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I wish I could say I planned it. I wish there was some sort of fabulous story of a romantic sunset that took my breathe away and inspired me to curate a landscape in bright yellows, oranges and a hint of pinks and reds, but I don’t. This time, it was serendipity. It was all luck. I am thankful.
What an amazing scene. A series of delicate yellow Japanese Irises popping after a few days of slow rain. Passionate orange Gerber Daisies unfolding like a fan. Then, surprisingly, the Nandina offers the unexpected red and pink hues. A brilliant combination. A combination that leaves me seeking that romantic sunset story in my near future. Perhaps I will find such a story.
You should grow 3 of my favs together-
- Japanese Iris
- Gerber Daisy
- Nandina
You should let nature inspire your pallet. Or perhaps, you can keep your fingers crossed and see if the garden fairies look kindly upon you and offer some luck.
Happy Gardening!
m
Many people probably skim the news and see random stories about honeybees dying and don’t really think about it. It is an epic problem. I am not trying to sensationalize anything, but without honeybees there would be no food. This problem effects more than tens of billions of dollars within the American agricultural economy.
Honeybees do far more than produce honey, they pretty much pollenate all food sources for animals and humans. Therefore, these reports of a massive die out should raise concerns in us all.
Today, the US government released a study that there isn’t one single cause for the massive death of the honebees, but multiple ones, including poor nutrition, pesticides, parasites and lack of genetic diversity, (tangentially related -a big issue in Salmon these days too). More details of the study and the problem can be found in this New York Times blog article.
Bottom line – we don’t have the answer yet. The problem is way more complex than we thought. We aren’t equiped right now to solve for it. But I have hope we will figure it out…it just may take a while.
Next time you see honeybee news, you may think twice about skipping the article. It not only effects us garden lovers, but everyone.
First let me start by saying this was one of the best birthday presents I have ever received. My friend and co-blog writer Chris, gave me time to help me in my garden. These days I value time more than I have ever in my life.
Plus spring is a busy season for us dirt diggers. Here is what we did with that time in the garden. Two gardeners are always better than one.
Check out the before and after pictures: Incredible.
BEFORE
Look at this lonely chair that actually was missing a slat. I painted it a couple of years ago and really haven’t done anything with it.
AFTER
WOW….we took chairs, pots and plants from around and look how it all turned out. We even used my “Tiki Bar” sign.
Here is the to do list:
AFTERNOON 1:
- We started with one bed at a time. We weeded, added fertilizer and cut back all the perennials.
- Then we assessed if plants were happy in their spots. We moved 4 shrubs into new homes. WARNING: be careful how many you move in the spring. You must water them religiously during the summer.
- We moved pots and furniture around. Chris has vision…I haven’t developed mine yet.
- We stopped, had some wine and celebrated our accomplishments. We scheduled next session.
Adding the bird feeder and pots together helped with the structure.
AFTERNOON 2:
- We planted the shrubs and trees I got from various plant sales and swaps- another 5 in total.
- We added soil conditioner and mushroom compost to my soil…it was a little dense. Good tip to remember.
- We planted my fruit bushes – blueberries and blackberries.
- We turned the rest of the veggie bed to prep for tomatoes and other summer goodies.
Beds have new blueberry and blackberry bushes. Bring on the tomatoes!
AFTERNOON 3: …which was a bonus and not really part of my present
Chris showed up with her wonder-man husband Bill to help limb up some trees to offer more sunshine. It is a amazing what one can do with a bow saw, tree pruners and a ladder. NOTE…I held the ladder – it was a very important job!
WOW…it was transformative. Thanks Chris. Thanks Bill. Best gift ever…
You should find a pal and help each other in each garden. It’s more fun and you get soooooo much more done.
Happy Gardening!
m
FINALLY…I see some flowers. 
I must admit, I have been totally uninspired to garden or to blog about gardening, despite some gloriously beautiful weather this winter season. I finally figured out why. There were no flowers in my garden.
Co-blog partner Christine Ramsey, always said that it is much easier to have a beautiful garden in the spring, but to have a beautiful garden in the winter…now that is a feat.
She is totally right.
Here are 5 lessons I have learned about inspiration and winter gardening.
- Don’t put you best winter flowers out of sight. That’s right. These Hellebores have been blooming since the first of January, but they are on the side of my house I never go. You can’t see them from a window inside, but they are beautiful. Note to self and others…move these in a place you can see every day.
- Early daffodils can do wonders to your garden mood. As soon as these February Golds bloomed, I was instantly inspired to get back in the garden. Even if it was to only weed…it made me want to be out there.
- Blooming winter shrubs with fresh fragrance can transport you to memories of spring. This Wintersweet in the front of my house, is not only beautiful, but when I go to the mail box I smell the sweet aroma and instantly get excited of the blooming season to come.
- Plant more evergreens. That’s right…often evergreens don’t have showy blossoms, but they will make all the difference when your deciduous plants have died back in your garden. I definitely need to plant more evergreens to provide needed structure to my garden, but also to keep it from looking so barren.
- Don’t skip the annuals. I made a conscience choice this season to skip the annuals. I was way too busy and just decided I didn’t have it in me to plant them. Bad mistake. Because I don’t have some of those lovely pansies by my mailbox or in some of my beds, I miss the winter flowering treat they provide.
Take it from me. It is important to plan for a winter garden to keep your inspiration mojo pumped. Review these 5 lessons and take pictures now of your garden, so you can prepare your game plan for the spring planting seasons.
Happy Gardening.
melissa
Two Free Holiday Decorations from the Garden
Why spend lots of money on things you have to store or goes out of style for the holidays. Search for groovy holiday decor in the garden. I did and here are couple I use in my holiday decorations.
1) Acuba Japonica Leaves
Acuba is abundant with groovy leaves.
2) Nandina Berries
mo berries, mo berries….dress up a cool vase or a wreath…easy and simple decor.
Put them in a vase and they make awesome decorations. They are fresh and natural and they should hold up the whole month of December.
What about you? What kind of decor do you find hiding in your garden. Share your best garden holiday decor tips.
Happy Gardening.
m
