The Hydrangea Project

Summer of 2011

My friend Lori and I are feeling pretty proud of our success with the hydrangea propagation project this summer. We now have about 25 baby hydrangea plants prepared for planting in the spring. Who knew it would be so rewarding to create these little beauties. We had lots of advice from excellent sources - a nice man at Frank Otte's Nursery, a couple of great web sites, and the experts from Highland Moor (http://highlandmoor.com). They have a lovely booth at the St. Matthews Farmer's Market.

We were told to plant 50 cuttings, if we wanted 20. Well, we did better than that. We planted about 30 - 35 and have 25 healthy plants. We were also told to be very careful of the fragile root system. As you can see in the photo below, we have some very healthy plants.

The red leaves are Oakleaf Hydrangea. The cutting are from my front yard.

I'm glad I have saved lots of plastic pots...

Handle with care...

Yes, we are 'busy"

We had our fingers crossed for weeks hoping these little guys would do well.

Sunflower time...

This lovely sunflower is under construction!
The buds are on top, just about ready to bloom.

This is my first attempt at planting sedums in a container.

I have to say, I am addicted. The textures are unlimited. They require no mainenance. Compared to the daily watering of my perennials, my annuals, and my herbs & tomatoes, these little gems are a piece of cake. They seem to change almost daily. I have a lot to learn about these, but I intend to experiment. There are some amazing web sites showing vertical sedum wall plantings. Look out, back yard. This could be scary-

Bennett's Corn

My grandson, Bennett, decided months ago that he wanted to grow some corn. He has always helped in the garden, so this year he got his own plot. It's not very big, but the corn is doing just fine. It grows so fast - he has to check on it every time he comes over to visit. Pretty soon it will be as tall as he is, then it will pass him by. It sould be fun to watch him harvest his first ears of corn.

Board Of Directors Dinner

The Traveling Tuesday Board Of Directors planned an impromptu potluck dinner in my back yard.  It was an evening of laughter, relaxation, and casual summer cuisine. Summer is all about enjoying the outdoors, with great friends and good food.

















This little mermaid always gets her picture taken. She has aged well...





















Kids love to play in the garden - no matter what age they are. These two are no exception.





















Jason enjoys a moment with my garden statue...he so appreciates fine art.

From My Kitchen Window

This is the view from my kitchen window. It's the first thing I look at when I head for a cup of coffee in the morning The trellis is a gift from my mother. A friend recommended the Chinese red honeysuckle, which attracts hummingbirds every year. I'd have to say this trellis is one of my favorite places in the back yard. Our daughter and her friends posed here for a photo on the evening of her prom - we hosted a lovely back yard dinner for about 30 of her closest friends. Our back yard is filled with memories. I know there will be many more good times to be had in my back yard.

Love Blooms

Here's a lovely addition to my garden.

My step-brother, Gus, and his fiance, Deborah recently sent me this beautiful invitation for their wedding. It is made from recycled paper, and embedded with flower seeds. A little note on the back explains that the invitation can be placed in the soil, watered, and soon flowers will grow. What a beautiful idea. I was filled with joy as I planted this little gem. Gus is a wonderful young man. Deborah is a lucky lady, and I hope to meet her soon. Until then, as the seeds turn into flowers, I'll think of them every time I check their progress. I'll have to send them a picture when the flowers bloom, and let them know we are all thinking of them. I wish them both happiness, love and joy. Love blooms.