If you add only one more plant to your garden, add pink Muhly grass.
Just when I think that the garden is done, Muhlenbergia capillaris, rises up and dances in the fall sunshine.
This plant has given me so much joy. It is gorgeous in sun or covered in dew drop diamonds.
My favorite time is to watch it dance in the wind. It is such a dynamic plant in bloom.
The Muhly tutu is bending, turning and swaying like a dancer in the breeze.
Mesmerizing!
FLOW
One almost needs a magnifier to see the tiny, complex blooms of this Orostachys succulent.
The name ‘Chinese Dunce Cap” comes from the stage when the flower stalk first appears in September.
This tiny plant likes a sunny, protected spot with excellent drainage.
I have some in a trough at almost eyelevel so it can be admired up-close.
FLOW in FALL
There is a hypertufa pot under this creeping fig tangle.
The Blue Spruce sedum cannot get what it needs to thrive because it has been covered over by an agressive plant.
Entangled, smothered and trapped. Over-taken by a bigger, stronger bully.
It will take some work to break this pot free, but it can be done… It must be done.
We all have a right to sunshine and rain, no matter how small or weak.
FLOW
I love to stumble upon places to learn.
I went for a walk on the Boone Greenway and discovered a wetland created in the middle for teaching about nature and controlling the mosquito population.
This jewel was created in a low spot next to a stream to control runoff.
I recognized many wetland natives and spotted two deer living right in the midst of folks out walking.
This type of thing makes me very happy. The more people learn about nature the more they will appreciate and respect it.
Way to go Boone, NC!
FLOW on the go.
This little hobo has moved around our house for decades like a little elf.
Finally he landed in Daddy’s top drawer for safe-keeping.
My sister and I have been sorting through items to keep or sell.
I have put him on a shelf at eye level. He seems to watch me walk by like a male Mona Lisa.
He is a work of art. The carving and coloration are exquisite.
Is he the work of Carl Jonah Trygg?
C. J. Trygg’s descendants also carved hobos, but this one looks sly and slouchy like an original.
Is he a valuable carving or just a look-alike hobo? I wish someone was left to tell me.
He is not signed. The front of one foot has been glued on. Maybe the signed base broke off.
No matter. I love him. I need him. He must have been valuable to daddy.
He will be moved to the mantle in the mountains where he can watch us for a few more decades.
FLOW and the HOBO
Fall is a busy time for anyone who collects seeds and cuttings. It is also a time to prepare house plants to go back inside. I have been doing my fall tasks early this year. There have been busy years when no prep was done.
These traumatic falls involved my whole family hastily hauling in all house plants the afternoon or evening before an early freeze. This resulted in bringing in stow-aways such as worms, spiders, and lizards. The unprepared plants were too big and crowded. Air flow is essential to prevent diseases. Crowding results in deaths over the winter.
House plants grow quickly while outside in the sun and rain. They get so large that they must be pruned and purged. This is also a good time to take a last batch of cuttings. Succulents and cacti pieces need to lay flat and callus over. I keep them separated and oriented in paper bags.
Purged pieces that are unhealthy are composted.
After several weeks of callusing, the pieces of plants may be potted and sparingly watered.
I am getting my supplies for mixing my rooting medium of potting soil, perlite and orchid mix for these cuttings. Good drainage is essential to prevent rotting instead of rooting.
I give away or sell these new plants once they are established.
FLOW in fall
I made this hypertufa garden trough almost thirty years ago.
It was the beginning of Maiden Stone Garden Art. I spent over five years creating troughs and stepping stones and bird baths.
It was hard, heavy work. The last pieces linger as a reminder of my past creativity and strength.
I am thankful to sit here beside this first trough made with too little Portland cement and not enough fibers.
I did not know what I was doing, but I was determined to follow my path.
I made some money, lots of muscle and many friends in those years.
We are both worn by time but still standing and doing our best.
Hooray for dreams and determination.
FLOW
It seems as though the garden celebrates its survival through the summer in September. I know if I can just keep plants alive until now that they will experience a second wind. My new Oxblood Lily has shown up to celebrate fall.
I am glad that I am home to enjoy this last little splurge of garden flowers.
The blue ginger has finally settled in after years of struggle. It bloomed last year but is much healthier now.
The Life Saver plant, Huernia zebrina, is putting out many blooms and buds.
Even the Night Blooming Cereus is budding one last time.
The dahlias are blooming as well. I am glad they survived another summer of neglect.
I guess all living things breathe a sigh of relief as cooler and wetter weather moves in. I am glad to be home for a bit.
FLOW in fall
I love my flowers for their colors and forms. Some of them remind me of other things that I love.
This hibiscus reminds me of the orange sherbet that my grandmother would serve. There was orange or light green and sometimes a mix of orange, green and yellow. It was very cold so I would swirl it around in my bowl to make it soft and creamy.
When I look at this hybridized orange hibiscus, I see a bowl of swirled sherbet.
Sweet
FLOW
floweralley 