Each Little World

Finding their happy place

As I was walking about the front garden yesterday morning I noticed this clump of Cyclamen that had self-seeded into the gravel path right up against the stone wall. I remember seeing them before and just deciding to leave them alone. Any time I've tried to remove Cyclamen seedlings to replant, I've usually lost them. Maybe letting them alone long enough to bulk up is the answer. 

Seeing the Cyclamen in the path made me wonder how the plants in the nearby bed were faring. Only the original plant is visible and it looks good. Critters, heat and drought mostly likely have done a number on a couple of different varieties that were nearby. They had been doing pretty well but our increasingly hot summers are not helping.

Furter along the path I saw self-seeded ferns, Geranium phaeum and another tiny Cyclamen. 

The first two plants have the same patterning and are likely C. purpurescens. The next one doesn't look quite the same and I'm not sure of exactly which one it is. The last one is the reverse of the first two and is likely C. hederifolium.

I've had enough problems with critters digging these out that I've given up adding any new varieties despite the beauty of the foliage. 

Wordless Wednesday

(Double click to see the detail on the bug).

Petite perfection

Last summer we visited a new garden high above the shore of Lake Mendota. It was filled with striking rock work but that's another post. Amidst a lot of drama I was struck by this small contemplative planting.

It's outside the windows of the lower level of the house with the opposite side a step up to ground level. The easy and common solution would have been to just let the lawn slope gently to the windows.

This gives anyone inside an eye level treat while the outside is an unexpected garden in an unexpected location. A tiny feature in a wonderful large garden

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Danger, old gardener at work

Despite temps into the low 90°s last week, I worked in the garden three to five hours every morning because I have so many plants that I need to get into the ground. Saturday the weather changed to a perfect May day for gardening. I was thrilled and got right to it. I had just planted two shrubs and was getting up off my knees when it happened. I put my hand on our Chinese lantern which was next to the spot I was working. Not a smart move.

The lantern is composed of six separate pieces that stack: A decorative base, the column, a platform that supports the open cube for a candle, the roof and a finial that tops it off. I tipped it over with the pressure from me pushing on it as I stood up. The good news is that it fell away from me. If it had fallen on me, I would not be writing this post. In fact, it could have killed or crippled me at the very least. 

Since nothing fatal happened — it even missed hitting my lilies as it fell — it's merely a good story. And a major wake-up call. I am putting it down to a temporary brain block from working too many hours in the heat. Lesson learned. 

I never thought twice about weeding and working next to that lantern since it has stood there without moving for twenty years. I have to admit that I am a little spooked to work near it again. 

Not quite "Wordless Wednesday"

I can't get enough of lichens, moss and rocks. Perfection.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Summer garden tour: John Mathews, Part 2

John Mathews garden had more than beautiful plantings to inspire the rest of us. It was filled with wood structures and detailing as well as creative stone work not often seen in small home gardens. The air conditioning unit that we passed by as we entered the back garden was nicely disguised in a manner related to the rest of the garden.  

The back lot line of the garden was beautifully marked by this wall that lets air and wind blow through. It offers a peek at the neighbor's garden without taking the focus off the homeowner's garden. 

The exterior of the garage has been transformed into a structure well suited to the style of the garden. Plus its surrounded by noteworthy plants and stone work.

Everywhere you went there were striking details that caught the eye.

The fence wall along the driveway alternated open and closed panels along with bamboo details. 

Even the folding chair was in keeping with the setting.