Monday, July 19, 2010

Manic Monday

This morning was a typical beginning to a hot summer's day. I got out early to pull weeds out front and lowandbehold I found the small crepe myrtle bush blooming. I was wondering what kind of bush it was. I had forgotten that I had it. I almost pulled it out early this spring. I am glad I didn't. A friend of mine gave me a couple of starts. I put one out front and one in back. This is the sole survivor.
I was so pleasantly surprised. I am probably the only person you know that could forget about a bush being planted.  I have had an Almond bush in this spot before. It didn't survive. I guess I just didn't expect much.
I have never had luck with crepe myrtles before. Looking at these blooms up close makes me appreciate it even more. So delicate. Almost like tissue paper. That lovely yellow center really pops.
I stayed out until it heated up then headed in to clean up and cool off. Unfortunately the day took a turn for the worse in the garden. A terrible thunder storm with high winds swept through. It doused the garden with a shot of water. It turned the daturas inside out. Quite a feat since they are so tough.
The worst part is that it broke a big limb off of the apple tree. The little family of House wrens had quite the ride no doubt. Their little abode was askew. They must have survived alright because I saw one of the parents taking a fecal sack out of the nest.
I know what I will be doing tomorrow. We will have to get that limb up off the plants all the while trying not to disturb the wrens too much.

Luna won't be able to make her usual rounds until we get the limb off the pathway. We are lucky though since it didn't damage the fence.  I hope you all are safe and sound after all the storms running across country.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day - July 2010

Here it is the 15th of July and it is time to make an assessment of what is blooming here at Greenbow. Carol has us keeping track of our gardens in this way. A great way to compare years and blooms.
I am happy to note a new clematis I planted this summer is blooming despite the heat and droughty conditions.  It is Viticella Venosa Violacea. The flowers aren't as big as they will be when it gets established but I like that it seems to be a tough clematis and will take hold where I want it to grow up one of the arches.

The datura is blooming at night now.  It seems that many things are drying up sooner than they normally would have. They have been blooming for some time now.
The Susan's never fail to bloom. They appear a little ahead of schedule this year. I still have some bubble gum pink mondara blooming. After seeing the posts of monarda with those big lilies coming up through them I know what I am going to plant where as soon as I can get a hold of some of those lilies.
I hope you all have your list up so we can see what is blooming in your garden.
Other plants blooming here are: Tall garden phlox, Cranesbill, hosta, gooseneck loosestrife, annuals.
Happy Garden Bloggers Bloom Day to you all.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Bon Voyage

I want to wish everyone going to the Garden Bloggers Buffalo 10 gathering a great time. Several have asked if I was going this year. NO, I am unable to attend. I will be here at Greenbow anxiously awaiting all the posts that will take me there vicariously.
I want to encourage everyone that goes to take copious notes and photos so I can ooo and ahhhh over all the gorgeous gardens that you will see. I want to see all the participants too. Again, have a great time.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Blue Potatoes

Yes, you read the title right. BLUE potatoes. I went to the Farmers Market today. I saw these blue potatoes. I just had to try them. I had some fresh green beans so I peeled the potatoes and threw them into a pot with the green beans. I don't think I would have had to peel the potatoes because their skins were so thin but I don't really like potato skins so I did peel them.

I also threw in a vidalia onion.
Oh my gosh. They are wonderful tasting. They keep their color when cooked. It was really a tastey potato. It has a different texture. A mildly nutty flavor. I will be going back for more. If you would like something different to grow in your potato patch you should try these.
I hope everyone has a great 4th of July.

New Blogger, Old Blogger

     All I can say it is difficult to deal with change. This new Blogger format is not as user friendly in my opinion. I guess I will get us...