Sunday Raindrops!

~Canna and Vinca * photo by Suzanne * June 9, 2013

Hi everyone!  Hope this Sunday finds you all well, and ready for the hot summer that is creeping our way!  We had a pretty good rain storm in the wee hours of the morning in Fort Worth with lots of low, rolling thunder, and puffs of lightning here and there. It didn't hurt my feelings any, because I knew I didn't have to get up for work this morning, so, I chuckled to myself, and, snuggled deeper under the covers...of course, I went back to sleep!  That's why I didn't get outside early enough to beat the sun's drying the beads of rain from my gardens.  I did catch some raindrops on my canna though, and, managed to get my shoes wet in the grass!

We've been working pretty hard at MyTexasGardens this spring.  The weather has been a blessing up to this point, so we were able to rejuvenate most of the floral gardens with some nice plantings.  And, I have planted seeds of 'Zinnia', 'Shasta Daisies', and 'Sweet Peas'...just some old favorites.  The 'zinnias' and 'daisies' have popped little sprouts in their little rows now, thank you rain!  It is so hard to decide on flowers to plant, because there are so many gorgeous jewels out there!  And, you can get ahead of yourself, too much at one time!  Been there, lol!

Here we are under the Mulberry tree...at last, the mulberries are about all gone, just a few remain at the very tops of the tree.  The squirrels and various birds have had their spring feast, and, they are allotting me my space now to nourish this garden as I see fit.  We've got Saint Francis guarding the plantings...he is centrally located, and, is able to watch the entire property of gardens.  For that I am grateful.

As you can see, we have planted 'vinca major' plants all around the tree...that was done right around Easter at the end of March.  Then, with Rusty's help, we placed brightly colored 'impatiens' throughout, and, in front of the 'vinca' for pops of color.  And, it just so happened that I had some 'caladium' bulbs-we went behind the vinca and shared the bulbs all around the tree.  Yay!!!  They are coming up now...we did get them out early in the last week of April, meeting the May 1st deadline with time to spare, although I wish I'd had more of them.  Can you see the 'asparagus fern' beneath the little, worn out ladder?  Well, that's been there since I planted it in 1996, and, it just keeps on giving, it's beautiful!  Last week Rusty and I planted some 'Christmas' fern on the other side, since I couldn't find any small pots of asparagus fern, can't wait to see if it will flourish as the other plants and flowers have.  In the fall I will try to dig some of the asparagus fern up and share it around the tree.  It has been hardy, and hearty!!!

~photos by Suzanne * June 9, 2013

~a sneak peek at my 'private' garden * photo by Suzanne * June 9, 2013

This garden is in a shaded area on the north side of the yard.  It receives sun during the mid-morning hours.  In the lower lefthand area, I have some violets....ooooh!  They really love the shade.  Violets are so hardy...and, they can multiply quickly.  They serve as great border plants, not reaching over 7-10 inches in height.  Then, of course, you can see the 'all invasive' vinca major.  At the back of the garden, grows mondo grass, aka liriope.  Originally, I just stashed it there, but it has become an inspiration, and, keeps me motivated to tuck a bit of color here and there, 'privately'!

My private garden is still a work in progress.  Remember last year, I think in August, when Ms. Suzanne from KardKornerKrib wrote about the 'Sky Bauble'?  Well, she did show some armillary globes in various garden settings, and, mentioned that I should try to feature one such globe in one of my gardens.  I found one on Amazon that was reasonably priced, and ordered it!  Here it is sitting on an old concrete column, that was a cast-a-away from my sweet mother-in-law.  The column was abandoned for a time, and, then offered to me!  I've had it for quite a few years myself...now, it has found its place, and will serve as a memorial to my mother-in-law, Dorothy, who passed away in December of 2009!  And, I will post more photos of the private garden as it continues to evolve.

Just a few notes

1.  Vinca is very invasive.  It puts out long runners that attach to the soil, and root quickly.  We have kept the vinca plants under the Mulberry tree trimmed so as not to choke out the Impatiens.  

2.  Impatiens are also shade-loving plants.  Their bright colors pop against the variegated leaves of the vinca.

3.  Caladiums are a great way to anchor any flower garden, whether at the back or as bordering plants.  In the fall, you can dig up your Caladium bulbs, and store in newspaper and paper bags, with some peat moss or a little potting soil, and, keep indoors throughout the winter.

I have found that the three above-mentioned plants compliment each other, and, yes, they do get along...providing you keep the 'vinca' under control!

And, now, my gracious readers, I must bid you adieu.  I hope you've enjoyed your visit, and, were able to get some of your gardening questions answered (especially regarding vinca!).  I must admit, I am not really ready for the 100° this summer, and, we're expecting temps in the 90's this week in Fort Worth!  The city wants us to water the lawns only twice a week.  But, we'll do what we can to keep the gardens alive, won't we?

Thank You:

Yahoo

Google

Amazon

~Stop by and say hello if you get the chance.  I'm always glad to see you.

  Take care, and be safe!

~Pawpaw and Scootie * March 31, 2013

Treat Me to a Tree!

~photo by Suzanne * April 29, 2013

When on the road, I keep my eyes open at all times, trying to take in all that's out there for me!  And, you know, I'm always searching for cool and unusual things to photog and write about. 

I spotted this strange tree, I guess, a little over a week ago on my way home from work-the sun was gleaming on the burgundy leaves and the fuzzy stuff was glowing.

  I said, as usual, "What the...?"  "What did I just see, is my vision out of focus...did I just imagine fuzzy stuff  on top of a red tree?"

Well, I've been stewing about this tree ever since, and, continue to glance at it as I drive by.  I finally decided I should take my camera with me to work one day, then stop by and get some shots of this masterpiece.  And, maybe the homeowners would come outside and visit with me about it.

Needless to say, it was a bright sunny day when I made my detour onto the street beside this property, and, when I got to the yard, I noticed a 'BEWARE OF DOG SIGN'.  Bah, Humbug!!!

The yard is completely fenced in, but I managed to get my shots, with the wind blowing to 'beat the band'.  I worried that the pics would be out of focus.   No sign of a dog anywhere, so you see, to get this top photo closeup, I leaned totally over the fence!  No one came out of the house, and I chose not to enter the yard to knock on the door.  

  Then I did  a little homework- I typed in 'fuzzy tree', trees with red leaves and fuzzy flowers, and fuzzy red trees, in order to find out what it is!  Turns out to be a "Smoke Tree"!

This tree blooms in the spring with the fluffy plumes surrounding it like 'puffs of smoke'.  Some folks refer to it as a 'poodle tree'...that's funny! 

***

~photo by Suzanne

~here is the full length view of the tree

(as I straddled the fence, lol!) 

Oh, and I'm still bewaring of the dog while I snap the photo!

Smoke Tree Stats

* It's a tough landscape plant that can tolerate dry conditions (a plus in Texas) 

* It's capable of growing 12-15ft. with a 12ft. spread

* It's indigenous in zones 5-8 ranging from Iowa to Texas (of course!) 

* Thrives in full to partial sun (Texas Ahoy!)

* Resistant to insects and other damaging pathogens

* Can survive in various soils:  acidic, alkaline, sandy, clay

And, I found that it is available in other colors too! You have a golden smoke tree that turns lime green in the summer and orange to red in the fall.

And, not only is there a purple smoke tree, there is also a pink one, that also turns red and orange.

So, if any of you folks have a hankerin' for a 'smoke tree', it looks as though it could be a worthwhile project!  This tree appears to be young yet, but, I think it's a fine specimen...don't you?

Thank you so much for stopping by-it is 43° in Fort Worth, Texas this evening...a drop from the 80's yesterday, and, I understand it has snowed in Kansas City this afternoon!   I will have to take some plants in tonite, as it is expected to drop to around 34° by morning.  

I love it!

I gathered some of my info from:

wikipedia

www.arborday.org

www.fast-growing-trees.com

Hugs to you all!

Have a wonderful weekend...be safe!

See you next time!♥

Two-Stepping Into Spring!

~Grandson Shawn * Easter Sunday * March 31, 2013

Can you hear it?  Spring's sweet 'cantata'...making it's way over meadows and fields, winding in and out of  streams and rivers, whisking it's way into nature's gardens.  And, along the way, it deposits droplets of vibrant color in the form of blossoms and blooms, showcasing the onset of a most anticipated and revered season! Phew!!!  Did I spit that out, or what?

As for me?  I've been quite the bum thus far, basking in the warm sun, with cool breezes that lend just enough comfort to keep me feeling fresh and renewed...ah yes! 

*** 
But, my laziness was to subside quickly...come Easter Sunday, up at the crack of dawn with 'Scootie', he got to come for the weekend, and was more than ready for the Easter Bunny (literally)!  It had rained heavily on Friday nite, and, was still pretty damp outside come Easter Sunday morning. 
 But, we had to get those eggs out!  

~Shawn * Easter morning, March 31, 2013

As the day went on, the sun became more obliging, and we were all outside enjoying the day with our little 'Scootie'.  While he was happily showing Pawpaw where he found Easter goodies, his dad (Rusty) was busy working in one of my gardens, that had succumbed to the hideous heat of the past two summers.  It is a rather large flower bed that encircles the huge, old Mulberry tree.

Vinca Major
~photo by Suzanne * March 31, 2013

My current garden help, Rusty, had cleaned out this bed, and, he wanted to put something in it.  In 1995, I had purchased 2 small pots of Vinca Major, the plants you see in the photo above.  Note, I said TWO pots at around  $2.25 each!  And, over the years, my 'two' plants have become '200' plants (lol!)... it has jumped over to the south side and the north side of the yard, and taken hold.  Since we didn't have any new plants for this bed and Rusty was very eager to put something there, I suggested he dig up some of the Vinca around the yard and plant it around the tree.
The photo above shows the first installments.
***Now, Vinca is a member of the Periwinkle family, and vinca major is actually an 'herbaceous' plant that disappears in the winter, and, soon pops back out in the very early spring. If you'll recall, we did a study on this very blog about 'herbaceous' plants just last fall in September.  Herbaceous plants have little or no wood in their structure, and usually die back at the end of their season to where you can't even tell if they're still there!  Then, presto!  They come back for the new season.  Vinca major is only herbaceous to a point in MY yard.  It is a ground cover that is virtually shade loving.  When the summer gets too hot, the leaves turn a papery light brown, and I will have to cut them back.  Then as it cools down in the fall, they begin to re-appear, and, most of the plants will be evergreen throughout the winter...go figure! And, once a year, depending on their mood, they will bloom lilac colored little periwinkles.  I don't know if it depends on the sun, or what...I just accept the blooms when they come!

Here's what the bloom looks like...mine aren't blooming right now (of course).

Hey!  I guess you could say this plant is unpredictable, couldn't you?

We don't know when it will bloom...

...We don't know where it will pop up next!
It's not totally seasonable-comes and goes as it pleases!

I've read some comments about vinca...some say it's 'devilish', oh...THAT'S NOT NICE!  Yes, it is true, vinca major is invasive-it will hop all over a neighborhood I suppose.  But, mine is variegated and so lovely.  I just let it go where it may.  If I don't approve of a spot it has chosen, I just dig it up and move it, or pot it and give it away!

Here, you see, the vinca has grown on the south side of my yard, and, Rusty is digging it up in clumps to transport them via the 'Red Flyer' wagon to their new home under the Mulberry tree.  To the left of Rusty up against the fence, is quite a bit more!  

And, now, this part of the makeover is about completed.  Rusty has planted 'umpteen' clumps of Vinca Major around this massive tree!  

photos by Suzanne * March 31, 2013

"Ka-Ching!"

Well then, I decided that we should add some color to the vinca plantings...something that is shade-loving, and color-popping!  I decided on Impatiens, and high-tailed it to my local WalMart, where I knew I could find them...and, they were incorporated in front of the vinca to fill the spaces.   And, finally, last week, we planted some caladium bulbs behind the vinca, so I can't wait to see how they look when they appear.  You know, the deadline for planting caladiums is May 1st, so I'm right on time.

* And, I will need to stay on top of the vinca spreading and possibly choking out my impatiens...this brings forth another customer complaint..."It's aggressive and a nuisance to keep in bounds!"
  Here's a good one.  "I hate this stuff, it is a major headache!"
And, "It will jump any edging to take over your lawn!"

OK, OK..granted, all of this is true!  But, here is this same garden a few years ago.
Note the gorgeous vinca climbing up the wood ladder!  It was a great backdrop for my pink coleus and white caladiums...oh, and there are some begonias bordering around the edging, and gladiolas flanking either side.  This was probably the most lovely garden I ever designed.  There were pink hydrangeas on either side of St. Francis...I will show another view in a future post.

~photo by Suzanne * Fort Worth, Texas
September 2009

Never fear, my gracious readers...I will keep you posted on the progress of the plantings.  In the meantime, I am also working on a couple of other projects.  My private garden has been neglected...Rusty cleaned the area up, and we are currently making some new, fresh, 'easy maintenance' plans for this garden.  I sent a sneak preview of it to my sidebar.

As you know, we had high winds a couple of weeks ago resulting in an old tree splitting and taking down phone lines and electrical lines with it!  GAH!!! We are so relieved to be past that, and grateful that it wasn't any worse (although it was quite expensive).  The company that came and took out the tree did a wonderful job-I mean-they cleaned up all the debris and took it with them!
Thanks, guys for a great job!

And, thank you my great blogmates for your good wishes and prayers coming our way to the folks in West, Texas, who are sadly, but bravely, picking up the pieces after that horrific explosion.  Stop by and say hello if you get the chance.  It's a beautiful, sunny day in Fort Worth...Scootie is in residence!  I believe I'll make a spot of Columbian coffee and venture outdoors to see if I can get my hands dirty!

*** Thisisme, I'm glad you enjoyed my Peace roses...but, your roses still rule! ♥

*** Take care, I'll see you soon! ♥

Will the Elder 'Berry' Please Stand Up?

This is how I got my start!!!

My sister sent me this card for my birthday this past December.  Somehow she always manages to come up with a Birthday card that signifies some of the events that took place during our childhood, -that being, they almost always ring true!  And, she admits it!  She'll say, "Does this look familiar?"  Or..."does this remind you of anything?"  These cards are always hilarious!!!  I mean-it's like she has her own greeting card company designing these cards just for her!  Anyway, it is a cute card...I'm sure other siblings can identify with it too!

Thank you Leta for the really ORIGINAL and fun card!

* 

So,  I called you all here today, to announce an annual garden event.  Every year since 1994, the International Herb Association has chosen a specific herb to be designated as 'herb of the year'.  And, I am excited to reveal that the herb of the year for 2013 is the 'Elderberry', also known as the 'Englishman's grape'.

The Elderberry is a  soft-stemmed shrub that is usually found growing along fence lines and wet areas, native to the Southeastern U.S.  These shrubs are a member of the honeysuckle family and can reach heights of 12' to 20'.  Elderberry can grow at edges of swamps, ditches and lakes.  They can also be found throughout Florida and the Gulf region to Mexico.

Elderberry blooming along a creek bottom

In the early to mid-summer, the Elderberry will bloom large white clusters of flowers...many times, these shrubs are grown in gardens just for their showy flowers.

~aren't they pretty?

Did I hear you ask "Are there any uses and benefits of the Elderberry?"  Well, Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat wounds, when applied to the skin.  And it is also used in treating flu and allergies, relieving nasal congestion, and helping to reduce swelling of sinuses.
(I could have used some of that a month ago, lol!)

* In European folklore, fairies and elves would appear if you sat underneath an elder bush on a midsummer night.  And, elderberries were known to ward of witches.

I know, I know...you want to hear the good stuff about the grand Elderberry Wine, don't you?  Well, it is said to have health benefits too-it helps strengthen the immune system.  And, the wine is pretty- I have not ever partaken of Elderberry Wine, but according to Elton John it is a hot item.

~looks a little wicked to me!

Sometimes, white-tailed deer will feed on the leaves of the elderberry.  And, over 50 species of songbirds, robins, mockingbirds and gray catbirds feed on the elderberries.  So, we know that the sweet, juicy fruit appeals not only to us folks as jellies, pies and wine, but, also to some of our beautiful wildlife, as well.

I don't know about you guys, but, I don't recall ever seeing an Elderberry bush.  If so, I didn't know what it was.  I did find in my Burgess Seed and Plant catalog that you can order Elderberry bushes, 18-24" size at $9.99 a pair.  Hmmmm....thinking about trying it out-but, I would have to find a swampy, kind of damp area of the yard for planting.  You can also order elderberries at:
http://store.isons.com 
http://elderberrylife.com
www.naturehills.com

And, it's time for membership renewal at the Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group for 2013.  This group maintains an herb garden at Loose Park in Kansas City, Missouri.  They enjoy luncheons once a month, with a visiting speaker or a field trip to some beautiful gardens out of the city.  My mother is a member and assists with organizing the programs and luncheons for the club.  She also, helps design and plant the herb gardens for the club. For the past several years, Susan over at KardKornerKrib has designed and printed the membership applications with the itinerary for the year for the Herb Club.  Below is what the front of this year's membership flyer looks like.  More than likely, Susan will feature the flyer in its entirety on her 'My Stuff' page over at the KardKorner.

***
And, now...back to the 'elder' Berry!!!
 It's my sister, of course!
Our maiden name is Berry, and, she is the eldest.  Her birthday is coming up in February, and, I'm already on the lookout for a unique card idea (will have to get that KardKorner gal to help with the design)!

Thanks to:
Wikipedia
Google
Yahoo
Univ of Maryland Med Center (article on Elderberry)
Florida Forest Trees (article on Elderberry)
http://wildmanstevebrill.com

And, my heartfelt thank you to my gracious readers for stopping by to see what I've been up to.  I sincerely hope you all are staying well and healthy.  My goodness, that horrible flu, pneumonia and all of those other virus strains are taking toll on us this year!!!  Please be safe-drink a lot of fluids...well, I have learned that Elderberry wine, can assist in warding off cold and flu, haha!

* Happy Australia Day * and, prayers for a bit of relief from the heat over there!

* Devon, UK...I'm wishing sunshine your way!

***
"Drunk all the time,
Feeling fine on Elderberry wine-
those were the days."

Taken from the song 'Elderberry Wine',
written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin in October 1972

Sir Elton John

Be safe!  See you next time!

A Christmas Kiss for You!

Our little grandson, Shawn

'Scootie' helped us decorate the tree a couple of weeks ago

We downsized to a smaller tree, but, he had so much fun!

I just came by to wish all of you a Merry Christmas!  

It's been a hard and fast year...so many different things have happened, some good, some not so good.  But, we still manage to go on, don't we? 

I'm beginning to think it's okay to reflect on the past-it always brings a smile to my face!  When I look back, even the not so good events seem trivial...I learned from them!

  Remembering past Christmases, and, New Years eve parties...whoa, that last dance before the clock struck twelve!!!

Remember this?

mistletoe * photo by Suzanne

Mistletoe grows pretty much everywhere in Texas.  Actually, it's considered a parasite!  Go figure!!!  I drive under this stuff everyday to and from work.  In some neighborhoods, where trees are cowering over into the streets, you can see the mistletoe hanging, just beckoning, daring you to stop, and blow a kiss upward! 

 It was one of the most sought after plants at Christmas time where I came from.  A Christmas staple, you could say!  It hangs from doorways, and, from Christmas decorations in the center of dance floors.  And, everyone, at some time in his or her life wants to get caught under it!  Am I right?

  You bet!

For a parasite, mistletoe brings a lot of laughter and joy to our hearts at Christmastime.  It has a certain mystery about it.  We pretend we don't want to get caught under it, but, usually succumb to its spell.  I'd say it's a keeper...how about you?

Here is the tree that this little sprig fell from, just a couple of blocks from our house at the park.  It's the only green on this tree!  Fascinating huh?

photo by Suzanne

Sooo...with that, I'll leave you...I must get over to the KardKorner to help 'Ms. Asta' finish up last minute printings, and, she's still working on her Christmas story, 'Stockings for Mary', chapter 3!  She's been sick the last couple of days, and, is finally perked up a little...so much to do before Santa arrives!  We'll have little 'Scootie' for just a couple of days!

Thank you so much for taking the time to come by MyTexasGardens.  I wish much happiness to you during this Christmas season, and, for all seasons to come.  I cherish the friendships I have had the pleasure of gaining through my blogging experience!.

Y'all ROCK!

To get caught...or not to get caught!

Kisses and hugs to you all!

Be safe!

Pecan Harvest! ...and other news!

Photo by Suzanne * October 28, 2012
One of our Pecan Trees

From almost 3 weeks ago!!!

It's not that I didn't have anything to do, but it was sort of a blasé Sunday.  However, it was a beautiful 60° in Fort Worth, Texas, and, I guess thinking of having to work on Monday prematurely sent the 'blahs' careening my way.

And, Karo quickly tired of watching the Dallas Cowboys lose to New York, even tho they did come back and catch up...never fear, at the last minute SOMEONE drops the ball!

Dallas Cowboy quarterback, Tony Romo
 and NY Giant James Butler * October 28, 2012

...Oh well, enough about the game!  Karo decided to go outside and pick some pecans up off the ground that the squirrels so graciously shook from the tree.  This is probably the oldest pecan tree we have of 4 trees.  It was here when I originally bought the place in 1993.  And, we've planted one...the other 2 trees volunteered to reside on the property.

Did you know that the pecan is not really a nut, but is known as a 'drupe'?  A drupe is a fruit with a single stone or pit, surrounded by a husk.

photo by Suzanne * October 28, 2012

Of course, when it's time for the pecan to make its appearance, the husk turns brown and splits open, and...POP!  The pecans begin to peak thru, scouting out potential predators, such as squirrels!

photo by Suzanne * October 28, 2012

Just a little history!
The 36th Legislature ruled the Pecan tree to be the State Tree of Texas.  In the 16th century, Europeans/Spanish Explorers were the first to come in contact with Pecans in what is now Mexico, Texas and Louisiana.  Of course, we know that Pecans are native to many areas in the US, primarily in the South to Southwestern states.  Pecan groves are plentiful in my neck of the woods, they're a major source of the winter income to many farmers.  As we drive west of Fort Worth into the area between Paradise, TX and Bridgeport, TX, there's a massive Pecan orchard that has been there since the 1950's.  This area covers about 60 acres, with each tree planted 80 feet apart, and, all in straight rows.  It's an amazingly lovely orchard.

San Saba, Texas is the Pecan Capital of the World.  This small town is located in the Texas Hill Country with over 500 miles of running streams.  For over 38 years, San Saba has been a primary supplier of shelled pecan products, such as, Pecan Rolls, nutcrackers, and various gifts.  Here is the link to their website: http://www.sansabapecan.net

And, guess what?  Tommy Lee Jones was born in San Saba, Texas and spent most of his childhood there!  He does maintain a ranch in San Saba today, and enjoys leisure time riding horses, and, just being a cowboy!
* Why here he is now!  That ole Cowpoke!
Howdy Sheriff Jones!  So glad you could stop by!

Tommy Lee Jones

So, we know that Pecans are a favorite among most folks...pecan pralines, pecan pie, and, I like to put pecans in my jello, and on top of brownies in the oven for that 'roasted' flavor!  Karo is now shelling his pecans, and, he will attempt to make pralines with them.  I can hardly wait!

Needless to say, I got past my blah Sunday with the good news that we would be getting a visit from our grandson, 'Scootie'!  We had some catching up to do with him, a belated Birthday celebration would be in order-he can actually say 'birthday' now! lol!

Also, in the news...my favorite author is celebrating the date of his birth at the end of this month!  "Who is that?" you ask.   Well, it's Mark Twain, born November 30, 1835, I believe.  I've enjoyed his writings, and, quotes for most of my life.  As kids, my sister, brother and I even had the 'Authors' playing cards, and, Mark Twain was one of the authors in the deck.  I think my original attraction to Mark Twain was his 'wild look'!  Then, I got to know more about the man.  Twain really enjoyed eating, and, he love his America!  He once said,
"We Americans...bear the ark of liberties of the world."

OK, OK...I'm trying to wrap it up!!!  
Thank you so much for coming by...I am always glad to see you, and hear from you!  Thanksgiving is here in a few days, yay!  Good Eats to all!  
Have a safe holiday-Hugs to you all!!!♥

And, I leave you with a short video I took of our 'Scootie' in the Spring this year (it's just a little over one minute).  And, it's amazing, the joy a small child brings, just by being himself, or herself.  

See you soon!

"You can't depend on your eyes when
your imagination is out of focus."
~my friend, Mark Twain

"Look Through Any Window!" ~ A Sharing Event!

Our little Scooter * November 1, 2009

Here's our little grandson, Scootie, at his window just a few days after his first birthday.  He wasn't walking real good yet, but, he would make his way over to this window, and, play, and gaze for hours.  He made it his 'space'.  On this day, he was looking out for his 'pawpaw', who was outside mowing, and, he couldn't believe that 'pawpaw' was just on the other side without him.  

***

Hello dearest friends...I am so thrilled that you were able to come by today for my 'sharing affair'.  I am a window lover, as most people are.  Windows are at our disposal day in...day out, and, there's nothing more enjoyable than a window to dream by, to wish by, to sing by.  A window can bring peace, beauty, and happiness into your life...even while you're washing dishes!

With the coming of the internet and social media, we are doing a lot more sharing with each other than we  could in the past.  I mean, photo sharing, joke sharing, arts and crafts, and recipes...my goodness!  We're just a keyboard away from hellos all across the states, to London, Australia and all over the world!   

So, what do we know about sharing? 

1)  To divide and parcel out in shares.
2)  To have a share or part
3)  To allow someone to use or enjoy something that one possesses
4)  The act of giving generously in an effort to relate to others
5)  To use or enjoy something jointly, or in turns.

We're here today to share some of the windows that enlighten our lives with the plants, flowers, and fun baubles and items that reflect our personalities.  And, who knows, we can pick up new ideas from each other for times that we may want to change up our window dressing!

I am so pleased and excited to have received photos from you all.  And, such great photos!  See?  We are all so individually talented and creative-we deserve to be out there!

Without further adieu, I present 'Our Windows'!

ForestWalk Dreams

  From Laura at http://forestwalkart.blogspot.com


Diane's 'Darlings'

From Thisisme (Diane) at
 http://southhamsdarling.blogspot.com


Shady's 'Sun Seeking' Specimens

 from  'Shady Del Knight' (Tom) at
http://shadydell.blogspot.com

Cindy's 'Apple Sundae'

from Cindy Rogers * Hurst, Texas


'Froggie'

from This N That (Susan)
  http://justbesensiblesusan.blogspot.com


Nancy's Arts and Crafts

from Nancy McCarroll at
http://nancymccarroll.blogspot.com

Nana's Succulents

from 'My Mom' * Alma Jones * Kansas City, Missouri

'Peachy' Zinnias

from Susan at http://mytexasgardens.blogspot.com


Now, who the heck is this?  'SHOW-OFF!'

Anybody got Scissors? LOL!
 Susan's Window  at
 http://kardkornerkrib.blogspot.com

Aren't the windows all wonderful?..I love them!   I want to thank you all for being such great sports, taking the time to come by, and to send your fun-loving photos for sharing.  I was really excited as I put it all together.  I appreciate all of you, and, welcome you anytime.  I believe we all have favorite trinkets and plants that bring us much joy...just to gaze at them, and, care for them, knowing that we created that pleasing sight.  And, what brings more joy to our lives than to watch a cool rain through a window, or large flakes of snow, softly falling...and early spring blooms, waking up after a long winter's nap?   And, how about the birds and squirrels that visit our backyards? Do they know we're watching through our windows?  Yes, I believe so-after all, we leave fresh water, and delightful treats for them don't we?

*Sounds like I'm ready for cool weather, doesn't it? *

I would like to thank my friend and co-worker Cindy, who inspired me to do this post, by sharing her window photo with me earlier in the summer.

And Thanks To:
thefreedictionary.com
Wikipedia
Google
Yahoo

"Look through any window yeah, what do you see?
Smiling faces all around,
Rushing through their busy towns."
~from The Hollies, 1966

See you...be safe!

Herbaceous Plants...and, A Gentle Reminder!

Schoolbus * Fort Worth, TX * September 2012

 

Hi everyone!  I guess we all know by now that school has been back in session for several weeks.    This is my favorite schoolbus.  I get to stop for it almost every morning on my way to my 'big people's' school, lol!  I decided to get my phone out and take this photo one morning while I waited for the children to board the bus...I had a front row seat!  And, now, after stopping for this bus for the past few years, the bus driver and I waive to each other!  So, if she saw my phone flashing, I guess she didn't mind my taking the photo.

 

The other day I came across the name 'herbaceous', and, naturally I said, "What the heck does that mean?" Then, of course, I went 'nosing' around, and found out what it means!

 

Herbaceous plants have little or no wood within their structures.  As the season ends for these plants, their leaves and stems die back, and, virtually disappear...seemingly without a trace!  In truth, 'herbaceous' plants, during their disappearing act, are 'kinda', just barely above ground, or a little below ground.  They can be annuals, perennials, or biennials.  And, they're just waiting for the new season when they can pop back up and start over again.  I learned that when the new season begins, 'herbaceous' plants come up quickly, and grow fast!

 

The Stella D'Oro is a perfect example of a 'herbaceous' plant.

photo by suzanne

 

Stella D'Oro lilies will bloom into the fall, then, die off as tho they were never there.  Of course, at this time, you can thin them out and transplant them to other areas.

 

The Hosta is also 'Herbaceous'

photo by Suzanne

 

Oh, don't mind 'Frogmalion'...he's just the keeper of the greens!  So you see my big Hosta? It is also on the 'herbaceous' list, and, totally disappears in the winter...again, no trace!  Then, starts peeking up thru the soil in early spring.  I've had this one for 7 or 8 years now.  The bulb is like a little cap, with some stringy roots attached.  You wouldn't think that small clump could produce a plant this nice!

 

And, then, there's the 'Coleus'

photo by suzanne

 

Now, I don't know why the Coleus is on the 'herbaceous' plant list.  I've had plenty of Coleus plants over the years, and, true...they don't have woody stems, but, if these sweethearts die back, that's it folks!  I usually take clippings from the tops that have a few leaves on them, and put them into other pots...off they go, growing into new, lovely plants.  Sometimes in the late fall, I take small clippings, plant in small 4" pots, and take them into the shed for the winter.  I just lightly water them throughout the cold months.  Granted, they're not just 'beautious' during the winter, but still alive.  In the spring, when all seems safe, I take the baby Coleus out of the shed, and, either plant in larger pots, or into the ground.  I have not ever experienced a Coleus plant returning from the ground in the spring.

  Have you?

 

Liriope, aka 'Monkey Grass'

photo by suzanne

 

How about those Zinnias?  This large bouquet of Zinnias were a result of 'flying seed'.  Believe it or not, Karo had spread some dried seed from other spent 'Broadleaf Zinnias', and, the following spring this 'momba jamba' cluster appeared 'outside the box', in front of the liriope border!

Which brings me to my last example of a 'herbaceous' plant.  The 'Liriope', otherwise known as 'Monkey Grass' is on the Herbaceous plant list.  It does meet most of the requirements to be included, as, in some cases, it does die back.  But, for the most part, 'Liriope' is evergreen.  You can cut it back, or mow it back to nothingness...and, then it will return, full of life and vigor!  This variegated grass that I have, is very invasive-YAH!  I can't divide it fast enough!  But it is very pretty, and, I gladly share with anyone who desires it.

 

Other plants on the 'Herbaceous' list include, Geraniums, Canna, Salvia, and Banana Trees.  This was a very fun, new term for me...I'll try not to wear it out!  Haha!☺

 

***

AND, speaking of projects...I implore you, my gracious readers, to please send me photos of your favorite windowsill for my windowsill share event.  I have received photos from several of you...Thank you so much-and, they're great!  I would like to receive your photo(s) by the end of this coming week, so, I can begin my post. 

 

I am thanking you in advance for participating in this sharing event!

 

I'm so grateful you stopped by to see what I've been up to...  Maybe we'll have a POP QUIZ on this post one day, haha!  Just kidding!  But, all kidding aside, I appreciate you...you're fabulous!  Thank you for humoring me- I treasure your comments and input!  Have a safe weekend...come by anytime!♥

 

Thank You also:

Yahoo

Google

Wikipedia

landscapingabout.com

 

***  one more for the road, ok? ***