Gardening in my Jammies

2008-10-25T12:08:00.000-06:00

frosty mornings are becoming the norm...

the bird bath has ended up frozen more than once in the last week...

a hungry little friend....

2008-07-27T13:38:00.000-06:00

Mardis Gras Parade Daylily...

today's offering of Bonanza....

2008-07-27T13:35:00.000-06:00

Chorus Line after a rainy night!

a rather happy boy in the garden...better than any gnome!!!

VERY crowded front bed...

2008-07-27T13:33:00.000-06:00

first blooms this year for Bonanza Daylily...last week I think

up close and personal...

rather tattered Mini Pearl Daylily after one of our fierce rainstorms...

2008-07-01T05:08:00.000-06:00

Daylily buds...

Finally a sign of Pardon Me daylily...hoping that it will bloom this year.

a bursting peony bud...

a rather wet and bedragled corner of the garden by the shed...

2008-07-01T05:05:00.000-06:00

Clematis on the arbour entering the backyard. This is the first year that the vine has been full. Such a treat!

2008-07-01T05:02:00.000-06:00

Husker Red Penstamen...

Delphinium

Lamb's Ear...

Black Eyed Susan...

As you can see, everything is wet after another couple days of rain.

2008-07-01T04:31:00.000-06:00

Globe flower...

can't remember the name of this one, but it grows up from a mound of large leaves, and my Gram had it all over her gardens...

Bristol Ruby wegeila...

anemone from the old farmhouse...

2008-07-01T04:28:00.000-06:00

Honeysuckle vine slowly making it's way along the front porch...

sweet william...the only plant I have left

a lone poppy in the front garden...

cranesbill of some variety...

2008-06-16T11:08:00.000-06:00

Honeysuckle bush blooms...

rather gangly honeysuckle bush...I'll prune it once the blooms are finished.

have no idea, but it is from my friend and it spreads like crazy!!!

Solomon's Seal...

2008-06-16T11:05:00.000-06:00

one of the last crabapple blossoms...

spiderwort...

centaurea...

cranesbill...

2008-06-16T11:01:00.000-06:00

Bearded Iris after the rain...

shocking pink azalea...

columbine...

2008-05-29T04:03:00.000-06:00

forget me nots from the farmhouse in the valley....they came by mistake with other plants, and are now everywhere in one end of my garden!

Peony leaves, even though it got trampled!!!!

a wee chap testing the water temp....the shot is blurry as I rushed to take it through the glass on a foggy afternoon...

2008-05-29T04:00:00.000-06:00

I get sooo excited when this purple finch and his mate come for a meal...

fringed bleeding heart...

a violet from my friend Judy in the valley...I do so miss our perrenial exchanges!!!

2008-05-29T03:56:00.000-06:00

Columbine ready to do it's thing...

Just a random garden offering....I love the colours.

Grape hyacinth...the wee patches of them get bigger every year!

Crabapple tree blossoms about ready to burst!!!!

2008-04-25T10:50:00.002-06:00

Clematis bud on the arbour...since the roses have not done so well, I am planning on removing them and planting some other clematis' so the different colours can intermingle...

The American Goldfinch are back, and it seems that we have a few couples. So nice to see them in their vibrancy!

The gardens are coming alive in plant and creature and it does my heart good to open the windows and hear the sweet songs of my friends. Looking out and seeing colour all around me, even if most of it is green, cheers me deep within. I am so looking forward to all of the days ahead when I can just revel in the glory of it all!!!

2008-04-25T10:41:00.000-06:00

fringed bleeding heart amonst some ribbon grass....

lungwort in the pink stage...

and some lungwort in the bluse stage...this has got to be one of my favorite early spring offerings...

ladie's mantle happily holding onto the rain...

2008-04-25T10:38:00.002-06:00

anemone....
violets....
solomon's seal with a bit more anemone...
bleeding heart and a raindrop...
the pics are in sideways as I had to retrieve them from somewhere on the computer...I don't have time to straighten them...I guess you could say that I am feeling rather lazy...

2008-04-25T10:34:00.000-06:00

raindrops on columbine.....

pretty little crocuses greeting the morning sunshine....

daylilies....

puny peonies...

2008-03-06T09:02:00.002-07:00

Irises making their way into the sunshine...

Tulips peeking out to see if it's time yet....

Poor chap doesn't realize that it is supposed to get so much colder this afternoon...

One of many climbing hydrangea buds....oh this does my heart good!!!!

2008-03-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Common Redpoll come for tea time. She stood for ages on the feeder, then hopped down to the deck edge where she continued to stand for ages more! I was zooming in on her from the diningroom door, and since she was sitting for so long I began to wonder if she was hurt.

Quite content to munch away while I watched, so I decided to venture out and see if she would talk to me. She was happy to oblige and I was able to get closer and closer...

and closer still...

...until I was right beside her. I had been afraid that the crunching snow would frighten her, but she was content to remain still, just watching me come closer and closer still. We had a little chat and it wasn't until I reached out my seed filled hand, and a bit of contemplation on her part that she cheerfully bid me good-bye. I do hope that she will return and we can resume our chat... what a gift our tea time was today!

2008-02-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

The troops have arrived!!!! A Redpoll army!!!

Two going at each other as though there was not enough room!

2008-02-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hairy Woodpecker hard at work...

Hairy Woodpecker trying out the posts on the deck...

Bohemian Waxwing trying out the crabapples...

and a very chilly Robin...

2008-02-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

Blurry through the diningroom doors our wee common redpoll...such a lovely chap.

We have yet to figure these ones out...they are here for the first time this morning.

Isn't he grand?

2008-02-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have no idea whose foot prints these are, but they made me smile as they came right up to the diningroom door....

2008-02-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

a wee chickadee loving the peanuts...

and a bluejay not to be left out!

the hungry mob at one of the old feeders....comtent to stay put!

2008-02-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

A very blurry picture as I was tripping over myself trying to get a shot before he flew away...these are all taken through the kitchen window as well...this is one of the new feeders the kids gave me for my birthday and it has taken a few days for the birds to catch on but the peanuts are a big hit!

A common repoll enjoying the peanuts as well...

deciding that the niger seed is preferable!

2008-01-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

This afternoon's garden visitors. They were quite happy to be gobbling up the corn scattered about on the icy backyard... these pics were taken through the kitchen window. I attempted to head out to the deck to get some better shots, but even though I was super quiet they didn't waste any time heading into the trees.

2008-01-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Chelone Turtlehead Pink seed pods decorated with the latest snowfall....

the garden bench waiting for warmer days and iced tea...

Cotoneaster berries ready for the birds...

2008-01-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

A recent visit by a Hairy Woodpecker... the male and female never seem to come together, this time the female was dining alone. I took this through the kitchen window and even then, I felt as though her eye was on me, not sure whether or not she could trust me enough to stay for a meal...

2007-11-11T12:38:00.001-07:00

first frost of november.... Sedum Autumn Joy

Lambs Ear and Cranesbill....

Campanula.....

2007-08-19T04:11:00.000-06:00

Condilla....

2007-08-19T04:07:00.000-06:00

Strawberry Candy...

Catherine Woodbury....

Mardi Gras Parade...

2007-08-11T05:23:00.000-06:00

For some reason Blogger is not allowing me to post these one on top of the other so I'll have to leave them like this. The flower on the left is Catheine Woodbury and the one on the right is Siloam Ury Winnifred...others have bloomed while we were away and look as though in another day or so there shall be more so I will post them later....

2007-08-02T15:24:00.000-06:00

Siloam Royal Prince...finally!!!

2007-08-01T05:39:00.000-06:00

First blooms for Tani, early this morning. Not fully open but I didn't want to lose the chance to get a photo in light of the way balls fly through my backyard! I love the white stripes...

Just a campanula nodding in the breeze that made me happy this morning as well. There are so many but they have been beaten down by the rain. This one however was almost upright...

I am waiting for Siloam Royal Prince to bloom, having thought he would do so today. Condilla is close, Catherine Woodbury, Siloam Ury Winniford, and Mardi Gras Parade all have buds. I'm hoping that they don't bloom while I am away next week and cause me to miss what I have been waiting for! Chorus Line, Daring Dilemna and Bourbon King have shown no sign of performing at all! Last year on the second of August Chorus Line was blooming nicely. Not sure why this year she is empty. Disappointing I must say. Pardon Me didn't bloom last year and sadly this year is no different. Off I go to cheer them on. I really need to overhaul the back gardens to make room for more daylilies and a tree as the one on our neighbours side of the fence has died. Granted I get much more sun, but have lost so much privacy which I value immensley! Plans are in the works but the implementation is the challenge.

2007-07-28T05:42:00.000-06:00

First bloom for Ruby Stella... looks much darker in real life seemingly but this photo is more representative of the picture on the label.

This was supposed to be Bonanza but it is way off...any ideas?

Another Stella D'oro just because....

And another of the unknown from my last post which I have discovered is Mini Pearl after finding the tag in the shed. I have decided to keep all of the tags in a journal so I will not find myself in the spot of not knowing again.... other buds are swollen and look as though they will soon bloom so I am waiting with excitment to see what comes forth.

2007-07-17T04:04:00.000-06:00

Spiderwort and Evening Primrose seeming to crowd each other out. There is alot of that going on in the garden this year. Everything seems to be growing so well that I forsee a major dividing job in my future. Plants anyone?!?

New unknown daylily...the tag has gone missing. There are a few others which I bought last year whose tags are also missing. I shall be drawing up a garden plan and labeling the rest in that so I will not be at a loss.

I realize that this is sideways, but am far too lazy to go back and change it....

As far as the other daylilies go, none of them are blooming yet although there are many that will be soon. There are only three that are not yet showing signs of anything. Of thirty five daylily seeds, I have sixteen seedlings which are now in pots waiting to go into a garden bed. That is the next project. Not a small job as we first need to build a wall and fill in the upper part of the yard. The plants seem happy and have grown nicely, patiently waiting for their new home....

We have just had a privacy screen built on the deck as I have been feeling as though I am in my neighbors yard and they in mine. Part of the latticework extends down to the garden and at the base I have planted Wisteria. Knowing it's rate of growth we should be covered in in no time....

The weather has been so strange this year, either raining or freezing or just plain hot. None of which make for ideal gardening days. When it has been good weather I have been off with the kids and find that I am not in the garden as much as I would like. I shall endeavor to get out and take some more pictures...

2007-07-17T03:51:00.000-06:00

Laying the flagstone in various postions until we got it just right. We need a couple more pieces now that we are walking on it naturally. The second picture is at a strange angle as I was leaning over the side of the deck....

lilies trying hard....

2007-06-07T09:49:00.000-06:00

Columbines as they should be, full of blooms swaying happily in the breeze...

Columbines after a nasty creature decided that they made a fabulous meal!

Even more damage....

Nasty creatures themselves. I managed to kill these ones with a bowl of soapy water, and was pleased to see them drop from the plants. I'm hoping that the two plants that still have lots of leaves will be fine and that the ones that got severely munched will manage to hold their own and come back.

The rest of the gardens are coming nicely but I need to go plant shopping and add mulch again. It seems that life has been so busy that my time in the gardens is so limited that I leave the camera inside. I acquired a push mower yesterday from my friend and loved using it. A real workout in the fresh air can't be beat!

2007-06-07T09:33:00.000-06:00

Crabapple tree blossoms in full swing. The tree is so full of flowers this year that the branches are bending under the weight.

Azalea ready to burst open. A shocking pink colour but it makes me happy!

2007-05-03T06:03:00.000-06:00

A view out the front of the skytrain. Good fun on a rainy day....

Above and below are pieces of art on display for the Biennial sculpture show.

2007-04-02T15:26:00.000-06:00

WELCOME ERANTHUS

2007-03-20T05:04:00.001-07:00

2007-03-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

When I removed the dome to water the soil this morning, I was thrilled to discover the first of thirty-seven day lily seeds to burst forth and show any sign of life. I am so very excited especially as they were only planted last Monday. Karen sent all of the seeds but one that I actually managed to cross and harvest myself. The one that has sprouted is one of her gems. What a glorious day this is!!! Never mind the fact that it is minus thirty degrees with the wind today! We have new growth!!!

2006-12-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

The flowering crabapple tree wearing the weather.... the garden at rest

2006-11-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

I awakened this morning to a blanket of frost everywhere. It was stunning, and although cold, I, in true form, went out in my jammies to capture the splendour up close.

Autumn Joy Sedum adorned in what looks like crystals
Lambs ear with an extra fuzzy blanket
Sprinkling of white on Common Trift...

2006-11-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

FALL FEAST.....

2006-10-24T09:16:00.000-06:00

Things in the garden are settling down into a mesh of colours. Some fabulous and some just dull. It's time to clean up beds, tuck some plants in for the long sleep and just enjoy the sounds of crunching leaves and the crisp air.

liatris seeds beautiful leaf from the tree in the front yard looking rather like a piece of leather

2006-10-24T09:15:00.000-06:00

eupatorium cranesbill just starting to turn
cotoneaster

2006-10-24T09:11:00.000-06:00

autumn joy sedum cranesbill
azalea
solomons seal

2006-09-10T05:26:00.000-06:00

Some of Gram's Dahlias...not something I have ever tried to grow, but I so enjoy the beautiful array of blooms.

2006-09-07T06:27:00.000-06:00

Mourning Doves out for a stroll this morning in the back yard. They always seem to come in pairs. I love the sounds they make as they putter around concious of very little other than the food they are in search of, every once in awhile cocking a head to listen.

2006-08-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hollyhocks out in the back garden Chelone Turtlehead
And I can't remember the name os this one. It's from Debbie and it originated from our farmhouse. Funny how now that I am living in the city I get transplants from friends that they actually got from me at one point. And the giving just goes on and on....one of the reasons I love gardening.

2006-08-17T09:38:00.000-06:00

Upon digging around in my garden this morning, I was greeted with a surprise. Bending over to pick out a weed I noticed what looked like a small apple...it was of course hanging from my japanese quince bush. It is the only one on the whole bush and I'm sure this is a first. So because there is only one, I'm guessing making jelly is out... we'll just let it sit there, get ripe and enjoy the fact that the bush did in fact bear fruit even if only one!

2006-08-17T03:46:00.000-06:00

For Karen

the joy of re-blooming anything is grand but the bristol ruby wegeilia is a real treat!

2006-08-14T05:19:00.000-06:00

I have not had much time in the garden this past little while as we have been away and all of the getting ready that goes into that has taken up my time. I did however manage to get out with a friend last Saturday to a day lily bazaar. I bought a couple of plants for the memory garden I put in at the camp and I bought a couple for myself. Daring Dilemma is a cream tinted with pink with a purple eye, and Tani is a rose pink. I can't wait to see them in glory next summer. On our way home, we went a different route and what did we see but a day lily "farm". We didn't have time to stop, but we plan to get out next week. The also sell grasses. Too exciting I think!!! My Bristol Ruby Wegeilia is blooming again as is my honeysuckle vine. I love it when I get an extra gift of colourful blooms.

globe flower finally in bloom asiatic lily
purple coneflower just beginning to shine
hibiscus bud

2006-08-02T07:15:00.000-06:00

A rather tattered looking Chorus Line, and the day has only just begun. We had torrential rain and cracking thunderstorms last night and early this morning so I guess she really didn't stand a chance. A very eager pistil on the same plant!

2006-07-31T10:17:00.000-06:00

Balloon Flower Phlox
A very fragrant lily
My non black eyed Black Eyed Susan

2006-07-31T09:27:00.000-06:00

Our friendly garden visitor. Rarely do you see her sit but this morning she sat for a long time, just looking around, and then went back to drinking. She seems to enjoy being talked to and will lift herself off the flowrs, hovering a good few inches above them and appear to be listening. She even chirps sometimes.

2006-07-30T13:40:00.000-06:00

I enjoyed a visit to a daylily garden on Wednesday with my friend Karen. Sadly not the garden blog Karen . They had over 900 varieties in the gardens, with over 300 for sale. It was an incredible experience and I look forward to later in august when I go back again. This yellow one is Condilla. Just a pretty hosta by my kitchen door
Siloam Royal Prince in varying stages of openness....

2006-07-30T13:30:00.000-06:00

Not a perfect bloom, but it's the first one of the Siloam Royal Prince I love the green in the center of Siloam Royal Prince
Catherine Woodbury as she appeared in the evening upon my arrival home.
The daylilies I purchased at the daylily garden on Wednesday. The yellow is Condilla, and the pinkish one is Chorus Line. The others are Mardi Gras Parade, and Siloam Royal Prince, and the tiny one is Pennys Worth.

2006-07-24T09:43:00.000-06:00

A rainy welcome this morning for Siloam Ury Winniford.

2006-07-24T09:40:00.000-06:00

This little guy was enjoying breakfast with us this morning, and didn't seem the least bit bothered that we were so close.

2006-07-21T10:04:00.000-06:00

Good morning Catherine Woodbury!
and we're a little more awake now.....
I love the center colours

2006-07-21T09:59:00.000-06:00

Two tiered Bee Balm. It did not do this last year...we did have some purple ones that were this way so perhaps something funky happened with the bees? The purple ones did not survive a move so we have planted new ones that are yet to flower. Balloon Flower getting closer everyday
If you can pull your eyes away from the fallen basketball net, you will notice the hummingbird. I came around the house and there she was. I wanted to get a better picture but I knew if I went up on the porch she would fly away. This will do until I capture her again.

2006-07-21T09:57:00.000-06:00

This morning's Strawberry Candy bloo with yesturdays reluctant to give up the ghost. Nasturtiums in the front bed

2006-07-20T06:28:00.000-06:00

Not a plant obviousley but a new doorknocker. I was tired of having the name of the previous owners of the house on the front door and decided that I would get something whimsical.... A garden bench salvaged by a friend from a courtyard being renovated. It needs some work but it suits the backyard and me perfectly. Yet another spot to enjoy a cup of tea with a friend....
An astilbe planted in a very poor location. Either I don't know how to read or the tag didn't indicate that it would get so tall. Either way it will need to be moved to a more suitable spot later in the fall towards the back of the garden....

2006-07-20T06:22:00.000-06:00

Musk Mallow from Gram's garden. I'm hoping that it is not quite as rampant a grower as the pink but time will tell and I was glad to add another colour to the back gardens. First bloom on Strawberry Candy this morning. I find it interesting that the two slightly different angles I took the pictures from gave me two different shades.... or is it my eyesight?

A Campanula bloom enjoying the morning sun....

2006-07-17T05:18:00.000-06:00

Black eyed Susan Coreopsis

2006-07-17T05:16:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful treat when I went out this morning!
Bee Balm
Up close and personal....

2006-07-09T12:47:00.000-06:00

A bit of rain and lots of sun....lots of things in bloom. I bought three new daylilies yesturday. Siloam Ury Winniford, Strawberry Candy, and the most appropriate, Pardon Me. Pardon Me is a phrase I utter many times over in any given day so when I saw a daylily with the same name, I had to have it. I can't wait to see the blooms, adding even more colour to the garden by the stairs.astilbe and roses
astilbe
clematis and explorer rose

2006-07-09T12:45:00.000-06:00

carpathian harebell
regular old daylily
iceburg rose

2006-07-04T08:36:00.000-06:00

before and after pics of the backyard fence...we are now overflowing and crowding each other out; amazing what a few weeks can do....

2006-07-04T08:30:00.000-06:00

front bed full to overflowing....
hummingbird garden filling out nicely and even attracting the hummers
lambs ear and my other nameless flower
husker red penstamon in bloom

2006-06-30T12:57:00.000-06:00

Today I was actually able to get outside for a snippet in the middle of the day. I got some deadheading done and of course was pleased to be able to get some more pictures.Things for the most part are very colourful, but the back garden needs more. It is mostly shade so I find that the choices are not so plentiful. Even though it is very wet and shady, what is there is doing very well and is overcrowding. Time to share again..... astilbe

2006-06-30T12:55:00.000-06:00

William Baffin explorer rose

climbing hydrangea

2006-06-30T12:53:00.000-06:00

Peony Progression.....

2006-06-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

Despite all of the rain and molding of my garden there seems to be much in bloom at the moment. Things are becoming quite over grown and crowded but it is just too wet to be messing around. Everyday something new is bursting forth, adding even more colour and excitement. I can't wait for a few dry days so I can just get out and play!

2006-06-29T06:59:00.000-06:00

peony bud getting closer everyday
foxgloves

another cranesbill, the last to bloom in my garden I believe

2006-06-29T06:57:00.000-06:00

delphinium
first Stella D'oro bloom
hosta blooming away
foxglove, one of my favorite flowers.....I have dreams of huge clumps of these but so far that is just in my imagination

2006-06-29T06:56:00.000-06:00

evening primrose
delphinium

2006-06-24T09:54:00.000-06:00

"Dr. Rupple" clematis

yellow lysimachia, or yellow loosestrife, whichever sounds better to your ear...delphinium....but I'm not sure which one.....

2006-06-20T13:02:00.000-06:00

a hosta ready to bloom
husker red penstamon showing signs of blooming
lupins after the rain

2006-06-20T13:00:00.000-06:00

anemone
ladies mantle almost there....
climbing hydrangea

2006-06-20T12:58:00.000-06:00

sweet william
a tiny wee columbine
a peony bud
one of the last bleeding hearts

2006-06-20T12:56:00.000-06:00

thrift
creeping phlox
couldn't tell you....any ideas?

2006-06-20T12:55:00.000-06:00

sweet william
lambs ear
spiderwort

2006-06-20T12:49:00.000-06:00

honeysuckle

bristol ruby wegelia

bellflower
dianthus

2006-06-20T07:10:00.000-06:00

These are just some of the Rhodies from my grandmothers place. She has wonderful gardens, and so much space, it's a real treat to be able to wander around her spot.

2006-06-12T17:27:00.000-06:00

The weather as of late has not been condusive to great gardening, although I did get out the other day in an absolute torrent as I couldn't stand it in the house any longer. The neighbors came out to ask if I had lost my mind, and I assured them that although it was raining the hardest it had in days that I was quite within my "normal" state of mind...I just needed some air.

Today was our first day of sun in a couple of weeks, and although a number of the plants have been beaten down, I was able to get out and enjoy them, take a couple of pictures and clean up a little bit. Tomorrow promises more thunder storms so we will see what comes.

2006-06-12T17:24:00.000-06:00

another sort of columbine, but I have no idea of it's name....
solomons seal just a wee bit late....
and regular old phlox....

2006-06-12T17:22:00.000-06:00

heuchera
delphinium ready to burst
shocking pink azalea
honeysuckle vine ready to bloom...this will eventually makes it's way all across my front porch.....

2006-06-12T17:21:00.000-06:00

iris
A carnation of some sort? It smells wonderful!
columbine
fabulous coloured columbine

2006-06-12T17:20:00.000-06:00

sweet william
cranesbill, not sure which one....
another cranesbill
centaurea

2006-05-25T11:51:00.000-06:00

The last few days have been busy ones in the garden. First lots of fresh garden soil was brought in and shared amoung the beds. Yesturday at Karen's suggestion, we brought in the mulch. Reams of it. I still hurt! I didn't doubt that it would make a difference, I just had not realized how much it would help. Incredible. The plants seem to leap from the beds now. The neighbors, at least the ones that don't stop by to comment on the smell of the ceder, all said how much better it looks. So, today I am reveling in the aroma and the look of things and next week and beyond I will be working on adding plants where plants need to be added.....the fun never ends.

2006-05-25T11:49:00.000-06:00

The side bed after the mulch. Such an improverment!

2006-05-25T11:46:00.000-06:00

The back corner garden after the addition of the mulch. So much better contrast. Thanks Karen....

2006-05-25T11:40:00.000-06:00

Mulch mulch and more mulch. Do you suppose this is enough Karen?
Freshly mulched front bed in front of the porch between the two properties.
Husker Red Penstamon
She has bloomed and bloomed and bloomed. I have never seen so many flowers all at once.

2006-05-19T11:05:00.000-06:00