Speaking of Umbrellas...

... here are the beginnings of the "Great Artists of the Garden series!"

And the lengths to which we go to aid and abet our gardens in the extreme heat and dry weather!  ;-)

Perhaps I'll be able to provide photos of each of the finished products!

Perhaps a little "shady!"
SG

July "Jumped the Gun!"

These blossoms aren't used to 100+ degrees Farenheit for over a week in early July!!

So something else has "popped up" in the garden!

In Iowa, if we ever HAVE 100 degrees days, they happen in August.

LOL
Guess you might say this is a "shady" subject! 
SG

Ah-Ah-Ah-Chooooooo-Heuchera!!

Gesundheit!

Oh, I'm sorry.  You were talking about coral bells?  :-)

This is an article I wrote in a local "Dear Iris" gardening column lately.

'Tiramasu'

 By KATHY TOLLENAERE, Master Gardener | Jun 21, 2012

The genus Heuchera (pronounced hoo-ker-a) of the family Saxifragacea contains at least 50 native species. These are an herbaceous perennial native to North America commonly called coral bells or alumroot. Plants you find in nurseries will most predictably be modern cultivars. Depending upon the individual variety, coral bells will thrive in zones 3 through 9.
Since the mid-1990s an “explosion” of sorts has occurred with regard to the development of new hybrid varieties. You can find hybrids with varying leaf size, shape, and color as well as flower stems varying in heights (up to 2.5 inches) and blossom color of white, pink, salmon, coral, or red bell-shaped flowers. You might enjoy a trip to an area nursery as well as a search on-line to view the variety of hybrids available. Most plants would be best suited to either the front of the garden or just behind it.

Generally, coral bells do best in light shade or dappled shade, at least during the hottest part of the day. Planting in full sun runs the risk that the foliage may discolor by scorching or die back during very hot spells in the summer. Most of my coral bells receive direct sunlight for up to four hours in the afternoon with dappled shade at other times. I have placed other plants in conditions receiving only dappled shade with very little direct sunlight. As a contrast, however, I’ve given “Green Spice” an especially large challenge, as once the deciduous oak tree leaves appear, it never sees sunlight. It doesn’t flourish as it would under better conditions, but it has continued to do fairly well during the past eight years, and it offers a nice contrast in foliage to the surrounding plants.

"Green Spice"

For the most part, Heuchera desire well-drained, neutral to rich soil. They do, however, tolerate many soil types. Plants in rich soil will be quite different looking – taller, and lusher, than they would in leaner soil. Under ideal and/or good conditions, these plants have few disease or pest problems. A problem I have experienced is “frost heave,” resulting in a plant that has been forced out of the soil when spring arrives. My answer to that problem seems to have been resolved by either of two solutions: 1) Adding additional soil and leaf mulch in the autumn, or 2) Adding additional soil and replanting in early spring.
Remove the old, unattractive leaves in the spring to encourage new growth. Deadheading (removing) spent flowers and their stalks encourages re-blooming over the course of the summer. Re-blooming is always a pleasant bonus!

Heuchera are truly quite complimentary plants. I do recommend your research and purchase. They don’t take much room! For “richness” in appearance, a gardening approach might be to plant several plants together. I would also suggest not only planting several of one variety, but also to plant different varieties together as a contrast in both leaf and flower. If planted as an “edger,” that is, a row of them at the front edge of your flowerbed, they are quite effective.

Heuchera is not the sound of a sneeze, but I’d accept your “Gesundheit!” any day!

Yes, It Was Over 101 Degrees Farenheit Again Today!

But we had a Garden Party, Anyway!  :-)

Click here for the post.

SG

Gloriosa Supurba (Glory Lily)

  I posted, in 2010, about the Glory Lily tubers 

a sweet friend gave me.

Click this link to see the post.

I took the photos below on August 11, 2011

and obviously did not create a post!

You might note that I placed them in a shady-with-bright-light-spot.  They grew tall and only bore one flower.

 Notice the leaf tips.  :-)

On June 24 I took the following couple of photos...

 Look at that.... a PINK one!  :-)

And yesterday... a good variety!  :-)

I hope you enjoy the 4th of July - with a few "Sparklers" of your own!!  :-)

Nothing "shady" here!  lol

SG

This post property of http://yardisgreen.blogspot.com

Garden Bloggers' "Bloom Day" - Want to know how I Feel about Gardening?

How Do I Love Gardening?  Let Me Count The Ways!

 An article written for the local newspaper.  Our local Master Gardeners are "taking turns."

Please allow me to somewhat paraphrase and otherwise use parts of a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning while I attempt to explain my gardening passion.  

(The following three photos were taken today.) 
 

“I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach . . .”

#1

In the Spring - It’s when the very early woodland perennials emerge, grow and bloom in their native surroundings:  Trout Lilies, Spring Beauties, May Apples, Woodland Phlox, Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Trillium, for example. 

It’s when my perennial “buddies” first appear, pushing through the soil when it’s barely warm enough.  It’s when my newest “friends” survive their first Winter in my garden, bringing forth my relieved and happy exclamation!  It’s when an “unhappy camper” returns “happier” in its new location and decides to blossom.

It’s the variety of each plant:  the size, shape, color, leaf and blossom.  It’s also when I’m caught speechless and off-guard by a waft of luscious aroma from wonderfully fragrant, flowering bush or plant.  It’s when I notice I’m not the only admirer:  It’s those wandering butterflies, bees and birds that stop to sip nectar and enjoy a meal delights my very soul.

“I love thee to the level of everyday's most quiet need . . .”

 #2

In the Summer – It’s when nearly every plant has reached maturity, and the riotously colorful and contrasting Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan and all manner of lily are blooming in their sunny locations.  The various blossom shades and hues, foliage size and shape continues as a virtual treat to the eye and delight to the heart.  Add to the mix, the variety of foliage and blossoms borne by plants in the shade, and you’ll have indeed experienced a visual summer smorgasbord! 

It’s the contented feeling I have when I can find nothing more to do besides the necessary weeding and watering, and it’s the hummingbirds and others that feed at the feeders and flowers in my gardens.

“I love thee freely . . . I love thee purely . . .”

#3

In the Fall - It’s because I thrill to the myriad of autumnal color found both in the garden and in the surrounding shrubbery and woodlands.

It’s because the garden hosts asters, sedum, and butterfly milkweed, among many nectar-providing flowers for the array of dependant insects; all in preparation for their annual “ritual” before Winter’s arrival.  It’s because birds are waiting for those berry-bearing shrubs and bushes; often also finding shelter space before Winter.

Leaf-raking, a good fitness activity, gives me opportunity to care for and investigate the condition of the plants and gardens before preparing for the Winter season. 

“I love thee with a passion put to use . . .”

(photo taken Jan 12, 2012)

#4

In the Winter – It’s because the deciduous trees have nearly all dropped their leaves, and life is more easily observed in wooded areas.  When Winter snows cover the once readily-available native food, I enjoy the great variety of bird life at my feeders.  I consider Winter birds as varied and unique as Summer flowers – a Gold-Star bonus in the life of a gardener!

“I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life!”

this post and photos property of www.yardisgreen.blogspot.com

Shady G, 'Master Gardener'

#1 - Elephant Ear emerging in the shade behind the new East Backyard Bed;

#2 - Trumpet Lilies

#3 - Great Spangled Fritillary on Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) 'Adonis Blue' 

#4 - Junco and female Cardinal

GGG Met at My House Today!

A little lemonaid, a few cookies, 11 gardeners and lots of conversation.  After beginning our summer "tour calendar" and a walk around my yard, we recessed to the garage and created concrete stepping stones.  :-)

I was so engrossed in mixing concrete, I forgot to take photos - until the end.  Here are a couple of stepping stones - curing in the garage.  :-)

Looks like an anniversary stone!  :-)

Fun times!