random thoughts...again

Thought # 1.

That while my blue Hydrangeas sometimes weep in the extreme heat...

The 'Annabelles' are really looking fresh.

Thought #2.

Wicker laundry baskets make the best weeding, trimmings haulers.

These are soo old and have been left out in rain and scorching sun and are still strong!

(I try to remember to put them away... but they have been out for days even as I write lol)

Thought # 3.

There's nothing like sleeping with a bouquet of lavender on ones' nightstand on a warm summer night!

Thought #4.

Hollyhocks make me smile..they remind me of English fairy tales.

Told you it was random! lol

Long Island Sound

Long Island is a long narrow strip of land, hence LONG Island. 

To the north we have a body of water called the "sound" and to our south the bay, which has a few names depending on what township you are in.

This photo is of the sound, very swim-able, and if you could swim across it you'd be in Conn.

  Beautiful! but what does this have to do with gardening? you ask?

One of the reasons that I haven't been in the garden taking photos

I'm at the beach taking photos lol

There are LARGE rocks along the shore...I think... I see.... a lion??

catching my attention

          When we built our home, about 10 years ago, we had plenty of toads. Then they seemed to vanish.

I was a little worried. Was it because of the development? or maybe the use of lawn products?

But imagine my delight when this years I have had several sightings!

Welcome back little toads!

This next photo is of the seed pod from the great heron' Iris.

It is almost 5" long - I think it looks like a pickle.

I'm going to try to dry the seeds!

Hydrangea Heaven

Now we all know that with the large leaf Hydrangeas ( Macrophylla) when you add lime to the soil the blooms turn pink and if you add acid to the soil the blooms will be blue.

But this bush seems to turn blue and purple-ish pink without any additives.

I have the theory that the cement poured in our house foundation contributes to an alkaline soil condition.

Or it could be just be how this cultivar behaves!

This photo is from the present and it looks like it is going to be a good "Hydrangea year".

The seasons warm start has made the bushes throw lots of blooms!

By the time these blooms fill out, the leaves will be barely noticeable.

'Endless Summer' and 'Nikko' are two of these type I have.

I believe this is 'Endless Summer" which is a little lighter than the 'Nikko' which turn a deeper blue.

'Annabelle' which is of the arborescens type starts out a lime green and turns white.

A young bush that is changing over.

This little crooked tree is a Pee Gee Hydrangea Piniculata. The wind is very stong in this garden.

The blooms are more of a cone shape and they start out lime greenish white and the take on a beautiful blush color as the season cools.

As the blooms become heavier they start to become pendulous.

This photo was taken in September of 2011.

So, these are a few of the types I have.

There are also Lacecaps and Oakleaf types, not to mention the climbing variety Lianas!

Hydrangeas are a wonderful flower as they are low maintenance, make good vase fillers and dry beautifully for wreaths for the holidays!

Turning a corner...

I love when I'm strolling along, deep in thought, and the beauty of a  garden view takes me by surprise.

Sometimes it even happens in my own back yard!

This is a view that caught me by surprise, even thought I have walked this path a hundred times.

I was walking along the side of the potting shed, coming from the compost pile and happen to look up at this moment.

The colors and lushness made me smile.

As you can see, the walkway needs to be torched for weeds but, "another day will do just fine".

The two Iron posts came from an old estate fence that was discarded.

The birds think I installed them just for them!

Things start to get "wild" in June and it's all I can do to keep up with weeding and deadheading but some days are meant just for enjoying.

Peonies!

                                 I have to say my all time favorite flower has got to be Peony!

Peonies can live over 100 years!

They can be split in the fall to make additional plants

Most give off an amazing perfume!

The only bug that you usually find on them are ants - which don't harm them.

They do need to be staked with rings, hoops, or shown here- stakes and twine.

If you cut the flowers while still in bud, with a little color showing, you can refrigerate them for up to 6 weeks, and then clip them again and put them in a vase to open. Try to store them away from any fruit you might have in the fridge, especially apples.

The red ones that are in this post are 'Coleen Marie' and the perfume is a rose scent that is to die for!

The pinks are called ' Pink Giant' and also have a heavenly scent, maybe not as "rosey".

I'm sorry I don't know the name of the whites with the yellow center, they were dug up at an old house

 ( with permission, of course!) ; )

If anyone out there knows this cultivar, would you let us know? Thanks!

The white with the red streaks in photos 1,2, and 3 is 'Festiva Maxima'.

There are hundreds of cultivars! Most of mine I bought through a catalog I believe is from a company  called Gilbert and sons. 

I was really pleased with this company!

Good prices - great product - Too many choices!