reBlogged to lettuce on Oct 14, 2007, 6:25AM

Posted by inadvertentgardener Reblogged by Old Roses to lettuce on 2007-10-15, 18:38:34

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Through proper tree selection, you can turn your own backyard into a haven for autumn foliage viewing. But perhaps you need some inspiration from Mother Nature, first? To that end,...

reBlogged to foliage on Oct 15, 2007, 1:39AM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to foliage on 2007-10-15, 18:38:18

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  For many of you, October 15 is known as the last day you can file your tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.  Today could be filled with sorting papers resulting in paper cuts,...

reBlogged to environment on Oct 15, 2007, 2:57AM

Posted by Green Talk Reblogged by Old Roses to environment on 2007-10-15, 18:38:09

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I realized this morning that this week will probably bring the first frost of the season. While that means that I'll finally be able to wear the sweatshirts I bought at Old Navy in Denver, it also means that I have literally hundreds of tomatoes still on the vine that will be ruined if left outside. Sooooooo...what to do? Gallons of marinara sauce and salsa? The only problem with that is limited freezer space. I found directions about making sundried tomatoes that allows them to be stored in the refrigerator indefinately. So I'm now embarking on a little project I call Operation Tomato Tanning... Is it strange I find myself singing, "Ya down with OTT, Yeah you know me..."? I scare myself sometimes :)

reBlogged to tomatoes

Posted by lavendergardener Reblogged by Old Roses to tomatoes on 2007-10-15, 18:37:51

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Join

A lovely pink Balloon flower.

I believe my pink balloon flowers have stopped blooming, but my blue Balloons are still pushing out a few blooms each day. Soon, now that it finally seems to be cooling down a bit, they will stop blooming all together. . .

reBlogged to flowers on Oct 14, 2007, 2:03AM

Posted by Tricia Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2007-10-15, 18:37:22

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(c) val webb 2007 Today I completed this gouache painting of a monarch butterfly. As I worked, I marveled at the beauty of this tenacious little creature. I live in Alabama near the Gulf of Mexico, directly on the monarchs’ migratory path. I have seen clouds of fluttering orange butterflies struggling out across the breakers, directly into the wind, [...]

reBlogged to beneficials on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by valwebb Reblogged by Old Roses to beneficials on 2007-10-15, 18:37:02

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Marion Jones’ recent admission that she lied to Federal investigators about using steroids has gotten me thinking a lot about gardening.

It’s not as much as a stretch as it might seem. See, I’ve become a fan of gardening. But long before I liked to plant things, I became a huge fan of sports. I spent hours glued to my grandmother’s television in the study off the dining room during the 1984 Summer Olympics, and when I wasn’t watching, I was outside, conducting my own imaginary Summer Games, in which I medaled in track, field, dressage and rhythmic gymnastics. Don’t get between me and my ribbon, people. On my grandmother’s patio, I scored perfect 10s with my undulating strip of purple satin. . .

reBlogged to organic on Oct 15, 2007, 1:44AM

Posted by inadvertentgardener Reblogged by Old Roses to organic on 2007-10-15, 18:36:54

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My "Making It" profile is in today's Washington Post Magazine. You can read it online here. The photo currently up on the web page is from last week's profile an interior decor person holding a bolt of fabric. Hoping they out my correct one up soon - holding a trowel and garden gloves. Not that this lady is unattractive, just that I'm sure it is confusing as to why this garden magazine editor has a silk tassel fetish. A different version of the correct photo is currently shown here on the teaser page. Truthfully, I like this teaser one better than what was used in print. (I lifted it from their page and placed it with this post at top, left.)

I did get a lot of recognition at the Takoma Park Farmer's Market today and a number of emails. Will see how the rest of the week goes and if this results in any direct subscription increase.

reBlogged to magazines gardeners

Posted by WashingtonGardener Reblogged by Old Roses to gardeners, magazines on 2007-10-15, 18:36:31

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With autumn in full swing, people the world over that live in climates that experience the change in seasons are taking to the outdoors on foot. We know these wonderful days are numbered and we'll be soon be shivering at the thought of being out and about for any length of time, so we take advantage of the warm afternoons.

Yolanda Elizabet took us on a charming walk through her Netherlands countryside. Jodi shared the beauty of the Nova Scotia bay area. We're going on a walk today, too. It's a perfect day for spending in the woods, so that's where we'll start. . . .

reBlogged to autumn

Posted by Kylee Reblogged by Old Roses to autumn on 2007-10-15, 18:36:17

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reBlogged to gardens

Posted by My Chutney Garden Reblogged by Old Roses to Gardens on 2007-10-15, 18:35:41

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"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn Tree" (Emily Bronte)

reBlogged to foliage

Posted by snappy Reblogged by Old Roses to foliage on 2007-10-15, 18:35:11

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It's been raining steadily all morning; one of those cool, misty rains of late fall that my Mother used to call "equinoctial rains". These late fall rains are always very welcome as they soak in completely, but it makes for a quiet inside day, while I putter around cleaning the greenhouse to get ready for winter, and Liz is absorbed in a murder mystery involving an ax and a malevolent pharmacist (it does concern me, when at intervals she exclaims "So that's how it's done!" . . .

reBlogged to lilies

Posted by IBOY Reblogged by Old Roses to lilies on 2007-10-15, 18:33:56

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Speaking of Plectranthus, as I was when writing about Rabdosia longituba, here is a member of the former genus; namely Plectranthus kameba. The great majority of the plants in the genus plectranthus are quite tender (as befits a group commonly called tropical mints). However, a few are borderline hardy, including Plectranthus kameba, which hails from the mountains of Japan. It is a large plant, up to three foot tall, with equally large, mint-like leaves. Its flowers are a bit on the smallish size for the foliage, but the color is an ethereal deep, purplish blue; quite striking in the late fall shade garden. I have this plant growing at the back of an azalea bed now, but I mean to move it right next to a path, where the flowers can be closely examined, and I'm thinking of planting Arum italicum around the base, with its large variegated leaves of green and white just unfurling now.

reBlogged to plants

Posted by IBOY Reblogged by Old Roses to plants on 2007-10-15, 18:32:33

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I've been mulling over Carol's idea about naming your garden. None of the names I was coming up with felt right...they didn't cover enough of the ideas/memories/thoughts that I was trying to include. But today while trying to put together my Bloom Day post between some garden work and Italian homework (I have this desire/delusion to learn to speak Italian, the language of my mom's parents, and have been studying it for a couple years) the perfect name just came to me. Therefore, from now on my garden will be known as 'Fiori e Canto' (Flowers and Song). . . .

reBlogged to gardening

Posted by Leslie Reblogged by Old Roses to Gardening on 2007-10-15, 18:32:19

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reBlogged to flowers

Posted by Leslie Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2007-10-15, 18:28:22

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Have you heard about leafcutter bees? They cut pieces of leaves to line their nests. I used to see holes missing from my rose leaves all the time when I lived up north but never knew exactly what was causing the damage. I just happened across a 3 line note in a newspaper recently and was intrigued. . . .

reBlogged to beneficials

Posted by Nancy Reblogged by Old Roses to beneficials on 2007-10-15, 18:27:52

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That is the best combination - don't you agree?

I participate in two German garden forums which I enjoy very much. For the past few years we have been meeting twice a year -spring and fall - in a garden center in Munich. This year's fall meeting topped them all. One participant came from Berlin and another from Vienna, the remaining gals were are all from Bavaria. Even though, I have never met three of the ladies there, it was not like meeting strangers, it was like meeting a friend I have had all my life. . . .

reBlogged to shows

Posted by Andrea's Garden Reblogged by Old Roses to shows on 2007-10-15, 18:27:18

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Finally, I worked in the yard yesterday. I cut the grass; most of it. I’ll do more this coming week; most likely.

I haven’t been in the yard much lately and the blog shows it. So does the yard and, well, I almost got fired. Jeanne said she was thinking about hiring someone. Well, I don’t think so. When I retire that may be the only job I have. So I got my behind off the bike and out of the computer chair and went to work outside. Besides, I like working in the yard. It is just that I have been … ah … well it has been too … uh … let’s see, seems there was something. But that’s over and I’m sure I’ll have more time now. We don’t need no yard crew. Hey Jeanne, wanna go biking?

And these guys? These llamas? I bet they understand. Look at the size of their yard.

They live adjacent to the Longleaf Trace and always seem to be interested when I go by; them and the emus they share the pasture with. I bet they read my blog. Yea, I bet they recognize me.

llamas have been in the Mississippi valley for a long time. They originated in the central plains of North America and migrated to South America and Asia about 3 million years ago. There are currently about 100,000 of them north of Mexico. Where could they all be hiding? Well from the picture I would say under shade trees in green pastures. What a life. You can read a little more about llamas on Wikipedia. You might even enjoy this llama song

reBlogged to lawn on Oct 14, 2007, 11:44PM

Posted by Gary Reblogged by Old Roses to lawn on 2007-10-15, 18:26:26

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We had a grand time at Windmill Nursery's open house last night. The food was delicious, the wine was wonderful, and the people all friendly and fun. There was even live music! (hopefully the slide-show will show up here..I am never, ever sure about these things!) Of course I had to buy a few plants (10% of all yesterday's sales were donated to Wind Youth Services which helps homeless teens.) which I have been out planting this morning. (the plants, not the teens) Now its time to scuttle off to tend to The Nephew's yard and then to help Angela ready her yard for her upcoming interview with Sacramento Magazine! If the slide show didn't work then I'll post pictures later. Right now I gotta get my hands dirty! Toodles~

reBlogged to nursery

Posted by weeder1 Reblogged by Old Roses to nursery on 2007-10-15, 18:26:14

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In Zaragoza, Spain, which marks Columbus Day (October 12) by honoring the Virgin of Pilar, citizen pilgrims build a floral pyramid.

Originally posted by Julie

reBlogged to flowers on Oct 14, 2007, 8:12PM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2007-10-15, 18:25:52

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reBlogged to watering on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to watering on 2007-10-15, 18:24:46

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I'm not sure why TV programs like Ground Force, Better Gardens and Backyard Blitz ever return to their garden makeovers - but I'm sure glad they do. It's like watching a dog return to its vomit, checking it over to see why it escaped in the first place and then casually lapping it up as though it were a brand new meal. . . .

reBlogged to gardens on Oct 14, 2007, 7:49PM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to Gardens on 2007-10-15, 18:24:39

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I sure do appreciate these late-bloomers.  The deep purple of New England aster.  The cheery whiteness of Japanese anemone.  The dainty blossoms and cool foliage of hardy begonia (photo below), even the nothing-fancy look of common garden phlox.  And there's sedum 'Autumn Joy', at least the ones the deer didn't get. . . .

reBlogged to flowers on Oct 14, 2007, 3:32PM

Posted by Susan Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2007-10-15, 18:24:12

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reBlogged to autumn on Oct 14, 2007, 1:12AM

Posted by traceyf Reblogged by Old Roses to autumn on 2007-10-15, 18:23:27

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reBlogged to foliage on Oct 14, 2007, 1:10AM

Posted by traceyf Reblogged by Old Roses to foliage on 2007-10-15, 18:23:18

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Lovely hibiscus

reBlogged to flowers

Posted by Nicole Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2007-10-15, 18:22:59

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Nature park in the heart of the Karoo.

We wanted to see Aloe broomii and Aloe claviflora in bloom in their habitat. There can be no nicer place to go and look for them than in the Nature Park at Beaufort West in the Karoo.

The inflorescence of Aloe broomii is unbranched with densely packed small flowers. The buds are still tightly closed on the photo above. This aloe is endemic to the arid central Karoo region. . . .

reBlogged to botanical_garden on Oct 14, 2007, 12:03PM

Posted by ericat Reblogged by Old Roses to botanical_garden on 2007-10-15, 18:22:20

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reBlogged to landscape

Posted by Elizabeth Reblogged by Old Roses to landscape on 2007-10-15, 18:21:53

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reBlogged to lawn blogs

Posted by Elizabeth Reblogged by Old Roses to blogs, lawn on 2007-10-15, 18:21:26

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reBlogged to shows

Posted by Elizabeth Reblogged by Old Roses to shows on 2007-10-15, 18:21:17

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reBlogged to magazines

Posted by Susan Reblogged by Old Roses to magazines on 2007-10-15, 18:19:49

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Tomorrow is GBD, but I know I'm going to be too busy to post. So here goes, five hours early.


My pride and joy this month are my asters. I've had this plant for about three years, but every September it gets hit by white mould, and I end up having to cut it back before it blooms. This year I sprayed preventively and it's given me the best display so far. . . .

reBlogged to flowers

Posted by Sue Swift Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2007-10-15, 18:19:25

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Tigridia pavonia

The Mexican Shell Flower is a tender bulb/corm that I've grown in my garden for two summers now. It's only hardy to zone 8, so I have to lift it in the fall, but the speckled blooms in various colors of pink, yellow, orange, white and red make it worth the trouble. . . .

reBlogged to flowers

Posted by Kylee Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2007-10-15, 18:18:46

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Did you have a favorite Crayola crayon color as a kid? Mine was burnt orange, a vibrant eye-grabbing hue. My husband's choice? "I liked them all - they all pretty much tasted the same." Anyway, I was pulling a few weeds from around the plumbago bushes yesterday and a butterfly landed on the lantana in back. . . .

reBlogged to beneficials

Posted by Nancy Reblogged by Old Roses to beneficials on 2007-10-15, 18:17:38

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For tips on how to overwinter your pond equipment, read here.

http://www.gardenandhearth.com/Backyard-Ponds/More-Winter-Pond-Care.htm

reBlogged to ponds

Posted by Jan Goldfield Reblogged by Old Roses to ponds on 2007-10-15, 18:16:55

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I had such great luck back in the summer when I asked people to suggest their favorite plant that I thought I'd try it again with front gardens I'm trying to design.

In case you need a reminder, here's where my new front gardens will be. I'm not finished removing the sod but you can see the outline of where the edge of the bed will be. These part shade beds are about 6 feet from the 5-6 feet tall shrubs. Disclaimer: I am aware the shrubs look like freshly groomed poodles. I hate them, too. But they are staying at least until next year, and I vow to never let the landscape guy do that again. . . .

reBlogged to landscape

Posted by Gina Reblogged by Old Roses to landscape on 2007-10-15, 18:16:31

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For all their autumn splendor, Oriental bittersweet vines eventually become massive and engulf trees, causing them significant harm. That's the bad news in North America (where Oriental bittersweet is considered...

reBlogged to vines on Oct 14, 2007, 4:04AM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to vines on 2007-10-15, 18:14:05

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Sunday, October 14, 2007

Great good mornings to you from the mountain above Peacham Pond where the loons call, in competition with the harsh voices of two crows sitting in an adjacent white pine. It's 31 degrees and the dark clouds don't seem to be moving much. Yesterday was a good day to get some planting done because today is supposed to be wet with snow showers in higher elevations. We are at 1500 feet so I don't think we'll see the white stuff quite yet. . . .

reBlogged to nursery

Posted by George Africa Reblogged by Old Roses to nursery on 2007-10-15, 18:13:57

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Did anyone else in the northeast USA see the sunrise this morning? Giddy, how about you?

reBlogged to weather on Oct 14, 2007, 7:26AM

Posted by Sandy Reblogged by Old Roses to weather on 2007-10-15, 18:13:15

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reBlogged to fungi

Posted by Angie Reblogged by Old Roses to fungi on 2007-10-15, 01:04:46

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Chapter 1 of my Great Adventure First stop on my great adventure was Austin and environs, where I went to visit my friend Cynthia, whom I hadn’t seen in 15 years. Cynthia very kindly...

reBlogged to blogs on Oct 13, 2007, 10:41PM

Posted by Kathy Purdy Reblogged by Old Roses to blogs on 2007-10-15, 01:04:22

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Oh, the love
of my Lord

reBlogged to wildlife

Posted by A wildlife gardener Reblogged by Old Roses to wildlife on 2007-10-15, 01:04:03

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Hi. To introduce myself, I got into organic vegetable gardening as a kid, almost 30 years ago. I've been doing it on my own rural land for nearly 20 years. My gardens usually include potatoes, leeks, brocolli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, lettuce, chard, basil, tomatoes, corn, bell & hot peppers, squash. It's zone 6 around here. . .

reBlogged to weather on Oct 13, 2007, 12:24PM

Posted by Tanemon Reb