Rocks!

I love rocks...especially in the garden.  We have some in back, but I have always wanted a BIG rock in the front flower bed.  So..we went to the rock store and bought some.  Sounds simple, huh?   Nope--not so simple.  First, putting me in a rock yard with sooo many rocks to choose from is like putting a kid in a candy store.  There are so many choices, and of course the ones I liked best were on the bottom of the stack.  However, hubby found 2 really pretty boulders in the stone garden and they agreed to let us buy those.  I found 5 other smaller rocks and we were good to go...I thought.  "Just bring them on out to our house guys...and we will show you where to set them."   Uh-uh...they deliver yes, but only to the sidewalk.  It was up to us to put the rocks where we wanted them.  We had no idea how to get two 300 pound rocks up a sloping yard into a flower bed!  Wish I had pictures of delivery day, but I don't--so this is how it went.  The 5 smaller rocks were easy to carry and place in the center bed.  For the boulders--we put down boards (so we wouldn't hurt the grass or damage the sprinkler heads) and rolled the stones ever so slowly over the boards, up the slope, over the edging, and into place.  I am not going to say it was easy-but I will tell you that I love my new rocks!

This is the bed with the smaller stones.  We just carried them up the hill and set them down.  Easy peasy on this bed.

This was the first boulder we moved, and actually it rolled easily and was not too difficult.  The only problem was that is was on the far end of the yard, and it took us a while to get it moved.  I planted needle grass in front.

Add one bright gerber daisy to  the mix and it is done.  (The begonias were already in place).

This rock is just big!  It probably doesn't look so in the picture, but I wasn't sure we would get this one up the hill!  We figured out the best way to roll though..and up it went.  I nestled a Henry Duelberg salvia in front, added another gerber-and the bed is complete. 

Whew--what a job, but I am so pleased with the results.  I LOVE my new rocks!
Hum...wonder what new project I can come up with now....

May Flowers

I know...I am a delinquent blogger.  No good reason...just busy times.   Catching up..here are a few things blooming in my garden this warm May day..

                                        Prairie Coreopsis
They are the most beautiful mix of yellow and red...I am in love with these guys.  In my garden they are really tall and wave in the breeze...which can be pretty, but not a good thing on a windy day!

 

Clasping Coneflower

I love the way these grow around the bird feeders! 

Blackfoot Daisies

What can I say-they are soooo drought tolerant and smell like honey...YUM!

Purple Homestead Verbena

These are in an old chair, but I also have them other places.  They bloom like crazy, take a rest, then bloom like crazy again...all summer!

Wine Cups

These are along the path and still in bloom.  The prettiest group are right by the pond and about to stop their purple show for a bit.  However, wine cups bloom on and off all summer for me.

Dwarf Red Plains Coreopsis

These cuties are new this year.  I ordered the seeds from the Wildseed Farm.  They are suppose to bloom all summer, but you never know with our heat.  I believe I will have to keep them watered to ensure continual blooms...but worth the effort..these are just cute!!

Gaillardia

I just had to have this one...not even sure what kind it is.  I bet it will not re-seed, and that is ok because I bought Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata) seeds for sowing in fall.  I will enjoy the vibrant colors for now though..so striking!

Window Box

I have different plants in the window box this year..the coleus got so tall, hubby and I both were ready for lower plants.   This is Lysimachia, walkabout sunset.  It is really a ground cover, but working great for the window box.  I put a few red begonias in for added color, but now I am not sure I really needed them.

Salvia Mystic Spires

Oh I just had to have one of these.  I LOVE Salvias anyway, and think I need everyone I can find!  The purple color is so pretty against the yellow and red  coreopsis.

Abraham Darby Rose

Isn't he the most handsome?  And the fragrance...ummmmm..

And my little corner of wildflower heaven...lots of blooms, lots of colors, lots of fun!

Well hope you enjoyed the tour!  I am not commenting much, but looking at all of your blogs and enjoying all your garden beauties.

Till next "thyme"...Happy Gardening!