tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81601339092816107972024-03-14T11:49:13.931-07:00The Wonder, the Weeds and the Why in an Austin gardenCathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-27849760991600745482012-10-14T08:42:00.003-07:002012-10-14T09:20:56.690-07:00Garden Growth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A brief update: despite the fact that I can't think straight most of the time, and there are definitely not enough hours in the day in which to prepare for class, and drive kids around, I have managed to extend the extremely slow growing flower bed out front as far as the corner- a minor triumph, for which my back is paying the price. Oh well.</div>
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And I am very very pleased to report that the Datura that I planted out there is COVERED in buds,<br />
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one of which will open very soon I think. Yippee.<br />
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In the back everything is brilliantly green and everything is blooming like crazy.<br />
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I still love the bulbine (and still think it is a weird name)<br />
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The sky flower is full of dangling purple-blue jewels.</div>
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And after the rain everything just sparkles.<br />
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The ruellia is amazing by the house. Looking our the back living room window, the garden is seen through a purple curtain of flowers.<br />
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Sun + flowers = Cathy's happiness</div>
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Even the Cross vine is covered in blooms, and really, doesn't look cross at all.</div>
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I almost forgot about my new zebra grass, which is zebra-y because of the stripes it has on the blades of grass, but I like it for the beautiful feather fronds that wave up above the grass:</div>
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Now I must get back to the drudgery of classroom prep work which is really what I SHOULD be doing right now.</div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-75226668833452563202012-08-17T15:13:00.001-07:002012-08-17T15:13:55.007-07:00Plants are Amazing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I don't really understand how cacti work, or why they do what they do. But remember this photo from August 1st?</div>
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The poor thing just lay down one day. We didn't know what to do, but I figured it had just become top heavy, and needed to create more support for itself. Well that wasn't the case in the end, because as you can see from the photo below...</div>
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it decided to stand up again. (!!??!!) It took a few days to get there, but it is all the way up again. So.... what is that all about? Was it sleepy? In need of a wee lie down to regain some of its old vigor? Hmmm.</div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-60324278387064531082012-08-01T15:30:00.001-07:002012-08-01T15:30:36.830-07:00Weehoo, We have a Bloom on the Desert Willow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Actually we have THREE blooms on the Desert Willow, with the promise of quite a few more to follow.</div>
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So I have been annoying the heck out of my children by exclaiming each and every time we pull in or out of the driveway..."WOW, check out the beautiful blooms on the desert willow." I have been told to 'contain my delight' by the older son, who is loathe to show any enthusiasm unless absolutely necessary. Of course I told him it was just not possible to contain my delight. He sighed and gave up.<br />
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But really, REALLY!!! It <b>is</b> pretty darn delightful, wouldn't you say?!<br />
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Now here is me trying to make lemonade out of lemons again... sigh. It's a weed. And they are rampant in the crushed granite. But, its flower IS <i>kind</i> of interesting...wouldn't you say?</div>
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Back to the good news: This is <b>not</b> the same picture as yesterday. No sirree, this is the second bloom.<br />
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See? And there are at least two more too. Yippee.<br />
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Now I am also going to get one of those elegant flowers that have the tall broad green leaves. The flower looks like it is coming along nicely, but the leaves are being eaten by god only knows what. They are practically decimated, but I never see any bugs whatsoever. Harumph. How do you get rid of something that you can't see?</div>
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And the poor old cactus is still looking like it is suffering from heat exhaustion, but it is gamely sending out new ears which are doing their best to turn themselves in the upward direction. Some plants sure are resilient.</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-28117188450459260672012-07-30T10:01:00.000-07:002012-07-30T10:01:03.695-07:00Garden Surprises<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have no idea who gave me this flower, or when I planted it, but this morning I went out and there it was!</div>
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An incredible bloom. Wow. I can't believe I have something that looks this fancy in my garden.<br />
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On a different note, I don't really understand the cactus. I am wondering if it is just growing so fast it can't support itself... because it is certainly lying down on the job. We keep shifting the rock to try and support it, and it just wonks over in the other direction. So, it is just going to have to stay like that now, I think, and grow up from there. Hmmmm.</div>
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And finally, the desert willow is still sweet and seems to be creating numerous little pink buds. So I am hopeful that we will get quite a show in a few days time.</div>
</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-71095747937349644622012-07-26T10:19:00.001-07:002012-07-26T10:19:07.812-07:00Rain Barrel Saga: A Sad Story, With a Happy Ending<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tragedy struck the rain barrel during the period of heavy rain that blessed the area a few weeks ago. The owners of said rain barrel were not very responsible (or really very bright), and so they did not set up Bertha the beautiful barrel in a balanced and safe manner. Sadly, at the point when the barrel was full to overflowing with water, and the stupid owners were celebrating all that beautifully collected rain, the barrel tipped over. Oh NOOOOOooooooo!!!! Oh yes. And of course not only did they lose all 65 gallons of water, but the barrel fell on, and broke the spigot, and and snapped the bits that held the spigot in place. Argh!</div>
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So. Here you have what we were left with. The hole was relatively undamaged, and so we figured it was fixable. Not sure how to proceed, I looked online and saw some instructions, but nothing very clear, and a call to the Great Outdoors where it was purchased produced sympathy, and a willingness to look at it should I take it in to the store, but nothing specific. So I gathered up the broken bits and headed to Home Depot.<br />
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At Home Depot I held out the broken parts that had secured the spigot and asked various and sundry, experienced looking employees if they had them. I received the same response from them all: "No Ma'am, we don't have any parts that look like that here." [?????] Seriously? The place is ENORMOUS! Surely, <i><b>surely</b></i> somewhere on those shelves these three little parts would exist. Disbelief made me wander up and down peering into boxes and drawers, but they seemed to be right. The parts did not exist.</div>
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What I <b><i>was</i></b> able to get at Home Depot was a new spigot and a tube of silicone, so I left with two of the necessary elements of the fix-it project. A few days later, just by chance, I was near a Breed and Company, and as the broken parts were still in the car I went in and held them out pitifully, and without much hope to a sales guy there. He took one look and said, "Is it for a rain barrel?" [Hope surged...] Yes, I replied. Well, by golly, didn't he just walk over to a rack on the next aisle over and pick up a little plastic package containing the exact missing pieces!!!</div>
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Holy Hannah, would you look at that! I was one happy camper. How is it that Home Depot doesn't have these pieces when they are packaged up so nicely here? The next stage was to actually repair the rain barrel.... hmmmm.<br />
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So with silicone in hand I crawled inside, (with Glenn making helpful cracks about going over the falls...)and secured the inside half, and then crawled back out and attached the outer bits. As you can see I was very generous with the silicone, because I wanted to be as sure as possible that it wouldn't leak. (Silicone white when wet, but dries clear)<br />
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Two days later I created a fake rain with the garden hose (because God knows, it'll probably never rain again), and as you can see from the final picture.... BERTHA THE RAIN BARREL IS FIXED AND FUNCTIONING!!!! HURRAY! So now.... in a few years, when it rains again... we'll be able to collect the water. (And yes, we did balance the barrel better this time)<br />
[Say "Bertha, the better balanced barrel" ten times really fast, and you too will be able to makes yourself a back yard rain water catchment system!]</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-47693741345650890562012-07-20T20:33:00.003-07:002012-07-20T20:33:58.241-07:00The Desert Willow is Already Giving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was very excited to have pointed out to me that the little Desert Willow I planted is already trying to produce a flower... </div>
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It is sooooo tiny, but is definitely there, and crowning the very top of the topmost limb. Hurray.<br />
<br /></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-51551077312435948982012-07-19T12:01:00.000-07:002012-07-19T12:01:33.877-07:00Garden Views For Mum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I know that I have a habit of getting very close to flowers and bugs and other tiny things of great interest, but I am going to take a step back for those who want to get the big picture.</div>
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First off, I have to say that I am thrilled with how established the Plumbago is in the front yard under the oak tree. It is covered in intense blue flowers and is behaving just as I have always wanted it to.<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Secondly, I have finally started the arduous task of clearing the grass from the no man's land between our driveway and the next door neighbour's driveway. First I planted a Desert Willow, and then a couple of weeks later, after the rains abated, I started to dig more grass out, and I have now also planted a Rock Rose that had seeded itself from the back, and a cactus. Fingers crossed that they all survive, and that I continue to have the energy to dig, and that at some point it starts to look somewhat attractive. Of course the good thing about a total wasteland, is that it is hard to make it look worse.</span></div>
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Into the back yard, and a view to the left from the patio... my <i>favourite</i> view right now. I am loving, <i>loving</i>, <i><b>loving</b></i> the bamboo, and bamboo muhli and rock/cactus area.<br />
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Coming into the backyard from the side of the house gives you this view,<br />
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And standing back under the Cedar Elm gives you this view... perhaps a good spot for a future guest cabin?<br />
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Also this view.<br />
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And finally, in the back right corner the garden looks like this. All very green and lush right now after the rains. And now...., just because I can't resist when I have a camera in my hands... you know, my hands just start shaking, and my fingers drift to the settings dial, and before I know it, I have turned it to macro, and then I just give in to the addiction... sorry, I can't help it.<br />
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The Blue Sky plant has more flowers this year than ever before. Very nice, although I do wish it would grow a little bigger.<br />
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And the Texas Blue Bell is divine as usual.<br />
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And the something-or-other has just taken off, so I am very pleased about that (by the patio)<br />
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and I am still in love with the Russian Sage, although I am debating whether or not I should move it to the front. <br />
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Loving this cactus, which I thought would always stay small, but I am getting the feeling it is going to get huge.<br />
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And a Ruellia bloom to end with because it looks soooo cool... don't you think?<br />
So there you have it. Something for everyone.</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-56317993089246809432012-07-17T15:20:00.000-07:002012-07-17T15:20:07.053-07:00PEACHES!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am proud to say that we all enjoyed <b>Fresh Sliced Peaches </b>yesterday evening!!!</div>
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Look at this bowl! Granted it <i>is</i> only one feast (yes, that's the whole crop), but it <i>was</i> a feast... everyone got a healthy bowl, and it is only the <i>second year</i> for our little peach tree! So I am pretty darned thrilled! I hope this means years of peach heaven ahead... Oh, and they were just as sweet and flavourful and delicious as you could want. </div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-65697161172395925282012-07-15T12:36:00.000-07:002012-07-15T12:36:03.301-07:00The Rain Brought A Crop Of Mushrooms...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hiding down below, in the shade of the Salvia are hundreds of tiny, silvery-grey mushrooms, looking pale and delicate and ghostly in the filtered light.</div>
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<br /></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-89901488908186994782012-07-07T14:50:00.001-07:002012-07-07T14:50:12.386-07:00Of Note in the Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, BY GUM, would you look at THAT... I do believe that thar is a PEACH! </div>
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Look at that rosy glow! Okay, it <i>is</i> a miniature peach, but a peach nonetheless.<br />
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Our interloping sunflower now has several blooms,<br />
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And the Rock Rose looks lovely after its early morning watering.<br />
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And I had to throw this one in, because the little baby ears that are coming out on the cactus are sooo sweet looking.<br />
Just a wee sampling of what's going on down south over here.</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-19694272453970590682012-06-30T05:02:00.001-07:002012-06-30T05:49:34.035-07:00Here Comes the Sun.... Flower<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The little green bud opened to reveal its yellow glory.</div>
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I am not sure where the seed for this plant blew in from, but it seems very happy with its new home.<br />
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Of course, it chose the wrong side of the garden... the pink side. (The other side is the red/orange/yellow side) But, oh well. A little splash of yellow in there isn't the end of the world.<br />
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And speaking of pink, the Cone flower is looking kind of burnt and tired unfortunately, but I love the little curled stamen all over the cone that you can see if you enlarge the picture. </div>
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And finally, the Russian Sage is fluffing up nicely. I was a little afraid it was just going to be sad and pathetic and then die, but it seems to have perked up.</div>
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And of course the camera I am using now doesn't do <i>really</i> close up very well, but the tiny flowers are soooo sweet. They have these pretty little dark purple stripes on white down in the center of the flower. Very nice.</div>
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</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-48636853517852834262012-06-28T11:28:00.000-07:002012-06-28T11:28:09.975-07:00Goodbye Butterfly Weed, Hello REALLY FAT Caterpillars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In my morning wanderings today, I discovered that Queen Caterpillars have decided to decimate the Butterfly Weed.</div>
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I don't have a very big plant, and pretty soon I imagine I will have even less, because enjoying it immensely are NOT one,</div>
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NOT two,<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MsnGxMLHD0I/T-yeXTVNQSI/AAAAAAAAH4o/MewPs0cFXMo/s1600/cat+mess,++and+caterpillars+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MsnGxMLHD0I/T-yeXTVNQSI/AAAAAAAAH4o/MewPs0cFXMo/s320/cat+mess,++and+caterpillars+012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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but THREE, Queen caterpillars. A whole happy little family. So much for the plant I guess. I wonder if I'll get to see them turn into butterflies. </div>
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Here is another view of the first one. The three sets of red and black feelers are amazing, don't you think?</div>
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Oh, and just by the by, am I the only one deafened by Cicadas this summer. I thought they were loud in Greece, but man... there are a ton this summer right here. I have been noticing many, <i>many,</i> <i><b>many</b></i> of their creepy, prehistoric, discarded shells too...</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-7634822530796367722012-06-25T15:25:00.000-07:002012-06-25T15:25:32.209-07:00Unexpected Visitor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's so nice when something invites itself into your garden that you are actually pleased to see growing there! </div>
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In the back corner I discovered a sun flower that looks like it is going to have several blooms.<br />
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Look how perfect these buds are! I love the little white hairs along each protective leaf, and the way they overlap one another around the bud.<br />
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The flowers will be fun to see, but I have to say, I am liking it at this stage of its growth VERY much.</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-82217687257806846492012-06-24T07:25:00.001-07:002012-06-24T07:25:59.443-07:00Early Morning Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The cats in my life are making sure I don't miss the beauty of the garden in the <i>early</i> morning. Thanks cats.</div>
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Although my thanks <i>are</i> mildly sarcastic, it <i>is</i> a treat to be out there on a quiet Sunday morning.<br />
As I sit in the serene, sleepy stillness, the cacti containers catch the first rays of sunlight.<br />
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And the view across to the bamboo muhli is wonderful.<br />
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I am so in love with this plant. What could be better than sitting with froth on your coffee, and pale green froth before your eyes?<br />
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Taking a little walk around, I saw that the Bulbine was visiting with the Artemisia,<br />
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The lavender has a beautiful spear of tiny blue flowers,<br />
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and the Gaura is tall, and willowy, and covered in delicate pink. </div>
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So sweet.<br />
Thanks cats. I'll forgive you this time.</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-56814576610863690432012-06-23T11:11:00.000-07:002012-06-23T11:11:17.272-07:00Home Again to Wonder at the Weeds....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been almost a month since we have been back. Time enough to say goodbye to the Athens blog, and miss seeing all things Greek. And time enough to start digging around in the garden, and come to terms with a return to a smaller more contained blogging world. And time enough to start enjoying the changes and growth that I am seeing in the garden.</div>
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I am happy to see that the Ruellia planted in the duct cylinders is thriving... It is so tall that it is easily visible through the living room window. This is definitely a successful experiment, which means that I will be purchasing more cylinders very soon.<br />
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The combined plantings of the Bamboo, and the Bamboo Muhli, have succeeded in growing into a veritable hedge. I love the different thicknesses of the feathery grass and bamboo leaves.<br />
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And in front of the bamboo the cacti in the miniature zen garden are happy and bigger too.<br />
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FIVE pomegranates are hanging on the "ornamental" pomegranate tree. What I am wondering is, do ornamental pomegranates always have fruit but it isn't edible, or... is this not actually an <i>ornamental</i> pomegranate? I am confused about this one.<br />
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The Texas Mountain Laurel got bigger and even had flowers this year, which is nice to know even if we missed them. Something to look forward to next year!<br />
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The Cross Vine, doesn't seem too terribly cross, and has a few flowers to show for itself. But it hasn't done anything wildly dramatic while I was away. (Of course I was kind of hoping it would have covered the back fence in my absence)<br />
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Quite a few peaches, but they are very small. Still, At least it is trying to do the right thing.<br />
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Hmmmm. Can't remember what this is called,<br />
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Or this.<br />
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But the above flowers and the Mexican hat <i>and</i> some wine cups are all very welcome new additions. VERY cool!<br />
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This succulent,<br />
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and this one, are my two favourites on the patio. This one in particular has such a glorious symmetry.<br />
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A funny little pink moth was enjoying this flower... and I thought at first it was an odd pink petal on the blue plant, but then it fluttered over to another flower.<br />
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View of bamboo from patio,<br />
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And OH MY GOD!!! I'm not sure quite what to do over here. The two roses and the grape vine are all vying for space. Crikey!<br />
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The Rock Rose is also trying to claim a large section of the yard.<br />
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And on the other side the Artemisia is taking some space liberties too.<br />
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It took about a week to get rid of that nasty grass that grows out sideways and flat to the ground...grrrr.<br />
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But when all is said and done. What is wonderful about the garden is seeing the sunlight shining through the green of a multitude of varied and beautiful plants.<br />
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<br />
I am beginning a new project... A few new plants and hopefully soon some patio stones that will take the place the grass that I dug up here... the slow reduction of grass is just going to have to be one of those things that inches its way along, due to the obviously back-breaking nature of the job.<br />
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Oh, how I love the Texas Bluebells!!! A really beautiful addition given by my very wise and wonderful gardening mother. Every year they just get thicker and more abundant.<br />
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This is kind of a crap photograph, but the Gaura is HUGE beside the peach tree there. It is nice to see things doing well.<br />
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Artemisia may want to take over but it is hard to begrudge it the space when you see the early morning light sparkling through it's leaves. It looks just like a cloud.<br />
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Close up you get a snowflake effect.<br />
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And I love this one because the darker leaves in shadow are the ones in focus, with the much lighter sunlit foliage shining through from below. <br />
It's nice to be home. </div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-67952832247717395552011-09-12T11:59:00.001-07:002011-09-12T12:06:33.722-07:00The Force of Nature<div>While I was in England I was fortunate enough to stay in a lovely, very old house in the country. The house has lived in this spot for a long time, but I am afraid that nature has decided to reclaim the space for its own.</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0YSN3ZcK0E/Tm5W_loahBI/AAAAAAAABYM/vlnj9FSYXHw/s1600/P9070305.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0YSN3ZcK0E/Tm5W_loahBI/AAAAAAAABYM/vlnj9FSYXHw/s320/P9070305.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651550232829920274" /></a>I am not sure if you can see from the next picture, but the Virginia Creeper is creeping in on the house...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6p6I-E4Rrks/Tm5W_eiI4jI/AAAAAAAABYE/CZeyU-T7FGg/s1600/P9060237.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6p6I-E4Rrks/Tm5W_eiI4jI/AAAAAAAABYE/CZeyU-T7FGg/s320/P9060237.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651550230924550706" /></a>In all the rooms, the windows were just unable to hold back the unrelenting advance of this intrepid plant. Yikes. Don't mess with Mother Nature.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-83814923602710861142011-09-09T08:46:00.000-07:002011-09-09T09:01:55.252-07:00Seed Pods from Abroad<div>On our first day in Athens, we climbed Likavitos. A tall hill behind our house in the center of Athens. From the top, there are spectacular views, but I enjoyed capturing the micro images more than the macro:</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igXrsOjMtP0/Tmo14eRBYcI/AAAAAAAABUs/F8mCPc4pimk/s1600/P9010476.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igXrsOjMtP0/Tmo14eRBYcI/AAAAAAAABUs/F8mCPc4pimk/s320/P9010476.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650387926803112386" /></a>These little dried seeds are smaller than a dime in circumference, and were so enchantingly sweet. They reminded me of old coins one might dig out of an ancient archaeological site.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NheNMGhNJ2c/Tmo14LTmb1I/AAAAAAAABUk/8_-zfTq08Oc/s1600/P9010486.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NheNMGhNJ2c/Tmo14LTmb1I/AAAAAAAABUk/8_-zfTq08Oc/s320/P9010486.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650387921713655634" /></a>Then there were the Catherine Wheel seeds, which made me think of fireworks.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJKZdtQMUSk/Tmo13zbiwRI/AAAAAAAABUc/qBujlK1dzlY/s1600/P9010524.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJKZdtQMUSk/Tmo13zbiwRI/AAAAAAAABUc/qBujlK1dzlY/s320/P9010524.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650387915304517906" /></a>And finally my favourite, these tiny almost glass-like pods, which I had to bring home and photograph a multitude of times, but the little discs are so small, it was almost impossible to really get a good picture. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G84hbKokveg/Tmo13gWA8JI/AAAAAAAABUU/u_Wm3Lbo160/s1600/P9010543.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G84hbKokveg/Tmo13gWA8JI/AAAAAAAABUU/u_Wm3Lbo160/s320/P9010543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650387910181056658" /></a>Each one of these is only about the size of a small lentilCathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-10531505464604217722011-08-30T08:36:00.000-07:002011-08-30T12:51:05.743-07:00It's Time to Say Goodbye<div>I said goodbye to the garden today. Tomorrow morning we depart on our nine month adventure to Greece. It is very hard to leave the plants, especially as they are struggling so much in the heat. Another surprise showed up in the form of this yellow wildflower (or weed), which I know I didn't plant, but which decided to join the garden somehow.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3dfLVE9rAw/Tl0FybinAwI/AAAAAAAABNc/7JcPSEcqtVI/s1600/P8230175.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3dfLVE9rAw/Tl0FybinAwI/AAAAAAAABNc/7JcPSEcqtVI/s320/P8230175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646675871736988418" /></a>Before we left, I did an final mowing and weeding and watering, and the garden looked so serene in the early morning light.
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LK2bTcyqQ14/Tl0Fxzy_9HI/AAAAAAAABNU/FN8u84n5Z7s/s1600/P8230170.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LK2bTcyqQ14/Tl0Fxzy_9HI/AAAAAAAABNU/FN8u84n5Z7s/s320/P8230170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646675861068313714" /></a>I hope the young trees survive. The fig has completely leafed out again, and so has the pecan.
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jL_c2yP0bVM/Tl0Fxm5FtZI/AAAAAAAABNM/2y93hBmP6ac/s1600/P8230171.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jL_c2yP0bVM/Tl0Fxm5FtZI/AAAAAAAABNM/2y93hBmP6ac/s320/P8230171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646675857604195730" /></a>I keep telling myself that even if it gets totally over grown, or sun burnt and dry, I can't possibly have to start back at square one. Right? Right?? Surely not. <div>So now, while we are away, I will be using this blog to write about Greek gardens that we encounter during our stay. Stay Tuned! (For more of the day to day adventures of settling in to a life in Athens you can visit austintoathens.blogspot.com)</div><div>See Ya.</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-37052956799796251402011-08-16T05:22:00.000-07:002011-08-16T17:02:12.065-07:00In Memoriam<div>On Sunday morning I went out to admire the garden in the early morning light, and was amazed to see that the whole garden had burst into bloom. Plants that had been struggling were now flowering. It was an amazing and beautiful sight and it filled me with awe and wonder. I found out shortly after that stroll that my father had died the evening before. I would like to dedicate these blooms to him, because certainly their colour and beauty will always remind me of him.</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2-jN9RkVYQ/Tkp_KzcyvqI/AAAAAAAABNE/Q5zdTTpf0NI/s1600/P8140094.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2-jN9RkVYQ/Tkp_KzcyvqI/AAAAAAAABNE/Q5zdTTpf0NI/s320/P8140094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641461306821361314" /></a>The Rock Rose was covered!
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxqAOiHLpf4/Tkp_KwVlgOI/AAAAAAAABM8/8q5vyl54KNk/s1600/P8140073.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxqAOiHLpf4/Tkp_KwVlgOI/AAAAAAAABM8/8q5vyl54KNk/s320/P8140073.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641461305985827042" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bhsz5EW_3IY/Tkp_KlkhFWI/AAAAAAAABM0/CyQBJO90MAo/s1600/P8140070.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bhsz5EW_3IY/Tkp_KlkhFWI/AAAAAAAABM0/CyQBJO90MAo/s320/P8140070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641461303095661922" /></a>How splendid she looks!
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFDz74XHLbg/Tkp-iTjDZ2I/AAAAAAAABMs/xayK6cpEsKA/s1600/P8140093.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFDz74XHLbg/Tkp-iTjDZ2I/AAAAAAAABMs/xayK6cpEsKA/s320/P8140093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641460611062916962" /></a>Blue salvia,
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh_L5Fy0Cn4/Tkp-iEPs5aI/AAAAAAAABMk/BuTSfjulyKw/s1600/P8140083.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh_L5Fy0Cn4/Tkp-iEPs5aI/AAAAAAAABMk/BuTSfjulyKw/s320/P8140083.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641460606955218338" /></a>Red salvia
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYma8g8U8Z8/Tkp97lTwOGI/AAAAAAAABMc/xoYfP6ODqbQ/s1600/P8150114.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYma8g8U8Z8/Tkp97lTwOGI/AAAAAAAABMc/xoYfP6ODqbQ/s320/P8150114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641459945815685218" /></a>and the longed for Pride of Barbadoes....
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfcGNXjyxLk/Tkp97c5YxnI/AAAAAAAABMU/KWUd88lwdaE/s1600/P8150112.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfcGNXjyxLk/Tkp97c5YxnI/AAAAAAAABMU/KWUd88lwdaE/s320/P8150112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641459943557613170" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0twhUJVYOvk/Tkp97PBPJfI/AAAAAAAABMM/0ypluyrkINQ/s1600/P8160131.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0twhUJVYOvk/Tkp97PBPJfI/AAAAAAAABMM/0ypluyrkINQ/s320/P8160131.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641459939832440306" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3ThuIAcP-I/Tkp9VpHvC3I/AAAAAAAABME/1z2uFUhbeRI/s1600/P8160128.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3ThuIAcP-I/Tkp9VpHvC3I/AAAAAAAABME/1z2uFUhbeRI/s320/P8160128.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641459294003989362" /></a>A surprising cluster of Blue Sky,
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niefLfYzkuM/Tkp9VeBfbpI/AAAAAAAABL8/CmZK8WiVZcE/s1600/P8160125.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niefLfYzkuM/Tkp9VeBfbpI/AAAAAAAABL8/CmZK8WiVZcE/s320/P8160125.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641459291025010322" /></a>and the promise of more to come.
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_11DtlxEATc/Tkp9VEwCdAI/AAAAAAAABL0/6VrPPy_wd8s/s1600/P8140100.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_11DtlxEATc/Tkp9VEwCdAI/AAAAAAAABL0/6VrPPy_wd8s/s320/P8140100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641459284240921602" /></a>Even the seed pods of the Mimosa looked fabulous as they caught the early morning rays.
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iwGA6bfsnUA/Tkp9U0iYVMI/AAAAAAAABLs/ukv9E8D5S-s/s1600/P4120281.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iwGA6bfsnUA/Tkp9U0iYVMI/AAAAAAAABLs/ukv9E8D5S-s/s320/P4120281.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641459279888667842" /></a>Forever in my heart, my dear old curmudgeon of the hills. xoxoxoCathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-10914958565166158302011-08-13T11:33:00.000-07:002011-08-13T11:42:54.681-07:00I'm On My Way...<div>I'm on my way, from misery to happiness today... uh huh, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh...</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FMiFYvzDCg/TkbEX4m7w4I/AAAAAAAABLk/udEZRyBbnFM/s1600/P8130051.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FMiFYvzDCg/TkbEX4m7w4I/AAAAAAAABLk/udEZRyBbnFM/s320/P8130051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640411497939846018" /></a>Oh yeah, oh yeah! I know you aren't supposed to count your chickens before they hatch...BUT, I am pretty sure that I am going to get some Pride of Barbados flowers soon. Please, PLEASE let them bloom before we leave!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-83272050753058325322011-08-13T11:05:00.001-07:002011-08-13T11:33:22.851-07:00Ruellia Bouquet<div>Nothing like a cluster of blossoms to cheer one up.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAQ0yyfag9c/Tka932NAGQI/AAAAAAAABLc/OUfiu9mf-nA/s1600/P8110008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAQ0yyfag9c/Tka932NAGQI/AAAAAAAABLc/OUfiu9mf-nA/s320/P8110008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640404350468626690" /></a>Ruellia blossoms are so chubby and cute and crinkly, and purple. And they are darker purple in the center.
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGm1LH6Cf7U/Tka93jt4ybI/AAAAAAAABLU/W3xZUvIYfO8/s1600/P8110011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGm1LH6Cf7U/Tka93jt4ybI/AAAAAAAABLU/W3xZUvIYfO8/s320/P8110011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640404345506286002" /></a>From behind, the light shows us all the little veins and creases. The delight is in the detail.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-51849480733337603392011-08-09T19:22:00.000-07:002011-08-09T20:35:44.946-07:00Out of the depths of the drought...<div>When I first returned from Canada, I was distressed to see that parts of the garden looked like the deep mid-winter in July, Texas style. Our baby pecan tree had dropped its leaves onto the burnt grass, and so had the poor little fig tree. </div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGwPC4rEGUE/TkHsGL_J8XI/AAAAAAAABLM/C4zj39L1byA/s1600/P7300381.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGwPC4rEGUE/TkHsGL_J8XI/AAAAAAAABLM/C4zj39L1byA/s320/P7300381.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639047799485624690" /></a>But, these plants are INTREPID, and after some babying and A LOT of water for their parched little roots, they are gamely putting out new foliage. You Go little trees!!
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOWcn5rgILE/TkHsF3fVa6I/AAAAAAAABLE/XOvOgQW8nKg/s1600/P8090258.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOWcn5rgILE/TkHsF3fVa6I/AAAAAAAABLE/XOvOgQW8nKg/s320/P8090258.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639047793983450018" /></a>See? Isn't that festive?
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONJU6yOn0xI/TkHsFjiK2bI/AAAAAAAABK8/x0jDSeAXqnA/s1600/P8090272.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONJU6yOn0xI/TkHsFjiK2bI/AAAAAAAABK8/x0jDSeAXqnA/s320/P8090272.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639047788626631090" /></a>Happy days are here again.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-58683530135452481642011-08-09T18:30:00.001-07:002011-08-09T19:22:39.966-07:00Cavorting Cacti<div>I was out in the garden today, and I saw that the cacti are involved in a very elegant dance together.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yb58_zOTl58/TkHgqWVLFAI/AAAAAAAABK0/1RWTVSn2I4o/s1600/P8090267.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yb58_zOTl58/TkHgqWVLFAI/AAAAAAAABK0/1RWTVSn2I4o/s320/P8090267.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639035226598085634" /></a>I saw the prickly pear leaning in to ask the young tree cholla cactus if he could have the next dance. See how he asks with such a debonair nod in her direction.
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFTtDnhNraA/TkHgqB2xaXI/AAAAAAAABKs/IdBoMSmg1mc/s1600/P8090264.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFTtDnhNraA/TkHgqB2xaXI/AAAAAAAABKs/IdBoMSmg1mc/s320/P8090264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639035221101865330" /></a><a yk1gchkb7km="" tkhgp3idhyi="" aaaaaaaabkk="" tzi1fprhqwk="" s1600="" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">I can understand the Prickly Pear's interest because most certainly the tree cholla was looking very willowy and beautiful. When I gaze at her, I want to join in the dance too. She is also very clever, because her original stem leaned quite dramatically to the left, so to compensate she has put out all her new growth to the right. Isn't she gracious? However, gallant as is his request, her reply to the Prickly Pear is a polite decline today. She is already engaged in the current dance with the Bamboo Muhli.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YK1GChkB7KM/TkHgp3IDhYI/AAAAAAAABKk/Tzi1FpRHqWk/s320/P8090004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639035218221565314" /></a>The Bamboo Muhli grasps her spiny arms with the most delicate, green, lacy fronds. Of course Cholla said yes to the Muhli!
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWymfoLRlnA/TkHgpZnKWYI/AAAAAAAABKc/2v_djs2kEO0/s1600/P8090268.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWymfoLRlnA/TkHgpZnKWYI/AAAAAAAABKc/2v_djs2kEO0/s320/P8090268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639035210298972546" /></a>Prickly Pear is a good sport and bides his time. "I'll just do my impersonation of an elephant while I wait," he says.<div>The dance in the miniature zen garden is nothing if not charming and refined. As I walked and watched, I realized that just as with people, plants have very different ideas about what type of dance they prefer:
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fl53wvwn4U/TkHgpK6EN1I/AAAAAAAABKU/1-Mxywd3ofU/s1600/P8090002.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fl53wvwn4U/TkHgpK6EN1I/AAAAAAAABKU/1-Mxywd3ofU/s320/P8090002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639035206351730514" /></a>Umm. All I can say about this dance is it must be a Rave. Hey! Who's in charge here!!</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-75442465986854994932011-08-04T07:41:00.000-07:002011-08-04T07:49:21.928-07:00One of the Plagues of Egypt??<div>I think one of the ten plagues of Egypt was drought, or if it wasn't it should have been. Well, actually, come to think of it, drought was probably just normal weather. HOWEVER, I DO know that there was a plague of locusts, and when I saw this GIANT, and I do mean giant, grasshopper on our patio (3 1/2 inches long)(with wings), I was sure we were seeing something of biblical portent.... dun, dun, dun, dun.....</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uL_HN7x-kaQ/Tjqv0Vc6GEI/AAAAAAAABI4/QVbDcqhrLTc/s1600/grasshopper.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uL_HN7x-kaQ/Tjqv0Vc6GEI/AAAAAAAABI4/QVbDcqhrLTc/s320/grasshopper.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637011197254047810" /></a>watch out ya'll. (Enlarge for the full, horrific effect!)Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160133909281610797.post-58632075610480966252011-07-31T19:43:00.000-07:002011-07-31T19:49:35.625-07:00There's Something Green and Living in the Garden. Yeah!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtAGHvhMcwg/TjYTzjuCllI/AAAAAAAABIw/yOTCiVaqM6U/s1600/P7300401.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtAGHvhMcwg/TjYTzjuCllI/AAAAAAAABIw/yOTCiVaqM6U/s320/P7300401.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635713760183359058" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996577857663087997noreply@blogger.com1