My 'Favorite' Gardner Turns 86!!!

'My Mom...turns 86 years old July 8, 2012

This is my mother, Alma.  She is decorating her table for the Mother's Day Tea her Senior's club hosted last year.  This is one of her favorite pasttimes...decorating tables for her Senior's club luncheons.  She always has a theme, and co-ordinates floral arrangements around her table settings.  Mom is celebrating her 86th Birthday on July 8, 2012, and, can STILL chase me down!

Mom is a very active 86 year old, participating in many community functions and clubs...she even helps pack meals for 'Meals on Wheels'!   She is the Vice President and Senior Advisor for the Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group.  She helps organize luncheons, and reservations for the various field trips and programs sponsored by the club.  And, mom helps plant and maintain the herb and floral garden for the club that is planted at the club's site within Loose Park in Kansas City.  She also is a member of a weekly reading group, and knitting club...WOW!  That was a mouthfull!!!  I'm telling you, she can still dance around me!

Anyway, I'm here to celebrate Mom and her accomplishments.  I have learned much about gardening from her.  Oh...she didn't sit me down with a book-I just COPIED her methods, and listened without letting her know!  Mom's best piece of advice to all is:

"Start small, and grow what you know"

Now, that's a broad statement, isn't it?  What do you think it means?  Well, I think, from my own experience that you should try to stay within the boundaries of what appears to thrive best in your climate and area.  I know, I know-it's fun to try new and exotic plants and flowers...and, I think you should!  I have!!!  And, sometimes you find that you can 'master' the beautiful orchids, or raise your own carnations.  Trial and error is the best way...

...that's how we discover what works best for us, n'est-ce pas?♫

Here we go!  I decided to post a few photos of some of my mom's garden work in honor of her Birthday! 

Mom's patriotic gazing balls highlight this garden of plants in her

front yard.  There's a lot of color on display here!

Photo by Suzanne on July 7, 2009

And, the Crane overlooks what?  We'll find out soon!

photo by Suzanne * July 2009

Here she is, working around her pond, checking the lily pads

and, other water plants!

How do you like the elephant fountain?  I think the Crane is on

the other side looking on...and, marveling!

And, this is one of my favorite places in Mom's back yard.

It faces the pond, and, is a shady and relaxing spot.

I took this photo, and, loaned it to Susan at

The KardKorner (haha!) to make invitations and thank you notes from.

***  OK...just one more photo!

Remember my little 'floral confidante' Chloe?

Chloe assisted me with a post last August on container gardening.

Well, here she is engrossed in the beauty of Great Grandma's

big shade tree! Chloe enjoys water features, as do all children.

I think she's about to make a wish in the (I think the water is for the birds) bowl!

You can see the English Ivy and a hosta behind her.  This is a wonderful large tree with a lot of goodies surrounding it.  I love to walk around it when we visit and look at all of the different plants and trinkets. 

Mom, you've created a wonderland for all ages! 

My mother loves all of the plants and flowers we enjoy in Texas, like the Oleander...she's the reason I took an interest in them.  Oleanders are all over my neighborhood in colors of red and pink.  I have a white one, and, it is truly a beauty.  But in Kansas City, mom has to take hers inside for the winter, which can be a chore in a large pot.  In my neighborhood, they stay in the ground all winter, and, for the most part, are evergreen.  Sometimes the leaves will get frost bitten and you have to trim them off in the spring.  And, mom sends zinnia seeds our way every year-you've seen what we've reaped so far...they're bursting with color and make beautiful floral arrangements.

Well, I could go on and on, but, it's time for the finale!

Mom's Birthday video shot by Karo on July 4th!

You'll like this one mom...Happy Birthday!

MOM, if you're reading this from your e-mail, you'll have to go to the bottom of the e-mail and click on MyTexasGardens, coming to my blog so you can see this video!

Video shot by Karo, July 4, 2012

Edited and produced by Susan from KardKorner headquarters

A quick Thanks to:

Google

You Tube

Karo

and a BIG Thank You to all of my wonderful readers, near and far (and, of that certain age, lol!) hope you all are feeling well, and having a pleasant weekend-rain or shine!

I wish you joy, laughter, and music!♫

***

"The caterpillar does all of the work,

but the butterfly gets all the publicity."

~attributed to George Carlin

Spring in Review...and a Few Tips!

Bouganvilla * September 15, 2011

photo by Suzanne

Well, well...the weekend is upon us again!  I hope to find you all ready and anxious for the Fourth of July weekend!  I can honestly say that I am always up for an extra day off work!

Today, I am going to show you the Spring transition I made in my small flower bed.  Some of you might have seen my 'self-video' in November where I demonstrated 'one-handedly'  how I did a minor, but successful makeover of this flowerbed. 

Below is a photo of the result.

March 17, 2012

Time marches on, and, in late March, early April, the pansies begin to wane.  It's almost no use trying to keep them vibrant, and, they were inexpensive, so, after about 5 months of blooming, it's time to bid them adieu!

And, I did net a few pretty Iris...not all of the plants bloomed.  I think I probably transplanted them a little too late.  It was around the 17th of November, should have done it in September!  Below is a few of the white beauties I was blessed with.

Tall White Bearded Iris ~ March 27, 2012

by Suzanne

...and, now, here is what is happening as Spring 'sprang'!

photo by Suzanne * June 5, 2012

I replaced the Pansies with Impatiens in a variety of colors, and added some 'spicy' purple Petunias in the well of the tower.  And, parading in front of this flower bed are some of the Zinnias we have raised.  Never fear...I have plenty more Zinnia photos, and, we have since planted even more!  I now have fresh, cut Zinnias in the house every day-it's so festive!

It's as though they dance,  n'est-ce pas?

photos by Suzanne

Just a few tips!

* When your Iris foliage starts leaning over, don't be afraid to take a pair of scissors and cut them down to just 3 or 4 inches...angle on either side so they look like fans.  They will have a tidier appearance, and, will stay green throughout the summer.  I will be trimming mine very soon, and will show you the results.

*  Zinnias can be planted in pots.  YAY!  We have planted them in the ground, but, it was so dry and hot last summer, we decided to plant them in large pots this year.  However, they require watering twice a day in order to stay alert! 

* When you cut your Zinnias to bring indoors, be sure to look for new bud growth, and, cut just above the little clusters that "only appear to be just leaves".   And, your Zinnias will continue to bloom.  

* Remember, you can let your Zinnia blooms completely dry out, and pull the seeds from the centers to replant.  And, you can continue to plant packaged Zinnia seeds throughout the summer. 

***

And, now, we're into our 'Summer Solstice'.  Take care out in the heat...the mosquitoes are already ravaging our tender,  'not-so-sun-kissed' flesh, so, we're using  plenty of  repellant!  The Texas temps are beginning to soar now!

This is where our temps were at last July 23, 2011

thermometer under our Mulberry tree!  (in the shade!)

I'm so glad you stopped by...say hello if you get the chance.

I appreciate your visits and comments.  And, I want to wish you all a safe and fun

 Fourth of July!

Thank you Google

Thank you Yahoo for the firecrackers

Thank you Karo for planting the beautiful Zinnias

Hi Mom!

"The earth laughs in flowers"

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's my coffee time!

Squirrely Sunday!

photo by Karo * June 3, 2012

What a little sneak!  Were the sunflower seeds we set out, and the oodles of mulberries from our tree not enough? And, yes...how about all of those pecans from our trees?  OH, NO!  I caught this thief in the act from our kitchen window on the seed bell we hung for the chickadees and other sweet birds.  And, he's quite the acrobat, hanging upside down, and swinging from the tree limb like 'Tarzan'!

photo by Karo * June 3, 2012

Above is his 'sweet' little mannerly self, gleefully savoring his find! 

 Do you think he will fall off the branch? 

I think NOT!

photo by Karo * June 3, 2012

See?  He cleverly maneuvers his lithe body as if on a trapeze, and, swings down to the bell to capture the goods! 

Eventually, this artist tired of the game, and, disappeared into the trees farther out back.  And, the chickadees and wrens resumed their usual snacking from this delectable bell of treats!

***

Remember these young 'Zinnia' plants?

photo by Suzanne * May 5, 2012

Well, here's a sneak preview of what they're up to almost one month later.

photo by Karo * June 1, 2012

They're starting to open up, and, you can see there are plenty more buds-these plants are loaded!  And, they require a LOT of water.  We water them twice a day!  Karo thinned them out a little, because some of the plants were too weak.  But, I don't think we'll suffer any...there are plenty of them.  And, throughout the summer months, you can continue to plant the seed.  Zinnias will grow and prosper well into fall.   These flowers on top will be good for cutting in just a few short days.  And, they thrive indoors in cool water for at least one week. 

*** Bright and vibrant! ***

***

I know I haven't been around for a while, but, that doesn't mean I'm not thinking, writing, and shooting flicks!  And, I'm glad to see you here!  Thank you for stopping by.  I am a bit behind on my reading...but, you know, I WILL catch up!  I hope you all are well, and, having great luck with your spring and summer plantings.  Stop by and say hello when you get a chance!

***

AND!!!  Congratulations to her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II

on the 60th year of her coronation!

A very Special Occasion for a very Special Lady!

Queen Elizabeth II

My thanks to:

yahoo images

google

Thank you Karo for the cool Squirrel photos

Hi Mom!

"It's better to be a young June-bug

than an old 'Bird of Paradise'!"

~ My friend, Mark Twain

Seaside Petunias!

My 'Seaside Petunias'

photo by Suzanne * May 19, 2012

Hi everyone!  Just breezing by to share my 'Seaside Petunias' with you.  What a treat these have been.  They do well in full sun, and flutter like butterflies in the breeze.

These beauties are native to the U.S.  They grow in moist, sandy drainage areas, and along streams in the desert.  You can see the small 'petunia-like' flowers...they're abundant!  And, you can grow them in the ground, or in pots and hanging baskets.  I confess, I had never seen these before, and, only bought one pot-then, tucked the plant into this hanging basket.  I get to enjoy them every morning from our kitchen window, while I'm listening to 'Taking Care of Business' on the radio!  It is said that this plant is a perennial, grown as an annual...what in the world does that mean?  Maybe they'll come back next year?  Well, I suppose I'll find out, huh?

***

Have a wonderful weekend.  Thank you for stopping by...it's always good to see you! 

***

And, by the way, Monday, May 21st of this year, 2012, is

'National Waitress/Waitperson Day'

be kind, exercise patience, and tip them well...well, within reason!

Thank You:

Google

Yahoo Images

www.gardensandplants.com

www.fireflyforest.com

Hi Mom!

'Mixed Anemones'

painting by Emma Williams

Thirsty Thursday!

Zinnias and a Potato Plant

photo taken by Suzanne ~ May 6, 2012

Earth Day...can you dig it?

Grandson Shawn * March 27, 2012

Good day, my dear readers!  I just popped by to wish you all a wonderful and prosperous Earth Day, which makes it's official appearance on Sunday, April 22, 2012.  As you can see, my little associate Scooter has agreed to accompany me with his earthy demonstrations.

"Everything here is so clear, you can see it...

And everything here is so near, you can feel it"...

The founder of Earth Day is said to have been US Senator Gaylord Nelson, but, the idea was actually presented  by John McDonnell, at a United Nations conference in 1969.    Looks like there might have originally been two separate days for this occasion...March 21st and April 22.  Eventually,  April 22nd became the designated date and, well, the entire week, actually.  Agreed?  Yay!  It was designed to get all schools involved in the movement, including colleges and universities.  And, the focus was, and is, to encourage all people, of all nationalities to show their (our) appreciation for our planet. 

Lets' work to protect the future of our environment!

Plant a tree!

Pick up trash from the yard and curb!

(even if you didn't throw it there)

Clean up the unwanted brush from your yard!

And try to keep unsightly vegetation under control!

Empty standing water from containers in your yard!

Keep your birdbaths clean with fresh water, daily!

Pledge an act of Green!

"The sun beamin' down between the leaves..."

photo by Suzanne * 04-04-12

Thank you so much for stopping by...remember, EVERYDAY is Earth Day!  We're all responsible for the well-being of our God-given earth!  Let's vow to at least TRY to do something constructive...just one thing a day!  I won't kick the coke bottle to the curb, if you won't!  I'll pick it up...even tho I don't drink coke!  I'll pick it up and I'll get it to the nearest trash can, even if it has to be MY trash can!

Do we have a mutual pledge?  Then I say, YAY!!!

Have a wonderful week...AND, a wonderful EARTH Life!

Thank you my little earth boy Shawn!

"Oh, let's dig it...can you dig it, baby?"

And many thanks to:

Google

Yahoo

Wikipedia

http://www.apple4theteacher.com/

http://www.earthday.org/

http://www.stlyrics.com/

Thank you to 'The Friends of Distinction for 'Grazin' in The Grass'

Top 10 hit in 1969 on the Pop and R&B hit lists

HI MOM!

"Grazin' in the Grass is a Gas...can you dig it?"

Shawn aka. 'Scooter' ~ March 28, 2012

"And it's real, so real, so real, so real, so real...can you dig it?"

Iris Inspection with my Garden Associate!

Grandson Shawn * March 28, 2012

Well, I'm back with the final update on my small flowerbed makeover from November, and, I brought my grandson Shawn, aka 'Scooter', with me.  Some of you may recall, I did a 'self video' of how I cleaned out this small, neglected flower bed after last summer's devastating drought!  It was an inexpensive project, since I already had plenty of Iris to move, and, the rock edging just needed to be re-arranged.  Below is a collage of the transformations as they took place from the original plantings until now.

photos and collage by Suzanne * KardKorner Headquarters

November 19, 2011 ~ March 30, 2012

***

Just what do we know about the almighty Iris?  That they're EVERYWHERE?  I thought they came from Kansas...but, I've been in Texas quite a while, and, I didn't bring them with me!  Hey!  You Floridians!  Did they come from your neck of the woods?  How about England and Australia...I'll bet there are plenty of Iris in your beautiful countries too!

Well, 'Scootie' and I did some digging worldwide and came up with a few answers to our questions.

just a few!!!

As we already know, Iris survive in most climates...specifically throughout the North temperate regions of the world.  Those areas would include, the meadowlands and riverbanks of Europe, and the Middle East...and, Northern Africa, Asia, and North America.

***

A little history

Iris got it's name from the Greek...it means rainbow, probably because they can be acquired in various colors.  A common name sometimes given to the Iris is 'flags'.

Iris is the ancient Greek goddess for the Messenger of Love.  And this sacred flower is considered a symbol of communication and messages: 

* the Purple Iris symbolizes wisdom and compliments.

* the Blue Iris is a symbol of faith and hope.

* the Yellow Iris symbolizes passion.

* and, the White Iris is a symbol of purity.

Here we have Iris, the Greek Goddess of the Rainbow

a lovely interpretation 

And, we also know that Iris come in many different colors, and shapes.  I've never raised any exotic Iris, such as the 'Dutch Iris', or the 'Butterly Iris', but they are very beautiful plants.  I've only had the pleasure of growing the common Iris, in a few of the pastel shades.

And here is an Iris from my FlowerBed makeover in November.

It's called 'Tall White Bearded Iris'

photo by Suzanne ~ March 28, 2012

and what a fragrance!  Undescribable

And these dudes got tall!!! So far I've only gotten to reap a few stems with four to six blooms on each.  I just don't know if any more will bloom for me this year.

I don't know...guess he's getting ready to haul!!!

Towering above the tower water feature

And these Iris smell like grapes!  Ummm...

A priceless smile!

Time to 'freak' Grandma out!

How about that Peace and Love headband?

Now it's back to work!

Time to wind down.  For all it's worth, the Iris is probably the simplest flowering plant to grow.  But, now that Spring is upon us, with continually warming temperatures, my Pansies are starting to wane.  I have already purchased some Impatiens that will replace the bright little faces until next fall.

    Here are just a few tips that have always worked for me: 

* Iris has a long, kind of potato-looking root that is easily planted.  Don't dig a large hole and bury the root.  Just scoop a shallow gully that will fit the size of your root, and place the root so the plant is standing.  I kind of pack the soil around the root and leave a bit of the top exposed.  This is what I was told to do by an old farmer who lived on the Brazos River, just west of Fort Worth.

* Iris do like water, but they don't care if  you miss a day or two.  They're easy...and can grow in just about any kind of soil.

* They can be planted on fence rows, around trees, on hillsides...I mean, just anywhere!

* Remember, if you want to transplant any of your Iris, do it after the blooming season, or early fall.  If you wait until next spring they will not bloom until the following year. 

* And, as the blooms dissipate, cut them off as close to the bottom of the stems as you can to keep the plant looking attractive.  When the leaves start looking bad, cut them down, all the same size if you can, with scissors.  I try to make a fan shape for each plant.  Once again, the plant can continue to look attractive.  Trust me...the leaves will grow back! 

***

I want to thank my cutie 'Scootie' for all of his help last week in the yard.  He's a real trooper...well, at his age, VERY EAGER to join in! 

And, thank you my dear, faithful readers for joining in on the Iris fun.  Since, I STILL can't figure out how to put links from my previous posts in a new post for references, I will just tell you that if you want to view my self videos of this little flowerbed makeover, they are in my archives under FlowerBed Makeover, Part 1 and Part 2.  They were done on November 20, 2011 and November 26, 2011, respectively.

As always, I must thank:

Yahoo

Google

wikipedia

theflowerexpert.com

Hi Mom!

"OKAY...I'm done here!"
(1973 Mustang convertible in the background being restored)

"There is no time like the old time,

when you and I were young.

When the buds of April blossomed,

and the birds of spring-time sung!"

~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Have a safe and beautiful Easter holiday

from MyTexasGardens!

Got eggs?

Which Way Did It Go?...My Previous Post, I Mean!

From Alice In Wonderland!

A couple of days ago, I posted ~ oh, something about Dandelions, and it's not showing up on the reading list!!!  I can see it on my blog, tho.   I've tried to re-post, changed the title...but to no avail! 

I originally wrote the post last May, and Blogger lost it, save, the original photo and my first paragraph.  It was never retrieved, but the first of it was saved in my drafts.  So, I re-wrote and added new pictures and information.  I re-published on March 15, with no results.  Then, re-published on March 16...still not showing up...ugh! 

This is a test, to be sure!  To be, or not to be!

Have a wonderful week!

Thank you Yahoo Images for the picture!

Dandelions Galore...beckoning Spring!

Photo by Suzanne * February 20, 2011

As I was meandering thru the backyard one sunny February afternoon, scouting for anything unusual to photograph, I noticed some patches of dandelions (not unusual plants) to the far back of the yard.

I just recently discovered that the dandelion is a perennial-I mean, who considers that?  We just treat the dandelion as a pest and we're always out there digging them up.  But, I've always thought of the dandelion as a pretty yellow flower to be picked and brought inside to a enjoy.  After a short study, I learned that because of the jagged leaves at the base of the dandelion plant, it was given name in Old French of  "Dent-de-Lion", meaning "lion's tooth".  And the yellow blooms grow on long tubular stems, that leak a white, milky substance when broken.  Eventually, the flower becomes a white, fluffy head of tiny parachutes.  And it's fun to blow on them and watch them float into the air!!!  ACHOO!!!

See?  Even my grandson Shawn, gets the picture!  I taught him well...hehe.  He goes out back in search of the great fluffy globes of the 'Dent-de-Lion'.  Actually, this is how the Dandelion gets propagated...all of the children blow the seed 'willy-nilly', and, where they stop...

...well, you know the rest!

Grandson Shawn * March 2, 2012

photo by Mawmaw in Fort Worth, Texas

Now, you know I did a little digging and came up with several functions of the dandelion.  It seems that the greens are good in salads, although, they can be bitter!  Blagh!  Not for me!

Ahhh...yummm, here we go!!!

1) You can eat the flowers, or use them to make wine...hmmm!

2) Or, you can make Dandelion flower pickles?????

3) The blooms can be deep fried and used with other veggies in a stirfry dish.

Well, I don't know about the edible uses of the dandelion, but there are also various medicinal uses of this glorious pesty plant.

1) Dandelions are used as a diuretic, enabling the body to get rid of excess fluid, without relieving the body of potassium.  As a tonic, it strengthens the kidneys.

2) The plant sap contains latex and is used to remove warts and corns.

now, where in the world did this come from?

3) As a tonic, Dandelion is also used in treating joint pain, eczema, and liver conditions, such as hepatitis and jaundice.

'wicked, huh?'

And, now, my dear readers...we must ask ourselves:

* To dig, or not to dig?

* Do I ooze the sap from the stems of the Dandelion

and bottle it for use on my corns?

* Should I harvest the 'Lions Tooth' leaves for my salad?

* Or, may I stir fry the plant with my favorite veggies as a side dish?

It's up to you!!!

***
I'm so glad to see you all here...I think Spring has just about Sprung, and since we've sprung forward in time, I feel like I'm losing time somewhere.   But, I'm sure I'll catch up.

Here are a few Birthdays we'll be celebrating before 'March Madness'
blows into 'April Showers'!

Shemp Howard (The Three Stooges)  March 17, 1895

John Sebastian * March 17, 1944

Kurt Russell * March 17, 1951

Rob Lowe * March 17, 1964

OH!  And my friend Cindy * March 17, 19..

Happy Birthday!

Notice, I listed Birthdays occurring on March 17?  Why, you ask?

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Thank you:

Google

Yahoo images

wikipedia

http://allnature.com/

www,wildmanstevebrill.com

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/

Thank you, my Dandy little Lion blower, Shawn!

And, thank you my dear readers, far and near.  I am so glad you took the time to stop by MyTexasGardens for insight to the Dandelion...I know, I do look at them differently, and, do I 'salivate'?  NAH!!!

I just admire them for what they are!

Be safe...not too much green beer, you hear?

"You cannot forget, if you would,

Those golden kisses all over the cheeks of the meadow,

Queerly called dandelions."

~Henry Ward Beecher

Ahh......choo!