Monday, October 13, 2008

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day, a day or so early.

I returned home tonight after visiting my daughter, son-in-law and their family in Omaha over the weekend. I went alone, as my husband had work commitments today. Anyway, these photos (except for the last one) were taken last week. It's just fun to see what's blooming these days. Especially now that we're deep in the midst of October.

I assume I'll begin raking in earnest tomorrow. It's the 'season,' and I don't want to get behind before I've begun!

Tricyrtis hirta 'Variegata'
This is as tall as this plant has ever gotten. It's 4 - 5 years old,
started from bare-root.
.. and as far as I can remember,
the first time it's bloomed! :-)

close-up!

This next photo was also taken in the backyard.
You can see 'Praying Hands' hosta behind
'Heronswood Mist' tiarella which is one of my favorite plants,
due to its delicately colored foliage!
Of course, there's an impatien blooming here.


This is right in front of the garage,
looking past my miniature water feature towards the front of the house.
I over-wintered the palm last year. Perhaps I can divide it, as
it's grown quite large this summer.
And (Surprise!)
my non-Christmas cactus, ready to bloom!!!
(kitchen window)

Th next photo was taken tonight. The cactus is beginning to bloom!
I am amazed! :-)
(I moved it into the living room while I was gone.)
I've now begun to think about my November 2008 Inspiration post... hope you'll join me! ;-) (See my upper right side bar.)
SG

To participate in Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens. Create your post on the 15th of any month and leave a note at her site. :-)

13 comments:

Ewa said...

Your christmas cactus decided to get commercial - soon in the shops christmas decorations will appear - it wants to be ahead :)

Anonymous said...

You are ahead of us, here on the east coast. Just getting the first hints of color in my area. A little north, as I drive 17 miles up to the garden center in Ipswich, I do notice more color and some foliage starting to drop.

Your white cactus is going to be gorgeous! My mom has that variety, as well.

Happy raking! ~ Deb

Shady Gardener said...

ewa, Good joke! I have two Christmas cacti, but the other has not a hint of blossoms appearing, as yet.

Deb, Wow! The ground has leaves lying end-to-end and side-to-side. However it rained a bit yesterday, so they're wet. I'll see what the afternoon brings.

I'll take "color photos" and post them soon. :-) I'm sure it gets very beautiful where you are!

Anonymous said...

lol, laughing at ewa's "commercial Christmas cactus" comment! That's a great one. It's going to be gorgeous! Enjoy!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Those Christmas Cactus should be renamed for sure.

Rosemary said...

your Xmas cactus is much farther along then mine,looks like it will be a show piece when fully open

Shady Gardener said...

Kathleen, Enjoying these blossoms may make the transition of changing from outdoors "gardening weather" to indoors (or outdoors "bundling weather") go a little more smoothly! Thanks for stopping over! :-)

Lisa, Sometimes you see them referred to as Thanksgiving Cacti... perhaps that's what I have! ;-)

Rosemary, I'd like to see your Christmas cactus! If mine keeps it up, I'll be enjoying blossoms for awhile!

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

What would we do without Toad Lilies? They've been outstanding this year.

Shady Gardener said...

MMD, I credit the great weather we've had all summer! :-) How are you? I cannot imagine the plans and choices you're making re: Spring Fling!

Gail said...

Hi Shady, The Toad Lily is something else...all spotted and cute! I can honestly tell you I have never had a christmas cactus, never! Now I can't ...the plant eating cat makes it impossible. Tell Ewa that there are already Christmas decorations for sale in stores!

Gail

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Gail! There are so many more toadies than I'd ever heard of... I've a couple on my wish list already for Spring. lol. (One is your Tojen!)

I'm sorry you can't have a Christmas Cactus... they're so easy to grow and you'd really love them!

Unknown said...

Well I'm jealous... neither of my christmas cactus' show signs of blooming. I moved them this summer and I'm not sure they are happy where they are at.

Shady Gardener said...

Angie, don't give up. Perhaps they'll bloom when they're SUPPOSED to bloom... unlike mine! ha. Thanks for visiting. :-)