On my table

When Corynn brought me this flower gift plucked from the woods last week, I oooh-ed and ahhh-ed at its elegance. I had never seen a wildflower like that (and my eyes are always peeled for wildflowers!). I was awed so much, I took plenty of photos which I can't help but share now.

Hopefully no one is bored to death with all the flower photographs I have been posting lately, but I can't think of a more inspiring subject than these bits of beauty come gently on the heels of old man winter. What a welcome change, to have fresh flowers to enjoy and admire, after such a cold winter...



When I posted a photo of this flower last week, I didn't know what it was. Then Kris told me it is the Trout Lily (thank you Kris-so glad you are back,btw!). My reference guide calls it an adders tongue.

And APPARENTLY, it is fairly common (or is supposed to be).


So yesterday I asked Corynn to show me where she plucked it from so that we might gather more for pressing and for a vase. We got a walk out of it, but never did find the flower.

Prevelant, my foot!




I did find, however, a patch of bluebells (or cowslips) hiding out down there!!!

Bluebells are magical; thry start out pink and gradually change to purple and then to a lavendar blue.


The petals in the last stage of growth are impossibly fragile and dainty.


You dare not breathe on them, so dainty are the bells and once picked you feel as though you must RACE to get them into water lest they wilt right there on the spot.


I gathered them, rejoicing in their discovery and in this maginificently flowered spring we are having.

Corynn, too, gathered to her hearts content, for a childrens' room bouquet.

I think them incredibly elegant and looking at them reminds me that lilac season is not so terribly far off!!

Life just got a whole lot more beautiful.

Plant Profiles: Evening Primrose

With our move looming ahead in the not so distant future, I realized I ought to start posting my plant profiles with more speed. So, I'll be posting several plants at a time from now on so that I can hopefully get through them all before it is too late!

Evening Primrose, self-sowing biennial

Evening Primrose blooms from June to September

Evening Primroses are very popular ornamental plants in gardens. For propagation, the seeds can be sown in situ from late spring to early summer. The plant will grow successfully in fertile soils if competing species are kept at bay. Evening primrose species can be planted in any ordinary, dry, well-drained garden soil (preferly sandy loam) in an open site that is sunny to partly shady. They are fairly drought-resistant.

Interesting Tidbits:
the entire plant is edible and often thought, medicinal.

The leaves are cooked and eaten as greens and the roots are said to be sweet succulent and delicious when boiled like potatoes. Flowers are a sweet addition to salads or as a garnish and young seedpods are Steamed. This plant was a staple food for many Native American tribes.

Coral Bells

Coral Bells, perennial

Height:
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

Foliage height ranges from 6 to 18 inches; flower spikes can reach 24 inches tall.

Spacing:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Coral bells have quickly become one of my favorite perennials. The teeny flowers are beautiful all summer long and they attract some of my favorite creatures. So the verdict is, they can stay!

Select a site with full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. In areas with hot summers, light shade is preferred.

Planting Instructions
Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 1 to 2 feet apart depending on the variety. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant's container. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Carefully fill in around the root ball and firm the soil gently. Water thoroughly.

Care
Remove dead foliage in early spring, then apply a thin layer of compost, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Cut back flower stalks after blooms fade. Divide plants in early spring every 3 or 4 years or when the stems become woody or the plant falls open at the center. Lift plants, divide the root ball into clumps, and replant.

Plant Profile: Siberian Iris

Siberian Iris

A hearty and dependable perennial, tolerant of many different conditions. After flowering in late May and June, their sword-like foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season. Wonderful when combined with low lying plants.

Height:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Most iris need very well-drained soil. Japanese and Louisiana iris will grow in wet soil. If your soil is not ideal you can amend it with organic matter and build raised beds for better drainage.

Remove old blooms and stalks promptly after flowering to allow the plant to devote its energy to growth rather than seed. Removing old blooms and stalks also encourages repeat flowering on reblooming iris.

Can be transplanted during the summer and early fall. Container-grown iris can be planted in the spring.

Interesting Tidbits:

Iris takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species. As well as being the scientific name, Iris is also very widely used as a common name and refers to all Iris species as well as some closely related genera. It is also the state flower of Tennessee. Who knew?!?

Plant Profile: Lamb's Ear

*Newly transplanted division* ~they get much bigger with wider leaves as they grow

Golly, they sure are SO SOFT! No wonder they have a name like Lamb's ear, they feel just like one!

Lamb's Ear, perennial

Soft, silvery green leaves are what make this plant incredible, not the flowers. The flowers are purplish/violet spikes and only slightly fragrant, not beautiful~ but the bees love them. Flower heads can be plucked off to encourage foliage growth. This is perfect for a child's garden, thanks to the extremely soft texture!

Height - 6 - 8"

Spacing: 12-15 inches

Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade

Bloom Period: Late Spring into Early Summer

Seeding: self-seeds well. To save (or share) seeds, allow seedheads to dry on plants, then remove and collect seeds. Can also be divided by rootball-and ought to be every few years to rejuvenate the plant.


Notes: Lamb's ear plants look better paired with something, or as edging. Purple flowers are complimentary to the silvery, soft leaves.

Renaissance Gardens Plant Profile

After our church's perennial exchange a month ago, I decided I wanted to create a garden journal housing all the information on my newly acquired plantlings. Then, I had to get them in the ground. Then, I had to get some seeds I had started in the ground. Then, life happened. Then, the sky opened up for two weeks and it rained.

Finally, the sun is out and the photos are all taken and I can begin to profile my plants! I am looking forward to sharing these things, and recording them, so that I will know just what to do with them when they need to be transplanted. My memory fails me too often, I am started to wisen up! I'll probably do one plant a week, until I have none left to do!

Here lies the beginning of my own personal Renaissance Gardens Plant Profiles. Oh la la! What a title! :-)

Bachelor's Button, self-seeding annual


Pineapple shaped buds produce blue "Firework-like" flowers.
Bird, bee, and butterfly friendly!

Blooms: Mid-spring to late summer

Plant Height: 2-3 feet

Plant Spacing: 9-12 inches

Average soil and water needs

Prefers full sun, but still does well with partial shade ( so I have found...)