The Great Wall of Lutz (and other assorted landscaping projects we attempt)

Orchids A’Bloom,and New Editions…

2012-01-28T16:14:00.001-08:00

The orchids have decided they like their new home.

Yessirree,Bob!

And are a bloomin’ away…

One of my Dad’s orchids.

And we have buds…

This is an orange ground orchid.

And just because I wanted it,

I bought a Cyclamen…

Why,I have no idea…

…it’s not gonna last too long…

But it is pretty looking.

And I wanted it!

So,I bought it.

So there!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Editions…

and not the boy band…

new editions to the gardens…!

another Simpson Stopper has come to reside here,

at The GreatWall…

I love this shrub.I really,really do.A Florida Native,and it can take anything!And smells good,in bloom,to boot!

and another garden is starting to take shape…

This one is opposite of the garden I last posted about.

Time to start thinking about sod,I guess….

Tomorrow…

IKEA!!!

Let The “Fun” Begin…

2012-01-22T15:12:00.001-08:00

Now that the pool has passed all inspections and it is ours,to have and to hold,

…and take care of…

…it is time to begin the putting back of the gardens.

I figured I would start out easy.

…work my way slowly,back into gardening shape…

So what looked like this…

It would make a good Croquet field,or Bocce court,wouldn’t it?

Now,looks like this…

Plants used: 1.Blue Sage (from a cutting from Meems)
                    2.Camellia sasanqua
                    3.Banana-I forget what variety this is,but it’s a miniature.Grown for foliage,only.
                    4.Agapanthus
                    5.Cassia senna
                    6.Indian Hawthorne-I have started using these wherever there is a curve in the garden.They seem to take the beating from hoses,etc.much better than anything else.

…and this…

Plants used: 1.Agapanthus
                    2.Blackberry Lily
                    3.Indian Hawthorne-the curve
                    4.a container that had been shoved to the back of the shadiest part of the yard.Just for surviving I figured it needed a place to shine.
                    5.Ti plant

6.Angel’s Trumpet-this plant has survived the most any plant can.Back-hoes,graders,a freeze,and,yet,it is still thriving.The pool contractor actually admonished his workers,”Watch that plant!It’s a survivor.” And all the workers were so good about it.I those guys!
7.Butterfly garden-pentas,Tampa Vervain,Mexican Heather,daylilies.Already the bees and butterflies are back!

The entire garden is interspersed with Giant Liriope,which had been dug up and sat in pots for all these months.All of the plants are ones that were moved after TheTree went down.I bought nothing,except for organic garden soil,and new Eucalyptus mulch.I have found that wherever I use Eucalyptus mulch the bugs stay away.Especially the lubbers!
{In the veggie garden I use Melaluca mulch.Both are environmentally friendly-especially the Melaluca mulch-,organic,and don’t float.The Melaluca mulch almost forms a mat,which keeps almost all of the weeds out.}
This area is semi-shady,right now.When summer arrives,this area should receive shade,or,at least,diffused sun,in the afternoon,from the screened lanai.
The stones that are there,are just to mark the border of this garden.Sod still needs to be brought in…I ain’t doing that!…
I realize how out of gardening shape I have become.After two days of digging,planting,raking,spreading mulch,my back hurts,my thighs hurt,my hips hurt,my shoulders hurt…you get my drift…
So,now,excuse me while I enjoy this….

and maybe a football playoff game or two..

‘cause I still have to tackle the rebuilding of TheGreatWall.

Any volunteers?

I thought so….

Decorating the…

2012-01-19T15:32:00.001-08:00

patio

lanai

screened porch

…you get the drift…

Now,I’m getting to the fun part of the reconstruction.

Decorating!

I’ve already shown the containers being returned,

but now,let’s get down and dirty,shall we?

The bling!

Lighting…

I found this iron candle holder on clearance.The minute I saw it,on the clearance table,I knew it would be perfect by the pool.

Filled with the broken tempered glass from the broken slider,and LED Christmas lights it makes a perfect light fixture for one of the patios by the new pool area.

candle holder - $5,from Home Goods clearance

LED lights - $2.50;150 light strand,1/2 price after Christmas clearance,Target

Glass – tempered,free,but it is also free at any window replacement business

You got any cheap ideas to decorate your pool,or garden?

Inquiring minds wanna know….

…or borrow…

What’s That Smell?

2012-01-17T16:16:00.001-08:00

Soooo…sitting on the lanai,screened porch,patio,out by the pool,

…take your pick…

this evening,I smell something.

Something different.

What is that?

This?

an almond-y smell?

The Tea Almond is blooming to beat the band!

This?

Red Knock-out Rose

A rose-y smell?

Could it be this?

Louis Phillippe

or this?

Drift Knock-Out Rose.

Now,if only this guy would decide to bloom…

Banana Shrub

Gotta love the pool guys.They put the tape around this guy to protect him….

Whatever it is that smells,it’s smelling pretty good around here…

I think I love this Florida winter weather.

So far….

Coming Home….

2012-01-15T15:09:00.001-08:00

When you come home,there is always that period of adjustment.

There is always that thought,”I’ve been away sooo long…

What’s happened in my absence?

What if there are changes?

Will I like them?”

….But….

Yessiree Bob !

The pool is

done,

done!

What started out as this…

Is now this….

And this…

Even sunbathing frog likes his new home….

After removing some contractor dirt,putting down pine bark mulch,

and returning containers to their rightful place,

it’s starting to look more like home…

Orchids and broms are where they should be…

Poor,poor containers.

They had been shoved to the shadiest part of the yard.

And had been quite ignored.

Actually,alot ignored…

…But…

After some fresh potting soil,

a nice drink,

a little grooming,

and a pep talk from me,

“You’re gonna like it here.Really.You will.”

I think they’ll be happy in their new home…

Pots really do need a nice cleaning…

Soooo….

if you wanna find me these days,

I’ll be looking at this….

I love the waterfall!!!!!!!!!

Oh,yeah…

I still have this to deal with…

Wanna help?

…I thought that would be your answer…

Special thanks go out to Erich,the Younger,for moving all of the containers,for me.

And to Michael,the Elder,and Dawn,for the lanai-warming gift of the candle…..

Love,love,love you guys!

We Survived…

2012-01-07T14:31:00.001-08:00

…the first,

and hopefully,

the last freeze of the winter…

I didn’t cover anything.Call it laziness,not enough time,Dad--always blame everything on your parents,right?--or too much going on in the yard…

…but I left everything to chance.

OK-I had hopes…

and

prayers…

Today,was the first chance I had to get into the garden and really inspect how things fared.

I was pleasantly surprised.

The damage was,for the most part,hit-or-miss.There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it.

Needless to say,the self sown impatiens,that I let grow,are mush.That’s one way of ridding the garden of them,right?

This Brandywine tomato may be done for…

The green peppers,beans,and cucumbers are goners…

Even though it was protected by the collards,this hot banana pepper took a hit.

While a sweet banana pepper right next to it,has not a bit of damage.

Sweet v. Hot?

Sweet always wins…

Cabbage and broccoli did just fine…

As did the lettuce…

and the turnips and collards sailed right through.

Even though it is out in the open,totally unprotected,the largest Queen Emma only has some damage…

The three pups were protected in the garden shed.

The lone surviving Australian Tree Fern

(the other was lost when TheTree went down)

seems to be unscathed,while a banana,next to it,is damaged.

While the impatiens are mush,all the plantings in the container…which I forgot to water…are just fine.

and a Caladium?

Go figure….

My Dad’s orchids,which made it through TheTree drama unscathed,and were then hidden in the only shady spot left in the yard,were brought into the laundry room.

They had buds on them!

Today they came out to enjoy their new home on new ~~screened porch~~ lanai…I’m working on the calling-it-a-lanai thing…

Not too shoddy for being close to 60 years old…

We should all look that good,right?

Speaking of the new ~~screened porch~~ lanai.

Should be totally done,this week.

Yippee!!!!

Can’t wait!

Birdseed Cakes …

2012-01-02T03:26:00.001-08:00

Preface-This was a spur of the moment thing and I realize,now,I should have taken more photos.I apologize,in advance,but,at the time,I was avoiding taking the outside Christmas décor down.And to quote my two sons,”It seemed like a good idea at the time”…..

With the return of the birds,and a cold front due,I thought I would try making my own birdseed cakes.

…For the feeders…

…For the birds…

…Make them like me…

…And make them want to return to my garden...

What the heck? What’s left of the garden will be toast,anyways…

What with the anticipated freeze and all..

…And,most of all,for no other reason,I wanted to try it…

oh yeah,those darnn outdoor Christmas decorations needed to come down and I really,really was feeling lazy…..

Remembering that Google was my friend,I Googled birdseed cake recipes and found one here.

What I used…

I added hot sauce,extra peanuts,and raisins that were left over from Christmas baking.

The hot sauce was added just to keep the squirrels away.

They-the squirrels- get fed real peanuts.As long as I keep up with putting down real peanuts around the garden,it seems to work at keeping them out of the feeders.

I molded the cakes in disposable plastic-ware.

The kind you can buy anywhere.

Then I stuck the handle of a wooden spoon in the center.So the cakes would fit over the feeder.

But you could also mold them into squares,and use them in a regular suet feeder.

I set them in the refrigerator for an hour or so,

and…

Voila’…

Do the birds like it?

They haven’t discovered it,yet,

but I do know this…

…the outdoor Christmas décor still needs to come down….

…and we’re due a freeze…

Chow down birdies!

…I’ll be working on that outside décor….

Maybe……

Looking Back On 2011…

2011-12-31T13:37:00.001-08:00

What a year!

After surviving the devastating freezes of December,2010,the year started out with the County digging up our side yard.

Leaving a semi-shady spot in total sun,during the Spring/Summer.

…And near total shade in the winter,I have quickly found out…

But this gardener persevered….

The Roadside Garden,as it was quickly named,has managed to flourish.

Critters came to visit…

some welcome…

Some not….

The veggie garden grew by leaps and bounds.

…Memories were made…

NewsChannel 8 and Leigh Spann came to visit.

And just when I was feeling totally full of myself…

…TheOak went down…

Leaving a shade garden in total ruins …

…and FULL sun…

but sparing the well,

Thank you God!

…not to mention a cracked swimming pool…

But LaToilette Planter made it unscathed!

A little dirty on the edges,but it came thru without a scratch!Ya gotta luv a good toilet…

Plants were quickly moved to the lone shady corner of the yard or were given away.

TheOak was taken out,

and a new SweetGum was brought in to replace it…

Plans were drawn up for a new pool.

Screened in,this time.

and a solar heater,too..YES!!!!

and a water wall!

Maybe this transplanted,Northern gardener will finally say learn to say lanai,instead of porch….

Which includes an area just for my Dad’s orchids.

And removal/construction began in November.

In between all of this,Dad had three visits to the ER.

One for heart arrhythmias,and one for dehydration/back spasms.

The third

-let me tell ya,the third time is not the charm-

was the kicker.

Right after Thanksgiving he fell,and broke his hip,

again.

This time he required surgery,and due to his pacemaker and being on Plavix,there was a blood loss issue,requiring three units of blood.At 92 + years,one’s body doesn’t take too kindly to that.Nor,does anyone’s body.Now,he is in a skilled nursing facility.

…not taking to it too kindly,I might add…Oy! The ~~bitching~~ complaining,feistiness… I take that as a good sign.

So,with the new pool/lanai scheduled to be done this week…

On this New Year’s Eve,

with home grown collards simmering on the stove,

cornbread with home grown jalapenos added in the oven,

and black-eyed peas cooking,

I decided to say,

”Out with that crappy 2011,

and here’s to a better 2012!”

Soooo….

…I weeded….

…I drew up a new garden plan…

One that includes:

sunny gardens,

Florida Natives,

and a special spot for my Dad’s orchids.

Here’s to a …

Happy Gardening Year!!!

A Florida Christmas tree…

2011-12-20T16:34:00.001-08:00

Going with the theme of keeping it simple this year….

The tree is smaller …

a Florida style tree….

Seashells-“tourist shells” spray painted silver,

flamingoes,

sand dollars,

flip-flops (thanks Erin),

found fishing lures,

blown glass crabs and palm trees,

a star fish for the star,

and worm shells for tinsel…

Christmas

Florida style

It’s hard…..

2011-12-14T14:51:00.001-08:00

to decorate the garden for Christmas,when it looks like this…

but the tile is lookin’ pretty good…the lighter tiles are "swimming" dolphin tiles...

and this…

where I’m standing will be poured concrete,so my garden area is gonna be kinda small.

Just enough room for my Dad’s orchids,maybe….

But some things in the garden remind me of Christmas….

The front yard is done.

And the inside,too…

These ornaments are vintage.From my Dad’s family,when he was a kid.The Santa is one of the first I ever collected.The plate is Fiesta ware.

Soooo….today,I harvested a bunch of turnip greens…

Yep,that’s a bottle of wine,two coffee makers,and a sinkful of dirty dishes in the back ground.What does that say about us?

They are green…..

Blogging For hire?

2011-12-08T16:10:00.001-08:00

Recently,I have become aware of a brew-ha-ha in the garden blogging world.

And I just don’t get it.

Why do most gardeners blog?

I know why I do.

Growing up in a family of gardeners,I started blogging as an easy way to keep far flung family and friends informed of what was going on,on TheGreatWallofLutz.

My father kept a meticulous,handwritten diary of his garden (of which,I am the proud possessor-yessiree!!!).

I use the electronic medium.

It’s just so easy to click on a label and see where the garden has been.

And I hate to write.

I would rather type.

I don’t blog for the hopes of freebies,of which I have been offered.

…And declined,or ignored….

I blog just for the simple reason of keeping a record of my garden.

If people chose to follow….great.

…If not,great,too…

If you chose to comment,even greater.

…But,at least,make it constructive,please...

I more than welcome the input,because sometimes,I hit the gardening block.

And need new ideas.

Or,

someone to tell me I’m nuts and don’t even think of doing that or growing that.

But,I don’t blog in anticipation of freebies,or give-a-ways.

Or in hopes of being the next great garden writer.

I just want to keep a written record of my garden.

And,

maybe,

just maybe,

someone will tell me I’m going in the right direction….

Am I missing something?

It’s beginning to look….

2011-12-04T14:56:00.001-08:00

….a lot like Christmas,here at TheGreatWall…

This year,I decided to go with a more simple approach.There was a time when if the spot was empty it got something red,candy cane-ish, or twinkly.But with all the pool reconstruction going on,and the mess it has brought to the back gardens,I just didn’t feel like it.So,it just seemed easier to let the plants say Merry Christmas.I still have garland by the front entry with white twinkly lights,but,this year no red bows intertwined.And I,actually,prefer the look.

The wreaths on the double front doors are meant to reflect the Florida garden…

The majority of my efforts have gone into the front garden.

The back garden is still in a state of ~~mess~~ flux.

As all of my attention has been directed to the back gardens,this front garden has much neglected the past few months.

It desperately needed a thorough ~~cleaning~~ weeding,new mulch,etc.

red poinsettia,red and white petunias,vinca vine,variegated liriope,lysmachia…yep-I still have to have poinsettias….

You think it would be easier to simplify,but it really isn’t.

…Whoever said simple was easy,anyways?…

I still have to throw a Santa

or snowman

he’s filled with twinkly lights!

ok….had to have a few twinkly lights somewhere.Can’t give them all up cold-turkey.

wire vine,paper whites,variegated liriope,white penta,red and white petunias,red geranium in a large,old rusty bucket -flea market find for $.50 that I spray painted lime green)

into the mix.

A white miniature rose and a ceramic bird,not to forget the pelican…who,this year,is without his wreath…gotta fix that… seem to fit right into the Christmas scheme…

This Christmas Cactus had been left after last Christmas.Forgotten,under TheOak.I found it after they were finished removing the tree.I was sure it was a goner,so I kind of forgot about it.I put in the back of the garden.

…The place,we all have,where underperformers go…

Much to my surprise,it hung in there.

And presented me with this…

It’s not pretty,but ya gotta like it’s hanging in there.It’s a keeper,that’s for sure.

I’m thinking I like this simple approach to the Christmas garden.

…It sure is cheaper.

Even the flamingo seems to like it….

I lost his hat,since last year,but I think he likes going hatless…

Have a great gardening week!

Gratitude…

2011-11-21T14:47:00.001-08:00

Everyday,I try to find at least one thing in my life I am grateful for,but this week,especially,is the time when we all look at our lives and give thinks for all of our blessings.

~ The garden ~

I am ever so grateful that when TheOak went over,it went in the direction it did.

It may have taken out the pool,the shade garden and left me with a barren desert,but,at least it didn’t destroy the house or any human -YardBoy had just been walking under there.They say things happen for a reason.Now,we are getting a new pool,and I have the chance to grow new plants.Ones I have never been able to grow,before,as there was just way too much shade and not enough sun.I look forward to starting anew.It’s exciting.

We have a new Sweet Gum tree …

…that will provide shade and beautiful,colorful foliage next Fall.

The plants that survived are now putting on a splendid show.

Just in time for Thanksgiving.

~ Home ~

No,my house isn’t a mansion.But it’s finally the way I want it to be…well,almost.A new kitchen would be nice…The roof is brand new.The pool is almost finished.It will be screened in,which will give me an area to display the orchids and bromeliads.

~ Family ~

I am grateful that both of my sons have grown into wonderful men.Both have strong,beautiful,loving women in their lives.And both complete this family.

We love them both to death.

…Kyle,Gina,and Emma…

‘nough said…

Though my Dad has rapidly deteriorated,this past few months,I am ever so grateful to be able to spend one more Thanksgiving with him.

Hopefully,Christmas,too.

There are many things I don’t have,and wish that I did,but they are just that.

Things.

This Thanksgiving,I realize just how much there is in my life to be grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving

Pleasant Surprises…

2011-11-17T14:32:00.001-08:00

While checking out the progress on the pool….

…imagine my delight,to find a few pleasant surprises.

This Camellia,which I had been training to grow into tree form,was left in full sun.

…when TheOak went down…

I was convinced it was a goner for sure.

But it hung in there.

And to my pleasant surprise,I found this…

Not only was it covered in concrete spray,but it also is covered in buds…

…and a bloom….

Covered in concrete spray,but still beautiful.

And the Angel’s Trumpets may be covered with the same concrete spray,but they are,again,proving their toughness.

And the Thyrallis may be half covered with dirt,but it’s hanging in there.

And the Gerberas….

I’m starting to think the garden likes me.

I feel like the plants are saying,”We like you,lady.We can take it.We’re there for you.We know it’s gonna get much better around here.”

Yep…

it is!

…Tomorrow,we pick out the tile…

Please Excuse Our Mess While We’re Under Construction…

2011-11-13T15:50:00.001-08:00

Yep,it’s a muddy,dirty mess around here…

The Angel’s Trumpets are still hanging in there.

A big hand for the pool people,please…They’re trying to save them.

So far,so good…

Old pool out…

Lot’s of muck and deep ruts in the lawn…

But,it got better…

and even better,still…

The raised portion is for the new water wall…

In the deep end,you can see the new plumbed main drain.As opposed to the circular type drain we are used to,today’s building code calls for a channel-type main drain.To keep the concrete from entering the dirt in the walls,behind the rebar is a mesh reinforced with a plastic backed fabric ,which will eventually disintegrate.

…There is a light at the end of this tunnel…

A Moment of Sadness,Please….

2011-11-08T15:41:00.001-08:00

for the Angel’s Trumpets….

After over five years of growing by the pool,

tomorrow,

they shall give way to the back-hoe…..

Almost,as if they know their demise is imminent,they are putting on quite the show….

Kinda like going out in a blaze of glory….

But not to worry,

in anticipation of this,

cuttings were taken,and have already rooted and are growing blissfully away.

Yep…

Now,I’m looking forward to the

new

GreatWall….

Today,it begins….

2011-11-03T15:50:00.001-07:00

The pool reconstruction,that is.

Yep,the pool people showed up to sink the well points that will encircle the old pool.

There are 8 wells sunk,into the ground,encircling the old pool.They are there to pump the ground water(they hit ground water at less than 2 feet!) away from the shell of the old pool.

And will be pumping until the new new pool is formed.

I think TheGreatWall has shifted from gardening mode to construction mode.

Which is where TheGreatWall got its start.

Gardens always come full circle,don’t they?

Landscaping plans are already in the works…

The Fall Veggie Garden….

2011-11-01T15:57:00.001-07:00

It has been with great anticipation that this gardener has been looking forward to Autumn,and the return to growing vegetables.

With the cooler weather we’ve been having,lately,the Fall vegetable garden has taken off.

Broccoli is already setting heads….

Lettuce and Collards are growing out of control…

Not that we’re complaining,mind you.We’ve really missed home grown veggies.

Not to mention turnips,of which,I forgot to take a photo.

The first of the green beans are starting to put in an appearance.

Some were snatched off the vine,already.

Not mentioning any names,but…ahem…YardBoy springs to mind.

The first of the tomatoes are setting fruit…

This season I’m trying only heirloom types.Lately,heirlooms have proven the most successful at TheGreatWall,so this season,I’m going strictly with heirloom types.This one is a heat tolerant type (Solar I think it is called.Meant to be planted earlier).Hopefully,all the other types I’m trying will perform as well.

Cucumbers have shown up,to join the party,too…

Already,we have had two crops of radishes.

And,fingers crossed,but I think this Fall,I may,finally,be successful with Acorn Squash.

I have been experimenting with helping the pollination process along.

Me and my paint brush can be found in the garden,many mornings…

So far,I think I have three Acorn Squash growing,successfully.

Tonight,we shall be having a fresh green salad,from the garden,with a Balsamic dressing,

and

Lemon Chicken Soup with Spaghetti.

The recipe can be found here.

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-30T13:34:00.001-07:00

The weather is gorg-ee-ous!

Another cool front came through,yesterday.

Bringing with it a nice,drizzly rain.

Today,finds lower humidity,a brilliant blue,cloudless sky,and beautiful breezes.

Time to get out and take a stroll around TheGreatWall.And see what scary things we might find.

….Avoiding the middle section of the garden….

….which is a scary sight in itself….

This week it shall be removed.Can I have an amen?

Let’s just keep walking past that mess,shall we?

M!!

G!!!

It’s a Bat-faced Cuphea!

If that hasn’t scared the daylights outta ya,

how ‘bout ‘Black Magic’ Colocasia?

All nice and scary,

but me,

I want to see something more fall like….

Like Butterfly Weed…

or Melampodium divaricatum

Hey!

How did you get in here?

Wait your turn,will ya?

Your turn is coming quick enough!

Now,this is more like it….

happy halloween!

Moving On…..

2011-10-23T17:03:00.001-07:00

In anticipation of the old,cracked and damaged pool …

being ripped out.

---hopefully next week---

it was time to get off our collective duffs and remove the rest of the plants,that needed to be saved.

I have found that back hoes tend to make a mess of things…

Erich,the Younger,was kind enough to come help his Momma out.

…I carried you for 9 months,dammit it,it’s the least you can do…

To grant access for the back hoe,to demo the pool, and reinstall a new one, a palm had to be moved.

After being told,”Mom,that’s a breeze.20 minutes tops.” ……

W—e—l—l,

over an hour later,numerous water breaks,lots of complaining,and offers to buy me a new one,it found it’s new home.

So,what used to look like this….

Now,looks like this…

Still much work to be done.

Grass to be removed,new pathways,etc…

Emma’s Garden has been relocated to a lower level.

Besides the original plantings,it now includes YardBoy’s pink and red Knock-Out roses.It took him two days to get them ready to be moved.

…he’s still on crutches,and I can’t be trusted with roses,obviously…

It will take time for it to grow and fill in.

Like me?

Yep,Emma,just like you.But you can take plenty of time to grow up.

The original succulent garden has been spread around to other areas.

…I have plenty of sun these days…

Bulbine has been dug up and moved to the front garden.

I still have plenty left,so if anyone wants some,come and get it.

Thankfully,we have had cooler days,and cold nights,so everything has had an easy period of adjustment.

Now…

where’s that back hoe?

What’s This?

2011-10-18T14:36:00.001-07:00

You know how you find something growing in the garden,and you wonder what it is?

Did I plant something and forget?

Is it a weed?

I don’t remember planting something there,so should I pull it up?

…I didn’t…

Soooo….

what’s this?

the leaves….

So…….

should I be embarrassed I let a weed grow?

Could it be pickerel weed?

Is it special?

What is it ?

No prizes given,if you identify it.

‘cuz I don’t know what it is….

Reconstruction…

2011-10-07T15:32:00.001-07:00

It is time to move on.

The old GreatWall is no more.

Time for a new

– and better –

…can I have an Amen ?…

GreatWall.

First things first.

A new shade tree was bought and installed.

Let me introduce you to our new Sweet Gum tree….

Ain’t she purty?

After much research,and chit-chatting with the nursery people,it was decided to go with the Sweet Gum.

It is a rapid grower.

Up than out.

At 12 feet tall,it is already producing some much needed shade.

Not much,

but the few plants left in its’ shadow are saying thank-you,

and welcome to TheGreatWall.

It is a deciduous tree,and in the fall,the leaves look like this…

Where there once was a shade garden….

has become a new butterfly garden…

What was let of the Tree Fern that lived here,after TheOak smashed it to smithereens,is long dead,from the sun.

The succulents and large rocks were moved here.

And Pentas and Lantana were added.

I’m thinkin’ they like it….

This weekend,

to get ready for the new pool,

…can I have an hallalujah for the new pool?…

all the plantings that resided by the old pool,

will be dug up,

and either potted up temporarily,

or replanted somewhere else.

…Weather permitting,of course…

There’s always the weather to contend with,isn’t there?

Love Grass

2011-09-28T13:07:00.001-07:00

When I was looking to plant the Road-Side Garden,I knew I wanted Florida natives.

Something that could withstand the full sun of summer,

and have wet feet from the drenching summer rains.

Just like the side of a highway.

After researching,I found Elliott’s Love Grass, Eragrostis elliottii.

And I am so glad I did.

Typically,it is found in sandy soil,and tolerates both extremely dry and wet conditions.

Perfect for a road side garden!

Originally,I planted three,in the Road-Side Garden.

When I saw how well those three did,I planted three more,in the enlarged front garden.

Right next to the driveway,

and the road.

In full sun.

From sun-up to sun-down’s worth of sun…

Little did I know how much I would end up loving this Florida native.

Today,in the front garden,they look like this….

Mixed with Bulbine,Bulbine frutescens.

The Road-Side Garden,

then….

and,today….

In the early morning light,don’t the flower spikes look like clouds?

Almost as if they are floating above the other plants.

And in the late afternoon sun,

of early Autumn…

I love the way it mixes with the Purple Fountain Grass,Yellow Top,purple and white Agastache,Lemon Grass and Gaillardia Sunrita Yellow…

If only it wasn’t 90+ degrees when I took his photo,I’d swear it was Fall…

…only in Florida,can you take a photo that looks Autumn, and sweat your arse off…

If you’re a betting person,you can place your money on,that come Spring,

the Love Grass is going to be divided up,

and spread around the new gardens of TheGreatWall .

Emma’s Crinum~~~

2011-09-25T11:53:00.001-07:00

A little over a year ago-August 31,in fact-Emma arrived into our family.I decided,then,there would a be an

Emma’s Garden

at TheGreatWall.

That’s me…

….You can read about it here….

So,Emma,this post is for you….

Me?

Yep.

The garden started with this…

Oooooh…I like that.

I didn’t expect the Queen Emma Crinum to bloom this year,but,in spite of an attack by lubbers,

Yuck!

imagine my surprise when I saw a flower scape.

Just as Emma was turning one year old!

I’m this many fingers! One!

We know,Emma.We know…

For the past week,camera in hand,I have been documenting its growth.

Notice the lubber damage….I’m still on the beheading warpath….

Go for it,Gramma!

Ooooo-that’s sooo pretty! And it’s mine?

Yep.

And this morning…

Over coffee this morning,guess who was the center of the conversation?

Me?

Yep.

When the lubbers started attacking the largest of the planting,I dug up and potted two pups,and moved them to a safe location.In the meantime,this planting has produced another pup.Eventually,when the new pool is put in,this garden will have to be moved.Where it will be moved to,is still up in the air.I have hopes that there will be room inside the pool cage.

On a side note,YardBoy is home from the hospital.On crutches,IV antibiotics,and home health coming everyday.He has already noticed that his roses were not attended to,the way they are used to….ooops….

Now,if only the humidity would drop,the rains slow down,and the temperature cool off a bit…..

I’ve got a back garden to re-do!

A Garden Bounces Back~~~

2011-09-18T15:23:00.001-07:00

“I don't think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains.”

…Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Lately,life around TheGreatWall has become a bit dreary.Besides TheTree coming down,and the yard being half burnt to a crisp,the insurance company dragging their collective feet,Dad is rapidly failing – when he gives up watching football,unless I remind him the Bucs or the Bills are on TV,NASCAR even,it is cause for alarm –, YardBoy was admitted to the hospital and had to have surgery.Hopefully,he will be released this week.

Today,I took some time for me in the back garden,not knowing what I would find….

I soon came to realize that…

… nothing…

but nothing

can hold TheGreatWall down…

Flax Lily coming up thru the debris left behind by the stump grinder

An orchid,totally smashed by TheTree,putting out a flower scape,and new growth….

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,Nothing is going to get better. It's not."

… Dr. Seuss, from The Lorax

In spite of being smashed to smithereens by TheTree and the tree removal people,a Pagoda Flower,Clerodendrum paniculatum, has come back…

In spite of my absence,lately,the veggie garden is growing.

The tomatoes have their first set of blossoms…

The cabbage and broccoli are growing…

As if to keep the home fires burning in spite of all the turbulence surrounding TheGreatWall,the collards and turnips,lettuce and radishes,beans and peas,have all sprouted,too.

“I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else. “

…Winston Churchill

And as a true sign TheGreatWall will return better than ever,in spite of being attacked by lubbers earlier,

and most of all…

in honor of Miss Emma turning the big

1 !

the Queen Emma Crinum has put out a flower scape!

Thank you Gramma,for taking care of MY Crinum….

You are most welcome,Emma…

But,Emma,I think we’re digressing….

Sorry,readers…

Emma,I think it’s ok.They’ll forgive us…

Cool!

And,so,I leave you with some smiles…

Every girl should have a birthday pickle!

I love pickles!Really.I do .

“We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails.”

…Author Unknown

Hurricane Lily

2011-09-15T14:54:00.001-07:00

In Florida,we are in the midst of hurricane season.

What should be more apt to be blooming than Hurricane Lily?

A year ago,I bought the bulbs,here,not knowing how they would do.

This year,they have more than met my expectations.

Oh,how well they have done…

….with the exception of the one that the lubbers found….that lubber died,a tragic death!…

The first signs of life…

In an otherwise drab,barren garden,what a joy to see,at this time of year.

Hopefully,next spring,I can divide the bulbs and have even more…

….I think I heart Hurricane Lilies….

nope---I love them!

find some…

plant some…

pur-suh-veer-uhns

2011-09-10T16:01:00.001-07:00

noun -steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Synonyms-
1. doggedness, steadfastness. Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity imply resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application: Endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end. It is regularly used in a favorable sense.

In spite of the recent onslaught on TheGreatWall,the garden is persevering.

I may have to look at this,everyday….

Clockwise-where the root ball was,the cracked pool,plants dying from too much sun

….but,in the midst of the mess,I found signs that Mother Nature has a plan ….

An orchid that was sashed to smithereens,

but one lone bud survived to bloom…

A little worse for the wear,but it did survive to bloom…

A Caladium,that I must have missed,when I was digging them up…

…must like sun…

The Yellow Top is blooming…

Mixed with the Lemon Grass and Agastache,it makes for a pretty Fall-like sight …

and the first of the Hurricane Lilies,that I bought here,last Fall,has sprung up….

…it is hurricane season,after all…

The Plumeria never fail to let me down…

The Punch Bowl Gaillardia…that I,originally,wasn’t happy with…have been a delight…

A happy face in the midst of all the mud and mess…

Buddha may be resting on the sunny side,but he’s looking pretty happy…

And the veggie garden has been started.

Peas,beans,lettuce,and radishes are up and growing.

Broccoli,cabbage,tomatoes,and peppers have been planted.

Tomorrow,Collards and Turnips will go in.

So,in the midst of all the mess and mud,the gardens have survived.Somewhat different than the original plan.

But gardens should evolve and change with what Mother Nature throws at them.

We,gardeners,can’t control everything.We can try,but Mother Nature will win out in the end.

So,it’s best to learn to bend with the wind,and adapt to what Mother Nature gives us.

And so…

TheGreatWall will survive and change.

It’s all just a test……

2011-09-04T12:13:00.001-07:00

…from God,I have come to believe.

To see just how much this gardener can withstand.But,I figure that if I could wait five years for Hillsborough County to complete the drainage project,what’s a few months?

When they were taking the tree down,the first branch they were being oh so careful to remove,came down and broke the spigot on the well.Got that fixed,pronto.But then I had no outdoor water spigot.YardBoy was gracious enough to spend yesterday,in the blazing hot sun,to install a new one.

While they were grinding the root ball out,something was thrown up and left this…

Got that fixed pronto,too.They paid for a glass installer to come right out,and fix it.

I took the broken glass and made this….

I have enough of the tempered glass to make quite a few more.To be used on the new patio.

The mourning period for The Oak – in the future,it shall always be referred to as The Oak – is over.

Time to move on…

Yard pretty well cleaned up.

Plants moved to a shadier location, or potted up,to be used later on.

And the inspiration piece for the new yard is

ta-da….

….this!

This is from the Naples Botanical Garden,and is situated in full sun.I really love the look of the full sun bromeliads.Back when we visited,in May,I had wished I had a place for those.Now,I do.

A new tree will be bought and installed further – much,much further – towards the back.Either another Live Oak,or a Sweetgum.I’m leaning towards the Sweetgum.If anyone has thoughts,I would love to hear – or read - them.

The hardest part of all this,has been going to Home Depot,and seeing all the fall foliage,and not being able to come with some.

I just keep telling myself,

“This,too,shall pass.”

Thankfully,football season has started.To keep this gardener occupied.

Go Bulls!

Go Bucs!

Go Gators!

Edited to add: RIP Leroy Selmon…..The world is better is a better place for such a good,kind gentleman as you.

What Used To Be…..

2011-09-01T15:03:00.001-07:00

is now is……

A magnificent Florida Oak,that was this close to qualifying for Grand Status,according to the tree company, is now this…

and this…

But on an up note,the Oak Leaf Hydrangea seems to have weathered the storm…

A little battered,but none the less,still alive.

The Alabama Azalea,Rhododendrum alabamensis,I bought in Tallahassee,may not be so fortunate.I cannot find it in all the mess.

But,all the orchids made it!

I think…one I haven’t found yet….

Including all of my Dad’s!

Yes-sir-ee,!

The tree people were wonderful in helping me find them,under this massive tree,and move them to safety.

Not only did they dig up plants and put them in pots,for me,they also moved all my rooted cuttings!

The Banana Shrub…

They moved the Tea Olives,the Stokes Asters,and the Blackberry Lilies,and numerous other plants.

I heart those guys!

Not only were they young,in great shape,and sweaty……but they moved my plants,for me!

Please don’t tell me they probably thought they were helping an old lady out!

Tomorrow,they return to remove the rest of the tree and the root ball.The pool is slowly collapsing,but the pool contractor has been here and is in the process of drawing up plans.

Which,hopefully,will include a waterfall with a raised garden bed,for Miss Emma’s Garden.

At least,the lubbers won’t be able to get to the Queen Emma Crinum inside of a pool cage!

The plans include the pool to be screened in,with pocket gardens,so that some of the shade loving plantings can be moved there.

On a side note,when I inquired about planting a new tree,I was told that if I want to plant a protected species-I would really like another Florida Oak-,according to code(at least,in Hillsborough County),it has to be a minimum of 20 feet from a swimming pool.

If you wanna find me,I’ll be hanging out in our local nurseries.

…For quite a long while….

Sometimes Things Go Full Circle…..

2011-08-30T14:31:00.001-07:00

In the light of day,things tend to look different.

Looking back on yesterday,I realize things could have turned out a whole lot different.

Just 30 minutes before the tree fell,YardBoy and a friend were moving the canoe…(I finally convinced him to sell that thing!).

But,today,has brought a new light to TheGreatWall.

In the light of day,the tree/pool look like this….

more cracks are showing up as time goes on.

Adjusters have been here.

Estimates made,

faxed,

yada,yada,yada…...

So,today,is a time for counting our blessings…

Miss Emma’s Garden survived….

but will need to be removed,temporarily.

And Dad’s orchids were truly blessed…

Can you believe the branches missed them?

…but most other plants will be lost….

no time to remove those before the tree removal.

The poor La Toilette planter took a hit….

But,thankfully,isn’t broke.

Nor,is froggie who sits,contemplating,on the bowl.

Yes!!!!

Sorry,but I love,love,love that darnn planter!

The tree root ball and the rest of the tree are due to be removed Thursday.

The pool will have to be demo’d and replaced

(waterfall…?… all the family is kicking in with suggestions already…),

so plantings need to be removed,

again…

More retaining walls?

Guess there is gonna be a total reworking of TheGreatWall…

Interestingly enough,this blog was started to keep family and friends up to date with the renovations,here…

Well,here we go again!

It’s gonna be one Hell of a ride!

Oh Schitt!!!

2011-08-29T16:08:00.001-07:00

I’d say,”Oh!Crap!”

But at the moment crap just doesn’t seem quite appropriate,enough….

What happened at TheGreatWall,today….

Yep----the huge Florida Live Oak decided to rake a tumble,and take part of the swimming pool with it….

Sit back and enjoy…..?

Tree Down!!!

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

DOWNLOAD ALL

Phone call already in to the insurance company.

……Guess it’s time to rework the shade garden……

The Fall Veggie Garden~~~

2011-08-28T14:05:00.001-07:00

Now,that I’m over my case of lazy-itis

(or ADD),

this weekend it was time to get a start on the fall veggie garden.

Between the rain showers,

and the heat,

and the humidity,

two beds were uncovered

(three beds were left for next weekend),

and planted with beans,peas,lettuce (Mesclun and a Lettuce Mix-one row of each),and radishes.

Also,planted was a Heirloom tomato(a heat tolerant Brandywine)

and a red bell pepper.

Because,the seedlings are not ready to go into the ground,I went ahead and bought them already started.

…Gotta get a head start…

Plus,I’m missing homegrown tomatoes!

Next weekend,carrots,collards,turnips,and squash will be planted.

Hopefully,the tomatoes I started from seed will be ready.

I,also,ordered garlic

(gonna give garlic a try,against my Dad’s advice.”I’ve never had luck with it.I don’t think it grows well in Florida,but you go ahead and try it,if you want to.”….)

and shallots.

I finally got around to moving the huge Staghorn Fern that fell down.

It took me over an hour to drag it to the back!

Let me tell ya-it was heavy!

No,I didn’t saw it up-just because I didn’t have any energy left-

But,I probably will.

And start a whole lot of new ones from this one.

But,it left me with a blank space.

…Dontcha just love blank spaces in the garden?…

For now,a container was moved to that area.

It doesn’t do much to fill it in,

but

it’s better than nothing….

And the Yellow Top,flaveria linearis,that I bought here, is getting ready to bloom!

This week,is Miss Emma’s first birthday!

She certainly has come a l-o-n-g way…

… from this….

to this….

Soooo,this week will be spent bringing some Autumn to Her Garden…

I’m thinking I some Angel’s Tears

---appropriate,dontcha think?---

will be added,

and some Gerberas….

red/garnet-for FSU---for her Momma

yellow-for USF---for me

orange-for UF---for her Uncle Erich

…..Gotta give her choices…..

…a girl must have choices,right?…

When ADD Strikes…..

2011-08-24T14:33:00.001-07:00

good intentions go out the window….

I had all good intentions of taking a cover off of one the raised beds,

and maybe planting a row or two of seeds…

Seriously,

I really,really meant to.

No…

really,I did.

Honest.

But,then I noticed this…

Dang-I never noticed how big that Staghorn had gotten,’til I tried to pick it up.

It fell?

It was hanging from the big oak by a heavy chain.

I really should do something about that….

cut it up?

Wait!!

they’re willing to pose…

gotta go get the camera!

Oooo—the Garlic Chives are blooming…

Look at this,will ya?

Those mums I stuck in the old palm trunk are getting ready to bloom…

…forgot about those…

and the Pine Cone Gingers are looking really good…

Oh!

and look at this Gerbera….

and the Blackberry Lilies are blooming…

Look at the Purple Fountain Grass,in the late afternoon sun!

That will make a nice photo..

…Oh what the heck…

I’ll do the seeds tomorrow…

It’s too hot,right now,anyways…

and,besides,I have other stuff to do….

See what happens,

when ADD strikes a gardener?

and it’s ok if the garden is less than perfect,right?

Sometimes,the best laid plans….

2011-08-21T14:19:00.001-07:00

Go out the window.

Originally,the plan was to plant the fall vegetable garden next weekend.Seeds were bought.Tomatoes have been started and are ready to go in.

The covered beds have heated up well –maintained a consistent temperature of 107*- and are ready.

But then,Mother Nature threw we Florida gardeners,this curve ball….

If we get to vote….

,me…I’m voting for the purple line ….

Figures…

the plumeria are all covered in buds….

…I guess the veggie garden will have to wait another week…

So,today was spent cleaning up overgrown,weedy flower beds…

And cutting up brush,etc.

But then the chain saw died!

dah-um!!!

So,this week will be spent buying a new chain saw,filling up the extra propane tanks and gas tanks,and buying water…

Gardening in Florida,during hurricane season.

Ya,

kinda,sorta,

gotta love it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dad is hanging in there.He gets angry and can be difficult to deal with.His TV went out,and I had to buy him a new one.After numerous instructions and phone calls,too numerous to count,he,finally,has it down.Sometimes,I think the onset of senile dementia is worse than the dementia,itself.He is aware of what it happening,and isn’t dealing with it well.To see someone,that used to be so aware of life,sink into that long good-bye is not easy.

But,on a brighter note.I got the call.”Can you babysit,while we go on a date night?”

Are you kidding me?

What time should I be there?

Miss Emma,after dinner,with smidgens of squash still on her face…

and cooking breakfast,for me and Gina…

Sometimes,

….life is good….

C is for….

2011-08-14T15:59:00.001-07:00

Canna….

Cleome….

Pardon the interruption,but they wanted to pose…

…Now,back to regular blogging…

Coneflower…

Cuphea…

and

Cleaning.

It has been so hot and humid,lately,Mother Nature must’ve wanted me to

Clean and organize.

So,off to IKEA I went.

I truly believe Mother Nature loves IKEA,

…but that’s just how I think…

Time to reorganize the headquarters of TheGreatWall…

…Oooops,shoulda painted first….in the Fall?…

A new desk,new file Cabinet(old file cabinet relegated to the closet),files have been tossed,drawers Cleaned,

Crap thrown out….

(we all have crap we need to throw out,right?)

What

C’s

do you have?

And on a sad note,my Dad has had another fall.After a day in the ER,CAT scans,etc.,it was determined he had just sprained his back,but at 92,you just don’t bounce back.and he hasn’t.He has gotten incredibly frail in the two weeks,and seems to have given up.I have come to dread the phone calls….

I still have questions about gardening…

Documenting the rain….

2011-08-09T15:23:00.001-07:00

Note:This post is for my benefit.To document how the County’s drainage project,and how the re-grading of the backyard handles a major rain.But feel free to offer suggestions,ideas,etc. on how to make it better.

After just two days of tropical style rains TheGreatWall’s rain gauge reads this….

yep,that reads five inches.Allowing for the extra space on the top,I figure it’s close to six inches.

with more promised for this evening,tonight,and tomorrow.

I wanted to see how the work,the County has done,handled a few days of steady tropical,style rain.

The drain the County installed is to the right of the mailboxes.Even though we are under a flood watch,so far,it’s working.

And how is the re-grading of the back gardens handling rainfall?

Did it run off?

The major swale the County installed.

The veggie garden where the rock/gravel pathway was added,through the swale.

The water is moving.Quite rapidly,in fact.Where the swale enters the canal,I planted Louisiana Irises,on each side,to counter the erosion,but until they fill in,I need more rock/gravel.

The other major swale that was installed,last summer.

The water is running off,but I feel it needs more rock/gravel to handle the amount of water it is being asked to handle.

The water runs off.But,a little too rapidly.

So,to counter the erosion,I think it needs more rock/gravel to slow it down.

This evening,the rain has slowed to a steady rain,and the water is running off.Quite well,in fact. I am thinking that with the amount of rain we have had,in such a short amount of time,the water has run off quite well.Hopefully,all it needs is a little more rock/gravel.

Conclusion: With the amount of rain that has fallen,some flooding is to be expected.But the water has run off as was hoped.Erosion still occurred ,but nothing that cannot be corrected with more rock/gravel.Hopefully…

But with all this rain,not only is the garden springing to life,

so are the weeds!

grrrrr……

Sometimes~~~~

2011-08-05T13:51:00.001-07:00

It just doesn’t work out.

The camera is set for the perfect shot.

You’re in the most awkward position.

The hips and knees are killing you.

Here it comes….

Take it!

Well,doesn’t that just suck!

Ain’t a critter,

plant,

or flower

around for miles,

that is willing to pose…

As a photographer,you’re starting to feel like you’re not even worthy of a Kodak Brownie,

or even a disposable camera…..

…But…

then the mojo starts working….

….the stars align….

….karma ….

and the macro gods

are on your side….

…..and that’s why we gardeners keep trying…..

TheGreatWall Has Caladiums,Too~~~~

2011-08-03T16:11:00.001-07:00

Since all the other Florida garden bloggers are showing off their caladiums,we thought we’d jump on the bandwagon,too.

Actually,they’re the only thing going great guns right now,in the garden.

I don’t count the weeds and the ant hills,of which I now have an abundance.

Anyone else have that problem?

Soooo,

for your perusal,

here are the caladiums of TheGreatWall….

Some,I have no idea of their name.I usually buy them just because I like them,and they fit the area they’re going to be planted in.

This one,I have had forever,and have no idea what it’s name is.I just know it keeps coming back year after year..

Miss Muffet and an unknown cultivar in a container,by the pool..

Another unknown,in a container,in the shade garden.This one is quite prolific,and is definitely a keeper.Does anyone have the name?

More shade garden…

I think this one is Candidum Senior….

Candyland and Freida Hemple…

Miss Muffet…

Raspberry Moon…

The following I have no idea of their name,but I like them.

And they grow.

What more could a gardener ask for?

More Freida Hemple…

Amidst the heat and humidity of a Florida summer,this gardener is thankful for caladiums.

For the color they bring to the garden.

….But I am looking forward to the color of mums and marigolds of the Autumn garden….

Was it that long ago we were looking forward to the Spring/Summer garden?

Putting The Veggie Garden To Bed~~~

2011-07-31T13:15:00.001-07:00

It was time to say good bye to the spring veggie garden.

Production was close to nil.

I harvested the last of the eggplant(five total were worth harvesting),peppers(red and green bell,and one last banana pepper),

and a few straggling Galinas tomatoes.

…yep,Eggplant Parmesan was for dinner…

Two basil plants and two parsley plants were dug up and moved to shadier locations,amongst the flower beds.

And,up came the rest.Chopped up and returned to the compost bin,to see service next spring.

Because the three new raised beds were put in,in a rush,they were never filled properly(though they performed exceptionally well),or leveled properly.So,first on the agenda was to level them,and then,fill them properly.

The two original raised beds needed some amending,also.They got mushroom compost and manure.All of the beds got a dose of blood meal and bone meal.After a good soaking,they were covered with clear plastic.To cook in the sun…

…for thirty days,which should take me to Labor Day weekend.A perfect time to plant the fall veggies,I think.

Seeds have been started in pots.For tomatoes,I ordered an heirloom seed collection…

For some reason,I’ve found that I have the best luck with heirloom tomatoes,which is why I ordered these.I don’t know if it was a mistake on their part,or not,but also included in the order,I received,was Virginia Sweets.For now,I planted the Stupice,Anna Russian,Mexico,and Cherokee Purple.The rest I shall start at a later date.

Also started in pots were Marigold,Cottage Red,from Burpee.I haven’t been too pleased with Burpee,lately,but I thought I would give them one more chance.Plus,the idea of a red marigold kind of intrigued me.

Two pots of cabbage,Golden Acres,were started.Just to give a head start.The rest will be sown later.

Later,will be sown green beans,broccoli,collards,and turnips(for greens).

So,now,while we enter August,and the hot,steamy days,it’s time to grab something cool to drink,sit in a shady spot,and catch up with all the books I’ve been wanting to read…

…until,Labor Day weekend…

…when the gardening fun begins again!!!

And football is back,too!!!!

Could it get any better than this?

I think not….

Technorati Tags: fall garden

Busted!!!

2011-07-26T14:02:00.001-07:00

Wandering through the garden,this afternoon.

Camera around my neck,and clippers in my hand

…I was on lubber patrol…

I walked smack dab into this…

Well,hello there,bunny.What’re you up to?

“Nuthin’…..”

Ah-ha!!!

You are so busted!!!

And so are you,buddy,if you keep getting into the bird feeders!

“Who,me?”

Yeah,you!

“sorry…”

and on a brighter note….

The ever delightful Miss Emma,at the beach…

They grow up fast,don’t they?

Waiting…..

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Note:The following photos were taken over the course of this past week.

“Who has learned to garden
who did not at the same time learn to be patient? "
- H. L. V. Fletcher

Back in April,my brother picked up a Banana Shrub Michelia figo for me,at the Bok Tower nursery shop.

Ever since,I have been waiting,

oh so patiently,

for it to bloom.

I had heard about it’s heady scent of bananas.

And I couldn’t wait to experience that for myself.

A week ago,I saw this…

and the impatience set in….

tapping my toes impatiently…..

and,

finally,

this morning…….

and this afternoon….

Yep,smells just like bananas.

Well….

more like a banana

One can smell the scent from just this one flower from at least six feet away.

I’m thinkin’ I could fall in love with this plant.

And even better yet,

I got a cutting to root!

Technorati Tags: banana shrub

TheGreatWall is famous……

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….kinda,sorta….

Leigh Spann,from NewsChannel8,paid a visit to TheGreatWall,last week.She has a weekly gardening spot on the early morning show,on our local NBC affiliate..

…..Guess she heard about the famous GreatWall of Lutz,and wanted to see it for herself…..

Some photos….

That’s Fred,the camera guy.He taught me the easy way to white-balance a digital camera.Yea! Fred!

Here we’re playing a quick game of Simon Says.Simon says,”Hands on hips.”

…. I’m the one with the big hips….

And here’s the video….

or a link to the video….

Now that my fifteen minutes of fame are over,it’s time to get my fingernails dirty and my feet muddy,again.

The garden doesn’t care if you are famous…even if it is only kinda/sorta…or not….

There are weeds growing out there!

Special thanks to Erich,the Younger,for mowing the yard for me …Mom begged…and for acting as photographer of the photography.And for behaving like a good Florida Gator,around a Georgia Bull Dog.

This Week In The Garden….

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The past few days have been hot and dry,here at TheGreatWall. I,finally,had to haul out the hose and do some hand watering.Summer rains?

But along with the dry weather has come somewhat lower humidity.So,by getting in the garden by 7:30AM,I have been able to accomplish things that I’ve been putting off

….by noon,I‘ve been floating in the pool….

With the intention of putting in a cycad garden,I managed to remove some brush out of the back northwest corner…

This area was overgrown with stink vine,wild potato vine,and philodendron,and ants!.All growing in from my neighbor’s yard…neighbors!…

I,finally,had to resort to Round-up and ant killer to get rid of most of it.Right now,the cleared area measures approximately eight feet by sixteen feet.Eventually,I would like it to go another sixteen feet further back….gonna wait until Fall for that…When I was at the Edison/Ford Estate,last May…read about it here…I fell in love with the cycad garden they have,and I want to try replicating that…

…in the newly,cleared space.The cleared area has very early morning sunlight,dappled sun in the late morning and early afternoon,followed by deep shade in the heat of the day.I think it will compliment the shade garden.

But first,I have to make sure all the wild vines are killed off.

Other stuff…..

~The old wash tub,that stands next to the garden shed,has been turned into a planter….

Filled with bits and pieces,and cuttings,that I had no other place for.

~Two more Buddhas have come to live at TheGreatWall….

To me,they add a meditative feeling to the shade garden.Whenever I walk past them,I always stop.And isn’t that what wandering through the garden is supposed to be?

~What’s blooming?

The Angel’s Trumpets are blooming,better than ever.

I cannot recall them ever blooming this profusely,and as often.

Orchids are still blooming….

Stokes Aster…

Gaillardia Sunrita Yellow

These are new.I found them at Home Depot.They’re supposed to be a semi-compact form.So far-so good,performance wise,here at TheGreatWall.

Agastache Blue Fortune

There’s been more going on,around here.But that’s for another post…..

I think I hear the pool,and something cold to drink,calling my name….

‘til next time….

What To Do…..

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on a Saturday,

in July.

When it’s so hot and muggy,even Secret fails you.

Even the pool is hot.

Hot and steamy…

Florida in July…

Not a chance you’re gonna find this gardener out in the garden.

…..did my weeding by 8AM…..

Now,it’s time for some blessed AC!

…Reconnecting with the bro,who by the way is a Landscape Architect,orchid aficionado,fellow blogger,and his home is on a garden tour

…stay tuned for that guest post…

in Michigan.And check out some of his photos of his yard,and a cool internet sight he’s found.

Now,regular readers know I LOVE yard-art.

…Why else would I have a toilet and a sink as planters?…

as long as it’s tastefully done,of course…

What?!

The toilet and sink aren’t tasteful?

Whatever….

I have posted many photos of great garden sculpture and yard art,

but

this,I must admit,is incredible!

A Rain Tree!

that is also a sprinkler!

Totally sculpted out of copper.

Yep,that’s his yard…

Here’s another shot of his yard…

and another….

And for more neat garden art,check here…

Brother highly recommends them.

Some are quite $$$,but I’m really loving this one for Emma’s Garden.

Think Emma will like it?

Random Photos….

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It’s almost the dog days of summer,

and it’s

too hot

to do anything in the garden

except for taking photos.

So,here ya go……

Let’s macro away,shall we….?

A Sphinx Moth Caterpillar…

Late afternoon sun through the Caladiums….

Angel’s Tears against a Caladium….

Orchids…

Epidendrum…

Coneflower…

Trailing Verbena...

First berry on the Simpson Stopper...

Bud on the Banana Shrub? I thought they only flowered in the Spring…? Hmmmm….according to the ‘net,it does bloom through out the summer….

Croton “Zanzibar”

Doesn’t it look like fireworks?

How do you pass the time in the summer garden?

TheGreatWall’s Wild Side…..

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Yesterday,it was the “discussion” with the Marsh Rabbit regarding his dining on my potato vine.

I think the moth balls worked.

Nothing was touched,last night.

Today,I was repotting some plants,

moved a pot

and found this…

A Corn Snake!

….Yea! for cell phones!….

I don’t know who was more scared.

Him ….

or ….

me!

Haven’t seen the bunny,today,either…..

Uh-oh….

Me and the Bunny…..

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are having a little confrontation.

Yep,this little cutie-pie….

….dontcha just think he’s the cutest thing ever?

….but I caught him red handed!

is eating my potato vine.

It used to be thick and lush,but now,it looks like this….

Time to go to my mother’s bag of tricks.

The moth balls!

It keeps the armadillos and the squirrels away,so,maybe,it’ll work on the bunny…..

….but now TheGreatWall smells like my grandmother’s apartment….

He couldn’t be attracted to this little lady….

Could he?

….ya think?….

Whoa!!!!

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Soooo,you come home from work and are out in the garden…

Checking out all your hard work…

The veggie garden now has a proper gravel and paver pathway.

No more messy,muddy mess…

With a trellised entryway,too!

…and tidying up...

Company’s coming

… stay tuned for that…

And out of the corner of your eye,whattya see?

This!!!

…good thing I garden with the camera…

A Florida Banded Water Snake.

Didn’t scare me at all.I knew it wasn’t a bad one.

…yeah,right…

Thank gawd for the internet….

Technorati Tags: snakes