My Garden Notebook - October 2012

September has been very pleasant with cooler temperatures and some rain to keep all the plants surviving.  

Stats

Gardening Zone: 7a
September High Temperature: 98 degrees F
September Low Temperature: 50 degrees F
Precipitation: 2.68 inches

Lists for Gardeners - Garden Book Review

One of the books I do not think I could live without as an avid gardener is The New York/Mid-Atlantic Book of Lists by Bonnie Lee Appleton and Lois Trigg Chaplin. I was introduced to this book in my Master Gardener's class several years ago, and it has become a gem in my gardening library.

Bejeweled - GBBD 9/12

Calibrachoa 'Can-can'

In September, there are jewels that dazzle in the garden--glimmering and gleaming with color.

I am joining Carol of May Dreams Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. Check out what other garden bloggers have blooming from all over the world.

Citrine petals begin their journey outward to breathe a hello.

Sunflower

Seasonally Thinking

In a few weeks, autumn will officially arrive, and I cannot wait. Summer has had its ups and downs, and I am more than ready to enjoy the morning breezes and the rusty and golden hues.

Donna from Gardens Eye View hosts Seasonal Celebrations this month for autumn. And I have listed a few of the treasures of my autumn.

My Garden Notebook - September 2012

Two Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies on Buddleia 'Black Knight'

I accomplished quite a lot and even had some time to take a break and enjoy the company of visiting friends during my one month blogcation. With a break now and then, I find I return more refreshed and more creative. I am anxious to resume blogging and sharing my garden.

My Garden Notebook - August 2012

We did get more rain this month, but it was not enough to match the many days of temperatures over 100 degrees F. I am hoping still for more rain to keep the plants healthy and growing.

The Beheld

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

-- Molly Bawn, 1878

We garden for many reasons and behold the fruits of our labor. Flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruits are the rewards of our gardening efforts. The colorful and textural sights and wafting fragrance also bring us pleasure in the garden.

My Garden Notebook - July 2012

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Note: We had a severe thunderstorm Friday evening that left many without power, including us. With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it was an interesting adventure. Finally, our power was restored last evening. I was unable to publish this post on the 1st of the month as I usually do because of the power outage, so here it is.

stats


Gardening Zone: 7a
May High Temperature: 98 degrees F
May Low Temperature: 60 degrees F


Precipitation: 1.94 inches


We have had little rain this month, and things are looking dry. I keep hoping for a long day of rain. Some of the plants are beginning to look stressed even though I water them in the morning. It is usually the newly planted ones that have a hard time in this dry heat.

wildlife


The blackbirds have been very busy chasing away the songbirds from the feeders, so I  adjusted the weight on one feeder to close when they land. And I changed out some of the sunflower seeds to safflower seeds. This seems to be working well. They still come, but not in droves.