8:03 PM
Just when I thought I had planted the last of my bulbs, I found a few others that I decided I couldn't possibly live without. It began with an order to McClure and Zimmerman for 3 varieties of allium (schubertii, purple sensation, and atropupureum), 2 varieties of tulips (black parrot and the fringed blue heron), and 3 foxtail lilies (eremerus bungei). Then, I was reading about the art of potting bulbs, as well as forcing bulbs. Elizabeth at Gardening While Intoxicated has some great information on planting, potting, and forcing bulbs. She also makes it sound really easy, I might add. : ) So, as I was reading and learning, I thought "Hey, I can do that!" However, I would definitely need to order some more bulbs!! Another visit to McClure and Zimmerman and Old House Gardens, as well as one or two visits to The Lily Garden, and I have become crazed by the desire for more bulbs. Here are a few of the goodies I found:
'Schoonoord', early, double-white tulip
'Sulfur Queen' Hymenocallis
'Conca d' Or' Orienpet hybrid lily
'Elise' Aurelian hybrid lily
Just one week after planting my tulips, some critter has already discovered the darn things! I found the mangled remains of a tulip bulb sitting on top of the dirt not far from where it was planted. Those crushed shells in the bulb fertilizer seem sort of useless!! Ah, well, hopefully the little bugger doesn't come back for more!!
11:54 AM
I must admit... I am a complete sucker for a man with a banjo... er... um... I mean fiddle... oh man... no wait... um... I am a sucker for a man who knows just what to do with his... cello. Let's just say, I am a complete sucker for some incredible banjo pickin' mixed with some silky, sultry vocals, as well as one of the best fiddlers I have ever seen, topped off with a cellist that can do things with a cello that I have never seen before in my life. This would be the makings for a group called Abigail Washburn and The Sparrow Quartet. My wonderful fiance got us tickets to this show at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington, VT, and it proved to be the most delightful, wonderful, and entertaining evening!! I would have to describe this music as 'eclectic bluegrass'. You can hear a sampling of their music at their website, which also includes a list of tour dates. Did I mention that Bela Fleck is touring with this group?? Abigail Washburn and The Sparrow Quartet features:
Abigail Washburn: vocals, banjo
Ben Sollee: cello, vocals
Bela Fleck: banjo, and a bit of a comedian, I might add
Casey Driessen: fiddle
If you have the opportunity, please check them out!! I have also included a link to each artists' website, which are definitely worth a visit.
8:33 PM
Thanks so much to Robin at Life in Robin's Nest for my first ever blog award!! It was very thoughtful, and is very much appreciated!!
6:23 PM
I spent a little time walking through my gardens today, admiring the last of the dahlias, which I will be digging up this coming weekend. Then there are the cosmos and zinnias... I hate to see them go so soon, but they will be dug up as well. It seems that every summer passes by more quickly than the last. As I turn the page on this year's garden, I find myself dreaming about next year. The new additions I'd like to make, and the anticipation of spring blooms. Many of the perennial plants in my garden were newly planted this year, so I am really looking forward to next year, when I can enjoy them once they've gotten a bit of their "oomph!"
Please visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens, where you can link to your post about what's blooming in your own garden getaway on the 15th of every month.
This purple beautyberry is one of my most favorite new additions to the garden.
Thankfully the Rudbeckia 'Herbstonne' did not reach a height of 7 ft. this year, or I wouldn't have been able to get this photo without a ladder, or perhaps stilts.
Bees like to take naps, too. This one lingered here for quite some time.
I was hoping this dahlia would get a chance to bloom before a hard frost. So far, we have managed to avoid any frost at all. We must be tucked into the surrounding woods just right. Several mornings last week as I drove down our hill, the landscape below was covered.
Another favorite addition is this variegated Sweet Flag.
9:11 AM
Over the holiday weekend we had family in town visiting, so of course we spent some time walking and driving around Vermont to appreciate some of this beauty that surrounds us. This past week was the time for peak foliage, and the colors were absolutely beautiful!! The leaf peepers were out in full force, taking advantage of the infinite photo opportunities as well as the temperatures, which were right around 70 degrees. In addition, the Canadian holiday meant even more visitors who came to enjoy this time in Vermont.
11:04 AM
In the woods behind our house, there is an old logging road which is quickly becoming carpeted with the colors of fall. The trees are dressed in rich reds, browns, oranges, and yellows. On my way to work, I drive by what must be the cutest farm on the planet. Behind it, you can see miles and miles of colorful trees covering the rolling hills - it is truly breathtaking and makes one feel happy to be alive.
Walking along the old logging road, there are all kinds of interesting mushrooms, as well as a tree or two I thought worthy of a photo. One tree is growing on top of a rock, and the other looks as though it might start walking with me at any moment.
In my garden, there were a few little patches of orange peel mushrooms, which I initially left in place because I was intrigued by their bright orange color. Now, they seem to be taking over the place, so I guess it's time to get out the shovel and start digging them up. Apparently, you can eat them, but I think I'll pass.
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