Coleus takeover

The coleus are doing so amazingly well that I'm having to pinch off big hunks of it to keep the outdoor pots under control. The cuttings are too pretty to throw away, so I'm enjoying them inside, and even replanting some of the ones that root well.

Green giants still growing strong

When we planted these Thuja Green Giant arborvitae trees about 6 years ago, all 7 of them came in one little box. We were underwhelmed. Now, they are *this* close to offering the privacy, shade and windbreak we envisioned when we planted them. They've been beautiful, easy-care trees and we highly recommend them. (We put 4 on the north end of the yard, and 3 on the south. Those on the north are slightly taller, but they've all done well.)

September 2006

June 2009

May 2011

June 2011

July 2012

The Thujas on the south end of the yard are doing well, too,
providing shade and privacy and year-round green.

This year's favorite pots

Million Bells and three different varieties of Coleus

 Since we started shopping the flat sales, I've loved experimenting with pot mixtures. In every case my eyes were bigger than my flowerpot and I've been transplanting some of the overgrowth into other pots. Everything has done really well and we have some beautiful pots to enjoy each morning and evening––and through the windows at the supper table. But these are my very favorites. I'm especially loving the purple and red combination. And I think Coleus and Begonias win my vote for favorite annuals this year. But the Million Bells have been gorgeous, too. And the Lobelia can't be beat for a pop of blue.

Purple Petunias and Red Begonias

Scarlet Coleus and Lobelia

Coleus and Pink Begonias

Burning the wheat stubble

July 5, and with the fire in Colorado so fresh in everyone's minds, it's a little eerie and a little sobering to watch the wheat fields here burning and the sky filled with smoke the last few evenings––controlled burns, but it's easy to see how a fire gets out of control when you see acres and acres burning at once. Still, very beautiful, too.

Strawberries

What a treat it's been each evening to harvest 3 or 4 strawberries and eat them right on the spot while we're out watering the flowerpots. I never realized what a pretty plant strawberries were either. I think they have made it to my always-buy list.

Let freedom ring!

Wishing a very blessed 4th of July

to all our gardening friends!

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.

Evening

Before, During, and After 2

BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER:

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

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.

Sunday afternoon in June