Challenge: Countdown to Christmas - U

Umbrella

The word umbrella comes from the Latin word umbra, meaning shade or shadow.

(Information in this paragraph is taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

An umbrella or parasol (also called a brolly, rainshade, sunshade, gamp or bumbershoot) is a canopy  designed to protect against rain or sunlight.  The term parasol usually refers to an item designed to protect from the sun; umbrella refers to a device more suited to protect from rain.

My first thought is of  Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins.

She seems to be using the Umbrella to its best advantage!

How about this use of the Umbrella/parasol?

Now the other "famous Umbrella" that comes to mind is that used by

Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain!

(Not quite sure he's got the idea of the Umbrella . . .)  lol

Two Umbrellas (August 24, 2008)

 - doing Parasol Work in what used to be a Shady Spot in the front yard!

And, I'm thinking THIS FELLOW is confused!!

(photo taken January 13, 2010)

I'm going to keep an eye out for THAT fellow! 

Perhaps he'll return this year, and I'll give him a Parasol instead!  ;-)

?  Want to know how the Umbrella was invented? ?  (click the link)

Counting Down to Christmas!!  Hope you're looking forward to a Wonderful celebration!  :-)

SG

Challenge: Countdown to Christmas - T

Toads (and frogs)

Ask Dave at The Home Garden about their value!

Here's his post on a Tree Frog (click the link).

Another great article was written by Lois Tilton and published on Dave's Garden.  Click the link!

This little fellow was spotted June 25, 2009 in my garden.  Cute photos?
Click to enlarge photo a bit.

Yes!  Toads eat insects, grubs, slugs, worms, and other invertebrates.  But truly are helpful in insect-control!  (Wish they'd wipe out rodents!)  ;-)

April 11, 2009

One might provide habitat, which most likely would be the chance to burrow in humus-rich soil and mulch.  However, one might provide a toad house.  It might range from a broken flower pot to a fancy, from-the-store "toad house."   Make sure there's a good supply of water handy, especially in drought conditions.  This might be any flat container on the ground.  I suspect toads enjoy my on-the-ground bird bath even more than the birds!  :-)

Toads!

"Toad-ally Cool!" 

 (I know these next "little fellows" aren't Toads .  .  .

The following three photos showTree Frogs.

This one was found lurking in a wren house - May 2011!  :-)

 

The two below were spotted on the deck railing - Sept. 30, 2007

This is one of the tiniest little frogs I've ever seen!!

Photo taken June 27, 2007

 However, they do begin with "T"  - and they're very cute!

 

Still Counting Down to Christmas . . 

BUT  WAIT!

Do I sense Amphibians Lurking?

 

 . . . on the Family Room mantle?

 

on the Dining Room buffet  . . .  on the Living Room tray . . .

 

 

 . . . and in the bathroom?

 

Guarding the Guest bedroom . . .

 Watch Your Step!

On the dresser . . .

 

And no matter what, they all seem to say . . .

 Tah-dah!

Still Counting Down . . .

May You Enjoy a TOAD-ALLY COOL Christmas Celebration!

Challenge: Countdown to Christmas! - S

Might you call this a

Snicker of Snowmen?

Snicker!

Counting Down!

SG

Challenge: Countdown to Christmas - R

Rodgersia 

The family: Saxifragaceae

This genus of herbaceous perennials is quite diverse, with five distinct species.

Should you do a search for Rodgersia pinnata, you will find quite a number of interesting cultivars.

 For example, if you click on this link to Big Dipper Farm (which I am using as an example only),

you will be able to view several varieties!

I'd like to share with you, photos and information about the Only Rodgersia I own:

The species R. pinnata , 'Chocolate Wings'

(The name alone piqued my interest!)

This was planted September 2008

It's located in my 'Woodland Walk."

This photo was taken June 10, 2011

If you click on the photo above, you may be able to discern a smudge of

'Chocolate Wings' in the center of the photo... between the hosta in the foreground and a small

hosta in the background (edged in white).

I must apologize.

On that day, I walked around the yard - snapping photos right and left.

and in this instance, I "snapped" to the right instead of the left as I walked the Woodland Walk path.

The photo below I borrowed from Big Dipper Farm.

The stats on this plant tell us that it will thrive in hardiness Zones 5 - 9, loves moist to wet humus-ey soil and shade to partial shade conditions.  It does NOT like dry conditions (which we suffered greatly last summer).  It does NOT like hot, sunny locations.  In this respect, it is much like Ligularia (especially 'The Rocket!).

This is a slow-growing plant, reaching around 10 or so inches tall, with long stems and huge leaves.  The plant spread is 2-3 feet in diameter. 

The outstanding features of this plant are the ever-changing colors of the leaves: emerging chocolate brown, then to green, red and back to chocolate brown in the fall.  The flowers also change colors.

Thinking about the drought we suffered most of last Summer, I will be ecstatic if the plant reappears!  I watered when I could, but we all know that's not enough!! 

R is also for Remembering.
My father died at the end of April.  His funeral was May 2.
The drought made gardening "not so much fun" this past summer.
I'm missing him, but the Christmas Countdown is a good thing to do!

 :-)
I'll be wearing my dad's straw hat outdoors next year!  lol.
SG

Challenge: Countdown to Christmas - Q

Questions!

What is your favorite season?

What is your favorite outdoor activity?

What is your favorite shade herbaceous perennial?

What is your favorite full-sun herbaceous perennial?

If you had to move to a new location, what are the three plants you would take with you?

Do you compost?

Do you have "garden whimsy" in your garden areas?

Do you have plenty of outdoor seating?

Where is your favorite place to sit in your yard?

Do you have gardening friends in "real life?"

Have you begun a Wish List for 2012?

If so, what are your top three items?

Do YOU have questions, too???

Questions!

Queries!

Que es?

My last question of the day . . . 
"How can it be so nearly Christmas already?"

Counting down can be a challenge in itself! ;-)  But I'm enjoying the count!

SG