Jewell's Blog at GardenStew.com

Stock Piling and Garden Potting Bench

Jewell — Sun, 12 May 2013 14:35:55 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 6:35 pm (GMT 0)

Those shutters with a little paint and stockpiled lumber 'fancied up' my potting area. I am on the third and hopefully final placement for my potting bench. Since we now spend evenings and week-ends sitting out in the woodland garden I am still in the process of hiding the utility parts of a garden..The corner I chose of the back yard was pretty much unused. It can be seen from the office back door though so I wanted the mess I create to be hidden.

Looking at the potting bench from the back gate ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Potting bench with a new coat of paint and sink installed ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Of course this is probably the cleanest it will ever be. We've decided the old bench will also get a coat of paint, and I can't wait to tackle the next shutter project

Next..doors/gate to hide gardening essentials ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Of course this will all probably lead to painting the front of the shed a matching blue...after it gets cleaned

Shed to be painted? ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

One project just leads to another ... sigh

Stock Piling

Jewell — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:57:38 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 10:57 pm (GMT 0)

I want to finish hiding the vinyl sheds and have been struggling with how to finish the project. I stumbled across some double wood exterior shutters at the ReStore Store. They were only $3 each. I wasn't sure what I'd do with them, but I picked up a couple on my stop-in visit after work yesterday. This morning I was back to the store and bought all they had. They are going to be perfect once painted a blackened turquoise to hide my potting area. The rest will be used to make a screen in front of the last vinyl shed.

Trying out the idea of shutters for a screen in front of the potting bench ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

If any are left I will use them as decorations for a small cold frame/green house I am contemplating. So far I have stockpiled a few windows. They also had some mixed spindles that I loved for a $1 a piece that were brand new varnished oak. Still haven't found the 'right' door. I'm also on the look out for something for the roof: tin or ...? I will just have to keep visiting the ReStore. It is better than the Goodwill or Garage Sales. :)

A few stockpiled items ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Spring Flowers Starting in the Back Yard

Jewell — Thu, 09 May 2013 01:22:06 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Thu May 09, 2013 5:22 am (GMT 0)

The front yard is beginning to wind down....at least until the summer heather comes on with their accompanying perennials. The backyard is just beginning to start with a few blooms. My favorite is blueberries blossoms.

Blueberry :D ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Lots of berries on there way ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

A few columbine and flowering onions

Columbine ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Flowering onion ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

The snapdragons are coming on...

Snapdragons with sweet woodruff and wild hyacinth ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

I almost missed the trilliums, but some side sports were still showing their stuff.

Trillium and pacific bleeding hearts ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

One or two of the early yellow day lilies have started, but no big show yet.

Daylilies ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Now the following have made their show and I missed it. Darn!

( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Loosing Shade

Jewell — Wed, 01 May 2013 05:39:35 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 9:39 am (GMT 0)

As spring has progressed it has become evident that something is terribly wrong with our three filbert trees. Two of the three were planted when we first moved here 30 years ago. One year there were three squirrel nests located in the filberts' upper branches, with a half dozen more nests scattered in surrounding trees.

After inspecting some branches we removed from one of the filbert trees and doing a google search it pretty obvious the trees have the Eastern Filbert Blight. The disease is very advanced. They will need to be taken down. Spraying them would endanger our apple trees that are close and there is no way to control neighboring filberts on adjacent lots.

Some of my hydrangea, and rhodies will be happy with the added light and my garden area will get more sun. Some of my woodland plants under the filberts will suffer but survive. I will have to water more in that area during our long dry spell which means $$$. It amazes me how much an established garden can change in just a year. This has definitely impacted the squirrels and jays that feed on the neighborhood filbert trees. I'd wondered why I hadn't seen as many this spring. The trees produced few nuts last year.

I remember when the trees were young we had a raspberry patch in that area. Now ferns, sweet woodruff, pacific bleeding hearts, trilliums and hellebores fill large beds in this area. It will be interesting to see how plants respond to these changes.

I will be looking for a smaller tree or two to replace these three trees with their multiple trunks. Maybe a small pink blooming dogwood or Japanese maple. I will have to look into their susptibilities first. Definitely no more filbert varieties. The blight has greatly affected filbert growers from Oregon up the coast to BC, in Canada. I really liked those nut trees.

Front Yard April Blooms

Jewell — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:33:03 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2013 5:33 am (GMT 0)

Our front yard has been lawn free for many years. Plants have had time to either establish or wither and die. This is a great year for this combination cottage, woodland garden and patio/walkway. Here are a few photos of what is blooming now

Wild Hyacinth, Ferns, Hellebores ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Front Yard ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Too bad I have to go to work..weeding would be a lot of fun

Hyacinth ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Oregon grape ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Structure in the Garden

Jewell — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:36:26 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 2:36 pm (GMT 0)

This has been a spring of looking at structure in the garden. Hard scape is easy to recognize. Over the years we laid pavers on some grass paths that the dobies ran to dirt. Then I bordered the paths with found bricks and river rocks.

Mixed rocks and bricks lining paver path ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

I had to terrace areas close to the house to keep dirt away from the siding. Railroad ties were inexpensive so we used them and an occasion backseat of the car filled with landscape bricks.

Trail ties stacked with assorted bricks ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Mixed bricks, rocks and ties ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

This year I went all out and had a pallet of landscape bricks delivered for yet another terracing project.

( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Much of my garden structure has been plants. Sword and other evergreen ferns have provided year round interest. When I moved a dozen or more this spring it became evident how much I loved and relied on ferns in my garden. A couple of ferns were replaced with a small section of picket fencing.

Picket fence replacing ferns ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

My favorite new structures are in the veggie garden. An added sink, soon to have water hosed in and an old window cold frame surrounded with assorted bricks.

Garden sink ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Cold frame ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Shade Garden Chapter 4

Jewell — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:54:09 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 7:54 pm (GMT 0)

The shade garden got some nice branches to line the paths. The paths and beds are still evolving as plants begin to unfurl. As I finish limbing the last of the branches things will continue to change. The dogs are staying to the paths mostly, but I will need to add some branches inside some beds to keep them from taking short cuts.

Am really pleased with how the wild ginger has taken off. The combination of the cream flowers of the primrose and white flowering bleeding heart is a winner. I have moved so many different ferns and a variety of perennials. Am still waiting impatiently for hostas planted last year to show themselves and have planted newly purchased hostas in their places.

The campanula and columbines are leafing out and starting to set buds. Am seeing small changes daily.

Paths and beds in beginning spring stage ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Hosta, fern, calla lily, hellebore bed with optional seating ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Pink blooming calla lilly ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

White blooming bleeding hearts ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Viola ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Lots to do in the garden but it is nice seeing the structure of this portion of the yard starting to show itself.

The Smoke Shack Has Arrived

Jewell — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 13:47:42 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 5:47 pm (GMT 0)

Shaun and his helper arrived on Thursday at 6:30AM and began erecting the back yard shed. They had the pieces somewhat put together but it took the entire day for them to get the frame, roof and windows installed. They left around 7 PM. Although we have much to do (weather proofing, chalking, insulating, front step and finish work) we are pleased with the basic design and how it fits into our yard. It will be a dry place for the cigar smokers to go.

Shed from pond area ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

David enjoying his shed, and texting friends ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Shed from front, Ciara is wearing her pink sweater ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Yes, I have already put a few hardy plants out there. Figure some hardy cactus will look nice in the front windows.

Cedar panels and Sinks

Jewell — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:27:48 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2013 9:27 pm (GMT 0)

I really should never have found Pinterest and Google Images. I am planning not one but two sink areas in the garden/yard. One will be near my potting area and the other near the veggie garden. I have some nice scrap boards I saved from rebuilding the cabin stairs, but need to have some decent weather to take power tools outside. These will be used for a surround for the old fashioned square sink. I liked the shape of the square sink for the garden. Am still on the lookout for a faucet for it. With a hose run to it and hooked up it should be handy for washing veggies and trimming flowers to bring into the house.

Sink for garden area ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

The little round one will be perfect to slip into my potting bench made from an old barbecue base. There will be no problem finding it a faucet. I will put it so that I can rinse my hands off outside. I am thinking this will be just too handy.

Sink for potting bench ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Now I will have to do some serious reorganization first. I moved all the pots, stakes, mesh, etc. behind the sheds late last summer. Since i was slowly collecting stakes, netting, etc from the garden all winter it is a real jumble back there.

Messy potting area moved to behind the sheds ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

We got two of the cedar panels up to hide some of the utility part of the yard. The area looked like this last year.

( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

With two of the four planned panels in place both Sweetie and I are very pleased. Less work cleaning mildew stains also. Lol, if I can't see it maybe it doesn't exist.

Two panels up and two more to get installed ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

The plants that were transplanted are filling in nicely in the new beds, although it is hard to tell from this photo. The ferns i cut back and hostas will make a huge difference once they leaf out.

New woodland area barked and filling in ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

I am surprised at how big the new hellebores are in this area.

New hellebore ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Plans and Projects

Jewell — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 23:37:33 -0500

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 4:37 am (GMT 0)

Today marked the last of the grass in the main yard. Would never had thought we'd lose the grass. One bed at time made the grass disappear. This month marks the thirtieth year for us on this property. It has certainly changed a lot over the years.

Today was the continuation of several projects in the works. We got 4x4 posts for cedar fencing panels that will block some of the view of the utilities sheds. Tools, propane tanks for the barbecue, gas/electric yard tools and lawn mowers each have their own little shed. These resin sheds have been great for our climate, but aren't very attractive. The cedar panels are much more organic than looking at a variety of plastic/resin storage containers/buildings. My messy potting area and soil containers behind the sheds will also be hidden with the next set of panels. I work in stages.

I had hoped to get the first 2 yards of bark spread today, but the yard cart collapsed. A wheel broke and ripped away from the cart. We did buy the first half of the foundation bricks for David's Smoke Shack. Hopefully we will get the sword ferns moved tomorrow as well as the outdoor fireplace. The fireplace is currently in the place we will put the shack. And the fern is where the fireplace will bump up against once the fireplace is moved.

Bought a couple of plants while we were at the garden center. A male and female Skimmia japonica. It will fill in the back corner perfectly, 4'x4'. It is evergreen, flowers, and has fall berries and likes the shade. Also got a new to me hellebore with a silvery varigated leaf.

Lots to do and have a prioritize the list. Moving plants first, bark next, foundation laying next, errecting the panes after that. Then there is also potting up new plants, setting up my garden sinks, cleaning up the perennials and seeing if I can get rid of the buttercup that have invaded one bed. I am sure there are several other things that also will need to be accomplished in the next month, or maybe the following month. Gardening doesn't let you sit idle for long.

Chapter 3 1/2 The Wall Is Finished

Jewell — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:30:20 -0500

Author: Jewell
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 12:30 am (GMT 0)

Some sword ferns, and moss are planted on the now finished terrace garden. Am thinking sword ferns for the terraced areas and hostas at ground level. Not pretty..yet, but a good week-ends work.

My great wall ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Had a few extra bricks so with a mix of old and new bricks expanded another bed and moved some daylilies to fill it with.

used bricks and new to expand a bed ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Happiness is working in the garden!

Shade Garden Chapter 3

Jewell — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 22:19:18 -0500

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2013 3:19 am (GMT 0)

Started terracing the back property line of the new shade garden. Looks to be about a two foot drop in elevation. I have been digging sword ferns that have begun to out grow the flower garden. Will be moving them to the terraced area. Moved phlox into some of those spaces left bare by moving the ferns. The phlox have also begun to out grow their spaces.

terraced area at back of shade garden ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Moving lots of dirt from one spot to another. Two sword ferns got placed with several others under the filberts. The hart's tongue and holly ferns got moved into the shade garden. Have been digging and tossing the deciduous ferns as I find them. I'd rather have the winter structure of the sword, hart's tongue, and holly ferns. The smell of the BC ginger was lovely. I was able to get three nice sized plants from the one. The glossy round leaves are very attractive right through the winter.

I have only purchased the primrose's (which I wish I had gotten twice as many) and the heuchera so far. Have plenty of plants to move around that should do well in this new garden area. Read about how Oregon grape is a food source for Anna's hummingbird that are here year round, so will move some into this area also. I hope to get a few more hostas, some large varieties.

Lots of moved plants to shaded area ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

One of the reasons I'm trying to level this back section is to have a space to put up a garden shed. It would be lovely to have a wooden structure to hang out in and store some of the gardening tools. Will continue dreaming and planning. The plastic sheds have serviced us well, but they aren't attractive and I would love something with recycled windows and doors. I just want a fairy garden.

( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Always Knew I Was Dizzy

Jewell — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:44:02 -0500

Author: Jewell
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 8:44 pm (GMT 0)

This is no time (but then there never is a good time) to be dizzy. Actually it is vertigo and I am seeing a physical therapist tomorrow. Hoping to get the world on a solid footing then and get back to work. The garden has lots to do with things popping out of the ground and crying out to be dug, cleaned up and/or be transplanted.

I wobble out to the backyard several times a day with an excuse that the dogs need a potty break. Actually it is for my own break of fresh air and a short sit to hear the birds and squirrels among the city noises. If I take my time I can scrape some moss off the bricks and place it on the new shade garden beds. Little things I wouldn't normally take the time to do.

Am making plans in my head. Leveling one small area, terracing another. Maybe a pallet of bricks and some bark to be delivered. How should we lay out the gazebo area and is it too early to get it out? Have had a foot of snow in April in the past, so had better wait.

Oh we'll, it is all in my head and it won't be long before it all comes together as best as it might. Gardening is a process and never a end ....it is always changing.

I Hate Squeaks at Night

Jewell — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 05:35:02 -0500

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:35 am (GMT 0)

Would you like to take my photo? Buddy, alias rat catcher ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

This calm, self assured guy is Buddy. He has trained two generations of dobies and is working on our latest dog child. I don't know why he feels the need to bring in live rodents, but Buddy just brought in his latest catch tonight, or should I say this morning. Ugh! Pulling out furniture, baskets and chairs during the mad chase to corner a skittering squeaking creature at two in the morning is not the kind of adrenaline rush I want at that time of day.

Ciara, alias rat crusher ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Ciara is getting better at snapping them up, but it really helped having someone like Amber small enough to get behind and under big pieces of furniture. Amber kept it moving, so I could do as much squealing as the poor doomed adolescent rat.

Amber, alias rat chaser ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Our big brave male (my sweetie) took the rodent remains outside to the garbage. Now I just need to relax enough to fall back asleep

New Bed Bench

Jewell — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 22:21:46 -0500

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 3:21 am (GMT 0)

Had plans to build a little sofa bed. An old wooden coffee table worked great instead.
Here it is right after I brought it how and tossed an old piece of foam on top. Was thinking of painting it, but decided I liked it just the way it was.

New sleeping bed/bench ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Here it is after I got the baskets online. They store a lot of craft supplies and fit perfectly.

Bench with baskets for storing craft supplies ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Then I remembered using another one up at the cabin for the old TV, games and videos. A small DVD and stereo are behind the doors.

original used as entertainment center for cabin ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Plans for Shade Garden Chapter 2

Jewell — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 17:22:13 -0500

Author: Jewell
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2013 10:22 pm (GMT 0)

Have been dwelling on the prospects of this shady garden area on my last day of vacation. Woke up to ice on the pond and a crisp day. With so many of the plants small or deciduous in this area I will need to wait until spring to do too much. Somewhere is hidden some painted ferns: Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' and a dozen or so hosta.

Here is a closer look at some of the plants that are currently dwelling in the new beds.

Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ears) ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Ajuga reptans (Carpet Bugleweed, Common Bugleweed) ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Ajuga bed started ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Digitalis purpurea (Common Foxglove) volunteers: this was a small strawberry bed, but I wasn't happy with the results so transplanted the strawberries elsewhere. ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Heuchera 'Marmalade' (Coral Bells) ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Pieris japonica "Valley Valentine" (purple blooming) with a Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff)at its base ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Pieris japonica (Japanese Pieris, Japanese Andromeda) white blooming ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Acorus gramineus...I think..an evergreen grass that does well in the shade ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Blechnum spicant (Deer Fern): nice smaller variety of native fern ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

violets mark where a deciduous fern sleeps ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

baby Polystichum munitum (Western Sword Fern) moved from perrenial garden bed ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Polystichum polyblepharum (Tassel Fern) in winter: tassled at base noticeable ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Polystichum makinoi (Makinoi's Holly Fern): glossy leaves and is staying nice this winter ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

big hosta in winter....at base Soleirolia soleirolii (Mother of Thousands, Baby' ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

summer view: Hosta "Francis Williams" ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

winter: Brunnera macrophylla "Jack Frost" (Siberian Bugloss) much prettier in summer ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

summer: Brunnera macrophylla ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Then I will move some of the following into the area where there is room in the spring (I've been pretty lucky if I get a large enough shovel full. Then some plants don't seem to mind the move).

Achlys triphylla (Vanilla-leaf deer foot)already potted up and just need to get into the ground ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

wild hyacinth ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Such pretty little bulb flowers, but rather an invasive plant. ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Pacific trilliums, Trillium ovatum ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

primroses, mother of thousands, and Pacific bleeding hearts ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Also this big sword fern, and wild ginger that I want to move or divide. The wild ginger is an unknown to me (only had for a couple of years and haven't tried to move or divide it yet). I am guessing it may not take kindly to division.

I am also wondering about maybe planting some hardy cyclamen. They are doing OK in my little protected area between the house and garage. They may be too small to put into a large area where they could get lost.

Polystichum munitum (Western Sword Fern): to be moved to new beds ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Asarum caudatum (British Columbia Wild Ginger) ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Cyclamen hederifolium (Hardy Cyclamen) in bed of mother of thousands ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Plans for Shade Garden Chapter 1

Jewell — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 18:33:44 -0500

Author: Jewell
Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:33 pm (GMT 0)

The warm, sunny weather brought on the feeling of spring. The yard is in its winter doldrums with fallen leaves and perennial flower stems falling across beds and paths in a haphazard manner. Very untidy. The last of the leaves are almost all off the filbert trees and scattered on the barked and paver paths. I keep raking, but gosh it will be January tomorrow and still not all the leaves are down and some are already composted in the beds.

New gardening area in June ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

The new woodland garden area is a 30 foot by 70 foot area of vacated alley. Slowly I have been pulling up the lamb�s ears, a favorite of native bees, that spread out over the patio areas. I have been then laying the uprooted plants onto the ground in the new woodland area. These plants do as well in shade as they do in the sunny spots. We�ll see if they root in this mild winter we are having. My bets are on their self-preservation complimented with the rainforest habitat. If not I may have pity on them and toss a little dirt over their roots.

Woodland area 2012 on south side of lot being developed ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

I moved my garden work benches behind the shed. With most of the grass now smothered with cardboard I have been moving plants into slowly developed beds. In many places the cardboard has already decomposed and had a thin layer of bark tossed over it (new beds and paths). Some cardboard has been covered in fir needles and small branches that have been wind blown down from the neighbor�s fir trees. The rest is the new cardboard waiting for spring laid bark and time to smother weeds, decompose and let nature help me out.

grasses, small plants, bare ground and hopes for the future??? ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

This new area has a lot of bare/barked/card boarded ground. Some of the plants are a couple of shade grasses, two small Pieris japonica evergreen plants for future structure. With primarily hostas in this area I am not happy with the winter look so far. I have also moved a few ajuga, sweet woodruff, mother-of-thousands into the area for ground cover. Some of the smaller evergreen ferns also got transplanted into the area that sprouted in my vegie/perennial garden.

It will need several years to have winter lines that make the area feel "right". A few paths are delinated with small fencing to keep the dogs from running through beds. Not pretty, but the plans are semi laid.

Good Year Ending....sigh

Jewell — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:50:15 -0500

Author: Jewell
Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 9:50 pm (GMT 0)

Fall passed me by without my grabbing onto the time and making the most of it. Too many photos missed and moments spent sitting in the comfort of buildings working away, or resting/wasting away time. Fall colors were bright for the Pacific Northwest with a very long fall.

sweet woodruff and red Japanese maple ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

bark, red Japanese maple ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

fall anenome ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

The fall flowers held on forever! I've gathered and spread seeds heads in new beds. Hopefully they may sprout and bloom within my lifetime.

Lost my rescue dog, Kota to heart disease. Decided to down size from dobies to something smaller. Rescue dog Amber came into our lives. What a charmer! She had extreme knee problems and had her first surgery before Christmas.

Amber ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Almost didn't do a Christmas tree, but decided on a small one and got out the butterfly decorations to adorn it, and the rest of the living room (house plants and all).

butterfly Christmas ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Butterfly decorations and branches ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Life has been very good to us this last year and am looking forward to another gem of a year as my garden/life plans unfold. Best wishes for all and may a very good new year be unfolding for all.

Rest In Peace

Jewell — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 02:48:35 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 6:48 am (GMT 0)

Some plants just don't make it. Lost several different plants to giant slugs this year: all petunias (hope springs eternal, but come July it is obvious they have become fodder for the slimy ones

( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

wave petunias ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Slugs also enjoyed the star gazer lilies. I am getting better at squishing the slimy criminals.

( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Freezing rain and unusual cold killed my dahlia bulbs. Dead. Chose not to replant, but they were pretty. Sigh.....

Unknown white dalhia ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

dahlia ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Black eyed Susan's chose not to return. Birds forgot to bring in more seeds.

Rudbeckia hirta ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

The double hollyhock hate wet summers. Deceased.

Hollyhock: Alcea rosea "Chater's Double Red" ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Driveway heather got ran over one too many times when it snowed. Pulled the broken carcass.

June blooming variety ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

The second hardy hibiscus bit the dust. It didn't like the pruning job I did on it. It shouldn't have gotten so huge. Maybe mini ones or not... Oh well, some thrive and some don't. It is always changing in the garden.

hardy hibiscus - Rose of Sharon ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Then the ivy over grew the coreopsis and smothered it. Dead.

Coreopsis ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

So ends the short list of deceased greens. Unfortunately there have been many more than shown over the years. With my gardening skills (or lack of) I will always have an excuse to shop the gardening centers.

Garden Gone Wild

Jewell — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 19:07:03 -0400

Author: Jewell
Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 11:07 pm (GMT 0)

This gardening year has been one of things growing wild. Why on earth would a normal phlox (Phlox paniculata) grow six feet tall?

arrow points to 6+ feet tall phlox not yet in bloom ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Most of the phlox has stayed within somewhat more normal ranges, but are still taller than usual. The Speedwell and calendula are looking fine still.

None of the plants got so out of control last year. Another offender is the Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum maximum). Come on I don't want to have to get a ladder to view the flowers. They are the white blob in the background. (I shouldn't be taking photos with my phone...but...)

Shasta daisies as tall as the hollyhocks ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Although most of the foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) were shorter than normal in the three foot range one crazy one got over twelve feet tall.

top of foxglove above and beyond the arrows ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Plants are stretching out as well as up. I had to start pulling the deciduous ferns since they were beginning to suffocate other plants. One clump of ferns I took the ax to (quite literally) since it had covered one of my favorite hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Billow')

fern take over ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

fern axed ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Then there are some phlox that have decided to send starts into the pathways. More plants to divide in the spring.

phlox starts in the pathway ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

I am pulling lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantine) out by the wheelbarrow load. They are covering the walkways and paths.

blue-willow hydrenga ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

pathway after clearing lamb's ears and ferns ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

I chopped the gorgeous Knautia macedonica back to its base as it was another plant that needed more room than it was allotted. It will be a memory until it regrows.

( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

The fig leaf hollyhocks (Alcea ficifolia) are doing great. They are just coming into their own. The mallow (Lavatera thuringiaca) is beginning its bloom. Both look somewhat small compared to the plants that have gone giant this season.

figleaf hollyhock ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

mallow ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

I have to come in and take a break at the computer and relax. Somehow being out in the garden right now makes me see all that I need to be doing and not what has already been accomplished.

starts of iris, columbine, ferns ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Take a breath and relax

Patroit hosta in bloom ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

Peace in the small spaces ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )