The Sage Butterfly

My Garden Notebook - March 2012

2012-03-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

It is March 1, and I am documenting the developments in my garden every month on the first of the month.

I have spent a lot of time lamenting the non-winter we have had, even beseeching Old Man Winter with a letter. Although there are officially a few weeks left in winter, I do not think I would welcome Old Man Winter after March 15. With the advent of blooms and sprouts, my garden is whispering a call to behold the display regardless of time and to tend to its needs.

I will miss not having a true winter this year. If the weather had been more consistent with temperatures only varying 20 or so degrees, it would have been easier to embrace the early spring. However, the temperatures seemed to be unpredictable, and I was unable to feel settled on any one particular seasonal path.

It is odd to me now as I think back on those days when I loathed winter that I am now yearning for that encapsulation and that solitude that winter often provides. I had relaxed into it, embraced it, looked forward to it. It is a season that offered me and the garden rest and replenishment. This year, that season did not arrive. I am left to wonder why and if I and the garden will fare well as the year progresses without having our winter. And yet, I know, that everything happens for a reason even if I may not understand what that reason is.

Stats

Gardening Zone: 7a
January High Temperature: 100 degrees F
January Low Temperature: 18 degrees F

Precipitation: 3.73 inches

Wildlife

I participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count earlier in February. What birds did you see in the garden? These are my counts:

Turkey Vulture - 3
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 2
Mourning Dove - 5
Great Horned Owl - 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1
Downy Woodpecker - 1
Pileated Woodpecker - 2
Blue Jay - 4
Carolina Chickadee - 2
Tufted Titmouse - 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 2
Carolina Wren - 5
American Robin - 2
Northern Mockingbird - 1
Song Sparrow - 1
Dark-eyed Junco - 7
Northern Cardinal - 2
Common Grackle - 5
House Finch - 5
American Goldfinch - 11
House Sparrow - 3

American Goldfinches

I sat out in the early morning when many of the birds are active.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

I finally was able to get a glimpse of the owls, but they were too far away and moved too quickly for me to get some photos. I have seen two Pileated Woodpeckers in the woods beyond our property, and I have not been able to get a photo of them...yet.

Blooms, Sprouts, Yield

Most of my daffodils are blooming throughout the garden beds. A few buds remain to keep the blooms going for a while.

The blackberry lilies (Belamcanda chinensis) have come through the soil. This is my first experience with blackberry lilies. The seeds were given to me by a fellow Master Gardener. I will be watching these with curiosity and wonder to see how they behave throughout the growing season.

The hydrangeas continue budding despite some of the cold temperatures at night. And the hellebore are blooming.

Other plants in the garden have heard the call of spring and have begun their spring growth.

Gelsemium sempervirens - Carolina Jasmine

Cornus florida - Pink Dogwood

Knock-out Rose

Yarrow

There is a lot of budding and plants breaking through the soil. The long view does not show all that activity. I see the daffodil buds...

The sedum ground cover is transitioning to green from brown in some areas of this bed.

The vegetable garden continues to yield cold weather crops in these milder temperatures. I set out the tarps to dry from the morning dew during the day after covering the vegetables on cold nights.

I found these roasting pans with clear covers in a store clearance bin.

They are perfect for indoor seed starting. I planted some snowpeas, and they have sprouted.

I open the cover in the morning and spray the soil or the seedlings with water, and place the cover over them at night to keep the warmth inside--as a mini-greenhouse.

The broccoli has begun to flower because of the warm temperatures. I snipped these heads for harvesting. They are still good to eat. I have cauliflower and cabbage heads developing in the garden.

These took a bit longer to develop than the broccoli, but I am thrilled to see them. We are still eating lettuce, kale, napa cabbage, and mustard greens.

Completed Garden Chores

Pruned Raspberry Bush
Sowed snowpea seeds (variety: Avalanche) indoors

Garden Chores for March

Trim liriope
Test soil

Weed garden beds
Spread lime
Spread compost

Observations

I have seen more signs of vole activity near the birdfeeders, and I have been diligently working to prevent them from damaging any young trees. I stuffed the entrance holes with small sharp granite chips and castor oil pellets. It has been two weeks since I did this and things seem to be improving. There has been no new activity or any activity in the existing holes. Later, I will clean this up and cover the area with soil, keeping the granite chips in the holes. Besides deterring the voles, it improves drainage on the slope.

Product Reviews

I bought these two squirrel-proof feeders early this year, and they are not completely squirrel-proof. The squirrels often visit this one (Metal Haven Bird Feeder) in the mornings or evenings attempting to nibble as much from the tray as possible. Although they do not really eat very much, they have knocked it down a few times. Luckily, the top is very secure and food does not escape, but food does escape from the feeding holes when it falls.

And this feeder (Vista Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder) has a pressure sensitive perch, but they find a way around that by gripping the side hardware. They have also knocked this one off of the branch a couple of times which empties it of all the food.

Here, a squirrel is waiting and looking before he jumps...

and the jump...

These crafty critters are incredibly intelligent, and although their intelligence can be frustrating at times, I am often brought to laughter. I may need to invest in a squirrel-proof pole to keep them from the feeders altogether.

What is in your Garden Notebook for March?

I will be linking this post to the following blogs:

Angela from Bumble Lush hosts Best and Worst of My Garden. This month my birdfeeder problems as well as the strange garden weather offer my worst, and for me, the budding and blooming hellebore and daffodils offer my best. Visit her to see what other gardeners offer as their best and worst in the garden this month.

Helen of The Patient Gardener hosts End of Month View. This monthly meme is where garden bloggers share their garden views for the end of the month.

Also, Town Mouse Country Mouse hosts First Views. This monthly meme offers an opportunity for garden bloggers to share their garden first views for the month.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Earth Day Celebration Coming in April

I am planning to have the second annual Earth Day Reading Project blog meme to celebrate Earth Day 2012 beginning on April 1. The Earth Day Reading Project is a month long blog meme where bloggers are asked to share what books inspired them to live more sustainably and post it to the meme. Because there are some bloggers who participated last year and already shared what books inspired them to live more sustainably, I will add another category that will allow them to continue to participate. I will be doing things a bit differently this year to make it easier to participate and refer back to the books mentioned in the meme. All the books from last year's Earth Day Reading Project are listed here.

Wing Flair

2012-02-27T09:51:00.003-05:00

A Letter to Old Man Winter - Time of Vicissitude - W4W

2012-02-22T09:45:00.001-05:00

This winter has been a time of ups and downs and flip-flops--a time of fluctuation.

One day we have 60 degree (F) weather, and the next we have an ice storm--a time of unpredictability.

For a few days, my garden seems dormant and at rest, and then it seems as if it is preparing for an early spring--a time of constant change. I am joining Donna at Garden Walk Garden Talk for Word 4 Wednesday, Time.

I have found myself disappointed at times that this winter has not been a winter of shivering weather and snow-covered landscapes. And so, I thought I would send a letter to The One.

A letter to Old Man Winter--

Dear Mr. Winter,

Oh Illustrious One who paints a palette of white and gray and delights many with rest and repose, I write you a letter to make a humble request.

Before I make my request, I would like to ask, Your Silver Majesty, if you are doing well? Have you partaken of enough sustenance and pause to be your robust and charismatic self? We all know you as an old and wise seer of all things seasonally cold and frosty. Are you well, Oh Alabaster Prophet? I only ask out of concern for your well-being.

I ask about your health, Oh Pearly Sage, because it seems as if your energies have been focused on only a few areas this winter instead of the entire northern hemisphere. We often look forward to your visits, gracing us with sparkly reflections of snow and frigid days that bring us closer to the fireplace. Your presence captivates us with enchanted forests, offers a haven with small makeshift igloos for garden plants, and provides us all, garden and gardener, with a much needed respite. Are you strong enough to come for a visit? Or was it that you were merely awaiting an invitation?

Oh Fair and Frosty King of the Crystal Palace, I hereby formally request the honor of your presence to our Winter Ball. All the preparations have been made as we have been patiently waiting for your appearance. Please come and bring your alchemistic wand to layer us with a cloak of delicate snowflakes that shimmers like nacre and captivates us with scenes of otherworldly beauty. We welcome you with open arms and anticipate your arrival.

Your humble servant,

The Sage Butterfly Gardener

I am joining Holly at Your Gardening Friend for Friday's Photo Blog Hop.

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

An Outdoor Oasis - Garden Book Review

2012-02-20T17:22:00.000-05:00

For many years, I have dreamed of an outdoor oasis--a place to go to rest, be still, observe nature, and enjoy good company. Over the years, we have slowly created elements to complement that vision.

Although we entertain in our backyard, it has always been a private place. I have always felt that I develop the garden in the front of the house not only with us in mind but others as well. However, the back garden has been created as a place for repose and relaxation.

To get ideas for creating an oasis, I read books to give me ideas. One of the books I have read that has helped me develop special spots in the garden is Country Living Outdoor Spaces.

=========================================
Title: Country Living Outdoor Spaces (Easy Transformations series)

Authors: Elizabeth S. Hamilton

Published in 2006 by Hearst Communications
=========================================

This book is organized in sections, such as Patios and Decks, Porches, and Paths and Destinations with a plethora of photographs to visualize the ideas presented. In the Freestanding Structures section, garden structures are defined and illustrated.

What I like most about this book besides the many photographs is the examples are simple and achievable. Not one of the ideas is so complex and elaborate that it could not be duplicated.

I found Country Living Outdoor Spaces on Amazon if you want to read some of the reviews.

I am joining Holley at Roses and Other Gardening Joys for this month's Garden Book Reviews. Stop by her blog to see what other gardeners are reading.

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

Brush Piles Are For the Birds

2012-02-15T21:51:00.000-05:00

In the spring and summer, we prune a lot of our trees and shrubs and throw the brush in a pile. It can be unsightly, but I know wildlife, such as birds and rabbits, use brush piles for shelter. Last year, we had a hurricane and some severe tropical storms that felled some trees and scattered branches around the yard. All of this went in the brush pile. This winter I see the Dark-eyed Juncos cavorting on and around this brush pile. In the photo below the brush pile is just beyond these young trees below the arrow.

The brush pile from another angle...

There are many cubbyholes and hiding places within this brush pile for small birds and other animals to find shelter from bad weather or predators.

It is easy to feel as if the brush pile needs to be cleared away or mulched down. We usually do not break down these piles--letting nature take its course. However, we do, from time to time, flatten them out a bit so as not to alter our view. If I see a lot of activity near and around a brush pile, I will leave it alone. Branches and debris I may need for the compost pile can be found elsewhere.

Many fledgling birds use brush piles to test their wings.

How to Build a Brush Pile

1. Layer tree branches, shrub cuttings, and garden debris in a pile. A freeform grid pattern adds stability.
2. Christmas evergreen trees are a great addition to the brush pile, offering camouflage and shelter.
3. Any size of pile will shelter birds and other wildlife, but bigger is better, if possible.
4. If you locate the brush pile near your vegetable garden or flower garden, the birds will be close enough to assist in ridding your garden of insect pests.
5. Plant climbing annuals, such as morning glories or cypress vine, to camouflage your brush pile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remember the Great Backyard Bird Count February 17 - 20. On the site, there is an instructional video and a tally sheet for birds that may be seen in your area at this time of year. This bird count is only for residents of the USA and Canada.

The Garden Bird Survey in Ireland took place last November. The Big Garden Birdwatch in Great Britain and the Hour for Winter Birds in Germany took place at the end of January.

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

Roses for Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T08:56:00.000-05:00

Roses for Valentine's Day.

The petal maze of a rose seems unending, spiraling into infinity.

Hues of magenta wrap around a rosebud to encapsulate a magical surprise...

A blush of pink unfolds a sense of mystery.

And when all is revealed, an enigma remains.

Life is the flower for which love is the honey. --Victor Hugo

Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day? History of Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Your Gardening Friend features Friday's Photo Blog Hop on Fridays. See what other bloggers are photographing.

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

Gratitude

2012-02-11T13:13:00.000-05:00

In the last 20 years, it has been very important to me to try, when I am able, to see the good in the world and people. I find when I look for that I usually find it. One of the ways I try to see the good is to try to appreciate and acknowledge gifts-- great and small, tangible and intangible. Sometimes a smile, a hug, or my husband's jokes are the biggest gifts I can ever receive. I have discovered when I take the time to be grateful and truly acknowledge the receipt of these gifts, I feel my life is full and joyful. I am able to see the blessing that we call life and live it to the fullest.

Although I look for the good, I am not blind to much of the tragedy and horror that exists in the world. I have not escaped some of this as many of us have not, but, for me, the important thing is to take the lessons learned from those events and, when I am ready, move on and get back on the road to seeing the good. So, today I welcome the opportunity to thank those who have recently nominated The Sage Butterfly for some awards. Thank you for thinking of The Sage Butterfly when you decided to nominate bloggers for these awards. I am honored and humbled, and I appreciate it very much.

Malar from My Little Garden extended the Liebster Blog award to The Sage Butterfly. Malar writes about gardening in Malaysia. Her blog posts include, The Beauty in Bitter Gourd, Lady's Finger, and Sunflower - Collecting Seeds.

My mother is German, and I was born in Germany, so I like the name of this award which means Favorite Blog.

The rules in accepting the Liebster Blog award are:

1. Copy and paste the Liebster Blog award on your blog.
2. Thank the bestower and link back to them.
3. Select five blogs with less than 200 followers (I can't always tell) and list them with a link to their blogs. Visit their blog and write a comment telling them you have nominated them for the Liebster Blog award.

The five blogs I have selected are:

Fourth Generation Farm Wife is a blog about gardening and living on a farm with chickens, a vegetable garden, and an herb garden.
Visit My Garden is a blog about gardening successes, failures, and visits to other gardens.
Rake and Spade is a blog about gardening in India. She has a terrace garden and plants tropical plants from seed and cuttings.
My Garden Haven has wonderful photographs of tropical plants and landscapes as well as visits to other gardens around the world.
Rainyleaf is a blog written by a Certified Professional Horticulturist. She writes about caring for specific plants, garden visits, and native plants.

Loretta at The Heart of a Home Keeper nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award.

Her blog covers subjects, such as Maintain Your Soils Nutrition, The Stocked Kitchen, and Sugar Shaping. It is a joy to read how she manages to garden, cook, and keep a home in her very own particular way.

Although I have already been nominated for this award, I am grateful, nonetheless. Thank you, again, Loretta.

Happy blogging and happy gardening and happy living!

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

Unruly Raspberries

2012-02-07T10:31:00.000-05:00

I am pruning my raspberries today. They tend to get a bit unruly and spread. Mine are very young, but they still need some pruning.

This photo was taken in the fall.

To prune raspberries, prune away the fruiting stalks (that fruited this past year) and prune away the stalks that are spreading out further than about one and a half to two feet.

I happened upon a video that explains how to prune them. It is really helpful and helped to refresh my memory. I shared it on my Facebook (The Sage Butterfly) page...and also on my Google+ page. (Michelle Potter)
I am off with pruners in hand...
© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

My Garden Notebook - February 2012

2012-02-01T00:04:00.001-05:00

This month, I begin to document my garden here--projects, plans, inspirations, garden activities, etc. I will be posting My Garden Notebook on the first of every month. I will look back on the previous month and look forward to the coming month, recording weather conditions, garden phases, project plans, and other important elements of my gardening month.

stats

Gardening Zone: 7a
January High Temperature: 70 degrees F
January Low Temperature: 19 degreesF
Precipitation: 1.86 inches

We had a few dustings of snow that melted very quickly. Some ice storms covered the landscape in crystal magic over a period of a few days in late January.

wildlife

The birds are eating voraciously. I must fill the feeders about twice a week. Squirrels have been raiding the feeders, but they do not seem to steal very much since the feeders are 'squirrel-proof.' They do, however, get a few tidbits.

American goldfinch

I hear a great horned owl hooting at dawn and dusk, but I have not been able to catch sight of him or her or the pair. I would love to get a photo.

photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Digital Library

The owl hooting:

Great Horned Owl Hoot

I still was not able to see the owl or owls. I believe they are further inside the wooded area than their calls seem to project.

Your Gardening Friend features Friday's Photo Blog Hop on Fridays. See what other bloggers are photographing.

blooms, sprouts, yield, observations

Because of the mild winter we have had, some of my daffodils are budding and one has bloomed. This is very unusual. I do not usually see this until March.

All of the hydrangea shrubs are budding. I was very concerned about this when we had the ice storms, but they seem to have taken it well.

The maple trees are budding.

My African violets are blooming indoors.

I noticed a few molehills, proof of mole activity, around my juniper skyrockets. I stepped on and crushed as many as I could find to stop any voles from using the tunnels.

I found some vole activity near the birdfeeders. I sprinkled castor oil pellets around this area.

Something has been nibbling on my ice plant. I am guessing it was a rabbit, but I think the plant will survive.

I have broccoli, kale, lettuce, chard, mustard greens, green cabbage, and napa cabbage in the vegetable garden. The vegetables have flourished in this mild winter weather. On nights when it goes below freezing, I cover all the vegetable beds with tarps. If it goes below 21 degrees F, I cover the tarps with blankets. This has worked very well.

I had planned to continue this practice until the weather became consistently colder, then I would harvest all the vegetables. However, the colder weather has not arrived on a consistent basis, and if this weather continues, these vegetables may last until spring.

I harvest the lettuce as I need it for salads.

The broccoli has been doing very well with the warmer temperatures. In November the heads were very small, and I thought that would be as big as they would get as we neared winter. Because of the warmer winter temperatures, the heads have had a chance to expand and mature.

I use the napa cabbage in soups and harvest the heads as I need them. I harvested one this week, and I have four more in the garden.

I use chard, kale, and mustard greens in soups and salads and harvest the leaves as I need them.

I use parsley in soups, salads, meat and vegetable dishes, and in teas. Despite the ice storms, it is going strong. I have some in the herb garden, in the vegetable garden, and in pots on the deck for easy harvesting. A friend of mine gave me a gift of some herb snips, and they work perfectly to mince parsley.

I planted this creeping thyme last year to cascade over a wall, and it is doing very well. I watered it consistently throughout the growing season, but I had left it to winter over the last couple of months. I have found these to be very delicate and have lost some plants over the years, but these seem to be settling in very well. I believe this is woolly creeping thyme, Thymus pseudolanuginosus. The winter color is a very muted greenish gray.

completed garden chores

✔ clear away plant debris
✔ trim buddleia
✔ prune blue atlas cedar

Because we had such a mild fall and winter, I did not clear away much of the perennial plant debris as it remained green. Now, everything has faded to brown. I cleaned all the garden beds of debris and faded foliage.

Many years ago, I would leave all of this debris with the leaves until spring to add another layer of mulch around the plants, but when I moved here I began to have vole problems. And voles prefer plant debris and leaves as a shelter while they sneak around beneath it to find and nibble on plant roots. Since I have been removing the plant debris and leaves in fall, I have had fewer problems with voles. I use other methods of control as well, but that is another post.

garden chores for February

* plant spring vegetable seeds - indoors
* prune raspberry bush

products

These are some of my favorite seed catalogs.

Seeds of Change

John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds

The Cook's Garden

Prairie Moon Nursery Native Gardener's Companion

Territorial Seed Company

Pinetree Garden Seeds

inspirations

My inspirations are winter color, texture, and scenes. I am hoping we do get a bit of snow before winter departs, but I am enjoying exploring whatever Mother Nature brings.

What is in your Garden Notebook for February?

I am linking up with:

The Patient Gardener for End of Month View
Town Mouse Country Mouse for First Views
Bumble Lush for Best and Worst of My Garden
The Gardening Blog for Garden Bloggers Harvest Day

Stop by their blogs to see what other gardeners are doing.

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

In the Timber Grove

2012-01-31T18:29:00.000-05:00

In winter, the bones of the landscape are more visible, prominently displayed in lieu of bright blooms and lush foliage. Textures and dark hues dazzle the forest, and what is hidden in other seasons is more conspicuous.

The harborages, dens, burrows of the inhabitants of the wood are there in the tree trunk and the forest floor. What could be finding home here in a tree?

Or snuggled up inside this log, veiled by leaves, moss, and forest debris?

A few years ago, a fox used this den and raised some kits. No foxes have been here since. Is it abandoned or has a groundhog taken up residence?

Some of the dying branches relinquish their bark as if to release the latches on an old cage door.

The elders here stand tall and proud, displaying their deeply grooved wrinkles as an emblem of honor and endurance.

And others stand tall in the light of the sun, their mass beguiled and broken by age, rain, and wind.

The youth of a tree at the edge of the wood opens its jacket to embrace the elements.

Its layered veneer curling and peeling to reveal the smooth and soft heart of innocence.

As the end of the day nears and the sun flashes its last ray, the reflections of elegance in Timber Grove softly bid good night.

I will be joining This Grandmother's Garden for Walk in the Garden.

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

Awards and Such...

2012-01-28T12:28:00.000-05:00

I have been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Virginia at Tangent Gardening. Thank you, Virginia, I am honored to receive this award. I am grateful that there are people like you that find value in what I have to offer. My quest through The Sage Butterfly is to explore, discover, and chronicle my garden and nature. If I inspire or give joy in any way, I am honored and feel inspired to continue on my quest for creative reflection.

Over the last year or so, I had seen this award and the nominations on several blogs, but I never really knew the history or much about it. So, I decided to do research.

I found a Versatile Blogger Award site that explains the rules and displays the button for adding to your blog. However, I could not find the history or origin of this award. It seems as if it is something that has been floating around the blogosphere for quite some time. Regardless of its origin, I think it is a great way to reward us bloggers for all our hard work. Thank you, again, Virginia.

Rules

Write a post thanking the person who nominated you and include a link to their blog.
Include the Versatile Blogger Award.
Select 15 blogs/bloggers that you have recently discovered or follow regularly and nominate them for the award. Include a link to their site.
Inform each of the bloggers that they have been nominated by posting a comment on each of their blogs.
Include these rules in the post.
In the post, include seven things about yourself.

Versatile Blogger Award Nominees

Blogging in Myrtle Glen - Evelyn gardens in Florida and blogs about gardening and wildlife. One of her features is, Interesting, where she makes short observations about various things.

Gardens Inspired - Debra is a gardener and landscaper who lives in Michigan. One of my favorite series was her Butterfly Gardening A-Z.

Tropical Texana - David gardens in Texas, and his blog reflects a knowledge and humor that is a joy to read.

Tales From My Garden - Rosemary, from Montreal, QC, Canada, often pairs beautiful garden or nature photos with lovely prose or quotes.

Eden's Container - Tracy provides helpful information on container gardening. Examples of her articles include, Theme Containers - Plant a Pizza Garden and How to Make Your Own Garden Gazing Ball.

Foxglove Lane - She provides a respite, if you will, on her blog which captures the soul of nature.

The Potager Page - Malinda gardens in the Pacific Northwest. She captures photos of wildlife and muses about her garden. One of my favorites is The Hen House Diaries.

Signature Gardens - Toni gardens in Texas and covers various subjects that pertain to gardening in the west, such as Blooms Among Foliage and A Colorful Conclusion.

Garden At Nina Place - She writes about her gardening adventures and also has accompanying cooking blogs to use some of those vegetables she grows in her garden.

Aquascape Your Landscape - Jennifer presents numerous ideas and photos on adding ponds and water features to your garden.

Grafixmuse's Garden Spot - She uses her expertise in graphics design to create garden designs. I like how she uses graphic plans to illustrate her garden plans.

Rock-Oak-Deer - Shirley Fox gardens in San Antonio, Texas and shares lots of information about gardening in Texas soil and heat. One of her most recent posts is Propagation Class.

Nadezda's Northern Garden - Nadezda, from St. Petersburg, has some of the most beautiful winter shots of snow.

My Mimico Maison - Donald gardens in Canada. He shares his gardening adventures and travels. Examples of his posts include Dunrobin Castle Gardens and What Happens When You Don't Really Have a Plan?

Wellywoman - She gardens in Great Britain and writes about Sweet Pea Sowing and Carpets of Snowdrops.

Seven Things About Me

1. I enjoy crocheting, knitting, and quilting.
2. I write poetry...and technical publications.
3. I am a U.S. Army veteran and was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal.
4. I once tried to live a vegetarian lifestyle for about four years but discovered it was not for me.
5. My favorite color is green.
6. One of my favorite movies is Enchanted April.

7. One of my favorite musical performers is Nina Simone.

There are so many great blogs out there, and I just want to say how much I appreciate all of them. You inspire, inform, and educate so many, and I, for one, am extremely grateful. You all deserve much praise and support for your hard work, and whatever support you have sent my way, I deeply appreciate it. Happy blogging!

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

W4W - Reflection in a Crystal Palace

2012-01-24T20:46:00.000-05:00

Over the last few days, we have had several ice storms that covered trees, shrubs, lawn, and garden beds with a cloak of crystalline shimmering magic. When I walk outside, the ice-covered surroundings make me feel as if I have entered a crystal palace.

Light reflects off of every surface, and the ice glistens and sparkles like everything has been polished and shined.

The branches glisten even in the gray smoke of fog, melting just enough to create soft and slippery thorns.

Donna at Garden Walk Garden Talk is hosting Word for Wednesday with the word, reflection.

Reflection - the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected; something reflected or mirrored

Light is reflected in various ways through the ice. The pearly incandescence of fog buffs a muted reflection.

Encased in the ice are delicate buds, branches, and leaf tips that sometimes reflect the light to duplicate or blur reality.

I wish I were small enough to step inside these crystal beads to see what is inside--a drop of glory or the tip of a leaf or cracked silver.

With the blackness of light, the street lamps travel through the ice of the crystal palace to glimmer evermore.

Alas, evermore has faded into liquid glaze. The rain has come today and washed the crystal palace away. Although I am glad the frozen glass has finally melted away from the garden, I will miss the magic and mystery of crystal reflections.

To see more interpretations of the word, reflection, visit Garden Walk Garden Talk.
© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

Wintertide Foliage - GBFD

2012-01-21T15:35:00.000-05:00

I did not expect to find as much foliage as I did in the midst of winter, but there were some interesting finds.

Winter's foliage in photographs...

Because of the mild winter we have been having, so far, some plants have begun to bud.

I have been covering the vegetables in the vegetable garden on nights that fall below freezing. They are lasting longer than usual.

We have not had a lot of snow...just a bit...

And we had an ice storm recently...glistening, glassy, glitter...

I am joining Christina at Creating My Own Garden of the Hesperides for Garden Bloggers Foliage Day.

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

An Herbal Adventure - Garden Book Review

2012-01-19T23:22:00.000-05:00

Since one of my new year's resolutions is to foster good health, I have been reading some herbal books that I have on the shelf. One book, in particular, is a book I have had for many years. It is an illustrated guide to herbs that includes herbal gardening and cooking but also includes medicinal uses for herbs as well as some beauty treatments, such as facial masks. I refer to it often for one or more of these purposes.

=========================================
Title: The Herb Book

Authors: Arabella Boxer & Philippa Back

Published in 1985 by Peerage Books (This book was first published in Great Britain in 1980 by Octopus Books Limited.)
=========================================

There are many reasons I find this book so helpful and informative. Having the illustrations and photographs of herbs has helped me over the years identify herbs with which I may not have been familiar. The authors break down the herbs into sections with detailed information about each. For instance, they list the botanical family and name of each herb.

A section, The Herb Garden, details various ways of planting herbs from a rock garden to a strawberry jar to planting herbs in troughs on a balcony. Herbs for a kitchen garden or a medicinal garden are listed. The book offers step-by-step instructions for preparing the site for the herb garden and planting from seed or purchased plants. On page 34, this book describes methods of harvesting and preserving herbs.

Horehound and coltsfoot teas were very helpful during my bout with bronchitis. In the medicinal section, these herbs are mentioned as helpful for coughs on page 62. Teas and infusion recipes are given for various ailments.

The recipes are delicious and specifically offer cooking ideas for various herbs--some of which I may have not considered in dishes. Recipes are near the end of the book that include sauces, soups, drinks, and meat and fish dishes. Measurements are given in metric and American measurements. One of my favorites is basil oil.

Basil Oil (from The Herb Book)

1/4 cup chopped basil
2 cups olive oil

Pound the basil briefly in a mortar. Add a little of the oil and pound again. Mix with the rest of the oil and pour into a wide-mouthed bottle. Seal tightly. Keep for 2 weeks before using, shaking every 2 or 3 days. Do not strain. This is a useful way of preserving the fresh basil flavour, especially for those who do not use much vinegar. It is good in salad dressings, or for adding to pizzas just before baking.

This is an old book and may not be found easily. However, I found an updated used version available for sale through Amazon.

I am joining Roses and Other Gardening Joys for this month's Garden Book Review.

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

A Year of Enchanted Discovery - A Birthday!

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Sage Butterfly is one year old today. I have learned much in this year through trial and error, through experimentation, and through other bloggers. It has been an interesting and fulfilling experience to express my affection for nature by writing about my garden, animals I encounter, and other discoveries or reflections.

I like having my garden documented through the blog and having a way to express even the smallest observations.

When I decided to write a blog last year, my intention was to share all the knowledge I had about environmental concerns, ideas, and acts--to inform and inspire. However, I soon realized that blogging is not like article writing where the goal is to, at least, inform. Blogging is more than that. Blogging is an evolution, a discovery, a shared experience. It can be informative, inspirational, confessional, reflective, creative, and demonstrative. And there are no rules. One's blog can be anything and everything one desires. So, I began fluttering my wings and expanding that initial intention to allow The Sage Butterfly to become whatever it wanted to become. I cannot really say what that is because this blog is still evolving, and I really do not want it to fit narrow definition. Nature, however, will always remain a theme.

The name, The Sage Butterfly, reflects the wisdom and beauty of nature. A butterfly is the chosen symbol but is only one way to represent these attributes. The beauty of a butterfly is contained in its color, its shape, and its very delicate and gentle qualities. Nature, in all her living things and beings, saunters through the seasons with the same beauty and delicacy, never wavering from the intended objective of progressing through the cycles and producing for the planet. The knowledge and wisdom of all nature is boundless and beyond measure. If I, as a mere writer and lover of nature, can reflect only a fraction of the vast grace, elegance, and sagacity of this Great Mother, Earth, then I welcome the gift of doing so.

I look forward to another year of blogging, exploring, and learning. Here is to nature and all the acumen of simplicity in its wake. I am honored to be here observing the gentle and quiet daily movements of the natural world.

And here's to another year of creative discovery and expression. Thank you all for your support!

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

Stillness

2012-01-13T14:41:00.001-05:00

Winter, in its dormancy, has a stillness that permeates through the echoes between the branches. Many trees do not have the vibrancy of their leaves, and much of the perennial landscape has abandoned life above the soil and gone into a still and gentle hibernation. Some species of animals take this time to hibernate in warmer dens--their voices silent--not to be seen or heard until spring. Nature's vivid colors are absent, and the gray and brown hues have a restful quality about them.

In winter, I am able to find stillness more than in any other time of the year. In the spring, I am active with preparing the garden for the growing season. Summer is filled with maintaining the growing plants. And autumn is a time when things slow down, but there is lots to do to clean up and prepare for winter. At this time of year, the garden is resting, sleeping, still, and I find myself moving a bit more slowly and having more breathing space in between tasks.

If water derives lucidity from stillness, how much more the faculties of the mind! The mind of the sage, being in repose, becomes the mirror of the universe, the speculum of all creation. - Chuang Tzu

In Traditional Chinese medicine, the Chinese believe that for optimal health we humans should live in harmony with nature. The seasons guide us by dictating where we should focus our energies. Winter is a time of rest and replenishment, a time to conserve our energy so we may have more vitality once the activities of spring begin. It is a time of reflection and introspection.

As stillness is one of the words I have chosen to guide me through this new year of 2012, I am content to find stillness in this cold and windy winter and carry it through to spring, summer, and fall. To find those moments during the mass of deadlines, the prattle of mind chatter, and the bustle of chores as the year steps into spring is a welcome challenge. I hope to stop my clock periodically and sit abidingly in the stillness to remind me of its cherished value.

Many years ago, winter was my least favorite season. The gray cloudy and cold days could bring me to the brink of depression. Colors were dull, and the forest seemed lifeless. The days seemed to linger and never move to the next. The holidays were over, and it seemed there was nothing for me to look forward to until spring when the gold of daffodils and the lively colors of tulips adorned the landscape. Over time, I found the wisdom and value in bringing my attention to rest and replenishment. Now, I welcome it. Winter seems to be a season when there is more of an expanse of time. I have eventually found the magic in settling in stillness.

Nature consistently and calmly demonstrates its wisdom by simply following its age-old rhythm. No matter what happens, winter comes, rest comes--and the stillness predominates.

When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean
And billows wild contend with angry roar,
'Tis said, far down beneath the wild commotion
That peaceful stillness reigneth evermore.
-- Harriet Beecher Stowe

I am linking up with Holly at Your Gardening Friend for Friday's Photo Blog Hop.

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

Snow Splash!

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Visit Wordless Wednesday for more photos.

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

New Year Promise

2012-01-04T12:15:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! The Sage Butterfly has a new look. When I returned from my blog-cation, I noticed that my blog had suffered from some sort of technical misalignment. The blog appeared fine if viewed on Google Chrome, but the misalignment appeared if viewed in IE or Firefox. I looked at the HTML code but could not identify any problem. Reading some of the Blogger forums, I found that others were having a similar problem.

Months ago, I had planned to unveil a new look to The Sage Butterfly, perhaps at the one year blog birthday this year, but having no other options to correct the problem I decided to go ahead and change to the new look. I may be tweaking it here and there for a while until I settle into a new look for 2012. Enjoy!

A new year always holds such promise. We are allowed to start over in every or any area of our lives. I like new starts. I think I like them because they offer a wiped canvas to start fresh, to begin new projects, to improve on others, and to see the near future as an attainable horizon.

I am a list maker, and this is the time when I make lots of lists. Pondering the home improvement projects, the garden projects, and the personal projects is something I feel compelled to do at this time of year. The lists help me keep everything in one place instead of scattered around in my brain.

A personal goal for me in the new year is to commit to maintaining good health. This holiday season, I suffered from a severe case of bronchitis. Rest was something I had not been doing much of in 2011, and this forced me to take things a bit slowly. It was one of those cases where the illness just never seemed to go away. It dragged on for quite a while.

I am recovered and hopeful for the promise of the new year. The bloom and sparkle of a new year brings bright prospect and optimism. Words that come to mind for me as I plan for 2012 are:

Enthusiasm

Passion

Creativity

Amusement
Stillness

What words come to mind for you in 2012?
© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter

quiescence

2011-11-14T15:38:00.003-05:00

In nature, there is a time for everything.

There is a time to sprout and grow.

There is a time to flourish and flow.

There is a time to slow down.

And there is a time to rest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There is also a time of reflection...a time to reflect on all for which I am grateful. Cat at The Whimsical Gardener has created the Thanksgiving 30-day Challenge.

sunrises

mornings in the garden

beauty of blooms

surprises that make me smile

special visits

magical sights

nature walks

quiet moments

sunsets

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Like nature, I am in the midst of slowing down. Although there are a few chores left to do in the garden, there soon will be nothing left to do in the garden until spring. With the chores in the garden decreasing, the joys and festivities of the holidays will keep me very busy with family visits, cooking, baking, short holiday trips, and celebrating this special time of year. I hope to find some time to rest as well. And so with all of that, I will be taking a blog-cation until January.

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.
Ovid

Blogging has offered a very interesting time of discovery and exploration. I have met so many wonderful bloggers and gardeners. And I will miss the interaction that comes with blogging on a regular basis during these weeks until the new year.

To all the readers of The Sage Butterfly, I wish you pleasant holiday feasts and happy moments. I hope during these fun and hectic times of celebration, you will also find some time to rest.

See you in the new year of 2012!
©Michelle A. Potter

The Garden of Loral Acres

2011-11-07T15:55:00.001-05:00

In late September, I visited my mother and stepfather and took a few photos of their piece of heaven.

Long ago when my mother and stepfather moved to this piece of land, they created a name for the property that combined parts of their names, Loral Acres. Living here for over 30 years, they have made many changes from creating perennial beds and vegetable gardens to selling off pieces of the land to reduce the workload to creating new vegetable and herb gardens.

Okra blooms abound...

My mother loves flowers, and plants them all around the house.

Her Oakleaf hydrangea is very large with a plethora of blooms. Even in their dried state, they offer a lace-textured complement to the leaves.

The pyracanthas flank the side of the house with lots and lots of berries.

Ice plants are in pots and other containers.

At one point during their residence on this land, they had a very small chapel built on the property. A cypress vine climbs the side of the door.

A screened-in porch sits among the trees as a secluded place to read or nap.

The property is filled with blooms and special spots.

One evening while I was visiting, the sky gave us the most interesting and beautiful display.

Loral Acres is a very quiet and peaceful place, where no cars or trains can be heard. In the distance, there is the sound of mooing cows, crowing roosters, and singing songbirds. I can see why my mother loves this place.

©Michelle A. Potter

Autumn Amble - W4W Ephemeral

2011-11-01T16:28:00.000-04:00

I often take a walk for exercise, fresh air, and clearing the mind. In the basement is a treadmill for those rainy days, but nothing can really compare to walking outside. I take different routes to refresh my senses and to get a glimpse of various nature scenes as they grow and change through the year. It is impossible not to notice all the color at this time of year--the reds and golds and the shadowy light of the low-lying sun.

As I walk through these leaf-filled paths and under the glimmering leaves, I try to savor these images for they are temporary and soon will be gone. Here, autumn has just passed its peak. Now, the leaves will begin to fade to brown and beige and fill the forest floor. Autumn and its artistry will soon be a memory. I am joining Donna at Garden Walk Garden Talk for Word for Wednesday - Ephemeral. Autumn is an ephemeral event.

Ephemeral - brief, episodic, fleeting, transient, impermanent

Although I enjoy living in an area where the seasons cycle through the year, it is always bittersweet to see a season end. Perhaps that is the charm--the seasons leave us wanting more and so we never tire of them.

Another attribute of the seasons is they are never really the same. Each year's autumn may be cooler or warmer than the previous year's autumn-- or more or less colorful. Plants and trees change and grow and therefore are different each autumn than the previous autumn. So, much of what I may see this autumn may be very much altered next autumn.

Much of the time I walk alone so I can completely focus on what I am seeing, smelling, and hearing.

Sometimes it is nice to walk with some like-minded friend who may notice something I did not.

I realize we have weeks to go before the end of autumn, but the array of hues will not be here for long. So, I say goodbye to autumn until next year. Thank you for the exquisite display of colors, textures, and magical sunlight. Thank you for the cool breezes that feel refreshing after a hot summer. I am much obliged to you, Mother Nature, for the opportunity to experience this season of resplendence. Late autumn has its splendor as well, so I say farewell to the undeniable radiance for which autumn is most recognizable.

As I come to the end of my stroll through the pigment of autumn, I stop and relish as much of it as I can...until next year.

©Michelle A. Potter

A Stroll Through Mary's Garden

2011-10-25T20:30:00.000-04:00

A garden is unique to each gardener's personality, reflecting an air of that unexplained something from which the gardener obtains his or her ideas. Even the more natural, untended gardens have an unmatched allure. Touring other gardens is always so interesting to me. Not only do I get ideas for my own garden, but seeing someone's personality reflected in their creative decisions in the garden provides unequaled insight into the gardener as a person. And although I can appreciate almost any garden, it would be ultimately impossible for me to implement every single good idea I find. So, I pause, behold, and enjoy.

My friend, Mary, has a lovely garden. With many trees in her yard, she has numerous shaded planting beds. This offers a challenge that Mary has solved beautifully with shrubs and shade plants. Her garden is lush, full, and colorful. Some of the many alluring features of Mary's garden are:

the many ornamental garden decor items that sit perfectly in various spots around the garden

the way in which she combines plants for the most beautiful presentation

the shady areas where she has thoughtfully placed plants for interest and coverage

the planting beds and plants that only add to the charm of her garden and home

the charming touches and spots scattered here and there

the colorful and textural blooms and glimpses of wildlife

the very neat compost pile

the fig tree that produces delectable and juicy figs

the new addition, a beautiful pond

©Michelle A. Potter

Find Every Corner - GGW Photo Contest

2011-10-24T17:43:00.012-04:00

Gardening Gone Wild's October Photo Contest presents the challenge to fill the frame, to make every corner of the frame count. The fall season is such a beautiful season for photographing views of trees and autumnal color. Sunsets loom with chromatic skies, and the lower light of the sun in the forest creates interesting shadows.

The circular motion created by this photo seems to draw one in to the center.

I was lucky enough to capture this sunset recently. The skies are so fascinating later in the evening.

As the leaves turn and color the forest, they create a light all their own.

This was taken as the sun was rising over the lake in late summer.

The sky is almost just as interesting as the foliage.

Although I have noticed this scene of fall foliage for many years, I still find it beautiful.

And I selected this photo to submit to the contest because I like how the sun is part of the frame.

Take a look at the other contest entrees over at Gardening Gone Wild. I am also joining Christina at Creating My Own Garden of the Hesperides for Garden Bloggers Foliage Day.

©Michelle A. Potter

Love is not love that alters when it alteration finds*

2011-10-19T10:18:00.000-04:00

Flowers are at their best when they are at their peak. The blooms are at their most beautiful color, the petals are fresh and supple, and, if there is a fragrance, it is at its most robust. However, there is beauty in the evolution of a bloom. From the tight buds reaching up through the foliage to slowly reveal their color to the first flush of color when they first begin to open.

That first burst of color is refreshing because of the newness of all the petals. The blooms exude color and every corner is fresh and lovely.

Some blooms bring forth a clear white when they first open...

...or even a muted white...

Then, slowly, over time the petals change color.

The petals begin a slow change as that first blush of color begins to transform.

The blush of pink deepens to a true pink.

Some bloom in various colors next to one another.

The evolution continues as the white begins to fade to a very light lime green.

And then darkens to reveal a slight blush on the edge of the petals.

The blush begins to fade to beige.

Even as the blooms fade they offer beauty and interest in an almost dried cluster.

Hydrangeas have been my favorite flower/plant for a couple of years. I am mesmerized by their constant charm in all of their evolving stages. I find myself often stopping whatever I am doing and admiring their elegance, delicacy, and grace. I came to love hydrangeas later than many. It was not until I actually began to grow them in my garden a few years ago that I discovered the depth of their allure. Now, they will forever be a favorite as I watch them offer me one of the most exquisite shows in nature.

I am joining Donna at Garden Walk Garden Talk for Word for Wednesday, Evolve. Wander over and see how others have interpreted the word, evolve.

©Michelle A. Potter

* William Shakespeare

October's Garden Palette

2011-10-14T11:03:00.003-04:00

In my October garden, the trees and shrubs have begun their autumn dance of transition from jades and olives to golds and tangerines and garnets.

Sometimes there is only a branch that has begun the dance to burnt orange among the lime-colored surroundings.

Before this leaf reaches russet, it offers a deep violet.

The finale has come in toasted umber, and it is time to sleep.

A passing hummingbird came by for her last dance in my garden for the year. Her milky white breast fluffs as she grooms herself on a high branch.

With her painted iridescence, she visited flowers that were fading and beginning to close and turn ruddy.

The hydrangeas continue their metamorphosis into shades of fading blush...

to muddy silver...

to crispy ecru.

A few of the blooms of summer burst through for one last show of boldness in scarlet, amethyst, and fuchsia.

Other blooms have reached a state of slumber, turning honeyed gold with edges of cocoa sand.

Autumn chrysanthemums open with gem-colored claret and flaxen sunshine.

What are some of the colors in your October garden pallette?

I am linking up with Carolyn at This Grandmother's Garden for Autumn Walk Challenge and with Carol at May Dream Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day.
©Michelle A. Potter

Two Girls and Tufa

2011-10-12T19:37:00.000-04:00

About a month ago, my friend, Mary, and I met at her house and made hypertufa containers. She had taken a class on how to create these interesting containers and invited me over to make some together. This was my first time making hypertufa, and I was excited to see how it was done.

Materials and Supplies

Portland cement
Peat moss
Perlite
Wheelbarrow
Tarps
Gloves
Apron or old clothing
Mask (if you are sensitive to cement dust)
Hypertufa forms (styrofoam, plastic, cardboard, wood)

First, she set out a wheelbarrow on a large tarp for us to mix the ingredients.

There are several recipes for making hypertufa, but we decided on the following recipe:

1 part Portland cement

1 1/2 parts peat moss

1 1/2 parts perlite

This recipe gives the hypertufa a granite appearance and is a bit lighter than some of the other recipes.

We thoroughly mixed all the ingredients in the wheelbarrow adding water slowly until the mixture was the consistency of oatmeal or peanut butter. The mix should hold together, be soft and malleable as putty, but not runny. We let the mixture sit for ten minutes to let the Portland cement react to the water.

We each made two hypertufa containers, one square and one round. The choice of containers was based on what forms we had available. Mary had large square styrofoam boxes from two Turduckens she had bought and used. As we found out, these were perfect forms for the hypertufa. They were strong and sturdy, and they had a top to cover the form.

We also used some inexpensive round plastic containers as forms.

The best forms to use are plastic, styrofoam, or cardboard because these are easy to remove from the dried hypertufa trough or container. Wood forms can be made to any form you desire, however be sure to line the wood with plastic for easy removal of the hypertufa container.

We carried the mix in buckets and plastic containers to our work area and began pouring it in our forms. The mixture must be packed tightly in the form to prevent air pockets. Sometimes it is helpful to use something to push against the side of the form.

We made a hole inside the form for planting and packed the mix very firmly.

The result is a very tightly packed trough.

We, then, covered the styrofoam boxes and put all the forms in separate trash bags. The trash bags seal in the moisture and allow the hypertufa to cure more slowly which makes for a stronger container. It is best not to move the forms because the hypertufa can be easily damaged at this stage. Because I had to bring my hypertufa home, we were very careful loading them into my car.

These must cure for about 36 to 48 hours in the trash bags. Remove the trash bags and the styrofoam tops. Now, the hypertufa must cure for about seven days uncovered and in the forms. Keep the hypertufa in a shady area away from rain to allow it to fully cure.

Remove the forms slowly and carefully. The hypertufa should be strong at this stage, but it is not fully cured. If you must use a knife or scissors to remove the form from the hypertufa, be careful not to damage the hypertufa container. For me, the styrofoam form came off fairly easily once I was able to pry the top corner away from the hypertufa container. The plastic was a bit harder to get the first cut, but once I did the plastic peeled right off. At this stage, the hypertufa is at a soft enough consistency to smooth corners or edges. Take a rasp or large screwdriver and gently smooth any corners or edges. Leave the hypertufa containers in a protected and shady spot away from rain for about three to four weeks to fully cure.

These planters are naturally porous and generally do not need any drainage holes for planting. I used the square one for planting pansies:

...and the other as a decorative addition to the herb garden. The water drains out over time.

Many people plant succulents or carve shapes and designs into the sides of the hypertufa and use them as decorative features in the garden. Next year, I may try some other recipes and other forms of hypertufa. Thank you, Mary, for the invitation and the lesson.

Note: The Sage Butterfly is featured in the Best of the Web series by Be @ Home. The Be @ Home blog offers ideas and tips on home and garden decorating and cooking. Some of their most interesting posts include Entertain in Your Own Backyard and Decorating With Garden Fairies.
©Michelle A. Potter

Repose - Saying Goodbye

2011-10-04T23:07:00.002-04:00

Donna at Garden Walk Garden Talk has offered the word, repose, for Word for Wednesday. Repose is such an appropriate word for this time of year when the garden is slowly moving towards its rest period. We, as gardeners, are winding down our weeding, planting, and garden maintenance. Although I like the flurry of activity in the garden during the spring and summer, I welcome the shift to a slower rhythm once autumn arrives.

Although autumn is a time when things slow down, it is also a time for goodbyes. Nests have been abandoned and saved for next year's nestlings.

Hummingbirds make their annual migration south and say goodbye until next spring. With the cooler weather, they even seem to find time for repose.

These delicate, yet robust, creatures bring me such joy in the garden. I will miss their elegant beauty, that puff of their wings as they sprint by my ear, and that high-pitched and quick chirp they make as they dance around the blooms and the feeders.

Even the butterflies say goodbye as they search for sheltered spots for a chrysalis or they migrate south as the Monarch. Because I could not sufficiently support the Monarch when my butterfly milkweed plant was damaged in the hurricane, I was not sure I would even see any this year. How elated I was when one showed up to give me an autumn goodbye kiss.

A falling leaf landed on a branch of leaves to offer another form of repose.

Repose = restfulness, calm, leisure, peace, quiet, restoration...

Another goodbye to the Hope Grows Day meme. Hanni at Sweet Bean Gardening has turned Hope Grows Day into Hope Grew. She has decided to end this meme's run. Thank you, Hanni, for hosting Hope Grows Day. I will miss thinking about my garden hopes month after month. My hope for October is that the serenity and repose of autumn continues throughout the season.

©Michelle A. Potter

A Few Notes, a Photo Honor, and Elderberry Pie

2011-10-01T10:14:00.000-04:00

I have been offline for about a week to take some time off to visit with friends and relatives. I will be sharing more about my visits soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gardening Gone Wild just announced the winners of September's Picture This Photo Contest, and I won Honorable Mention for this photo.

I am honored by this encouraging gesture. And I offer congratulations to all the other winners, especially the Silver and Gold medal winners. Their photos are stunning and highly deserving of the honors they have recieved. Take a look at the Silver and Gold medal honoree photos and the other Honorable Mentions at Gardening Gone Wild.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A couple of weeks ago, Holly Bose wrote a guest post about elderberries. Many of you were looking forward to the pie recipe. She has recently posted an Elderberry Raspberry Pie Recipe.
©Michelle A. Potter

Illumination, Late Summer Light - GGW Photo Contest

2011-09-21T10:35:00.000-04:00

Late summer offers such a perfect introduction to fall because it slowly begins the seasonal transition with the changes in light, temperature, and even breezes. The light of the sun lower in the sky presents new shadows and a different kind of illumination than the direct light of summer high in the sky.

This will be my first time entering Gardening Gone Wild's Picture This Photography Contest. This month's theme is Late Summer Garden. I enjoy taking photos in my garden and experimenting with the camera, so, for me, it is a joy to enter. Finding the photo that would represent the theme was a challenge. I like the colors of this photo as well as the idea of looking beyond an image in the foreground.

This photo fit the requirement for a late summer garden and the suggestion of shooting tight.

Spider webs seem to be all over the garden. I try not to disturb them, but there are times I must release one corner of the silk to pass through a path.

The late summer garden is filled with fresh blooms and fading blooms. The seedheads boldly reach up to the sky and the petals fold down and crisp at the edges.

Blooms are in transition and offer different views and lights.

This fennel in bloom photo has a gossamer-like view between the stems and leaves.

I decided on entering this photo of a clematis seedhead. I liked the lone seedhead against the fading seedheads and colors in the background.

I am joining Donna at Garden Walk Garden Talk for Word for Wednesday. The word for today is illumination, an apt word for this time of year.
©Michelle A. Potter

Elderberries

2011-09-19T06:23:00.000-04:00

Today’s post is a guest post from Holly Bose at Your Gardening Friend.

In recent conversations, I've come to learn that not everyone knows what an elderberry is. Had my mom not given us the experience of delicious homemade elderberry pies, and elderberry syrup, I too would not know of this tasty creation.

An elderberry is a very small, round, fruit berry with interior seeds. When I say it's a "small" berry, I mean REALLY small. An elderberry is between the size of a BB and a pea. The berries should not be eaten unless cooked (because of toxins), and, unlike most other berries, they require some sweetening.

The general parts of an elderberry bush are as follows:

       1. Roots
       2. Canes
       3. Lateral Branches
       4. Leaves
       5. Flowers (white)
       6 .Berry Clusters

Finding Elderberry Bushes
While you may find elderberry bushes in more than one type of setting, you're most likely to see them growing near the roadside, in ditches, along railroad tracks, and other similar locations, in wide open spaces with full sunlight.

Because these areas are not often mowed, you may find the elderberry bushes growing in the midst of other plants, weeds, and tall grasses. Even to the trained eye it can be a little challenging to spot them while driving 45-60 mph. The easiest way to find elderberry bushes is to look for them when they're in bloom. Come spring, specifically the month of May (at least for Indiana), the canopies of white blooms are a stark contrast against the surrounding greenery, and can be seen while driving down the road.

Harvesting Elderberries
After the flowers are pollinated, small green berries emerge. As the berries mature, the green eventually turns into a medium purple, and the purple into a deep, dark, shiny purply-black color. It is at this point the berries are ready for pickin', around mid-August to mid-September.

The best way to pick them is to break off the entire cluster of berries and place them in a clean plastic bag. Double-bagging is a good idea to make sure the branches don't puncture the plastic bag.

Once you get home, place the plastic bag of berries, including the branch stems, in the freezer. After the berries are frozen, take the entire bag and set it on the kitchen counter. Tap the bag on the counter numerous times. This will cause the frozen berries to break off the cluster. You can then place all the berries in a freezer storage bag until you're ready to make a pie. (My brother shared with me this method of removing the berries from the clusters.)

Because elderberries are an acidic fruit, canning them does not require the investment of a pressure canner/cooker. You need only a boiling pot.

Stay tuned for an upcoming elderberry pie recipe. Yummy!!!

Holly lives in Indiana with her husband and three canine children. They live in the country, nestled in the woods, surrounded by nature. She writes about gardening and her love of wildlife on her blog, Your Gardening Friend.

All That Basil

2011-09-14T07:20:00.002-04:00

By this time each year, my basil plants have grown tall and full of basil leaves. Although I harvest the basil throughout the season, this time of year is when I spend a lot of time preserving it. Basil is a very aromatic and versatile herb that can be used in numerous dishes and teas, and so I like to have it on hand during the winter for soups, pastas, vegetable dishes, and salads.

Harvesting
The best time to harvest basil is the early morning after the dew has dried. Try to harvest before the plant flowers for optimum flavor.To harvest basil cut at a leaf joint about three to six inches from the top. The basil will continue...[Read the rest of this post over at Your Gardening Friend...]

©Michelle A. Potter

September Song

2011-09-11T22:43:00.005-04:00

September's song is a lead in to autumn. The muted browns, golds, and siennas begin to color over the bright reds, blues, and pinks.

Leaves begin to paint their fall colors and slowly fall to decorate the earth floor.

Seedheads form to fatefully protect the future of blossoms in the garden.

Colorful berries form to hold seeds for the hope of renewal.

Some blooms burst forth for a final late summer display.

Hummingbirds fill up on nectar before their long migration south.

Butterflies take their time feeding and fluttering before cold weather comes.

And the Limelight hydrangeas offer a September surprise as their once white, now green, petals bring a tinge of pink.

What September song is in your garden?

I will be linking up with May Dreams Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. Visit her blog to see the September garden of other garden bloggers.
©Michelle A. Potter

Late Summer Serendipity - WW

2011-09-07T07:27:00.000-04:00

Visit Wordless Wednesday for more photos. I am also joining Donna at Garden Walk Garden Talk for Word for Wednesday - Serendipity.
©Michelle A. Potter

Mother Nature's Garden Lessons Learned

2011-09-03T16:53:00.002-04:00

Over this summer season, I have learned many lessons from the garden. Each season teaches me more about plants, diseases, pests, soil, wildlife, and landscape design. Having gardened for about 30 years, I find the garden never ceases to amaze, entertain, inspire, and teach me. I think that is one of the many reasons I find it interesting and continue to make time for it in my life. The need to create is very strong in my soul, and although the garden does not fulfill all my needs in that area, it does offer great artistic challenges and beautiful satisfaction. It also fulfills my need to solve problems. There is almost nothing more satisfying than finding a natural method to deter a plant pest or prevent a disease.

No matter how much I have learned this season, the most profound lessons have been from Mother Nature herself. She has taught me some new lessons and deepened my understanding in other areas. Through her natural rhythm, she has demonstrated the beauty and delicate details of new life. Her continuous bounty and overwhelming burst of colors and textures breeds a gratitude that is deserving of contemplation. And her power and strength is not always a pleasant or welcome visitor but warrants reverence and regard, nonetheless.

Protection

On several occasions this summer season, I have witnessed and indirectly cared for several bird nestlings and fledglings.

Flying Practice with the Wrens

Growing Up...Cardinal

Sometimes it is difficult to know where the boundaries should be or when or when not to interfere in a wild bird's fate. Watching from afar and protecting from a distance is the best possible gift I can give any wild animal for whom I choose to offer care. Mostly, I watched these very small, almost featherless, beings grow to strong and capable birds that now fly through and around my garden, eating insects and providing me with periodic glimpses.

Having somewhat participated in their care gives me even more incentive to protect them and do nothing that would harm them. I feel closer to them and want nothing more than their health and happiness.

Appreciation

Although I have, from time to time, looked at my garden with awe and gratitude, I certainly do not do it often enough.

Garden Love

There is a tremendous amount of work that went into each garden bed, each plant's care, and the overall design. I am not a professional, by no means, but I have worked very, very hard to create a garden that offers shelter, food, and water to wildlife--and beauty and respite to us.

This year, I found some time to stop planning and doing---and sit and appreciate the garden for its astonishing resilience and unrefined charm. Most of its beauty comes from nature. I am merely the planner, the mover, and the arranger.

Respect, Trust, and Acceptance

This season has brought its share of natural disasters. Severe thunderstorms, earthquakes, and hurricanes have had their way with my garden.

Searching for the Tranquil Garden

After Every Storm The Sun Will Smile...

Besides the damage and loss, I think the worrying has been the most distressing. Feeling that sense of unease and feeling helpless are not good conditions for a gardener who takes on the role of sentinel. Regardless of what role I believe I must play, mother nature is the one in whom I should place my trust.

Hurricane-damaged Butterfly Weed

It does me or my garden no good to hold on so tightly to the way things are that I become distressed.

Young sprouts...

She is the true guardian of my garden, and it is for me to work with her--no matter what changes she decides to make.

Life does not flow along in a stale and stagnant manner, and so, the garden never remains the same.

Please take a stroll over to PlantPostings to see what other gardeners have learned this season. I am also joining in Hope Grows Day at Sweet Bean Gardening.

I am joining An Oregon Cottage for her Best of 2011 Tuesday Garden Party.

After Every Storm The Sun Will Smile...*

2011-08-30T20:11:00.003-04:00

Before Hurricane Irene, my husband and I hurriedly put away the deck and patio furniture, decorative garden hanging ornaments and wind chimes, planters, fountains, and yard art. The prediction was for 80 to 100 mph winds that could lift and hurl almost anything we had out in the yard. Afterwards, we waited. Saturday morning sprinkles and breezes soon turned into driving rain and powerful winds that increased in intensity as the day wore on.

The hummingbirds were feeding from the feeders and displayed more aggressive territorial behavior than usual. Perhaps they sensed that food sources soon may be scarce. When the winds got so high that this feeder rocked back and forth, I was forced to take it down.

However, I left the other feeder up because it was located in a somewhat protected area. This particular male remained at the feeder and protected it tirelessly the entire day--even through the driving rain.

There were times when the wind gusts were so high he would fly to a nearby maple tree and clutch a twig as the wind whipped him and the twig up and down and all around. (He is close to the center of the photo.)

After all the worrying and hoping for the best, we really did sustain very little damage. A few tree branches broke or are torn and hang drooping by the trunks. Some young trees in our wooded area are leaning, having been partially uprooted. A few of the larger perennials are damaged but not demolished.

Our two Autumn Olive trees were thrust to the ground by the high winds.

These trees provided a natural screen between the yard and our patio and were much beloved by the birds. Wrens, robins, and cardinals perched on the limbs and sang morning tunes. In autumn, they ate the sweet red berries--if the squirrels did not get them first.

I am somewhat sad that we lost these trees. They were some of my favorite trees in the yard. Besides attracting wildlife, they had a unique form and structure. And I am wondering if it was the dense foliage that became caught by the wind and then pulled down to the ground. Luckily, I have some seedlings in a pot that I may plant elsewhere. Here, I am thinking of adding one or two Japanese maples. When change is forced upon us, it is an opportunity for a new direction.

Elsewhere in the neighborhood, there were huge trees that were uprooted.

A gust of wind must have come through here and hit several trees at once.

When I walked through, I discovered that these fallen and arched trunks had created a window.

I looked through this nature-made window and saw the glimmer of the morning sun.

And somehow I was compelled to make a silent wish.................for a calm and peaceful autumn.

*William R. Alger

Searching for the Tranquil Garden

2011-08-26T17:18:00.000-04:00

Our region experienced an earthquake this week that surprised us all. Earthquakes in this area are not very common with the last one over 75 years ago. I have never experienced an earthquake, and it was very strange to literally feel the earth move beneath my feet. The odd part of it was that I did not really know what actually happened until it was almost over. I, my family, and my cats are fine. Only a few small items are broken from the shaking. And when I checked the garden, nothing was damaged at all. Even the garden statues remained standing. Still, in that chaotic and tumultuous event, the garden remained tranquil.

A day ago, we had a severe thunderstorm that left my house intact but my garden in complete disarray.

There were leaves and branches strewn all over the lawn, the deck, the patio, and the garden.

And a huge branch of a very tall oak tree fell inside our yard breaking a fence post and damaging some of my plants.

The branch must be about 20 feet long--almost the size of a small tree. It crushed a milkweed plant and a Buddleia alternifolia (spring blooming butterfly bush) with its force and massive size. A small Duarte peach tree also was crushed. They only appear damaged, so I am grateful for that. It could have been much worse. In other areas, fallen trees landed on parked cars and roofs.

My husband and I attempted to move this very large branch into the woods beyond the fence but it was much too heavy. We will need to use the chainsaw and cut it up into small pieces this weekend.

My tranquil garden does not appear to be tranquil at the moment with all of the damage from the storm. However, I know appearances are not everything. As I walked around inspecting the damage, I noticed the bees and butterflies going about their business as if nothing had happened.

The plants also seem to be carrying on--reaching for the sun and swaying with the breeze. Nature has a way of showing us how to adjust to the upsets and the lulls, to simply go on. I will try to take that lesson to heart as hurricane Irene approaches and threatens more upheaval, but I will be yearning for my Tranquil Garden.

Romance, Collections, Tenacity - New Blotanical Bloggers

2011-08-18T16:08:00.015-04:00

Although I recently attained Guru status on Blotanical Blog Directory, I still feel like somewhat of a novice as I am still learning new things about Blotanical, blogging, and garden bloggers. However, I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the Blotanical blogging community with all that it has to offer--especially all of the wonderful garden bloggers who have chosen to be a part of this incredible blog directory. It continues to be a joy to learn about other gardens and gardeners from all over the world.

As a Guru, I am offered the opportunity to mentor some new garden bloggers as they learn all of the ins and outs of Blotanical. My mentor was Donna from Garden's Eye View, and she offered assistance when I needed it and provided me with a good example of how to become involved in the Blotanical community.

Meet my new BlotSprouts.

Romantic Gardening

The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses. -- Hanne Rion

Lorraine's blog explores the garden using the senses. In her most recent post, she features her lush and lovely cottage garden. The photos of this lovely garden transport you to another time when romantic and lush cottage gardens were the norm, and sitting amid the garden plants was more than a pastime. Older posts explore other gardens, gardening books, and particular plants.

Mama Nene's Garden

Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas. --Elizabeth Murray

Perla's blog delves into plant collecting in the Philipines. She explores a variety of tropical plants, from roses to cacti to orchids. Her enthusiasm for gardening is evident through her beautiful macro photographs of her plants and her tender care for each element of their needs. She is not hesitant to describe her struggles, as well as her successes, as she learns more and more about her plant collection.

The Stubborn Gardener

The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies. --Gertrude Jekyll

Sharie's blog endeavors to steadfastly commit to gardening as a task, not allowing any of the difficulties to discourage her. Through her tenacity, she teaches us all to never give up. Some of her posts include plant features that include ratings on pest and insect resistance, invasiveness, and disease resistance. One of her regular posts includes Tenacious Tuesday where she includes tips on tools, weeding, and other gardening subjects.

If and when you get the chance, take some time to explore these blogs and extend a welcome to these garden bloggers.
©Michelle A. Potter

Summer's Epilogue - August GBBD

2011-08-14T21:21:00.005-04:00

Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa

There are those that believe that flowers and plants feel, communicate, and even, speak. They speak in a language perhaps only a gardener can understand. Blooming plants obviously speak loudly and clearly with their colorful and textural flowers. What are they saying? 'Here I am!' or 'I am beautiful!,' perhaps. Their blooms speak to insects, to animals, and to people, saying various things that would seem appropriate to each.

Knock-out roses

They also say different things at different times of the year--speaking other words in spring than in summer or fall, depending upon their seasonal stage of development. At this time of year in my garden, they are speaking their Summer Epilogue, a last word before the preparations for fall.

Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa

Many summer blooms have gone or are going to seed. Even in their shedding of petals there is a beauty in the changing hues and growing seedhead. The singed edges curl up to give that last dance of shape and color.

Echinacea purpurea, Kim's Knee High

Some have chosen to wait for their epilogue, still transforming colors from white to pink to burgundy or white to green to green/pink. They take their brush and outline the edges to display a subtle surprise.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Some are reaching their peak of color, waiting for this time to shout a vibrant burst into the sky.

Crape Myrtle

Mandevilla, Yellow

Caladium, 'Postman Joyner'

Penta variegata

Even the night bloomers are reaching their peak, sending out multiple blooms with heavenly fragrance.

Moonflower, Ipomoea Alba

The annuals are at their best at this time of year--full and lush.

Impatiens

The warm weather crops are slowing their production but are still sending out lots to pick and eat.

Tomato, raspberry, okra, pepper, squash

By this time, I am beginning to adjust to the changing of flowers to seed. I look forward to the cooler weather to come with a host of other colors of nature to cherish. I begin to welcome the end of the summer garden and the beginning of the autumn garden. Time slows a bit and there is less to do to maintain the garden but more to do to change or start a bed and to prepare for fall.

It is Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day over at May Dreams Gardens. Visit her to see what other garden bloggers have blooming.

The Giant Zucchini Dilemma

2011-08-10T16:43:00.001-04:00

Every morning, as I enter my vegetable garden and gather tomatoes, beans, okra, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini, I search through the foliage to find the ripened ones to pick. Once in a while I miss a zucchini or squash because it has grown, unbeknownst to me, under the stem or so close to it that it is well-camouflaged. One such zucchini escaped my picking for quite a while to grow to about a foot long before I finally saw it bulging from beneath the zucchini plant stem.

I try to pick my zucchini when it is small because the flavor and texture is so much better, however this one hid from view. When this happens, I know there will be lots of unappetizing seeds in the center of the zucchini, so I scoop them out.

This zucchini will be stuffed and baked.

Stuffed Zucchini

1 large zucchini, halved

½ cup zucchini, chopped

½ cup tomatoes, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 small green pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, diced

½ cup panko crumbs

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350° F. Scoop out seeds from zucchini halves. Bake halves on lightly greased pan for 30 to 35 minutes.

In the meantime, saute zucchini, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic until soft.

Transfer to mixing bowl. Add panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese and mix.

Add mixture to baked zucchini halves.

Bake stuffed zucchini for 30 to 35 minutes or until zucchini halves are tender.

Note: The amount of ingredients may vary depending on the size of the zucchini.

I am joining An Oregon Cottage for Tuesday Garden Party.

Sun-dried or Oven-dried Tomatoes

2011-08-03T17:23:00.003-04:00

I usually grow a lot of tomatoes because they are delicious, good with so many dishes, and I like their flavor very much. One of the ways I like to enjoy tomatoes is to dry them in the sun. This is an easy way to preserve them and bring out their tangy flavor.

With the temperatures ranging between 90 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit, this is perfect weather for drying tomatoes.

Method for Sun Drying:

Lightly grease cookie sheets or shallow pans.

Slice tomatoes about 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick (if you slice too thinly, the slices will be too thin to be of substance).

Spread slices in pans.

Place pans in a very sunny area for two to three days. (You can store the pans in the oven overnight.)

If you are worried about insects or debris, place a screen or fine netting over the pans without touching the tomatoes.

Method for Oven Drying

Sprinkle cut sides of tomatoes with salt. Place tomatoes on cheesecloth or dishtowel to drain for one hour.

Lightly grease cookie sheets or shallow pans.

Spread slices in pans.

Place pans in an oven at a temperature of 130 degrees to 165 degrees Fahrenheit for six to 12 hours.

The tomatoes are dry when there is no more moisture in the slices. The tomatoes will not be crispy but stiff and pliable like fruit roll-ups.

You can use them in salads, soups, casseroles, and other dishes. In most cases, the tomatoes need to be reconstituted by soaking in water for about 30 minutes. Instead of water, broth, wine, or some other sauce can be used to reconstitute. In salads and pastas, the dry tomatoes can be chopped and sprinkled over the salad or pasta dish.

I usually freeze my sun-dried tomatoes, but they can also be packed in oil. To pack them in oil, fill a sterilized jar with tomatoes and oil. Garlic and herbs may be added as well.

I am joining A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa for Simple Lives Thursday.
©Michelle A. Potter

The Colors of Summer - Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-02T23:07:00.000-04:00

My New Herb Garden

2011-07-28T21:35:00.002-04:00

For many years, I have wanted an herb garden--a designated area just for herbs. Currently, I use many herbs in the vegetable garden for companion planting, but sometimes they get too large and take up valuable gardening space. I also have herbs scattered around the flower beds because I like herbs mixed with flowers and other plants and they also act as pest deterrents.

A few weeks ago, we finally began work on our herb garden. The space we selected is near the back entrance of the house for easy access. It will be nice to quickly run out and snip a few herbs for cooking. This spot was a grassy area where grass struggled to grow because of the repeated traffic to and from the patio. Here is the before photo:

We started by laying out the cross path to have four quadrants. The stepping stones are 16 inches square. We doubled the paths to have ample room for getting something large on and off the patio, so each path is 32 inches wide. My husband lays these stones so well. He digs them in and places them on crusher run. After the path was complete, we set edgers around the herb beds up to the path in each quadrant. I planted some Sky Pencil Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) at one edge to camouflage the wooden stairs.

Herbs I planted in the beds:

Sweet Basil - Ocimum basilicum

Osmin Purple Basil

Rosemary - Rosemarinus officinalis

Spicy Globe Basil

Thai Basil - O. basilicum thyrsiflorum

Variegated Basil - Ocimum x citriodorum 'Pesto Perpetuo'

Sage - Salvia officinalis * Dill - Anethum graveolens *
Variegated Sage - Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor' * Parsley - Petroselinum crispum

The finished herb garden...

Other herbs I have since added to the herb garden are garlic chives, Italian parsley, and fennel. I may add some additional herbs over the coming weeks. As the Japanese hollies grow, they should change the view of the stairs.

I look forward to using these herbs for cooking and herbal teas. I will relish the opportunity to find so many so near.

I am joining Frugal Friday at

and Home and Family Friday at Home is Where My Story Begins.
©Michelle A. Potter

Sunset in Paradise - Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T07:53:00.001-04:00

The Walled Garden of Montpelier

2011-07-25T19:21:00.001-04:00

(My laptop went on the blink last week which prevented me from posting. It is three years old, and I may need to get a new one. This is the second time this has happened within a year. I hope things are under control now...so here goes.)

Montpelier is the estate of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States and often considered 'the Father of the Constitution.' Recently, a friend and I took a tour of the home and garden.

The home was sold by the Madison family in 1844. In 1901, the estate was purchased by the duPont family and remained in the family until 1984 when it was transferred to Mrs. Marion duPont Scott's Trust for Historical Preservation. The Montpelier Foundation was established by the trust to manage Montpelier. In 2003, the foundation began restoring the Madison mansion to the 1820's home of James and Dolley Madison.

There is still much restoration to be done to the home, but the gardens were in their prime.

Lots of old trees...

The Walled Garden

The perennial bed...

Hydrangeas...

The Herb Garden

Yarrow

Anise

I am linking in with An Oregon Cottage for Tuesday Garden Party.

The Last Hurrah - GBBD - July 2011

2011-07-15T01:14:00.001-04:00

July is usually a very hot and dry month for us, and my blooms sometimes begin to suffer and fade. However, this July has been uncharacteristically cooler and wet. It has been a welcome turn of weather. However, I expect that soon the weather will revert back to the norm. We'll see...

This month many plants give their last hurrah of blooms. And I will miss them. Some of the hydrangeas and lillies will soon offer their last blooms for the season. Although there are still many blooms in the garden and I appreciate all of them, some of my favorites will be done...for now.

Over the years, I have planted many varieties of lillies that bloom early to mid-summer. I have yet to add some varieties that bloom in late summer. It would be nice to have an extended bloom of these colorful plants. After reading the Lilyfest posts by Lona of A Hocking Hills Garden with the many lily photos and extraordinary colors, I am very tempted to get to the garden catalogs and order some.

The hydrangea macrophylla and quercifolia will need to be pruned before the end of July if I want blooms next year.

One of the many things I like about hydrangeas is the color transformation. Each week there is a surprise of color.

I trimmed off the top of the coreopsis hoping for another bloom spurt. I see some buds forming...

Other bloomers that will bloom for many more months are the Black-eyed Susans.

The 'Vanilla Strawberry' hydrangea will slowly turn pink and burgundy. This is my first of these hydrangeas, and I look forward to observing its color transformation. They start out bright white...

This is also the first year I have planted caladiums. I enjoy the pops of color among the other foliage.

The penstemon, buddleia, and 'Limelight' hydrangea will keep my garden in blooms for a few more months.

It is Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day over at May Dreams Gardens. Visit her to see what other garden bloggers have blooming.

I am also joining Tootsie Time for Fertilizer Friday Flaunt Your Flowers.

Growing Up...Cardinal - Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-12T20:27:00.001-04:00

Another Use For...A Strawberry Jar

2011-07-10T10:48:00.000-04:00

Besides strawberries, impatiens work well in a strawberry jar. As the impatiens fill out, the jar may no longer be noticeable.

Made in China??? - Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-05T18:50:00.000-04:00