Does Everything Grow Better in My Neighbor's Yard?

Lest You Think It's Perfect at Shady's...

2009-07-12T20:29:00.005-05:00

It's not.
But we have Perfectly Great Shade!
:-)

Here are a few candid photos of backyard gardens.
You can enlarge these photos somewhat by clicking on them,

BUT,
you're going to have to overlook the weeds.
I'm working on them, but it's a Very Slow Process this Summer!

This is a view of part of the Woodland Walk, looking towards the Raised Beds.
(my lovely compost pile is center stage)

This is a small view of the backyard.
I'm standing on the East side of the house, looking east
through the Backyard-Center beds.
(See all those previously uncooperative Amaryllis by the trees?)

I'm now standing on the North-east corner of the house,
looking east and slightly southerly.
(This is, so far, the most neglected bed.
Hold your breath if you try to enlarge this and try not to faint
at the number of weeds!)
There is a LOT of ajuga, also. Perhaps you'd mistake that for a weed??? ;-)

Now I'm standing North of the house and a little Easterly.
This bed is on the North East corner of the part of the yard we use.

We're looking into the "Way Back," back there.
Photo One shows a look towards the length of the bed.

Photo two has us moving Easterly.
Do you see anything you recognize?

Photo three - creeping Easterly a bit more.
Photo Four - Close enough to the end.
:-)

These photos were taken at 1:15 P.M. on July 4, 2009.
It was an overcast day, so it seems Very Shady everywhere!

For instance, there would have been sunshine on the bed in the third photo, had the sun been Under the Clouds instead of Over them! :-)

A Couple More Daylilies

2009-07-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

I inherited the following four daylilies, as did I inherit the Raised Bed Gardens in which they reside. They are all unnamed. But aren't they pretty? I compressed the photos, but they should be a bit larger than what you see here.

I posted photos of the following daylilies the other day. However, I couldn't resist showing them again. Notice the size of 'Pretty in Pink' and 'Madonna' as opposed to the small blossoms of 'Pardon Me' on the left of the first photo (which is also in the Front Sunny Bed).

'Pretty in Pink'

'Pardon Me' 'Madonna'

More of What's Happening in "Shady's Land"

2009-07-10T07:29:00.001-05:00

In the Front Sunny Corner, there are a couple more daylilies blooming.
Unfortunately (how does this Happen??) no names.

My Butterfly Bush named 'Adonis Blue'
was planted last Spring (2008) and it's good to see that it's happy.
This is a dwarf variety, growing about 3 or 3 1/2 feet tall.

Each little blossom has a bright orange center.

This is in the Backyard:

'My Reggae Tiger'

Someone's trying to Tame this tiger! ;-)

This makes me say "Wow!" :-)
Nothing "Shady" here, either!

Another Party in the Backyard?

2009-07-09T21:46:00.004-05:00

Yes, indeed.

There was a party!

Party #2 -
WOO-HOO!

... and again, it was the three of us:
Me, myself and I!

Doing another tap dance in the backyard!
:-)

Here's the story from Last Spring

Perhaps you'd appreciate a bit of an explanation?

Four years ago, I planted a Ligularia - 'The Rocket' - in one of my backyard shady beds, but it wasn't damp enough.

'The Rocket' fizzled.
Disappeared.
Never to return.

I was SO disappointed!

In the Spring of 2007, I tried again.
I planted it at the "head" of the "Woodland Walk."

Because our home is in the middle of a fairly steep slope, we experience a great amount of run-off when it rains! Some of that run-off has been tamed by underground channels.

However, a LOT of rain runs down our driveway, through the front yard towards the Raised Bed Gardens, and veers off towards the Woodland Walk. I've been creating limestone rock and sidewalk-chunk paths and retaining walls to not only control the water but hold onto the soil!

So, Mr. Ligularia receives a good amount of water
and seems to love his new home!
Yea!

Now you know why the three of us enjoyed our party!
Actually, it was the 4 of us:
Me, myself, and I and "Mr. Ligularia,"
who not only returned again,
but is
Now in Bloom!

Nothing "Shady" here!

And I'm headed for more sidewalk chunks next week! ;-)

Does July Remind You of Summer Camp?

2009-07-08T08:39:00.005-05:00

I missed Muse Day! I dislike missing Muse Day. I always intend to post on Muse Day....

So, I'm going to post today. :-)

(2008 family reunion)

I've become a Billy Collins fan.
Billy Collins is the author of seven collections of poetry.

He is a Distinguished Professor of English at Lehman College of the City University of New York, he was Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 - 2003. He has also served as the Poet Laureate of new York State.

I've taken the following poem from
The Trouble With POETRY and Other Poems,
Random House, New York, 2005

The Lanyard

The other day as I was ricocheting slowly
off the pale blue walls of this room,
bouncing from typewriter to piano,
from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor,
I found myself in the L section of the dictionary
where my eyes fell upon the word lanyard.

No cookie nibbled by a French novelist
could send one more suddenly into the past ---
a past where I sat at a workbench at a camp
by a deep Adirondack lake
learning how to braid thin plastic strips
into a lanyard, a gift for my mother.

I had never seen anyone use a lanyard
or wear one, if that's what you did with them,
but that did not keep me from crossing
strand over strand again and again
until I had made a boxy
red and white lanyard for my mother.

She gave me life and milk from her breasts,
and I gave her a lanyard.
She nursed me in many a sickroom,
lifted teaspoons of medicine to my lips,
set cold face-cloths on my forehead,
and then led me out into the airy light
and taught me to walk and swim,
and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard.
Here are thousands of meals, she said,
and here is clothing and a good education.
And here is your lanyard, I replied,
which I made with a little help from a counselor.

Here is a breathing body and a beating heart,
strong legs, bones and teeth,
and two clear eyes to read the world, she whispered,
and here, I said, is the lanyard I made at camp.
And here, I wish to say to her now,
is a smaller gift --- not the archaic truth

that you can never repay your mother,
but the rueful admission that when she took
the two-tone lanyard from my hands,
I was as sure as a boy could be
that this useless, worthless thing I wove
out of boredom would be enough to make us even.

(My cousin's pond)

Muse Day post - late.
See Carolyn Gail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago
to read all the timely posts! :-)

Little Blue Eyes

2009-07-07T19:45:00.004-05:00

Okay!

After seeing the fabulous places other people get to visit, I am excited to announce that I, too,

have finally visited an extensive greenhouse/nursery/giftshop, etc. ! :-)

While in Omaha last Thursday, my daughter, 3 1/2 year old granddaughter and I had about 35 minutes to visit Mulhall's. It sounds crazy, I know. But there's a whole 'nother story about that!

However, I WILL return! (A promise to myself!)

I didn't get many photos, but here are a few.

There were Miles of Smiles as I gazed at row upon row of perennials outdoors and row upon row of annuals and interesting "doo-dads" elsewhere.

Now, just take a look at what sneaked into my car!

Sisyrinchium augustifolium 'Lucerne'
better known as Blue-eyed Grass.

It was getting hot and humid when I took my camera outdoors today (out of the air conditioning). Consequently, the lens fogged a bit. But here's a photo of the happy plant in front of the house!

Yea! :-)

Very cute flower, don't you think?

In reading about this plant, I found that this native blue-eyed grass was made by plantsman Robert Herman, formerly of White Flower Farm, while in Lucerne, Switzerland.

I was told that it belongs to the iris family. I've not found evidence to suggest this online, but the foliage is described as "iris-like." (This would be very small iris!)

I did find this information online: "If the plants did not set seed, they might bloom continuously. As it is, they enter a much-needed rest after the pods have ripened but often rebound and rebloom sporadically late in the summer if conditions are right. The thin, grassy foliage is nice in itself, and it will usually continue to grow and look good through summer and fall. Seedlings are common around the base of adults, so even though some are short-lived, they are self-perpetuating, and with time thick stands will develop."

The plant reaches 10 - 12" with a 12" spread. It's considered deer-resistant, likes sun/part sun, flowers in late Spring and early Summer, and needs moisture and good drainage.

Sounds perfect, doesn't it?? :-)

Generous Friends and Fabulous Family

2009-07-05T12:04:00.005-05:00

Mr. Shady and I spent Friday June 26 and Saturday June 27 with my Aunt MEA in northern Iowa. There were so many great events happening that weekend and the "inn was full" at my parents' home. This was a great excuse to be able to spend time with my Gardening heroine!
She sent me home with "Mattie."

I'd like you to meet "Mattie."She's part of a parent plant that has been around for many years.

I believe my Aunt was a young wife when a lady in town, named Mattie, shared a piece of her phlox. Mattie (the lady who shared) is long gone, the plant has been named after her, and my Aunt MEA is 92 years young.

Here's Mattie!

Haven't I inherited a treasure? :-)

Aunt MEA's husband, Uncle Bill, died a few short years ago. As I was growing up, he owned and operated three (I think) Champlain gas stations. There was a tv commercial that sang, "Cham-plain! The Great name in the Great Plain!" ;-)

Anyway, one of the business men that visited my uncle knew of my aunt's fondness for gardening. At one time, long ago, this fellow brought my aunt a piece of a prairie wildflower named Geum triflorum Pursh or 'Long-plumed Avens', also known as prairie smoke and old-man's whiskers, among other names. My Aunt MEA (!) asked me earlier if I'd like a piece of her plant... ever slow to react, I immediately e-mailed her with a resounding (can you resound in an e-mail??) "YES!"

Meet Geum triflorum Pursh
(click on the photo for a little information from the USDA)

Now this is another interesting story! Last year I'd spotted some Filipendula rubra, 'Queen of the Prairie,' in the flower bed of one of my husband's friends. I'm not sure that it's still there. It's a great plant with a beautiful flower.

This is also a native prairie wildflower. Meet Filipendula rubra, 'Queen of the Prairie.' Click on the photo to link to more information.

Kasey, of Kasey's Korner, actually sent me this plant early this Spring.
It had to sit awhile before I was able to plant it, but it's beginning to catch up.
As you can see, it's in the back of a bed, but it's catching the East sun first.
:-)

Click on the photo to see a very recent post by Kasey on her plant.

Getting by with a little help from my friends (which includes my family!). :-)

Happy Day! Happy Daylilies! ;-)

2009-07-04T15:26:00.003-05:00

Hemerocallis

Try saying THAT 5 times really fast!
hemerocallis, hemerocallis, hemerocallis, hemerocallis, hemerocallis!

If I were gardening in a lot more sunlight, I'm positive I'd have a LOT more of these plants!!
Whenever I want a "fix," I head over to Gotta Garden! :-) Meanwhile, these are the daylilies that are currently blooming in my gardens.

Frontyard

An unknown tall, red variety

Close-up of unknown red

Unnamed bright yellow daylily with
'Rosy Returns' is in front (she was planted last Fall).
'Rosy Returns'
'Stella Supreme' in front of the house

This photo of "Happy Returns" was posted earlier,
but it was not labeled.
This cutie is in the center of the front yard.

Sunny Corner Bed
(also in the front yard)

Unnamed pale yellow - smallish blossoms

Unnamed double orange
(This lily Really resembles the single blossom
"ditch lily" as it spreads quite readily!)

'Siloam Dream Baby'

'Pardon Me'

Raised Beds

'Strawberry Candy'
unnamed variety

Also unnamed (tho' I ordered this alongside the Custard Candy!)

Woodland Walk

'Custard Candy'

Backyard

'Purple d'Oro'
'Summer Wine'
(close-up)

'Madonna'
'Pretty In Pink'

How did this fellow get here? This is my new Gaillardia 'Fanfare' planting!
You'll see him in the third photo... front and center.

Hope You're enjoying your Fourth of July! Perhaps that's why the gaillardia sneaked into this post? :-)

Have You Met My New Friend?

2009-06-26T08:13:00.004-05:00

Early last evening, I was walking in my backyard with a favorite neighbor/friend when we spotted an American Toad and a garter snake! We jumped and laughed. I believe the snake would have liked the toad for dinner, however I think the toad Might have been a little too large.

(I won't bet on it, but I'm hoping so.) :-)

Not more than 1/2 hour later, as I was tending to a sad looking hosta (slugs), I noticed the watchful eye of a heretofore never-before-observed visitor! I'd like to introduce him to you, but I don't know his name.

Do you??

Actually I located this site that showed a great photo of the American Toad (Bufo americanus)and compared it to a couple of other toads. Do you suppose this new visitor is a Bufo cognatus? (Great Plains Toad) Some photos of the GPT don't look like this fellow at all, but this particular one looks good, don't you think?

He's pretty cute and I'm very happy. :-)

Another Pause in the Progression of Life's Adventures...

2009-06-25T14:02:00.006-05:00

... hopefully not Misadventures! :-)

(Mallow)

We will be traveling for a couple of days' trip to Northern Iowa.
We will visit stay with my Aunt MEA (!),
visit my parents,
our daughter, son-in-law and their family,
celebrate Grandson L's 6th birthday,
A huge family reunion,
My parents' 62nd wedding anniversary,
and my first cousin's wedding.

Is that enough??

We will also bring our newly turned 6-year-old grandson home with us for a couple of days!
Yea!
:-)

How Many Bees Do You See?

2009-06-25T11:25:00.004-05:00

This is Stachys 'Hummelo' of the Lambs Ear family. Yes, you read me right! I couldn't believe it either, when I purchased these plants last year. However, here they are. And the bumble bees love them! They are in the raised bed gardens. This photo was taken last Sunday night during a quick tour around the yeard. We had just arrived home from visiting our Michigan family.

A setting sun and shade are not a great combination when it comes to taking photographs with my little digital camera. It means that I have to hold very, very still! lol. ;-)

'Prince of Silver' Heuchera

2009-06-16T14:41:00.006-05:00

I'm so almost-sure-it's-right that I'm going to make a nametag!

'Prince of Silver'

Many thanks to VW Garden for posting her top photo.
I wrote a comment about its name,
and she responded by e-mail.

'Prince of Silver!'

My next step was to search online.

This is the first site I found.
(Click to see the photos and compare!)

Posted below are photos I showd recently of my heretofore unnamed Heuchera -

(God bless you! You sneezed, too??)

;-)

Yep! I'm thinking it's 'Prince of Silver.'
Are you in agreement??

Meanwhile, Mr. Shady and I are headed for Michigan to Make some Memories! :-) We're looking forward to a visit with our son, daughter-in-law and our three grandchildren!

I'll be here next week.
And there's definitely nothing "shady" about This Trip!!
:-)

Here's another place to visit. It describes 2' flower scapes.

Could these be flowers of the same type of heuchera?
This first photo is mine... and they've been blooming for awhile.

If you look at the older blossoms here, you'll see the same "greenness."

Have I convinced anyone??
;-)

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day

2009-06-15T07:43:00.001-05:00

'Blue Cadet'
Ready to bloom!

Would you say this is

Teeny, tiny sedum next to

More sedum

And this Astilbe gets better every year!

Sunny Corner Bed - do you see the tiny Allium?
It's in front of the daylily that's in front of the Nepata catmint.

Join this meme - see Carol at May Dreams Garden!
This is enough for today.
Have a great June 15th!
:-)

Green Thumb Sunday

2009-06-14T14:53:00.008-05:00

These are flowers???

Are you sure it wasn't that I caught them off guard?
Scared them?
Surprised them?
Startled them?

Or perhaps it was the camera?
Glinty lens?
Glaring light?

or is this a

Guilty look?

Drumstick Allium,
Allium sphaerocephalon,

Allium 'Hair'

These are really very small...
just a giant-sized close-up!

Not shady,
just humerous! :-)

What's blooming in your garden today?

Join Green Thumb Sunday
by visiting As the Garden Grows!

I Was Given A Couple of These Plants...

2009-06-13T14:26:00.003-05:00

. . . but What Are They?
:-)

Aren't they beautiful?
I was informed that they tend to "wander" about, but not terribly aggressively.

If you could help me, I'd appreciate it.

I've planted them in the front bed, in front of the deck lattice.
They'll be beautiful there!
No matter what, their nickname will be
"The TinaB/Denny&MartyN flowers"
:-)

Have a great day!!

The Latest Buzz...

2009-06-12T20:00:00.002-05:00

Just thought you needed to know!
:-)

HEUchera!

2009-06-11T08:52:00.001-05:00

God Bless You!
(Oh. You didn't sneeze? My mistake!)
;-)

Last year, I lost (not misplaced) two heuchera.

You can see photos of them (Lime Rickey and Amber Waves) here in a post I created this past January. I'll be watching for these plants. I hope I can replace them and try again!

I may be mourning, but I'm not giving up!
:-)

This Spring I planted a few new varieties in front of the deck lattice. I will apologize right now for having all the "promotional" tags in place. I've not yet had time to create my own.

This is 'Sashay'

This is a view from above.

'Dolce Key Lime Pie'

'Tiramisu'

'Hercules'

'Purple Petticoats'

It's easy to see how it earned its name.

The next two photos show an unnamed variety.
I purchased 5 of them about 4 years ago. They were Very Unhappy with their new home.
This is the only one that survived... and it really seems to like this location.

Do you know what it is?

This is 'Ruby Bells,' too. This particular plant is in a corner of the Sunny Corner Bed in the front yard. I LOVE these bright red flowers... which is why I purchased four of them to place in the line-up you saw earlier in the second photo of this post.

There are a few other Heucheras around here, but perhaps I've shared them before? 'Palace Purple resides in several locations. Once the oak trees tain their leaves in mid-May, 'Green Spice' finds itself in one of the shadiest locations I have - and still does well. I have another 'Amber Waves' in the "South Woodland Walk."

Heuchera are hard to resist, aren't they?

Things are Getting "Lush" Out There

2009-06-08T21:34:00.003-05:00

I took photos of the front of the house this morning. But I actually worked in the backyard(!) for awhile today. We'd received 2 1/8" of rain while I was gone and Last Night we received another 2 1/4" of rain with wind that brought down twigs, small branches and lots of leaves. I took out the little water garden and placed a pot in its place (foreground/left). This will probably change again next year, but I just wanted to try something different.

The pot has 'Tropical Rose' Canna. If you want to know how to care for this plant (and propagate it!), Click Here for great information.

t
I will soon post close-ups of several Heuchera varieties I've planted in front of the lattice this year. In the past, I've planted annual flowering vinca and impatiens which filled in beautifully. But there's always the option of change. :-)

Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me...

2009-06-04T08:40:00.011-05:00

They say it's your birthday. Happy Birthday to You-oo. . .
(the Beatles)

Tuesday afternoon several friends converged upon me in my living room for a cup of tea and some good visiting (and cards and gifts!) That was a nice surprise. :-)

Yesterday after getting off work, my husband absconded with me to Iowa City where he purchased a pair of padded bike shorts as my birthday gift. (I need protective padding for bike riding a very long distance... although I might not have believed it until I tried it several times! ha!)

I've received some special cards via "snail mail" and a couple of wonderful e-mails and e-cards already this morning!!

However, in real life, this morning (this official day) my friend next door, whose garden you just recently visited, presented me with a most wonderful gift!

Can you tell what she's carrying???

The gift is now residing in my dining room.
I hope she likes it here!

It's so beautiful!

I had to try this photograph so you could see the detail.
I don't know what type of orchid she is...
do you??

Now, another gift that I've just planted in the front yard where the trees used to be until last August... Tennessee Cone Flower seedlings that I started in a milk jug outdoors in January. It worked! I hope they do well here. I am going to be out of town for the next 4 days... I may recruit help in making sure they're watered!

What do you think, Gail?
:-)

Nothing "shady" here today!

Wordless Wednesday... Would You Like to Visit a Neighbor??

2009-06-03T08:49:00.003-05:00

Wordless Wednesday
(Well, you might find a couple of words!)

Our next door neighbors and I share the shade of some of the same trees! :-)
What are your favorites?

Yes,
SG's up to her antics again.
Their grandsons have been visiting.
:-)

Mom's tree... the same variety as my Sister's tree.

It was a delightfully drizzly day!

It's Sunday and I'm looking for my Green Thumb!

2009-05-31T14:49:00.013-05:00

Actually, I'm not even looking at my thumb today!

It's Green Thumb Sunday!
Head over to As the Garden Grows by clicking on the logo.

This is what's blooming:
Meadow Rue

These blossoms look like "rubber!"

Cranesbill Geranium
I somehow lost the tag, so I don't know the variety.
Close up!'Crimson Pixie' Asiatic Lily
Clematis 'Niobe'
Here are three stages of the blossom.

Catmint Nepata
A variety of Iris
Coreopsis 'Nana'
A miniature rose
Heuchera Coral Bells 'Rosy Bells'
A variety of low growing sedum

Allium aflatunense 'Purple Sensation'
close up!
Daylilies by the roadside
Aruncus Goatsbeard

And these are about Ready to Bloom!

'Husker Red' Penstemon
'Red Fanal' Astilbe

In fact, if it were me, I'd be Blooming for Sure...
or wilting...
;-)

Happy Green Thumb Sunday.

Blossom Needs Your Help!

2009-05-29T21:38:00.004-05:00

This was the "Problem."
She has an unusual flowering plant in need of identification!
Can you help her?

Click on the photo to head to Blossom's site!
Thanks for your help.
:-)

This is the Solution!
(click to see the solution)

GBDW - Shade, Shade, Shade! :-)

2009-05-28T09:35:00.000-05:00

Garden Bloggers' Design Workshop

Made for the Shade!

I love the ideas these people have for our participation and interaction! Ever since I began my garden blog, I've found postings by gardeners in each of their meme topics SO informative and helpful! I think you will, too. Please follow the link provided above for a list of the various Memes and the people that have participated so far in this one! Follow the links and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Now, the subject of Shade is one in which I could hardly wait to sink my trowel and dirty hands! I don't call myself "Shady Gardener" just for the fun of it! ha! ;-)

I live in the shade. Our home is situated in a woodland area comprised of several native varieties of oak, as well as shagbark hickories.

First: The Sunlight

We have a LOT of sunlight during the very late Fall, Winter and Early Spring! I love it! Until mid-May, there's still a certain amount of shade due to the fact that nearly 1/2 the oaks hold their leaves until Spring. However, all this early-Spring sunlight gives all plants a great growth jumpstart once the snow disappears.

About 1/2 of the front yard receives quite a bit of sunshine during the Spring/Summer months. Once the sun rises over our roof until about 3:00 - 3:30 or so in the afternoon when the yard is shaded by various trees. The sunshine allows me to grow plants that can tolerate early morning as well as late afternoon shade, many of which are generally considered "full sun lovers."

These two photos were taken 5/18/09.

The south part of the yard has a semi-shady area holding the "Raised Bed Gardens." This area, I surmise, once enjoyed sunshine, but has become quite a bit more shaded over the years. Here 'Purple Coneflower,' Echinacea (although they never achieve their full glory and are usually very pale pink!), 'Black-eyed Susan' Rudbekia , 'Turtle head' Chelone Obliqua, Balloon flower, 'Sarah Bernhardt' Peony, 'Rosy Lights' Azalea, daylilies, etc.

Non-obedient Obedient Plant 'Vivid'

Chelone Obliqua, 'Turtlehead'
Aster 'Alert'

Echinacea 'Purple Coneflower'

Monarda, 'Jacob Cline'
(photo borrowed from Bluestone Perennials site)

*** Now, 'The Shade!' ***

I really do love the shade! It's a wonderfully relaxing, cooling spot to be during a hot, humid summer day. That's not to say that it doesn't get hot here, but it's just a lot cooler than everywhere else! :-) And it's so inviting to drive from the open sunlight into the shady drive and feel the temperature drop! Am I making you wistful at all? (The variety of birds and their songs is wonderful as well!)

I began a few posts in January about some of the Shade Plants I have especially enjoyed discovering and planting here. Click on the names to link to one of my previous posts.

First there is the Pulmonaria (lungwort) family. Every year there are more interesting and diverse varieties. For much information about this plant, propagation and care, Click Here.

Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'

Next there is the Tricyrtis family. This post was created last September. Toadlilies are also being developed with greater variety in foliage and blossom. I planted a couple of new ones this year... Iowa Boy posted about 'Tojen,' and someone else posted about 'Taipei Silk'. . . was it you?? At any rate, I planted both this Spring! :-) Would you like more general information about these plants? Try this website.

Tricyrtis 'Shining Light'

I love the Tiarella, Heucherella, and Heuchera plants. Knowing that Heuchera are Coral Bells, did you know that plant breeders have crossed the Tiarella and Heuchera to create the Heucherella?

Tiarella 'Iron Butterfly'

Heuchera 'Amber Waves'
(he's a little larger than this, right now)

Of course, what would shade gardens be without the nearly infinite variety of Hosta?

'Sum and Substance' is way in the back of this bed.
If you look closely, you'll see several other varieties, too.

Add to this mixture a variety of ferns and you have the backbone of Shady Beauty! I have a number of different types including Japanese Painted ferns, Autumn Fern, Ostrich Fern, Lady Fern, Korean Rock Fern and a lovely unnamed fern as well as this cutie below!

'Frizzelae'

There are so many other plants that are readily grown in the shade and/or partial or dappled shade:

Virginia Bluebells, Dicentra Spectabilis Bleeding Heart, and daffodils.

Ligularia, Rodgersia, Liriope Spicata/ Lilyturf, Brunnera , Astilbe, Arum Italica, Rhododendron, Hydrangea, Viburnum, Dogwood, Bergenia, Spirea, Anemone, Pasque Flower, Lady's Mantle, Cranesbill Geranium, Meadow Rue, ajuga, trumpet lilies, columbine and sedum.

I think the list goes on! However, for the most part, this is what I have. Many plants considered "sun lovers" can exist happily with partial shade! And that makes gardeners like me happy, too!

Have I helped anyone out there at all?
Would you say this is a "Shady Subject?"
:-) SG

My Very Own Pinellia Plants!

2009-05-27T09:08:00.000-05:00

Pinellia tripartita
as received from one of my favorite garden bloggers -
Iowa Boy! :-)

This is 'Golden Dragon'. . . and look at the size of its spadix!

It's diminutive... in fact, if you're not careful, you might just overlook it!
However, you'd be sorry... because you'd be missing such an unusual plant.

This Pinellia tripartita is 'Atropurpurea'
and I apologize for the evening lighting in these photos.

Iowa Boy warns that 'Atropurpurea' propagates quite freely. At this point in time, that's okay with me! And I have a number of friends that would welcome a plant, as I did. (!)

If you want information about this plant, visit these posts by Iowa Boy.

I will also keep you posted as to the progress of these plants. (Oh! I am so excited!) ;-)

Hold Still Little Fellow! I want a picture!!

2009-05-25T20:40:00.009-05:00

We were out of town over this three-day Memorial Weekend.
We visited my parents in north-central Iowa.

You know how it is... time is fleeting, and you must leave for home before you're quite ready.
After reaching our driveway and driving towards our garage door, a quick glance to the right at our steps to the front deck/walkway resulted in my quickly stopping the car for photographs!! You won't believe this, but right there... on the front step... was a beautiful, newly hatched, Cecropia Moth!

I had to run to the immediate neighbors' to invite them for a look! I don't think they'd ever seen one before! Now YOU get to see it, too. (It's continues to remain on the step, even after these past two hours or so!)

Isn't it Beautiful?

My neighbor wanted to try to give perspective as to the size of the moth.

Just thought you might enjoy this as much as I did!

In fact, if you want to learn more about Cecropia Moths, click here for some interesting reading!

And here is a site that has even more information!