MsGreen"thumb"Jean

This Week!

2012-01-22T10:44:00.001-05:00

Last Week

2012-01-21T13:10:00.001-05:00

You Got Mail!

2012-01-10T17:17:00.002-05:00

I found this awesome vintage mailbox at a flea market and just had to have it! It was only 20 dollars and all I had to do was clean it up a little.
It's quite small and I get a lot of magazines so I dug in my Christmas stuff for 2 stocking hooks for the mantle. All I had to do was drill a couple holes (Thanks Chris for the right drill bit!) and hang them under the mailbox.

It looks great with the other bronze items I have on the front entrance.

Love it!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T08:16:00.002-05:00

Candy Canes

2011-12-22T07:25:00.000-05:00

Vintage Ladder

2011-12-16T08:35:00.001-05:00

Window

2011-12-12T14:33:00.003-05:00

I wanted something different for a wall in my living room. I had an old window, some vintage plastic icicle, a single window candle and some winter foilage. I put them all together and this is what I came up with!

Kitchen Wreath

2011-12-11T11:56:00.003-05:00

I'm going to try to post at least a couple times a week in December. I hope I still have a few followers!

I got this green wreath at M's. All I added were some vintage red plastic and metal cookie cutters, cinnamon sticks tied with ribbon and some small sparkly styrofoam balls. I used a glue gun so I can still use the cookie cutters if I want to.

The Best Favorite Things Friday!!

2011-11-19T06:58:00.003-05:00

I'm a little slow on the Friday Favorites this week but this is the best one ever!

I'd like to introduce you to Madelyn Louise. She arrived at 1:12 Friday afternoon, after a long 15 year wait by her parents, my daughter Laurie and her proud Daddy, Chris.
She even has her Daddy's red hair as we all hoped she would.
She weighs 7'8", is 21 inches long and has a good set of lungs.

Daddy was pretty shaky after she arrived but Mommy and Maddy are both doing great!

Favorite Things Friday?

2011-11-11T07:32:00.003-05:00

As much as I'm not ready for snow, I must admit it is beautiful!

Favorite Things Friday

2011-11-04T06:55:00.001-04:00

It's Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-10-31T17:34:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the last Bloomin' Tuesday of 2011. There is nothing bloomin' here (we've had snow a couple days but nothing serious) so I'm showing you a couple pictures I never posted.

If you'd like to show off your bloomers just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky. Don't forget to add a link to this post on your blog.
Thanks to all the gardeners that have participated! See you in the Spring for Bloomin' Tuesday!

Favorite Things Friday

2011-10-28T11:41:00.004-04:00

NOT!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-10-24T20:05:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the next to the last Bloomin' Tuesday until next spring!

I've been watching this one lonely Dianthus for awhile now because it's right by my driveway. We had a heavy frost on Sunday and I was afraid I'd lost it. Today it is beautiful!

One more bloom on a small piece of Sedum I moved this year.

I forgot about this mum. I love the color but I think it's being over run where it is so I'll need to move it.

Pretty fall colors with Bunny Grass, Blanket Flower seed heads and some spearmint that has turned dark burgundy.

This Dead Nettle will really need to be cut back next spring. I can't believe it's still blooming.

I didn't realize how pretty the Crocosmia gets. This would look great in a dried arrangement.

I planted this ivy and some dark purple double wave petunias in this basket I hang on the tree in front of my house.

The ivy is still going crazy!

I think I'll leave it up all winter just to see what happens. I think it was an annual but I'm not sure.
I will be stopping Bloomin' Tuesday the end of the month. My garden has about bloomed out and I'll be busy with a new Granddaughter in November.
Show me what you've got bloomin' this week. Add your name and permalink to your blog and add a link to this post. Thanks for sharing!

Favorite Things Friday

2011-10-20T21:53:00.001-04:00

Alleghany State Park

It's Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-10-17T19:25:00.005-04:00

Welcome!
My 2 planted mums have finally started to bloom. You can just see it by the handles of the wheelbarrow.

The tips are actually pink but it doesn't show in the pictures.

The Knock Out Rose has bloomed more this fall than it did all summer.

The Cosmos are still beautiful! They are really top heavy so they lean but still keep bloomin'.

The large one is at least 3 inches across.

One of my white Primroses is blooming again.

This is the other mum I planted a couple years ago. It is the daisy type too but a little pinker than the first one.

I had to show you my Limelight Hydrangea. I love the color of the blooms now. I'll probably cut some before to long.

They are so big I won't need many.

What is still bloomin' where you are planted? Add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and a link to this post on your blog and I'll be by to check out your bloomers!

Favorite Things Friday

2011-10-14T07:22:00.001-04:00

Fungus

2011-10-12T20:39:00.002-04:00

It's Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-10-10T20:10:00.002-04:00

Allegheny State Park over the weekend.

You know the drill!
Happy Bloomin' Tuesday!

1. Linda's Lunacy
2. Corner Garden, NE
3. daisy

4. Rosemary
5. Racquel
6. Darla, North Florida

7. Red House Garden

Favorite Things Friday

2011-10-07T06:45:00.002-04:00

I'm heading out to my favorite weekend of the year!

I'm going to Allegheny State Park for our annual family camping trip. We have been going to Allegheny for a Columbus Day family picnic for close to 30 years. We started out with about 20 aunts and cousins and now it is just my kids and granddaughters. Five years ago we decided to spend the weekend and we all love it!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-10-03T20:30:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the first Bloomin' Tuesday in October.

I still have a few blooms and the bees are still buzzin' as you can see by this blanket flower picture. It's been in the 50's all week but is going to start warming up little by little tomorrow.
The Chocolate Joe Pye Wed is finally in bloom. I like the reddish color the plant adds to the garden as well as the white fuzzy flowers.
The ornamental Kale is a lot smaller than I expected. This is my first time to plant it and I might have gotten a small variety. I do love the color it adds and the smaller plant would work well in a planter.
The Toad Lily is blooming in the shade garden. The blooms are a little hard to see against all the falling leaves.
The plant does look good next to the colorful Chameleon.

The Cape Fuchsia has been blooming a little all summer. No big show, just a few blooms at a time but I do like the color and shape of the blooms.

I'm anxious to see what is still bloomin' in your garden. Just add your name and permalink to Mr. Linky and a link to this post on your blog. Thanks for sharing your garden with us!

1. Corner Garden, NE
2. Through My Garden Window
3. Suzanne in Colorado
4. daisy

5. Darla, North Florida
6. Secret Garden
7. Racquel
8. Moon vine flower

9. My Omaha Garden
10. LindyLouMac in Italy
11. Deb

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-09-26T19:31:00.006-04:00

Welcome to another Bloomin' Tuesday in Western New York! Our weather has been up and down, today was in the 80's! A few days ago we had all the windows shut. I still have a few plants blooming and I have purchased some mums. I don't usually plant them because they never seem to return. The couple I do have planted haven't bloomed yet.Autumn Joy Sedum certainly has the perfect name! I add loads of color where ever it's planted.

I had to show you how huge this Anemone in the shade garden got. Payton is holding the bloom for me and she's 2 1/2 if that gives you an idea of size. I've never had any so large. The Dragon Plant is full of tiny white flowers and it's leaves are beginning to show their fall color.
There are even a couple day lilies still blooming and the prim rose leaves are coming back. I may even get some fall blooms. The blue Cranesbill Geranium has been blooming all summer and it still hasn't stopped. All the Cranesbills are a super addition to any garden.I'll leave you with this shot of a square mushroom Payton found in the front yard. I've never seen anything like it, have you? Add your name and permalink to Mr Linky to join this weeks tour. Don't forget to add a link to this post on your blog. Thanks for participating!

Local News!

2011-09-25T08:35:00.006-04:00

The story begins last weekend when I was scared awake by the sound of something on my second story deck. I got up and turned the light on to see 2 raccoons had knocked the grease catcher off the grill. They didn't want to leave but I shooed them away with a broom. I'd barely gotten back into bed when I heard something again. This time it was only one. I shoved him off the deck with the bloom. He was hanging on the edge by his 'hands' so I pushed his hands and down he went!

I set a trap but even tho we know they were back, I couldn't catch them. A couple mornings later I found this in the trap.A baby possum!

I gave him an all expense paid trip to a local 'wildlife resort', complete with a 'pool' and reset the trap.

The next morning (5am) as my son, after hearing noises all night, was checking his laptop before work at the kitchen table when a very angry raccoon tried to come in the kitchen window! Luckily, the window was closed! Raccoon #1 was in the trap and raccoon #2 was not happy!
He called me in the morning to tell me to be careful. Raccoon #2 was still on the deck and # 1 was making a horrible noise.

As you can see #2 was coming after me as I took pictures! He made a real mess, including knocking Payton's caterpillar off the table and killing it, tipping over the wastebasket and knocking everything over that was on the table he climbed on to try to get in the window. He finally left when the sun came out so I took coon #1 to the 'resort'.
A couple nights later I caught what I hope was raccoon #2, and sent him on vacation. I'm hoping this is the last of the deck critters! Now to start trapping the chipmunks that are getting too close to the house.

To see a related story click here.

Favorite Things Friday

2011-09-23T08:47:00.000-04:00

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-09-19T19:18:00.006-04:00

Welcome to Bloomin' Tuesday!

Today it's all about my all time favorite fall blooms, Anemone or windflowers! My first Anemone was a single bloom, the Japanese Anemone. I will admit these plants can take over but it's easy to give them away once gardeners see them. This double light pink is Queen Charlotte. It is fairly new to my shade garden. In my experience, Anemone will do well in any light from full shade to full sun.

I'm not sure of the name of these double pink.

The centers are all the same no matter which bloom. When the bloom is spent, there is just the center 'ball' left which eventually pops open to send off white fluffy seeds.

Another thing I love is the fact that they are a mounding plant. They look great even before they bloom because of this. The 'mound' is made up of several small plants so they are fairly easy to control.

I have a new double white but it hasn't bloomed yet.

The single pink, double pink and white in my middle garden. Can you see why I love these plants? They are so graceful when they sway in the wind.

If you are short on fall blooms, why don't you give Anemone a try. Remember there are also spring bloomers that are nothing like the autumn bloomers.

To join our garden party, just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post on your blog.

Happy Bloomin' Tuesday!

1. Our Country Home
2. Corner Garden, NE
3. Darla, North Florida
4. daisy

5. Roan
6. Through My Garden Window
7. Beyond The Garden Gate
8. Lisa @ My Omaha Garden

9. garden coop
10. Linda's Lunacy
11. Kathy-Delightsome Life

Favorite Things Friday

2011-09-16T08:40:00.003-04:00

A couple years ago I bought a lightening rod at a flea market for my garden. This year something tipped it over and broke the glass ball. The balls are hard to find and quite expensive. Last weekend I went to a 'gigantic sale' and 'pickers paradise' that was not as great as I expected. I was pleasantly surprised to notice a lightening rod, with a couple extra rods and 2 glass balls. I made a low offer and got it all for half what I paid for the first one! I decided to put one on each end of my new front garden and vintage fence.
One has a clear purple ball and one a milk glass purple. I not only love them but love that I got such a good deal!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-09-12T18:00:00.012-04:00

Welcome!
Signs of fall in Western New York.

To add your garden to the tour, add your name and permalink to

Mr Linky and a link to this post on your blog.

Sit back and enjoy!

1. Carol Samsel
2. Beyond The Garden Gate
3. Anne Fannie
4. Darla, North Florida

5. Linda's Lunacy
6. Racquel
7. daisy
8. Tracy - MA - Gardening Obsession

9. http://my-omaha-garden.blogspot.com/2011/09/garden-tuesday-tree-bark-woes.html
10. Rosemary
11. Through My Garden Window
12. Donna's Designs

Favorite Things Friday

2011-09-02T07:36:00.004-04:00

Butterfly Festival

2011-09-01T08:52:00.004-04:00

Jerzie and I went to the local Audubon Butterfly Festival last weekend. The first thing we saw when we entered the butterfly room was flowers everywhere! Huge vases of all the blooms that monarchs feed on.
There were butterflies everywhere! Volunteers were catching them in nets to be tagged, tagging them, showing how to hold them or just walking around giving a closeup view to anyone who wanted to see. Jerzie loved watching everything going on but was not interested in holding one.

There are 2 tagged butterflies on this bouquet.

How many butterflies do you see in this picture?
There are 5 but one is really hidden below the cone flower on the right.

There were several crafts for the kids. After putting together a butterfly puzzle and a huge floor bug puzzle, Jerzie decided to make a caterpillar from a paper chain.

Of course, Jerzie had to put on a puppet show before we left, one of her favorite things to do there.

We had a great time and I hope to take both girls next year!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-08-29T20:01:00.005-04:00

Welcome!

Did you ever feel like you've lost control of your garden? That's exactly how I feel this year. Between all the rainy then dry, hot weather we've had my gardens are overrun with weeds. So instead of dealing with them, I put in a new garden!

I worked on the new area over the weekend. I moved some Red Hot Poker Lilies, pink and orange Phlox, Gay Feather, Siberian Iris and Double Cone Flowers. Then I purchased a few more plants. I really want this border to be colorful!

I went to an Estate Sale and found this awesome, wrought iron porch railing and just had to have it! I was about 45 minutes from home so we had to force it into my car. I left it just like I bought it.
I decided it would make a great backdrop to my garden. There were 3 pieces and they were a perfect fit!

I moved my new Autumn Clematis to the center to spread along the 'fence'. I love it! The best 15 dollars I've spent in a long time! I can't wait until next year to see everything in bloom!

There are a few other things blooming in the gardens besides weeds. The Turtlehead is just opening in the middle garden.

You can certainly see how it got it's name.

The Meadow Rue is about the only thing bloomin' in the shade garden but there is still a lot of color from the foliage. The plant gets quite tall but the pretty lavender blooms are tiny.

This double Holly Hock is really amazing! It's only about 4 feet tall and keeps on bloomin' like crazy!

It's had several blooms already and you can see there are still lots of buds.That's what's bloomin' in my garden this week. Now show us what's bloomin' in yours. Add you name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post on your blog. I'll be stopping by to check out your garden!

1. Beyond The Garden Gate - The Enabling Garden
2. Suzanne in the mountains of Colorado
3. Corner Garden, NE
4. Fishtail Cottage
5. Anne Fannie
6. Raindrops & Daisies
7. Zoey Creative Containers Recap

8. daisy
9. Kathe
10. Lisa @ My Omaha Garden
11. Mary from Calgary
12. Through My Garden Window
13. Rosemary
14. Bella's Rose Cottage

15. Christine
16. Carol Samsel
17. Linda's Lunacy
18. Our Country Home
19. Buckets of Gardening Ideas
20. Water Garden Gazebos
21. Raindrops and Daisys

It's Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-08-22T19:54:00.004-04:00

Welcome!

Today it's all about the Limelight Hydrangea. I do love this hydrangea but I am very surprised at how huge it got this year! I didn't expect and really didn't want it quite so big.

I read about a mini Limelight but don't remember where I read it. Have you heard about it?

I love the light green color of the buds and the fact that it doesn't mind the sun.

Speaking of hydrangea, I moved 2 Endless Summer bushes and the new Forever and Ever Together one I got for my birthday. I decided I wanted a border garden along the sidewalk so I have spent 2 days removing sod. I planted a Endless Summer at either end with the Forever and Ever in the middle. Tomorrow I start moving plants and going shopping for a few more.

If you would like to join our garden tour, just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and put a link to this post on your blog. Then sit back and enjoy the tour!

1. Beyond The Garden Gate
2. Our Country Home
3. What is this plant?
4. Raw Thoughts And Feelings
5. Donna's Designs
6. daisy
7. Daffodil Swap Anyone?
8. Zoey - Fall Decor
9. Darla, North Florida

10. Drying Hydrangea
11. Roan
12. Suzanne in Colorado
13. Through My Garden Window
14. Racquel
15. Indie - Red House Garden
16. So much Excitement!!
17. Going Au Naturel...
18. Brooke - Creative Country Mom

19. Corner Garden, NE
20. Carol Samsel
21. Raindrops & Daisies
22. Linda's Lunacy
23. Fishtail Cottage
24. Johnina Young
25. Anne Fannie

Favorite Things Friday

2011-08-19T08:01:00.001-04:00

I can do it myself!

Incoming!

2011-08-18T07:58:00.002-04:00

From a playground in the back yard... to a playroom/dining room...

my home has turned from just me to a family of 5!

My son and his family need a larger home so they put theirs up for sale. Unbelievably, in this market, the first person that saw it wanted it. There was one stipulation, they had to move out in 60 days. I told them to go for it and they could move in with me until they found a house. As I've said before I don't use the upstairs. After a much needed thorough cleaning, the 2 bedrooms and large bath are now full of family! The third room is full of Gramma's 'stuff'! Last night was the first night they all stayed here and everything was fine. I'm sure we'll all need some space now and then but it actually feels good to have the house full again!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-08-15T19:00:00.009-04:00

Welcome to another Bloomin' Tuesday! I just have a little this and that this week. We have been getting quite a bit of rain so the lawn and garden are looking up.

After last weeks post I'm sure you will all understand a new purchase.

Cone-fections Hot Papya Coneflowers from Lowe's. Don't you love the color?
Some of my orange phlox (sorry, can't find the tag so I don't know the name) among the Black-Eyed-Susans.

The Cosmos, some from seed and some I bought, are looking good. I won't deadhead them at all because I want them to reseed.

My red, white and blue garden was a little off this year. The red dianthus is gone now that the White Clips, Carpathian Harebell and the blue Summer Gentian are blooming.

The rain and cooler weather seems to have revived the blanket flowers in the 'garage garden'.

The Coreopsis Big Bang Redshift is just getting started on the other end of this area.

I love the red and yellow combo!

That's what's bloomin' in Western New York! I'm anxious to see what you all have going on!

To join the party just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post on your blog.

1. http://homemakingdreams.blogspot.com/2011/08/blooming-tuesday-mid-august-2011.html
2. Brooke - Creative Country Mom
3. Baby Boquet
4. Fishtail Cottage
5. Darla, North Florida
6. Rosemary

7. Roan
8. daisy
9. Indie - Red House Garden
10. Beyond The Garden Gate
11. Around the Yard: A Shift
12. Raw Thoughts And Feelings

13. Our Country Home
14. Iowa Gardening Woman
15. My Hosta's
16. Cally
17. Linda's Lunacy
18. caterpillars & produce!

Favorite Things Friday

2011-08-12T08:04:00.001-04:00

Breakfast!

Words!

2011-08-11T07:53:00.002-04:00

I made these 'word blocks' for a local consignment shop. I got most of the pictures from a couple old scrapbooks.

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-08-08T20:12:00.002-04:00

Echincea

I love coneflowers no matter what color they are. I planted several new ones last year so they haven't spread much yet.

Ruby Star

Big Sky Sunrise

Harvest Moon

Green Envy

Big Sky Sundown

Magnus

Flame Thrower

White Luster

I do love my coneflowers!

To join our garden tour just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and put a link to this post on your blog. I love our virtual garden as much as I love Echincea!

Happy Bloomin' Tuesday!

You Do What?!!

2011-08-07T07:54:00.002-04:00

I don't think I've told my Blogger Buddies that I took up line dancing last winter. I needed something to do in the evening and my friend Lloyd invited me to take lessons with him. It was certainly out of my comfort zone but I figured if he could do it, after all he's over 80, that I could too. It took awhile but I have come to really enjoy it. We usually take 2 lessons a week and go to dances put on by our teacher a couple times a month.

Our instructor is asked to help put on a demo at the county fair every year so we were recruited. We did 15 dances (dancing is also good for the mind, but who knew?) over a 2 hour period. There were also couple and intermediate dances in between. We had a ball! My kids all came to watch and even tho Jerzie had decided it would be 'boring', after a couple dances she wanted me to teach her how! Payton said she laughed but she wanted to learn too.

Here is a video of one of the dances. I'm in green and my friend Lloyd, is in tie dye. If you get a chance to learn I recommend it. It's great exercise and also good for a laugh!

Favorite Things Friday

2011-08-05T08:05:00.000-04:00

Volunteer sunflower and Florida Rain Lily

Another Perfect Find!

2011-08-04T08:06:00.003-04:00

I've been watching the sales for a table to set by my chair for awhile now. The one I have is too small. Last week I found just what I was looking for. It is solid mahogany and the height is perfect, the same as the arm to the chair.
It has a leather top with gold trim that is in great shape. I just cleaned it up with a little saddle soap.
It has 2 good sized drawers for all the things I might need by my chair, hand cream, nail file...
The bottom one is perfect to hold my laptop!

The best part of this table is....

I only paid 7 dollars for it! Yes, you read right! Seven dollars!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-08-01T19:25:00.003-04:00

Welcome to another Bloomin' Tuesday!
We got a little rain this past week so some plants are looking better. It seems that the late summer plants are blooming earlier than normal.

The Rose of Sharon at the back of my middle garden is showing off it's double pink blooms. The cone flowers are still looking good in this garden.

The bright pink on the right is Lord Clayton Garden Phlox. The very back of this area is filled with globe thistle.

The side garden is a burst of yellow, orange and blue with the black-eyed-Susans, orange Crocosmia, and tall balloon flowers.

At the bottom of this hill of blooms is another Rose of Sharon. This one is very soft pink with a dark pink center.

I'm anxious to see every ones bloomers this week so grab a button, add your name and permalink to Mr. Linky and add a link to this post to your blog so we can see what's going on in your neck of the woods!

1. Raw Thoughts And Feelings
2. Beyond The Garden Gate
3. Bella's Rose Cottage
4. Carol Samsel
5. Cottage Coop
6. Corner Garden, NE
7. daisy
8. Zoey - Deck-or-ating

9. Rosemary
10. Blending Bee
11. Roan
12. Linda's Lunacy
13. Gardening Journal at Extraordinary Life
14. Suzanne in Colorado
15. A Season for All Things
16. Darla, North Florida

17. Behind the Gate
18. Around the Yard
19. Brooke's Hot Color Combos
20. coop
21. Garden Journal
22. Dort's Metro-Detroit Garden
23. my garden!
24. Kathy-Delightsome Life

Favorite Things Friday

2011-07-29T08:07:00.000-04:00

What's that noise?

2011-07-28T08:08:00.002-04:00

I was sitting quietly drinking a cup of coffee this morning when I heard it. An unfamiliar sound. It kept getting louder and louder and almost sounded like I was at a football game full of cheering fans. Then it hit me! The first sound I heard was rain! Not just humidity in the air but real soaking rain. I realized it wasn't really raining that hard to make such a loud noise. I listened a few more minutes and discovered what it was.
The grass,
the trees,
the flowers,
and even the birds were cheering!

We are finally getting a whole day of rain!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-07-25T20:44:00.003-04:00

Welcome!
Here we are after another hot, humid rainless week. We did get a little during one night and it rained all around me Sat night and today. My grass is all brown and even some of the fall plants are starting to turn brown. My Clematis haven't bloomed like normal this year. Usually the whole vine is covered with blossoms. This year they have been blooming a couple at a time. This one Dr. Ruppel, climbs up a metal crib side under the deck.

The rabbits decided the Pink Champagne needed to be cut back this year. I went out in the spring to untwist it and I ended up with a 'tumbleweed' in my hand! I've been wanting it to climb onto the roof of the shed for years and this is the first time it's gotten close. The bloom from this one is in the
button for Bloomin' Tuesday.

The purple one was given to me and I don't know the name. It is the only one that bloomed normal and it's out front.

I do like the purple color of this one. I'm very excited that I found an Autumn Clematis this year. I've been looking for a few years now. I can't wait t0 see if it blooms this fall.
If you'd like to join our tour just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and, please add a link to this post on your blog. You can grab the button here or click the one on my sidebar for more choices.
Happy Bloomin' Tuesday!

1. Fishtail Cottage
2. Corner Garden, NE
3. Zoey in Michigan
4. Raw Thoughts and Feelings
5. PuteriFauziah
6. Debbie J @ Homemaking Dreams
7. daisy
8. Rosemary

9. Through My Garden Window
10. Darla, North Florida
11. Roan
12. Softening A Patio Wall
13. Gardening Journal at Extraordinary Life
14. Beccas Southern Garden
15. Around the Yard
16. Dorothy in Metro-Detroit

17. Carol Samsel
18. Bella's Rose Cottage - Lavender Farm Trip...
19. Iowa Gardening Woman
20. Brooke - Creative Country Mom's Wildflower Garden
21. Cicadas and Blacksnakes and Hawks...oh my!
22. cecile
23. Linda's Lunacy
24. My garden of herbs and things

Favorite Things Friday

2011-07-22T07:46:00.004-04:00

Dark Angel Dahlia, Dracula

Annual, Mimulus, Maximus Mix.

Chipmunk Holes!

2011-07-21T08:01:00.003-04:00

The girls and I came up with the perfect use for all the chipmunk holes in my back yard. All it took was a yogurt cup from my recycling bin.....

...and the girls golf set!

The perfect use for irritating holes!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-07-18T21:00:00.005-04:00

Welcome!
I'd like to thank all of you that are joining our garden tour. I love seeing all your blooms and garden art!

We are still hurting for rain in Western New York. This first shot is of some astilbe and my blue hydrangea in the darkest corner of my shade garden. Even tho I've watered almost every day these plants are shriveling up. We are supposed to get rain today but none so far.

A close up of the 'Twinkle Pixie' Phlox from last week.
The middle garden is busy with bloomin' cone flowers. There is always lots of bee activity around these blooms.
The heat doesn't seem to bother the perennial Sweet Peas that climb up the lattice and around the window frame on the side of the walkway.
The peachy day lilies have also decided to show off this week.

I finally got to dead head the lily border while the girls were outside playing. I don't go out much in the heat and humidity we've been having.

The trumpet vine is full of buds and blooms. I saw some humming bird zooming around the yard today. I'm trying to show them to the girls but they are just too fast and the girls don't really know what they are looking for.
There bright orange blooms on the deck should attract their attention

Another view of the middle garden with the 'Candy Stripe' Phlox in the front.

The heads of these phlox are huge this year but they aren't standing up very well.
That's it for my heat hardy plants this week. If you'd like to join our garden tour, add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and put a link to this post on your blog. Then sit back with a cold drink and take a tour of gardens from all over the country!

1. Racquel
2. A Season for All Things
3. Suzanne in Colorado
4. ~~Rhonda
5. Anne Fannie
6. daisy
7. Zoey in Michigan
8. Rosemary
9. Debbie J

10. Corner Garden, NE
11. Roan
12. PuteriFauziah
13. Around the Yard
14. Mary in Calgary, Alberta
15. Carol Samsel
16. Dorothy in Metro-Detroit
17. Beccas Southern Garden
18. CosmoGirl Carla

19. Filters...or lack thereof
20. Fishtail Cottage
21. Bella's Rose Cottage
22. Finally Flowers!!
23. Princes and Ladies
24. Linda's Lunacy
25. Deborah Jean

McCoy Vase

2011-07-17T16:52:00.004-04:00

Some of you may remember my post about this vase I got when my Mom passed away.Several were in 'want/need' of one. It is a McCoy vase from the Rustic Line, made in about 1945. You are in luck! I found one like it at a sale and bought it for my Etsy Shop. I just put it up for sale if you are interested. Click on 'jaosmith' under the Etsy pictures on my side bar to go to my shop.

Favorite Things Friday

2011-07-15T08:02:00.003-04:00

Loosestrife!

(Remember to click on the picrures to enlarge) Many years ago, when I was just starting to garden, a customer brought me some plants. I don't remember what the others were but my favorite was the yellow loosestrife. Loosestrife is an invasive plant but that doesn't bother me, in fact I like invasive plants in my 'wild' garden. Several years ago I found some purple loosestrife, Lythrum Virgatum. This plant is planted on roadways because of it's ability to spread. Mine is planted among the yellow and the yellow is definitely more aggressive! Last year at a plant sale at our local Audubon I found what I believe was labeled red loosestrife. I wasn't really sure what I was getting but I bought is anyway. The 'red' also has yellow flowers but the leaves are a nice soft burgundy that looks great with all the green around it.

As I shared last week, I traded some yellow for some Gooseneck. I have been looking for this for years but it's very rare to find any loosestrife at garden centers because of it's invasive nature.

I was very excited a couple weeks ago to find a new loosestrife at Lowes! This may be my favorite! The Beaujolais Loosestrife has graygreen foilage and large dark burgundy blooms.

I only bought one pot but may look for another so it will spread faster.

If you are looking for a colorful plant to fill in a large area, Loosestrife is a great choice. The only problem you may have is finding it. If you see some in a yard stop and ask for a shovel full. I'm sure any gardener would be glad to share. Better yet, take a trip to Western New York and I'll share mine!

Wooden Bowl/Wheelbarrow

2011-07-14T07:54:00.002-04:00

I found this vintage wooden bowl/wheelbarrow at a sale for $1.25. I bought it not really knowing what I would do with it. Once I came up with an idea, I drilled a couple holes in the bottom.

Then I dug around in my gardens for some succulents.

This is what I came up with.

I love it on the wicker table on my deck.

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-07-11T21:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Bloomin' Tuesday! I'd like to apologize again for not posting last week. I usually post every week for BT.

I worked in this garden beside my neighbors garage for a few hours on Sunday. Instead of separating plants, I just enlarge the garden, where possible. I expanded this one about a foot all around. Right now there are blanket flowers, false sunflowers, tickseed and perennial sweet peas blooming. I did need to remove some of the sweet peas because I couldn't see the rusty wheelbarrow at all.

This area is on the house side of the walk way. These Mullins are among my most favorite blooms. The pink phlox, pixie twinkle, is blooming behind it. The 'wild' garden on the other side of the walk is continually getting wilder! I'm excited to see the gooseneck loosestrife blooming for the first time! I traded with a lady that came to the garden tour last year for some yellow. I'd been wanting this for awhile but since it's invasive, it's not usually sold here.

The cone flowers and the red corcosia are just beginning to bloom.
At the bottom of the 'wild' garden it's blue! Blue bellflower, sea holly and light blue camponella are all going strong. Cone flowers are just getting started in the center garden, too. The false mallow, party girl has joined the party also. She does spread around quite well!
I like the punch of color the blue hydrangea adds to the shade garden. I moved this a couple years ago and wasn't sure if it would bloom again. The hosta blooms and pink and white astilbe
help brighten up this dark corner.

The day lily border has also come alive! I never did get a shot of the Stella D'ore and now there are 2 shades of yellow and a peach here and there. The yellow always seem to bloom first but by next week there should be a couple shades of peach.

I only have a couple clumps of this yellow throated burgundy and they don't show up well because they are shorter than the others. Maybe I'll remember to move them this year.

There's a lot of bloomin' going on in Western New York and after all the spring rain, we are wishing for more! I need to water the newer plants most every day now and the weeds are getting harder to pull.
I'm anxious to see what you all have going on in your gardens! Just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post on your blog to join the tour. Just a reminder, I try to have this post up by 9 Monday night so you can sign up then if it's easier.

Happy Gardening!

1. Bella's Rose Cottage
2. My Tomato Garden {Frilly Details}
3. flowerbed
4. Oregon Lavender Festival
5. Donna's Designs
6. Zoey in Michigan
7. daisy
8. PuteriFauziah
9. Darla, North Florida
10. Racquel
11. Happier Than A Pig In Mud

12. Blues in the Garden Beth
13. Gardening Journal at Extraordinary Life
14. Deb
15. Around the Yard
16. Cindy@OldTimePickers
17. Lisa @ My Omaha Garden -- first post
18. Carol at Our Sears Kit Home
19. Rosemary
20. Through My Garden Window
21. Jennifer@threedogsinagarden
22. Corner Garden, NE

23. Fishtail Cottage
24. Suzanne
25. Nell Jean
26. Deborah Jean
27. ~~Rhonda
28. Nayana
29. We Have A Greenhouse!
30. Roses and Gargoyles
31. Our Country Home
32. Lavender Garden Cottage

Favorite Things Friday

2011-07-08T08:13:00.003-04:00

Monarda

Petite Delight

Marshall's Delight

Blue Stocking

Gardenview Scarlet

Do you love Bee Balm?

Demo Treasure!

2011-07-07T06:42:00.003-04:00

My daughter and I went to a couple sales last week. We went into the garage (One of my favorite places to shop!) and I spotted a shelf in the corner made with 3 old posts. It was marked 10 dollars and was 50% off! Of course, I had to have it! I was told that if I wanted it I had to remove it from the wall. A man had purchased a vice that was attached and wanted the shelf too but couldn't get it off.

My daughter backed away and said "You should never say that to my Mom!" The only tools left were a couple small hammers so I grabbed them both and started working. Another worker came and watched.

As you can tell, I got it loose! The second worker carried it to the car for me and when I thanked him he said it was worth it to watch me remove it! The other worker said she couldn't wait to see the man that tried to remove it earlier and tell him about it.

I was going to tear it apart but Laurie suggested I try it in the garden all together first. I dug around in the shed and basement to come up with some 'stuff' to put on it. I'm lovin' it! How about you?

Sorry about Bloomin' Tuesday this week! It was a busy weekend and I just didn't get to it. It will be back next week.

Favorite Things Friday

2011-07-01T06:24:00.002-04:00

A Walk in the Park!

2011-06-30T07:42:00.004-04:00

Now that Jerzie is out of preschool we have more time for fun. Monday we took a walk in our local park. We have talked about all the garbage along the trail by the creek so I took a garbage bag, Jerzie put on her gardening gloves and she picked up trash. Payton picked up a little but was more interested in exploring. There wasn't too much this early in the season but she didn't give up until we got to the play ground.

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-06-27T20:55:00.001-04:00

Thyme
There's (Mother of Thyme)
(Creeping Red)

(Lemon)

(Silver)

and Wooly Thyme.

but the best thyme is
We'd love to see what you have blooming!

Add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post on your blog to show us your 'bloomers'.
Thanks for stopping by!

Favorite Things Friday

2011-06-24T08:08:00.000-04:00

A Pile of Junk!

2011-06-22T19:45:00.003-04:00

I bought an old weathered 1 wheel cart at a household sale for about $3.50. By the time I got it into and out of the car I had a pile of junk! I worked on it for a few hours and ..this is what I ended up with!

I love it and hope to get some old weathered wood to rebuild it the right way but this will do for now.

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-06-20T20:45:00.004-04:00

Welcome!

Today I'm going to show you my side garden. This garden is to the right of my house, the walkway is to the beauty shop. Now that the Lupines and Bachelor Buttons are

done I have lots of yellow.

I dug things out of this garden last year and love finding blooms I forgot I planted like this Globeflower, Golden Queen.

It has an orange tint and shows up well against the Yellow Loosestrife,

I discovered this Gallery Red Lupine on the far side of the garden, next to my neighbors driveway. The pink behind it is a volunteer foxglove.
This shot is looking done from the top of the garden. The white flowers are Beard Tongue, Husker Red. The stems are reddish and the blooms are really a very light pink inside. A friend gave me money years ago when my Grandmother died and told me to by a plant. I got this because my Grandma loved red and the my friend loved white flowers.
Some of the Beard Tongue decided to move to the bottom of the garden with daisies and yellow Sundrops.

I found this Dianthus, Heart Attack last year. I love the color! The pink you see in this picture is from a Cranesbill Geranium that has spread here and there throughout this wild garden.

This shot is the true color.

As you can see I love color! In my mind there is no clashing in the garden. If you'd like to show me your colors, just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add link on your blog to this post. We'd love to see what's bloomin' this week where you are.

1. Carol Samsel
2. Savannah Granny!
3. Stokes Aster
4. Tallulahs Antique Closet
5. Cozy Home Scenes
6. Bella's Rose Cottage
7. Donna's Designs
8. Zoey in Michigan
9. Darla, North Florida
10. Rosemary
11. Deb ~ VA
12. Raw Thoughts and Feelings

13. Racquel
14. daisy
15. Debbie
16. Vegetable Garden update
17. Suzanne
18. Around the Yard (Shanon @foodfarmhealth)
19. Mary
20. Dawn
21. Linda's Lunacy
22. Our Country Home
23. Flea Market Lady
24. Porch. Patio and Plants

25. Fishtail Cottage
26. Happier Than A Pig In Mud
27. Peony @ SBNR
28. Debbie@The Friday Friends
29. Bet in SC
30. Carol at Our Sears Kit Home
31. Gardening Obsession (Tracy) MASS
32. debbie
33. my garden of herbs and things!
34. Out & about in the garden
35. Studio Stuff
36. Homemaking Dreams

Favorite Things Friday

2011-06-17T07:35:00.001-04:00

Blooms!

2011-06-15T20:24:00.003-04:00

I wanted to show you that I do really have blooms and not just shade garden plants.The foxglove aren't as tall as last year but they are still beautiful.
They have been blooming for about a week now.

This spot is right by my front door.

I just bought these giant allium last year and was very happy to see them bloom this year.

Siberian (?) Iris in the day lily bed.

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-06-13T21:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my shade garden!

I had some questions about shade gardens last week so I'm showing more of mine this week. I hope I answer all your questions. Click on the pictures to enlarge and get a better look. This tree and a huge maple in the corner of my neighbors property make for this shady corner on my lot. The sign says 'Time spent in a garden is well spent', which I certainly believe.

The pink and white Dead Nettle around this tree just keeps spreading. There is a concrete circle around the tree but that didn't stop it. As with everything that I don't need, I just pull it out.

To the left is the actual entry to the garden. There are a few stones showing the path with some ground covers between. The tall plant right behind the left post is Solomon Seal.

The white peony on the left, just before the entry was beautiful this year.

The plants I depend on the most to fill this garden are Coral Bells, Hosta and Ferns. They survive our long, cold winters, fill in more every year and add color and texture. Here you can see a hosta behind the Heuchera (Coral Bell) Melting Fire. I love the new colors of Coral Bells like the "Carmel' on the left behind the fern.

I think the Soft Needle Fern, on the left, is my favorite fern. I love how soft and frilly it is. It is next to a Japanese Painted Fern.

Brunerra is another reliable shade plant. It is a nice mounding plant that adds some white to the garden without being stark against all the greens. This one is Jack Frost. There are ferns behind it and a Toad Lily on the right. The yellow flowers are a creeping Sedum.

This shot shows the Toad Lily, on the left with variegated Solomon Seal behind it, a small leaf hosta and a Brilliance Autumn Fern. The fern turns beautiful shades of rust, orange and browns in the Fall.

The last picture is on the way out of the shade garden. I have a Remember Me Hosta on the left, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, a bright green Hosta, and Coral Bells, Molly Bush. The plants in front are Prim Roses that line the path. They have gotten huge this year.

I also use Bleeding Heart, Astilbe and Solomon Seal to add blooms to the shade garden but there is plenty of color even when there are no blooms. The plants have grown so big this year I would need to expand it if I find any more shade plants and I'm running out of shade. I hope I have answered your shade plant questions. I might add Miracle Grow once a season but I like a woodsy feel so I don't clean up all the leaves and tree debris which are also good fertilizer.

That's my Western New York shade garden for this week. What is bloomin' where you are planted this week? Just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post on your blog to join the fun.

Happy Gardening!

1. lemon lane cottage
2. Zoey in Michigan
3. Deb ~ VA
4. daisy
5. Racquel
6. Rosemary
7. Darla, North Florida
8. Carol at Our Sears Kit Home
9. Suzanne

10. Around the Yard
11. Paula - Purple Everywhere!
12. Carol Samsel
13. Stacey@Poofing the Pillows
14. Happier Than A Pig In Mud
15. debbie
16. Jan in Oregon
17. Kathy-Delightsome Life
18. Yes We Have No Bananas

19. Linda's Lunacy
20. Sherry
21. Fishtail Cottage
22. Color Chic
23. Donna's Designs
24. CosmoGirl Carla~A Few Blooms
25. Betty

Favorite Things Friday

2011-06-10T07:28:00.002-04:00

Today my favorite things are on my deck.

This yellow enamel tray is on my table with some sale goodies, sprinklers, hose nozzles and a metal house number. I'll add to this as I find cheap new, old things.

I found this unique window at an antique shop for about 25 dollars. It folds in half so you could actually open it. I added the rusty garden sign I found at Big Lots a few years ago.

This handmade wooden rustic chest was in a dirty old basement. I got it for $5. I have labeled the drawers for each garden and keep plant tags in the drawers. That's as close as I get to a garden journal. LOL!

These 2 items top off an old dresser where I keep everything we need when we eat on the deck. I love decorating with junk, do you?

Winner!

2011-06-09T07:44:00.005-04:00

We have a winner!

Jan from Dandelion and Daisy said "Sorry, I'm old enough to know they are down spout guards...to keep leaves, etc. from plugging up the opening where the gutters drain into the down spouts....that's a really LOOOOOOOOOONG name for what they are!!!That is exactly what I know about them. I had to ask at a sale to find out.

Jan opted to buy something from my shop so these cute wire 'cages' are up for sale at Junkin Jean's.

You never know what you may find in my shop so check it out. This is one of the things I love about household sales, you never know what I might find! You can see some of the newer items on my sidebar.

Thanks for playing along!

Milestone Giveaway!

2011-06-08T17:10:00.003-04:00

I 'm celebrating the fact that I have sold 50 items in my Etsy Shop, Junkin' Jean's!

The first person that can tell me what these items are is the winner. Please, do not ask anyone for help! I'll need to trust you on that 1 rule.

Just write in the comments what you think these are used for.The winner will have a choice of 3 prizes! You may have the items, free shipping on a one time purchase at Junkin' Jean's (any number of items), or this sign I made. I have one hanging on my front door. Now get your thinking caps on and come up with some ideas!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-06-06T20:42:00.002-04:00

Welcome!

The pink Azalea in the back yard is blooming now. It was planted in front, all tangled with the purple one when I bought the house, 20+ years ago. I moved it around a bit but it seems happy where it is.

This is the fullest it has ever been.

The Tickseed, nana, has added a bright splash of yellow to the purples in the garage garden this week.
The middle garden is starting to come alive. The foxglove is beginning to bloom, although it is no where near as tall as last year, the pink in front is Thrift.

There are 2 Cranesbill Geranium right in the center of the garden.The darker one I have had several years and is Alpenglow. I got the lighter one last year, it's name is Karmina.

This is a plant from the original Alpenglow that is in front by the driveway. Cranesbill Geranium is a great hardy, spreading plant and comes in several colors. I highly recommend it for every garden.

There isn't much blooming in the shade garden but it doesn't need blooms to add interest and color.

A hosta next to Jack Frost, Brunnera.

This area has Creeping Foam Flower with beautiful leaves with burgundy veins.

Hosta, Inniswood next to Ladies Mantle with Creeping Genny ground cover.

And a Lady in Red Fern with red stems in front of a tall plant with more burgundies and green, Persicaria Microcephala, Dragon Plant.

One of the things I like most about the shade garden is all the natural colors of the shade plants.

I'd love to come visit your gardens so just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and a link to this post on your blog to invite visitors. Don't forget to grab a button. You can get more choices by clicking the button on my side bar.

Come back later in the week to find out about my celebration give away!

1. Racquel
2. Karen in Montana
3. Bella's Rose Cottage - first summer roses...
4. Corner Garden, NE
5. ready set bloom
6. Donna's Designs
7. Zoey in Michigan
8. daisy
9. Stroll Thru CosmoGirl Carla's Gardens

10. Darla, North Florida
11. Debbie J @ Homemaking Dreams
12. Rosemary
13. Deb, VA
14. Carol Samsel
15. Jan in Oregon
16. My garden of herbs and things!
17. Gardening Journal at Extraordinary Life
18. Fishtail Cottage

19. Roses in the Garden
20. Paula - Buckets of Ideas
21. Happier Than A Pig In Mud
22. The Colors of Morning
23. A Fresh June Morning
24. Kathy-Delightsome Life
25. Linda's Lunacy
26. Jackie@ Canton Village Quilt Works
27. unikorna

Favorite Things Friday

2011-06-03T08:22:00.004-04:00

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-05-30T20:58:00.008-04:00

We are in mid summer by the thermometer! The sun is shining and the temps are in the 80's during the day and major thunder storms during the night. Just what the plants want, sunshine and rain.
The large side garden is blooming with lupine, bachelor buttons and wild phlox.

This bunch of lupine is about in the center of this garden and is really putting on a show.

There is a sea of purple along the neighbors garage in the bed with the rusty wheelbarrow. This wheelbarrow came from a friend's camp the kids and I spent a lot of time at.

Purple Iris and wild columbine are adding all the beautiful purple shades. I have snow!

Snow in Summer, that is!

The Star of Bethlehem has popped up everywhere. This clump is under a Rose of Sharon in the middle garden. I don't believe I ever planted any but I'm always grateful for any volunteers.

If you'd like to show off your bloomers, just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post on your blog. After a long holiday weekend we are all happy to sit with a cool drink and relax while touring your garden.

Sorry, I don't know what happened to Mr Linky but he's up now!

1. Tallulahs Antique Closet
2. Bella's Rose Cottage
3. Zoey in Michigan
4. Rosemary
5. Darla, North Florida

6. Racquel
7. daisy
8. Happier Than A Pig In Mud
9. Garden Pinks at Saltbox Treasures
10. Marlee

11. Linda's Lunacy
12. Corner Garden, NE
13. A view through the window
14. Fishtail Cottage
15. Candi in Georgia

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-05-23T20:34:00.004-04:00

Welcome!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday and I have actual blooms this week!
The Burgundy Glow Ajuga is a mass of purple today. As you can see this is on the side of the driveway, which is in front of my house.

On the other side, in front, my Azalea is beautiful this year! The color looks so vibrant against the newly painted house.

Even the holly bush next to it is full of tiny white blooms. There should be lots of berries this fall too.

Under these 2 bushes are grout weed and lilies-of-the-valley. My Grandma had these 2 plants outside her back door so I had to have the same combination.

As you round the corner there are more lilies-of-the-valley but these are pink.

I never knew there were pink ones but one of my customers gave them to me. Of course, the scent is amazing!

Going down the gravel stairs to the beauty shop you get another lovely scent. The wood hyacinth are in bloom.

Most of them are white but I do have a few purple here and there.
The Solomon Seal in the shade garden is over 4 feet tall . I love the 'grace' of this plant. The header is a close up.
The variegated don't get as tall as the other but they are just as pretty. They don't get as much sun so that may be the reason. Click the pic to get a better view. They are between the fern on the left and the hosta on the right.

Here you can see the white 'bells' under the leaf.

Last but certainly not least is the peony tree.

This shot was taken a day ago..

...and this one today.

I like the tree because it doesn't droop in the rain as the old fashion ones do.
News Flash! Those of you that remember my daughter and her husband from Miss Flower will want to take a hop over there to hear their BIG NEWS!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit to see what's bloomin' in NY. If you'd like to join the party just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky below. Grab a button (click the one on the sidebar for more options) and add a link to this post on your blog. I'll see you in the garden!

1. Shae @ Confessions of a Dishaholic
2. Racquel
3. Jan in Oregon
4. Blooming Today: Azaleas
5. Linda's Lunacy
6. Betty @ My Cozy Corner

7. Darla, North Florida
8. Happier Than A Pig In Mud
9. Rosemary
10. Beccas Southern Garden
11. Fishtail Cottage
12. Our Enrty Garden

13. Small Holdings Farm
14. daisy
15. Bella's Rose Cottage
16. Corner Garden, NE
17. Deb, VA
18. Black Eyed Susan

Favorite Things Friday

2011-05-20T07:47:00.002-04:00

Childhood Memories

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-05-16T20:49:00.004-04:00

It's more like 'Almost Bloomin' Tuesday in Western New York. We went from 80's and sunny to 40's and rain over the weekend.
The Burgundy Glow Bugle Weed is just starting to bloom. This is a very aggressive plant that is great if you have a hard to mow area like a bank. I just pull out what I don't want and try to give it away.

There are a few buds on the peony tree. It seems to get about one new bud a year.
I think there are 3 buds this year.

The Iris and the Columbine are looking good. The neighbor is painting his garage tho and I planted right up to it. Hopefully everything will make it. He wanted to paint earlier in the season but that's been impossible with all the rain.

The Dead Nettle around the tree in the shade garden has gotten about as full as it can. There are a couple pink blooms but no white ones so far.

Both the variegated and the regular Solomon's Seal are well budded.

I love this plant in all it's stages. It is so tall and graceful it really adds to the shade garden.

Well look at that! I actually found a bloom!

The Jack-in-the-Pulpit are all out.

You need to really look for these blooms. They are hiding under the large 3 leaf foliage in the back of this shade area. Since they grow in the woods I guess they don't mind our
dreary weather.
I'm hoping that you have some spring blooms to show me . Just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post on your blog. I need to see some bright blooms to warm up the cold rainy week ahead!

1. Flowers & Fountain
2. Bella's Rose Cottage
3. Tulips at Temple Square in SLC
4. green in the garden
5. Fishtail Cottage
6. Rosemary
7. Debbie J @Homemaking Dreams

8. Ladybugs and Roses
9. Happier Than A Pig In Mud
10. Linda's Lunacy
11. Beccas Southern Garden
12. Desert blooms
13. Carol at Our Sears Kit Home
14. Dawn

15. Deb ~ VA
16. a planting I will go! @ SBNR
17. Elaine@Carafaye
18. Angi, Southwest Cottage Designs
19. Lona @ A Hocking Hills Garden
20. Carol Samsel

Favorite Things Friday

2011-05-13T14:56:00.002-04:00

I newer collection I have started is Shawnee Pottery.

The last 2 pictures are miniatures that I've had for several years. I just found out a few months ago that they were Shawnee.

Cottage Flora!

2011-05-11T21:43:00.000-04:00

There may not be a lot of new blooms in my garden but that doesn't mean nothing is happening.
Everything just gets greener and taller. Seems like every time I look I see something new coming up. This is the side garden. All the blue you see is forget-me-nots.

A week has really made a difference in the shade garden. The white on the right is the trillium and the Barrenwort is in the lower right corner.

This is the other side of the shade garden. If you click to enlarge, you can see a burgundy and a golden color coral bells. The new coral bells add so many interesting colors to a shady area just by their foliage.

At first I couldn't figure out what this huge plant in my middle garden was. I got several new plants last year and figured it was one of those. When it grew so fast I figured it was a weed.
It is actually a volunteer money plant. I want to move it but it's quite dry now so I think I'll wait until it rains again.

The Bergenia is blooming now even tho most of its leaves got ruined last year during the house painting. The leaves are leathery and stay all winter. Some have a burgundy color to them.

The Barrenwort in the shaded area is full of tiny blooms this year. The bloom reminds me of Columbine.Both the green and the variegated Vinca are full of their pretty purple flowers.

If you would like to check out some more spring gardens go over to Fishtail Cottage and take the tour.

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-05-09T20:41:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Bloomin' Tuesday! We have had 3 days of sunshine in a row in Western New York! I think that is a record for this spring. After all the rain everything is popping out!

I love the checkered Fritillary Lily. I'm really hoping they will multiply.

I have tulips everywhere! I don't remember planting them all. There are usually several leaves with no blooms but I think they all bloomed this year.

As you can tell I'm not particular about color or type. I love variety in the garden.

These bright ones are in the garden in the middle of my yard so they can be seen from afar.

This is a beautiful color combination.

The Jack Frost and

Looking Glass Brunerra are both in bloom in the shade garden.

I had to give you another look at the Lenten Rose in the shade garden, too.

These cute violets are everywhere! I love them when they bloom in spring and then I just pull some out when other plants are blooming.

There are also forget-me-nots in every garden and in the walkway. They add so much color this time of year. I pull lots of them out after they finish their show.

I'm anxious to see what spring delights you have for us this week. Add your name and permalink to Mr Linky to join the garden walk this week. Please, remember to post a link to this post on your blog so your friends can join the fun .

1. Blooms and my buddy @ SBNR
2. Lemon Lane Cottage
3. Racquel
4. Paula - Overwintering Geraniums
5. Darla, North Florida
6. Happier Than A Pig In Mud

7. Beccas Southern Garden
8. Fishtail Cottage
9. Corner Garden, NE
10. Carol Samsel
11. Rosemary
12. ~~Rhonda in Zone 6b

13. In the Garden
14. Bloomin' and Growin' in Georgia
15. Betty
16. Linda's Lunacy
17. Blooming Today
18. Lazy on Loblolly

Favorite Things Friday

2011-05-06T08:16:00.000-04:00

My most favorite thing is spending time with my 2 adorable Granddaughters and I'm getting my fill! They come to visit every year around Mother's Day when Mommy and Daddy take a little vacation. They came Tuesday morning and will be with me until next Tuesday. We haven't had much time for fun yet but the weekend is coming. I have some craft projects planned and Jerzie has her first T-ball game on Saturday.

We love doing crafts together. Notice the girl even need to wear their glasses, just like Gramma.

I know I will be one tired Gramma after a week but it is so worth it!

Cottage Flora!

2011-05-05T08:31:00.006-04:00

I've been wanting to join Traci and friends for Cottage Flora Thursday for awhile now but never get to it. Today I'm going to show you a new garden area I'm working on.

The grass in this area of my front lawn wasn't growing very well so, of course, I decided I might as well extend the garden! I dug off all the sod last weekend .

I started some planting but was stopped by the weather. I took the garden pictures this morning and I want you to notice the sunshine! We haven't seen any of this since last Saturday.

I got the 'ladder' at a household sale. I cemented it in the ground and planted a clematis to grow on it.

I used some old croquet mallets and balls for the corners along with a primrose.

I added some hyacinth bulbs I got for Easter and a few miniature daffodil bulbs. I put my kid statues beside the ladder. That's all the planting I have done so far. This area gets morning and evening shade so I'll need to be careful what I plant. I would love to get out and work today but I have to work at the paying job and it is only about 40 degrees.

Stop over and see the other garden posts at Fishtail Cottage and join the party!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-05-02T21:00:00.005-04:00

Edit; I don't know what happened to Mr Linky but he's back! Welcome to another rainy week in Western New York. We have had a couple good days in between the rainy ones but more rain coming this week.

The daffodils in the back yard are looking great. They are planted in front of my day lilies along the edge of my yard.

The corner shade garden is looking better than ever! Click the picture to enlarge it.

These prim roses are under the table in the front. I have never had so many blooms on these plants. I moved them a couple years ago and I guess they like it here.

This white is under the chair on the right. I have a hard time taking pictures of white blooms but you can see how large and full it is, at least.

The trillium have bloomed this week also. I think there are more blooms than usual on these too. They are tipping their heads from all the rain!

I love the combination of this self starting violet against the yellow hosta.

This is the right side of the shade area. All the blooms you see here are prim roses. I will need to separate the white ones and spread them around a little. At least the shade loving plants are lovin' our dark dreary weather!
I'm anxious to see what spring plants are bloomin' where you live. Just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky, add a link to this post on your blog and grab a Bloomin' Tuesday button to join the tour. Then just sit back and enjoy the show!

Favorite Things Friday

2011-04-29T07:34:00.001-04:00

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-04-25T21:00:00.003-04:00

Nothing much new bloomin' in Western New York this week although the grass is green and the trees are just beginning to get their leaves. We have had continual spring showers and when driving around there is lots of standing water. Once the sun comes out, I know it will sometime, it will be time to mow the grass!
I picked a few regular size and mini daffodil for the Easter dinner table.I added some pretty blue Siberian Squill to the mini daffs. I never planted them that I remember but they sprout up all over.
The Helleborus, Royal Heritage Strain in the shade garden are looking well. The tag shows white and purple flowers and maybe they will turn later but I love all the shades of color in these blooms.
The Brunnera, Jack Frost is busting thru the leaves and mulch and
Solomon's Seal is poking it's head up.
The peony tree has sprouted leaves and buds in just a couple days. Imagine what it will do with some sunshine.
The temps are warming and the rain will be falling most of the week so I think I'll just sit back and watch everything grow. If you'd like to show us what's bloomin' where you are planted, grab a button (more options by clicking the button on the sidebar), add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and give this post a 'shout out' on your blog.

Now sit back and enjoy the spring tour!

1. Candy @ The Little Round Table
2. Tallulahs Antique Closet
3. Betty @ My Cozy Corner
4. Debbie J @ Homemaking Dreams
5. Racquel in Virginia
6. Darla, North Florida
7. Happier Than A Pig In Mud

8. Garden in front! @ Moms Sunday Cafe
9. Beccas Southern Garden
10. First Salad of the Year
11. Dirt Princess
12. Bonnie-MN
13. Rosemary
14. Linda's Lunacy

15. Zoey
16. The Trumpit is Bloomin
17. Nancy's Notes
18. A Season for All Things
19. Michelle
20. Deb
21. Beccas Southern Garden

Favorite Things Friday

2011-04-22T07:08:00.001-04:00

Thief! (edit) Thievery and Destruction!

2011-04-20T16:12:00.005-04:00

I've been having trouble with the bird feeder on
my second story deck. It keeps getting moved and was close to going over the edge a couple times in the last 2 weeks. I blamed it on the starlings that had begun coming to the feeder, so I scared them away when I caught them there.

Imagine my surprise when I got up early one morning and found 2 raccoons sitting on the rail eating from the feeder!

I called a friend and borrowed a trap. It took a couple nights but Monday morning I had my thief! It is quite small so I assume it's just a baby. It was very calm and usually they go crazy. I got it in the car before the girls came for the day and we went for a ride

I dropped it off in a wooded area by a creek a few miles away. Apparently they climbed up the post where the trumpet vine is. I don't want it to be lonely so now I just need to catch it's brother or sister.

The girls loved seeing it and were telling it goodbye! Click the picture and check out Jerzie's 'Punky Brewster' outfit! You do remember her don't you? Jerzie was in her footed pj's, lady bug rain boots, a pink jacket, her knitted blue and orange Mets hat and one light blue and one pink mitten! That's what vacation is all about, right?

EDIT!
And now for the destruction. I did catch another of the culprits but this one was a little feisty! See all the 'stuff' in the cage? That was a sheet I wrapped the cage in when I put it in the car. I guess I left it too close to the cage. I can't believe it pulled a sheet in the cage thru those little holes and shredded it during the night. What a mess!

The wind must have blown the corner of my rug into reach so it even shredded a corner of the rug. I took it to find it's sibling and I must admit it was calm by then. I think I'll keep the trap set for a couple more nights in case their parents come looking for them!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-04-18T21:00:00.001-04:00

Another Bloomin' Tuesday and I don't have much more to show. I looked out the window on Sunday and had to run out and get pictures.

Yes, that's hail!

Lot's of big hail!

Then the sun came back out!

The side garden has a few spots of color.

A couple clumps of daffodils and

the Lenten Rose is beautiful again this year.

I forgot to add my profile picture that is the Lenten Rose from the shade garden. I have prim roses around the shade garden and edging the path. A couple colors other than pink and white are blooming this week.

I thought this was more red than it is but I love this color. We're still getting cool weather with talk of a little snow but I guess that's what spring is all about.

We'd love to see what's bloomin' in your neck of the woods. Just grab a button, more choices if you click the one on the sidebar, add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post on your blog. Next tell all your bloggy friends and fellow gardens to come over and join the tour!

Happy Bloomin' Tuesday!

1. Happier Than A Pig In Mud
2. Candy @ The Little Round Table
3. Tiny tulips in Oregon
4. Tulip Time
5. Betty

6. Darla, North Florida
7. Racquel in Virginia
8. Debbie J at Homemaking Dreams
9. Blooming Desert
10. Amber

11. Rosemary
12. LindyLouMac in Italy
13. Beccas Southern Garden
14. Honey Crisp Apple Tree

Favorite Things Friday

2011-04-15T07:46:00.002-04:00

'These are a few of my favorite things'...

Vintage mirror found in the attic of a house my Mom bought.

One of the things I loved about my house, glass door knobs.

Vintage leaded glass windows I bought at an antique mall and had installed in my dark entry.

These windows and stained glass ones are often seen in entries or stairways in our area in modest older homes.

What are some of your favorite things? Show us by adding your name and permalink to Mr Linky.

Spring 'Window Box'

2011-04-14T08:00:00.004-04:00

I have my 'window box' all ready for spring. This is my second set of pictures. The first set was taken in the snow! I didn't want you to think we had snow again.

You can't really tell but I put my lighted branches in with the pussy willows and forsythia.

We've had some nice spring showers and the grass and gardens are turning green. It's still cool but that's expected around here this time of year.

I took these pics this am, just look at the beautiful bright blue sky!

Don't forget to take your 'bloomin' pictures' for Bloomin' Tuesday!