07/29/09

BOQUET #5

I had to bring a sunflower in to see up close! It reminds me of an Indian Headress! Maybe there is some connection! ---another research topic! Does this count as a boquet? Why not!

07/23/09

Sunflower 'Evening Sun'

I got the seeds for this Sunflower at http://www.seedsofchange.com/ . At about 9 feet, this one towers over the plants that are in the same bed. The Sunflower is the birth flower of those in the sign of Leo. Having had a birthday two days ago, I'm almost a Leo so It's no wonder I'm drawn to sunflowers! Coincidentally today is the first day, astrologically, for Leos!

7/20/09

ALAMO FIRE Bluebonnets in July!

I don't think I've ever had bluebonnets blooming in July before. I planted loads of seeds in October last year. I kept waiting but none germinated. This one popped up finally. You never know when seeds are bound to germinate. I've since learned that in Texas the ideal time to sew bluebonnet seeds is in July. If these make it to seed by the end of the month, they should come true, since there are none of the blue ones around, for the bees.

07/10/09

UTAH

I just got back from a vacation in beautiful Utah. I camped out at Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. You have to see both in person! Photos just don't capture the amazing beauty you experience. I've seen photographs of Bryce Canyon, but was totally stunned by how beautiful it actually was. Just when I thought flowers were the main ingredient for beautiful landscapes, I realized rocks can be just as powerful. I saw the slogan 'Utah Rocks' on t-shirts, and yes, it does!

Kelly 1961-2009

To Kelly:

The memory of you, will last forever in my mind. Those of us that came to know your brilliant radiance were blessed beyond words. Out of the billions of people in this world, God allowed me to know you and I can live the rest of my life being thankful for that gift. Everyone who knew your unique and generous heart of love will miss it immeasurably. Even though they live in my memory, I will also miss hearing your voice and your laughter. They were connected to your spirit, which you eagerly shared with friends and strangers. I will forever be changed by having known you. Even though I’m tempted to regret having not spent more time with you, I choose to be thankful for the times we were together. I hope that you knew, in some measure, how profoundly you enriched the lives of those who knew you. I wish I could have thanked you in person for all that you were to me. You will always be in my heart.
With Love, Donald

'Stairway to Heaven' Iris (Kelly's favorite Iris)

Photo courtesy of Brock Heilman

06/20/09

Tomorrow spring 2009 is over! The dog days of summer are just ahead. I always say "if you can garden in Texas, you can garden anywhere!" I have to admit that I've been a tad lazy for the past couple of days. I looked outside from the cool of my house and saw the sun glaring down on the plants and decided the house needed cleaning instead. Once I've acclimated myself to the humidity and the heat, I'll be fine. I have a much easier time in the winter getting used to the cold, maybe because 'Texas cold' is cool or even warm in other parts of the country. But when it comes to heat and humidity Texas is right up there at the top with a few other states.

One plant I can always depend on to bloom through the summer is the Purple Coneflower. It stands up to the heat and the flowers last a very long time. If it weren't for coneflowers and swimming pools I don’t think I could survive the summer!

06/18/09

Boquet #4

This one reminds me of a lady's Sunday school hat! The red flowers are 'Jacob Kline' Bee Balm, and the pink ones are, 'Texas Pink' Phlox.