tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61354599714890563422024-03-12T16:07:36.946-07:00Meadowview ThymesNotes about living and gardening somewhere down in TexasMeadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-39571204257344230362014-07-07T15:38:00.000-07:002014-07-07T15:43:57.885-07:00More Summer Color<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I planted orange Linearis (narrow-leaf) Zinnias in an old wooden planter box that I had, and placed it on a very worn blue chair that sits on the flagstone patio.<br />
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Before I knew it, the plants exploded in size! I see now that there are a few yellow flowers in the mix. There is one drawback to planting like this though-the container is shallow, which means the flowers need to be watered daily. But....not a bad price to pay for such pretty summer color.</div>
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Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-42045973607357213672014-07-06T15:28:00.000-07:002014-07-06T15:28:03.881-07:00Summer by the Pond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Love all the summer colors! Flowers should remain pretty...for a while. Then time to cut back and either wait for fall blooms, or new blooms next spring. <br />
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"<em>Flowers are nature's jewels, with whose wealth she decks her summer beauty."</em><br />
<em> George Croly</em>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-86087701635570227052012-07-10T09:45:00.001-07:002012-07-10T09:45:44.966-07:00It's Blooming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Texas Star Hibiscus is now in bloom!! You can see the tons of buds on it, but only a few flowers seem to open at the same time. And of course, true to form-the flowers are only open for one day. Bummer...but another bud will open the next day so I always have flowers-I just wish the whole plant would be covered in red one day! Here is some information on this plant:<br />
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"A Texas Native, <strong>Texas Star Hibiscus</strong> (<em>Hibiscus coccineaus)</em> is a tall, slender
perennial Hibiscus that produces large bright red, 5 petal flowers from summer
until fall. The foliage has large 5 fingered palmate leaves with serrated lobes. Texas Star Hibiscus can
grow to 6 feet tall and is adaptable to many soil types as long as it has ample
moisture, and it is often found in bog areas and in Texas wetlands. Texas Star
Hibiscus blooms on new growth and can be cut back after flowering to maintain
size and encourage new bloom, and after first freeze cut back to the ground. It
is a great plant to attract ruby throated hummingbirds, bees, and birds to your
yard and works great around ponds and bogs. " If you remember, I actually had this plant in my pond, but it was just way too tall for my little pond-so I put it in a deep container and set it in a corner of the back flower bed. In this heat, I do have to keep it watered..but oh the reward with those blooms!<br />
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A Texas Star......indeed!</div>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-48778323701537704592012-06-30T09:58:00.000-07:002012-06-30T09:58:40.989-07:00Summer Sun <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUxb2XmWZGg/T-8rljxz-JI/AAAAAAAAEHw/fjVKjb0tC5k/s1600/P1000243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUxb2XmWZGg/T-8rljxz-JI/AAAAAAAAEHw/fjVKjb0tC5k/s400/P1000243.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Does anything say "Summer" more than beautiful, happy Sunflowers! According to my little <u>Curious Gardener's Almanac</u> -<em> "The Sunflower is a native plant of the Americas, where the Indians used its seed as an important source of food. The Incas of Peru were sun worshippers and used it in religious ceremonies. The sunflower leans toward the sun in a process known as "heliotropism."</em><br />
I know we have all driven by fields of sunflowers amazed how each tall flower has it's face turned toward the sun. Sunflowers are a fun flower to grow in your own garden too. I planted a few seeds in my little veggie garden area; right by the fence. I enjoyed watching them grow, getting large buds, and eventually opening up to a very big showy flower. Usually I save my seed packets, but sadly did not keep this one. All I know is that it was a mixed variety. So...enjoy some "sun" from my garden today.<br />
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"When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment."<br />
Georgia O'KeefeMeadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-40727800664226622262012-06-19T13:27:00.000-07:002012-06-19T13:27:40.874-07:00Green Beans Anyone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have a tiny little veggie garden area right outside the backyard fence. There is not room for much; we have tomatoes, peppers, and this year planted green beans. I was looking at the flower seeds at Walmart back in early Spring and saw packages of Burpee "Roma II" beans. I know nothing about varieties of seeds, but the word "Italian Cut" caught my eye. I love the big wide green beans, but can never find them here at markets. So---I decided to try seeds. They started slowly--which was probably the gardener's fault as she planted them rather early in the season--but really began to grow once the weather warmed up..and we got some much needed rain. And before I knew it--time to pick!</div>
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Nice harvest from a small little garden I would say. I had some for us, some to share, and still plenty for the freezer. Pass the cornbread please!</div>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-43958362993465649042012-06-11T11:43:00.001-07:002012-06-11T11:43:08.015-07:00The other side...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After cleaning up the left side of the backyard, I hated seeing the mess going on in the bed on the right side. Because of the strong wind, the wildflowers were falling over-almost laying down at places. However, what really started the clean up in this bed was the fact that I pulled the Texas Star Hibiscus out of the pond, put it in a container, and needed a place to put it. As I looked around, I decided the corner of this bed was the perfect spot! We had to baby it a bit, watering 2 or 3 times a day, but as of today it is loaded with blooms.<br />
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Pulling out the wildflowers left a void in the middle of the bed, so like any good gardener I went plant shopping. I found these yellow melampodium along with a couple of bright zinnias. I love to plant seeds, so in front of the wooden trellis I planted tall zinnia seeds. Then anticipating those flowers wanted to fall, I stuck in a small iron..well, I don't know what it really is..just thought it might hold up leaning zinnias!<br />
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After pulling up the wildflowers, the lantana started growing and blooming was close behind. Such pretty colors!<br />
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I am really satisfied with the clean up of this right side. Before long the Texas Star will bloom as will the tall zinnias. It is a much neater look, but still using the Texas cottage flowers that I love.<br />
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<br /></div>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-19009935539355269232012-06-04T12:42:00.000-07:002012-06-04T12:49:32.557-07:00Bird Seed - Ugh!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love to feed the birds....winter, summer, spring and fall! It is such a pleasure to sit every morning with coffee in hand watching all our fine feathered friends fly about our yard. Except...oh the mess the </div>
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bird feeders make!</div>
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Can you see all the seed on the ground? When the rains came and warmer weather followed, the seeds germinated and in came the</div>
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<em>W E E D S </em>!</div>
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As you can see, the seed is thick. Part of the problem is that the pesky squirrels dump the seed out of the tubular feeders trying to get a snack. But--I can't blame them totally because the sparrows are the other problem. They must be really picky eaters. We watch them scatter the seed looking for their favorite. Kind of like digging through a bag of chocolate searching for the one you like I suppose. But, this kind gardener had grown very tired of a constant bird seed mess. Ugh. So...two of the feeders came down (there is plenty to eat now anyway) and the area was cleared out. I dug out the top layer of soil which was nothing but layers of seed, and put down newspaper, then topsoil. Then I took some of our left over flagstone and covered the soil, then topped it off with mulch. It looks so much better!</div>
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I added some flagstone on top so we could step in the garden to fill the one remaining feeder that sits at the top of the black pole you can see in this picture.</div>
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I then added two blackfoot daisies and a Rudbeckia (Prarie Sun) to the new area. I hated to pull out all the clasping coneflowers, but they were going to seed anyway and the wind was making them fall over which made this bed look even worse.</div>
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I am really pleased with the clean up job. We are still feeding birds, but the tubular feeders are gone, so the squirrels are not able to dump seed on the ground. The birds still flick unwanted seed, and yes, I know the seed will germinate in the mulch, but it is less seed with one feeder, and easier to dig out since the mulch is on top of stone. I know they make birdseed that will not germinate, but I have also heard it is quite pricey and does not attract lots of birds. If anyone has experience with this seed, I would sure love to hear about it. For now we will continue our morning ritual, coffee and bird watching--but I sure wish I could rid that area completely of birdseed weeds!Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-4647903348632512682012-05-26T13:44:00.000-07:002012-05-26T13:44:26.693-07:00Rocks!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 <em>sidewalk</em>. It was up to<strong> us</strong> 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!<br />
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This is the bed with the smaller stones. We just carried them up the hill and set them down. Easy peasy on this bed.<br />
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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.<br />
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Add one bright gerber daisy to the mix and it is done. (The begonias were already in place).<br />
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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. <br />
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Whew--what a job, but I am so pleased with the results. I LOVE my new rocks!<br />
Hum...wonder what new project I can come up with now....Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-25707755292045984312012-05-22T17:40:00.002-07:002012-05-22T17:40:16.924-07:00May FlowersI 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..<br />
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<strong> Prairie Coreopsis</strong><br />
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<em> windy</em> day!<br />
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<strong>Clasping Coneflower</strong></div>
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I love the way these grow around the bird feeders! </div>
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<strong>Blackfoot Daisies</strong></div>
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What can I say-they are soooo drought tolerant and smell like honey...YUM!</div>
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<strong>Purple Homestead Verbena</strong></div>
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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!</div>
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<strong>Wine Cups</strong></div>
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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.</div>
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<strong>Dwarf Red Plains Coreopsis</strong></div>
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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!!</div>
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<strong>Gaillardia</strong></div>
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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!</div>
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<strong>Window Box</strong></div>
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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.</div>
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<strong>Salvia Mystic Spires</strong></div>
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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.</div>
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<strong>Abraham Darby Rose</strong></div>
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Isn't he the most handsome? And the fragrance...ummmmm..</div>
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And my little corner of wildflower heaven...lots of blooms, lots of colors, lots of fun!</div>
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Well hope you enjoyed the tour! I am not commenting much, but looking at all of your blogs and enjoying all your garden beauties. </div>
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Till next "thyme"...Happy Gardening!</div>
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<br /></div>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-2205568159072659132012-03-10T09:55:00.011-08:002012-03-10T10:15:32.841-08:00Tulips<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9_F5GGkPR8/T1uV7ArP0xI/AAAAAAAAECw/X1fXDPvx-bM/s1600/P1000041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718328992903189266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9_F5GGkPR8/T1uV7ArP0xI/AAAAAAAAECw/X1fXDPvx-bM/s320/P1000041.JPG" /></a>I didn't plant any tulips last fall. I decided it was too much trouble. Here in Texas you must chill the bulbs about 8 weeks, and they are annuals no matter what you are told. (or so I thought!) I really missed watching for them to appear in February, and didn't even notice there were 2 red flowers coming up around the pond. I was really shocked when I saw the red buds mixed in with the daffs and bluebonnet.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOJjpst91Js/T1uV0L08I4I/AAAAAAAAECk/qdw22c_2exA/s1600/P1000039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718328875637547906" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOJjpst91Js/T1uV0L08I4I/AAAAAAAAECk/qdw22c_2exA/s320/P1000039.JPG" /></a>What a pretty color combination! And how ironic to have these 2 lonely little tulips here. Guess what their name is-- "<em>Come Again!" </em>I really think I planted more, but these were the only 2 that really did come back. I don't believe I will re-think and plant more in fall--I am pretty happy with all the daffodils that will naturalize...but what a nice Spring surprise to find blooming this year!<br />I hope you have lots of good Spring surprises in your garden this year!Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-2635808483758574272012-03-07T06:40:00.014-08:002012-03-07T06:56:25.846-08:00Is it Spring Yet?<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3McwWZqP3Y/T1d0SKO4RMI/AAAAAAAAECY/wMkvKKGhBbw/s1600/P1000027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717166107303363778" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3McwWZqP3Y/T1d0SKO4RMI/AAAAAAAAECY/wMkvKKGhBbw/s320/P1000027.JPG" /></a>Ribbitt...Ribbitt...this sedge grass in the pond is a great place to sit and watch for spring..</div><div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5pSrCMC_Hg/T1d0LeYCTxI/AAAAAAAAECM/R5sl6-xCRsA/s1600/P1000031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717165992451395346" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5pSrCMC_Hg/T1d0LeYCTxI/AAAAAAAAECM/R5sl6-xCRsA/s320/P1000031.JPG" /></a>I can see daffodils blooming..</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x94l5-XHkIE/T1dz4XgPY7I/AAAAAAAAEBo/8T9Kq0cunuA/s1600/P1000035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717165664189244338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x94l5-XHkIE/T1dz4XgPY7I/AAAAAAAAEBo/8T9Kq0cunuA/s320/P1000035.JPG" /></a>The violas are lush and smelling good..</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56pJ302itUA/T1dzv7WTfTI/AAAAAAAAEBc/iw1ovTMO36M/s1600/P1000036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717165519192423730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56pJ302itUA/T1dzv7WTfTI/AAAAAAAAEBc/iw1ovTMO36M/s320/P1000036.JPG" /></a>Pansies have been pretty all winter (did we really have winter?)..</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCJOFrqmsJI/T1d0DzDvc_I/AAAAAAAAECA/AFDlh1-quwE/s1600/P1000034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717165860564464626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCJOFrqmsJI/T1d0DzDvc_I/AAAAAAAAECA/AFDlh1-quwE/s320/P1000034.JPG" /></a>Hum....that hanging basket is new..</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUCui5JpsYA/T1dz-idj7MI/AAAAAAAAEB0/ckY5L0U_H6o/s1600/P1000032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717165770210012354" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUCui5JpsYA/T1dz-idj7MI/AAAAAAAAEB0/ckY5L0U_H6o/s320/P1000032.JPG" /></a>And there are petunias by the fence...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPs-MP6vVGU/T1dzn-y4eBI/AAAAAAAAEBM/E5nFrFhyeIY/s1600/P1000037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717165382678640658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPs-MP6vVGU/T1dzn-y4eBI/AAAAAAAAEBM/E5nFrFhyeIY/s320/P1000037.JPG" /></a>And..is that bluebonnets? Yep! They are blooming along with that purple homestead verbena!</div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATlhjuAkBDY/T1dzhYp6cbI/AAAAAAAAEBA/-jHqAzM6kcM/s1600/P1000038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717165269361258930" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATlhjuAkBDY/T1dzhYp6cbI/AAAAAAAAEBA/-jHqAzM6kcM/s320/P1000038.JPG" /></a>And do I see red? I believe I do...that is the start of Indian Paintbrush. Great place to hide when it gets tall. Don't think the calendar says Spring yet, but I think Spring is here in Texas. Maybe after one more nap I will explore a bit. Ribbitt..Ribbitt...<br /></div></div></div></div>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-49439612257421762442012-01-31T15:14:00.000-08:002012-01-31T18:51:09.057-08:00Gardening Nightmares!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_h3839-XzQ/Tyh2jaZ7GVI/AAAAAAAAD_4/lkeQHGNKiIo/s1600/P1000019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703939278820284754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_h3839-XzQ/Tyh2jaZ7GVI/AAAAAAAAD_4/lkeQHGNKiIo/s320/P1000019.JPG" border="0" /></a> Usually at this time of year I am watching this bed around the Chinese Pistache tree..<br />watching the bluebonnets grow. Not this year. Instead, I am watching the weeds grow--namely the wild carolina geraniums. Oh I am so mad about all these weeds. I wish you could see how thick they are.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2oqC84d8EE/Tyh2bwE6TWI/AAAAAAAAD_s/i44TVawdpcI/s1600/P1000020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703939147198778722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2oqC84d8EE/Tyh2bwE6TWI/AAAAAAAAD_s/i44TVawdpcI/s320/P1000020.JPG" border="0" /></a> You can see this bluebonnet in the middle of the mess, but this plant is a nice one--most of the bonnets are tiny. There are red poppies planted here as well. I can hardly find them! Grrrr..have I mentioned how angry I am right now!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpcEJy9QIZ4/Tyh2TKOP5nI/AAAAAAAAD_g/QWHprxYOriw/s1600/P1000021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703938999598442098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpcEJy9QIZ4/Tyh2TKOP5nI/AAAAAAAAD_g/QWHprxYOriw/s320/P1000021.JPG" border="0" /></a> So this afternoon, I started the tedious job of trying to dig up all the weeds, while trying to pull out the bonnets and poppies and re-plant. This is a job! The roots of the weeds have literally wrapped around the <strong>real</strong> wildflowers smothering them. It is garden MURDER!! Someone call the garden police! As I sit here trying to calm myself (think a glass of wine would help!) I am thinking I will start tomorrow just digging everything up. If I can save a few bonnets and poppies, great-but if not, so be it. Then as soon as I can, I will get mulch on this area. But..I want to plant zinnia seeds in late spring, and seeds need to touch the dirt...oh my goodness, have I told you how mad and upset I am right now?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blB27a0LKZY/Tyh2IOkNwLI/AAAAAAAAD_U/17J8akMC8mI/s1600/P1000023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703938811785756850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blB27a0LKZY/Tyh2IOkNwLI/AAAAAAAAD_U/17J8akMC8mI/s320/P1000023.JPG" border="0" /></a> So here is my warning--if you see anything in your garden that looks like this--pull it out NOW! It is not wine cup as I thought 2 years ago--it is a wild geranium that will literally take over your garden. When I looked this up on google, the site had a "weed warning" label across the top, so apparently I am not the only gardener with a problem. I am not sure how the weed came to my garden; perhaps rode in with the Pistache tree. But it is time to hit the road you bad, bad geranium! And don't come back!!Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-89436172044749930082012-01-15T15:10:00.000-08:002012-01-15T15:33:04.945-08:00Feeding the birds<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5OwoJXPqrIU/TxNdfg1PEtI/AAAAAAAAD_I/0SMVtgvwbo0/s1600/P1000011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698000749524357842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5OwoJXPqrIU/TxNdfg1PEtI/AAAAAAAAD_I/0SMVtgvwbo0/s320/P1000011.JPG" border="0" /></a> Hello everyone--Happy New Year to you!<br />Not much going on here in my part of Texas. We are on a constant roller coaster with our weather. Some days it is cold and gray; some days it is cold and clear; other days it warms up to the 60's. Not much going on in the garden either these winter months, however one of my favorite pastimes is very active. I love feeding the birds..especially yellow finches! And I must have some really tasty thistle as these little birds are at the feeders every morning and stay most of the day. This picture is taken from my breakfast window-these cuties would run (well, fly) if I ventured out to take their picture. Normally the finches I see have on their winter colors of brown-not as much yellow as I am seeing this year. Hum...sign of the La Nina we are experiencing maybe?<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4l_--eNpcM/TxNdYD68oGI/AAAAAAAAD-8/wj80aRuNpBU/s1600/P1000010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698000621504602210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4l_--eNpcM/TxNdYD68oGI/AAAAAAAAD-8/wj80aRuNpBU/s320/P1000010.JPG" border="0" /></a> I actually put up 2 feeders wondering if they had a preference. When they first arrived, they only went to the yellow feeder, but as more and more birds appeared, both feeders stay full of diners. We enjoy our little feathered friends every morning as we sit at the kitchen table with coffee. We have other feeders in the yard for the sparrows, black-capped chickadees, jays and cardinals. (Oh...guess I should mention squirrels-they think that food is for them!) But our very favorites are the yellow finches. They will only be here a short time as our summers are way too hot for them. And while they are our guests, their feeders will remain full!<br />Do you feed the birds in the winter...what is your favorite?<br /><br /><div></div>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-78935687931526465282011-11-25T10:01:00.000-08:002011-11-25T10:19:37.336-08:00Pansies...or Begonias??<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jx-X2VGEjrM/Ts_YdfVZhEI/AAAAAAAAD-k/b6qKcMi2CGQ/s1600/IMG_5583.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678995656276542530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jx-X2VGEjrM/Ts_YdfVZhEI/AAAAAAAAD-k/b6qKcMi2CGQ/s320/IMG_5583.JPG" border="0" /></a> I am having a gardening dilemma. Late every fall, I plant pansies in the front. Usually in back as well, but this year I am sticking with my perennials and leaving the beds in back as they are. But I will take advantage of the great east sun that hits the beds in front, and plant pansies for that beautiful color and wonderful scent that will last into early spring. So..pansies are planted on either side of the porch..<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmjhDA7Ulqk/Ts_YZ0aAfCI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/g2xQ8ATExL0/s1600/IMG_5584.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678995593213541410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmjhDA7Ulqk/Ts_YZ0aAfCI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/g2xQ8ATExL0/s320/IMG_5584.JPG" border="0" /></a> and in containers on the porch.. but my plan to plant them across the front is being disrupted this year..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIoGjYLdOnI/Ts_YWCKOpZI/AAAAAAAAD-M/ZYny-6RakH8/s1600/IMG_5580.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678995528185980306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIoGjYLdOnI/Ts_YWCKOpZI/AAAAAAAAD-M/ZYny-6RakH8/s320/IMG_5580.JPG" border="0" /></a> ..because..<br />the begonias are beautiful! We have just not had any really cold weather, so these pretties are looking healthy and happy! My plan for this day after Thanksgiving was to go buy the rest of the yellow flowers for the front-and finish out the bed.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vyn1euI1Ao/Ts_YR1qDplI/AAAAAAAAD-A/kGqsion1CBk/s1600/IMG_5581.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678995456110339666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vyn1euI1Ao/Ts_YR1qDplI/AAAAAAAAD-A/kGqsion1CBk/s320/IMG_5581.JPG" border="0" /></a> But seriously-could you pull these up when they looked like this? Bet not-and neither can I! And, when you look at our house from the street, the red begonias look so great along with the yellow pansies. It's <em>Spring</em>.. in Texas..in November! So, what else could I do today. I could get out my Christmas decorations..but I just want to put out some bunnies! :)<br /><br />Have a great weekend everyone!Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-75115777989873435602011-11-16T11:35:00.000-08:002011-11-16T11:55:25.387-08:00Autumn Gold<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzebODU8QPs/TsQQwzQvVfI/AAAAAAAAD90/mGss-839Cqo/s1600/IMG_5572.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675679860973852146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzebODU8QPs/TsQQwzQvVfI/AAAAAAAAD90/mGss-839Cqo/s320/IMG_5572.JPG" border="0" /></a> At this time of year, when there is not much blooming , it is so nice to look out and enjoy lovely golden color in the garden. I have two plants that have nice foliage in summer, but fall is when they really put on a show. The first is this Mexican Mint Marigold, or as we call it here..Texas Tarragon. We can't grow French Tarragon here in Texas, but this herb gives us a great substitute (it is wonderful in chicken salad!) for cooking. However, the biggest wow factor to me is the reliable fall color. It starts blooming around the end of October and continues until frost.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xZKkpI22IM/TsQQskPZgyI/AAAAAAAAD9o/1Way_VQVM1w/s1600/IMG_5573.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675679788222219042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xZKkpI22IM/TsQQskPZgyI/AAAAAAAAD9o/1Way_VQVM1w/s320/IMG_5573.JPG" border="0" /></a> The other plant that I am completely in love with is Copper Canyon Daisy. Sometimes it blooms a little in spring, but fall is really showtime. This plant can get pretty big, but I keep it cut back some in summer just making sure I don't do any pruning after the middle of July. Brushing the feathery foliage releases a very spicy, citrus smell. I love it--but it does not appeal to everyone. The CC Daisy begins blooming around the first of November, and like Texas Tarragon, blooms until frost.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hWNceDzZzA/TsQQnmLU9DI/AAAAAAAAD9c/W0EY71FLXf8/s1600/IMG_5574.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675679702842668082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hWNceDzZzA/TsQQnmLU9DI/AAAAAAAAD9c/W0EY71FLXf8/s320/IMG_5574.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have enjoyed the look of this plant all summer, but now that it almost in full bloom--I am in <em>LOVE</em>! Both plants work well cut and used as fillers in fall bouquets inside. (especially with asters and spires of Mexican Bush Sage.) Unfortunately however, both plants die back completely over winter, but as soon as it starts to warm up in spring you will see new growth begin. If you need a little autumn gold in your garden, you might consider these two. They never fail to brighten dull autumn days for me!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-77241229028698640572011-11-12T05:50:00.000-08:002011-11-12T06:09:16.460-08:00Beautiful reminders...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blQkCTIBWvw/Tr58kwywIzI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/d52X9rbh6bY/s1600/IMG_5556.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674109551548310322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blQkCTIBWvw/Tr58kwywIzI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/d52X9rbh6bY/s320/IMG_5556.JPG" border="0" /></a> While enjoying the splendor and vivid colors of fall..I stumble across a beautiful reminder of a spring yet to come..<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpKOiX_cT48/Tr55t3Jf9oI/AAAAAAAAD9E/09_ozAi5JpE/s1600/IMG_5555.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674106409338271362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpKOiX_cT48/Tr55t3Jf9oI/AAAAAAAAD9E/09_ozAi5JpE/s320/IMG_5555.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong> </strong><em><strong>Abraham Darby</strong>--David Austin English Rose</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>"How I would love to be transported into a scented Elizabethan garden with herbs and honeysuckle, a knot garden..and roses..clambering over a simple arbor."</em><br /><em>Rosemary Verey</em>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-20882996863146496022011-10-26T09:38:00.001-07:002011-10-26T11:19:37.957-07:00Road Trip!<div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Bl5LX_K0c/Tqg59n2mL7I/AAAAAAAAD7g/2hRw0xhR2Oc/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667843861878550450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Bl5LX_K0c/Tqg59n2mL7I/AAAAAAAAD7g/2hRw0xhR2Oc/s320/IMG_5537.JPG" border="0" /></a> Have you ever been to Paris? Paris, Arkansas that is. That is where we went on our recent road trip-to Mount Magazine State Park. This is the lodge where we stayed. It is on top of Mount Magazine, which is the highest peak in Arkansas. <br /><div></div>It is pretty, rustic, and very scenic.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLWJXUYFHPM/Tqg52lZZjCI/AAAAAAAAD7U/EJvhCsZVx4I/s1600/IMG_5535.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667843740960132130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLWJXUYFHPM/Tqg52lZZjCI/AAAAAAAAD7U/EJvhCsZVx4I/s320/IMG_5535.JPG" border="0" /></a> All of the rooms off of hallways like this face the beautiful Petite Jean Valley.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_egYvq-2wu8/Tqg5qJhY-HI/AAAAAAAAD68/1qriBcjm3Zc/s1600/IMG_5538.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667843527319025778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_egYvq-2wu8/Tqg5qJhY-HI/AAAAAAAAD68/1qriBcjm3Zc/s320/IMG_5538.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>The lobby is made with huge logs, and has high ceilings and rustic lights.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7z6OgW9wFE/Tqg5wHksOgI/AAAAAAAAD7I/P2i8CYkQU9c/s1600/IMG_5539.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667843629875214850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7z6OgW9wFE/Tqg5wHksOgI/AAAAAAAAD7I/P2i8CYkQU9c/s320/IMG_5539.JPG" border="0" /></a> There is also a massive stone fireplace, which we enjoyed each evening.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7mGi0n36EI/Tqg5fDTilsI/AAAAAAAAD6w/c5sqGW_h4wY/s1600/IMG_5511.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667843336671762114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7mGi0n36EI/Tqg5fDTilsI/AAAAAAAAD6w/c5sqGW_h4wY/s320/IMG_5511.JPG" border="0" /></a> We saw beautiful sunsets.. </div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UyGoVSPGkFI/Tqg5VQ-EpSI/AAAAAAAAD6k/sUHKzdZqBOE/s1600/IMG_5514.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667843168541123874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UyGoVSPGkFI/Tqg5VQ-EpSI/AAAAAAAAD6k/sUHKzdZqBOE/s320/IMG_5514.JPG" border="0" /></a> ..and a bright, colorful sun rise.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ-gL1HyOQk/Tqg5O9hUkoI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/M2PDRRut2hQ/s1600/IMG_5531.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667843060241044098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ-gL1HyOQk/Tqg5O9hUkoI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/M2PDRRut2hQ/s320/IMG_5531.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our hikes took us down shady paths through the woods,<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfVZZxDR4HQ/Tqg5If9uRHI/AAAAAAAAD6M/ZKzLb9wrPEI/s1600/IMG_5524.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667842949227889778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfVZZxDR4HQ/Tqg5If9uRHI/AAAAAAAAD6M/ZKzLb9wrPEI/s320/IMG_5524.JPG" border="0" /></a> into bright clearings with blue skies.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRyLVtfxA4o/Tqg5BA-gsEI/AAAAAAAAD6A/CduWHpeUu04/s1600/IMG_5528.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667842820650610754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRyLVtfxA4o/Tqg5BA-gsEI/AAAAAAAAD6A/CduWHpeUu04/s320/IMG_5528.JPG" border="0" /></a> The panoramic views were spectacular..<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsKvFHbRUaQ/Tqg47JQQxxI/AAAAAAAAD50/JYVYeqWG9qQ/s1600/IMG_5530.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667842719793334034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsKvFHbRUaQ/Tqg47JQQxxI/AAAAAAAAD50/JYVYeqWG9qQ/s320/IMG_5530.JPG" border="0" /></a> ..and although not yet peaked, the fall colors were sure pretty to this Texas couple!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Woykz02COQ/Tqg4v96WvqI/AAAAAAAAD5o/DYrUs_hn7lQ/s1600/IMG_5546.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667842527770099362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Woykz02COQ/Tqg4v96WvqI/AAAAAAAAD5o/DYrUs_hn7lQ/s320/IMG_5546.JPG" border="0" /></a> There were lots of patios. Off of this one I found a very special garden..<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yt66mJhDa-8/Tqg83Bk8kvI/AAAAAAAAD7s/jbi3dFsWNUM/s1600/IMG_5540.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667847047059641074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yt66mJhDa-8/Tqg83Bk8kvI/AAAAAAAAD7s/jbi3dFsWNUM/s320/IMG_5540.JPG" border="0" /></a>As you can see, it was created by Master Gardeners.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqZTZQLWp88/Tqg4f-8VjBI/AAAAAAAAD5E/ImwaMq82NMo/s1600/IMG_5542.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667842253168938002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqZTZQLWp88/Tqg4f-8VjBI/AAAAAAAAD5E/ImwaMq82NMo/s320/IMG_5542.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Pineapple Sage was sooo pretty! (wish mine looked this good!) </div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Qeb9W4-N0/TqhDOfhizZI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/jeHI9QSpzDs/s1600/IMG_5544.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667854047305190802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Qeb9W4-N0/TqhDOfhizZI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/jeHI9QSpzDs/s320/IMG_5544.JPG" border="0" /></a>I loved the way they marked each plant..with rocks! And believe me-there are enough rocks up there to mark plants for a very long time! <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl0fs6Wty70/TqhBjYw4FyI/AAAAAAAAD74/R_1rkhtAKQw/s1600/IMG_5545.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667852207244449570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl0fs6Wty70/TqhBjYw4FyI/AAAAAAAAD74/R_1rkhtAKQw/s320/IMG_5545.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>I would have never know what this grass was without that plant marker. It was so unusual!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDblU3f-ThI/Tqg4FazYMOI/AAAAAAAAD4g/CdlFOjkHpv8/s1600/IMG_5547.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667841796791087330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDblU3f-ThI/Tqg4FazYMOI/AAAAAAAAD4g/CdlFOjkHpv8/s320/IMG_5547.JPG" border="0" /></a> The night before we left there was a big storm. We woke up to <em>FOG</em>! The usual gorgeous view from our balcony looked like pea soup!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XC2QB1TTlE/Tqg4CGBKXGI/AAAAAAAAD4U/QqqQKtjEWtI/s1600/IMG_5548.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667841739672149090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XC2QB1TTlE/Tqg4CGBKXGI/AAAAAAAAD4U/QqqQKtjEWtI/s320/IMG_5548.JPG" border="0" /></a> The fog did however make for a really pretty drive down the mountain side.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuGENwRG7AA/Tqg3-VoIMkI/AAAAAAAAD4I/3q0LlJSJGmE/s1600/IMG_5550.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667841675142640194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuGENwRG7AA/Tqg3-VoIMkI/AAAAAAAAD4I/3q0LlJSJGmE/s320/IMG_5550.JPG" border="0" /></a> This deer didn't seem to mind our stopping to take a picture. I would go back to this area anytime. The fall colors (even though the area was seeing some drought conditions) were really pretty. The spring wildflowers are suppose to be amazing. The temperature is always 10 degrees cooler, so summer wouldn't be a bad time to go. And the pictures of winter are simply beautiful. (not sure how one gets up those windy roads in winter though!). I put this area on my "return to" list!<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-85928217273745378022011-10-13T11:30:00.001-07:002011-10-13T11:38:42.582-07:00It's true!!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHPy-KVaDfw/TpcudyV8ixI/AAAAAAAAD3k/FS9FQ12OJcE/s1600/IMG_5486.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663046145706593042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHPy-KVaDfw/TpcudyV8ixI/AAAAAAAAD3k/FS9FQ12OJcE/s320/IMG_5486.JPG" border="0" /></a> Frogs really do sit on lily pads!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwzljzXTiUg/TpcuircWJkI/AAAAAAAAD3w/FdhsyAsMdvU/s1600/IMG_5488.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663046229753734722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwzljzXTiUg/TpcuircWJkI/AAAAAAAAD3w/FdhsyAsMdvU/s320/IMG_5488.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Hi Freddie! (or is it Freda?)Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-25371309194118204492011-10-10T07:24:00.001-07:002011-10-10T08:19:36.514-07:00Anticipation....<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4m5DctvR6q4/TpMFUol_2NI/AAAAAAAAD3c/i1lQyt-vR_o/s1600/IMG_5481.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661875008587159762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4m5DctvR6q4/TpMFUol_2NI/AAAAAAAAD3c/i1lQyt-vR_o/s320/IMG_5481.JPG" border="0" /></a> What a cloudy, wet, foggy day---it is just beautiful! A day I have been waiting for...anticipating...for a long time. We had a nice, soaking rain this weekend--Thank you Lord, very much! The summer was long...record breaking days over 100, and no rain. But, you are not going to hear this "flower gardener" complaining. I was just tired of watering and not getting to spend a lot of time outdoors. However, there are farmers losing crops, and ranchers having to sell their cattle because they couldn't grow enough feed. Stories are heart-breaking. And the forecasters are anticipating next summer to be the same. Actually, we were told last summer to expect the hot, dry weather--but I for one did not listen. I am listening now.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImSGRiMPkCA/TpMAsiG-GvI/AAAAAAAAD20/U4_Nwc9jx9s/s1600/IMG_5478.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661869921605130994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImSGRiMPkCA/TpMAsiG-GvI/AAAAAAAAD20/U4_Nwc9jx9s/s320/IMG_5478.JPG" border="0" /></a> My flowers have been ok. Many are still blooming. Thank goodness last spring I started to buy more perennials..going with lots of natives that can take the heat. Glad I did. This bed of lantana mixed with re-seeding cosmos, blue salvia and turks cap has been pretty all summer.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AKi1idEWFyY/TpMAm_B1yLI/AAAAAAAAD2s/OeCUFfF_Pj8/s1600/IMG_5477.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661869826289027250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AKi1idEWFyY/TpMAm_B1yLI/AAAAAAAAD2s/OeCUFfF_Pj8/s320/IMG_5477.JPG" border="0" /></a>So needing to clean out the bed on the opposite side of the yard anyway, I planted 3 little lantanas trying to get a jump start on next year. I also scattered lots of wildflower seeds. I get excited anticipating seeing wildflowers in spring, then lantana spilling over the bricks in summer.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6IePTFI9Bs/TpMBPj8x52I/AAAAAAAAD3U/OVH-Jd_0ock/s1600/IMG_5480.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661870523394680674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6IePTFI9Bs/TpMBPj8x52I/AAAAAAAAD3U/OVH-Jd_0ock/s320/IMG_5480.JPG" border="0" /></a> The zinnias around the Pistache tree were amazing this summer. All but a couple along the edge (that were still blooming) are now gone and the bed awaits bluebonnet seeds. I scattered a few red poppy seeds last week thinking the red and blue would be pretty--but I will admit this may be my last year for wildflowers around this bed as the weeds become more and more of an issue. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGCt6J5lldw/TpMAYQEMQDI/AAAAAAAAD2k/bgJ9th-lNMw/s1600/IMG_5476.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661869573164253234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGCt6J5lldw/TpMAYQEMQDI/AAAAAAAAD2k/bgJ9th-lNMw/s320/IMG_5476.JPG" border="0" /></a> I know I have always used way too many containers, but with such a small backyard I am always looking for more opportunities to plant flowers. But of course, it's the containers that take all my time in summer. I really like all my old buckets and pretty glazed pots filled with color, so not sure if I can let them go. I will most likely continue to plant twice a year; pansies for late fall and winter, then a bright annual for late spring into summer.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMLD5NNEbRw/TpMA5zWZk0I/AAAAAAAAD3E/DZAOyU0uc-w/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661870149571547970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMLD5NNEbRw/TpMA5zWZk0I/AAAAAAAAD3E/DZAOyU0uc-w/s320/IMG_5475.JPG" border="0" /></a> It seems like as a gardener I am always thinking of the next growing season..anticipation. Guess that is just part of the passion of growing things, but for today this gardener is feeling very blessed with what is growing today, and enjoying this perfect, cloudy, dreary--<em>beautiful </em>autumn day. </div><br /><div><br /><em>"There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been! " ~</em>Percy Bysshe Shelley</div></div>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-23060533761232875442011-08-18T10:56:00.001-07:002011-08-18T11:24:42.348-07:00The Pond<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-171eyU-_1D4/Tk1S3By0YQI/AAAAAAAAD2c/Bep7WUDaB6Y/s1600/IMG_5397.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642257013492965634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-171eyU-_1D4/Tk1S3By0YQI/AAAAAAAAD2c/Bep7WUDaB6Y/s320/IMG_5397.JPG" border="0" /></a> Believe it or not, there are some plants that thrive in this heat. Number one--pond plants. I quit trying to grow water lilies years ago because of all the shade from the Bradford Pears. After losing the trees, I watched how the plants in and around the pond started to flourish. This past spring I decided to try my luck one more time with water lilies. I bought this 1 plant- Mayle Rose. Mayle Rose has not disappointed me. Not only has the foliage been beautiful and lush, the blooms just keep on coming. I was lucky if I ever saw a flower before with the shade. Now I look forward to checking for blooms each morning.
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxPrm7t0I1g/Tk1SzGyTBpI/AAAAAAAAD2U/IfoHOxPA4Ac/s1600/IMG_5398.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642256946113480338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxPrm7t0I1g/Tk1SzGyTBpI/AAAAAAAAD2U/IfoHOxPA4Ac/s320/IMG_5398.JPG" border="0" /></a> Really the entire pond looks good. I am trying very hard to keep the water poppy cut back as it will take over the surface, but I still have quite a few buttery yellow blooms. The sedge grass has been in this pond since the beginning, some 12 years ago! And, it is evergreen!
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l9JiDbLI37U/Tk1SnslwzKI/AAAAAAAAD2M/3Svp3fI-Q20/s1600/IMG_5403.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642256750103022754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l9JiDbLI37U/Tk1SnslwzKI/AAAAAAAAD2M/3Svp3fI-Q20/s320/IMG_5403.JPG" border="0" /></a> These hot days (and nights!) are just about to drive hubby and I crazy, but I try and find bright spots in each day. This morning it was walking out to feed the fish and seeing not one, but <strong><em>four</em> </strong>water lilies in bloom! Ahhh..hot summer heaven!
<br />
<br /><em>"Broad water-lilies lay tremulously, and starry river-buds glimmered by. And around them the soft stream did glide and dance, with a motion of sweet sound and radiance." </em>
<br /><em>Percy Bysshe Shelley
<br /></em>
<br />Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-32899632174293127092011-08-08T06:33:00.000-07:002011-08-08T06:54:58.120-07:00Losing an old washtub..<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyFBgWPIhn0/Tj_mxpTsmVI/AAAAAAAAD18/e705YXi6Tdg/s1600/IMG_5396.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638478999067597138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyFBgWPIhn0/Tj_mxpTsmVI/AAAAAAAAD18/e705YXi6Tdg/s320/IMG_5396.JPG" border="0" /></a> I seem to remember having an old wash tub in this corner..but where did it go? Do you think it is under all that coleus and sweet potato vine?? Seriously, can you believe the old tub has grown this much? Do ya think I need to do some trimming? Oh yeah..
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCIIJVTI2DU/Tj_l83l0I7I/AAAAAAAAD10/lz7pv3ZGHOc/s1600/IMG_5393.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638478092368618418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCIIJVTI2DU/Tj_l83l0I7I/AAAAAAAAD10/lz7pv3ZGHOc/s320/IMG_5393.JPG" border="0" /></a> I complain daily about the heat and what it is doing to most of my plants-but then I stop and notice how some things, like these plants, are holding up. I do have to water this old tub once a day, but that is not a problem if I can keep the plants happy. This corner is pretty shady-well, until late afternoon. Then it gets some <em>HOT</em> west sun for a while. Guess that is why I am so surprised the old wash tub plants have survived. I can't tell you if this is a "sun coleus" as I just buy all kinds of coleus in spring and plant them based on color, but my guess is that it is one of the types that takes heat better than others.
<br />
<br /><div>
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tkl1h2FzAQk/Tj_lxN8dwUI/AAAAAAAAD1k/KpB_cKKUTcE/s1600/IMG_5394.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638477892210770242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tkl1h2FzAQk/Tj_lxN8dwUI/AAAAAAAAD1k/KpB_cKKUTcE/s320/IMG_5394.JPG" border="0" /></a> One more plant that is enduring our summer just fine is Black Foot Daisy. I have a love/hate relationship with these plants as I think they can be hard to grown. Reason: you have to ignore them, and I want to mother them. However, for these hot, dry summers they are perfect. Just let them be, don't water but a small bit, and they will reward you with lots of honey scented blooms.</div>
<br /><div>Now I am headed inside to think about what kind of Kale to plant in the old washtub in fall!
<br />Have a great week everyone--stay cool!
<br /></div></div>
<br />Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-83045301539641970222011-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T06:48:39.305-07:00Mountains, Texas heat and a Surprise visitor<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cG-5e5vm1eU/Tjf3Yn37cEI/AAAAAAAAD00/UZQX3nyg38E/s1600/IMG_5313.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636245461069951042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cG-5e5vm1eU/Tjf3Yn37cEI/AAAAAAAAD00/UZQX3nyg38E/s320/IMG_5313.JPG" border="0" /></a> We have been on our annual<br />"Rocky Mountain High" camping up in the Rockies near Crested Butte. It was beautiful as usual..and cool!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqBKfyjKweI/Tjf3O3BpVoI/AAAAAAAAD0s/8It2zc7R4n8/s1600/IMG_5354.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636245293338547842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqBKfyjKweI/Tjf3O3BpVoI/AAAAAAAAD0s/8It2zc7R4n8/s320/IMG_5354.JPG" border="0" /></a> The wildflowers up in the mountains have yet to<br />peak, but the flowers in town were breath<br />taking!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636244800016941218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTe7ydvI68s/Tjf2yJQnAKI/AAAAAAAAD0c/enusjIVwhwg/s320/IMG_5318.JPG" border="0" />It was a good trip, with lots of hikes, fishing, campfires and oh my goodness stars at night!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OsjceyGUUlI/Tjf7uTd7wTI/AAAAAAAAD1E/1mVIHSqTCO4/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636250231595843890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OsjceyGUUlI/Tjf7uTd7wTI/AAAAAAAAD1E/1mVIHSqTCO4/s320/IMG_5355.JPG" border="0" /></a> The special treat this year was meeting up with our daughter! (Love that hat Jen!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbWL2C5amgM/Tjf9v7pl90I/AAAAAAAAD1c/qZfwZOXRuhA/s1600/IMG_5386.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636252458585290562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbWL2C5amgM/Tjf9v7pl90I/AAAAAAAAD1c/qZfwZOXRuhA/s320/IMG_5386.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Before we knew it our week was over and we said goodbye to Jen, and headed back to the Texas heat. Thanks to a very caring young man, the flowers looked good despite the terrible heat! (Thank you so much Travis!)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJHivyABSCk/Tjf2GCxElBI/AAAAAAAADz8/SUI66BeQSOY/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636244042359804946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJHivyABSCk/Tjf2GCxElBI/AAAAAAAADz8/SUI66BeQSOY/s320/IMG_5387.JPG" border="0" /></a> The time outside these days is spent watering or mowing-not relaxing. The temps have been over 100 for 31 days now, and there is no break in sight. The high Thursday is suppose to be 110. That is actual temperature, not heat index. It's Texas-we always have hot summers, but not quite like this. It hasn't rained in...well....I don't remember the last time it rained. All of Texas is in drought conditions now. We are on water restrictions now as the lakes are going down fast. So, we sit inside these days looking over the garden. As we watched the birds, we noticed a surprise visitor..<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqeVmMjTjME/Tjf1btOQZ4I/AAAAAAAADz0/__EwCSpNvMs/s1600/IMG_5384.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636243315022129026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqeVmMjTjME/Tjf1btOQZ4I/AAAAAAAADz0/__EwCSpNvMs/s320/IMG_5384.JPG" border="0" /></a> All the other birds flew away when I went out to take this picture. I think we have a run away. He (she) didn't seem very scared of me so I know this little one is pretty domesticated. I have plenty of seed and water for it, but I hope it will just visit and find it's way back home soon.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Hope your summer is going well..and is cooler than mine! :) </div></div></div></div>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-6826685040607222312011-07-04T15:06:00.001-07:002011-07-04T15:24:21.947-07:00Bringing flowers inside<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPIPFc89e3A/ThI56ekHCSI/AAAAAAAADzk/VSuc5EHANMA/s1600/IMG_5305.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625622561338886434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPIPFc89e3A/ThI56ekHCSI/AAAAAAAADzk/VSuc5EHANMA/s320/IMG_5305.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love to bring flowers inside my home. One of the best and longest lasting flowers is rudbeckia (Back-eyed Susans) which also happens to be my favorite summer flower! These happy yellow flowers have just now started to bloom so I am out every morning finding a few to cut. I am always on the hunt for a unique container to hold flowers and when I saw this wine caddy given to me by a very dear friend (holding no wine at this time!), I decided it would be perfect for the cut rudbeckias.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uynmnCHxPWo/ThI5yHszxmI/AAAAAAAADzc/Q56M4o5pwRA/s1600/IMG_5303.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625622417762403938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uynmnCHxPWo/ThI5yHszxmI/AAAAAAAADzc/Q56M4o5pwRA/s320/IMG_5303.JPG" border="0" /></a> I found 6 clear glasses that fit perfectly in the openings. I picked a few Susans for each glass. It looked great, but I decided that some zinnias would make it even prettier. For texture I cut a few Copper Canyon daisies (that are fall bloomers) and tucked them in the middle. Ohhh, I love that spicy scent! I was really pleased with the results!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSV-G9y3_WA/ThI5jFw7jbI/AAAAAAAADzM/0TvoOEkgnwk/s1600/IMG_5309.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625622159544782258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSV-G9y3_WA/ThI5jFw7jbI/AAAAAAAADzM/0TvoOEkgnwk/s320/IMG_5309.JPG" border="0" /></a> The flowers look really good on the sofa table in the family room. I should have some kind of cut flower for several more weeks, so hopefully the caddy will stay full of color--well, until it's time to bring out the pumpkins! : )Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-83144314455097879532011-06-27T06:23:00.001-07:002011-06-27T07:13:47.264-07:00Zinnias!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SHOlQz230c/TgiFaOB8_ZI/AAAAAAAADzE/4A3XtobDsRQ/s1600/IMG_5295.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622890820261445010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SHOlQz230c/TgiFaOB8_ZI/AAAAAAAADzE/4A3XtobDsRQ/s320/IMG_5295.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have loved zinnias since I was a little girl. It is the first flower I ever grew from seed. Mother would let me pick all I wanted and create bouquets. Sigh...love those memories... And I have continued that summer tradition of planting zinnia seeds in anticipation of the summer show of color plus cutting some of the beautiful flowers for my kitchen.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQtmo4NtjW0/TgiFUi4bE8I/AAAAAAAADy8/zSfxki3kPr0/s1600/IMG_5290.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622890722779403202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQtmo4NtjW0/TgiFUi4bE8I/AAAAAAAADy8/zSfxki3kPr0/s320/IMG_5290.JPG" border="0" /></a> This year I bought a seed packet of every type of zinnia I could find. They are all planted in the bed around the Chinese Pistache in back. Luckily for now, that tree is too young to produce much shade, so the zinnias get plenty of hot sun and lots of room to breathe. I tossed and raked them in this bed a couple of months ago. They are now starting to bloom, and I am being rewarded with so many different types and colors. Some are almost ruffled..<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSNFHtihtPg/TgiFQqW9tKI/AAAAAAAADy0/e4imMpvrqvA/s1600/IMG_5291.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622890656067073186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSNFHtihtPg/TgiFQqW9tKI/AAAAAAAADy0/e4imMpvrqvA/s320/IMG_5291.JPG" border="0" /></a> this one is a candy striped..<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZviadmEiXqQ/TgiFMovllMI/AAAAAAAADys/gtU7P57-jm4/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622890586914002114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZviadmEiXqQ/TgiFMovllMI/AAAAAAAADys/gtU7P57-jm4/s320/IMG_5292.JPG" border="0" /></a> this is my favorite of the new--it has the colors of blanket flowers.<em><br /></em><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QQYN9XhNLE/TgiFHW7SsvI/AAAAAAAADyk/hGJZSPfd804/s1600/IMG_5293.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622890496231912178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QQYN9XhNLE/TgiFHW7SsvI/AAAAAAAADyk/hGJZSPfd804/s320/IMG_5293.JPG" border="0" /></a> And can you see the large red standing proud and tall? Those came from seeds Cindy at<br /><a href="http://www.mycornerofkaty.com/">My Corner of Katy</a> sent me last year. They are scattered through out the bed. I also have lots of what are called "cut and come again." Perfect for me! I have a bouquet in the kitchen, and I love to have several little vases with one flower in each on my breakfast room windowsill.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoHDh76Shsw/TgiE9ZuVw4I/AAAAAAAADyc/pNbILfjAmYg/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622890325184201602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoHDh76Shsw/TgiE9ZuVw4I/AAAAAAAADyc/pNbILfjAmYg/s320/IMG_5294.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have never tried planting seeds for profusion zinnias, but the plants I bought a few months ago are looking pretty happy in this old galvanized bucket.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeeriXKWEUA/TgiEb6lSr8I/AAAAAAAADyM/7ia8K-lEojw/s1600/IMG_5297.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622889749889068994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeeriXKWEUA/TgiEb6lSr8I/AAAAAAAADyM/7ia8K-lEojw/s320/IMG_5297.JPG" border="0" /></a> Last year I was so afraid my zinnias were not going to grow, and they ended up doing beautifully. I hated the day I had to pull them up. You know what the problem was? ME! I simply could not wait for the flowers to grow and bloom. One of the hardest lessons for me to learn as a gardener is "patience." Zinnias are a good teacher!<br /><br /><em>"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." </em><em>Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /></em><br />Types of zinnias I planted:<br /><strong>Giant Cactus Mixed; Giant Double Mixed; Starlight Mixed; Oklahoma Mixed; Giant Scarlet; Whirligig; Big Tetra; Candy Cane; Cut and Come again; Pass-along Large Red </strong>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135459971489056342.post-5188681258733941432011-06-21T08:19:00.000-07:002011-06-21T13:32:27.312-07:00Love those Coneflowers....but....<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fVpRL02Ws4Y/TgC3nIAXDPI/AAAAAAAADx0/0HhriaiLD9E/s1600/IMG_5283.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620694217750154482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fVpRL02Ws4Y/TgC3nIAXDPI/AAAAAAAADx0/0HhriaiLD9E/s320/IMG_5283.JPG" border="0" /></a> You all know how I love cone-<br />flowers!<br />I have them growing all around the pond now.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXQiwIM-SzU/TgC3eArRhcI/AAAAAAAADxs/hGoBIotGBr8/s1600/IMG_5282.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620694061163840962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXQiwIM-SzU/TgC3eArRhcI/AAAAAAAADxs/hGoBIotGBr8/s320/IMG_5282.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is my newest one: Tomato Soup. It is just starting to bloom.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dUqul-CoRDA/TgC3ZCTJmfI/AAAAAAAADxk/6lVOTMyQ0x8/s1600/IMG_5287.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620693975700183538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dUqul-CoRDA/TgC3ZCTJmfI/AAAAAAAADxk/6lVOTMyQ0x8/s320/IMG_5287.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Hot Papaya. I know the original Purple Cone-<br />flowers are the best, but this hybrid was planted last year and look how beautiful it is this year!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vB21iBq5Ni4/TgC4xJWOWWI/AAAAAAAADyE/CGwWi3tAkpM/s1600/IMG_5284.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620695489420613986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vB21iBq5Ni4/TgC4xJWOWWI/AAAAAAAADyE/CGwWi3tAkpM/s320/IMG_5284.JPG" border="0" /></a>I dug a few purple up last year and started them along the little pathway behind the patio..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnGu5ZZRnkE/TgC3S9Tnb7I/AAAAAAAADxc/9sMR_3lB66Y/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620693871280746418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnGu5ZZRnkE/TgC3S9Tnb7I/AAAAAAAADxc/9sMR_3lB66Y/s320/IMG_5286.JPG" border="0" /></a> ..and I noticed they are starting to naturalize in this area now. Yea!! However, if you will remember last year I did a post on all my Coneflower woes. Since that time, several gardeners have commented on having similar problems. Basically here was the issue: the heads of the flowers got a tar-like look on one side; then the flowers just kind of fell apart, or did not continue to develop. Trying to find the cause, I discovered little worms in the seed heads. I had comments from people in Canada and Nebraska, all the way down here to Texas. Well--the same thing started to happen to mine earlier in spring. I decided to keep a careful watch on the flowers to see if I could determine the problem. As I watched, I began to see these bugs that looked like yellow lady bugs flying all over the coneflowers and coreopsis. After a while, I began to notice that tar looking head again, and after digging into it, I found the same greenish worm I found last year.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdIyx7a8EfY/TgC3vMtnRjI/AAAAAAAADx8/sYnp3MOegnE/s1600/beetle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620694356452656690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdIyx7a8EfY/TgC3vMtnRjI/AAAAAAAADx8/sYnp3MOegnE/s320/beetle.jpg" border="0" /></a> I never got a picture of the bug, but this is the closest thing on the Internet I could find. This is a "cucumber beetle." However, after reading about the larvae of this kind of beetle, I don't think this is it. (The larvae attack the roots) There is also a type of beetle called "asian beetle." I didn't think the description fit either. Then there was the "squash bug beetle." One picture looked like it might be the culprit...but again the description did not match my problem. So...folks I just don't have an answer for you. I did use insecticide soap on the flowers, and if I sprayed it heavily, it did seem to work. I also cut off the flowers that were damaged. Once the spring rains stopped, and the high temperatures hit--the problem seemed to go away. Looking back, I think that is exactly what I remember happening last year.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjPH8nBV-gs/TgC2ze2nLAI/AAAAAAAADxM/KXx0dZ4oGGg/s1600/IMG_5288.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620693330530085890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjPH8nBV-gs/TgC2ze2nLAI/AAAAAAAADxM/KXx0dZ4oGGg/s320/IMG_5288.JPG" border="0" /></a> Wish I had better news for you coneflower lovers out there. The bees and butterflies love the flowers as much as I do, so I suppose I will just keep on researching and watching. But in the meantime...I am still in love with coneflowers!<br /><br />Note: I did some research on aster yellows disease because it is one thing coneflowers are known to get. (It is spread by leafhoppers) However, I did not think it fit my situation. Here is a link to an article that gives good information and a picture that could be some help. Let us know if those of you with coneflower problems solve the mystery!<br /><a href="http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Pests/Diseases/astryel2.htm">http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Pests/Diseases/astryel2.htm</a>Meadowview Thymeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867494627331444375noreply@blogger.com15