reBlogged to fruit trees on Mar 22, 2008, 12:47PM

Posted by Green Talk Reblogged by Old Roses to fruit, trees on 2008-03-23, 23:49:29

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No, not that kind of "Silent Spring," as in Rachel Carson's 1962 environmentalist classic. There would be little to enjoy about a spring deprived of chirping birds and spring peepers....

reBlogged to weather on Mar 23, 2008, 2:55AM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to weather on 2008-03-23, 23:49:04

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Reading a good article in the WaPo's Metro section yesterday on the little-known memorial for Henry Marytn Robert, I was once again stopped dead by an incorrect Plant ID. I'm not keeping track, but in my random reading experience I'd say the Metro section writers are zero for 10 this year.

I copied the accompanying photo here -- that "holly bush" is actually the common Nandina and that misidentified "elephant grass" is known locally as "monkey grass" or "Lily turf" or more correctly, Liriope. (Just for clarification, this is elephant grass.) Both Nandina and Liriope are probably the most ubiquitous landscape plants in the DC area -- certainly not anything rare or unique. Nobody is perfect, but I do expect a basic level of plant knowledge in any area resident's brain -- similar to knowing a hot dog from a half-smoke or what times the lane direction's change in Rock Creek Park. You should just know these things.

reBlogged to plants

Posted by WashingtonGardener Reblogged by Old Roses to plants on 2008-03-23, 23:48:09

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It is nomination time at Mouse and Trowel!!! Go there to nominate your favorite garden blogs.

reBlogged to awards

Posted by Wicked Gardener Reblogged by Old Roses to awards on 2008-03-23, 23:48:00

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reBlogged to weather on Mar 22, 2008, 9:26AM

Posted by inadvertentgardener Reblogged by Old Roses to weather on 2008-03-23, 23:47:52

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We did a little spring tidying in the garden today. We weren't the only ones enjoying the weather. Every time I moved around, a "herd" of these little spiders would scurry for cover. Pretty soon, they'd be back out in the sun again.

I hope they find some tasty aphids or something to eat. Hmmm.... but now I wonder if Petunia will be eating the spiders when she returns from her winter vacation. Are there so many of these little guys so that some can feed the other garden critters too? And some think gardens are just fluff and flowers!

reBlogged to beneficials

Posted by Petunia's Gardener Reblogged by Old Roses to beneficials on 2008-03-23, 23:47:28

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I wandered over into Roger’s yard for a while this afternoon where Harrison, Jeffrey, Josh and Emma were playing and Mike and Roger talking. And believe it or not, while listening to and taking part in the several conversations and games all these various parties were carrying on simultaneously, something fascinating caught my eye back by the fence. Roger’s deep purple lilac was all covered with new buds that had opened just enough on this springlike spring day to begin offering glimpses of what is to come. . . .

reBlogged to lilacs on Mar 23, 2008, 1:05AM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to lilacs on 2008-03-23, 23:46:42

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Saturday, March 22, 2008

A cold morning here on the mountain. 8 degrees and sunny. Karl the wonder dog decided it was too cold for him and he ran back to the house and dug his way under the bed quilt to go back to sleep. It has been quite a week here and the past three days have brought high winds and snow. Thursday there was wet snow and ice and I decided to plow when I returned home from work. An hour and a half later I felt like I had been riding in a tank. Yesterday morning I rose at 4:30 to plow again. The news said we received 6 inches of new snow but one couldn't tell because the wind made deep drifts everywhere that had any hollow to it. When I finished that work I couldn't get the plow off the truck and according to Alex "too many expletives" were obvious. I call it "self-talk". The slush from the night before had welded the plow to the frame and separating the two was not fun. . . .

reBlogged to weather

Posted by George Africa Reblogged by Old Roses to weather on 2008-03-23, 23:46:18

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I've seen varying reviews of buying plants on Ebay but as of today I'd like to say I'm all for it. I've ordered other stuff from E and all of my buying experiences have been positive but I've only browsed plants for auction, never having the nerve to actually buy one. These 2 pictured below were bought way back in December of 2007. What I loved was the fact that these 2 sellers offered to hold the plants until whatever date that I wanted them shipped. I picked March 15th. In hindsight, I should have waited longer. So, ever since December, I've been sitting around wondering if I just gave away money. I mean of course they wanted their money right away. But just as they promised, these 2 sellers shipped right on time and the plants arrived looking pretty healthy. The one on the left is Purple Smoke Tree and the one on the right is Tamarisk. I fell in love with both these last summer on the garden walk. I ordered one each for GB and myself. . ..

reBlogged to trees succulents

Posted by Gina Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents, trees on 2008-03-23, 23:45:48

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Well so much for the first week of Spring, huh? It’s been cold and it’s getting colder! We actually turned our furnace up half a degree yesterday because the house was just too cold.

I’m dying to see my garden beds again. So far the snows melted off a bit near the house and I can see a portion of my smallest garden bed. Of course it’s so cold that there’s no signs of life there yet. . .

reBlogged to spring on Mar 23, 2008, 1:30AM

Posted by Tricia Reblogged by Old Roses to spring on 2008-03-23, 23:44:27

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This weeks theme is Metal

Why I was wandering around my backyard on New Years day I can’t remember, but that’s when I decided to take a photo of the metal sun ornament that I’d hung up on the back of our enclosed porch last year. . ..

reBlogged to whimsy on Mar 22, 2008, 4:23PM

Posted by Tricia Reblogged by Old Roses to whimsy on 2008-03-23, 23:43:53

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A celebration of spring blooms and flowers on perennials, shrubs, bulbs, annuals and trees. A riot of color that welcomes warmer weather for gardeners.

reBlogged to flowers on Mar 22, 2008, 4:00AM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2008-03-23, 23:43:16

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Fritillaria sewerzowii
Ian Young, from the Scottish Rock Garden Society ( and his very informative and addictive blog) had recently raised the issue that many people ( as if there truly were 'many') who grow Frits that are the more unusual species form, are having issues with the blossoms opening before the foliage comes out. I do have this problem with Fritillaria stenanthera, but not with F. sewerzowii. But Ian's plants, which inspired me to grow these jewels in the first place, are so much larger, it must be the fertilizer he uses ( tomato and Phosphorus) whereas here in the states, more unorthodox formulas are more difficult to find. I do use a 0-0-10 after bloom, but not every week or on the surface, and Ian suggests. . . .

reBlogged to flowers

Posted by Matt Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2008-03-23, 23:43:07

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Coyote foraging for crabapple berries
Around supper time this evening, my husband looked out the window, and said, "Isn't that a coyote?"

Yes, and there it was in our crabapple orchard, looking for a snack. We even saw it pick them right out of the tree. (My dog does this on occasion too.). . .

reBlogged to wildlife

Posted by Yvonne Cunnington Reblogged by Old Roses to wildlife on 2008-03-23, 23:42:36

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I have a new link to my spring planting records. Its near the top of my sidebar. It lists what I'm planting, where, how much, and when it sprouts. You can see what's sprouted today there. (Little broccolis just poked up this morning!)

reBlogged to planting

Posted by kathy Reblogged by Old Roses to planting on 2008-03-23, 23:41:39

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A late post on Saturday night.I have had a quiet day with no gardening or digging up at the allotment. Its been freezing with high winds and hail stones, with snow forecast for the UK. The cold snap has taken out my eager seedlings in the greenhouse (Remind me next year to sow seeds later). I need to reorder my Tumbling Toms tomato seeds from Mcfothergills. . . .

reBlogged to birds seeds

Posted by snappy Reblogged by Old Roses to birds, seeds on 2008-03-23, 23:41:08

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Saturday, March 22, 2008

It's very close to Easter here at Vermont Flower Farm. I remember there was a time when virtually everyone I knew celebrated Easter. Times have changed and some who did, no longer do, and some people I know are of other faiths while some have no interest in any religion at all. . . .

reBlogged to lilies

Posted by George Africa Reblogged by Old Roses to lilies on 2008-03-23, 23:40:26

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"Easter spells out beauty,

the rare beauty of new life."

~S.D. Gordon

ASPARAGUS and GOAT CHEESE QUICHE

~ retro is back and real men 'do eat quiche'

reBlogged to iris recipes

Posted by joey Reblogged by Old Roses to iris, recipes on 2008-03-23, 23:39:42

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Just another reason to add to the list of why you should grow your own...

reBlogged to melons

Posted by Tina Reblogged by Old Roses to melons on 2008-03-23, 23:36:36

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Every March, when the snow is not even completely gone from the ground, cyclamen coum, seen in the top picture, raises its tiny blooms up from the damp, dark leaf litter. The shockingly bright flowers always look to me like so many little fiery sparks floating over the cold earth. Cyclamen coum's early spring display is only the first installment of the cyclamen year. Cyclamen purpurascens, seen blooming in July in the middle picture, although a softer pink, has flowers that are still quite striking but because of much more floral competition in mid-summer, it is much less memorable; however its long bloom cycle is still welcome, and it is the most evergreen of the wild cyclamens for us. Cyclamen hederifolium shown blooming in October in the bottom picture helps close out the gardening year.

reBlogged to cyclamen

Posted by IBOY Reblogged by Old Roses to cyclamen on 2008-03-23, 23:35:50

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I've found a site of garden essays. Some of you who are waiting for spring might have some time on your hands.

Good reads:

Helium's:  True gardening stories: What my garden taught me - the hard way

reBlogged to gardening on Mar 22, 2008, 6:41PM

Posted by Jenn Reblogged by Old Roses to Gardening on 2008-03-23, 23:35:30

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reBlogged to books organic

Posted by Colleen Vanderlinden (nospam@example.com) Reblogged by Old Roses to books, organic on 2008-03-23, 23:34:31

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reBlogged to primrose on Mar 22, 2008, 1:37PM

Posted by sandy Reblogged by Old Roses to primrose on 2008-03-23, 23:28:14

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Can I grow carnivorous plants in my garden? (answer).

From The Old Farmer's Almanac.

reBlogged to carnivorous on Mar 21, 2008, 11:00PM

Posted by The Old Farmer's Almanac Reblogged by Old Roses to carnivorous on 2008-03-23, 23:27:30

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The white hellebore, front left, dominates but we've combined it with a plant more usually used as a ground cover, Brunnera or Siberian Bugloss with its forget-me-not like blue flowers as a display this week. . . .

reBlogged to flowers

Posted by John Curtin Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2008-03-23, 23:27:09

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Messing around with my camera today I did a quick tour of what we're growing at the moment. It was very windy, so sorry for the rubbish sound at the start! More of these to come, we'll work on the...

reBlogged to seedlings on Mar 22, 2008, 10:50AM

Posted by Dan Reblogged by Old Roses to seedlings on 2008-03-23, 23:26:42

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It is always with a sense of awe and excitement that I observe the arrival of the different wildflowers which adorn the mountains here in Springtime. It is a sure sign that winter is over and that sunshine and warm days will soon return!

After the Buttercups have come and gone, the lovely Dog Tooth Violets appear by the hundreds. They also go by the name of Trout Lily, Glacier Lily, Yellow Fawn Lily, or Adder's Tongue. The Dog Tooth Violet (Erythronium grandiflorum) is a member of the Lily family, growing up from a deep seated perennial bulb. The graceful, nodding bell-shaped flowers are bright yellow.....a wonderful sight for color starved eyes this time of year!. . .

reBlogged to wildflowers

Posted by Connie Reblogged by Old Roses to wildflowers on 2008-03-23, 23:23:16

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I never expected to be cooking anything from the garden early in March, but that's exactly what I've been doing over the last couple of weeks. I've written up three spinach meals over on my food blog. . ..

reBlogged to spinach recipes

Posted by Entangled Reblogged by Old Roses to recipes, spinach on 2008-03-23, 22:33:23

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Earth Hour is coming up on Saturday, March 29. We’re going to ask you all to shut down your power - all of it - for one hour beginning at 8pm and ending at 9pm. . . .

reBlogged to environment on Mar 22, 2008, 11:57AM

Posted by Doug Reblogged by Old Roses to environment on 2008-03-23, 22:32:46

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The big news around these parts at the moment is my imminent return to work after nigh on a year of maternity leave (non-parents: do not describe this as a "break" or I might have to get all punchy on you). I won't be going back to my old job as deputy news editor at Guardian Unlimited, however. I have a shiny new job, and one that's - gulp - gardening related. I shall be editing the gardening pages of the Guardian's Weekend magazine. It's a part time post, which will give me time to spend with my ever-more entertaining...

reBlogged to magazines on Mar 22, 2008, 5:01PM

Posted by Jane Perrone Reblogged by Old Roses to magazines on 2008-03-23, 22:32:15

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Japanese Camellia
Camellia japonica ‘Glen 40’
(kuh-MEE-lee-a) (juh-PON-ih-kuh)
Theaceae (tee-AY-see-ay)

A couple more Camellia flowers and carrying on yesterday’s color theme, they are red Camellias. I am going to the NY Orchid Show again today. I am going to see the Orchids but also want a look around the grounds of the NYBG. I then have a bunch of appointments to look at some new work so it going to be a full day. I am suppose to go hear my brothers (two of the them) band tonight but I am not sure I am going to make it as I am a little tired already. . . .

reBlogged to camellias on Mar 22, 2008, 7:26AM

Posted by Digital Flower Pictures Reblogged by Old Roses to camellias on 2008-03-23, 22:31:42

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reBlogged to daffodils

Posted by Graham Rice Reblogged by Old Roses to daffodils on 2008-03-23, 22:31:16

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reBlogged to blogs organic

Posted by Susan Reblogged by Old Roses to blogs, organic on 2008-03-23, 22:30:34

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reBlogged to environment

Posted by gardenrant Reblogged by Old Roses to environment on 2008-03-23, 22:30:25

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Thought I share with you my dear blogging friends and readers some more Easter and Spring eye candy, but before I show you more pictures from my decorated home and garden, I have to show you what I got in the mail on Thursday just in time for Easter!

reBlogged to spring

Posted by Carol Reblogged by Old Roses to spring on 2008-03-23, 22:30:07

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

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-03-23, 22:29:17

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I just love hearing the chirping of baby birds coming from the birdhouses. This birdhouse is just above the garage door and we can view it from the dining room window.

I wonder if I can convince the tenants that I will reduce the rent if they will give the house a lick of paint. . .

reBlogged to birds

Posted by Crafty Gardener Reblogged by Old Roses to birds on 2008-03-23, 22:28:37

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Not cactus or any other type of succulent, but my mother's 40-year old gerber has been in flower for the last two weeks. Not that she is looking after it, and nor am I, because it needs more water than I can remember to give it - good thing that there is someone else who has been watering nearly every day since sometime in February. The cacti have appreciated it also.

The Echinopsis calochlora that I am trying to establish for my boss is also in the photo, so that keeps it cactus-oriented enough.

Echinopsis calochlora with Gerbera

reBlogged to flowers

Posted by Jade Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers on 2008-03-23, 22:28:08

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My anticipation of the imminent color explosion courtesy of the flowering trees leads me to an exclamation that may seem out of place, at first glance: "It's the most wonderful...

reBlogged to trees on Mar 21, 2008, 11:21PM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to trees on 2008-03-23, 22:27:18

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