Smother Lessons from a Vine

| Flower Roberts

I am a helicopter mother for my plants also.

So I overprotect the rare ones whether they need it or not.

I have had this ‘Blue Crown’ hybrid Passion vine for four years.

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When I finally got multiple starts by cuttings, I decided to risk leaving one outside.

Surprise! It stayed green all winter. The ones inside went dormant.

The ousted vine has climbed all over the fence.

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The two potted clones have finally started to grow.

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The one left out is covered in blooms. The protected ones are just now getting leaves.

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Will I be bringing one in next winter?

Yes. Just in case it gets super cold.  I will keep one stock plant inside.

Sometimes growing things need to be left alone. That includes children.

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Flow

Waiting for the Lights to Come On

| Flower Roberts

I end my days with the bunnies, waiting for their lights to come on.

I quietly sit in the black chair with my feet up on the bench.

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I listen to their munching as the light in the sky dims.

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The two solar globe lights blink on first.  IMG_1712

Moments later, the garden glows with a warm yellow light from the of Market bulbs.

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That’s my signal that the bunnies are safe and my day in the garden has ended.

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I pause just a bit, in the glow, in the quiet.

It’s a peaceful way to end a day.

Flow

 

A Sign with Legs

| Flower Roberts

I was headed back inside with my camera without a proper post picture when

I was greeted at the threshold by a familiar voice from seasons past.

I had to follow the sound, which was coming from behind a sign on the porch.

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Mortimer has returned and has taken up his old residence with a friend.

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What a lovely surprise. I had been hoping he would return.

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He may not have a chance to jump on our guests this year due to the pandemic.

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I still expect some antics from the little friend who seems to feel right at home.

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Wildlife is always welcome here.

Oh, happy day!

Flow

 

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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I am pleased with its huge, full blooms.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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

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Moon Scene was short so it goes in the front.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Krinkled White Peony

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

This has been my oasis and my prison.

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Cardoon

I am still busy and useful and needed, but…

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Yes folks, I am a grandma again.

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

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HAPPY EARTH DAY

Grandma Flow