Monday, May 26, 2008

Sunshine on a cloudy day

Today is cool and cloudy, but I don't mind because the garden is beginning to bloom.



These are shrub roses in the front yard. The red one was here when we moved in. The yellow I planted. It's called Baby Love in honor of my friend Lovie who passed a few years ago.


Front yard blue salvia, which I "rescued" from a vacant lot a few years ago.

Behind it is the 100-foot hedge Hubby planted all by himself!



A little triangle bed in the backyard where I throw all the extra stuff from the front yard (see the salvia?). Because here's something I wish I had known when I started planting 4 or 5 years ago: EVERYTHING that goes to seed will spread...and spread...and spread. There's yarrow here too that's not yet in bloom. And my pink peonies did well this year. This picture also shows Echinacea or purple coneflower (in front of the salvia) not yet in bloom and over on the right is oregano that winters over and is now a wonderful ground cover.


Another shrub rose, I think called "It's a peach." Shrub roses are fairly drought-tolerant and easy maintenance. The garden stone next to is is a b-day gift from my friend Debby. Thanks Debby!

California poppies, fire witch dianthus (the pink) and blue flax.

The irises are beginning.


So is the snow-in-summer in front of them.

This rose is taller than me! It's called Mr. Lincoln and it smells wonderful. There are roses called Westerland, Polar Star, Just Joey, Henry Fonda and Heart of Gold are in a row next to it. They haven't opened yet. Tea roses take a lot more water and care, but there's nothing better than the fragrance of a home-grown rose.

12 comments:

Shelli said...

Oh wow. I love your flowers! I've had some success with my flowers, but I have a lot of shade, so they tend to be more green than bloom.

Travis Erwin said...

Where's the orange mint?

Lisa said...

How beautiful! And you can even describe them using the actual names. I am so impressed. I am a wannabe gardener, so I have to say things like "those spiky purplish things seem to be coming back, wish I knew what those pretty groundcovery things with the tiny white flowers were called". And I'll have "My Girl" in my head for the rest of the night now. :)

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Here in New England, my garden is still in the stem and leaves stage. Not a single blossom tobe had. Denver is that warm?

Everything is gorgeous, Carleen. You've done justice to your garden.

Amy

Tyhitia Green said...

Beautiful, beautiful garden! :*)Ah, one day I will be planting something. My mother would love your garden too.

Larramie said...

As Amy asked, "Denver is that warm?" and I'll add, "How do they withstand the snow?"

Naming your flowers is such a personal touch too. These are all your beautiful friends, aren't they?

Carleen Brice said...

Shelli, I'd kill for some extra shade around these parts. Usually the sun is blazing.

Travis, Duly noted. Photo to come.

Lisa, Spend so much time at the garden center the staff asks, "Aren't you done YET?" and you'll know the names too.

Amy, This weekend wasn't so warm, but we've already had highs in the 80s. The average for this time of year is in the 70s.

DH, Thank you!

Larramie, Those names are the names the growers gave the plants, not me. But yes they are my friends.

LadyLee said...

You are quite the botanical chick!

I am horrible at growing flowers. Just planted some trailing petunias this weekend. That's about as good as it gets!

I planted some oregano this year. I'm hoping it will grow well. i didn't realize they trail out like that. Interesting!

I too love the smell of fresh roses. I have none now at my house, but the condo I rented a couple of years ago had a huge bush near the balcony. Bloomed in the spring, gave hundreds of roses... What a scent it was!

Shauna Roberts said...

Thanks for sharing your garden with us. It's gorgeous.

Carleen Brice said...

Ladylee, "Botanical Chick" is going to be my superhero name! :)

Thanks Shauna!

Sherry said...

Oh yes, and spread it does -- I've got daisies, lily of the valley and forget me nots taking over my lawn -- time to do some transplanting! Love your gardens!

Sustenance Scout said...

Your gardens rock, Botanical Chick! What's your shrub rose secret? I've got a red carpet shrub rose that's doing well on some new rose food; at least it's sprouting shoots like crazy; hopefully it'll bloom soon. My girls are also ready to plant their peace garden. We hit Arapahoe Acres today and will visit another nursery tomorrow. Which one's your favorite? K.