Go Away, I'm Gardening!

Good Timing 'Grand Primo'

2012-01-27T14:37:00.001-06:00

It is great to look outside this time of year and see my 'Grand Primo' daffodils opening up to say hello.

I love the long lasting blooms and the thick green foliage.

I think these flowers come at just the right time of year to cheer up a winter garden!

Finding Blooms in January

2012-01-17T13:24:00.001-06:00

I went outside today and pulled weeds and cleaned up the beds. It doesn't sound like much fun, but it was nice to just enjoy the great weather we are having. It was also a good chance to take notice of the blooms in my garden. Actually ... I found more than I thought I would.

Really it was no surprise that this annual dianthus was blooming. It blooms all year long in Austin. It is one of the toughest plants that I know.

I can always depend on these little flowers for color and interest.

Trailing Rosemary

Rosemary stands out in the winter months with its little, blue flowers. This little bee was happy to find a bloom.

Globe Mallow

Love it!

Gaura

Love it!

Purple Heart

Love it!

I even love this unexpected, tiny bloom I found on the side of our house.

Hope you have a wonderful week and find unexpected "blooms"!

My New Normal

2012-01-04T14:23:00.002-06:00

Time to say goodbye to all the Christmas candy, cookies and fudge. I can't look at them anymore and if I see them I will slowly eat them all little by little.

Also, time to say goodbye to all the Christmas decorations. I have been putting this off and putting it off. I can think of a million and one things I would rather do. I do know that I will be happy when they are all put away and things feel less cluttered.

photobucket

As the new year begins, I have come to realize that the word resolution is not in my vocabulary. I have taken it out because it never works for me. I will say, however that I am implementing a new normal. I know...a little play on semantics, however it is changing my perspective.

My new normal includes a healthier life style of eating healthy and exercising. Boy, this is a popular one this time of year!

As far as my new normal for gardening...well, 2012 brings forth a new perspective to anticipate the endless possibilities for my garden. About this time every year I take notice of my garden and think about what it will look like this spring. Right now, I kind of panic a little inside at its appearance. Then, I have to remind myself that it will return with beauty. A fresh, new beginning for spring is what I am looking forward to and thinking about new plants, garden art, rocks, etc. Also, I love to see what flowers are around the old neighborhoods in Austin and I love growing these old fashioned flowers from seeds. So, I am looking forward to doing a little research and putting together my list of seeds to gather.

In addition, another new normal is to always wear sunscreen, my gardening hat and sunglasses for protection from the sun. I know how important this is, so I just need to do it!

Softleaf Yucca

Lastly, I will continue to learn as much as I can about gardening and landscape design. I am thankful that I have found something I love and I just can't get enough!

Okay....time to put away those Christmas decorations. Oh, wait..Dr. Phil is on.

Wishing you health and happiness in 2012!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T14:19:00.002-06:00

Photo Taken Today
White Lantana Blooming

MeRrY ChRiStMaS!

2011-12-24T09:11:00.002-06:00

Wishing you a Christmas full of fun, love and happiness!

A Perennial That Stands Out

2011-12-16T13:07:00.002-06:00

The decorations are out in full force and I am finishing up my Christmas gift list. It is a busy time of year and I am trying to remind myself to slow down and ENJOY.

Lately, we have been receiving quite a bit of rain and I haven't been keeping up with what is going on outside. However, a couple of days ago I did get a chance to journey outside and noticed a perennial that stood out among everything else.

Globe Mallow

Sphaeralcea ambigua

Globe mallow was and is currently blooming like crazy!

As you can see, it attracts bees and this little one looks nice and cozy all curled up inside the bloom. It also attracts butterflies and the seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals. It loves the sun and performed wonderfully this past summer with our severe drought. It is a definite favorite among my Austin blogger friends.

The silver foliage brightens up a garden and adds such variety to a green garden. I have mine planted behind trailing rosemary.

This time of year, there are very few blooms in my garden. I know these blooms won't last long, so I need to enjoy them while they are still around.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Freezing Temperatures and My Changing Garden

2011-12-08T10:37:00.002-06:00

We have had two nights of freezing temperatures and a couple of frosty mornings. With the change of weather my garden looks a little different. I now have chocolate zinnias. Honestly, I have to admit that I kind of like the way they look. If they stayed the same, I probably would not notice them as much and would not appreciate them quite as much as I do.

Sometimes change is good.

Mexican Feathergrass
Nassella tenuissima

Yesterday, I noticed that the Mexican feathergrass has a nice blond sheen.

Trailing Rosemary

Rosemary is one that stays pretty all year long. I see it a lot in my neighborhood around schools and parks. Landscapers tend to shear it, which makes it look bare in spots and just not as pretty as it looks naturally.

Blackfoot Daisy
Melampodium leucanthum

Also yesterday, I was surprised to see the blackfoot daisies looking so pretty. Even this morning after another freeze it looks the same. I know that it will not remain this way. However, it will reseed and return in the spring.

I like the changing weather and the different look to my garden. Most of my plants will bounce back in the spring and I am glad for the evergreens, which will continue to add some color and structure to my garden. The coming months will be a good time for me to take inventory of my landscape and to really see the bones of my garden.

I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show. ~Andrew Wyeth

I am looking forward to my new garden story in the spring!

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 25-30!

2011-11-30T14:58:00.000-06:00

I spent last week with my family and experienced so much to be thankful for in my life!

The past thirty day challenge did exactly what it was intended to do: to slow down my life a little and focus on what I am thankful for.

I do know that being in my garden and working outside slows down my life and
it is those times when I am outside, that I can clearly just think. I can think about what I want to and not worry about what I have to do or get done. When I am in my garden, I discover a lot to be thankful for whether it be nature's beauty or blessings in my life.

I think it is about focusing not only on the major things that I am thankful for in my life, but also looking for the little things that might go unnoticed. Blessings come in many sizes. They can go without any notice if I don't slow down and actually look for them. I guess...they don't need to be posted on a billboard to be a blessing.

Today, I was surprised to see these two blooms in my garden.

I guess you never know...

what little surprises the day might bring.

Thank you, Cat: The Whimsical Gardener for starting the Thirty Day Challenge and for your beautiful blog!

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 24

2011-11-24T07:00:00.001-06:00

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 23

2011-11-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

I am glad to contribute to the laughter.

Flowers just make the world a prettier place and I am thankful.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 22

2011-11-22T07:05:00.005-06:00

I remember waiting and waiting with anticipation for this daylily to open up and reveal its color. I would check everyday with yearning. There is a lot to be said about the promise that anticipation can bring. It gives us joy and hope and an eagerness for what lies ahead.

The last few weeks, I have been with joyful anticipation. After about five months, we get to see our oldest son that joined the Marines. We all get so excited just thinking about seeing him. It has been a countdown in our house for some time now.

When I talked to our son on the phone, I asked him if there was anything special that he wanted me to make for him for Thanksgiving and his response was ... "How about fudge?" I think he takes after me. I love fudge and discovered the best recipe last year from Casa Mariposa. It is an easy recipe and yummy! So, while I am making the fudge today, I will be thinking of my son and waiting with anticipation to see him.

I am thankful for all the joy that anticipation brings to my life. When I see him, I will be overjoyed to say the least. Literally, I am just about to burst open with anticipation.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 21

2011-11-21T07:32:00.002-06:00

Photo Taken 11/20/11

I planted these zinnias in the spring and they have made it through one hot and dry summer. They have provided nonstop blooming.

Talk about....fLoWeR pOwEr!

I am thankful for the staying power of certain plants. Their time is almost up, but their seeds will be scattered and I will see them again in the spring. I can't help but smile inside when I see them.

30 Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 20

2011-11-20T08:09:00.002-06:00

This is a photo of our three boys four years ago when they were 14, 12 and 8. They are posing in front of the three stooges at the Ripley Attractions in San Antonio.

I am thankful for all the laughter and humor that fills my day. There is plenty of it with teenage boys and a husband with a great sense of humor. Laughing until your stomach hurts is the best feeling.

30 Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 19

2011-11-19T07:52:00.002-06:00

'Knock Out' Rose
Photo taken yesterday

I am thankful for quiet Saturday mornings. They don't come very often, but when they do it is nice to be awake when everyone else is still sleeping.

30 Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 18

2011-11-18T06:00:00.002-06:00

I am thankful that flowers are so photogenic.

They have such intricate beauty.

Photo taken Spring, 2010

30 Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 17

2011-11-17T06:55:00.000-06:00

Lamb's Ear, 'Grapes' Gomphrena

Mexican Petunia, 'Grapes' Gomphrena, Texas Betony

I am thankful for the peace and quiet of being outside. The only sound I hear are the bees buzzing.

30 Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 16

2011-11-16T07:00:00.010-06:00

Live it. Love it. Share it.

I am thankful for how much I love gardening. It is a part of my life and a part of me, which I am very happy to share.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 15

2011-11-15T11:43:00.000-06:00

Raindrops are falling on my head...and I am VERY thankful!

30 Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 13 and 14

2011-11-14T10:09:00.000-06:00

During the fall and winter months, I like the changing colors of Heavenly bamboo, Nandina domestica. It changes color from bronze to green to red. It does well in shade or full sun and takes little water. Most of my garden is made up of native and adapted plants, however this one is not included because it can be invasive. I need to remove the berries before the birds do. In the spring, I will remove old, weak, or winter-damaged stems. Also, to keep the plant full, I will cut some of the stems to the ground, which will encourage new growth from the base. This is one of my favorite spots in my garden, right now.

I recently planted Gaura lindheimeri (that was in a large container) in front of the heavenly bamboo. The foliage has a tinge of maroon with dark green. I was happy to see this little bloom this morning.

I am thankful for the pretty, colorful foliage this time of year. It is a welcomed change in my garden. I love to look out the window and see it changing over time.

Also, I am very thankful that I did not get bitten by the baby rattlesnake I discovered in my front bed yesterday. That was very scary! Now, someone needs to find it again and take it somewhere far, far, away! It has definitely made me more aware of how careful I need to be working outside in the garden. In fact, I may not work in it for awhile. :/

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 12

2011-11-13T18:04:00.000-06:00

A weekend of working outside that included a lot of laughing and talking. Couldn't ask for a better weekend. Love you...Mom and Dad.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 11

2011-11-12T17:29:00.008-06:00

Verbena on a Stick in My Mom's Garden

Today and every day I am thankful for my parents. My son and I took a road trip to see them this weekend. I am thankful that they are only a driving distance away. It is always great to see them and catch up.

The last time we visited we took out a lot of their lawn and put in large beds around some existing trees. I planted Mexican Petunias in one of the beds today. Maybe tomorrow I will take some photos because now it is getting too dark.

On the way to my mom and dad's house we always stop at The Little Czech Bakery just off of I-35 in West Texas . If you are ever in the vicinity ... it is well worth the stop. It is awesome!

Hope you are having a good weekend. :)

Giving Thanks to Our Veterans

2011-11-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

Today I give thanks, honor and respect to those men and women who have given their lives for our freedom.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 9

2011-11-10T07:39:00.000-06:00

Yellow Columbine

Aquilegia chrysantha

I frequently find myself looking out the window. I particularly like to look out during the morning and evening hours when the autumn light shines on the garden. It just seems to sparkle and I am thankful for its beauty.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 8

2011-11-09T09:15:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for texting, facebooking, skyping and calling. A person far away can seem very close. Love to see the text...hey, mom.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 7

2011-11-08T07:28:00.003-06:00

This is Toby our little cairn/yorkie terrier mix. As you can see, he enjoys being outside. Frequently, I will look outside and see him soaking in the sun on a comfortable chair or even the lounge chair. I just know, one day I am going to look out the window and he is going to be sipping from a margarita glass.

This is Ivy our sweet, seven year old lab. She likes to be in the sun, but mostly she likes the comfort of being indoors and I will often find her upstairs sleeping on one of the beds. She is one happy dog that we are pretty sure we hear "purring" when she gets her tummy rubbed.

I am thankful for my two garden buddies. I find it funny that they know the minute I grab my camera or put on those special shoes that I am heading outside for some gardening. Toby always likes to dig in the very same spot I am. I guess he is eagerly looking for grubs.

Today, I am thankful for our dogs. We love them, a lot ... and they bring so much joy and laughter to our family.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 6

2011-11-07T07:45:00.002-06:00

Hymenoxys (Four Nerve Daisy)
Tetraneuris scaposa
Foxtail Fern in Background

What really sticks out today is the thought that I am so thankful for the fact that I can move things around in my garden. If I don't like a plant in a certain location, then I can pick it up and move it to a different spot and with any luck and hardiness it will thrive.

I keep thinking...what if I had to keep every plant in the exact location that I first planted it? My garden would not be as pretty as it is today and I just wouldn't be happy with the 15' tall red tipped photinia bushes surrounding our deck...yuck! In addition, I would have lost a lot of plants due to rabbits, sun/shade needs, watering needs, and the list goes on and on. Just because a plant tag says full sun doesn't necessarily mean it needs FULL SUN in my Texas garden. I guess that is what makes up gardening...planting and moving things around until you have met the needs of both the plant and the gardener.

So much of gardening pertains to every day life...if we don't like the way things are, we have the ability to change it or start over. Or sometimes we might find, it's best if we leave things the way they are and just be patient, it might turn out for the best...like in my post about Making It Work In the Landscape.

Hope you have a great Monday!

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 5

2011-11-06T07:56:00.001-06:00

Today I am thankful for a lot of things that I simply could not capture in a photo. I am thankful for the peaceful morning with my husband, the two dancing mockingbirds on the wrought iron fence, the cardinal that always comes to visit, the rabbit I see under the bird feeder, the sound and smell of RAIN sprinkling. Yes, I did say rain. It is a good morning.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 4

2011-11-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Century Plant Agave, Agave americana
'Knock Out' Rose

Softleaf Yucca, Yucca recurvifolia
Bamboo Muhly, Muhlenbergia dumosa

Today I am thankful for the differences in my garden.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 3

2011-11-04T07:49:00.000-05:00

Rocket Stepping Stone
Made in 1999

Today I am thankful for the little touches in my garden that bring back precious memories.

Thirty Day Challenge: Thanksgiving ~ Day 2

2011-11-03T08:21:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Cat (The Whimsical Gardener) for starting the 30 day challenge to post a photograph and sentiment concerning what we are thankful for. As she mentioned in her post, Thanksgiving can get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. So, I am going to focus on being thankful for what is going on right now in my life and slowing down to focus on each day.

Butterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii

Today I am thankful that every time I go outside I see something new, beautiful and interesting.

Currently: Blooms I Love

2011-11-01T11:00:00.001-05:00

Red Yucca, Wooly Stemodia, 'Little Grapes' Gomphrena

I have been hearing the word gomphrena buzzing around a lot these days among my Austin blogging friends. I can see why it is so popular. I love the little dots of color that this 'Little Grapes' provides in front of my yuccas. Wooly Stemodia, which is a silver ground cover, is also planted among the rocks.

Texas Betony
Stachys coccinea

Cat, The Whimsical Gardener introduced me to this little red bloomer. Texas Betony has turned out to be one of my favorite blooms in my garden right now. It has really been growing with our cooler temperatures we are having. I love its wonderful gray-green foliage.

It only reaches 1-1.5' in height which makes it a great companion with Ruellia brittoniana, 'Katie'.

Zexmenia, Wedelia texana

This little, golden yellow flowering plant decided to finally bloom! I did read that it blooms continuously though not profusely. I'm not sure where the continuously went? Oh, well...it is a very cheery bloom. It only reaches about 1.5-2.5' in height with a 2-3' spread. So, it fits nicely in my rock garden.

My sweet, oldest son gave me this stepping stone last Mother's Day. I love what it says and its meaning is so true. I feel like I have come a long way since I first began my garden four years ago.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Austin Nursery Giveaway: We Have A Winner!

2011-10-27T09:35:00.001-05:00

Abbey, Down to Earth for being the winner of the nursery giveaway which was kindly donated by Sunshine Landscape and Garden Center. This drawing was held in conjunction with our focus to Support Our Local Independent Nurseries. Abbey, please contact me with your full name and contact information at Aemer1@aol.com. You must claim your certificate in person with photo id, within two weeks. If you are unable to do so, please let me know immediately. Congrats!!

A big thank you to everyone that has participated in our campaign to support our local independent nurseries!

I Need A Morning Garden Walk

2011-10-21T11:03:00.003-05:00

If I have time in the morning, I try to take a walk around my garden and see what's new. I always seem to find something different and interesting. A garden is ever-changing and always a pleasure to walk around and take notice. Well, I have to be honest and say in the heat of summer it was not a joy to walk around. However, now the weather is cooling off and it is a great time.

My "garden walk" helps me slow down life, a bit anyway. It gives me time to NOT think about what all I need to do during the day. I just try to focus on what is going on in my garden.

Rock Rose
Pavonia lasiopetala

I noticed this morning that I really don't have enough of these roses in my rock garden. They need to reseed a little more freely...please.

Santolina
Santolina chamaecyparissus

I noticed that I can see so many more details of this Santolina with a macro shot than I can just by looking. I love the touch of silver. It really thrives in the sun and my garden has plenty of that to offer.

It is a tough plant that grows in the form of a shrubby ground cover. Also, it will produce yellow flowers.

Gomphrena 'Grapes'

'Grapes' Gomphrena with Blackfoot Daisy

These two plants love the sun, as well. I like the small, delicate blooms of the gomphrena.

Trailing Lantana
Lantana montevidensis

During my walk, I am reminded that Lantana is a very dependable perennial. I am glad to say that it is having a growth spurt these days.

Four O'Clock

I also was glad that my four o'clock flowers are looking happy and blooming. I put down the seeds early spring and they have been going strong and survived our hot summer. All these flowers for the price of a little seed packet...what a deal.

A little walk always does me good and gets me through the rest of the day.
Or, I take another little walk. :)

P.S....

Lastly, if you haven't entered the nursery giveaway please click on: Local Nursery Giveaway and leave a comment for your name to be added to the drawing held on October 27th. Also, don't forget to increase your chances of winning by visiting and leaving a comment on each of the other garden blogs that are listed.

Have a great weekend.

Austin Nurseries Giveaway: Sunshine Landscape & Garden Center

2011-10-16T09:00:00.004-05:00

This month is Support Your Local Independent Nursery. I am happy to say that in conjunction, a number of nurseries are having giveaways hosted by some of the Austin garden bloggers.

I am delighted to be hosting a $100 gift certificate to Sunshine Landscape and Garden Center, which is located at 2002 Highway 620 South in Austin, Texas.

I know this nursery very well and I am pretty sure my car could operate on auto pilot to go right to this destination.

I visit Sunshine Landscape and Garden Center quite frequently because it is one of my favorite nurseries in the Austin area.

Now is a good time to think about adding color and also replacing those water thirsty plants with more drought tolerant ones that will survive. By shopping at Sunshine Nursery, I know that I am setting myself up for garden success when I buy plants that are proven successful. They have a wide selection of native and adapted plants that just belong here in Austin. Another bonus is that the nursery is well organized with friendly, knowledgeable staff that are readily available to answer questions.

Not to mention, I always like to visit Rico the parrot and say hello. He hangs out in the greenhouse to greet customers.

Also, Sunshine Nursery offers deer resistant plants for gardeners facing this challenge.

I believe with our current drought situation it is even more important to support the local and independent nurseries that supply us with the plants that are going to make it through our hot and dry temperatures.

I know in the long run, I will save money by buying plants that are proven winners for our area.

So, garden hats off to Sunshine Landscape and Nursery Center for helping me to garden with success! I really wouldn't have a garden without you.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

You must leave a comment on this post to enter the drawing.

You can only leave one comment per person per giveaway.

Giveaway ends at 11:59 P.M. on October 26th.

WINNERS will be announced on October 27th.

Winners must go to the nursery with a photo ID and pick up their prize
in person within two weeks of winning.
Prizes will not be mailed.

ALSO, there are more giveaways on my Austin blogger friend's sites. Just click on the blog links below and leave a comment on their post in order to be entered in their drawing to win a certificate at a local nursery.

So, increase your chances to win by visiting:

Sharing Nature's Garden: $50 gift certificate to Emerald Garden

J Peterson Garden Design: $50 gift certificate to The Great Outdoors

Great Stems: $50 gift certificate to Hill Country Water Gardens & Nursery

The Whimsical Gardener: $25 gift certificate to It's About Thyme Garden Center

Rock Rose: $50 gift certificate to Shoal Creek Nursery

Digging: $100 gift certificate and Fall Power Package (valued at $50) to Barton Springs Nursery

Growing Optimism: $25 gift certificate to The Natural Gardener

I wish you luck!

Lastly, a big thank you to all the participating nurseries and garden bloggers.

You are appreciated!

To leave a comment go all the way down to the last comment and click on POST A COMMENT. :)

Participating bloggers and their families are ineligible to win.

A Winning Combination: Cooler Temperatures, Rain, Mulch and Cutting Back Dead Foliage

2011-10-13T10:44:00.006-05:00

Philippine Violet
Barleria cristata

When I walked outside this cool morning (yes! I said cool) I noticed that I have one little bloom on my Philippine violet. Our weather is in the 80's and the future 70's are in the seven day forecast. Oh...what a relief! The cooler weather and the rain we received has brought a revival in my garden. All I can say is...hallelujah!

Mexican Petunias
Narrow Leaf Zinnias
Fringe Flower

Century Plant Agave
Agave americana

Of course this agave was not fazed by our summer drought.

It is always good to have dependable staples in the garden.

Blue Mistflower
Eupatorium coelestinum

Blue mistflower is showing signs of happiness and fall with more blooms.

Agave with Santolina, Santolina chamaecyparissus

This agave was a pup from my other container agave. Always nice to have little ones to plant. Actually, this one is not so little anymore. I planted it last summer and it has grown quite fast.
Also, next to it is a shrubby ground cover called santolina.

My containers are hanging in there. I had to trim back the lomandra grass and gaura and it is coming back fresh and green. Autumn sage is peeking over the top with blooms.

Red Yucca
Hesperaloe parviflora

Also, I am a true fan of yuccas and plan to add some more this fall.

The silver artemesia is another staple in my garden.

Moonflower Vine

My moonflower vine has definitely been revived! I cut back all the dead foliage and added mulch and it did thank me.

Blackfoot Daisy
Melampodium leucanthum

Lastly, I could not post without showing the daisies. Again, I did cut back some of them a few weeks ago because they were getting woody.

So, with the combination of cooler temperatures, rain, cutting back dead foliage and mulch my garden has found new life!

P.S.

My new additions
Whale's Tongue Agave

The month of October is Support Your Local Independent Nursery.
(I always love to go and support the local nurseries)

Visit Pam's site, Digging for more information.

Hope you are having a good week!

Support Your Independent Nursery Month: Thank You, Barton Springs!

2011-10-05T06:57:00.004-05:00

Thank you Pam...from the garden blog Digging for declaring the month of October: Support Your Independent Nursery Month.

I can't think of a better nursery to support than Barton Springs Nursery in Austin, Texas.

With our current drought situation, I know that it is even more important than ever to focus on native and adapted plants. They take less water and are well suited for our area and I know that I can always find these healthy plants at Barton Springs. The majority of them are grown at the nursery and are well taken care of from the start.

When I go to Barton Springs, I grab my wagon and enjoy meandering through the peaceful paths of three-and-a-half acre grounds.

One thing that I lOvE about this nursery is that I can buy four inch potted plants at great prices. It makes planting a lot easier in our rocky soil and not to mention...cheaper.

They also have such a variety of succulents. I would just love to take them all home!

In addition, I also appreciate their knowledgable staff and I never have to search far for someone to help me. Also, it is very beneficial that they have labels for each plant which gives information about the size and care. As you can see by the photo above, the nursery is very well designed and organized.

So, garden hats off to Barton Springs Nursery for being one of my favorite independent nurseries in Austin. I wouldn't have a garden without you.

Photos courtesy of Barton Springs Nursery
No gratuity...I posted on my own accord

Pretty Purple Heart

2011-09-28T09:46:00.003-05:00

Purple Heart
Setcreasea Pallida

Purple heart is definitely an all star performer in my book. It likes the sun/shade.

It is thriving in a little bit of shade during the day in my garden.

It is easy to propagate. Just stick a cutting in the ground and it will root quickly.

It will die back in the winter, but when spring arrives it will come back just as strong.

It does very well in a container. If a plant passes my container testing...then I know it is a good one to have around!

Also, I have to mention that we received rain yesterday! We watched and appreciated every drop.

This Is How Much I Love Fall...

2011-09-24T19:32:00.001-05:00

Fall Aster
Aster oblongifolium

This photo depicts (in a big way) how much I love and want fall weather to arrive in Austin, Texas.

The asters are blooming and I couldn't be happier that we are finally getting cooler temperatures in the morning and evening hours. It is just a glimpse that fall weather is on its way.

However, I am not ready to get out the garden gloves and start planting quite yet. I definitely have an itching to do so, but the weather needs to cool off a bit and a little rain would definitely help matters. However, I have been making my list. Can a person ever plan too much? I have been planning all summer....ugh.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

I Heart Esperanza

2011-09-21T16:37:00.001-05:00

Esperanza, 'Yellow Bells' is very showy with its yellow blooms. I have a very high regard for this perennial because of its toughness and ability to take the heat with little water and look beautiful at the same time.

It is very low maintenance and the only thing I will do after the first frost is to prune it to a 3 inch height and mulch.

It is located in my sun loving bed next to the pink, narrow-leaf zinnias.

Rose of Sharon, Esperanza, Narrow-Leaf Zinnias, Mexican Petunias

Rose of Sharon (on the left of my esperanza) requires a little extra water. With our watering restrictions I have to hand water it about every other day in addition to the once a week sprinkler system watering. So, I do heart all plants that I don't have to hand water these days.

Lastly, I have learned a lot dealing with the drought we are experiencing this summer. One thing is that I am glad that I have planted a lot of native/adapted plants for my landscaping. They are all tough and surviving. Some may not look as healthy as they usually do this time of year but they are starting to bounce back with new growth and even blooms with the cooler morning/evening temperatures. It is hard to garden in a drought but planting plants that belong here sure does make it easier.

Garden Withdrawals

2011-09-13T07:07:00.002-05:00

Recently, it has been a little difficult living in the moment. I am so looking forward to fall when the weather actually cools off and I can get outside and work in my garden. I am definitely having garden withdrawals. You know... the longing feeling when you look outside the window and you are thinking of a million and one things that you would like to be working on in your garden. Well, this past weekend I got a quick fix by buying some new gloves and some tools to at least get ready for fall gardening.

Purple Coneflower
Zilker Botanical Garden

I believe that fall is the best time to garden in Austin. I am looking forward to moving some perennials around that have told me they don't like their current location. Also, I am going to divide up and transplant some bulbs and plant new ones to look forward to in the spring. Also, my dwarf Ruellia or Mexican petunias will need to be divided up and planted along some hot borders.

Fall is the time when I plant my current container perennials in the ground. I will keep the more tender ones in pots and bring them inside before our first freeze. Right now, most of my container plants are in the shade or part shade and I water them everyday. I want them in good shape when I put them in the ground.

I have even put some shade over my 'Wendy's Wish' salvia to get it looking a little healthier before I move them to a better location for the future.

Fall is a time to clean up the garden and get rid of all the dead stuff. Out with the dead stuff and in with the new pansies and maybe some snapdragons that will add some color until our first freeze.

Fall is a time to add compost to the soil. I usually put compost around the base of my plants that really need a boost. Right now, that seems to be most of them. When I plant some new perennials I will also amend the soil with compost. After three years of amending my soil with compost and mulch it is breaking down the clay and is easy to manage. Also, fall is a good time to put down some organic fertilizer on the lawn.

Zexmenia
Zilker Botanical Garden

As much as I would like to start pruning, dividing and planting, I am not going to do anything until the weather cools off. My plants are stressed out enough as it is right now.

Until the weather cools off, I guess I will continue my longing stare outside and just have to manage my withdrawals by making my to-do list.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

P.S. All photos were taken at Zilker Botanical Garden, 9/10/11.

Comfort In A Garden

2011-09-08T14:37:00.002-05:00

I sit here really not knowing what to say. In my mind, the one word that definitely pops up first is THANKFUL. I am thankful that we still have a house standing, but MOST of all that my family and neighbors are safe from the wildfire that struck our neighborhood.

It was scary when I looked outside on Sunday and noticed smoke and I could smell it in the air. Late afternoon, our electricity was cut off and thousands of people were asked to evacuate their homes. It was an awful feeling because I didn't know how far the fire was from our house and I just wanted to get out quickly and safely. It was very hard to drive off with the terrible thought that we may not be coming back to our home. At that moment though...I was so thankful that we were all home and were able to leave together with our dogs in tow.

We found a hotel that took pets and once we got there we stayed glued to the news reports and even Facebook proved to be a very helpful tool for communication. Other families and friends from our neighborhood stayed at the same hotel and a true sense of community brought comfort to us all.

On Tuesday, we returned to our home and learned that the fire destroyed 24 homes and another 30 or so were damaged by the fire. More importantly, there were no fatalities.We were thankful that our house was fine and untouched by fire or smoke damage. At the same time, I was saddened by the fact that some houses did not remain. My heart goes out to the people who lost their homes and all their possessions. I really can't begin to know how they feel.

With our drought conditions I know that a fire could break out again so easily. It could happen all over again. The terrible fires continue in other parts of Texas, right now. We need rain so desperately. I am so thankful to the wonderful firemen and Good Samaritans that worked and are working so hard to protect our safety.

Oh, it was nice coming home. I found comfort in my garden like I never have before. I grabbed my camera and took my "garden walk" and I took notice of every new bloom and growth.

Today, I noticed my frequent visitor the cardinal getting a drink. Life seems back to normal. I hear kids playing and people talking in their yards. The weather this morning has a cool breeze and it feels good to be outside.

'Wendy's Wish'

2011-09-01T15:15:00.002-05:00

'Wendy's Wish' Salvia with Artemisia ludoviciana, 'Silver King'

Immediately this little salvia caught my eye. Among many salvias this one stood out for me with its pink stems and bright, hot pink blooms. I wish I had more photos to show you. You see, Wendy is turning a little yellow now in her current location.

I think Wendy's wish is that she get a little shade during the day. I plan to move this little salvia to an area that gets at least a little bit of relief during the day. This plant will get 3 to 4 feet tall. Also, she will survive temperatures to 25 degrees. I am hoping to see her again in the spring.

As far as the artemisia goes it is thriving in the hot, dry conditions. It is one tough plant and is very complementary.

Hope you are having a good day!

If you would like more information go to: 'Wendy's Wish'

MEMORIES OF A GARDEN

2011-08-29T13:40:00.004-05:00

Memories of a garden past keep creeping in my mind.

They are moments of the past, which I would so much like to rewind.

Dear past garden, you were so beautiful and green.

And now...why does the weather have to be so mean?

With my photos I can always see the beauty you once had.

If I don't, I look outside and it only makes me mad.

I am so ready to begin again because I know I can't live in the past.

I just want the normal temperatures to last.

I guess I will look forward to a garden even better.

For that to happen I know it has to be wetter.

Until that time I will reminisce and pray for rain.

From this thought I will not refrain.

Poem ~ By the not so serious writer

P.S. Photos are of my garden, 2010

Six Things I'm "Digging"

2011-08-26T07:11:00.002-05:00

1. Bluebeard, Caryopteris incana

When I walk through my garden I get excited when I see green foliage and if I see a bloom I am eCsTaTiC. Bluebeard will bloom now until the first frost. I am glad that I added this little, blue flowering perennial to my garden.

2. Blackfoot Daisies

I am definitely "digging" these daisies in my garden. This plant actually requires dry conditions and they have certainly been receiving them.

3. Rocks

Yes, I said rocks. I absolutely love rocks in my garden. They are readily available (i dig rocks up all the time) and they are all shapes and sizes. The one above reminds me of a heart and has a little water or bird seed crevice.

Plants come and go. I know that I can always depend on my rocks. :)

4. Butterfly Weed

I do appreciate its beauty, however bittersweet.

5. Gardening Books

I enjoy going to the used book store and browsing the garden section. They have such a large selection of books and I could spend hours perusing through them. I brought home a few that I found interesting.

Lastly, number 6 is very random...

6. Brownie Pan

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

A Few Blooms

2011-08-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

I think I might need to take up shadow photography. Why? That way no one can even tell if my plants are brown and crispy due to the drought. :)
September we are going to water restriction level 2. So, we will only be watering once a week. We will still be able to hand water. Currently, our lawn is pretty brown and crunchy. I try to hand water every thing else in my garden.

I do have some blooms in my garden.

Butterfly Bush, Buddleja davidii

Butterfly bush seems to be able to produce a few blooms.

Purple Heart, Setcreasea pallida

I am a HUGE fan of purple heart. It seems to still be going strong. I have it planted in containers and in the ground, as well.

Ivy likes it outside for about 10 minutes at a time to catch a little sun.

Toby finds a little shade under a bench.

Skyflower, Duranta erecta

Skyflower has to be one of my favorites. It finally decided to give me a couple of blooms.

Canna, Butterfly Weed, and Verbena on a Stick

My cannas have never looked better. They are planted in a location where ALL my neighbor's water drains. I don't give them any extra water and they look better than ever before.

Anole hanging out on a hat.

Need a little help here...

Do you know the name of this salvia?

I am "googled" out trying to figure out which one.

It has been one of the best performers in my garden this summer and I would love to know the name. Thanks so much!

a shrub i don't like

2011-08-18T12:08:00.001-05:00

I usually don't post about what I don't like. Elaeagnus, Elaeagnus Pungens is one of them that is on my dislike list. This shrub is often seen in my neighborhood. Landscapers use them quite frequently to hide unsightly cable boxes,etc. These cable boxes are usually positioned between two houses right smack in the front yard and I can see why they want to cover them up. Elaeagnus sure does the trick of hiding things. In fact, this shrub could cover up a small car.

They can be seen in a variety of shapes. I have seen them pruned liked squares, rectangles and even in circles. I saw one the other day in which the shape reminded me of a huge hat box in the middle of two front yards.

Below is a photo of an Elaeagnus shrub.

In my opinion...

the foliage is a dull olive-gray.

Another feature that I dislike is the way they shoot out long branchless stems in the air that look like fishing poles. They look so random!

I know about this shrub because we have three of them in our front yard. :/ I am eventually going to remove these shrubs and plant something I like in their place. It just takes time and I seem to put most of my focus on our backyard. I guess it is time to venture to the front.

Amy Thinking Out Loud: Some replacement evergreen shrubs might be ...

Glossy Abelia

Bottlebrush (might die with cold winter, though)

Bush Germander

Oleander

Pineapple Guave

I could completely redo and add a grouping of perennials that compliment each other for an island bed.

Well, it is a good time to plan since our weather is too hot to be outside.

Do you have a Dislike List?

HOT and DRY REALITY

2011-08-16T19:51:00.001-05:00

Used to be...Happy, Purple Lantana

Lamb's Ear with Sad, Brown and Crispy Foliage

Wilting, Brown, Sun Bleached Potato Vine

Coleus (oh well...just an annual anyway)

Let's just say ... I am ready to start planning ahead!

Garden Blogging During A Drought

2011-08-12T11:17:00.002-05:00

Indoor "Dog Days"

Right now, it is hard to write and post photos of my garden when I see the effects of the drought in Texas. It is devastating to say the least and it is trying to even show the few blooms I have in my garden when the reality is brown. Since I do have a lot of native/adapted plants, my garden is hanging in there and I have been trying to help perennials survive.

Wildlife is desperate for food and water. I have been filling up the birdbath and extra bowls of water for the birds, etc. I even saw a roadrunner getting a drink the other day. Also, I continue to put out bird seed which is gone with a blink of an eye. I know it will rain eventually, but until that time it is hard to see the toll of the drought on our land and wildlife.

About three days ago,

I was thrilled to see this monarch caterpillar on the butterfly weed. I have seen a couple of butterflies fluttering in my garden lately.

This squirrel was just waiting for me to leave him alone. I often see him spending a lot of time hanging upside down at the bird feeder.

These days I don't even mind him visiting.

If the foliage is still green in my garden then I am happy and to see a bloom is a rare occurrence. I found this little blue mistflower bloom the other day. This perennial gets a bit of extra water because it is next to the birdbath.

It is the main attraction in my garden. It is a rare find these days.

So, what have we been doing to beat the heat?

Continuing with life and enjoying what we have and being thankful for the cool water that we do have available. We do spend most of the time indoors and thank goodness for AC.

Yes, the drought is awful and devastating. It makes me sad when I look outside and see all the brown when I am used to seeing the beauty in my garden. However, I can still find beauty if I look hard enough for the little things.

Ten Things I Know About Gardening

2011-08-08T08:50:00.005-05:00

1. Why settle for a plant that you feel indifferently about in your garden? If you don't like or love a plant get rid of it, put it in a better location or give it away and plant something you love. It sounds easy, right? I don't know why I used to hold on to a perennial just because I planted it in a particular spot. Maybe, it was large and hard to move. Or, maybe...I felt like I paid for it and I should keep it and learn to like it. Now, I think otherwise and replacing a mediocre plant with something I love sure does make a difference on how I feel about a particular area in my garden. Don't get me wrong, I have learned to give plants a chance because sometimes it just takes time for a plant to "grow" on me. Also, if I don't replace it right away I know I can always plan and design a new look for my garden to maybe look forward to in the future.

2. Here is the next one....ALL planters or containers have to have a drainage hole in order for the plant to survive. I don't know why I used to keep trying to plant a plant without one. Good... I am glad I have put this fact in writing because now I will be held accountable to NOT do it again.

3. I know to get "REAL" with container plants. In my post, Getting "Real" with Container Plants
I talk about the reasons why I don't plant geraniums, petunias or tender annuals for my containers. I want plants that can survive the heat and tough summers we have in zone 8.

4. I know that some plants may not have their needs met in a certain location or I just don't like the way it looks. So, I frequently move plants around in my garden. In the early spring and fall when the weather is cooler I have moving day(s). It is kind of the same feeling as I get when I move the furniture around and I sit back and smile with satisfaction with the new arrangement.

5. I know to go native! Thank goodness, I actually knew this when I got started with my garden. I knew in order to have a better chance at a successful garden, I would plant native and adapted plants for my area. In fact, my blog is dedicated to native/adapted plants and how I am a true believer in planting the plants that truly like it here in Austin. I have found that there are many reasons to go native. I write about the reasons a lot on my blog and one of my post entitled, Sustainable Living Stay Green I focus on why I plant them.

6. I know in the long run it pays to read and plant according to the correct spacing and height for each plant. I don't want to spend a lot of time pruning shrubs and cutting back perennials because of their size. An easy to care for and low maintenance plant can turn into a lot of work trying to tame its size for a specific area. I have definitely learned this through experience.

7. I know that pass-along plants from friends and family and growing plants from seed both give me a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment in the garden. I love seeing plants that remind me of people in my life and growing flowers from seed is just so amazing to me that anything can grow from something so tiny.

8. I know that it takes time for a garden to grow. Gardening is a process and complete satisfaction is not immediate. Gardening is all about first anticipating what the garden will look like and also enjoying the process in the meantime.

9. I know that blogging about my garden has turned out to be more enjoyable and fun than I ever imagined it would be. I have been blogging for two years and have written as much or as little according to how busy my life is with family and friends. I have learned a lot from writing down and keeping track of my garden and have had a heck of a lot of fun in the process.

10. Another thing is certain, I have met so many nice gardeners that share so much of what they know and have created in their garden. I find it very encouraging to read about what has worked and even what doesn't work in a garden.
Also, I deeply appreciate everyone that reads my blog and takes the time to comment. Comments are in fact...icing on the cake for me.

We all need a little shade.

2011-08-03T14:49:00.002-05:00

Amy's Winners and Favorite Containers

2011-08-01T14:11:00.010-05:00

Some plants have stood out in my garden as great performers in spite of the hot, dry weather we have been having in Austin. In fact, these tough plants don't mind the heat and look like they are actually enjoying it. They are blooming and growing like crazy.

No doubt about it, the number one plant that wins the Toughest Plant Award in my garden is...

Ruellia (dwarf only) or Ruellia brittoniana.

It likes sun or shade and very little water. It makes an excellent ground cover and will cover an area very quickly! It is also a good plant for covering an area cheaply. I have mine planted along very hot borders next to paths and rocks. They do reseed abundantly, therefore I have given many plants to friends and family.

The blooms are blue/purple or pink. It reaches 8" to 1' in height with a 1' spread. I highly recommend this perennial if you have an area to cover and you are looking for something hardy.

I also have to mention the runner up for this award, which has to be...

the Mexican narrow leaf zinnia. These little blooms will reseed themselves. In my garden they had a slow beginning in the spring, however when they started to grow they really took off!

Now, my award for my two favorite container plantings for this summer. In a previous post I mentioned that I don't plant geraniums because they just don't do well for me. So, I look for hardy plants that will look good all summer.

Here is one of my favorite containers that I put together for a friend.

Snake Plant, Purple Heart, Creeping Jenny

This little Queen Victoria's agave is another one of my favorite containers.

Well, those are some of my winners in my garden and a couple of containers that I like. Later, I will post some more hardy plants that are surviving and doing well in my garden. Lord knows I am not tolerating this heat very well in my garden.

Also, on another heat note...

remember the birds are so thirsty these days. I have a birdbath and I also keep containers of water outside and I see birds frequently visiting. I do have to fill them up every day with fresh, cool water.

Thanks for visiting!

Watering Can is from Photobucket :)

Bloom With The Moon

2011-07-28T19:22:00.002-05:00

During the day the closed up moonflower bud reminds me of a soft serve ice cream cone.
I sowed quite a few seeds early this past spring and I am always skeptical about sowing seeds. I remember thinking: if they grow great and if they don't ... well, no big deal. I have sowed many seeds without any results. Anyway, these really took off as the temperature increased this summer.
Turns out that it is so easy to grow and maintain. It is not picky about the dry soil conditions and HOT weather.

At night the blooms begin to slowly open up until they completely ...

unfold into a beautiful bloom. I love to walk outside at night and see the large, white blooms that light up the fence along our walkway. Also, the fragrance is heavenly!

I gave it a little extra water yesterday and I noticed more blooms today. So, I will have to check it out tonight.

Moonflower, Boxwood, Purple Heart, Philippine Violet, Pink Skullcap

Here is a full photo of the vine on our fence. I especially love the heart shaped foliage.
This vine is considered an annual in zone 8 and it will die back with a frost. However, I will continue to sow seeds in the spring.

During the day I often see this little anole "hanging" out on the vine.

Do you have a favorite bloom in your garden that you have grown from seed?

Good Morning, Garden!

2011-07-26T21:42:00.000-05:00

I have been staring out the window for too many days just thinking about what I would like to do in my garden. It has been too hot to go outside for very long. So, I finally decided that I couldn't wait any longer. After I drank my coffee, I went outside at 7:00 A.M. and decided to just dig in and begin. I pulled weeds from the beds and path. Also, I cut off dead foliage that was driving me crazy.

By 9:00 A.M. I had just about had enough of the rising temperatures. I found myself going in and outside several times to get a drink and cool off. I wanted to stay outside, but it was just getting too hot. After I came inside, I realized how much I have missed being in my garden.

To the left, is globe mallow and rosemary. Two tough plants that I love together. Rosemary is one of the easiest plants that stays pretty all year and smells so good!

Mexican narrow leaf zinnias deserve a medal for being the most giving flowers. These little pink blooms reseeded and popped up in different places in my garden.

I love the variation in bloom color. You can find blooms from white to dark pink and every shade in between.

Here are my zinnias and Mexican petunias in the front of the bed. Esperanza is planted in the back, as well. I like the combination of the apple green foliage of the zinnias and esperanza.

This is a busy photo! However, I like the combination of the 'David Verity' cuphea, verbena on a stick and butterfly weed.

Verbena on a stick is one of my favorite flowers. I think it mixes well with other tall flowers.

The flower can get lost if it doesn't have a background that will show off its pretty color and tiny blooms.

Well, the garden looks better and I feel that 'ahhh' feeling when I look outside. It was good to be outside even if it was for a short time.
Thanks for visiting!

No Geraniums In My Garden

2011-07-21T10:18:00.000-05:00

Nope....I have never had luck growing geraniums. In the spring, I always admire them with their bright colors and they are always so healthy and tempting to buy. However, I have learned over the years that they just don't survive very long under my care or conditions (I am not sure which one or maybe it is both).

Geranium Container in Santa Fe, New Mexico

From My Photo Archives

So, I don't even bother with geraniums and I look the other way towards resilient plants that can take the heat of Austin.

Butterfly weed is one that can withstand hot and dry conditions. If you plant it make sure you really like it because it will pop up in a lot of different places in your garden. I love the combination of red, yellow and green. Also, this plant is a potential host to the monarch caterpillar.

Speaking of plants that pop up in different places...this summer has been so hot that I haven't been outside as much working in my garden and one thing that I have learned is that a garden will continue without me. I don't have to stay on top of it as much and in fact, I have discovered more little surprises by not pulling up a plant that just doesn't belong. Of course, there are more weeds that I am overlooking at the present. I will take care of them when the weather cools off a bit...actually a lot more!

So goodbye geraniums, hello cacti! I have learned to plant tough plants and of course this little cactus fits the bill.

There is such a variety of cacti at the nurseries and I have been having a lot of fun putting them together in my little rock container.

I would much rather look at a thriving cactus than a dead geranium. -Amy

Rock Garden

In the shade, my caladiums and moonglow agave are surviving just fine, as well.

Autumn Joy In My Rock Garden

The weather has taken a toll on my garden and I have lost some plants. On some occasions you can hear me say..."What happened to my (name of plant)? Where did it go?" If you are a gardener, I'm sure you have said the same words before, too. However, there are those that are surviving despite the weather conditions.

Mimosa seedlings from my mom and dad's garden

So, you won't see geraniums in my garden. A garden is constantly changing from one year to the next and what worked well one summer may not look so great the next. I guess it would get boring otherwise.

Thanks for visiting!

P.S. We had a WONDERFUL time with my oldest son's visit home from the Marines.

We enjoyed having him home so much and I wanted to just freeze time, so it wouldn't go by so fast. He has grown up so much since he joined one year ago this month. We are so proud of him and love him dearly!

A Great SideKick Plant and My Main Focus

2011-06-21T10:21:00.007-05:00

In my opinion... Artemisia, 'Powis Castle' is one of those plants that is well deserving of a post all by itself. However, I didn't always feel this way about this perennial. When I saw it for the first time in the nursery, I was not particularly impressed. It was an okay plant. I did like its silver, lace-like foliage and I thought I would give it a try to add some variety to my garden.

As time went on, I found myself looking at this plant a lot in my garden. My eye was drawn to it immediately when I looked out the window. I guess it helped that it is interesting ALL year long. Anyway, I have found it to be the best 'sidekick' plant that brings out all the beautiful colors of my other plants.

It likes full sun and very little water which is also a bonus. It takes very little care. I do prune it to about a 4 inch height in mid-winter. Really, the more I think about it, maybe it is the main attraction in my garden and the other plants are just sidekicks. Anyway, they are great companions.

Also, on a very happy note...

It has been hard for me to focus on any plant or garden because my main focus has been on our son, Jack. He will be returning for a short visit from the Marines. It is hard to believe that he joined a year ago this July. We will be so HaPpY to see him!! We are so very proud of him. :)

Busy Morning Garden

2011-06-15T11:48:00.000-05:00

Another hot day in Austin! Right now, I am peering out my window by our kitchen table and thinking about how much I love to watch the birds, squirrels, and rabbits in my garden. It is such a busy place that starts early in the morning hours. I am reminded how glad I am that I have put together a wildlife garden that once started from a blank slate of green grass and a few cedar trees.

My favorite time of the day is the morning. I love to watch the busy birds flying around and watching them get a drink of water. I know they have to be thirsty in this hot, dry weather. I have put out several containers of water for them.

As I look at my garden, I am also glad that I have planted hardy, native/adapted plants that can withstand this dry heat and gaura is one of my favorites. I have it planted in the ground and another one in a container. The wispy foliage and one inch blooms tend to get lost in a busy background.

So, I decided to plant it in combination with lomandra grass. The pink blooms pop up every once in awhile among the grass blades.

As I look outside, I also see all my containers which are amazingly still alive! I have become more selective in the plants I choose for containers. I will only plant hardy ones that can survive the heat of our Texas summer. This is strawflower flambe or Chrysocephalum apiculatum. I like the silver foliage and the little puff ball, yellow blooms. I have planted it with other silver companions like santolina and perennial dianthus.

When I look out my other window, I see another new addition which came about because I won some seeds on Ginny's blog...Ginny's Garden. Wow...this moonflower vine has really taken off and grown in the last 2-3 weeks. I like the heart shaped leaves. The flowers bloom at night and I can't wait to see the first white bloom.

I have planted a few plants that bloom at particular times. The four o'clock flowers and now this little moonflower vine. I guess my garden is on a schedule like many of us. :)

This little anole was looking at me when I took the first photo. I didn't even notice him at first. I see these little guys quite a lot in my garden and sometimes they are peering in my living room window.

Lastly, my garden wouldn't be complete without my container of caladiums. They remind me so much of playing on the front porch growing up in Oklahoma. My mom always had a large container of them growing in the shade. It is funny how plants can bring back memories of a particular time/place and person.

This is my view from where I am sitting in my air conditioned house. The weather is going to be in the 100's today like the remainder of the week. Today, I am going to enjoy my garden from the windows.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Wake Up....It's Four O'Clock

2011-06-12T08:20:00.000-05:00

Early spring I planted these four o'clock flowers from seed. This is the first time that I have ever grown these colorful little flowers. I love all the old fashioned favorites. They have just started really blooming and I'm glad that I planted them close to a window, so I can look outside and see when they open up.

Well, they don't actually open up at four o'clock here in Texas. I have found myself waiting and waiting and waiting and usually around 7 or 8 o'clock I have seen a few open up. They open up when the temperature drops in the evening. They haven't really opened up fully, yet. Maybe, it has been too hot! They are suppose to be very fragrant when they do open.

I like all the colors and they do make a pretty border.

There is just something about growing plants from seed that gives so much satisfaction. I am just amazed how a little seed can produce such beauty in such a short time.

Summer Anticipation

2011-05-26T21:14:00.003-05:00

The excitement is in the air! School is coming to an end and summer break is just in the starting gate. Our boys have been counting the days down for a looooong time and finally we are in the single digits.

Life will slow down a little bit.

It sure feels like summer. The weather is hot in the afternoon and the best time to be in the garden is in the morning and evening hours.

The cosmos are showing their cheery blooms with the grapes gomphrena. My garden's empty spaces are starting to fill in with foliage.

Zinnias are popping up in surprise places and blooming.

This one popped up next to the Mexican feather grass.

Blackfoot daisies are blooming with some grapes gomphrena in the mix.

Mexican flame vine is heating up the garden with its hot blooms.

This is the sunniest spot in my garden, so it only occupies residents that can take the heat.

Mexican narrow leaf zinnias fit that bill ... no doubt.

Summer is on its way with a lot of anticipation in the air!

Buying Young Plants

2011-05-20T15:10:00.000-05:00

Like many gardeners, I enjoy going to the plant nursery. There are two nurseries that I really enjoy visiting here in Austin. They carry a lot of native/adapted plants, so my percentage of success is greatly increased. Like many of you...I can't go to a nursery and stick to just my list of items to buy. Well, when you see the price $1.99 or even sometimes $ .99 on some special items, it is just hard not to take it home.

My first new addition is the Himalayan Indigo...

I just love the fine foliage and pretty pink blooms. I don't even have it in the ground yet. I don't have it in the ground yet because it can reach 3-5' tall and wide. I have to find enough space for this little plant. Well, it is little at the moment. It likes full/part sun. So, it will work in my garden just about anywhere.

Another little one that I found hard to resist was...

Common Bluebeard which likes full sun and will bloom mid-summer until the first frost. This one will reach 3-4' tall and wide. It is another one that I have to find room for in my garden.

Little plants at little prices are hard to resist at the nursery. Now, I just have to make sure I make enough space for these pretty bloomers. There are many benefits to buying plants when they are small. One, it saves money. Two, they are easier to plant. Three, they are healthy. Anymore?

Also, pretty things come in small packages! Now, I just have to give them time to grow.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Woo-Hoo ... It's Raining!

2011-05-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

The wind is blowing and it is thundering and raining. Woo-hooooooooo .... thank you, God!

I'm Thankful for My Garden

2011-05-04T09:40:00.001-05:00

My favorite time of the day is in the morning. With my coffee in one hand, I love to walk outside and look at my garden. I walk around the whole perimeter and take notice of any little change...a new bloom, new growth, white powdery mildew on my rock roses, etc.

Anyway, I have grown to thoroughly enjoy my garden and everything it has to offer. I love to sit outside in the morning and watch the mockingbird sit on the top of the cedar tree and sing all of his songs. I love watching the purple martins glide through the air and visit their new home in our birdhouse.

I love to see the same cardinals visit in the morning. Also, I love watching the little birds getting a drink of water from the dish I put out for them. I even enjoy watching the squirrel finagle his way to the bird feeder and grab breakfast. I guess he is hungry, too.

My garden has taught me to enjoy life and the world around me. It has taught me to slow down and just take a look and be still in our crazy, busy world.

It has brought me a feeling of satisfaction in seeing what I have put together and created. It has also brought me a sense of accomplishment in watching it grow.

My garden has brought me much more than I ever imagined that it would and I am thankful.

Mom...thanks for the daylilies!

2011-04-28T12:11:00.001-05:00

These daylilies are a piece of my mom's garden that she brought me the last time she visited our house. The day they bloomed, I gave her a call. I have found that plants mean so much when they come from someone you know and love.

I am seeing a new bloom every day. These old fashioned daylilies love the sun and are next to my dwarf pomegranate. I love red, orange and yellow in my garden.

They soften up our deck quite a bit.

Thanks, mom!

These are my little, yellow daylilies that have multiplied over a couple of years!

I love a touch of yellow.

These are planted in front of my Indian Hawthorns

and are shooting up from Silver Ponyfoot.

Hope you have a nice day!!

Mahogany Esperanza, Meyer Lemon and A Dog

2011-04-15T06:33:00.002-05:00

Orange Mahogany Esperanza

Talk about a pretty performer! This Esperanza is named for the mahogany color of the corolla tube and a bit of orange in the petals. A flowering shrub that loves the sun. This one is on the top of my list for hardy plants. It will reach 8-10' tall and 6-8' wide. What I also like is that it sets about 80% less seed pods than Esperanza Yellow Bells.

Meyer Lemon Tree

I wasn't sure if my lemon tree would bloom after it got a little taste of our cold weather. I did bring it inside when the weather dropped to its lowest temperatures. However, I put it outside a little bit too early and it got a feel of the cold temperature. It looks like it is going to be fine and smells wonderful. Meyer lemon trees are great in containers and they like the sun!

What or who else likes the sun?

A dogs life...

(that is a puppy bumper, so he won't escape through our fence)

Compost Instead of Fertilizer

2011-04-08T06:58:00.000-05:00

This time of year, I like to put down a little compost to help give my plants a little boost of nutrients. I don't use any fertilizer in my garden. I really haven't found the need to because I often put down compost and mulch to enrich the soil.

By putting down compost and mulch, I have seen my clay soil break down into fertile, healthy soil. I have noticed a lot more worms in my soil, as well.

Easy to do...I buy a bag of compost and throw some down around each plant. I also put some down in the sparse places in our lawn. One day, I would like to start my own composting, until then I will buy it by the bag.

My plants seem to perk up when I give them a scoop of compost.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Penstemon, Spanish Bluebells and Globe Mallow

2011-04-01T13:39:00.000-05:00

Gulf Coast Penstemon, Penstemon tenuis

This is the first time for me to see this plant bloom in my garden. It likes a little bit of shade which is located in my rock garden. About half of my rock garden receives shade from a tree and believe me...I value every bit that I can get in my garden.

Spanish Bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica

This is one of my favorite spring bloomers. Blue 'Excelsior' loves our climate and I looooove blue! I am looking forward to even more next spring.

Globe Mallow, Sphaeralcea ambigua

This plant had me with its silver foliage. I do love the sherbet orange blooms, too. It will reach between 2-5' in height and takes little water. This is another one that loves our climate.

Plants that love Austin are plants that I love in return.

Native + Adapted Plants = Successful, Happy Gardener!

"Getting Real" with Garden Containers

2011-03-28T20:48:00.002-05:00

When I go to the nursery, I see all the pretty annual bloomers like geraniums, petunias, impatiens, etc. My arm starts to reach for a geranium and then ... I get real. I know from past experience that geraniums don't last in the blazing sun of my front porch. When the heat of summer hits Austin, most of my container plants will be struggling to survive. So, I am on a mission this spring to put together containers that will look pretty all through summer.

Well, of course my little cactus will be happy in the heat. I am not going to have all cactus plants in my containers. So, what else will survive the heat and blazing sun?

My double bloom knockout rose loves the heat and I love it in a container. Purple heart with a little blue spruce sedum will enjoy the sun, too. Ghost plant seems to be happy with whatever weather. Aloe likes the heat, but not the cold! I will see how my four nerve daisies hold up in a container (away from the bunnies). I am anxious to see all of these containers as they fill in and grow. I think they will be around long enough for me to see growth! :)

Also...Toby was posing for me wearing his puppy bumper. He wears it so he can't run through our wrought iron fence chasing anything that moves.

I have a lot of blooms and color in my flower beds, so these spikey plants give a little variety to the mix. I also know that they will be around all summer.

There are other native/adapted plants that do well in containers. I love how duranta hangs down in a container and esperanza looks pretty in one, too. By using native/adapted plants, I know I will have a better success rate and a prettier garden...that is alive.

On another note ...

My daffodils are still blooming. I planted them among the daylilies and I like all the green foliage surrounding them.

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Daisies, A Fern and A Shrub

2011-03-19T08:36:00.001-05:00

Blackfoot Daisy, Melampodium leucanthum

Yesterday, I planted these daisies in my rock garden. I planted them because...well, one I love them and two they have staying power. They are in the sunny location of my rock garden and will bloom spring and summer. They take very little water and when they get leggy, I just cut them back and they become thick and pretty again.

Firecracker Fern, Russelia equisetiformis

Lately, I have been on a fern kick and this one is on the top of my list. Actually, it is not a true fern. This one will have little red blooms and I love it in a container because it will cascade down. It takes little water and likes a sunny/part shade spot.

Four Nerve Daisy, Tetraneuris scaposa

In my previous post, I have a photo of this little, yellow daisy in my rock garden. Well, of all the NeRvE of those rabbits! They ate the blooms right up. So, I quickly dug them up and put them in a container. This is a different container that is on my front steps.

So, if you have or want these daisies ... beware of the rabbits chomping on them.

Fringe Flower, Loropetalum

Landscapers have it right when they plant this one. It is one of my favorite evergreen shrubs. I love that it blooms repeatedly. The foliage color is very interesting and adds a lot off pizazz to any landscape.

I am going to be outside today. I have plans to buy two trees today. I will keep you posted :) ... on further developments in my garden.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend and are able to spend some time in your garden.

Well, I've Been Busy Gardening!

2011-03-11T20:37:00.001-06:00

I feel like an accountant during tax time. No, no, I feel more like a kid in a candy store.

I love this time of year in Austin. The redbud and pear trees are blooming and the chartreuse green of new growth is appearing. My garden is slowly waking up and I am starting to see butterflies. I have one Giant Snowdrop blooming. If this is giant, then I can't imagine what small would look like. Well, big or small it is a beautiful site to see.

Four nerve daisy, Tetraneuris scaposa is one of my new additions to my rock garden. It is a Texas native that likes the sun and heat. I think I am going to like this one! It might be container worthy, too!

Cheddar Pink is another new addition. I really like the silver foliage and the fragrance. It is tough as nails!! I want plants that will survive in my rock garden. Sorry, bulbine...you lost in my plant decision. I am tired of replacing you every spring.

Here are the bones of my rock garden. I have been busy cleaning it up, expanding and rearranging rocks.
What I like about my rock garden is the ability to buy one of every plant that I love. However, it has to love Texas in order to stay.

Stayed tuned for some after shots of my rock garden.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Wake Up and Get Growing...

2011-02-28T10:28:00.004-06:00

or you are out of here.

Oh, that sounds kind of harsh.

Dwarf Pomegranate Tree

Lately, I have been enjoying the nice weather and gardening.Things are changing every day outside. New growth is emerging everywhere and there are some surprise plants popping up in unexpected places.

They are like little gifts that I need to move to better locations. I really do have lamb's ear coming out my ears, though. Currently, I am working on my front yard beds and I am pretty sure I can find a spot for them there.

One iris is blooming in my front yard. I hope there will be more on their way in the coming weeks. Before we moved from Colorado, I dug up some of my iris bulbs. It is nice to have a little piece of my Colorado garden in Austin.

My rock garden is starting to wake up. I am sure that I have lost some succulents due to the freezing temperatures.

Japanese Boxwood

In the coming weeks...I am going to be very selective what I use to replace the tender plants that didn't survive. If I can find a perennial with staying power that I like just as well ... it will be a no brainer and the one with staying power will win! Replacing plants costs money and takes time.

However, I know there are just some plants that I won't do without in my garden, even if it is for a short time. I'm not all that harsh. :)

Hope you have a great day!

'Grand Primo' Daffodil

2011-02-21T20:04:00.000-06:00

Let's Get this Gardening Started!

2011-02-17T19:13:00.001-06:00

Let's get it started! Have you taken inventory of your garden tools? Are your gardening gloves in good shape? Yesterday, when I looked at my tools they looked worn out. They were rusty, dull, and some handles broken. My gloves had holes in the fingertips. I felt like it was time to go shopping for gardening supplies. I purchased everything I needed and I even bought a new bucket to store all my tools.

Also...I will not leave these outside to rust. Well, this time I mean it!

Presently, there are a few blooms in my garden. The 'Grand Primo' daffodils have perked up after being tucked under a blanket due to our freezing temperatures.

Of course, evergreens keep the garden interesting all year and the grasses add a bit of character. However, this winter in particular, I have noticed that a garden can show beauty with the use of other items besides plants. The wood my son found adds texture and shape to an otherwise blank area. Also, the silver flower art, which is made with spoon handles, gives a sparkle when the sun hits it just right.

This little frog always catches my attention. He is nestled among the rocks in my rock garden. His head pops out among the plants in the spring and summer.

Bigger rocks help to add some appeal. In addition, I have a little bird sitting on the rock with a small dish of water for the birds.

Supplying the birds with what they need entices them to come visit my backyard. They add a great deal to my backyard wildlife habitat.

'Plentifall Pansies' have provided color since fall. However, when the hot weather hits Austin, they will not survive. That's okay...they have done their job of adding fall and winter beauty.

Even the open space behind our property gives color and continued interest to my garden.

Valentine's Day marks the date when Austin gardeners can start cleaning up their beds and cutting back dead foliage. I will be using my new tools to prune this weekend. I feel like it is the beginning of a brand new school year with my new lunchbox and supplies.

Have a wonderful weekend!

A sign of things to come...

2011-02-15T06:02:00.001-06:00

WoRdLeSs ~~WeDnEsDaY~~ TuEsDaY!

Stylish Blogger & Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T21:53:00.002-06:00

Go Right In .... My Garden and Casa Mariposa have kindly awarded me with the Stylish Blogger Award. Thank you so much for thinking of me! With this award, I am to share seven facts about myself and pass the award on to fifteen other bloggers.

I love to listen to music.
My favorite time of the day is in the morning before anyone else is up.
Brownies with pecans have been a favorite of mine for a long time.
I think green blooms are beautiful.
I enjoy movies that have a good twist.
I do not like cilantro, blue cheese dressing or fat free mayo.
Never ask me to sing...I am completely tone deaf.

I am passing the award to the bloggers listed below. If you get a chance to visit them...I am sure you will
(or do) enjoy them as much as I do!

Garden Endeavors

The Amateur Botannist
Blog for a Not So Angry Redhead
Kebun Malay-Kadazan Girls

Down to Earth

A Few of My Favorite Things

i earth i echo

Viva Verde

Mud Pie
Andrea in this Lifetime

Esther's Boring Gardening Blog

Gardening in High Heels

Signature Gardens

Greenish Thumb

Journeys and Jonquils

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden.

~Attributed to Claudia Ghandi

Happy Valentine's Day!

Focus on the Blue

2011-02-11T12:13:00.000-06:00

One thing stood out to me this morning when I was taking a walk...the clear, very blue sky.

When I got home, I decided to take some photos of my garden against the backdrop.

My garden has recently turned into a lot of mush with the freezing temperatures of winter. The clear sky is just a reminder when things around us are not looking like we want them to, just look up!

A new perspective is just around the corner waiting to emerge.

I uncovered my 'Grand Primo' daffodils and they perked right up after some freezing temperatures. They are very appreciated in my garden, right now.

Whatever your weather and whatever the condition of your garden right now...it is like life which is always changing.

Hope you have an enjoyable weekend and focus on the blue!

Completely Wordless...

2011-02-09T17:30:00.000-06:00

Do You Hear Garden Talk?

2011-02-07T15:33:00.006-06:00

After our cold temperatures and snow, I am starting to hear garden chatter. Of course, I participate in this type of conversing, as well. We are all wondering about the fate of some of our plants that we love and really don't want to bid farewell. We don't want to say goodbye to the plants we have nurtured and appreciated all this time.

Conversations this time of year might go something like this: Will my bulbines return this spring? or How is your agave? or What was I thinking planting zone 9 tropicals in this garden zone! or Do you think you lost your sky flower or pigeon berry?

In my garden, Philippine violet is one that I just consider an annual in Austin. I really like the white blooms and I will keep planting this fall bloomer every spring. However, you never know ... I might be surprised and see some green this spring.

Rose of Sharon will return this spring. I can count on her pretty blooms to come back. The only thing that I don't like about this plant is that it attracts some not so beneficial insects.

Red yucca is a tried and true performer. Always green and standing tall surviving hot and cold weather. Also, in the photo above, the seed heads remind me of little birds opening their beaks for food.

There are already signs of spring and the seeds are promises of a new garden.

As far as cutting back my perennials...I tend to leave my perennials in full because some provide winter interest and others provide food for birds. When the chance of frost has past and I see new growth on the plants then I cut back the dead foliage to promote new growth. There are some exceptions like my daylilies which I trim back in the fall.

Right now, a lot of gardeners are wondering what plants will return unscathed by the winter weather. I am hoping that most of my perennials will return and the plants that do not return ... Well, I will just have to write a new script or story for my garden.

We Have Snow in Austin!

2011-02-04T11:58:00.000-06:00

We have snow! They say that it is a rare occurrence in Austin. This is our third winter here and it has snowed the last two. We didn't get very much and it won't be around very long, but it is nice to see a change with a blanket of white decorating the plants in my garden.

Our morning was a very happy one. When I woke the boys up and told them they did not have school both of them in separate rooms said...Thank you, God. It definitely put them both in a good mood and now at this moment they are outside enjoying their time off.

At 7:00 this morning, I put on my coat and hat and headed out the door to take some photos. I don't think I have ever been this cold in Austin. I rarely even wear my heavy coat.

I love the change of scenery and ...

I know where I will be spending most of my day.

Hope you have an enjoyable weekend!

Also, I wanted to say thank you to Ginny! I was the happy winner of a seed give-away on her blog: Ginny's Garden. I can't wait to see my moonflower vine!

Most of you know Ginny's blog and if you haven't visited before just click on her link and you will be in for a treat.

February Brrr...

2011-02-01T21:14:00.002-06:00

February came in like a roaring lion!

Do you have a garden buddy?

2011-01-29T18:40:00.003-06:00

I think they can sense it in the air. When I put on my "gardening clothes" and grab my camera the excitement fills the air. Then, they know it is true when they see me put on those special gardening shoes. They run to the door with anticipation. They jump for joy by the back door because they know it is going to be one of those fun days we spend outdoors.

On garden days...Ivy will sit out in the sun and take long naps. She has her favorite spot right by the autumn sage. I'm sure she thinks I left that spot open just for her. Ivy is seven years old and we have had her since she was a pup. She is a very gentle and sweet dog.

When Toby is outside he is very busy and has certain things he wants to accomplish. He has to search for rabbits, squirrels and anything else that might move or make a sound. No time to rest or relax for this dog. Toby is our cairn and yorkie mix or better known as a carkie. He is always busy and wants to play ball all day long. When we first brought him home, I had to put a bell on him because with our busy house I was afraid someone might step on him. The boys love the fact that they can pick this dog up and put him on their lap or carry him around.

Toby usually stays pretty close to Ivy, but he has a job to do. Once when I was digging a hole for a plant, Toby got right in with me and started digging. I think he was searching for a grub snack. : /

It is hard to keep them out of the flower beds and I don't even try. They are dogs and they are driven to patrol the boundary of our fence. They walk through plants and on ground cover. Surprisingly, they don't seem to bother them.

Whenever I turn the water on Toby is right there waiting for a drink or just wants to play. He keeps me entertained with his antics.

Whenever I get my camera out Ivy thinks that it is her turn to start posing for the camera. Well, of course they make messes, whine, beg and Ivy occasionally jumps up to get food on the counter, but what they give us is far more than just being a pet. There is a strong bond between us and they are considered part of our family.

As my blog title states...I really don't like company when I am outside working in my garden. Like a lot of gardeners ... I just like to spend time by myself in my own gardening world. However, I do enjoy the company of our dogs. They are my true buddies in the garden.

My garden just wouldn't be the same without them.

Snapshots of My January Garden

2011-01-28T10:30:00.006-06:00

Creating an interesting garden all year requires time, patience, planning and more planning. It involves taking inventory and assessing what needs to be added to provide splashes of color and interesting foliage.

This is a good time of year for me to step back and take a look at my garden. There are some areas that are very sparse waiting for wildflowers to grow or bulbs to emerge. It is a garden....So, it is a work in progress.

Here are some snapshots of my January garden:

Softleaf yucca and bamboo muhly provide some winter interest. Bamboo muhly is deciduous and can be cut back in January. I am not going to cut it back because I think it provides some interesting color and airy foliage this time of year. It seems to light up when the sun hits its fine textured foliage.

Powis Castle Artemisia seems to lighten up the flower bed with its blue-gray foliage. It also brings out the other wonderful colors of the garden.

Bicolor iris and dwarf yaupon holly are both providing color.

My newly named...Century Center Garden is holding its own.

Foxtail Fern and Silver Ponyfoot

Grass Provides Color and Motion

Plentifall Pansies

Ivy's Favorite Place

My January garden is starting to show signs of spring. The anticipation is killing me! I know I don't have to wait very long here in Austin and it is just around the corner. My goal is for my garden to evolve into what I have imagined.

Have a nice weekend!

My Frosty Garden In Austin, Texas

2011-01-26T08:59:00.001-06:00

My garden looks a little different this morning.

Lamb's Ear

Butterfly Bush

Dwarf Yaupon Holly

Mexican Feather Grass

Enjoy your day!

GGW: Macro In A Mason Jar

2011-01-23T10:40:00.001-06:00

This is my entry for Gardening Gone Wild "Picture This" photo contest . The theme is...Macro In A Mason Jar. I had a lot of fun trying out different items for the background and contents inside the jar. For my entry I used a wet, heart shaped rock inside a pickle jar and placed it on top of smaller rocks. I selected this one because I thought it looked like a rock dropped in water.

Speaking of water, I have good news! My son fixed my camera. He completely opened up the frame of the camera and managed to dry it off and then put it in a bag a rice overnight. I don't have an expensive camera or I would never have let him open it up and experiment. He told me he could do it and he did! :) Way to go, Will!

Also, thank you for all the nice comments and suggestions in my previous post concerning my camera mishap!

Please Work, Please Work....Ahhhh

2011-01-19T20:46:00.002-06:00

Hope you don't mind, but for a little while I will be drawing pictures of my garden. Today, I dropped my camera in some water and unfortunately it is not working.

My blog just won't be the same.

It has just been one of those days!

Any camera suggestions?

Images from Photobucket

World Garden Carnival Resolutions

2011-01-18T10:05:00.006-06:00

This time of year my hat is still on the hook and I am starting to think about changes I would like to make in my garden. I think it is a good time to step back and look at what exists and imagine what it could be in the future. It is a time when I look through gardening books and jot down any combinations that catch my eye. It is also a time when I look at my wishlist to see how I can incorporate some of the plants I have admired into my overall plan. So, I think it is a good time for gardening resolutions.

Visit New Year Gardening Resolutions Blog Carnival

at my little garden in japan

Fer from My Little Garden in Japan has created the World Garden Carnival, in which gardeners all around the world are posting their new garden resolutions for 2011. So, if you click on her blog title you can find out what other gardeners are planning all around the world.

One of my resolutions (which I have already put into action) is the use of more seeds. Not only is it cheaper, but I have found it to be rewarding watching a beautiful plant grow from a tiny seed.

Butterfly Weed Seeds

Butterfly Weed

Photo Taken Summer/2010

I have been collecting seeds and I have found an excellent source for buying seeds, as well. It is Wild Seed Farms which is located in the Hill Country of central Texas. I'm looking forward to sowing my chicory, cosmos, Mexican hat and wine cup seeds.

My second resolution is to stay on top of the weeds and not let them take over my garden paths. I would much rather pull a few at a time than spend the whole day pulling weeds (I speak from a lot of experience).

Third resolution is to put together container plants with combinations of veggies and flowers.I have found a great source by Pamela Crawford, entitled Easy Container Combos: Vegetables and Flowers and of course, this leads to another resolution to remember to water my container plants!

Next resolution is to sit back and enjoy my garden more. I need to just sit back and enjoy and not think about what I want or need to do in my garden.

Those are a few of my resolutions and I am sure that more will develop as I begin working in my garden. Changes in the garden can occur with a spur of the moment idea. Inspirations can come from looking at a blog, magazine, book or even taking a walk around the neighborhood. As you know, there are so many sources for inspiration and it is such a wonderful feeling watching them come to life.

All information posted is from my own accord and not advertisements.

Making It Work In the Landscape

2011-01-14T08:27:00.010-06:00

When I walked in our house for the first time and looked out the family room window I saw juniper trees in the backyard. The first words out of my mouth were...I don't want those trees in our backyard.

For one thing they produce alarming rates of pollen each winter and people with allergies suffer from cedar fever. Also, I can think of other choices I like better. Another concern was that they absorb major amounts of ground water. As you can see, I don't have too many good things to say about these trees.

Well, as time went on we never got rid of the trees. We decided that they did provide shade and privacy and maybe they were worth keeping. So, I decided I would try to make the best of them. We started off by pruning them and cleaning them up a bit. We took off the lower branches and cut all the dead wood off of the trees. They looked better and I started thinking maybe they could work. However, the base of the trees were an eyesore.

I decided to plant a Texas native, autumn sage around the base of two trees. I knew that an evergreen native would do well for that spot. Autumn sage reaches about 2-3 feet in height which was perfect for that area. They take very little water and the hummingbirds love this plant. It was a good choice to cheer up that area.

Gradually, I added more plants to the area. I added Melinis Nerviglumis, 'Pink Crystals' grass which is winter hardy for zones 8-10. I have really enjoyed having this pretty grass in my garden. Also, if you want a pop of chartreuse that grows very fast...plant potato vine. I admit there was some upkeep trimming it back so it wouldn't take over the entire bed. I do love the variation in color it provides for my garden.

I actually began liking how the trees looked in my landscape.

I found the bark to be interesting.

After three years the area has really come to life. Autumn sage tends to get leggy, so I just cut it back and it grows in healthy and full. I planted Ruellia Brittoniana, 'Mexican Petunia' in the front of the bed which needs very little water.

I have Hesperaloe Parviflora, 'Red Yucca' in a group. I love the coral spike flowers it produces that send the eye upward. Nassella Tenuissima, 'Mexican Feathergrass' is behind the Mexican petunia. They are all plants that take very little water and like the Texas sunshine.

September, 2010

It is funny how some things we don't like turn out to become something we end up enjoying afterall. With some changes and additions to my garden, the junipers started fitting in and I started accepting them as part of my overall plan for my garden. Now, they are just part of my garden and add a little character with their

interesting bark and structure.

Have a good weekend!

Photos taken September, 2010 in My Garden