A visual update.

I realised that although I have posted pictures as we moved through our project, I really haven't put it all together. I'm on a mission to correct this. Where we started from.
The man with the plan.
They dug so deep, they hit the water table.
The dirt piles were higher than the garden in some places.Everything was finally starting to fill in. Yay for no more holes!The light made such a big difference. We were still far from the end, but it sure made it feel closer.
Then the grass had to come up, well what was left of it.We poured a new entry area, stamped with a T.
The prep for the rock area finally began.Oh so nice one it was done!
And now we wait for the grass to grow. Two months all said and done. Not bad for two procrastinators.

A rare backyard find.

This is the stump. Its been blocking the completion of our fence that we started two years ago. The initial urge was the boys wanted to rip it out, whichever method was fastest. I put my foot down. This thing needed to come out cleanly. Its not just a stump, its art. This is the most glorious thing I have ever seen. The grain and colouring is gorgeous, but the most stunning detail is the chain link fence that the tree once grew around. Yup, that's embedded chain link your looking at. I love it.

My plan is to sand it down, allow it to have more smooth spot mixed in with the moss and texture. Then I plan on sealing it and allowing it to glow with its inner beauty. It sits flat on the ground, thank you boys. and has a flat cut spine from where the neighbors cut it years ago to allow a new (non embedded) chain link fence to exist. Now there's a cedar fence in front of that. This piece, it will become a focal point of my back garden.

The chain link so intertwined with nature, its almost political.... I love it!

A lady of a different colour.

Well my first Iris bloomed yesterday. It was unexpected. I saw her coming for sure, but when she arrived I had to do a double take. I was certain she was a royal purple/blue. I planned the rest of the pots around the shade my memory swore she was. Even the buds looked that colour. Then she made her entrance....
And nothing else mattered. She's glorious! I may have to change up the pansy colour in the pot, but such a little sacrifice for such a striking display! She wasn't alone as she entered, she brought a date.
Although my Iceland Poppies have been blooming for a while, this was the first of my oriental Poppies to bloom. Coming in a quick second was this beauty, just this morning.
I am sufficiently pleased this morning. Poking through the garden. There are many more poppy blooms waiting to follow. Although I miss the impact of the tulips, the vibrant nature of the Poppies are keeping me in a giddy state :)

Im here for the gardens, er... I mean houses.

It was a busy weekend. The best part was saved for last. A group of us went to the Royal City. The New Westminister heritage Homes tour was beautiful. We go every year, and I enjoy every bit of it. From the beautiful old houses to the glorious garden that accompany them. But really, I was there to see the houses......


Houses, right :)

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This is a blossom of a Pasque flower, well after bloom. I love this quirky plant :) I'm out of the house today on the New Westminster Heritage Homes Tour. We are looking forward to peeking through some of these glorious homes....and their gorgeous gardens are an extra bonus! I probably wont be around to see all of your GTS choices, until tomorrow. Have a great weekend!

The plant that wouldnt die.

“Do not watch the petals fall from the rose with sadness, know that, like life, things sometimes must fade, before they can bloom again.” Unknown
This is the story of the little rose bush that could. It started the year we moved into the house. This fine specimen was delegated to the backyard next to some dead tree's and a whole lot of ivy. Hmmm I wonder what could have killed those tree's? Anyhoo, I saw immediately that this beauty's life was in danger. With absolutely no gardening experience, other than my amazing new muscles from ripping out all of the weeds in the front, I took to moving her. I was certain I would kill the dear, but hey the ivy was working on that anyways. Well I got her moved, sicked my troll on protecting her and stood back to wait. I did have to wait. That year she was certainly circling the drain. She had three large stocks, and one immediately perished. Dead straight down. I hacked them all back and crossed my fingers. Mother nature must have been in a mischievous mood, because she spared this rose. The next spring, she started to grow..and grow...and grow. Much taller than her original height. The rose which I had only seen one yellow bloom on in the backyard was bursting! Dazzling me with a changing colour from yellow to pink. I couldn't believe my dumb luck.

That winter it snowed....a lot. One brisk day I stepped outside my door to see a snow covered sideways bush. Shit! In my work shoes I ran on into the belly of the beast. Up righted her and staked her in. When spring melted away the snow the prognosis did not look good. I had two other bushes die that winter. I ended up pulling them, and losing a little of my taste for the flower. I was bitter I think. She went through so much, that I was unwilling to fully give up on her. I cut her back hard once again and started paying attention to other plants. That spring of '07, it brought some surprises. As I all but ignored the rose, she was working hard at overcoming the odds. It seems her roots in one place where a little high, I guess from when she went sideways. Either way a new sprout took off. Although the old bush did grow a little that year, the amazing growth went to the new sprout. She took off surpassing her mother's height. I had to add a new trellis to support her, I was starting to suspect I had a climber on my hands. Yet with all of the fabulous growth of that year, I didn't get one bloom.

Today while perusing through Lady Greenthumb's Garden I started thinking about that rose bush, and how I really haven't gone and taken a close look at her in a while. So out I tromped into the garden. Her foliage was as healthy and fresh as last year, however......

She is now covered in buds! If you look closely in the picture above you can see the red new growth near the base, that would be the mother plant.
Clearly she's ready to show me her stuff this year! I'm curious to see what colour the blooms will be.

Inspired I walked around the rest of the garden to peek at other smaller roses I have.
This one above is a 'Betty Boop' rose. She's not doing much yet.
This bush was given to me half dead in a pot. For three years she's done little to nothing, although she does have beautiful tangerine flowers. This look like her year though, she's really looking healthy.
This one is called 'Blue Boy' no buds yet!
This final bush is my favorite. It was gifted to me by my sister. It had blue in the title, but off hand I cant remember the name. She bursts with lavender purple-blue flowers all summer. I'm not only looking forward to her, but her offspring as well!
Number one!
Number two hiding behind it mother, beside the Mr.Robb's Bonnet. And wait....what's that?
There's also a number three. I don't know how this happened, but Ill take it! I'll have to be keeping a closer eye on my roses!

The colours of Spring!

Well I haven't been able to get in the garden much the past few days. The kids and husband have been sick, which has been keeping me extra busy. While running an errand yesterday I managed to stop in front of the neighbor`s house with the Rhodo`s I have been complimenting, and take a few snaps.
My errand was a fun one though. I finally got my tax return! I had it earmarked for landscaping purchases. I picked up a compost bin. Its big, 650 litres. I'm quite pleased.

I also picked up a couple of cast iron planters to flank the front door. I was very excited about these. I immediately took to the nursery to pick some new gems for my planters. Well today, I squeezed in a few minutes to plant them, and I'm quite happy with the result. I'm a deal hunter, I love a bargain on quality things. The previous belly pots Ive shown with the iris came home with me for a cool 9.99 a piece. These beauts were only 33$ each. Pretty good deal. I also got to use my garden club discount for the first time on these plants :) Worth every penny that membership!
Now I'm horrible with plant names, he he, that's my novice showing :) Ill have to post them when I have a chance to grab the tags. I will say however that after seeing a fellow gardener`s picture`s of Lantana, I have forgiven the plant for its noxious smell and am welcoming her back in small doses. There is a beautiful one named `Lara` that's stuffed into the corners here. Nice white flowers with yellow centre`s. Its going to be glorious!

Springs first sizzle!

Nothing signifies that spring is in full swing to me like the bursting of the Bachelor's Buttons. There is something electric about this plant! It sizzles.
The bee's are all over the Bachelor's Buttons.

A variety of Coral Bells I think.
A white version of the Star flower I posted about last Green Thumb Sunday. Its Latin name is Rhodohvpoxis baurii "White".
I finally got the barell pot planted. Thats a corkscrew Willow. Around it I planted some Perenial Sage, and Druett's Variegated (Silene uniflora) Could you tell I still had the tag in front of me, lol!

So my sister & I made it out to the Dogwood society garden club monthly meet up as guests. They had a guest lecturer talking about landscape design. It was a really fun evening. We've decided to join. I'm glad she's coming with me, its always nice when you know at least one face. My sister even won the raffle at the end and took home a sweet hanging basket. Way to make the new people feel welcome :) The best part...it seems my new membership gets me a discount at a few of my favorite nursery's! Um, yeah....cool!

Each new days joy.

Well each day is bringing new joys in the garden. Yesterday the Lupines started blooming. I meant to split this perennial a million times this spring, but ti never happened. The plant is now so large that it is seriously encroaching on the path. I am excited to see this plant even a few days from now. There are so many spikes of flowers forming. Its sure to be stunning!

The rhododendron's are starting to bloom. I have to make my way down to the end of the street with my camera one of these days. A neighbor on a side street has the most colourful bushes that are just screaming for a picture or two.This is a closer shot of the belly pots I put along the front walk. Sorry to inundate you all with constant pictures of these pots, but well I'm just so proud of them! I never expected to get blooms off of the Iris' this year. They went through quite a traumatic experience when I riped them from their soil and transplanted them.

I have talked a little about the Dogwood garden club. Ive drooled over the gardens they've cared for, bragged about my scores from their plant sale, now Ive decided to take the next logical step. I'm going to join them. I will be attending my first meeting tonight. I'm excited. I have never been a part of a garden club before. Although I immensely enjoy talking to you all about gardening, our trial and tribulations, it will be nice to do some of that in person. Tonight they are having a guest speaker, talking about landscape design. This should be interesting!

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

Well I knew it was bear season. There have been spotting's all over my hood. Including last night when one was wandering up the street. Our road backs onto a salmon creek, and is right off of the mountain. We get our fair share of visitors. This morning we heard all of the neighborhood dogs barking. Using our handy dandy front patio, we peeked outside and this was the site below. Garbage Bears!
Because of the creek behind us, a year after we moved in we erected a fence (sadly there are still a few panels to be put up, we are just trying to cover an ugly chain link fence on one side still). It stoped the bears from using our backyard as a thorough way. They still come up our neighbor's property though and then come along our driveway to grab a snack. Those are talented bears. We have a hook bungee on our garbage, and although it remained closed, they still managed to get a bag out!
This bear though was more worrisome than most. She's a momma bear, with two cubs in tow. Before heading back through this neighbor's carport and through the back yards to the creek. She gave a good scare to a neighbor walking by. She got up on her hind legs (wowza!) and then charged him up the driveway! She didn't continue after him, luckily she'll stick near her cubs.
This was her exit. She climbed that tall green fence and then disappeared off with her cubs into the creek. Hopefully that the last we see of her for a while. Its always sad when a good bear goes garbage. It usually only leads to trouble and an eventual move or put down of the animal. So sad.
On a much brighter note, the front is coming together! We finished the rock way, and I finally got my pots out, just in time! I think the Iris' will bloom any day! I'm also looking forward to the white Poppies!
We still have to clean up the construction debris. Later this week we can get the dirt down and prepped for seeding. Seeing it so close to completion is making me really excited! I'm practically bouncing off the walls.

Green Thumb Sunday, Star flower

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The Star flower. This one has a special place in my heart, and my garden. There is something about this flower, the colour, the shape and texture of the foliage. Sadly it looks like a few of the smaller plants may not have made it through the winter, but I should probably wait another week or so before I replace them. Maybe it was just a slow start for these little guys this year. Here's hoping!


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Blooming Onions

Ornamental that is. My Alliums are just starting to bloom. I love this plant. Such a unique shape and texture. Next fall, if my memory serves, I plan to buy a few more variety for my front garden. These ones however brighten my backyard. A square of dirt surrounded by my cement patio.
Well today's entry will be short. There's a lot to do out there. Im planting strawberry's and patio tomato's in some belly pots I have out back. I must make the most of the long weekend. We are enjoying some lovely weather on the west coast. It feels like summer here, and I'm not the only one who agrees.
My mother in laws cat Evo, enjoying a spot of sunshine!

Nothing that a good weeding wont fix.

With the departure of the tulips, I know its time for a good cleaning. My garden is starting to look untidy. I'm not particularly anal about weeds. My garden is big. If I stressed about every weed, Id never get any gardening done. Id much rather garden than pluck weeds. That being said, there's a point. A point when I look out and sigh. It needs to be done.

I know I moan, but really I don't mind a good weeding. Its therapeutic. Nothing but me, the dirt and the weeds. Well and maybe my Ipod, rocking down to the Hip as I go. This is my version of meditation. I just have to keep my eyes open, as every once in a while I make a complete fool of myself in front of a neighbor or two :)
If anyone is wondering how I get this lovely view of the garden, I have a narrow patio off the front of my house. It indispensable for plotting and planning! This end is not very colourful yet, but give it time.

The Columbine's are just starting to bloom. This plant is quite large this year. I bought it at the end of last season, so I only saw a couple of flowers. It looks like I'm in for a treat this year. There must be more than a couple of dozens buds waiting to bloom!
My Jacob's Ladder is in bloom! Hiding behind forgotten named plant. I think they look wonderful together, so delicate.
Well I must get back to my weeding. It usually takes me a good few days to get through the whole thing. So Ill make good use out of this holiday weekend!

All the pretty flowers.

I took a walk through the garden this morning. Although some of my tulips are fading (that always makes me a little sad) there were a lot of new buds just waiting to burst!
My white thrift, about to burst!

The pink thrift, already blooming!
These were the last of my tulips to bloom. I love the pink, purple, turquoise combo!
The pots are still looking great! These are the pansies. I spotted a few pods on the white Poppies I have in them. Hopefully Ill be able to catch a picture of them blooming soon.
The marigolds.
The bachelor's buttons. The clump of them is looking so full and healthy this year. Then again I never seem to have a problem with this plant.
I cant for the life of me remember what this flower is called. Regardless they are beautiful, and the butterfly's love them!

Eagerly anticapating...

I'm impatient. I know I shouldn't be, there are a million little things blooming in my garden. Yet I'm impatient. I want to see the peonies bloom. I'm practically foaming at the bit over it! A little back story here. These peonies have existed in my back yard since before we moved in. They were on the side of the yard, hidden under the dogwood tree, shaded by a blue spruce. There they'd bloom every year. My thoughts on them were meh, I never get to see them over there. Fast forward to early spring with a way to eager me digging up sod around my patio with thoughts of new planting beds spinning in my head (I do tend to get carried away) When finished laying out the beds, I transplanted two shrubs, lilac, from the front garden into the new plots. This is about when my plans where thrown out the window and I started getting carried away. I looked over at the sad spot where the Peonies usually bloom. Out came my shovel, and digging I went. I moved both plants into the new beds and crossed my fingers. It was really early spring, and I was certain I was tempting fate. Yet here I stand today, waiting, anticipating. Watching the buds get bigger and bigger. I defiantly didn't kill them :)

The end is in sight.

Rainy days, like today get me thinking about projects. Our front yard drainage project is finally wrapping up. The new driveway was poured yesterday. Yay! I have been waiting for weeks. This step has been holding up progress on all other fronts. With it out of the way, we are now free to finish the hardscaping this weekend. We will be adding a river rock border along the side of the driveway. Once that's complete, I can get the barrel pot out onto the rocks and plant that corkscrew willow tree I piked up at the Dogwood society garden sale.
The rain also gets me thinking about rain barrels, and how I don't have any, and how that must change. Hmmmmmm.

A little sparkle where its needed.

It amazing how all the plants just sparkle this time of year. Whether it be morning dew, or the remnants of a recent rain, the plants glisten in their glory.

I had a wonderful mother's day. After the events of the day, I got time in the garden, along with some new toys. My little munchkins with the aid of my husband spoiled me with solar lights for the garden. I immediately set to plunking them in. I'm still changing their placement, but this one will defiantly stay put.

Ive been out running lots of errands the last few days. Smartly, last time I went out I took the camera with me. My errands took me to a strip mall, near a large intersection. There is a little pocket of joy tucked in between all the cement. The city tends to it well.

I know they have some larger more glorious displays in different areas of the city, but this little spit fire amuses me. I better get to those other area's of town before the blooms fade.

Poppin' Poppy's.

Green Thumb Sunday


Well the Iceland Poppy's I bought at the farm are blooming. Gorgeous! I love the zing of colour. I only started planting poppy's last fall when I got a good deal on a few plants. I only got a few blooms before their season ended. A few of the plants I bought last year never bloomed. Those are mostly white and light pink. I am really looking forward to seeing them! Anticipating them this spring, Ive gone a little poppin mad.
I recently bought these beauts, a large white Oriental poppy plant, and a couple of smaller white plants for some planters that will go along the front drive, when its finished of course.
For now they sit on the stump in my garden waiting. Hopefully it wont be long now. I hate being in limbo. This week they say, and the driveway will be done. It means next week will be particularly busy, finishing off the hardscaping. I know it will look amazing. If I can just be patient. Ha! That's not likely, I seem to have a lot of Poppy's on my hands due to impatience :)


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A lovely day for planting.

So I was out the gates first thing this morning. It so beautiful out there! Nothing gets me chomping at the bit to get my hands in the dirt, like some beautiful blooms! I got so excited, I forgot to eat breakfast!
I did some more rock retaining wall work, slotted in my more recent finds. I straightened out the crook in my entrance, I like it much better now that I removed the shrub that was blocking the way.

I transplanted some white thrift into the new bed created at the entrance. This is where the old path came out. I planted the white poppies I got on the weekend at the plant sale. I also dug in some forget me not's given from a friends garden.
All and all, it was a lovely day!

So much to do.

Happy green thumb Sunday everyone!


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Its been a busy weekend, hopefully Ill get some time later today to get out into the garden to plant some of the things I picked up yesterday at the plant store. This picture is of a clematis my mother in law bought yesterday. I didn't get to look at the tag, so I don't have the name, but the blooms are huge. I love the colour!
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Early this morning...

I love a good plant sale! Whether its a neighbor with a table on their driveway, a local farm or a gardening club, Ill take them over a store any day. There's always a surprise or two to be found!

Today was no exception. I made it out to the Dogwood society's annual garden club plant sale, and it was worth the wait. They were using a room at a local scouts hall. It was jammed packed, wall to wall plants, and eager gardener's hunting for their score! So elbows up, I went in! I was late of course. Doors opened at 9am, and I dared to make my entrance at 915am. I could soon see I need to be early next year! Still I made my way down the isle, and immediately came across the bee balm I was looking for. 2 bucks per pot, with each holding more than one plant! Score! I was looking for these! Barely time to check them out, I was off again, finding a large pot of white oriental poppies! I couldn't have been more ecstatic! I have been trying to get more white poppies, as one of my plants was taken by the element this last winter. This giant plant, that will dwarf the ones in my garden, came in at a whopping 3$!! Before making my way to the register, realising my hands could handle no more, I snagged a bell flower, a fountain grass, and a mystery perennial. By the end I was pushing the poppy pot along the line up with my foot. There was no way I was letting it out of my site in this frenzy!

So I escaped, plants in arm, but where to go... I was dropped off at this sale, so my husband could run off to the tool store. We gave ourselves an hour, but I was in and out of there is 15 min. While I waited outside, undercover as it was pouring, I got to peruse the hanging baskets and trees. I just had to continue looking, I had time to kill. That is where I found it, a corkscrew willow tree. Gorgeous! I have a barrel pot sitting on my front. Waiting for the construction to end, waiting for a new planting to arrive, and then this beauty walks into my life for (sigh) 5 dollars! I love a deal!
Dear, dear husband, I tried to stop there. Really I did.

Fortunately I still had time to wait, and there were things I had yet to spot....like the herb tent :) I picked up some tomato plants, and a pack of strawberry plants. Just before he arrived to pick me up I saw one last thing I couldn't pass by, the Dahlia tuber table! How did I not see this earlier!!!!! I walked away with more than I could carry, and with the most priceless thing I could find, a smile upon my face.

It was a good day!