Slow, Soft Showers

after a long, hot drought is just what we needed and what we have been having for several days now. My ponytail palm is going to be part of a succulent collection I will have inside this winter. I usually have African violets but I want a change. Succulents are so carefree as houseplants.

Remembering 9/11

Charlene, a fellow gardener, wrote:

*sigh* That day changed everything for me. For quite some time after, I was a volunteer at the Family Assistance Center at the pier. My law firm let me do it pro-bono full time. I created death certificates for families who lost their loved ones. New York City was filled with people running around trying to help. There were booths everywhere at the Center, and interpreters ready to interpret in about 20 different languages. People walking around with special dogs meant to comfort people. Sadly, the place was mostly filled with just volunteers. There just wasn't much one could to do help but boy did we try. Afterwards, I felt like I should never delay doing something I really wanted to do. A little over one year from 9/11, I was flying back to NY from Viet Nam with my new daughter.

Cacti Rejuvenation

Just a little rain and the cacti look refreshed and ready for action. I've had them for a long time.

Canna Foliage

is very colorful. I think I like the foliage more that the flowers. It's root hardy in my area.

Banana Walnut Pudding

I added a sliced ripe banana, mini-wafers, and chunky walnuts to vanilla instant pudding for this twist on an old favorite. My secret ingredient for the best pudding in the whole world is to fold in about half a small container of Cool Whip to make it light and fluffy. Yum! Let's eat.

Dragon Wing Begonia

is a good plant for containers and hanging baskets. I was surprised to see some rooted cuttings planted in a container in the shade survive this summer's heat without much attention.

Endless Emotion

Sweet, Sweet Rain

Add Glitter to your Photos

We didn't get much more than what I would call heavy dew but, something is better than nothing.

Summer Wind

It is a sultry day; the sun has drunk
The dew that lay upon the morning grass;
There is no rustling in the lofty elm
That canopies my dwelling, and its shade
Scarce cools me. All is silent save the faint
And interrupted murmur of the bee,
Settling on the sick flowers, and then again
Instantly on the wing. The plants around
Feel the too potent fervors; the tall maize
Rolls up its long green leaves; the clover droops
Its tender foliage, and declines its blooms.
But far, in the fierce sunshine, tower the hills,
With all their growth of woods, silent and stern;
As if the scorching heat and dazzling light
Were but an element they loved. Bright clouds,
Motionless pillars of the brazen heaven,
Their bases on the mountains - their white tops
Shining in the far ether - fire and air
With a reflected radiance, and make turn
The gazer's eyes away. For me, I lie
Languidly in the shade, where the thick turf,
Yet virgin from the kisses of the sun,
Retains some freshness, and I woo the wind
That still delays his coming. Why so slow,
Gentle and voluble spirit of the air?
Oh, come and breathe upon the fainting earth
Coolness and life. Is it that in his caves
He hears me? See, on yonder woody ridge,
The pine is bending his proud top, and now
Among the nearer groves, chestnut and oak
Are tossing their green boughs about. He comes!
Lo, where the grassy meadow runs in waves!
The deep distressful silence of the scene
Breaks up with mingling of unnumbered sounds
And universal motion. He is come,
Shaking a shower of blossoms from the shrubs,
And bearing on their fragrance; and he brings
Music of birds, and rustling of young boughs,
And sound of swaying branches, and the voice
Of distant waterfalls. All the green herbs
Are stirring in his breath; a thousand flowers,
By the road-side and the borders of the brook,
Nod to each other; glossy leaves
Are twinkling in the sun, as if the dew
Were on them yet, and silver waters break
Into small waves and sparkle as he comes.

William Cullen Bryant

Perennial Hibiscus

I'm rooting some cuttings of an all white perennial hibiscus. It produced a seedpod. Although I do not know if it will come true from seed, I'm sending it to a fellow forum member.

Labor Day

Feasting is how we celebrate almost anything. Ribs, potato salad, Wickles, lemonade pie, and a minty vodka something to drink served on Rachel's new deck furniture. A hummingbird was investigating us so we put up a feeder and soon there were two hummers.

Gerbera Daisy

This pink one, though not fully opened, is beautiful this time of year. Gerbera daisies, tender perennials, of many colors are wonderful in the garden. As pot plants, keep them pot bound for better bloom.