tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33158470634838214302024-03-12T21:23:59.066-07:00A Small, Sunny GardenA small garden in the English style, set in the wilds of the northern Sonora Desert...Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-60527031920255659052021-09-13T20:14:00.002-07:002021-09-15T19:56:06.089-07:00Moving the Blog...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5YWdlk10YALLYN3GLLB-vo2BFkbpNkeKSaMoUIHpiVd89BFwgjy1IR0ZZNqrdmhVaAUbgwcxiVKG2E7kLAmCVC-f-9QfAS5FgL6QscMm7daiTjCjgo2CwNIl3KUjgWZamLAXQR7QzbeM/s6016/3monday_0007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6016" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5YWdlk10YALLYN3GLLB-vo2BFkbpNkeKSaMoUIHpiVd89BFwgjy1IR0ZZNqrdmhVaAUbgwcxiVKG2E7kLAmCVC-f-9QfAS5FgL6QscMm7daiTjCjgo2CwNIl3KUjgWZamLAXQR7QzbeM/w640-h426/3monday_0007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Dear friends,</p><p>After trying a few posts back here on Blogger, I've decided to once more move the Small Sunny Garden blog. In fact I am in the process of moving the entire archive of posts from both their erstwhile homes--here and on <a href="http://SmallSunnyGarden.com">SmallSunnyGarden.com</a>. The blog will now be (hopefully) more easily accessible for reading, commenting and subscribing, regardless of what platform you are arriving from. It also allows me to post more easily, as well as creating an archive all in one place.</p><p>So...</p><p>Sound the trumpets and beat the drums!</p><p>The new blog address is at <a href="http://SmallSunnyGarden.substack.com">SmallSunnyGarden.substack.com</a>. The introductory post is <a href="https://smallsunnygarden.substack.com/p/a-small-sunny-garden-blog" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>I've been running my poetry blog <a href="https://achristinemyers.substack.com/" target="_blank">ACM Weekly</a> on Substack for over a year now, and I've found it to be a very usable platform. Although Substack does allow for paid subscriptions, the Small Sunny Garden remains a free site. Simply click through the initial "read it first" button to reach the posts.</p><p>Or go ahead and subscribe, if you like! I'd be very happy to see you there!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUvztBZnFtyBWu3j7DNqilnr3fvyVIK4SQ0yObotKMUoPOrtkfBqiDBjvHeAFbFv3pSatQHgAWOprW1VA7TToAaRFJt22ZT35S34Napsv8GPj2TpRNPi3qoY-MCTAGfBhiJ1udLEvTcOY/s6016/1wildflower_0028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6016" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUvztBZnFtyBWu3j7DNqilnr3fvyVIK4SQ0yObotKMUoPOrtkfBqiDBjvHeAFbFv3pSatQHgAWOprW1VA7TToAaRFJt22ZT35S34Napsv8GPj2TpRNPi3qoY-MCTAGfBhiJ1udLEvTcOY/w640-h426/1wildflower_0028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-73641324766987455842021-09-06T21:53:00.008-07:002021-09-06T21:53:57.712-07:00Bits and Bobs<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NfsDAI8NMKr0_eaL9_9cawhfzA6kUXeuP4X5gRHwbKrzDHE3na3Sn9i3I-bxLiS7gSuEAvL6ijnQAuRpbHzy8KfxBSycfEHYS74NMVxpnmz-LhMHJc_oNM5bjoBIDaQsDq_kjsOq4axD/s1920/09-05mondayvase11-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1878" data-original-width="1920" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NfsDAI8NMKr0_eaL9_9cawhfzA6kUXeuP4X5gRHwbKrzDHE3na3Sn9i3I-bxLiS7gSuEAvL6ijnQAuRpbHzy8KfxBSycfEHYS74NMVxpnmz-LhMHJc_oNM5bjoBIDaQsDq_kjsOq4axD/w640-h626/09-05mondayvase11-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The first vase from my new home isn't much to look at, but it's a start. I've combined some flowers I've planted with some stems I've foraged from the yard.<p></p><p>One of the most exciting things about our new property is the wonderful native plants all over it. It's an older home on mostly undisturbed desert, which means a lot of quality native desert plants instead of the weedy things that colonize disturbed soil. </p><p>In this particular vase, this means daisy-flowered brittlebrush (Encelia farinosa), which is rampant... and lovely. I had to purchase it for my previous garden, but here it is growing naturally on the hillside and in the garden area. There is also plenty of desert hackberry (Celtis ehrenbergiana seems to be the currently correct name), with its brilliant orange fruits.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomoRweCRdMN32mgRnQb6YYpgh-WcY_UrAC1tKx2VvnaGBrFdB866qnfyxpWRd_aarkxErWfq6Yj9Cvpja6BTnQRApUneZDTNG7FB9yr3KAm16ufYeh5RVE3heyorp5Z5-OScNqOnGy4YZ/s1920/09-05monday.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1920" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomoRweCRdMN32mgRnQb6YYpgh-WcY_UrAC1tKx2VvnaGBrFdB866qnfyxpWRd_aarkxErWfq6Yj9Cvpja6BTnQRApUneZDTNG7FB9yr3KAm16ufYeh5RVE3heyorp5Z5-OScNqOnGy4YZ/w640-h450/09-05monday.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Then there are a couple of things I've planted despite arriving here when temperatures were already in the triple digits. Or perhaps because of it, since I managed to buy both at discount. They're a sort of promise of things to come, but they've already supplied some pleasant color to look at from the kitchen window.</p><p>These are Salvia farinacea "Victoria Blue", with its tiny, brilliant plumes, and Catharanthus roseus, that reliable, summer-flowering, heat-loving tropical that is so reliable in desert plantings.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqjR_bKsvW_syIiXGR0T0DZiOjtGXVbv41FqvqUhyphenhyphenccJUaAvW4td5C37lYv1cjH1MnSZQ-hcXLVSpnJ2ZIupND2poYYGCKSKfZieClSBcHr8JPwEj2IDRSjYrkAvWkWXnkAOqvpJWoQkq/s1920/09-05monday13-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="1920" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqjR_bKsvW_syIiXGR0T0DZiOjtGXVbv41FqvqUhyphenhyphenccJUaAvW4td5C37lYv1cjH1MnSZQ-hcXLVSpnJ2ZIupND2poYYGCKSKfZieClSBcHr8JPwEj2IDRSjYrkAvWkWXnkAOqvpJWoQkq/w640-h472/09-05monday13-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>It's been a more difficult start than I had hoped here. Just after we arrived, quite a bit went wrong with the sale of our home in Missouri. We were forced to find a new real estate agent, restart the listing process, and figure out that the home's entire septic system needed to be replaced with a costly alternative system. All of this has held up the cash we needed to begin some necessary repairs on this place, plus the horse fencing. Not surprisingly, perhaps, I had migraine headaches for weeks running as we tried to sort everything out.<p></p><div>The house is once more under contract now, and we are hoping everything goes through this time. Meantime, I am very much falling in love with our new location--up in the high desert overlooking the lower San Pedro River valley.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a fantastic place to call home.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is my first <i>In a Vase on Monday</i> in a long time! Joining with Cathy at <i><a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2021/09/06/in-a-vase-on-monday-bee-magnet/" target="_blank">Rambling in the Garden</a></i>, where many other wonderful vases are to be found each week...</div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, here is Encelia farinosa, a shot I took some days back since I didn't get a good one for the vase. This is a delightful plant with silver foliage and yellow daisies and well adapted to extremely xeric conditions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMmZpGb4MWpjKo4on1nmcPvcBxSYJfhaCFS-dejwhpaIQm8B6BX-BJSlmzr_awu_d5Lif9WsoL97DNHAe6gvMOIkC7ghR7JmWAWLgjO06smvOajmVsJQV2vHs6nTcfxkkZVDjLUdTi2uH/s6016/5encelia_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6016" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMmZpGb4MWpjKo4on1nmcPvcBxSYJfhaCFS-dejwhpaIQm8B6BX-BJSlmzr_awu_d5Lif9WsoL97DNHAe6gvMOIkC7ghR7JmWAWLgjO06smvOajmVsJQV2vHs6nTcfxkkZVDjLUdTi2uH/w426-h640/5encelia_0359.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-1908333214661234272021-07-24T17:15:00.003-07:002021-07-24T17:15:15.964-07:00Six on Saturday: from the Monsoon Rains<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJAKqPdgEdGptKx0wpmHQdmIeQjsrLS6aTf5dhBgNMrcQUE8rzTQquGybjNXgY5edesLiVJhgePKYlGuuzXBpRHE9KZnbT0QkqUHz0Ftwqhl5ra5-VEP8kVsYf4y3KwiTpDIEJkUO2t6j/s2048/acacia.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="2048" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJAKqPdgEdGptKx0wpmHQdmIeQjsrLS6aTf5dhBgNMrcQUE8rzTQquGybjNXgY5edesLiVJhgePKYlGuuzXBpRHE9KZnbT0QkqUHz0Ftwqhl5ra5-VEP8kVsYf4y3KwiTpDIEJkUO2t6j/w640-h404/acacia.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> It's all about the rain right now. Here at our new home, this month's monsoon rains have been torrential but much-appreciated by the growing things.<p></p><p>When we arrived, most of these plants were leafless or looked to be dead or dying. But the rains have been falling for several weeks now, and the results are delightful.</p><p>At the top of the page is sweet acacia (Vachellia farnesiana) in full bloom. The lot is full of these, ranging from small trees down to shrubs on down to sprouts and seedlings at ground level. I shall have to begin weeding them out, there are so many! The scent is wonderful.</p><p>The palo verdes are leafing out as well. Their bloom time is mid-spring, but they are breaking their summer-deciduous dormancy in response to the rain.</p><p>I realize as I write this that I've assumed this is Parkinsonia florida, the blue Palo Verde, but I haven't checked it out. There are some other wild varieties in southern Arizona, and I need to confirm just which one this is. Lovely, in any case.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PmQm6LqQoPwwQ_vRblV7BwvJO1Ync3b3yhSwQJQjbDGjXclQlTzMN43iINCvpo5IZIWEMDucTQkojSmNldNSkGd2MMUctWMNUB9rd3YnpINZsqqwzZam6wcsvcj7SSrDWausVYGEzoxX/s2048/parkinsonia.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PmQm6LqQoPwwQ_vRblV7BwvJO1Ync3b3yhSwQJQjbDGjXclQlTzMN43iINCvpo5IZIWEMDucTQkojSmNldNSkGd2MMUctWMNUB9rd3YnpINZsqqwzZam6wcsvcj7SSrDWausVYGEzoxX/w640-h434/parkinsonia.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Another plant that was leafless when we arrived is this smallish ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), which is now such a mass of leaves that those long thorns are nearly invisible. I've wanted an ocotillo of my own for years, and here is one already in the ground and, apparently, thriving. </p><p>It did look like a cluster of dead sticks when we arrived, but that is to be expected of an ocotillo in June. It responded with leaves within two or three days of my giving it a quick spray of water. (Temperatures were at record highs when we arrived.) Since then the monsoon rain has kept it quite happy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir77B5Rlfv7QN5x_80zvVkoDN0TYgxX6THsuzu8tZRvODhlymcmdRb0tAzJYNmrKdvwI4d4FUa8m5kV3JYQT5-6ucUq3SgYFWqoOjL6QrW2fUhPOJkJVCf_Cfbdo-7BvrcwK2Hxjm72juR/s2048/ocotillo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1271" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir77B5Rlfv7QN5x_80zvVkoDN0TYgxX6THsuzu8tZRvODhlymcmdRb0tAzJYNmrKdvwI4d4FUa8m5kV3JYQT5-6ucUq3SgYFWqoOjL6QrW2fUhPOJkJVCf_Cfbdo-7BvrcwK2Hxjm72juR/w398-h640/ocotillo.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div><br /><p>No leaves sprout on cacti, of course, but the young saguaro has clearly been drinking heartily. Its ribs feel taut to the touch right now!</p><p>I consider it an honor, more than anything else, to have a saguaro in my garden. I've taken the liberty of christening this one Bungo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9J6MQAP6ZYGLDO07IbSvySsWVmEvoERz6HYpFW6E2rHafKbN04gvuI2Xs5ti4S_l2udj1_gUvfpiSrZ7aXob6zEK5bttlIfNO5YTtnofKzWUld2yl6IjsfYeSKbC_Ql7-BuFkMl9dmtP/s2717/saguaro.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2717" data-original-width="1157" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9J6MQAP6ZYGLDO07IbSvySsWVmEvoERz6HYpFW6E2rHafKbN04gvuI2Xs5ti4S_l2udj1_gUvfpiSrZ7aXob6zEK5bttlIfNO5YTtnofKzWUld2yl6IjsfYeSKbC_Ql7-BuFkMl9dmtP/w272-h640/saguaro.jpeg" width="272" /></a></div><br /><p>Lastly come the flowers.</p><p>The two half-price Salvia farinacea that I rescued are settling in nicely beneath the small kumquat...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfkNjOc58IT8FYLSYFQVNdmRQTSShhN77FJO07AEN4jqRlWU73Rotm91tOOCexFFQa0PFuoSGEzbNyUFOnIV6wlCtCohiFYAuGzHE-SDvcvq8FoYxhvPkAPaYoekIPFYz3-Z9bci8ICxu/s2048/salviaf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1566" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfkNjOc58IT8FYLSYFQVNdmRQTSShhN77FJO07AEN4jqRlWU73Rotm91tOOCexFFQa0PFuoSGEzbNyUFOnIV6wlCtCohiFYAuGzHE-SDvcvq8FoYxhvPkAPaYoekIPFYz3-Z9bci8ICxu/w490-h640/salviaf.jpeg" width="490" /></a></div><br /><p>...while the kumquat itself is recovering well. Its leaves were withering and ready to drop when we came. Now it not only has new growth but has begun to flower as well. Yes, the scent is delicious.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkRCLCQYg3n1_BnlEKu24aS8DmEDDZ5YW2Z_HswyO7552z27m4h-6zE01LepJfDhqSspzcJxwJi5GKkm3vMv7TWwjp0EiSmTEdAz1UoIn_AKkIoV0XNDB9LReBGr7MX48vYdPCC03KnnX/s2048/kumquatflower.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkRCLCQYg3n1_BnlEKu24aS8DmEDDZ5YW2Z_HswyO7552z27m4h-6zE01LepJfDhqSspzcJxwJi5GKkm3vMv7TWwjp0EiSmTEdAz1UoIn_AKkIoV0XNDB9LReBGr7MX48vYdPCC03KnnX/w512-h640/kumquatflower.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><p>Not a bad six for a start, I think! After a difficult time leaving Missouri, followed by a rough first month here, (we were frankly sick with the stress and fatigue of it all) it looks like we are settling in. I'll be posting more soon, if all goes well. There is so much to discover here, and it is certainly a different part of the desert than my previous garden. Still the Sonora, but at about 4000 feet elevation as well as further south. There will be much to learn.</p><p>Meantime, this is my first <i>Six on Saturday</i> post, linking with the Propagator's <a href="https://thepropagatorblog.wordpress.com/2021/07/24/six-on-saturday-24-07-2021/" target="_blank">weekly theme</a>. I've looked forward to participating but decided to wait until I could start blogging and gardening anew here.</p>Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-27443541092714492442021-05-26T12:02:00.000-07:002021-05-26T12:02:12.876-07:00The First Daylily<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip6RYGke7gZ2k6k1syxmaQVrnmz1SeI-xF59bSxXhEuDI0tjyUVlVTvukKiIawsYw_j3NmKSlc87o3l4hhYb6_1TQOd7UiuufvsoEnYpk-s65M0u4Um-bh_3etFggtoIU0tw6Za7Xf1lg/s2115/IMG_20210524_180938377-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="close-up of bright yellow daylily Stella de Oro" border="0" data-original-height="2115" data-original-width="1885" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip6RYGke7gZ2k6k1syxmaQVrnmz1SeI-xF59bSxXhEuDI0tjyUVlVTvukKiIawsYw_j3NmKSlc87o3l4hhYb6_1TQOd7UiuufvsoEnYpk-s65M0u4Um-bh_3etFggtoIU0tw6Za7Xf1lg/w570-h640/IMG_20210524_180938377-01.jpeg" width="570" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Daylilies (Hemerocallis) grow quite well here. Indeed, the species H. fulva, with its rich, rusty orange blooms, has naturalized as a roadside or farm margin wildflower.</p><p>I planted the bright yellow dwarf "Stella de Oro" in my little border, certain that it would thrive and provide color through the summer months. "Stella" was the first everblooming daylily, developed by amateur breeder Walter Jablonski in 1975. It is still widely sold and with good reason. It supplies color and reliability, and it was a good choice for a small space, such as this one!</p>Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-45447628132984359122021-05-24T18:38:00.002-07:002021-05-24T22:28:49.761-07:00Ring Around Some Roses<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF3uppCHu_dIxNJBu9IxNeAbYHf4CNEfNbINA3Hry056cDQrXOV62VETmIRpeNbOCdem-xqhaxd7mss3Ce9W5JfI9FvbvNMgiU_DfFIt_-scUqEi6sMbZNIwv0nE1SzWtvbde-5IstwpZ/s2048/iavom052421-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="rosebuds, hellebore flowers, and a heuchera leaf for In a Vase on Monday" border="0" data-original-height="1854" data-original-width="2048" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF3uppCHu_dIxNJBu9IxNeAbYHf4CNEfNbINA3Hry056cDQrXOV62VETmIRpeNbOCdem-xqhaxd7mss3Ce9W5JfI9FvbvNMgiU_DfFIt_-scUqEi6sMbZNIwv0nE1SzWtvbde-5IstwpZ/w640-h580/iavom052421-2.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br>Today's vase (if such it can be called) makes use of the first rosebuds and the last hellebores. Also of my very reliable heuchera, in the form of one largish leaf.<p></p><p>I remain convinced that this noID miniature rosebush is an unlabeled plant of 'Daniela', which I grew in Arizona. What other deep red mini will shoot rapidly to knee-high and taller, then explode into half a hundred flowerbuds? Whatever it is, it's been a bright spot in the garden ever since I planted it.</p><p>The hellebore is H. x 'Ivory Prince'. It opens just as the earliest bulbs are finishing, providing extra interest as the spring season moves from squill and rock irises to mid-season Narcissus. I didn't expect it to last all the way to the first roses, but here we are, though some might argue that the blooms are a little past 'lasting', being rather tattered by now.</p><p>And the marbled red leaf comes from Heuchera 'Carnival Rose Granita', or so I think. At any rate it was from the Carnival series, which is said to be a hybrid Villosa, good for heat tolerance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFzb6uBfVtKNFaUqDk8MUhuSoMYH9kEQPsDPWcCsEmMp0pCd9JLH1a3cP9PYML8yBbX5_Ef24crH8cr1BbkDnkQvPZkz5c8972FNJDZEzOZkk5YCgxatVJWj8gdWoHj4lrwrJxMeYLrWP/s2048/iavom052421.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="close-up of rosebuds, hellebore flowers, and a heuchera leaf for In a Vase on Monday" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFzb6uBfVtKNFaUqDk8MUhuSoMYH9kEQPsDPWcCsEmMp0pCd9JLH1a3cP9PYML8yBbX5_Ef24crH8cr1BbkDnkQvPZkz5c8972FNJDZEzOZkk5YCgxatVJWj8gdWoHj4lrwrJxMeYLrWP/w468-h640/iavom052421.jpeg" width="468"></a></div><br><p>The lovely, small, blue dish was made by my friend, Canadian potter <a href="https://instagram.com/gardenclaypottery?utm_medium=copy_link">Rosie Sarich</a>. It is a saucedish from a larger nacho set I ordered from her, and I have kept it out from the packing because it is so useful, though I didn't expect to use it as a vase!</p><p>But I have to be quite creative about containers at present because just about everything is now packed onto the moving trailer. And the trailer is locked and due to be picked up tomorrow. </p><p>So we are eking out our last efforts here before hitting the road. An AC repair on our truck, packing the few things we've kept with us, some last clean-up, and a job I have put off as long as I well could--digging my irises to pot up some of the rhizomes. None are quite to the dormant stage yet though I've waited as long as possible. But they are sturdy, vigorous plants and will hopefully forgive and survive my timing!</p><p>Meantime, the miniature rose is taking over the show in my tiny border. It is transitioning from late spring to early summer here.</p><p>At least I managed to post this week; last Monday I was still dealing with no internet, thanks to a lightning strike that destroyed the only thing left vulnerable in our electric outlets: the modem. I still say it was sheer bad luck as there really wasn't very much lightning, just a few close strikes. One did the job! With everything else that was happening, it took me awhile to get the replacement issue sorted. All done now, though, and a Monday vase to cheer us on!</p><p>Thanks, as always, to Cathy for hosting <i><a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2021/05/24/in-a-vase-on-monday-sweet-2/" target="_blank">In a Vase on Monday</a></i>! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5opl4kFVDmS8-cGhBhp9R7aHT48ujpvXD7Cx6vz-WxpXZyq2guhyphenhyphenTkt4khCAnnWz6l_DF50xKB7dTNUYwMapNEtQwXuuGjurnLZAI-UY0fiQsQen8qYgqmsHkfdeR4LLoB1u6yQkcV9p/s2048/iavom052421-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="rosebuds, hellebore flowers, and a heuchera leaf for In a Vase on Monday" border="0" data-original-height="1831" data-original-width="2048" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5opl4kFVDmS8-cGhBhp9R7aHT48ujpvXD7Cx6vz-WxpXZyq2guhyphenhyphenTkt4khCAnnWz6l_DF50xKB7dTNUYwMapNEtQwXuuGjurnLZAI-UY0fiQsQen8qYgqmsHkfdeR4LLoB1u6yQkcV9p/w640-h572/iavom052421-3.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><p><br></p>Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-79561105546300784992021-05-15T16:44:00.003-07:002021-05-15T16:44:41.010-07:00A Quick Hike With Wildflowers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA-1ryD_wuBkT8gVptRtwTNH_XxDyoXVOsRYZDXelMB58mILYhu2WKhaTs_5yyt-SKrff8h17-yh72KIVAcbTm0RKal-Zoy4ekb6DO5vCiTgKV_k4VK-hYo402Xe_TJmxzK9qsp7163Ms/s2048/tradescantia.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA-1ryD_wuBkT8gVptRtwTNH_XxDyoXVOsRYZDXelMB58mILYhu2WKhaTs_5yyt-SKrff8h17-yh72KIVAcbTm0RKal-Zoy4ekb6DO5vCiTgKV_k4VK-hYo402Xe_TJmxzK9qsp7163Ms/w512-h640/tradescantia.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div>With our house on the market, we have to find someplace to go while it's being shown. This morning's outing took us to a trailhead for the Katy Trail, which is a 237 mile trail across much of the state of Missouri. Much of it runs along old railroad tracks; and the name derives from the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad, or MKT. Hence Katy. A very typical Missourism!<p></p><p>We certainly did not hike very far along it ourselves, but we did photograph a few wildflowers we found growing by the side of the trail.</p><p>There was quite a bit of Tradescantia virginiana or possibly T. ohlensis, the spiderwort (above).</p><p>There were spreading bushes of Rosa multiflora (below), sadly an invasive species here. (Reader, I have grown it here myself before I knew its proclivities for world domination; it was a mistake!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBbCM4vs2mbZKbLgZGLeV6E40kfpxVfmO9XBcsI9VA_JeTgLQFseS4js50A8nmXQiZpltAVKtpD1O1rPeVUxkWrDEOsp15ZCA9DzV2VL7fd-FCGu50iQLrGsBlFwyKYOjLzxplRNCzRuk/s2048/rosamultiflora.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBbCM4vs2mbZKbLgZGLeV6E40kfpxVfmO9XBcsI9VA_JeTgLQFseS4js50A8nmXQiZpltAVKtpD1O1rPeVUxkWrDEOsp15ZCA9DzV2VL7fd-FCGu50iQLrGsBlFwyKYOjLzxplRNCzRuk/w512-h640/rosamultiflora.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><p>And there was this lovely pink-purple flower, which I have yet to identify. One friend has already suggested Lunaria, but the leaves aren't right for that, though the flowers are similar. The leaves look rather like Phlox, in fact--long, lanceolate and deep green. But I don't know any Phlox species that would quite match the flowers and the 3 ft height...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLckd1-LHpPUkpCDXzg0cOF7IiRBJWvHui0xPOy85OgYmd-QsdnEYsNbXuQwuxucJgiOHP5DhXR_Fnh2PRk8W-t8vtQVsbvwIArNGX4HbySF-ScUK7Lp29EH7NxyqeSnu3nceTHp7yuvtu/s2048/phlox.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1885" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLckd1-LHpPUkpCDXzg0cOF7IiRBJWvHui0xPOy85OgYmd-QsdnEYsNbXuQwuxucJgiOHP5DhXR_Fnh2PRk8W-t8vtQVsbvwIArNGX4HbySF-ScUK7Lp29EH7NxyqeSnu3nceTHp7yuvtu/w590-h640/phlox.jpeg" width="590" /></a></div><br /><p>So that was my little jaunt, other than the honeysuckle, which is also a problematic invasive, but gave off its wonderful scent in the rainy air. Here it is clambering upwards, as it does!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cNnawWlr9dFMkB5qixfikxadz7ma0gY3DhL5XwNt63VJRiaXI3s5RKYR9BK33bDG9cDXB42QGWaCPhDndMKfyYzwsIUK10ccmqNOE9iSGfTim7APz5_ccRJ4za0wQeuftmyfn_IopA7I/s2048/IMG_20210515_103732803-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1765" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cNnawWlr9dFMkB5qixfikxadz7ma0gY3DhL5XwNt63VJRiaXI3s5RKYR9BK33bDG9cDXB42QGWaCPhDndMKfyYzwsIUK10ccmqNOE9iSGfTim7APz5_ccRJ4za0wQeuftmyfn_IopA7I/w552-h640/IMG_20210515_103732803-01.jpeg" width="552" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-46137856803537773572021-05-12T13:01:00.000-07:002021-05-12T13:01:03.960-07:00Wordless on Wednesday<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlryw4VmOMHYLfjqMFIZy8HJPvzk0hWGpUT9gzl1SrU7cLhm75BkmpNV6sESmWE0qVLFYZ9M_nHDVIAhlteDNDYgNHHNJd1Mhng3OBCUP_kIZeNZSQ-jVeJsXQwzq2g68hxM8krT7opoDG/s2048/iris.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1615" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlryw4VmOMHYLfjqMFIZy8HJPvzk0hWGpUT9gzl1SrU7cLhm75BkmpNV6sESmWE0qVLFYZ9M_nHDVIAhlteDNDYgNHHNJd1Mhng3OBCUP_kIZeNZSQ-jVeJsXQwzq2g68hxM8krT7opoDG/w504-h640/iris.jpeg" width="504" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris 'Amigo'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p>Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-41558871658496553902021-05-10T16:22:00.001-07:002021-05-10T17:51:28.605-07:00In a Vase on Monday, But I've Packed All the Vases!<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiy384ZQEgjEohiE4CmHNQFmwgBn4GYU8ObvY5Za1h-PwyfftFkVh3l5i3yEmdbtw9duK38jK4ElGTyh939gxU9ezQpmToe4ODBmnXrCqFXqXcp-Rfz8ebqjq5QRwUPc94uI8Nx4767-s/s2048/IrisAmigoinborder-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiy384ZQEgjEohiE4CmHNQFmwgBn4GYU8ObvY5Za1h-PwyfftFkVh3l5i3yEmdbtw9duK38jK4ElGTyh939gxU9ezQpmToe4ODBmnXrCqFXqXcp-Rfz8ebqjq5QRwUPc94uI8Nx4767-s/w640-h360/IrisAmigoinborder-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris Amigo in the front border</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Dear friends,</p><p>I feel rusty beginning a blog post after a year of not blogging. Even rustier attempting to do so on this, my old Blogger site! But I intend to change things around on my website, and I want to test out the possibilities of using a dedicated blogging platform again.</p><p>Meantime it is Monday...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriktvGxrhmx9sR9wG5PlrbTf_3fjOGlrK-wagz-EMfL6qL1_LeLhNlzirTzCCjO18CMu-fwhlvi8U67zNBzok9FGgwNP2wSyqdfs1yPEqHFpUS9EqmNiNPA3gfIXF1d_g3_SrF3YImBjN/s2048/mondayvaseirises.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1849" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriktvGxrhmx9sR9wG5PlrbTf_3fjOGlrK-wagz-EMfL6qL1_LeLhNlzirTzCCjO18CMu-fwhlvi8U67zNBzok9FGgwNP2wSyqdfs1yPEqHFpUS9EqmNiNPA3gfIXF1d_g3_SrF3YImBjN/w578-h640/mondayvaseirises.jpeg" width="578" /></a></div>...and I have indeed packed all my vases (more on that shortly). I located a canning jar for today's bounty of irises--more on them also!<div><br /></div><div>My posy is haphazard to say the least, but I am much too exhausted to do more with it! Here we have the lovely apricot-brown iris Jean Cayeux and the equally magical purple and lavender iris Amigo. Also a few sprigs of Heuchera.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have wanted to celebrate <i>In a Vase on Monday</i> time and again and again. In fact, there have been Mondays when I have managed to pick and arrange flowers and even to photograph them. But the entire process from flowers to post has been a bit beyond me over the past year. I've had to deal with ongoing chronic pain issues, along with a good many other things, and I just couldn't manage to keep the blog going.</div><div><br /></div><div>But life is changing at last. So here is a post for the wonderful <i>IaVoM</i> with Cathy at <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2021/05/10/ina-vase-on-monday-shabby-chic/" target="_blank">Rambling in the Garden</a>. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOc4NrsnnX7k95PcEi8LAHW_PGERls9kgaqcKJ2DUshhqobhBHLDlq-L31eXvbevSnwEmrlRQGIpli-2u0L_MwuXt8jsOmGCzRzu6MVOtIGlwnDImRGZXYtG773JvUpNzrohGIQnmBkGR/s2048/mondayvaseirisessecond.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1628" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOc4NrsnnX7k95PcEi8LAHW_PGERls9kgaqcKJ2DUshhqobhBHLDlq-L31eXvbevSnwEmrlRQGIpli-2u0L_MwuXt8jsOmGCzRzu6MVOtIGlwnDImRGZXYtG773JvUpNzrohGIQnmBkGR/w508-h640/mondayvaseirisessecond.jpeg" width="508" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />As I said in the title, my vases are packed, and my irises will also soon be "packed".</p><p>Upon moving to Missouri at the start of 2019, we intended to move back to the southwest as soon as possible, ideally in eighteen to twenty-four months. We are just at twenty-eight months, and we are on the cusp of heading to our newly purchased home north of Tucson, Arizona. Our house here is under contract. Granted, it has taken about seven months since we began the whole process, but still, perhaps we haven't done too badly on the scheduling, given the difficulties of recent times!</p><p>At the moment, I don't really want to say too much about our experiences here in the Midwest. It has proven a difficult time for my sister and me, and I would not choose to return here again. Ever. The countryside is precious and beautiful and sweet, and we were able to stop the financial bleed we were facing. But the hatred and insanity we have all seen play out on the national scale over the past few years are very present and very real here. The lack of kindness and of normal human respect for anyone or anything is abysmal. Everything we have achieved here (and we have made some progress in our lives) has been done long-distance or entirely alone. Enough said! We are moving away!</p>In the meantime, I did manage to plant about half of a border. Some of it you may have seen before I stopped blogging altogether. But as we are at the height of the iris season right now, I thought I would present my entire little collection of standard bearded irises--all four of them.<div><br /></div><div>These are all so-called historic irises. I'm not sure what the accepted date for "historic" may be, but each of these was introduced before 1940. They have a grace and simplicity that I find delightful.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa3qWqnrH-w1yqaQkgcopDaLBM0mQxAxZm4vkV4oP6K0OgXbHK_InOAZEKoHaVEH01kOxv0_JWl2zJHJBx12XjI2TYYt-T7cOtfTXoPo8mcuEq89SV6mBFTZhgwGpVWlsr1yd_A82tS8C/s1924/IrisMaryGeddes.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1837" data-original-width="1924" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa3qWqnrH-w1yqaQkgcopDaLBM0mQxAxZm4vkV4oP6K0OgXbHK_InOAZEKoHaVEH01kOxv0_JWl2zJHJBx12XjI2TYYt-T7cOtfTXoPo8mcuEq89SV6mBFTZhgwGpVWlsr1yd_A82tS8C/w640-h612/IrisMaryGeddes.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Geddes<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>It seems impossible so far to capture the thrill of the rich, earthy, ochre hues on Mary Geddes. She is quite a beauty, though looking ever-so-slightly weather-beaten here after everything was doused in quarter-sized hailstones a couple of nights ago. She remains undaunted however, and supplies much-appreciated brilliance on even cloudy days.</div><div><br /></div><div>She and Jean Cayeux (below) are the latest to flower, having opened their first blooms each on the same morning.<br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjMlZql77nK5cVsUBvJ-EkfZb0EAzMpraGVRdRotr1j1cK9c2NLxtG0TKvCvWA_38fCIoNBKcLgy6g6cyAIoWn_fPIS19lg3-xvBsBfZ835FvOOV2xBCmIQ5h5cF7sJklJ1XqZD-MblD-/s2048/IrisJeanCayeux.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1639" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjMlZql77nK5cVsUBvJ-EkfZb0EAzMpraGVRdRotr1j1cK9c2NLxtG0TKvCvWA_38fCIoNBKcLgy6g6cyAIoWn_fPIS19lg3-xvBsBfZ835FvOOV2xBCmIQ5h5cF7sJklJ1XqZD-MblD-/w512-h640/IrisJeanCayeux.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean Cayeux</td></tr></tbody></table>Jean Cayeux is also apricot-brown, but in a somewhat more yellow tone and more even color. It was introduced in France in 1931 and has contributed to the development of later tan- and brown-hued irises since then. This is not to say it has been superseded. It has its own inimitable grace and a soft, pale, summery color that brightens to a vibrant apricot when the sunlight falls through the petals.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRArbjGRbJaC3DkbKt_U2CGYSxpA_W0DiYwpAQg_dN3qftbW9DDayTCgudVjCA0fUY4aCJ3bvLXwXQ8rWi8dJkqLWUmNWGgHlM1WJo1-xLmdrwGNS7Lyf2mhHPoIv2P2oGGkg61JuNEE2/s2048/IrisAmigo.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2044" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRArbjGRbJaC3DkbKt_U2CGYSxpA_W0DiYwpAQg_dN3qftbW9DDayTCgudVjCA0fUY4aCJ3bvLXwXQ8rWi8dJkqLWUmNWGgHlM1WJo1-xLmdrwGNS7Lyf2mhHPoIv2P2oGGkg61JuNEE2/w638-h640/IrisAmigo.jpeg" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amigo</td></tr></tbody></table>My original order included a very pretty-looking nineteenth century plicata. As there was no notification of replacement, I have to assume the arrival of this gorgeous purple and lavender-blue iris instead was a labeling error, but what a lovely error! My sister helped me surf through photos online, and we have little doubt that this is Amigo, introduced in 1934 and awarded in 1945 by the English Iris Society.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNj8fN87TOEKpzQM29ZuxRj0hhqJE9CGGLF_Lm5U-Jw8j0mk0KISF5xqPKZKWQ-LK1XFUPG30DPBLudiUN9JA1AvtXksdAolbhyphenhyphen71epdnY18IoHpKDbX71L6xd-sRnagahqlsxzWJ9Uzc/s2048/IrisIndianChief.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1858" data-original-width="2048" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNj8fN87TOEKpzQM29ZuxRj0hhqJE9CGGLF_Lm5U-Jw8j0mk0KISF5xqPKZKWQ-LK1XFUPG30DPBLudiUN9JA1AvtXksdAolbhyphenhyphen71epdnY18IoHpKDbX71L6xd-sRnagahqlsxzWJ9Uzc/w640-h580/IrisIndianChief.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Chief</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>This splendid wine and gold and bronze and almost-pink classic was introduced in 1929, making it the oldest variety I am growing thus far. It is said to be a common noID variety in the eastern US, thanks to its durability as well as prevalence of planting over the years. For me, it has been the earliest tall bearded iris to bloom both last year and this.</div><div><br /></div><div>I <a href="https://www.smallsunnygarden.com/2020/04/30/an-iris-of-yesteryear/" target="_blank">posted about it last year</a> as well, just before I ceased posting altogether; and my picture then does it more justice as I was still using my camera instead of my phone. (Note: there is nothing wrong with my camera at present, only with my computer! It takes digital gymnastics to post camera photos at present. I haven't got the energy!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, there is one more thing I must share though it has nothing to do with the garden. Last summer saw the birth of a wonderful little filly, daughter of my mare Sugar and stallion Toots, more correctly known as Suwannee Bonita and Suwannee Two Step. Frou Frou has been a delight, and her arrival has done more to keep me moving forward than anything else.</div><div> </div><div>Baby pictures, anyone?</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzV-o6cbxhQXyTMIsc8-AmkUwsbZmiFZ-zoTRyFZE1ikLzzFY63FfwtnZLePRtBlsZKctRgNzJcG27JV13pp443Vd26r-UL6tQpOt0_-SUPcK1vPeemGO6y4Kjps18t_6yHecf5W0V7i4t/s2048/froufrousmallfile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="2048" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzV-o6cbxhQXyTMIsc8-AmkUwsbZmiFZ-zoTRyFZE1ikLzzFY63FfwtnZLePRtBlsZKctRgNzJcG27JV13pp443Vd26r-UL6tQpOt0_-SUPcK1vPeemGO6y4Kjps18t_6yHecf5W0V7i4t/w640-h418/froufrousmallfile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frou Frou at three days old</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>To mark just how close we are to moving, all my horses arrived safely in Arizona this morning. They will be staying with our previous veterinarian there until I have some facilities up for them at our new place. I'm already missing them all, and they only left yesterday morning! I had better get back to packing...</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll try to update you all fairly soon on the prospects of the new garden. Put briefly, it's in USDA zone 8, Sunset zone 10. There will be a bit of winter as it is at higher elevation. Summers should be a shade milder than my earlier desert garden, but with climate change I can't be too sure what that will actually mean on the ground. </div><div><br /></div><div>And it is currently nothing but bare ground. I will be starting very much from scratch. But that is how my last garden began, and I am so happy to be returning to my beloved Sonoran Desert.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, I want to thank those of you who continued to leave comments for me on my last post. I was simply too upset and fatigued with everything to respond, but those comments were deeply appreciated. Thank you for caring!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrf_q5J0j1JEWYcry7t1QQn-BG-oNVP8pcAqsMv9GQgYc7t_-A0w4DekwtHMCwquMR4aAjBfO6h_e4VZXxT7Px91fjRNjbuK-EgVmxul-2Abqehyphenhyphenk6o0wG5z2dJWT-TAe0NSJPkDZrrj1/s2156/IMG_20200706_171004_045.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2156" data-original-width="2156" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrf_q5J0j1JEWYcry7t1QQn-BG-oNVP8pcAqsMv9GQgYc7t_-A0w4DekwtHMCwquMR4aAjBfO6h_e4VZXxT7Px91fjRNjbuK-EgVmxul-2Abqehyphenhyphenk6o0wG5z2dJWT-TAe0NSJPkDZrrj1/w640-h640/IMG_20200706_171004_045.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frou Frou, again!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-36474434491665347622016-10-05T00:12:00.000-07:002016-10-05T00:13:12.716-07:00Moving Day for the Blog!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj047Sw8eBds5ZGrKBCAx90VLbKHlPIQ_FA1F5Z3OwN0o1PQwv4iBlcbuMseJLWVPplm3Oh8UeweSPAhzDP7UCcePsoydKxotG-DHJgKLA5IWBFvIS4XAs82Im7t4O89-RiZW5zQp6wp-Cu/s1600/smallsunnygardenScreenshot2016-10-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="small sunny garden, blog, amy myers" border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj047Sw8eBds5ZGrKBCAx90VLbKHlPIQ_FA1F5Z3OwN0o1PQwv4iBlcbuMseJLWVPplm3Oh8UeweSPAhzDP7UCcePsoydKxotG-DHJgKLA5IWBFvIS4XAs82Im7t4O89-RiZW5zQp6wp-Cu/s640/smallsunnygardenScreenshot2016-10-04.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
Well, this is a big day at the small, sunny garden blog! Late last night (or rather very, very early this morning!) I posted my <a href="http://www.smallsunnygarden.com/2016/10/04/in-a-vase-october-abundance/" target="_blank">first full post</a> at the new site: a Monday Vase for the first Monday in October.<br />
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It seems all the more appropriate because this is a time of new beginnings in the desert garden, and I hope it will be a wonderful start to a wonderful new time for the blog. I've felt like I was playing with a new Christmas toy, getting everything set up (except for those times when things weren't going quite right, of course -- which, as I recall, sometimes happened with the Christmas toys too); it's been great fun styling and laying things out. It's all still far from finished but far enough along to warrant transferring my regular posts.<br />
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As some of you may recall, this move was triggered chiefly by the hope of clearing up the perennial difficulties experienced by WordPress users when commenting. It looks like that will indeed be much easier now - one plus for the new format already. Additionally it feels great to have the whole layout so much more under my control. (No, I don't <i>think</i> I'm a control freak... much!)<br />
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So this will be my farewell post for the blogspot site. I am looking into linking it to the new site to facilitate searches, but I've not yet confirmed that I can do that.<br />
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Meantime, the new site is up and running at <a href="http://www.smallsunnygarden.com/">www.SmallSunnyGarden.com</a>. I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I!Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-85019047447704868792016-09-28T00:27:00.000-07:002016-09-28T00:27:15.931-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Anna<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pKG3Fk1VDhTEWg1_SKK6EZOUIlqGZggCgOGwBFmXl5Y3ceib_44KqPnH4LTFlswT11e5mfBmdG8Z0I82XOaF6WQ_4hyezKiNoNx_cFmhN84S0hoJChogXYbihiZJBoz37isQSbbFZibf/s1600/3hummingbirdG_0568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="hummingbird, anna's, desert garden, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography" border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pKG3Fk1VDhTEWg1_SKK6EZOUIlqGZggCgOGwBFmXl5Y3ceib_44KqPnH4LTFlswT11e5mfBmdG8Z0I82XOaF6WQ_4hyezKiNoNx_cFmhN84S0hoJChogXYbihiZJBoz37isQSbbFZibf/s640/3hummingbirdG_0568.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">female Anna's Hummingbird in the garden</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb3Hz13RmNraXiSOPKVefDGAXWMjOWVSPqwQxXtfZ8IfFqrBCAVzI2b5UIstotixLqzZHFUBJiLNwkSCH-3g4QGjI1BegUwQ9AWANI_6WpRKSHwsN1qTskcO3j_RJ84sFgjLgFk2VLgNf/s1600/2hummingbirdG_0588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hummingbird, anna's, desert garden, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb3Hz13RmNraXiSOPKVefDGAXWMjOWVSPqwQxXtfZ8IfFqrBCAVzI2b5UIstotixLqzZHFUBJiLNwkSCH-3g4QGjI1BegUwQ9AWANI_6WpRKSHwsN1qTskcO3j_RJ84sFgjLgFk2VLgNf/s640/2hummingbirdG_0588.jpg" title="" width="562" /></a></div>
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Our lovely Anna's hummingbirds have returned to the garden for the cooler months.<br />
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<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-40757058252452186022016-09-27T00:07:00.000-07:002016-09-27T00:11:17.408-07:00In a Vase: Windswept<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uXdhRiWz2ht0VRQOqOdKwfDtqAtiMypkBhNQrMrfMiVl4JDGlhif84Wm7nqHkQf5dXSfKcMdGckyn5YsbLhm59N8M8w4PnzqZ9t-GQekGmLuRwkLHK6wdPEiPuRTDPZPRb4SvlTcm7dH/s1600/47monday_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="monday vase, small sunny garden, desert garden, bougainvillea, lantana, amy myers, photography" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uXdhRiWz2ht0VRQOqOdKwfDtqAtiMypkBhNQrMrfMiVl4JDGlhif84Wm7nqHkQf5dXSfKcMdGckyn5YsbLhm59N8M8w4PnzqZ9t-GQekGmLuRwkLHK6wdPEiPuRTDPZPRb4SvlTcm7dH/s640/47monday_0338.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
Strong winds and overcast skies were the rule today, and this week's vase was disarranged by the wind as I took it outside to photograph it. However, fortunately it was the sort that can stand a little mussing since it consisted mostly of just two types of flowers loosely combined. Bright pink bougainvillea bracts...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4uGoycbugtmWcQ1zxBbJuHlY-DcAk5Diakw5kpRHdMm3Fp7j7iEzOTXpYh_Bas0Fv2NcZOqhNjMXObg3SmoxTyWvRUhBwltNB_PZaUSWriDuoZnCqE7Moxa_wHbygcO10uYzF1sQGcsz/s1600/46monday_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="monday vase, small sunny garden, desert garden, bougainvillea, lantana, amy myers, photography" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4uGoycbugtmWcQ1zxBbJuHlY-DcAk5Diakw5kpRHdMm3Fp7j7iEzOTXpYh_Bas0Fv2NcZOqhNjMXObg3SmoxTyWvRUhBwltNB_PZaUSWriDuoZnCqE7Moxa_wHbygcO10uYzF1sQGcsz/s640/46monday_0337.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></div>
...and white lantana...<br />
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...are both in plentiful supply. There are also a couple of stems of artemisia tucked in at the base.<br />
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I used one of my handthrown stoneware pots, which was large enough to hold all the stems I picked.<br />
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Being from a woody plant, the bougainvillea sprays were soaked for about five minutes in boiled water, a technique that seems to be working for them. Otherwise, I find the stems are quite prone to wilting, leaving the bright, crepey bracts all drooped and crumpled. This batch is holding up well so far. <br />
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The tiny true flowers of the bougainvillea are white, a fact that inspired the combination with the white-blooming lantana.<br />
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Thank you to Cathy for the encouragement to cut garden flowers for the house each week. Do check the other vases inspired by the IaVoM theme at <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2016/09/26/in-a-vase-on-monday-star-attraction" target="_blank">Rambling in the Garden</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj282cokTRHh1AmIVP9kid9EIeyrRQmW-1tEsSsAuxmqdkS3LXsDudmD-Q1R48npdvLzSDZEODS08736rmQL5cCfEQOwdIBLxmbOtJ-x6_WqR2OhaUyF_ljfOhaVtxXNMjh1l37fE9HZLvS/s1600/45monday_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="monday vase, small sunny garden, desert garden, bougainvillea, lantana, amy myers, photography" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj282cokTRHh1AmIVP9kid9EIeyrRQmW-1tEsSsAuxmqdkS3LXsDudmD-Q1R48npdvLzSDZEODS08736rmQL5cCfEQOwdIBLxmbOtJ-x6_WqR2OhaUyF_ljfOhaVtxXNMjh1l37fE9HZLvS/s640/45monday_0328.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
Weather Diary: Cloudy; High: 91 F (33 C)/Low: 77F (25 C); Humidity: 20%-55%<br />
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<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-57352720906222575512016-09-23T12:45:00.000-07:002016-09-23T12:45:10.974-07:00Garden Foliage in September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofCzff5rjOZ0TWNkdveHcduHOFlrWw-MAhyMwy3LRsXzBFZ9zKJHZU6C6bCTFop1akxp7gQdq96u8p6KGK5e8h1gWpVpbS-ixnDimchm8xlp0-AoXLMR-ulxoeiWH_0nCCmj5fXMaOPzg/s1600/15raindrops_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, muhlenbergia, regal mist" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofCzff5rjOZ0TWNkdveHcduHOFlrWw-MAhyMwy3LRsXzBFZ9zKJHZU6C6bCTFop1akxp7gQdq96u8p6KGK5e8h1gWpVpbS-ixnDimchm8xlp0-AoXLMR-ulxoeiWH_0nCCmj5fXMaOPzg/s640/15raindrops_0194.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
Perhaps because we receive so little rain here (averaging about 8 in/20 cm per year), it is magical when it does come, inducing the gardener to go out and stand in it, watching the plants as they drink it in. Also fascinating is to watch how the foliage holds raindrops, creating transient patterns of light and reflection otherwise absent in the garden. <br />
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Each plant is different.<br />
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Layers of drops rest in among the layers of close-set leaves on Callistemon viminalis "Little John"...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoi_R4HgN01kptfHJAdA6VVeoFzGzEgf1Gx5hV8vLYEGMKs-WC_z0qX0VEBRL0oumBYdtp34-96boiFDJdTJnvjB7qpl3gGyw-OB6K8EQgkfWTZDbpk6lSSJA2MXWiM9zoywP2ZR8horir/s1600/23callistemon_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, callistemon, little john" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoi_R4HgN01kptfHJAdA6VVeoFzGzEgf1Gx5hV8vLYEGMKs-WC_z0qX0VEBRL0oumBYdtp34-96boiFDJdTJnvjB7qpl3gGyw-OB6K8EQgkfWTZDbpk6lSSJA2MXWiM9zoywP2ZR8horir/s640/23callistemon_0272.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></div>
...while the agaves hold theirs as if on a wide platter...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJWSyXLLU6c9vPMxIvz4MZe7Wj-VYd0lZnqAvWTzAbEISZk79ymGWMVyKM8xZhIjKIgpE1GWJ80Jfu8Go5FfH3Qge4mSkfQbMZ7lET5-ugOrIC2jIkZGp2l6W_9vAdGwApNBp41oDGH1p/s1600/27aparryi_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, agave" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJWSyXLLU6c9vPMxIvz4MZe7Wj-VYd0lZnqAvWTzAbEISZk79ymGWMVyKM8xZhIjKIgpE1GWJ80Jfu8Go5FfH3Qge4mSkfQbMZ7lET5-ugOrIC2jIkZGp2l6W_9vAdGwApNBp41oDGH1p/s640/27aparryi_0296.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agave parryi (I think!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB8pwNGiXXmSXtM_Wd62v9beXIz7PBvlXsjptwTLUOpnPl30I7VRauoS6ZNbxwA8Oa7uZnZuq5v8316gezYocmKAlRu2R-KrA8J8WH9hNT8rMWzsuw8sLlhzucnVXGn7IU4iL9BoO53cw/s1600/25amarmorata_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, agave, marmorata" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB8pwNGiXXmSXtM_Wd62v9beXIz7PBvlXsjptwTLUOpnPl30I7VRauoS6ZNbxwA8Oa7uZnZuq5v8316gezYocmKAlRu2R-KrA8J8WH9hNT8rMWzsuw8sLlhzucnVXGn7IU4iL9BoO53cw/s640/25amarmorata_0278.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agave marmorata</td></tr>
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...or caught along the edge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBipZSQACID81ltL7MJ3Wktn-juqCdBqYnyVKxWLD2W37dQ34EhW4rW-aVx49el6gHCg7gGhzdjlqzPCx3WqxpkijRALxLjDplvn3GqpUmfnP60GG6-IC5DmELR6Xfrw2UOq1J_1nSlDcY/s1600/21agaveangustifolia_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, agave, angustifolia, marginata" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBipZSQACID81ltL7MJ3Wktn-juqCdBqYnyVKxWLD2W37dQ34EhW4rW-aVx49el6gHCg7gGhzdjlqzPCx3WqxpkijRALxLjDplvn3GqpUmfnP60GG6-IC5DmELR6Xfrw2UOq1J_1nSlDcY/s640/21agaveangustifolia_0252.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agave angustifolia marginata</td></tr>
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On cacti the drops may be beaded among the spines.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloGa2fwGkck9kRl9MoSl_CLEJ-xJ8Ay4WD8X4UxqHixvbt9nMQrrSC_25cwmDiMTkd_rmNMikYJaXCDl9nkfvdOXcdOxyt_NPMWmyoef12HDQzERqtzLKtKewoFoBJ1MgDFhEG3A7kRYM/s1600/26trichocereus_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, cactus, trichocereus, spachinanus" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloGa2fwGkck9kRl9MoSl_CLEJ-xJ8Ay4WD8X4UxqHixvbt9nMQrrSC_25cwmDiMTkd_rmNMikYJaXCDl9nkfvdOXcdOxyt_NPMWmyoef12HDQzERqtzLKtKewoFoBJ1MgDFhEG3A7kRYM/s640/26trichocereus_0293.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trichocereus spachianus</td></tr>
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The fern-like foliage of Caesalpinia pulcherrima carries raindrops in glittering sprays.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtadwDEQCooZrsgWSpBqooKjTB_cF43SCK_LrJeUinULH_i3bG7LOILhiKlk3Lc_kDLZXy_G0L43XOCJ5j0hHr9CopCKwAb-7iiIPup49vnaBI6qhUYaeTfglLu3Z_QvCm-Yz3A5IuUES/s1600/16raincaesalpinia_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, caesalpinia pulcherrima, red bird of paradise" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtadwDEQCooZrsgWSpBqooKjTB_cF43SCK_LrJeUinULH_i3bG7LOILhiKlk3Lc_kDLZXy_G0L43XOCJ5j0hHr9CopCKwAb-7iiIPup49vnaBI6qhUYaeTfglLu3Z_QvCm-Yz3A5IuUES/s640/16raincaesalpinia_0206.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgVot810wfggA4H1WUFRUFItHEk3KjhmB6GO2IgTeZe7NxKofkgDAlJVaqg_qRA7UjT29ZzpJpdueRmMwdmemaSD67PPqdk5J6FzoumhMBv1n9yjDj_VeqC_Sk2DlR_V445Jb07RNPcto/s1600/15araincaesalpinia_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, caesalpinia, pulcherrima, red bird of paradise, pride of barbados" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgVot810wfggA4H1WUFRUFItHEk3KjhmB6GO2IgTeZe7NxKofkgDAlJVaqg_qRA7UjT29ZzpJpdueRmMwdmemaSD67PPqdk5J6FzoumhMBv1n9yjDj_VeqC_Sk2DlR_V445Jb07RNPcto/s640/15araincaesalpinia_0216.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQfNEzXbWEqA_ZBnlPh-p1iBkZNdnrMsc8-yKHiuhf1KnJCsvypxfnQpNoYPUgEWiZrPO0LSCFCyEu6k7xMdRCDx07yrafpCDfnJ2dwaY4SS_fB-CnPnuNiBdyzjO4rjVTTIhGMmm4ixg/s1600/16caesalpiniabloom_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, caesalpinia, pulcherrima, red bird of paradise, pride of barbados" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQfNEzXbWEqA_ZBnlPh-p1iBkZNdnrMsc8-yKHiuhf1KnJCsvypxfnQpNoYPUgEWiZrPO0LSCFCyEu6k7xMdRCDx07yrafpCDfnJ2dwaY4SS_fB-CnPnuNiBdyzjO4rjVTTIhGMmm4ixg/s640/16caesalpiniabloom_0220.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
And the grass Muhlenbergia capillaris "Regal Mist" carries perfect rows along its round blades.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzwBDsTsqMG7MWnA6GwiuBpdhPWc_JhjHRwnzYLs-y0vZjGvP67e0jThPIm7GHDmw1J3ewibTudHZs2rMVv41NIkXBpeWkfbGSmsszyDpovGqQY0p8v-4-Dvf80OnfL3fNnZKblAeWsYh/s1600/13raindrops_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, muhlenbergia, capillaris, regal mist, muhly grass" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzwBDsTsqMG7MWnA6GwiuBpdhPWc_JhjHRwnzYLs-y0vZjGvP67e0jThPIm7GHDmw1J3ewibTudHZs2rMVv41NIkXBpeWkfbGSmsszyDpovGqQY0p8v-4-Dvf80OnfL3fNnZKblAeWsYh/s640/13raindrops_0176.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
Each rainfall is different as well; this was a very gentle, light rain that left plenty of large drops hovering around the garden. But it is fascinating to consider the patterns formed between the plants and the rain.<br />
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Thanks to Christina at <a href="https://myhesperidesgarden.wordpress.com/2016/09/22/garden-bloggers-foliage-day-after-the-rains-came/" target="_blank">My Hesperides Garden</a> for hosting the Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day, which inspired this post.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-Sz2FtyyMS8FJT9IIFbsBp243Et40Mkk1il5E3S5GEySXSz2g-fnnZTXAXqTwjf_HE_72skiP04hAa04QvYJ7OTNa_IPdelhkNANVKLDaZoJweMGfZa26TckSKqR4lIL6tx796REP4fr/s1600/20agave%2526artemisia_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, agave, artemisia, powis castle" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-Sz2FtyyMS8FJT9IIFbsBp243Et40Mkk1il5E3S5GEySXSz2g-fnnZTXAXqTwjf_HE_72skiP04hAa04QvYJ7OTNa_IPdelhkNANVKLDaZoJweMGfZa26TckSKqR4lIL6tx796REP4fr/s640/20agave%2526artemisia_0262.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agave angustifolia marginata with Artemisia "Powis Castle"</td></tr>
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If you have time, please check my <a href="https://smallsunnygarden.blogspot.com/2016/09/blog-decisions-please-read.html" target="_blank">last post</a> as well, in which I look at some new plans for the blog and ask about what would be most at issue for my readers as I change over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyfbmg6ZTCwFnKOgY3j2Rr9-O9OlaEiHwbzmBlMZ23lstnJDnBh8TOLoBKhjhmlKLYb68DOj0BhO7ngKWwAcRscVH_QVMggIspk58ySFlwWNWfgUOP9jk1recWGuCoov7fzCSLb_82viR/s1600/29aruellia_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="garden bloggers foliage day, gbfd, raindrops, photography, amy myers, desert garden, small sunny garden, ruellia brittoniana" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyfbmg6ZTCwFnKOgY3j2Rr9-O9OlaEiHwbzmBlMZ23lstnJDnBh8TOLoBKhjhmlKLYb68DOj0BhO7ngKWwAcRscVH_QVMggIspk58ySFlwWNWfgUOP9jk1recWGuCoov7fzCSLb_82viR/s640/29aruellia_0309.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruellia brittoniana</td></tr>
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Weather Diary: Partly cloudy; High: 83 F (28 C)/Low: 64 F (18 C); Humidity: 14%-89%<br />
<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-90343310650718921252016-09-22T18:25:00.000-07:002016-09-22T18:27:56.565-07:00Blog Decisions: Please Read!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM1EG9SVn-2jB605-V-bm9kVx7TVbXmD8UHq2NccTzGXy0COb8zoUUg8BII-PAy_JDTX7FZXEPi_CLe_Pl14q1xJmtklPXhdFaJVX_tA56INdhWpeUGYyLBJIR304q9eV6A3hdlA5qxKZ/s1600/Screenshot+from+2016-09-22+18%253A04%253A16crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM1EG9SVn-2jB605-V-bm9kVx7TVbXmD8UHq2NccTzGXy0COb8zoUUg8BII-PAy_JDTX7FZXEPi_CLe_Pl14q1xJmtklPXhdFaJVX_tA56INdhWpeUGYyLBJIR304q9eV6A3hdlA5qxKZ/s640/Screenshot+from+2016-09-22+18%253A04%253A16crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The occasional note appears: "I finally got my comment through after four tries...."<br />
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Not for the first time…<br />
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With a recent reminder that some of my readers can only comment on my blog with difficuty, if at all, I am once more considering what I should do to remedy the situation. <br />
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I have tried altering my settings; I have tried to peer within the workings of things. What I find is an apparent failure point betweeen Blogger and WordPress. Blogspot and Google users never seem to have trouble getting through. And I know from sad experience that it works both ways. There are a number of WordPress blogs that I have given up following because there seems little to no chance of my ever being able to get my comments past the WordPress spam dragon. This has improved slightly since I registered with Gravatar, but even that has not completely eliminated the problem. (Many thanks to those of you who have gone to the trouble of ensuring that I can comment on your blogs!)<br />
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Which is one reason I am not switching to WordPress. It seems a “damned if you do, damned if you don't” situation where one half of my readers can comment and the other half cannot, whichever of the two main blogging platforms I would choose. And it really is roughly half and half, so far as I can tell.<br />
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So I have been looking at a third alternative, namely, building a blog from the blog-friendly website-maker platform Jimdo. (This is the program I have used for my artist website www.worksofmyers.com.) I love working with their templates and features, so there is no difficulty there. In fact, many's the time I've wished I could access their design features for my blog! Still, it is not a dedicated blogging platform, and I am wondering how far this will be an issue to readers/followers.<br />
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Most of the widgets I currently use on my blog can be duplicated, some with a bit of elbow-grease, perhaps, but I believe I can see my way clear to a satisfactorily working blog. To be honest, I'm quite excited about the possibilities for design and extension; for instance, building my little plant encyclopdedia will become much easier. But there are a few issues I would like some feedback on before I decide to make such a switch.<br />
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Please, please, please… do let me know your thoughts on this!<br />
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Mainly the issues involve the follow mechanisms, the labels widget, and the reply mode. The new blog could be followed by either RSS or email. I suppose it could also be followed directly via Blogger (the way I follow most of your blogs) or WordPress, but I'm not certain. Tags are available, but they may not be as ample as in the current mode. And threaded responses can only be had via a third-party widget, which carries its own drawbacks.<br />
<br />
So, I am asking…<br />
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1. How (or whether) you actually “follow” my blog?<br />
2. How do you keep up with posts, e.g. notifications, other blogs, or just "think I'll check", etc.?<br />
3. Do you search for my blog online? If so, how (keywords etc.), and how hard is it to find initially?<br />
4. Do you ever search within the blog using labels/tags?<br />
5. Are there any other widgets on this blog that you would consider indispensable?<br />
6. Do you use reply notification when leaving comments? Will the lack of that option, and of threaded replies generally, make a lot of trouble for you as a reader/commenter?<br />
<br />
And anything else that strikes you as an issue! Like I say, I would love to have as much feedback as possible on this since it's a big decision so far as the blog goes.<br />
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Obviously, some of you can't leave comments, or I wouldn't be posting this! Please feel free to leave your notes at amy dot mmxii at gmail dot com, or on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010821375719&pnref=story" target="_blank">Facebook post</a>.<br />
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And a big thank you to everyone for reading and participating!<br />
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<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-41906504109485900552016-09-21T00:13:00.000-07:002016-09-21T00:13:26.152-07:00Tuesday View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoah_3KJA0OiF32FLhDejThM57uSyUsbqS5EqASDrwQUdk3HMWaQ3x8lpwI91VKAcFgFoZ8uM9Aj6MuSpOdBNJGCKi5O9D7ORpbp2voV-D7I0SxfVhIPQj6WiO9C5Eks3cMXX0XyX9l-W/s1600/2tuesday_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoah_3KJA0OiF32FLhDejThM57uSyUsbqS5EqASDrwQUdk3HMWaQ3x8lpwI91VKAcFgFoZ8uM9Aj6MuSpOdBNJGCKi5O9D7ORpbp2voV-D7I0SxfVhIPQj6WiO9C5Eks3cMXX0XyX9l-W/s640/2tuesday_0009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1590194677"></span><span id="goog_1590194678"></span>The garden is enjoying September now. We had a brief flirtation with rain this afternoon and the humidity is up so the plants are pleased. For instance, see the silver-leafed Eremophila hygrophana at the far right of the photo. For much of the summer it has lounged on the ground; now it is perking up and looking much more vigorous as well as flowering more freely.<br />
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Just beside the lavender, the miniature rose is blooming again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XY20VDGikGTlBizZbFzy9Z8ccDO3S4_tmCHcAquX-w0g4T_ErwgCgOGAvNz3pMNT3tAWAHDjb2xkYqFna_yYBkH_-vF9bCcWBHfLOzV3hwdD2sMuvHebhT2iwD4hs5NbqDcEb-y-A-bK/s1600/5minirose_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XY20VDGikGTlBizZbFzy9Z8ccDO3S4_tmCHcAquX-w0g4T_ErwgCgOGAvNz3pMNT3tAWAHDjb2xkYqFna_yYBkH_-vF9bCcWBHfLOzV3hwdD2sMuvHebhT2iwD4hs5NbqDcEb-y-A-bK/s640/5minirose_0034.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
Looking on down the border, however, most of the color is still coming from Catharanthus roseus. (One can also see the metal wall of the tack shed, which I hope to conceal eventually by a few cypresses planted at the lower corner. They are still much too small to hide anything, but each is showing new growth now.)<br />
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The combination of Catharanthus with Pennisetum setaceum rubrum still delights me.<br />
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I need more autumn blooming plants in this border. Sadly, the Salvia reptans which I had moved up here succumbed to my out of sight, out of mind watering this summer. But there is still much to enjoy as plants pick up for the season.<br />
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So there is this week's Tuesday View for the meme with Cathy at <a href="https://wordsandherbs.com/2016/09/20/the-tuesday-view-20th-september-2016/" target="_blank">Words and Herbs</a>.<br />
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While here, I want to mention that I am apparently still having trouble with friends being unable to leave comments on this blog. I have been thinking over my options at length and will be posting on the whole question - hopefully Wednesday or Thursday. I will need all the helpful feedback I can get (not to worry, I will provide an alternate way to comment!), so please keep an eye out for the post and kindly let me know your thoughts on it! <br />
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Weather Diary: Fair; High: 88 F (31 C)/Low: 78 F (26 C); Humidity: 43%-71%<br />
<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-18885698732092343322016-09-20T00:04:00.000-07:002016-09-20T00:07:40.197-07:00In a Vase: Two Seasons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiiuQ071T1YTIBnApdHpYeVWRwYSb9O-opPoeH14HyAdh-akfkUEGNZuo5JCP9GfKbzab6_kDrh-ClU35NaJ5A8GRmSZY1FnJUboTvJfMraWz3WYN2AtEv-gCuf7NsJnuBAYGb9SZOTxk/s1600/2monday_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiiuQ071T1YTIBnApdHpYeVWRwYSb9O-opPoeH14HyAdh-akfkUEGNZuo5JCP9GfKbzab6_kDrh-ClU35NaJ5A8GRmSZY1FnJUboTvJfMraWz3WYN2AtEv-gCuf7NsJnuBAYGb9SZOTxk/s640/2monday_0027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Today's vase is a simple collection of snippets from the garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizjmPiREgg0iQUIujQUwbLb82QXdTRHbptgAGLThMr93Vqr829ymfJlQvCPoF4KplSaJjpIb7sbTNwXbGzekU_E98TGn4c6ig8MU3dOHkIicPhO1qoNJ21eK7BC33maDZ9N_anYZGqJfh/s1600/7monday_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizjmPiREgg0iQUIujQUwbLb82QXdTRHbptgAGLThMr93Vqr829ymfJlQvCPoF4KplSaJjpIb7sbTNwXbGzekU_E98TGn4c6ig8MU3dOHkIicPhO1qoNJ21eK7BC33maDZ9N_anYZGqJfh/s640/7monday_0041.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Rose "Wollerton Old Hall"...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlAglaf17NSEeua7moUXDUozsj1mKSa_YAqD-_5d82E0mX8Br4sYC2QuEGQOAwdAhNWrIPaR89zKqek1BJumm25x84soEkq4MhdoJIygn8KIz97FkmOxSY7xQ1dK5Ktq0Ik_8_vcYdJp9/s1600/10monday_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlAglaf17NSEeua7moUXDUozsj1mKSa_YAqD-_5d82E0mX8Br4sYC2QuEGQOAwdAhNWrIPaR89zKqek1BJumm25x84soEkq4MhdoJIygn8KIz97FkmOxSY7xQ1dK5Ktq0Ik_8_vcYdJp9/s640/10monday_0054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
...foliage of Lavender "Goodwin's Creek Gray"...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldJtB0ajBDC4mKS789dX1yo0soMTmjtVn339SqCLqe4VfJ6QMk0h57Uah1U2-x8byQqI1AJPm5voCU_oAppqaoO9zb_gb4SIK3KaoWCddto08dHHu29n4Hfz-MldY82t0dQp4_-tI7bCZ/s1600/11monday_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldJtB0ajBDC4mKS789dX1yo0soMTmjtVn339SqCLqe4VfJ6QMk0h57Uah1U2-x8byQqI1AJPm5voCU_oAppqaoO9zb_gb4SIK3KaoWCddto08dHHu29n4Hfz-MldY82t0dQp4_-tI7bCZ/s640/11monday_0070.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
...flowers of Hamelia patens...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmPMNxm9Sxgx89AMn9zCLZtarzcqBrbwHL-jCX6wffXAleSQbyf0MH42Ws4jGB0BHfSCBhF0dDG0C7QmJRyPKtPMhjW-EuhEGqetoq5YWka7YR7kMTTBAtuua9ckHbRDWLEuDPhakXGNA/s1600/3monday_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmPMNxm9Sxgx89AMn9zCLZtarzcqBrbwHL-jCX6wffXAleSQbyf0MH42Ws4jGB0BHfSCBhF0dDG0C7QmJRyPKtPMhjW-EuhEGqetoq5YWka7YR7kMTTBAtuua9ckHbRDWLEuDPhakXGNA/s640/3monday_0029.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
...and Cuphea ignea "Vermillionaire"...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyocfWetiY2MmGxF2dVR-B0_il2PsgW2w7NymR0iEGwtqybk-1joREVdRuUdQHRY_FwBe-fZQgVy1eRJgRscUGcT-tzvvTfqV5zrU8VfhkN4Ts9I3voAIrWzAqLu1OQ8W4PzWdqFZXTrB/s1600/8monday_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyocfWetiY2MmGxF2dVR-B0_il2PsgW2w7NymR0iEGwtqybk-1joREVdRuUdQHRY_FwBe-fZQgVy1eRJgRscUGcT-tzvvTfqV5zrU8VfhkN4Ts9I3voAIrWzAqLu1OQ8W4PzWdqFZXTrB/s640/8monday_0042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
...are combined in my handthrown stoneware vase.<br />
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What with the combination of Hamelia and roses, this represents an enjoyable seasonal overlap between summer and autumn.<br />
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Do check the other Monday vases, which can be seen at <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2016/09/19/in-a-vase-on-monday-nice-with-rice/" target="_blank">Rambling in the Garden</a>, where Cathy hosts this lovely meme every week!<br />
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Weather Diary: Cloudy; High: 98 F (37 C)/Low: 79 F (26 C); Humidity: 12%-45%<br />
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<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-53675410930710471752016-09-15T22:28:00.000-07:002016-09-16T10:19:48.331-07:00In Bloom in September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5g26ECohW3KB5_vuHC1yJkXFnhgb_1Z9Ws5KNXfgi-fxy0mbaV2SNGGJOVF1rr6B-CQ6SxPloI7sTl-iVh1ctJTgy9ZbdmcFIyjWR8PjPLMWKC4BVM_SL4tNDYhErNLrzP5NAGe2AAPv/s1600/16hamelia_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5g26ECohW3KB5_vuHC1yJkXFnhgb_1Z9Ws5KNXfgi-fxy0mbaV2SNGGJOVF1rr6B-CQ6SxPloI7sTl-iVh1ctJTgy9ZbdmcFIyjWR8PjPLMWKC4BVM_SL4tNDYhErNLrzP5NAGe2AAPv/s640/16hamelia_0686.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The sun's rays are lower now, and shifting southward. Temperatures have dropped just a little. Days are shorter, and breezes are cooler. At mid-month September is finally bringing relief after a long summer.<br />
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Not surprisingly, the garden is responding with increased bloom. Mostly from plants that already had a few flowers and are now anxious to put on more. But there are also the roses and an unexpected couple of flower clusters on Justicia californica. <br />
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Here is September for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day.<br />
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<h4>
Central Bed:</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTEhb0_Tv9SmPcew1k98AV_08hRpxyjGXzirQaMZHKZkHWkrCNu59J0ZCXtGxS47eYWLDCD-dhdxhHqcH5pM77fvvE0wA5ZhiehXaUiEG8bKw-p5LYWMCHECaSWjbya85nR8ujh1ebwOe/s1600/12alnwick_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTEhb0_Tv9SmPcew1k98AV_08hRpxyjGXzirQaMZHKZkHWkrCNu59J0ZCXtGxS47eYWLDCD-dhdxhHqcH5pM77fvvE0wA5ZhiehXaUiEG8bKw-p5LYWMCHECaSWjbya85nR8ujh1ebwOe/s640/12alnwick_0555.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alnwick Rose</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffnMSk0vy1fRIZ1Lyr-JiQAUd3-6gBA0Z2a3klG8kgZp9dhPQepsRilqfXy4oUdZtJgs4XxfoOyBMbBDhYBpkwTlany2YutfplsSPPcA7FANbVzxXRKEp1mHtdzMs9aMTeQjcPaV6DOwd/s1600/19lagerstroemia_0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffnMSk0vy1fRIZ1Lyr-JiQAUd3-6gBA0Z2a3klG8kgZp9dhPQepsRilqfXy4oUdZtJgs4XxfoOyBMbBDhYBpkwTlany2YutfplsSPPcA7FANbVzxXRKEp1mHtdzMs9aMTeQjcPaV6DOwd/s640/19lagerstroemia_0703.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lagerstroemia indica "Dynamite"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPB2UBnwF8QpXncsDJN_K2qhjsmfJ1L58j77JpXLNLv1upKUz87viyg-d2lOGLCJErffD2eitFdTz2lP1dOhRrcZlYJw3Z23gQZxOvGfxDieNHNII5Hk6S7nldY5Hgs0PXWI4lE0Q2lN6/s1600/12cuphea_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPB2UBnwF8QpXncsDJN_K2qhjsmfJ1L58j77JpXLNLv1upKUz87viyg-d2lOGLCJErffD2eitFdTz2lP1dOhRrcZlYJw3Z23gQZxOvGfxDieNHNII5Hk6S7nldY5Hgs0PXWI4lE0Q2lN6/s640/12cuphea_0545.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuphea ignea "Vermillionaire"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJ0OVsum23l0X4KE5h1ZRKN7J3Fe8qBkfPLXL0IUPu-nbhNnSe4_wyPnP26XV8pxienwST7Catp62siayPBQBrtSNpKwf8hjKBVyYtBP0YQsdCfD6ZJqzjqa17hbwdr35LNSEPEVMpjfg/s1600/14daniela_0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJ0OVsum23l0X4KE5h1ZRKN7J3Fe8qBkfPLXL0IUPu-nbhNnSe4_wyPnP26XV8pxienwST7Catp62siayPBQBrtSNpKwf8hjKBVyYtBP0YQsdCfD6ZJqzjqa17hbwdr35LNSEPEVMpjfg/s640/14daniela_0602.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniela</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tyfQTYzBffoSRzFaoZA9zDv3nRj66qdF85VaZa1ycJr7c0iW6TqIN-nSbKH2I5gnZbvtogrvRZEnvFOeubHyijS3dFTBI1QL2NdwzRDo6cB12eF7Fdwd7ej7P6xQ_l9FXu1S9i-9A5vq/s1600/18russelia_0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tyfQTYzBffoSRzFaoZA9zDv3nRj66qdF85VaZa1ycJr7c0iW6TqIN-nSbKH2I5gnZbvtogrvRZEnvFOeubHyijS3dFTBI1QL2NdwzRDo6cB12eF7Fdwd7ej7P6xQ_l9FXu1S9i-9A5vq/s640/18russelia_0692.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Russelia equisetiformis "Big Red"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUDCO7qkyTG_rZj_cNG7wxtOEnjvE2XKfHeIes1NimGduHADO6k47-ZGrFScbWOwFuRAIEbctwbkNsEJCmquszddvl6KzRIlZAXYgQd2dNgU7xErkXoO8950F3btILjsEVj5obDR9QxFS/s1600/11woh_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUDCO7qkyTG_rZj_cNG7wxtOEnjvE2XKfHeIes1NimGduHADO6k47-ZGrFScbWOwFuRAIEbctwbkNsEJCmquszddvl6KzRIlZAXYgQd2dNgU7xErkXoO8950F3btILjsEVj5obDR9QxFS/s640/11woh_0535.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Wollerton Old Hall with Salvia greggi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
South Border:</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIHGqAW02ELDYpsf7xCSk1CRjD0NBxyveggwkuFebq58L_vLIdrKpXNbgt7xANILmcKeyB5Ype_9Ubw38qU89wkz87a0Gy5Wgk-5gy2mDeUrvJcwaJDyEODI3x-Uqt3v0UJfHU2dENSmG/s1600/2leucophyllum_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIHGqAW02ELDYpsf7xCSk1CRjD0NBxyveggwkuFebq58L_vLIdrKpXNbgt7xANILmcKeyB5Ype_9Ubw38qU89wkz87a0Gy5Wgk-5gy2mDeUrvJcwaJDyEODI3x-Uqt3v0UJfHU2dENSmG/s640/2leucophyllum_0470.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leucophyllum frustescens "Green Cloud" (?)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkVZlh0IRAAuZc__Pzx0Au_myRrRaze0X-xzNrQ0QNeUHUNb7Ajrc-H9qz3fCKS5JXtv0iaAQz6UKGZAtlsUv5k5iMEQ8uWVQsUjrRcSjsREvX1Awij0tfe_YPwLbts_ZvZjMAYq71eQc/s1600/13sborder_0598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkVZlh0IRAAuZc__Pzx0Au_myRrRaze0X-xzNrQ0QNeUHUNb7Ajrc-H9qz3fCKS5JXtv0iaAQz6UKGZAtlsUv5k5iMEQ8uWVQsUjrRcSjsREvX1Awij0tfe_YPwLbts_ZvZjMAYq71eQc/s640/13sborder_0598.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catharanthus roseus, Eremophila hygrophana, and Leucophyllum frutescens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFlNZxYOVFJa5WC3V0Lt17ZZis8Lv7ZYbG0C2OuJGtdZWt7G5gD-F0QdF2KAtbc9OGbsHMONUlFSG5DdKwxr94hZqTb3ofcpTvU02LNRiaOHx5cOZRaofHo_HhYGwAt7XrxGOWyPGyHoc/s1600/15sborder_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFlNZxYOVFJa5WC3V0Lt17ZZis8Lv7ZYbG0C2OuJGtdZWt7G5gD-F0QdF2KAtbc9OGbsHMONUlFSG5DdKwxr94hZqTb3ofcpTvU02LNRiaOHx5cOZRaofHo_HhYGwAt7XrxGOWyPGyHoc/s640/15sborder_0615.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pennisetum setaceum rubrum with Catharanthus roseus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
East Border:</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljtSQwYgR3kyqhhR-_NcfRNpQwED-gWmFGRFUVHhmqGxZ1odgmFkdlqpKztvTvNjad5XhVmAHA_m6oNFvye4IMluDDLBYWuVteAhxC2nTyr1WWxHipFoFE0yrADr2N3Z616Hf8lDnTHLV/s1600/19eborder_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljtSQwYgR3kyqhhR-_NcfRNpQwED-gWmFGRFUVHhmqGxZ1odgmFkdlqpKztvTvNjad5XhVmAHA_m6oNFvye4IMluDDLBYWuVteAhxC2nTyr1WWxHipFoFE0yrADr2N3Z616Hf8lDnTHLV/s640/19eborder_0716.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lantana in front of Euphorbia tirucalli "Firesticks" and Acacia salicina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4o98Tr_86coEZRqk-o53DMK3dC8NxbbZgZSFz8XuacS0JUF7a1mnRmuIUsOeWcPz3OenQbvanHLzwfl9J1JbSRl5Ui5KAKUlZEe1rndiGnmYIS9lI4ErXGo-tM5Jun8qYaJIJw-hSitX/s1600/16caesalpinia_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4o98Tr_86coEZRqk-o53DMK3dC8NxbbZgZSFz8XuacS0JUF7a1mnRmuIUsOeWcPz3OenQbvanHLzwfl9J1JbSRl5Ui5KAKUlZEe1rndiGnmYIS9lI4ErXGo-tM5Jun8qYaJIJw-hSitX/s640/16caesalpinia_0627.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caesalpinia pulcherrima</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
North Border:</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLSvfhYig7t6YirxzuVe-ibBMWgHvkNHsdPYl5eDUj3eGBcCYLdZ-TaK28zFEdSbZI7JPrtepQaLZ0KVt1xLWPlS7bdjKiNNzH9PKlRHlOpjkW2czPirfPPGXFuxVM5nEsJPd_IUXwW4D/s1600/17hamelia_0689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLSvfhYig7t6YirxzuVe-ibBMWgHvkNHsdPYl5eDUj3eGBcCYLdZ-TaK28zFEdSbZI7JPrtepQaLZ0KVt1xLWPlS7bdjKiNNzH9PKlRHlOpjkW2czPirfPPGXFuxVM5nEsJPd_IUXwW4D/s640/17hamelia_0689.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamelia patens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_IjKy44_IPcpSkZmnLUMTt10uBLt984m5z39ONqGJ_JJ8f9SGsNBIbXu-9kiaQHAxDnPKCG57wnQCHr3G2bopQByuyy6_YButpyojVBDPwQlPc_xFOaDAQiG1cSOJQUU6quamSYqgjV1/s1600/9ruellia_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_IjKy44_IPcpSkZmnLUMTt10uBLt984m5z39ONqGJ_JJ8f9SGsNBIbXu-9kiaQHAxDnPKCG57wnQCHr3G2bopQByuyy6_YButpyojVBDPwQlPc_xFOaDAQiG1cSOJQUU6quamSYqgjV1/s640/9ruellia_0505.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruellia brittoniana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMw7QbXFMcwx5w_1eiDKFv4XhmIJ6vmwpaFnabdDOsvT7A60vERlR09RhoVhp3qXjvcETOdarRl99ju7Nv9Tobikw-0t5-tKe667RWYvjyH9tcLGJiOqVztcIERaKtfYA2I9x9cGP7j-mL/s1600/6justicia_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMw7QbXFMcwx5w_1eiDKFv4XhmIJ6vmwpaFnabdDOsvT7A60vERlR09RhoVhp3qXjvcETOdarRl99ju7Nv9Tobikw-0t5-tKe667RWYvjyH9tcLGJiOqVztcIERaKtfYA2I9x9cGP7j-mL/s640/6justicia_0497.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justicia californica</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
White and Silver Garden:</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEe8oTJ384JFCAcQpHM92EXRSToFx4gCpywAI2dkxVmaO2prCNd6UjlXXBDrTv7nFVGBsg_vGTPJ1tXDipPCba7ev5Dvm6jtw2msb7aoLKhourKOIoiDh5NNUKxO17w-BlezCE1zxnR1Y/s1600/7lantana_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEe8oTJ384JFCAcQpHM92EXRSToFx4gCpywAI2dkxVmaO2prCNd6UjlXXBDrTv7nFVGBsg_vGTPJ1tXDipPCba7ev5Dvm6jtw2msb7aoLKhourKOIoiDh5NNUKxO17w-BlezCE1zxnR1Y/s640/7lantana_0501.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lantana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ed. Here is one I missed yesterday. My sister discovered it last night... by the fragrance!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKKMmuFznqBneK9kNmzzHWUFMduiz8dBuvh4RA5Eq4XXPQ6i6XBlLbCuRcwzpS9w9OMRmJch30FdA1qg79mslylVavd4OfbIPpBPWlKcHuanUlFYe9sV5IIz0uZ20SH-DE__c5O-QALiF/s1600/IMG_20160916_100826866-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKKMmuFznqBneK9kNmzzHWUFMduiz8dBuvh4RA5Eq4XXPQ6i6XBlLbCuRcwzpS9w9OMRmJch30FdA1qg79mslylVavd4OfbIPpBPWlKcHuanUlFYe9sV5IIz0uZ20SH-DE__c5O-QALiF/s400/IMG_20160916_100826866-01.jpeg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasminum sambac </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Rose Border:</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxOVR_ozldseaqTXyBPsmE9yM6RoFivLFPOXJscREmYgdd_JWSrTel4nkEbTbz1bbxEUVveKgV5pKpKF3h9dCbKetNIGDbftyU-uawcu6W1REELbuhr9uVBOe5ioFZ74MRHxQZFhcgmvQ/s1600/1margareta_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxOVR_ozldseaqTXyBPsmE9yM6RoFivLFPOXJscREmYgdd_JWSrTel4nkEbTbz1bbxEUVveKgV5pKpKF3h9dCbKetNIGDbftyU-uawcu6W1REELbuhr9uVBOe5ioFZ74MRHxQZFhcgmvQ/s640/1margareta_0455.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crown Princess Margareta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have also been taking advantage of the milder weather to do some long-awaited planting, mostly iris, cacti, and other hardy succulents. But today is Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, so here is September's showing in the desert garden. If you like, you can check what is in bloom around the world in September at <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2016/09/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-september-2016.html" target="_blank">May Dreams Gardens</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8DIphIdKO87R5TmMXxZzN5zjnB-Qgi-R2APgU6bII2MYFccJWHcRaopQa3phyM3QOQLC7p9ve-kHyP9JmJhK_XdrFBF32POMC2SBHsUicDS1jf8Vkil7hdT0h57MW7I2qHYjv6CRtJsh/s1600/6caesalpinia_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8DIphIdKO87R5TmMXxZzN5zjnB-Qgi-R2APgU6bII2MYFccJWHcRaopQa3phyM3QOQLC7p9ve-kHyP9JmJhK_XdrFBF32POMC2SBHsUicDS1jf8Vkil7hdT0h57MW7I2qHYjv6CRtJsh/s640/6caesalpinia_0485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Weather Diary: Fair; High: 96 F (36 C)/Low: 66 F (19 C); Humidity: 7%-31%<br />
<br />
<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-22262597443510190242016-09-14T00:24:00.002-07:002016-09-14T00:24:43.143-07:00Tuesday View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssACiHekPiNvz0yAH-DH9JZLDBGcgF1KqNIbm2XS8MltcwFPCH2qd0mFABszCElQM2cG5cAGfso2UEOur4GVF7roVvuYrCfvQpludnXzb7C030EKX9VyfSG4ppQJKywIyUOheZ0suYsWb/s1600/1tuesday_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssACiHekPiNvz0yAH-DH9JZLDBGcgF1KqNIbm2XS8MltcwFPCH2qd0mFABszCElQM2cG5cAGfso2UEOur4GVF7roVvuYrCfvQpludnXzb7C030EKX9VyfSG4ppQJKywIyUOheZ0suYsWb/s640/1tuesday_0339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And now for the weekly look at one particular part of the garden, with Cathy at <a href="https://wordsandherbs.com/2016/09/13/the-tuesday-view-13th-september-2016/" target="_blank">Words and Herbs</a>. <br />
<br />
It was a lovely morning, slightly overcast and cooler. The garden was enjoying it.<br />
<br />
In the South Border, Eremophila hygrophana is adding some blue behind the lavender flowers of Catharanthus roseus. The Eremophila usually has some blooms open, but today's flush is a little heavier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eSOy_cCe-V9bdwJQQSCLWkZBrjqwLcTQVzXlrYrv1Y_HMg0daxNHrmSjAXjAsEQ85c9tVwZSS_0BJQFA4sgdDk63M8PIds2PzxatFrGM1xGaw2ZqD-HaRV-KlkehxTXZn6cZaehSr-48/s1600/5eremophila_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eSOy_cCe-V9bdwJQQSCLWkZBrjqwLcTQVzXlrYrv1Y_HMg0daxNHrmSjAXjAsEQ85c9tVwZSS_0BJQFA4sgdDk63M8PIds2PzxatFrGM1xGaw2ZqD-HaRV-KlkehxTXZn6cZaehSr-48/s640/5eremophila_0372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Further down the border, Pennisetum setaceum rubrum is in its full glory. <br />
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It is crowding the Catharanthus at the border's edge, something I had not reckoned on since I still think of Catharanthus as an annual and expected to pull it out at the end of summer. Since it is in fact a tender perennial and continues to bloom vigorously, why remove it? Hmmm... <br />
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Lavendula stoechas "Madrid" is also looking good, as is Melocactus azureus, at the lower right corner of the photo above.<br />
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Now for an addition to the border. Remember the blank spot visible in every Tuesday View? I am beginning to fill it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGn9-ko1HlVkUE25CQxzq1IwTn_MwzvGH355GO-crMUQlamJvNI1g7bcCm7cQcIiDcSsbztv-jW7lilNeHga2ly4Soxso9w9HDEFSZzEoL6jz2kxHuCGQPRn15jpnUvhTjZtSWn0etCLq/s1600/3tuesday_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGn9-ko1HlVkUE25CQxzq1IwTn_MwzvGH355GO-crMUQlamJvNI1g7bcCm7cQcIiDcSsbztv-jW7lilNeHga2ly4Soxso9w9HDEFSZzEoL6jz2kxHuCGQPRn15jpnUvhTjZtSWn0etCLq/s640/3tuesday_0355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The new iris sprig is barely visible between and behind the two miniature roses.<br />
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This was the bonus iris that came with my Stout Gardens order: "Carry Me Home" is apparently a pale lavender Tall Bearded Iris. From the pictures it seemed perfect for the South Border's soft blue/purple/pink hues.<br />
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I didn't particularly intend to plant ten irises this year, but I placed orders with two different companies, each with a "buy four, get one free" deal. And I haven't grown bearded irises in four years. And it was tempting to try my first arilbreds, now that I live in a dry summer climate. Excuses, excuses. Ten irises... Three are now in the South Border, and the empty spot will soon be well filled in, I hope.<br />
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And at the very front, again between the two miniature roses, I intend to transplant a small Salvia that was injudiciously added at the back of the border last spring. Since purchasing it (label said simply "Salvia"), I've pretty well decided it is from the "Summer Jewel" series and will stay quite small. It seems a little fragile in comparison with the native southwest species I am growing, and week after week I've expected it to finally collapse. But it always springs back with a little water, and this has been a murderous summer for new plantings. Since it has survived this long, I intend to see if I can shift it to the front, where it will be a good companion for the miniature roses and help complete the structure of the border. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjcwtimFoEdE0FizdyVqOaJGkqIDaXAqskD4QaT0rasbFNOrNVvojyoxg_zFpoJ99VAUP6zn6nbSh8sweNNdL13jUUpc9QV3PAYjx73xMoxOLAdYFQRPyA5VVzk8GQR0n2jZVI4HEWi96/s1600/6salvia_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjcwtimFoEdE0FizdyVqOaJGkqIDaXAqskD4QaT0rasbFNOrNVvojyoxg_zFpoJ99VAUP6zn6nbSh8sweNNdL13jUUpc9QV3PAYjx73xMoxOLAdYFQRPyA5VVzk8GQR0n2jZVI4HEWi96/s640/6salvia_0375.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
Weather Diary: Fair; High: 96 F (36 C)/Low: 75 F (24 C); Humidity: 23%-58%Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-61670739610622795132016-09-13T00:20:00.000-07:002016-09-13T00:26:56.815-07:00In a Vase: Small and Thymely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoSn72lLFQm6yh8d3Sm2pCqetOICR80XsL2NI478ZwTn-87E8sd4E3mvBAY3bHvPv-2mGWTj9B97Q5QjwG5Z2a1W_obTnxIZ33eQT_LtmFVsRVjoWtWkrZQxdQF1-Wc0vdxscrR7o4FNU/s1600/11monday_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoSn72lLFQm6yh8d3Sm2pCqetOICR80XsL2NI478ZwTn-87E8sd4E3mvBAY3bHvPv-2mGWTj9B97Q5QjwG5Z2a1W_obTnxIZ33eQT_LtmFVsRVjoWtWkrZQxdQF1-Wc0vdxscrR7o4FNU/s640/11monday_0331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
It has been quite a while since I've used a teacup for a Monday Vase. Today seemed like a good time for another, particularly since I wanted to use smaller, more delicate material.<br />
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The basic component is actually lemon thyme (Thymus x citriodorus). It remained much greener through this, its second summer season; and it is gradually coming out of its summer doldrums now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP7hvQUZapoBNBcz4zrbzHqHOCuFeaNx3gZ4nYfLJPTVUg3nIAVGvExEaSmSxXzaAI3XZmb-95g33VeTxS_dzkV0d688bI0jk9jSjYogFNYD-p1aiuKVmTCkMofYHFeOYg4tIfNLZH8eF/s1600/12monday_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP7hvQUZapoBNBcz4zrbzHqHOCuFeaNx3gZ4nYfLJPTVUg3nIAVGvExEaSmSxXzaAI3XZmb-95g33VeTxS_dzkV0d688bI0jk9jSjYogFNYD-p1aiuKVmTCkMofYHFeOYg4tIfNLZH8eF/s640/12monday_0338.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
There is also a stem of Eremophila hygrophana...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y0UDnempD1QgdmuROcGfNN1f9InKZ9FYfJtr514PbUjCmevcXEDM5qWNZgODFBNKrBIcQ1Zj1LAC1B1y6aeLZ_XgNt5RCNCNIqcTkZSqSox6pa0hTe6nfc7Lp72E3eTvyAmuOPD4-f2I/s1600/5monday_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y0UDnempD1QgdmuROcGfNN1f9InKZ9FYfJtr514PbUjCmevcXEDM5qWNZgODFBNKrBIcQ1Zj1LAC1B1y6aeLZ_XgNt5RCNCNIqcTkZSqSox6pa0hTe6nfc7Lp72E3eTvyAmuOPD4-f2I/s640/5monday_0291.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eremophila hygrophana</td></tr>
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...and a stem or two of my new acquisition Leucophyllum pruinosum "Sierra Bouquet", both of which add some soft gray foliage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB8bop2Re7fezHilt231f5z0Eqyng7LGnzngk_HL-ksGt4AWyUNi9ebFC07Cgwp7rGHKdIAAx5qtjZaXjfLyOAIeJoazEMbCOaRVTx2hUTnpG7u0xTDchZ4iUIgXOmUE0Zov7gUlriC-k/s1600/6monday_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB8bop2Re7fezHilt231f5z0Eqyng7LGnzngk_HL-ksGt4AWyUNi9ebFC07Cgwp7rGHKdIAAx5qtjZaXjfLyOAIeJoazEMbCOaRVTx2hUTnpG7u0xTDchZ4iUIgXOmUE0Zov7gUlriC-k/s640/6monday_0295.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leucophyllum pruinosum "Sierra Bouquet"</td></tr>
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This is picked up by rose "Sterling Silver", also just waking up as summer draws down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUrLVHng34ZMXfYv2nHfoHl1PGGGMY5fJGQz1k9ORF0Ivtku5ykPOa3gUB-2vaIkAkmsGBtGUayNOufmAaPyHwVkh1oJEz-SV4hfOSq2TJnO4DgVIOYmDl7YWWUu3Gezq1VUczSEzddfs/s1600/9monday_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUrLVHng34ZMXfYv2nHfoHl1PGGGMY5fJGQz1k9ORF0Ivtku5ykPOa3gUB-2vaIkAkmsGBtGUayNOufmAaPyHwVkh1oJEz-SV4hfOSq2TJnO4DgVIOYmDl7YWWUu3Gezq1VUczSEzddfs/s640/9monday_0311.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
The most surprising component is surely Penstemon pseudospectabilis "Coconino County", which has never been without at a least a stem or two of flowers all summer long! This cluster was, admittedly, lolling on the ground in the shade of the nearby lavender, so I thought I might as well bring it in.<br />
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I like the combination of soft colors with the muted gray-green of the teacup and saucer.</div>
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As the thyme formed a tangle of stiff stems, I did not have to use foam or any other additional support for this very casual little posy in a teacup.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYh7AmVOxD7q3ORyGYE202FEd649eXcUVaCxvZN6XZjAIfnYlNLaR9RggaD2UHBZjYL9evaIKjfIDU7cEHsaunQwJPiH9-rGAcsfrj9pxaTS0njyvrdOsrM7nDfwzD92xYH-MFXjNXy-S/s1600/8monday_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYh7AmVOxD7q3ORyGYE202FEd649eXcUVaCxvZN6XZjAIfnYlNLaR9RggaD2UHBZjYL9evaIKjfIDU7cEHsaunQwJPiH9-rGAcsfrj9pxaTS0njyvrdOsrM7nDfwzD92xYH-MFXjNXy-S/s640/8monday_0306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Most of my garden time lately has been spent tidying up for the oncoming autumn growing season, and even more has been spent planting irises as both my iris orders came within the same week. It's great to take some time out to bring a little bit of the garden indoors. Thanks to Cathy for the encouragement to do so! Do check the other vases inspired by her IaVoM theme at <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2016/09/12/in-a-vase-on-monday-late-summer-blues/" target="_blank">Rambling in the Garden</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMaysrWH-QEX5icOwEgZg-yKZOxqpRUecynHrDaBdgZjrf3BrLN31DsSYOCS20kJxLbwd37JtAqvEibm6vvjcdOIKZgnT2AmPDc8WXvi8jq6hDura19j674wnPyViQzYQJFt1EMJtmWKY/s1600/3monday_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMaysrWH-QEX5icOwEgZg-yKZOxqpRUecynHrDaBdgZjrf3BrLN31DsSYOCS20kJxLbwd37JtAqvEibm6vvjcdOIKZgnT2AmPDc8WXvi8jq6hDura19j674wnPyViQzYQJFt1EMJtmWKY/s640/3monday_0276.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Weather Diary: Fair; High: 99 F (37 C)/Low: 82 F (28 C); Humidity: 19%-53%</div>
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Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-35801699046609721242016-09-10T11:00:00.002-07:002016-09-10T11:04:28.446-07:00A Surprise in the Garden<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjlsBYGRc8eSAK3ztFmtEc-skJFTDb3p_svOHeLggZ28U2WtZsKacDayMftNMhnC7CDJG4sk599JtnESLArjKpl8-GdDG_ByjFFULFAw75fNaMySie8APPgVC9LpKK_itOetKUVpHDd8X/s1600/15margareta_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="rose, small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjlsBYGRc8eSAK3ztFmtEc-skJFTDb3p_svOHeLggZ28U2WtZsKacDayMftNMhnC7CDJG4sk599JtnESLArjKpl8-GdDG_ByjFFULFAw75fNaMySie8APPgVC9LpKK_itOetKUVpHDd8X/s640/15margareta_0253.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crown Princess Margareta</td></tr>
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Yes, the roses are just beginning to bloom again; though flowers are still small and scantily formed, it's great to see them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxdFMQFw1i_mngFOkjlhWJat6TsK5tLXXSLN2kPSuhq0Y3Hq_3YVCoKGXSrIvx_3pke1LkzvhO68pjo5svm8_zhqyd1VZmKB1A1b4fQBJVqtq1N8otmEhpPIROXpHZyzLmxYXbNu15lJ6/s1600/10woh_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="rose, small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxdFMQFw1i_mngFOkjlhWJat6TsK5tLXXSLN2kPSuhq0Y3Hq_3YVCoKGXSrIvx_3pke1LkzvhO68pjo5svm8_zhqyd1VZmKB1A1b4fQBJVqtq1N8otmEhpPIROXpHZyzLmxYXbNu15lJ6/s640/10woh_0195.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wollerton Old Hall</td></tr>
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And now that I have given the Gaura a serious clip, I can better enjoy some of the plants it was beginning to smother, such as Cuphea ignea "Vermillionaire".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZ6dFCTe066ja1-4Tgq8UoYhk_XHmUUxG01xrQt8NBdsBFi9QYLnYaelO0V90HmdKRvde4uxxZZSHAmkmyfVmyqZQQhk3sU6Ly4UFRMNsdyC2kjtIoPsy5ndfx6DrV585SFQQdYMozuQk/s1600/5cuphea_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cuphea, vermillionaire, small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZ6dFCTe066ja1-4Tgq8UoYhk_XHmUUxG01xrQt8NBdsBFi9QYLnYaelO0V90HmdKRvde4uxxZZSHAmkmyfVmyqZQQhk3sU6Ly4UFRMNsdyC2kjtIoPsy5ndfx6DrV585SFQQdYMozuQk/s640/5cuphea_0170.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></div>
But this post is not about the usual suspects.<br />
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Admittedly, the surprise is not very spectacular to look at, just some green leaves and sprawling stems.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKe-D1Xpd9nw7s090XGB3XG9uiJwudB_hKBDCJYIUmupP8H56A3iLAoQTx5fJcfpDS_ZUcrWQREsI7sMYQUEumUUuY_v3z3-WTIdhrFhyd86iQFZyTIdzWW5wUThJ_wZ0jqTgsuu4V2Zk/s1600/2justicia_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKe-D1Xpd9nw7s090XGB3XG9uiJwudB_hKBDCJYIUmupP8H56A3iLAoQTx5fJcfpDS_ZUcrWQREsI7sMYQUEumUUuY_v3z3-WTIdhrFhyd86iQFZyTIdzWW5wUThJ_wZ0jqTgsuu4V2Zk/s640/2justicia_0151.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
And in fact, it has been around for several months, left in place in hopes it would give the Cistanthe just beside it some protection from dog feet. In the meantime, the remaining sprigs of Cistanthe have melted out beneath it...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr_LsvLvHOGm70UZVWBp4dazHRoXV2sS06RQIYRLlrJicu1mrNoevndCia7wvxnR4FHmTOETJfrLnTvqLL3c5pvr1B_r17M9QJkMLfr4XeNN345ipXY83MxgvTEzVqiW8SSyOr255mNfb/s1600/3cistanthe_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr_LsvLvHOGm70UZVWBp4dazHRoXV2sS06RQIYRLlrJicu1mrNoevndCia7wvxnR4FHmTOETJfrLnTvqLL3c5pvr1B_r17M9QJkMLfr4XeNN345ipXY83MxgvTEzVqiW8SSyOr255mNfb/s640/3cistanthe_0160.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I'm abandoning hope of growing Cistanthe spectabilis as a perennial here.</td></tr>
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...while the interloper has maintained itself contentedly despite a long, hard summer. But only yesterday did I realize what it was.<br />
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Not the self-seeded Mirabilis I thought first...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtyfTqmUttETXK7WjlythKIlSMxOYhkHTY12Yl3KkqQ1j-ej9qf3_79hAD3BSuwlIb-YoSwgkg2WAZtlUG-CVxjtNYACY4nAqztCa9FpYaFnVv_D4vL-koYe8uwmPCqz4HLXVxiqd-7WN/s1600/4mirabilis_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtyfTqmUttETXK7WjlythKIlSMxOYhkHTY12Yl3KkqQ1j-ej9qf3_79hAD3BSuwlIb-YoSwgkg2WAZtlUG-CVxjtNYACY4nAqztCa9FpYaFnVv_D4vL-koYe8uwmPCqz4HLXVxiqd-7WN/s640/4mirabilis_0162.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a while it was possible to confuse the foliage, and the Mirabilis grows close by.</td></tr>
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...nor yet the weed blown in on the wind, which was my second assumption once I decided it couldn't possibly be Mirabilis.<br />
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I found out very much by chance as there have been no flowers so far to assist with identification.<br />
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Two evenings ago, when I was planting one of my new irises in the North Border, I looked at the leaves of the nearby Chuparosa (Justicia californica). Then I reached out and touched them and felt that same silky texture that had been mystifying me in the unknown seedling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIw5jFF1ZgvD9HCblMV2sBlnj-L1FdIoDUnZYvw8dbqTSzCzJu5nbtT3x_s1VEK0W8dBLURj8roF9LQO6Q4I9xDOsNHIjK52hTXy4bjVUJkbtB6ujOkK9EtrNkYUne4Q5tPXjQ4fGBHIg/s1600/8justicia_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIw5jFF1ZgvD9HCblMV2sBlnj-L1FdIoDUnZYvw8dbqTSzCzJu5nbtT3x_s1VEK0W8dBLURj8roF9LQO6Q4I9xDOsNHIjK52hTXy4bjVUJkbtB6ujOkK9EtrNkYUne4Q5tPXjQ4fGBHIg/s640/8justicia_0187.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaves on my original Justicia californica plant</td></tr>
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So the garden has given me a first self-seeded Chuparosa! I am amazed as the parent plant was only added to the border last spring, put on a dwindling floral show, and then, of course, ceased for the summer. Besides, I was not aware of J. californica having a reputation for seeding in the garden.<br />
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There are difficulties ahead. I will have to transplant it as it can't stay in its original spot close to the edge of the Central Bed, and so far I have a very poor record on transplanting desert natives. I hope this one will be more amenable to the process! <br />
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The common name means "hummingbird", and that is certainly one reason I planted this native of Sonoran Desert washes. My original plant had a hummingbird sipping from it as it waited in my cart at the GC. I wish I could post some pictures of hummingbirds and bloom, but that will have to wait till next year...!<br />
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Meantime, there are roses...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpYfyePjczDemjkqxG_5KGdUfuGQQnR55CuGi_TX-wxEqZMHdItUOUfEZgrd4cu6B9kH5v_wB3MOzK802TXlkXqBOj5zmkxR-k6LbtXA13wGwUNCjmt6bWgLMUI8dycBgi80koPC3iRQE/s1600/9woh_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="rose, small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpYfyePjczDemjkqxG_5KGdUfuGQQnR55CuGi_TX-wxEqZMHdItUOUfEZgrd4cu6B9kH5v_wB3MOzK802TXlkXqBOj5zmkxR-k6LbtXA13wGwUNCjmt6bWgLMUI8dycBgi80koPC3iRQE/s640/9woh_0189.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wollerton Old Hall</td></tr>
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Weather Diary: Sunny; High: 101 F (38 C)/Low: 79 F (26 C); Humidity: 21%-48%Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-72944119446006406752016-09-07T10:27:00.003-07:002016-09-07T10:27:34.241-07:00Tuesday View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Zs3z59_Dh_zYeXjbxmQLDlogUWOG4x0iuUVw5rq9lyH9FQcQGjJpu8i5DmtN8wb6aSmpNR2TmyUvjYkveC2VccgUJGxKqCcb_L0guAj0yoff2c58Y5FGQIGR6bLfVeyJ-vMydCct5HZv/s1600/1tuesday_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tuesday view, small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Zs3z59_Dh_zYeXjbxmQLDlogUWOG4x0iuUVw5rq9lyH9FQcQGjJpu8i5DmtN8wb6aSmpNR2TmyUvjYkveC2VccgUJGxKqCcb_L0guAj0yoff2c58Y5FGQIGR6bLfVeyJ-vMydCct5HZv/s640/1tuesday_0136.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
The main change to notice in this week's official Tuesday View is the ever-lengthening stems on Muhlenbergia capillaris "Regal Mist", the autumn-blooming grass which dominates the upper part of the South Border. <br />
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However, last Friday there was a very special burst of bloom in the border. I knew it would be quite brief so I took some pictures to save for today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtIjq_xcGNTr1eWhBYzvIFQkU6WgJrMcvTlYjeKpXiwIY_vTKvKw225QYpuBZjo4kHF9Gre1dl7m4fyBKTKbvrU9YpfZ6BmgqJ26HjTHhCEHBvTkbA4ZzL5MmOcwaSBxI-ptX5EDp4YjS/s1600/15leucophyllum_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tuesday view, small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden, photography, leucophyllum frutescens, texas ranger, shrub" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtIjq_xcGNTr1eWhBYzvIFQkU6WgJrMcvTlYjeKpXiwIY_vTKvKw225QYpuBZjo4kHF9Gre1dl7m4fyBKTKbvrU9YpfZ6BmgqJ26HjTHhCEHBvTkbA4ZzL5MmOcwaSBxI-ptX5EDp4YjS/s640/15leucophyllum_0054.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></div>
Leucophyllum frutescens anchors the very top of the border at the back, forming the end of the still-small rosemary hedge. The Leucophyllm (variety uncertain, possibly "Green Cloud") is a handsome enough shrub out of bloom, but magnificent when flowering. Unfortunately I did not manage to get a good shot of the whole bush. Another time, I hope!<br />
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It blooms through the year in response to rainfall or increased humidity (it was the latter in this case). We haven't had much of either this year so it was a treat to see it suddenly burst into flower. Any particular flowering is very brief, lasting perhaps three days between the opening of the blooms and a purple carpet under a green shrub.<br />
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Commonly known as Texas Ranger, it is a native of the higher altitude Chihuahuan Desert region, but it is also an ironclad for low desert growing, surviving here on minimal supplemental watering and taking the heat and sun in stride. And periodically putting out its masses of blue to lavender flowers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYj0tqnRtATIv0rjha8GrtEorAT8glX1awhnejtg___Vw9JYT_xced49-XyLBGmGwcTdKIAPiSwBQO-78gZKEwNp3b59s-vbOOu0k8sk8WrYr-HRdv492-yEpQGoRTgy4TZASxwE-zsGz/s1600/12leucophyllum_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tuesday view, small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden, photography, leucophyllum frutescens, texas ranger, shrub" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYj0tqnRtATIv0rjha8GrtEorAT8glX1awhnejtg___Vw9JYT_xced49-XyLBGmGwcTdKIAPiSwBQO-78gZKEwNp3b59s-vbOOu0k8sk8WrYr-HRdv492-yEpQGoRTgy4TZASxwE-zsGz/s640/12leucophyllum_0056.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wCPamzWA0mBel98I7hzLaQ6Kfu0xxzCq-S41NFuJUUXRKTSyVL7EyQTkzjE5G97FdSs-zL_Z_9pBx_z_N214Wot2vMQlCNUNNYb7TuQkg2OncCFCPi9dLpgzk0BD_9NYQn5pf5xMajd_/s1600/13leucophyllum_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tuesday view, small sunny garden, amy myers, desert garden, photography, leucophyllum frutescens, texas ranger, shrub" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wCPamzWA0mBel98I7hzLaQ6Kfu0xxzCq-S41NFuJUUXRKTSyVL7EyQTkzjE5G97FdSs-zL_Z_9pBx_z_N214Wot2vMQlCNUNNYb7TuQkg2OncCFCPi9dLpgzk0BD_9NYQn5pf5xMajd_/s640/13leucophyllum_0037.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></div>
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They have speckled throats and a little rough fur. I didn't get any bee shots this time, but bees do adore them!<br />
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Elsewhere in the South Border, the miniscule Melocactus azureus continues to do well under the miniature rose.<br />
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And my young Lagerstroemia indica "Rhapsody in Pink", which appeared to have ceased flowering for the summer, has put out another spate of bloom.<br />
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We are still in slow transition between summer and autumn, with high temperatures moderating down to the upper nineties (37 C) and lows sometimes dropping below 70 F (21 C). I have begun planting out the cacti and agaves I've been holding in pots in shade over summer. So far, so good. Trichocereus grandiflorus and Echinocactus grusonii (the golden barrel cactus) are in the ground. Also a well-priced, handsome agave apologetically labelled something like "garden agave", or was it "landscape agave"; it seemed to indicate it should be winter-hardy at any rate, and it is almost certainly A. parryi in any case. All these are summer-growers so should settle in well now that the sunlight and temperatures are moderating. <br />
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Meantime, a new planting project arrived last night.<br />
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The first of two iris orders, this one of tall bearded irises from Schreiners'. The rhizomes look terrific -- huge, chunky divisions -- and will hopefully go in the ground today. Unless it starts raining first! Newton may beat me to the garden!<br />
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Thanks to Cathy of <a href="https://wordsandherbs.com/2016/09/06/the-tuesday-view-6th-september-2016/" target="_blank">Words and Herbs</a> for hosting this weekly look at a single spot in the garden!<br />
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Weather Diary: Cloudy and expecting rain; High yesterday: 98 F (37 C)/Low: 75 F (24 C); Humidity: 15% - 100% (that is definitely a desert range on the humidity!) Note: Newton has arrived just as I finish this - so great to see a real downpour!<br />
<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-8071407317722639592016-09-05T19:08:00.001-07:002016-09-05T19:08:36.869-07:00In a Vase: Semi-Tropical<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's vase is certainly the simplest in terms of making: flowers picked in a couple of handfuls and plonked directly into their vase a few feet away on the patio.<br />
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There are only two types of flower, besides. Three colors of Catharanthus roseus were used...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMlfhiMw-h0mgRTkq5PbE7ydeErnC_fdGXA6aBcXKWhJF9Iu_zdswdJFI72qJb6YMsJdGmfdWS6cuZV5qRCjqlPcsFQyd5b3eAkhzzuy8Hyk7bm-OBug9Oo0gtKjJFdOXJN32qMLlWSBV/s1600/3monday_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMlfhiMw-h0mgRTkq5PbE7ydeErnC_fdGXA6aBcXKWhJF9Iu_zdswdJFI72qJb6YMsJdGmfdWS6cuZV5qRCjqlPcsFQyd5b3eAkhzzuy8Hyk7bm-OBug9Oo0gtKjJFdOXJN32qMLlWSBV/s640/3monday_0095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vL0cE5hxp-rhdiWWGedSETeF8iRDXSpZpjtSgyzrHiZtchqe6ZaH0hfPbFYgm6cOz-3FucGprVRFqjlbXw9ql4qYIJh5f17zCFIw-nkFXe4ukwsim3r6m44jhVMv1VFJ41GeKX6hzXDQ/s1600/DSC_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vL0cE5hxp-rhdiWWGedSETeF8iRDXSpZpjtSgyzrHiZtchqe6ZaH0hfPbFYgm6cOz-3FucGprVRFqjlbXw9ql4qYIJh5f17zCFIw-nkFXe4ukwsim3r6m44jhVMv1VFJ41GeKX6hzXDQ/s640/DSC_0101.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
...along with stems of Russelia equisetiformis "Big Red"...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNwC9UjwGczIkPgDnumD0YUqdh_j9na7ZpdTbSwIDWoh4AoioAZiHGSm9pQqJ0NkmlmmcgIMuooG7r5geVyaTBZ8p2kFWQjsU2mqs5kLzWWhH_v2SggtG4s9CZfopXszwq674uS8RssfS/s1600/5monday_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNwC9UjwGczIkPgDnumD0YUqdh_j9na7ZpdTbSwIDWoh4AoioAZiHGSm9pQqJ0NkmlmmcgIMuooG7r5geVyaTBZ8p2kFWQjsU2mqs5kLzWWhH_v2SggtG4s9CZfopXszwq674uS8RssfS/s640/5monday_0115.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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I love the white-brushed petal backs on the Catharanthus.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEoLoERtyEF7supLQNuHKC5C95TD19izpWXVuVjoWECPNiniIWdPkWzplRlK-nggvVl_LoqXP3wnVW98Yvl_irRZCzUS_YpVebQoeiaP0AGDUTpYAYugYYFn55ev3YZD-mX3-HR1l01T9/s1600/2monday_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEoLoERtyEF7supLQNuHKC5C95TD19izpWXVuVjoWECPNiniIWdPkWzplRlK-nggvVl_LoqXP3wnVW98Yvl_irRZCzUS_YpVebQoeiaP0AGDUTpYAYugYYFn55ev3YZD-mX3-HR1l01T9/s640/2monday_0091.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Both plants certainly represent the value of tropicals for the hot desert garden as they have bloomed very reliably through summer and are continuing as September moves in. Their brilliant colors are invaluable in the borders right now, and fun for a vase too! This is a handbuilt, dark-glazed stoneware vase I made earlier this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfUEmwY2qrnk4T4yfW6WgUNDDera6TZlQLRJ5Sul943o0dFuERmMcDnroSHGoz94SzAdLlhelQeFYMdyIzRVHcosJrqAcPWItQ0azZRlWCtseKQbm3_ZLZuGqcpJFhrTBllotXGyEDM-E/s1600/1monday_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfUEmwY2qrnk4T4yfW6WgUNDDera6TZlQLRJ5Sul943o0dFuERmMcDnroSHGoz94SzAdLlhelQeFYMdyIzRVHcosJrqAcPWItQ0azZRlWCtseKQbm3_ZLZuGqcpJFhrTBllotXGyEDM-E/s640/1monday_0083.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
I am linking to Cathy's lovely meme at <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2016/09/05/in-a-vase-n-monday-abundance-abounds/" target="_blank">Rambling in the Garden</a>, happy to be back after a week away from the blogosphere!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FZdiv3T-SVAnJU4OG_8ZbWSVpUKnxTRXnnPKnOTVciDPv4dhon-HOf8amYyxUPL86p7LOemyThDgZd0BWEYNppJtQD98nRYkRocX_CHH6NzbpQsKClqzqWX6ZdWavvfXikTybKHcledu/s1600/4monday_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FZdiv3T-SVAnJU4OG_8ZbWSVpUKnxTRXnnPKnOTVciDPv4dhon-HOf8amYyxUPL86p7LOemyThDgZd0BWEYNppJtQD98nRYkRocX_CHH6NzbpQsKClqzqWX6ZdWavvfXikTybKHcledu/s640/4monday_0109.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
Weather Diary: Fair; High: 99 F (37 C)/Low: 69 F (21 C); Humidity: 9% - 34%<br />
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<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-55199530492139439752016-08-27T09:44:00.000-07:002016-08-27T10:27:17.010-07:00Betwixt and Between<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKAp13k7kYjEdBP3Bl1XORIaym9LxNHd5I0v_OlfxmyNp9ZC0K6jpxGSge8zibYW5I0W_LTBChVYwvTffaQKooGnrCsHW8sScuNiFDERliOdd7gv030Zi_2lp_QmarwO1MrGq_TMoRr8S/s1600/9lagerstroemia_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lagerstroemia, indica, dynamite, crape myrtle, crepe myrtle, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography, desert garden, summer bloom, august" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKAp13k7kYjEdBP3Bl1XORIaym9LxNHd5I0v_OlfxmyNp9ZC0K6jpxGSge8zibYW5I0W_LTBChVYwvTffaQKooGnrCsHW8sScuNiFDERliOdd7gv030Zi_2lp_QmarwO1MrGq_TMoRr8S/s640/9lagerstroemia_0090.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
The weather is changing just in time for the August pick of favorites from the garden. This is bringing some plants into focus that had been half-asleep through most of summer. Especially Gaura.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iCmSB29h-H7Dtvo9psV0EIThuXu1NYl7EXxvROYFo3nIsaqvgTeXJGzF4Qy9oPxKrbnZd-ijpZbo-T3GPk87Fk-cGxKV4fPJJwYmN6WtVZ6l3GgO5Tr5jLQYTdq1v4-Bjd0wOY0u6O4E/s1600/13gaura_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gaura, oenothera, lindheimeri, pink, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography, desert garden, summer bloom, august" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iCmSB29h-H7Dtvo9psV0EIThuXu1NYl7EXxvROYFo3nIsaqvgTeXJGzF4Qy9oPxKrbnZd-ijpZbo-T3GPk87Fk-cGxKV4fPJJwYmN6WtVZ6l3GgO5Tr5jLQYTdq1v4-Bjd0wOY0u6O4E/s640/13gaura_0109.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My noID pink Gaura was sold simply as the species (now Oenothera lindheimeri).</td></tr>
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Of course, it has produced the occasional spindly bloom, much stem to little flower, throughout the season; but with an increase in humidity, lower temperatures, and ongoing short bursts of rain, it is exploding into life again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEc0kR-eQBxXgVIo9sSDLmi_l_c9Z2tC8pt1HXGFzEslQl2KN_jj8YcfLRcP9UW85u0_63hRm6wg8ZffDJOva_QaTK5gVFLaLZf8DzGzoB60RxSWqg3pMAxUnYpkA2GqPIKeapRZ63KNr/s1600/12gaura_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gaura, oenothera, lindheimeri, pink, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography, desert garden, summer bloom, august" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEc0kR-eQBxXgVIo9sSDLmi_l_c9Z2tC8pt1HXGFzEslQl2KN_jj8YcfLRcP9UW85u0_63hRm6wg8ZffDJOva_QaTK5gVFLaLZf8DzGzoB60RxSWqg3pMAxUnYpkA2GqPIKeapRZ63KNr/s640/12gaura_0102.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></div>
It is planted next to a much more reliable mid-summer bloomer, Lagerstroemia indica "Dynamite", a Crape Myrtle with brilliant crimson bloom. Eventually the latter should overarch the former, but at present the Lagerstroemia is still the smaller plant. Which is not saying much - I had no idea the Gaura would grow to five feet tall and wide, least of all under desert conditions! It is crowding everything around it now. I'm wondering whether I should have cut the bloom stems back at the end of spring, or would that completely sacrifice autumn bloom...? Any information welcome!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vDXzmBSQjOxdw6ZwwMFEHsOKPVVGn1NLtdS4IrySb9rNchmd7Hm1iJLaaT6vZmpktSeOzVyQNxxckv5rp_awLBxJr2jej0C14xYbGrkZzgoqfY0jjiRloUSeyGgwfrLFzvTRMuTGS9__/s1600/17view_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gaura, oenothera, lindheimeri, pink, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography, desert garden, summer bloom, august" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vDXzmBSQjOxdw6ZwwMFEHsOKPVVGn1NLtdS4IrySb9rNchmd7Hm1iJLaaT6vZmpktSeOzVyQNxxckv5rp_awLBxJr2jej0C14xYbGrkZzgoqfY0jjiRloUSeyGgwfrLFzvTRMuTGS9__/s640/17view_0162.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This part of the garden is looking more than a little ragged as August draws to a close, but it saw a high plant survival rate over summer - very gratifying to the gardener!</td></tr>
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Here is a close-up of the Lagerstroemia flowers. I don't want to let August pass without a tip of the hat to this magnificent plant, which has bloomed faithfully and luxuriantly through all the worst parts of a long desert summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjLvk2aPY9Q-GJ5-YRTwXZwgd8EwZfHgM4O9SM7Vs4KtH2RKUdmMqlgeAsJMNAfgXL3elUOIhPI_QGUbCL_ox0bfsoTk38f2aLAwhgYFRHAuEctbntngAEqxzKNPSlcCjTE3H6jPOgwvL/s1600/11lagerstroemia_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gaura, oenothera, lindheimeri, pink, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography, desert garden, summer bloom, august, lagerstroemia indica, dynamite, crape myrtle, crepe myrtle" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjLvk2aPY9Q-GJ5-YRTwXZwgd8EwZfHgM4O9SM7Vs4KtH2RKUdmMqlgeAsJMNAfgXL3elUOIhPI_QGUbCL_ox0bfsoTk38f2aLAwhgYFRHAuEctbntngAEqxzKNPSlcCjTE3H6jPOgwvL/s640/11lagerstroemia_0099.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
Although I will have to deal with the crowding at some point, I love the combination of the two plants, especially during this period of overlapping bloom. I look forward to perhaps a month of having them blooming together, after which there will be autumn leaf color from the Lagerstroemia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nnMhGqCX5XYERCHZE5MuyOf1uNdRTWmFVS6Eb0l_NKQMIVJLorZBUAgkzL-HyZ6v9f8xhIpvjKBfRNXdpjE0_On3ZdlDLW6qEhBbveVWoriStqgoN7K577rcY5RgTzBtBcQ90MazlGox/s1600/6lagerstroemia_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gaura, oenothera, lindheimeri, pink, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography, desert garden, summer bloom, august, lagerstroemia indica, dynamite, crape myrtle, crepe myrtle" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nnMhGqCX5XYERCHZE5MuyOf1uNdRTWmFVS6Eb0l_NKQMIVJLorZBUAgkzL-HyZ6v9f8xhIpvjKBfRNXdpjE0_On3ZdlDLW6qEhBbveVWoriStqgoN7K577rcY5RgTzBtBcQ90MazlGox/s640/6lagerstroemia_0088.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></div>
It's worth noting that, in one sense, they make excellent neighbors here. Although drought-tolerant, the Crape Myrtle receives a bit of extra irrigation to keep the splendid bloom going, and the Gaura survives mostly just on that. (Desert gardeners please note: I say <i>mostly</i>, not entirely!) Perhaps it would have bloomed a little earlier if it had gotten more water for itself, though I think it was the intense heat that kept it quiet.<br />
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In the meantime, these are the August choices from my garden. September should see everything waking up even more. Thanks to Loree for hosting the Friday Favs at <a href="http://www.thedangergarden.com/2016/08/august-favsbut-wait-how-is-this-last.html" target="_blank">The Danger Garden</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tcAcfObj_eCOUlY4NXMeuCcQFJ83I753DwGtzaLYwW3O367hIWdYt-U1HIZcw2ohoeXeGC12i-rvrA2LSxNSOi_mOAswYEWa7FIqAuEVxC1wLoSbuK32IvyAus-23n2FCzxDzgAbZTz8/s1600/12gaura_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gaura, oenothera, lindheimeri, pink, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography, desert garden, summer bloom, august" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tcAcfObj_eCOUlY4NXMeuCcQFJ83I753DwGtzaLYwW3O367hIWdYt-U1HIZcw2ohoeXeGC12i-rvrA2LSxNSOi_mOAswYEWa7FIqAuEVxC1wLoSbuK32IvyAus-23n2FCzxDzgAbZTz8/s640/12gaura_0101.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
Weather Diary: Fair with occasional rain showers; High: 96 F (36 C)/Low: 79 F (26 C); Humidity: 26%-65%<br />
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<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-26654958609353678832016-08-23T21:33:00.004-07:002016-08-23T21:35:02.736-07:00Tuesday View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48l2a8rK2C2DMqf_X99Uj8LDHSyQpnUlJV7vIO1TtL8mj4H_M2WjOZj0pVItnORLuZ8jI8QVbnwDo-ZCOFOjB9ip-WbGlmZpsybmByzQu5cSocRVP2Sv_UXpSqJfAFZ-p3VkSD1FQhYI0/s1600/13tuesday_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="small sunny garden, amy myers, photography, desert garden, tuesday view" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48l2a8rK2C2DMqf_X99Uj8LDHSyQpnUlJV7vIO1TtL8mj4H_M2WjOZj0pVItnORLuZ8jI8QVbnwDo-ZCOFOjB9ip-WbGlmZpsybmByzQu5cSocRVP2Sv_UXpSqJfAFZ-p3VkSD1FQhYI0/s640/13tuesday_0076.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
Is it just my imagination, or do the plants look happier? We've had an honest cooldown over the last few days, coupled with something like an honest thunderstorm last night. At any rate the gardener is feeling better!<br />
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With the cooler weather and a little additional moisture, the Perovskia has been looking a bit better...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvczuFs_mkkRxHJ00R5W-yuV1Uwu18-67BwbM-J0BeU5QbT1rSnuOhk2r7bolPm0wLBS5RkWe3WUNCM40BpnzelJyyNokTAC0Ls-UL8I-JFjtZuT1zvVVCK7x6c8BR6o3Q6tbYC00B5HH/s1600/16perovskia_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="perovskia, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography, desert garden, tuesday view" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvczuFs_mkkRxHJ00R5W-yuV1Uwu18-67BwbM-J0BeU5QbT1rSnuOhk2r7bolPm0wLBS5RkWe3WUNCM40BpnzelJyyNokTAC0Ls-UL8I-JFjtZuT1zvVVCK7x6c8BR6o3Q6tbYC00B5HH/s640/16perovskia_0098.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></div>
...much to the approval of the bees.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswqMyM-L9NbYuQ7mEjtPJ20z9oJswGagbSY6TbIB_O_a2IXhfMV2RAXcHsU053AAzXGdYdvUkwQgxRJk9fjvUKAiuboFM75MUYLozzX3clqd3Dty03nkvZoaifXzKe-LOazVbZp8w7p9Y/s1600/17perovskia_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="perovskia, small sunny garden, amy myers, photography, desert garden, tuesday view" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswqMyM-L9NbYuQ7mEjtPJ20z9oJswGagbSY6TbIB_O_a2IXhfMV2RAXcHsU053AAzXGdYdvUkwQgxRJk9fjvUKAiuboFM75MUYLozzX3clqd3Dty03nkvZoaifXzKe-LOazVbZp8w7p9Y/s640/17perovskia_0102.JPG" title="" width="424" /></a></div>
And maybe a little touch of pink is returning to centers of the cream-colored miniature rose, along with that rare thing here: rain spotting.<br />
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The Perovskia is just visible behind the now-rampant Pennisetum in the South Border. Muhlenbergia capillaris "Regal Mist" is getting ready for its autumn explosion of bloom. I hope it will give a good showing, but I've kept it quite dry this summer while trying to make sure other, more vulnerable plants survived. Here's hoping anyway!<br />
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Thanks to Cathy for hosting the Tuesday Border meme at <a href="https://wordsandherbs.com/2016/08/23/the-tuesday-view-23rd-august-2016/" target="_blank">Words and Herbs</a>! I missed last week as we were in the midst of a mini family reunion, which overlapped with a serious illness of one of our dogs. This time last week I was rushing to the nearest known 24/7 pharmacy -- a 40 minute drive one way. Next morning we were sitting in front of the vet's office, waiting his arrival. All is well now, I am happy to say, with a very sweet mini Schnauzer in full recovery. This week looks to be a bit more sane... or did till a few moments ago, when our stovetop just decided to act up!<br />
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Despite having its own ups and downs, the garden is still a wonderful antidote to many woes -- one of the best places to remember that "God's in his heaven; All's right with the world." <br />
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Weather Diary: Fair; High: 94 F (34 C)/Low: 73 F (23 C); Humidity: 28%-78%<br />
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<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-21515361501571006812016-08-23T00:57:00.001-07:002016-08-23T10:00:04.487-07:00In a Vase: Simplicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After Cathy's challenge, some weeks ago, to create an ikebana-style vase, I have been hoping to try my hand at it again eventually. This week seemed a good time to do something a bit different, as the weather is changing and the garden is shifting seasons along with it. Much of the best bloom at the moment is from flowers that do not last well when cut. So I thought about possible material for a second unauthentic ikebana, and that was the starting point for today's vase.<br />
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One side is primarily stems of Senna nemophila. These appear as a haze of leafless green branches, but the thread-like "leaves" (technically phyllodes) are plentiful.<br />
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Then there are stems of native wildflower Eriogonum deflexum. These stems truly are leafless, and they are in flower now.<br />
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With its network of wiry, leafless stems, this plant takes the common name "Skeleton Weed", among others. The blooms are quite small and sparse this year, and at present they are still white. They normally turn a delicate pink as weather cools. These stems were cut from a plant that seeded itself into a crack between patio and house -- a place likely to retain any available bits of precious moisture.<br />
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I also cut some stems of Gaura (now Oenothera lindheimeri) though it does not have a history of cutting well for me. I wanted it mostly for the long, slender stems, anyway.<br />
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And lastly there is a bloom from rose "Wollerton Old Hall", a bit summer-weary but still lovely.<br />
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I put all into a stoneware vase which I threw on the potter's wheel last year. It is covered in a traditional dark brown glaze whose sobriety seemed appropriate to the simple plant material.<br />
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Although I usually make my bouquets to be viewed from any angle, the back view of this one is just that -- the back.<br />
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I'm sure this won't be the last time I play with the ikebana idea... Perhaps next time the results will look a little more like the real thing!<br />
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Thank you to Cathy for hosting this meme! It's wonderful to follow along at <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2016/08/22/in-a-vase-on-monday-another-of-mums/" target="_blank">Rambling in the Garden</a> and see what others have put in vases this week!<br />
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Weather Diary: Partly cloudy; High: 98 F (37 C)/Low: 78 F (17 C); Humidity: 26%-62%<br />
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<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315847063483821430.post-10008412889026693082016-08-21T11:57:00.000-07:002016-08-21T11:57:15.086-07:00Is It Four o'Clock Yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Though quite a few new plants have been unable to survive the extended heat this summer, Mirabilis jalapa has been a wonderful exception, establishing successfully and going on to bloom abundantly. Started from seed indoors last winter, it is one plant that I had been half-sure <i>should</i> be a good addition to the tropicals-able-to-take-the-heat element in the garden. Though my first trial a year ago failed, due probably to bad timing, this year's attempt is finally proving itself!<br />
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A native of Peru (also known as Marvel of Peru), one of the most fascinating things about Four o'Clocks is their ability to grow different colored flowers on the same plant. This particular variety ('Stars and Stripes') also boasts stripes and splashes as well as parti-colored blooms. <br />
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And solid pink and simple white.<br />
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My one disappointment has been lack of scent, which I remember as being quite strong. This variety was, besides, advertised as fragrant, so I'm not sure what has happened to that fragrance! Perhaps next year? <br />
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I do expect them to go on well to next year. They are known as tender perennials, but I once had a plant that sailed through several sub-freezing Midwest winters, so I am not sure what the actual cold hardiness might be! In any case, I expect them to last at least a few years here, where winter lows rarely drop much below freezing. <br />
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As the plants receive a fair amount of shade in the afternoon, I am getting to see the open flowers for longer periods -- especially now that the days are getting a bit shorter! They may actually be opening by four o'clock these days!<br />
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Weather Diary: Fair (though we had rain last night!); High: 99 F (37 C)/Low: 75 F (24 C); Humidity: 26%-78%<br />
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<br />Amy@SmallSunnyGardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490564566463354419noreply@blogger.com8