Garden Muse

SAGBUTT Reunited and on tour!

2011-08-22T00:58:00.000-07:00

Oh happy day when you have the opportunity to gather with a fabulous bunch of gardeners eager to share stories and make new ones. After a months long hiatus, SAGBUTT (Seattle Area Garden Bloggers United to Talk) met at my home to catch up with familiar faces and meet a couple new ones! And thanks to Kit at Gardener's Roost, we had the added joy of visiting the gardens of some NHS board members, including the zany Ciscoe Morris, who entertains and informs with much loved theatrics.

As expected, his garden was packed with vibrant, eye-catching foliage and flowers. Plenty of eye candy to make this gardener think "oh la la!"

Much to my delight, there were several Oakleaf Hydrangea tucked throughout Ciscoe's garden.

The man himself, sharing garden wisdom with SAGBUTT members.

On hand for good food and great fun was Kit, Paula at Petunia's Garden, Catherine of A Gardener in Progress, Alison over at Bonney Lassie, Molly of Life on Tiger Mountain, Julia of Polka Dot Galoshes and Yvonne. Not a bad showing for getting the gang back together on a whim. And it wasn't just all play, we got down to business and roughed out a gathering "schedule" to take us into December 2012. Next month is a tour of Seattle area P-patches, and in October we' ll visit Soos Creek Botanical Garden in Auburn followed by Volunteer Park Conservatory in November. If you don't want to miss out, be sure to join our group on Facebook for more details on gatherings and impromptu meetups.

The only things thriving in my garden ...

2011-08-21T02:09:00.000-07:00

Yup, children. The children and the chickens are the only things thriving in my garden this year. The rest is overgrown, under watered or just plain dead. So of course I'm a bit nervous about hosting a handful of local garden bloggers in, oh, 10 hours. But it will be good to talk about gardening and find out what everyone else is doing in their gardens.
So far this is who says they're coming: Paula at Petunia's Garden, Catherine of A Gardener in Progress, Alison over at Bonney Lassie, Molly of Life on Tiger Mountain, Kit from Gardener's Roost, plus Yvonne and Julia.

It will be good to catch up and compare garden notes, or lack thereof. I have to say the handful of times I've gathered with this group, SAGBUTT for those unfamiliar, I've always had a fabulous time and came away inspired and rejuvenated. It's a wonderful thing to meet up with great people and fun gardeners! Over a couple years, the group has met at Molly's home, as well as Daniel's farm, the Center for Urban Horticulture, and Washington Park Arboretum. And this time around, Kit has graciously invited the group to tour some gardens associated with the Northwest Horticultural Society, so the day will just keep getting better.

Growing a Gardener

2011-08-03T10:34:00.001-07:00

Big Brother picked carrots the other day, then washed AND peeled them while I was still outside.

It's moments like these that I cherish our garden even more. It not only provides us with wonderful food but offers such an array of teaching tools and moments, often without us even trying.

Spring Fling - Just Pictures

2011-07-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

Day 2 of the Garden Bloggers' Fling in Seattle had me realizing what a wonderful treat it has been to be invited to tour private gardens I have only ever seen in magazines. Each garden is unique and beautiful in it's own way, and all provide a visual feast that I happily gobbled up. And now I'm pooped. and have only the energy to share just a smattering of what today's first garden offered.

Variegated Hellebore

This garden by Michelle and Christopher Epping was gorgeous and just plain delightful to meander through, discovering its many treasures.

This inspires me to incorporate more statues in my garden.

The lovely Jayme Jenkins of aHa! Modern Living gets caught in my attempt at photographing a territorial hummingbird among the Crocosmia. Do you see it?

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisema)

Striking color combination

A view of the garden from above

It's a Fling Thing!

2011-07-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

A place to rest among the trees

The Garden Bloggers Fling kicked off in Seattle with beautiful weather and breathtaking gardens as garden bloggers from around the country, (as well as Canada and England!), converged on the Emerald City. After visiting two private gardens and Dunn Gardens, then a rendezvous at Ravenna Gardens I am in much need of some rest. But alas, a quick update is a must!

Hours could be spent wandering the garden of Jim and Suzette Birrell. There are delightful surprises tucked in, under and behind all corners of this lovely space that features a wonderful mix of edible and ornamental. Most of my time was spent furiously snapping photos with my mouth agape, in awe at the size of many plants. When asked how she does it, Suzette replies "Compost! Compost! Compost!"

Coneflower

Blueberry bushes the size of VW Bugs

Lovely contrast with garden art

Crocosmia

A sink top overflowing shade lovers, including Japanese Painted Fern

Good times were had by all. Many more expected before this Fling is finished!

Thanks for a wonderful first day!! More to come ...

Ho Hum .. Oh hey!

2011-06-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness Mother Nature has more stamina than I because my garden would be a barren waste land if it wasn't for her. Both time and energy have been elusive creatures since having baby brother LAST YEAR! Yup, it's almost a year since his arrival and I've done zilch in the garden. Actually longer when counting the last few months plus the extra weeks he decided to hang out ... But I digress.
Alas, I'm happy that anything is happening in the garden despite my inattention. I have to say some plants look the best they have in years, which is a sign that I maybe was loving them too much. This Honeysuckle vine is fairing quite well after being left alone for once.

Poppies are one of my go-to plants in the front yard. These lovely perennials give the garden a burst of color throughout the summer. They aren't garden thugs that can take over an area, and despite what I've read I've had luck transplanting new starts.

Astilbe continues to thrive in the back garden along the house. Notice the new color on the ol' homestead? Yup, I went with read rather than sticking to the typical PNW pallet of greens, blues or tans. I enjoy how the plants pop against this backdrop and it will be a warm welcoming site in our many months of drizzle.

The front garden really took off just in the last two weeks. Despite the patchwork of quack grass, I'm enjoying how the daisies, Lupine and Heuchera have filled in around my Weeping Cherry.

Finally! A real Peony bloom. 'Nuf said!!

We meet again ...

2010-11-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

Months have passed since I last wrote, and it seems even longer since I've been in the garden. Luscious hues of butter cream and deep red have given way to fall's crackling oranges and fading yellows. Now more than ever I yearn to be in the garden, but demands of a growing family often win out.

Echinacea 'Big Sky' is still a hot spot in our backyard garden. Many of the blooms have been pinched by Big Brother and brought to Mama with a boisterous rendition of "Happy Birthday."

My photo portfolio is sadly lacking shots of the garden, so I thought I'd share a pic of one of our hens, Foo Foo. She's a 7-month-old Wyandotte who until the last couple weeks had been treating us to an egg a day. Shorter days are surely the culprit for her egg laying reduction, although I can't but wonder if she misses Beaker, our rooster we sent to live with Molly from Life on Tiger Mountain.

Blooms and Muppets

2010-04-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

I've been quite preoccupied with the addition of our flock, but thought I'd share a bit of what's going on in the back garden. I'm fully aware that much of what is currently blooming will need to be protected from the bulldozing activities of the "Muppets" once they're allowed to free range in the backyard. So until then, I'd best enjoy it!

Tulipa 'Flair' was the first to spring up this year and has already been opening during the day to show off its artsy inside. However on these cloudy days it pretty much stays tightly wrapped.

'Fringed Elegance' tulips are making their appearance, although they've yet to open. Looking back through my archives, I can't find a photo of these in full bloom. Hard to believe I would have ignored that, but not entirely impossible.

Unknown tulip that has been in a pot nearly as long as we've been in this house. I always mean to plant it in the garden somewhere but find it easier just to move the pot around where I need a bit more spring color.

Bleeding Hearts still blooming strong. I really want to add the native variety to the woodland garden. But with the new chickens and plans to add the coop in a portion of that space, I'm rethinking the area's design.

White Anemone slowly opening.

And now to introduce the "Muppets." As I had dubbed one chick Miss Piggy, my husband thought we should go with the theme.

Miss Piggy. Our lone Barred Plymouth Rock. I fell in love with the coloring of these chickens, the black and white striping. In my research I've learned they're one of the first, true American breeds, originating in New England. Hens can reach about 6 pounds to 7 pounds, and lay roughly 200 eggs in the first year. They're considered a very curious bird, which I'm already seeing signs. Miss Piggy is the first to bounce up when someone walks near. Rather nosy girl.

Beaker is the littlest of the trio. A Silkie bantam, she'll likely only grow to 3 pounds. While I first thought she was the shyest of the flock, she seems to have settled in and happily pecks at anything in her path. We cover a portion of the brooder for added warmth and it's funny to watch her beat the side trying to explore the towel.

Honeydew is our other Silkie who is proving to be the most elusive. She really objects to being picked up, as you can see in this photo. She was really giving me the what for until I returned her to her friends. Silkies can go broody, preferring to sit on eggs or anything like that as part of a deep seeded mothering instinct. They lay about 100 eggs in the first year, but are sometimes used to care for the eggs of other breeds.

It's a chick thing!

2010-04-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

White Silkie

After almost two years I finally have my chickens. I first started hinting that they'd be a nice addition to our little urban garden after doing a story in 2008 on "City Chickens." My husband was firmly against it since we weren't a year into parenthood and had two dogs and two cats. Soooo, I was resigned to oooo and ahhhh over others' poultry prizes. Then just last week as I again mentioned another chick adoption, he suddenly gave in. It's likely because our little guy is almost three now so less hands on work, and dad has his own beer brewing hobby now, but I'll take them any way I can get them!

The little guy, like his mom, is very excited about the latest additions to the household. He quite enjoyed setting up their new temporary home and playing "mama baby chicken."

He wasn't quite ready to hold them in his hand but was more than happy to have one on his lap. He first cozied up with the Barred Plymouth Rock. I've unofficially dubbed her 'Miss Piggy' because if anyone else is eating, so must she!

So happy with his new babies.

Miss Piggy came in for her close up. She's a little scowly thing, don't you think?

Our so far bashful black Silkie. The smallest of the trio, but holding her own.

A quick, much supervised intro to the pups. So far they showed no real interest, but they won't be on our list of babysitters ... ever! They're good boys, but there was an incident with a baby crow I would rather not repeat.
So not a bad way to start out April. I hope to share more information on these particular breeds, and update on their progress and all it involves, as well as a bit of gardening!

I can just picture it

2010-03-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to plan, plant and dream of all the garden will hold in coming months. Anticipation builds as you think about plucking the first pea pod off the vine or tugging a sweet carrot from the earth. I have to wait longer for those treats since I did zilch for winter gardening, but I can just picture how the vegetable garden will look later this year. The picture got a bit clearer today after a couple hours cleaning out the little bed and planting a handful of vegetables.

Now, I do have a few things that overwintered. Unfortunately I've lost the tag for this plant and don't recall what it's called. I was thinking kohl rabi. Any guesses or expert identification?

Here's the current winter view as you round the house to the south. In the foreground is our outdoor feline TJ, a skittish but lovey fellow who keeps both me and the neighbors company while we garden. Note the nearby coffee bags which are hopefully keeping down weeds in an area I want to use for squash. I'll try going vertical, building a sturdy trellis for the vines to climb. I plan to plant Jerusalem Artichoke around that hideous green compost bin. They'll be a first for me and hide the unsightly beast.

On to the veggie bed, which is nothing fancy but serves its purpose. It felt good to get out there today for a little late winter cleaning so I could finally get some planting done. In this half I've tucked peas I bought from the nursery. I have plenty of seeds but just couldn't help myself from grabbing a pack of sprouts. I also planted Chard 'Bright Lights' and radishes 'Champion.' Later when temperatures increase a bit more I'll put in Lemon Cucumber and Bush Beans, along with Zinnia 'Envy.'

Here I've put Lettuce 'Gourmet Blend,' carrots, beets, spinach, arugula, and 'Walla Walla' onions. I also tucked Sweet Peas in the corner where they can clamber up the fence.

Onions overwintered after scoring them at a SAGBUTT gathering last year.

From a distance ...

2010-03-11T16:42:00.000-08:00

Oh my how the weather has turned on us! The winter chill lingered well into the morning and a dreary drizzle has yet to do anything less or more. It's days like these when I wish I had more of a stockpile of bright sunny photos to share. Alas, I took a lazy way out today and shot photos from my front window. And behold, there are some plants out there providing a bit of spark beneath these gray skies!

A glimpse of what I believe to be a Flowering Pear tree, captured between the fork of our apple tree. I'm not sure about the "pear" and am only going on details given to me by an arborist. Regardless, it's one of two lovely trees we have in our parking strip. It seems it's only just coming into full bloom and already is dropping its petals in cascading drifts. Soon it will be nothing but leaves to provide us with some much appreciated shade during the summer months.

A pale Daffodil has opened in the front yard, with several more ready to follow. These sprung up later than the more traditional sunshine yellow variety but are already well ahead in their bloom. They'll soon fade and eventually be replaced by the Iris in the foreground, along with some nearby Daisies. All of these encircle a very small Red Elderberry I planted last year.

Another bright spot, although somewhat tattered, are the primroses that never really disappeared during our rather mild winter. I've realized these are little troopers in the garden that just keep giving as long as you continue cutting back the spent foliage and flowers.

The apple is so close to budding out. I don't recall, is it too late to have this pruned? There are seemingly hundreds of suckers reaching for the sky. I hate to have to leave them and risk another bad "crop" or inviting those pesky tent caterpillars!

Weeping flowering cherry. This is the first tree we planted at our home and it has continued to please season after season. Its coppery bark peels off during the winter, then it puts on a lovely display of pink blooms come spring, reminding me of a girlie Cousin It.

Hmmm, a Forsythia planted last year and that I'm not sure is going to make it. We'll see how it makes the spring and summer months. I'm sure it will need some more supplemental watering. I do hope it survives as I love the bright glow these tree/shrubs provide in the dark of winter.

Mexican Feather Grass catching the wind on this blustery day. I'll need to get out there soon and give it a good combing with a rake. I learned these are one grass that don't always respond well to hair cut. This is also what has volunteered nearby in the crushed gravel path. I kind of like it but believe the husband wants to keep it clear. So anyone interested just let me know. I've already promised some "babies" to Catherine at A Gardener in Progress, but there should be plenty more.

Sedum 'Angelina' filling a pot on our front steps. This low growing ground cover is bright and durable. You can practically pluck a piece and toss it on the ground, only to see it established and happily growing weeks later. I've added it in some of the corners around our deck and between the pavers. I figure even if the dogs shred it, it will still come back!

Surprises around any corner

2010-03-10T09:25:00.000-08:00

I had been regretting not getting any veggie seeds started until winter reared it's frigid head again, leaving a heavy frost on the kale and kohlrabi that has overwintered in the garden. We even saw a bit of snow and hail on Monday, although nothing stuck. Now the earth is too sodden to work, so I will focus on planning the garden and await any further surprises.

While freezing temperatures weren't a welcome surprise, I did find some bright spots while on an outing with the little guy at Gas Works Park. The park has a great view of downtown and Lake Union, as well as lots of open space for little ones to run. And as I followed my little guy around on his random explorations, we came across a sweet little raised bed that featured one of my garden favorites: Hellebores. Not sure what kind this was, but it really glowed against a gray cloudy sky.

This was what I first saw as we rounded the corner. Another large Hellebore, and could that be a Peony, already well on its way. My Peony is just emerging from the ground, with stems only about two inches tall.

Another Hellebore brightening the area. Perhaps this is 'Ivory Prince.'

The bed had some barren spots but I'll definitely return to see what surprises it holds later in the season.

Color my world ...

2010-03-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

I never really have been drawn to Pansies, but these little troopers have me reconsidering. My little guy potted them last year in one of my Little Sprouts classes and they made it through this year's mild winter just fine. I really enjoy the vibrant blue set off by the cheerful yellow centers.

Blue Hyacinth sprouting up among the Carex on our back deck. It gives off a gentle aroma that sends me off on my day and greets me when I come home.

The first tulip bud emerging in the catwalk border in the back garden. If I recall, this is 'Flair,' which when it first emerges reminds me of those yellowy-orange popsicles

Columbine has reseeded freely around the back yard. It's a great filler, and this one in particular stands about three feet, adding some height to the perennial garden. Right now it remains in its green state, but it will send up mostly sturdy stems topped with pink petticoat like flowers that last for quite some time.

Astilbe is also just greenery right now, but it will eventually sprout billowy plumes of creamy flowers. I've another variety that isn't nearly as far along but has more crimson leaves and flowers.

Another Hyacinth potted near the back door. I like how this one catches early morning rays of sunshine. Last year I forced Hyacinths indoors and wish I'd repeated it this season. I guess there was no need since everything has come early this year.

Sweet little lantern bells of native Kinnikinick. I've spread this hardy ground cover throughout both the front and back gardens and in shade and sun. It seems to do best with a bit of shade but thrives in either condition. I haven't spotted any berries on any of the plants but it's supposed to get them fall and winter.

Come take a walk with me ...

2010-03-06T19:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we get so focused on something that we forget the broader picture. Unfortunately when I step back in my garden, I'm still not entirely happy with what I see. But we are our toughest critics, right? Anyway, I thought I'd give a little tour of what I'm looking at as I spend most of my garden time in the backyard's upper garden.

My dilemma (at least one of them) starts just about here, as we stand on the lower deck and look west into the backyard. That raised bed holds Skimmia, Japanese Willow, Red Flowering Currant, Nandina, and a soon to be replaced dead Pieris. The big guy built the back fence and deck a couple years ago. It's a sweet little spot that I hope to eventually turn into a semi-secret sanctuary for reading or taking a nap. I just need to get all the plantings right. Of course, are our gardens ever really complete?

The raised bed is otherwise filled with Daylilies, Columbine, Anemone, Kinnickinnick and Lavendar. If you look closely, you may also spot the footprint stepping stones we bought from a roadside rock place during a roadtrip through Montana. I keep meaning to take a mold of them to make more. They're one of the few quirky garden art items I've had the courage to add. But the kiddos love them, and I do too!

OK, you don't have to look so closely for those feet here. But this is a snippet of the bed that I think is coming along nicely. I just added the Red Currant this week, and hope it will flower well. It's a bareroot purchase from Swanson's Nursery and I noticed it's behind other currants in our area. I'm trying to decide what flowers would go well around it, in that small patch of earth you see. Any tips?

Clearly an early evening shot of the south facing "native border" I'm working on. As you can see it's rather leggy right now but should improve as the Redtwig Dogwood leafs out. There's also a Snowberry shrub I'm hoping makes it, but I've only seen a few leaves so far and am a bit suspect. This border really needs some more oompf, though. It's an acidic area that gets the brunt of morning and midafternoon sun.

The White Flowering Currant I've shared in previous posts really enjoys all the sun it gets in the border. I'm considering adding the Daphne Odora seen in the pot but have read mixed suggestions on whether it's a shade lover or sun goddess.

PLANT HELP! Here's that poor Spirea that is really limping along. So do you think I should wait for it to flower then give it a hard prune?

Warming up to white

2010-03-05T17:09:00.000-08:00

Don't you love to see a plan come to fruition, or at least appear to be on it's way? While cleaning up the back garden I took notice of a variety of white flowers in bloom or about to open right now. This is a big deal for me as I had set a goal, but didn't realize I was accomplishing it, to add more white or light colored plants to the backyard. It's the part of the garden we look out on most often, thanks to a picture window at the back of the house where we spend most of our time. I'd also hoped to have a bit more plants that we could enjoy at dusk while outside later in the summer. Mind you, what's on parade now are mostly late winter or early spring bloomers. But I was happy to see them nonetheless as I puttered back and forth, planting yet another Red Flowering Currant and hefting around compost.

White Bleeding Heart is filling in a corner of the catwalk bed. I was playing with Picasa's photo editor so all of these shots have been "warmified."

Ribes sanquineum, or White Flowering Currant. Nearly all the individual flowers have opened to form little snowballs along the stems.

A cloudy Hyacinth perfuming the area near the steps on the upper deck. My little guy enjoys burying his face in these flowers.

Pachysandra terminalis is flowering again, more than a year after most of it was uprooted during the backyard renovation. This shade loving groundcover is planted under my Skimmia, so it gets a respite from late afternoon sun.

Not the prettiest of photos, but this Anemone is definitely on the verge of opening. Too bad I dirtied it up during my compost spree. Grace, this is the plant I was thinking of for under your Magnolia. Please refer to previous "Anemone" post for a much more flattering photo!

There you are

2010-03-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to say my energy level has increased to the point where I've been getting out in the garden to do some much needed cleanup and editing. No doubt the lovely weather we've enjoyed has helped spawn this burst of hard labor! Unfortunately I haven't had camera in hand since I do much of the chores while the boy sleeps, and if I start taking photos nothing else would get done. Still, I managed to capture a few shots of some blooming plants in the garden. A couple of natives and a first-time bloomer for me.

Indian Plum is still blooming after a couple weeks, although I think it is on its way out. I read on Rainy Side Gardeners that the flowers are an early source of nectar for bees, but I haven't seen too much activity yet (although I've seen plenty of bees already!) Female plants will put on berries following flowering, but a male needs to be nearby for pollination. I'm not sure which I have, but I didn't see berries on this plant last year. It would be nice to add a couple more of each around the garden so I would increase the odds of fruit.

Azara microphylla has FINALLY put on the little pom-pom flowers known for their vanilla or chocolate scent. I've had this evergreen tree for about five years, when it was only about 12 inches tall. It really took off though when I planted it on the south side of our home but in the shade of a fence. When I first notice the flowers, I thought perhaps the leaves were yellowing. Makes me wonder if I'd made this mistake in the past! I really enjoy this plant for its glossy leaves and airy habit. It makes a great border screen without feeling like a wall. It supposedly responds well to pruning if it gets too leggy, but I haven't gone there yet.

White Flowering Currant (ribes sanguineum 'White Icicle') is another early bloomer in my garden, in this case along the north fence in what I've deemed the native border. It gets the brunt of the morning and afternoon sun, which it seems to enjoy once established. The plant can grow to about eight feet but mine took some early abuse from my Lab/Chow mix that enjoys resting near, sometimes on, the shrub. Despite this treatment, it continues to thrive and appears to be making a vertical climb this year.

SAGBUTT Slacker

2010-03-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

I had meant for March to be my chance to kick it in gear and get back to regular posting. Clearly that plan fell apart as the days shone bright and I had a chance to not only go plant shopping but actually get some things planted! I often wonder if I'm the only one who takes days to get new plants in the ground? Alas, rather than show the awfully dreary offerings from my garden, I'll catch people up on our SAGBUTT gathering last month at the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture.

Mostly it was time for everyone to catch up ourselves. But there was also talk of having garden work parties at one another's homes. This would be a great opportunity to share our gardens in person, as well as maybe get some free labor! The group also like the idea of inviting some of our local experts/celebrities to come give presentations. Gardeners are a curious lot, and when you throw blogging in the mix, there's always something to be learned. Some ideas included a photography shop (hint hint David Perry) and perhaps talks on container gardening (any takers?) We'll have to delve deeper into this.

As always, people brought things from their gardens to share. I have squat right now, so I just brought homemade chocolate chip cookies. But I scored a couple Oriental Poppies and a Black Lace Elderberry from Pill Bug's Point of View, and another 'Sugar Pie' pumpkin from Petunia's Garden. Molly from Life on Tiger Mountain brought currant cuttings as well as her wealth of all things gardening. And Karen of Greenwalks did all the planning and brought tasty food for us to much on, including adorable squirrel cookies. Very fitting for a gathering of gardeners. She also volunteers at the center and was able to get us a tour of the library, which is a fabulous source for all things gardening, from children's books to garden art. I went home with my limit of three books and plan to return soon for more!

It was decided we'll try for another gathering on March 28 at Bellevue Botanical Garden. I'll have more details in coming days, but for now I'll just send you off with a tour of some the happenings in the garden at CUH.

A lovely place to rest and enjoy your surroundings.

Winter Hazel 'Buttercup'

Stubby Tulips (some of Karen's faves)

Winter Daphne. I'm happy to say I now have one of these. I bought it, I didn't lift it from the garden!

A cheery swath of daffodils to welcome us into March.

I was in Hellebore heaven, can you tell?

Fun and Funky at the NW Flower and Garden Show

2010-02-03T22:00:00.000-08:00

Cloudy drippy skies greeted me this morning when I awoke and I couldn't have been more pleased. Today marked the first of the 2010 Northwest Flower and Garden Show, a five day feast of extravagant and ecclectic gardens for gardeners from around the region to oogle over. This show almost faded last year when its previous owner, Duane Kelly, announced plans to close the 21-year exhibit if he didn't find a buyer. Eventually, Portland-based O'Loughlin Trade Shows came through with a purchase.

So, fast forward to today and voila!, here we are on opening day to glimpse more than 20 display gardens. My first impressions are the gardens seem much more funky and fun this year. There also seems to be a bit more whimsy in the gardens, not to mention more invitation for spectators to get into the displays. Bravo! There's definitely a heavier influence of urban gardening and farming, which couldn't make me more happier.

"Keeping It Real"

Real simple is just what I'm looking for right now. And this just shows that simple can be just as show stopping.

"There's No Place Like Home"

I'll definitely return for a closer look at this display themed around "The Wizard of Oz." Not only was this a just plain funky garden space, it incorporated a living rooftop, animal habitats, water-wise irrigation, an edible landscape and living fences. Fabulous.

"Wormhole: A Garden Game"

A lovely display that reminds us that gardens can be about form, function and just plain fun.

OK, I hung out here awhile. But hey, I have a toddler so I was soaking up many ideas.

The worm in question, perhaps?

"Fofo" Rhododendron

Yes, there were flowers at the show.

"Crops For Clunkers"

This is just a snippet of the edibles growing in, on and around a small pick-up that is the centerpiece of this mobile design.

Flashbacks of Summer, Part 2

2010-02-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining this morning and I'm anxious to get outside for some more garden cleanup and maybe take those pictures that so failed me yesterday. It was nice going back through summer photos of last year's garden and seeing how many things were lush and thriving. It's funny how when you're in the throes of gardening, you sometimes lose sight of how far things have come. At times I feel like there are giant holes in the garden, and plants seem to be pathetic and puny. But going over the photos I found myself saying, "Hey, that's not that bad!" I guess we are our toughest critics, eh? So, until I get outside I thought I'd share some more shots of last season's garden and all that I look forward to seeing again.

Trumpet vine filled the side yard with sweet aroma. It's said to attract hummingbirds but I've yet to spot them hovering around this woody plant. This creeper can be quite a thug, but is kept in check by some heavy handed pruning.

A new Dahlia added in our backyard garden to share space with a Japanese Maple, Japanese Willow and Nandina. It's vibrant red petals hold up under the glaring rays of sunshine that Pacific Northwest enjoys, despite rumors of constant rain!

OK, a cabbage moth isn't ideal, but it is part of summer. I had fun trying to capture this little thing as it flitted around the Catmint.

One of my favorite perennials in the garden is Rudbeckia, or Black-Eyed Susan. While the flowers faded this winter, the scratchy foliage hung on through a couple cold snaps.

A mass of ruby red Snapdragons planted around a blueberry bush. These little flowers are fun for little ones to play with because you can make them "talk."

Gaura 'Siskiyou Pink' resembles butterflies fluttering around the garden. I've had this shrubby perennial reseed rather aggressively, which is good for filling in space. But can become overwhelming in some spots. Still, its delicate profile is a welcome addition to the garden.

Flashbacks of Summer

2010-02-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

There are times when things don't work out quite as you'd planned. I find that can happen quite often in gardening. And even more so when taking photos of my garden. Today I'd actually gotten outside this morning and happily shot various plants, including the perked up Hellebores, emerging Poppy foliage and just blooming sarcoccoa. However, my camera had other ideas and didn't seem to retain any of these pictures. Now, with my little guy underfoot I have lost the window of opportunity to photo my garden's current state. But another has opened to flashback to summer and share photos that otherwise may have been lost due to my months long hiatus.

Daisies were were some of the first flowers I planted in our garden. They never cease to impress with their simple lines and cheerful faces. This particular plant has been divided up several times and spread throughout the garden.

Tree mallow (Lavatera) that I yanked quite literally out of the garden and potted up just a portion. This is a lovely flowering perennial that in my garden reseeds somewhat aggressively and has been popping up all around the yard. I rather enjoy it's hollyhock appearance but would rather it stay put as it develops quite the root and trunk system that can be overwhelming.

The unidentified Hydrangea flowered last season but they weren't the usual blooms that often grew larger than softballs. I'm guessing it was just settling into its new spot in the woodland garden and hope for a better showing this year.

Representing edibles in my garden: Corn! I was so pleased to finally grow corn again last year. Dear hubby built a new bed along the house on the southside where the heat loving plants like this and tomatoes grew quite well.

Sweet Flag planted among pavers around the deck. Nothing spectacular, but I enjoy the plant's chartreuse leaves and the bit of dimension they add around the deck.

A budding garden

2010-01-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

Signs of life can be spotted around the garden, mostly in the form of fat leaf or flower buds. I can't help but anticipate all that Spring will have to offer in the form of lush plants full of flowers. It's nice to just walk around the garden and enjoy the changes of this budding garden.

The lone Hellebore in our unfinished woodland garden is full of fat buds. I think this is "Ivory Prince" but can anyone tell for sure just by seeing the buds? I would appreciate any suggestions.

Bright green leaf buds are opening on the unidentified hydrangea. It had a rather sad showing last year after being moved. It may be in too shady of a spot now but I'm going to give it one more season.

A brave primrose has sprung up from the blanket of leaves along the front path.

Flowering Currant 'White Icicle' has several leaves unfurling along its branches. Somehow my plant has cascading branches that I'm not so sure I like. I was hoping for the more traditional characteristic of height about 5 feet to 8 feet.

Astilbe is already shooting up from the earth. I'm not sure if this is early, although it seems the case.

Redtwig Dogwood has lots of leaf buds along the rusty red stems. I'll give these a light pruning in Spring, March or April, to encourage new growth that will have even brighter stems.

The wonders of winter weeding

2010-01-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

A few dry days followed by bouts of sunshine had me out in the garden doing some much needed weeding. I continue to battle the grass that has infiltrated the front beds, and I fear the only solution will be removing the plants and digging out much of the soil. That area makes me appreciate so much more the beds where there are only a handful of weeds needing only a firm tug to eradicate them. Still, weeding of any kind provides you a closer look at your garden and reveals the slightest of changes, which leads to the greatest excitement for eager gardeners.

Oakleaf Hydrangea clings to a few winterized leaves. I'm of another lazy gardener moment because this is still in the nursery pot it came in. But that's partly because I'm not sure where I should place it ... uhhh, another no-no I guess. Plan before you buy. But how many of us really do that? Especially when presented with a lovely plant that you have coveted for so long.

The first of my tulips are pushing up through the soil. I managed to spread a fresh layer of compost in the bulb border and hope this will give the plants here an extra boost going into Spring.

Daylily leaves are already a couple inches tall. These are practically no-fail perennials of which I will for sure add more to my garden. They're also pretty easy to divide, usually best done in late summer so they still have a bit of time to reestablish before chilly temperatures return.

Deeply cut Anemone foliage which last year I mistook for a weed and nearly tossed in the compost pile. It bloomed in April, much to my delight and I'm unsure if it ever completely died back. We had a mild winter, meaning no snow, and I'm curious to see if blooms come earlier this year.

An inky blue pansy the little guy potted up in my Little Sprouts class last year. It's been outside up near the house all winter and is probably farther along than some in the garden.

Latest tools in my gardening collection: a hori-hori from the dear husband and a canvas tool box thingy I scored in my family's white elephant gift exchange. I love the hori-hori because it's so versatile, serving as a knife, shovel or ruler. It's especially nice for cutting out particularly nasty weeds. Perfect!

For anyone interested in seeing exactly what I'm up against with the grass, here ya' go. To the left front of the Cherry tree you can just make out the foliage of my poppies. I must get this grass under control before they and the Lupine really start growing. Otherwise it gets rather tricky to get in there and yank it out. Grrrr ...

What have we here?

2010-01-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

Searching for more winter interest in the garden can sometimes be quite the chore. My list of must-haves is already quite long but clearly needs a section devoted to plants that shine this time of year. However, I haven't entirely given up up on my little garden. And because of that it will surprise me with a bit of color, not necessarily in flowering form.

The tall bearded Iris has started it's regrowth. This eventually becomes quite the wall of deep purple flowers that literally are stacked atop themselves. Anyone who comments on them is promised a bag full of the tubers if I ever get around to digging some up. I've promised some to Molly since she sent me off with some Siberian Iris from her gardens.

These came with the house so I don't have the varietal name. But it really is quite a lovely flower, although I've never detected any scent, which apparently is common in Iris "Jane Phillips." My Iris are usually in full bloom by mid-May, and then they start developing really cool seed pods that I only notice in the past couple seasons thanks to my lazy gardening technique of not getting around to trimming up the dying foliage.

Catkins of Contorted Filbert are happily hanging out. I'd wanted this plant for a couple years and finally got one last year. It's been a welcome addition to the front garden.

A golden cypress brightening the front bed.

Retreat to Tiger Mountain

2010-01-24T14:55:00.000-08:00

My garden is still suffering under the winter blues, rather browns, so when Molly from Life on Tiger Mountain suggested I come out for a visit I jumped at the opportunity. Free of husband and child, I was giddy with anticipation at seeing Molly and her 5-acre spread again. There are few things so pleasing to a gardener as gathering with other gardeners.

Molly's monster Japanese Willow is absolutely stunning in all it's winter beauty. My miniature version of this plant just doesn't compare.

My Hellebore obsession wouldn't let me ignore the double flowering variety Molly has in her shrub border near the house.

The lady herself taking black currant cuttings to share with her visitor. Me! The key to propagating this shrub, she says, is to just shove a cutting in the ground. I think she has more knack than me but we'll see how it goes.

Help Molly! I don't recall the name of this tree. I only know that I always admire it. UPDATE: Molly confirms this is a Sumac. Have added it to my "must have if I can only find room" plant list.

"The pink contractor's tape is in full bloom," Molly quipped as we neared her developing hedge row running along the property closest to the main road. This is how she tracks what she wants to keep, as well as reminds her dear husband what he isn't to remove or mow over. I love this idea and know I need some of that tape around our garden!

The ladies and their gentleman were chatting up a storm as Molly collected the day's eggs. How wonderful to have fresh eggs at your disposal. I'm still trying to wear down my dear husband so I may have one, even better two!

I left Tiger Mountain loaded with fresh eggs and bay leaf, black currant, black pussy willow and variegated hydrangea cuttings. But I most enjoyed wonderful conversation with my host as well as soaking up all her gardening knowledge. Thanks for a much needed garden retreat Molly! Hope to see you at the February gathering of SAGBUTT.

It doesn't take much

2010-01-22T21:16:00.000-08:00

It doesn't take much happening in the garden to stir excitement in a gardener. In my case, I'll take anything new that happens to be sprouting or blooming, with the exception of weeds of course. Unfortunately the garden seems especially naked right now since my plant purchases were few and far between last year. It gets more and more difficult to escape to a nursery when there's 2-year-old keeping you busy. But a slow stroll through the garden today turned up a few surprises and some expected standbys.

A tender leaf unfurls from the unworldly looking crown of a Rhubarb plant. You can just make out the crimson red stalk that I hope will end up in a tasty desert or more this season. My mom sent me the recipe for a rhubarb cake that I'll be sure to share if I can harvest enough for the recipe. I planted this cool season crop last year, and according to Victory Seeds, the second year is a better time to harvest.

Everyone is talking about their daffodils coming up so I figured I should see what mine are doing. Not much, but they're trying. I bought about 50 bulbs last fall but had another lazy gardener moment and never got around to planting them. Maybe this spring ... I really should make a list of chores.

Hellebore is a wonderful standby in my garden. I've almost uncovered all the plants from beneath a blanket of leaves haphazardly raked aside during the winter. This particular plant is my oldest Hellebore, about five years old. It's right next to the stairs leading to our front door, protection that I think gives it a bit more protection. So much so that I'm not sure it ever stopped blooming this year!