Summer 2008 Inspiration - March Posting - little revision

I'm going to post this subject a couple of days early. This is my "Summer 2008 Inspiration muse idea." It's a little untimely as far as the early seeding subject, but it's never too late for Next Year's Plans! :-)

The subject for this month is early seeding and looking ahead at upcoming landscaping plans.

Early Seeding

I've enjoyed SO many helpful and informative posts by other garden bloggers with regard to Winter seed sowing, plant propagation and starting seeds indoors. I've never before done any early seeding and feel like a real Greenhorn! (Better than a bluehorn or a purplehorn?) ha.

At any rate, Kylee at Our Little Acre has shared her Winter seed sowing techniques annually. The first time I spotted her illustrated instructions was during the 2007/08 winter. I was so pleased that she posted again This Winter! :-) This link takes you to this year's post, which links to others.

(This is the little revision of which I spoke in the title)
I hope this works, I hope this works, I hope this works!
Experiment a la Kylee!

Patsi, at Garden Endeavors, recently posted Very Helpful illustrated instructions on indoor seed starting... I've not gotten to this yet, but anticipate trying very shortly (or at least, next year!) :-)

I know there are others that have posted helpful instructions, including Doug Green at his gardening-tips-perennials.com

Just look at Jan at Thanks for 2 Day! or Mr. Brown Thumb, who has several inspiring posts - including this one!

There are also seed swappers, including Monica at Garden Faerie's Musings

***I know I've missed a lot of great gardeners and their informative posts...
please add additional links in your comments!!***

Landscaping Plans

Now, as far as landscaping plans... I Really want to work on a little fence for the raised bed gardens. I am definitely looking forward to beginning 4' (or so) sections (soon!) that can be put in place once the posts are set after the ground thaws! Hopefully you'll get the idea before long. :-)

The stone walkway I started last fall needs to be finished. This means I need to forage for more rocks and purchase a few as well. Both ends of this little walkway are unfinished. And I need to fill between the stones with a lot more (sand?) between the stones. Any suggestions?


Of course, I need to continue working in the Woodland Walk; readjusting the stone path, adding a little more dirt, compost, a few more items, etc.

Starting from the west and walking east, towards the backyard, these photos were taken at 7:00 p.m. May 29, 2008. Click on all the photos below. Some enlarge more than others.








Do you see the ligularia in the bottom left corner? (The Rocket)

Now we've reached the east end and looking back westerly over the path we've just walked.

Here's a broader picture, looking west. This is another photo taken at 7:00 p.m. May 29, 2008.

Here's a photo taken at 7:00 a.m. on July 15, 2008.
You can see the bench is now in place!

The plant in the foreground is 'Lightning Strikes' tricyrtis.
The white and green hosta is 'Night Before Christmas.'
Heartleaf Brunerra right beside the bench and Ostrich ferns behind it.

One more project would be to create something out two small beds in the front yard. The following pictures were taken May 22, 2008. The "clump Shagbark Hickory" (allowed to grow this way, but why??) was removed in August 2008.

I want to plant a (Crimson King Maple?) tree a little further to the right and a tiny bit closer to the bushes back there. The woodland out here is chiefly a variety of oaks and a few shagbark hickories, so something a little different might be nice.

These two beds aren't as far away from each other as they look. I can visualize several interesting plants here, as well as a smallish water feature of some type. Not a pond, but some recirculating water. Any suggestions?

Have a great day! As you can see, the month of April really gets us into Spring! Yea!
Nothing "shady" here! ;-)

Summer 2008 Inspiration - February Posting!

Hi! This month is devoted to the newest Fun and/or Whimsical Items
you've added to your gardens!

Last Summer I had a great time recording and posting about a variety of whimsical items (that I'd never really taken stock of) due to the Meme suggested by

Nan Ondra at Garden Gone Wild!

You will see these items in this post of July 22, 2008.

I found this little cutie in a greenhouse, as I traveled US Hwy 34
towards Omaha (to visit my daughter and her family) this last Summer!
She reminds me of myself - a gardener who loves butterflies! :-)

Back to the Meme at Hand:

I made and assisted in making quite a number of birdbaths last summer. I first read the information in a Garden Gate magazine and then Rebecca's Garden (do you remember this short-lived magazine?) about 4 years ago!

We used hosta leaves (these are 'Sum 'n Substance'),
and rhubarb leaves.
One of my neighbors' techniques varied,
but look at the great birdbath she created! :-)

Some of you are wondering what we mid-westerners do during our long Winters. This mid-westerner dreams, schemes and works on projects, some of which you'll find below.

Before you see the work-in-progress, this type of decorative item is what inspired it.

You've probably seen these little fellows in gift and garden centers.
I've envisioned them hanging from garden fences, etc.
These particular ones are hanging from trellises in the guest room.
Yes, the trellises double as headboards.
:-)

I figured I could make them, and I knew just who I could reconnoiter to help me!

A few of my local gardening friends!

We'd already decided to meet during the Winter (rather than just during the Summer months).

One of my gardening friends is the cook at my (where I used to teach) elementary school. In November, she brought the big vegetable cans you'll see below.

We proceeded to flatten the cans somewhat,
"sewed" the bottom edges together with wire,
added a handle, and gave them a coat of exterior spray paint.
Voila!
These are great the way they are, but I plan to add a little embellishment
to mine (above) later. There was another that was painted bright blue.
A collection of bright, primary colors on a fence would be eye-catching,
wouldn't it?

Our next project is to make birdhouses out of gourds.

I know you've seen this done before.
My dad painted this one years ago!
Here's a sneak peek at our gourds.











I'll post the results later.
:-)

Last, but not least - this cutest of all bunnies.
He's supposed to hop into the garden wilderness this summer.
He hopped into my life at Christmas.
A gift from my daughter and son-in-law.
I believe I'll have to make sure MMD doesn't spot him!
:-)

Summer 2008 Inspiration - January Posting!

Star Light,
Star Bright,

First Star I see tonight
I Wish I May,
I Wish I Might...


The following is part of what I have added to my

"Wish List for 2009"

I know I've left a lot of my favorite bloggers out (Most of you are on my sidebar,
but I just can't list you all!)

Please Forgive Me!
But... even if I've left you out of the following list, please visit these peoples' blogs.
It's Worth It! :-)

I haven't provided links here, but check out my right sidebar under "gardening links!"

From Deb at GardenAuthor, I put anti-dessicant spray,
and the liberty of taking time for a poetic diversion (both in reading and creating!).
(She's so good at doing all those things, from taking care of her plants to having fun!)
and a sweater for Sidney (our dog)! ;-)

from Gail at Clay and Limestone, I'd love to have
Black and Blue Salvia (although I don't really have enough sun),
and 'Tojen' tricyrtis.

from Iowa Boy, at An Iowa Garden,
I put a couple more primroses,
(this is my only surviving from 2008)
one of several Japanese Maples,
and many other items he has described
and encouraged me to explore.


From IVG, at Urban Oasis, I've listed
'Kopper King' Hibiscus (yet to determined if it's practical)
and be "diverse."

from Kate, at Kate's Smudges in Earth, Paint and Life, I added
"Check out 'Clematis tangutica!'
and "remember to write about what's most important to me..."

from Kylee at Our Little Acre, I put
"More Butterfly Plants"
and "take more time to travel for inspiration!"
(Note to self: I will not be entering any marathons.) ;-)

From MMD at Mr. McGregor's Daughter, I've added
'Rozanne' Hardy Geranium.
'Tojen' tricyrtis received an additional tally mark here!

from Mr. Brown Thumb, I've put
"be careful, generous and note the details"

from Nan at Hayefield, I noted,
"visit more often and read carefully!"
:-)

from our friend at Northern Shade Gardening, I put
Chionodoxa and Puschkinia
as well as "Pay closer attention HER shady details!"

from Ralph at Homespun Headlines, I've put
"look for the humorous and share it with others!"

from Troutbirder, I added
"Make memories and tell the tales!"

from Gardening Gone Wild, I added
the note to participate in their inspiring
memes on garden features, etc.

from Kathleen, at Kasey's Korner, I wrote again
"take a closer look at details, get creative, and
assemble and add a few more
deliciously beautiful (shall I copy?) potted collections!"

from Cameron, at Defining Your Home Garden,
I've noted that I should print some of her posts!! ;-)
Somehow she speaks to the needs at hand
(Thanks Cameron!).

from Carolyn Gail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago,
I noted "Generosity and an artistic eye."

from Kathryn, at Plant Whatever Brings You Joy,
I put "humility."

from Frances, at Fairegarden, I put
"be generous and helpful."

from Rosemary, at Rosemary's Blog Spot, I put
"share your cooking talents, too!"

From Lisa at Greenbow (and MMD and Carol)
"Journal! and there's no better time to begin than now!"

from Monica at Garden Fairie's Musings
remind me to use a sense of humor!

from Jan at Thanks for 2 Day
I added "Be Thankful!" and "share more!"

from Nan at As the Garden Grows
and
from Chad and Brandy at Our Backyard Life
"Don't forget the camera!"
(Actually, most of you inspire me with this one!!)
:-)

from Patsy at Garden Endeavors
I put "generosity and enthusiasm."

from Joey at The Village Voice, I noted
"Versatility with a capital 'V'!"

from Dirty Fingernails at Green Thumb Chronicles,
"take a break when I need to!"

for The Illustrated Garden, I wrote
"Note to self: Visit more often!"

from Carol at May Dreams Gardens, I added
"use that hoe more often!" ;-)

from Nancy Bond at Soliloquy
"Seek that calm Spirit"

This wish list turned into more than just plants and gardening, didn't it? But then... isn't gardening just one (important) part of life? And aren't all facets of our lives intermingled and interwoven within who we are? So... I know it's all applicable. And I thank you for your Inspiration in 2008 as we enter 2009!!!

Best Wishes, SG :-)

Thank you Patsi!

Did you notice this new logo?
I cannot do such a thing to a photograph...
but Patsi can! :-)

If you haven't yet visited Patsi at Garden Endeavors,
you should.
She has a lot going on over there,
plus she's a very nice, generous person.
You'd like her! :-)

Then, check out the Summer 2008 Inspiration meme on my right sidebar. You could inspire the rest of us by sharing what has inspired you!! Perhaps you've got plans for next year already!

Summer 2008 Inspiration - December Posting!

Your assignment for today, should you choose to accept it,

is to check out the gardeners
at Gardening Gone Wild!

Barbara W. Ellis, Saxon Holt, Nancy Ondra, Steve Silk and Fran Sorin host a wonderful meme entitled Garden Bloggers' Design Workshop. They invite people to post on a variety of monthly gardening topics including Water, Whimsy, Trellises, Decks and Porches, Stone, Color, Paths and Walkways, Containers. I'm a Johnny-come-lately, but I found that reading through the completed meme posting and comments, was FUN and very inspiring!

I participated only a couple of times... those resulting in the following posts on

Stone in the Garden


Front Yard Garden Design

and

Garden Whimsy.

I was keen on posting on walls and walkways,
as well as the water feature... maybe next year?
;-)

I hope they go through these topics again! There were times I wasn't "ready," times where I needed inspiration and encouragement and then there were subjects I cared only to read about.

I'm holding fast to two very inspiring subjects, as I look forward to 2009. These are the stone features and the paths and walkways. You have witnessed my struggle with trying to create my walkway this Fall in an earlier post. I have received inspiration from many gardeners and garden bloggers, but this meme put me into action. Even though I'm not finished, I will be!!!

The future backyard walkway!

Again, many thanks to each of you at Gardening Gone Wild for the challenges and inspiration you encouraged and set before me!

Now, fellow gardeners! How have you been inspired with regard to your landscape and/or hardscape? What have you done during 2008, OR what are you planning for 2009? Should you decide to join this meme, just create your own post this month. Then return to leave a comment and/or link to your site so we can ALL be inspired this Winter! :-)

I Began a Summer 2008 Inspiration Meme...

... and deleted it without thinking it through.

So, in a nutshell... it's back!
Please let everyone know
about your Summer 2008 Inspiration
by posting at your site
and announcing it here!

For the list of subjects, click on the sidebar.

At this point in time, these people
have created a Summer Inspiration Post.
Please visit:
Patsi at Garden Endeavors
Mr. McGregor's Daughter
and
Gail at Clay and Limestone

Inspired by YOU, friend-reader!
Shady Gardener
:-)

Summer 2008 Inspiration - November Posting!

(I couldn't limit myself to naming ONE gardener or garden blogger!
So this is how I resolved my "problem.")

Here is my Summer 2008 Inspiration - November Post

(tuberoses from Mom)

There are a number of local gardeners and gardening friends that I can thank for inspiration this summer: A few neighbors, my "LLGC" - a little garden club contrived of friends from school,
Dorothy, a super-gardener friend who began a local community Garden Tour a number of years ago, some terrific greenhouse/nurseries, and my parents and my Aunt MEA who always give me wonderful items from their gardens (i.e., wild ginger, hostas, tuberoses, etc.! :-)

I visit, and try as best I can, to follow some favorite (You!) garden bloggers who have given me MUCH to think about, many ideas to dream about and many plants and bulbs for my "wish lists." By mid- to late-Winter, I'd already placed a couple of orders for Spring planting, and by mid- summer I'd already placed a couple of orders for Fall bulb planting. (!)

Below is what I was inspired to plant, and you'll recognize yourself here if you find something listed that you've posted and/or raved about!! Thank you so much, and we'll see what happens during Spring 2009! ;-) (Follow the links for added information about my plantings)

Spring 2008:

(Tricyrtis hirta)

Tricyrtis!* It really increased my Toad Lily population when I added: 'Seiryu,' 'Gilt Edge,' 'Shining Light,' 'Blue Wonder,' 'Tricyrtis Hirta,' (I'd also ordered 'Amethystina' but the nursery was out of stock so they substituted the ill-fated 'Matzukaze,' as you can see here.)

Hardy Cyclamen: I planted 4 'Cyclamen neapolitanum' bulbs and they bloomed in September!

Helleborus: I added 'Brushstrokes' to my woodland corner. (This is now my second variety.)

(this photo was taken last week - forgive the snakey-looking water tube)

Corydalis: 'Berry Exciting' is growing in the flower bed right in front of the house. It did very well this year, and I have high hopes for next Spring!

Tiaralla: I added 'Pink Skyrocket' due to the exclamations of a certain female garden blogger! :-)

('Adonis Blue' Buddelia davidii adokeep)

Buddleia: I'd wanted to purchase a butterfly bush for a looooong time! Since we'd cut a couple of trees in the front yard, I'd determined there was enough sunshine to "get by." So, I planted 'Adonis Blue' in the Front Corner garden! :-)

Mukdenia: ? Did anyone recommend this? I planted 'Crimson Fans' and hope it does well!!!

*****A couple of the nurseries I'd ordered from gave me free plants (!) which included a 'Strawberry Candy' Daylily (which I already had, so I gave it to my mom!), and 'Dryopteris marginalis' !


Fall 2008 Again, I thank, thank you for your posts and recommendations!

(Looking towards Spring 2009, these are a couple of Spring 2008 photos!)









Ligularia: Reading raves, recommendations, and reviews, I found a nest for Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford.' And if mine does half as well as described in the link I provided, I'll be happy!!
Snowdrops: 'Galanthus woronowii' - I provide this link because this particular gardener not only gives a lot of information about the species, but also about its growth habit!

Fritillaria: 'lutea Maxima' and 'rubra Maxima' - I've planted some of these large, supposedly mole-diverting bulbs before, but I'm going to do it again - Thanks to some of you! :-)

---- and fritillaria 'meleagris' :-) Just because I really want to see what they look like!

Grape Hyacinth: Azure, Pink, and Valerie Finnis

Hydrangea: Yes, you read it here! Please don't take this personally, but I've tended to avoid hydrangeas, due to the fact that "everyone" grows the pink/blue variety. But there are others out there... thanks to some of you who have posted, etc! So, I found a nice fall sale on a couple of small plants (hopefully they grow!)
---- I planted 'Quickfire' and paniculata 'Pinky Winky.'

Allium: 'Hair' appealed to me, so I planted it between my asters and monarda! ;-)

Red Firecrackers: 'Dichelostemma Ida-Maia' looked like fun.

Wood Hyacinths: 'Scilla Siberica' or Pink Scilla

Indian Hyacinth: 'Camassia quamash'

Tulips: Yes, I'm going to try a couple... 'Menton' (Someone I know is smiling), and 'Peony Blue Spectacle.' I've threatened to cover the areas with wire mesh, but I'm getting lazy.


I planted no daffodils this year. I'm amazed at myself. I did plant quite a few last Fall... we'll check around this coming Spring for "holes."


*FYI: The first winter after we moved here, I pored over shade gardening articles and books. My favorite little book is "Taylor's 50 Best Perennials for Shade," produced by Storey Communications, Inc., VT. copyright 1999 by Houghton Mifflin Co. This book was very eye-opening as to the numbers of species of plants that thrive in shade!

Have A Wonderful time planning your "wish list" and garden details for next Spring!
:-) SG

Summer 2008 Inspiration

**In any of these posts, you can be looking forward to next Spring and the things you might do due to inspiration in 2008! :-)

October - Have you a visited a gardening friend (blogger or otherwise) who inspired you this past season (2008)? Tell us all about it!

November - Have you planted anything during the 2008 growing season that you can credit to another gardener (blogger or otherwise)? Tell us all about it!

December - What about your hardscape? Did you do any landscaping that you might credit to a fellow gardener (blogger or otherwise)? Tell us all about it!

January - What does your "2009 Wish List" look like? Is there anything there you plan to purchase and/or grow because of your 2008 Summer Inspiration (or even last Winter)? Please tell us about it!

February - Did you add and/or create any decorative, whimsical items for your gardens in 2008? Please share! Can you give credit to anyone?

March - Will you be doing any early seeding? Will you be making any special landscaping plans for the upcoming season? Please share.

April - Thank you for participating. Anything else you'd like to share (like container planting) before we all get busy with our 2009 gardening??? :-)

You can even create more than one post per month, if you need to (I did in October!). You don't have to participate every month... just when it applies and/or you have the time!

Whenever you've posted YOUR Summer 2008 Inspiration posts, please leave a note here or at one of my current postings. :-)

Your gardening friend (always looking for inspiration!)
Shady Gardener

Visiting IVG - 2008 Summer Inspiration - Post #2

How many of you enjoy visiting with
and receiving a visit from IVG? :-)

This is one lively, conversational garden-fellow,
who, with with his cohort and photographer "Ferny Moss,"
have created an enjoyable spot to visit at their Urban Oasis.

And yes, I was able to make a stop in nearby Des Moines August 28!
IVG greeted me at the door,
and we spent the next several minutes poking around
in their surrounding gardens.

Can you imagine the effort spent in creating this fantastic rock wall??

Taking photographs of their garden was a little intimidating,
as Fernymoss' photos are wonderful!

I did feel this photo might give an idea
of the great combinations of color,
texture, and depth of the gardens of Urban Oasis.

I was on my way home from visiting my parents and aunt
in north central Iowa, and I was on my way
to my mother-in-law's home to spend the night.
All that is to say, I didn't have as much time
as I'd have certainly Liked to spend with IVG.

This is a little rue that he shared.
It's growing in a sunny corner bed
with some creeping sedum and columbine.
(Yes, I see there are a couple of clover leaves that won't last long!) ha.

He also sent me home with some Monarda plants!
This little plant, "Jacob Cline," in the center is one I purchased this summer.
IVG's plants flank this little fellow. :-)

Look! New growth!
Next summer this part of the bed will be full of Monarda.
I'll keep you "posted!" ;-)

My past experience with Monarda tells me that it often is subject to mildew. But, IVG's hint about planting chives, onion, and/or allium nearby will help alleviate this problem. I plan to plant a few allium bulbs in this bed next week. :-)

Thanks, IVG, for your hospitality and generosity. I hope I can do you credit by your plant-gifts!

Have a great Fall!
SG

My Visit with Iowa Boy

This is a first of my two October posts under

"2008 Summer Inspiration!"
(I have to do two of them, because I visited two special blogger-gardeners!)

On July 19, 2008, I was cordially welcomed into the gardens of Don (Iowa Boy) and his wife, Liz.

I was a little nervous... after all this is Iowa Boy of 'An Iowa Garden!'

"Be still my beating heart," I said to myself
as I turned into their driveway.
"I'm really here!"

I met two very gracious, generous people! We wound our way around, through shaded pathways, past so many of the plants we see on posts at An Iowa Garden!

Yes, I am always admiring (aren't we all)
and appreciating the vast variety
of plants and information Iowa Boy provides.

So, without further ado, here are some photos I took, albeit without much in the way of identification and/or explanation. Sorry.

1. Click on this photo... we're looking at the TINY plant!

2. Helleborus (variety?)

3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Pinellia tripartita "Golden Dragon ??
8.
9.
10. Orienpet lilies
11.
12.
13.14.
15.16.17.

18.

19.
What a wonderfully restful, shady garden. This was my first introduction to a fellow garden-blogger. I continue to be amazed by the vast numbers of plants and information there is in this world. In fact, about midway through the tour, I began feeling a bit overwhelmed. (If he noticed, Don was too polite to say anything!) ;-)

But his graciousness did not outweigh his generosity. Take a peek below to see a few of the items he sent home with me! I am so excited!! I placed links for plant information... the best information for the pinellia tripartita plants was posted by Don, himself.

Photo 21: Top Left: Pinellia tripartita "Golden Dragon," Top Right: "A violet," Bottom Left: arisaema sikokianum Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit or "Snow Rice-Cake Plant, and two others that are not in this photo: hemerocallis, daylily, "Total Look ," and Pinellia tripartita atropurpurea.

Heading home to Shady's Garden!

Here's the little violet in its new home.

Pinellia tripartita "Golden Dragon," up close
Pinellia tripartita "Golden Dragon," in its new home
Pinellia tripartita purpurea, up close
Pinellia tripartita purpurea, in its new home
arisaema sikokianum, Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit
(not a clear photo, but here's where he's residing!)
Here's hemerocallis "Total Look" in her new home.
She's grown! :-)
(I think Iowa Boy mentioned his plant had 60+ buds this year!)

Had I not begun blogging a year or so ago, I'd never have "met" so many people on-line. And I'd never have had the pleasure of reading and meeting Iowa Boy from An Iowa Garden!

Now I hope my plants grow!! :-)
Shady G.