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!

Floral Arrangement Day...give it up for beautiful blooms!

photo by Suzanne * October 15, 2011

Mineral Wells, TX

Tuesday, February 28, 2012, is National Floral Arrangement Day.

http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/February/floraldesignday.htm

Floral design day was created to honor Carl Rittner who  founded the Rittner's School of Floral Design in 1950.  Mr. Rittner was a pioneer of floral design, and, Massachusetts governor, William F. Weld, declared this special day in 1995.  I didn't know this!  But, hallelujah for floral design!  We all love flowers, and arrangements large and small...in vases, pots, and outdoors!  And, although, we appreciate flowers every day, our thanks goes out to Governor Weld for making it official!

The designated flower for National Flower Arrangement Day is

none other than the Hollyhock!

'zebrina' * photo by suzanne

Here's my Hollyhock...didn't even know this Althea plant was family to the Hollyhock.  I love it when I can post my own stuff!  This is an extremely invasive plant-my photos are of only one plant, purchased in a 4" pot, for under $2.00.  Both of our neighbors on either side of us have inherited this plant from our yard...without asking!  There are more coming up now, and, I plan to dig them up to give away.  The 'zebrina' does produce lovely flowers, and quickly...they are fast growers, I guarantee it!

Here's a full view of this plant.

photo by suzanne

And, I came across a few floral storefronts I think are unique:

Regina Florist Co. Ltd.

Saskatchewan, Canada

Albert's Florist

San-Luis-Obispo, CA.

Cool, huh?  This one is in Hico, Texas!

So, jump on the bandwagon, find a flower, or several dozen flowers of ANY KIND...
...and arrange them! 

Thank you for stopping by, I'm always glad to see and hear from you! 

Be safe...and, SMILE!

And Thank You:

Karo for the lovely tulips

Google

Yahoo

Hi Mom!

http://gardendigest.com/

My Valentine gave me these beautiful Tulips!

...oh, yeah, and the wine too!

photo by suzanne

"I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers."

~Claude Monet

Bird's Eye View Of...what else? * Birds!

"Aww, Chickadee on a limb!"  Sweet!

Photo taken in Fort Worth, Texas

by Suzanne * February 6, 2012

So...how long has it been since I've been here?  A month or two, you say?  Well, I just wanted to give everyone a chance to take in my information on the 'Herb of the Year', 2012.  I saw it to be a nice surprise, since some of us only see herbs as Basil, Cilantro, etc.  And, of course, Herb himself!  I never considered the Rose to be a (an) herb, but, I was pleasantly surprised, since the Rose is so fragrant and desirable.  And, I've got my rose bushes pruned back, and leafing out for the first showing!

We've just been blowing and going since the holidays...cold weather, warm weather-the plants and beautiful creatures of nature don't know if they're coming or going!  And, we've been fortunate to have recorded some of nature's activities thus far.  Karo spotted a Chickadee outside our kitchen window one day...oh, we love Chickadees and always welcome them with open arms...or, to be exact, open seed bells!  So we ran out and got a couple of them to hang near our favorite kitchen window.  This window, much to our dismay doesn't offer a beautiful view...just the house next door.  But it's the closest quarters in which to view our favorite birds over coffee!

Carolina Chickadee * Photo by Suzanne * January 22, 2012

It was about 5 or 6 years ago that we first discovered these cute little birds outside our kitchen window.  We had hung a seed bell hoping to encourage the goldfinch we had seen flying in and out of the honeysuckle that grows on the fence.  Gradually, there appeared 6 to 8 of these chickadees at a time-very exciting!  But, for the last few years we haven't seen anymore...until January of our new year!  Chickadees are natives of Maine and Massachusetts. 

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Chickadee

During the fall migration and winter, chickadees often flock together. Many other species of birds, including titmice, nuthatches, and warblers can often be found foraging in these flocks. Mixed flocks stay together because the chickadees call out whenever they find a good source of food. This calling out forms cohesion for the group, allowing the other birds to find food more efficiently.

These guys are busy little bees...I mean 'dees'.  And it's hard to distinguish between the male and female chickadee.  During my research, (of course) I learned that the male is only a little longer and perhaps wider than the female.  And, his white area is whiter, while his black areas are blacker...hmm!  I guess the male does all of the singing, actually the males compete for the females thru their singing.  Whoever sings the longest and prettiest, gets the 'gal'!  I did go to YouTube and listen to some chickadee sounds...so pretty, and I recognized them from sounds I've heard outside my window.

Here is a short video that Karo captured recently of a Chickadee feeding outside our window, then, going to work on his home...loved it!

Well, did y'all like it?  Notice I said 'Y'ALL'!  That's how I really talk, even tho I'm from Kansas.  We didn't say y'all, or even 'howdy' in Kansas.  But, just like the Chickadee adapting to our environment in Texas, so have I...Haha!

I do have some other birds in my library, but I don't want 'youse guys' to fall asleep whilst reading this, so, I'll have to save them for later.  But, I guess I could post a few pictures we have taken.  I was amazed to see these birds, and their behavior.  They share the seed, and even take turns.  We've watched the Cardinals share with the Tufted Titmouse, and also the Carolina Wren-now that's a pretty little bird with unusual markings.

~Birds of a Feather, Flock Together

photo by Karo * February 16, 2012

There they are!  Aren't they cute?  I mean, he's looking Karo smack, dab, in the eye!  So, you can see the detail on these birds feathers...looks like scalloping on their tails and wings. The bird in front appears to have bushy white eyebrows, like, say, Larry Hagman?

  ...sorry, just kidding!

photo by Karo* February 10, 2012

And here we have the 'Tufted Titmouse'.  They say it got it's name because of it's face resembling that of a mouse.  There are about 4 of them we've seen coming to our bell.  Two at a time...and they share with the chickadees and wrens.  I saw a video on YouTube where they were eating out of the hands of a young woman.  They are sweeties indeed!

Our little menagerie consists of the Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Tufted Titmouse, and a few others that I hope to mention at a later date. 

And thanking my resources:

Karo

Google

Yahoo

wikipedia

all about birds

and, of course, my birdseye view!

***

I'm so glad you stopped by and meandered...thank you all for your kind comments, and, also, for your great blog posts.  It's an amazing experience, conversing every few days, once a week, or, once a month with folks who share the same, yet different interests.  Many of you have unbelievable talents that I don't possess, but, that I share an interest in. 

Hey!  So, that makes us even!!!

"Be as a bird perched on a frail branch

 that she feels bending beneath her,

still she sings away all the same,

knowing she has wings."

~Victor Hugo

Whitney Houston

August 9, 1963 ~ February 11, 2012

'til next time mes amis! ♥

 

Herb of the Year for 2012...a beautiful surprise!

A cute cartoon...I just couldn't help myself!

Ok, ok...settle down now!  We're having too much fun.  Nothing like ringing in the new year with a little laughter, eh? 

I think we'll all agree that herbs are wonderful plants, whether they're used for cooking, medicinal purposes, or just for the enjoyment of raising them and basking in their aromic presences.  I like to grow some herbs, Cilantro, Rosemary, Oregano and Chamomile.  I don't have the best luck with Cilantro, because once I start snipping it off, it dies on me.  Then, one year it just came up on it's own, and grew to about 4 feet-wow!  But, it wasn't good...and, I had to cut it down with an axe!  So now, I buy it at the store for $.50 a bundle...works for me!

Rosemary and Chamomile are my favorites for fragrances.  As you water them early in the morning, or early in the evening, the fragrance really drifts out to you, and in August, it smells like Christmas!  You can kick a rosemary plant around and abuse it all you want...it can take it.  Rosemary is a drought tolerant plant that LOVES Texas.  I lost my last one to the rain a few years ago-too much water!  Rosemary is also used in my area to adorn the front steps of a porch, and just for shrubs!  And, it can grow very large.  The Rosemary will put on pale pink or orchid blooms in the late spring, or sometimes in the early fall.  I have missed it so much, I got one for Christmas this year, clipped to perfection resembling a Christmas tree, and I adorned it with tiny white dove and a red streaming ribbon at the top.  I plan to plant it outside in early spring...sure hope it makes it inside that long!

Hey!  Who's this?

Meet my Mom, Alma Jones!

She is the Vice President and Senior Advisor of

The Kansas City Herb Grow Study Group

Last spring mom was featured in the Kansas City Star newspaper representing her Herb Study Group.  Mom has been a member of this group for, what...5 or 6 or more years?  The article is rather lengthy, and I couldn't seem to get all of it on here.  Anyway, she helps maintain the herb garden at Loose Park in Kansas City, Missouri. Other functions she performs include co-ordinating field trips for the meetings...they meet once a month, taking reservations for various field trips throughout the year, and assisting with new member applications.

The International Herb Association has christened The Rose as The Herb of the year for 2012.   Who'd have thought?  We know that most roses are wonderfully fragrant and very pleasing to the eye.  Next to diamonds, I believe they are a woman's best friend!  But did we ever think of them as edible, or suitable for medicinal use?  NOooo...

1) Rose Hips:  they are found to be rich in Vitamin C, and used in teas and syrups for healing, and...well, possess gentle laxative and diuretic effects.  Rose petals are also used to relieve cold symptoms, runny nose, and sore throat.

2)  According to   http://www.herb2000.com/ Rose petals are effective in the relief of congestion in the female reproductive system...uh, uh, and in alleviating PMS!  (There, I said it!)

3) Oils can be extracted from the petals of various roses to make lotions.  Also, you can throw rose petals in with your bubblebath, or dry them out for use in potpourri!

And, so, my gracious readers, in light of all of this information, and all that our precious 'rosa' has accomplished, I am pleased that the rose has been so annointed with the 2012 title. 

In late 2010, my mother asked me to design the 2011 membership flyer for The Greater Kansas City Herb Study group.  The herb of the year for 2011 was 'The Horseradish'.  I was excited to do it, and designed a tri-fold flyer that included the itinerary for 2011 meetings and programs.  They are distributed to current members and to various churches and retirement homes.  And, she asked me to make the new flyer for 2012, herb of the year "The Rose".  The KardKorner and I got together, and below is the front of this year's new flyer:

  I used my own 'Peace Rose' photo for this cover.

Here is the inside of the flyer using my own yellow rose photo:

And here is the outer side of the flyer that folds inwards:

The small photo of the pink rosebush and statue

is from my garden, and the upper photo is a postcard of

the Rose Garden at Loose Park, KCMO.

The postcard photo is the direct backside of the flyer.

The herb study group meets at Loose Park in Kansas City, Missouri once a month.  This is a most beautiful park with a lot of history.  And...plenty of weddings have been performed in the park's everfamous Rose Garden.  (Not mine, darn it!)

Below is a photo of the Rose Garden at Loose Park

Isn't it just beautiful?

Well, I didn't get married in this park, but, here are a couple of photos of me taken by a photographer, who was trying to get a portfolio together and needed what?  A hippie type model?  Well, whatever it was, I did come away with a few of the photos (I think my brother went after him, since he ran off without paying me for my time!)  Actually, my brother was a great photographer and instructor of photography and was trying to help him out...not realizing he was a jerk!  LOL!  I'm grateful to have the photos, rather than the money!  I was 21 years old, and memories are precious!

Me in 1970

Overlooking the Rose Garden at Loose Park

photograph by some acquaintance of my brother

Same place, same time...same photographer

Congratulations to the Herb of the Year 2012!

  my white rosebush

april 2011

Ok, we're done here...for this time.  I hope I didn't bore you too much with all the info thrown out there, and the surprise photos at Loose Park. 

*** Just know, I appreciate your visits and comments...and I wish you all wellness and happiness! Stop by anytime, and don't be shy...that's my department. I've had these photos of me stashed for years-it's the first time Karo has even seen them.

Please let me thank:

My mom-happy herbing mom!

Loose Park * Kansas City, Missouri

KardKornerKrib * Fort Worth, Texas

http://herboftheyear.blogspot.com/

http://www.herbs2000.com/

http://thinkexist.com/ 

yahoo

google

wikipedia

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM

MYTEXASGARDENS!

“Love is much like a wild rose, beautiful and calm,

But willing to draw blood in its defense.”

~mark overby