A Kansas Prairie Garden

A new blush of yellow roses

June 22, and the yellow roses are blooming on the arbor again. Even more beautiful than they were this spring. I've enjoyed cutting a few to bring inside.

Before, During, and After 1

BEFORE:

2005
(We removed a non-working hot tub before starting the project.
Ken later built our huge potting bench using the salvaged wood.)

DURING:

2006

AFTER:

2006

2008

2012

Garden Closeups

Ken took my little camera out to the garden this evening and came back with these. I don't know why I can't get the same camera to take such great shots, but I'm not complaining.

A new coneflower we planted last year.

Lead plant has such beautiful blooms and interesting leaves. We love the contrast of its blueish color to the green grasses, too.

The bee balm (Wild Bergamot) is just starting to pop open.

We're so happy to have Wooly Verbena coming back. Hardly any came up last year, but it's making a comeback this year.

Our purple coneflowers are coming on nicely.

We call False Sunflower (Heliopsis) "Old Faithful." This flower has been our most loyal standby since we sowed the wildflower mix. It blooms early, all season long, and profusely.

The garden–in reverse

May 28: Took some photos of the garden using a webcam tonight. I love the dreamlike quality it gives the photos, but it's kind of strange seeing everything in reverse. I rather like it!

Garden treasures from a farm auction

We went to Ken's grandparents' farm auction this weekend and came home with treasures––several of which found their way into the garden. A vintage sewing machine treadle and an old furnace grate become great plant stands, don't you think?

Honeysuckle

As of Cinco de Mayo, the honeysuckle on the southeast corner of the backyard fence is in full bloom and last night when I went out to water the pots on the front porch, honeysuckle perfume wafted through the night air. It's one of my favorite scents (along with lilacs and roses) and I only wish the honeysuckle bloomed longer!

This is the pot the honeysuckle was in the first summer we bought it. We planted it in the ground after that first summer 2006, and now in its 7th summer it has wonderfully taken over the corner. We wouldn't mind if it covered the whole fence on that side!