Cottage of Roses

Finally Stopped Raining

2009-06-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

Mr. North insisted we take some of his pictures outside with the flowers.

Here's Mr. North in the phlox. He thinks he looks best with purple.....

And in the Kent rose bush (a bit thorny but he didn't care)

Thanks for humoring Mr. North!

Blooming Tree and Creeping Phlox

2009-05-23T04:14:00.000-07:00

Image shows some phlox I bought because I really like the white and had none in my yard. If you look carefully, you will see the plant's tag showing a picture of the white phlox, to the right of the clump, For some reason, this clump has started sending off some hot pink flowers. Wonder if the grower grafted these?

Mabel

2009-05-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

Our beloved Mabel (our beagle) was hit by a car last night. The injuries were so bad, we had to put her to sleep.

She was such a good girl. We were so blessed to have her. Mabel, you are going to be so missed. Thank you for the time we had with you.

I Can See Land!

2009-03-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

The weather has been so gorgeous. Look at how much snow has melted!

A Storm Missed Us

2009-03-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

Can't believe the storm stayed south!!! (Who do I thank?)

The Day After

2009-03-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

Despite how late in the season and how much snow we've had all winter, I still think it's so beautiful! Had to take these pictures, for yesterday's storm might be the last BIG storm before winter is finally over.

As the snow hits the trees, the snow sprinkles off the branches just like powdered sugar.

Hard to believe soon there will be flowers growing!!!

And STILL Snowing!

2009-03-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

Isn't it March?

Don't Taunt The Snowman! - March 9th

2009-03-09T04:47:00.000-07:00

Fair warning... I did last week and can NOT believe who is having the LaSt laugh!

Took this picture from out the front door, while waiting for my cup of joe to brew. This is supposedly just the beginning of the storm. Aaarg!!!

Took these pictures before my daughters hopped on the bus. Can you believe there was school today? We've had so many days cancelled, they didn't dare call this one!

Yes, there is a snowman on the mailbox holding a sign. And the sign says "Let It Snow!". We put this same mailbox out every winter and we get the snow! I think next year, I'll paint palm trees.

Gonna Be Gone By Monday?

2009-03-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

Every year, our poor mailbox is overwhelmed by the snow drifts. Finally the snow melted away enough (and a little help from us) it's not completely buried with just the little door exposed!

Picture looking down the other direction of our "Lane".

A view halfway up the driveway...

These pictures were taken today. Still can't believe after such seasonable temperatures, there is still this much snow left to melt. This weekend is supposed to be beautiful. I am eager to see how much snow will be remaining next Monday.

Can't Believe It's March!

2009-03-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Monday gave us another snow whooping. After two bright and sunny days, still this much snow remains!

So cold the previous storm's snow hasn't a chance to melt before a new one hits. Good thing it's light and fluffy!

January 18th Snow Storm

2009-01-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

These pictures are of our January 18th storm, only after a few hours.

Totals were originally predicted to be up to 8" but we hit that in only 4 hours and it's supposed to snow for the rest of the day.

Grapes In Crystal Bowl

2009-01-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Spring Onions

2008-12-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

5x7 Oil on hand-stretched canvas

5x7 oil on hand-stretched canvas - SOLD!

Three Days And 18" Of Snow!

2008-12-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

Snowed For The Entire Weekend!

After all the snow finished falling , we had some pretty harsh winds creating huge drifts and delayed school for 2 hours (at least there's school... has been since the 11th of December).

Even after the winds last night and this morning, the fluffy snow still sits snug on top of these apples.

It was such a sunny day, when the snow melted off the roof it dripped and immediately froze, creating 4 foot long icicles along the ledge -- all in one day!

Barely Out Of One Storm....

2008-12-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

And Into Another!!!!

Burrrrrr! It's a blustery 10 degrees outside! Despite the bone chilling cold, I think the snow so beautiful. Well.... at least until we have to go out and shovel by HaNd!!!

Unfortunately, tomorrow's snow is supposed to be a lot wetter and heavier. (Much like the NJ snow I remember as a girl and hoped I'd never see again!) "Hey hubby, can you say 'Snow Blower', PLEASE?!"

Our First Gingerbread House

2008-12-20T06:13:00.000-08:00

Early in the month my daughters and I saw TONS of kits for gingerbread houses, in the stores. Unfortunately, once the ice storm hit, everyone had the same idea for their "Power Outage Activity" and bought all the kits! So, we made our house from scratch. What fun it turned out to be and really filled a week of no school with lots of creativity!

(At this point, I wonder which has more frosting, our house or this gingerbread house? LOL!)

2008 New Hampshire Ice Storm

2008-12-13T11:15:00.001-08:00

“WORST STORM ON RECORD”
We had quite the ice storm Thursday night, the 10th of December. Declared the worst storm, beating our 1998 record. Over 400,000 people were out of power for many many days. Minor flooding which immediately froze the following night. Unfortunately, one fatality.

Although limbs on some trees came down, our home and we were lucky and suffered no real damage and only went without power for 32 hours (first time without power, since we first moved in -- not bad). We were also very fortunate to have an aWeSoMe generator which made our time very comfortable. We live at the top of a very quiet cul-de-sac, facing a main road and must have really made some people curious because many cars drove down our road to see if others on our street were as fortunate... including a police car and the FD hook n’ ladder!!! LOL!

It was such a beautiful storm, despite all the destruction. The 11 of December the sun came out warmed things right up and made everything melted a little, giving things a nice gleam. So glad I was able to take some beautiful shots!

This is a view from the side of the house....

Hubby and youngest daughter, down in the far back of the yard, heading back from the swamp (you can spot them in the bottom left corner).

Photograph taken from the front, facing in the NNE direction.

Fancy Wax Cake

2008-10-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Three Retro Cupcake Candles

2008-10-12T05:42:00.000-07:00

(These are also 100% wax and not painted.)

Flower Cupcake

2008-10-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

Rose on top of a hazelnut cupcake with vanilla butter cream frosting (candle). You know me and roses. Eventually one would end up on a candle.

Each element on this candle was poured in molds I created, including the cupcake, frosting, rose and leaves. None of the pieces have been hand-painted, but in fact this candle is 100% wax (like the bundt cake below).

Yummy Bundt Cake!

2008-10-08T04:37:00.000-07:00

This looks so good it makes you wnat to eat it up. But you can't. It's a faux 3" bundt cake!!!

Now that the Fall has come, the gardens have taken their winter break. Raking is done (ok, some of it) and now it's time to settle in with the winter activities. Making fun faux food is a favorite. So many different things to create. In this case the above bundt cake is a candle. For the holidays, the candles (soaps and chocolates) make excellent gifts for teachers, troop leaders and other thoughtful peoople who touch our hearts throughout the year.

Sunset Celebration Rose Heart Shaped Bloom

2008-09-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

Perfect for Valentine's Day!

A couple of Sunseet Celebration fun pinwheel shaped blooms.

(this one looks like the wind blew the middle a bit hard!)

Apricot Miniature Tea Rose

2008-09-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

Hybrid Tea Rose Sunset Celebration

2008-08-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Second show of beautiful roses this season. There are so many blooming on the bush, I could make a vase full of just Sunset Celebration and still have many left on the bush.

Wish I could also capture the beautiful smell. Guess you'll have to believe me when I say the fragrance is very nice an dnot overpowering.

High Ambition Hybrid Tea Rose Bush

2008-08-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

Isn't this soft color beautiful? The stems are nice and long and look wonderful in an arrangement for the table.

I am going to miss my fresh table bouquets, this winter. The gardens really produced some great roses and flowers, I feel so spoiled with such nice full vases all summer! Guess after the frosts, it's back to store bought arrangements.

Madame Plantier

2008-08-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Boy, not since June have we had such a long stretch of nice weather. With such nice days, I couldn't help to enjoy the outdoors, as much as possible.

Here's a couple of pictures of rose called Madame Plantier (also known as Brides Bouquet). I have read that it's a one-time bloomer; it only blooms in the Spring, but I took this picture, this morning, and it's my second round of roses, this year.

Doesn't Madame Plantier hav a beautiful rose cluster?

WoW and ThAnK yOu!

2008-08-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Over the summer, I have been honored by requests for a couple of my photographs. As I have explained in email replies, I am more than flattered by the interest and will consider selling some of the photographs, in the near future. Will promise to keep you all faithful viewers updated!

I started this blog to share my gardens with fellow dirt diggers. I love to see other blogs and google gardens and felt it only fair to share my weeds with others. The artist angle was definitely a bonus and something I never expected. (I admit, most of the pictures are pretty awful, but one or two were lucky captures!)

Again, thank you for all the interest. I am so beyond flattered and so appreciate the kind words.

PS ...
I don't have Commenting enabled because too many "spam" comments posted made moderating this site difficult. Thank you for your interest in commenting, too.

Topiary

2008-08-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day in a LONG time, where the day either didn't start with or end with rain!!! It was so nice working in the gardens, moving "this" and replanting "that"....

I created this silly little topiary, a couple years ago. Now in his new location, he can show himself to all whom come to visit. Where he and the other topiaries were located, the hydrangeas were really starting to impose and hide them.

After seeing this picture, I think it's time to do some more trimming. That's the fun part.

Don’t topiaries remind you of Dr. Seuss?

Nikko Blue Hydrangea

2008-08-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

This is the largest bloom I have seen, on this plant. Last year, the buds were damaged by late spring frost and the bush produced no blooms. So glad to see the hydrangea so happy.

Mr. Lincoln Rose Bush

2008-08-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

And my Mother's Day gift is also still giving!!!

Pearlie Mae Hybrid Tea Rose

2008-08-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

Still going!!!

Popcorn Miniature Rose

2008-08-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Mr. Lincoln Tea Rose

2008-08-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

Although I have read that the color of a Mr. Lincoln rose is crimson red, mine appears to be more of a magenta-like red. None-the-less, the color is beautiful and so is the smell!!!

White Phlox

2008-08-06T03:32:00.000-07:00

Iceberg Rose

2008-08-06T03:29:00.000-07:00

Mophead Purple Hydrangea

2008-08-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

When I bought the hydrangea, I was told they would not turn blue, but would stay pink... well, as hard as it might try, blue and pink make purple!

And another "pink" hydrangea bush.

Hydrangea plants are so neat. Unlike most other plants, the color of their flowers can change dramatically. By changing the pH of the soil (easier to do if hydrangea is in a container) and will happen naturally, as the plant adjusts to it's new environment.

From what I've read, it's easier to change a pink hydrangea to blue (or purple) than it is to change a blue to pink. To make a pink flower blue, one must add aluminum and make sure the pH level is low. A natural way would be to add ingredients such as; coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peels, grass clippings etc. If the soil naturally contains aluminum; acid the color of the hydrangea will automatically tend toward shades of blue and/or purple.

It is almost impossible to turn a hydrangea blue for any length of time if it is planted in soil with no aluminum and that is high in alkaline (chalky). You will have to work hard to keep the soil correctly conditioned (in a way, mentioned earlier).

Another color changing factor would be in the water. If all the soil conditions are correct, then have the water tested. The pH level should not be more than 5.5.

We live in the land of lots of pine trees, so our soil is naturally acidic. Oak trees can also make soil very acidic.

White Oriental Lily

2008-08-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Iceberg Climbing Rose

2008-08-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

I have not read any information about the Iceberg having a pink tint to the budding flower, but this one seems to show some. The color is quite nice.

Peak-A-Boo!
Pure white petals, once opened. So hard to believe they are the same kind of rose and on the same rose bush!

Mr Lincoln

2008-08-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

My family gave me this rose, for Mother's Day. The poor thing had no new growth, when they gave it to me. So, I really gave the hole a good pre-treatment, complete with a banana peal, watered and talked to it, every day. Look at the reward!!! Truly a beautiful Mother's Day gift that keeps on giving.

Food Store Red Miniature Rose

2008-08-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here's another food store "Two-For-One" sale miniature rose, I bought last June. Like the apricot food store miniature rose, this red mini came with no name.

Daisies

2008-07-29T05:13:00.000-07:00

Miniature Rose Popcorn

2008-07-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

We had another day of terrible weather, yesterday. This time, no tornadoes but did have some serious floodling. Fortunately, Amherst was spared again and only had the vivid lightning.

Weather predictions are calling for another late afternoon of severe weather, so I took some garden pictures, while I could!

This poor Popcorn miniature rose has been beaten by the raindrops. You can still see the rain, on the petals of this bloom and the other flowers posted today.

White Oriental Lily

2008-07-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Bonica Rose

2008-07-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Newfound Lake

2008-07-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

Sandwiched in between several days of very horrific weather was one really beautiful Saturday. We just had to go up to the lakes region.

Daisies

2008-07-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

We had some audacious weather, but all the plants survived so well.

Ferns

2008-07-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

After several days of rain and a devastating tornado in central New Hampshire, we are in the sun and collecting wits. It's amazing how green everything is (and the number of weeds that have sprouted)!

Butterfly or Moth?

2008-07-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

MOTH!
Moths have a furry body. Their antennae can be feathery or thin, but only butterflies have "clubs" on the end of their antennae. The designs on the wings are to fool and scare predators into thinking they are eyes of other dangerous predators.

This one was huge (6 1/4 x 2 1/4") and really beautiful. Nothing I have seen before. Shame the wings are so tattered.

We've really have had interesting bugs, this summer!

Fresh Cut Lilies and Hydrangea

2008-07-22T04:15:00.000-07:00

I cut these flowers, between rain storms, yesterday. I definitely need work on floral design!

My friend Lisa E. has the most wonderful, mature gardens and she makes the most beautiful arrangements; the flowers look like they came from a florist. Lisa inspires me, so very much.

Sunset Celebration Hybrid Tea Rose

2008-07-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

We've had a couple of days of good rain. Gardens are so happy; they are not depending on my skimpy watering to survive, for a change.

Meanwhile, my roses keep growing. Can't believe how beautiful this rose looks with the raindrops.

Hybrid Tea Rose Sunset Celebration

2008-07-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

Hybrid Tea Rose Sunset Celebration

2008-07-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

A nice close up of the Sunset Celebration Rose.

Food Store Apricot Miniature

2008-07-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

Lots of blooms on all the food store “Two-for-One” miniature rose bushes. Here’s one of the little beauties, in the garden.

Seems to rebloom, monthly. Blooms have a slight, if any fragrance and their size is about an inch. Still waiting to see the mature height of the bush.

Even though this food store purchase was marked only as a "miniature rose", the stems on the rose blooms are long enough for a small bouquet, giving this miniature hybrid tea rose great exhibition potential.

Such an interesting little unknown mini, I have taken and posted many photos over the last couple months. Please feel free to view them all.

Sunset Celebration Hybrid Tea Rose

2008-07-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Blooms late spring/early summer; repeatedly. Resists most rose problems such as blackspot and rust. Grows to about 4 feet. Nice fragrance.

Bonica Rose After The Rain

2008-07-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Still going! Since early June, this beauty has been blooming, non-stop!

Grows to about 4 feet. Zone hardiness is 4-9! Light fragrance. Blooms repeatedly. Light pink petal tops with dark pink underneath. Disease resistant.

Micro Miniature Rose Cinderella

2008-07-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

Here's my Cinders with a new bud! So glad to see her with blooms; waited a month to see them.

During shipping, this little thing spent many extra days in the mail system. After arriving, she had a little trouble with dropping leaves. Kept her safe in the screened porch, for a few days. Once the leaves stopped fallling, I placed her in the garden. (View my June blog entry to see a picture of this micro-mini when it first arrived.)

At any bloomin' temperature, I LOVE this little micro-mini Cinderella!!!

This micro-miniature rose is in the family of floribunda roses. Also known as Cinderella Fairy Tale. It grows 6-12" in height, in shrub form. Is hardy in zone 5. I have read in cooler temperatures, the little flowers have a pink tint. In mid-July, mine is definitely pinkish, (but I don't believe temps in the high 80s or low 90s is considered cool) Blooms have a light spicy scent. Buds start in early summer; repeats throughout the summer. Resists blackspot and mildew (unfortunately, not immune).

Fun for borders, containers and around the base of rose trees. Can tolerate some shade.

Pink Asiatic Lilies

2008-07-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Asiatic Lilies

2008-07-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

Blooms have been bleeching in the hOt HOT HoT sun.

Yellow and White Moth

2008-07-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

Food Store Mini Is Open

2008-07-15T05:09:00.000-07:00

TaDa!!!

From bud to bloom, this took a week to open. What an audacious show!
(See my photo gallery for more pictures of this rose as it opens.)

Black and White Dragonfly

2008-07-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

The first time I have ever seen this type of dragonfly was last summer. Isn't he beautiful? Just look at those eyes shine!

Food Store Apricot Miniature Rose

2008-07-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

My unknown miniature tea rose is unfurling. This is always the BEST part!

New Guinea Impatien Bloom

2008-07-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

Went for a hike up Mount Monadnock and look who was open and ready to greet me a welcome home!

Food Store Apricot Miniature Rose

2008-07-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

Look at the colors!!! Isn't this an unusual little miniature?

Pink Asiatic Lilies

2008-07-11T06:13:00.000-07:00

First lily to pop, in the garden.

Food Store Apricot Miniature Rose

2008-07-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

In June, one of my fish died. For some reason, it really made me sad. While food shopping, I saw some minis on sale, "Two for One" (each pot actually had four little plants, in it) and couldn't resist turning my frown upside down and buying!

Didn't come with a name, but the flowers were so pretty. Some of the stems are really exhibition size and make beautiful little bouquets (but without a smell).

When I first brought them home, I couldn't resist rooting two and both took!!! One of the little guys is already throwing up a bud!

Here's a photo of a bloom from one of the original "Two for One" that has been getting cozy, for the past month.

Outer petals are a nice warm, deep pink and the inside is an orange color - making this an unique color salmon! So glad I found this rose.

And YES! I will be trying to root this flower, once it's done bloomin'! I can't cut a rose without throwing it in soil, after it's cycle. It's an addiction!

New Guinea Impatiens

2008-07-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

Bought this back in June and it's FINALLY showing flower buds!

Pretty little plant that only loves shade, so it beautifies the back screened porch.

Another Photo Of The Hills' Miniature Rose

2008-07-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

Can't help it! So pretty to photograph!!!

Unknown Miniature From Hampshire Hills

2008-07-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Unknown Mini From Hampshire Hills, Close Up

2008-07-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

With permission, I took a couple of cuttings from the pool area. Planning on dividing up the cuttings and rooting.

The bush is so beautiful. No real scent but the blooms are 1" pink tea formed buds and grow in tight clusters. Sort of reminds me of a miniature version of Bonica!

Hosta, Mildred Seaver

2008-07-04T05:40:00.000-07:00

This is a HUGE plant. It fills the area where it's planted, well!!!

Climbing Iceberg

2008-07-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

This little plant was recently added to one of newer my gardens! Think it's going to make it!

Black Hollyhock

2008-07-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

Bonica Rose

2008-07-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a beautiful cluster? And there are more buds forming!!! What a work-horse this rose is!

Black Hollyhock

2008-06-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

What a surprise it was to see this black hollyhock peaking back at me, this afternoon! (This month has been full of audacious surprises, for me!)

Truly is the closest to black in any flower I've seen! (Even my King Of Blacks carnations are really just a deep red.)

Blue Hydrangea

2008-06-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Finally, a little time with no rain!!! I feel like it's been forever since I've been in the gardens! But alas, as I type it is clouding over, again! Well, at least the water pump is enjoying it's watering vacation!

Last year, my hydrangeas didn't give me a single bloom, but this year, they are a bit happier with me and are throwing out the clusters of flowers!!!

Pink Carnation Gone Near White!

2008-06-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

I have a 2 foot wide, well established clump of pink carnations. Each one flower pretty much like the other, with no variation in color and a lovely scent. Been this way for a couple of years.

Then one day, I saw this strange bud growing on the same stem of one that was a normal pink, right in the middle of the clump. Just had to cut it and bring it in to watch unfurl.

In case it's so abnormal, it doesn't open all the way (and becomes cruddy looking), I decided to take a photograph. Now, when I think back in disbelief, I will have the photo to remember!

(talk about fully double!!! This is a full third!)

Other than this news, it's another rainy day!

Working...

2008-06-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry, no recent photos. Mostly rain and I am missing the gardens. Hope they aren't getting too much rain and not enough sun!!!

Madame Plantier

2008-06-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

Still putting out the blooms for me! Will be so sad, when the blooming season ends (although last summer I remember a second, small round of blooms, later in the summer. Maybe it will happen again, this year!)

Gourmet Popcorn

2008-06-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

I wish I could clone 10 of these for my gardens, but there's a patent..... Oh well!

Bonica, Unfurling

2008-06-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

Wish image weren't so blurry... Am getting better with the camera!

Unknown Rose - Before the Hail Storm

2008-06-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Took a couple of blooms out of the garden, before we had another day of thunderstorms. Glad I did because the first round had hail and really pelted the plants and these two bushes tend to arch, (even as small bushes).

This rose (Unknown Number Two) really smells GREAT! Just like a rose is expected to smell -- like a rose!

And this rose (Unknown Number One) is quickly becoming a favorite, on the bush. The hard rain and hail really knocked the petals off the older blooms, in the garden. It was my pleasure to cut this flower and bring it inside, where it can be safe and remain perfect!

Love that star pattern, in the center!!!

Lots Of Rain

2008-06-23T11:44:00.001-07:00

Been quite the stormy weather, today. Gives the hose a break. Managed to make it between down pours, to cut some fresh flowers. Oh how nice the room smells!

Large, apricot colored rose is a Pearlie Mae and the smaller clusters of pure white roses are Madame Plantier, after being in a vase for a few days. The hot pink blooms are carnations and the white is yarrow.

In this vase arrangement, I have placed newly cut Madame Plantier (still with the hints of pink) and a couple of unknown roses.

I really do like the Madame Plantier. She's a beautiful rose that is fun to watch open and her clusters are on nice long stems which last so long, in the vase. As the blooms get older, the white becomes very pure. Lots of petals on each bloom. One day, I'll sit and count them all, for an estimate!

Pearlie Mae Rose

2008-06-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Look at the beautiful colors in this rose! Apricot petals with beautiful pink, under the petals.

This rose takes a little while to unferl and what a show it is!

Iris, Close Up

2008-06-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Apple Blossom Yarrow

2008-06-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Dianthus, Close Up

2008-06-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

I sometimes cut these and put them in small bouquets (posies). Not much smell, but od make the arrangement interesting.

Dianthus Plant

Peony Bloom Close Up

2008-06-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

Took this photograph of my white peony, in the vase.

Bonica Rose Opening, Before the Rain

2008-06-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

This reose is so beautiful, as it opens and so interesting, once it is. Managed to take this photograph just before the rain came down, hard!

And these photographs, just after it rained.

Notice the pretty star center in this bloom, on this one (as well as the one below, which was previously posted). A very interesting characteristic of this unknown rose. You would think it would make finding the rose's name, easier! NOT!!!

(image previously posted.)

About 20 petals on this rose bud. Not too cluttered, at all!

Kent Rose, Close Up and Personal

2008-06-19T07:19:00.001-07:00

Foxy Foxglove

2008-06-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some Foxglove, planted in the backyard. They are tucked in with some Lemon Time (which has decided it will take over the garden), Mint (which is contained with a bottomless pot which is buried in the ground) and a healthy clump of Chives.

Just beyond the path, you can see my daughter's garden. She has all kinds of things in there, including Lilies (oriental), a Forsythia bush cutting (started all by herself, last year!) and Foxglove, to name a few.

We planted these Foxglove in my daughter's garden, last year (bi-annual). Really doing well in part shade.

Happy gardening!

Daylily

2008-06-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

This is from the Siloam family...

Really a beautiful apricot (or salmon) and pink color to this lovely double daylily. Glad there are many buds on each scape because it's always sad, when the day's bloom is done.

Happy gardening!

Peony Bud With a Perfect Helper!

2008-06-19T05:19:00.000-07:00

Like ladybugs, ants help flowering by cleaning the peony buds of insects that can harm before the bloom can open.

Happy gardening!

Honeysuckle

2008-06-19T04:21:00.000-07:00

Starts off a mauve and opens to white. Really pretty plant. Taken about 3 1/2 years to get really establishe.

Happy gardening!

Roses In The Gardens, Today!

2008-06-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

Just took these pictures, this morning. I can't believe how many roses (and other beautiful flowers) have popped up, in the last couple of days.

I could spend hours, just walking around and looking at them. I still marvel at the fact that these are my gardens!

Close-up of a Madame Plantier Rose bloom
(think it's so pink because of some cool weather.)

Madame Plantier in the Vase
(kept inside, where it was kept at room temp. Notice, there is still a small hint of pink on the outer edges of the petals.)

(You can also see the tiny pink buds, poking out from behind.)

(said to be a spring-time bloomer. I have seen another show of blooms, later in the summer. Maybe my cool zone helps?)

My beautiful Kent Rose
(susceptible to blackspot and beetles love it, but the happy little guy just keeps on pumping out the blooms!)

Buds from my Unknown Rose
(if anyone can identify it......)

Unknown Rose, Opened
(isn't is a cool double? Love the star center, in this bloom.)

This flower had 20 petals! (will take more pics of this flower, on the bush, as it blooms.)

Happy gardening!

Small Bouquet

2008-06-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

Small sample of some of the flowers now blooming in some of my gardens...

Look at how HUGE the white peony is! What a wonderful smell; so rose-like.

Also in the vase; Bonica, Madame Plantier, Kent rose, a couple of pink Dianthus and some white yarrow (good substitute for Baby's Breath).

So thrilled and hope to have vases FULL before the blooming season is over.

Happy gardening!

Cinderella Rose

2008-06-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

I'd like to share my newest little rose... Micro Miniature Rose 'Cinderella'!

I had one, years ago, but didn't know the care needed for miniature roses and didn't do well. Hoping this little gal and I get along much better!

Due to the country's terrible weather, this little thing spent many extra days in the mail system. Suffered a little shipping shock -- has been losing a few leaves. When she's better, in a few days she'll be popped in a special place, in my garden.

Please feel free to view my Most Recent photographs of Cinderella, posted in July!

Happy gardening!

Today...

2008-06-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Is just HOT! Dry and just trying to keep up with the watering.

New blooms on the irises and the minis are going well.

Foxgloves are just about ready to bud. I see little white tips on the ones that are in mostly shade. (Learned something new about Foxglove!)

Hydrangeas are looking like they are going to put out blooms (things are a bit late, this side of the knoll). But they seem to really dislike this heat. Wilting; I should give them one more watering, before heading off.

Dianthus LOVE this heat! The peony seem a little unhappy as do the lilies (both asiatic and oriental). Okay, enough talk and start watering.

Happy gardening AND WATERING!

This Morning's Iris Blooms

2008-06-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

Went out this morning and even more of these irises were open!

Irises

Notice the delicate pink
(in the white area) and rich purple (almost mauve), on this iris!

Happy gardening!

Blooms, Chives, Irises and Lilacs!!!

2008-06-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some more images of blooms, appearing in my various gardens to date. If you notice, I don't have bark mulch down, yet. I would rather spend the money on FLOWERS!

Chives

Iris

Iris

Lilacs (previously in bloom)

Happy gardening!