05/18/09

Rudbeckia hirta 'Cappuccino'

I started seeds of this brand new Black Eyed Susan last winter. They have been placed through-out the garden and in pots. The one above contains Cappuccino and coleus. I love the vibrant colors and the size of the blooms, which so far are about five inches.

05/13/09

Echinacea 'Orange Meadowbrite' and 'Sundown'

I have Echinacea 'Sundown,' 'Orange Meadowbrite,' 'Harvest Moon,' Tomato Soup, and 'Summer Sky' growing together. The 'Orange Meadowbrite is always the first then followed by 'Sundown.' It looks like the 'Harvest Moon' will be next. I also planted 'Tiki Torch' but it didn't make it. When the Orange coneflowers started hitting the market a few years ago, I was elated. I still love the pinks but there is something unusual about orange colored daisy like flowers. I may end up with every orange out there - If I can keep them alive!

05/12/09

Sweet Pea 'High Scent' & 'Perfume Delight'Bouquet #2

I think Sweet Peas look best arranged informally all by themselves. The scent is heaven on earth!

05/11/09

Clematis 'Warsaw Nike'

Purple is my second favorite color. In the garden I always find it striking. Clematis 'Warsaw Nike' is a deep shade of purple that I'm always excited to see. I have it growing up my arbor onto an old rake.

05/09/09

Bouquet No. 2

I make bouquets from my flowers often. I seem to never take pictures of them however. I've decided with this mixed bouquet that I will start! The flowers in the arrangement are Bachelor's Buttons, Love-in-a-Mist, Sweet Peas, Larkspur, Roses, Yarrow, and Jewels of Opar.

Cinco de Mayo

Houttuynia cordata Chameleon

Today is 'Battle of Puebla Day' in Mexico or more commonly known in the U.S. as 'Cinco de Mayo.' To commemorate, I'm posting pictures of the ground cover 'Houttuynia' or as most gardeners around Texas call it 'Hootn'nany.' Houttuynia in Vietnamese translates to 'fishy smell.' I actually like the pungent scent. You don't smell it, however, unless you bruise the foliage. I usually break off a leave as I pass. Some people find the smell repulsive. My 'Hootn'nany' grows in a bed with Miscanthus, Purple Heart, and some re-seeding Love-in-the-Mist. I have the variety 'Chameleon.' This is where I'm making the 'Cinco de Mayo' connection as Chameleon is a virtual 'Fiesta' of color! Okay- corny I know!

05/04/09

Rosa 'The Fairy cl.' and 'Red Cascade'

I planted 'The Fairy' and 'Red Cascade' so that they would climb the same arbor. I got lucky because they bloom at exactly the same time! I love the pink/red combo.