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Saturday, August 28, 2010

WHEN ITS TOO HOT TO GARDEN

WHEN ITS TOO HOT TO GARDEN




The Garden Path




When its too hot to garden you'll find me painting them.  Above is one of more than 35 paintings I've done this past month for my first outdoor art fair exhibition at the garden center where I work.  I was one of more than 80 artists selected by a jury of six and I'm honored to be among many who are well-known in the community. 



Setting up a tent and making a display for an outdoor show is a lot more work than I anticipated and being a full-time granny and garden designer it has been a challenge to find the time for it.  What was I thinking?!



The weatherman has been predicting rain for several days now but has been wrong on every count and I'm hoping he's wrong again.  Opening day, August 14, is supposed to be 95 degrees and rain ?!  Oh please be wrong again .   Yes we do need the rain but just not on August 14 and 15.  Please, and thank you very much.





Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago All rights reserved
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Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day -August 2010

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Congrats to my Korean friends on their Independence Day and their national flower the Rose of Sharon blooming beautifully .


Garden Bloggers
Rose of Sharon





Garden Bloggers
Bee's Jubilee Clematis



Garden Bloggers
Sweet Pea



Garden Bloggers
Limelight Hydrange, Autumn Joy Sedum





Garden Bloggers
Peppermint Twist Phlox





Garden Bloggers
Water Lilty







Garden Bloggers
Blackeyed Susan





And I'm off to the garden center for another hot steamy day at my art fair exhibit.  Happy Bloom Day   !  Now go visit Carol at Maydreams Gardens to see what's blooming all over the country.
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ART IN THE GARDEN CENTER

ART IN THE GARDEN CENTER


" Like no art fair I've ever seen, " ,  " Doesn't look like an art fair it looks like a garden party with art, " were just a few of the remarks made by attendees at Gethsemane Gardens first art fair of which I was honored to be a part of on August 14 and 15.



Here's a slide show of my art :











My first outdoor art exhibit and I enjoyed meeting a lot of fellow artists and art lovers.  Sold a few pieces and made a lot of contacts with interested art dealers.



Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago All rights reserved
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Tomato Happening!

Tomato  Happening! If you're like me, one of the best things about summer is looking forward to juicy tomatoes plucked fresh from the vine. Tomato salad with basil, tomato sandwiches, tomato pie...um, my mouth is watering.
Well, tomato lovers, on Saturday, August 21st, head on down to Terrain at Styers in Glen Mills (for a little taste of heaven) for their 3rd Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival.

There's live music, crafts, drinks, food tasting and of course, luscious mouth-watering heirloom tomato samples of Black Krim and more. And, if that doesn't satisfy your tomato-loving craving, the six tomato-based salsas should be to die for.
Happy nibbling!!
For more info check at http://www.terrainathome.com/
Enjoy! ~ Lynne
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France Is More Than Champagne

France Is More Than ChampagneFrance is famous for many things: wine, cheese, the Eiffel Tower . . . and gardens.

My husband Fred & I spent our summer vacation touring this gorgeous country. He’s a great travel planner and always finds the most interesting places to visit and stay.

In his planning he discovered the renowned landscape architects of the 19th century Denis and Eugene Buhler. According to our guide books, the brothers are credited with creating the “open landscape” – a radical departure from the traditional formal French style of straight lines and clipped boxwoods.France Is More Than Champagne

So we had to see an example and visited the Parc du Thabor in Rennes. Built in 1865 on 10 acres right in the heart of the town, it is one of France's oldest municipal parks. The day we visited - a weekday – we were surprised to see it packed with families and hundreds of students enjoying the sunshine.
We live and work 5 minutes from Longwood Gardens, so I must admit, I’m a bit spoiled, so I can understand why Thabor still is considered one of the most beautiful gardens and parks in France. It's well worth a visit.
Suzi
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Happy Birthday Smithsonian!

Happy Birthday Smithsonian!Today is the Smithsonian's 164th birthday! It's hard to believe that the world's largest museum complex has been around for so long. With over 19 free museums to enjoy, you'll never get tired of visiting this must-see DC attraction.

In honor of the Smithsonian's birthday, I put together a few fun facts that you may or may not know about this popular destination:

*The Smithsonian's first building, commonly known as the Castle, was designed by architect James Renwick Jr, whose other works include St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC.

*The founding father, James Smithson, was a British Scientist who left his entire estate to the United States to establish the Smithsonian Institution. For an interesting article on Smithson, click here.

*The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 137 million, including more than 126 million specimens and artifacts at the National Museum of Natural History.

*There were more than 30 million visitors to the museums and the National Zoo in 2009.

I highly recommend visiting this wonderful institution next time you're in Washington, D.C.

-Stacey
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Going to the Market!

Going to the Market! Fridays in Kennett Square means a quick jog to the Kennett Square Farmers Market that's packed with exotic sights and smells.

Last Friday, after a brisk walk, I was ready to sample the yummy cheeses and sip teas and coffee blends that would cause the fussiest of foodies to pause and linger. Going to the Market!

I also indulged in a very cool mix of Chai tea- and scarfed up some mango goat cheese. (alas, all gone now.) Along with bags of just plucked veggies and fruit, I meandered around tables sporting an array of hard-to-find jams and honey as well as cool crafts.

(Check out the recipe for eggplant on the ksqfarmersmarket blog.)
Adding to the joy- joy of Kennett's open-air market, there's music, crafts and demonstrations from 2-6 PM.

So if you're in the area visiting Longwood Gardens or Wintertur or any of the lovely parks in the area, definitely stop at the Kennett Square Farmers Market! You'll be glad you did! (And by the way... thanks Mairi for these great pictures! )

~Lynne
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Friday the 13th...hmmmmm....

Friday the 13th...hmmmmm....Today is the infamous Friday the 13th! Made famous by many movies (which I have never seen), loads of urban legends (which I am a sucker for) and also the day prior to my birthday (OK, so maybe that last one is not so famous!)

One of my best friends children was born on August 13th...We were both hoping she could hold out just one more day to rid herself (and him) of the dreaded occurrence of his birthday falling on that specific date! (But you can't stop Mother Nature.)

But is being born on the 13th such a bad thing? He gets LOTS of attention due to the fact that he is a 'Friday the 13th' birthday. He sees it in the positive light...more attention to him and his special day.

On the way to work this morning I spoke to my mom about her fears that I might have been born on the 13th...her response, "I just wanted you to be healthy...the date had nothing to do with it...it is only a number!" Plus, being that I was a week early probably put her mind greatly at ease!

My Grandmother used to rise every morning and sing "Oh what a beautiful morning! Oh what a beautiful day!" Whether it was raining, sunny or foggy had nothing to do with how she was going to experience that day. Maybe we can all take a lesson from mom-mom and believe that '13' is just a number and Friday the 13th is just another day...or is it? So have some fun with it, wait it out and soon it will be the 14th...and now you all know what special day THAT IS!!! Thanks Mom!

-Karen
GMG
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Dog Days of Summer

Dog Days of Summer Ever wonder where the term 'dog days of summer' originated? Well, since most of the country has been withering under punishing, steamy heat these past few months, it's not just our furry companions- dogs- that have been seeking refuge from relentless heat and humidity.

Wikipedia references 'dog days' from the ancient Roman belief that the star Sirius, (Dog Star) was considered the brightest star in the heavens (next to our sun) and positioned in the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog). Since Sirius was in close proximity to our sun, voila! - the "Dog Star" had to be the sultry weather culprit.

The Romans believed the 'Dog Days' commenced around July 24th through August 24th, but this summer is feeling like their oracles sure got it wrong.

Well, one of our our doggie mascots, Nigel, (Karen's handsome Cavalier King Charles and brother to Godiva, a gorgeous Chocolate Lab) is sniffing out the problem and taking charge of weather prognostications. When his ears rise in unison, the weather is gonna be just fine (but oh- that also happens when I feed him cereal with berries!) Hmm.

Hey! Nigel is defending all dogs that have taken a bad rap for thousands of years. The gauntlet (or tail, in his case) is down... no more "dog days of summer." Let's call these scorching days, the "scorpion days of summer!" Works for Nigel! ~ Lynne

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Inspired by James Doyle Design Associates

Inspired by James Doyle Design Associates My garden is a work in progress (isn't this true for a lot of us!) But over the years, I have been able to focus what I like and what I don't like. I now know that I like more structure in a garden, and less rambling. The work of James Doyle really strikes a chord with me. Kathleen


Inspired by James Doyle Design Associates Photo Credit:Neil Landino

Inspired by James Doyle Design Associates


Inspired by James Doyle Design Associates



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Going Local

Going LocalSummer's winding down but there's still harvesting fun to be had at your local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA's) - if you know where to look.

Voila! Check out a very cool local food website directory local harvest of small farms and farmers markets and other sustainable grown food. The organization promotes organic agriculture and provides a national listing of CSA's (with an interactive map) for your neck of the woods.
I was particularly drawn to the 'Arc of Taste' Project on the site that's partnering with Slow Foods USA. They're documenting rare breeds of produce in danger of disappearing!

What I truly appreciate is the ease of locating CSA's not far from me. Definitely need to join!

~Lynne

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Another lazy August day at the DragonFly

Another lazy August day at the DragonFly
August in my opinion is the worst month of the year for Floridians. The weather is so hot and humid that working outside is wishful thinking, even in the early morning hours. We have been stock in this weather pattern for months with no relief in sight, and to make things worst August is the start of peak hurricane season.
I have several projects in the works for my garden, but for now it will have to wait for cooler months. For now my gardening is limited to light maintenance, plenty of watering and lots of pictures.

Update on my banana trees
Another lazy August day at the DragonFly
Today I cut the hart from the three-banana bunch; a local farmer told me that this would redirect all the energy the plant has left to the bananas.
Another lazy August day at the DragonFly
The hart is made up of many leyers of petals containing many rows of flowers that are expose when it pills back. The female flowers are on top of the stock and develop into fruits, these are male flowers (no fruits)
Another lazy August day at the DragonFly
I started cuting the top hands in the stock and hopefuly the bananas will be ripen soon.

Pictures from around the garden this morning
Another lazy August day at the DragonFly
This female Julia butterfly was looking for a male partner (like the one pictured in my last posting) You can tell the differece the orange in the males is more vivid.
Another lazy August day at the DragonFly
Breakfast time for a moth at a buttercup flower
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Flower of the week

Flower of the week
Flower of the week
Flower of the week
My Brassavola Nodosa or Lady of the night orchid is in full bloom.

Flower of the week
Today I performed tree surgery on my powderpuff tree. The main branch split in half early this week during a rainstorm.

Invaders.
Flower of the week
It has become a weekly routine to cut this invasive vine coming over the fence from my neighbors yard.
Flower of the week
Why would anyone let this monster get this way? Does anyone know the name of this vine? What is it’s purpose in the plant world?

Flower of the week
Bromeliad meets plumeria.
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Preparing the fall vegetable garden

Preparing the fall vegetable garden
Flower of the week - The Yellow Ground Orchid.
Preparing the fall vegetable garden
This morning I started the long process of preparing my vegetable garden for fall planting.
First step pulling out all the weeds and moving the milkweed to another location.
Preparing the fall vegetable garden
Future Monarch Butterfly cafeteria. (Milkweed is their favorite food)
Preparing the fall vegetable garden
Next week I will be adding more soil and home made compost.
Preparing the fall vegetable garden
My black gold home made compost.
Preparing the fall vegetable garden
This is my future herb garden, not much survived the summer heat.
Preparing the fall vegetable garden
I harvested bananas today and cut down the stock, not an easy task in 95 degree weather.
Preparing the fall vegetable garden
Picture of the week – This Fritillary butterfly been hunted by a couple of lizards.
(they did not succeed)
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Adopt-a-Tree day

Adopt-a-Tree day
Since 1992 when hurricane Andrew devastated the tree cover in our southern end of the county, our county government has designate several days a year as adopt-a-tree day. Today was one of those days, and it was my first time attending the event.
Adopt-a-Tree day
Each homeowner is permitted two free trees per year; the trees are usually native or fruit trees that have adapted well to our soil and climate. The choices today were Lychee, Jackfruit, Inkwood, Orange Geiger and Logan trees.
Adopt-a-Tree day
My first choice was an Avocado tree but I was told that they would be available on the next adopt-a-tree day in September. I walked away with a Orange Geiger tree for my front yard and I pencil in Sep 25 in my calendar for the next adopt-a-tree day.
Adopt-a-Tree day
The Orange Geiger tree (Cordia Sebestena) is native of the West Indies, and was introduced to Key West by a local see captain named Geiger. The tree was featured in one of Audubon famous paintings, when he was asked what was the name of the tree, he would answer the Geiger tree, referring to the house where the tree was planted. The tree is moderate growing (15-20ft height) with beautiful orange flowers that appear throughout the year.
Adopt-a-Tree day
There were many people attending the event, but the process was fast and efficient. Is nice to see our tax dollars at work for such a worthy cause.
Adopt-a-Tree day
This is the spot where the tree will be planted. My original plan for succulents in this corner of the garden didn’t worked. This area gets flooded when we get too much rain; I am transplanting the surviving plants to containers.
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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Sneak Preview

Sneak    PreviewEach summer I'm fortunate enough to attend Campania's annual sales meeting, where the unveiling of their new product catalog/supplement takes place. The handing out of the catalog is by far the most exciting aspect of the meeting. It's also fun to hear everyone oohing and aahing over all the beautiful new designs.

Sneak    Preview
This year consumers and retailers alike won't be disappointed with the selection of products being introduced. One of my favorite collections is their Garden Terrace Collection, which was designed to meet the consumer's desire for smaller products for their home and garden.

Here's a sneak peak of some of the items that I've already fallen in love with. From new "mini" fountains in various sizes and shapes to really cool contemporary linen glazed planters, Campania has something to complement all tastes and styles!
Sneak    Preview

Look for these and their other new products this fall and next spring at retail garden centers nationwide.





-Stacey
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