1. One of the brightest plants blooming in the garden right now is the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia). This plant, or its ancestors, traveled according to family legend to Baltimore from Texas when my father was in mobilization training there during WWII. I don't know how true that story is, but I do know that …
This week's six are blooms at the close and opening of their seasons and one major pruning job. But before I begin, I want to note the hub of our Saturday sharing, Jim Stephens’ site at Garden Ruminations. You'll find a link there for guidelines for joining in and links for posts from gardens around the …
At the close of last week's post I said that the my next Six on Saturday would likely be photos of blooms. Well, I was right. That's what I have today: flowers with very little flourish. 1. Here is the first. It is a specific followup on last week's post of Southern Living's trade mark …
Today's six are rather uncharacteristic for me because five of the six are non-natives. But, they all have interesting structures, especially leaf shapes. Most notable, though, they were irresistible deals at a recent Blount County Master Gardener plant sale. I bought some natives, too: Virginia sweet spire, columbine, and paw paw. Oh, and a few …
My first of today's six is a wonderful find--a gift of Mother Nature--and an absolute delight. But before going there, I want to direct readers to Jim Stephens', Garden Ruminations. Jim is the hub of our Six on Saturday bloggers, maintaining guidelines for taking part, and providing the space for comments and links to Saturday groups …
1. Today's six are all native azaleas. I am fortunate to have several Alabama natives that are truly native to my place at Highland Lake in Blount County, Alabama. These I did not plant; they have appeared on their own in wooded areas. In several cases, my contribution to their growth has been clearing area …
From time to time, a couple of my friends politely remind me to stand up straight --shoulders back, head facing ahead not down like I'm trudging through mud or snow. But if I did that, I'd miss lovely little plants like my six for today. In fairness to my friends, I do often walk like …
The weather here in Blount County, Alabama, remains wildly changeable--hot and windy to cold and wet in oddly rapid succession . Today, Friday, is one of those cold and rainy ones. It's a good thing I took a few photos yesterday because now just about everything is closed up and droopy. What I have for …
Finally the rain and clouds have cleared away from Blount County Alabama, but the cold and wind remain. Breezy and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 C) as I write. But there is sun and that makes it all much better. The patches of daffodils beginning to bloom throughout the garden and wooded area help considerably as …
After December freezes, the weather in Alabama has warmed up to more seasonable temperatures, but rains--actually severe storms--continue to plague the State. And so do rollercoaster temperatures. This past week, though, allowed some time to begin putting sections of the garden back in order. Although, I'm being very cautious . No pruning or removing of …
After Eden 