breaks it down.

I have about 6 of these Japanese Maples, I grew them from seed. If you can believe it they are about 5 years old. Slow growers to be sure.

See the plant snuggled up to the iris here, it is already taller than the iris. Look at it just a month ago in the photo below. How fast it shot up with a little warmth and sunshine. These are my Canterbury Bells and they bloom in lovely purple and pink.

It has been so warm that I braved it and put my tomato and basil plants out earlier than usual.

Normally we don’t put out frost tender plants until the third weekend in May.
Above is my basil planted in the straw bale raised bed. Also if you look by the little overturned pot in the photo you will see the sprouting sugar snap peas.

Speaking of raised straw bale beds, I am taking down the one in the side yard.

It was in the way of what I wanted to do here and it was starting to break down, it worked great as a hot bed last season and now it is already mostly fantastic compost. I have been spreading it all around to heavily mulch my garden to help conserve water on what seems is going to be a very dry summer.

My Pear tree. Since we had a frost when it was in full bloom I did not expect to see any fruit but it is loaded with little Pears, now to keep them safe from marauding birds. The Robins have already been scouting around all my strawberry plants.

And I have a lone little apricot on my tree. Half of the tree has died and I am holding my breath that whatever is wrong has only effect those branches but it does not look good.

Only time will tell.

I am off to paint in the studio. A happy Monday to you all.

Pamela

Pelargonium cuttings (aka: zonal Geraniums) have Roots!

2013-04-29T08:22:00.001-07:00

Many enjoyed my blog post on propagating Pelargoniums. Do you want to see some results?

We have healthy long roots. Time to pot up this baby up and give those roots some room to spread out!

First I put a bit of Perlite in the bottom of the pot for good drainage, about 1/2 an inch in depth.

Add your potting soil. You can see the size difference between the pot I took the plant from (right) and the new one (left). The roots are going to love that room to spread out.

It looks happier already. They will stay in the greenhouse to get settled then I will acclimate it to the outside as soon as I know the nights will stay out of the frost zone (normally that is the 3rd weekend in May but this year we are out of sync and everything is blooming a month ahead).

All cozy on their shelf in the greenhouse. This week I shall put them out on the back deck in the shade then return them to the greenhouse at night, in case it drops in temp too far for their comfort.

I have done this with some ivy geraniums too, they are taking a bit longer to root. We shall see how much longer.

The petunias I did the same time as these geraniums rooted even faster. Now to build my raccoon proof planter!

Happy Planting

Remodiholic

Layering for propagating Wisteria, Japanese Maples etc

2013-04-23T11:06:00.001-07:00

I love plants.

I love free or nearly free plants even better.

I find it enjoyable to learn how to propagate (unpatented) plants to expand my garden so I am constantly reading garden magazine, websites and blogs. I test out the techniques in my own garden.

Growing from seed is a wonderful way to start annuals and some perennials but some perennials can take years and years to bloom from seed.

Cuttings are another way to get plants as seen in my last 2 posts…Rooting Lilacs and Roses..aka: Rooting Semi-hardwood cuttings and Propagating Pelargoniums (zonal geraniums) or Softwood cuttings.

This post is on how to Air Layer and Ground Layering to get new plants from plants like wisteria and Japanese maples (these are just two examples, this method can be used for enumerable plants)

Definition of layering: Layering is a propagation method that encourages new roots to form on branches still attached to the parent plant. The parent supplies the layer ― the new plant ― with water and nutrients during the rooting process.

First I will show Air Layering. Air layering is most successful when the plant is actively growing, like now in Spring and Summer.

Step 1: Gather your Materials

A sharp knife

Something to tie with, I use old pantyhose cut in strips.

A planting medium that retains moisture well, like sphagnum moss, coconut coir, or I use potting soil mixed with perlite.

A form of plastic to wrap with. I used a produce bag cut open and in half.

Rooting medium (not shown)

The Parent Plant below, a lovely wisteria with fresh new growth.

Step 2: Wound the plant

With a sharp knife, make two parallel cuts about 1 1/2 inches apart around the stem and through the bark and cambium layer. Connect the two parallel cuts with one long cut and remove the ring of bark leaving the inner woody tissue exposed.

Some say when you cut thru the bark and scrape it back you expose enough of the layer below the cambium to be successful in rooting.

Step 3: Tie on bag

Below the wound, tie on the piece of plastic. You will be creating a pocket with it.

Pretty, it is not but it gets the job done.

Step 4: Fill pocket.

With one hand kind of wrap the plastic around the wound and hold while filling with the soil (moss, coir) in the pocket create, make sure it surrounds the wound.

Step 5: Moisten soil

Pour water into the pocket of soil to moisten thoroughly

(you can pre-moisten the planting medium (soaking the moss for several hours is recommended if you use that or the coir) and maybe next time I will be sure the pre-moisten my mix too, I think it may work better.)

Step 6: Close up plastic

Once you have the soil mix well moistened close up the pocket made of plastic and tie above the wound. To make sure there was good contact with the moist soil and the would I tied another strip around the middle of the pocket. I made sure to tie the branch to the trellis, the pocket of soil adds weight.

Step 7: Shield

Finally, wrap with foil to block direct sun from over heating the pocket. It may take months for roots to form but keep checking on the moisture level of the soil mix for the duration, it is best not to let it dry out. Check after a few months to see if the wound callused over, if it has it will not produce roots. If it forms a callus it means the cambium layer was not peeled back enough to expose the inner wood.

Here is a link to an excellent YouTube video of air layering.

Air Layering

Soon I will do a post on Ground Layering.

Happy Growing!

Rooting Lilacs and roses aka: Semi softwood cuttings

2013-04-18T07:29:00.001-07:00

This is a reprint of an old blog post I did in 2011 for those of you that missed it the first time, it compliments my last post on propagating Pelargoniums aka: soft wood cuttings. And the title of this post should say Semi HARD wood cuttings not soft. An off moment there..

Awhile back I stated I would do a post of how I root cuttings. I have a neighbor that has an old lilac bush that she was told is called a 49’er Lilac. It supposedly came West with the 49’ers in the Gold Rush. (or it’s parent did) I have admired this Lilac for the 13 years I have lived in my little cottage. In the spring I will sit on my front garden step and wait for the lilac fragrance to drift my way on the morning breeze and delight my senses. Here is a few blossoms I trimmed from it this year.

I prepare my propagation box. I use a wine crate and fill with my own mixture of 2 parts compost (I get this from a local company that composts garden debris on a huge scale, it is similar to potting soil you buy at a garden center), 1 part perlite and 1 part sand (I am sure there are better mixtures but I used what I had on hand and I have had success with this in the past).

I have recently read that play sand can contain salt and may not be a good one to use, sharp sand is reputed to be superior for this use.

The crate has slats on the bottom but there are wide gaps between the slats so this drains very well. I have it sitting on the gravel floor of my greenhouse in an area that direct sunlight will not hit but it still gets plenty of bright light. I will fill the box more with my potting mix until it is nearly full.

I will use this fish tank as my cover to create a small greenhouse effect.

Now back out to the Lilac to get the cuttings.

I choose the new growth I want to cut from and choose some about 8 to 12 inches long.

I take quite a few cuttings, the more I try to root the better my chances are of getting some to actually grow for me. I know I may lose some to fungus or who knows what. I had to wait for the right time to take cuttings (or so I have read) and this is the right time for this type (semi-hardwood).
I haul them all to my greenhouse and begin. First I strip most of the leaves from the cutting. I dip the ends into the rooting medium.

Now this medium I have had for awhile and it says it only has a years shelf life but I have kept it in the refrigerator to extend that shelf life so I hope it is still potent enough to do the job. I should invest in some fresh stuff soon.

I have a small paint brush in the jar as well. The jar is not deep enough to cover all of the stem I need to be covered with the medium so I use the little paint brush to finish the job.

See the nodes on the stem, that is wear roots begin and I want a good portion of nodes below the potting soil.

I also take some rose cuttings for the hey of it. I normally like the roses to be a bit more hardened off than they are now, like later on in the Fall. I have had more success that way, these softer cuttings while the bushes are blooming succumb to fungus more often than the later cut ones but I thought I would give it a go just for the fun of it.

Now that they are all dipped and thoroughly coated with the rooting gel I stick them in the potting soil mixture.

I place the far enough apart they do not touch each other and away from the edges so they will not touch the glass of the cover. I should take off more leaves, the leaves tend to be where the fungus starts but for photo purposes I will leave them on, easier to see where the cuttings are. After placing all the cuttings in the box I carefully set the cover over them.

You can see there is room around the fish tank where the potting soil shows and that is how I water this without having to lift the tank. You don’t want the soil very wet just damp, if it is too wet you drown the poor cutting or encourage the fungus. Also prop up the tank a bit to let air flow in.

And here is the results …a lovely new rose from a cutting..

A lovely lilac…I think it takes 3 years for them to bloom. We shall see.

I have just read up on a new (to me) way of rooting semi softwood cuttings. I am going to give it a whirl and report in with the results in a few months.

Happy Planting.

Propagating Geraniums or Cloning

2013-04-11T09:07:00.001-07:00

With life being what it is lately…as in rather all over the place, I failed to start my pelargonium seeds (aka: zonal geraniums). So what is a flower lovin gal to do??

Clone what you have…mine are all non-patented from seed so no infringement here.

The benefit of cloning is you get the exact same plant as the one you love where seeds may have cross pollinated and you never know what a seedling will look like.
First you start with a nice healthy plant. I overwintered some of mine in my studio and upper bedroom window.

Take a cutting from a fresh green branch just below a leaf node. Cut with something clean and very sharp, like a razor or xacto knife.

See, fresh green branch.

Old crusty branch…this is not what you want..

Make sure you have some potting mix ready to load up your freshly washed and sterilized little pots with. My mix is half potting soil (Ace brand) and perlite.

These are 3 inch pots, you can use smaller or even the Jiffy pellets work well, I have heard though I have not tried them personally.

These have all been washed in hot soapy water with a touch of bleach, then rinsed well and air dried.

The cutting should be about 4 or 5 inches long and leave two healthy leaves on them. When you put the stem into the dirt make sure two leaf nodes are covered by the soil mix.

Water well and press the soil firmly around the cutting.

Put a clear lid on your tray to maintain moisture and keep at a moderate temperature and in bright light. I have mine in the greenhouse but you can put them under lights in the house as well.

You can also tent clear plastic sheeting over the top, just be sure to prop it up away from the cuttings. You do want air circulation so don’t seal it. My domes have little holes in the top for air.

Here is my petunia cuttings done the same way under their clear dome roof under grow lights in my dining room.

Hopefully they are putting down nice strong roots and will grow, and grow. I will fill my hanging planters and my house will be festooned with lovely bright petunias and pelargoniums all summer long.

And here is my latest work in progress…she will be lovely as can be once I am done.

Come back to see her all gussied up. So now, I am off to paint signs in the studio, I have quite a few orders to fulfill and need to get to work!

Until next time, I wish you sunny skies and mild temps.

My April Garden update

2013-04-08T08:13:00.001-07:00

Remember me waxing poetic on the LACK of snow on my garden this year???

Well, I was smacked with the REAL Spring as known in White Pines this morning. Sigh.

My last post of my lovely flowers I put up on Saturday: My Garden in April 2013

My lovely fuchsia Hyacinths are under there somewhere.

I had just brought my bamboo out of the greenhouse to separate and the snow has it bowing over. I need to go shake it off.

I hear there is more to come this week. My poor Grandma Jo peach tree was full of blossoms too and I was just thinking that I would actually get some peaches this year unless we had a bad freeze.
Bother!

Oh well. It is not as if I am not used to the capriciousness of Spring here in White Pines.

Off to work I go this morning…

Cheers and sunny skies to all…

My Garden in April 2013

2013-04-06T08:31:00.001-07:00

No snow blanketing my little patch of dirt this year in April and lovely mild weather to enjoy. Sigh, though I have had little time to spend in the garden so far, what time I have had I have enjoyed to the full.

I am going to try to photograph my front garden at the beginning of each month. A sort of photo journal of its transformation through the season.

It is still rather barren looking but the tulips will soon be blooming in vibrant red then they will be followed by the Iris and then there will be an explosion of color as the roses, delphiniums, lilies and oh so many others vie for attention.
That usually is about the first of July.

The ski resort should be closing soon and work on the mountain will slow so I am assuming I will have more time at home. For a bit anyways.
This past week I have spent time in the greenhouse propagating petunias, and geraniums. I will share that soon too.

So here is what is happily growing this week. This little patch of Canterbury Bells will get separated, some transplanted to other spots in the garden or potted up.

Baby Blue Eyes Forget Me Nots, these little guys have been reseeding themselves too and I will transplant some to the side yard. Right not it is cool enough that they will suffer little shock.

I cannot remember which Clematis this is, I will have to photograph it in bloom and keep a record.

These Hyacinths are a bright splash and the scent follows you as to walk up the path.

Another just a shade different but just as bright.

The Muscari provide a refreshing contrast in blue.

I was so focused on capturing a clear shot of this daffodil that I completely overlooked it has friends visiting. It is looking a little weather beaten, it has endured a couple of pounding rains this past week.

My stacked buckets planter with violas. The background is distracting and one of my main goals this season is to block that view of our crowded and cluttered driveway. I have a few ideas and will implement them soon, I hope. (click on photo to view the making of this)

I planted a couple six packs of these lovely Pansies in the barrels by my front porch. They will fill in nicely and do quite well for most of the summer, the barrels only get morning sun so the heat of summer will have little effect on these beauties.

I have also been working on sprucing up around my studio. I will share more on that soon… I have to run and get my husband at the airport. He has spent the week in Texas working on finishing up a machine he helped design.

I have missed him. There was no one here to have my dinner waiting for me as I returned home from a hard day scrubbing vacation homes, nor anyone doing laundry.

Sneaky stuff, it piles up and you run out of essentials. I am so accustomed to him having it done that I was baffled as to why I had no ‘unmentionables’ in my drawer just waiting for me. I had to do laundry yesterday.

I will be back with more to share…

Pamela

Family Rules or Marriage Rules sign giveaway

2013-04-01T19:06:00.001-07:00

How would you like to win a Family Rules or Marriage Rules sign??

These signs measure 24” tall by 11.25” wide and are finished with an exterior varathane for years of enjoyment.

Just “Like” Flower Patch Farmhouse’s Facebook page and leave a comment either here on this site or on Facebook..it is that easy.

https://www.facebook.com/FlowerPatchFarmhouse?ref=hl

When I reach 100 likes then I will draw a name and the winner will get their choice of one of these signs.
Shipping is included.

Signs like these can also be purchased from our website. We can do them in different colors and customized with names and dates. Just ask…

Happy Monday!
~Pamela~

Spring at Ironstone

2013-03-26T07:39:00.001-07:00

I finally made my annual trek to Ironstone Vineyards to capture some photos of their barrels and barrels of blooming spring bulbs.

The lighting was not optimum as the direct sun can wash out the colors but I take what I can get. Tomorrow it is to be overcast and would be a better photography day but I have to work on the mountain, which is in the opposite direction.

Close ups are my favorite shot

Barrels and barrels of tulips..

All shapes, colors and sizes…

then there is the oh so fragrant Hyacinths

Crave the Wave…interesting name for this mix…

There are still plenty of daffodils even though many are about finished up for the season.

I seem to gravitate to the fluffy centered ones…

though the regular trumpets are just as pretty.

Walking along the flower lined paths is refreshing to the soul

funny how different the climate and growing season is just 12 miles down the road. My tulips are just a leaf poking out of the ground at this moment, and my daffodils have yet to bloom but soon they will pop open, if the weather continues the warm spell we are enjoying.

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of our tour, there is more to share and I shall.

Have a sunshiny day!

Pamela

A Rosebud Garden Therapy sign

2013-03-21T21:05:00.001-07:00

Well, Spring has sprung and we are having some fine weather. Not a lick of snow on the ground around my house, which is not the norm for March. Last year at this time we had just been graced with a fresh foot of the fluffy white stuff.

Though I am loving the view of dirt as opposed to shoveling snow, I am very aware of the drought situation now facing us this summer. I am already organizing my plan of attack to be able to have my garden grow just fine with less water.

My violas are doing fab, they are the ones I planted in my window boxes and hanging planters last Fall. They overwinter just fine despite freezing temps and bouts of snow and come back thick and lush at the first hint of Spring.

I would love to buy a nice big flat of violas to plant in my bucket planter, I just have not had the time to visit a nursery or garden center. I am suffering withdrawals…time for a plant run!

Isn’t this yellow just so yummy looking???? I think it is what caused me to crave lemon meringue pie. So I made two and devoured both in short order. (well, in a matter of a week or so, and hubby helped)

The ladies and their main man are doing just peachy. Breakfast buffet.

Now you see all that straw at their feet, under that is about 12 inches deep of the bestest composted, garden gold just waiting for me to bring my shovel. I need to get to work!

They are definitely loving the longer days and the warmth of the sun, they have become egg laying machines. I am now getting a dozen a day in an array of colors. (don’t mind the grubby tub)

here I start with a teaser of a headline and forget to show you the star of the show. A fresh from the painting table Garden Therapy sign with sweet pink little rosebuds for a touch of panache.

This was a special order but I need to do one just for the website too. I have a few more to share but my eyelids are refusing to stay aloft.

Night all.. sweet flowery dreams!