Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Tuesday Tidings


With summer bowing out,
we say goodbye to a few of our favorites
and welcome the opportunity to plant anew.



The square-foot bed had been filled with flowers,
as it is too hot here to grow much in the summer heat.
I'll be working on removing most of this
to make way for fall veggies.




Sunflowers add such cheer to the summer garden.



They look so sad when their appointed time is over.



Saving seed ensures that they will return.




These giant yellow zinnias were a real hit this year.



I'll be saving these seeds for next season.







The curve of these crape myrtle branches seems so graceful,
as if they are just inviting fall into our midst.



The native red salvia attracts butterflies to our little porch -side bed.



While the purple variety adds a pop of my favorite garden color to the backyard bed.



The butterfly vine doesn't seem to be slowing down.
Blooms are still prolific.



The basil seems to be at home in the herb/butterfly garden bed.
It'll be used to make pistou this week.



The dill is making a comeback after being devoured by 
Eastern black swallowtail caterpillars.
We enjoy hosting these amazing critters.




The west side of our house hasn't been worked on too much.
Just enough plants to keep boring at bay.
There is some jasmine and lantana  here.



The rattlebox were kept under control this year.
They grow so tall and tend to take over the whole back bed.



These pods will turn dark,
then pop open and spread the small black seeds everywhere.








We've gotten an average of 2 inches of rain the past two days,
with more in the forecast these next two days.

Hope your garden is getting just what it needs!






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12 comments:

  1. It's about that time to transition from summer to fall. I'm always surprised when it creeps up on me and feel like it can't be time already!

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  2. Wow-that's quite a bit of rain.
    I'm glad you're saving seeds of those zinnias. I love that brilliant yellow. I'll be looking forward to that showing up at your new place.

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    1. Thanks, Sue. Let me know if you want some of the seed. ;0)

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    2. Oh, Daisy-I'd be THRILLED to have some seed.
      Please contact me suemar63@aol.com

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    3. Will do. I've got 'em drying now. ;0D

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  3. You have a lovely garden...I am leaving all the sunflower heads ( still blooming and not ) up for the birds as the goldfinches are enjoying them so much right now!
    On another note I was thinking to plant dill next year but you are about the 5th person that I have seen saying that something at it, so maybe not! :) Or perhaps I could do it on the back porch in a container. I wanted it for pickles since I enjoyed making pickles for the first time this year : )

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words.

      You could have some in the garden for the caterpillars and some elsewhere for yourself. It does get big though, if you don't harvest it often, so make sure it has lots of room! Congrats on making pickles!

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  4. Your gardens are just amazing. I, too, am sad to see the flowers turn brown, wilt and go but I must say they add so much texture to the bed that I leave them as long as I can. :) My husband doesn't get it but I just love them.

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    Replies
    1. Accepting change is harder for some than others, but it's all part of this great big thing called life!

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  5. Love your zinnias and rudbeckia. How great to host black swallowtail cats - we had several this season as well. In fact, I found another one on my parsley a couple of days ago.

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    Replies
    1. They bring so much life and joy to the garden. Enjoy your cats!

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Thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughts!