tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30637120609791904962024-03-13T08:42:07.287-07:00My Drought Tolerant WorldMQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-58157613722927513322023-08-25T15:23:00.000-07:002023-08-25T15:23:28.154-07:00Then and Now <p>In 2009, I planted this artichoke agave, agave parryi var. truncata, without knowing how large it would get.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V7qnRm_FP7upksSLLlBUs4wAmx15Q9-4qbKPpJXtZ4ClIy0cs9RKsmsML8gWzivf7IN6NO_7VeKSpJw-3bnHL9XKFFheA6vr5mGo0UhW86n2D8tZnvx1kUPmjFcjS3Pt_Gf33xxuZxOm8ChfSq5UDCTMC3BBfv6pdYieiCpt4fhVpByrFy6o8EmA-fg/s320/IMG_3666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V7qnRm_FP7upksSLLlBUs4wAmx15Q9-4qbKPpJXtZ4ClIy0cs9RKsmsML8gWzivf7IN6NO_7VeKSpJw-3bnHL9XKFFheA6vr5mGo0UhW86n2D8tZnvx1kUPmjFcjS3Pt_Gf33xxuZxOm8ChfSq5UDCTMC3BBfv6pdYieiCpt4fhVpByrFy6o8EmA-fg/s1600/IMG_3666.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> Back then, I also didn't know its <a href="http://www.carsonpass.com/places/hope_valley.html">proper name</a>. I called it a rose cactus because it reminded me of roses.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXvJi-B7PgomOiXM8R9YVrAlpCXjac7Gy4RGen5FT1rDR2hmgCNI9GKm4HLRgeoYhx1D4YenTsU0OMeRj8T5wqSd1LJrBungo_cTL2nQX-s4YVdn7X5eBZbsoFGYGC0oN9ogqCM0ZUAzzXv_KN9x6p8y2545VZyPpQC_LUv1Cr7R0XJ9EidfYg2P3MDU/s418/Screenshot%202023-08-25%20at%203.01.16%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="418" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXvJi-B7PgomOiXM8R9YVrAlpCXjac7Gy4RGen5FT1rDR2hmgCNI9GKm4HLRgeoYhx1D4YenTsU0OMeRj8T5wqSd1LJrBungo_cTL2nQX-s4YVdn7X5eBZbsoFGYGC0oN9ogqCM0ZUAzzXv_KN9x6p8y2545VZyPpQC_LUv1Cr7R0XJ9EidfYg2P3MDU/s320/Screenshot%202023-08-25%20at%203.01.16%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>Well 14 years later, the plant is huge. I'm waiting for the flowering stalk to appear. This plant has given me numerous pups, like the one trying hard to grow from under this huge momma. I transplanted one pup from five years ago to my front yard garden bed. That pup in now a momma to at least seven pups. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-63511133526518322852023-07-01T16:31:00.000-07:002023-07-01T16:31:05.732-07:00Hummingbird Mint<p> I planted the pink hummingbird mint from a 4" pot in the Fall 2022; look at it now!! It is as tall as me, wow!!!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0PQHY-4czCvPWMIWGwfEvgz3iESSfW3S1YMyAnnsJAD8MFrqm9dvhss_s8QoN_7ZxKuPHFH_PEWwcrvSUHkkxqtxOxi6MIz7xGNfKhDv-X34-EdjdA6cbEDoUr8teoBESqv9lkfRI28UU_S4uKQgka1058l3EKyfhdSquLcAihgv6TJyYKirrnF6yuwQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0PQHY-4czCvPWMIWGwfEvgz3iESSfW3S1YMyAnnsJAD8MFrqm9dvhss_s8QoN_7ZxKuPHFH_PEWwcrvSUHkkxqtxOxi6MIz7xGNfKhDv-X34-EdjdA6cbEDoUr8teoBESqv9lkfRI28UU_S4uKQgka1058l3EKyfhdSquLcAihgv6TJyYKirrnF6yuwQ=w488-h640" width="488" /></a></div><br /><p></p>MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-81462737075930255002023-05-25T15:43:00.000-07:002023-05-25T15:43:04.671-07:00Green Rose<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFyBQbUfmpzH7I62rCOdR91kcwZgEJd5A1xazktodyV0jYF9Kb_vcdkp2QdXbpd4rbHxsIqrZkpjgvgNR3w6CJDXNXExFEVg2NPRUeC15tVzP5Tk5KnTkTTo6hh8cUlDkbrC8gx7qQ50SM_qH-SYBULq1ffWToy-wUl2EvgU4X8rzkKZoYm95r3w6O" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="459" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFyBQbUfmpzH7I62rCOdR91kcwZgEJd5A1xazktodyV0jYF9Kb_vcdkp2QdXbpd4rbHxsIqrZkpjgvgNR3w6CJDXNXExFEVg2NPRUeC15tVzP5Tk5KnTkTTo6hh8cUlDkbrC8gx7qQ50SM_qH-SYBULq1ffWToy-wUl2EvgU4X8rzkKZoYm95r3w6O=w525-h640" width="525" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>After learning that there is a rose that has green flowers, I purchased one for my garden. Green rose, rosa viridiflora, might be the oldest roses that originate from China. This rose is asexual since it doesn't have a stamen or stigmas, making it sterile. Yes, no hips are produced. One needs to get a clone! The rose is cultivated by grafts or cutting off pieces of the stem and replanting them.<span style="color: #2f2e2c; font-family: "Proxima Nova W01 Alternate", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></p>MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-43916999830946004872023-04-26T17:36:00.001-07:002023-04-26T17:36:31.538-07:00Heat Wave<p> I think Mother Nature is skipping Spring again. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZUdyqulm5pSw6vllNGUDBeejl8ExpiJXJUpnzoUzrYHYOUbnyjlaWLWIMC1gepxiUX0gzqUdzYUCYe-e2ZIt1I4OR3Q13GG2bfdmiXfCL2e3hRBx9buTnvsaj1U625M2k6HjNvnhsGoqQ3yTxyk_ttd_8H7cayJr7RKsRl_aDElOS6eCj_GXBbbs_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZUdyqulm5pSw6vllNGUDBeejl8ExpiJXJUpnzoUzrYHYOUbnyjlaWLWIMC1gepxiUX0gzqUdzYUCYe-e2ZIt1I4OR3Q13GG2bfdmiXfCL2e3hRBx9buTnvsaj1U625M2k6HjNvnhsGoqQ3yTxyk_ttd_8H7cayJr7RKsRl_aDElOS6eCj_GXBbbs_=w523-h640" width="523" /></a></div><p></p><p>I'm taking advantage of this warm evening weather to repot some of my planters. It 's too hot to work in the yard during the day. What happened to low 70s temperatures? Instead it's hitting the upper 80s to low 90s. At this rate the plants will bloom quickly and then go into their hot, summer dormancy. Noooo! </p>MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-60010170688494654552022-12-19T23:19:00.000-08:002022-12-19T23:19:54.770-08:00Baby It's Cold Outside!<p> It's cold, but I'm staying warm indoors while waiting for Spring.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWD7L97PGFxsii4EQWkSW0ToZGSoYAI0D5LBL4omTSq3clze9FWHr7uvbhrVamp3GSpnerT4o8b8puCG7H-_rq6PC_VIg1Rromsy-tVNxy_g_gQdh1dHChGF8Q_AVlnDv1Tk_0h_Pdf1QiiFPIp00S9sOvYm4ic5vnCTyDy5pVrpuw1HZnIiO2J0bi" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="616" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWD7L97PGFxsii4EQWkSW0ToZGSoYAI0D5LBL4omTSq3clze9FWHr7uvbhrVamp3GSpnerT4o8b8puCG7H-_rq6PC_VIg1Rromsy-tVNxy_g_gQdh1dHChGF8Q_AVlnDv1Tk_0h_Pdf1QiiFPIp00S9sOvYm4ic5vnCTyDy5pVrpuw1HZnIiO2J0bi=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This Fall, I mulched the yard in prep for winter and now I'm praying that some of my plants that are self-sowers survive my mulching.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXwtjaabGJwEgb8N-VPqwa5iChXCTpJdagG2CU_2pB2K2HWQ0Pwn1sdkA0PhGGR6-JKXiFpzw3M9BrcanvL2yMojYiIFo_vrgwY47gevWGtlnD6_vEwzGDGAqXdCyVl8eG_g-rml4QIWdQoOXxXn8yuh0-Nm99QK83VEcLZWJ52EWcCiC-zrpKfN9Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="481" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXwtjaabGJwEgb8N-VPqwa5iChXCTpJdagG2CU_2pB2K2HWQ0Pwn1sdkA0PhGGR6-JKXiFpzw3M9BrcanvL2yMojYiIFo_vrgwY47gevWGtlnD6_vEwzGDGAqXdCyVl8eG_g-rml4QIWdQoOXxXn8yuh0-Nm99QK83VEcLZWJ52EWcCiC-zrpKfN9Q=w533-h640" width="533" /></a></div><br />Agrostemma Milas was such a surprise for me. I purchased it in 2021 from Annie's Annuals. It really didn't do much that first years and then died. I thought it was a goner. But Spring 2022, it came back in full force! It's a self-sower that is very hardy- at least I hope so! We'll see if it survives my mulching. If not, I'll purchase more from Annie's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy6VCx8OMXH-FSZ2gtF-H6uI38ngpND7zjPH7jlN93MjsugjS6mNce4xrRnPsXPFpc9SQnBqt0iWo7KWlXXs3vTy5-1ESTFh0y55ci8w3wTQJ2w_ZNJsyl3T6gHY3Ov_r0GuBX_97ebs3c457lpuybKpzBs2JFUkRQ7GTs7h-G0C6PE8UFwZSLX97C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="476" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy6VCx8OMXH-FSZ2gtF-H6uI38ngpND7zjPH7jlN93MjsugjS6mNce4xrRnPsXPFpc9SQnBqt0iWo7KWlXXs3vTy5-1ESTFh0y55ci8w3wTQJ2w_ZNJsyl3T6gHY3Ov_r0GuBX_97ebs3c457lpuybKpzBs2JFUkRQ7GTs7h-G0C6PE8UFwZSLX97C=w581-h640" width="581" /></a></div><br />Another surprise self-sower is origanum libanoticum, cascading oregano. Again another plant that totally flopped for me in 2021. I thought it was a total goner too, but it too surprised me in very early Spring 2022. It bloomed for months. And the bees just loved this plant. Not only did I enjoy the grace of this plant, but I also enjoyed the bees and hummingbirds that were loving the blossoms. </div><p></p>MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-25758360851814456152022-08-03T14:32:00.000-07:002022-08-03T14:32:20.514-07:00Chipdrop<p> In 2006, I changed my yard from grass to drought tolerant landscaping by using the lasagna gardening method. Back then, I had a large drop of wood chips dropped on my driveway. Today, I did the same since those chips from 2006 have totally decomposed and the ground is looking barren.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2BKVp2L482Nrz9QwVzUG-RZjSYPslJe2kSy9Ptcufy7-Vpms81iKG9gx1ZjFxK0SiXa9IPSDO4YWqBzpa2CGjm2lQ--5VNHcDHXuMe1jnSPuCEx5AWgdNCkb3Rh-1ov7W-53hDKRV4GyyDEPscAIwdN-Ur-r62S3Y8281rRxbYQP-iO2nu7iNTSSo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2BKVp2L482Nrz9QwVzUG-RZjSYPslJe2kSy9Ptcufy7-Vpms81iKG9gx1ZjFxK0SiXa9IPSDO4YWqBzpa2CGjm2lQ--5VNHcDHXuMe1jnSPuCEx5AWgdNCkb3Rh-1ov7W-53hDKRV4GyyDEPscAIwdN-Ur-r62S3Y8281rRxbYQP-iO2nu7iNTSSo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br />With the drought continuing and not seeing an end to it in the near future, I got another chip drop. Hopefully this does the trick of covering the barren places to keep the moisture in while providing nutrients for the soil as the mulch decomposes.<p></p>MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-904903112873922012021-12-31T17:53:00.000-08:002021-12-31T17:53:45.558-08:00End of Year Reflections<p> Goal of this past year was to increase my garden beds, phase 2 project.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj2lWzZC1q9ZeE3vZFbyXoDjgF6j39NRwB7Eq_uC91wJScxixDdMgGG150pvgb-0FcDofpWd1fAvhA5SkOajS3cNNhipoKUlvm4giApjULhjlKkXwIWFeeVli_BvfQjFfRKpzqoIJLDM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="475" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj2lWzZC1q9ZeE3vZFbyXoDjgF6j39NRwB7Eq_uC91wJScxixDdMgGG150pvgb-0FcDofpWd1fAvhA5SkOajS3cNNhipoKUlvm4giApjULhjlKkXwIWFeeVli_BvfQjFfRKpzqoIJLDM/w320-h400/Screen+Shot+2021-12-31+at+5.31.18+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">In September, I got busy digging and planted. I decided to take a gamble on October/November rains.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOkFJYIvRDt8Xj1jb5poFx5Fhwbc_-1imVtNqKSwDvTtoe5XRgOeXaKMQ_WXsOokB5ijWZZrK3SJDDBFjA6sGtWKLYPokgolu1r6itIONwZYT7fWqTnxQ5YLalMl90ezDXQ3L0DL2gBI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="592" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOkFJYIvRDt8Xj1jb5poFx5Fhwbc_-1imVtNqKSwDvTtoe5XRgOeXaKMQ_WXsOokB5ijWZZrK3SJDDBFjA6sGtWKLYPokgolu1r6itIONwZYT7fWqTnxQ5YLalMl90ezDXQ3L0DL2gBI/" width="320" /></a></div><p>Planted drought tolerant plants in area that the dymondia was looking sad due to the drought. Yes, dymondia is drought tolerant, but it does best with morning sun and afternoon shade. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkHYxoNk4JmrqfsVXXrOHOUo9pW5DkR647cNrXJOq627Ja_IuYydRuNxEQTI2ZzpqQGKO0eD2uel4Mi4KF3KDHZ75RzK8vaFlfNegfYkjunLZD75NuuigKY4Hup7Hkq_QhlQ6YJ83bYc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="466" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkHYxoNk4JmrqfsVXXrOHOUo9pW5DkR647cNrXJOq627Ja_IuYydRuNxEQTI2ZzpqQGKO0eD2uel4Mi4KF3KDHZ75RzK8vaFlfNegfYkjunLZD75NuuigKY4Hup7Hkq_QhlQ6YJ83bYc/w363-h400/Screen+Shot+2021-12-08+at+3.46.57+PM.png" width="363" /></a></div><br />Also extended a bed. I put in stepping stones and more drought tolerant plants. Luckily heavy rains came to the Bay Area early. Gamble is paying off with rains! I'm looking forward to seeing the drought tolerant plants take off next Spring. <p></p><br /><br /><p></p>MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-41199092811766239942021-09-21T14:15:00.001-07:002021-09-21T14:15:54.408-07:00Hidden Treasures<p>While amending my garden beds, I first discovered these tasty, sweet treasures. I didn't realize the flowers were carrots. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WndVTFWYalWeMxWzQE_tVP7uYf5nGtZn6rBgUTnEC1YYG2eOS44IEaqhR3t6Sgl3Jbwgme2JGBSH0IciXpUWOp_DfbBSLuKifaGkU-8tkcFTddcJ_P13-O0hEIc1AJ91ixFRfxvOqik/s558/Screen+Shot+2021-09-21+at+2.05.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="471" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WndVTFWYalWeMxWzQE_tVP7uYf5nGtZn6rBgUTnEC1YYG2eOS44IEaqhR3t6Sgl3Jbwgme2JGBSH0IciXpUWOp_DfbBSLuKifaGkU-8tkcFTddcJ_P13-O0hEIc1AJ91ixFRfxvOqik/w540-h640/Screen+Shot+2021-09-21+at+2.05.53+PM.png" width="540" /></a></div><p>And these were a total surprise since I didn't plant any potatoes this year. These gems were hiding in a corner by the upside down planter. I guess I should investigate what might be growing under that planter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cDRqQ_YVzq8ZWdHJgMNTWF0blCHzHn0HQqsJ7EKmoRNWU08cHODVP2p6E_OJG5c2IA4kwy_9AACUcrIkzEp3k4St_JlvVhs0a1iF8EtsUxVuhJA9g8C0SNDIzDK1ENM0Sir6gtI4hE8/s1142/Screen+Shot+2021-09-21+at+2.05.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1142" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cDRqQ_YVzq8ZWdHJgMNTWF0blCHzHn0HQqsJ7EKmoRNWU08cHODVP2p6E_OJG5c2IA4kwy_9AACUcrIkzEp3k4St_JlvVhs0a1iF8EtsUxVuhJA9g8C0SNDIzDK1ENM0Sir6gtI4hE8/w640-h328/Screen+Shot+2021-09-21+at+2.05.01+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-21287671586096419992021-04-21T10:53:00.001-07:002021-04-21T10:56:03.077-07:00Gardening During Pandemic<p>Thank God for gardening! Between dealing with my demented mother and this pandemic, gardening has been my savior. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44cbGeDOtwr7ZLmbjyO054MNl-xVPhZBTgFVyv8xfb0TUMYgxA0F6nLqsX8gbNt25iQiWnT10JmnLQCZy34VcBqDbiyVhJ43K4NGkxKP8LNf1sDRa-1zmzdViqLvmzCiXV8E2AOQJgyM/s759/Screen+Shot+2021-04-21+at+10.15.34+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="759" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44cbGeDOtwr7ZLmbjyO054MNl-xVPhZBTgFVyv8xfb0TUMYgxA0F6nLqsX8gbNt25iQiWnT10JmnLQCZy34VcBqDbiyVhJ43K4NGkxKP8LNf1sDRa-1zmzdViqLvmzCiXV8E2AOQJgyM/w400-h396/Screen+Shot+2021-04-21+at+10.15.34+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>I did a number of fairy gardens this year. This arrangement if my favorite! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6JKHvWOy6YjENetVxiyVrbfDRmovIc0gYVNH8C1TnxJt8kbIO8_SNXJ_1HgT11u3wtEQqCsKVTamvkgQCoPSxlTX9tCkdFO9xnjMz9d-AoykHKvCQpaRaFN5i-uDhDo9ry6m4x-yef0/s804/Screen+Shot+2021-04-21+at+10.15.57+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="751" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6JKHvWOy6YjENetVxiyVrbfDRmovIc0gYVNH8C1TnxJt8kbIO8_SNXJ_1HgT11u3wtEQqCsKVTamvkgQCoPSxlTX9tCkdFO9xnjMz9d-AoykHKvCQpaRaFN5i-uDhDo9ry6m4x-yef0/w374-h400/Screen+Shot+2021-04-21+at+10.15.57+AM.png" width="374" /></a></div><p>In 2009, I changed my yard from grass to dymondia, a drought tolerant ground cover. I started with plugs. I noticed that not only had it made an excellent ground cover, but it was starting to encroach the flower bed area and covered the stepping stone path.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1_0tC7Ahx8FGzzKItl4gAiTeECuoVGYWeiGxyfkM-pWWmvAfuNma7QdPMWdCUgqLx47aXoo1LWb7nuhZtr5CrRYRpVEB_s26evlfW6CJDxgxFlSuSkoSgUneRsJz_RVqwn5gLpnhjFI/s787/Screen+Shot+2021-04-21+at+10.16.16+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="756" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1_0tC7Ahx8FGzzKItl4gAiTeECuoVGYWeiGxyfkM-pWWmvAfuNma7QdPMWdCUgqLx47aXoo1LWb7nuhZtr5CrRYRpVEB_s26evlfW6CJDxgxFlSuSkoSgUneRsJz_RVqwn5gLpnhjFI/w384-h400/Screen+Shot+2021-04-21+at+10.16.16+AM.png" width="384" /></a></div><p>So, I took care of that problem this past winter, 2020. To the bedding area, I removed some of the carpet roses and have planted different drought tolerant flowering plants--new to me. It's an experiment to see what works.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHluvqh2643IY-dXv9SOlLg18cCtla_UFdqkzTU0tDCWKS1U5HxQGIpr-VGbEa1VONUiGZJOZLeAi8N3JJ72Lzh5EdsbuuZsYJLGcHYYNv_KXqSH30tJJThUhPbLAnEKU6cOczu9isw8/s801/Screen+Shot+2021-04-21+at+10.16.46+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="751" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHluvqh2643IY-dXv9SOlLg18cCtla_UFdqkzTU0tDCWKS1U5HxQGIpr-VGbEa1VONUiGZJOZLeAi8N3JJ72Lzh5EdsbuuZsYJLGcHYYNv_KXqSH30tJJThUhPbLAnEKU6cOczu9isw8/w375-h400/Screen+Shot+2021-04-21+at+10.16.46+AM.png" width="375" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One of the plants is a California native called Sticky Monkey Flower. It comes in numerous colors. The first time I saw this plant was during a hike at Arroyo Seco. Yes, a true native plant! That plant's flower was orange. My Sticky Monkey Flower plant is planted under a volunteer oak tree since they love growing under oaks. I plan on adding a couple more Sticky Monkey Flowers to my yard this year.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TULs7eRhPGf_-cC5vkIc0pDsogBmSVFzXc4RuV-rxKg0wGTiG3xXWZUEYljFGAbLUgJ-atehdKnfc1ilSvR6ztJdBNuArWAo2LQhhSXBMtFIeS8KweMdtfm_ZzMQ2k17cpDzxtpp7sQ/s764/Screen+Shot+2021-04-21+at+10.16.59+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="764" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TULs7eRhPGf_-cC5vkIc0pDsogBmSVFzXc4RuV-rxKg0wGTiG3xXWZUEYljFGAbLUgJ-atehdKnfc1ilSvR6ztJdBNuArWAo2LQhhSXBMtFIeS8KweMdtfm_ZzMQ2k17cpDzxtpp7sQ/w400-h339/Screen+Shot+2021-04-21+at+10.16.59+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><p><br /></p></div></div>MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-17575859374573636932020-08-06T15:47:00.000-07:002020-08-06T15:47:18.474-07:00Sunflowers<div>One mammoth sunflower stalk before it developed lots of heads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTbO-7I2jj1lzyEGIFnbpsbcUl3WyUGDSnsfjrf8jt10nOH96ct5qmL4niyR6CP8X-j5Lg-jiwWRUn3hf9Jd1km6heIBhbWmjZnEA3U2mpqhL6kVUHGJAFmM97vCswdlEHWZGSze9hS4/s753/Screen+Shot+2020-08-06+at+3.19.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="518" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTbO-7I2jj1lzyEGIFnbpsbcUl3WyUGDSnsfjrf8jt10nOH96ct5qmL4niyR6CP8X-j5Lg-jiwWRUn3hf9Jd1km6heIBhbWmjZnEA3U2mpqhL6kVUHGJAFmM97vCswdlEHWZGSze9hS4/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-08-06+at+3.19.31+PM.png" /></a></div><div>A droopy stalk with lots of droopy heads needing to be cut off the main stalk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-ZhJedVdXIvv7aZNpq006DiEHD0rUZxsS7vO3C7D5ghQE1plAitJFQyKejORVfYhct9kZFec6rzKZ5r8uVFWyUjLjXdn4oTjSjyt5zi6ObD3zLSisjcv_9v7PBlL189Zvm_Qkwhtx5g/s621/Screen+Shot+2020-08-06+at+3.19.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-ZhJedVdXIvv7aZNpq006DiEHD0rUZxsS7vO3C7D5ghQE1plAitJFQyKejORVfYhct9kZFec6rzKZ5r8uVFWyUjLjXdn4oTjSjyt5zi6ObD3zLSisjcv_9v7PBlL189Zvm_Qkwhtx5g/s0/Screen+Shot+2020-08-06+at+3.19.43+PM.png" /></a></div><div>I want to save my sunflowers from critters and birds getting to the seeds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDDuOfvCPy8mlecAHjKb5enhoLgMxEHEQsa2pWTa-HAZGJOOqDxebFCZTM_AuXkKyKOWeBvCICTb2nN24M63ML2WhKhE4t4FklnjoaBdaOFnu6vn3a_UbL1UArc9zzXmdmCE_clAfW64/s359/Screen+Shot+2020-08-06+at+3.10.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDDuOfvCPy8mlecAHjKb5enhoLgMxEHEQsa2pWTa-HAZGJOOqDxebFCZTM_AuXkKyKOWeBvCICTb2nN24M63ML2WhKhE4t4FklnjoaBdaOFnu6vn3a_UbL1UArc9zzXmdmCE_clAfW64/s0/Screen+Shot+2020-08-06+at+3.10.24+PM.png" /></a></div><div>All the tiny flowers have dried.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL2ShWu4xcz6myA2Hv0n4QUkHkWA9d9G2J5rBoR9D1_pGPL1XKCNlEsxcslf-6dI2GSgqzWO2XdrapgkgN_ttHaj4bKDKAQiLd0iI8XaNoChDScTDvcCRdZrr7zGZL4XyfQo-H6XQ1vY/s617/Screen+Shot+2020-08-06+at+3.10.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL2ShWu4xcz6myA2Hv0n4QUkHkWA9d9G2J5rBoR9D1_pGPL1XKCNlEsxcslf-6dI2GSgqzWO2XdrapgkgN_ttHaj4bKDKAQiLd0iI8XaNoChDScTDvcCRdZrr7zGZL4XyfQo-H6XQ1vY/s0/Screen+Shot+2020-08-06+at+3.10.05+PM.png" /></a></div><div>What it looks after some of flowers have been removed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeBO1l-dXH6B1q9uCRNK2Jaa-th5F2I2ro6KyaAeBpCQ_w6PzKKmvbirWKLvQXgRCljbxJtr_Vt5IqzElWwcL3A9n64XTb9IolB3DsUuiRRyUYpIFlgAt18sAbaRvSXIZWLO5svfCV9k/s935/Screen+Shot+2020-08-06+at+3.09.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="935" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeBO1l-dXH6B1q9uCRNK2Jaa-th5F2I2ro6KyaAeBpCQ_w6PzKKmvbirWKLvQXgRCljbxJtr_Vt5IqzElWwcL3A9n64XTb9IolB3DsUuiRRyUYpIFlgAt18sAbaRvSXIZWLO5svfCV9k/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-08-06+at+3.09.42+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div>All of these heads will come inside to dry. Once the green part has turned brown the seeds are ready to be removed. Some seeds will be saved for next year, some we will eat, and the remainder will be feed to the birds this winter.</div>MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-79185568799703666392020-07-02T20:39:00.001-07:002020-07-10T15:38:39.297-07:00COVID-19 Garden<br />
I planted some veggies for fun; just something to do while sitting at home. I would starve to death if I relied on my garden for food.<br />
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This bed has zucchini, basil, sage, spring onions, and tomato plants. Orange tree is in the background.<br />
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First time for growing potatoes. I cut up some red store bought potatoes that were forming eyes.<br />
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Yellow squash and cucumber plants that were started from seeds that my kids gave me for my birthday.<br />
<br />MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-33800349750399567482018-04-02T16:34:00.000-07:002018-04-02T16:34:10.703-07:00Rewards!Nature provides one with wonderful gifts.<br />
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This year my wisteria is putting on a beautiful show for me.<br />
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It smells so heavenly...thank you!MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-56047646432630411122013-09-28T12:57:00.000-07:002013-09-28T12:57:17.727-07:00Hen and ChicksA couple of years ago, I placed some hens around my yard. This popular succulent, sempervivum, is an easy one to grow. It thrives in low or strong light and in cold or hot temperatures.<br />
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One of the hens that I planted in a very sunny location had lots of off-spring. The other day, I noticed one of the chicks blooming and some others getting ready to bloom.MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-66565353567522212622013-09-14T18:24:00.000-07:002013-09-14T18:24:02.753-07:00Please NO BedbugsCoreopsis is such a pretty plant with a very peculiar name.<br />
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The name Coreopsis is derived from the Greek word koris, which means bedbug.<br />
Another common name is tickseed. No ticks here, only the bees frequent these beauties. <br />
<br />MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-40364808318728663122013-09-02T17:04:00.001-07:002013-09-02T17:04:53.414-07:00When the Weeds are SweetOne definition of a weed is a misplaced plant. While weeding this spring, I noticed a volunteer. Instead of pulling the plant or moving it to a different location, I left the plant alone. Last fall when I amended the soil for the citrus that I planted, I used some of my compost dirt. There must of been a seed in that compost just waiting for its chance to produce.<br />
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Well today, that volunteer rewarded me with its fruits, four to be exact. The fruit aren't very large, but they sure are sweet and juicy. <br />
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<br />MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-37169112711156156622013-08-17T14:38:00.000-07:002013-08-17T14:38:09.854-07:00Rose CactusI call this cactus, Rose. I don't know if this is the correct name for this cactus, but that is the name I'm using since it looks like a rose. When I first planted this cactus four years ago, I had no idea how large or quickly it would grow. I only knew that it would survive the hot sun of summer that pelts the back yard deck.<br />
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Today, Rose has not only grown and survived the heat of the summer, but has also surprised me with surviving the wet winters and cold nights of this region.<br />
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<br />MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-15466329923242441252013-07-28T21:56:00.000-07:002013-07-28T21:56:18.630-07:00My HelperI'm always monitored by my special helper.<br />
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She frequently walks ahead of me anticipating my next stop in the garden.<br />
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MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-23214184734715160942013-07-14T12:30:00.001-07:002013-07-14T12:30:32.996-07:00PenstemonNative to the hills and mountain regions of California, these hardy plants with their cute trumpet shape flowers are loved by hummingbirds and bees.<br />
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Penstemon is known as beardtongue because of the hairy stamen that hangs out of the tubular flower.<br />
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My pink and purple penstemons bloom all summer and into late fall. The bees and hummingbirds that frequent these beauties are always fun to watch.MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-57220763498055925312013-07-03T15:09:00.001-07:002013-07-03T15:09:14.473-07:00Hanabi-Fireworks<br />
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Agapanthus, also know as Lily of the Nile, is not in the lily family. This plant is native of South Africa. Agapanthus is an easy-to-grow perennial that produces a globe of white to deep purple trumpet-shape flowers from summer through fall. <br />
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Each year around July 4th, my white and light blueish-purple Agapanthus bloom. I enjoy using them in a cut arrangement to decorate my dinning room table during the month of July since the globes remind me of fireworks. And the flowers also remind me of my summers in Japan watching the spectacular hanabi.MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-6850875265204012582013-06-20T13:15:00.000-07:002013-06-20T13:15:46.057-07:00Whirling ButterfliesThat is the common name of the Guara lindeimeri plant since the flowers have the appearance of dancing butterflies at the tips of the plant.<br />
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Guara loves full sun and tolerates drought. While other plants start to fade from the hot summer sun, Guara thrives on heat and drought.
The 20 species of Guara that are native to the United States have a range of color from white to a deep magenta. This native Texas plant of the prairies is always rewarding with its pretty flowers that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies from spring to fall. <br />
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<br />MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-84923138205304099092013-06-09T16:47:00.000-07:002013-06-09T16:47:07.258-07:00A Simple GiftIn spring, there is always a rebirth in my garden. The parade of blossoms and colors from the different variety of drought tolerant perennials is a rewarding and uplifting feast. <br />
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Plants look so compact while waiting for the warm, sunny days to revive them. Each year, I'm surprised how quickly the transformation takes place in just a couple of weeks.<br />
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The first to bloom, Spanish lavender with it's rabbits ears florets, fades to brown, and then the English lavender takes the stage with other plants.</div>
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Perennials are so spiritually uplifting- a simple gift.</div>
MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-36626172784854918452013-05-23T10:09:00.000-07:002013-05-23T10:09:54.596-07:00Love-in-a-MistAlso known as Devil in the Bush or Persian Jewel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLga1XdOFHaGQPHGiF1c9SDo0_XrW2GDMcbXocIxE0rLN1-LODD_x6S-hhtc9fDMnb_kk_cvwSNnEvYOj7e1uI6JU1Mik4oT1TbMJuoRIcYqJXrCXJ45ykEpvada42PfIEISje4u5x0E/s1600/IMG_4864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLga1XdOFHaGQPHGiF1c9SDo0_XrW2GDMcbXocIxE0rLN1-LODD_x6S-hhtc9fDMnb_kk_cvwSNnEvYOj7e1uI6JU1Mik4oT1TbMJuoRIcYqJXrCXJ45ykEpvada42PfIEISje4u5x0E/s640/IMG_4864.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nigella damascena is a pretty blue flower that I had never seen before until I purchased my home. I inherited this drought tolerant gem! Blue flowers are rare to find, and this one is a jewel with it's ferny, fennel foliage, fluffy straw-flower, and distinctive, balloon shape seed pod. Nigella seeds, known also as Black Cumin, are easily scattered around by the winds for self-sow. Although I totally neglect this plant, each spring this delicate looking plant surprises me by returning in abundance. My side yard becomes a field of blue and green for a month, then the pretty blue fades into a sea of green with the seed pods taking on the appearance of buoys until the summer heat withers the plant into the ground.MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-6343733178096483562013-05-11T20:34:00.000-07:002013-05-11T20:34:30.141-07:00My Field of Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPybtqi4XUQL-cwuglzzVZZLzP84ekwzuLbMYhRh-hMOQgi1pobIWvgEfiByS5jtbDKI0qhM0ueDG2HuFHqV4Fn9M-WDZ9iIpjgU2zXj6ktzfdI-vABdqOFN9J-X9gWuuZE70cgEredNA/s1600/IMG_4842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPybtqi4XUQL-cwuglzzVZZLzP84ekwzuLbMYhRh-hMOQgi1pobIWvgEfiByS5jtbDKI0qhM0ueDG2HuFHqV4Fn9M-WDZ9iIpjgU2zXj6ktzfdI-vABdqOFN9J-X9gWuuZE70cgEredNA/s640/IMG_4842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is just one small area of my yard that is in full bloom. The roses are carpet roses, which I love since they are so easy to maintain and are drought tolerant. They thrive on neglect.MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-19596560925861518422013-05-03T12:06:00.001-07:002013-05-03T12:06:04.461-07:00Bottlebrush And Bees<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoZPAK0KAfo4Hx9y8yLQiyr-7X1n0Pc8pmCMK1H3MtvhWVdyey8wZ8h2EGaPvR1GPJprUEIevpjHI4CDvZ65x-PnKzgcsBLUIqw7ZMAPWwIGdsBmEEdUhiDcIPq-cHXmF7Xb8c-j3YwY/s1600/IMG_4806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoZPAK0KAfo4Hx9y8yLQiyr-7X1n0Pc8pmCMK1H3MtvhWVdyey8wZ8h2EGaPvR1GPJprUEIevpjHI4CDvZ65x-PnKzgcsBLUIqw7ZMAPWwIGdsBmEEdUhiDcIPq-cHXmF7Xb8c-j3YwY/s640/IMG_4806.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Callistemon which looks like a bottle brush is a hardy plant with very pretty flowers that attracts bees. I'm happy to see swarms of black bees and honey bees frequenting these trees to collect nectar since there are reports of a decline in the population of bees throughout the world. There are many folks that shy away from planting bottlebrush because of bees swarming the plants when in bloom. I'm not afraid of bees. I love these plants for the fact that bees enjoy the nectar from the bottlebrush, and bees are such captivating workers.<br />
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<br />MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3063712060979190496.post-20828060048164340252013-04-27T22:45:00.000-07:002013-04-27T22:45:57.350-07:00Roses and WormsAll of my rose bushes are in bloom. Here are just some of my favorites.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV6UTvxo1QwJnL6KAdOd68UQgxqnijbUdmUDv0Es7t2h1ZXYzseglegcLJBgQ_CuNP1rBmApp3-5TbkA_zB6jFUY5MgekT8fRfi_QF1hzWP7ibMXPyj2RSbKQ7BJ6N-EpP8JPBihBD9M/s1600/IMG_4804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV6UTvxo1QwJnL6KAdOd68UQgxqnijbUdmUDv0Es7t2h1ZXYzseglegcLJBgQ_CuNP1rBmApp3-5TbkA_zB6jFUY5MgekT8fRfi_QF1hzWP7ibMXPyj2RSbKQ7BJ6N-EpP8JPBihBD9M/s640/IMG_4804.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like to feed my roses each spring with the dirt from my compost bin that is mainly made from vegetable and fruit food scraps. That bin is loaded with earthworms.<br />
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The earthworms love eating those food scraps. There must be thousands of worms munching away turning all the food scraps into healthy dirt just in that bin.<br />
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I have two compost bins, one for the food scraps and another for the yard cuttings and other yard waste. The one for the yard cuttings has less worms decomposing the waste right now. Once I start adding the fruit trees waste to that bin, the worms multiple quickly and the cuttings and fruit start to decompose more quickly. Both bins provide me with excellent healthy soil for my plants. Worms are excellent creatures to have as a silent garden worker.<br />
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<br />MQuilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055414902228765068noreply@blogger.com4