extending flower beds

It was a little sad to lose this bush, but she was out of control and needed cut back. I was not able to cut her back without looking a mess, so...

Poof.

It was all for the best. BTW I made sure that there were absolutely no baby birds living in this bush. And trust me, that was a giant pain in the a$$.

Out with the old, and in with the new. If you recall, I posted these plants last fall. They were in my friend Cat's garden. It will take a little time, but they will grow into their own here. Of course I am a little concerned about the Rhodo.

Cat, what have you done. Lmao. She is in ICU at the moment, but with a little luck, she might snap out of it. Any advice on this, would be most welcomed. She seemed to be root bound, but was planted in the ground. I gave her a really healthy drink with some 20-20-20 fertilizer. She is planted on the northwest side of the house. She will get a plenty of light with a small amount of mid day sun. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

Here are some more plants from Cat's yard. BTW Thank you Cat for all the plants. I will try my best to get them all to thrive in their new environment. Time was not on my side today, so I needed to get these plants in the ground stat. I first just laid the plants on the ground where I wanted them planted. I had to move them around a few times, but had to just settle with the placement and start digging.

I know that I will have to get the sod between the plants taken up. But that will be another day. I will also add weed fabric and mulch at that time.

Yes they look a mess in this photo. They were in dire need of water.

With the exception of the Lambs Ear, I think they will be fine.

I planted the two Creeping Phlox beside the pinwheel. I need to mention again, that the pinwheels are no longer scaring the deer away.

Blooms, buds, and blooms?

I am a happy person. She is blooming again. Last year she started blooming the first week in
August. She bloomed yesterday. That is 5 weeks earlier than last year. I have been saying, everything seems to be blooming early this year. BTW this is my swamp Hibiscus.

I was very excited when I realized that the Plumeria was going to bloom. She is not in full bloom just yet, but it has been interesting to watch. It has been nearly a month since I saw the first hint of a bloom.

She has grown so much you can now make out that there are going to be three new branches. I am not sure if the actual flower bud stalk will turn into a branch or not. If it does, it will have four branches.


If this Bird of Paradise is getting ready to bloom, I will have to get out and do a cartwheel in the yard. I won't get to excited just yet, I don't want to jinx it. But I do have a hunch that she is getting ready to bloom. If you look at the tall spike on the left side of the plant.

It is unlike any other stalk on the plant.

Another angle of the spike.

I was trying to give you an idea of how big the spike really is. Too bad I did not capture the top of the spike in this photo. lol

The Bee Balm is really having a great showing this year.

I am happy the deer do not have this on their menu.

I love this lily. And yes, that little critter had to get right after this photo was taken.

It was so windy on this day, I did not think I would ever get this photo taken.

I have to check my garden diary to find out exactly what these little beauties are called.

This Hosta sent out a lot of blooms, and the bees are having a field day.

These blooms are about 11 inches wide. Hello gorgeous!!!

What color would you call this? I am not sure if the photos give her justice. IMO she is very delicate and subtle, but on a grand scale. If that makes any sense.

Entry into the secret gardens

I took a couple of photos of the arbor, and views from under the arbor.

Busted

OMG have you no shame.

I can't believe he is not even trying to eat the foliage under the cover of darkness. lol Thank goodness he is not in my flowers, rather he is in the neighbors yard.

The moment he realized he was being watched. He is not very afraid of people. I think he must know I would not hurt him, rather make a fool of myself trying to scare him. lmao

Yes I am taking your picture.

I guess he has had enough.

Now he is just waiting for me to get the hell out of the yard. I know he will be back.

Bamboo idea hmmm

I had an idea of how to hide the back door, on the wedding day. I had a brilliant idea, of course, and it is in the ghetto budget. Its free. Now lets see if I can make it happen and not look ghetto. Maybe just a touch. lol Anyhow, I first had to cut down the bamboo.

Now picture some flowing fabric hanging from the bamboo.

With a little trimming and possibly, dyeing of the string, it should be ready to roll. I am also debating on a little something something for the top. More about that later. It looks a little lopsided in the photo. Its just the way I was holding the camera.

Wedding prep

I can't recall if I have mentioned the wedding we are hosting or not. It's late and I am tired. If I haven't, we are hosting a wedding in our back yard for Honey's sister and my cousin. Sounds twisted, right. lol If I have already mentioned it, oops. Anyhow, I will be posting pics for our phoenix family that are not able to be here to watch it all happen. Mainly the mother of the bride. So these are for you Helene. Hope you enjoy.

My very first table skirt. I am as proud as punch.

This candlestick will be part of the decor for the wedding. Here is the before.

Here is the after.

And here is the group. Imagine her holding that big bouquet and the set sitting behind the buffet table. Also try to imagine the set sitting on something that does not also need painted.

I only posted this photo so you could see the color. In all the other photos the flowers look blue, and they are purple. Very purple.

And yes, our house looks as if it has thrown up a wedding. What do you do?

This set will be the centerpieces for the four dinner tables. One large container in the center and two small bouquets flanking both side.

June updates and surprises

The Cleome's are starting to bloom. They just keep surprising me. If you recall, I was surprised that the came back. I am not surprised that they are blooming, rather that some of them are only 6 inches tall and blooming.

Revisiting some of the plants that I felt were worthy of an appearance on the blog. Along with some random photos from the gardens.

The Purple Queen is starting to live up to her name.

I was checking out all the roots that are growing out of the pots, when I saw this little guy amongst the roots.

I still have no clue what this plant is, but she is impressive. IMO

The tip of the purple moon flower. I hope she is in full bloom for the wedding.

Here is the moon flower when the blooms are not opened.

This is my little Lowe's Clearance Mandevillea. They don't have to be pretty when you buy them, just cheap. With the right amount of attention and patience, they will come into their own.

Our Variegated Hydrangea is having a beautiful bloom. I have not seen her bloom before. I am thinking that maybe last year she tried, but with no success.

Here are a few photos taken from the Serenity gardens.

The Woodlands.

Imagine this Clematis covered in white. And hopefully this next spring the Wisteria will bloom.

The Lanai Garden.


The Lanai Patio.

Update. She is definitely going to bloom. Red Plumeria.

One of my new favorite Day Lilies. She is very delicate. Mostly white with a tinge of yellow and rounded out with some Chartreuse.

My other favorite Day Lily. This year anyway. I do not remember her looking so vibrant.

And what else can you say about this beauty.

I was going to move her last year, if you recall. Well here she is sitting in the same damn spot as last season. Maybe she will get her moving panties on this year. Unless I forget again.

Another Lowe's clearance plant. This is the only Hibiscus I have that blooms in this fashion.
Love it.
I could not be more happy with the Bee Balm this season. I have this planted all of the yard, and she is dazzling everywhere. I will say she is not attracting the Hummingbirds like she has in the past.