BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: FIREWORKS BEGIN

Link | May 17, 2019 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

I always refer to my spring bloom cycle as “fireworks and fragrance,” primarily because the rugosas and the old garden roses go crazy! I love it so much. And right now it is beginning. My first rugosa gave me the much anticipated first blooms and the other shrubs are loaded and just about ready to go.

Belle Poitevine…

Would you look at that center!

Soapwort… Has a short but beautiful bloom cycle. I love it that she’s early and holds her own even in the crazy spring weather.

Bloomerang Lilac still going strong… and filling the garden with fragrance!

Rugosa buds…

Peonies…

Three beautiful roses came today from Roses Unlimited and they look fantastic. One Papi Delbard and 2 Mother of Pearls. EXCITING!!

MR. G HITS PAY DIRT!

Mr. G is over the moon excited with his new wheelbarrow. IT’S A CRAFTSMAN. Guys his age will understand his excitement with finding CRAFTSMAN anything these days – especially at Lowes as it was a Sears feature for so many years, but that’s another story. When he called me from Lowes to tell me of his good fortune, he failed to mention the wheelbarrow was RED — CRAFTSMAN RED. 🚒🔥🚨 All I could think was the numerous times in my youth when I was told not to wear pink and red together — they would clash. 💞❤️ 💞 You and I both know that my garden is filled to the brim with pink roses. So what am I to do. Of course I can try to photograph the garden around this “great wheelbarrow with a lifetime guarantee,” 🙄 or… you and I can play a game of WHERE’S WALDO / RED WHEELBARROW. When you see it in a picture, let me know and I’ll feature you in a post! 🤷‍♀️

Well, we wont’ lose it! 🙂 Plus, it holds a ton of mulch!✔️✔️✔️

HAPPY BLOOM THYME FRIDAY!

Bloom Thyme Friday: SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Link | March 22, 2019 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

To say that I am excited that spring is here would be a grand understatement!

Today we have beautiful sunshine to celebrate even though the temps are cold. I’ll take it. I know we are on the right track.

Today I have pansies and violas to plant! These little beauties can take the cold and keep smiling.

As soon as I see the forsythia blooming, I will be pruning and starting garden clean up! To read my top tips for spring care for roses, read on here. Until then, I’m making lists and checking them twice — and running to garden centers any chance I get!

BLOOM THYME…

Let’s look back to Spring 2018 and remember the kind of things we have to look forward to…

ROSE CONFERENCE…

As the ARS District Director of Illinois and Indiana ( https://illinoisindianadistrict.org ), I cordially invite you to attend a one-day conference to learn and grow.

Sat, March 30 in Logansport, IN

SPEAKERS

Dr. Mark Windham, Plant Pathology / University of Tennessee, will present three programs on diseases, insects and pesticide safety.

Curtis Aumiller, ARS Chairman of Photography, will share tips and tricks of rose photography and help us better prepare for entering photography in rose shows.

For additional information on this event, including a registration form… read on.

These programs are approved for Master Gardener Education hours and Consulting Rosarian credit.

Wishing you a wonderful week blooming wherever you are planted!😘

Bloom Thyme Friday: When the temps drop

Link | October 12, 2018October 10, 2018 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

The temps are dropping quicker that I had hoped for — at least more drastically than I had hoped for October. Seems the number 70 has been forgotten… 80 and 90 were very commonly heard from May until Tuesday. Now today we are hearing 50s, 40s, and 30s. I really should not be complaining about the weather as we watch our southern friends crawl out from under the horror that was Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

No, fall is not my favorite. I get so much more excited (many might say tooooo excited) about spring and the rebirth. 😂 By the way, as of today, I believe it is 158 days until spring. But, who’s counting!?!?!

Next for me is to don my coat and do a bit of fall cleanup. I confess to being one of those who doesn’t do much in the way of fall clean up. If you want to read more about what I do, read on here. I do have bulbs to plant and that’s real exciting. More daffodils, crocus, tulips and garlic! It will be fabulous to see them in the spring! 🌷🌱🌷

BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK

Some of the roses are ready for a break, but some have been blooming like crazy. While I should be leaving the blooms on the shrub to calmly, quietly make hips and go to sleep … I find it hard to do that and have been cutting enough for a few bokays!

Even some of the perennials are showing off! Here are some going out with a bang…

Stokes Aster . One of the best rose companions.

Champagne Wishes / Easy Elegance Collection

Head Over Heels / Easy Elegance Collection

View this week from my Potting Shed porch

While we are on the topic of weather… I have to confess that I do love the snow. More each year. The days that I spend “cooped up” with Mr. G when the snow is falling are some of the very best. Those of you who know him, know that he doesn’t stay cooped up long. He has to go out and blaze trails in the snow and that is fun too.

Whatever the weather, wherever you are … BLOOM!

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: UNEARTHING TREASURES

Link | August 17, 2018August 17, 2018 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

If you are familiar with the movie A GOOD YEAR you might remember this quote… “all she needs is a fresh coat of paint and a good scrub.” This a family favorite movie so I have enjoyed that quote many, many times.

This summer marks 20 years that my dream of a potting shed/office became reality. Mr. G out of love for me and the secret desire to reclaim some of our home from all the garden stuff, built this tiny bit of heaven for me.

A couple of weeks ago, I thought of the movie quote while standing in my potting shed. Summers are a time of gathering things in the potting shed and little time to tidy things up. So, as I stood in the middle of all the stuff, I thought YIKES I think she “needs a fresh coat of paint and a good shrub.” So it began … moving stuff —lots and lots of stuff.

While moving things around I unearthed so many memories!

Catalogs from the 80s and 90s…

Then and now, I love pouring over catalogs!

Receipts from Jackson and Perkins test panel roses (Anyone remember those?) I had high hopes that one of my test panel roses would “take off” and I would be able to officially name one for my daughter.

Picture from the early 90s… (Sorry for the blurry picture of a picture.)

So many fragrant petals. In those days I dried roses, herbs and flowers to make wreaths and other garden crafts to sell at a local garden center. SO MUCH FUN.

And, while digging in the garden last week I also unearthed a plant tag from Jackson and Perkins, Medford Oregon…. Not sure of the date, but I haven’t grown roses in the place I found this tag since the late early 90s. Note the AARS trademark.

It was a lot of fun to see old things again and walk down memory lane. Many of the roses in the pictures I no longer have.

Tastes change.

Garden conditions change.

Little trees grew.

Large trees were hit by lightening.

A few pests showed up.

Sustainable growing practices became more important.

Some things hold true. I was over the moon about roses and all their companions then and I continue to be today. The garden has always been a balm for my soul; the place where my creativity soars; a place where I have the closest connection to the Creator.

BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK:

Yes, a fresh coat of paint and a good shrub was just what was needed….

… plus a new lamp, a super cute spool of jute (thanks Lacey) and a cute baby boy pic!

Zinnias out growing their space and bringing in the butterflies and hummingbirds.

Mother of Pearl again … I can’t get enough.

Evening view from the potting shed porch.

WISHING YOU A PLACE TO CALL YOUR OWN AND

A VERY HAPPY BLOOM THYME FRIDAY!

Bloom Thyme Friday: Hydrangeas stealing the show!

Link | August 3, 2018August 3, 2018 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Before we get to the blooms, let’s talk about my current little obsession … bottle brushes. I will never know why it has taken me this long to buy a set of bottle brushes but it did. Since I have a thing about glass, and glass comes to me from a variety of places, I am always removing labels and cleaning bottles and jars. These new brushes have simply changed my life — for the better. #happydance #iloveglass You can find more about my obsession with glass here.

BLOOM THYME…

There’s plenty blooming in the garden although not too many roses as I trimmed them back to discourage the Japanese Beetles. It has worked, they are fewer in number at this time. Perhaps there is another reason for fewer of them in the garden since Mr. G found and hung the Japanese Beetle Traps — one of his obsessions. Once the beetles were here, the traps few off the shelves. Note to: Tell Santa about Mr. G’s obsession with Japanese Beetle traps. #stockingstuffer I know there are conflicting reports and thoughts on the beetle traps BUT, I live with and love Mr. G and we go with his thoughts on this one — he has done plenty of research. And puts them way out to the edge of our property!

Now for the hydrangeas! (Maybe another obsession, but we are NOT going there.)

One hydrangea is threatening to block my way into the potting shed. I don’t mind at all, it is a beautiful welcome!

A very healthy Bobo. I have 6 of these. #favorite

OTHER BLOOMERS…

I never tire of the lovely blooms on Ping Lim’s Music Box from the Easy Elegance Collection.

Comte de Chambord and neighbors – over the top pink! LOVE!

Not sure what this Zinnia is reaching for but I love this color.

The Fawn is staying under the radar and the Japanese Beetles aren’t finding her.

Common Phlox An over achiever — beautiful but I have to keep my eyes on this one.

Dare I say it … when I see these, I think fall. 🙁

COMING SOON … A GARDEN SYMPOSIUM

The Indianapolis Rose Society is hosting the ARS Illinois Indiana District Conference and Rose Show Sat, Sept 8, 10 am – 4 pm — at the 4H Fairgrounds in Lebanon! (FYI: I will be installed as the new District Director in October!)

Cost for the public to attend the educational sessions is $10. We have some of the best of the best speakers coming from around the country and these sessions have been approved for Master Gardener Educational Credit. Click here to see the list of speakers! We would love to see you there! I guarantee you will have fun, learn a ton and see some of the prettiest roses on the planet!! There is even a lunch option too! ALL THE DETAILS HERE!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! Send me any questions you might have!

Bloom Thyme Friday: Bokay Day

Link | July 20, 2018December 6, 2019 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

The rain held off this morning and I was able to do some work in the garden. What started out as Japanese Beetle “bubble bath” day and garden “clean up” day, soon moved to BOKAY DAY. I just couldn’t help myself. With a garden the size of my garden there is always something to pick and the JB are SOOOOO attracted to the roses that they leave many of the other beauties alone. I became mesmerized by the bloom explosion that was happening today and decided that today was to become BOKAY DAY. So I’ll make bokays and share them. #favoritedays

Since I can’t share a bokay with each of you today, I thought I would share my favorite bokay makers and a few tips and tricks for your fresh cut bokays.

PERENNIALS (Bloom year after year)
Roses
Oriental Lilies
Yarrow
Coreopsis (Favs Moonbeam & Creme Brûlée)
Phlox
Dianthus
Bellflowers
Daisies
Stokes Asters
Ferns
Herbs (Lavender / Sage / Thyme / Mint)

ANNUALS (Bloom for one season)

Zinnias
Larkspur (reseeds)
Nigella: Love in a Mist (reseeds)
Superbenas (Proven Winners)
(Favs Violet Ice / Whitecap / Royal Chambray
Senorita Rosalita Cleome (Proven Winners)
Herbs (Rosemary / Parsley)
Euphorbia Diamond Frost (Proven Winners)

SHRUBS
Hydrangea (Favs Bobo / Pinky Winky)
Boxwood
Lilacs
Viburnums
Evergreens

MY MORNING HARVEST…

TIPS AND TRICKS

Morning is the best time to cut flowers.
Choose the freshest flowers — best to pick those not yet fully open.
Take bucket to garden with you.
Place in water immediately after cutting.
Let “condition” before arranging … even as little as one hour can be very helpful in their recovery and being ready for arranging. I go for at least 4 hours.
Cut under water if possible before adding to bokay.
Use preservative in water.
- I purchase floral preservatives …
- But, there is a recipe below if you want to make your own.
No greenery underwater… begins to decay quickly and that takes away from the life of the arrangement.
Every 3-4 days, recut stems, add fresh water (with preservative) to your vase.

P. Allen Smith’s Floral Preservative Recipe

Equal parts lukewarm water and lemon lime soda
One aspirin
Half a teaspoon of bleach

BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK…

Here’s a video of one of my evening garden walks this week after work. In the video you will see many of the annuals and perennials I mentioned above. Most of them are very hardy and have done fine in all the heat we have had this year. We do water occasionally, but not extensively.

Well, it is time for me to get back in the garden and continue with my original plan … Send more Japanese Beetles to a soapy “bubble bath” ☠️ and garden “clean up.”

HAPPY BLOOM THYME FRIDAY

Bloom Thyme Friday: Things are Blooming!

Link | May 25, 2018May 25, 2018 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

This is what we wait all winter for! The Bloom Thyme garden is filled with fireworks and fragrance and we are just getting started!

Look at the Rugosas… go ahead, inhale. The fragrance is so strong you can probably smell them from where you are!

Iris..

These iris are from Mr. G’s momma’s garden and we can’t wait to see them each year. I love “pass-along” plants, don’t you! They give us so many garden stories.

Loving these peonies!!

Mr. G’s tomatoes are on their way to being delicious. And the nasturtium seeds are up!

The President Clematis looking pretty good but has many more blooms to come and needs a bit of a “tie up.”

Tiny Zinnias are holding their own among the herbs. They won’t be small long! Stay tuned.

And, the garden view I love best… the view from my potting shed (garden office) porch.

Now for the best bloom this week…

Introducing the oh so precious Mr. Wyatt…

He joins his two growing and equally precious brothers…

What a special time I have had in California with these guys and their parents! Family Blessings! I will miss them terribly when I leave this weekend.

Special shout out to Mr. G, who has been faithfully watering my all of potted plants and sending me the real-time pictures of changes in the garden while I’ve been away. 😍 #hesthebest 😍

This Friday finds me so grateful for all I have been given…

WONDERFUL FAMILY

WONDEFUL FRIENDS

AND, PLENTY OF BLOOMS

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a happy Bloom Thyme Friday.

Making progress…

Link | April 28, 2018 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Making progress…

We are definitely making progress! It has been a week of greening and flowering. The birds are loving it and have entertained me all day as I did my own brand of “flittering around the garden” … planting, pruning and even started fertilizing!

Here’s what’s going on.

One of Mr. G’s favorites — Creeping Phlox is blooming. Listen in, the birds are loving this morning too …

Roses that were cut back to the ground are coming right along! Whew! Thank goodness!

Still nothing miraculous happening over the arbor. Super. Sad. Face. 😕

Nasturtiums are soaking before getting planted.

Oh, here comes one of my spring favorites … Rhododendrons. 😍

Color me grateful, happy and blessed. And… tired — that good kind of tired that comes from time in the garden. Isn’t that the best tired!

Now, I’m going to go check on those Dogwoods. I hope they have been saying “no” to frost! Temps are still dipping way down at night!

UNTIL NEXT WEEK, HAPPY BLOOM THYME FRIDAY!

Bloom Thyme Friday: Tending the Garden

Link | June 9, 2017December 29, 2019 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Funny that the most quotable quote about names, mentions a rose!

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. William Shakespeare

For those of you who have encouraged me to “name” the garden, this is for you. Actually, some of you have more than encouraged me …. in some cases insisted the garden have a proper name—you know who you are! 😁 Grin. Well, Mr. G calls the garden, T’s Garden and I’m sure he will continue to do so. But, for the rest, it is now officially BLOOM THYME COTTAGE GARDEN. I know, a stretch, I have always referred to what’s going on in the garden as Bloom Thyme. So bring on the plaque — the garden has a name and it even has a welcome mat…

Such great work by my friend, Lauren Holt of Bear Home Goods. Check her out!

TENDING THE GARDEN…

Whether planting, weeding, cutting blooms or just walking with coffee in hand, my garden brings me immense joy — it is where I hear God’s voice the loudest, it’s where I dream, it’s where I “figure things out”, it’s where the need in me to “tend things” is realized. As my flowers bloom so do I! I don’t think that it is an accident that Genesis 2 is filled with a garden…

Gardeners, we are in great company … “God almighty first planted a garden.” -Francis Bacon. And, that garden had a name, The Garden of Eden.