The Winter Garden

Sometimes it can be hard to appreciate the garden in winter. Leaves have dulled to brown and fallen to the ground. Perennials have wilted and faded leaving behind dry stalks. Shrubs sit dormant in winter snow and wind. The vibrant colors and lush textures are gone for the season.

My Garden Notebook - February 2013

Helleborus 'Aubergine Dream'

The weather has been unpredictable this winter. Although we have had some winter temperatures, we have had some days where the temperatures climbed into the 60's. And we had one week of straight rain. Our area has been way below the needed rainfall for the season, so the rain did help. And we finally got some snow, a little under an inch. It was a nice covering for all of the winter browns and grays.

A Celebration of Blogging and a Birthday

Today marks the second birthday of The Sage Butterfly blog.

And I want to celebrate, celebrate, celebrate!!!

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New Year, New Garden Wishes

The garden changes each day, each year. Shrubs grow larger, flowers fade, new growth begins. The seasons come and go bringing warmth for growth or cold for dormancy. Colors dance in bold pastels or huddle in earthy browns.

Six Secrets in my Garden

Jackmanii Clematis

There are six secrets in my garden that lurk behind the leaves of shrubs and trees, peek out at particular moments, or silently whisper to me at unexpected moments. They are hidden all over the garden and only are visible to gardeners who listen and watch very closely.

I am joining Carol of May Dreams Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. Since we are nearing the end of the year, I am highlighting many of the wonders from the entire year in this GBBD post.


Hiding Places

Lurking in secret spots are those that wish to stay secure and keep a low profile. Sometimes it is unexpected and the concealment is not intentional.

Bumble Bee in Squash Blossom

My Garden Notebook - November 2012

Stats


Gardening Zone: 7a
August High Temperature: 82 degrees F
August Low Temperature: 39 degrees F
Precipitation: 9.08 inches

We had a litte rain in October, but Superstorm Sandy dropped about six inches of rain in just a few days. We were very lucky to have had minimal damage from the storm. I hope all of you are safe and did not suffer much damage. My thoughts are with those that have  lost so much because of this storm.

October Flair

Red Knockout Rose

Much of October is filled with golds and tangerines of autumn, but there are still some blooms in the garden. The Knockout roses are still blooming. My Jackmanii clematis bloomed a second time, offering these bold and beautiful blooms.

Remembering Sunshine

It was Tammy of Casa Mariposa who gave me the idea for this post. She asked about the requirements for growing Gerbera daisies, so I thought I would share what I have learned. Although I was successful growing gerberas this year, it has not always been that way.

Each spring, I see the Gerbera daisies in the nurseries and garden centers. The blooms always make me smile and remind me of sunshine--but in various colors. They are so beautiful with the extended petals and wide open blooms I usually cannot resist buying some. And I buy them and plant them in the garden beds only to watch them wilt and die.