Month: April 2020

Worm? Snake? Worm Snake?

| Flower Roberts

I am always careful when I use a shovel.

I have friends in low places.

I dug up this little critter while planting my amaryllis bulbs out in the garden.

IMG_1568

Too big for a worm .   Tiny eyes, gray back, pink belly and a sharp tail.

IMG_1569

It is a worm snake, Carphophis amoenus.

Its name does not come from looking like a worm.

It comes from the fact that it eats worms.

It did not like the sunshine and kept hiding its head in my fingers.

IMG_1576

It finally calmed down and posed for some photos.

I was amazed when it swung its head around and looked me in the eye.

Careful with those shovels. You never know who you will meet underground.

Flow

 

First Double Bloomer

| Flower Roberts

Single blooming peonies have been in bloom for weeks. The doubles lag behind.

This is the first time Karl Rosenfield has bloomed here.

IMG_1598

I am pleased with its huge, full blooms.

IMG_1596

This one has a deep rich color and lush green foliage.

Stay tuned for my favorite which always blooms last.

Peonies are easy perennials but do not like to be disturbed.

IMG_1595

Flower

Amaryllis Outside

| Flower Roberts

I hope you did not toss that big bulb that bloomed over the holidays.

Here in the south, we can grow them in the garden.

I try several new varieties each Christmas.

Some have disappeared over the years.

I have wondered whether they were eaten or rotted.

I have found a solution that works for either problem.

I call it a “Rock Nest.”

IMG_1584

Here I have used some lava rock. You can use any rocks or broken pots or bricks.

The point is to surround the bulb with material to help with drainage

and to protect it from digging critters that snack on our bulbs,

I also amend the soil because we have quite a bit of red clay here.

Be sure to mark your bulbs.

IMG_1586

Also, take note of the height. Pink Surprise is tall and goes in the back of the bed.

IMG_0977

Moon Scene was short so it goes in the front.

IMG_1588

They like sun and warmth.

Don’t toss that bulb! Plant it outside.

Flow

 

My Morning Walks

| Flower Roberts

I take a cup of coffee out onto the deck each morning to walk and think.

I stroll back and forth clearing my mind and planning my tasks for the day.

IMG_1553
Flame azalea, Irises = Night Affair and Shipshape

Sometimes it ends up being more like pacing. Back and forth, over and over.

My cup empty, shivering in my pajamas, chilled.

IMG_1551
Single Peony

There are concerns. There are worries. I try to get these out of the way.

I took my camera on my walk today, so you could see what I see this spring morning.

I am surrounded by all this beauty.

IMG_1552
Krinkled White Peony

You are gardeners. You see the evidence of years of work.

This has been my oasis and my prison.

IMG_1559
Cardoon

I am still busy and useful and needed, but…

It seems so froufrou to be posting flowers during a pandemic.

IMG_1560
Fallopia ‘Varigata’ Persicaria Reynoutria(in a pot), NEVER PLANT THIS IN THE GROUND

That’s why I stopped blogging for a bit.

I was ashamed.  I was unnecessary.

But I was told that my posts were missed and my blog was needed.

So forgive my frivolous folly.

IMG_1562

I cannot save lives like my medical friends, but I can grow flowers.

I can share beauty.

I am not what I wanted to be, but this is me.

IMG_1556

 

Love Flower

 

Helping Another Mother

| Flower Roberts

One of my flying friends chose to build her nest in a precarious place.

I noticed the mud on the concrete first. Then little scraps of moss and grass.

I wanted to tell her this was not a great place, but she was very determined.

I placed a metal plate on the deck above her nest, so we would avoid that spot when we blew off the leaves and pollen.

IMG_1528

I also knew that the beam her nest is on is in line with drips from the roof. That is where I set out my houseplants when it rains. I guess a bucket will go there now. Can’t let our nest of mud get wet!

Yesterday, I climbed a ladder while the parents were absent.

IMG_1525

I held my camera over my head hoping to photograph eggs. Then I saw something tiny move.

IMG_1517

Yes folks, I am a grandma again.

IMG_1521

So I spent my Earth Day doing what we all should be doing, helping Mother Nature.

IMG_1532

HAPPY EARTH DAY

Grandma Flow

 

A Visit from my Gran

| Flower Roberts

I have had some consolation in my isolation.

I have been determined to make masks for my family.

I got my supplies ready only to discover my sewing machine was broken.

I mentioned this to my dad yesterday. He said he had one in his shop.

We pulled out an old dusty case from under a workbench.

This morning I opened it to find a treasure beyond measure.

IMG_1505

My Gran’s machine is darling. I squealed with glee for the first time in weeks.

IMG_1503

My great grandmother taught me how to sew when I was young.

IMG_1502

We cut patterns out of newspaper and made doll clothes.

I sat there delicately touching the machine and feeling connected to these two women.

They lived through plague and wars. They supported their families. They managed.

So I will be sewing with my Gran and my great grandmother for a bit.

I don’t feel so alone now. They are with me. I have the skills they taught me.

I am grateful for the past coming for a visit during this tumultuous present.

What a gift!

Flower

Popping in with Star Double Pop Star

| Flower Roberts

We are fine. Much has transpired. Staying safe is not easy. Please follow precautions.

I wanted to share this gorgeous dianthus from the fairy garden.

It is magical!

IMG_1487

This is Star Double Pop Star Dianthus.

This is its second year in this location.

It seems to be very happy here.

IMG_1484

I hope all of you are able to stay well.

Wash hands, wear a mask, social distancing, stay home…you know the drill.

I miss us.

Flow