Tall Tales from Kansas

the tail feathers of an attentive parent

The geraniums in the front porch pots have settled in nicely and are performing well as we get ready to dive into June, where the heat of the summer sometimes makes me want to overwater. This can be a death sentence for plants, but I am cautioning myself to be restrained. 

The rabbits are all lined up in front of the pots to scare off the squirrels. In my mind.

The "in the house" flowers from the market and my first bouquet of zinnias from my garden are doing well. Oh how I do love to go out back and pick and choose and arrange. 

This ground cover (whose name escapes me) is doing well, as are the coneflowers.

The back deck pots are still pretty small, but by the end of the summer should tower above where they are now. Time will tell. 

Two other things worth reporting on include that the coconut lime cake from the market this week has been insanely good, and that I have spent a ridiculous amount of time sitting on my porch listening to the chirping of a nest of baby house finches in the Japanese maple out front.  





You can just make out the tail feathers of an attentive parent in the photo above... if you look very closely.  
These are the things that make life worthwhile. Flowers + cake + birds = good stuff.

plans, ideas, dreams, to look forward to

Beauty, coffee, history, laughter, the search for potential acquisitions, and culinary explorations have become the essential agenda items for days devoted to adventure. Curiosities should also be sought out if possible. 

These crested euphorbias filled the curiosity bill nicely recently.

One will be on my back patio this summer. I feel certain.

These "pop your eyes out" fuchsia geraniums were spectacular. Too early here for planting them, which in no way lessened my enjoyment at gazing upon them.  

This months history lesson was a visit to the Avenue of Murals in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. This project was begun in 2004 with the help of professional artists in residence and involved local high school kids. How cool is that? We only got to 3 of them, there are a total of eight. Shown below are a celebration Mexican folkloric dancing, one which honors the building that housed a local newspaper and features a printer, and one representing modern and traditional Hmong culture. Vibrant and beautiful. 

Below, in the realm of culinary experiences, is one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten. Butternut squash hummus. I must puzzle out a recipe to try at home. Holy Smokes it was good. 

While we were eating it, we came up with a whole list of things to do in the near, and not so near future. It's good to have plans, ideas, dreams... to look forward to. 

P.S. if you live in the KC area and you want to try the butternut squash hummus - get yourself to Brown & Loe in the river market area. 

the world is ready for you

Tulips in reverse. From petals falling, to exposed inner workings, each step of maturing has been appreciated here. 

Spring you just keep on coming. The world (and me in particular) is ready for YOU.

so glad I didn't listen to my sensible self

Though "red leaf" season is over (here in Kansas anyway), and this blog has seen more than it's share of posts devoted to fall color, brace yourself for one more. Because these are MY red leaves. The ones from the tree that I planted in 2017 after the first one I planted died a premature death in an early frost. Or maybe it was a late hard frost after the tree had already budded out. Either way. 

Though it looks like it, this photos are not enhanced.  This was the best I can ever recall it looking, and it popped overnight.

I sat outside on the front porch and enjoyed it on a day off.  So glad I did.

Because the next day it looked like this, after wind and rain.

And now, this. I almost replaced the first Japanese maple with something else out of worry the second one would die too.  So glad I didn't listen to my sensible self.

Because even if we only have a year of magnificent color like this every 3-4 years, it is splendid enough to keep me satisfied through the so-so years. 

when the proper season rolls around again

Before the unexpected cold snap, or in case I get lazy later, let me just show you right now how the succulents out back fared this year. 

These guys are sort of on their own out back. I mean they get a drink occasionally but since I worry about overwatering them, I try to leave them alone. They could likely use a bit of protection from the sun at times too, but I don't move them around. 

It's not a succulent, but the bougainvillea really did well this year too. I should have tucked some of those branches up through the support earlier on to encourage upward growth more than out to the sides ... maybe?

Now I just need to take a few cuttings to bring in for next year. For sure that crassula sunset jade, some of the ruffled echeveria, and maybe the panda plant. The trick is to bring in a few, but not so many that there is no "winter break" from gardening. That is one thing I like about living in a climate with 4 seasons. It gives one enough time without something, to miss it and want to get back to it when the proper season rolls around again.

more is more and that is better

It's hard to pick a favorite zinnia. There are a multitude of reasons to like each of them. That said, I am partial to the Queen Red Lime and the Queen Lime Orange. Especially with a few Tequila Lime thrown in for good measure. 

I love the varying degrees of lime combined with the red and orange, as well as the different shapes.

They are reliable and produce in abundance throughout the summer.  

The key is making sure to spend a little time at the outset, preparing the soil, keeping the area moist until the seeds germinate, and then a little watering every day or so until they take off. 

They flower on nice long stems, perfect for cutting and bringing inside. 

I don't know anyone who can pass by a patch of zinnias and not vow to plant some. My seeds are from Burpee. I have ordered from them the last several years and been very pleased with how they performed. I always sow way more seeds than is likely needed. I come from the "more is more, and that is better" school of seed planting.  

poppy seeds scattered to kingdom come

It crossed my mind as I got ready to cut down the dried poppy's last week, that seeds should be harvested. In case my sisters want/need some.   

This year, in addition to those nice, big, deep red blooms, there were lighter pinkish ones, and some red and white ones with ruffled edges. Swoon.    

I can't wait to see how they come in next year. More seeds will be sprinkled, very early in spring, but most of these should come back again next year, usually heartier after a few years in the same spot - undisturbed. 

So I cut the stems, shook them over a box, and seeds came out like crazy. They were then funneled into little bottles because whats not to like about a little bottle full of poppy seeds.

While I wait to send them on their journeys I enjoy looking at them on my table, along with some other collections. I will ask myself why I did not seal them into envelopes the minute I collected them as soon as I accidentally flip this tray over one morning and have poppy seeds scattered to kingdom come. But for now....

my front porch is destined to be a robin nursery

While checking out the oak leaf hydrangea this week

which by the way, is having a banner year

I happened to notice that the robin nest, that I took down several weeks ago, and filled with shells, 

has in fact, been replaced with an almost exact duplicate (if perhaps a bit more crooked) version of itself, in precisely the same spot as nest #1.

I guess my front porch is destined to be a robin nursery. With a plentiful supply of worms nearby, and one successful launching from the nest, I guess it was destined to happen. I was amazed at the speed with which the nest was built. One day it was not there, the next it was completed. 

P.S. I saw a brown thrasher the other day. I, along with the rest of the world, have turned into a bird watcher. I downloaded the Audubon app on my phone and have been delighted with this new found ability to figure out what I am seeing. 

peony season can be extended a bit

I splurged and bought a couple of bouquets at the farmers market Saturday. The first one features peonies and allium along with scented geranium foliage.

The color of the peonies reminds me of a delicate pink buttercream frosting. I love how they look in all the different patterns of light throughout the day. 

Bouquet number 2 is peony buds that have been cut and refrigerated. I cut an inch or so off the bottom and popped them in a vase and they open pretty quickly.

I do love that peony season can be extended a bit thanks to refrigeration, Karen Pendleton, and the Lawrence Farmers market.

they look good all the time

The pots on the back sitting area at Tall Tales headquarters were properly "filled up" recently. It started with a 45 minute shopping appointment at a Kansas City nursery that has a varied assortment of succulents. Including some more unusual specimens.

I really appreciated that they limited the numbers of people who could be in the place at one time, required a mask, and had signage to encourage proper distancing at the check outs etc. 

As you can see, I had no trouble finding everything I needed and then some.

I also brought out 5 of the little pots I wintered over, to add them back to this year's pots. 

Sister and I love to go to nursery's, botanical gardens, etc... when we travel. I am always so jealous that she can buy whatever she wants to bring back to her home, so I really had a great time making my selections. I was especially happy to find the Kalanchoe "flapjacks" with the red edges above along with a fairly large "sticks on fire".

This year I took care not to put in specimens that will completely take over a pot... I sure hope that "string of pearls does well  and spills over the edge of the pot below. 

That bright lime crassula sunset jade also made me really happy.  I will certainly be wintering over some of that. All the jade plants from last year are on my front porch and did great over the winter.

I plan to provide regular updates of the progress of these pots. 

If succulents aren't your thing, you can fast forward. But seriously, doesn't everyone LOVE succulents these days? They are so easy, tolerate the sun, require little attention, are interesting to look at with all the different colors and textures, are much more widely available locally than they used to be, and finally the very top reason... they look good all the time. I hope I didn't just jinx myself. 

P.S. I will appreciate your suggestions for your favorite flowering vine that will do well in a pot in a spot that gets sun from about 11am until sunset everyday. 

from Jeannette Sclar many moons ago

Memorial Day poppies burst upon the scene in the back garden the other day. These are volunteers that re-seeded from last year.

What I have learned about poppies, is that the longer they are in a place, the more they settle in...



...and the better they do.

From the looks of it, there will be a few more blooms on this plant.

But seriously, it there are only two, won't these two be so enough?

The original seeds from these poppies came from Jeannette Sclar, many moons ago. I have spread some around when I cut down the dried pods each year but I never deliberately put any here.  Apparently the birds (or the wind) knew this would be a good spot.  

"closed for spraying"

The rain did not stop me from my appointed rounds at Loose Park recently. I am pretty sure that I have been here in the rain before and for sure I will come in the rain again.

When I arrived I noticed a sign that said the rose garden was closed. I felt certain they meant for everyone BUT me. To be sure though I walked around to the opposite side.

Sure enough, there was a sign on that side that said "closed for spraying". 

Except it was raining, and no one was spraying, and in small print it said "if you are from Lawrence Kansas and you see no reason not to come right in, please do so".

So I did.

The rest of the park was lovely as well.  Nary a soul did I see on my ramble. 

To say it was splendid does not quite capture the feeling, but you get the idea.

I picked up the scissors on my table and did some "air snipping"

Last week on a Prairie Makers Zoom gathering, I might have asked Pam how her peonies were doing.

She let me know they were in full bloom and that she had an abundance.

"Pink, white, and the deeper fuchsia colors" ...

At this point I think I picked up the scissors on my table and did some "air snipping". 

She let me know I could come by and get some.

So I did. 

I got to meet Scout. That's the one giving me the stink-eye. 

Spectacular color.

Divine fragrance. 

Such perfect flowers.

Thank you Pam!!!

contradiction is my middle name

Over the years I have become a bigger and bigger fan of Columbine. It's one of the faithful returnee's to the garden. I am especially fond of these colors in the blue-ish/purple range. They do quite well in the shade with just a touch of sun in the early morning. 

I know those directly above are not Columbine. I think they are Brunnera Jack Frost. The flowers are blue though, and I have developed a fondness for groupings of flowers that are similar in color. It seems restful to me.

Except when it comes to Zinnia's.  Zinnias should be all colors of the rainbow, all together, the more the merrier.

Clearly, contradiction is my middle name. 

if you're lucky it will come back again next year

There are some amazing things happening out in the garden right now.  Starting with these big, bold, oriental poppies.

These lilac bushes have been written off every single year since they were planted but for some reason I haven't moved them yet. But hey, hold on, this year they did produce some blooms. Fragrant ones. Does this mean there is a chance they are starting to like this spot?

My rose bushes are coming along well, saved from an outbreak/infestation of aphids by a few drops of dawn soap in a spray bottle. A good thorough spraying every other day for a week took care of it. 

I am looking forward to a harvesting roses for a few weeks. Placing them in small bottles & vases all around the house, until it gets too hot. And they stop blooming. But that's the way of the Kansas garden. Enjoy it while you can, if you're lucky it will come back again next year.

And sometimes, as in the case of these Iris from Angie's garden in Arkansas, they will multiply and spread, and remain reliable for many years.

sweet, funny, a little madcap...

In case you are interested, incubation continues on the front porch of Tall Tales headquarters. The porch has been divided and agreements signed. Chris and I stay away from the nest, the robin avoids the rocking chairs, especially at cocktail time. 

The Japanese maple turned on the charm overnight this past weekend. It's just splendid. 

A Japanese maple leaf in the right light is just about one of the most beautiful things there is. Amen to a whole lot of beauty right now. 

The oak leaf hydrangea is pushing out new leaves like nobody's business. I think the maple and it are competing for some kind of award. 

Out back this statue from Angie's garden stands guard over a small bunch of tulips that were planted way back in 2008. I don't know why they have not been eaten by squirrels or how they keep performing when most of the rest that I have planted over the years have stopped. I am grateful. 

By the way, we did end up watching Harvey on Easter. Just the kind of viewing needed during Coronavirus times. Sweet, funny, a little madcap, and of course it's got Jimmy Stewart in it.  What more needs to be said?

 

is doing "good enough" ok for these times?

Chris and I feel very fortunate to live where we can easily walk outside, in relative isolation, and admire the arrival of spring.

As we walk it's easy to forget what's going on, until I reach to touch something and Chris says "I wouldn't do that"... and I wonder if he's being too cautious, or am I being too lax?  

Flowers, sun, color, fresh air, the whole of it; a balm for things that are troubling. 

Tomorrow I will be working from home for the first time.  It likely won't be different from working from my office, but it feels different. I won't be able to just run up to a unit if I feel like someone needs me.

What I am struggling with is that I know what we are doing right now, using Telehealth, is maybe not doing the very best I am capable of in person. At the same time, understanding that we must be cautious, and maybe doing "good enough" is ok for these times. All of this against a backdrop of knowing we MUST preserve PPE for the most vital staff members. These are the thoughts in my head tonight.

On a positive note, I was able to address all the technology "stuff" required to work from home. With only 2 calls to the hospital help desk. Plus a bit of sweating and some nervous laughter that turned into a full throttle guffaw.

one more sunny day

About 11 days ago, I collected what I was certain was the last bouquet of zinnia's for the season. A perfect collection of random colors that blend together like this was all planned.

Then 5 days ago I went out to "freshen things up" by adding a few new blooms and collected enough for another whole vase of flowers. 

Sage, rosemary, and mint were added as fillers.  They also smell wonderful.  

I almost just made the mistake of saying again, that this was my last bouquet of zinnias. But since I still have one final area that has yet to be cut down.  I shall refrain. This is Kansas after all.  Where the weather changes at the drop of a hat, and one more sunny day could bring about something unexpected.  

in all their tiny collectiveness

Part of putting the garden to bed this year was the decision to snap off a few pieces of succulents to use in next year's pots. Even though I have tried this before with geraniums and never succeeded, hope springs eternal.

Some of them were so cute, and would fit in a window sill, so why not?

There was also the two tiny pots (thanks James and Cori) I had that were made for teeny succulents,

and the other ones I found while on a birthday present buying mission, that were simply irresistible.  

Pots above can be found at J'Adore in Brookside (along with many other delights - you have been warned). 

As with all things gardening related, some are sure to fail and others will survive.  They sure look cute all together today though. In all their tiny collectiveness.

a case of stem canker

The 2019 front porch geraniums are going down in history as my best ever. That I can remember.

They continue to bloom profusely, with green leaves in defiance of the heat.  

In the name of giving credit where credit is due, they are from Pendletons Market, and you can't go wrong when you start with locally grown flowers.

I have also (finally) learned not to overwater, even though it's so hard not to believe they need extra drinks when it's terribly hot.  

It's important to focus on garden successes, especially when it's been a season where the weeping cherry that we put in several years ago died suddenly, AND the "tree guy" told us yesterday that the junipers out back appear to have contracted a case of stem canker. Which means they are dying and will need to come out too.  

We are thinking about a weeping redbud when the cherry gets replaced. If any of my midwestern gardener friends have ideas for other small, native, decorative trees I would love to hear your thoughts.  

each better as a result of a human connection

Recently, on a pilgrimage to the Kauffman Gardens in KC, I saw butterflies, sculptures in fountains, spider plants, tree's in even rows, a mass of bowing yellow flowers, beautiful light on red caladiums, and I met Duane.  

Duane was in the middle of a little tree carving when I spotted him. I did not interrupt. But when he walked by and greeted us in a friendly fashion, indicating his openness to conversation, I dived in. 

Duane is from Norton Kansas and has been keeping the gardens at the Kauffman in tip-top shape since 1999. That tree sculpture is going to be part of the "Christmas in Hawaii" theme that will be happening in December. Also a great way to deal with a tree that has died, I might add. He reminded us of the February event too - orchids in the cat house. Well, it's not officially a cat house, it's where they put the citrus trees and other tender pots during the super cold months. But in my defense, it is where the guardian of the garden lives. And the orchids.

Duane also introduced us to the "buttered popcorn" plant. If you brush against it, particularly in the heat of the day, you would swear you were at the cinema.   

Nothing makes me happier than making the acquaintance of a friendly person like Duane. Just a quick interaction, so I could tell him how much his work is appreciated, he could share beneficial information with me, then we both moved on, each better as a result of a human connection.  

inside they take on a slightly lime undertone

Because I always show you zinnias that are a riotous explosion of color, like this bunch that I ran outside yesterday and cut willy-nilly, then stuffed in a vase, because they were falling over from all the storms...

...I think it is only fair to show their subtle, quiet side too.  

Outside they look more white.  Inside they take on a slightly lime undertone.

Or maybe a butter yellow.

Whatever it is, I like it.  These are from seeds - White Wedding Zinnias.  They did not get quite as tall as they were supposed to (12-16 inches), but I pinched them back after they started flowering and they did get a bit taller.  

This morning Harvey came by and we sat together on the porch and discussed the relative merits of zinnias.  He is of the mind that more space for cat mint should be allotted in the garden and less space for flowers.  But he was willing to concede the point as long as I continued to pet him. Which I certainly did. Happily.   

like some poppy seeds or a new pair of clippers

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden is a lovely spot to visit. Right now the dahlias are putting on quite a show.

Some are more spectacular than others, but they are all show-offs.

There is a trail to the ocean, fields for photo taking, and a lovely little nursery with plants to buy.

Oh, and they feature Cowlick Ice Cream in the cafe, so you can get a scoop of s’mores flavor on a sugar cone while you decide if you need to buy anything. Like some poppy seeds, or a new pair of clippers. 

even the dragonflies have given their seal of approval

It could be that I should bite my tongue, but at this moment, bolstered by the lack of failure, I am here to proclaim, my succulent pots are thriving.

It is surprising how many varieties there are available here in Kansas.  

Even the dragonflies have given their seal of approval. Most of my inspiration for these has come from Sister and my visits to the fabulous gardens of Los Angeles.  I have also enjoyed very much reading this book.

someone who knows where all the good stuff is

There's a lot of interesting things to see hidden on the back lanes of Montecito and Santa Barbara.

Everywhere you look. Oh, "but wait, did you see that?"

It helps to have a tour guide who will drop you off to take pictures, point at things as she takes off, and wait for you at the end of the lane.

Someone who knows where all the good stuff is, comes in very handy.    

I hope all these people know how much I appreciate the "sprucing up of their yards" they did in advance of my visit.  

I was going to tell them, but I didn't see anyone out and about.  

It's a garden lover's paradise.

There were also great places to see on walks right in the neighborhood where we stayed.

Cute, cozy, colorful. 

It was just like walking through a magazine.  Only better.  

consider this a reservation request for my usual room at Moss Cottage

On my semi-annual pilgrimage to the Huntington in San Marino, the desert garden, one of my favorite places on earth, did not disappoint.  

My fascination with succulents knows no limits. 

On this visit, time was also spent in a new (for me) amazing area. Tucked into the inner sanctum of the Japanese gardens... is the Bonsai court.

This garden will need further scrutiny on my next visit.  Clearly this is going to have to morph from a semi-annual, to a three times a year visit. More time to sit and contemplate all the loveliness is needed. There is also a Zen court right next to the Bonsai court.  I bet the ginkgo biloba trees planted there are simply spectacular in the fall.  Sister, consider this a reservation request for my usual room at Moss Cottage.  In October.

with those flouncy white skirts and bright yellow centers

The first time I recall seeing a Matilija poppy was on an excursion up the California coast to Summerland in 2014.  Walking along a lane behind our rental cottage, there they were. In all their glory.

This year we hit the peak of their season again.  Or so I think.

Big lush patches of them.

With those flouncy white skirts and bright yellow centers.  

Walking among them, I feel like a character in a fairy tale.

They were spotted in LA as well as up the coast, in the Santa Barbara area.  

Seeing things that don't grow in Kansas (that I know of) deepens my love and appreciation of gardening.  

Just as eating an exotic meal makes you appreciate more, all manner of cuisine.  

a cushioning of sorts between then and now

I re-entered Kansas airspace Sunday night.  Inky black skies, a chill in the air, clean sheets on the bed.

The first days after vacation are best for mindless wandering.  Getting re-acquainted with the garden, putting things away. Unpacking.

Combining fallen eucalyptus buds with hearts made by Mary Stanley. We visited her at Bon Fortune, where I was delighted to find some of her wonderful work for sale.

Things to remind me of the pleasant days spent out west. A cushioning of sorts, between then and now.  A pause before the resumption of normal life.  

Two tiny perfect sand dollars, one found by sister and one found by me, bits of sea glass.

Somehow it all seems right.  

the stomata in the leaves stay shut during the day

This is a story about succulents, teaching methods, and getting outside when you can.  

Last week when we walked outside on rounds at work (our patients are often in 3 or 4 different buildings - which I love), we noticed the landscaping people had added a bunch of succulents to some flower beds.  

Which triggered Brice to recall a lecture from his favorite class, taught by Dr. Craig Martin at KU, who did not use PowerPoint presentations, favoring colored chalk and a blackboard to illustrate his points.

Which clearly has merit, given that he recalled in detail the fact that succulents are CAM plants and have a unique method of photosynthesis that allows them to survive with very little water.  

He remembered that the stomata in the leaves stay shut during the day when it's so hot, but open at night to take in carbon dioxide.  Which is a good reason to choose them for your hot/sunny areas in Kansas.

Although I favor them for their beauty and wide array of colors and shapes. 

 
There will be more updates on the succulent pots as we move through the summer.

If Brice shares more of the science of succulents with me the next time we work together, I will of course pass that on as well.  

did you know they sleep up in trees?

The most exciting thing we saw at Henry's Plant Farm recently was not this peacock. Though he was impressive.

Nor this pot. Which was beautiful.

Nope, it was not this cat, which I spied when I was looking at the pot above. And, who was completely squishy and adorable.

Not the bee balm, not the squirrel, not the way the meadow beyond this greenhouse was framed in the doorway.  

No, to the goats, but they were certainly frisky.

It was not the geraniums, however amazing their leaves.  

It WAS this!

Two tiny brand new baby peacocks that hatched 2 days prior to our visit!  Suffice it so say we were excited to see them.  Only 2 days old and already up and walking and doing "peachick" things.   



More regular visits will be in order.  To check on their development and expand our general knowledge about peafowl.  For example, did you know they sleep up in trees? The things you can learn on a weekend, at a farm, in the country, in Kansas.  

a most agreeable sort of day

The walking, looking, picnicking, adventure we had planned yesterday went off without a hitch.  Plan #1 to go to the Konza Tall Grass Prairie was scrapped in favor of a trip in the other direction, away from the storms (at least for the time frame we had planned) to Powell Gardens.

It was humid.  Which you would think I would be used to living in Kansas, but the first really humid day of the year is still an adjustment.  Then you remember we have deodorant and showers, and deal with it.  

We were greeted by giant alium. Always a good sign.  Closely followed by dogwoods and giant bronze bunnies.  

Then came curving stone/rock walls with plants tumbling out of them and tall purple iris.  

There is not a show-stopping display of roses here, but I did find them throughout the gardens and thoroughly enjoyed looking at them.  

We are still in peony season here, though they have been beaten down a bit by the rain. They have a lovely area full of peonies in the perennial garden.  

If I was going to be buried when I die, I would want someone to plant a whole bunch of peonies right on top of me.  

There were woodland trails covered in shade and throughout the gardens were spots for pulling over, sitting down, and having a look around.  

There was an area with fountains, water plants, and plenty of inspiration for whatever kind of garden you have.

Right before we left I spotted this succulent pot on steroids. I have already planted my strawberry pot full of succulents.  But I am now wondering if I don't have a second pot somewhere in my garage that may also need to be planted. Can one have too many succulent pots?  I think not.  

Most importantly, there were NO mosquitos on our adventure, it did not rain while we were there, and there were table and chairs inside the lovely visitors center that were perfect for a picnic.  Of sorts. AND they had local honey for sale in the gift shop! All in all, a most agreeable sort of day.

a threesome of Chihuly floribundas

Harvested today,

in between showers,

was this threesome of Chihuly floribundas.

There may be words adequate to describe their beauty, buy I can't locate them right now.

her love of cultivating a space that brings one such pleasure

This dianthus has been faithfully hanging onto the rock wall in back of our house for something like 7 or 8 years now.  Each year I wonder if the fuchsia waterfall will return... and it does.  

The false blue indigo and poppies also did their things this week.  

The columbine collection out front is looking good this year... and the iris out back bloomed again despite the fact that they have not been thinned out, and sorely need it.  

The task that gave me the most pleasure yesterday was buying and planting the geraniums.

Yes, three different colors were selected for maximum vibrancy. I'll let you know later in the summer if it was a mistake or not. 

Other "pot news" include these for under the Japanese maple out front.  Last year the plain white begonia's just didn't do it for me so the 2019 edition includes a few other things for maximum interest. Bougainvillea has also been planted out back.

This continues to be a "wettish" spring which has kept me from sowing the zinnia seeds, but has not prevented my regular walks.  Trying to outfox the rain keeps things interesting.

Finally, this miniature rose (diamond eyes) planted last year has come back like gangbusters.  Perfect for putting in little vases.

Dottie and Mary Ann and I do regular Marco Polo's of our flowers and plants with each other. Ray has even begun to get in on the action. Such fun to see how different our plots all are.  Angie was a lover of her garden.  We have all taken after her in that way. In other ways too, but I am especially grateful she passed on her love of cultivating a space that brings one such pleasure. 

a greenhouse full of them ready to be adopted

Oh we are having a glorious Spring here in Kansas.  Cool mornings and nights. Both sun and rain in equal measures.  Perfect conditions for plants that are coming back or starting out fresh.  

More succulent pots again this year.  

A new knockout rose for the deck.  For summer long blooms in the hot Kansas summers you can't beat it.  

New Columbine coming up from seed I bought at a little garden in Oregon a few years back.  

I love how this false blue indigo (baptisia australis) rises straight up through the mulch like nobody's business. Soon it will be time to get the geraniums for the front porch.  

There is no site more beautiful than a greenhouse full of them ready to be adopted.  

in a way that only fresh flowers brought in from the out-of-doors can do

For the last two weeks the dining room table has been graced with the presence of lovely bunches of lilacs.

In addition to being beautiful, they make the house smell so lovely. In a way that only fresh flowers brought in from the out of doors can do.  

Oh, and by the way, if your clusters of flowers start to look droopy... dunk them in a sink of cool water and recut the stems at an angle.  Then make a cut through the bottom of the stem to open it up a bit and pop them back in a vase filled with fresh water. It works, just like the lilac lady told me it would.  

the feeling that you have somehow played a role in the development of such beauty

Now that we have concluded show and tell on the magnolia trees and the forsythia bushes, lets move along to the cherry trees shall we?

These are not the showy specimens that can be found in some parts at this time of year, but I'll take 'em.  Because they are right here, where I can appreciate them in person.

All the photos above were from a park in downtown Lawrence. But below, well that's a special tree.

Because it lives in our front yard.

And I happen to be partial to it.  

You who garden understand this concept.

The feeling that you have somehow played a role in the development of such beauty, through your care and tending. 

when the payoff is all this wonderful yellow

In the wild, or by a fence

carefully pruned, or wild and shaggy

planted singly or in a grouping

nothing screams spring like the forsythia.

I tried to plant one when we moved into Tall Tales Headquarters. That was before I really knew the best spot for one and it did not thrive.  In fact, it died. Too wet I think.  

It may be time to give it another whirl.

No sense in not trying, when the payoff is all this wonderful yellow.  

the magic of Spring

Tonight I present a garden update, with photos taken during the first weekend of serious bed clean up.  Cutting down, picking up, uncovering, trimming. You get the idea.  

Vinca's are blooming and clematis is leaping.

Ground covers are greening up and baptisia is busting through the mulch.

Candytuft is going from green to white while buds are forming on the dianthus.

Oriental poppies are looking healthy and the ever faithful oak leaf hydrangea is leafing out. It got a good hair cut.  

This lavender, was almost dug up, until I peaked right down to the bottom and spied some green.  It will get a trimming, but not until that new growth has more time to come back on the old wood.  

I had to smile when I walked by this plastic pot, that sat out all winter, in the cold and the snow, totally unprotected, and saw this ground cover popping up. The magic of Spring, it never ceases to amaze me.  

simply sublime

Last week the magnolia trees around Lawrence started to bloom.  On a cloudy day, they were sweetly beautiful.

Three days later, with a bit of sun and blue skies, they became more showy.  In a "hey look at me!" kind of way.

I circled them, surveying from all angles

When across the street, I spotted some pink.

As in pink magnolias.

In front of a yellow house with a porch swing.

Simply sublime.  The end. 

so beautiful it was hard to believe they were real

At Kauffman Gardens there are clear signs that spring is here.

And just like that, winter feels over, and in retrospect maybe not so bad. 

Gardening thoughts start to push into my weekend plans. 

Even now, with just a few glimpses of color, this garden is beautiful.

The order and structure encourage appreciation of things you don't notice when things are in full bloom.  

When I walked into the indoor garden space to visit my friend, the smell was heavenly. Oh Delta Valencia Orange you are seriously intoxicating.  

There were also ranunculus and primrose to enjoy.  So beautiful it was hard to believe they were real. But they were.  

The therapeutic benefit of a garden visit (that includes cat therapy) can not be overstated. 

the gift of a well tended garden for all to enjoy

This is it. The last photos from the LA/PS art retreat. On the day we left, after packing up the car, but before hitting the 210 and heading east, we made a stop at Arlington Gardens.

Where there are ginormous specimens tucked into a quiet spot in the city,

and you can tie a message to a tree 

or sit and listen to the birds in the trees

while you marvel at the unusual specimens

and dream of the fountain of succulents you will plant when you are in your 80's.

There is also the labyrinth to walk.  With little pink jewels from the California Pepper tree underfoot, that release a lovely aroma when  crushed as you walk.  

More tables and chairs for drawing, resting, thinking, looking

with golden succulents nearby to behold 

and overhead century plants reaching up to the palms. 

And on and on and on.  

A little jewel in the city.  Reminds me of the Kaufman gardens by the plaza in Kansas City. Very different, yet with the intent of presenting the gift of a well tended garden, for all to enjoy.  

holy buckets nature is amazing

Last year, Sister and I decided that Palm Spring Art retreat MUST always begin with the opening ceremonies at the Huntington in San Marino. It was an excellent idea and was continued this year.  

There is a Desert garden, a Japanese garden, a Chinese garden, a Rose Garden, a Camelia garden, and I could go on and on and on. Suffice it to say there is always something new to see.  

Heck I could see the same thing every time because it always looks different, depending on the time of day and weather conditions.  

It was particularly lovely in the rain this year.  

We were treated to a demonstration of how to safely navigate spines while eating eat cactus flowers by a garden resident.

Holy buckets nature is amazing.

Let me add astounding and wondrous to that description.

covered in frost to varying degrees

There was a hard freeze overnight in Lawrence.  Here is what my flowers looked like this morning, covered in frost to varying degrees.

Pretty spectacular looking.  

Later in the afternoon it was easy to see that zinnia season is over.

Isn't it cool how parts of the flowers did not get hit as hard as others?  

The thing I was most glad about, was that Sunday evening I harvested a few last blooms to set on the the kitchen window sill along with the Halloween decorations.  Until next year zinnias, when we shall meet again.  

a downpour is another story

Hello and Happy Friday night from Kansas, where I have just come in from snipping what could be the last bouquet of zinnia's for the season.

Rain is forecast for the next 2 days.  Between 90 and 100% chance.  Who knows what havoc that could wreak on these sturdy troopers that have brought me an amazing amount of joy all summer long.  As you may be able to see, there is mildew forming on the foliage now.  Just part of the process.  

I am bummed about the rain only because this weekend is the area Farm Tour and we have tickets in hand.  Farms to visit picked out.  Rain coats are at the ready.  We won't be scared off by a sprinkle.  A downpour is another story.  

the upside down flower pot on a tripod

My zinnia patch has been filled with fluttering, drifting, butterflies these last few weeks.  I read somewhere that there are record numbers of them migrating this year.    

We slipped over to the monarch watch area in Lawrence last week to see them.  In addition to the monarchs, there are always interesting "regular garden ideas" to be had there.

What is it about the upside down flower pot on a tripod of sorts that appeals to me so?  Who can say.  The heart loves what the heart loves.  Expect to see some in my garden next year.   

really chill and mature

Just so you don't think that I only have eyes for zinnias, do know that I find the time to take notice of other bloomers.  For one, there is this marvelous patch of autumn clematis along one of my several walking routes.  Right now it looks (and smells) amazing.  

This variegated bougainvillea on the deck is also blooming, and while it is not as colorful as those of previous years, it's still pretty great in my book.

This nasturtium that turned out not to be the kind that will grow up a trellis, is also doing well despite the fact that it's not climbing.  The shape of the leaves alone is really so enough.    

The white impatience planted in pots, under the tree, out front, have finally started to do some blooming.  Mostly because of the cooler temps I think.  The vote is still out on whether this will be attempted again next year.  I think maybe caladiums could have been better here?  

The seasons are marching on.  And I for one am ready to move.  Or stay a bit longer... recognizing that Mother Nature is calling the shots, not me.  

Doesn't that sound really chill and mature?   

yes siree I sure am

The back patio pots are doing their thing right now.

Growing stalks and blooming by golly.  

Succulents do the most interesting things.

All these bits of ground cover were plucked out of the rock wall in the back of our house and popped in this strawberry pot.  I love the way they look pouring over out of the sides.  

At last the bougainvillea has started to flower.  The leaves are pretty on their own, but let's face it, those fuchsia flowers are the reason this was planted.    

I am calling the succulent look for the back deck a hit so far.  I looked for all the heat and sun tolerant ones for the back, and those that flourish in the shade for the front porch.  

I do NOT know the names of all these plants.  Can't remember what I did with the tags.  I do love that all their blooms happen to be in the red/pink family.  I could tell you I planned that, but heck, I didn't even know they bloomed to be downright honest with you.   But I am real happy about it.  Yes siree, I sure am.  

you need a lot of raw material to choose from

Since Susan in Albuquerque asked about my zinnia beds, I am showing them today.  

They are a wild bunch.  No orderly rows or anything logical like that.  

I have them all along the back of my house, mixed in with the lavender, and some marigolds, and lemon balm.  The back of the house gets sun beginning around 1130am and ending at sunset.

Because I was not sure how successful these were going to be, I went on around the corner of the house and planted another bunch on the side.  

These beds get sun starting in the early morning, lasting until about 2pm.  We have had below average rainfall this year and so I have watered them about once a week and they have done remarkably well.    

I am not one bit sorry about planting so many.  I will do the same again next year.  

When you fancy yourself a flower arranger, and place jars of zinnias in every room in your house, you need a lot of raw material to choose from.  

for a color junkie like me

I will stop doing blog posts about zinnias as soon as they stop being so beautiful.  

Which does not show signs of being anytime soon.  

Seriously.  Each day I walk out the back door and pinch myself.  

A little lemon balm added to these.  For the heck of it.  

For a color junkie like me, these are pure and utter bliss.  

to snip some blooms and put them together in a way that pleases you

There are so many possible variations on a theme with zinnias.  There is the multi-color hodge podge bouquet whose blooms are selected with no forethought at all.

Followed by the "lets keep it in the violet/pink family".  

How about some Zinnia peruviana, Andes Jewel?  They are perfect for a tiny little vase.  

And if you are smart like I was, and order 2 packets of Queen Red Lime zinnias you can have a big bundle of just them.  They remind me of old taffeta gowns.  Dresses you used to play in when you were a kid.  Back in the days when you could go to a great second hand store, and find something to play in for a dollar or two.  I have very specific memories of a couple of dresses like that.  

Then there are "the reds".

This orange one with a single circle of petals reminds me of a present I got for Christmas one year - liquids that you could pour into molds and make into flowers... and maybe other shapes?  I just remember the flowers.  The name escapes me... 

The pure contentment found in grabbing a jar and heading outdoors, scissors in hand, to snip some blooms and put them together in a way that pleases you is one of life's greatest joys.  

something that came out under the cover of darkness

This past weekend, all the tomatoes at Tall Tales Headquarters were harvested. 

Not because they were ripe.  But rather because they were being consumed by something(s) other than the occupants of the house, who pay the mortgage.  

Something that came out under the cover of darkness, with a long skinny tale, and wreaked havoc in its wake.  Chris is formulating plans for next year's crop which will take into consideration the prevention of this kind of outright plundering.