Cottage Gardening
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21st Century schizoid hydrangeas
Those of a certain age and disposition might flashback to a certain King Crimson album. And, I must admit the title of this entry is a bit over-stated. And the hydrangea condition that leads me to that title is diagnose-able. If that isn’t a word, it should be. My Forever and Evers (or are they… Continue reading
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Clematis archway
Three years ago I envisioned an archway of white clematis. This year I almost have one! The clematis x white is blooming nicely and frames the entrance to the secret garden. Next year I’m hoping for a more dramatic show. I love the fuzzy centers to these flowers and the fact that they linger long… Continue reading
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Raindrops on Lady’s Mantle and roses
I love the way raindrops and dew bead up on Lady’s Mantle (alchemilla). A friend gave me this clump when he was doing some spring divisions several years ago. It seems to like my soil far better than his. Or, I have more sun than he does. And, if I show the raindrops on the… Continue reading
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Dale Chihuly exhibit at Meijer Garden
I spent the afternoon at Meijer Garden and saw the wonderful Dale Chihuly installations. I’m not sure my photos do these justice. I didn’t see everything, so I plan to return. Chihuly in Tropical Garden, Meijer Garden Continue reading
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Shredded bark makes the garden pop!
Yesterday was mulch day and the garden looks wonderful with its fresh new covering. And, four more arborvitae went in yesterday, too, with a little help from the guys who brought the mulch. They also moved the broken fountain into the secret garden. A friend tonight suggested I try aquarium glue on it. It won’t… Continue reading
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The uncessary death of a fountain
I’ve been kicking myself all day. I decided last evening to clean the fountain and get it up and running. I have to tip it back and forth the get the dirty water out and as I was doing that, the whole top came loose. I never covered it last winter. The first big snow… Continue reading
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View from above
I took this photo from the balcony this morning. It indicates that I forgot to put the perennial spade in the garage last night, and I left a container out, too. Sigh. But it also shows the lines of the lower garden and the Secret Garden. I can barely see the new rose I bought… Continue reading
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Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day, May 15, 2010
It’s Bloom Day and I’ve ceremoniously taken pictures of today’s participants. The Pana Rhododendrons are doing very well. I put acid around them last summer and that has made them very happy. My soil is quite alkaline. The old spirea is still going strong, and the Francis Williams hostas are holding their own despite the… Continue reading
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Sawfly larvae
Oh, yuck. Those little monsters are back again, feasting on my White Dawn climber in the front. I gave them a dose of insecticidal soap yesterday but that didn’t see to banish those hungry little beasties. So, I resorted to violence. I plucked every little shoot that had little dark spotted webs and stomped on… Continue reading
About Me
I haven’t always been a gardener, but I have always loved gardens. It has taken 16 years to get my gardens into the shape they are today. And, I’ve had help. I’m 74 years old, have rheumatoid arthritis, and had a late stage cancer six years ago. I am, though, intrepid. I’m the kind of person who plods along, tailoring my goals as I go. Last November I had a long overdue knee replacement surgery and I’m hoping this spring, summer, and fall will be able to maintain and find even more joy working in all of my garden beds. Full disclosure, though. I have a garden guy who comes once a week to work in my gardens.
Garden 337 