Dahlia leaves didn’t appreciate the post-Sandy freeze.
This was supposed to be a post about how I kept myself occupied after Sandy while waiting for my work to resume. Schools have been closed since the storm.
Fortunately, Joe and I had power throughout the Sandy ordeal, but the gas shortage had me staying close to home — which gave me the perfect chance to clean the yard.
There is a certain sadness when I look about the waning October garden. So many blooms have faded and turned to seed; so many leaves have dulled.
And then there are the red hot flowers, looking a bit out of place and overly made-up amid the first flush of autumn’s golds and yellows and rusts.
Celosia — a few plants from last summer reseeded themselves for this year’s garden. Surprise!
And that’s when my imagination takes hold.
Black-Eyed Susan.
It seems fitting that after an interesting amd intense couple of days, I have to extend my thanks to a few people.
First up is Cheri, a WordPress editor, who selected my previous post about 9/11 to be Freshly Pressed. That means that my blog, for a few days, was one of the featured sites on WordPress — and the response, as you can imagine, was overwhelming.
That brings me to the other people I would like to thank. You. All of you. All 2,400+ readers and the 200+ who chose to follow this site. I cannot even begin to explain how much your comments and likes meant — and how absolutely moving your comments were. I’ve had the chance to “meet” people from all over the world, to read of their memories, and to visit other amazing blogs.
And now that the rush has fallen off, it’s time to get back into the garden. The September garden is an interesting place. Some plants are worn out and tired, while others appear to be putting on quite a show — like a fireworks finale. I’m not sure if the hint of cooler weather is rejuvenating their energy, or if they somehow know their end is near.
One thing is certain, though. All of the plants — and this gardener, as well — are ready for a chance to re-energize for the next growing season.
So, without further delay, here is a stroll through the garden and a look at the blooms from the closing days of summer.
It seems that quite suddenly, summer has brought the entire world into bloom — and that means hosting a whole bunch of guests to a bloomin’ banquet. There’s plenty to eat and drink — so, bring a chair, sit back, and relax.
First up: butterflies. I’m not sure what type of butterfly this is, but the garden is full of them. They really don’t socialize with the other guests, and can often be found in pairs, fluttering about in mid-air and playing among the lavender.
Welcome to the holiday weekend. For many, it’s a time for sales and sand, barbecues and beaches. For me, it’s a time of marathon gardening. I still have so many plants that have to get into the ground — and I’m never quite sure how I end up in this position each year. I try to pace myself, but inevitably, I fall behind.
So, here is my whirlwind.
First, there is the issue of the May curse — better known as Oak pollen. It assaults me as soon as I step outside. When the wind blows, it looks like it’s raining worms — and when enough of it gathers on the ground, it looks like tumbleweeds. Actually, I’m okay with pollen when it’s on the ground. It’s when it’s in the air, in my throat, and in my eyes that I have an issue that requires a tissue. Ahhhhchooooo!
Then the Liriope needs a haircut. Last year’s growth is a little worn from the winter, but emerging in the nest are fresh green spears. With my grandmother’s scissors, which are small enough to maneuver so I don’t cut the new growth, I snip a little here and snip a little there.
Voila!
Time to plant the Dahlias. If you have Dahlias that will grow tall enough to require staking, here’s a quick tip. Plant the stake at the same time that you plant the Dahlia. This will prevent any accidental spearing of the Dahlia tuber if you place the stake later on in the season.
Joe calls me to the front yard. We have a robin’s nest in the tree, and there is a clear view of the three hatchlings. So I pulled out a ladder, climbed up, and snapped a few photos — all the while staying alert for any adult robins that might attack me. I’m a little jumpy when it comes to birds since my head has been targeted three times. But the baby robins are cute, and we are both hoping that they survive.
At last, it’s time to take a look at the reds . . .
Rose.
Gerbera Daisy.
the whites . . .
Peony.
Rhodendron.
and the blues . . .
Spiderwort.
Dive in.
and to remember that this holiday isn’t about sales and sand, barbecues and beaches, nor plantings and pollen.
Happy Memorial Day.
I can never tell which I enjoy looking at more: the unopened bud or the full bloom.
There’s something very exciting about looking at an unopened flower. There’s promise and wonder and anticipation. It’s like staring at a gift with your name on it that’s been sitting under the Christmas tree for weeks — only you can’t shake it or pry open the wrapping paper to get a peak. But you know in your heart, that tied up in that puckered green bundle is a treasure of pure beauty: the flower that you always wanted.
Since it is better to give than to receive, may I present two buds and the two ensuing blooms in the mid-August garden.
Before: Teddy Bear Sunflower
After: Teddy Bear Sunflower
Before: "Vancouver" Dahlia
After: "Vancouver" Dahlia
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 