tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-269034712024-03-16T00:08:05.983-07:00Barb's Garden ObservationsI love getting my hands into the dirt and working with God to make beauty come out of small seeds and transplants. I share the experiences of an ordinary gardener with photos and words.BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-1154417272364367812021-08-14T15:05:00.000-07:002021-08-14T15:05:20.857-07:00Hidden Treasure<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6919/2821/1600/Cuke-7-31-06.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6919/2821/320/Cuke-7-31-06.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This post has been revised, updated and republished on <a href="https://medium.com/thoughts-from-the-garden" target="_blank">Thoughts from the Garden on Medium.com.</a> It's titled <a href="https://medium.com/thoughts-from-the-garden/hidden-treasure-in-the-garden-and-in-people-25d3dbed157a?sk=79698f1b793b90f6d1530e6b84284d2f" target="_blank">Hidden Treasure in the Garden and in People</a>.</span>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-75766584394423463062020-12-18T02:32:00.001-08:002020-12-19T10:22:47.625-08:00Poinsettias Are Popular in December Flower Arrangements<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Poinsettias Are Popular for Decorating Outside </span></h2>
I remember when I was growing up, we had a poinsettia plant near our back door. For some reason, my mom didn't care for it. Maybe it was because of the sticky white sap that dripped when she cut the "flowers" off to bring them in for December flower arrangements. Some people believe the sap is poisonous, but at worst it can cause skin irritation. She used to tell me it was poisonous.<br />
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Here on the California Central Coast, we can put poinsettias and sunflowers together outside at the same time, as long as there is no frost. I shot this scene in December one year as I was walking my neighborhood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKj5LYyHdsg/WE5R7DpurRI/AAAAAAAAH-w/TdAdMPM-DTgumm_lhHb8kD7KPq45hxopwCLcB/s1600/dec14-poinsetta-sunnflower-4157.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Poinsettias Are Popular in December Flower Arrangements" border="0" height="571" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKj5LYyHdsg/WE5R7DpurRI/AAAAAAAAH-w/TdAdMPM-DTgumm_lhHb8kD7KPq45hxopwCLcB/s640/dec14-poinsetta-sunnflower-4157.jpg" title="Poinsettias on Bench in Neighbor's Garden in December, © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poinsettias on Bench in Neighbor's Garden in December, © B. Radisavljevic </td></tr>
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People in frost free zones can plant the poinsettia for winter color in their gardens, as well as holly and <a href="http://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2015/08/pyracantha-in-bloom.html" target="_blank">pyracantha</a>, which have red berries at this time of year. My area in Paso Robles is not frost free. We do have some nights below freezing. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many Motels and Hotels Use Poinsettias for Decorating During the Holidays</span></h2>
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We often used to visit family and friends in Southern California for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We usually stayed at a motel in either Thousand Oaks or Orange County, or both. We saw this poinsettia plant on a table in a public area at the Best Western Motel in Thousand Oaks. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASRG4qOtuUk/WE5U4cDxytI/AAAAAAAAH-8/fRHp6b8HoGAPFtD1UrugVOu5JlYYOH_ywCLcB/s1600/dec24-poinsettia-bw-to-9856.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Poinsettias Are Popular in December Flower Arrangements" border="0" height="517" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASRG4qOtuUk/WE5U4cDxytI/AAAAAAAAH-8/fRHp6b8HoGAPFtD1UrugVOu5JlYYOH_ywCLcB/s640/dec24-poinsettia-bw-to-9856.jpg" title="Poinsettias on Table at Best Western Motel in Thousand Oaks, CA, © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poinsettias on Table at Best Western Motel in Thousand Oaks, CA, © B. Radisavljevic </td></tr>
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This photo clearly shows the parts of the plant. It has evergreen leaves. Red bracts surround the small yellow true flowers. It appears most businesses don't want to mess with the sticky sap anymore than my mother did. They use potted plants to do their decorating. </div>
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Many people give potted poinsettias as gifts. Whether you receive one or buy one to decorate, you may wonder how to care for it. Poinsettias like sunshine, so if they are indoors, make sure they sit by a sunny window. Try to keep the temperature in the room from fluctuating too much. Although these plants like moist soil, don't let water accumulate in the bottom of the pot's saucer or the plants may get root rot. Your plants will appreciate it if you remove the decorative foil as soon as the holiday season has passed. </div>
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After the red bracts and flowers begin to fall, it's time to prepare your plant for storage if you want to keep it. Prune stems back to two buds and decrease the amount of water you give the plant. It won't be as thirsty as it was.Give it just enough water to keep it from drying out. Store it in a cool place until late spring when all danger of frost is past. </div>
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When the weather is warm enough again in late spring, you can safely set the plants outside in the sun. You may want to let them adjust by only leaving them out for a few hours a day and gradually increasing the time until they have acclimated to their new setting. Those who live in frost free areas may be able to safely plant their poinsettias in the garden against a south wall to keep them warm and to protect them from <span style="background-color: white;">strong </span>winds. For more detailed information on keeping these plants alive after the holiday season, please read<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/care/how-do-i-care-for-poinsettias/" target="_blank"> How to Care for Poinsettias</a>, published by <i>Better Homes and Gardens</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">San Luis Bay Inn In Avila Beach Decorates with Poinsettias </span></h2>
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I took these photos when we were visiting a friend who was vacationing at the San Luis Bay Inn one December. This arrangement was in the lobby. Do you notice the white poinsettias in this display? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOwxUjCftgWktS_PhER6jfl0qGM7HAwpY2hbH1rHKvT1GZpl42LECicqTXbm15j50PCKSGbt6Q0RB8sIOX_b4GAy6guNomEzzPLca-kZoc3KSjZyA0mmFY7S3htmm7yP5tit4/s1600/dec-sna-luis-bay-inn-poinsettia-arrangement-near-entrance-9649.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Poinsettias Are Popular in December Flower Arrangements" border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOwxUjCftgWktS_PhER6jfl0qGM7HAwpY2hbH1rHKvT1GZpl42LECicqTXbm15j50PCKSGbt6Q0RB8sIOX_b4GAy6guNomEzzPLca-kZoc3KSjZyA0mmFY7S3htmm7yP5tit4/s640/dec-sna-luis-bay-inn-poinsettia-arrangement-near-entrance-9649.jpg" title="Poinsettias on Display at San Luis Bay Inn in Avila Beach, © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poinsettias on Display at San Luis Bay Inn in Avila Beach, © B. Radisavljevic </td></tr>
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I thought this arrangement was particularly striking.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvz9ZuOuxwA/WE5i_Z9zDFI/AAAAAAAAH_U/E6KofdlV_TgpXKCRQF5IZjyunMLVVBFhgCLcB/s1600/pin-poinsettias-are-popular-9651.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Poinsettias Are Popular in December Flower Arrangements" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvz9ZuOuxwA/WE5i_Z9zDFI/AAAAAAAAH_U/E6KofdlV_TgpXKCRQF5IZjyunMLVVBFhgCLcB/s1600/pin-poinsettias-are-popular-9651.jpg" title="Poinsettia Decoration at San Luis Bay Inn in Avila Beach, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poinsettia Decoration at San Luis Bay Inn in Avila Beach, © B. Radisavljevic </td></tr>
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The San Luis Bay Inn was lovely during the Christmas season. I can see why my friend chose to stay there. If you plan to be in San Luis Obispo County for the holidays, you might want to consider spending your vacation at the San Luis Bay Inn Resort in Avila Beach, just a short walk from the beach. It has everything you could want: kitchenettes in the large suites, wireless internet, large public areas for relaxing, swimming pool, jacuzzi, exercise room, and more. It's a resort in every sense of the word. You can book through the banner below. Rooms fill up fast, so it's wise to plan far ahead. </div>
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-59582700510751616242019-07-09T01:57:00.000-07:002019-07-09T03:27:03.163-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;">The Joy of Herbs</span></span></span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q003Q4yFs0/XSQayZ5KgJI/AAAAAAAALLE/nUddh3Mx0AIWrGggTZX8e9IWVCSEhHuyACLcBGAs/s1600/santolina-4095-1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q003Q4yFs0/XSQayZ5KgJI/AAAAAAAALLE/nUddh3Mx0AIWrGggTZX8e9IWVCSEhHuyACLcBGAs/s640/santolina-4095-1200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santolina in June, ©
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">I love growing herbs in my garden. They feed the bees in winter when almost nothing else is blooming. In spring and summer they add color to my flower beds. In fall their dry flower stems add interesting shapes and textures. Here are some of my favorites. I took these photos at different times of the year. The santolina above adds a lovely gold to my flower beds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sages</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">I grow these sages mostly for their interesting foliage, though the clary sage does bloom in the summer, producing large flower spikes. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGS2NfV3CzU/XSQcDeQ_UzI/AAAAAAAALLQ/xkxWl-hulNwNUX6e0A63HU4yu95aRLwTACLcBGAs/s1600/oct17-sages-in-paso-garden-1061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGS2NfV3CzU/XSQcDeQ_UzI/AAAAAAAALLQ/xkxWl-hulNwNUX6e0A63HU4yu95aRLwTACLcBGAs/s640/oct17-sages-in-paso-garden-1061.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">I took the photo above in mid-October. On the left, is tricolor sage. To its right, clary sage. Below is some clary sage in bloom in June. It's surrounded by fading irises and the chard is reaching behind it as its seeds ripen and prepare to disperse.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf2av4V5uLA/XSQmTMZMf5I/AAAAAAAALLg/wMXFFATYz4gSRqeNCZVBCPn5tnupyODKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/june-pin-clary-in-bloom_9737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf2av4V5uLA/XSQmTMZMf5I/AAAAAAAALLg/wMXFFATYz4gSRqeNCZVBCPn5tnupyODKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/june-pin-clary-in-bloom_9737.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clary Sage in Bloom in June, ©
Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">Wild Watermelon sage adds a bit more color to the garden than some of the other sages.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Watermelon Sage in April, ©
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden View of Wild Watermelon Sage in April</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The black sage below has finished blooming. It's dry flower spikes are still striking.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry Black Sage, ©
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Oregano</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">By October, my favorite herb, oregano, is almost through blooming, but you can still see plenty of its white flowers. This is the herb I use the most. I dry some every year. For kitchen use I pick it before before the buds form. but I always leave some to bloom. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL65oDtkdJUK46wjbVm2UQd0hyphenhyphennXkhWcSHmJsV-tRuBvnfTRqsdUf0d_mg3xI_C2_v1jZLhRg5xd40M9575RlkJNPoWI1okuDbgP3OekTp9sD8f0IHtaaNahK0LPwmmbkLnyC/s1600/oct17-oregano-in-bloom-1063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL65oDtkdJUK46wjbVm2UQd0hyphenhyphennXkhWcSHmJsV-tRuBvnfTRqsdUf0d_mg3xI_C2_v1jZLhRg5xd40M9575RlkJNPoWI1okuDbgP3OekTp9sD8f0IHtaaNahK0LPwmmbkLnyC/s640/oct17-oregano-in-bloom-1063.jpg" width="583" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregano in Bloom, October, ©
Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hyssop</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Below the hyssop has almost stopped blooming, but you can still see a few purple flowers. At this time of year, October, most of the interest comes from the dry flower spikes that hold the seeds. Most of the seeds have dispersed by now. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBUvH4ReU4ba5fMG5ZOjvxjvsqiFo3nsjS1D6bwJpqqy3UkzBrjU87ahGiZbokbB6SybXjs8NG5bYVLwTvY62g2fyPNSM8qdD7lAyeqwExsgYlFAYdZZ31ONsby6OA_7jGzfW/s1600/oct17-hyssop-blooming-1065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="800" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBUvH4ReU4ba5fMG5ZOjvxjvsqiFo3nsjS1D6bwJpqqy3UkzBrjU87ahGiZbokbB6SybXjs8NG5bYVLwTvY62g2fyPNSM8qdD7lAyeqwExsgYlFAYdZZ31ONsby6OA_7jGzfW/s640/oct17-hyssop-blooming-1065.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyssop in October, ©
Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">The photo below was taken in mid-August and gives you a better look at the blooms and how they contrast with the dry spikes. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvvB7JTeLJ4/XSRMcOAm5JI/AAAAAAAALMk/7vX6CAbz950gQF3FKF8GgqUWslF1unAIQCLcBGAs/s1600/aug19-hyssop-bloom-seeding_0265-sq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvvB7JTeLJ4/XSRMcOAm5JI/AAAAAAAALMk/7vX6CAbz950gQF3FKF8GgqUWslF1unAIQCLcBGAs/s640/aug19-hyssop-bloom-seeding_0265-sq.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyssop in Mid-August, ©
Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rosemary</span></h2>
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Rosemary is another of my favorite plants. It provides fragrant branches for winter decorating, and it usually blooms in winter and helps the bees. It's also very easy to root a twig of it in water. I have four large rosemary plants and I rooted all of them from slips from a plant in the backyard. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9DIj1tjzSY/XSRQlalgO1I/AAAAAAAALMw/p9u6zGedQm0eBDWhk0DiVKBEyrJFTD8TQCLcBGAs/s1600/dec10-rosemary-4384-1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9DIj1tjzSY/XSRQlalgO1I/AAAAAAAALMw/p9u6zGedQm0eBDWhk0DiVKBEyrJFTD8TQCLcBGAs/s640/dec10-rosemary-4384-1200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary in December, ©
Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmLBFadsPag/XSRRFQ3y9uI/AAAAAAAALM4/_p0fVJKaaqQ_MgekxHHxQ_OTMOQ7XDLSACLcBGAs/s1600/march16-happy-bee-on-rosemary-marked-9361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="750" height="565" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmLBFadsPag/XSRRFQ3y9uI/AAAAAAAALM4/_p0fVJKaaqQ_MgekxHHxQ_OTMOQ7XDLSACLcBGAs/s640/march16-happy-bee-on-rosemary-marked-9361.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Bee Enjoying Rosemary in March, ©
Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"></span></span>See some of my other photos of herbs from my garden on these Zazzle products.<br />
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max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/friendship_card_i_ll_always_have_thyme_for_you_card-137023372231222707?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 47%;" target="_blank" title="Friendship card:"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/friendship_card_i_ll_always_have_thyme_for_you_card-r41d84c90dd7b42879e7e852387faf21b_em0cj_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 1px; border: double 3px #2da35c; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Friendship card:</span><img alt="Friendship card:" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/puzzle_bee_on_french_lavender_jigsaw_puzzle-116979163567377081?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Puzzle: Bee on French Lavender Jigsaw Puzzle"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/puzzle_bee_on_french_lavender_jigsaw_puzzle-r4f1feccb89bf44b999c14287d39adcb9_ambn9_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 1px; border: double 3px #2da35c; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Puzzle: Bee on French Lavender Jigsaw Puzzle</span><img alt="Puzzle: Bee on French Lavender Jigsaw Puzzle" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/blank_card_lavender_with_santolina-137444709297283573?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Blank Card: Lavender with Santolina"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/blank_card_lavender_with_santolina-r36d8f6b439cd480e84744592fe68de75_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 1px; border: double 3px #2da35c; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Blank Card: Lavender with Santolina</span><img alt="Blank Card: Lavender with Santolina" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/lavender_uses_otherwise_blank_card-137135253825651842?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Lavender Uses, Otherwise Blank card:"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/lavender_uses_otherwise_blank_card-r30187ee412714f2eb8d4e22f3760d0a1_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 1px; border: double 3px #2da35c; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Lavender Uses, Otherwise Blank card:</span><img alt="Lavender Uses, Otherwise Blank card:" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; 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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-62149491907045629072018-09-16T00:00:00.000-07:002018-09-16T00:00:11.509-07:00Can You Find These in Your City's Downtown?<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Remnants of Rural Life in Downtown Paso Robles</span></h2>
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My hairdresser gave me a late appointment Thursday afternoon. When she finished cutting my hair she invited me to stick around for a few minutes until she closed so we could take a walk downtown together. She knows I like to walk. We're almost neighbors in Templeton, but we only see each other during my haircuts. I welcomed the chance to walk with her.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7OZSHOOXNFjuV2-ryGJcq3Xun9tu5W8XYRAwzkCnB-9Ko0z2BXMfs30e5yKxMhG6zMzwBzGepaPE4goR46d7dpNjpvkxf7q0d61XNqsPDSsFyd60bMN6v4yTh0jju2wgtuaM/s1600/sept13-pomegranate-tree-downtown_0628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Can You Find These in Your City's Downtown? I found a full size pomegranate tree in Downtown Paso Robles." border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="725" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7OZSHOOXNFjuV2-ryGJcq3Xun9tu5W8XYRAwzkCnB-9Ko0z2BXMfs30e5yKxMhG6zMzwBzGepaPE4goR46d7dpNjpvkxf7q0d61XNqsPDSsFyd60bMN6v4yTh0jju2wgtuaM/s1600/sept13-pomegranate-tree-downtown_0628.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Full Size Pomegranate Tree on Pine Street Across from the Train Depot</td></tr>
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From Uptown Hair on 7th Street, we walked down Pine toward the City Park. I had been curious about seeing the new senior residential care center near 7th and Pine, across from the train station. Margaret knows a lot of the residents because she takes care of their hair. We didn't go in, but one of the residents thought we wanted to come in so she opened the door. Before we knew it one of the caregivers was behind her, making sure we were not up to anything nefarious.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/love_to_you_greeting_with_pomegranate-137075858643652993?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Love to You Greeting with Pomegranate"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Love to You Greeting with Pomegranate" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/love_to_you_greeting_with_pomegranate-r1563be18d5fa41189333cfa450f71814_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Love to You Greeting with Pomegranate</span><img alt="Love to You Greeting with Pomegranate" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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When we got to the corner we saw the pomegranate tree. I've seen my residential neighbors plant both dwarf trees with inedible fruits and full size pomegranate trees in their yards, but I've never seen one this large around the neighborhood. This one was huge. As you can see some of the fruit is beginning to turn red, but much is still green. I wonder if the homeless folks have discovered this healthy food source yet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7joKbXBin2uq4_DUaqjmT7hc6AYxMznF1WQn_7ozel2VbrbJ9IWTJzRRe0xTeUvyn2BB77CcEu9Ya6WAV_f-q070Gtdd31kc5uvJTQr-j1U088MeNgXauF4LZkgYXXS0soNkD/s1600/sept13-pomegranate-tree-wide-view-downtown_0627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Can You Find These in Your City's Downtown? I found a full size pomegranate tree in Downtown Paso Robles." border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7joKbXBin2uq4_DUaqjmT7hc6AYxMznF1WQn_7ozel2VbrbJ9IWTJzRRe0xTeUvyn2BB77CcEu9Ya6WAV_f-q070Gtdd31kc5uvJTQr-j1U088MeNgXauF4LZkgYXXS0soNkD/s1600/sept13-pomegranate-tree-wide-view-downtown_0627.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large Pomegranate Tree in Downtown Paso Robles</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Pumpkin Plant on a Commercial Lot?</span></h2>
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Or might it be a squash plant? I couldn't get any closer to it since it was behind a fence on private property. In any case, it seemed a bit out of place so close to the center of town, but that's Paso Robles for you. There are still single family homes right downtown.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFTUWGBQkvo/W53n3TD4hjI/AAAAAAAAKhE/j5K8F3lI2DAOjLgsKiHeQeU_aZUMcQVCQCLcBGAs/s1600/sept13-squash-plant%2Bon%2Bpine_0629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFTUWGBQkvo/W53n3TD4hjI/AAAAAAAAKhE/j5K8F3lI2DAOjLgsKiHeQeU_aZUMcQVCQCLcBGAs/s1600/sept13-squash-plant%2Bon%2Bpine_0629.jpg" /></a></div>
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These urban gardens and fruit trees remind me that Paso Robles is still a city in the north end of an agricultural county. If I remember correctly the pomegranate tree is in front of a single family home. Now the area is mostly commercial. Still, there's an old almond orchard almost right across from the Marriott Hotel and the Gateway Center on Vine Street. And I've even seen deer use the crosswalks on 12th and Vine downtown<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grow Your Own Urban Garden!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you see fruits and vegetables growing in your downtown?</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0IdHOq2XPGM/W53qqS0wkHI/AAAAAAAAKhQ/2Z4Y4L5BjbkZRQcruDRE4hJpDoDTJWw2QCLcBGAs/s1600/sept13-pomegranate-tree-downtown-pin_0626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Can You Find These in Your City's Downtown? I found a full size pomegranate tree in Downtown Paso Robles." border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0IdHOq2XPGM/W53qqS0wkHI/AAAAAAAAKhQ/2Z4Y4L5BjbkZRQcruDRE4hJpDoDTJWw2QCLcBGAs/s1600/sept13-pomegranate-tree-downtown-pin_0626.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<br />BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0800 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.622668 -120.6877499.6746079999999957 -161.996343 61.570728 -79.379155tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-23663970354055440892018-07-27T22:58:00.001-07:002018-07-27T22:58:19.146-07:00What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Early Summer In My Yard</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: medium;">June disappeared before I could finish showing you all of the flowers growing in my front yard. <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2018/06/blooms-paso-robles-june-part-one.html" target="_blank">I covered the front flower bed here</a>. I kept taking photos, but June soon became July before I could get the rest of my photos edited to post. Most of those same flowers are still blooming, since Mother Nature uses her own calendar. To introduce this post we will start with the goldenrain tree that blooms in June. It's still in bloom in July. <a href="https://virily.com/home-gardening/goldenrain-tree-tree-love-hate/" target="_blank">See why I love to hate it here.</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzml0o4vKZNUA2jqNb-FFmZYVUcDoePatZ_VSQ2l1hS8hjPdemHqjE8zALUHqNaiQEIite-P97Hyhyy6EwZDsMnEiz4IcwxMTKUJoU7mQCqVRFrfQ5w8D0-jxLwHiYFwHJvcU/s1600/june11-intro-goldenrain-blossoms_9780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzml0o4vKZNUA2jqNb-FFmZYVUcDoePatZ_VSQ2l1hS8hjPdemHqjE8zALUHqNaiQEIite-P97Hyhyy6EwZDsMnEiz4IcwxMTKUJoU7mQCqVRFrfQ5w8D0-jxLwHiYFwHJvcU/s640/june11-intro-goldenrain-blossoms_9780.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">A Look at the Side Flower Bed from the Street to the House</span></h2>
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It's amazing to me how fast this section filled out once I started planting in 2013. Before that it was almost empty except for a few gazanias and weeds. There was also a holly bush in the middle. Here's a peak at the section closest to the street before we planted it in 2013.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZzFK3eL5iM/Wy6iDK9GxeI/AAAAAAAAKU8/PADy0Y2EyVguo0cNcjLaCexF6B_QmcIlwCLcBGAs/s1600/june20-triangle-before-new-planting-4033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="700" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZzFK3eL5iM/Wy6iDK9GxeI/AAAAAAAAKU8/PADy0Y2EyVguo0cNcjLaCexF6B_QmcIlwCLcBGAs/s1600/june20-triangle-before-new-planting-4033.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Here's the tip of the triangle as it is in June 2018. The lawn is brown due to water restrictions. The very tip is fruity teucrium. It appears something is keeping the drip irrigation from getting past the front flower bed by the house, and I will need to hand water this before it dies. I will also have to find out what's happened to the system so I can get it fixed.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHv3QkKBQZE/Wy6ml-1mNuI/AAAAAAAAKVI/Tix_VRz2KIQfa-QL24klWdYyySi4L3EBwCLcBGAs/s1600/june2-2018-triangle-from-sidewalk_9644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHv3QkKBQZE/Wy6ml-1mNuI/AAAAAAAAKVI/Tix_VRz2KIQfa-QL24klWdYyySi4L3EBwCLcBGAs/s1600/june2-2018-triangle-from-sidewalk_9644.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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By now you probably recognize the yellow gazanias, since they seem to be everywhere -- <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2018/05/volunteer-flowers-and-vegetables-can-thrive.html" target="_blank">even in the lawn</a>. Behind the fading irises is a miniature rose. The deep purple iris is still in bloom as of June 11, but is starting to fade.<br />
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Below is most of the rest of that bed. Use the irises as a point of reference. Crowding the irises from the left is the Spanish (aka French) lavender. I planted it after seeing it in bloom at Trader Joe's. It reached its peak in May, but there are still a few flowers. Although it's drought resistant, I'm sure the drought hasn't helped it, nor the broken irrigation. It's another plant the bees cover when it blooms.<br />
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Behind the lavender is the wormwood. It's not in bloom yet. Behind it is a rosemary bush that came from a root cutting from a plant in back. In fact, every rosemary plant you see in front was propagated the same way. It doesn't take long for those root cuttings to become huge shrubs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicxXDT5Mr-bRdIhxlQJh8IdtiUmvgydGtA2X0ELBWUXk4PFb0UUQBZK7k4LjPs69HyDUTGKbkEoIOWV3__47Y6TqOCPYLEJ18banw2l_a5WewkcJm_xVECQOJvawJRCw_65Pb/s1600/june2-middle-front-triangle-bed_9645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="750" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicxXDT5Mr-bRdIhxlQJh8IdtiUmvgydGtA2X0ELBWUXk4PFb0UUQBZK7k4LjPs69HyDUTGKbkEoIOWV3__47Y6TqOCPYLEJ18banw2l_a5WewkcJm_xVECQOJvawJRCw_65Pb/s640/june2-middle-front-triangle-bed_9645.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Gazanias, Spanish Lavender, Fading Irises, Miniature Roses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Let's take a closer look at the fruity Teucrium at the tip of the triangle. It's also known as bush germander. At least that's what the label said. I'm beginning to think it is really Teucrium chamaedrys "Prostratum because it certainly never became a four-foot high bush. I'm not disappointed because I really wanted it as a ground cover and this one plant certainly covered a lot of ground. It also seems to have overcome the tansy, which will bloom later, whose bright green fern-like leaves are competing for space. <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/tansy-and-fruity-teucrium-as-garden-companions.html" target="_blank">Read more about my experience with these plants I intended to be garden friends that complement instead of compete with each other.</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ8oDaShhnY/Wy6sDmssuUI/AAAAAAAAKVc/-q8vWO4wxkk1Nl2QCvQedkB8EwgBlPH1ACLcBGAs/s1600/june11-tansyleaf-fruity-teucrium_9763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="750" height="502" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ8oDaShhnY/Wy6sDmssuUI/AAAAAAAAKVc/-q8vWO4wxkk1Nl2QCvQedkB8EwgBlPH1ACLcBGAs/s640/june11-tansyleaf-fruity-teucrium_9763.jpg" title="Fruity Teucrium in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruity Teucrium in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Normally this is covered with bees, but I didn't have the patience to catch one in this shot. They move so fast!<br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: medium;">
Moving Closer to the House along the Side Flower Bed</span></h4>
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Most of the other flowers in the side bed are not in bloom or are also in other flower beds. Gazanias are everywhere, as is Lamb's Ears. What's different is the blooming sages. Here's an overview of the part of the bed with the most blooms.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmxLLMrXyVo/W0PXTUqAE8I/AAAAAAAAKYk/WHGL4hoiVL4d-JU--5gmd0rvSXi6ZwXgQCLcBGAs/s1600/june2-east-side-bed_9640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmxLLMrXyVo/W0PXTUqAE8I/AAAAAAAAKYk/WHGL4hoiVL4d-JU--5gmd0rvSXi6ZwXgQCLcBGAs/s1600/june2-east-side-bed_9640.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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You've already seen close-ups of <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/g-is-for-gazania.html" target="_blank">gazanias</a>, <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-growth-of-clary-sage.html" target="_blank">clary sage</a>, and <a href="http://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-life-stages-of-lambs-ears.html" target="_blank">Lamb's Ears</a> in previous posts here and on my <a href="http://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paso Robles in Photos Blog</a>. Let's take a closer look at the black sage.<br />
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The black sage has almost finished blooming, but as of the end of June there were still a few small flowers left to attract the bees. Now all that remains are the skeletons of the flowers which held the seeds. This was taken on June 11. You can still see the tip of one small light purple flower near the center of the left edge between two stems.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNFg5ZvldIs/W0P7A3FvpyI/AAAAAAAAKYw/btHrYN7Oc2AdjnYfvSNTa5lBDSsrFTk4gCLcBGAs/s1600/june11-back-sage-macro-_9757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNFg5ZvldIs/W0P7A3FvpyI/AAAAAAAAKYw/btHrYN7Oc2AdjnYfvSNTa5lBDSsrFTk4gCLcBGAs/s1600/june11-back-sage-macro-_9757.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Sage Up Close, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Here's how that plant looked in April when more flowers were open.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It7TpZ3muas/W0P8MLbrGFI/AAAAAAAAKY8/Q-Z48PmRJUsox_VScnS9qYasmI-5dUuZQCLcBGAs/s1600/april12-black-sage-blooming-paso-1817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It7TpZ3muas/W0P8MLbrGFI/AAAAAAAAKY8/Q-Z48PmRJUsox_VScnS9qYasmI-5dUuZQCLcBGAs/s1600/april12-black-sage-blooming-paso-1817.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Sage in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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The dried flower whorls are quite fragrant. They might make a nice centerpiece that smells like sage.<br />
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Wild watermelon sage is still in full bloom and brightening the middle of my side flower bed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyYBl7jteDudWJPoejVNDMJ4-AZ3NRWc3089g9_rBlpf4b2OlbHuOCjSCgAxIwaap-jp2xeiLpn38VlGCOUkWtT7JyRuLPYmtq8Bjvm7T7bDe4b8m5WS6Kb57dHSPghtOF04m/s1600/june21-wild-watermelon-sage_9813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyYBl7jteDudWJPoejVNDMJ4-AZ3NRWc3089g9_rBlpf4b2OlbHuOCjSCgAxIwaap-jp2xeiLpn38VlGCOUkWtT7JyRuLPYmtq8Bjvm7T7bDe4b8m5WS6Kb57dHSPghtOF04m/s1600/june21-wild-watermelon-sage_9813.jpg" title="Wild Watermelon Sage in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Watermelon Sage in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Wild watermelon sage requires little attention or water once it's established. It's happy even after this third day of triple digit temperatures, in spite of the drip irrigation being broken.<br />
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Here's another photo showing more of the plant and the way its flowers are arranged. As you can see by its leaves, the sages are related to the mint family.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCBxW7ZJ4Ec/W0QsHVXg58I/AAAAAAAAKZU/nUZ31u2SqKY_-80jJntaUYN9zlFD7cu-gCLcBGAs/s1600/may4-wild-watermelon-sage_8904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCBxW7ZJ4Ec/W0QsHVXg58I/AAAAAAAAKZU/nUZ31u2SqKY_-80jJntaUYN9zlFD7cu-gCLcBGAs/s1600/may4-wild-watermelon-sage_8904.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Watermelon Sage in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The other plant blooming in my side yard and all over my neighborhood is oleander. This attractive but poisonous plant is quite drought-resistant.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0Rm_BJTtu8b5JDV2Dj0Z-mj2YaPHOU4xXQh-eqJCxCURTv3P2xOLANVj54QdPkOGikMpzhPBfakXJusE6YR5hlT1chWw3dU2ueBPxt52k8ItkmX4yvoTKKmFEBCMLLBnaKW4/s1600/june11-oleander-flowers-9783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="750" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0Rm_BJTtu8b5JDV2Dj0Z-mj2YaPHOU4xXQh-eqJCxCURTv3P2xOLANVj54QdPkOGikMpzhPBfakXJusE6YR5hlT1chWw3dU2ueBPxt52k8ItkmX4yvoTKKmFEBCMLLBnaKW4/s640/june11-oleander-flowers-9783.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oleander in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I have a long hedge row of red oleander along my side fence. Many of my neighbors also have one or more plants. Some have pink or white oleander shrubs.<a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/oleander-through-year.html" target="_blank"> Click this link to see my photos of more oleander plants and how they change during the year</a>.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Flower Bed Beside the Garage</span></h2>
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This flower bed is shady during the morning hours, but it still has enough sun for flowers to bloom. I have star jasmine all along the garage wall, and it really takes off in June. The bees love it. In the photo below, you can see the butterfly bush in bloom quite close to the garage wall. There is jasmine behind and in front of it, creeping along the ground. I have a much older butterfly bush plant in Templeton that has purple flowers. It got very tall and wide, and one year the wind blew it down. I thought it was a goner. <a href="http://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2015/08/this-butterfly-bush-shows-how-nature.html" target="_blank">I was surprised at how it adapted and survived.</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VccHgk6fOvM/W1rOYlSl_aI/AAAAAAAAKbA/lt_8sCGWoqcp4YXeFtXadKgi2xnXKWjNQCLcBGAs/s1600/july5-butterfly-bush-jasmine_9966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="700" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VccHgk6fOvM/W1rOYlSl_aI/AAAAAAAAKbA/lt_8sCGWoqcp4YXeFtXadKgi2xnXKWjNQCLcBGAs/s1600/july5-butterfly-bush-jasmine_9966.JPG" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly Bush Surrounded with Jasmine, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Here is a close-up of the jasmine flower.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uExDefPflBFP_uLcZkC1GL4IcZ8Xe_GD-Sb0sQlNMCWogn7uCh2pZQpIeqp-IyQKq6ZGK5DNX7ot6XTM6jZqBrW2wsd6CmHtMaJDJOTi6oUaHTUvL4lNA3W-IML9Z1cNcf0d/s1600/june2-star-jasmine-blur_9626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uExDefPflBFP_uLcZkC1GL4IcZ8Xe_GD-Sb0sQlNMCWogn7uCh2pZQpIeqp-IyQKq6ZGK5DNX7ot6XTM6jZqBrW2wsd6CmHtMaJDJOTi6oUaHTUvL4lNA3W-IML9Z1cNcf0d/s1600/june2-star-jasmine-blur_9626.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasmine Flower, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I am also growing some transplants in pots in this flower bed. One of these is lemon balm which blooms in the early summer. The mother plant is in the pot, but more is growing around the pot where it appears the mother plant reseeded.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DCqXowun2OA/W1rHzWjfWfI/AAAAAAAAKao/bWjwshpE7YYcWHn14kL23Xp4GPU6W_t7gCLcBGAs/s1600/july5-lemon-balm_9967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DCqXowun2OA/W1rHzWjfWfI/AAAAAAAAKao/bWjwshpE7YYcWHn14kL23Xp4GPU6W_t7gCLcBGAs/s640/july5-lemon-balm_9967.jpg" title="" width="489" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Balm Blooming in Early Summer, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Here's a close-up of the lemon balm flower.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRIvvBHQ8as/W1rMBlEV7DI/AAAAAAAAKa0/Hwb_LunEvpkVC9fDHfOwEitSBPCUODZqACLcBGAs/s1600/july5-lemon-balm-flower_9967.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="506" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRIvvBHQ8as/W1rMBlEV7DI/AAAAAAAAKa0/Hwb_LunEvpkVC9fDHfOwEitSBPCUODZqACLcBGAs/s1600/july5-lemon-balm-flower_9967.JPG.jpg" title="Lemon Balm Flower, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Balm Flower, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The pink grapefruit yarrow is also growing in a pot in this flower bed. It was red in May, but is fading in June. The color seems to change with the weather.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jqg7MfVd5-g/W1rTTEcTY3I/AAAAAAAAKbY/0alCYtHC79ktJLGura71E3LWPjFFmIKxACLcBGAs/s1600/pink-grapefruit-yarrow_9610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in Early Summer?" border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="750" height="564" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jqg7MfVd5-g/W1rTTEcTY3I/AAAAAAAAKbY/0alCYtHC79ktJLGura71E3LWPjFFmIKxACLcBGAs/s640/pink-grapefruit-yarrow_9610.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Grapefruit Yarrow, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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How many of these plants have you seen blooming in your area? Are you growing any of them?<br />
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-20259313073746431802018-06-23T16:23:00.002-07:002018-07-27T23:01:06.248-07:00What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part One<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">My Paso Robles Neighborhood is Bursting into Color in June</span></h2>
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A lot of flowers that were not yet blooming in May popped out as June began. I was going to squeeze everything blooming in my neighborhood in June into one post, but that post kept getting longer. So this post will show you what's happening in my front flower bed closest to the house. I hope you will meet at least one new flower or herb before you finish reading.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx-PU3LHlEs/Wy1eo_CWEGI/AAAAAAAAKRw/zCe2TzSsjEo4jLjpptwRMFLB2wtnXamvgCLcBGAs/s1600/june11-intro-clary-gazania_9714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="750" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx-PU3LHlEs/Wy1eo_CWEGI/AAAAAAAAKRw/zCe2TzSsjEo4jLjpptwRMFLB2wtnXamvgCLcBGAs/s640/june11-intro-clary-gazania_9714.jpg" title="Clary Sage Flower Spikes Next to Gazanias, © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clary Sage Flower Spikes Next to Gazanias, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h3>
Clary Sage Spikes Appear</h3>
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Among these new arrivals are the flower spikes of clary sage that bring shades of lavender, orchid, and plum to the garden. Above they are pictured in my side flower bed with the almost ever present cheerful orange and yellow of my <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/g-is-for-gazania.html" target="_blank">gazanias</a>. These clary sage plants all were just seedlings last year, children of their mother in a pot in the front flower bed. Now these seedlings are popping into bloom in many places in my garden. Learn more about <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-growth-of-clary-sage.html" target="_blank">The Growth of Clary Sage</a>.<br />
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Here's a clary sage bud that appeared the first week of June. Notice the ladybug on the left side of the plant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJI2VlV1Ys8/Wy3oHWkdsBI/AAAAAAAAKR8/oLNUCmtaMFoY7TAc8YRG3lVBs9C3BkCWACLcBGAs/s1600/june2-clary-bud-ladybug_9618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="750" height="389" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJI2VlV1Ys8/Wy3oHWkdsBI/AAAAAAAAKR8/oLNUCmtaMFoY7TAc8YRG3lVBs9C3BkCWACLcBGAs/s640/june2-clary-bud-ladybug_9618.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">Clary Sage Bud and Ladybug, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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Here's a closer look at a bud. Its leaf also has a bug visitor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAAIB_dTsuA/Wy67mll66xI/AAAAAAAAKVo/4iUE5HOu8B8sJa0CdT7r9Di3uEmz4AH0wCLcBGAs/s1600/june2-clary-bud-bug_9623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="700" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAAIB_dTsuA/Wy67mll66xI/AAAAAAAAKVo/4iUE5HOu8B8sJa0CdT7r9Di3uEmz4AH0wCLcBGAs/s1600/june2-clary-bud-bug_9623.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">Clary Sage Bud with Insect Visitor on Leaf © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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This was taken a week later. I got in closer to show you the details of its delicate colors. Clary sage is a plant I appreciate more when I'm not too close. It has a strong odor that I don't particularly like.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA4LgZ9Zyyn0cTJAVBIs9UznzyqKYJ5DYOofSpolJO5-9yyBDH99uXSawa_oU4iNgS-WX6uvxBZAD2LP2YV5Woot28-tI6JFllILf4SD1hoN1GYUKYJ1EwquE9y8z04sfPcJ7/s1600/june8-clary-pin_9697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA4LgZ9Zyyn0cTJAVBIs9UznzyqKYJ5DYOofSpolJO5-9yyBDH99uXSawa_oU4iNgS-WX6uvxBZAD2LP2YV5Woot28-tI6JFllILf4SD1hoN1GYUKYJ1EwquE9y8z04sfPcJ7/s1600/june8-clary-pin_9697.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">Clary Sage Flower in Bloom, June 2018, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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<h3>
Lily-of-the-Nile (Agapanthus) Blooms and Chard Bolts</h3>
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The buds of this flower that appears each June appeared during the second week. They pushed their way up through the Lamb's Ears, still in bloom, that surrounded them. By this time the chard was bolting. I'll give you a closer look at the seeds later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk4nRp9FZu4/Wy3reWF5aTI/AAAAAAAAKSU/v9pSByQcAhcvD5TBn7KKmpHex4CynizuACLcBGAs/s1600/nile-lily-buds-lambsears-sq700_9706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk4nRp9FZu4/Wy3reWF5aTI/AAAAAAAAKSU/v9pSByQcAhcvD5TBn7KKmpHex4CynizuACLcBGAs/s1600/nile-lily-buds-lambsears-sq700_9706.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">Bolting Chard, Lamb's Ears in Bloom and Agapanthus Buds, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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By June 21, the lily is blooming. The chard isn't as tall as it appears, since I was shooting the photo looking up at the lily. You can see more clary sage in the background.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmQ7cukIe74/Wy3sgVLq8xI/AAAAAAAAKSg/OG1dqJ2QuJwdd4upq-Vs1pLWLxXT0ZNNQCLcBGAs/s1600/june21-lily-nile-chard-clary_9802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="735" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmQ7cukIe74/Wy3sgVLq8xI/AAAAAAAAKSg/OG1dqJ2QuJwdd4upq-Vs1pLWLxXT0ZNNQCLcBGAs/s1600/june21-lily-nile-chard-clary_9802.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolting Chard, Agapanthus Beginning to Bloom, and Clary Sage Flowers in Background, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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Here's a closer look at the seeds of the bolting chard nuzzling up to the irises which are almost completely gone. As you see, I've trimmed a dead one off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9BcB6z2Ihy8W4c8IWWHxBW8_jdcuFOKQ3_L6wPmIf_YvhvlL_goUuLN4YFW4vRhoEM8vAPaylaF_YTe1RrO2y1oyZOGpJTEuh084WBWRK3LvIPDbKsDGBIq_OcMgiehwqlcQ/s1600/june11-bolting-chard-iris-leaves_9772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9BcB6z2Ihy8W4c8IWWHxBW8_jdcuFOKQ3_L6wPmIf_YvhvlL_goUuLN4YFW4vRhoEM8vAPaylaF_YTe1RrO2y1oyZOGpJTEuh084WBWRK3LvIPDbKsDGBIq_OcMgiehwqlcQ/s1600/june11-bolting-chard-iris-leaves_9772.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolting Chard Invading Iris Leaves, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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Here are some of the fading irises and the last of the pale ones to bloom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLmpHsJlgJkQzcCQQvFdFl2zuJzdntz_gkOZnujkMQ7i0F2wma2LSomD0vfmwMhhX9vejzfz7LphWxYXQvLHhdRuS1I1IV2zcpcWHhdIMxrjkUcyKHxRv6CgjedV36d18dyDG/s1600/june2-fading-irises_9619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="750" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLmpHsJlgJkQzcCQQvFdFl2zuJzdntz_gkOZnujkMQ7i0F2wma2LSomD0vfmwMhhX9vejzfz7LphWxYXQvLHhdRuS1I1IV2zcpcWHhdIMxrjkUcyKHxRv6CgjedV36d18dyDG/s640/june2-fading-irises_9619.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blooming and Fading Irises, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">More from the Front Flower Bed</span></h2>
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The borage flowers are on the extreme right, slightly above their large leaves. It's probably obvious that the garden has been doing its own thing since the winter rains. I haven't had time to get rid of the grassy weeds or the burr clover (small yellow flowers) that want to smother everything else.<br />
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The catmint, which should bloom any day now, has escaped from its pot and seems to be holding its own, as is the borage which reseeded prolifically this year. A tiny scarlet pimpernel flower peeks out in the middle left between the burr clover and the borage leaves, even with the angel's wing.<br />
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On the upper left a single blue scabiosa (pincushion flower) pokes its head into the mix. I'll give you a better look at the individual plants below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aj0ssrwnms/Wy3wzt5F-KI/AAAAAAAAKTE/NI6TwZAOxuE6Ytjv0sqW6-cZoI_1Fsu5gCLcBGAs/s1600/june9-garden-art-front-bed_9709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="750" height="434" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aj0ssrwnms/Wy3wzt5F-KI/AAAAAAAAKTE/NI6TwZAOxuE6Ytjv0sqW6-cZoI_1Fsu5gCLcBGAs/s640/june9-garden-art-front-bed_9709.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden Angel Dreams of Waking up to a Flower Bed without Burr Clover, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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<h3>
Borage and Friends</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcdMd_rCG1eJpv1UFYrzrx_Na5GQD0Oyq7j6H_cW8uSpoehtpCQF2JafiRFlKuXW1isX2cQkNsj_Sep37KiDe5mX4wf1MJp6l2ARFN2ZrjWRoWXMF2ZZlTHa3WcEpYDRknM1c/s1600/june2-borage-flower-sq750_9615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcdMd_rCG1eJpv1UFYrzrx_Na5GQD0Oyq7j6H_cW8uSpoehtpCQF2JafiRFlKuXW1isX2cQkNsj_Sep37KiDe5mX4wf1MJp6l2ARFN2ZrjWRoWXMF2ZZlTHa3WcEpYDRknM1c/s640/june2-borage-flower-sq750_9615.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borage in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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Above is a close-up of a borage flower and many buds. We are in a heat wave, and judging from the color of the leaves, I think the borage plants are beginning to die for the year unless some more seedlings appear. That's too bad. I love throwing the flowers in my salads.<br />
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<h3>
Capture June Blooms in Your Correspondence</h3>
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I've put some of my borage and calendula on blank cards to share with your friends. Adorn your envelopes with roses.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/seven_spotted_ladybug_on_borage_blank_card-137721600569816088?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 300px;" target="_blank" title="Seven-Spotted Ladybug on Borage Blank Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 300px;"><img alt="Seven-Spotted Ladybug on Borage Blank Card" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/seven_spotted_ladybug_on_borage_blank_card-rdc07254227864fa18196809012d10441_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Seven-Spotted Ladybug on Borage Blank Card</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/borage_and_calendula_beautiful_borage_card-137092834577632071?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 300px;" target="_blank" title="Borage-and-Calendula, Beautiful Borage Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 300px;"><img alt="Borage-and-Calendula, Beautiful Borage Card" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/borage_and_calendula_beautiful_borage_card-reca353cec6c24b2a86fa1cb5614844d9_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Borage-and-Calendula, Beautiful Borage Card</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/rose_garden_sticker_take_time_classic_round_sticker-217693129847557645?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 300px;" target="_blank" title="Rose Garden Sticker: Take time. Classic Round Sticker"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 300px;"><img alt="Rose Garden Sticker: Take time. Classic Round Sticker" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/rose_garden_sticker_take_time_classic_round_sticker-r5d79ca1dd7ae487681060542d26193c2_v9waf_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Rose Garden Sticker: Take time. Classic Round Sticker</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/pink_rose_return_address_label-106547298793378207?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 300px;" target="_blank" title="Pink Rose Return Address Label"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 300px;"><img alt="Pink Rose Return Address Label" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/pink_rose_return_address_label-rebdd0a50f506491b93ff8a85c11773a5_v11m0_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Pink Rose Return Address Label</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKOIPHGK1RO7C1asn1VQFnYg2p7dlXsAnbZFLaSgSOIqubAQwplWUW0iguBqsPZZ1n4gZUMgHMIvSubApAbqrPYVcwRDmEF1_0EaUTPmyOZSyAEbZ-nge5_NLp9j0JAn0B8nG/s1600/june3-scaiosa-bee_9655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="750" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKOIPHGK1RO7C1asn1VQFnYg2p7dlXsAnbZFLaSgSOIqubAQwplWUW0iguBqsPZZ1n4gZUMgHMIvSubApAbqrPYVcwRDmEF1_0EaUTPmyOZSyAEbZ-nge5_NLp9j0JAn0B8nG/s640/june3-scaiosa-bee_9655.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scabiosa at All Stages of Growth, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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Above is a more complete scabiosa plant than you saw above. It is a faithful bloomer during much of the year and contrasts nicely with the yellow and orange flowers like calendula and gazania which are its neighbors. In the photo you see all stages of the flower from bud to bloom to seed head. You also see a busy bee foraging on the top right.<br />
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<h3>
Scarlet Pimpernel and Borage</h3>
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Scarlet pimpernel can be a weed to get rid of or a flower to keep -- whichever you choose. I choose to keep it, since it's more pleasant than most weeds and helps cover the ground. I happen to like its tiny brick-red flower, though the color of those that grow in my yard seem to be more coral than red. Its leaves resemble those of chickweed. In the photo below its tiny flowers surround a borage leaf. Its own leaves are almost invisible in this photo, but you can see a flower popping out from its leaf cluster dangling over the left side of the borage leaf. It's almost the only pimpernel leaf cluster you can see not covered by the burr clover.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fj36H9S4uoE/Wy334hdLEeI/AAAAAAAAKTo/LwNWbF7R-rIunduw6FdAui_f5FJNLP09wCLcBGAs/s1600/june11-scarlet-pimpernel-macro_9745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fj36H9S4uoE/Wy334hdLEeI/AAAAAAAAKTo/LwNWbF7R-rIunduw6FdAui_f5FJNLP09wCLcBGAs/s1600/june11-scarlet-pimpernel-macro_9745.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet Pimpernel with Borage Leaf and Burr Clover, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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Below, the scarlet pimpernel flowers are surrounded with budding borage and the burr clover I'm in the process of removing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjim2Uyz-qYmLzyIlpqsfCcxBy2azoueB-tQ8hvuhVjZ9QsHJs_50IpGasjg_p88-lWt_GzhyFHbypGxFj0sKW0D0rE0SIwNT74Gt-OAQpsQaLUOtS74pNwfJrY3brH10mF4FP3/s1600/june11-scarlet-pimpernel-borage-buds_9746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="750" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjim2Uyz-qYmLzyIlpqsfCcxBy2azoueB-tQ8hvuhVjZ9QsHJs_50IpGasjg_p88-lWt_GzhyFHbypGxFj0sKW0D0rE0SIwNT74Gt-OAQpsQaLUOtS74pNwfJrY3brH10mF4FP3/s640/june11-scarlet-pimpernel-borage-buds_9746.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">Scarlet Pimpernel with Borage Buds and Burr Clover, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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Have you noticed in these photos how fuzzy the borage leaves and buds are? They taste like cucumber raw, but I only eat the flowers that aren't so fuzzy. Leaves, flowers, and stems are edible. Leaves and stems can be steamed or put into soups. Borage also has medicinal uses I haven't explored yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGuStyX-bWdNMxeqX6HiAZg-PQ0F4Gufc3JglDdyhCmvpDSEL4fjFboa8bAPp1qvAGR2hWdFH2f-7Beh9SsUxhiCd81Gr0feeXWHkzYqPkBmic9X1z6401Wbf_bUK002y57lU/s1600/june11-scarlet-pimpernel-borage-buds_9750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="750" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGuStyX-bWdNMxeqX6HiAZg-PQ0F4Gufc3JglDdyhCmvpDSEL4fjFboa8bAPp1qvAGR2hWdFH2f-7Beh9SsUxhiCd81Gr0feeXWHkzYqPkBmic9X1z6401Wbf_bUK002y57lU/s640/june11-scarlet-pimpernel-borage-buds_9750.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet Pimpernel with Fuzzy Borage Buds and Burr Clover, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h3>
Nigella and Hyssop</h3>
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Nigella is a delicate flower I discovered at Fat Cat Farm, an herb farm that later went out of business. I really miss Fat Cat Farm, since it was my go-to place to buy herbs for years.<a href="http://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2015/11/looking-back-at-sycamore-farms-and-fat.html" target="_blank"> I'm glad I wrote about its history and captured its highlights with video and photos in this blog post.</a> Read about how I discovered Nigella there in <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/05/nigella-wonderful-garden-surprise.html" target="_blank">Nigella: A Wonderful Garden Surprise</a>. The first ones I saw were blue. The ones I now grow are rose color. You will see both if you follow the link above.<br />
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My nigella is going to seed now. In the photo below you can see the large seed capsule on the left in the midst of its thread-like leaves. You can barely see its rose flower behind it. You can also see the yellow flower of the ever-present burr clover hear the top and the purple hyssop flower on the right. They are all fighting for space with the iris leaves which it's almost time to cut off. I will trim the irises when all the iris flowers finally have faded and died. I expect now that the heat of summer has arrived, the nigella will finish reseeding by popping its seed capsules and then also die.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjxaDKmehU8/Wy37zbzsF2I/AAAAAAAAKUM/GSTY6YcvyvYsjqBpRS3ivYpOjHWHn6H4QCLcBGAs/s1600/june11-nigella-pod-hyssop_9734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="750" height="540" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjxaDKmehU8/Wy37zbzsF2I/AAAAAAAAKUM/GSTY6YcvyvYsjqBpRS3ivYpOjHWHn6H4QCLcBGAs/s640/june11-nigella-pod-hyssop_9734.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nigella Capsule Hiding Nigella Flower and Blooming Hyssop, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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It was really hard to photograph the hyssop around the iris leaves. I cut it back last year so there's not as much to make the purple cluster so large this year. The flowers are very small, but the bees love them anyway. Hyssop usually blooms until August, and sometimes a few of the flowers linger longer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm2WRkhPu5tu4oHbfE08DGRa6y0p9th85wk-GRUmRbFXAHZgGXhM0VxhxhKwCG1hlS06bs4WfXyy3As4V9g4WPWyDhdY8tPj-licjsJjttNO_vIzXTH2__tghVEBi1GQqUM5_/s1600/june21-nigella-pod-hyssop_9795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm2WRkhPu5tu4oHbfE08DGRa6y0p9th85wk-GRUmRbFXAHZgGXhM0VxhxhKwCG1hlS06bs4WfXyy3As4V9g4WPWyDhdY8tPj-licjsJjttNO_vIzXTH2__tghVEBi1GQqUM5_/s640/june21-nigella-pod-hyssop_9795.jpg" title="" width="602" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">Nigella Capsule and Blooming Hyssop and Burr Clover, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Hyssop can be used medicinally and in cooking. I have so far used it only ornamentally and to attract and provide forage for bees. As a member of the mint family, hyssop can be used to flavor salads and chicken soup, lamb stew, and poultry dressing. It can also be dried and used as a tea. I have not tried any of these uses yet.<br />
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Below you see my rose nigella, also called Love-in-a-Mist. Those thready leaves do make it seem somewhat ethereal. As you look at the top of the flower you can see the beginning of that large seed capsule that will soon form. There is one in the bottom right corner.<br />
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Nigella seeds have traditionally been used to flavor foods, since their taste is said to resemble nutmeg. I have never tried them. Some scientists think they may be slightly toxic. According to Conrad Richter in <a href="https://www.richters.com/show.cgi?page=QandA/Culinary/20080404-1.html" target="_blank">Safety of Nigella Damascena Seeds</a>, no one has presented conclusive evidence that it is or isn't safe, but he tends to believe that people would not have continued to keep using it through the generations if it had harmed them. He suggests you make up your own mind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ANdj_yWydd0/Wy37o1Wd7uI/AAAAAAAAKUI/Q0IehX5Au7I7DGMn5OHyCDCPl44UVeWZACLcBGAs/s1600/june11-nigella-macro-_9724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="750" height="518" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ANdj_yWydd0/Wy37o1Wd7uI/AAAAAAAAKUI/Q0IehX5Au7I7DGMn5OHyCDCPl44UVeWZACLcBGAs/s640/june11-nigella-macro-_9724.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">Nigella Flower, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h3>
Carnations are in Bloom</h3>
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I'm afraid my carnation plants have not done well for me here. Strangely enough, the one that still survives and blooms came from a plant over fifty years old. You can read its history in <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/c-is-for-carnations.html" target="_blank">"C" is for Carnation</a>s, an earlier post on this blog. This plant is in my front flower bed, but it has almost been smothered by its aggressive neighbors. Its siblings in the side flower bed have been smothered by the gazanias. So this is the only flower I can show you from it this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8omrDfOoI_A/Wy4JZZCy3SI/AAAAAAAAKUk/gsZOmO6LhG4IhYGH7BVGu8hvw5DafQy1ACLcBGAs/s1600/june21-pale-pink-carnation_9800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8omrDfOoI_A/Wy4JZZCy3SI/AAAAAAAAKUk/gsZOmO6LhG4IhYGH7BVGu8hvw5DafQy1ACLcBGAs/s640/june21-pale-pink-carnation_9800.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Pink Carnation in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h3>
Calendula</h3>
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I started growing calendula (pot marigold) in Templeton about twenty years ago. I've been saving seeds every year since then, and started my plants here in Paso Robles with those seeds I collected in Templeton. I now can't imagine a garden without calendula. It blooms almost all year -- even in winter when it's almost the only color in the garden. <a href="https://hubpages.com/living/colorful-calendula-brightens-my-gardens" target="_blank">Here's why I love it so much.</a> If you follow the link you will see lots of photos from my garden and of how I use this plant in the kitchen. I don't want to duplicate that here, so I will just leave you with this photo to show you one of the flowers. It is surrounded by Lamb's Ears.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oPCuMwUZkUY/Wy4Mi-A6SnI/AAAAAAAAKUw/dciAD2fh9KYEDTG0ioOWnyMJZTd7cUyXwCLcBGAs/s1600/jun2-calendula-on-lambsears_9620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What Blooms in Paso Robles in June? Part 1" border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="750" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oPCuMwUZkUY/Wy4Mi-A6SnI/AAAAAAAAKUw/dciAD2fh9KYEDTG0ioOWnyMJZTd7cUyXwCLcBGAs/s640/jun2-calendula-on-lambsears_9620.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calendula Flower Surrounded by Lamb's Ears, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2018/07/what-blooms-paso-robles-june-july.html" target="_blank">See the rest of what bloomed in my front yard in June and July</a>. <br />
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What do you have blooming in June? Do you grow anything I've shown you here? Any comments on your experiences with them?<br />
<h2>
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-34148230310919865672018-05-21T01:59:00.000-07:002018-05-21T01:59:46.177-07:00Flowers and Vegetables Can Thrive Where God Plants Them<h2>
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What Do Plants Need to Thrive?</span></h2>
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In order to thrive, plants need just the right conditions. As gardeners, we try to provide them. We prepare the ground, add nutrients to the soil, and plant seeds or transplants, and wait for growth. Yet more and more I'm finding God is much better than I at putting plants where they will grow when he choses. Take this gazania plant, for example.<br />
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Although I have beds containing gazanias all around my lawn, none of the individual plants are as big and beautiful as this one. God planted it in my lawn. Normally the plants spread by runners. But this plant had to have sprouted from a seed carried by the wind. This plant has been thriving in the middle of my lawn for over a year now, and two others have appeared in other parts of the lawn since then.<br />
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Gazanias are drought resistant and almost nothing kills them. When I still had a gardener, I made him mow around this plant because I thought it was beautiful. It also inspired me because it bloomed and thrived where there were no others of its kind around it. The ground had not been irrigated for over a year and depended completely on rain most of the time. I sometimes help it a bit now if it's especially hot and dry. The soil got no extra nutrients or cultivating, and there were weedy grasses all around this gazania. Yet it continued to bloom and make beautiful flowers. What God plants, he also seems to take care of.<br />
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This gazania inspires me so much I made a greeting card out of it. The inside reads "Bloom where God planted you." We don't all get planted in the best surroundings or get the nurturing we need from those who are supposed to care for or mentor us, but that doesn't mean we can't thrive if God put us there.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/flowers_in_lawn_bloom_where_you_are_planted_card-137374494446693527?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="Flowers in Lawn: Bloom Where You Are Planted Card" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/flowers_in_lawn_bloom_where_you_are_planted_card-rc2843771bd644dd592cc1a20ea33f095_xvuak_8byvr_325.jpg?bg=0xffffff" style="border: 0;" /> </a> <br />
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/flowers_in_lawn_bloom_where_you_are_planted_card-137374494446693527?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow">Flowers in Lawn: Bloom Where You Are Planted Card</a> <br />
by <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/barbsbooks?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow">barbsbooks</a> </div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Kale and Lamb's Ears God Planted</span></h2>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGAYXTsGh-M/WwJdiz0RkgI/AAAAAAAAKOM/nd7185CxB2I7ZqP5Y-NpT36aBOu89OhRACLcBGAs/s1600/april9-unplanted-kale-lambsears_1736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGAYXTsGh-M/WwJdiz0RkgI/AAAAAAAAKOM/nd7185CxB2I7ZqP5Y-NpT36aBOu89OhRACLcBGAs/s640/april9-unplanted-kale-lambsears_1736.jpg" width="407" /></a></div>
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God has planted a lot of kale and Lamb's Ears in my yard, but not always in my gardens. The kale plant you see above had a lot of children and grandchildren. Many turned up around the garage as second or third generation plants. They were children of the plants that landed across the driveway. <a href="http://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-garden-is-full-of-surprises.html" target="_blank">This post tells the story of some of this plant's progeny</a>.<br />
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Lamb's Ears are even more prolific than kale, if that's possible. If you have one Lamb's Ears plant, you will soon have a yard full. It multiplies faster than rabbits. You can see one clump of Lamb's Ears at the bottom of the photo above. But I didn't plant it. I only planted one of these -- in the corner by the walkway near the porch. Now the plant is everywhere. It jumped the walkway and took over in the flowerbed by the garage. It landed in this corner below. In fact I planted nothing in this section that isn't in a pot. God planted it all.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moP0vAu0vsw/WwJqreCZFUI/AAAAAAAAKOY/C5tv3WWcjZI4ZKW22Nv0Tc3_cCWfF0uZgCLcBGAs/s1600/may18-lambsears%252Clemonbalm-clary-yarrow-more_9314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flowers and Vegetables Can Thrive Where God Plants Them" border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="750" height="504" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moP0vAu0vsw/WwJqreCZFUI/AAAAAAAAKOY/C5tv3WWcjZI4ZKW22Nv0Tc3_cCWfF0uZgCLcBGAs/s640/may18-lambsears%252Clemonbalm-clary-yarrow-more_9314.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the photo above, from left to right, you see Lamb's Ears, a pink grapefruit yarrow in the pot, lemon balm in a pot and some which escaped from the pot, two tall clary sage that God planted, some small euphorbia transplants I brought over from Templeton (in the tiny pot), some iris leaves from some rhizomes I threw in a shallow cardboard box I covered with dirt and forgot about, and more Lamb's Ears sneaking around between the pots at the right end. Those irises I forgot about and never watered or fed, bloom every year. Below, I have a photo of one in bloom. It was taken two months earlier than the photo above.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1A-UiQXIRRw/WwKDtG3NpwI/AAAAAAAAKO8/FWlZp8zpxV0cXWue0nHnQIYzv3ssJUNvgCLcBGAs/s1600/march30-iris-clary-in-corner-2633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flowers and Vegetables Can Thrive Where God Plants Them" border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="800" height="455" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1A-UiQXIRRw/WwKDtG3NpwI/AAAAAAAAKO8/FWlZp8zpxV0cXWue0nHnQIYzv3ssJUNvgCLcBGAs/s640/march30-iris-clary-in-corner-2633.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now Lamb's Ears occupies every flower bed. It's now even beginning to take up residence in what used to be my lawn. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7cpRSrBsk0/WwJs7XJ3neI/AAAAAAAAKOk/UI8GtcnpfiMmY8P07rhl2XYMvcL90o1yQCLcBGAs/s1600/may9-lambsears-iris-red-valarian_9185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flowers and Vegetables Can Thrive Where God Plants Them" border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="750" height="461" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7cpRSrBsk0/WwJs7XJ3neI/AAAAAAAAKOk/UI8GtcnpfiMmY8P07rhl2XYMvcL90o1yQCLcBGAs/s640/may9-lambsears-iris-red-valarian_9185.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb's Ears at Other End of Flower Bed in Photo Above. Irises are to the left and you can see a few tiny red buds of newly transplanted red valerian hiding between the Lamb's Ears and the iris leaves. </td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />More Unexpected Garden Volunteers</span></h2>
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In 2013 I planted one mullein I thought was a clary sage because it was mislabeled. ( <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-mystery-of-baby-clary-sage.html" target="_blank">Borage, mullein, and clary sage look very much alike when young. See my post with their photos.</a>) It grew in the front flower bed. It was the only one I ever planted. I planted one clary sage in a pot not far from it. I planted borage seeds at the other end of the bed and got a plant or two.<br />
<br />
This year I was delighted after the rains to find that I not only had numerous clary sage babies, but I also had more mullein plants. One even sprouted in an empty pot and another in front of it. I had thrown the seeds around when the original plant died a couple of years ago. I guess some things take time. I also had my largest borage plant ever spout and thrive and it now has some babies. I love the way it reseeds. You can see part of it below, with some of its babies at the very bottom of the photo. The bees love it. If you look carefully, you will see one foraging. That pot in front of the borage contains catmint. Some of it has escaped.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTLrAYG4kNk/WwJ07yvKA2I/AAAAAAAAKOw/9Xra9lRLOd8jhAbJiW2HinSsBbo-hKfWwCLcBGAs/s1600/may4-bee-on%2Bborage-baby-borage_8838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="750" height="513" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTLrAYG4kNk/WwJ07yvKA2I/AAAAAAAAKOw/9Xra9lRLOd8jhAbJiW2HinSsBbo-hKfWwCLcBGAs/s640/may4-bee-on%2Bborage-baby-borage_8838.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The cards below show off some of the plants God has provided for me. Most cards are blank but may have a title identifying the plant inside. You can customize them any way you want and add your own text.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/borage_and_calendula_beautiful_borage_card-137092834577632071?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Borage-and-Calendula, Beautiful Borage Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Borage-and-Calendula, Beautiful Borage Card" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/borage_and_calendula_beautiful_borage_card-reca353cec6c24b2a86fa1cb5614844d9_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Borage-and-Calendula, Beautiful Borage Card</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/seven_spotted_ladybug_on_borage_blank_card-137721600569816088?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Seven-Spotted Ladybug on Borage Blank Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Seven-Spotted Ladybug on Borage Blank Card" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/seven_spotted_ladybug_on_borage_blank_card-rdc07254227864fa18196809012d10441_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Seven-Spotted Ladybug on Borage Blank Card</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/greeting_card_lemon_balm_card-137125545218283544?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Greeting Card: Lemon Balm Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Greeting Card: Lemon Balm Card" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/greeting_card_lemon_balm_card-raac11ac992994a82966367670aef9aeb_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Greeting Card: Lemon Balm Card</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/macro_yellow_mullein_flower_card-137820660965450579?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Macro Yellow Mullein Flower Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Macro Yellow Mullein Flower Card" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/macro_yellow_mullein_flower_card-r7df191de160549c084e7cf9dbbe4f8f1_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Macro Yellow Mullein Flower Card</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">I Love Having God Increase my Plants</span></h2>
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I have not been able to spend the time I wanted to in my garden this year. The abundance of Lamb's Ears helps smoother the weeds that would otherwise take their place. Although I had hoped to plant some annuals this year, it's just not going to happen. I have too many health issues to solve and my biggest job is to keep the weeds down since my gardener quit. Because God provided so many new plant babies to fill my flower beds, I'm going to have plenty of color during the spring and summer. </div>
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How do you feel about volunteer plants? I've been sharing my plant babies with neighbors since I have more than I can use. I can always pull the surplus plants when I have time to replace them. I still need to plant some thyme I've rooted and some root divisions from some plants in Templeton I brought to the Paso house. So my work is cut out for me. </div>
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Do you have any garden goals for this year?</div>
BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-29156050003584964782018-02-22T00:16:00.001-08:002018-02-22T00:16:49.176-08:00Floating Row Covers Provide Frost Protection<h2>
It Will be Frosty Tonight</h2>
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I'm so glad we found my floating row covers while we were decluttering the garage today. I've been covering plants in danger with old tee shirts for the past three nights in desperation. I've been most concerned about some root divisions of Jupiter's Beard I received just before the frosty nights started. I put some in a big bowl of water and the little individual plants in a large pot because I didn't have any beds prepared for them yet.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xESZPP-o-7s/Wo5qcpZ-EkI/AAAAAAAAKFg/yVsbloUDnLA41WJgIp2EDBGVk67z7kSxgCLcBGAs/s1600/jupiters-feb16-beard-root-divisions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Floating Row Covers Provide Frost Protection" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="750" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xESZPP-o-7s/Wo5qcpZ-EkI/AAAAAAAAKFg/yVsbloUDnLA41WJgIp2EDBGVk67z7kSxgCLcBGAs/s640/jupiters-feb16-beard-root-divisions.jpg" title="Red Valerian Root Divisions Waiting to Be Planted in Flower Beds" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Floating Row Covers to the Rescue</h2>
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Although I've covered the Jupiter's Beard with shirts at night, they don't look happy. It's also been a pain to cover them because I like to sleep late and my plants need the sun as soon as possible, whether I'm up or not. I'm delighted that I found my floating row covers that let the heat and light through and raise the temperature under what they cover. If it rains, they will also let the water through. Best of all, I can sleep in without worrying about uncovering my plants.<br />
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***<br />
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I spread them over the bed with the potted Jupiter's Beard (Red Valerian) just before dark tonight. I weighed them down with anything heavy I had handy, including a small statue, a flower pot, and a heavy can I was about to throw out. I used clothespins to pin them to the shrubs and pot edges where handy. I won't have to get up early to remove the cover since it can stay on all day and night during this cold spell.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH6J7aGRodqUnz1TzuI214_jHqa0rmMGUkvYiitT-Zx9xObCYl_B_P7QZEw75Go1JlBnsYiVBgSnAfXZ2cPILhHvRYcWJ2Xl-81BCHe_kzw5vERdap0LkCNBx6McJir9GMvOZ/s1600/feb21-row-cover-placed-daffodils_6895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Floating Row Covers Provide Frost Protection" border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="750" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH6J7aGRodqUnz1TzuI214_jHqa0rmMGUkvYiitT-Zx9xObCYl_B_P7QZEw75Go1JlBnsYiVBgSnAfXZ2cPILhHvRYcWJ2Xl-81BCHe_kzw5vERdap0LkCNBx6McJir9GMvOZ/s640/feb21-row-cover-placed-daffodils_6895.jpg" title="Floating Row Covers Protecting Plants, © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating Row Covers Protecting Plants, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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These covers have worked for me over my raised beds in Templeton for years, but this is the first time I've used them here in Paso Robles. I like that you can choose a weight that is appropriate for the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. Since the daytime temperatures are also lower than usual, it's OK for me to leave the covers on day and night until it's warmer. I left these blooming daffodils out to look pretty, since they don't mind the cold.<br />
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I am hoping the floating row covers do the trick as they have in the past since I've weighted them down so they won't blow away. But one thing does worry me. See the neighbor kitty? He's doing more than supervising. He was also scratching around the back corner, now behind him. If he gets too curious, he could tear the edges or dislodge the weights. I wasn't counting on his presence. Fortunately the plants I most want to protect are in the middle and least likely to be uncovered.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_cwEcoGH6aVF0BY6O1msXvqgWMEb31bAljDJJogHpvAxEJjjMZBiR3T5AkR9nCYQuJEdRPkRAa20M_IpoSvVsso31E1S16w9Bx-UgN_pxyGxjRjuFcvwjMHsDZwMUYGApcyo/s1600/feb21-cat-inspects-row-covers_6894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Floating Row Covers Provide Frost Protection" border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="750" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_cwEcoGH6aVF0BY6O1msXvqgWMEb31bAljDJJogHpvAxEJjjMZBiR3T5AkR9nCYQuJEdRPkRAa20M_IpoSvVsso31E1S16w9Bx-UgN_pxyGxjRjuFcvwjMHsDZwMUYGApcyo/s640/feb21-cat-inspects-row-covers_6894.jpg" title="Floating Row Covers Protecting Plants, © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat Supervising Placement of Floating Row Covers Protecting Plants, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Since I wasn't expecting to find these today, I didn't have my usual weights with me that I use in Templeton -- the abundant large rocks found all over that property. Gravel doesn't really do the trick.<br />
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When I still lived in Templeton, these floating row covers also helped me extend my growing season for my tomatoes so they could survive early frosts. See <a href="https://hubpages.com/living/frostbittentomatoes" target="_blank">My Tomatoes Were Hit by a Late Frost in April.</a> Remember that these covers come in different weights appropriate for different low temperatures. Be sure to pick the one that's right for your area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cRel1bPuRHPTFgf3UbXuVmKfTHcdDZ-c8BeCbEnMUXc3OOXEh6KSfk9bAoBhqvm3c3I4uRlNb8TYKsd-CAfjNaT44tT0jZ4Jt3cEOjMuoUuAQTvKpdDJIipXwEht1iz5hZnj/s1600/feb21-floating-row-covers-pin_6893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Floating Row Covers Provide Frost Protection" border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cRel1bPuRHPTFgf3UbXuVmKfTHcdDZ-c8BeCbEnMUXc3OOXEh6KSfk9bAoBhqvm3c3I4uRlNb8TYKsd-CAfjNaT44tT0jZ4Jt3cEOjMuoUuAQTvKpdDJIipXwEht1iz5hZnj/s1600/feb21-floating-row-covers-pin_6893.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
<br />BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-63065286351000029742018-01-15T18:43:00.000-08:002018-01-15T19:07:16.900-08:00First Daffodil Brightens my January Garden<h2>
My First Daffodil of 2018</h2>
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Normally my bright January colors in the garden come from calendula, but this year frost killed them all. That's why I'm so glad this daffodil decided to show up and brighten my garden a bit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_MyMhNsdTQ/Wl0zzG2YVjI/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/ld48rjbf_BkkRljdT0RDIv6hi3MXx78awCLcBGAs/s1600/jan15-first-daffodil-2018_5502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="First Daffodil Brightens my January Garden" border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="750" height="401" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_MyMhNsdTQ/Wl0zzG2YVjI/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/ld48rjbf_BkkRljdT0RDIv6hi3MXx78awCLcBGAs/s640/jan15-first-daffodil-2018_5502.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Daffodil Brightens my January Garden</td></tr>
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As you can see, the recent rain brought the snails out, and they've got a head start on me. I was slow getting the bait out for them because I'm only now almost over the flu that had me down since mid-December. I need to get that snail bait out before they eat everything I've got. This is what I normally use and it works well for me when I spread it in my flowers when the ground is wet. If I'd done it right after the rain, those holes wouldn't be in my leaves now.<br />
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<h2>
My Garden Is Mostly Green and Light Purple Now</h2>
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The light purple flowers in bloom are rosemary, scabiosa (Pincushion Flower), and borage. Of course, two of those are herbs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60nYsGern-0/Wl1VN_ropPI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/9tsu-ODh2P0toesLqJUxiwiVtqSV86zxQCLcBGAs/s1600/jan15-rosemary_5512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="First Daffodil Brightens my January Garden" border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="700" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60nYsGern-0/Wl1VN_ropPI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/9tsu-ODh2P0toesLqJUxiwiVtqSV86zxQCLcBGAs/s1600/jan15-rosemary_5512.jpg" title="Rosemary in January" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary in January</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln7XEOjTaEA/Wl1ZylEejLI/AAAAAAAAJ60/4TYS00KvKPoV93eNOAw_5ZZU-KQDUbUwwCLcBGAs/s1600/jan15-scabiosa-gazania_5503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="First Daffodil Brightens my January Garden" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln7XEOjTaEA/Wl1ZylEejLI/AAAAAAAAJ60/4TYS00KvKPoV93eNOAw_5ZZU-KQDUbUwwCLcBGAs/s1600/jan15-scabiosa-gazania_5503.jpg" title="Scabiosa in January with Gazania Leaves in Background" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scabiosa in January with Gazania Leaves in Background<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvemqt4k4I83x0tf1TyeiE4t0rHbefUO1gAgaGj1uQ-GcU_nbrhonQ0Bj8qr3kz3Ec3Rumt95R4CqWc616RbLOeR9m1Z438MRyN5Fxi9yNaA28jNFTWgD8P7ruXzQxePqBPyR/s1600/jan15-borage_5502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="First Daffodil Brightens my January Garden" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvemqt4k4I83x0tf1TyeiE4t0rHbefUO1gAgaGj1uQ-GcU_nbrhonQ0Bj8qr3kz3Ec3Rumt95R4CqWc616RbLOeR9m1Z438MRyN5Fxi9yNaA28jNFTWgD8P7ruXzQxePqBPyR/s1600/jan15-borage_5502.jpg" title="Borage Flowers in January" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borage Flowers in January</td></tr>
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I don't usually see borage in bloom this early, but it reseeded last year. I'm afraid my plants have been fending for themselves since last year because I haven't had time or strength to do much for them. They have helped immensely by their reseeding. I'm hoping I'll be seeing new kale and chard plants soon. Meanwhile, I'm seeing lots of new clary sage and mullein plants. That's a reseeded mullein, one of many, in that pot above the borage in the photo above. It will be months before it blooms.<br />
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You can see below left how the mullein plant will look when it does bloom. This plant grew about six feet tall and this praying mantis pair found a home on it.<br />
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The card on the above right shows how beautiful the borage can be when it keeps its head up and is next to an orange or yellow plant like the calendula in the photo.<br />
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The image on the card below comes from my Templeton garden that has no snails because it rarely gets irrigation.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/okicr?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Daffodil: You Brighten My Life Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Daffodil: You Brighten My Life Card" height="512" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/daffodil_you_brighten_my_life_card-rd9fd8e09874843dfa6ebaf408a870036_i40k2_8byvr_512.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="512" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Daffodil: You Brighten My Life Card</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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What I'm wondering now is where all those other daffodils I planted along with this the one now blooming are. This afternoon I cleared away some of the Lamb's Ears that might be obstructing them so the light can get to them, but maybe they are just taking more time than this one. I do hope more will come up and bloom by February. That's when I usually see them.<br />
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Are you growing daffodils this year? Are any of your normal January or February plants blooming earlier or later than usual this year?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_XvFRTuuP9g/Wl1sEH8dRgI/AAAAAAAAJ7Q/YCbfw_Nluk0y_BOieF-Z9vaqtCr98q72QCLcBGAs/s1600/collage-first-daffodil-2018-pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_XvFRTuuP9g/Wl1sEH8dRgI/AAAAAAAAJ7Q/YCbfw_Nluk0y_BOieF-Z9vaqtCr98q72QCLcBGAs/s1600/collage-first-daffodil-2018-pin.jpg" /></a></div>
**BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-36730933501904715342017-10-31T15:26:00.000-07:002017-10-31T15:26:05.027-07:00What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles?<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">There's a Lot of Color on the Central Coast in October</span></h2>
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Over the weekend I walked to the mailbox a block away with my camera to see what was blooming in my neighborhood. I will share what I saw with you here. I made sure to walk past the home of my favorite neighborhood gardener, and I wasn't disappointed. This bougainvillea's bright color immediately got my attention. At the very back you can almost see one of the pots containing a yellow pansy in bloom.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKYS76qNlbU/Wfgepl-N-3I/AAAAAAAAJk0/vVrNxlVsB9ErQy24B8ep9EDQbk9ObZjkACLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-oct-blooms-intro-bougainvillea_3247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKYS76qNlbU/Wfgepl-N-3I/AAAAAAAAJk0/vVrNxlVsB9ErQy24B8ep9EDQbk9ObZjkACLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-oct-blooms-intro-bougainvillea_3247.jpg" title="Bougainvillea in October, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bougainvillea in October, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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I'm not familiar with the purple flowering shrub in the photo below. It's from the same yard. I do recognize the roses surrounding it and the white scabiosa (pincushion flower) in front of it. I'm also not sure of the red flowers next to the wall. Whatever their names, you have to admit this is a colorful arrangement of blooms at the end of October.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sSm4KpWszU/WfghgV6dwPI/AAAAAAAAJlA/lOnKFBLTmwwSdX4pnMqKg-IpCoYQ99IKwCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-purple-mystery-plant-roses-scabiosa_3242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sSm4KpWszU/WfghgV6dwPI/AAAAAAAAJlA/lOnKFBLTmwwSdX4pnMqKg-IpCoYQ99IKwCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-purple-mystery-plant-roses-scabiosa_3242.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of my Neighbor's Flower Garden in Paso Robles</td></tr>
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The next photo is just to the right of the photo above in the actual flowerbed. I can't make a positive identification of everything below. I believe most of the daisy-like flowers are gaillardias, asters, or African daisies. The flower hanging over the edge is a California poppy, which I was surprised to see in bloom. There is another rose bush on the extreme right.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMwSnFpJOac/Wfgxm1_UF_I/AAAAAAAAJlQ/zqrw7dNa5u0xSujRGizc16jMCtOO-51owCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-poppy-rose-daisy-like_3254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMwSnFpJOac/Wfgxm1_UF_I/AAAAAAAAJlQ/zqrw7dNa5u0xSujRGizc16jMCtOO-51owCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-poppy-rose-daisy-like_3254.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of my Paso Robles Neighbor's Flower Garden</td></tr>
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Are you convinced yet that one can have a colorful garden at the end of October? But there is more around the corner in the front flowerbed. That plant trying to take over is, I believe, Lipstick Sage. Some sages will expand if given a chance. This appears to be one of them. It seems to be trying to smother the Jupiter's Beard to its right.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQEPbaWfcnc/Wfg4igijOnI/AAAAAAAAJlk/dtEqwTxH9y0FtXimR8Xu-7DQ5sksMBdWACLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-lipstick-sage-jupiters-beard_3257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQEPbaWfcnc/Wfg4igijOnI/AAAAAAAAJlk/dtEqwTxH9y0FtXimR8Xu-7DQ5sksMBdWACLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-lipstick-sage-jupiters-beard_3257.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lipstick Sage</td></tr>
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Last but not least in this neighbor's side yard is this lavender-like sage plant. I'm not sure what variety it is.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6idC5bJXM4/Wfg4V8xoyzI/AAAAAAAAJlg/18B7ZIoDkL0Pc_rlpILavVpNr_31yFeowCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-lavender-sage_3265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6idC5bJXM4/Wfg4V8xoyzI/AAAAAAAAJlg/18B7ZIoDkL0Pc_rlpILavVpNr_31yFeowCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-lavender-sage_3265.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sage, variety unknown</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Need Help Picking Seasonal Blooms</span></h2>
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If you live in the West, there's no better all round gardening reference than this.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">What's Blooming on the Rest of the Block</span></h2>
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Shades of purple and yellow add a lot of color to fall gardens here. One of the light purple staples is society garlic, pictured below. It's not showy, but it's drought resistant and almost everyone who cares about that plants it. The small white sweet alyssum is a wonderful flowering ground cover to fill in the bare places.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s9jo7Q-RLLI/Wfg6YMcozoI/AAAAAAAAJlw/u3HrH3Ci-ZQYyhLGTizpoNnLPEvBaUIHgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-society-garlic_3215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="735" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s9jo7Q-RLLI/Wfg6YMcozoI/AAAAAAAAJlw/u3HrH3Ci-ZQYyhLGTizpoNnLPEvBaUIHgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-society-garlic_3215.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Alyssum and Society Garlic</td></tr>
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Daylilies are a colorful addition to any garden. These are still blooming in my neighborhood. You see one tiny society garlic flower peeking out to the right.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjQ7qzk3akI/WfjYt-3DF7I/AAAAAAAAJmA/Eeb2F2kHMGQXAWZYXynYsjnDgn1y1DL5gCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-yellow-daylilies_3216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjQ7qzk3akI/WfjYt-3DF7I/AAAAAAAAJmA/Eeb2F2kHMGQXAWZYXynYsjnDgn1y1DL5gCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-yellow-daylilies_3216.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daylilies in October</td></tr>
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Here's another garden with thriving roses. The roses usually keep blooming well into winter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNaAFW_a1BQEaE2gk3IhLKIyJ9cOnBNu6kFO4A_TrfVOew0rplt1GN3GZV8hGv_ABx9eCxl7XvtQOfh5OkapyJ3vYjlqvPde_Ir-Slx9qA6PMMec5BuaUiLoAvCxe2OBI04QK/s1600/oct27-neighbor-rose-garden_3219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNaAFW_a1BQEaE2gk3IhLKIyJ9cOnBNu6kFO4A_TrfVOew0rplt1GN3GZV8hGv_ABx9eCxl7XvtQOfh5OkapyJ3vYjlqvPde_Ir-Slx9qA6PMMec5BuaUiLoAvCxe2OBI04QK/s1600/oct27-neighbor-rose-garden_3219.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Neighbor's Rose Garden</td></tr>
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Oleander is a favorite in my neighborhood. Several of us have it in our yards. One neighbor has several colors, including white, which I don't show here. We like it because it's drought resistant and blooms during from spring well into fall here. <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/oleander-through-year.html" target="_blank">Read about oleander growth stages through the year.</a><br />
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All parts of the oleander plant are poisonous, but I've lived with it all my life and no one in any of the places I lived where this was in almost every yard ever died because they ate it. It doesn't seem to invite snacking. Parents tell their kids it's poison and for some reason they believe it about this plant.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFlY1xxxsMoCWRqgzir20NijvE_sxwFh6yAZunZpMuJZwT24Kxp2a3w2vJdmrd-K7a3U5dh9-YZVSyViYQE38Pf5VSRLN_1Ib6U4CpKM2Vc5pmGrRzpC2Mt2G2FCcwDNqMdSv/s1600/oct27-oleander-a-_3221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFlY1xxxsMoCWRqgzir20NijvE_sxwFh6yAZunZpMuJZwT24Kxp2a3w2vJdmrd-K7a3U5dh9-YZVSyViYQE38Pf5VSRLN_1Ib6U4CpKM2Vc5pmGrRzpC2Mt2G2FCcwDNqMdSv/s1600/oct27-oleander-a-_3221.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oleander</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz0_sV_ff0c/Wfjej91-1CI/AAAAAAAAJmc/lGHMnoAO2LMbktL6PWhDYIRkXYjO-44jgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-sq700-olenander_3226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz0_sV_ff0c/Wfjej91-1CI/AAAAAAAAJmc/lGHMnoAO2LMbktL6PWhDYIRkXYjO-44jgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-sq700-olenander_3226.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oleander</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Flowers Blooming in my Own Yard at the End of October</span></h2>
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After seeing what my neighbors have, I have garden envy. My health hasn't enabled me to clear the leaves from the flowerbed that the gardener used to take care of. He quit for health reasons. About all I can do right now is photograph what's happening. I had hoped to put in some fall annuals, like pansies. First, though, I have to make space where the Lamb's Ears have taken over. I hope to be able to get back to the garden soon.<br />
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My roses in the back garden are still blooming. The red roses seem to be doing best. The yellow, coral, and white ones are also blooming. I think the roses aren't healthy, but I'm not an expert on roses and I'm not sure what to do about it. I didn't plant the garden. I usually only plant what I can take care of. The gardener kept it pruned in winter, but that's about all it gets but water.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vU2UD2FyK5I/Wfji-yKzUtI/AAAAAAAAJms/YV5lbrxNjzk7zd_-9NYVDBVS4J6p7HVGACLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-red-rose_3197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vU2UD2FyK5I/Wfji-yKzUtI/AAAAAAAAJms/YV5lbrxNjzk7zd_-9NYVDBVS4J6p7HVGACLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-red-rose_3197.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rose</td></tr>
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Below are my scabiosa flowers. I begged for these when my neighbor was thinning her plants from the lovely garden I showed you first in this post. She gave me a couple she was uprooting, and they are thriving in my yard. This one is doing well at holding its own in the midst of the invading catmint and juniper around it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xPEugPEWxCo/WfjkairfoYI/AAAAAAAAJm4/xwa_X732lY8qj73rnBOHa91Hl_XkN-HZQCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-lavender-scabiosa-_3186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xPEugPEWxCo/WfjkairfoYI/AAAAAAAAJm4/xwa_X732lY8qj73rnBOHa91Hl_XkN-HZQCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-lavender-scabiosa-_3186.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)</td></tr>
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My gazanias seem to bloom faithfully every day we have sunshine. They close when there is not much light. They can handle drought well. The only thing that's ever killed them are gophers and a hard frost. But after the hard frost was over, they came back from the roots still in the ground. They spread as they grow, and can be an ideal ground cover.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4tmenp17tA/WfjmYsAI4eI/AAAAAAAAJnE/YWUmkmfjGbcCki_KwjKa38xo_LDiOwA2ACLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-gazanias-leaves_3187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4tmenp17tA/WfjmYsAI4eI/AAAAAAAAJnE/YWUmkmfjGbcCki_KwjKa38xo_LDiOwA2ACLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-gazanias-leaves_3187.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gazanias</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Rosemary usually provides forage for the bees during winter. I see it blooming during almost every season, though it appears to be slowing down a bit now. It's strongest in winter through spring. If I don't keep it pruned back it will take over.<br />
<br />
Almost everyone in this neighborhood grows some because it's a useful herb, the bees love it, and it needs no water once established. Some have made hedges of it.<br />
<br />
It's not as tall as it looks here. It's really only about four feet high now, but the angle of the camera makes it look much higher. It's the only way I could get the small flowers to show.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuVMm2n8Mx8/WfjpeM7suyI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/KjInZA5NJAUGLa0fvVrtLTsyMq-jvPQpgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-rosemary_3196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="735" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuVMm2n8Mx8/WfjpeM7suyI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/KjInZA5NJAUGLa0fvVrtLTsyMq-jvPQpgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-rosemary_3196.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary in Bloom in October</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Ah, faithful calendula. It just keeps on blooming as long as it gets a bit of water sometimes. It's an annual, but keeps reseeding. I will post more about its virtues later. It seems to bloom in all seasons.<a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/plant-pests--predators-aphids-ladybugs.html" target="_blank"> It occasionally gets attacked by aphids, but the ladybugs usually control it. </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7X_6sOwQwE/WfjqU0JgTJI/AAAAAAAAJnc/84pjdDmJLRIADLDgdNKxwp9rcxRj_GcAgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-calendula-sq700-3189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7X_6sOwQwE/WfjqU0JgTJI/AAAAAAAAJnc/84pjdDmJLRIADLDgdNKxwp9rcxRj_GcAgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-calendula-sq700-3189.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calendula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Lastly, I present my wild watermelon sage. I planted it in 2013 and appreciate that it adds color, the bees like it, and it doesn't try to take over. Compared to my other sages, it has a small footprint and it's only about a yard high. It occasionally gets some water. Other than that, it fends for itself and I prune it if it appears I need to.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BT-p8jFT_r4/WfjtXHUvEiI/AAAAAAAAJno/OdayZxWsGuY0YFmKjmLfs4mdIIdBJrlegCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-wild-watermelon-sage_3192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="700" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BT-p8jFT_r4/WfjtXHUvEiI/AAAAAAAAJno/OdayZxWsGuY0YFmKjmLfs4mdIIdBJrlegCLcBGAs/s1600/oct27-wild-watermelon-sage_3192.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Watermelon Sage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Here's one last tidbit from my neighbor's garden. She grows this morning glory in a pot with a support to climb on. She probably wants to confine it because it tends to be invasive. Delicate, isn't it?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfgEvcmQ0Iv_xz71K7Pg4kwYs8fd4lW83fTmxINiUmgHCJ-Gh5zhG3CsSsmmXNTb3CdrVCtndyHhRYg_5ehgfc2cWaQnZ9WrxDvbpe0ksENfN4gUORyi8Dh2wx9QGpxbE8j64/s1600/oct27-morning-glory-pin_3252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's in Bloom at the End of October in Paso Robles? Walk with me through my Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming. " border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfgEvcmQ0Iv_xz71K7Pg4kwYs8fd4lW83fTmxINiUmgHCJ-Gh5zhG3CsSsmmXNTb3CdrVCtndyHhRYg_5ehgfc2cWaQnZ9WrxDvbpe0ksENfN4gUORyi8Dh2wx9QGpxbE8j64/s1600/oct27-morning-glory-pin_3252.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Glories</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I hope you've enjoyed this informal garden tour of one block in a Paso Robles neighborhood to see what's blooming here in October.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite autumn flower in your area?</span><br />
<br />
***BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-90306446794995495952017-10-11T15:53:00.001-07:002017-10-11T15:53:47.347-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Time to Schedule Garden Tasks for October<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">My Garden Is a Mess</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPeNBFDKxys/Wd6IDYu_m8I/AAAAAAAAJLk/uEXkdWMUi4o22Xz17bNWvn7REx8zyTDaACLcBGAs/s1600/oct12-front-bed-kale-background-2637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wordless Wednesday: Time to Schedule Garden Tasks for October" border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPeNBFDKxys/Wd6IDYu_m8I/AAAAAAAAJLk/uEXkdWMUi4o22Xz17bNWvn7REx8zyTDaACLcBGAs/s1600/oct12-front-bed-kale-background-2637.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need to finish pruning kale and thinning Lamb's Ears. <span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">© </span>B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Decisions to Make about What to Keep</span></h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6_J5MkMphCs0Pt-hJ4m2-lKAVo7ARgq2V3onjd47qvGOatYCCQmzdmlFKRh3wazQH0J2FY1QGTL0O41niyJPhHsXy2DEawiBxbMrIC0C4_obMAWJXToQvbVpxlEaIvtJxouI/s1600/oct12-sq750-new-seedlings-by-catmint-2640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6_J5MkMphCs0Pt-hJ4m2-lKAVo7ARgq2V3onjd47qvGOatYCCQmzdmlFKRh3wazQH0J2FY1QGTL0O41niyJPhHsXy2DEawiBxbMrIC0C4_obMAWJXToQvbVpxlEaIvtJxouI/s1600/oct12-sq750-new-seedlings-by-catmint-2640.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Thin or transplant new seedlings? Depends on whether they turn out to be <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-mystery-of-baby-clary-sage.html" target="_blank">borage, mullein, or clary sage</a>.<br />
© B. Radisavljevic<br />
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</tbody></table>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Where Shall I Start?</span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SP2y8wozxaI/Wd6TL_UdarI/AAAAAAAAJMA/0iyuJbfWGRgjMtuC8SY9MnSSe_FEfyvWgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct12-overgrown-herbs-front-bed-irises-2645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SP2y8wozxaI/Wd6TL_UdarI/AAAAAAAAJMA/0iyuJbfWGRgjMtuC8SY9MnSSe_FEfyvWgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct12-overgrown-herbs-front-bed-irises-2645.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prune herbs back, trim irises, or thin gazanias? Oh, my! ©
B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5aoniwdfIYvAdPLN3MQXUYJc6OWIuRzR3s3fiBGhAs_beh4mi7J_ezXAUCDzPj-OY0LVPInXfsF4N3P7voct4h8iUaQr5U0pnJzJB0I1md_zr_qbKWJGf2c32g-9Jw20sxrL/s1600/oct11-leaves-in-side-bed-2651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5aoniwdfIYvAdPLN3MQXUYJc6OWIuRzR3s3fiBGhAs_beh4mi7J_ezXAUCDzPj-OY0LVPInXfsF4N3P7voct4h8iUaQr5U0pnJzJB0I1md_zr_qbKWJGf2c32g-9Jw20sxrL/s1600/oct11-leaves-in-side-bed-2651.jpg" title="© B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd better see if any tree seedlings are lurking under these leaves. © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpR8ZVOg9dM/Wd6bhf2BzDI/AAAAAAAAJMg/-q4min6aSyAf5_N_F3PMXyMwiA8YSUc_QCLcBGAs/s1600/oct10-sunset-palms-vert-2634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Time to Schedule Garden Tasks for October - I'd rather look at this sunset." border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="735" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpR8ZVOg9dM/Wd6bhf2BzDI/AAAAAAAAJMg/-q4min6aSyAf5_N_F3PMXyMwiA8YSUc_QCLcBGAs/s1600/oct10-sunset-palms-vert-2634.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I'd rather look at this than get to work. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©
B. Radisavljevic</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjFpR4GNSWyGTHKIrtKx6IVoJQhqUPZ2CNvJLpKVH5zwoCWRXAbNSN2KsScrsNvgWzfl3VYbFrJGq6QoRC2Lo_0v4mdmmipODWgc5W1JVIdmvAGuTixjrryH8rWCnz0N-qLjV/s1600/oct11-garden-tasks-oct-pin-2658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjFpR4GNSWyGTHKIrtKx6IVoJQhqUPZ2CNvJLpKVH5zwoCWRXAbNSN2KsScrsNvgWzfl3VYbFrJGq6QoRC2Lo_0v4mdmmipODWgc5W1JVIdmvAGuTixjrryH8rWCnz0N-qLjV/s1600/oct11-garden-tasks-oct-pin-2658.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Have You Started or Finished Your Autumn Garden Tasks Yet?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0Creeksand Ln, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.6071791 -120.683574935.6007241 -120.6936599 35.613634100000006 -120.67348989999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-58946169229909897502017-06-21T16:54:00.001-07:002017-06-21T16:54:42.420-07:00 My Neglected Templeton Garden in June<h2>
June 19, 2017</h2>
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<h3>
What Happens When a Garden Takes Care of Itself</h3>
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
The Butterfly Bush</h4>
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<br />
This is the same butterfly bush that fell in 2014.<a href="http://bit.ly/1HQX3UL" target="_blank"> See this post for contrast photos.</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4cGmLIt-GYA5i5PUYjnC3UjVmXqyZbyqjzPOMCVdgMzSYJCRDBZHuCuzHu8pp438a29JPSMsjRVfDASFtjXP_tMFHlfSdGTWF1mX7ivhlsvNANb39Nwz8Hb1qshZ1qTBeyjP/s1600/june19-2017-butterfly-bush-templeton-1884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="725" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4cGmLIt-GYA5i5PUYjnC3UjVmXqyZbyqjzPOMCVdgMzSYJCRDBZHuCuzHu8pp438a29JPSMsjRVfDASFtjXP_tMFHlfSdGTWF1mX7ivhlsvNANb39Nwz8Hb1qshZ1qTBeyjP/s1600/june19-2017-butterfly-bush-templeton-1884.jpg" title="Recovered Butterfly Bush Growing Upright Again" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recovered Butterfly Bush Growing Upright Again, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sD0ROZc_LFk/WUrf1hk6HmI/AAAAAAAAI2c/VPA68L98cysML_Gv-smcwG4bxXjmRo-pQCLcBGAs/s1600/june19-2017-butterfly-bush-templeton-herb-garden-1888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sD0ROZc_LFk/WUrf1hk6HmI/AAAAAAAAI2c/VPA68L98cysML_Gv-smcwG4bxXjmRo-pQCLcBGAs/s1600/june19-2017-butterfly-bush-templeton-herb-garden-1888.jpg" title="Butterfly Bush in Context of Rest of Herb Garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly Bush in Context of Rest of Herb Garden, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
In the left background is an Italian CyrpeCypress tree. In the foreground is a combination of black sage and rosemary. The orchard is in the background on the right. This is quite a contrast from my original herb garden when I planted it a couple of decades ago. <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2007/04/expanding-and-improving-herb-garden.html" target="_blank">This is what this section looked like in April, 2007.</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzilsgjpU6w/RiFy4-6lw7I/AAAAAAAAABc/Zz4rAJ1DzkopJYxj_yQ_bEokPeCkWIYPACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/HerbGardenFromSW070409All.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1152" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzilsgjpU6w/RiFy4-6lw7I/AAAAAAAAABc/Zz4rAJ1DzkopJYxj_yQ_bEokPeCkWIYPACPcBGAYYCw/s640/HerbGardenFromSW070409All.JPG" title="Expanding Herb Garden in April, 2007" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expanding Herb Garden in April, 2007, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Apples</h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was happy to see our remaining apple tree is producing this year. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGLt1l9x-to/WUr0-R3uunI/AAAAAAAAI2o/3h97NwmIEfoU0aEpkgbBxSMYXfzQWdTBACLcBGAs/s1600/june19-small-apples1895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGLt1l9x-to/WUr0-R3uunI/AAAAAAAAI2o/3h97NwmIEfoU0aEpkgbBxSMYXfzQWdTBACLcBGAs/s1600/june19-small-apples1895.jpg" title="Young Apples, June 19, 2017" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Apples, June 19, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Walnuts on the Tree</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpHKcbFcjLLK79DV3S18GTdi1LVK8QQsaU7ihhfzrWV1yj039Rx7aJoTyTwt8vQIH0qxd_lJ2S0aT3_qhMUfapIAGvLaV45nRLRPUFSzqMKylxj0SuYizG377I8_JG5zIIUpN/s1600/june19-walnuts-on-tree-1893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpHKcbFcjLLK79DV3S18GTdi1LVK8QQsaU7ihhfzrWV1yj039Rx7aJoTyTwt8vQIH0qxd_lJ2S0aT3_qhMUfapIAGvLaV45nRLRPUFSzqMKylxj0SuYizG377I8_JG5zIIUpN/s1600/june19-walnuts-on-tree-1893.jpg" title="Walnut Tree with Immature Nuts" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walnut Tree with Immature Nuts, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
June 20, 2017</h2>
<h3>
Papa Quail </h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZxT_fa64my8GfMbb1NjnQ1zg4m7AgtH3w8hs324ayGOUZitNvzS4rvACV0pLyWh8L1ufabUef0x7uQyKNX0yaeSWNHXFRu3xFt2ft8DPlis_nbHJnzIflHRPqRvbEOGl3gmw/s1600/june20-papa-quail-stands-guard-1901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZxT_fa64my8GfMbb1NjnQ1zg4m7AgtH3w8hs324ayGOUZitNvzS4rvACV0pLyWh8L1ufabUef0x7uQyKNX0yaeSWNHXFRu3xFt2ft8DPlis_nbHJnzIflHRPqRvbEOGl3gmw/s1600/june20-papa-quail-stands-guard-1901.jpg" title="Papa Quail Watches Over Family, Which Is Hidden in Brush" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papa Quail Watches Over Family, Which Is Hidden in Brush, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtAc54iLE3U/WUr6I_huKoI/AAAAAAAAI20/aoHE7PPLjMQxzdSKlPCxk5hSYrLzCoVVQCLcBGAs/s1600/june20-papa-quail-in-context-1902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtAc54iLE3U/WUr6I_huKoI/AAAAAAAAI20/aoHE7PPLjMQxzdSKlPCxk5hSYrLzCoVVQCLcBGAs/s1600/june20-papa-quail-in-context-1902.jpg" title="Papa Quail in Context. Quail Family is Hidden in Brush" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papa Quail in Context. Quail Family is Hidden in Brush, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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It was too hot to stand still and wait for the quail family to come out of hiding so I could get a photo, but I often see the mother with her chicks running for cover in the brush as I go by. They live on the section of our land that is near the entrance. That's our oak tree in the background.</div>
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The Herbs on the Slope</h3>
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I planted my first herbs in Templeton on the slope close to the front door. For years they've grown wild, and I discovered when I took these photos that a coyote brush plant had sneaked in under the rosemary on the back edge and grown large enough to smoother whatever is under it. Probably my oregano and tricolor sage. Rosemary is still growing strong in back. But I'd like to concentrate on the flowers here. </div>
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The lavender was among the first plants I placed on the slope. I got it from the now gone Sycamore Farms herb farm. The sage below was planted at the same time and came from the same place. The santolina (golden) was planted later. It probably also came from there. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubQOC_Kz5is/WUr_cMo0pYI/AAAAAAAAI28/VWdWhgNQ5kQtjzb5EqfotEGwWml-WvNuwCLcBGAs/s1600/june20-bee-lavender-santolina-1910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubQOC_Kz5is/WUr_cMo0pYI/AAAAAAAAI28/VWdWhgNQ5kQtjzb5EqfotEGwWml-WvNuwCLcBGAs/s1600/june20-bee-lavender-santolina-1910.jpg" title="Bee Foraging on Lavender" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee Foraging on Lavender, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwDViaApZzQ/WUsAnyDy50I/AAAAAAAAI3A/h-eRB3N4Wak8CEvqbzRTmgXZfUYH7aFqACLcBGAs/s1600/june20-santolina-with-lavender-1922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="735" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwDViaApZzQ/WUsAnyDy50I/AAAAAAAAI3A/h-eRB3N4Wak8CEvqbzRTmgXZfUYH7aFqACLcBGAs/s1600/june20-santolina-with-lavender-1922.jpg" title="Santolina and Lavender Close Up, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santolina and Lavender Close Up, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K64ExVqeQiE/WUsBGdGaIXI/AAAAAAAAI3E/t3fk9qvL_C4c9yi4tCwrJE3-fTCBAweLwCLcBGAs/s1600/june20-common-sage-blooming-1925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="735" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K64ExVqeQiE/WUsBGdGaIXI/AAAAAAAAI3E/t3fk9qvL_C4c9yi4tCwrJE3-fTCBAweLwCLcBGAs/s1600/june20-common-sage-blooming-1925.jpg" title="Common Sage in Bloom" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Sage in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic, </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3dgPf1KYls/WUsDOjDtYcI/AAAAAAAAI3I/9CPP2Fs8KS4gjNLBGnnSF4eN30zCBON2ACLcBGAs/s1600/june20-thyme-templeton-slope1930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3dgPf1KYls/WUsDOjDtYcI/AAAAAAAAI3I/9CPP2Fs8KS4gjNLBGnnSF4eN30zCBON2ACLcBGAs/s1600/june20-thyme-templeton-slope1930.jpg" title="Thyme on the Slope" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thyme on the Slope, © B. Radisavljevic </td></tr>
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This last photo shows an overview of the slope. The taller yellow flowers are volunteer dusty miller plants that reseeded from some older transplants. The santolina and lavender are on its left. You see mostly rosemary and sage on the right, with thyme in the foreground. All these plants originally came from four-inch pots around 2006, so you can see how much they have grown. For the last three years they have had little attention. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OldjzRBWx8/WUsDopveWmI/AAAAAAAAI3M/SvO1gc120F8jZiyYONRXDit1DwpA8RDDwCLcBGAs/s1600/june20-overview-slope1929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" My Neglected Templeton Garden in June" border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OldjzRBWx8/WUsDopveWmI/AAAAAAAAI3M/SvO1gc120F8jZiyYONRXDit1DwpA8RDDwCLcBGAs/s1600/june20-overview-slope1929.jpg" title="Overview of West Side of Slope" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overview of West Side of Slope, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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I hope you've enjoyed seeing what can happen to a neglected garden. It's amazing so much of it survived the drought with almost no irrigation.<br />
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Do you grow herbs? What are your most memorable experiences with them? Which are your favorites to grow?<br />
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*****</div>
BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-10180686306563871852017-06-10T14:14:00.000-07:002017-06-10T14:14:59.052-07:00Clary and Tricolor Sage In June<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">June is When My Clary Sage Shows Off</span></h2>
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My clary sage has been budding since May, and on June 1 I noticed it was in bloom again. All my clary sage here started from one plant in a pot. After the rains this year, many baby plants emerged far from the mother plant. Theones in the photo below appeared in the side flower bed near the street. They are blooming. The clary sage is in the foreground at the center with large leaves and a large flower stalk. A black sage plant is in bloom behind it.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FveixsPN8Zo/WTtypLgoeVI/AAAAAAAAI00/cnNHsXqe1Ls1mLk3tia-QK3QNfLDvGL0QCEw/s1600/june8-clary-black-sages-blooming-868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clary and Tricolor Sage In June" border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FveixsPN8Zo/WTtypLgoeVI/AAAAAAAAI00/cnNHsXqe1Ls1mLk3tia-QK3QNfLDvGL0QCEw/s1600/june8-clary-black-sages-blooming-868.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Below is a different view that includes two other plant babies growing in the gazanias. They haven't matured enough to bloom yet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8USVmsGssdFf-C0wd0z1ChG73eo6AHPnYkouLYiFlF8EaWNJiLOvVt5or54nk3VerMBuWpmdWcJp0d1OyAFB_VPuRZ3KpX91dOwGaI5zi3ynTBzhrkdGzPdjLKB-QKDvzNNPR/s1600/june8-calry-sage-seedlings-in-bloom-1867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clary and Tricolor Sage In June" border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8USVmsGssdFf-C0wd0z1ChG73eo6AHPnYkouLYiFlF8EaWNJiLOvVt5or54nk3VerMBuWpmdWcJp0d1OyAFB_VPuRZ3KpX91dOwGaI5zi3ynTBzhrkdGzPdjLKB-QKDvzNNPR/s1600/june8-calry-sage-seedlings-in-bloom-1867.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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This is the mother plant, still in its pot, and fully in bloom.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3I51XULKLn4/WTpJMKmIhlI/AAAAAAAAI0o/ArZrGcaA5uYeoXLZRFTe1fYCXBvFfnCagCEw/s1600/clary-sage-blooming-june8-1863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clary and Tricolor Sage In June" border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3I51XULKLn4/WTpJMKmIhlI/AAAAAAAAI0o/ArZrGcaA5uYeoXLZRFTe1fYCXBvFfnCagCEw/s1600/clary-sage-blooming-june8-1863.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Here are a few more babies growing next to the walkway by the garage. They will be blooming soon. I see a bud. This section of my garden is all volunteer plants. The Lamb's Ears came from a mother plant across the sidewalk and has spread throughout this bed. It is also blooming now. I threw some iris bulbs I didn't have room for in the other flower beds into a cardboard box of shallow dirt in this back corner, and they decided to be happy there and bloom while I was waiting to find another spot for them. The pot contains mostly lemon balm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkxDIXoXx-0qtuSD5Mw2OR5ahhl-QpG1qHKMKYey5m2zKuecHAeLbiIjjJRTCNR15UnbgTrwrKPfuU_lpFnd-O2mVO6iAkta8CZIZKpAJBqW30j2WLs8XLSVVPwCDQlJswVFf/s1600/june8-more-clary-seedlings-garage-1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clary and Tricolor Sage In June" border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkxDIXoXx-0qtuSD5Mw2OR5ahhl-QpG1qHKMKYey5m2zKuecHAeLbiIjjJRTCNR15UnbgTrwrKPfuU_lpFnd-O2mVO6iAkta8CZIZKpAJBqW30j2WLs8XLSVVPwCDQlJswVFf/s1600/june8-more-clary-seedlings-garage-1874.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tricolor Sage Blooms Between May and June</span></h2>
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I was so busy this year, I almost missed it. That would have been a shame since I can't remember that it ever bloomed for me before, and I've had it for several years. I think it took all the rainfall we had this year to make it bloom. In the collage below, you can see how quickly the plant can bloom and fade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9wrsopvsqZlYAqITpA1ik5LEFeg9HZhZ60c2F2hzfdjy0IWGKpxJ308126lvy-Rz_YxKm60_w3EDE1-lxiRQyvhPAE5gFO-YSrrz3SwGav2_tArG_G5bnB0VQfUl5VGWSJU-/s1600/tricolor-sage-in-bloom-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9wrsopvsqZlYAqITpA1ik5LEFeg9HZhZ60c2F2hzfdjy0IWGKpxJ308126lvy-Rz_YxKm60_w3EDE1-lxiRQyvhPAE5gFO-YSrrz3SwGav2_tArG_G5bnB0VQfUl5VGWSJU-/s1600/tricolor-sage-in-bloom-2017.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is your experience with sage varieties? Do you have a favorite?</span><br />
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***BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-52759490323387162862017-05-17T00:44:00.002-07:002017-05-17T00:55:26.894-07:00Wordless Wednesday: When Oak Trees are Weeds<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Oak Trees Can Be Weeds if They Grow in Your Garden</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tJnMjTXziY/WRv8VdHm8VI/AAAAAAAAIx8/zb_snwpPUt8H9xBkoGyl7GgP8xAuqj2YwCLcB/s1600/oak-in-rose-garden-1800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="When Oak Trees are Weeds" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tJnMjTXziY/WRv8VdHm8VI/AAAAAAAAIx8/zb_snwpPUt8H9xBkoGyl7GgP8xAuqj2YwCLcB/s1600/oak-in-rose-garden-1800.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak Tree Seedling that Sprouted in Rose Garden, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If An Oak Grows in a Rose Garden, It's a Weed</span></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak Seedling Becomes a Weed in Rose Garden, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It looks like a squirrel missed an acorn it buried. It will be fun trying to dig this up. Anyone want a free oak tree? </span></div>
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-44450039429058899682017-05-10T23:48:00.001-07:002017-05-11T01:55:35.651-07:00Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">I Hate to Say Goodbye to My Irises</span></h2>
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I have been enjoying irises in bloom since February, and I hate to see them go. Yet I can see more iris flowers dying each day. I'm glad there are still a few more buds that haven't bloomed yet. Below you can see what's left of a pale purple iris. The bending chard about to flower points to it. Above the chard a blooming Lamb's Ears plant reaches for the sky. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwBwInTtEbw/WRN8za6KJTI/AAAAAAAAItg/reqv6F9Nqy8UlWKr03uuKDsW2V1yNOgCQCLcB/s1600/may10-irises-fading-lambsears-chard-2783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwBwInTtEbw/WRN8za6KJTI/AAAAAAAAItg/reqv6F9Nqy8UlWKr03uuKDsW2V1yNOgCQCLcB/s1600/may10-irises-fading-lambsears-chard-2783.jpg" title="Fading Iris, Bolting Chard, and Sages and Scabiosa in Background, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fading Iris, Bolting Chard, and Sages and Scabiosa in Background, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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If you peak carefully behind that irsis, you can see the beginning of my tricolor sage starting to bloom. This is the first year it's bloomed for me. The large clary sage behind the iris shouldn't bloom until next month, but you never know. <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-growth-of-clary-sage.html" target="_blank">Learn more about clary sage and see it in bloom in my garden</a>. Those blue flowers at the very back left are scabiosas, also known as pincushion flowers. I've often planted them in my gardens because they are perennial and seem to thrive. </div>
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I took the photo below in a different flowerbed on the front corner of the lot. It shows the remaining light purple irises in all stages of development. You can also see the miniature roses that have started to bloom. They are later than my other roses. The yellow flowers are gazanias. They are closed today because it's overcast.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57NaD8BOkHo/WROIbLoBubI/AAAAAAAAItw/_aE9r2jwCdAEQylmN58-5OJinrlN9D4rwCLcB/s1600/may10-fading-irises-roses-1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57NaD8BOkHo/WROIbLoBubI/AAAAAAAAItw/_aE9r2jwCdAEQylmN58-5OJinrlN9D4rwCLcB/s1600/may10-fading-irises-roses-1760.jpg" title="Irises Budding, Blooming, and Fading, Next to Miniature Roses, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irises Budding, Blooming, and Fading, Next to Miniature Roses, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lamb's Ears in Bloom</span></h2>
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I'd like to show you how fast Lamb's Ears grow. The shot below was taken at the end of February. Notice how short it is compared to the irises on the right, the lilies of the Nile in back, and the star jasmine in the background. The entire bed will change by May.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_CIv1O0RiD6UVJ8B03jIHeft_mWWWyMIG_KiYVWTCd8SUaLyxQxDfdd0zpx5yA_8ivbdx8NfC0cjMLj4ps_LOhf7XJkk8k0nqPNqc3bQptTYeMWiuoeZe4bN5yUxLxfYUQ41/s1600/feb13-lambsears-garage-bed-1358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_CIv1O0RiD6UVJ8B03jIHeft_mWWWyMIG_KiYVWTCd8SUaLyxQxDfdd0zpx5yA_8ivbdx8NfC0cjMLj4ps_LOhf7XJkk8k0nqPNqc3bQptTYeMWiuoeZe4bN5yUxLxfYUQ41/s1600/feb13-lambsears-garage-bed-1358.jpg" title="Lamb's Ears Next to Sidewalk, February, 2017. © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb's Ears Next to Sidewalk, February, 2017. © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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In April I finally got around to thinning both the Lamb's Ears and the jasmine. They were smothering my Spanish sage and Sweet Williams. <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2017/04/garden-tasks-finished-before-storm.html" target="_blank">See Garden Tasks Finished before Storm</a>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdStCHFroXg/WROTXiXVjaI/AAAAAAAAIuM/32VOIfz-aOYVj4OBgv9YXfKtmF-skrbUQCLcB/s1600/april6-lambsears-by-garage-after-thinning-1712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdStCHFroXg/WROTXiXVjaI/AAAAAAAAIuM/32VOIfz-aOYVj4OBgv9YXfKtmF-skrbUQCLcB/s1600/april6-lambsears-by-garage-after-thinning-1712.jpg" title="Lamb's Ears Next to Sidewalk,April 6, 2017. © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb's Ears Next to Sidewalk, April 6, 2017. © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Now it's May 10, same year. Look at how the plants have grown. It amazes me how fast the Lamb's Ears shoot up and start blooming. It seems they grow half an inch a day in April. The star jasmine is also beginning to bloom. The yellow calendula to the right of the Lamb's Ears blooms all year. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYazp2RAMyY/WROTnbFRvWI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/Odr2nUa9tjgN_AvQ96M0hbjWgph2qixIQCLcB/s1600/may10-lambsears-by-garage-1804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYazp2RAMyY/WROTnbFRvWI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/Odr2nUa9tjgN_AvQ96M0hbjWgph2qixIQCLcB/s1600/may10-lambsears-by-garage-1804.jpg" title="Lamb's Ears Next to Sidewalk,May 10, 2017. © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb's Ears Next to Sidewalk, May 10, 2017. © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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I do love Lamb's Ears because it works well as a groundcover when I need it to smother weeds. It's also easy to pull when its fast growth becomes a problem. It looks like more will have to come out soon. All these Lamb's Ears plants have spread from other plants. I started with just one plant at this house. As it spread I planted a few of it's children in other beds. But many children also grow several feet from any I have planted. </div>
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Lamb's Ears also have a certain graceful beauty. They lurk during the winter, but in spring they rise toward the sun and bloom. The bees use them for forage. Here's a close-up of the little flowers. Their gray leaves and fuzzy texture add contrast to the green of other plants to add interest to the garden all year round. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wdwpe6dPUw/WROXNO1PZYI/AAAAAAAAIuc/Olnu3HGxKH4aa-RjlQt5DiasorwEUQSxQCLcB/s1600/may10-blooming-lambsears-closeup-1775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wdwpe6dPUw/WROXNO1PZYI/AAAAAAAAIuc/Olnu3HGxKH4aa-RjlQt5DiasorwEUQSxQCLcB/s1600/may10-blooming-lambsears-closeup-1775.jpg" title="Lamb's Ears in Bloom, May, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb's Ears in Bloom, May, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Books to Help You Grow Great Chard and Kale</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Edible-Front-Yard-Grow-More-Beautiful/dp/1604691999?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 47%;" target="_blank" title="The Edible Front Yard: The Mow-Less, Grow-More Plan for a Beautiful, Bountiful Garden"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61u5ftL7WKL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">The Edible Front Yard: The Mow-Less, Grow-More Plan for a Beautiful, Bountiful Garden</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Manual-Seed-Saving-Harvesting-Techniques-ebook/dp/B00G2Q9Y1M?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 47%;" target="_blank" title="The Manual of Seed Saving: Harvesting, Storing, and Sowing Techniques for Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51aFEfJY%2BvL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">The Manual of Seed Saving: Harvesting, Storing, and Sowing Techniques for Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Gardening-Beginners-Growing-Outdoors-ebook/dp/B00RCGCWFG?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Organic Gardening: A Beginner's Guide To Growing Kale Outdoors"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51pDINCdFzL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Organic Gardening: A Beginner's Guide To Growing Kale Outdoors</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Grow-Greens-step-step/dp/1844768317?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="How to Grow Greens: A gardeners guide to growing cabbages, brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, lettuce, cauliflower and spinach, with step-by-step techniques and over 150 photographs"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZTgLDJqxL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">How to Grow Greens: A gardeners guide to growing cabbages, brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, lettuce, cauliflower and spinach, with step-by-step techniques and over 150 photographs</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Kale-Friends-Easy-Grow/dp/1771620145?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="The Book of Kale and Friends: 14 Easy-to-Grow Superfoods with 130+ Recipes"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-ipVM%2BB4L.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">The Book of Kale and Friends: 14 Easy-to-Grow Superfoods with 130+ Recipes</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Chard and Kale are Bolting</span></h2>
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The kale was just starting to flower a month ago on April 6. Now many of those flowers are seedpods. I will try to collect some, though there's probably no need. I never planted this kale. It sprouted from a seed from the mother plant across the yard. By collecting the seeds I'm more likely to get the seedlings where I want them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NxINXRArz0/WROaWy1_wNI/AAAAAAAAIuo/ZKfDP5OfZFk6uwOdnC_5WkEZjtmttrWwACLcB/s1600/may10-kale-seedpods-flowers-1779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NxINXRArz0/WROaWy1_wNI/AAAAAAAAIuo/ZKfDP5OfZFk6uwOdnC_5WkEZjtmttrWwACLcB/s1600/may10-kale-seedpods-flowers-1779.jpg" title="Kale Flowers and Seedpods, May 10, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale Flowers and Seedpods, May 10, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic<br />
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Here's a close-up of the flower. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJkzA3qa9RJSxNe-ZmpS-yzTiyblE2qr5ymzOycQJVBMlcUlMJeD5jEY2N8OnB1Z6sV7SoDok_tP0jFcOyNDuwQNcggnKsdPPV6fIoSjrsOwM7iJcVOcVN8bNOMGAe_Xr7uIP/s1600/may10-kale-flower-close-up-1780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJkzA3qa9RJSxNe-ZmpS-yzTiyblE2qr5ymzOycQJVBMlcUlMJeD5jEY2N8OnB1Z6sV7SoDok_tP0jFcOyNDuwQNcggnKsdPPV6fIoSjrsOwM7iJcVOcVN8bNOMGAe_Xr7uIP/s1600/may10-kale-flower-close-up-1780.jpg" title="Kale Flowers, May 10, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale Flowers, May 10, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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One branch of this kale plant had started leaning over the sidewalk. Couldn't resist snapping this photo of it. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAcK1rAL0Ko/WRPf5EbymNI/AAAAAAAAIvE/viHBnyuPl9QpfMv4qjj2vm5mTPsVzO6QgCLcB/s1600/may10-bolting-kale-1784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAcK1rAL0Ko/WRPf5EbymNI/AAAAAAAAIvE/viHBnyuPl9QpfMv4qjj2vm5mTPsVzO6QgCLcB/s1600/may10-bolting-kale-1784.jpg" title="Bolting Kale Branch Hanging Over Sidewalk, May 10, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolting Kale Branch Hanging Over Sidewalk, May 10, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Although the kale is already making seeds, the chard is just starting to flower. In the last couple of weeks the stalk has risen and you can see the flower buds on this chard plant forming. Just two months ago the main stalk and the leaves were red. (This is rhubarb chard.) As it begins to flower both have turned green, but you can still see a few traces of the red. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-45S6HOlR5Yo/WRPiKvLfO7I/AAAAAAAAIvQ/0pm-VebCl7wCIYLRTZaPzirCOdYwM9ecACLcB/s1600/may10-front-chard-budding-1796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-45S6HOlR5Yo/WRPiKvLfO7I/AAAAAAAAIvQ/0pm-VebCl7wCIYLRTZaPzirCOdYwM9ecACLcB/s1600/may10-front-chard-budding-1796.jpg" title="Budding Chard, May 10, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Budding Chard, May 10, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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When I went to the backyard on the same day to take a photo of the chard by the rose garden, I discovered my might I have two micro-climates on this same property. The the chard in the photo above grows in front and gets afternoon sun because it faces west. The chard plant beside the rose garden gets morning sun from the southeast. It also has the shelter of the fence and the roses from the north side. In any case, small flowers are already starting to bloom on the plant by the rose garden. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiP95n_sXW-rWaYuHUpULi0yXTOyVQsxnRJQs8q4RrEJEWMagWknDRXCrIjWP7gDs9lnAAsdnSHxupuj5XhupRTcL3LpsSPKy-bP1r-1ZRRaBcF2ZhbmxpFGDgKJG90fafM2A7/s1600/may10-back-chard-flowering-roses-1809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irises Fading, Lamb's Ears Blooming, Chard and Kale Bolting" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiP95n_sXW-rWaYuHUpULi0yXTOyVQsxnRJQs8q4RrEJEWMagWknDRXCrIjWP7gDs9lnAAsdnSHxupuj5XhupRTcL3LpsSPKy-bP1r-1ZRRaBcF2ZhbmxpFGDgKJG90fafM2A7/s1600/may10-back-chard-flowering-roses-1809.jpg" title="Flowering Chard beside Roses, May 10, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowering Chard beside Roses, May 10, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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It's the same small yard and same variety of chard, but one plant flowers slightly ahead of the other. </div>
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I will leave you with one last photo from the front flowerbed of the chard and a blooming Lamb's Ears plant side by side. You can see how red the chard started out on the bottom part. You can also see how high the Lamb's Ears got in comparison. </div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Related Posts</span></h2>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2017/02/my-first-iris-this-year.html" target="_blank">1st Iris This Year</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/irises-are-garden-survivors.html" target="_blank">Irises Are Garden Survivors</a></span></td></tr>
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<br />BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-81979346933434361362017-05-03T14:56:00.000-07:002017-05-03T14:56:47.418-07:00 A Walk Through My Rose Garden in Early May<h2>
Roses Close-Up</h2>
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These are two of my favorite rose colors. See more photos of these and roses of other colors on my earlier post, <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/roses-are-not-just-red.html" target="_blank">Roses Are Not Just Red</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdyjLFHojeUXkYNkd1Xj6JpJzbawe6UirJovTnlYPgtHlMTAXv-nTNW6P1Ojp7MYYinCK1c15JtBpoPqAEGqE6D_XezMAs96yAAHOSjEtvoNPOk63cTh7r29T9hD6p5VaP0L0/s1600/may3-yellow-roses-close-up-2764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" A Walk Through My Rose Garden in Early May" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdyjLFHojeUXkYNkd1Xj6JpJzbawe6UirJovTnlYPgtHlMTAXv-nTNW6P1Ojp7MYYinCK1c15JtBpoPqAEGqE6D_XezMAs96yAAHOSjEtvoNPOk63cTh7r29T9hD6p5VaP0L0/s640/may3-yellow-roses-close-up-2764.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6SKMK_eMbJlWeuxLKxjExfEVdkP2Lfj79WWTNvcv2sszYlG4r8Og71g2JZJT0csVOF_16lxyUMw_2rKosX-0MZNgBxlIj2RbNc2ZMdHM8K6iG96Two17s8L38ArI27OsWEbJ/s1600/april29-coral-rose-paso-0488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" A Walk Through My Rose Garden in Early May" border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6SKMK_eMbJlWeuxLKxjExfEVdkP2Lfj79WWTNvcv2sszYlG4r8Og71g2JZJT0csVOF_16lxyUMw_2rKosX-0MZNgBxlIj2RbNc2ZMdHM8K6iG96Two17s8L38ArI27OsWEbJ/s640/april29-coral-rose-paso-0488.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like these roses so much I've even made greeting cards featuring them. You can get them at Zazzle and keep them handy. You never know when you might need to use one. </div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/pale_yellow_rose_thinking_of_you_card-137174485789245519?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Pale Yellow Rose: Thinking, of you Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/pale_yellow_rose_thinking_of_you_card-r56029a02b033419abe391888ae7a689e_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Pale Yellow Rose: Thinking, of you Card</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/friendship_card_with_coral_rose-137071226571299640?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Friendship card with coral rose."><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/friendship_card_with_coral_rose-r7eccb78c83574686844d09c16aac14e9_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Friendship card with coral rose.</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/yellow_rose_with_three_buds_cards-137426057436474738?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Yellow Rose With Three Buds Cards"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/yellow_rose_with_three_buds_cards-r0f688af17ee246c69772e8ab290c5d81_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Yellow Rose With Three Buds Cards</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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Mom Planted this Rose Garden</h2>
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I inherited it. No other flower is planted in the back yard. Mom planted no roses in the front yard. I've always wondered why she wanted to keep all the beauty in back where only family and friends could see it.<br />
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When she died and I inherited the house, I was depressed. It was early March. The roses were dormant. By April the roses were blooming again and I was sorry that Mom couldn't enjoy them anymore. They helped cheer me up, though.<br />
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They are always in bloom on Mother's Day, and they remind me of her. She never had a rose garden before she moved to Paso Robles. Maybe a few rose bushes, but no rose garden.<br />
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Some of My Rose Gifts from My Rose Photos on Zazzle</h2>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/mug_with_rose_arrangement-168901714825434527?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Mug with Rose Arrangement"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/mug_with_rose_arrangement-r22aa8f28360340eab83b7eb7efb147c1_x7jgr_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Mug with Rose Arrangement</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/rose_garden_sticker_take_time_classic_round_sticker-217693129847557645?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Rose Garden Sticker: Take time. Classic Round Sticker"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/rose_garden_sticker_take_time_classic_round_sticker-r5d79ca1dd7ae487681060542d26193c2_v9waf_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Rose Garden Sticker: Take time. Classic Round Sticker</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/two_pink_roses_within_a_heart_coffee_mug-168250483972328486?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Two pink roses within a heart coffee mug"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/two_pink_roses_within_a_heart_coffee_mug-r1f150788213d4575a9e84b1ee5bf881e_x7jgr_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Two pink roses within a heart coffee mug</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/pink_rose_return_address_label-106547298793378207?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Pink Rose Return Address Label"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/pink_rose_return_address_label-rebdd0a50f506491b93ff8a85c11773a5_v11m0_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Pink Rose Return Address Label</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/ipad_case_cecile_brunner_pink_roses_cover_for_the_ipad_mini-256521686407058129?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="ipad Case: Cecile Brunner Pink Roses Cover For The iPad Mini"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/ipad_case_cecile_brunner_pink_roses_cover_for_the_ipad_mini-r1a4f9f7798164020a3a91d19b5f9016b_w9k37_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">ipad Case: Cecile Brunner Pink Roses Cover For The iPad Mini</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/an_arrangement_of_roses_keychain-146512567062397461?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="An Arrangement of Roses Keychain"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/an_arrangement_of_roses_keychain-r7c3ed3fc2ab54c04926ae6b820f5dc81_x7j3z_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">An Arrangement of Roses Keychain</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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A Brief Walk Through the Rose Garden</h2>
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Along the fence beside the street, one sees this view. It's the most unruly part of the rose garden. The gardener never really gets it under control. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Co2mQX-o700/WQpFBQXyiVI/AAAAAAAAIqs/d3Kl3KCwaNEh4aYOhS_oeTaQcf-6LNNoQCLcB/s1600/april29-roses-against-fence-by-street-2755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" A Walk Through My Rose Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Co2mQX-o700/WQpFBQXyiVI/AAAAAAAAIqs/d3Kl3KCwaNEh4aYOhS_oeTaQcf-6LNNoQCLcB/s1600/april29-roses-against-fence-by-street-2755.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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As you will see, Mom's favorite rose was the small Cecile Brunner climbing rose. It would like to overwhelm and cover up all the other roses. You can see what's left of a chard I planted in front of the roses, too. It's bolting.</div>
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The view below is what you see if you go to the corner past the last rose bush on the right of the photo above. I am looking back at the corner where the back and side fence meet behind the tree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUvxXjPfVxbp7XoxMjUizujENRmmyFkw-Xz0aQex4Rx26RvISn1go-wXUN22gFAQVD6W-3oTMEv3HRYVoidwF8o7zwZufr2fPwkBJOGJQUCYyPYcxvUNjp4glMHZP6cjPMVn8/s1600/april29-rose-garden-corner-by-stree-2709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" A Walk Through My Rose Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUvxXjPfVxbp7XoxMjUizujENRmmyFkw-Xz0aQex4Rx26RvISn1go-wXUN22gFAQVD6W-3oTMEv3HRYVoidwF8o7zwZufr2fPwkBJOGJQUCYyPYcxvUNjp4glMHZP6cjPMVn8/s1600/april29-rose-garden-corner-by-stree-2709.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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In the middle of the garden, to the left of the photo above, you see more climbing roses. These have taken advantage of a pine tree that died and used it as a trellis.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gODoOpgumag/WQpKjYOaRiI/AAAAAAAAIrc/3fxJ3qfnQakpXQEnNga5kZDsZEuIXYuDwCLcB/s1600/april20-rose-garden-roses-climbing-dead-pine-2710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" A Walk Through My Rose Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gODoOpgumag/WQpKjYOaRiI/AAAAAAAAIrc/3fxJ3qfnQakpXQEnNga5kZDsZEuIXYuDwCLcB/s1600/april20-rose-garden-roses-climbing-dead-pine-2710.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Here's a closer look at the pine tree and the roses around it. This is also the southeast corner of the rose garden.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4djky1J58A/WQpJjp3cGgI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/LJUbmi3aMBcF15Ksw2yphLYa1P8sXqg-wCLcB/s1600/april29-roses-climbing-dead-pine-2747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" A Walk Through My Rose Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4djky1J58A/WQpJjp3cGgI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/LJUbmi3aMBcF15Ksw2yphLYa1P8sXqg-wCLcB/s1600/april29-roses-climbing-dead-pine-2747.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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The photo below shows the view in front of the photo above, along the south side of the fence.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UboPxRlJ7dQ/WQpMPUVIVcI/AAAAAAAAIro/89C2Mf7UeoAGmBTCKVsCHUEC-FSHWUokACLcB/s1600/may2-southeast-corner-of-rose-garden-2753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" A Walk Through My Rose Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UboPxRlJ7dQ/WQpMPUVIVcI/AAAAAAAAIro/89C2Mf7UeoAGmBTCKVsCHUEC-FSHWUokACLcB/s1600/may2-southeast-corner-of-rose-garden-2753.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Below is the last rose bush in the garden. It's along the south fence closest to the house.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VT_8bwMKrKk/WQpNRuoansI/AAAAAAAAIr0/h-JorW47dxwkhT4A-VwDT3ltI0n89uECwCLcB/s1600/may2-last-rose-on-south-side-near-house-2754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" A Walk Through My Rose Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VT_8bwMKrKk/WQpNRuoansI/AAAAAAAAIr0/h-JorW47dxwkhT4A-VwDT3ltI0n89uECwCLcB/s1600/may2-last-rose-on-south-side-near-house-2754.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have roses in your garden? Which of my roses do you like best? I'd love to have you leave a comment.</span><br />
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-48078440709398072972017-04-10T00:42:00.001-07:002017-04-10T00:42:15.556-07:00Garden Tasks Finished before Storm<h2>
Cutting Back the Lamb's Ears and Jasmine in the Bed by the Garage</h2>
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Every day this spring I've walked by this poor Spanish Sage plant I could barely see because it was being covered by jasmine from above. That blocked its light. On April 5 I finally made some time to cut the jasmine back and expose the sage to the light again. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4XPqcFbydk/WOr_5oFFmbI/AAAAAAAAIkM/nBRlXccHAeoEvhUtutfpkvwhwCZktC5JwCLcB/s1600/march28-smoothered-spanish-sage-2631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4XPqcFbydk/WOr_5oFFmbI/AAAAAAAAIkM/nBRlXccHAeoEvhUtutfpkvwhwCZktC5JwCLcB/s1600/march28-smoothered-spanish-sage-2631.jpg" title="Jasmine Blocking the Light the Spanish Sage Needs" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasmine Blocking the Light the Spanish Sage Needs</td></tr>
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Here is the same plant when I finished pruning back the jasmine. I also cut back some of the sage. Because it's been straining to get the sun, it got very leggy, and you can see its bare branches that were hidden by the jasmine. You can also see the tiny leaves on those stems. I hope they will now grow up instead of continuing towards the sidewalk. </div>
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Next winter I will have to do this job sooner and cut the sage way back, but this winter I had the flu all during January and then had steady dentist appointments during February and most of March. After getting my root canals done I didn't feel like working in the garden or anywhere else, and I was always playing catch-up on other work. In addition to that, it rained a lot and the ground was wet. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q030ItjH-7Q/WOsOzRk3oiI/AAAAAAAAIkc/2YNy6rzsCiUQebqdyMcYbx1-zN6FhN3rQCLcB/s1600/pin-april6-pruned-jasmine-around-spanish-sage-1711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q030ItjH-7Q/WOsOzRk3oiI/AAAAAAAAIkc/2YNy6rzsCiUQebqdyMcYbx1-zN6FhN3rQCLcB/s1600/pin-april6-pruned-jasmine-around-spanish-sage-1711.jpg" title="I pruned the jasmine that was covering the Spanish Sage and also thinned the Lamb's Ears that were trying to smother it. " /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I pruned the jasmine that was covering the Spanish Sage and also thinned the Lamb's Ears that were trying to smother it.</td></tr>
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Not far from the Spanish Sage was a Sweet William struggling to survive -- maybe more than one. It's hard to tell in the midst of all the jasmine and Lamb's Ears plants. Normally the Sweet William plants that reseed return at this time of year, but this year the Lamb's Ears spread so much that they completely covered any of the seedlings trying to emerge. Although I do love Lamb's Ears, enough is enough. I will probably still have to trim more of it back. I took the photo below on March 28. I knew I had to uncover any plants under that Lamb's Ears patch, and I had to just keep pulling and pruning until I found this plant. I was hoping there would be more. Maybe there still will be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwNVHzsbGrjP98Rd4kEpkt7s4doHmV4tnxn595kViuf_MXbG-brqF33tDWhXDtpfxr4koISp7VfCbiymgpLUp0h5jS8AzeRtPghIh5rDoYlrn_fgjuki2Yr3skOQNE-xaK8fN/s1600/march28-struggling-sweet-william-2630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwNVHzsbGrjP98Rd4kEpkt7s4doHmV4tnxn595kViuf_MXbG-brqF33tDWhXDtpfxr4koISp7VfCbiymgpLUp0h5jS8AzeRtPghIh5rDoYlrn_fgjuki2Yr3skOQNE-xaK8fN/s1600/march28-struggling-sweet-william-2630.jpg" title="Emerging Sweet William Fights Jasmine and Lamb's Ears" /></a></div>
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Below is a close-up of the struggling Sweet William after I pulled a lot of the Lamb's Ears away from it. I had not realized the Lamb's Ears were propping it up. It was also very leggy and fell flat. I may have to prop it up with a small stake to keep it upright. I'm hoping it will spread as time goes on. Plants have an amazing ability to recover, <a href="http://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2015/08/this-butterfly-bush-shows-how-nature.html" target="_blank">just as my butterfly bush did after a storm knocked it down</a>. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dq-92L_BK_k/WOsYeiTFXRI/AAAAAAAAIk8/jBoRkswtpJQPNA_GgXOW-X8aFz21lnJ-gCLcB/s1600/april9-struggling-sweet-wm-1729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dq-92L_BK_k/WOsYeiTFXRI/AAAAAAAAIk8/jBoRkswtpJQPNA_GgXOW-X8aFz21lnJ-gCLcB/s1600/april9-struggling-sweet-wm-1729.jpg" title="Struggling Sweet William after I Thinned Lamb's Ears Around It." /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Struggling Sweet William after I Thinned Lamb's Ears Around It.</td></tr>
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The photo below puts my afternoon's work into context. The star jasmine is in the background against the wall. Left to right: jasmine, struggling sage, Lillies of the Nile between jasmine and Lamb's Ears in middle, the space where the Sweet William tries to gain ground, more Lamb's Ears, blooming calendulas with budding irises behind them. Between the calendula and the car, you see the low green of the gazanias with a tall flowering kale behind it next to the brick trim. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3g2GOQA7Ts/WOsdS2eCLjI/AAAAAAAAIlM/vFVjYMXaDN8prI2mHoTxPMY32jt3Uwb2QCLcB/s1600/april6-floewrbed-by-garage-after-thinning-pruning-1712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3g2GOQA7Ts/WOsdS2eCLjI/AAAAAAAAIlM/vFVjYMXaDN8prI2mHoTxPMY32jt3Uwb2QCLcB/s1600/april6-floewrbed-by-garage-after-thinning-pruning-1712.jpg" title="View of Section of Flowerbed after I Pruned and Thinned it to Expose Struggling Plants" /></a></div>
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What I Accomplished in the Front Flowerbed </h2>
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<a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2017/03/my-garden-early-spring.html" target="_blank">If you read my last post</a>, you saw the state of the front flowerbed before I started weeding and thinning and pruning on April 6. The Lamb's Ears were out of control, the hyssop that hadn't been pruned was brown and ugly and taking over, the oregano in the pot needed pruning, and grassy weeds were trying to overwhelm anything the other plants were leaving alone. </div>
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The two photos below were taken on February 13. We had had so much rain that weeding was almost impossible. I was also weakened by all the dental work I was having done. After even more rain in March, by the day I started the work the state of this flowerbed was even worse. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGCcslvf3xw/WOsmq9VMD-I/AAAAAAAAIlc/b64p3Eqz5NU-6uJ7sMow-Ex3i5neO0n3gCLcB/s1600/feb13-overrun-front-flowerbed-1328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGCcslvf3xw/WOsmq9VMD-I/AAAAAAAAIlc/b64p3Eqz5NU-6uJ7sMow-Ex3i5neO0n3gCLcB/s1600/feb13-overrun-front-flowerbed-1328.jpg" title="Flowerbed Before Weeding and Pruning" /></a></div>
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Since it was February, the daffodils were budding. My chard on the right bottom had turned red. You can see the dead growth on the oregano in the terracotta pot. That brown clump to the left of it is the hyssop. It looked even browner when I started cutting it way back on April 6. Pruning the oregano was much easier. </div>
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The worst job, though, was getting the grassy weeds that were taking over any bare ground they could find. Their roots are very hard to get out. They also entangle the roots of the plants I want to keep. Here they are surrounding my catmint. The catmint itself has escaped from its pot and is now also running amuck, but at least I can make tea out of that. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSdGeagcRkWMXb9CWgh5qVWWAFI-VSJmLKksjjWEzONlOHj2QeU9Y0UUtPQGVI3we_L3V7plcbdIo23PbNUz77oQMaLVmsDA9w3ztauDuITD9iFtV4WgpYYZzjuHEl2AR5UOw/s1600/feb13-catmint-pot-surrounded-by-grassy-weeds-1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSdGeagcRkWMXb9CWgh5qVWWAFI-VSJmLKksjjWEzONlOHj2QeU9Y0UUtPQGVI3we_L3V7plcbdIo23PbNUz77oQMaLVmsDA9w3ztauDuITD9iFtV4WgpYYZzjuHEl2AR5UOw/s1600/feb13-catmint-pot-surrounded-by-grassy-weeds-1330.jpg" title="Catmint in and out of Pot Surrounded by Grassy Weeds" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catmint in and out of Pot Surrounded by Grassy Weeds</td></tr>
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The photos show only a portion of the work that needed to be done. I was trying to finish the most urgent tasks before the storm that was supposed to hit later at night started. Here is how the area around the catmint pot looked by the time I was through. Not perfect, but good enough to scatter some old seeds around before the storm brought rain to water them. They were very old seeds, but I thought I'd see what happened. Mother Nature often surprises me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzdDyMGEG8I/WOssX852b5I/AAAAAAAAIl0/wkj7uutGQWkYsb05b24CQspJLMdRXTrOQCLcB/s1600/april6-weeded-around-catmint-pot-1668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzdDyMGEG8I/WOssX852b5I/AAAAAAAAIl0/wkj7uutGQWkYsb05b24CQspJLMdRXTrOQCLcB/s1600/april6-weeded-around-catmint-pot-1668.jpg" title="Catmint Pot After Weeding" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catmint Pot After Weeding</td></tr>
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Below you see what the hyssop plant looked like when I finished with it. Better late than never. It will grow out again before it's time for it to bloom in June. A few green shoots are already peaking out. I did miss a couple of branches, but I'll get them after I finish the taxes. After the rain, the catmint in the pot perked up again. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPaVmRck8ug/WOswcGduKyI/AAAAAAAAImA/_y5ix4tbuiUrTGV9-KRXc1f-xBWLObl5gCLcB/s1600/april6-prunned-hyssop-1669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPaVmRck8ug/WOswcGduKyI/AAAAAAAAImA/_y5ix4tbuiUrTGV9-KRXc1f-xBWLObl5gCLcB/s1600/april6-prunned-hyssop-1669.jpg" title="Hyssop after Haircut" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyssop after Haircut</td></tr>
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Here's how the front flowerbed looked after I finished working and had scattered my seeds. The rain came as promised later and all the next day, so I'm hoping maybe at least a couple of seeds will sprout. On the lower right, in front of the irises, you see a green carnation plant with the leaves of an old daffodil plant in front of it. You could not see that carnation before I cut back the hyssop which was covering it. I had forgotten the carnation was there. I fed it. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj81rIO9tcI/WOsxWM26ebI/AAAAAAAAImQ/TbfCn1jZGy00LY2_65TQjqS_LX2g2uFiACLcB/s1600/april6-front-flowerbed-after-1661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj81rIO9tcI/WOsxWM26ebI/AAAAAAAAImQ/TbfCn1jZGy00LY2_65TQjqS_LX2g2uFiACLcB/s1600/april6-front-flowerbed-after-1661.jpg" title="A Good's Afternoon's Work in the Flowerbed" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Good's Afternoon's Work in the Flowerbed</td></tr>
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When I finished for the day, I took the pictures of the flower beds and then turned to get the sky toward the west. The sunset promised rain. And it came. I'm glad I pushed myself to get some of the preliminary work done before it started coming down. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TyZl1MjUj8Y/WOsyKGCTiDI/AAAAAAAAImc/bXcS9xQN-VsK0mKenj7PrYmyLGBKprBRACLcB/s1600/pin-garden-tasks-finished-before-storm-1725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TyZl1MjUj8Y/WOsyKGCTiDI/AAAAAAAAImc/bXcS9xQN-VsK0mKenj7PrYmyLGBKprBRACLcB/s1600/pin-garden-tasks-finished-before-storm-1725.jpg" title="Garden Tasks Finished before Storm" /></a></div>
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-72314924125110327852017-03-29T16:14:00.000-07:002017-04-09T23:11:34.629-07:00What's Happening in my Garden in Early Spring?<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">There Are Lots of Garden Tasks to Be Done</span></h2>
We've had a lot of rain in the past two months, and the garden reflects that. The weeds are trying to take over, but I've been too busy going to and recovering from dentist appointments to do much about them. <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/weeds-i-love-to-hate.html" target="_blank">The grassy weeds are the worst. </a> Fortunately, my lamb's ears, which grow as fast as weeds, are helping to keep some of them at bay. Meanwhile, the bees are really enjoying the flowers that are appearing everywhere and the kale is bolting.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh464s53En288laMLaZ4PqS-EbldoFKnogUkZwkUkbVYtQxnvMBQQc9xR9bb9q_O1IlFTDM0zYUhr_B4ymerRTXEZWe_1uQTyxUX2ibnmt2SAbvfu1szQB6CvGrgcInkHF0bor/s1600/march28-front-flowers-paso-kale-lambsears-grassy-weeds-2627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's Happening in my Garden in March" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh464s53En288laMLaZ4PqS-EbldoFKnogUkZwkUkbVYtQxnvMBQQc9xR9bb9q_O1IlFTDM0zYUhr_B4ymerRTXEZWe_1uQTyxUX2ibnmt2SAbvfu1szQB6CvGrgcInkHF0bor/s640/march28-front-flowers-paso-kale-lambsears-grassy-weeds-2627.jpg" title="Grassy Weeds Trying to Take Over the Garden, Lamb's Ears Trying to Compete" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grassy Weeds Trying to Take Over the Garden, Lamb's Ears Trying to Compete</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Weeding and Thinning</span></h2>
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In the photo above you can see some of the garden tasks I'm way behind on. Weeding is probably the most important. If I don't get the weeds out of the way, the reseeding plants may not get the light they need to sprout. Some of the lamb's ears, much as I love them, will also have to go. As you can see below, they are choking the emerging Sweet William seedlings from last year's seeds. I'll also have to cut back the star jasmine that surrounds and is starting to cover these plants. Looks like I will also have to reapply my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=organic+snail+bait&sprefix=organic+snail,aps,212&crid=4YRG5VWLDO0I&linkCode=ll2&tag=gardob-20&linkId=ecafb568c2936483347133fa1f247788" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">non-toxic snail bait </a>in this section. I usually use the cheapest brand, and it works.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66ZP2JDUSFQ/WNrb9VaTSrI/AAAAAAAAIgc/9WIlXBr2tbwk1EDFpzfsoWuISaQZMnT2gCLcB/s1600/march28-lambsears-sweet-william-2630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's Happening in my Garden in Early Spring?" border="0" height="492" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66ZP2JDUSFQ/WNrb9VaTSrI/AAAAAAAAIgc/9WIlXBr2tbwk1EDFpzfsoWuISaQZMnT2gCLcB/s640/march28-lambsears-sweet-william-2630.jpg" title="Lamb's Ears Smothering Sweet William Seedling, while both Fight the Star Jasmine, © B. Radisavljevic " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb's Ears Smothering Sweet William Seedling, while both Fight the Star Jasmine, © B. Radisavljevic </td></tr>
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With all this weeding to be done, it's time to check my gardening tools again. If you find yourself short, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vremi-Piece-Garden-Tools-Set/dp/B017I2TUXA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1490734759&sr=8-1&keywords=gardening+supplies&linkCode=ll1&tag=gardob-20&linkId=fb2b4cdf51eee7602de0e8d8ea5f107a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this Vremi 9-piece tool set has all one needs to tackle most weeding jobs</a>.<br />
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US&adInstanceId=cd347022-593e-43a4-b4a0-93ad6b32a3da"></script><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bees in the Holly</span><br />
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The holly is in bloom, and the bees love it. I took this photo a few days ago. I'm glad I did because the gardener trimmed some of the flowers off today. He said the bees were pretty angry with him as he worked and he had to be careful. I think there are still enough flowers to keep the bees busy. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3NQRsKdL-0/WNskf0Qgd2I/AAAAAAAAIgs/Xhe61stk7g8tBX02L_Z-k9Uf3tSoLCfUQCLcB/s1600/march23-bees-in-holly-flowers-2611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's Happening in my Garden in Early Spring?" border="0" height="479" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3NQRsKdL-0/WNskf0Qgd2I/AAAAAAAAIgs/Xhe61stk7g8tBX02L_Z-k9Uf3tSoLCfUQCLcB/s640/march23-bees-in-holly-flowers-2611.jpg" title="Bees Foraging in Holly Flowers in March, © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bees Foraging in Holly Flowers in March, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Bolting Kale</span></h2>
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I currently have four kale plants growing in my flower beds. Three of them are volunteers that did not exactly grow where I would have placed them. All of them are bolting now. I will probably cut the flowering stems from the weakest plants, and let the others go to seed for next year's crop. I will also have to harvest and freeze a lot of the leaves that are left.</div>
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My top photo showed my best kale plant. I understand now why it may not have had the aphid problems the other plants had. Its close neighbors are calendula and catmint, both of which help repel or trap these pests that bother my other plants. Also, that kale in my front flowerbed gets more regular water than the other plants, and better soil. It is the only kale plant with drip irrigation. </div>
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The kale plant below gets less care than any of the others. It sprang up between my driveway and my neighbor's yard in the bed in the middle. There is a birch tree there and gazanias cover most of the ground. It is not irrigated unless I remember to pour some water on the kale plant. How it ever took root there I'll never know, but I have used many of its leaves. You can see from its flowers that it's bolting. So are the other plants, but the flowers are harder to see in their photos. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKbN-KCAl2Y/WNwj5ea1pnI/AAAAAAAAIhs/8k_1fgWsdF8EWhKcSH80TUSXeOY1187AgCLcB/s1600/march28-garden-early-spring-2602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's Happening in my Garden in Early Spring?" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKbN-KCAl2Y/WNwj5ea1pnI/AAAAAAAAIhs/8k_1fgWsdF8EWhKcSH80TUSXeOY1187AgCLcB/s1600/march28-garden-early-spring-2602.jpg" title="Flowers of Bolting Kale, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers of Bolting Kale, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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This is actually a pair of kale plants below. I never thinned them. I sometimes use their leaves, but they are often plagued with aphids. They have poor soil and no companion plants but gazanias. They do not have regular irrigation. They grow in the corner of a bed of gazania and star jasmine beside the driveway. Like the plant above, they came from the mother plant you see at the top of this blog post. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHUNS3UyTFg/WNwlLl3dJWI/AAAAAAAAIh4/O7CDLebLmTI338rz2tmJKh2PipkulE-bACLcB/s1600/march23-kale-by-garage-2605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What's Happening in my Garden in Early Spring?" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHUNS3UyTFg/WNwlLl3dJWI/AAAAAAAAIh4/O7CDLebLmTI338rz2tmJKh2PipkulE-bACLcB/s1600/march23-kale-by-garage-2605.jpg" title="Twin Kale Plants by Driveway, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Kale Plants by Driveway, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">My Favorite Companion Planting Book</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Garden-Companions-Companion-Planting-Chemical-Free/dp/0875968473?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 350px;" target="_blank" title="Great Garden Companions: A Companion-Planting System for a Beautiful, Chemical-Free Vegetable Garden"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 350px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 350px;"><img alt="Great Garden Companions: A Companion-Planting System for a Beautiful, Chemical-Free Vegetable Garden" height="500" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61XGMVq3CzL.jpg" style="border: 0; height: 100%; max-width: none; width: auto;" width="392" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Great Garden Companions: A Companion-Planting System for a Beautiful, Chemical-Free Vegetable Garden</span><img class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"> I have used this book for years. It has provided inspiration on what to plant where and been just fun to read. There are lists of which plants discourage which pests, which plants attract which beneficial insects, and which plants help each other thrive. I love the garden design ideas, such as the wheel garden and the front yard salad garden. The information is organized in a user-friendly way so that it's easy to find what you want, and you will want to read more than what you came for. I highly recommend this to any gardener who wants to avoid chemicals.</span></div>
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-69954011603267952082017-02-03T22:36:00.000-08:002017-02-03T22:36:05.086-08:00My First Iris this Year<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Today I Welcomed My First Iris of the Season</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think it liked the rain. I don't normally see this iris until April, so it's quite early this year. I fed all the bulbs last night because more daffodils are blooming every day and many of the irises which haven't bloomed look smaller than they should be. The drought might be partly responsible, but they have lots of water now. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P7rE46u0tps/WJVxq9INTRI/AAAAAAAAIQo/ZDDNs7f663YSZoNJw1ZPgrvD72SL_fTWQCLcB/s1600/feb3-first-iris-2017-2273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My First Iris this Year" border="0" height="477" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P7rE46u0tps/WJVxq9INTRI/AAAAAAAAIQo/ZDDNs7f663YSZoNJw1ZPgrvD72SL_fTWQCLcB/s640/feb3-first-iris-2017-2273.jpg" title="My First Iris this Year" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My First Iris this Year</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Only two days ago, I saw the buds looking as though they might be getting ready to bloom. Still, though, I was caught off guard when one actually did bloom today. It should soon be joined by other buds blooming. The plant in the pot behind the budding iris is a <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-growth-of-clary-sage.html" target="_blank">clary sage</a>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY49yVLBJdrNndZAAF5_ooCE6qwhnfAUQk821yfYj7s78GOrxbxVt_YJ8IvaW2aCvRjuY45z5CkZ_1FhQXkkPKt7JtxEHKispsd-JcK0llF7dlmXp5c7DJwJpawaD7JpQ4k6Uw/s1600/feb1-iris-bud-2228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My First Iris this Year" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY49yVLBJdrNndZAAF5_ooCE6qwhnfAUQk821yfYj7s78GOrxbxVt_YJ8IvaW2aCvRjuY45z5CkZ_1FhQXkkPKt7JtxEHKispsd-JcK0llF7dlmXp5c7DJwJpawaD7JpQ4k6Uw/s1600/feb1-iris-bud-2228.jpg" title="Budding Iris 1-1-2017" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Iris Cards and a Baby Suit from Zazzle</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All the photos of on these products were taken in my garden. The light purple iris is available on shirts for all ages, hats, and aprons, as well as on the baby bodysuit. Please</span><span style="font-size: large;"> click the suit to see what else is available.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/white_irises_thank_you_for_your_thoughtfulness_card-137963957200489489?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 17%;" target="_blank" title="White irises: Thank you for your thoughtfulness Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/white_irises_thank_you_for_your_thoughtfulness_card-r46ab492bb34e4863bcc3b76c064dab11_xvuat_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">White irises: Thank Card</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/mothers_day_from_husband_card-137137298714852178?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 17%;" target="_blank" title="Mother's Day from Husband Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/mothers_day_from_husband_card-rc431f06f84684130aee9b94d57ffbb7f_xvuak_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Mother's Day from Husband Card</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/light_purple_with_pink_irises_baby_bodysuit-235470514789941027?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 17%;" target="_blank" title="Light purple with pink irises baby bodysuit"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/light_purple_with_pink_irises_baby_bodysuit-rf86b9894d9df4d0198a5cecedd55666a_j2nhc_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Light purple with pink irises baby bodysuit</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-91239465101907469272017-01-21T20:56:00.001-08:002017-01-21T20:56:39.562-08:00First Daffodil in 2017 Arrives on Schedule<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Daffodils Can Bring Cheer to Any Winter Day</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the gloomiest, rainiest January I can remember since moving to Paso Robles. It has rained almost every day for the past two weeks and more is coming. Today I emerged for the first time since getting the flu two weeks ago to see this daffodil smiling at me from my garden. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-Or-GPT0Vc/WIQPuUqiPdI/AAAAAAAAIGg/Ftx4xzGWnz4s0RhFeTT4SEyQbWzeG--NwCLcB/s1600/jan21-2017-daffodil-1999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="First Daffodil in 2017 Arrives on Schedule" border="0" height="548" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-Or-GPT0Vc/WIQPuUqiPdI/AAAAAAAAIGg/Ftx4xzGWnz4s0RhFeTT4SEyQbWzeG--NwCLcB/s640/jan21-2017-daffodil-1999.jpg" title="Daffodil in January, with Budding Iris to Right" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I grabbed my camera, thankful that there was no rain, and walked across my very wet yard to take the photo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daffodils Bloom about the Same Time Each Year</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My daffodils start blooming before January 26 each year. By the time January 26 arrives, the yellow ones are usually in full bloom, with the white and yellow ones blooming a few days later. It took a lot of work to plant the bulbs in the fall of 2013. I thought I'd never finish. Now, as the daffodil flowers arrive every January to brighten my life, I'm very glad I did the work. There aren't any garden shortcuts. If we don't plant, we don't get flowers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Making Planting and Weeding Easier</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One thing that made the planting easier on my poor arthritic knees was <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Step2-534900-Garden-Kneeler/dp/B00BT7ROP2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1485058223&sr=8-12&keywords=garden+kneeler+and+seat&linkCode=ll1&tag=barspeobui-20&linkId=b7e7764d1764baa2aa5099d664c37c5e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my garden kneeler</a>. It was worth every cent I paid for it. <a href="http://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2015/05/i-love-my-garden-kneeler.html" target="_blank">My complete review of the garden kneeler I love is here</a>. The kneeler is not only useful when I'm planting, but also when I'm pulling all the weeds the rain brings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you wait to pull the weeds until the ground completely dries out after the rains, you will have a forest before you know it. <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/01/california-weeds-you-need-to-pull-now.html" target="_blank">These are the California weeds you need to pull </a>as soon as the ground is dry enough. I find it easiest to pull the weeds when the ground is barely moist and the roots come out easily. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bring Daffodil Cheer Inside</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/yellow_daffodils_on_white_daffodil_flower_blank_label-106791329125987459?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; float: left; margin: 1.5%; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Yellow Daffodils on White - Daffodil Flower Blank Label"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Yellow Daffodils on White - Daffodil Flower Blank Label" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/yellow_daffodils_on_white_daffodil_flower_blank_label-rd4165d98a8c6461aa3f263f49fa0fc96_v113i_8byvr_500.jpg" height="500" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Yellow Daffodils on White - Daffodil Flower Blank Label</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have daffodils blooming in your garden? Or do you need a bit of daffodil cheer to brighten your home in winter? Here are some great suggestions from Zazzle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/daffodil_fields_square_pillow-189621839562851933?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Daffodil Fields Square Pillow"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Daffodil Fields Square Pillow" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/daffodil_fields_square_pillow-rba2b5a6bbac7417092d884718fdfe448_6s309_8byvr_500.jpg" height="500" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Daffodil Fields Square Pillow</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/moonlight_daffodils_watercolor_poster_print-228496283835754190?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Moonlight Daffodils Watercolor Poster Print"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Moonlight Daffodils Watercolor Poster Print" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/moonlight_daffodils_watercolor_poster_print-r41f6ab10c3e34a8896886bf1feda645f_ixt_8byvr_500.jpg" height="500" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Moonlight Daffodils Watercolor Poster Print</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/daffodil_fields_lumbar_pillow-189128270345040650?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Daffodil Fields Lumbar Pillow"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Daffodil Fields Lumbar Pillow" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/daffodil_fields_lumbar_pillow-r64ede31aba89445cb7b6908ab97cad78_6s3gy_8byvr_500.jpg" height="500" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Daffodil Fields Lumbar Pillow</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/spring_daffodils_print_throw_cushion-189817703967444663?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Spring daffodils print throw cushion"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Spring daffodils print throw cushion" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/spring_daffodils_print_throw_cushion-re1af19ff46b847b689128ba8978c64cb_6s309_8byvr_500.jpg" height="500" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Spring daffodils print throw cushion</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/personalize_happy_birthday_yellow_daffodils_medium_gift_bag-256530530933246174?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Personalize:"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Personalize:" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/personalize_happy_birthday_yellow_daffodils_medium_gift_bag-rf34a035e031a480681cc9d2e046d3b27_zk3dv_500.jpg?rlvnet=1" height="500" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Personalize:</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/william_morris_daffodil_kitchen_tea_towel-197686252525192932?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="William Morris Daffodil Kitchen Tea Towel"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="William Morris Daffodil Kitchen Tea Towel" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/william_morris_daffodil_kitchen_tea_towel-rfd0a1808670e4a0c885c4f77f37bea4f_2cf6l_8byvr_500.jpg" height="500" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">William Morris Daffodil Kitchen Tea Towel</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/daffodils_coffee_mug-168253696024214213?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Daffodils Coffee Mug"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Daffodils Coffee Mug" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/daffodils_coffee_mug-r2a97f2c706604c14b66c48d0f164d04d_x7jg5_8byvr_500.jpg" height="500" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Daffodils Coffee Mug</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/daffodil_with_william_wordsworth_poem_ceramic_mug-168319976689808307?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Daffodil With William Wordsworth Poem Ceramic Mug"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Daffodil With William Wordsworth Poem Ceramic Mug" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/daffodil_with_william_wordsworth_poem_ceramic_mug-r1aa37b80f07345ccade2dd005d6eccce_kfpxc_500.jpg?rlvnet=1" height="500" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Daffodil With William Wordsworth Poem Ceramic Mug</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you don't have any daffodils, make a note on your calendar to start planting bulbs in October or November. There's nothing like a bright yellow daffodil to bring delight to a winter garden. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRMbWqwalDk/WIQ3-o19lMI/AAAAAAAAIGw/gz5-aB9bqWYCsbUw__is6oIXYBPTh2SXwCLcB/s1600/pin-1st-daffodil-2017-1998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="First Daffodil in 2017 Arrives on Schedule" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRMbWqwalDk/WIQ3-o19lMI/AAAAAAAAIGw/gz5-aB9bqWYCsbUw__is6oIXYBPTh2SXwCLcB/s1600/pin-1st-daffodil-2017-1998.jpg" title="First Daffodil in 2017 Arrives on Schedule" /></a></div>
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-85984067866136067712016-06-04T23:49:00.000-07:002016-06-10T12:08:54.011-07:00The Mystery of the Baby Clary Sage<h3>
A Seedling Can Sometimes Fool You</h3>
<br />
That's why I was I was caught off guard today when I found this new garden surprise.<b> It's a mystery to me how this baby clary sage plant I found in bloom today got where it is.</b> I will try to solve it here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSto39dXzaI/V1Nb8sEXROI/AAAAAAAAHS0/eP-i3piB6BsHIK_T6SK6y2VpI8G5tji6wCLcB/s1600/june4-2016-baby-clary-sage-0427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Mystery of the Baby Clary Sage" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSto39dXzaI/V1Nb8sEXROI/AAAAAAAAHS0/eP-i3piB6BsHIK_T6SK6y2VpI8G5tji6wCLcB/s1600/june4-2016-baby-clary-sage-0427.jpg" title="Surprise Clary Sage, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Clary Sage, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h3>
Why This Baby Clary Sage Plant Surprised Me</h3>
<br />
In August, 2013, about a foot from where this small clary sage is blooming today, this borage plant was blooming. <b>Borage reseeds easily. </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr5UA36Ez9XiAwq1h0XPUqpiNUQY-HBkZCS5YBTu-QV5ueR8YyMfJTf-6eTq3rjF0b7pPng9_aKcbB-WsPCWhEouTNuUvROOgJe_UibLnOKwwRR32qOlGTaKGbdUxJYJq_Yw3/s1600/bub-aug14-borage-blooming-geranium-lambsear-301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Mystery of the Baby Clary Sage" border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr5UA36Ez9XiAwq1h0XPUqpiNUQY-HBkZCS5YBTu-QV5ueR8YyMfJTf-6eTq3rjF0b7pPng9_aKcbB-WsPCWhEouTNuUvROOgJe_UibLnOKwwRR32qOlGTaKGbdUxJYJq_Yw3/s640/bub-aug14-borage-blooming-geranium-lambsear-301.jpg" title="Borage in Bloom and Companions, © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borage in Bloom and Companions, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>If the clary sage and borage are not next to each other and neither is blooming, they can be easily confused.</b> This is especially true if there were no known clary sage plants in an area where you knew you had had borage. When I saw these seedlings in January, I just assumed they were borage and that they weren't yet mature enough to bloom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CB3AFpspuuo/V1Nyn3TVCeI/AAAAAAAAHTk/3zMF7VXCN0APBrx8qkXi1Zlv57EL0QEtQCKgB/s1600/feb15-2015-borage-or-clary-sage-seedling-1137-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Mystery of the Baby Clary Sage" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CB3AFpspuuo/V1Nyn3TVCeI/AAAAAAAAHTk/3zMF7VXCN0APBrx8qkXi1Zlv57EL0QEtQCKgB/s1600/feb15-2015-borage-or-clary-sage-seedling-1137-small.jpg" title="Borage or Clary Sage Seedlings © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borage or Clary Sage Seedlings beside Calendula Flower © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
The photo above shows you what I saw in that area in February 2015. What I believed to be the borage seedlings are to the right of the orange calendula flower. The eggshells are for snail control. The small plant closest to the flower, with the touch of blue, might actually be borage. It's hard to tell.<br />
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<h3>
Seedlings Easily Confused with Borage</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbzgk_tsMO8/V1NyW8yTXgI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/dSQjW2-MpbQMq8jKckklSsgGSiQUf0T3wCLcB/s1600/pic-easily-confused-seedlings-borage-clary-sage-mullein-700sq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Mystery of the Baby Clary Sage" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbzgk_tsMO8/V1NyW8yTXgI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/dSQjW2-MpbQMq8jKckklSsgGSiQUf0T3wCLcB/s1600/pic-easily-confused-seedlings-borage-clary-sage-mullein-700sq.jpg" title="Seedlings Easily Confused with Clary Sage Seedlings Graphic © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></div>
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<b>All of the plants pictured above have leaves of similar shape. They all grow as rosettes, with leaves coming from the center.</b> Clary sage and mullein are so similar in looks that the person who sold me my first mullein had it labeled a clary sage, and later discovered her mistake. After the plant bloomed, it didn't look anything like a clary sage, so I went back to her and she was relieved to know who had gotten the mullein. She then gave me the genuine clary sage you see above.<br />
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Meanwhile, I had enjoyed the mullein so much I bought another when Fat Cat Farm was going out of business. That's the mullein you see above. The borage on the left is growing near some catmint (extreme left). There's no doubt about what it is since it's in full bloom now. In fact, in this heat it's beginning to fade and reseed. The photo below was taken during the first week of April.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ETzPjtWEek/V1Od4EI_kSI/AAAAAAAAHTs/n2_D9I6aW_cmQg1tqgA8C6JbTcL3r23LwCLcB/s1600/april8-borage-catmint-hyssop-2542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Mystery of the Baby Clary Sage" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ETzPjtWEek/V1Od4EI_kSI/AAAAAAAAHTs/n2_D9I6aW_cmQg1tqgA8C6JbTcL3r23LwCLcB/s1600/april8-borage-catmint-hyssop-2542.jpg" title="Borage in Bloom near Calendula, Catmint, and Hyssop © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borage in Bloom near Calendula, Catmint, and Hyssop © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Above, the borage is in the middle with light blue flowers. The yellow calendula is nearest the lawn. In between is a pot of catmint that has escaped into the flower bed. It has the very faint blue flowers you see. The purple flowers at the back are hyssop just beginning to bloom. I love its deep color. It's in full bloom today and I'll be sharing that photo in a future post.<br />
<br />
<h3>
So How Did a Clary Sage Plant Emerge Where it Did?</h3>
<br />
I suppose seeds could have drifted over from the main flower bed. In that case, this could be the mother plant, about five yards from the baby clary sage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLhv1vn36hU/V1NZdv6cXLI/AAAAAAAAHSs/J3Fnc7GilrQz8haWcWnNzhLUyvozazW8QCKgB/s1600/june13-2015mixed-herbs-front-bed-paso-0790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Mystery of the Baby Clary Sage" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLhv1vn36hU/V1NZdv6cXLI/AAAAAAAAHSs/J3Fnc7GilrQz8haWcWnNzhLUyvozazW8QCKgB/s1600/june13-2015mixed-herbs-front-bed-paso-0790.jpg" title="Clary Sage in Bloom beside Tricolor Sage and Oregano © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clary Sage in Bloom beside Tricolor Sage and Oregano © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>The clary sage is the only blooming plant in the photo above</b>. Its leaves are curling during the hot part of the day. I'm sure this is the mother of my baby sages. Even if the seeds were not carried to the new location from here, they may have been planted in 2013. I just remembered that when I was transferring the clary sage to a pot, I had the pot very close to where those new plants are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vyy6BJIPuG8/V1OhVbQeZRI/AAAAAAAAHT4/9EVKjf8QWsoTX5bTGUsoZ7bu0bJm6_MpgCKgB/s1600/bub-overview-middlesidebed-clary-petunias-may26-3013-210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Mystery of the Baby Clary Sage" border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vyy6BJIPuG8/V1OhVbQeZRI/AAAAAAAAHT4/9EVKjf8QWsoTX5bTGUsoZ7bu0bJm6_MpgCKgB/s640/bub-overview-middlesidebed-clary-petunias-may26-3013-210.jpg" title="Young Potted Clary Sage in February © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Potted Clary Sage in February © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At the time I wasn't sure where I would put the potted clary sage. The pot is sitting only five feet from where my new baby plants are. By the time I moved the pot to its current location in the middle of June, it was in full bloom. <b>It's quite possible some seeds were ready to fall and dropped as I was moving the plant.</b> It is also possible that the seeds lay dormant until we got enough rain to germinate them. This would seem to fit the time frame for the plants being in bloom now.<br />
<br />
To me it's a bit of a miracle that these should germinate and bloom. <b>According to the<i><a href="http://amzn.to/1stc2EG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs</a></i>, sage seeds store poorly, yet these just dropped into the ground and stayed until conditions were right for germination. Once they germinate, it takes them two years to actually mature enough to bloom. </b>If they germinated in the rains of 2014, they are right on schedule. I believe the mystery of the baby clary sage has been solved.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholdi3dPGEzqWZFVT7EhSexpvnfBRonzLsD5oTpAZU5CJqAKArR0TJRnVXMRRxr5OAykD4AUY2LlR92N0uG9ARNmnG0MMJkZRXVk3Gv70R_E8S2SPEmp7I8UYMDi_9-ZaBT4k4/s1600/pic-pin-mystery-of-baby-clary-sage-0427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholdi3dPGEzqWZFVT7EhSexpvnfBRonzLsD5oTpAZU5CJqAKArR0TJRnVXMRRxr5OAykD4AUY2LlR92N0uG9ARNmnG0MMJkZRXVk3Gv70R_E8S2SPEmp7I8UYMDi_9-ZaBT4k4/s1600/pic-pin-mystery-of-baby-clary-sage-0427.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you think? <b>If you enjoyed solving this mystery with me, please share it with your friends. </b>You will find sharing buttons just below, above the comment box where you can tell me what you think. How do you think the the baby clary sage plants got here?</span><br />
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-86975329384701253782016-05-25T13:49:00.001-07:002016-05-25T13:49:28.497-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Bees on Fruity Teucrium<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-icfUjEdAWNg/V0YOTakV8gI/AAAAAAAAHNM/OIQJIKqdv0MR5vdxIi4nu348RidPnGs5ACLcB/s1600/may25-bees-on-fruity-teucrium-count-700pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bees on Fruity Teucrium, © B. Radisavljevic" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-icfUjEdAWNg/V0YOTakV8gI/AAAAAAAAHNM/OIQJIKqdv0MR5vdxIi4nu348RidPnGs5ACLcB/s1600/may25-bees-on-fruity-teucrium-count-700pix.jpg" title="Bees on Fruity Teucrium, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11.88px; line-height: 16.632px;">How many can you find? Bees on Fruity Teucrium, © B. Radisavljevic</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-69720628124475430492016-05-13T00:44:00.000-07:002016-05-13T00:44:56.447-07:00Small Visitors to my Garden in Early May<h3>
Visiting Insects in May</h3>
<br />
Although we schedule our visits on a calendar, it's not so neat in the insect world. They appear by season rather than by date. So although I can say that these insects were all garden visitors during the first two weeks of May, some had been hanging around since April, and some, like the bees, visit me during the entire year. Let's look at them. My most welcome guests this month have been the ladybugs, who flew in to clean up my aphid problem.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HD0nvPvdOWA/VzVYOW34-eI/AAAAAAAAHIE/I-nikLIF_rMhU8un3qHq2ReHh_Wk80ujACKgB/s1600/may7-very-busy-ladybugs-mating-eating-0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Visitors to my Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HD0nvPvdOWA/VzVYOW34-eI/AAAAAAAAHIE/I-nikLIF_rMhU8un3qHq2ReHh_Wk80ujACKgB/s1600/may7-very-busy-ladybugs-mating-eating-0143.jpg" title="Ladybugs Busy Mating and Eating Aphids, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladybugs Busy Mating and Eating Aphids, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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They have been a great help to me. In the photo above you can see the one on top eating one of the aphids. The two on the bottom of the flower are mating. You can see how the unwelcome aphids are sucking the life out of the calendula plants. In the middle of April I had four heavily infested calendula flowers and one infested wormwood plant. It took the ladybug air force a month to finish the job, but as of yesterday there are no more aphids and most of the ladybugs have moved on. Below is another calendula plant they cleaned up. Do you see all the ladybugs visible on just this one plant? I counted nine. How many can you count?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSpP6pXUvJY/VzVPZ683N1I/AAAAAAAAHHo/HJObpWDm12MGCCm5CsrQeUfGipbt-mU2QCKgB/s1600/may9-ladybugs-eating-aphids-on-calendula-0219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Visitors to my Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSpP6pXUvJY/VzVPZ683N1I/AAAAAAAAHHo/HJObpWDm12MGCCm5CsrQeUfGipbt-mU2QCKgB/s1600/may9-ladybugs-eating-aphids-on-calendula-0219.jpg" title="Ladybird Aphid Eating Crew on Calendula Plant, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladybird Aphid Eating Crew on Calendula Plant, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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There are still a few ladybugs lurking in the rosemary and on other plants. I found the one below in the crotch of this clary sage plant. I'm hoping it's not about to be a meal for the spider that lives there. We will see it later.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uKNhy_ymyLxrnuzeR15dmXokbIBitbrXnaW42UsUo2qAZRpVaz8cEvg4jjL7XkXbLWdfBH6sH1y8B5gI8hjbc9q0-E6OUqINz0e4IJo2PQPwTfLTsusbHw8CblX37dObfj0n/s1600/may11-ladybug-hiding-in-clary-sage-3321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Visitors to my Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uKNhy_ymyLxrnuzeR15dmXokbIBitbrXnaW42UsUo2qAZRpVaz8cEvg4jjL7XkXbLWdfBH6sH1y8B5gI8hjbc9q0-E6OUqINz0e4IJo2PQPwTfLTsusbHw8CblX37dObfj0n/s1600/may11-ladybug-hiding-in-clary-sage-3321.jpg" title="Ladybird Hiding on Clary Sage Plant, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladybird Hiding on Clary Sage Plant, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Another insect currently in my garden is the spittlebug. Spittlebugs are small insects who cover their motionless nymphs, who hang out on the foliage of perennials, shrubs, annuals, and herbs, with this unsightly foam as they suck juices from the stems. According to <i>Sunset</i>, they do little damage and leave after about three weeks. If they really bother you, you can wash the foam off with a hose. They do make the plant look a bit ugly. Here they are "decorating" my rosemary.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AaPooiVd8w/VzVZzUndJvI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/YHTNG033Fmom_j7kTWOCdvf7AK31oDn9ACKgB/s1600/may6-spitttle-bugs-0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Visitors to my Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AaPooiVd8w/VzVZzUndJvI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/YHTNG033Fmom_j7kTWOCdvf7AK31oDn9ACKgB/s1600/may6-spitttle-bugs-0170.jpg" title="Spittlebugs on Rosemary, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spittlebugs on Rosemary, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The last insect, the one who visits almost every day, is the hard-working bee. Below you see it on <a href="http://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/tansy-and-fruity-teucrium-as-garden-companions.html" target="_blank">fruity teucrium</a>, a ground cover, which is blooming now. The bees love it. I couldn't fit them all into this one photo, and they kept flitting off to new blossoms while I was focusing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8P_offUpIe1QxegxcRZWmFMHRnewewgOtnkq9tUTVVCN-NGjOJPCJZ0-J6xIQam6hctO2CIaWGXLqVKF4Po-LNC4JAEF7hKEcs1TQwXeSFWi8GzQrSOF19PJPskiC-elyEKTt/s1600/may9-bees-on-fruity-teucrium-0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Visitors to my Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8P_offUpIe1QxegxcRZWmFMHRnewewgOtnkq9tUTVVCN-NGjOJPCJZ0-J6xIQam6hctO2CIaWGXLqVKF4Po-LNC4JAEF7hKEcs1TQwXeSFWi8GzQrSOF19PJPskiC-elyEKTt/s1600/may9-bees-on-fruity-teucrium-0232.jpg" title="Bees on Fruity Teucrium, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bees on Fruity Teucrium, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Before we leave the insects, here's one more photo of a bee. This one is working on a lamb's ears flower. The lamb's ears started to bloom just a few days ago. This photo is just the right size to pin if you'd like to share it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYoT5jMKGiw/VzVextMU_KI/AAAAAAAAHIc/7AYgLckwT5c3e_13d70WXiq6xOPoX6vaQCKgB/s1600/pic-pin-bee-on-lambsears-3327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Visitors to my Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYoT5jMKGiw/VzVextMU_KI/AAAAAAAAHIc/7AYgLckwT5c3e_13d70WXiq6xOPoX6vaQCKgB/s1600/pic-pin-bee-on-lambsears-3327.jpg" title="Busy Bee on Lamb's Ears, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy Bee on Lamb's Ears, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h3>
The Inconspicuous Crab Spider in Early May</h3>
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This spider has visited many of my plants. I have seen her (and what I assume is her mate) on the calendula plants with the ladybugs and aphids, on the juniper bushes, and on the rosemary. It is very hard to see on this rosemary plant, even when I blow it up. It's not a large spider to start with, and it can take on the coloring of the plant it's on to blend in. Can you see it in the lower right corner below? I had to get into a very awkward position to get this photo at all.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7POfriEERHA/VzVUn7IXg2I/AAAAAAAAHH4/T2mzqZmFgRUNCDtN0AEqSqk1VYd4UiwjgCKgB/s1600/may9-hard-to-see-crab-spider-in-rosemary-0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Visitors to my Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7POfriEERHA/VzVUn7IXg2I/AAAAAAAAHH4/T2mzqZmFgRUNCDtN0AEqSqk1VYd4UiwjgCKgB/s1600/may9-hard-to-see-crab-spider-in-rosemary-0181.jpg" title="Inconspicuous Crab Spider in Rosemary, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inconspicuous Crab Spider in Rosemary, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One of these spiders seems to be living on my clary sage. It's much easier to see and photograph there. It usually scrunches up like this while waiting for prey to appear. I do have a video of two of these spiders interacting on a calendula plant, and once they start moving, they are fast. I think one may have been chasing the other. The one below is a female. The male is smaller. I saw a male on this plant a couple of days earlier. I don't see it now. I wonder if the female had him for dinner. <a href="http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2006/03/02/spider-kama-sutra/" target="_blank">To see how this spider mates, check the last photo on this blog post. </a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoDAA3Uz9-A/VzVLkBKO40I/AAAAAAAAHHU/qzLbLOxWG7QsbdlLNns2mrA-qzRhMpzuACKgB/s1600/may9-inconspicous-crab-spider-0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Visitors to my Garden in Early May" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoDAA3Uz9-A/VzVLkBKO40I/AAAAAAAAHHU/qzLbLOxWG7QsbdlLNns2mrA-qzRhMpzuACKgB/s1600/may9-inconspicous-crab-spider-0213.jpg" title="Inconspicuous Crab Spider on Clary Sage Leaf, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inconspicuous Crab Spider on Clary Sage Leaf, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spiders-Other-Arachnids-Dimension-Media/dp/B005IFFRN2?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; float: left; margin: 0 16px 16px 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 38%;" target="_blank" title="Spiders & Other Arachnids"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yWn0Bb9jL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Spiders & Other Arachnids</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I love being able to understand which insects and spiders are visiting me. Here are some books which have been a great help in identifying and understanding them. The two books on the </span><span style="font-size: large;">bottom </span><span style="font-size: large;">right will appeal to children and are small enough to carry into the backyard for field use. The books on the bottom left have a format designed for teens and adults. All are illustrated and will help you identify garden visitors with six or eight legs. The short video at left above shows you some common spiders in action up close. Prime members can watch it for free. </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/tryprimefree/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1427739975520&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=barspeobui-20&linkId=VKNTRPW4CTIQQRII" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=barspeobui-20&l=pf4&o=1" height="1" style="border: none; font-size: x-large; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Insects-America-Mexico/dp/0395911702?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="A Field Guide to Insects: America North of Mexico"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51pautwagDL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">A Field Guide to Insects: America North of Mexico</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/National-Audubon-Society-American-Paperback/dp/0394507630?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders (National Audubon Society Field Guides (Paperback))"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51D87F2TDJL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders (National Audubon Society Field Guides (Paperback))</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fandex-Family-Field-Guides-Bugs/dp/0761154140?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Fandex Family Field Guides: Bugs"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518XhW-Ts8L.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Fandex Family Field Guides: Bugs</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Peterson-First-Guide-Insects-America/dp/0395906644?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Peterson First Guide to Insects of North America"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VeW89HEIL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Peterson First Guide to Insects of North America</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-7154114468807237932016-05-08T00:38:00.000-07:002018-06-15T01:48:52.602-07:00Nigella - A Wonderful Garden Surprise<br />
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Nature's Little Garden Surprises</h3>
Sometimes exploring my garden with a camera in my hand helps me see things I might not take note of otherwise. This morning when I was out spider and ladybug hunting, I saw a strange flower next to my mums and hyssop. It was unique. After half an hour of research, I identified it as <b>nigella (Love in a Mist.) </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85KCpSe9NvA/Vy7M_poxZqI/AAAAAAAAHFY/w4PHQWQK7M0ODGAJhGmByMV2mdrTC4NpwCLcB/s1600/may7-nigella-0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nigella - A Wonderful Garden Surprise" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85KCpSe9NvA/Vy7M_poxZqI/AAAAAAAAHFY/w4PHQWQK7M0ODGAJhGmByMV2mdrTC4NpwCLcB/s1600/may7-nigella-0186.jpg" title="Rose Color Nigella Flower, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose Color Nigella Flower, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Although finding this nigella was a surprise, it is not an accident. <b>I first saw nigella at Fat Cat Farm in May, 2013</b>. It looked like this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfE6-ubUNJ_8s8xkyQkvlKACjPKskjaUBoUW16-LOJoomcc4F6vka-WyVzXk3bqm5yfg2wmovnSaBr9RX67e-OEFVpYXFUAOeP0ZEK2zmhX2unPM58S-IlsZZdRuXQ-ePzkVu/s1600/may5-2013-nigella-fat-cat-farm-3402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nigella - A Wonderful Garden Surprise" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfE6-ubUNJ_8s8xkyQkvlKACjPKskjaUBoUW16-LOJoomcc4F6vka-WyVzXk3bqm5yfg2wmovnSaBr9RX67e-OEFVpYXFUAOeP0ZEK2zmhX2unPM58S-IlsZZdRuXQ-ePzkVu/s1600/may5-2013-nigella-fat-cat-farm-3402.jpg" title="Blue Nigella Flowers, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Nigella Flowers, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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I came back about a month later for my final purchase before Fat Cat Farm closed its doors. <b>By June the seed pods on top were beginning to mature.</b> I liked the unique form of this flower and wanted some, but Rhoda said <b>it doesn't transfer wel</b>l and was about to die back anyway. I seem to remember her digging one up for me anyway and potting it without charging me. I seem to remember planting it, with hopes it would reseed, since Rhoda had said <b>it reseeds freely</b>. I don't see evidence in my photo record of that year that I did plant it, but I know if I did, it did not survive or reseed.<br />
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<b>The nigella plants look just right in a rock garden</b>. Some of them were in a rock garden at Fat Cat Farm. I snapped this shot on my last visit that June. You can see how the seed capsules have grown. <b>Nigella does need to be watered while it's growing and blooming. </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2X7yWnCwI0/Vy7ZxmumcKI/AAAAAAAAHFw/lsr4xe7qWbI4jWClLIDMDXHmDhF1sNHewCKgB/s1600/jun6-2013-nigella-going-to-seed-fat-cat-3621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nigella - A Wonderful Garden Surprise" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2X7yWnCwI0/Vy7ZxmumcKI/AAAAAAAAHFw/lsr4xe7qWbI4jWClLIDMDXHmDhF1sNHewCKgB/s1600/jun6-2013-nigella-going-to-seed-fat-cat-3621.jpg" title="Blue Nigella Flowers in Rock Garden, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Nigella Flowers in Rock Garden, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Later that year <b>I bought some nigella seeds and planted some the next spring</b>, but I forgot about it -- until today, when I started wondering what those strange-looking pink flowers were. I found an old flower book I had around the house and started looking at all the pink flower photos. Bingo! When I saw the name nigella, it clicked. <b>I had been thinking of them as blue, like the ones I'd seen at Fat Cat Farm. I've since learned they also come in white and rose.</b> I must have planted rose. <a href="http://amzn.to/1OiEMV0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon has a varied selection of nigella seeds </a>if you can't find them locally.<br />
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<b>Nigella flowers are attractive in bouquets, dried, or in the garden. It's best to plant them from seed on open ground in early spring.</b> You may think they are weeds when they first come up. I admit, I almost pulled them, but I've learned by now to recognize certain leaf patterns as more likely to be flowers. I thought it only fair to let these plants show me what they were before I took drastic measures. I'm glad I waited. "Love in a Mist" has rewarded me for my patience. Tomorrow I'll take another look around to see if there are anymore I haven't discovered yet.<br />
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Meanwhile, I remember Fat Cat Farm fondly, and I do miss it. This photo taken in their herb garden is an appropriate tribute. It is also the right size for Pinterest if you'd like to share it there, as is the photo after it. The sculpture is made of recycled materials. I did not see the name of the creator.<br />
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Other share buttons are just above the comment box below.<br />
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Have you ever had Nigella in your garden or seen it growing?<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CeElMhk-uL8/Vy7iz56J5_I/AAAAAAAAHF8/NP9wsO0jvJYUgJYuRwiEOV1n-5WHNIPbwCLcB/s1600/cello-sculpture-fat-cat-farm-3636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nigella - A Wonderful Garden Surprise" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CeElMhk-uL8/Vy7iz56J5_I/AAAAAAAAHF8/NP9wsO0jvJYUgJYuRwiEOV1n-5WHNIPbwCLcB/s1600/cello-sculpture-fat-cat-farm-3636.jpg" title="Scrap Metal Sculpture at Fat Cat Farm, 2013, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></div>
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26903471.post-763256257740776902016-05-05T19:03:00.000-07:002016-05-05T19:03:20.895-07:00Ladybugs Mating - Caught in the Act <h3>
Record Number of Ladybugs on One Plant Today</h3>
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This morning I went to do my almost daily ladybug count on my aphid infested calendula plants and I counted sixteen on this one plant. So far they seem to have devoured the aphids on the other calendula plants so they are partying on this one today. As I took a closer look, I saw these two mating. It was windy and I didn't think the macro shot would come out clear, but it did. So here they are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yokGq0x-KjQ/VyvZfhTSgmI/AAAAAAAAHE4/5guQ1viNATM1omJyAeGxD3-WB-yf1qGGACLcB/s1600/may5-ladybugs-mating-0121-sq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ladybugs Mating - Caught in the Act " border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yokGq0x-KjQ/VyvZfhTSgmI/AAAAAAAAHE4/5guQ1viNATM1omJyAeGxD3-WB-yf1qGGACLcB/s1600/may5-ladybugs-mating-0121-sq.jpg" title="Ladybugs Mating, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ladybugs Mating, ©
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As far as I can tell from such a limited view, this mating ladybug couple appear to be convergent ladybugs. It appears that although I can't count the spots because of its position upside down, the ladybug hanging over them is a seven-spotted ladybug. I'm using the head for identifying it. They have "headlights."<br />
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I did get a video of this, but I haven't had time to edit it yet. I have so many ladybug videos from this past month I just may do a documentary. Stay tuned. I'm just glad they have all gathered on my calendula plant for an aphid feast.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Original-Ladybug-Land-with-Voucher/dp/B000099Z8H?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; float: left; margin: 0 16px 16px 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 38%;" target="_blank" title="Original Ladybug Land with Voucher"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61mZ1LAAK5L.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Original Ladybug Land with Voucher</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><br />
Whether you are a child or adult, you will learn a lot about ladybugs (ladybird beetles) from these books and educational toys.<br />
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I love any book by Gail Gibbons. She makes everything so clear in her bold illustrations. Not only preschoolers, but anyone, including me, may learn something new. <i>Good Garden Bugs</i> is for adult gardeners. Kids will learn a lot from the other two items, which are just a sample of all that's available when you click through.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ladybugs-Gail-Gibbons/dp/0823427609?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Ladybugs"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CgTt29IEL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Ladybugs</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ladybug-Cycle-Figures-Playtime-Felts/dp/B00TQZJ66E?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Ladybug Life Cycle Felt Board Figures By Playtime Felts"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61-TkBf9gJL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Ladybug Life Cycle Felt Board Figures By Playtime Felts</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Garden-Bugs-Everything-Beneficial/dp/1592539092?tag=barspeobui-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 30.33%;" target="_blank" title="Good Garden Bugs: Everything You Need to Know about Beneficial Predatory Insects"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51z%2B2LyLQUL.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Good Garden Bugs: Everything You Need to Know about Beneficial Predatory Insects</span><img class="prbtn" src="http://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AmazonBlack-e1413517778206.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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See my other post on ladybugs and aphids in the related links below.<br />
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If you want to share this post, there are sharing buttons below just above the comment box. This last photo is designed to meet Pinterest specifications. How many ladybugs can you find and identify in this photo?<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVj3u5SmVy4/VyvwcsFe1EI/AAAAAAAAHFI/6_9FkO6nR9EorridP_biWJndHCAL-TDJACLcB/s1600/pic-pin-may5-mating-lady-bug-0116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ladybugs Mating - Caught in the Act " border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVj3u5SmVy4/VyvwcsFe1EI/AAAAAAAAHFI/6_9FkO6nR9EorridP_biWJndHCAL-TDJACLcB/s1600/pic-pin-may5-mating-lady-bug-0116.jpg" title="Ladybugs on Calendula with Aphids, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></div>
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I see six. Most are seven-spotted.<br />
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