garden98011's Blog

What a Difference a Day Makes-of Sun!
Jun 19, 2008 | 12:49 PM PST

Look what a difference a day of sun makes….The sun was out part of yesterday, it’s now half past noon and so far so good as well.  Look at the peony bud today!  Some more callas are blooming and I took a shot of the ruby slipper dogwood, it has a very intense color.   We just need a few more days and buds will explode!  I posted everything in another album.

Also posted photos of a mystery shrub I need help identifying-thanks in advance.

I need (want) a better camera…..

Enjoy!

~Andrea

P.S.  There are two plants in my album from Cheslea that I need help identifying also...thanks

First Hummer !!
Jun 18, 2008 | 9:46 PM PST

Finally saw a hummer this morning AND I had my camera in hand!!  I also snapped a ton of garden photos then uploaded them to a new album.

We really need some heat to get the flowers opening.  Peonies usually pop during Memorial Day weekend-we still only have buds.  Thankfully the hostas and other leafy plants are huge, but I long for a splash of color.  My friends and I have been training for the 3Day Breast Cancer walk in September, at least we haven't experienced the scorching heat others on this site have.  We can crank out eleven miles before it warms to 50!

Federal Express delivered a huge box yesterday.  Our new friend, glass artist Darren Goodman, sent us a thank you gift because he stayed with us twice over the last few months.  He sent five red glass rods for the garden!!!  Oh, I am sooooo excited, not necessary, but ohhhh sooo sweet.  The photos are in the new album as well.

Have to scoot to Home Depot before they close....

Enjoy~Andrea

P.S. Darren's web site: http://www.dirwoodglass.coma>

Chelsea Flower Show/Hampton Court/Nymans
Jun 3, 2008 | 10:27 PM PST

FYI-I wrote this while in England, but was unable to download the photos, so I saved it until our return.  The photos are in my album:

 My sweet husband and I are in England, we went to the show Friday-amazing.  It was difficult to restrain myself from purchasing both heavy garden items and plants.  We went into the city yesterday to celebrate my birthday and I almost came out of my skin watching thousands of people carrying their purchases out of the show grounds.(they sell off at 4pm on the last day).  My husband had dinner plans to celebrate, but I could not help myself-we ditched the plans and went into the madhouse. OH MY - it was overload-if only I could sneak plants back to the USA.....Thankfully, my sister-in-law has a tremendous garden, though she is not really a gardener (-yet).  We bought great plants for her garden-many were given to us as well!  We lugged them all back to Reigate on the train and spent my birthday evening planting our treasures.  My SIL & family were at the opera, so we surprised them this morning.  Their garden was a show garden at Chelsea years ago, the previous owners purchased the whole thing and had it installed (the display gardens are handled like that-ahhh)!   

We've also visited Hampton Court & Nymans, both of which have lovely gardens as well.  England's landscape is picturesque, their history is fascinating.  My husband & I joked that brick masons must have their hands full here-so many beautiful brick buildings/roads/fences to maintain.

In addition to garden tours, many hours were spent at several museums, but we barely scratched the surface.  My DH has visited his sister many times over the last thirty years.  Since this was my first  time in the UK, DH graciously let me select the daily events.  It was a treat to spend time perusing the museums.  We really enjoyed walking through Nelson's famous ship(the Victory) and we will definitely return in 2010 to see the Mary Rose on display after the preservation process is complete.  

 

Enjoy the photos~Andrea