Terrifically Silly over Blackberry Lily!

I mean to say, "rilly!"
I go willy-nilly
over such an interesting plant!

**This photo is from Wickipedia
(click on photo for their information)
Their photo shows how the petals twist after blooming,
and as they're creating seed pods.

(my photos)

It seems their consortium
sports unanimous contortion,
The likes before I'd never seen...

Creating a large pod
Not just a bit odd,
Containing their bountious seed.
Pardon my little poetic attempt...

FYI: I want to tell you that Belamcanda chinensis does pretty well in my fairly bright but continually shady spot. However, I harvested the seeds last fall and will be planting some in areas that receive sun from time to time (and perhaps dappled shade), just as an experiment. The plant itself grows much more sturdily in sunnier areas. My plant is very "leggy" and needs support. The plant itself adds a little "vertical" to an area that has other types of appeal (hosta, japanese ferns, trycirtis, etc.)

The Cat's Meow!

This is Catmint, Nepata. I cannot, at this time, tell you the variety. Without support (I use grow rings) the plant falls over. It has a huge spread and fills in a space just beautifully! One main reason I really like it - it's a butterfly magnet!

I caught this Giant Swallowtail perusing the catmit June 8, 2008.

(These last three photos enlarge nicely! Just click on them!)

Gotta Love It! :-)

Not a 'Shady' Spot in Sight! ;-)

2nd family celebration

Complete with puppet theater!
click on photo to enjoy. :-)

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 :-)

Garden Blogger's Muse Day, January 1, 2009

2009?

(taken in January 2008)

January
by John Updike

The days are short,
The sun a spark
Hung thin between
The dark and dark.

Fat snowy footsteps
Track the floor.
Milk bottles burst
Outside the door.

The river is
A frozen place
Held still beneath
The trees of lace.

The sky is low.
The wind is gray.
The radiator
Purrs all day.

January does contain its excitement! :-)
And to see other Muse Day posts, visit Carolyn Gail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago.

Just a Quick Little Note...

Does this make you curious?
Click on the photo to see what I made for each
of our two families for Christmas!
:-)

Nothing Shady here! ;-)
Christmas Celebration #1
Christmas Celebration #2

ABC Reflections on Christmas 2008

My ABC "list poem."
The first things that came to mind...
Adoration
Beauty
Contentment
Determination
Ease
Faithfulness
(friendship - the above ornaments were given by a new friend!)
Gratitude
Humility
Intrepid (see "W")
Joy
Kindness
Latitude
(loquacious - a happy friendship memory)
Memories
Nestle
Opportunity
Plenty
Quiet
Response
Satisfaction
Thankfulness
Ubiquity
(Ubiquitous - have you ever wished you could be?)
Visits
Weather (we were "intrepid" travelers!) ;-)
eXcitement
Yearning
Zeal