Tall Tales from Kansas

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.    

ordinary, small, wonders

The fact that I harvested 4 beautiful roses during these super hot days of summer is nothing short of a miracle.

Which I do happen to believe in by the way.  Ordinary, small, wonders.  That's my definition of a miracle.  

a nice medium sized bouquet

The summer of 2018 will go down in recorded history at Tall Tales Headquarters, as the summer of the most incredible zinnia cutting garden EVER.  

I planted a total of 6 different kinds in early May and did my very best to keep the ground moist and allow them to successfully germinate.  

I adore the ruffled petals of the Giants Mix.  They may be my favorites. 

I ended up with a nice mix of bright colors along with those incredible Queen Red Lime that are pink/purple with a green undertone.  Actually they are my favorites.  

 

I also like that I have big ones and little ones and they are all on long stems.  

It's very hard not to call Purple Prince my favorites too. 

The bottom line is I love them all and it feels so decadent to walk outside and cut whatever I want.  Anytime.  For a big bouquet, or a little bouquet, or a nice medium sized bouquet.   

All seeds ordered from Burpee.  I wanted to get them from Floret Flowers, but they were all sold out by the time I got around to ordering.   I was well pleased with how these performed for me.  

there is nothing Harvey can't handle

Despite a late Spring, followed by lower than average rain fall to date, our tomatoes are doing pretty good.  So far.  Of course, we are growing them in a container, on the deck, that has a water reservoir underneath so we don't over or under water.  Theoretically.  

This was the day they were planted.  May 5th.  

Next photo taken on May 19th.

On May 27th the first fruits were spotted.

May 30th - growing over the top of the cage.

Maybe by the time I get home from Germany we will be pretty close to the first home-grown tomato meal of the summer.  I am leaving an able-bodied garden supervisor to help Chris with any outdoor chores he may require assistance with.   Such as remembering the precise quantity of water each of my potted plants requires.  

Luckily, there is nothing Harvey can't handle. 

I like where they planted them

In full sunshine, after a rain, in the morning, or after work, in the front garden, or on the side, the Shirley poppies are just lovely.  In all conditions.  Under all circumstances.

Jeannette gave me these seeds about 4 years ago.  I sprinkled them like she said and then left them alone.  The birds have carried them around to different spots this year.  I like where they planted them.  I shall continue to leave them alone. 

every star needs a supporting cast

For Memorial Day I present peonies.  Specifically, Festiva Maxima.  Discovered at the market this past weekend.  I don't always know the names of peonies.   I think they are all lush, amazing, and wonderful.  

A few years back Coral Charm showed up on my radar.  Since then I try to remember to ask Karen the names of any that make my knees go weak.

Truth be told, Festiva Maxima would not be so spectacular on her own. 

Without the others surrounding her to highlight the uniqueness of that hint of fuschia in the center at the edges of the petals.

Every star needs a supporting cast.

 In addition to admiring peonies from every single possible angle, we also did some weed pulling, lawn mowing, statuary water-proofing, mulch spreading, hamburger eating, and movie watching this weekend. 

But none of those pictures compared to the peonies.   

Not even close.  Trust me. 

endlessly fulfilling

What is going on around my house right now.   From a gardening perspective. 

Every single time I go to sister's and see all her succulents I stamp and sputter and bemoan the fact that I can't have that look in Kansas.  So I am trying anyway this year. 

Along with the usual cast of recurring characters.  Dianthus and hostas that return each year in their respective locations. 

A whole bunch of zinnias have been planted as well.  From seeds.  Because they did so great last year, and kept me with a full supply of cutting flowers to bring inside way into the fall. 

Cutting and arranging.  Just as good as cooking and eating.  Endlessly fulfilling.   

a resident cat to pet

Last week on a quick pilgrimage to the Kauffman Gardens I was treated to a feast of flowers.  Including allium, iris, a stray rose or two, peonies ready to bloom, and dogwoods dropping their petals. 

There was also the resident cat to pet and lots of spots to sit; for soaking in the quiet splendor.  Afterwards, there was a trip to a favorite coffee spot. 

I do love a good field trip. 

to see if they will reproduce in numbers

This oriental poppy, planted two years ago, is coming on strong this year.   It was a "bare root" specimen I ordered on line, and am glad to see it really seems to be thriving.

The flowers "hatch" like birds from this little "egg" and viola!  An amazing flower. 

Makes me want to set up camp right beside it, so I don't miss a single stage of the unfurling. 

The flowers don't last long, but they are spectacular when in bloom.

Even after the petals fall, they are pretty amazing.

I am thinking there are seeds inside.  I must harvest and sprinkle around to see if they will reproduce in numbers.  Like the poppies Jeanette gave me did .   

 The delights of gardening experimentation can not be over-stated.   Happy Friday all!

she loved bachelor's buttons

Happy Mothers day to all my favorite mothers out there.  You know who you are. 

This little bouquet at the market was a special hello to me from Angie. 

She loved bachelor's buttons (aka centaurea cyanus and cornflowers).  I have a vivid memory of her coming to help me plant flowers at the very first house we bought in Lawrence in 1985.  We planted some of them on the side of the house.  Afterwards we sat on the steps out front. We were hot, tired, and immensely satisfied with our work.

The fact that these came in a tall mason jar and had anemone's tucked in alongside was a bonus.

We often (as in almost always) need several bouquets at Tall Tales headquarters.  Because we can, so we should.   I told Chris the other day that since I am now 59 years old he should "expect to hear a lot of wisdom coming out of this pie hole".   The necessity to purchase multiple bouquets at the farmers market is one such example. 

giant rabbit buying extravaganzas

Geraniums in their pots means that summer is really here. 

All my selections this year are in the most amazing shades of pink I could find. 

With a little trailing something or other added for interest.

And to give the rabbits a bit of camouflage.  Though it would take an oversized elephant ears to hide that BIG rabbit.  But he asked to come home with me last year and how could I resist? 

Happy Friday.  Best wishes for weekends filled with porch sitting, zinnia planting, blueberry picking, flower arranging, and giant rabbit buying extravaganzas. 

the neighborhoods are dressed in their Spring finery

The dogwoods are on parade in the Kansas City area right now.  Sensational is the word that comes to mind. 

Call a friend, slip on your sneakers, the neighborhoods are dressed in their Spring finery.  Just waiting for me.  And maybe for you? 

I distracted them with the camera while Chris grabbed the rose bush and ran

This is a Chihuly Floribunda.  Planted at Tall Tales Headquarters this week. 

I spotted it at Henry's Plant Farm when I was wondering about.

I had a nice chat about it with this nice lady who looked like a rose expert to me.  We discussed the dreaded "witches broom virus" and whether or not it only affects knock out roses (it doesn't) and if there was a rose that was immune (there isn't).

Because I can't live without roses, and even though it may eventually become diseased, it was purchased and planted.

And yes, there has already been a cutting brought inside.  I might have to go back and get another.

There were several that caught my eye. 

Luckily I did not have to get into any shoving matches with anyone over the chihuly.

These two hecklers tried, but I distracted them with the camera while Chris grabbed the rose bush and ran. 

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.  Especially when it comes to rose bush buying.

almost daily miracles happen before my eyes

I am officially drunk on Spring.  

Iberis Sempervirens (candytuft) is why.

It requires very little tending, just a bit of trimming back, and it makes a lovely mini flower arrangement.

The return of  Baptisia australis (blue wild indigo) also plays a part. I wasn't sure it would come back after it's first season last year.  But it did.   

And while we are on the subject of blue...

Let us lay down in the grass and examine these.

Overnight the Japanese maple awakened.  To shield me from view as I rest on the porch.

The birds are the supplying the sound, and I want to be at home, to fling open the windows and listen.  

I don't want to miss one single part of Spring this year.  I want to do less and just let all the amazing things wash over me.  While I watch. 

In perfect contentment.  

While almost daily, miracles happen before my eyes.

the spring color "love-in"

Pansies were purchased and planted this weekend.  Even though it's been a slow start to Spring, and there are likely some colder days ahead before it really settles in to stay, "pansies are meant to withstand the fickleness of a Kansas Spring".   That is what Ginger the pansy expert would tell us. 

Last year I planted April 1st.  Getting started while it was still cool really helped them get well established.

I am hoping for an exact repeat of that experience this year. 

After the big pot out bag was completely full, I had one little pansy left.  Perfect for the mosaic pot out front.

I brought Chris along to the nursery to carry my selections.  AND to enforce my self-imposed rule that no geraniums were to be bought yet.  No matter if I told him (even if I used a very pleading tone) that I had changed m mind and NEEDED them right now before they were gone.

You can see why this precaution was necessary right? 

Next weekend is geranium weekend.   It's important to spread the Spring color "love-in" out over as many weekends as possible.  It gives time to think in between each purchase, planning what will go in the next pots, and gives the back time to recuperate.

what more reason is needed than that

As cold as it was on Saturday, I wasn't sure there would be flowers at the farmers market.  But there were.  Lovely, sweet, smile-inducing flowers. 

Several were selected to bring home.  Because they were there, they make me so happy, and I could.  What more reason is needed than that?

the person who decided to plant these trees and place the benches strategically underneath

Last week, before the snow fell, when the skies were blue, I ventured out to check on my favorite star magnolia trees. 

They don't live in my yard, but that did not stop me from sitting on this perfectly positioned bench to look upward.

I actually examined them from every angle, and found all to be quite pleasing. 

I do not know the name of the person who decided to plant these trees and place the benches strategically underneath them.  I hope whomever it was, knows what good work they did.  

Seriously good. 
 

warning: highly contagious

It's hard to decide if the red sunset maple out front, or Harvey rolling around in the garden out back was the best part of the weekend. 

Happily there was ample time for enjoying both.  Which is exactly and precisely what weekends were made for.

Smack dab in the middle of the front yard and the back yard, I also found time to sit in the front room with my feet up and listen to Winter Soltice.  Yes.  Following my sister's lead, I have also been bitten by the Rosamunde Pilcher bug.  Warning:  highly contagious. 

a book he can refer to for instructions

When I was in Los Angeles recently, Sister and I paid a visit to Descanso Gardens.   She walks there regularly, but I hadn't been for many years. 

They are known for their camellia collection, which were only just beginning to try and bloom when we were there.   This in no way detracted from my delight with what was there. 

In particular, I was attracted to these archways and trellises made from branches and twigs.

It got my mind whirring with possibilities.  I mean how fun would it be to try and make something like this?  So the other day when I was roaming the stacks at the library and saw this book, I snatched it up.

The way I see it, there is no harm in learning a new skill.  That is what I am planning to tell Chris.  Right before I mention that I think the cosmos could really benefit from some supports, and doesn't he think it's great that I found a book he can refer to for instruction. 

he referenced our previous disastrous sea kayaking experience

In addition to being a perfect day for walking, Sunday was also a great day for raking.  No wind, sunshine, 60 degrees.  Crazy for November but we uttered no complaints.

Chris prepared the bag and I told him I had a good method for filling it.

As you see below, it is not graceful, but it gets the job done.

He then proceeded to demonstrate his method.  

Then he referenced our previous disastrous tandem sea kayaking experience and said “I see your arms moving, but not a lot of progress being made”.

To which I replied “I think you will find I respond much better to compliments than criticism”.

Harvey abstained from voting on the superior method. 

 

I'm glad I didn't see any of that while we were chatting

 This Whitebanded, adult female, Crab Spider, was sitting contentedly on the flowers in the front garden yesterday morning.  We chatted while I waited for the delivery truck to bring my new hard drive.  

Just think, if it wasn't for that little computer melt-down, I would not have been out there and seen her.  Once I spotted her, I had to conduct a search on my phone to see just what kind of spider she was.   I learned they wait in ambush on flowers for visiting insects.  Then they "seize their victim in the embrace of their first two pair of legs".  Jeez.  I'm glad I didn't see any of that while we were chatting.  

tomato sandwich eating contest

Despite the unfortunate combination of a late start, a small infestation of green hornworms, and some unseasonably wet weather this summer, the tomatoes are beginning to do their thing.  They are not a pretty site out there on their branches with just a few leaves, but the fruit looks good. 

At last count we have 14 on the counter.  Which means we will be having a tomato sandwich eating contest here Friday night.

Followed by a hot-water bath, ice-water blanch skin removal and freezing extravaganza Saturday morning.  A bag of tomatoes in the freezer, ready to go for a December or January batch of tomato soup is a must. 

After all that, I hope there will be just the right amount of tomatoes remaining to make a tomato pie.

And that might be the end of the Chris and Carol tomatoes for the year.   This year's so-so crop will in no way dampen our enthusiasm when it comes time to plant next year.   That's the beauty of gardening.  Each season brings the possibility of new successes.   That's how I like to look at it anyway. 

emboldened by small successes

 "Well pleased" describes exactly and precisely how I feel about my cutting garden this year. 

In particular, the zinnias.

The different shapes, sizes, and subtle (and not so subtle) variations in color. 

Looking for seeds for next year is something I look forward to researching this fall and winter. 

This goldfinch was taking advantage of a giant orange zinnia for a resting spot the other day.  I am used to them using the cone-flowers for chairs, but not the zinnias. 

I also love the cosmos and will select some different varieties next year as well.  I am especially fond of these.

The photos on the world wide web of all the amazing dahlias this year (plus visiting the dahlia garden in northern California on the Grand Tour of California) have me wanting to try those next year as well.  Why not?  I am emboldened by small successes. 

It's important to be able to walk out to your own garden and select a pleasing arrangement.  Especially when you can't make it to the farmers market. 

This smaller leaf basil has also been a good performer this year.  Are there other herbs I should be planting to go in arrangements?  I like lavender and rosemary but am interested in what others are using.  

little red flowers with the white things sticking up in the middle

Since I am "zinnia rich" these days, I enjoyed getting a totally different bouquet from Madeline (the zinnia wizard) at the market last weekend.  Lord help me these little red flowers with the white things sticking up in the middle are amazing!  If anyone knows what they are, please do enlighten me. 

In combination with the red and white snapdragons the whole thing was pretty spectacular.

And the gomphrena!  They are on the list of seeds for next year. 

So many flowers to get better acquainted with.  But now I am off to finish packing.  Then dive into bed.  Sister and I are meeting up in Seattle tomorrow morning to head up to Lummi Island for 10 days of laughing, exploring, star-gazing, drawing, painting, and who knows what else.  In the event that WiFi is limited, I will be posting on Instagram.  Sweet dreams and happy weekend!

looking at this book and dreaming about gardens will make you happy

Because the proof, as they say, is in the pudding, you must look at these today.

A selection of extremely simple flower arrangements that include the cosmos and zinnias grown from seed this year!  I am so excited that both the zinnias and the cosmos are tall, with long stems, that go so well with the marigolds,  roses, and basil that are old time favorites. 

The inspiration and credit for my cutting garden this year is from Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden that I already told you about.  But something this good deserves a second telling.  I have gotten so many good ideas for how to improve my garden from this book.   Even if you don't have a garden, looking at this book and dreaming about gardens will make you happy.   

once a month at a minimum and twice a month during gardening season

Today I learned a very important lesson about gardening that warrants passing along.  It is this...  the secret to being a successful gardener lies not in picking the right plants for the right spot,

or continually trying new flowers to spice things up,

nor is it feeding the birds. 

It is not about planting fragrant things near the comfortable chair you will be sitting in regularly in order to survey your garden, or the table close by to put your beverage on. 

It's not about taking garden statues from older ladies who need to be sure their treasures land in a new garden when they are ending their gardening days.

And finally, it's not about being a ruthless and unflinching pruner who fears neither bees nor snakes. 

All of these things are important mind you, but the single most important thing every successful gardener needs in order to endure and have flourishing gardens is.... someone they can go to regularly that knows how to give a fabulous hand massage.  Once a month at a minimum and twice a month during gardening season.  Trust me on this. 

we thought we had died and gone to heaven

This weekend while I was sitting out back, under the shade of an umbrella, admiring my weeding/trimming, sipping coffee, and wondering if the red, swollen, patch of skin on my arm was poison ivy, I discovered that I like bouquets of flowers out-of-doors as much as I do indoors. 

And since we should keep cutting them so they will continue to produce (I don't think I am making that up), I made myself a nice big arrangement.  These are Echinacea "secret affair" and they are extremely showy.  This is their 3rd year in my garden.  I have moved them once, and last year there was a family of rabbits who kept eating them, but this year... this year makes up for all that.  

Don't think I have stopped with the indoor flower arrangements.  I bought this little vase at the flea market in Budapest on an extremely hot day, when sister and I got our bus lines a bit messed up.  Every time I look at it I am reminded of that day, and the really nice couple who sprayed us with their "mister" and we thought we had died and gone to heaven.

pinching back my zinnias

If you like to do this...

and this...

and this...

...then you really NEED this.

Which you have probably already heard about, but in case it slipped up while you were napping, or on a trip to the moon, or working on your new on-line class... I call it to your attention now.  Because it is delightful, and filled with good information for anyone who has ever dreamed of having a cutting garden. 

Which I absolutely have, and this year actually did something about, in the sowing of cosmos and zinnia seeds. 

So far I have learned about pinching back my zinnias to have longer stems, which I knew about marigolds but didn't about zinnias.  The perfect book to look at before bed.  It has me dreaming about gardens.  Gardens without noxious weeds, where friendly cats roam.     

a serious pink and fuchsia geranium kick

While I was in Utah my garden grew.  Cone-flowers, lemon balm, coreopsis, marigolds, and lavender make a mighty fine bouquet.  Especially in a turquoise mason jar.

My poppy patch went to town.  Seriously flamboyant this year.

Harvey came over and we visited for a whole morning.  He had lots of questions about Utah and everything we had done while we were gone. 

After we planted the tomatoes I made the last pansy bouquet for the year and the first marigold arrangement.

Coming home and getting back into my groove is as enjoyable to me as a good vacation.  I am on a serious pink and fuchsia geranium kick which shows no signs of slowing down... and I see no reason to step on the brake.   

 

a soft quilt spread in a strategic spot with a bit of shade

Behold, the peonies from the farmers market in Lawrence this week.  They are making my dining room smell like heaven.  Yes, right now I am fairly certain that heaven is a field of peonies under blue skies with big puffy clouds.

And there might be a soft quilt spread in a strategic spot with a bit of shade, placed for resting and relaxing.  There's plenty of time for that in my heaven.  There may, or may not, also be a picnic basket with a jar of cool lemonade inside.  You decide about that. 

a hobby whose only prerequisite is steadfastness

The iris, hostas, alium, japanese painted fern, dianthus, hydrangea, and fothergilla in my garden are all coming along swimmingly. 

These lovely perennials that manage to survive year after year with little attention from me.  All with a story to tell.  The iris from mom's house in Arkansas, the hostas from Megan, the dianthus that continues to hang from the rock wall by a thread. 

The hydrangea is starting year # 10 and survived the recent painting of the exterior of our house with just a few lost limbs. 

Gardening is a most excellent pursuit for those of us with a strong fortitude, who have experienced enough from life to withstand the losses and appreciate the miracles.  I like a hobby whose only prerequisite is steadfastness, something I happen to have a lot of.  Most of the time anyway. 

 

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I still intend to sweep off the front porch

when you schedule your trip to Lawrence this year

Seen on a random drive through Lawrence this week.  It may, or may not, have been on earth day.  This spring every single day feels like earth day to me. 

When you schedule your trip to Lawrence this year, promise me you will take at least a whole afternoon to drive up and down the streets looking for sites like this.  Sweet, old fashioned, pretty.  And all for free.  If you are lucky you will get to meet the gardeners like I did at the house in photo #1.  I might have gushed too much over my love of their garden.  But I don't think they minded.   Not one bit.

if I ask for incubation leave

We have made our first trip of the season to Pine's, one of my favorite gardening spots here in Lawrence.  Is there is anything that rivals the beauty of a sea of brightly colored flowers?  If there is, I don't know what it is. 

This flowering cabbage put me in the mind of a Carmen Miranda hat.  When I asked Chris to put it on his head for a photo, he wasn't having any of it.  I apologize for his lack of enthusiasm for my plan. 

Hanging baskets, foxglove, amaryllis.  I was positively drunk on blooming flower love. 

The peonies are coming along as you can see.  It won't be long before there are buckets full at the market.  

It's too early to plant some of these things, but there is no harm in looking now.  Making plans, coordinating colors, dreaming.  It's as good as planting. 

I did get my seeds, which I intend to sow, right away.  As in maybe this weekend. 

I am considering taking a maternity leave while I work through the germination process with them.  Maybe if I ask for incubation leave that would work?

Ginger says it's time

Once upon a time I shared an office with my friend Barb.  And Barb's mom, Ginger, would always call her in the Spring (and fall) when it was time to plant pansies.   When Barb hung up the phone she would turn to me and say "Ginger say's it's time".  And just like that, we knew it was safe to plant.  Ginger was never wrong. 

Barb's mom died earlier this month, so I have to try and figure this out on my own now.  In her honor I will do my very best to carry on the tradition by alerting any of you who live in zone 6a (according to the Plant Hardiness Zone Map) when it is time.  Which it is, right now.

Boy oh boy do I love that first trip of the spring to the gardening store.  It is filled with so much possibility.  Things you have been dreaming about and ideas for things you hadn't even conceived of.   I'll just be here this weekend, rain or shine, raising my spade and gardening gloves to you, filled with BIG ideas, and always thinking back to the gardeners who have gone before me, thankful for all their lessons.