tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91274554570436164582024-03-05T07:13:14.534-05:00A Leafy Indulgence<br>A backyard gardener's journal <br>
that shares the experiences, thoughts, and resources <br>
from Alexandria Virginia.Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.comBlogger331125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-86730206389995458692024-01-11T18:50:00.007-05:002024-01-11T18:56:48.135-05:00Double Delicious<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7Sa_r7ZGi6gnYj7VeST-f3VrYsKR9itQmU1fBoo7j_ETcVTU3lamWeMj4iWqo3OI9UBbPcY7ETGe1OkmbExlDumvaJEXV7QUbF7Basdbj93TjtFWkzPdu2cHzmwscgXF0hannvK3VZ8MdmVXGpzPjaAXDMucYh7q2kcavOrYBhJRvao096QKZsJuoXo8/s800/IMG_3231.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7Sa_r7ZGi6gnYj7VeST-f3VrYsKR9itQmU1fBoo7j_ETcVTU3lamWeMj4iWqo3OI9UBbPcY7ETGe1OkmbExlDumvaJEXV7QUbF7Basdbj93TjtFWkzPdu2cHzmwscgXF0hannvK3VZ8MdmVXGpzPjaAXDMucYh7q2kcavOrYBhJRvao096QKZsJuoXo8/s400/IMG_3231.jpg"/></a>It's Christmas and this present was a bulb with a few pointed blips beginning. 'Double Delicious' has now blossomed into an adult. Brilliant red, and not double as its name suggests, but in reality a triple blooming amaryllis.<br/>
<br/>Notice the multiple blooms on one stem, and the second, shorter stem coming along. Also, althrough these are beautiful abd plentiful, there are other buds along the top waiting to take the place as these die off.
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFferIGc8WNYfoLAm1FaeszFeTuTqosZN9fZgLTZqa12hR9rI0AL6fs79YxukNNhgOjpbBe04zUlve3p_5uiUB8ThGGVFNskKFEhIwZXzGwiYcAImwTS_crgZud2RjQTJoo6JZKHM3nVsp8ZP3hEsTb5D-GsV0zauLkoIugvrqHbmFAq-AuHZmkb-4sMbb/s800/IMG_3230.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFferIGc8WNYfoLAm1FaeszFeTuTqosZN9fZgLTZqa12hR9rI0AL6fs79YxukNNhgOjpbBe04zUlve3p_5uiUB8ThGGVFNskKFEhIwZXzGwiYcAImwTS_crgZud2RjQTJoo6JZKHM3nVsp8ZP3hEsTb5D-GsV0zauLkoIugvrqHbmFAq-AuHZmkb-4sMbb/s400/IMG_3230.jpg"/></a>
Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-64923407074878984192023-06-28T07:42:00.000-04:002023-06-28T07:42:11.180-04:00New St. John's Wort<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlcNMhm38S--hwS73pZogr8lxSsD-uO5KU6nl9HXFUSo1n0KZTyF57IulmJiPE2xD3AdZdQFCNabD6FUEeFHylFgwaKZwDwcCe04BqsPb0ihb3_Fmd9Kb_nRA-VVwkUSOQUSkNyVtinZEFLUXIAUxQcQhqt65JpDj2SLAppql5gpCr6mpygsTtZG2pWKR/s990/IMG_2680.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="990" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlcNMhm38S--hwS73pZogr8lxSsD-uO5KU6nl9HXFUSo1n0KZTyF57IulmJiPE2xD3AdZdQFCNabD6FUEeFHylFgwaKZwDwcCe04BqsPb0ihb3_Fmd9Kb_nRA-VVwkUSOQUSkNyVtinZEFLUXIAUxQcQhqt65JpDj2SLAppql5gpCr6mpygsTtZG2pWKR/s400/IMG_2680.jpg" hspace="15"/></a></div>Well, it's really not new but it's acting like it is. Two years ago during a very heavy snowfall, the large (I do mean large) photinias were knocked over. They shaded a good part of my rear yard fence garden, providing an environment for hostas, heuchera, astilbe, and ferns. St. John's Wort spread along the ground under them. I took the photinias out after they did not bouce back after the smow, and now most of the shade plants that depended on them are suffering through direct morning sun until about 1:00 in the afernoon.<br />
<br />St. John's Wort seems to be liking the additinal sunlight. I find that the plant has begun spreading its wings into the turf grassy area, and the new growth has really started to glow yellow like never before. A little sun makes it shine!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3byK_4jO8HLJbO8Do0zrHanM_wyPUmyaURjEf-CCpJ9u_2QtP8Zi_CPylSWNFixj4xVaHhHjfMAm17zlusm2kXYLJ6vxWoK62PVTqoECqodqRiMM0UltVeYESsMo_0-yttL4DilQMuvG-aA_Ga-KkPjNHkXP2OeQm91FOEECv3EGV9xHIGf4X5uY1ThuA/s1005/IMG_2661.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="990" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3byK_4jO8HLJbO8Do0zrHanM_wyPUmyaURjEf-CCpJ9u_2QtP8Zi_CPylSWNFixj4xVaHhHjfMAm17zlusm2kXYLJ6vxWoK62PVTqoECqodqRiMM0UltVeYESsMo_0-yttL4DilQMuvG-aA_Ga-KkPjNHkXP2OeQm91FOEECv3EGV9xHIGf4X5uY1ThuA/s400/IMG_2661.jpg" hspace="15"/></a></div><p>I also discoverred the older growth remains the evergreen color and is where the flowers are coming from. Flowers are still 'few and far between', and tend to pop up at verious times throughout the spring. It would make a more serious garden statement if they all appreaed at the same time.<br />
<br />I am going to replace the photinias with Swamp Magnolia - a Virginia native. I will need to wait a few years for it to grow to a size that can shade all the plants that were previously happy. I hope the hostas can survive that long - they are the ones most suffering. Maybe a move for them to more hospitable locations is in the cards this fall.Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-81167316690100819742023-06-18T18:11:00.001-04:002023-06-18T18:12:11.284-04:00Poppies<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyjGBtp8eMiP9q2H5TrUb4H7sfpaaXNj4yf532FauRrIXJU9Q4KMJltXjFZnoMpHoT4UaJxWSTYtghCyUbg2KyNsZxiIU_jscWnjtW7cjqiqJD82JYH4_EhC-fOfFfHBMHfud0nED-Vpte1aYvcwEgSXhgK1zd8KJrI3zx59U_1jthoro8pODuKcHwA/s638/IMG_2660.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="551" hspace="5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyjGBtp8eMiP9q2H5TrUb4H7sfpaaXNj4yf532FauRrIXJU9Q4KMJltXjFZnoMpHoT4UaJxWSTYtghCyUbg2KyNsZxiIU_jscWnjtW7cjqiqJD82JYH4_EhC-fOfFfHBMHfud0nED-Vpte1aYvcwEgSXhgK1zd8KJrI3zx59U_1jthoro8pODuKcHwA/s600/IMG_2660.jpg"/></a></div>The Lauren's Grape poppies always get a head start in the season. Most were spectacular this year, although the later plants were stunted a bit. <br /><br />
<p>The pink peony poppies were runts. They began germinating in spring as the temperatures were setting records in the high 80s (high 20s C). For the past weeks, however, the weather has been a bit cooler that normal, but they still did not liek the hot April. There are blooms and I will save the seeds for next eseason and hope for mor appropriate spring weather.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMA1I-ElGR-m05hodSlZ4MQBYmHQBOSB1eYGbnXLQbLgNFZEyl6skslX6i6CN0QMjXaJM6pWmWTnQnw6V3VhbYfr17JR5ebWgfUmsUTx2zjTA6jJfF_2dh45whLqCtWDoG7o61_yDIt3BcdZC0zA8aUjGddiaLDGx4H1r7m31PXiAd9bYXhQwVINnKw/s990/IMG_2633%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="990" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMA1I-ElGR-m05hodSlZ4MQBYmHQBOSB1eYGbnXLQbLgNFZEyl6skslX6i6CN0QMjXaJM6pWmWTnQnw6V3VhbYfr17JR5ebWgfUmsUTx2zjTA6jJfF_2dh45whLqCtWDoG7o61_yDIt3BcdZC0zA8aUjGddiaLDGx4H1r7m31PXiAd9bYXhQwVINnKw/s600/IMG_2633%202.jpg"/></a></div>
Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-61572273653425634922023-04-06T09:03:00.005-04:002023-05-09T15:21:43.999-04:00All Daffodils<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINOV9EVm1gPX0pwSHa3muNeBjZAnT8zy9rhkoDUZRJgY9QUHbffchsi0hxa2VlvbkSPFYoU4x_gBiwE0ZaPmS0NVCvU2N6N0QCf28j_3vuRQvW1_6gWFKU37Biz8evOnEYLdVId70jzireLbbZTYC-oz13-MdKyHHucWsBYeESYRq1qQ9TQIuJUrm6Q/s900/IMG_2414.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="900" hspace="10" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINOV9EVm1gPX0pwSHa3muNeBjZAnT8zy9rhkoDUZRJgY9QUHbffchsi0hxa2VlvbkSPFYoU4x_gBiwE0ZaPmS0NVCvU2N6N0QCf28j_3vuRQvW1_6gWFKU37Biz8evOnEYLdVId70jzireLbbZTYC-oz13-MdKyHHucWsBYeESYRq1qQ9TQIuJUrm6Q/s400/IMG_2414.jpg"/></a></div><p>I really like these daffodils. First, they are reliable. No coddling or special treatment is needed. They multiply. I can't count how many of the orange/white I have given away. Third, they smell great -- especially the orange ones. The other regular typical daffodils I have do not have much of a fragrance.<br>
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The latest addition to the collection (the other two) was a gift of about 10 bulbs each a few years ago. They also multiply and now have formed two sizable clumps. I am sure dividing them this spring would result in another gift being passed on to more gardeners.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25pTpUBqhClv_gsqRnAD832Ly2SL9KzAGiu_jkG8GRb7GXENXRNncfnD6_N0kLq0Ufmxm-oTtfF2RoQjZXlP50V7Th1x6BKSWhhSUYzsjQsI0XREHE5x0WnfZvai4yF3lllEGcQmELnP1R71SreHIyVx73hVytx7pvy1Gi-2B3VvSKX_SHkSFwIP0cQ/s900/IMG_2412.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="550" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25pTpUBqhClv_gsqRnAD832Ly2SL9KzAGiu_jkG8GRb7GXENXRNncfnD6_N0kLq0Ufmxm-oTtfF2RoQjZXlP50V7Th1x6BKSWhhSUYzsjQsI0XREHE5x0WnfZvai4yF3lllEGcQmELnP1R71SreHIyVx73hVytx7pvy1Gi-2B3VvSKX_SHkSFwIP0cQ/s400/IMG_2412.jpg"/></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFfEFvAM8sgPsxOCNszawMIWJSljkJ0hXQnX4qZMj6HllsvYf5Ut6SmDYa4-nNd77LpnRy_mCoogwJG7_DWAyWQeaNkcvFOmpGZPOKXqlX0zFVSRUcWsTzFG-7GDZ2V24kzPsH6tg8FWFnQifndTRwCaylU0Na3R540375mKe0zvh7dR1ECUupI3g4Q/s900/IMG_2413.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="550" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFfEFvAM8sgPsxOCNszawMIWJSljkJ0hXQnX4qZMj6HllsvYf5Ut6SmDYa4-nNd77LpnRy_mCoogwJG7_DWAyWQeaNkcvFOmpGZPOKXqlX0zFVSRUcWsTzFG-7GDZ2V24kzPsH6tg8FWFnQifndTRwCaylU0Na3R540375mKe0zvh7dR1ECUupI3g4Q/s400/IMG_2413.jpg"/></a></div>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-76011316905268663162023-03-27T22:49:00.004-04:002023-03-27T23:04:38.466-04:00Not Open YetThe Maholia buds came out recently. No blooms at first glance, but the lemony scent near the shrub proved that a few were releasing their fracrance on the warm day. It was enough to attract one pollinator, who was running from unopened bud to unopened bud looking for some treat. He left after realizing we are not yet open for business.
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='600' height='498' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzCltZazJ9fAhcxvTH5ozuyJwkzjXIBgmCuYF8Rztzak9X6yNMj4WjnZee0fjju4lJmHvoXkxG-V2MBR5wKuw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-23484380425628517662023-02-28T09:42:00.004-05:002023-02-28T09:42:49.916-05:00Spring BeginsThe hellebores in the backyuard are blooming. I trekked out there after seeing some blooming in Old Town Alexandria last week. Located in their preferred backyard shade means they are out back in a place I don't visit often. The two colors are mixed together; although I had good intentions to separate them for years (maybe this spring?) They were plucked from a Master Gardener plant swap, and I don't believe the owner realized there were two colors in one container.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruDnduYlzJgL05pGmNF_J4nAbMVSyhRSIyFUqzhGgDHGdkPIIK_1AfuNex9aW3wEQ5E6LpgGJuXKqGaB1_Hj_h9XpHHCpm-Ni6kl1CqcKWnFbsCYMo9iawsKSbzraXKyaDMEm7OkPjrj_jZBxBetGUWDzq2YRej1H-e1N90F0zRWpjWXhNqPoRtp8ow/s1002/IMG_2292.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruDnduYlzJgL05pGmNF_J4nAbMVSyhRSIyFUqzhGgDHGdkPIIK_1AfuNex9aW3wEQ5E6LpgGJuXKqGaB1_Hj_h9XpHHCpm-Ni6kl1CqcKWnFbsCYMo9iawsKSbzraXKyaDMEm7OkPjrj_jZBxBetGUWDzq2YRej1H-e1N90F0zRWpjWXhNqPoRtp8ow/s600/IMG_2292.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOmuNJOn9mayspraJ-hxi86Nc09JAfqBNNWlseZe3bI70KUMIrfKLZk_I73a_e4C598aqmxeZd3p74yh35jTuzjq5BUVpkkqHcOtQuvkwh7McdDFnK39BghAngy2MiD_ckRiOw3ki6nsZoPsLslfhTJ5AdNs6tkgvBbJhjhblT1W5l6ybAeXna8O4Ng/s1000/IMG_2294.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOmuNJOn9mayspraJ-hxi86Nc09JAfqBNNWlseZe3bI70KUMIrfKLZk_I73a_e4C598aqmxeZd3p74yh35jTuzjq5BUVpkkqHcOtQuvkwh7McdDFnK39BghAngy2MiD_ckRiOw3ki6nsZoPsLslfhTJ5AdNs6tkgvBbJhjhblT1W5l6ybAeXna8O4Ng/s600/IMG_2294.jpg"/></a></div>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-23458104428635257242022-07-23T19:46:00.003-04:002022-07-23T21:33:25.443-04:00Summer ConeflowersThe summer conwflowers are looking wekll this year. This year, the pink/purple colors are the strongest they have been . I don't know why this happens. In some years they are lighter pink and in others they are more intenseely coloered. The best explanation I have is that sunlight/moisture affects them along with nutirents.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='322' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyridXMwWrQlf_r7zk9hj1jJarrn1jxVW78sOJ_Dc0_edT2exJoqM4dHHV_0BS2DmEP_v1-Ps0eeHBKVtvHXg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-5469702517673792592022-06-04T12:13:00.008-04:002022-06-04T20:26:10.717-04:00Crossed Daylily<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7Sh7T6vSrzdTb4Gd4dgpK9J7VBOjyaE8n_U5R6cxyOcJcDUM1kPGXht8asoVg_NaQAFgmiW_Ao8FHgMK5hr6wHzUHfgxJWhkvVS7Jl5KkCDvSrU7cpKRaIWL-hj5yTgfsGLDW7-w-v5zwkzEOD0iES-EoEfysaTny94HXXJ-wUDBJBQYHO7Y5ZtN_A/s990/daylil.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="400" hspace="8" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="990" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7Sh7T6vSrzdTb4Gd4dgpK9J7VBOjyaE8n_U5R6cxyOcJcDUM1kPGXht8asoVg_NaQAFgmiW_Ao8FHgMK5hr6wHzUHfgxJWhkvVS7Jl5KkCDvSrU7cpKRaIWL-hj5yTgfsGLDW7-w-v5zwkzEOD0iES-EoEfysaTny94HXXJ-wUDBJBQYHO7Y5ZtN_A/s400/daylil.jpg"/></a></div>A few years ago I started to cross daylilies and bearded iris (not with each other) ... becasue I could. I wanted to see what results I could achieve. This daylily bloomed two years ago for the first time and I was happy with the results. It's at it again this year. <br>
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I like the colors but do not remember what two I crossed. Its flowers are larger and more numersous than the other resulting crosses, one of which is blooming for the first time this year. Its colors are similar, but the stalks and flowers are a bit smaller, and the colors a little duller. It may be because of the plant size because the bigger plant propduces the larger blooms - it has been blooming longer and had more time to "leap."<br>
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Two others will bloom soon, but the buds are smaller and fewer. Maybe these plants need a few more years to develop.
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<br>I believe these two were the parents.Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-50661873096604204312021-08-15T20:51:00.010-04:002021-08-15T23:01:10.138-04:00August Bloom Day<span style="color: #bbdd88;">Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #bbdd88;"><i>What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month</i></span><br />
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I scrounged through my phjotos I have saved for Instagram postings, and took a few tonight before the sun went down. The 15th sneaked up on me this month.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQ7nr9dZzFU/YRmzQf1stLI/AAAAAAAAL5U/rcOoJU-aXUoyoc4AOlbY9DRfm4EyVkvIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1165/sun.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQ7nr9dZzFU/YRmzQf1stLI/AAAAAAAAL5U/rcOoJU-aXUoyoc4AOlbY9DRfm4EyVkvIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/sun.jpg"/></a></div>Interesting story on this. If you snoop through past years of posts, you know I like growing different dwarf sunflowers. The last cultivar tried had some seeds I saved for the birds. I planted a few the following year, and saved these seeds and planted this year. The blooms are a nice manageable size, but they are not very drawf, stading at about 5-feet (1.5 m) tall, and do not match the original hybrid. I like the flowers though.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JvaOk-n7ic/YRmz9H8m6sI/AAAAAAAAL5c/MprlAoe_660IaYoGcJ4fsHq_MCtWzb-ZACLcBGAsYHQ/s350/tithonia-hand.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JvaOk-n7ic/YRmz9H8m6sI/AAAAAAAAL5c/MprlAoe_660IaYoGcJ4fsHq_MCtWzb-ZACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/tithonia-hand.jpg"/></a></div>Tithonia is new to me this year. I am impressed by the pollinators that constantly visit it, and it's preference for poor soil, and a hot dry environment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8aQ_tebo4A/YRm0XwqXCrI/AAAAAAAAL5k/4rr2kn5V6as7G26qA4_6ZeXugIayLvXXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1057/cutleaf.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8aQ_tebo4A/YRm0XwqXCrI/AAAAAAAAL5k/4rr2kn5V6as7G26qA4_6ZeXugIayLvXXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/cutleaf.jpg"/></a></div>Cutleaf rudbeckia last week, Now, after some rain storms, it's falling over but still blooming up a storm.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkGTefK7ycw/YRm0p_HakaI/AAAAAAAAL5s/TtRk0Sp21BsZXqypiJ8a7jJNx3wJwJfJACLcBGAsYHQ/s990/zin.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkGTefK7ycw/YRm0p_HakaI/AAAAAAAAL5s/TtRk0Sp21BsZXqypiJ8a7jJNx3wJwJfJACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/zin.jpg"/></a></div>This is the only ruby red zinnia 'Cherry Queen' I photographed so far. Hummingbirds stop by, but I don't really know how much they get out of the flower. Beautiful color.<br >
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nQFTx3KuJ8/YRm1HfeE0hI/AAAAAAAAL50/UOZE8vaz9V43xjIW3XnVJnL8ig_Cke6jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1142/lob.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nQFTx3KuJ8/YRm1HfeE0hI/AAAAAAAAL50/UOZE8vaz9V43xjIW3XnVJnL8ig_Cke6jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/lob.jpg"/></a></div>Just starting to bloom now, the cardinal flower lobelia was labed as 'Blue Lobelia' at the spring plant swap. Oops.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27npblbGoDk/YRm4OrsUDZI/AAAAAAAAL58/s_s-fd9MlacaqHIAQDUfq7L-sbZB6lErQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1107/phlox.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27npblbGoDk/YRm4OrsUDZI/AAAAAAAAL58/s_s-fd9MlacaqHIAQDUfq7L-sbZB6lErQCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/phlox.jpg"/></a></div>Late summer blooming garden phlox. Another pollinator love.<br />
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Find more ther garden bloggers' blooms on <a href="https://caroljmichel.com/category/blog/">May Dream Gardens.</a><br />
Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-25482085466609278852021-07-15T21:13:00.010-04:002021-07-15T21:37:27.238-04:00July Bloom Day<span style="color: #bbdd88;">Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #bbdd88;"><i>What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month</i></span><br />
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I wanted to wait until dark when the moonflowers open before taking the last shots for this July. These are some of the blooms at this time of year.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjcoT2wvjXo/YPDX7pra8nI/AAAAAAAAL3I/H4-dB2QWyDwbdAY4S0tDKKeksQQZtjo5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/moon.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjcoT2wvjXo/YPDX7pra8nI/AAAAAAAAL3I/H4-dB2QWyDwbdAY4S0tDKKeksQQZtjo5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/moon.jpg"/></a>Datura arrayed along the entry to the house where I enjoy the intoxicating fragrance every summer evening. They reseed themselves every year.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffa7s1AILzA/YPDYrHpmppI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/rAjlMsrlZF4HNEApaoZ8o5LX789PfBNHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/besusan.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="900" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffa7s1AILzA/YPDYrHpmppI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/rAjlMsrlZF4HNEApaoZ8o5LX789PfBNHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/besusan.jpg"/></a>Rudbeckia hita native loves the sun. They last about two years, but easily reseed.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXlNGmXfcTY/YPDZIuSH4vI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/m0nnH7MoAUUWRaneasRwUVjB0hdS1TTxACLcBGAsYHQ/s990/cut.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXlNGmXfcTY/YPDZIuSH4vI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/m0nnH7MoAUUWRaneasRwUVjB0hdS1TTxACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/cut.jpg"/></a>Rudbeckia laciniata picked up at a plant swap, it grows 6 feet (2 m) tall and easily falls over. Thanks to Janet, Queen of Seaford in identifying for me.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVzeGelvIOE/YPDZ4KZz8qI/AAAAAAAAL3g/RC9glrF6rKI8OkwL14Z6GOmsKuA47RviwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1172/balloon.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVzeGelvIOE/YPDZ4KZz8qI/AAAAAAAAL3g/RC9glrF6rKI8OkwL14Z6GOmsKuA47RviwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/balloon.jpg"/></a>I thought a closeup of the balloon flower would be interesting. Platycodon grandiflorus reseeds but they're difficult to move because of their deep tap root.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWSmE0MwgT8/YPDaYkcZooI/AAAAAAAAL3o/QXO23pQVKXMK0TeeFUuTxXdEzxjkZMDQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1162/phlox.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWSmE0MwgT8/YPDaYkcZooI/AAAAAAAAL3o/QXO23pQVKXMK0TeeFUuTxXdEzxjkZMDQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/phlox.jpg"/></a>Phlox paniculata 'Jeana' giveaway at the Washington DC Garden Bloggers Fling. Pollinators love it as much as I do.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSbi4mjHCFo/YPDbd9n9loI/AAAAAAAAL3w/TGn_icWI6m8_dXHWBsKbyfdARia7fuQQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1071/cone.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSbi4mjHCFo/YPDbd9n9loI/AAAAAAAAL3w/TGn_icWI6m8_dXHWBsKbyfdARia7fuQQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/cone.jpg"/></a>When echinacea purpurea is planted in part shade, it gows 5 feet tall (1.5 m).<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7PXhcnOs0c/YPDb7fwoRyI/AAAAAAAAL34/wfhoLm76D2oGyjB8oX5gM4YwyW7olw4_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1077/ech.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7PXhcnOs0c/YPDb7fwoRyI/AAAAAAAAL34/wfhoLm76D2oGyjB8oX5gM4YwyW7olw4_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/ech.jpg"/></a>Echinops ritro is about ready to bloom and inviting all the bumbles to it.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='322' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxI-z7n8PFe9WpyOPDnKKdSF3fGmzL31I69zbkT6lEHQ1-9pT494vM68d7C_uCnu6ZGOJ4cQ8gQT3Jr9Ej4_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
Will it go round in circles? Watch bees on coneflowers go around the ring of pollen on the flower.<br />
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Find more ther garden bloggers' blooms on <a href="https://caroljmichel.com/category/blog/">May Dream Gardens.</a><br />
Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-29210671875953387292021-06-15T06:46:00.016-04:002021-06-15T14:57:59.951-04:00June Bloom Day<span style="color: #bbdd88;">Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #bbdd88;"><i>What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month</i></span><br />
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I want to highlight some blooms that are not the usual ones I post every June.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLfcaZOaXvg/YMf6g_PRo4I/AAAAAAAAL0k/YcaCq7XfO50ZZGhPsGtyx0RlL732Cp8ZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/rose.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="660" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLfcaZOaXvg/YMf6g_PRo4I/AAAAAAAAL0k/YcaCq7XfO50ZZGhPsGtyx0RlL732Cp8ZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/rose.jpg"/></a>Lychnis coronaria, Rose campion is such a work horse. It blooms in heat, reseeds well, survives winters, and the color combo of silver and magenta is striking.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHKBDnTXlUo/YMf7ffsd3TI/AAAAAAAAL0s/9pBmatjNC1gUKaevTWbws4hgwhyHQNpawCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/lime.jpg"
><img alt="" border="0" width="660" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHKBDnTXlUo/YMf7ffsd3TI/AAAAAAAAL0s/9pBmatjNC1gUKaevTWbws4hgwhyHQNpawCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/lime.jpg"/></a>Coconut lime echinacea is a hybrid that is lower in height, and not as attractive to pollinators as the native. Here, some little guy poses on a petal.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw6Mpy5QsQY/YMf8zfsGsTI/AAAAAAAAL08/UTPE_evQ4ekfyI_FEDleKABL47lZXXsDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/nic.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="660" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw6Mpy5QsQY/YMf8zfsGsTI/AAAAAAAAL08/UTPE_evQ4ekfyI_FEDleKABL47lZXXsDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/nic.jpg"/></a>Speaking of lime ... this is lime green nicotiana. As thick as ever at this time of year, and a proflific reseeder. I keep it separated from the white in another garden to keep it from intermixing, and to maintain the green color. This year the fragrance at night is incredible. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VnpKbs0-0o/YMf-c2dCXwI/AAAAAAAAL1E/jMbU4UQ9ofESSxsywpzJd7V8C1fFZA4uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/hosta.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="660" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VnpKbs0-0o/YMf-c2dCXwI/AAAAAAAAL1E/jMbU4UQ9ofESSxsywpzJd7V8C1fFZA4uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/hosta.jpg"/></a>I was lazy and did not cut off the seed pods one year. A whole lot of different hostas sprouted the following year. I kept about a half dozen including this one.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjxQ5S0T0PQ/YMf_txmVVtI/AAAAAAAAL1M/fxt43P_FFC8PD_9Tlc0eduXNaBUSytsUACLcBGAsYHQ/s990/lav.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="660" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjxQ5S0T0PQ/YMf_txmVVtI/AAAAAAAAL1M/fxt43P_FFC8PD_9Tlc0eduXNaBUSytsUACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/lav.jpg"/></a>This lavendar was free at the Garden Bloggers Fling when it came to Washington DC. Lavender 'Phenomenal' is exceptional in that none of it died back in winter, and the amount of blooms is awesome.<br />
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\<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUSC_8xtmZQ/YMgA7vS7zsI/AAAAAAAAL1U/pv4ya8qIdXocSDCxrkQtzlJrRyswKs-AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/iros2.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="660" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUSC_8xtmZQ/YMgA7vS7zsI/AAAAAAAAL1U/pv4ya8qIdXocSDCxrkQtzlJrRyswKs-AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/iros2.jpg"/></a>Once I figured out what this low-growing iris was (picked up at a plant swap), it was moved from the sunny garden to damp part shade. My native crested iris (Iris cristata) is now flourishing and I am rewarded with flowers.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKzNW3aCAxM/YMgCi-ZJe_I/AAAAAAAAL1c/SlxPnEehA3cEPWw1ZqKRHMk5K3yQuytBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/iris.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="660" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKzNW3aCAxM/YMgCi-ZJe_I/AAAAAAAAL1c/SlxPnEehA3cEPWw1ZqKRHMk5K3yQuytBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/iris.jpg"/></a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eg7w2K-ek-k/YMiQleBENsI/AAAAAAAAL1k/-QGvOTvBt0szzXQMTFsZgg4uVYCksAghACLcBGAsYHQ/s990/IMG_9321.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="660" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eg7w2K-ek-k/YMiQleBENsI/AAAAAAAAL1k/-QGvOTvBt0szzXQMTFsZgg4uVYCksAghACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/IMG_9321.jpg"/></a>An impatient visitor waiting for pollen to open.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fnkEpHilNok/YMi7f63PxrI/AAAAAAAAL10/d_6MgT0X-6E7dOCogJw7eQBohSjDKj7tACLcBGAsYHQ/s1483/day-2.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" height="660" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1477" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fnkEpHilNok/YMi7f63PxrI/AAAAAAAAL10/d_6MgT0X-6E7dOCogJw7eQBohSjDKj7tACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/day-2.jpg"/></a>Daylilies I crossed using the orange ditch lily with '<a href="https://leafychronicles.blogspot.com/2011/06/looking-good-from-behind.html">Night of Passion</a>'. Very proud and pleased with the results, but the colors get washed out to a dull pale rust in bright hot sunlight.<br />
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Find more ther garden bloggers' blooms on <a href="https://caroljmichel.com/category/blog/">May Dream Gardens.</a><br />Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-27531703823694292702021-05-15T22:11:00.017-04:002021-05-17T14:56:48.437-04:00May Bloom Day<span style="color: #bbdd88;">Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #bbdd88;"><i>What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month</i></span><br />
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The smaller perennials are still growing, while some of the larger ones are blooming.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oPDj8RmQ3tM/YKB4D4hvubI/AAAAAAAALw4/8mzIZs5oe0smJbjuoq8KM471O_meNXqegCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/berian.jpg"/><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oPDj8RmQ3tM/YKB4D4hvubI/AAAAAAAALw4/8mzIZs5oe0smJbjuoq8KM471O_meNXqegCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/berian.jpg"/></a>Siberian Iris are in full bloom. I picked these multipliers up at a master gardener plant swap, and now have 3 stands with 100 blooms.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOqRWGnAtbU/YKB4win60LI/AAAAAAAALxA/OlyOBIIMuH8OU988ayva6JRzbTEng8ELgCLcBGAsYHQ/s936/columbine.jpg"/><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="926" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOqRWGnAtbU/YKB4win60LI/AAAAAAAALxA/OlyOBIIMuH8OU988ayva6JRzbTEng8ELgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/columbine.jpg"/></a>Columbine <i>Aquilegia</i> from my mom's garden years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zJXjsMcGJ4Kjq8WH8iCfn0QXERQPtnlmegd-HfSOUsMxnfdhlG5IntFFXRW9Ozib9RNKRRzlCmSdJal5fq9tkSlNaVHHpceoLrBbR5pyC02mJMY0p1oVgT5qFY1T6O3AJ0aVIj-azEA/s990/peas.jpg" /><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="990" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zJXjsMcGJ4Kjq8WH8iCfn0QXERQPtnlmegd-HfSOUsMxnfdhlG5IntFFXRW9Ozib9RNKRRzlCmSdJal5fq9tkSlNaVHHpceoLrBbR5pyC02mJMY0p1oVgT5qFY1T6O3AJ0aVIj-azEA/s600/peas.jpg" /></a>Pea blossom. Hey, veggies have blooms, too.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THOm0zB52U8/YKB54wB6idI/AAAAAAAALxQ/hH2WpPUqCYUQOD2hY1eonU25cQpuUsT0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/kalmia.jpg" /><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THOm0zB52U8/YKB54wB6idI/AAAAAAAALxQ/hH2WpPUqCYUQOD2hY1eonU25cQpuUsT0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/kalmia.jpg"/></a>Mountain Laurel <i>Kamlia latifolia</i>. A very red 'Sarah' cultivar.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGN_Rd2g8JI/YKB6USLGI0I/AAAAAAAALxY/fhvH9ZlGD_UcEr25OBIITCvDW24thfRbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1015/camassia.jpg" /><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGN_Rd2g8JI/YKB6USLGI0I/AAAAAAAALxY/fhvH9ZlGD_UcEr25OBIITCvDW24thfRbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/camassia.jpg"/></a>White camassia -- not as popular as the blue.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-38ecYM2pU/YKB9QtvuuFI/AAAAAAAALxg/fuJe6FG2S_oSaj4z7zZAm1fOCzm7B4JxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1186/clarence.jpg" /><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-38ecYM2pU/YKB9QtvuuFI/AAAAAAAALxg/fuJe6FG2S_oSaj4z7zZAm1fOCzm7B4JxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/clarence.jpg"/></a>Bearded Iris. This reblooming cultivar 'Clarence' was purchased from Walmart many years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTUx3vjvMIw/YKCCmKLh2CI/AAAAAAAALxo/V411nkci0BYCgid3X7qDH5tDURxxxOUgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1002/ger1.jpg" /><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTUx3vjvMIw/YKCCmKLh2CI/AAAAAAAALxo/V411nkci0BYCgid3X7qDH5tDURxxxOUgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/ger1.jpg"/></a>
Geranium sanguineum close up.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2AuU-7GDno/YKEF44ds62I/AAAAAAAALyI/lbvvDHcFNtg5tP-mEiKDjUNM-MVVtmp4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1124/blackiris.jpg" /><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2AuU-7GDno/YKEF44ds62I/AAAAAAAALyI/lbvvDHcFNtg5tP-mEiKDjUNM-MVVtmp4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/blackiris.jpg"/></a>I don't know the name of my black bearded iris. It's really hard to get the color right, when taken with a cell phone camera. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc-Ey7Pi3I2hzIiHFRR0nb5SZED9QPoR96QOFOp7o6jg0rT6HUmSv6F5ja65db33EgZeAuOEinJeYoFaaWzM7DZkDFPh2uPAn3OKhiXNEXAlAztK5kMAjWLTvWYe6SynzXUPLf5e7XxE/s990/spiderw.jpg" /><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="990" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc-Ey7Pi3I2hzIiHFRR0nb5SZED9QPoR96QOFOp7o6jg0rT6HUmSv6F5ja65db33EgZeAuOEinJeYoFaaWzM7DZkDFPh2uPAn3OKhiXNEXAlAztK5kMAjWLTvWYe6SynzXUPLf5e7XxE/s600/spiderw.jpg"/></a>
Spiderwort grows well although in a sunty location.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsqKmJdHFeY/YKEEoX673GI/AAAAAAAALyA/2L6Aa-9RHlgB0UXkpOSeWnG3hkHnldqnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/white.jpg " /><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsqKmJdHFeY/YKEEoX673GI/AAAAAAAALyA/2L6Aa-9RHlgB0UXkpOSeWnG3hkHnldqnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/white.jpg"/></a>The white ruffled bearded iris came from another plant swap.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRrhGy_-tpI/YKE37LlUcYI/AAAAAAAALyQ/RCSeYYE0v50NWfa3acVBJcDX5POAYj0MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/tree.jpg" /><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRrhGy_-tpI/YKE37LlUcYI/AAAAAAAALyQ/RCSeYYE0v50NWfa3acVBJcDX5POAYj0MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/tree.jpg"/></a>
The tree peony 'Garden Treasure' that closes up at night.<br />
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Find other garden bloggers' posts at <a href="https://caroljmichel.com/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-may-2021/">May Dream Gardens</a>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-56582155678662755532021-05-02T09:16:00.007-04:002021-05-02T09:21:44.452-04:00Now Returning<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTKNYDhNYC8/YI6nRy_wEvI/AAAAAAAALwo/e1Bc2jnYGuY24d7CHNkUuYx8FBncz7R-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/diris.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="450" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTKNYDhNYC8/YI6nRy_wEvI/AAAAAAAALwo/e1Bc2jnYGuY24d7CHNkUuYx8FBncz7R-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/diris.jpg" hspace="8" /></a>About a half dozen Dutch Iris 'Discovery' bulbs were purchsed years ago and they brought great pleasure in the late spring when they bloomed. They first showed up on my blog back in 2008. After that, they brought great heartache. They did not want to bloom again. I did not think they were in the tulip mode of blooming great one year, and then disappoointment in following years.<br />
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I kept them, and every year they might knock out one or two blooms each spring. I changed their location to give them more sunlight. I gave them fertilizer. I gave them more attention and care than other plants who were becoming jealous, but every year it was the same: very few booms.<br />
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This year I am please to report that I have 7 blooms. I also have about a dozen new bulbs that will hopefully be blooming in following years. They are not fast multiplying, so maybe they require several years of coddling before they grow enough to produce a bloom.<br />
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I really appreciate the irridescent blue, espeically when the sunlight hits them from behind. The contrast with the yellow is striking.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td><br />
<font color="#bbdd88">For The Record:</font><i><br />
• Well-drained soil with organic amendments<br />
• Full sun <br />
• Generous fertilizer<br />
• No disease</td></tr>
</table>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-14810516824971513882021-04-15T09:52:00.006-04:002021-04-15T13:42:38.544-04:00April 2021 Bloom Day<span style="color: #bbdd88;">Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #bbdd88;"><i>What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month</i></span><br />
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March and April are prime times for the garden. I did not believe I have a lot of spring blooms ... until I began assembling photos for this post. (Dandelions were not included.)<br />
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Some spring blooms here. Daffodils do very well and return in my climate, whereas tulips do not reliably return year after year - we progress from winter to summer very quckly, so after blooming, the tulips struggle through the heat to bulk up for the following year .<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ou_RoJNCT2I/YHbpf4ICwWI/AAAAAAAALug/MzRco4CGW6Y-pSs0JuGrTciYEN097K7MQCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/poet.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ou_RoJNCT2I/YHbpf4ICwWI/AAAAAAAALug/MzRco4CGW6Y-pSs0JuGrTciYEN097K7MQCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/poet.jpg"/></a>Narcissus poeticus - fragrant<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr2GphneNpM/YHbqIdSGRbI/AAAAAAAALuo/elESn-0n5ugIaQC_8jqvo2Im70mtNRf1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/rip.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr2GphneNpM/YHbqIdSGRbI/AAAAAAAALuo/elESn-0n5ugIaQC_8jqvo2Im70mtNRf1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/rip.jpg"/></a>'Rip van Winkle' planted many years ago and lost track of ... until last year.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxjJo7DPJUA/YHbqe3VQ8aI/AAAAAAAALuw/ZCQFtgWAIyEpCB4A0yzfsNLeMQZTxzi7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1001/bridal.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxjJo7DPJUA/YHbqe3VQ8aI/AAAAAAAALuw/ZCQFtgWAIyEpCB4A0yzfsNLeMQZTxzi7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/bridal.jpg"/></a>'Bridal Crown' was a "I have some leftovers if you want" gift<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phxjE9Y4ncM/YHbq0sgaloI/AAAAAAAALu4/DAjsyAmWLOkieWeYWZqF6vn0zkBpu4HLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/sweet.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phxjE9Y4ncM/YHbq0sgaloI/AAAAAAAALu4/DAjsyAmWLOkieWeYWZqF6vn0zkBpu4HLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/sweet.jpg"/></a>'Sweet Love' cups turn white as they age<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuFL-k4Bho4/YHbrFoUW2qI/AAAAAAAALvA/UkLhZlhlk8QSGyAu6zOYi5CX_9w9SGqPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/3.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuFL-k4Bho4/YHbrFoUW2qI/AAAAAAAALvA/UkLhZlhlk8QSGyAu6zOYi5CX_9w9SGqPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/3.jpg"/></a>'Salome' cups start out yellow then turn salmon<br >
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Biw3F8yBPSc/YHbrhy_9DoI/AAAAAAAALvI/qiSXjmGAtZ0CqJh8sjiCG1Yi64WvhDNVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s711/muscari-close.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="711" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Biw3F8yBPSc/YHbrhy_9DoI/AAAAAAAALvI/qiSXjmGAtZ0CqJh8sjiCG1Yi64WvhDNVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/muscari-close.jpg"/></a>Muscari - this one is a cultivar I think<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPwlVwCQwS4/YHbsAwLvimI/AAAAAAAALvQ/muxCM7kLklMTpKXGd4lOitSB5RVWWVrIACLcBGAsYHQ/s990/redbud.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPwlVwCQwS4/YHbsAwLvimI/AAAAAAAALvQ/muxCM7kLklMTpKXGd4lOitSB5RVWWVrIACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/redbud.jpg"/></a>Closeup of the redbud blooms<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEVR_5jOcZc/YHbszzCw7YI/AAAAAAAALvY/0U1kHZqPzF83zArhOw8gCc-FRqgEvMdswCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/tulip.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEVR_5jOcZc/YHbszzCw7YI/AAAAAAAALvY/0U1kHZqPzF83zArhOw8gCc-FRqgEvMdswCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/tulip.jpg"/></a>I want more of this free giveaway tulip because of the color, but I don't know its name. It displays incredible carmine red blooms and bluish foliage. It came back from past years, albeit smaller.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27oqaSvZrEg/YHhD9TwjS0I/AAAAAAAALvg/nlv8KXHk-RYb_Jjz6lyp8jc7PORL05ftgCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/leuc.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27oqaSvZrEg/YHhD9TwjS0I/AAAAAAAALvg/nlv8KXHk-RYb_Jjz6lyp8jc7PORL05ftgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/leuc.jpg"/></a>Closeup of leucojum after the rain<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GvHwgjNq8c/YHhEPuFu3vI/AAAAAAAALvo/VpxDDhI5Jk8BIz4GDrPIVWXWWB3Seru2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s990/pieris.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GvHwgjNq8c/YHhEPuFu3vI/AAAAAAAALvo/VpxDDhI5Jk8BIz4GDrPIVWXWWB3Seru2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/pieris.jpg"/></a>Pieris is suppposed to be difficult. Not in my garden, although after 5 years, leaf spot is beginning to show up.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXmQdrwx6gU/YHhEjgGtsXI/AAAAAAAALvw/3YWhUH3Zjccl5JK39k2WjRpF4NA8ZBN_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s990/dogwood.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXmQdrwx6gU/YHhEjgGtsXI/AAAAAAAALvw/3YWhUH3Zjccl5JK39k2WjRpF4NA8ZBN_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/dogwood.jpg"/></a>Who can have spring in Virginia without our dogwood state flower.<br />
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Find other garden bloggers' posts at <a href="https://caroljmichel.com/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-april-2021/">May Dream Gardens</a>
Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-57006173278216106512021-04-06T17:00:00.009-04:002021-04-07T12:19:54.486-04:00Damned If I KnowThree daffodils are starting to bloom and I don't know their names. They were picked up in a Master Gardener free-for-all scramble two years ago one winter evening. During our class break, it was announced that the unsold spring bulbs of the store hosting our meeting was giving away unsold spring bulbs - free for the taking. Being the middle of winter, there was little hope of selling these leftovers. After a trip to the unsold loose bulb bins, I snagged these three daffodil varieties but do not know their names.
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<br />They were planted in the dead of winter and bloomed that spring. One last variety, a late green-tinted daffodil, is not quite yet blooming.<br />
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I also picked up a ferw increadible scarlet-red, late-season tulips, again, unknown. I would love to get my hands on more of the tulips, but the store does not remember what they were.
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRR7wF8F2Kk/YGzLbBOc40I/AAAAAAAALuM/2YxeqbKbrQQb5HomgVQUxEZioqEexDVOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1811/IMG_0220.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRR7wF8F2Kk/YGzLbBOc40I/AAAAAAAALuM/2YxeqbKbrQQb5HomgVQUxEZioqEexDVOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/IMG_0220.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQPGrWzeQjA/YGzLidP6mFI/AAAAAAAALuQ/OE7CB_jYbPUocaTiO_odZrhTyH4d7PMIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1012/IMG_0241.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQPGrWzeQjA/YGzLidP6mFI/AAAAAAAALuQ/OE7CB_jYbPUocaTiO_odZrhTyH4d7PMIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/IMG_0241.jpg"/></a>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-33568801085819499482021-03-15T21:35:00.012-04:002021-03-18T13:46:02.327-04:00March 2021 Bloom Day<span style="color: #bbdd88;">Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #bbdd88;"><i>What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month</i></span><br />
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It's been almost a year since I posted something. Much time was spent working on an investment house last year, and then surgery, and then beginning a gardening Instagram account. I really like Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, so let's start blogging again.<br />
There is not much springing in spring yet, but here are a few items found.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vlDCLD9Nno/YFAFZ9hS3dI/AAAAAAAALsg/xJ3BWMyfSKctni8fVvHZsbgKqlBkwEEOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/croc.jpg "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vlDCLD9Nno/YFAFZ9hS3dI/AAAAAAAALsg/xJ3BWMyfSKctni8fVvHZsbgKqlBkwEEOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/croc.jpg"/></a>Yes, I know. Just a crocus. But, these crocuses were in the original gardens when I moved here over 30 years ago. They pop up in different places and in different gardens each year.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUBBpKnBTpw/YFAGH5k18zI/AAAAAAAALso/Anog84oY96IvqAruRwF3dGWox4jDLYiggCLcBGAsYHQ/s884/forsth.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="884" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUBBpKnBTpw/YFAGH5k18zI/AAAAAAAALso/Anog84oY96IvqAruRwF3dGWox4jDLYiggCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/forsth.JPG"/></a>Extremely fragrant, jasmine-like, early-blooming white forsythia of the olive family.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFyk1zKksM0/YFAGyTjcWxI/AAAAAAAALsw/Jb89CtVGy3MpBGWkpNqgbNsieZax27cDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/wh2.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFyk1zKksM0/YFAGyTjcWxI/AAAAAAAALsw/Jb89CtVGy3MpBGWkpNqgbNsieZax27cDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/wh2.jpg"/></a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jbv-P18pdSc/YFAHV_E7KyI/AAAAAAAALtA/QwdU_B4AXSYdsTe65jBnpFSriI4LKxbGACLcBGAsYHQ/s990/hel.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jbv-P18pdSc/YFAHV_E7KyI/AAAAAAAALtA/QwdU_B4AXSYdsTe65jBnpFSriI4LKxbGACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/hel.jpg"/></a>Hellebores - I thought there was one color when I picked it up at a plant swap.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JG4Q2S5wA7Y/YFAJ1ZHJYAI/AAAAAAAALtQ/H73JKIGDdqMLvjXb6KLHvI9NGwhclWvfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/whel.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JG4Q2S5wA7Y/YFAJ1ZHJYAI/AAAAAAAALtQ/H73JKIGDdqMLvjXb6KLHvI9NGwhclWvfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/whel.jpg"/></a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbsSktHCt-g/YFAJ7rCTQXI/AAAAAAAALtU/3-cCSibV828ws6EaFW8GsG1j3wSnH5sFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1917/maghel.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1834" data-original-width="1917" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbsSktHCt-g/YFAJ7rCTQXI/AAAAAAAALtU/3-cCSibV828ws6EaFW8GsG1j3wSnH5sFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/maghel.jpg"/></a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eW_oHSB6peQ/YFAHo9kCVZI/AAAAAAAALtI/R78Ie9nZ50A1LHR8p8TX4v6vnOf-_yhOACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/ma.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1978" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eW_oHSB6peQ/YFAHo9kCVZI/AAAAAAAALtI/R78Ie9nZ50A1LHR8p8TX4v6vnOf-_yhOACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/ma.jpg"/></a>Mahonia<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AJk0J7_Bhk/YFANVIy9N6I/AAAAAAAALtc/4ekVJv-KgKcZNygwPyq4nq-Yvrz1GdmmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1001/amar.jpg" ><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AJk0J7_Bhk/YFANVIy9N6I/AAAAAAAALtc/4ekVJv-KgKcZNygwPyq4nq-Yvrz1GdmmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/amar.jpg"/></a>Unknown amaryllis bulb picked up at a plant swap and planted in the ground last spring. Brought indoors in the fall, it surprised me by finally blooming now.<br />
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Find other garden bloggers' posts at <a href="https://caroljmichel.com/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-march-2021/">May Dream Gardens</a>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-20138305319181528392020-07-16T19:45:00.006-04:002020-07-17T10:44:53.255-04:00July Bloom Day<span style="color: #bbdd88;">Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #bbdd88;"><i>What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month</i></span><br />
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It's hot. Not setting records for highest temperature, but setting records for consecutive days above 90 degrees (32 C.) Even so, I have some bloomers that are so far enjoying the weather.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vW5KLx94fjI/XxDiABTs2zI/AAAAAAAALUU/JZvkcqi_dp4wYQtBy_mXHaTomOnshISxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lilyred.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vW5KLx94fjI/XxDiABTs2zI/AAAAAAAALUU/JZvkcqi_dp4wYQtBy_mXHaTomOnshISxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lilyred.jpg" width="640" height="578" data-original-width="990" data-original-height="894" /></a>This is 'Cherokee Star' daylily. It really is quite red. I would plant this in a more shady spot in the future because the hot sun fades out the colors. This one was photographed in the morning.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkuwbTxwl0I/XxDj1RJFQWI/AAAAAAAALUg/Y4sKjLlREb400fRb0XZS9Lqz2DEtmmBYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/yellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkuwbTxwl0I/XxDj1RJFQWI/AAAAAAAALUg/Y4sKjLlREb400fRb0XZS9Lqz2DEtmmBYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/yellow.jpg" width="640" height="628" data-original-width="1423" data-original-height="1397" /></a>The daylily cultivar is unknown. It's been in its home for decades, and only divided twice.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0S4XrMDIkHg/XxDkHWul-iI/AAAAAAAALUo/HUoF00TjjsQn-NNmXS0tpaF8ew0aeRhoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/daylily-orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0S4XrMDIkHg/XxDkHWul-iI/AAAAAAAALUo/HUoF00TjjsQn-NNmXS0tpaF8ew0aeRhoACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/daylily-orange.jpg" width="640" height="623" data-original-width="1410" data-original-height="1372" /></a>This is a double orange daylily. It proliferates in my neighborhood, so I guess someone passed it around. I have never seen it before moving here.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm77nbkY3fU/XxDkf26sbiI/AAAAAAAALUw/RsC8mYaduHM46oesq8wTi86L5KKtQ4aWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lavender.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm77nbkY3fU/XxDkf26sbiI/AAAAAAAALUw/RsC8mYaduHM46oesq8wTi86L5KKtQ4aWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lavender.jpg" width="640" height="522" data-original-width="1430" data-original-height="1167" /></a>'Phenomenal Lavender' was in the goodies that I received at the Washington DC Garden Bloggers Fling a few years ago. It really is phenomenal.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1MkHKDuAIk/XxDk4BCBTgI/AAAAAAAALU8/LTjXLZYPcX0L0JBM3no0-ASCA-e1lSVqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/echinops.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1MkHKDuAIk/XxDk4BCBTgI/AAAAAAAALU8/LTjXLZYPcX0L0JBM3no0-ASCA-e1lSVqACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/echinops.jpg" width="633" height="640" data-original-width="1391" data-original-height="1407" /></a>Echinops or globe thistle is a pollinator magnet. I hope to have more - it reseeds itself all over, but we must wait for its second year for any flowers to appear.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XugS5LTxgfY/XxDlLXz7RVI/AAAAAAAALVE/AmkkNAQXEKQ6Ckp-aRv0ZhLi7Vxfa3KEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/gooeneck.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XugS5LTxgfY/XxDlLXz7RVI/AAAAAAAALVE/AmkkNAQXEKQ6Ckp-aRv0ZhLi7Vxfa3KEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/gooeneck.jpg" width="640" height="566" data-original-width="1414" data-original-height="1251" /></a>Gooseneck loosestrife <em>Lysimachia</em> loves to spread. Gardener beware. You have been warned.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8CUdLwPGOo/XxDloS9inbI/AAAAAAAALVM/ZSkgEHtxd-0pVpQPiANkjs-SUvNm9GCcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/sundown.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8CUdLwPGOo/XxDloS9inbI/AAAAAAAALVM/ZSkgEHtxd-0pVpQPiANkjs-SUvNm9GCcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/sundown.jpg" width="640" height="512" data-original-width="1418" data-original-height="1134" /></a>This beauty coneflower 'Sundown' does not grow very well. It is weaker than the native, and colors don't hold up after time.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MC1NkMww8OQ/XxDmDTkeKxI/AAAAAAAALVY/lqh78-TmI6kQytWzd-ULnEe58ACZTeyXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/coneflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MC1NkMww8OQ/XxDmDTkeKxI/AAAAAAAALVY/lqh78-TmI6kQytWzd-ULnEe58ACZTeyXACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/coneflower.jpg" width="640" height="557" data-original-width="1420" data-original-height="1236" /></a>The original coneflower. Some colors are more intense-pink than others. I don't know why.<br />
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For other garden bloggers' bloom day photos, spring over to the blog <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com">May Dreams Gardens</a><br />
<br />
Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-78178255317502723782020-06-15T22:19:00.001-04:002020-06-15T22:27:50.725-04:00June 2020 Bloom Day<span style="color: #bbdd88;">Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #bbdd88;"><i>What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month</i></span><br />
<br />
There is a lot going on in the garden at this time of year. Most of these are perennials that have been featured in past years, but I will try to add a few comments and use closeups for this year's photos.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oa-s_7cBnt8/Xugk3Eye-pI/AAAAAAAALKY/Rm8VOvpo_q4eY-mJb3P-cse7jrBVyr9IACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/iris.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oa-s_7cBnt8/Xugk3Eye-pI/AAAAAAAALKY/Rm8VOvpo_q4eY-mJb3P-cse7jrBVyr9IACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/iris.jpg" width="640" height="621" data-original-width="990" data-original-height="960" /></a>After receiving them from a Master Gardener plant swap three years ago, these bloomed well for the first time this year. A little research turned up that they are 'beach-head iris", found along the eastern coastal areas. They do best in part shade here.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRZ0TjUI7n4/XugmJvTkgtI/AAAAAAAALKk/Vys8QFhbYPYWGai-XuFji7rMKf4ryoViwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRZ0TjUI7n4/XugmJvTkgtI/AAAAAAAALKk/Vys8QFhbYPYWGai-XuFji7rMKf4ryoViwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/hyd.jpg" width="640" height="559" data-original-width="1541" data-original-height="1345" /></a>Hydrangea 'Incrediball' is looking as good as ever, but just wait until the next heavy rain or wind. Half will be bowing to the ground.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59tb20GpbGo/Xugmn5hcU6I/AAAAAAAALKs/ujnupGOe6m8hXuIxAcJSdFR_jK9cDH1VgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cac.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59tb20GpbGo/Xugmn5hcU6I/AAAAAAAALKs/ujnupGOe6m8hXuIxAcJSdFR_jK9cDH1VgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cac.jpg" width="640" height="604" data-original-width="1541" data-original-height="1454" /></a>A type of Opuntia -- Prickly Pear Cactus.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ka1bc6MCmKI/Xugpa2k9g0I/AAAAAAAALLE/RF40EjmruyUHYjOs1r0q_Ueoe9JKSr9VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hosta.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ka1bc6MCmKI/Xugpa2k9g0I/AAAAAAAALLE/RF40EjmruyUHYjOs1r0q_Ueoe9JKSr9VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/hosta.jpg" width="640" height="562" data-original-width="990" data-original-height="870" /></a>Unknown hosta that seeded itself three years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPgdhx9DQ_k/XugnnvRkPLI/AAAAAAAALK4/09ATKVc0iLwiqrhHgpimUUCrQ2jp5crZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stjohns.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPgdhx9DQ_k/XugnnvRkPLI/AAAAAAAALK4/09ATKVc0iLwiqrhHgpimUUCrQ2jp5crZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/stjohns.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1532" data-original-height="1149" /></a>Closeup of St. John's Wort 'Brigadoon'. This cultivar has beautiful lime green leaves when they start out.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K3lye0O_jL8/XugrRYDzZVI/AAAAAAAALLQ/6U7OGI1vuG8b7qy0iFvJCo-pC6Km41EtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K3lye0O_jL8/XugrRYDzZVI/AAAAAAAALLQ/6U7OGI1vuG8b7qy0iFvJCo-pC6Km41EtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/day.jpg" width="640" height="469" data-original-width="990" data-original-height="725" /></a>Unknown daylily cultivar. This will bloom again off and on during the summer.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WxvM7DS_Q-I/XugrbeAmzwI/AAAAAAAALLU/kTxg8FM0MVI5JDNYWCEykjsdFLLtyHpxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cone.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WxvM7DS_Q-I/XugrbeAmzwI/AAAAAAAALLU/kTxg8FM0MVI5JDNYWCEykjsdFLLtyHpxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cone.jpg" width="640" height="496" data-original-width="990" data-original-height="768" /></a>Purple coneflowers have just started.<br />
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For other garden bloggers' bloom day photos, spring over to the blog <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com">May Dreams Gardens</a><br />
Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-20224730760434611252020-06-14T07:41:00.004-04:002020-06-14T11:30:50.843-04:00Daylily Experiment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qngHbO6Dh_M/XuYJF9pBnVI/AAAAAAAALJw/zjkXYdEzXaoEsy7WfU5O7xH8Au8-eHcPgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/newdaylily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qngHbO6Dh_M/XuYJF9pBnVI/AAAAAAAALJw/zjkXYdEzXaoEsy7WfU5O7xH8Au8-eHcPgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/newdaylily.JPG" width="350" data-original-width="627" data-original-height="678" /></a></div>A few years back I read that daylilies and bearded iris were easy to cross, so I decided to give them a try, with visions of creating the next hot cultivar. What possessed me to think that I could outdo professional plant breeders who spend their lifetime developing new crosses, I will never know. <br />
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Still, it was a learning experience and it was fun to see the results. The bearded iris were a little difficult to figure out where the pollen goes to pollinate them. A few trips to Google and the internet and I was on my way. The process is not very obvious, involving lifting up a small flap in the flower, akin to lifting up a women's skirt to get the pollen into pollinate the stigma. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyFi5gQuXiY/XuYLDWtmJoI/AAAAAAAALKI/DUGkPnzKslYzgCnBklWwq6buUxwZEqCrACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/daylily2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyFi5gQuXiY/XuYLDWtmJoI/AAAAAAAALKI/DUGkPnzKslYzgCnBklWwq6buUxwZEqCrACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/daylily2.jpg" width="275" data-original-width="1283" data-original-height="1132" /></a></div>Daylily crossbreeding is much more obvious. The anthers with the pollen are out front and center, and the stigma where the pollen goes is in the center of the flower. I learned that there are diploid and tetraploid daylilies (number of chromosomes), and the two will not cross. Not knowing which plants I had in my 6 daylily varieties (I think I can tell the difference now based on common characteristics), I crossed everything and anything. <br />
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The first of 7 resulting plants bloomed this year. The others will need to grow up a bit more until they flower -- maybe next year. I am certain the parents of this one are the common orange ditch lily and 'Night to Passion,' based on the color. The first bloom came out a week ago, and was striped - I think the colors got bleached out in the strong full sun and the camera emphasized that. Daylily colors tend to do that. The later blooms were something I rather like. The flower form was nice, and the color was deep a rusty orange. It's a keeper in my book.<br />
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Now I need to give it a cultivar name.<br />
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td><br />
<font color="#bbdd88">For The Record:</font><i><br />
• Moderately clay soil<br />
• Well-drained soil at top of sloping bed<br />
• Full sun<br />
• Very little fertilizer<br />
• No serious pests/disease</i></td></tr>
</table>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-76390447647327835932020-06-01T21:33:00.004-04:002020-06-02T11:56:48.018-04:00Head Start<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqx1_sjOQsk/XtWrT2tHhlI/AAAAAAAALDk/RKDCehvlPFEY6DtWnzoy9hs6dTKwrB9sgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/intense.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqx1_sjOQsk/XtWrT2tHhlI/AAAAAAAALDk/RKDCehvlPFEY6DtWnzoy9hs6dTKwrB9sgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/intense.JPG" width="360" data-original-width="990" data-original-height="1003" /></a>The lime green nicoitana <i>(nicotiana alata)</i> is one of those self-seeders that reliably comes back year after year with no help from me. This year, however, it joins a handful of others in my Zone 7b garden that never went away. Tucked on the south side of the ivy-coverd fence, these plants survived our mild winter. As a result, the seeds from last year in the main garden bed are forming silver-dollar sized rosettes while these are blooming. Welcome to head start 2020.<br />
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As the sun was going down tonight, I grabbed my camera to snap a few images since these only open during the late afternoon and evening, closing up at morning. Also, sun going down = more saturated colors the camera sees. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMQPYCH_SSE/XtWpkCFDsAI/AAAAAAAALDQ/44pKYwaad4AwUaGGTLKoa5RYRHP5d1sdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100970943_3264620573600971_2553964908400218790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMQPYCH_SSE/XtWpkCFDsAI/AAAAAAAALDQ/44pKYwaad4AwUaGGTLKoa5RYRHP5d1sdACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/100970943_3264620573600971_2553964908400218790_n.jpg" width="390" data-original-width="990" data-original-height="640" /></a>First to bloom means first to poop out too. Now at their height, I expect them to begin flopping over, forming seed heads, and reducing blooms. The white nicotiana that survived the winter in the backyard garden are also at peak bloom. In the past I have tried deadheading, but the plant seems to just stop growing.<br />
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I keep the whites in the back and the greens in the front to keep the colors from mixing in future generations. The have done that in the past, although I do not believe the pollinators are fond of this plant.<br />
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I also had a few other other holdovers from the mild winter besides the snapdragon and nicotiana -- spider plant, canna, and cabbage. I can explore them in a later post.<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="color: #bbdd88;">For The Record:</span><i><br />
Rich fertile wellp-draioned soil<br />
Full sun, front garden<br />
No fertilizer - natural leaf mulch during winter<br />
No serious pests/disease<br />
</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-22865614688991503542020-05-15T22:32:00.010-04:002020-05-15T22:45:01.753-04:00May 2020 Bloom Day<span style="color: #bbdd88;">Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #bbdd88;"><i>What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month</i></span><br />
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Not too much variety in the garden at this date, but lots of iris. A nip of cold
weather showed up earier this week, and then bam! 85 degrees (30 degrees C)
today.<div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCZ_VUJAh80/Xr9JAT-EcxI/AAAAAAAAK-4/iGb0l-4457Qz7r_yz7JORsCoAxH1-kMTwCK4BGAsYHg/sibiris.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="641" height="552" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCZ_VUJAh80/Xr9JAT-EcxI/AAAAAAAAK-4/iGb0l-4457Qz7r_yz7JORsCoAxH1-kMTwCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h552/sibiris.jpg" width="640" /></a>Siberian Iris seems to multiply more and more each year. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GBr9IoGTCY/Xr9NM1zrd6I/AAAAAAAAK_Y/gIgXv1cbJEsgLnISiaKoWOswH9ErU-a3ACK4BGAsYHg/fantsland.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GBr9IoGTCY/Xr9NM1zrd6I/AAAAAAAAK_Y/gIgXv1cbJEsgLnISiaKoWOswH9ErU-a3ACK4BGAsYHg/w476-h640/fantsland.jpg" width="476" /></a>
Unknown bearded iris but believe it may be 'Fantasyland'.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1vDKsV8mBc/Xr9N25LzweI/AAAAAAAAK_s/njVbCavktBAgaexc0he3j0jmjcjQ3dTGwCK4BGAsYHg/whitenic.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1vDKsV8mBc/Xr9N25LzweI/AAAAAAAAK_s/njVbCavktBAgaexc0he3j0jmjcjQ3dTGwCK4BGAsYHg/w564-h640/whitenic.jpg" width="564" /></a>
White nicotiana comes back every year from self-seeding.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f4vuj6KsA8/Xr9OQpDtQyI/AAAAAAAALAE/gJIux78v3swOgO4TiKmtjtCo557NShQxACK4BGAsYHg/geranium.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="990" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f4vuj6KsA8/Xr9OQpDtQyI/AAAAAAAALAE/gJIux78v3swOgO4TiKmtjtCo557NShQxACK4BGAsYHg/w640-h426/geranium.jpg" width="640" /></a><i>Geranium sanguineum</i> makes a nice ground cover. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrpDcSfPOPQ/Xr9PBUCHTfI/AAAAAAAALAg/hNDq1OSvIAgJBUAJNNGC8zq6uKpfTj6SQCK4BGAsYHg/kalmia.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="990" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrpDcSfPOPQ/Xr9PBUCHTfI/AAAAAAAALAg/hNDq1OSvIAgJBUAJNNGC8zq6uKpfTj6SQCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h438/kalmia.jpg" width="640" /></a><i>Kalmia latifolia</i> 'Sarah' was listed as the 'reddest of the reds' mountain laurel in the catalog.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziZGFWNazUM/Xr9RfTwbOCI/AAAAAAAALBc/QmssmWreHLMWSaNvREOtOYNt4PehguM_QCK4BGAsYHg/clar.jpg" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="990" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziZGFWNazUM/Xr9RfTwbOCI/AAAAAAAALBc/QmssmWreHLMWSaNvREOtOYNt4PehguM_QCK4BGAsYHg/w520-h640/clar.jpg" width="520" /></a>One of my favorite iris, 'Clarence'.
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<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-wHgLGuJeY/Xr9PrqZK2JI/AAAAAAAALA8/52FrDHFeLWAGL60j5st245C1YOrq-HXogCK4BGAsYHg/iris.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="879" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-wHgLGuJeY/Xr9PrqZK2JI/AAAAAAAALA8/52FrDHFeLWAGL60j5st245C1YOrq-HXogCK4BGAsYHg/w486-h640/iris.jpg" width="486" /></a>Finally, another result of my bearded iris cross-breeding [posted <a href="http://leafychronicles.blogspot.com/2019/05/iris-experiment-disappointment.html">2019.05.14</a>] that bloomed for the first time this year. A cross between the Fantasyland and Frank Adams. When the sun hits it, the golden yellow in the base of the petals light up the bright yellow fuzz.<br />
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For other garden bloggers' bloom day photos, spring over to the blog
<a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com">May Dreams Gardens</a><br />
</div></div>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-51040795443961830422020-05-07T22:48:00.001-04:002020-05-08T11:24:56.210-04:00Holdover From Last Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqNhY8I8ej4/XrTHpJ_dQdI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/v8Fj9aX6aokP-HgttmRgIL8qTGSu1VJHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/snap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqNhY8I8ej4/XrTHpJ_dQdI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/v8Fj9aX6aokP-HgttmRgIL8qTGSu1VJHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/snap.jpg" width="333" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1326" target="_blank"/></a></div>Three years ago, I bought a cheap packet of mixed snapdragon seeds. I started them indoors, planted outdoors in the spring, and had some so-so snapdragons during the growing season. I was not floored by the size of the plants or the colors, but let them grow. The following year, a bunch of them came back growing again - they self-seeded a dozen new plants from the previous year's deadheading. <br />
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Then last year, the same thing happened, but the colors were quite different. There were more yellows and whites. One snapdragon in particular was an incredible color - a soft yellow tinged with salmon pink on the newer buds. [posted <a href="https://leafychronicles.blogspot.com/2019/06/june-2019-bloom-day.html">2019.06.15</a>]<br />
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This year, in addition to the reseeded plants beginning to sprout again, two plants actually survived our mild winter. The surviving snapdragons are not seedlings but reinvigorated plants from last year. They got a really big head start over the seedlings in the bed and are looking like full mature snapdragons.<br />
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This is my deep crimson snapdragon blooming now - a color never seen. I suspect one of the plants that sprouted last year never bloomed, but saved up enough to push out a spike this year. You can see a little of the yellow-salmon peeking out from behind - not very upright.<br />
Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-72798496938257538922020-04-15T20:29:00.002-04:002020-04-15T21:32:04.308-04:00April 2020 Bloom Day<span style="color: #bbdd88;">Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #bbdd88;"><i>What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month</i></span><br />
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I didn't think there was much blooming for this month's post, but I looked for blooms in the gardens... and I found some!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sncPvudrEw/Xpeb8BzVVZI/AAAAAAAAK7Y/AjMrr8M502s7tdXIR4T_PvgPnax9TXthwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/daffodil.jpg" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sncPvudrEw/Xpeb8BzVVZI/AAAAAAAAK7Y/AjMrr8M502s7tdXIR4T_PvgPnax9TXthwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/daffodil.jpg" width="533" height="640" data-original-width="825" data-original-height="990" /></a>The last of the poeticus daffodils are blooming.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvWi0DuDXDk/XpecdNb-FsI/AAAAAAAAK7g/OFCvb4oJluoBwE9vO7opw3Zv28RGYBw3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pieris.jpg" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvWi0DuDXDk/XpecdNb-FsI/AAAAAAAAK7g/OFCvb4oJluoBwE9vO7opw3Zv28RGYBw3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/pieris.jpg" width="609" height="640" data-original-width="950" data-original-height="999" /></a>Pieris japonica is blooming.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iimtThDfaH4/XpedXX4oPVI/AAAAAAAAK7s/yeFWPcL2w5Ihe95jrbfAvM7JZbUq8YUrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/azalea.jpg" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iimtThDfaH4/XpedXX4oPVI/AAAAAAAAK7s/yeFWPcL2w5Ihe95jrbfAvM7JZbUq8YUrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/azalea.jpg" width="640" height="513" data-original-width="990" data-original-height="794" /></a>Azalea <i>Snow</i> was part of the original landscape over 25 years ago. Yup -- this is a dwarf azalea.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0IzUTE-Fl8/XpeeWdil5QI/AAAAAAAAK70/Exmjz4Xi1zQH0HDSu7qnoZBMsvKLgxzDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ajuga.jpg" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0IzUTE-Fl8/XpeeWdil5QI/AAAAAAAAK70/Exmjz4Xi1zQH0HDSu7qnoZBMsvKLgxzDACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/ajuga.jpg" width="640" height="584" data-original-width="990" data-original-height="904" /></a>Ajuga looks amazing at this time of year when all the plants push out blue blooms.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUN5fGKt88o/XpekLou5iXI/AAAAAAAAK8A/rtTsG85W9YEruV8ymSN_xllZhwqzA423ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/solomons.jpg" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUN5fGKt88o/XpekLou5iXI/AAAAAAAAK8A/rtTsG85W9YEruV8ymSN_xllZhwqzA423ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/solomons.jpg" width="457" height="640" data-original-width="950" data-original-height="1330" target="_blank"/></a>I just noticed the Polygonatum (Solomon's Seal) is beginning to bloom.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_OjczWHdw8/XpemFwSVYiI/AAAAAAAAK8M/UqOMWhq8aP4HfbluIOubZXbavOi1fPEuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/virburnum.jpg" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_OjczWHdw8/XpemFwSVYiI/AAAAAAAAK8M/UqOMWhq8aP4HfbluIOubZXbavOi1fPEuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/virburnum.jpg" width="640" height="527" data-original-width="950" data-original-height="782" /></a>Virburnum plicatum closeup. I wish it was fragrant.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VeEujbHedlM/Xpemjhn4BuI/AAAAAAAAK8U/NtagV7Dd5yog1xQsMQQQutzNQoOR1VaTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/dogwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VeEujbHedlM/Xpemjhn4BuI/AAAAAAAAK8U/NtagV7Dd5yog1xQsMQQQutzNQoOR1VaTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/dogwood.jpg" width="640" height="360" data-original-width="950" data-original-height="535" /></a>Dogwood<br />
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For other garden bloggers' bloom day photos, spring over to the blog <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/">May Dreams Gardens</a>.<br />
Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-13160267490296395622020-04-11T10:44:00.001-04:002020-04-11T10:47:21.782-04:00The Best Are Free <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZwF9_wOTJU/XpEjE24vXGI/AAAAAAAAK6Q/jRaKJIXUVe0urrdWLvfK32gcx6QXePjlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Golden%2BDawn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZwF9_wOTJU/XpEjE24vXGI/AAAAAAAAK6Q/jRaKJIXUVe0urrdWLvfK32gcx6QXePjlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Golden%2BDawn.JPG" width="324" height="400" data-original-width="730" data-original-height="902" target="_blank"/></a></div>The yellow daffodils here are another freebie. And as an added benefit, they multiply like rabbits, holding up well to our variations in spring weather. 'Golden Dawn' are similar to the poet daffodils with their small flower size, multi-bloom stems, small cups, and sweet fragrance. The timing is also similar -- late in the daffodil season.<br />
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The green & white daffodils, another free one from last year, only put up leaves this year. I didn't like where I planted them, so moved them very shortly after they finished blooming last spring -- before they had the chance to develop a bulb for this year. <br />
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The tulips are amazing. Their smallish flower with a traditional pointed petal tulip shape has the most incredible deep blood red color against the blue-green leaves. I describe them as a saturated red with just a hint of carmine or magenta. They all came back this year - a feat for tulips in my climate. I wish I knew the name to get more.<br />
<table cellspacing="0 cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6CP8iLRTVA/XpElfJhuvvI/AAAAAAAAK6c/9ZGQ9aP3ogIjHr6MJgv9PpaPyGGWPOc4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6CP8iLRTVA/XpElfJhuvvI/AAAAAAAAK6c/9ZGQ9aP3ogIjHr6MJgv9PpaPyGGWPOc4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/overall.jpg" height="450" data-original-width="524" data-original-height="800" /></a></td><td width="10"> </td><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npbZjJOZd2w/XpHXbvrJaTI/AAAAAAAAK6w/xj4qYRfZwTMoCVpichPfJST4k33bh_63QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npbZjJOZd2w/XpHXbvrJaTI/AAAAAAAAK6w/xj4qYRfZwTMoCVpichPfJST4k33bh_63QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/tulips.jpg" height="450" data-original-width="657" data-original-height="900" target="_blank"/></a></td></tr>
</table>Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127455457043616458.post-42567922851371404342020-04-04T22:53:00.000-04:002020-04-05T07:34:13.867-04:00Sweet Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A8c1m9wMBw/XolG-r6p2qI/AAAAAAAAK5o/ccHMO0ftC5Ek_k6csgmGdamwRbodcv0sQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A8c1m9wMBw/XolG-r6p2qI/AAAAAAAAK5o/ccHMO0ftC5Ek_k6csgmGdamwRbodcv0sQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_1157.JPG" width="320" data-original-width="614" data-original-height="835" /></a></div>The landscape architects gifted me a few of their extra daffodil bulbs last fall. They were labeled <em>Sweet Love</em> and <em>Bridal Crown</em> on the hand written sticky notes, but I did not keep track of which was which. Fast forward to today when the mid-season and late season daffodils are blooming in the front garden.<br />
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I know the newcomers there, so began reading up on them to learn the true identity of each. I quickly realized that <em>Bridal Crown</em> was an imposter. This was not the cultivar, but another mid-season daffodil instead. I have written to ask if my friends know its true identity.<br />
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The full size single trumpet bloom starts out with a striking orange fringe at the rim of its white cup which eventually turns a shade of peach. This reminds me of <em>Solome</em>, a white daffodil that starts out with an orange-yellow cup that eventually fades to a pink. I planted my mystery daffodil bulbs too far apart to make any meaningful statement in the front garden, but I hope with the luck of some good spring weather and fertilizer, they will multiply for next year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIwX-HBbz8A/XolE1w06TsI/AAAAAAAAK5Y/3-KVRcDikyYdCO06FGJJo-KThg-Z0plRQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DAFF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-top: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIwX-HBbz8A/XolE1w06TsI/AAAAAAAAK5Y/3-KVRcDikyYdCO06FGJJo-KThg-Z0plRQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/DAFF.JPG" width="369" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="996" /></a></div><em>Sweet Love</em> is a multi-stemmed delight. A soft yellow tints its small cup and creamy white petals. The blossoms are lightly fragrant, like my other multi-bloom stem narcissus. These daffodil blossoms, also like the others, are small in size with about 7 or 8 flowers on several stems. At just the right angle, they look like a soft creamy cloud hovering just above the ground.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAbwrKVsdkacxskURnNvos34M61OQ0b8zb7wC5mpL8OYg4k5imfNRBQf1bUHXaev25pZqxTfNXRdp8DsHH7l9byC5Q_gogV-gXyC5rziz5b-2io-BqgwfOGP1_tLA_XdM2MoCadjSskQ/s1600/IMG_1163.JPG" imageanchor="1" target="_blank" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAbwrKVsdkacxskURnNvos34M61OQ0b8zb7wC5mpL8OYg4k5imfNRBQf1bUHXaev25pZqxTfNXRdp8DsHH7l9byC5Q_gogV-gXyC5rziz5b-2io-BqgwfOGP1_tLA_XdM2MoCadjSskQ/s320/IMG_1163.JPG" width="231" height="320" data-original-width="575" data-original-height="797" vspace="8" /></a><br />
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Swimrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02928919593044289369noreply@blogger.com2