Bloom Thyme Friday

This week most of the roses are taking a break and getting ready for another big flush giving many of the perennials and annuals their “time to shine!” And they are going for it…

See what I mean…

The vines of the Morning Glory have been climbing and twirling around for some time, but this morning the first bloom emerged. Worth the wait!

Morning Glory
Morning Glory

This little bird bath is one of my favorite garden ornaments. It has been in my garden for nearly 20 years. Each year I surround it with something pretty. This is one of the best combinations yet–petunias and euphorbia. What do you think?

Little birds and company...
Little birds and company…

The Pinkie Winkie Hydrangeas are in full bloom … almost to the point of outgrowing their space. Love them! Do you grow this variety? I would highly recommend!

Pinkie Winkie Hydrangeas on the right side...
Pinkie Winkie Hydrangeas on the right side…

Next up are these amazing State Fair  Zinnias–compliments of my garden friend Ron Daniels. Just as Ron said–these Zinnias are blooming machines!

State Fair Zinnias ... THANKS RON!
State Fair Zinnias … THANKS RON!

This Stargazer lily just begs to be mentioned. The Stargazers have had a wonderful and long season this year! And the fragrance … unbelievable!

Stargazer Lily...
Stargazer Lily…

These lovely ladies need no introduction … Say hello to my Black Eyed Susans. They do not know how to be subtle. And, they nestle up to a fence and spill over in the most delightful way ever. And, you know what I think about yellow in the garden—It brings the sunshine in!

Blackeyed Susan making a statement!
Blackeyed Susans making a statement!

Here is the entrance to my herb garden. Love the fragrance of my herbs–love the fence that Mr. G made and especially love the sign that Mr. G made…

Entrance to Herb Garden...
Entrance to Herb Garden…

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite places on earth … My Potting Shed. Another wonderful creation of Mr. G.

L O V E him and all his wonderful creations!

I have never had an unhappy moment in my Potting Shed!
I have never had an unhappy moment in my Potting Shed! The hydrangeas are very happy there too!

Wishing you a wonderful day doing all the things you love to do — surrounded by the people you love best!!

Time to Do a Rain Dance…

Our new fence created a little nook that quickly became a potting area complete with …. TA DAH!…. A rain barrel.

We have wanted a rain barrel for a long time and this is the perfect one for this space. It isn’t even installed yet and already I am thinking I probably need another one. Please don’t mention that to Mr. G. At least until the temperature leaves the 90s.

It is going to be so wonderful to have 50 gallons of rain water!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Do you have a rain barrel?

The Potting Shed

Step into the potting shed and the hum of the everyday world dwindles into silence. The air is warm and smells of earth. Wood flats checkerboard the potting bench, terra cotta pots tower in the corner like soup bowls on a kitchen shelf, and bins of soil beckon, their contents rich and deep. -The Potting Shed by Linda Joan Smith/Smith & Hawkins

Love my dirt drawer!

 

 

Potting Bench

Twelve years ago my very handy husband built me a potting shed… hand-made desk, shelves, tool closet, cabinets and a potting bench, complete with a dirt drawer. If you are a gardener, I don’t have to tell you the magnitude this gift was to me. My potting shed is cute, it is functional, it is heaven on earth. Every moment I spend in my potting shed is pure pleasure– whether I am pruning, watering, reading or planning and designing the next big project. Spending time there keeps me sane during the long, dreary Indiana winters. I have simply never had an unhappy moment in my shed!

DON’T LEAVE US OUT IN THE COLD

When the temps dip below freezing , I bring the annuals and potted herbs into the potting shed where they will be safe from the cold. Some of the geraniums have spent 6+ winters in the Potting Shed… so they are right a home.

TODAY…

Today when I went into the potting shed I was greeted by a very fragrant bay tree, apple mint (given to me by my mother 22 years ago), blooming geraniums, various leggy plants that need more sun and a stack of books, catalogs, sketches and notes I’m working on to prepare for the BIG SPRING PROJECT! Ahhhhhh heaven.