Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Cherry Parfait


Light fragrance with white blossoms and an adorable red picotee, this showpiece blooms throughout the spring and summer seasons into fall. Aptly named this Grandiflora rose is scrumdiddleeyumptios. Great in borders or near the foundation. And it is exceptionally heat tolerant.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Clematis

cassis blossom
No vine is more lavish. The queen of vines is a versatile climber; a fencepost, a arbor, mailbox, porch rail, or small tree can provide ample support. Easy to grow in rich moist soil, with full sun to part shade. Mulch heavily to keep the roots cool, but keep the leaves and buds exposed to light. My favorite "Cassis" is pictured. Double rosettes of rich plum open gradually for up to four months of color. The nearly evergreen foilage is attractive out of season as well!
While clematis take a season or two to establish, they have magnificent potential. The only catch is that there are three distinct pruning groups and each has a specific pruning need. For example "Cassis" belongs to group II which blooms in the early summer, and requires pruning each March. (The inspiration for this post.) Clematis are slow to break dormancy each year, if you are unsure of the variety watch for the season of bloom. If your clematis blooms in spring it belongs to Group I and should be pruned after the blossoms subside. Group II and III bloom in the summer and both should be pruned in March; however leave 12" of Group III compared to 8" for group II when pruning.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Party Prep: The centerpiece



While flowers may not be the first thought, why not add an element of class and sophistication? This arrangement was created for under $12. The vase was recycled, as were the pumpkin sponges. The purple and orange curling ribbon were in a closet as they were included in a kaleidiscope of colors for wrapping packages. I purchased the following and arranged them by height.
(3) Tufts of Goldenrod
(4) Eucalyptus or Boxwood sprigs
(8) Purple Mums
(12) Yellow mums
(8) Bachelor Buttons

Friday, October 19, 2007

Flower Power



As the fall blooms are some of my favorite, think phlox and chrysanthemums. Now is a great time to head off the winter blues. I'm planning an unexpected touch for this years Holiday cards. ***spoiler***I've been pressing flower petals to use as confetti! They are all natural, economical (They are free for heaven sakes) and that little burst of color and nostalgia makes for a great holiday touch!

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Memento Mori

I'll admit that art fascinates me, and the human mind. We have an amazing ability to remember, label, and classify things and experiences. But let me focus as not to be intentionally vague. Beauty is an ideal for some, myself included. I am mesmerized by the play of light across flower petals or across a body of water. Fountains offer countless hours of distraction as do flames lapping at a hearth in winter. Serene in the unstillness, a respite from a hectic world or a return to nature and the simple knowledge that the elements consume constantly. Seasons come and go; first stark and barren fields are worked and toiled, graced by water, sun, and seed. But risk and dangers are continual; an early (or late) frost, insect infestation, or drought. In that vein artists across the generations have attempted to capture images of bountiful harvest and bloom, to counter winter months. I draw inspiration for my paintings from nature, but often get distracted by the call of the sunshine and the duties gardening dictates. One becomes a willing servant, at least I try to remind myself of this in 90 degree weather as weeds must be removed. Seeing the miracle of a velvety rose petal, or smelling the fragrance of sweet honeysuckle makes all the toil worthwhile. I also admit that the colors of natures bounty perpetually amaze me. It's a sensory extravaganza.

Painting: Iceland Poppies by Leon Roulette