tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62898632351081698532024-02-20T02:48:29.344-05:00Casa MariposaCasa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-72812762694405808732020-08-10T18:43:00.000-04:002020-08-10T18:43:39.195-04:00The Final Post<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This is my last post. I haven't blogged much over the past year or so and I've decided to bring closure to what was once an important part of my life. There are simply other areas I'd rather focus on. But the blog will remain up, a time capsule of a different life and garden. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkq0_2OP1UohXy2yeLZrQRwyhY_UnO19Svcx4d9LNOFsg27LiqqjYS4H690-ywKm7FBlLwj3BorDKLzbpzOYdxZ3HafxcI6W27Zmh5pPjBb7hOECtuyNqD_RCGyCCaGddtt8Tj9QoPh2T/s4032/IMG-3459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkq0_2OP1UohXy2yeLZrQRwyhY_UnO19Svcx4d9LNOFsg27LiqqjYS4H690-ywKm7FBlLwj3BorDKLzbpzOYdxZ3HafxcI6W27Zmh5pPjBb7hOECtuyNqD_RCGyCCaGddtt8Tj9QoPh2T/s640/IMG-3459.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>The sunny side of the front garden</i></span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLLORnobKWRagnOpZ_DJ7sHhJrAvK_TtcLy5m4REzjnQnwctPRUK7guvHNqX6nw_ae9fkAy7I_znnyP-fl9j04KBacL_twlZCbxLNMjvMmI2r-UwP4arxj6HrP5h2kgQODUDF2K0Y4o96/s4032/IMG-3420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLLORnobKWRagnOpZ_DJ7sHhJrAvK_TtcLy5m4REzjnQnwctPRUK7guvHNqX6nw_ae9fkAy7I_znnyP-fl9j04KBacL_twlZCbxLNMjvMmI2r-UwP4arxj6HrP5h2kgQODUDF2K0Y4o96/s640/IMG-3420.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am deeply perceptive and intuitive and there’s a lot to be said for allowing life to become very quiet so you can listen to your own voice. I have but one shot at this life and choose to live it as courageously, passionately, and authentically as possible. There is nothing small about choosing happiness and always seeing the beauty in a world that is simultaneously glorious, absurd, and cruel. </span><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bJxa3zCznp3KRe_9h2k_8ltLKj1gSqsvWZwvq9406OKAHtwde_0PsX5va1scO8lE3Lw5cQ_0_f6soEC0tEA6EKZWdlgIaGOquHucAy_IcHmxovRW2YfyuRhuq083XgNfhbYy1S9CZTnI/s640/IMG-3115.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>Spigelia marylandica and euphorbia 'Ascot's Rainbow' in the front shade garden</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDy6OmYjyoLK1gHmThMrwmrf7CBod4ljlxhSe1LNSh82yrYICq-RY-gT8DmEuo3LdYdl4mye99JYjTHUjR-jKJfM26zMV9IBNFhHA_tz1cJBWaIJQUa42l02wIDowTLJegegXKVWaU6Lw3/s2048/IMG-3268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDy6OmYjyoLK1gHmThMrwmrf7CBod4ljlxhSe1LNSh82yrYICq-RY-gT8DmEuo3LdYdl4mye99JYjTHUjR-jKJfM26zMV9IBNFhHA_tz1cJBWaIJQUa42l02wIDowTLJegegXKVWaU6Lw3/s640/IMG-3268.jpg" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>The shady side of the front garden</i></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirt3utthvcETCaQ2Vnv4QrezctZRFda3T20yTVb7O7X2H3_esdZStnhUiRAQjZf5_PCVfer9KyDFS-8-JDzPNi3jQtAhpWs56RbZWgv-9xRSIBhXQSz_z4tDMdCvoEJJWv6gXFXIo-Brx1/s640/IMG-3313.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>Cimicifuga and Solomon's Seal thrive under a huge cherry tree </i></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">For all our differences, at the end of the day we all want the same thing: to be understood, to feel a sense of connection, and to be heard and valued. Blogging was a way to help me meet and connect with other gardeners. Reading your blogs gave me a chance to see your gardens and your lives through your eyes. If you surround yourself with an echo you never hear anything new and the more I read, the more I learned. You find out who people really are when they have to understand a situation from a perspective that challenges them and makes them uncomfortable. Their response reveals the heart of who they are. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQN2p7lSQXqUyEab6Iuw-1Tm4pPUxU91eH173FdMRL3iWz800qh3a31J3h_saKId0jaRN1XfdEC3pglBgSN9mLALWTZIYyOFh-dNlXg21Ye3OclZXTOLwwPHnnf3s3A8M7r_OljAH4N0h/s2048/IMG-3203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQN2p7lSQXqUyEab6Iuw-1Tm4pPUxU91eH173FdMRL3iWz800qh3a31J3h_saKId0jaRN1XfdEC3pglBgSN9mLALWTZIYyOFh-dNlXg21Ye3OclZXTOLwwPHnnf3s3A8M7r_OljAH4N0h/s640/IMG-3203.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hydrangeas were already here when I moved in. I had stone terraces built on a slope covered with thick surface roots from a 60 ft maple and filled them with perennials and shrubs.</i></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78C9E2bA-G7sc7zb6XxM_8-J9SIzXciJsOHDk348KUKASpMX9_hyphenhyphenRcQVIlUXpeyM4fxzLYOsr-Tk0HnOsUsVdgI-czcR8vIh7LAi2DN3WrAWqVg8PGPUD2OW802mLAQxtynEOZUsAh5fs/s2048/IMG-3052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78C9E2bA-G7sc7zb6XxM_8-J9SIzXciJsOHDk348KUKASpMX9_hyphenhyphenRcQVIlUXpeyM4fxzLYOsr-Tk0HnOsUsVdgI-czcR8vIh7LAi2DN3WrAWqVg8PGPUD2OW802mLAQxtynEOZUsAh5fs/s640/IMG-3052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">Campanula thrives along the well drained edge of the terraces. </i></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5JfzAbVCdOsriTRd_WfqrpgMD_ZUWspV85GEmOz5MbuftCjXlsP3CFK5iHI9S3oJgHpNs3zrdQILIm-NcI6jgPfG_qlSZ1PHGO_3E5SyjQSfFWubcHilxZUX4v382S740y_f5tMGIs-7/s640/IMG-3404.jpg" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>Kalimeris and 'Rozanne' geraniums</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I loved seeing all the different ways we created beauty and solved our garden problems and interacting with people who embraced the collective idea that there was no single right way to do anything. Seeing the world through another’s eyes creates an open mind because if you’re not willing to set aside every preconceived idea about how a life should be lived or a garden created then the only mind you’re open to is your own. Thank you for inviting me in and for being there when I needed you. </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKFNDIJ4ixTc5P7Or70V9EEWTIetE3K1df3K96b2zJNOGCjgEOvHIT51B261nGXojuZMRUuzWWfrRzPLQMxF-nhFaumcNaBwcP-V6L_gUoq05wWOnlcnY-DAJJ7Ojzy0sEAO1BBwMhRYM/s640/IMG-3056.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>'Etoille Violet' clematis saved from my other garden.</i></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvGWziwoHEHbSmiXUnqRSUDeb1EXf4bGt2RJY1sEaadxG1LBy-B4Pw67tkZf1bbPaWfre4V63gWlJwGG5A8sfzKk-HRTvoO0kh973oRilny0QU_y6H_5Pd8I4KsZ0_cyseQNe3uCgqQfA/s640/IMG-3443.jpg" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>Looking into the back garden from the meadow on the side of the house</i></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I remain a relentless optimist. The world’s in the shitter and our president’s an idiot of epic proportions but I’m convinced change is coming. In some places, it's already here. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I spent quarantine learning how to teach virtually after teaching in person for 20 years. My coworkers are also close friends and we stayed in daily contact as we navigated our new normal. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I will spend this fall and possibly longer coming to work in the skirts and heels I love so much and live streaming my lessons from an empty classroom. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyIDD8nA2j0vmhE0yDw5YFFE0ljf_zrRN4k-L2DnFCuSwK4LHJCpV42QskLFgRr8olIAwTvtG1mgIDUTZzpj2ULLicy3-azhewCUR5NX9HnIFNyu3lbiBCcRINpDNdiHzmqmIZGYb7BUP/s640/IMG-3245.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>The meadow I planted last fall has been a raging success!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3fETns3NRSB1D0oxeKBnK1Cm2hQifBz6WpZvOvUfZcxjTSj9Z4qcQKVz-HRG8eqJLXy84Y7HEAsTYV4vTYiEdx7qXBSxvyRFzs5fc-1Avh-P7nSDiUzEsDGBNLUTCkkqt9vpuSGSzAwT/s640/IMG-3428.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">With this I say goodbye. There is a garden to enjoy, rivers and lakes to kayak, back roads to explore, bread to bake, and </span><a href="https://youtu.be/b7k0a5hYnSI" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">music, always music,</a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> to dance to. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoiU7h9wlE48XqIXHhwgSc3jidVyj48-SqzPcw_pWB34YMD6d6kQjvsB2UMqOrz8XzRm-bCB3kN7f0mGBkIt0DE7lU785hwHy3Ahwqho1LJ5CJzFa1Bn6IxkyVTFnmz0NnQP57aZ4Vvsn/s640/IMG-3513.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>Many of the plants in my garden are grown from seed. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>Rudbeckia 'Sahara' is one of my favorites.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja50gIiw6n26GLdSHK4C-6lhHPLlRWUzVThokt5CrsZEnPWEFsPkVIuUDpvaUjVWECg5qbf0PNhm-P2yL5yOHLA07kn8s4a4y6rOtc3tSJPG0HX63LZBFk3uez-ZXRKYSUryXwmvlegkTA/s640/IMG-3489.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i>I filled my driveway with pots and created a lush container garden. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-5967964091577175202020-03-28T00:35:00.000-04:002020-03-28T08:26:10.903-04:00A Seedy Proposal<span style="font-size: large;">There are things in life that are hard: brain surgery, getting a two year old to stay in bed, running a marathon, finding a parking spot in DC, trying to find toilet paper during the quarantine, etc. But growing plants from seed shouldn't be one of them. Yet every year I read articles that make starting seeds sound like the botanical equivalent of calculus. It's actually quite easy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGldeT0TpECGVu4cZ11-8QFcRR3o1ufY1ivHgsrEAJJ4KUHoPo1FnahiD6RL7Dfuw0Jud8bCEsD-ett2PM3ZhPZlIJ8HzxXBNpqD020rUsOfPEfSdCFxFeOoZrZEHQyBKCNG7-aHwne_G/s1600/20200208_005113877_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGldeT0TpECGVu4cZ11-8QFcRR3o1ufY1ivHgsrEAJJ4KUHoPo1FnahiD6RL7Dfuw0Jud8bCEsD-ett2PM3ZhPZlIJ8HzxXBNpqD020rUsOfPEfSdCFxFeOoZrZEHQyBKCNG7-aHwne_G/s640/20200208_005113877_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Gomphrena seedlings</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I started growing all my annuals from seed years ago when I realized most of the plants sold in our local garden centers are full of systemic pesticides. Gardening with their plants was like serving a feast and poisoning the guests. To guarantee I was successful, I started with the easiest plants I could grow - zinnias and worked up from there. Hundreds of plants later, here are a few things I've learned:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Don't waste your money on special </span><span style="font-size: large;">seed starting soil, </span><span style="font-size: large;">seed trays or tiny seed starting pots. Just take a small pot or plastic drink cup that you've poked a few holes into the bottom of and fill them with high quality potting soil. This reduces how much transplanting you'll need to do and gives the plants more room for root growth. Moisten the soil first and then fill the pots. Write the name of the seed on the pot to keep you organized. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_Qoza-P5qJUVQ1naWFwPDoV6zXss72b0Dc7eXGRi4eu6wLmxw-6y25QB8q5jin_K8YNVlwoGC674G_rTKmeVkftVNw3wPJCmsmDFKCLKhTPvooWY1rmvGDS1r26S0dqRkRA99DE6EzOJ/s1600/20200208_005005325_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_Qoza-P5qJUVQ1naWFwPDoV6zXss72b0Dc7eXGRi4eu6wLmxw-6y25QB8q5jin_K8YNVlwoGC674G_rTKmeVkftVNw3wPJCmsmDFKCLKhTPvooWY1rmvGDS1r26S0dqRkRA99DE6EzOJ/s640/20200208_005005325_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Rudbeckia hirta is very easy to grow.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Buy heat mats and grow lights. U</span><span style="font-size: large;">nless you happen to live in a greenhouse, y</span><span style="font-size: large;">our plants hate your windowsill. It's cold and probably doesn't get enough light. Your initial investment will pay off when you save money at the garden center. Turn the lights off after 12 hours but leave the heat mats on.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxbwLgczUbQM8f7HO62QEIQE6-vnK3RjwBys3UFvHfgSo933tvd1psUorz_nuinICcIW1r7EcjHAlPlfsztf0ExEYu3wNV8C_X-mPF1LmrcqS-6MMl697N0OGmflU970V7WTP2XBWBSpB/s1600/20200208_004953406_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxbwLgczUbQM8f7HO62QEIQE6-vnK3RjwBys3UFvHfgSo933tvd1psUorz_nuinICcIW1r7EcjHAlPlfsztf0ExEYu3wNV8C_X-mPF1LmrcqS-6MMl697N0OGmflU970V7WTP2XBWBSpB/s640/20200208_004953406_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I wrap the light stands in aluminum foil to keep the plants warmer and prevent the light from diffusing into the basement.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Unless your seeds are big and round, sow them on the surface of the soil, spritz them with a water bottle that has a nozzle with a mist setting, and cover the pot or cup with a plastic bag. Unless the seed packet specifically states the seeds need darkness to germinate, they all need warmth and light. Once the seeds start to germinate, remove the plastic bag and use it again next year. For larger seeds, just barely poke them beneath the surface. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0WY3WjPHtDw4HxwGdWQZYwNKrnGztc1DEQp0XGDOR_A2JUgP1xhsH4NGtvGUwa2IsC_Okm8KZGBvoiBLsUaN-u17oRCQIeDm1t5Fez1LYpaTzdFdAp29s1OIH0MalW3-qW-fo9vpxV1I/s1600/20200208_005139320_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0WY3WjPHtDw4HxwGdWQZYwNKrnGztc1DEQp0XGDOR_A2JUgP1xhsH4NGtvGUwa2IsC_Okm8KZGBvoiBLsUaN-u17oRCQIeDm1t5Fez1LYpaTzdFdAp29s1OIH0MalW3-qW-fo9vpxV1I/s640/20200208_005139320_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>'Brad's Atomic' tomato and dahlia 'Watercolor Mix' seedlings</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaVt2biLBSKYarldUJhQmZtVxYdCexiINlIPZFP2JzoiqYclfxprX4lvb3EOqwb_zavk1ZfqMY__qr-7cAmb6L-jxLtL1gAkY7_KKV3-koefIiRCC-BfcrzJpEjZmVnLQcRFjle_0-_Xl/s1600/20200208_005038753_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaVt2biLBSKYarldUJhQmZtVxYdCexiINlIPZFP2JzoiqYclfxprX4lvb3EOqwb_zavk1ZfqMY__qr-7cAmb6L-jxLtL1gAkY7_KKV3-koefIiRCC-BfcrzJpEjZmVnLQcRFjle_0-_Xl/s640/20200208_005038753_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I save containers from my summer annuals and reuse them every year since I always grow some of the same plants.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Be patient. Seeds are like people. They don't all grow at the same time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKR-v3x3XW4atOSe7aZIIOYHeJIYVL0TeGwY_90wW2VE49h-HmuscS-tMEi-Fgwkmf9I9fut8CiBM4ImkLpqvw8l6eSzVOWols6Heaqo0cWo7qafSLy99KxJaDgR3AUaChbR5Wb6HK44-/s1600/20200208_004904004_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKR-v3x3XW4atOSe7aZIIOYHeJIYVL0TeGwY_90wW2VE49h-HmuscS-tMEi-Fgwkmf9I9fut8CiBM4ImkLpqvw8l6eSzVOWols6Heaqo0cWo7qafSLy99KxJaDgR3AUaChbR5Wb6HK44-/s640/20200208_004904004_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grow lights on the shelves</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-olpa8Hkgyb0IvGLgsNaNvBEv-KslJhQTivczrDK3waqM2qKL6JCuzLgfdBT1dnOjVDlr_9ewTtwSbV7fP705b5iEKGNXRSIi-a0NiqstQr1zCzzrpVCS1N1ZT1u1IYGhY2pr9bAyIqlr/s1600/20200307_194254850_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-olpa8Hkgyb0IvGLgsNaNvBEv-KslJhQTivczrDK3waqM2qKL6JCuzLgfdBT1dnOjVDlr_9ewTtwSbV7fP705b5iEKGNXRSIi-a0NiqstQr1zCzzrpVCS1N1ZT1u1IYGhY2pr9bAyIqlr/s640/20200307_194254850_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and even more in the middle of the basement because being able to actually move around is massively overrated.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUztI-FdiXv5sR5c5Aj6vL9pcFAO2VuK_5eWIN0YnJyUkkxBH7FwFLEidzmjRPEwYSgdMl2RNxAnSwlIlt7flH7O18y3M_6XGTW-AaqpLjo5IkKiiBXqvKoFtW2MyFup7j-V-5WPE1zLX/s1600/20200307_194306235_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUztI-FdiXv5sR5c5Aj6vL9pcFAO2VuK_5eWIN0YnJyUkkxBH7FwFLEidzmjRPEwYSgdMl2RNxAnSwlIlt7flH7O18y3M_6XGTW-AaqpLjo5IkKiiBXqvKoFtW2MyFup7j-V-5WPE1zLX/s640/20200307_194306235_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have about 100 plants!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjZ2Io7ULGcPxUQ3qTF3KrfNb_2ABQfYOJeJaG3Ztu-MJiMCFXIbZHsp-MibWCMtD8TbHtop5Ql4kXScEo-AXemSEg9LI4yecwnA2_u7I3DwE0C6OdBTSfKbCapLjAsCgaBkcUhuj320m/s1600/20200307_194312601_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjZ2Io7ULGcPxUQ3qTF3KrfNb_2ABQfYOJeJaG3Ztu-MJiMCFXIbZHsp-MibWCMtD8TbHtop5Ql4kXScEo-AXemSEg9LI4yecwnA2_u7I3DwE0C6OdBTSfKbCapLjAsCgaBkcUhuj320m/s640/20200307_194312601_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Gomphrena seedlings after being transplanted.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Expect some seeds not to germinate and some seedlings to die or grow weird. That's life and it's no big deal. Don't overwater or the seedlings will rot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. It's not too late to start seeds and it's a great way to fill those quarantine hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's what I'm growing: <a href="https://www.rareseeds.com/store/flowers/bee-balm/bee-balm-lemon" target="_blank">monarda citriodora</a>; <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/monarda-bergamo-bouquet" target="_blank">'Bergamo Bouquet'</a> monarda; <a href="https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/snapdragon/frosted-flames-snapdragon-seeds.html" target="_blank">'Frosted Flames' </a>and <a href="https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/snapdragon/floral-showers-purple-snapdragon-seeds.html" target="_blank">'Floral Showers Purple' </a>snapdragons; <a href="https://www.selectseeds.com/flowering-tobacco/tobacco_perfume_deep_purple_seeds.aspx" target="_blank">'Perfume Deep Purple' nicotiana</a>; <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/cardinal-climber-vine" target="_blank">cardinal climber</a>; <a href="https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/salvia/summer-jewel-red-salvia-seeds.html" target="_blank">'Summer Jewel Red'</a> and<a href="https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/salvia/summer-jewel-lavender-salvia-seeds.html" target="_blank"> 'Summer Jewel Lavender' </a>salvia; <a href="https://www.rareseeds.com/store/flowers/gomphrena/globosa-mixed-gomphrena" target="_blank">gomphrena 'Mixed Colors'</a>; <a href="https://www.rareseeds.com/store/vegetables/tomatoes/wild-boar-farms/atomic-grape" target="_blank">'Brad's Atomic' tomatoes</a>; rudbeckia hirta <a href="http://selectseeds.com/annual-seeds1/rudbeckia_sahara_seeds.aspx" target="_blank">'Sahara'</a>, <a href="https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/rudbeckia/chim-chiminee-rudbeckia-seeds.html" target="_blank">'Chim Chiminee'</a>, <a href="https://www.selectseeds.com/all-items/rudbeckia_prairie_sun_seeds.aspx" target="_blank">'Prairie Sun'</a>, and <a href="https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/rudbeckia/denver-daisy-rudbeckia-seeds.html" target="_blank">'Denver Daisies'</a>; <a href="https://www.selectseeds.com/heirloom-annuals/chinese_foxglove_seeds.aspx" target="_blank">Chinese foxgloves</a>; <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/dahlia-dwarf-watercolor-silks" target="_blank">dahlia 'Watercolor Mix'</a>; and all these zinnias - <a href="https://www.selectseeds.com/annuals/zinnias/zinnia_jazzy_mix_seeds.aspx" target="_blank">'Jazzy Mix'</a>, <a href="https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/zinnias/aztec-sunset-zinnia-seeds.html" target="_blank">'Aztec Sunset'</a>, <a href="https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/zinnias/super-cactus-lilac-emperor-zinnia-seeds.html" target="_blank">'Lilac Emperor'</a>, <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/zinnia-mighty-lion" target="_blank">'Mighty Lion'</a>, <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/zinnia-raggedy-ann" target="_blank">'Raggedy Anne'</a>; and cosmos <a href="https://www.selectseeds.com/all-items/cosmos_cosmic_red_seeds.aspx" target="_blank">'Cosmic Red'</a>, <a href="https://www.selectseeds.com/award-winners/cosmos_sonata_white_seeds.aspx" target="_blank">'Sonata White'</a>, <a href="https://www.selectseeds.com/annuals/cosmos/cosmos_apricot_lemonade_seeds.aspx" target="_blank">'Apricot Lemonade'</a>, <a href="https://www.selectseeds.com/award-winners/cosmos_xanthos_seeds.aspx" target="_blank">'Xanthos' </a>and <a href="https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/cosmos/apollo-carmine-cosmos-seeds.html" target="_blank">'Apollo Carmine'</a>. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few pics </span><span style="font-size: large;">of the plants I grew from seed last year:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_a4ZfrgvKpj4HzqDSzy-RERza6UOEy5_TCrxNlA7isvtHLCsd0NkpU3gWpscra-hosYL0gBvZoBG0q1NmaBOpvpNgK9WD3RNMIjdCmEpdnf_rY3sr_ikfryokPAIBbfNIjxR9X9WQt4-D/s1600/20190707_134959690_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_a4ZfrgvKpj4HzqDSzy-RERza6UOEy5_TCrxNlA7isvtHLCsd0NkpU3gWpscra-hosYL0gBvZoBG0q1NmaBOpvpNgK9WD3RNMIjdCmEpdnf_rY3sr_ikfryokPAIBbfNIjxR9X9WQt4-D/s640/20190707_134959690_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Rudbeckia hirta (black eyed susan's) with red perennial monarda and agastache.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_ijj0AEeG2lswm5srYc8kVST_TR20R1R5WtiR9_0_Wl_Uw7HarXieUaP-jEHFyDDWokYBPVAV5VxUYccpL7nfATlvzYWjeFhBhpZcHTqx3zaHs23CTlPFCzp7L-lYAArcvfiYqK7Ha-R/s1600/20190707_135015234_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_ijj0AEeG2lswm5srYc8kVST_TR20R1R5WtiR9_0_Wl_Uw7HarXieUaP-jEHFyDDWokYBPVAV5VxUYccpL7nfATlvzYWjeFhBhpZcHTqx3zaHs23CTlPFCzp7L-lYAArcvfiYqK7Ha-R/s640/20190707_135015234_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Rudbeckia hirta with little dahlias and cosmos</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVT9KUE4aQGVj-sVEGoKfHOno4rF-kpC-ubaPmIm4fI8wvk9lNWRN8L3APeSGwR5Lj0R8koNsmBoYpKF3OwqM_Qa3dzKNazBOgMMN7nnegt1QQxGzu5ZNgjDBa6ppA5f5LSJbge6PioJ9/s1600/20190603_211401185_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVT9KUE4aQGVj-sVEGoKfHOno4rF-kpC-ubaPmIm4fI8wvk9lNWRN8L3APeSGwR5Lj0R8koNsmBoYpKF3OwqM_Qa3dzKNazBOgMMN7nnegt1QQxGzu5ZNgjDBa6ppA5f5LSJbge6PioJ9/s640/20190603_211401185_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Starting dahlias from seed is very easy.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I started most of these seeds in late January but will be starting the cosmos next week. All of these can still be started now, especially if you live in a cooler climate. Normally, I wouldn't have started some of these seeds so early but with the distressingly Orwellian turn our sick government and environment have taken, I'm expecting a short, warm spring and a long, hot summer. The pollinators and I need them to be ready. The entire planet needs them to be ready. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl54oo9QeS_DeSN9PkC5rzX_mbpThSDfSRKaXpHM2BTaFQiOmlendjYMipqzisWX1gy4-Q1UZGCOn6wOlQAYA7H_dr6-E0ZWC0phQPWrBaxP-AiXat3SrdEAkypMrMqow05Kzhx6vlpLGo/s1600/20191002_220944823_iOS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl54oo9QeS_DeSN9PkC5rzX_mbpThSDfSRKaXpHM2BTaFQiOmlendjYMipqzisWX1gy4-Q1UZGCOn6wOlQAYA7H_dr6-E0ZWC0phQPWrBaxP-AiXat3SrdEAkypMrMqow05Kzhx6vlpLGo/s640/20191002_220944823_iOS.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Purple and white gomphrena in October.</i></span></div>
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-80465358251623139742020-01-03T21:41:00.000-05:002020-01-03T23:18:54.851-05:00The Slope Meadow<span style="font-size: large;">I want a meadow. I do not have a meadow nor do I really have a good spot for one but I don't care. I want a meadow. </span><span style="font-size: large;">What I do have is a hot, dry sunny slope with clay soil so a meadow it will become. I started working on this project in the fall of 2018, plugged away at it again last spring, and finally completed the project this fall.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24xU8ucvjXnngEkde_e00n9Ga-6K4CHjX7W1GHEdcDqm1FKkuXLU4Hh-UlRAS2tphKlAztYpBtynSucEcb-Hq5NMvCw-lfUv7WUM71VWktf5pfD3Gt8FNQBHL-j-ac_8MxCT5o6b58eox/s1600/want-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="531" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24xU8ucvjXnngEkde_e00n9Ga-6K4CHjX7W1GHEdcDqm1FKkuXLU4Hh-UlRAS2tphKlAztYpBtynSucEcb-Hq5NMvCw-lfUv7WUM71VWktf5pfD3Gt8FNQBHL-j-ac_8MxCT5o6b58eox/s640/want-logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The slope was covered in wild, weedy, seedy grass that had invaded my front garden. Carved into pockets were clumps of orange milkweed, liatris spicata, Bradbury's monarda, Tennessee coneflower, prairie dropseed grass, and rudbeckia hirta. I needed plants that could survive off rainfall and those held up just fine. Fortunately, clay soil retains moisture, which is helpful.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQXjNRfN4Q8SmSu8wAVXP1WihyphenhypheneouX-7pstb7QIIi_nMmJFRJWcYVT35Ys919X2YFjKrG6QTuC6Y_xGyiLVdFSK-v8CGIPueCn0YwNRO1Cta04uHs0CUiWXueHRQNN5OOuG2xUX0qfcBO/s1600/20191010_221634972_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQXjNRfN4Q8SmSu8wAVXP1WihyphenhypheneouX-7pstb7QIIi_nMmJFRJWcYVT35Ys919X2YFjKrG6QTuC6Y_xGyiLVdFSK-v8CGIPueCn0YwNRO1Cta04uHs0CUiWXueHRQNN5OOuG2xUX0qfcBO/s640/20191010_221634972_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's my plan:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Remove the plants I don't want. </i>This was a massive undertaking because it involved removing all the grass. I started by pulling up the top growth in a search and rescue mission to uncover the perennials I'd planted previously. I then dug up the entire slope and sifted through the soil to remove every root and runner from the wild turf grass.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATnwig0aXNNybBO_mOhsUKSru-i_zBfrVTVA5BZYiy-qA3pMofCETzdfUvgaKMLro3VnRyXFS6qtkR3m7NdHY_X_5egRSQhfr66mYFRVV_YOIWjfPn0ByCrfV0qT375uzI0ny4nIzPO5T/s1600/20191007_221026648_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATnwig0aXNNybBO_mOhsUKSru-i_zBfrVTVA5BZYiy-qA3pMofCETzdfUvgaKMLro3VnRyXFS6qtkR3m7NdHY_X_5egRSQhfr66mYFRVV_YOIWjfPn0ByCrfV0qT375uzI0ny4nIzPO5T/s640/20191007_221026648_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The driveway is my neighbor's property.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYREzxvA60nyW06fh3AyA4LUrl7Bhlqsw-0zFcKUp_XomTBDiecYHtzNo9vQR9SvI85Mjhyphenhyphen8dmX9vsRbLhUWlJ46HD_AQciL9uDW2PPJ4cKGpzQ4FrYw1oQUKuRypzcNyRQrGPO0d3HayD/s1600/20191007_221049177_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYREzxvA60nyW06fh3AyA4LUrl7Bhlqsw-0zFcKUp_XomTBDiecYHtzNo9vQR9SvI85Mjhyphenhyphen8dmX9vsRbLhUWlJ46HD_AQciL9uDW2PPJ4cKGpzQ4FrYw1oQUKuRypzcNyRQrGPO0d3HayD/s640/20191007_221049177_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every plant that doesn't support wildlife came out, including a large stand of orange day lilies and large black walnut tree seedlings. The shrub at the top of the slope is part of an evergreen Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) hedge separating my garden from the street. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><i>Add a drainage canal. </i></b>I dug a trench between the slope and my neighbors driveway </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">and filled it with pea gravel </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">to help prevent rain from running downhill and washing into his garage, which is at the end of a downward sloping driveway. This also works to funnel water into the garden at the bottom of the slope.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JHySmae3aTYyzCywoWTxYiz3bRwjUm2nhEL2UHAbFphW56Gh0rwNor5Si9W1XiFkBvh00_0tVIZp3CzHiERy4YKk5qOcod0ou3LRz9O549Wl15IgWsN74qYsGf7pY1A6660xWtIWwf0W/s1600/20191023_205243507_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JHySmae3aTYyzCywoWTxYiz3bRwjUm2nhEL2UHAbFphW56Gh0rwNor5Si9W1XiFkBvh00_0tVIZp3CzHiERy4YKk5qOcod0ou3LRz9O549Wl15IgWsN74qYsGf7pY1A6660xWtIWwf0W/s640/20191023_205243507_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>The trench starts at the hedge by the street and runs the length of the slope. I covered it with soil.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>Stabilize the slope. </i></span>I added boulders and broken pots to the slope to prevent erosion and stabilize the slope. If the pot I wanted to use wasn't broken, I broke it. Little pots are super cheap and a pain in the butt to keep watered, so I sacrificed them to the project. I like the mosaic effect of the boulders and pottery.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHSeyk8sc27RubDSMMKp5aTpSD31n9RibAQ-SPeT8OEHEcivxWa4vBRh5cv71ie8mpwyZ-VtpxlermaW8Wip3RTmyx8iXYJtkUfHb9E00JVNwmHIHCFbPyEBZS7z9soXLtFn8f9cpYExn/s1600/20191010_210016346_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHSeyk8sc27RubDSMMKp5aTpSD31n9RibAQ-SPeT8OEHEcivxWa4vBRh5cv71ie8mpwyZ-VtpxlermaW8Wip3RTmyx8iXYJtkUfHb9E00JVNwmHIHCFbPyEBZS7z9soXLtFn8f9cpYExn/s640/20191010_210016346_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The boulders are much larger than they look in the other pictures. They're partially buried in the soil to stabilize the slope. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBIQcO7KxzNpJ0bDd0HpyJRdpxnO2G5xSA5xIIQBSobFo5AnDP0li5yGq43YkFCTzVHLrmVyjxJ97aJWJ52-j0rkdvWwQh9afBq7ZxaGG_pPyCM9YtgbjYBThtdUkn0umkE3-YQUdJvbK/s1600/20191010_210026178_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBIQcO7KxzNpJ0bDd0HpyJRdpxnO2G5xSA5xIIQBSobFo5AnDP0li5yGq43YkFCTzVHLrmVyjxJ97aJWJ52-j0rkdvWwQh9afBq7ZxaGG_pPyCM9YtgbjYBThtdUkn0umkE3-YQUdJvbK/s640/20191010_210026178_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They were impossible for me to carry so I had to maneuver them into my wheelbarrow and dump them onto the slope. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5i4JZcaMfBN912xoO-67UZDdYR5nfwMqJGVhbts1qGeDBtjdv7IG4xhrAvE7zTymlvwXPQCl6zcOYK-vLhqqKO24dhdbyakvIgSitS2Ks6h-kfzGbycVO8jIprjASfsDRpRB2ms5sqsi/s1600/20191027_190928399_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5i4JZcaMfBN912xoO-67UZDdYR5nfwMqJGVhbts1qGeDBtjdv7IG4xhrAvE7zTymlvwXPQCl6zcOYK-vLhqqKO24dhdbyakvIgSitS2Ks6h-kfzGbycVO8jIprjASfsDRpRB2ms5sqsi/s640/20191027_190928399_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I enjoyed breaking these pots.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Add the plants I do. </i>It's hard to tell in these pictures, but the slope is now packed with plants. </span><span style="font-size: large;">There are over 100 orange milkweed plants along the slope and my summer garden was full of monarchs. I had a nursery bed packed with milkweed that I started under lights last January that thrived this summer. Dozens more seedlings </span><span style="font-size: large;">that I'd planted this spring and thought had been suffocated by the grass were discovered when I found the dormant roots while sifting through the soil to remove the grass runners. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW72ElFngsDnYdyLTAXwwgmS6BDDeS1168PPhkjef_iRK0-nOUtUAGo1GQy1FZWtLy2N4Sjz99v-HnNKdRuhe2MenHOrxqA4m0vCBPjiBNxKhuVmxp0FK1bFgkprMYhYpLW78POD9azzgh/s1600/20191002_220638933_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW72ElFngsDnYdyLTAXwwgmS6BDDeS1168PPhkjef_iRK0-nOUtUAGo1GQy1FZWtLy2N4Sjz99v-HnNKdRuhe2MenHOrxqA4m0vCBPjiBNxKhuVmxp0FK1bFgkprMYhYpLW78POD9azzgh/s640/20191002_220638933_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Monarch on a seed grown dahlia</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I added 300 drumstick alliums along with</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">coneflowers, </span><span style="font-size: large;">native yarrow, more orange milkweed, rudbeckia hirta, and silene regia all grown from seed.* </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlyRvescD4yLRbRXZ6i2cRlVOS8U8UoN4E_oeAD2GHlgtQUScBLWs3UxDJ7E1FIVIXM4xaoGPMrcBNe2MhaoZxRyVoziTa9LUk2Q_5p90aHcIbce46kE9Ja_AGvn4hgoJKx6O5-z2Ttty/s1600/20190707_135008942_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlyRvescD4yLRbRXZ6i2cRlVOS8U8UoN4E_oeAD2GHlgtQUScBLWs3UxDJ7E1FIVIXM4xaoGPMrcBNe2MhaoZxRyVoziTa9LUk2Q_5p90aHcIbce46kE9Ja_AGvn4hgoJKx6O5-z2Ttty/s640/20190707_135008942_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Seeds from the </span><span style="font-size: large;">different coneflowers growing in the front garden were collected in a bag, tossed together and then sown in empty pots last fall. The seedlings were transferred into the meadow. I have no idea what they'll look like when they bloom!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Native grasses, goldenrod, penstemon, and asters were also added as were some dwarf perovskia and about two dozen curly parsley plants for the swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZFAU3mym60COGRJXu_0TnveldIvNc5uNs40Pf1iWPZoGxKe14hjkHDZw50XZhn6vHkJJWvUKsfP6SZ7b4cOuAW_QDUASsVTmauK3w6feOWobdOLtZpWoLeqswbOF3mYlde4E8WSFRMCC/s1600/20200102_204010314_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZFAU3mym60COGRJXu_0TnveldIvNc5uNs40Pf1iWPZoGxKe14hjkHDZw50XZhn6vHkJJWvUKsfP6SZ7b4cOuAW_QDUASsVTmauK3w6feOWobdOLtZpWoLeqswbOF3mYlde4E8WSFRMCC/s640/20200102_204010314_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Build in steps so I can access the back of the garden and the top of the slope</i>. One corner of the front garden was inaccessible this summer and I let it go simply because I wasn't able to bushwhack through the jungle to maintain it. The perennials survived but so did a lot of weeds. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXIfsXzC4wkHaHceZ6wSDjvyo2Lrd5vWf1oaZ3zxtHQkr-IBlfT80q5VK5Mg6XqwMW6v4N_xig-zzZU3-FdcZ8-KmGpnpyFkK-5kGb05r8J8Scn_wIEaQiPP-scmLaswaMvF8BP54wQ2t/s1600/poppies+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXIfsXzC4wkHaHceZ6wSDjvyo2Lrd5vWf1oaZ3zxtHQkr-IBlfT80q5VK5Mg6XqwMW6v4N_xig-zzZU3-FdcZ8-KmGpnpyFkK-5kGb05r8J8Scn_wIEaQiPP-scmLaswaMvF8BP54wQ2t/s640/poppies+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I bought several different varieties of California poppy seeds from <a href="https://www.selectseeds.com/" target="_blank">Select Seeds</a>. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Scatter wildflower seeds over bare soil to fill in the gaps while I'm waiting for the milkweed, which is slow to emerge in the spring, to fill the slope. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">I scattered seeds for California poppies, a reminder of my home state, centranthus ruber (Jupiter's Beard) and native partridge pea. They're all easy to grow and the poppies will provide spring color. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ExB-x8mIZhBt7JU3_Ndd73nBUxiY-crQbzorYQ59iaq1IAvEbwMi8p3gv81f8MmfBiNeTVtsatYBju81F0vGeXFAg2Gu7S0mQSegPMD90iDVJzd2hMFtIOwP_cAL9LebTKCsrT6s6sHv/s1600/wine+in+bathtub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ExB-x8mIZhBt7JU3_Ndd73nBUxiY-crQbzorYQ59iaq1IAvEbwMi8p3gv81f8MmfBiNeTVtsatYBju81F0vGeXFAg2Gu7S0mQSegPMD90iDVJzd2hMFtIOwP_cAL9LebTKCsrT6s6sHv/s640/wine+in+bathtub.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><b><i>Soak in the tub with a drink once I'm done or as needed. </i></b></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikn6IMZLRboecoNyEw7zltIvmYDFZ1JdHLbgpF3YIiwEnt75dDElorkDURA-Yz2j-XeNFoo47nVL8OnP8L6F-WgK2J-mljaQLUyfWx1oqNimjVLME2P25uzLpmA6KS7DhB_7aPREhLlwB/s1600/IMG-2473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikn6IMZLRboecoNyEw7zltIvmYDFZ1JdHLbgpF3YIiwEnt75dDElorkDURA-Yz2j-XeNFoo47nVL8OnP8L6F-WgK2J-mljaQLUyfWx1oqNimjVLME2P25uzLpmA6KS7DhB_7aPREhLlwB/s640/IMG-2473.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><i>I know the slope will fill with grass again next spring since removing all of it was impossible but at least there will be significantly less grass and more flowers.</i></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEQ2XVxXTaAM9BkcD8aMGhQCZcRYOg05cFLiaOr0LB86FE6Rx7ox86RBPJchXlTIsYwmK2__qJ6eq2V7KKKbPduBfzeKMtAK5IzGh2iHsaTEDsSheh02TL59RmZzfeKW-wuyRIOvmi71Y/s1600/20191027_190903296_iOS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEQ2XVxXTaAM9BkcD8aMGhQCZcRYOg05cFLiaOr0LB86FE6Rx7ox86RBPJchXlTIsYwmK2__qJ6eq2V7KKKbPduBfzeKMtAK5IzGh2iHsaTEDsSheh02TL59RmZzfeKW-wuyRIOvmi71Y/s640/20191027_190903296_iOS.png" width="480" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><i>'Miss Kim' lilacs grow next to the house and will be a beautiful green backdrop to the colorful meadow. Native violets were left since they provide larval food for frittilary butterflies.</i></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">* Growing native wildflowers from seed is effortless. In the fall/winter toss some seeds on the surface of a pot full of old soil left over from the summer and ignore them. Next spring, thin out the seedlings and water them all summer. That's it.</span><br />
<br />Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-27096748791658460292019-08-18T14:16:00.002-04:002019-08-18T14:16:32.789-04:00Just roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK-yHhMKJGFvu_UMyDOIbjKHfp7O-Mt8t1By8YT0bcsbp1o491E5_G417bWA25wQIrt-9dn1b8wXKoWRQDbOeIdoZFoo3WZ9qCMD5-xUYCSN48M8DxmVt1aqeFKKeYWYplue0Ga_ooaLH/s1600/20190519_160425698_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK-yHhMKJGFvu_UMyDOIbjKHfp7O-Mt8t1By8YT0bcsbp1o491E5_G417bWA25wQIrt-9dn1b8wXKoWRQDbOeIdoZFoo3WZ9qCMD5-xUYCSN48M8DxmVt1aqeFKKeYWYplue0Ga_ooaLH/s640/20190519_160425698_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>David Austin roses from the garden</i></span></div>
Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-20081516850000464162019-07-13T17:19:00.000-04:002019-07-13T17:19:13.916-04:00The Great Potassium Disaster<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRwSPdoaYFWFXj5X_dnsJIo-m9ajNVEM_mn56DR82U3y_DtsNki-3yO3qXhGUEGaqwYAOMcR62uBeOdpRs9zp-vCA74IUwvxW-rZfMVhem0Qj0BcvPUNPzgV6900YhrsNDRqvSoQo3uTP/s1600/20190713_191033309_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRwSPdoaYFWFXj5X_dnsJIo-m9ajNVEM_mn56DR82U3y_DtsNki-3yO3qXhGUEGaqwYAOMcR62uBeOdpRs9zp-vCA74IUwvxW-rZfMVhem0Qj0BcvPUNPzgV6900YhrsNDRqvSoQo3uTP/s640/20190713_191033309_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Beauty shot</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I always wonder why we think others expect perfection of us. We carefully crop out what isn't beautiful or noteworthy to create the illusion of faultlessness. Give me reality over bullshit, any day. I recently burned the crap out of a boat load of plants and have the Instagram unworthy pics to show you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxdWDycNfA5SQHMu2zF3b2ljVqGYPVUZ-wWSkFJjZ2pn4eGOqbr2Lc98VZb-r1bnBx-DXut4AqtN1B4wwQnX2ZHuGe3Kuy3h6PonZ1Pa2zn-B73PTuLddl35pXfJ9Lju8WKN-_Vet6hT5/s1600/20190713_191044386_iOS+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxdWDycNfA5SQHMu2zF3b2ljVqGYPVUZ-wWSkFJjZ2pn4eGOqbr2Lc98VZb-r1bnBx-DXut4AqtN1B4wwQnX2ZHuGe3Kuy3h6PonZ1Pa2zn-B73PTuLddl35pXfJ9Lju8WKN-_Vet6hT5/s640/20190713_191044386_iOS+%25282%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Reality shot</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>This area is part of an ongoing project to turn this long side slope into a wildflower meadow. It will take several years.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last summer I had stone terraces built into my sloped back yard. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Not confident the local soil company would give me true top soil as opposed to fill dirt, I opted to have a zillion cubic yards of pure compost delivered. I filled the terraces half way last fall with compost and leaves and finished the job this spring. I let a few rainstorms settle the soil and began planting.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>After buying the house in November 2017, I had extensive interior and exterior renovations done, which included adding this brick walkway and stairs. The terraces were added last summer to resolve the problem of a steep slope and massive surface roots from the huge maple tree.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><i>The terraces were built around three existing hydrangea, which were heavily pruned last fall to remove dead wood. There weren't many flowers this summer but there was a ton of growth and they'll be amazing next year. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The plants grew quickly and then stopped. Leaves that should have been deep green were oddly yellowish with red rusty spots. A quick search through one of my favorite garden problem solver books and the internet identified</span><span style="font-size: large;"> the problem as potassium deficiency. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe_nXear4rYIklyMtKcW_Hxeeb_bPDWDgc4u0OWwzmzDddJiZNY9T86Q_GIhQP2M7EDi7MqK22rGRfyhTHEhh9fZgEIQ6XKRCSIQTkWKQ8TfTAor3zkd8oMImLQUwpRhzWYL6p0KxXmjY/s1600/20190713_194335386_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe_nXear4rYIklyMtKcW_Hxeeb_bPDWDgc4u0OWwzmzDddJiZNY9T86Q_GIhQP2M7EDi7MqK22rGRfyhTHEhh9fZgEIQ6XKRCSIQTkWKQ8TfTAor3zkd8oMImLQUwpRhzWYL6p0KxXmjY/s640/20190713_194335386_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: purple;">Potassium deficiency on persicaria leaves</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Potassium deficiency occurs when soil doesn't have enough potassium, which is present in clay soils. My compost didn't have any clay loam or topsoil and was remarkably low in bananas, therefore very little potassium. It also didn't have any worms to add new organic matter. After identifying the problem, I bought a bag of potassium sulfate and applied it to the terraces, promptly burning the crap out all my plants. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRm9E2T-hhoNGgu6Vg7DeLICrV0pw0ZMk8tWKlQ2hKMzQJCBJfuk-LB56dyRPQDYg8sEzEvU-3FgsdbgEN2W4GnGyZtp3DkQKl5xSKXEZdPUF8At-oOuUCuJi4sld9cpxYXLwxY1sL1Uh/s1600/20190713_191848538_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRm9E2T-hhoNGgu6Vg7DeLICrV0pw0ZMk8tWKlQ2hKMzQJCBJfuk-LB56dyRPQDYg8sEzEvU-3FgsdbgEN2W4GnGyZtp3DkQKl5xSKXEZdPUF8At-oOuUCuJi4sld9cpxYXLwxY1sL1Uh/s640/20190713_191848538_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Many plants have been cut back and new growth is starting to show. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Entire stems turned black, their leaves shriveled and curled before dying a ridiculously dramatic death. Instead of solving the problem, I'd made everything worse. </span><span style="font-size: large;">A wet summer worked to push the sulfate deeper into the soil and through the plants, compounding the problem. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>The middle terrace is full of slightly to mostly dead diervilla 'Kodiak Black'. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzp7RBIyJXQ6ap8C4xkGRve6vnZzaBAbwlf5gw_0G2VD7VmH2dSq32dd1aySVrdS8Bagwd7_44hGy8meBxAcIjI74HY8OLnHUgNuNxB01Xwsue4PxNqcAZd82R1MpJwz9oxbJVpltQuUa/s1600/20190713_191725739_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzp7RBIyJXQ6ap8C4xkGRve6vnZzaBAbwlf5gw_0G2VD7VmH2dSq32dd1aySVrdS8Bagwd7_44hGy8meBxAcIjI74HY8OLnHUgNuNxB01Xwsue4PxNqcAZd82R1MpJwz9oxbJVpltQuUa/s640/20190713_191725739_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">These two are mostly dead but one is showing signs of life.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shrubs that had been robust looked dead and cussed and spit every time I came near. I apologized, let the diervilla have their say, and walked away. Time is a great healer and if they grow back, they stay. If they don't, they'll be replaced. Their revenge is the money I'll have to spend on plants I shouldn't have killed.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">I made sure to wreak havoc equally so both sides of the terraces were affected. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But sometimes what looks like a disaster really isn't. It's just a set back and you're wiser for the experience. I'm having the soil tested and already added 1000 worms from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Despite how introspective and reflective I can be, I'm not much for emotional self-flagellation. I get up every damn day determined to do my best. Some days I succeed and some days I don't. When my humanness gets the best of me, I figure out where I went wrong, make amends, and then let that shit go. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>New growth on the phlomis</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes the person you have to be the most patient and compassionate with is yourself. I'll have a better understanding of the problem once I get the test results back, which will be affected by the sulfate that's already been added. I'll amend the soil, the worms will help, and everything will be ok. Plants will recover, new ones will be added, and eventually the terraces will overflow with lush, beautiful foliage and flowers. All will be well, even if it's not all well today. Today isn't forever. It's just today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-27909995289509253252019-07-11T14:03:00.000-04:002019-07-11T14:03:05.550-04:00One step back, two steps forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I missed you. It's that simple. I just missed you all. After my divorce and move to a new house, I put up a few posts to let you know I was still alive and up to my eyeballs in projects, as usual. But my desire to chronicle the changes fizzled out and I stopped blogging. I can be very open and very private at the same time and I simply didn't have anything I wanted to share, not even my garden. I'd decided to keep my blog as a time capsule to a very different period in my life. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> My </span><span style="font-size: large;">front garden has two distinct areas thanks to a massive Japanese cherry tree. One side is shady while the other is sunny. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But after commenting on a post written by my friend Jason Kay of </span><a href="https://gardeninacity.wordpress.com/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">gardeninacity</a><span style="font-size: large;">, I realized I missed the garden blogging community. So I'm back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To keep the zinnias from toppling during storms, they're tied to metal stakes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I tossed out the seeds for this calendula last winter. Native violets grow everywhere and squeeze out other plants. I pull some and I keep some.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>I removed all the grass from the front of my house and filled it with flowers. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My old garden is gone, removed with a backhoe so that grass and mulch could be laid for a giant playset by the new owners. I've never gone back to see the carnage and was given the news by a much loved neighbor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I knew that would happen, despite assurances from the new owners that they would keep the garden. I miss my old garden but my new one suits me better. I spend a lot of time enjoying it and not much time maintaining it. Weeds cover ground not covered with mulch and I don't really care. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Instead of worrying about perfect camera shots, I just go out with my phone and snap a few. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInlnP2zU2y0kdo_S-IwuitQCC1xQXmFDlm6irDKh8xp3qQXUPsCQuP1NyRaBac2Q1LHsXEveYJ58G04jBl9vTFYOT17cl3-3HOE-y9s6jPziKcKVsY7Wnuqk-QMYWWT88Kn48JmcHYd6t/s1600/20190706_142443148_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInlnP2zU2y0kdo_S-IwuitQCC1xQXmFDlm6irDKh8xp3qQXUPsCQuP1NyRaBac2Q1LHsXEveYJ58G04jBl9vTFYOT17cl3-3HOE-y9s6jPziKcKVsY7Wnuqk-QMYWWT88Kn48JmcHYd6t/s640/20190706_142443148_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whether these daisies are a weed or a wildflower is in the eyes of the beholder. They're cute so I let them stay. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jQQ3_1Kv6pcTjvcrYqjkvtLgFvbsnIHwnkshGZemp2cTfEscUFEkc4kgmm60WLt1odA-F29P7vmfvaJEVuNfT37ln4gsxjRqjkJO_99oCAjBC3vRwuOJyCVZIg-dc0Lx3NJ2PiImDbfp/s1600/20190711_000919038_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jQQ3_1Kv6pcTjvcrYqjkvtLgFvbsnIHwnkshGZemp2cTfEscUFEkc4kgmm60WLt1odA-F29P7vmfvaJEVuNfT37ln4gsxjRqjkJO_99oCAjBC3vRwuOJyCVZIg-dc0Lx3NJ2PiImDbfp/s640/20190711_000919038_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My new garden and home are happy, peaceful places. The front garden is lush and exuberant and true to the nature of the small town I moved to, total strangers often stop to comment. At first, I was suspicious but it's a welcome relief from the indifference and expected conformity of the northern Virginia suburbs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZNIqPOq2Uy1pj2uFPfynkLChsHdG5IiWF3TKwSbIoE5TkwZTcI-d4YP3b0i9f0zrXh_-1ncce4egJbczanGqM12e9TeZ-ZrQZXelNlHU9j7HSxImasYISjxHsfKADjySJJdQJ0tJ1czZ/s1600/20190711_000947801_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZNIqPOq2Uy1pj2uFPfynkLChsHdG5IiWF3TKwSbIoE5TkwZTcI-d4YP3b0i9f0zrXh_-1ncce4egJbczanGqM12e9TeZ-ZrQZXelNlHU9j7HSxImasYISjxHsfKADjySJJdQJ0tJ1czZ/s640/20190711_000947801_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many of these plants came from my other garden, except the dahlias, which I grow from seed every winter. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgHPNmTMuZ8zXQG6HZgFdCMde3XQwajsP8GaXWaxnYl9Dmf5iQG4kD-VDNWumAHz01suenIK5auAZWxha_I5rrSSFtzrjZzitM5LwwvZeJSLkROutcLNjVpcgx-5zFJ8c_E6gKabVxll9/s1600/20190711_001025696_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgHPNmTMuZ8zXQG6HZgFdCMde3XQwajsP8GaXWaxnYl9Dmf5iQG4kD-VDNWumAHz01suenIK5auAZWxha_I5rrSSFtzrjZzitM5LwwvZeJSLkROutcLNjVpcgx-5zFJ8c_E6gKabVxll9/s640/20190711_001025696_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've seen so few honeybees this summer and only a few swallowtails. But I've had about a dozen Swallowtail caterpillars in my fennel and currently have a new batch in some parsley. A smokebush shrub in the background is in its awkward teenage phase. I love its weirdness.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyv92g20OSzNeg-KUQk1vYZjStSlr5foJv7mVwvvzIjqU8s78G_G8aNb3F7Np3DNfjLAmbkyojugapD7pO80rPu93tLARpCVlmMUdz_pw6edCS2IiovY4etpz-9sjbU0la3VBuZynA6cZr/s1600/20190711_001128288_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyv92g20OSzNeg-KUQk1vYZjStSlr5foJv7mVwvvzIjqU8s78G_G8aNb3F7Np3DNfjLAmbkyojugapD7pO80rPu93tLARpCVlmMUdz_pw6edCS2IiovY4etpz-9sjbU0la3VBuZynA6cZr/s640/20190711_001128288_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The rudbeckia hirta self-seeded last summer and were a surprise. I'm glad they're there. The multicolored coneflowers were grown from seed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HQ4VqvUFcC6c0145IERjbI3aqvputsIOIkWx6EOxdGLvDZswA1qzkJJcyiGSaOOengAndg-s0lvH22jr6LDtqaI3jVllku-6ACoahOlMxFdguFOuMar1HnrSPN99EZATT5WTu66kD8f4/s1600/20190711_001148152_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HQ4VqvUFcC6c0145IERjbI3aqvputsIOIkWx6EOxdGLvDZswA1qzkJJcyiGSaOOengAndg-s0lvH22jr6LDtqaI3jVllku-6ACoahOlMxFdguFOuMar1HnrSPN99EZATT5WTu66kD8f4/s640/20190711_001148152_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These seed grown dahlias are blocking the dwarf variegated abelia behind them but so what. They were supposed to be there temporarily until I found a better spot for them but I decided that spot was good enough and let them stay. I no longer care about having a picture perfect garden or about mastering design principles. I know how to create beautiful design. I just don't think it matters anymore. The dahlias are happy and I'm happy. That's enough.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57lMmC3vETIVIPZ1G3xzNQURsumciYdxzYFY93HrZwxl-5-St98QUrtUNd0FT2XCuykSDfxof_3v6bh1LfyYqy6r_I-2hv8afGVP_YTcwDq4mpKejmI5L0MqJIotyOQARgpOqIMZl7Cfp/s1600/20190711_001159925_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57lMmC3vETIVIPZ1G3xzNQURsumciYdxzYFY93HrZwxl-5-St98QUrtUNd0FT2XCuykSDfxof_3v6bh1LfyYqy6r_I-2hv8afGVP_YTcwDq4mpKejmI5L0MqJIotyOQARgpOqIMZl7Cfp/s640/20190711_001159925_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These dahlias stayed in the ground all winter. I think the tubers survived because they're close to the brick walkway, which creates heat and kept the soil warmer. I'm going to experiment by leaving all my dahlia tubers in the ground this winter to see what happens. I'll grow a few from seed again as backups.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ov_qlzA1zMjh4eCAxKwIM5NlnKcH5UAsUvPFKNlEZE6iGlSb68BzNJGeQttckEUfuqnknmjIEGNCS7RgQz5xfNhleky9An2PSItwExxTf_bVAtVwbeRukU6PGXoCt-yesaJvkaSvCKIK/s1600/20190711_001211557_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ov_qlzA1zMjh4eCAxKwIM5NlnKcH5UAsUvPFKNlEZE6iGlSb68BzNJGeQttckEUfuqnknmjIEGNCS7RgQz5xfNhleky9An2PSItwExxTf_bVAtVwbeRukU6PGXoCt-yesaJvkaSvCKIK/s640/20190711_001211557_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">'Millennium' alliums from my previous garden</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvELETSQIhJIuccElASEy1RCw6FQG_xAB1rYphviGmLHUCTaabKXUq8APf34ZiOxz7C9zDwS54qTMBplffAeyz-iVb_WGSb-sfpaP34I8qeXp8t5qvDA0wheX-KVKkU38LqpVnN86GsDOB/s1600/20190518_231819603_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvELETSQIhJIuccElASEy1RCw6FQG_xAB1rYphviGmLHUCTaabKXUq8APf34ZiOxz7C9zDwS54qTMBplffAeyz-iVb_WGSb-sfpaP34I8qeXp8t5qvDA0wheX-KVKkU38LqpVnN86GsDOB/s640/20190518_231819603_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a recent photo to prove I am very much alive. I'm a huge music lover so when a friend asked me at the last minute if I wanted his extra ticket to a local music festival, I said yes, even though I had no clue who was playing. The music didn't matter. I was in good company and knew we'd have a blast no matter who was on stage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While he was getting autographs, I had my picture taken with Chris Janson. I had no idea what his name was until a few minutes before this picture was taken and not being much of a fan of country music, wasn't familiar with his songs. But he was a brilliant entertainer and musician and a <a href="https://youtu.be/LOMB1D7gyCM" target="_blank">few of his songs </a>have become favorites. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So there ya go. </span><br />
<br />Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-67020026956900877752018-09-01T14:10:00.000-04:002018-09-01T14:10:11.580-04:00The Great Wall of Retaining<span style="font-size: large;">I sometimes tend to think big. I decided this spring to build a retaining wall to solve the problem of a steep slope filled with thick surface roots from a 65 foot maple tree. It would be impossible to grow anything on the slope except ivy and weeds so I decided to have the wall and terracing built. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dIXoAm8r4SEOzbE6FfaQycC1HIe6-lGmlDWfnLgVE9jnvtpP0RnxjyfBaNPt41N37CaWmP1WturBlvaF1_C-mu-jfAW5YMyq-ba4MrdJ5z79XzCAdZVs-9cgagI-HA7cA3Mnhg0SWrAh/s1600/My+house+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dIXoAm8r4SEOzbE6FfaQycC1HIe6-lGmlDWfnLgVE9jnvtpP0RnxjyfBaNPt41N37CaWmP1WturBlvaF1_C-mu-jfAW5YMyq-ba4MrdJ5z79XzCAdZVs-9cgagI-HA7cA3Mnhg0SWrAh/s640/My+house+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>BEFORE - November 2017 </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cgSXlG03WcGrAPzQCBiwp_xphtjIzbFKPjofHyMNkRhCON8wJZ72aj1ei-4hHCw7dN2OEmsGbuT9588d156PWBnjTgBKjq7a9h4rIcgvwlXsXY698eX2-Pne2IfNRV_xO8TsYAQ1vjrS/s1600/20180901_171331845_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cgSXlG03WcGrAPzQCBiwp_xphtjIzbFKPjofHyMNkRhCON8wJZ72aj1ei-4hHCw7dN2OEmsGbuT9588d156PWBnjTgBKjq7a9h4rIcgvwlXsXY698eX2-Pne2IfNRV_xO8TsYAQ1vjrS/s640/20180901_171331845_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>AFTER - September 2018</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>The wall was built out of rebar and concrete blocks above deep, wide concrete footings. The blocks were covered in faux river rocks.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzIeCWlpYM6slIERW_cHNTHAbFCSzqbgeV3rWc7jNzpT-nCvjIESswHjS2LVcYsZmk3RfhqG8xbUzIqnrf2875fgXe3e2cB-w1KszRmDT2J-nhXRpgY9XUTAIn59mZ-yXlnVAiH00UjsY/s1600/20180901_171359808_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzIeCWlpYM6slIERW_cHNTHAbFCSzqbgeV3rWc7jNzpT-nCvjIESswHjS2LVcYsZmk3RfhqG8xbUzIqnrf2875fgXe3e2cB-w1KszRmDT2J-nhXRpgY9XUTAIn59mZ-yXlnVAiH00UjsY/s640/20180901_171359808_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ivy covered building is my tiny garage turned giant garden shed. It's held together by the ivy, which I'm never removing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRHZOSeOpWKfwpcSj_MGj_CS4l9t4MmdXpccUD-HaVBf4Ke67LyR9PfLM5YHJbVK-paXRr0cT9Lvq4RiWT_uzrFaLzIciPHvD3XhG_lqDCYxXLwz5evBFuV5FA_PHXIjuNClmRNi9DMwI/s1600/20180901_171406772_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRHZOSeOpWKfwpcSj_MGj_CS4l9t4MmdXpccUD-HaVBf4Ke67LyR9PfLM5YHJbVK-paXRr0cT9Lvq4RiWT_uzrFaLzIciPHvD3XhG_lqDCYxXLwz5evBFuV5FA_PHXIjuNClmRNi9DMwI/s640/20180901_171406772_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Once the mortar has been cured and sealed, I can fill the wall with soil. I'll let the terraces fill with leaves and the soil settle all winter before planting.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was just that simple. "I think a retaining wall is the solution" and I considered it done. I planned, budgeted, borrowed, and hired my favorite contractor.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4r_G22YBKhiOerS7s-I9ru_ASA_0V-2Uj0e6i15ZxHHx8DWYbcewsL-6Qpm5GnBN8L9biN1CUKEJ88mx8b6mt8-gGpt5V3PTAp_BYIMwd8wmjfBvVb58oElKWgRxdUqr1yyVIbNUbM04l/s1600/My+house+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4r_G22YBKhiOerS7s-I9ru_ASA_0V-2Uj0e6i15ZxHHx8DWYbcewsL-6Qpm5GnBN8L9biN1CUKEJ88mx8b6mt8-gGpt5V3PTAp_BYIMwd8wmjfBvVb58oElKWgRxdUqr1yyVIbNUbM04l/s640/My+house+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>BEFORE - November 2017</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HvOR9N2m4rFMUx2e1buoBouwCtumQqQADbL2RJJeTIrVUdQhjG_i88PxgcE9u1xLTpmUG5c4MV1wFx7OE3nSO2K6-NnHwhDGvMEHhdt98DczaEYLPSvOAlU2p0AWz4RCaPDuJ_QVbTJ_/s1600/20180831_214413988_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HvOR9N2m4rFMUx2e1buoBouwCtumQqQADbL2RJJeTIrVUdQhjG_i88PxgcE9u1xLTpmUG5c4MV1wFx7OE3nSO2K6-NnHwhDGvMEHhdt98DczaEYLPSvOAlU2p0AWz4RCaPDuJ_QVbTJ_/s640/20180831_214413988_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>AFTER - September 2018</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubVueQWboavpRa5LHTt0mBBlvfpNGZ5Yy_EEFr6mV8Ur0yxYXX3AlVLNCetDxUD-vB6y3yZfSA_fy76lfOK2vNiGNgXjcIXGzFRrwOLNXqz7f2niTK3A6cCofEE46svjb5XFvXBNUETrl/s1600/20180831_214427264_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubVueQWboavpRa5LHTt0mBBlvfpNGZ5Yy_EEFr6mV8Ur0yxYXX3AlVLNCetDxUD-vB6y3yZfSA_fy76lfOK2vNiGNgXjcIXGzFRrwOLNXqz7f2niTK3A6cCofEE46svjb5XFvXBNUETrl/s640/20180831_214427264_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>AFTER - September 2018</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wall is huge. It's twice as big, twice as expensive and took twice as long to complete as I had planned but I love it. It keeps roots out but not people. It took two months to complete and in the process we received 12 inches of rain and I ran out of money. Raccoons made nightly inspections on the wall's progress but never offered to help. Jerks. But life goes on and so did construction. Once the mortar has been sealed, I can fill it with the 300 bags of compost in my driveway and plan my next garden.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrMBnO_0TzLbTvqQbQ0OeCDq7X7vIQPfbl3RlpNzzMWJUQRVCiEzFG_URVmWjj4Yb6odPufpbBvFJrShJ05XY3TQnJcmroF36lrh8No8vGVo0xjxllXlBsoozy501oTs-eNBxYd75BtjJ/s1600/20180831_214441941_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrMBnO_0TzLbTvqQbQ0OeCDq7X7vIQPfbl3RlpNzzMWJUQRVCiEzFG_URVmWjj4Yb6odPufpbBvFJrShJ05XY3TQnJcmroF36lrh8No8vGVo0xjxllXlBsoozy501oTs-eNBxYd75BtjJ/s640/20180831_214441941_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>The wall consists of three terraces.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaeYtwkdbPx5co7bA-oiCMxb536qJVlJ2p9H5bDzxW1uyL5_ehaieVkpI9R4LNNc5LlGde5hSfrZD1C1CkXlrF3NZ9lS5h4iPBFqCLq1NlbiHXB7ndHYKpe-y7I_CZAJujeCqKBFRH0Hv/s1600/20180831_214728367_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaeYtwkdbPx5co7bA-oiCMxb536qJVlJ2p9H5bDzxW1uyL5_ehaieVkpI9R4LNNc5LlGde5hSfrZD1C1CkXlrF3NZ9lS5h4iPBFqCLq1NlbiHXB7ndHYKpe-y7I_CZAJujeCqKBFRH0Hv/s640/20180831_214728367_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The rain allowed the contractor to solve all the hidden drainage issues. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3NGY2ia7YwiGmw5TIequinBa521ukrTMym0sQljb4BWsEUH5YVkmcohBW7m_TXvS5mnplu7pyC6q4aBF27J6PVENMRpBvq11jqIUWE56zlh4pUaKiBMR44wYfyNylsxDWVCBNiPtFGCx/s1600/20180831_220956489_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3NGY2ia7YwiGmw5TIequinBa521ukrTMym0sQljb4BWsEUH5YVkmcohBW7m_TXvS5mnplu7pyC6q4aBF27J6PVENMRpBvq11jqIUWE56zlh4pUaKiBMR44wYfyNylsxDWVCBNiPtFGCx/s640/20180831_220956489_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">An oval area has been saved for a lawn of violets and creeping charlie. I'll over seed with microclover seeds but the violet roots are asleep under all that soil, just waiting to suffocate everything in their beautiful way. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0xgHoLWGaSpTa9_t_r1RlCHLigoI60H3VJZiqeN2RadqD2Uh_lHYMyQZl743WxUu4fqXtOtqA1gZvD5jv9wzonX86rO364hfNunFnglgfmW7D1oHVJQ4mJSXLscxm6Tnfq6vQOc3fFRn/s1600/20180831_221000064_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0xgHoLWGaSpTa9_t_r1RlCHLigoI60H3VJZiqeN2RadqD2Uh_lHYMyQZl743WxUu4fqXtOtqA1gZvD5jv9wzonX86rO364hfNunFnglgfmW7D1oHVJQ4mJSXLscxm6Tnfq6vQOc3fFRn/s640/20180831_221000064_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I want a sense of privacy and enclosure and since my neighbor and I both enjoy watching wildlife, including those adorable but lazy raccoons, this part of the garden will be designed with large shrubs that attract birds. Right now, it's a mess!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn0w_Rwg3Au0sgt6tZaO-raa3ogofAsQtLYsEJVb0B2UjDnGKZeOw9scdIEhhUwUXJXpzE3_tmFgH5cKdT7RuGlkKFbv9qau0NHf5_HxfyEUz1e_ao2NxifhoY7KSgdZNSQjTiYvpaRG3/s1600/20180901_171413163_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn0w_Rwg3Au0sgt6tZaO-raa3ogofAsQtLYsEJVb0B2UjDnGKZeOw9scdIEhhUwUXJXpzE3_tmFgH5cKdT7RuGlkKFbv9qau0NHf5_HxfyEUz1e_ao2NxifhoY7KSgdZNSQjTiYvpaRG3/s640/20180901_171413163_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>New brick steps were built last fall and lime washed for an antique look. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqlAHjSjA99ppQySGlsn74F7qfnR7EBe8m6rwk6vsbWMhxUdf9gPFRj-rjAxSFg8cp4HmlvHDWbfAfs7aKhy2sjN3VhGMdxjCuYL-2GHzE5AwouV57fgnYIZYNYvvFn7lnkSUR874eznb/s1600/20180901_171431214_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqlAHjSjA99ppQySGlsn74F7qfnR7EBe8m6rwk6vsbWMhxUdf9gPFRj-rjAxSFg8cp4HmlvHDWbfAfs7aKhy2sjN3VhGMdxjCuYL-2GHzE5AwouV57fgnYIZYNYvvFn7lnkSUR874eznb/s640/20180901_171431214_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>These flagstone steps were already in place when I bought the house. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIeEjSFsAEIwNFESCTfUNzn9jT0UrRLNEjwk-heIPMADAB978fvIov9isitbSGDQVpG9CqwAXrG-hsva9DOeKwGglqOirKHi4NvMZEcHql6lTl-fDn210lNILoybXVLc6JcTxgHxy4pZC/s1600/20180901_171511580_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIeEjSFsAEIwNFESCTfUNzn9jT0UrRLNEjwk-heIPMADAB978fvIov9isitbSGDQVpG9CqwAXrG-hsva9DOeKwGglqOirKHi4NvMZEcHql6lTl-fDn210lNILoybXVLc6JcTxgHxy4pZC/s640/20180901_171511580_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>The faux river rocks reflect the colors of the brick and flagstone steps. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBRsidam3l0snNVrDtxFgSLrL4IqRMeymkmGnKBxs89x-Er8apcGVAjcECZ8uV5rf6Y0ZbocQWtQ35s7JlroUBRks-izqAvRlUXlYHuBZeVoaSyCKP9j2gqFzu7QkbQ87R15_lEkIPA42/s1600/20180901_171527545_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBRsidam3l0snNVrDtxFgSLrL4IqRMeymkmGnKBxs89x-Er8apcGVAjcECZ8uV5rf6Y0ZbocQWtQ35s7JlroUBRks-izqAvRlUXlYHuBZeVoaSyCKP9j2gqFzu7QkbQ87R15_lEkIPA42/s640/20180901_171527545_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Handmade concrete caps add extra seating, a spot for me to climb into the terraces to garden, and look nice.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PMg-akr8RtvLqWB4fN5HNxwgMlCrGuPnfm228DshSHpjSHSj7OdPFn5Ic542SYuJH-6ECLxbN-wYTB6xQ-IyZ1l1tNc0PZsoTOdy5dethVPRWC-6YlW-O0jqRQJUmFXyH6WtQbQ2ImvU/s1600/20180831_214529657_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PMg-akr8RtvLqWB4fN5HNxwgMlCrGuPnfm228DshSHpjSHSj7OdPFn5Ic542SYuJH-6ECLxbN-wYTB6xQ-IyZ1l1tNc0PZsoTOdy5dethVPRWC-6YlW-O0jqRQJUmFXyH6WtQbQ2ImvU/s640/20180831_214529657_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bottom walls have beautiful curves. I love the combination of the straight against the curvaceous, hard against soft. Once the terraces are full of soil, cool solar lights will be added. Now I just have to save up enough money so I can fill these with plants! </span></div>
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-50854515325903748692018-08-12T02:44:00.000-04:002018-08-12T15:33:11.073-04:00My Socks Don't Match and I Don't Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6SqGSQkPJ-aOeAjae_D5Uy7bwG97BK8o9TdQgOQqX1DKT8XMrcBVO8OAof8E7pCBowdmDQEKjrb8vl9_s3Ogph29CedEH2vT08de0LhyphenhyphenI2LEYrEKUPiF9xamq3srsKwk_FXGTx9zEFkY/s1600/20180723_183512160_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1111" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6SqGSQkPJ-aOeAjae_D5Uy7bwG97BK8o9TdQgOQqX1DKT8XMrcBVO8OAof8E7pCBowdmDQEKjrb8vl9_s3Ogph29CedEH2vT08de0LhyphenhyphenI2LEYrEKUPiF9xamq3srsKwk_FXGTx9zEFkY/s640/20180723_183512160_iOS.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just to let you know, I'm a patient, analytical person by nature. Except for when I'm not. Sometimes I just want what I want and if there's nothing holding me back I can be outrageously spontaneous and decisive. I once went to London for a day to surprise someone who needed surprising. It needed to be done so I did it. It just didn't occur to me not to. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9na7MLccX3VrD_NazvEPLDvyRMFq9034UVQfIPWJJr2jyeAYz3vTuw7H-nr1axamJ2GaLxXummK1GpepRi5XUOHrNgWCSKCnaSDdiW_me7zX28vl8r7hd5R5wnMeqJPvwsvHS8j-J4U4q/s1600/20180811_143636349_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9na7MLccX3VrD_NazvEPLDvyRMFq9034UVQfIPWJJr2jyeAYz3vTuw7H-nr1axamJ2GaLxXummK1GpepRi5XUOHrNgWCSKCnaSDdiW_me7zX28vl8r7hd5R5wnMeqJPvwsvHS8j-J4U4q/s640/20180811_143636349_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Zinnias grown from seed</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP34cAQcNe2VSgdtiRCHF6Fmixx4ydrMVgCeT9q5FdnIijgMdbaEadLxbGFRoVWXJHE_G00uEay82fgtZ6TrzQvalIHDwHtLWdskC5HHZ0ke60xz8mzVXaRNhyIkXaV_ErfpblpGew39IO/s1600/20180805_163613490_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP34cAQcNe2VSgdtiRCHF6Fmixx4ydrMVgCeT9q5FdnIijgMdbaEadLxbGFRoVWXJHE_G00uEay82fgtZ6TrzQvalIHDwHtLWdskC5HHZ0ke60xz8mzVXaRNhyIkXaV_ErfpblpGew39IO/s640/20180805_163613490_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>The front garden is filling in.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtLIZDB0XVKDXj9zgxIiaK6KQleVsdTnpuX-tsMsHRqx2Znjaij8St5_ykl-lTRopVmu6DHRiIG63B3sEvsVArLNZNQU4xG6Ie7BTC1M3WyGy46wEVwQrD5eTq-94oUqE65Ck8YuIRsv7/s1600/20180811_143659242_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtLIZDB0XVKDXj9zgxIiaK6KQleVsdTnpuX-tsMsHRqx2Znjaij8St5_ykl-lTRopVmu6DHRiIG63B3sEvsVArLNZNQU4xG6Ie7BTC1M3WyGy46wEVwQrD5eTq-94oUqE65Ck8YuIRsv7/s640/20180811_143659242_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>All the annuals were grown from seed over the winter.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But this summer life has unspooled on a timetable I can't control or influence so I've waited and waited and waited some more. </span><span style="font-size: large;">But that's how it goes, isn't it? Sometimes you just have to stand back and look at the whole instead of the pieces and find the beauty in the chaos. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Coneflowers and naked lady lilies came with the house.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>This looks like a mess but there are 50 prairie dropseed grass plugs, 30 liatris spicata, and 30 orange milkweed plants hidden in this mess of turf I've dubbed The Meadow. The dropseed grass will eventually suffocate the turf and take over. I scattered in some rudbeckia because I wanted more color and had too many. Roses grow along the wall.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i> Roses in the spring</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30JRCLvOfBp6CAFiat2cXGoisb0qcL5Lxb7AgYrIXyMfvMCwHjpOsoBVeUolb8ZraeWVIrZ7-TYKhWUQJVrBV8CtwgTPFGCE-4D0xvbrpGk37x34RWdmrtlPFCNeDRyoFoIA_GszT0KY8/s1600/20180723_183219460_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30JRCLvOfBp6CAFiat2cXGoisb0qcL5Lxb7AgYrIXyMfvMCwHjpOsoBVeUolb8ZraeWVIrZ7-TYKhWUQJVrBV8CtwgTPFGCE-4D0xvbrpGk37x34RWdmrtlPFCNeDRyoFoIA_GszT0KY8/s640/20180723_183219460_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Violets are everywhere are have to be pulled to keep from suffocating everything. These are all perennials brought over from my other garden.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If the garden reflects the gardener, mine has become a mess of contradictions. The front garden screams "I'm organized and have my shit together!" while the side garden laughs "My socks don't match and I don't care!". I don't know what the driveway garden says but it makes me happy and that's all that matters. The back is a massive construction site as a series of retaining walls of Titanic proportions are slowly taking shape.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>To maximize my sunshine, I've lined my driveway with pots and stuffed them full of the annuals I grew from seed. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUOIrtb5RihZyJneQ7su4l3qq5Oo8G4dvrQE5DnDvXIqa7UfQc23k2dKAOnOxmZKdYw5FrnTik3_0L_8mDS-5ZHg0inBEU2E5A5r4SY_V0FI7VQVcpt_TCn_0yh-rn8q-7qA82BQX2NsX/s1600/20180805_163644111_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUOIrtb5RihZyJneQ7su4l3qq5Oo8G4dvrQE5DnDvXIqa7UfQc23k2dKAOnOxmZKdYw5FrnTik3_0L_8mDS-5ZHg0inBEU2E5A5r4SY_V0FI7VQVcpt_TCn_0yh-rn8q-7qA82BQX2NsX/s640/20180805_163644111_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Orange poets tassel flower (Emiliana javanica) and gomphrena.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2GmOGvdhtIzZvD8rtMtU4L5P6vK_ThsTHsWsK68cGavcFlCAlJRJTVwoNzDTpyb5n6F9D6MZ4u0IQryOI7ldUo9hxMKmzLQ_82HwVgu94hxOs0lzrOiiuD117iGECVhfZGlDbPSsf78V/s1600/20180811_144144413_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2GmOGvdhtIzZvD8rtMtU4L5P6vK_ThsTHsWsK68cGavcFlCAlJRJTVwoNzDTpyb5n6F9D6MZ4u0IQryOI7ldUo9hxMKmzLQ_82HwVgu94hxOs0lzrOiiuD117iGECVhfZGlDbPSsf78V/s640/20180811_144144413_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Seed grown dahlia</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>An assortment of rudbeckia hirta</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp0HjF53j_IJxAs-Ao7UXuBu0LuPFmki5NkFGzicRuJae7-f-iGzJkJDRkX85PWrn8trSIVN21OkMRvSWWm4-GgtwC6L2NE0tTib_CnkYSyCKjnW_SPskN6URFy9_XKEpaZLtGLyqhy0a/s1600/20180723_183421383_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp0HjF53j_IJxAs-Ao7UXuBu0LuPFmki5NkFGzicRuJae7-f-iGzJkJDRkX85PWrn8trSIVN21OkMRvSWWm4-GgtwC6L2NE0tTib_CnkYSyCKjnW_SPskN6URFy9_XKEpaZLtGLyqhy0a/s640/20180723_183421383_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://youtu.be/BFkTu8Y1KLs" target="_blank">Life is a dance</a> and you don't always get to pick the music. But get up and <a href="https://youtu.be/jzpU1at0hnw" target="_blank">shake your ass</a>, anyway. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA_mQXqxlYRZ90jarHd19QjDSY771cFp57MzCyAbkMI7EnxtWlYqIhyphenhyphen9ZX-JiqfCt6tc2nNf0oF20mVJ5Wh8Xh6YOetcqN2GKNAc7KKTxbnX8P69vmCPzAkv3iY-libxm0ULQbxDoJD_6/s1600/20180811_144218322_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA_mQXqxlYRZ90jarHd19QjDSY771cFp57MzCyAbkMI7EnxtWlYqIhyphenhyphen9ZX-JiqfCt6tc2nNf0oF20mVJ5Wh8Xh6YOetcqN2GKNAc7KKTxbnX8P69vmCPzAkv3iY-libxm0ULQbxDoJD_6/s640/20180811_144218322_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Just a wee bit of The Wall</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>The concrete forms will be covered in river rocks.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoTX9W33Ut9qBl3j1xk_klyBI6vvl1TY7i8j2oE7Y79ytPRn2EuEEsY39HZO2W3xlyzPmBe9m-8zpX-Lc8n0w329t7pKAKqG3slwLsDsLMNflaH-hQ0mGa3MSBWEUPUVKMjM9h_rwn_Jm/s1600/20180811_133242630_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoTX9W33Ut9qBl3j1xk_klyBI6vvl1TY7i8j2oE7Y79ytPRn2EuEEsY39HZO2W3xlyzPmBe9m-8zpX-Lc8n0w329t7pKAKqG3slwLsDsLMNflaH-hQ0mGa3MSBWEUPUVKMjM9h_rwn_Jm/s640/20180811_133242630_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>A view of The Wall from the second story</i></span></div>
<br />Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-83023840455317789832018-07-02T17:43:00.001-04:002018-07-02T17:43:45.487-04:00There's Only One Road to Now<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It never occurred to me when I was a teen and planning out my life, that I would become a teacher or gardener. Gardening was for old people and lunatics who specialized in baseball bat sized zucchini and massive trees growing at sharp angles in tiny spaces. I was going to become a writer and travel the world. It would be a bohemian, artistic life not unlike Hemingway’s days in Paris. To accomplish this goal I spent a few years in college often drunk and occasionally naked and only traveled from party to party before marrying a conservative military officer I met in a bar. I stopped writing, had children, and poured my passionate spirit into creating a garden everywhere we went. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt0iMhc45xGJk-o12AW7I_TSPFCR7FLsJ3_KEGE4JF0HZ_-Go2p6xn2zl4wdPC7NRV8kVuH-4m31CfdLaZ1gyN1ysapO4htuRWl5BkmoV255-B8Jw-BByB1i0iPwRW-TKca4yP3pLM6He/s1600/IMG-0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1600" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt0iMhc45xGJk-o12AW7I_TSPFCR7FLsJ3_KEGE4JF0HZ_-Go2p6xn2zl4wdPC7NRV8kVuH-4m31CfdLaZ1gyN1ysapO4htuRWl5BkmoV255-B8Jw-BByB1i0iPwRW-TKca4yP3pLM6He/s640/IMG-0280.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Isle of Wight, England</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But I am an explorer at heart. Little road trips around the area I recently moved to have peppered my summer days. With no final destination in mind. I simply get in the car and drive down whatever street looks interesting. But travel abroad is my favorite. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSY2XCUZyeRFoDE8-kyrdtUKISdFNMy2-IFWdS7rvVjVAFjjONaxV1izgd3mUINqU-87UNWXOhmi94wFc7UHDqr9jtiu24WbzR-A1ScAHQ9a4WobWtYxSTpuhOGedKV7SxmMOiC_tpEA_4/s1600/IMG-0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSY2XCUZyeRFoDE8-kyrdtUKISdFNMy2-IFWdS7rvVjVAFjjONaxV1izgd3mUINqU-87UNWXOhmi94wFc7UHDqr9jtiu24WbzR-A1ScAHQ9a4WobWtYxSTpuhOGedKV7SxmMOiC_tpEA_4/s640/IMG-0258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">beach vacation, English style</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With my daughter in graduate school in London for the past year, another trip to England was soon on the schedule. I should have said no when the flight attendant asked if I’d give up my seat for a passenger whose seat was broken and switch to a non-stop flight to London but I didn’t. It seemed like the kindest choice and would get me to my daughter faster. But as a reminder that kindness should always be given simply for the sake of being kind and that the Universe doesn’t owe anyone anything, while I zipped off to England, my luggage stayed in Virginia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Ventnor, Isle of Wight</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But life goes on, doesn’t it? Despite my fatigue and frustration, I was on vacation and was damn well going to enjoy myself. After traveling by train, Tube, train, feet feet feet, hovercraft ferry, bus and a short walk, she and I crashed at our flat in Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight. A happy reunion with my luggage was several days away. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3CJ5Ojw_Gn5_ctcEM3s1Cfz2wkIcodAjMJ2mBwzr2cS7QGTHq-56lX0TCTXEu0k9W3y21UaJx9gOCdpEVdvVNmkYXRhnObw0gIJm-iJhk3yFtV0C6Zb9GEfmBJqE61slf4BwKfEuJYUy/s1600/IMG-0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3CJ5Ojw_Gn5_ctcEM3s1Cfz2wkIcodAjMJ2mBwzr2cS7QGTHq-56lX0TCTXEu0k9W3y21UaJx9gOCdpEVdvVNmkYXRhnObw0gIJm-iJhk3yFtV0C6Zb9GEfmBJqE61slf4BwKfEuJYUy/s640/IMG-0264.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The view out of our Airbnb</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Since the airline assured us daily the luggage would be arriving soon, we stayed in Ventnor instead of venturing across the island to the usual attractions. I visited their botanic gardens but only took one picture. Most gardeners probably don’t take pictures of plants they don’t like, but I did. The largest, most lethargic looking agave I’ve ever seen lay slumped outside the garden entrance. I do not like agaves. I like my plants the way I like my people - warm and cuddly. Agaves are stabby and while I can forgive them for this since it wasn’t of their choosing, I avoid their company. But to be fair, I avoid people who are stabby, too, since there’s no rationalizing with a psycho. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWIbV_JRQBZPAmND7O53zSDhfw5o5ylp6e8snXHI-zFMHeBo_xjh3BjpmWTSQ8VDNP_IJ6JNqgJ2i91V2KscAsIdNlNJTFR7z643YglzaM61HjLgJoqjup_AleGBIW1mmapMKT1L2Vcp0/s1600/IMG-0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWIbV_JRQBZPAmND7O53zSDhfw5o5ylp6e8snXHI-zFMHeBo_xjh3BjpmWTSQ8VDNP_IJ6JNqgJ2i91V2KscAsIdNlNJTFR7z643YglzaM61HjLgJoqjup_AleGBIW1mmapMKT1L2Vcp0/s640/IMG-0254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Agave have skin puncturing spikes at the end of each leaf.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I don’t like heavily scheduled vacations. That just seems to defeat the purpose. I want to relax and just wander. I’d rather see less and enjoy it more than rush from spot to spot like a five year old on a sugar high. So we wandered. We climbed the steep hills of Ventnor and took the coastal path back. But I’m not that good at staying on any specific path and kept going off to explore the trails less traveled. One path ended at a steep drop off that not being a mountain goat, I was unable to scale while another required a bit of bush wrangling but ended with a gorgeous view. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ReSySqymFPZ1ur9e3lquIrtP5-hvi7ItYkXUIE8QJDQDXtYm9Jtk0nRwJ47Xh30z38fyqFKFaiJqnmHUmw3SB2Qx5AgkaA_SgKQ5JFrswv7c-RcWj-K_XBzdw0Cz3Ozbc5GsbzlJXLF-/s1600/IMG-0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ReSySqymFPZ1ur9e3lquIrtP5-hvi7ItYkXUIE8QJDQDXtYm9Jtk0nRwJ47Xh30z38fyqFKFaiJqnmHUmw3SB2Qx5AgkaA_SgKQ5JFrswv7c-RcWj-K_XBzdw0Cz3Ozbc5GsbzlJXLF-/s640/IMG-0291.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This path was unexpected but worth the extra work.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwiC_U-bMEUj4qjuMlzIEMhyyZ1czyWfxCs8H1vjh6x-Mrf7fKx9gPqEfVkj99mDriHe_CiZMZymkJN5nRRhK2VNGdQox37mQw993ujzebnQBFo4_IXVFqCDS4T6y8JpE_F2jk69tPNJi/s1600/IMG-0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwiC_U-bMEUj4qjuMlzIEMhyyZ1czyWfxCs8H1vjh6x-Mrf7fKx9gPqEfVkj99mDriHe_CiZMZymkJN5nRRhK2VNGdQox37mQw993ujzebnQBFo4_IXVFqCDS4T6y8JpE_F2jk69tPNJi/s640/IMG-0289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This view lay at the end.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But that’s life, isn’t it? What we think is the destination might just be part of the journey and we sometimes find ourselves somewhere completely unexpected but absolutely beautiful. We finally made it back to the beach and I turned and asked my daughter, “Where are we?” But before she could answer, I responded “We’re right here.” “Exactly” she replied. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvG2595hKQVmVkXdijyhFE4Hx4aA7eFgDZK2PDRYPF7ZmxlWfWGReotlP5vVKndiZBS8jAkSnRukxHqEjmWyf0NGY9m4UB2gYkIIIg_ryFw73kNog73mQAyXrQ3KQ6_ci7E5fQvAKZlNG3/s1600/IMG-0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvG2595hKQVmVkXdijyhFE4Hx4aA7eFgDZK2PDRYPF7ZmxlWfWGReotlP5vVKndiZBS8jAkSnRukxHqEjmWyf0NGY9m4UB2gYkIIIg_ryFw73kNog73mQAyXrQ3KQ6_ci7E5fQvAKZlNG3/s640/IMG-0287.JPG" width="592" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Having packed nothing in my carry-on but a good book and a few snacks, I borrowed my daughters clothes and let the wind style my hair. </span></i></div>
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-66770301863986085632018-06-19T14:04:00.000-04:002018-06-28T17:47:56.050-04:00The Vanishing Act<span style="font-size: large;">If I were a magician, my best trick would be the vanishing act. I'm very good at disappearing and often leave few clues.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Sometimes you just need to take a break from one part of your life to give yourself time to deal with what's happening in another. I stopped reading blogs and rarely posted. I disappeared from social media and didn't think much about gardening. I was in a holding pattern while I waited for the front brick work and back garden retaining walls in my new garden to be completed and had nowhere to plant my seedlings. Instead, I walked for miles and worked out to force myself to focus on the moment. <a href="https://youtu.be/0RGuQ8BDoAE" target="_blank">Music</a> is a <a href="https://youtu.be/2kQSFyq6mac" target="_blank">constant</a> in my <a href="https://youtu.be/2AwaA85nEbE" target="_blank">life</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/BR2JtsVumFA" target="_blank">when I </a>just <a href="https://youtu.be/8hkmuTvkp_s" target="_blank">needed</a> to <a href="https://youtu.be/u7aNKstBCM4" target="_blank">get out of my head</a>, I <a href="https://youtu.be/w0F5a8zsO68" target="_blank">turned up</a> the <a href="https://youtu.be/Lo2qQmj0_h4" target="_blank">volume</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/uwIGZLjugKA" target="_blank">danced</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/6TgTXYFHlfk" target="_blank">danced</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/FXzEVLSoVqw" target="_blank">danced</a>. I took long baths with a glass of wine and a good book and talked to my dogs, who think I'm a genius.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR1kHOhyphenhyphenMnDZdkLeFDDVrDzQ3dSACzCzuheruDcwW3hFBSeP2Ue_smdYPc_wWx3zW9UCqjFdUawQyERedIRZgGILwf5qa3BHCPRdd9o22b6gRUkIctKEj0bKH8-4BUYQklkooLlLwmhsb/s1600/20180619_123746444_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR1kHOhyphenhyphenMnDZdkLeFDDVrDzQ3dSACzCzuheruDcwW3hFBSeP2Ue_smdYPc_wWx3zW9UCqjFdUawQyERedIRZgGILwf5qa3BHCPRdd9o22b6gRUkIctKEj0bKH8-4BUYQklkooLlLwmhsb/s640/20180619_123746444_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>'Welcome' seemed like a bit of a stretch but I can say 'hello' to anyone. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Even my door mat was a philosophical choice. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">The past twelve months have been a delicate balance of holding on and letting go, of having the strength to listen to that quiet, steady voice that always speaks the truth and finding the courage to do what needed to be done. O</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">ften without realizing it, w</span><span style="font-size: large;">e seek what we need to nurture ourselves emotionally but our choices reflect who we are. I needed to come home to warmth, peace, positivity, and balance but also wanted space for my family when they visit. I had divorced the father not the family. I bought an old house, painted it yellow, and began a new life.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWMoT4-0Abd8YczLKKaTslRkUNhJd7kVhdN-OAgtyE41-lQ8COJ2gcJk9xa4a0Ntl66qvQ8KVQYuXTHAusi20c-uesdNheYpkvG1iuoAI0itQnlnwPhArMDnqdx5AVRtvQpp7bPQXf0ca/s1600/My+house+streetview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="400" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWMoT4-0Abd8YczLKKaTslRkUNhJd7kVhdN-OAgtyE41-lQ8COJ2gcJk9xa4a0Ntl66qvQ8KVQYuXTHAusi20c-uesdNheYpkvG1iuoAI0itQnlnwPhArMDnqdx5AVRtvQpp7bPQXf0ca/s640/My+house+streetview.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The dead tree to the left was removed before I bought the house.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mgXFWifxYO0zWnMteXmmviE-6bUbchpzo_2IRC3tCfbRhdmCvFQJRCUIVZK-90v6RMpBGGcwoq4SV_B1PmuXT4MiXUxkmjz2HUZtBu6Qg7HxuO43v8DT8LrUgTftiNUAbD8I8xugqNiK/s1600/My+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="665" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mgXFWifxYO0zWnMteXmmviE-6bUbchpzo_2IRC3tCfbRhdmCvFQJRCUIVZK-90v6RMpBGGcwoq4SV_B1PmuXT4MiXUxkmjz2HUZtBu6Qg7HxuO43v8DT8LrUgTftiNUAbD8I8xugqNiK/s640/My+house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">My house in November 2017</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLSn0a-Lkvr-GyxUr1G17OyOR8ddWTI6JmgLFZKj6fHiiD2xkldIKn7QZlRc6jAxgPcZEbA6O-ZQeOghN1WuZDXj1dsz5WPlyKLqTMWzg9YHiaDTg4mAJxeITYfxe8Kbs26t4Oa_zQerr/s1600/20180608_210330543_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLSn0a-Lkvr-GyxUr1G17OyOR8ddWTI6JmgLFZKj6fHiiD2xkldIKn7QZlRc6jAxgPcZEbA6O-ZQeOghN1WuZDXj1dsz5WPlyKLqTMWzg9YHiaDTg4mAJxeITYfxe8Kbs26t4Oa_zQerr/s640/20180608_210330543_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The front hardscaping was finally completed in early June. I added over 2,000 pounds of compost to the soil, which is mostly heavy clay.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrcTjgTOevYoHMSIK7Y1n1g62cmen6RJb7k0PMxaYiiu3MmSUT4djQz7HdwVpin21svimfXiuPVF79fe7FdhU6gkCn6x6CTABY3ZEXt7MIkDn965C8_zvs_zppveygR86_YnGXjSMPlHN/s1600/20180619_152515226_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrcTjgTOevYoHMSIK7Y1n1g62cmen6RJb7k0PMxaYiiu3MmSUT4djQz7HdwVpin21svimfXiuPVF79fe7FdhU6gkCn6x6CTABY3ZEXt7MIkDn965C8_zvs_zppveygR86_YnGXjSMPlHN/s640/20180619_152515226_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>June 2018</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOjxYJxn5Q5S9btwMAfcTfwqvlAIlDM1qJtbgf5pOsAmF368JZPji1yWD11SAwGGrz9856lh4dqn1dJJBK2N_w9rWxx5OVQysabw3kUCO_j2hMew0W3xdWYDyVSPRms_rG6wnWDaLajAw/s1600/20180619_152410877_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOjxYJxn5Q5S9btwMAfcTfwqvlAIlDM1qJtbgf5pOsAmF368JZPji1yWD11SAwGGrz9856lh4dqn1dJJBK2N_w9rWxx5OVQysabw3kUCO_j2hMew0W3xdWYDyVSPRms_rG6wnWDaLajAw/s640/20180619_152410877_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">I planted diervilla 'Kodiak Black' and abelia 'Kaleidoscope' under the windows. Diervilla is a tough native shrub that thrives in dry soil in both sun and shade. Both shrubs attract pollinators and have beautiful fall color. Right now the yellow diervilla flowers are blending into the house, which breaks all the design rules but I don't give a rat's ass about design rules. </span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGzQSoauv1c_uoPDZrooi60V-UiZoJCstFXk-FU1HGfIbOmJ4rhWO5fW7-otrDGy1r_dp6BI4KWzoGLwPrWJOVKZAUEDHuGgmdnlDzkcfvEiET0H09z7F7SGjxkrttOEL7Jn5JMsg3kEx/s1600/20180619_152847222_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGzQSoauv1c_uoPDZrooi60V-UiZoJCstFXk-FU1HGfIbOmJ4rhWO5fW7-otrDGy1r_dp6BI4KWzoGLwPrWJOVKZAUEDHuGgmdnlDzkcfvEiET0H09z7F7SGjxkrttOEL7Jn5JMsg3kEx/s640/20180619_152847222_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">The view from the front door</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After purchasing my home and beginning a month of mostly interior renovations that ended right before Christmas, I decided to only buy what inspired the strongest gut reaction. I didn't overthink or analyze anything. I simply made a list of what I needed and broke everything down into a Yes or No decision. If I didn't immediately love it and it wasn't perfect for the space, I stopped considering it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxT27yflVkCyeY_0isSj9QcT1JhbXrX1NjWFTZwQG8zJfIFogzMYq7zzXaQD3tGZQm0DqGShbuJ7UAVLFh5LJ8P9k_yRyW2nUblK9h5aKOqPb2AvEokiIRyWw9j4RsSnCXMsTWkjsTr5HP/s1600/20180619_152238304_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxT27yflVkCyeY_0isSj9QcT1JhbXrX1NjWFTZwQG8zJfIFogzMYq7zzXaQD3tGZQm0DqGShbuJ7UAVLFh5LJ8P9k_yRyW2nUblK9h5aKOqPb2AvEokiIRyWw9j4RsSnCXMsTWkjsTr5HP/s640/20180619_152238304_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">The path from the side porch to the front garden.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I took the same approach to my garden. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Without an HOA or spouse to contend with, </span><span style="font-size: large;">I went outside, asked myself "What do I want?" and followed my gut. A side slope covered in turf grass was turned into a meadow full of prairie drop seed grass, liatris, and milkweed while I waited for the front hardscaping to be finished. To balance the strong, simple lines of the house, I replaced a scruffy, narrow flagstone path with a wide brick walkway and two curving side paths. A small path dead ends into a semi-circle centered with a bird bath so I can watch the action from the dining room window. Once the brick work was done, I threw myself into creating a new garden.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZCTOIXk1SdFgbNiLdeDj3h9I4eq8z6wnrlqb8InBSkOQHiDaqgTDCkYgRCAPmz3Vpj8zre3DzwzSG5MgfCp23KHJt_ciPYegIRNAsMmu1sovAgA7m2RxVjXoua7TlWYJfoF5TF91G7U9/s1600/20180619_152548348_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZCTOIXk1SdFgbNiLdeDj3h9I4eq8z6wnrlqb8InBSkOQHiDaqgTDCkYgRCAPmz3Vpj8zre3DzwzSG5MgfCp23KHJt_ciPYegIRNAsMmu1sovAgA7m2RxVjXoua7TlWYJfoF5TF91G7U9/s640/20180619_152548348_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;">This bed is full of plants I started from seed that should have been moved out of their growing cups a month ago. What started as my annual seed starting bender quickly became a hostage situation observed with pity by the hefty, vigorous seedlings added to a few pots in May. The miserable, undersized Solo cup prisoners were planted into compost with apologies, a drench of liquid kelp, and a request to please stay alive. They've grudgingly agreed. Some of my favorite perennials from my other garden were also added. This is my new butterfly garden.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>A cotinus 'Grace' (purple smoke bush in the far right corner) will eventually give me privacy from my neighbor and will balance the massive cherry tree in the shady side.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRgP6MtDEg1aSytB5w_GPY0Rfrb8Xec1rUsGkqxXpsI-iXMjXEL3gXbwQe3uKgdFP1sr65d1iH9sAVjlD1He0dN4J1jLSg8bk4SC9f7LvzwDmSLjmgnl_AXS_Bh549iftLA2VrhWjtjMG/s1600/20180618_145507833_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRgP6MtDEg1aSytB5w_GPY0Rfrb8Xec1rUsGkqxXpsI-iXMjXEL3gXbwQe3uKgdFP1sr65d1iH9sAVjlD1He0dN4J1jLSg8bk4SC9f7LvzwDmSLjmgnl_AXS_Bh549iftLA2VrhWjtjMG/s640/20180618_145507833_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Wrens quickly moved into this house and have raised two broods, despite the constant presence of contractors.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The grass has been replaced with perennials and a metal glider given to me after my mom died fifteen years ago has been painted a warm copper and placed under the cherry tree. Plants brought over from my other garden were plopped into whatever spot I could find last November and again this spring, which explains why I have short plants in the back and tall plants in the front. I thought I'd have time to redesign the beds before summer. I'll save that fun for fall.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">This bed is full of plants salvaged from my other garden, rescued from garden center sale tables, or gifted by my amazing local friends, who all knew where to find me. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>I purchased these handmade mosaic stepping stones from artist <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JanWilhelmi" target="_blank">Jan Wilhelmi</a>. They'll be here in about a month and will be placed in front of the copper glider. I love mosaic art because it takes the best parts of what's broken and turns it into something beautiful and new. That's the approach I took with my divorce and my ex-husband and I are still friends.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large; text-align: start;">Gold solar globes hang like ornaments in the cherry tree. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large; text-align: start;">At night they glow as if full of fireflies. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>The website where I found these called them fairy dust balls. Whatever. The closest I'll ever come to fairy dust or a magic wand is a cheap hunk of plastic made in China but they're pretty and my tree looks cool at night so I bought them.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>I have golden, glowy balls in my tree. What's not to like?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Corkscrew vine</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><i>Picture shamelessly borrowed from Google Images.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">As for the arbor, </span><span style="font-size: large;">I've always wanted a rose covered arbor so I bought one.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> It </span><span style="font-size: large;">appeals to the romantic in me and gives the garden a greater sense of place with a prominent entrance. While I wait for the 'Laguna' and 'Climbing Lady of Shallott' roses and 'Baltyk' clematis to grow, corkscrew vine started from seed will quickly scramble up the sides and spill over the top, their purple pendulous flowers hanging down between the beams like fat snails. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>June 2018 </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm back and will be blogging more regularly now that my new garden is taking shape.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com73tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-49263633492890732292018-02-11T18:30:00.001-05:002018-02-11T18:30:20.957-05:00More is More: The Bat Shit Crazy School of Seed Starting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It must be said that I'm a passionate person and once I commit myself to a cause or hobby, I go all in. I'd get more sleep and have more money if these weren't defining characteristics, but they are so there ya go. To quote Popeye, "I yam what I yam!". </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not possible for me to just start a few packs of seeds. But turn my basement into a mini-greenhouse and start 55 different varieties? Yes, please! I open the seed catalogs or visit the websites and am seduced by the possibilities. So many flowers and so many options for just a few dollars. In the past I have methodically made my selections and drifted off to sleep designing my garden and filling all 100 of my containers. I allowed myself five or six purchases made on a whim but usually stuck to a plan. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyauLXI0UZbq8JOPgVScb7i0dE0nbhdGWpNiiPEoOzK3obpI6nAWvzFS2iu3YK9ZPrEgtT6os8FT1KcNQWRHzdWDwxD-ytPYAKeEz8aKLz3uNGhd4P1gbr0IYA0R-hW8kyIcg7t4_a4tSS/s1600/P6300134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyauLXI0UZbq8JOPgVScb7i0dE0nbhdGWpNiiPEoOzK3obpI6nAWvzFS2iu3YK9ZPrEgtT6os8FT1KcNQWRHzdWDwxD-ytPYAKeEz8aKLz3uNGhd4P1gbr0IYA0R-hW8kyIcg7t4_a4tSS/s640/P6300134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Many of these plants were grown from seed. Photo showing original Casa Mariposa garden.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not this year. This year, I have no plan. I have no idea how much sun I have to work with although I doubt it will be much. I haven't arranged my containers or designed my new garden. There is too much work still to do. A retaining wall and terracing needs to built as well as two new brick paths in the front. The soil desperately needs to be amended, a new shady rain garden created, and shrubs added. But that didn't stop me from buying more seeds than I probably have grow light space for. It didn't slow me down at all. This year, I simply followed my heart and bought whatever seeds I damn well wanted to. Plants I don't have space or sunlight for will go to friends. A plant grown from seed and given as gift is a cup of love. Life could be worse.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Snapdragon seedlings </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1a6FemrS4RISC_C3luEUwT9de6z-wonXuVn9moCYbn9Y_4gYTO2BWJH-HQhpcv8GogyVCILaCTYYxxpps_Gzge-AQI9Pkb6IEhgIXeB14Szyu0JfrnYq0nQ2Tt988eoRGolBmeRIJTj-/s1600/IMG_2440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1a6FemrS4RISC_C3luEUwT9de6z-wonXuVn9moCYbn9Y_4gYTO2BWJH-HQhpcv8GogyVCILaCTYYxxpps_Gzge-AQI9Pkb6IEhgIXeB14Szyu0JfrnYq0nQ2Tt988eoRGolBmeRIJTj-/s640/IMG_2440.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">I have 58 cups of seedlings but still have empty space under my grow lights for many more.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I grow my seedlings in big plastic drink cups that I've punched holes in the bottom with a hot screwdriver I've heated up on the stove. I cover the tops with a plastic sandwich baggie to act as a mini-greenhouse until the seeds start to germinate and then I remove it so I don't fry the seedlings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I barely have any room between this set up and the nearby wall and have to squeeze through so I can do laundry. But I don't care because I have plants growing in my basement in the middle of winter. To see what I'm growing this year, check out my <a href="http://ts-casamariposa.blogspot.com/p/seeds.html" target="_blank">So Seedy 2018</a> page. I went on a snapdragon bender when I was buying my seeds. Don't judge me. Alcohol may have been involved and I was left unsupervised. </span><br />
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<br />Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-36938010067017271802018-01-15T19:13:00.001-05:002022-11-11T18:28:43.726-05:00A Singular Choice<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure how to begin this post. Should I explain where I've been for six months or that I no longer have a garden? Casa Mariposa is a memory. The garden lies under a blanket of leaves, holes pock the surface where plants have been dug, and the patio is almost empty, bereft of the pots that brought so much color. The house soon goes on the market and what's left of the garden with it.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">BEFORE - My new house is a 1938 stucco Georgian colonial. I cut the shrubs down the night I closed on the house. A huge cherry tree anchors the front yard.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">AFTER - I closed on the house at 2:45 pm on a Thursday in mid-November and met my contractor there at 3:15. By Sunday I had a yellow house! I tore out the existing shrubs. The house looked like it was wearing a big green turtleneck.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent the summer after the Garden Bloggers Fling was over in my hammock and did not garden. I watered and pulled a few weeds but did not tend or nurture my plants. They grew wild and I turned away. You cannot tend what you know you must leave.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioogT5YAUc4IUZFP2tma2oS_-WqIkLyNooC64QoTI-yLfHalb_f4mxJuTi7IZV1hF40cyfEUJEWlcyOVoT9iMC8uT7ioX_2mhE8Jw0uLYAp0aGpSOR26rwtbTfqMKx1-Qa-nNnJr2iX2mX/s1600/back+garden+exterior+Locust+St+-+before.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioogT5YAUc4IUZFP2tma2oS_-WqIkLyNooC64QoTI-yLfHalb_f4mxJuTi7IZV1hF40cyfEUJEWlcyOVoT9iMC8uT7ioX_2mhE8Jw0uLYAp0aGpSOR26rwtbTfqMKx1-Qa-nNnJr2iX2mX/s640/back+garden+exterior+Locust+St+-+before.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>BEFORE - The back yard is an odd set of wooden terraces and poorly constructed steps. A steep slope filled with tree roots is being replaced with a retaining wall. The garage is being held together with ivy.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XbugkBiMUCoWb5y0yEluacOpmGSnx5-tjp3t2XcnKLsoHud1NKHIo9WfZwgHx-4dIrzwJOgV1vaoa8p_ePWneNtYkUpASVc0u2n0NdhyTfPwb-iKAWZEl3V8mwkIGg7JpjNbvOTPJ4dE/s1600/IMG_2341.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XbugkBiMUCoWb5y0yEluacOpmGSnx5-tjp3t2XcnKLsoHud1NKHIo9WfZwgHx-4dIrzwJOgV1vaoa8p_ePWneNtYkUpASVc0u2n0NdhyTfPwb-iKAWZEl3V8mwkIGg7JpjNbvOTPJ4dE/s640/IMG_2341.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>AFTER - I'm adding a retaining wall this spring to help level out this slope.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPA5Akx3y1580x2uHRy2YBHtU7KRp2koO-n5zFXJKWK35lROoUVSfvWbITyRogO-aipZjS7IuzXk2NOCXPyJibxTmzp5L_zwLce4LAwhu9ixvKa_ikBSKs2JMayEb__78FH7qn_TRvpfN/s1600/IMG_2342.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPA5Akx3y1580x2uHRy2YBHtU7KRp2koO-n5zFXJKWK35lROoUVSfvWbITyRogO-aipZjS7IuzXk2NOCXPyJibxTmzp5L_zwLce4LAwhu9ixvKa_ikBSKs2JMayEb__78FH7qn_TRvpfN/s640/IMG_2342.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>AFTER - The existing stairs were a death trap so I had new ones built.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I married young, a wild party girl with no plans in love with an Air Force officer. I was uninhibited and quick to laugh, an enlisted man's daughter eager for adventure. He was handsome and drove a Mustang and I was in love with being loved. But the decisions you make when you're 20 often no longer work when you're in your 40's and in September I asked my husband for a divorce. It was a difficult decision years in the making but life's too short to be unhappy. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjve9stp_W67HVVLQiMDZ0cET5O8sYZQ3THCeEPZ1k4i4SUyssGVx7UP-Vv0MwruBIrmtJ2CkLWKnLiVUbIn5QMTiFLr8YTkaDa6mgRKVwMMrCASAQ-8bQZiZ4CJSZQl39DyjjwS8czR4ZO/s1600/exterior+side+porch+BEFORE+Locust+St.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjve9stp_W67HVVLQiMDZ0cET5O8sYZQ3THCeEPZ1k4i4SUyssGVx7UP-Vv0MwruBIrmtJ2CkLWKnLiVUbIn5QMTiFLr8YTkaDa6mgRKVwMMrCASAQ-8bQZiZ4CJSZQl39DyjjwS8czR4ZO/s640/exterior+side+porch+BEFORE+Locust+St.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>BEFORE - My garage is too small for my car but works as an awesome garden shed. A side porch adds period charm.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>AFTER - I'm looking forward to filling this space with plants! I'm still in the process of rescuing and transplanting as many perennials and small shrubs as possible.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>AFTER - Cute and funky works for me!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My new garden sits fallow behind an old house in a small country town twenty miles from the manufactured suburb where I used to live. A massive maple shades the weedy lawn and ivy grows with abandon. The existing shrubs have been torn out and a steep slope ripe with tree roots has made transplanting almost impossible. The property is small and I have no place to put most of the plants I'm so desperate to save. A month long renovation ate away at my time and the plants have gone dormant, leaving me to guess their location.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pQdhohLUu74EqFU8JeaOJ1tlcIoxJiQ0c2ftsPztSprnj5Ibf0mMx0TZvH5DglHCvNM9I7k6e9DrUu0OLzfyF4yyMsCTMGDYzMbJ4hqNETgZ2P4LU_8iY2ytF0qXChR0OLbSGE4ZZB_c/s1600/New+Garden+-+before+1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pQdhohLUu74EqFU8JeaOJ1tlcIoxJiQ0c2ftsPztSprnj5Ibf0mMx0TZvH5DglHCvNM9I7k6e9DrUu0OLzfyF4yyMsCTMGDYzMbJ4hqNETgZ2P4LU_8iY2ytF0qXChR0OLbSGE4ZZB_c/s640/New+Garden+-+before+1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>BEFORE - I kept the existing deck but replaced the lumpy stones with brick and removed the boxwood. The brick patio was built around an odd assortment of shrubs that were quickly removed.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9bc5uLI_cNLeqWzZwQ9DzRIXm4Fo8V0CTVZ2aBzNscjDYGLOTekNQGZu-jx8yWhSsmiI5zIipHzEONVY1ixAh29IKXHRcdAy1PqmDjwr2tDaNrgK1h83uTILxoaOrPvXciP-aZH2KLY4/s1600/IMG_2338.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9bc5uLI_cNLeqWzZwQ9DzRIXm4Fo8V0CTVZ2aBzNscjDYGLOTekNQGZu-jx8yWhSsmiI5zIipHzEONVY1ixAh29IKXHRcdAy1PqmDjwr2tDaNrgK1h83uTILxoaOrPvXciP-aZH2KLY4/s640/IMG_2338.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>AFTER - All the hydrangea stayed, except for one that was sacrificed to the compost pile for the crime of being planted just a few inches from the house and in the way of the painters.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>All my pots came with me! Most of these pots have pots inside them like Russian stacking dolls.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY7zsWeGmzdP4qNMJDQMQOo8b6g0zztFxDnawuoZM7ns-PU_K6v-l7O-O4J-ENarYz5UUWnuK6jslGOjK7orDFFxXQ4oytlb9Icpem4OaAT4R3FbXI7h3SKrbO_QSKtFQy2Go7tUnd0ST/s1600/IMG_2340.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY7zsWeGmzdP4qNMJDQMQOo8b6g0zztFxDnawuoZM7ns-PU_K6v-l7O-O4J-ENarYz5UUWnuK6jslGOjK7orDFFxXQ4oytlb9Icpem4OaAT4R3FbXI7h3SKrbO_QSKtFQy2Go7tUnd0ST/s640/IMG_2340.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>I've already started lime washing my brick patio because I just can't resist a project....</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But with everything I do, my divorce is as quirky as I am. My soon to be ex-husband and I are still friends, a new relationship to replace the old one. A new garden and life await.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"> </span></div>Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com80tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-22745933406743362792017-08-06T21:32:00.000-04:002017-08-06T21:32:29.247-04:00The Art of Nothingness<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5MvR9uRqOoLc0Wt4C6B2SyyBL0Cezu9dZr40aa7MHzMjaOf4AaCvgX4CvWUEcf02icw7v0Z96weoh6fwpTfrPnVhQG9kKiT9bi8VgckjcKGoV3bla5OxI9peuchwmQgGyh3u2f_LKMv4/s1600/P7160226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5MvR9uRqOoLc0Wt4C6B2SyyBL0Cezu9dZr40aa7MHzMjaOf4AaCvgX4CvWUEcf02icw7v0Z96weoh6fwpTfrPnVhQG9kKiT9bi8VgckjcKGoV3bla5OxI9peuchwmQgGyh3u2f_LKMv4/s640/P7160226.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>The shady side </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes you just have to stop. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5_rhuRA6VKkvrsB6CC7vQGPy-OYQwIsv8mlz_1or1TkSdfdBYmMEoz7okFCs2gSJyoHNrzA7Ej7zi1vniaDbrQIQTNZXsDrrOVW4OOhSRfwAbtOviY5o8o6rNnfWWqbF7NA19Rdp_Xj9/s1600/P7100197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5_rhuRA6VKkvrsB6CC7vQGPy-OYQwIsv8mlz_1or1TkSdfdBYmMEoz7okFCs2gSJyoHNrzA7Ej7zi1vniaDbrQIQTNZXsDrrOVW4OOhSRfwAbtOviY5o8o6rNnfWWqbF7NA19Rdp_Xj9/s640/P7100197.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: purple;">Monarda punctata thrives in dry, well drained soils.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One week after school ended, </span><span style="font-size: large;">the three and a half day 2017 Capital Region Garden Bloggers Fling that I coordinated</span><span style="font-size: large;"> began. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Three days after it was over, my daughter and I flew to London for a week, where she will be attending graduate school.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8vkw2SduBMbnnNGPM2VA3mt9LIu4rEtC0fPTvlX_m6SOFUZQ9FoITnoELC6chneuNHrbrYvYSDKOmj93JIuUdoKRE1U6HuVZfM4-A0Gbxz73e7H3Ys2o2QAedHa49wbTe-mdmTt_IDx5/s1600/P7160203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8vkw2SduBMbnnNGPM2VA3mt9LIu4rEtC0fPTvlX_m6SOFUZQ9FoITnoELC6chneuNHrbrYvYSDKOmj93JIuUdoKRE1U6HuVZfM4-A0Gbxz73e7H3Ys2o2QAedHa49wbTe-mdmTt_IDx5/s640/P7160203.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">'Limelight Hydrangea' and fallopia japonica in the pot</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my third trip but her first and we walked for miles each day as she explored the city. We are bohemian travelers. We sleep when we're tired, rise when we'</span><span style="font-size: large;">re refreshed and make few strict plans. We wandered the markets, toured the Tower, and saw a show. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwjaFGB2JHmklZKqLQXIbpApU8HhLhBeBCh5V_UNuYiWGBmk04LtjSIzHLltFmKrj0QWIVgNzhksmTGmuGIh54cAMjG55RY2Wj9h-bvXu-R7VFbHIZZdgTqmEFFZs3YGDPyvzQH_gZ2E3/s1600/P7060158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwjaFGB2JHmklZKqLQXIbpApU8HhLhBeBCh5V_UNuYiWGBmk04LtjSIzHLltFmKrj0QWIVgNzhksmTGmuGIh54cAMjG55RY2Wj9h-bvXu-R7VFbHIZZdgTqmEFFZs3YGDPyvzQH_gZ2E3/s640/P7060158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>annual rudbeckia</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I came home to a garden lush with summer rain and just stopped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I didn't slow down or take it easy. I just stopped. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9Dy9Oo3OlcPVKQjtxIvzfnh_RT2icmuIBwnQMyUfaoi26mduAH4hcRZfr5pu7nsO2aeY5499h88i0B2nMvHgBUFLPeHWRUch4Tf5KR6Kt_SIHXi2BOcbbq8ex5HVy0rQN4UXfeDRzder/s1600/P7040124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9Dy9Oo3OlcPVKQjtxIvzfnh_RT2icmuIBwnQMyUfaoi26mduAH4hcRZfr5pu7nsO2aeY5499h88i0B2nMvHgBUFLPeHWRUch4Tf5KR6Kt_SIHXi2BOcbbq8ex5HVy0rQN4UXfeDRzder/s640/P7040124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Part of the rain garden and river bed</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did nothing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ue-Qn_Dge1WkGq6WOzMwd4FevGz4v1lEsbpPFieiDp1G9hIqSQFFMyde4U0aYWP7m0hGpgAGYmImcmug2zglWgWTkrcWAJLQuYRhVcT8-dk4D1BZ12w2PmYDc3FXZorVqapYi-y_jCa6/s1600/P7060160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ue-Qn_Dge1WkGq6WOzMwd4FevGz4v1lEsbpPFieiDp1G9hIqSQFFMyde4U0aYWP7m0hGpgAGYmImcmug2zglWgWTkrcWAJLQuYRhVcT8-dk4D1BZ12w2PmYDc3FXZorVqapYi-y_jCa6/s640/P7060160.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>zinnias and rose of sharon</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I slept, laid in the hammock and read a few books. I lazed away the afternoon on the couch. I enjoyed the garden but didn't pull weeds, except the really big ones, and didn't take many photos. I hung out with friends, spent quiet days with only myself for company, and tried not to think of anything at all.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtgMeLpqWJK7GEfKpj8syzbLX47YvDvrOAP8E0wvDqsxeNyUt2K0ckJtpCH6gUrKzr_jedWADD3MnWvKXnbCbu55XUEG_R1hQ_dznLYsrzsd1J6sP2knEjacjGEKB9hdfi1TMvldQCBp3/s1600/P7050144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtgMeLpqWJK7GEfKpj8syzbLX47YvDvrOAP8E0wvDqsxeNyUt2K0ckJtpCH6gUrKzr_jedWADD3MnWvKXnbCbu55XUEG_R1hQ_dznLYsrzsd1J6sP2knEjacjGEKB9hdfi1TMvldQCBp3/s640/P7050144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><i>Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars on the fennel</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not think about anything? I wish. My brain simply doesn't work that way. But it felt good to enjoy my daily mental gymnastics while wearing pajamas at noon.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iFgIHVePSxAycpv37O3vHCdTOE2vID5DuCQpS2y_cd7TYMVviZy73oIeduall14CsGpGDTQodYHv6bL5LzT6SmxKBu-gxBnln8wZYy6jvDDAfLsNJckVFXOATeZSpW-XjLK0QoKetj69/s1600/P7060154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iFgIHVePSxAycpv37O3vHCdTOE2vID5DuCQpS2y_cd7TYMVviZy73oIeduall14CsGpGDTQodYHv6bL5LzT6SmxKBu-gxBnln8wZYy6jvDDAfLsNJckVFXOATeZSpW-XjLK0QoKetj69/s640/P7060154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Annual monarda 'Bergamo'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have two weeks of summer left before I spend my days with 100 11 year olds who cry about their lockers and lose their homework. I have one goal - to just do nothing.</span></div>
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-30129667328539099202017-07-23T21:23:00.003-04:002017-07-23T21:23:55.742-04:00Letting Go: The Perfection Paradigm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkEYTg1qRXdF1YFOmACmCqaVePi9aSbTcKLEr3c-awx6YdCZvW1adiAtlJK8GFaFoEcfQOUxxf_CcPIp0VvEZaS4R4Dvu9qD4m5bUJsVxPJnV680GG3qFVp1inqBvkYaXxTYu6VpJpwBE/s1600/Garden+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="659" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkEYTg1qRXdF1YFOmACmCqaVePi9aSbTcKLEr3c-awx6YdCZvW1adiAtlJK8GFaFoEcfQOUxxf_CcPIp0VvEZaS4R4Dvu9qD4m5bUJsVxPJnV680GG3qFVp1inqBvkYaXxTYu6VpJpwBE/s640/Garden+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Part of my pollinator garden</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><a href="http://www.penick.net/digging/?p=43829" target="_blank">Photo by Pam Penick</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's no small thing to plan a Garden Bloggers Fling, to invite 90 people over to see your garden and organize a three and a half day event while working full time. It took three years. Life kept getting in the way and the task was monumental.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was my own Mt Everest.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkob3RCY8cGjtr1I8IeVPz3JfLfYITAZPOIIrvExsbpqclAH3ccIE1X3ABeTjnN2_bsUELm5NI7RM1UxJqnkfJJuPPKRTi_svdvsarzsQXx6vz9BwerSZXXVoNUUBcwyVUJ67aU-TLG9G/s1600/Garden+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkob3RCY8cGjtr1I8IeVPz3JfLfYITAZPOIIrvExsbpqclAH3ccIE1X3ABeTjnN2_bsUELm5NI7RM1UxJqnkfJJuPPKRTi_svdvsarzsQXx6vz9BwerSZXXVoNUUBcwyVUJ67aU-TLG9G/s640/Garden+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Seed grown 'Denver Daisies' rudbeckia</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.dianasdesignsaustin.com/2017/07/garden-bloggers-fling-cottage-style-garden-of-casa-mariposa/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: purple;">Photo by Diana Kirby </span></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent two years analyzing my garden and redesigning the weak spots only to redesign them again and again. I wanted everything to be perfect or as close to perfect as I could hope for. But that didn't happen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyacXazSG1SsRKXhqT-ZZ-OwHbOt2GrDqi48lE5qQQeprCPr2L1tOvRqRuIMIvqE6-V1zM1lHE58iM6vR6u_xG2qvsH2_78JtBAjlCviagxaG_1YnUz4rMKl57m5ruBNuO7gZNJpKT4ZK6/s1600/Birdhouses-Tammy-Schmitt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyacXazSG1SsRKXhqT-ZZ-OwHbOt2GrDqi48lE5qQQeprCPr2L1tOvRqRuIMIvqE6-V1zM1lHE58iM6vR6u_xG2qvsH2_78JtBAjlCviagxaG_1YnUz4rMKl57m5ruBNuO7gZNJpKT4ZK6/s640/Birdhouses-Tammy-Schmitt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I love buttons and birdhouses so I had to have these!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/touring-casa-mariposa-with-tammy-schmitt/" target="_blank">Photo by Janet Davis</a></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The dogs' pee burned yellow circles into the grass and a few of my annuals took their damn sweet time growing large and lush.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauwFQbeIXFcBWCFqcu2ZFvvXI-L6HHOSGBtIzUXXjP3gEPdYkCqZbpoZwc3bXY_eqErIGHaBeVFlTJR0J-gcY-ujwOTSNRybzfbG0p-DgVJ0llKo3TTjfUwS1G7HmSrr3_hj7oRJRkBEU/s1600/Garden+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauwFQbeIXFcBWCFqcu2ZFvvXI-L6HHOSGBtIzUXXjP3gEPdYkCqZbpoZwc3bXY_eqErIGHaBeVFlTJR0J-gcY-ujwOTSNRybzfbG0p-DgVJ0llKo3TTjfUwS1G7HmSrr3_hj7oRJRkBEU/s640/Garden+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I had hoped the metal rods and plastic tubing, which adds weightless surface area for the vines to grow on, as well as the dead wood, would be covered by the Fling. </span><a href="http://www.dianasdesignsaustin.com/2017/07/garden-bloggers-fling-cottage-style-garden-of-casa-mariposa/" target="_blank">Photo by Diana Kirby</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Ugly Arbor, which had previously harbored an invasive but innocently purchased Japanese honeysuckle, was laid bare, the honeysuckle roots removed to stop its spread. I left the wood and started an annual vine from seed during December but that, too, wouldn't grow fast enough. Hops planted with the hope they'd scramble to the top in a mad dash fueled by fertilizer, climbed the sides with the languor of a lazy drunk. The arbor stood in contrast to the buffet of perennials at its feet, naked and thin, its secrets revealed. I cringed and sighed and walked away. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb3u7OMT8VlzRv-XAq8Ng4WWF8_9EehB3uSXF9QyKE16ABBS4YgjvLiC39vfqwYWOVzQlgR1Znq9yTbs66vMXyq8ByOaTcJyrv5KS5M1FKZtTmOmf6JygTuhVmbaXmqNX10aRPfDb14RB/s1600/Back_house%252Bbloggers1R_20170625_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb3u7OMT8VlzRv-XAq8Ng4WWF8_9EehB3uSXF9QyKE16ABBS4YgjvLiC39vfqwYWOVzQlgR1Znq9yTbs66vMXyq8ByOaTcJyrv5KS5M1FKZtTmOmf6JygTuhVmbaXmqNX10aRPfDb14RB/s640/Back_house%252Bbloggers1R_20170625_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">A view of part of the garden that includes a tiny bit of the river bed</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><a href="https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2017/07/casa-mariposa-so-very-tammy.html" target="_blank">Photo from Late to the Garden Party </a></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Plants died and I replaced them just weeks before the event. Newly purchased shrubs bought the winter before succumbed to leaf blight and I mercilessly cut them down, replaced by 'Little Lime' hydrangea I was assured would thrive in my dry shade. I didn't care. As long as they were alive for the Fling, I was happy. I dug a hole and stuck them in. An important clematis was uncooperative and the anemones took over again. I couldn't find the ferns. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qqIH86dtl8cjfRrxxfuY_-7drdNEOEk7fnStnkUeWMp6KG7oPzszaOAOa3ajDhli2JAoj6beXFOR1zGrcI1sGWeecXefrtCLSuAQU0tkEqqaXqwT9Ox1aeDn6RZZ9KkEY7NsZXh0gfJI/s1600/Back_shade3R_20170625_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qqIH86dtl8cjfRrxxfuY_-7drdNEOEk7fnStnkUeWMp6KG7oPzszaOAOa3ajDhli2JAoj6beXFOR1zGrcI1sGWeecXefrtCLSuAQU0tkEqqaXqwT9Ox1aeDn6RZZ9KkEY7NsZXh0gfJI/s640/Back_shade3R_20170625_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">A search and rescue mission uncovered several ferns but there are still a few that are missing. </span><a href="https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2017/07/casa-mariposa-so-very-tammy.html" target="_blank">Photo by Late to the Garden Party </a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In my frenzy and exhaustion, I gave up and decided it was all good enough. It was not perfect. I could not even begin to compete with the other professionally designed gardens on the tour so </span><span style="font-size: large;">I just let go. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtJFLXe_tw_WdmkGty_CU_JwnfZeSp07j9Q90m8Rm05eIxaEK02xDBEe1W_rdgYIZ3_oCD2bbfCN6B0HKsrtvTjv910K3z0cAWWY_1QkrnGdlGfBqwqtX9hmh9OJFEpooa-DHLkByrKAo/s1600/Back_steps2R_20170625_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="640" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtJFLXe_tw_WdmkGty_CU_JwnfZeSp07j9Q90m8Rm05eIxaEK02xDBEe1W_rdgYIZ3_oCD2bbfCN6B0HKsrtvTjv910K3z0cAWWY_1QkrnGdlGfBqwqtX9hmh9OJFEpooa-DHLkByrKAo/s640/Back_steps2R_20170625_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">The back steps and part of my extensive container garden. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><a href="https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2017/07/casa-mariposa-so-very-tammy.html" target="_blank">Photo by Late to the Garden Party </a></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had a beer and then another and thought. "F*ck it." Two days before the Fling, I ignored the garden and went to see one of my </span><a href="http://www.u2.com/index/home" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">favorite bands</a><span style="font-size: large;">, instead. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVOjZM-A-JIKaJWweZzl-QKefiTEQlcDWWGWu-HrcWNwo2yPV9Nm0KSLJB4sf-6lTYKBrswjApR1moG5VCdGMFWHADr69A74izdDZQh8lhwMb8XfBE6m0-4U-5dNYpE-Lhxu3H6pZ4Uvp/s1600/Back_decor_PMC_20170625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVOjZM-A-JIKaJWweZzl-QKefiTEQlcDWWGWu-HrcWNwo2yPV9Nm0KSLJB4sf-6lTYKBrswjApR1moG5VCdGMFWHADr69A74izdDZQh8lhwMb8XfBE6m0-4U-5dNYpE-Lhxu3H6pZ4Uvp/s640/Back_decor_PMC_20170625.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>A bit of my funky garden art</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><a href="https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2017/07/casa-mariposa-so-very-tammy.html" target="_blank">Photo by Late to the Garden Party</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">90 bloggers came to my house. They loved the Ugly Arbor and posted pictures of it on their blogs, while I cringed and sighed and looked away. They said it was whimsical and clever so I took a second look and agreed. No one stepped in any hidden dog poop or asked why the grass was dying. They took pictures of everything and told me how much they loved my garden. I smiled and believed them because I could see it on their faces. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtRl8nafgWIYetGU8M56xrm393eb9ezWnLBari2n6ANoUY4W9hGrOyDmRNasaa2F8deWOVdBg6H15Hh3Y7ldHlMPP59kYFtSZAFDq5MQiNeHFXIHJUu5Ql-2kB7P35kFHLRdb_hV-gBPO/s1600/Tammy+Mother+of+Dragons+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtRl8nafgWIYetGU8M56xrm393eb9ezWnLBari2n6ANoUY4W9hGrOyDmRNasaa2F8deWOVdBg6H15Hh3Y7ldHlMPP59kYFtSZAFDq5MQiNeHFXIHJUu5Ql-2kB7P35kFHLRdb_hV-gBPO/s640/Tammy+Mother+of+Dragons+%25282%2529.jpg" width="506" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They took my picture and I cringed again when I saw how exhausted I was, my eyes mere slits in a puffy, sleep deprived face. Then I took a second look and saw pure joy at having done what I was told I couldn't do. So I just let go. Sometimes good enough is enough.</span></div>
<br />Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-32713841279329625362017-04-13T23:22:00.001-04:002017-04-13T23:22:52.234-04:00Score One for the Stubborn Cuss<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let me start this post by just telling you I'm stubborn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I could give up but I just don't see the point.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAr5KNPefrsPRgJ5WBLnF9MMBReXeohEkvzvKgKOP7oLTjvXCZoCYazrV4021iZGzB5Zi1_xMQTiSaQC-PC2JZMSy_PBMsicJb2fDwVwHNxd9ALfFk4KOnX7epkLd3TwcyDHz_xOnKNsA/s1600/P4110013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAr5KNPefrsPRgJ5WBLnF9MMBReXeohEkvzvKgKOP7oLTjvXCZoCYazrV4021iZGzB5Zi1_xMQTiSaQC-PC2JZMSy_PBMsicJb2fDwVwHNxd9ALfFk4KOnX7epkLd3TwcyDHz_xOnKNsA/s640/P4110013.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">For the past several years I've killed my tulips by submerging them in moisture-retentive soil designed to keep my summer plants happy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHG7AtZ7OydFoYGQenw0N1epTuoRBLJ48-05GmYpRxBdcvQX7Mv5XDcUVbh5sTNgf9GTDhyIN0i_8nwahE2oopU8rV5dw4vmVNQufb4w5en0GJiMYDjjoIqRa0bwNLycDsJdUBskxaqWQ/s1600/P4080001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHG7AtZ7OydFoYGQenw0N1epTuoRBLJ48-05GmYpRxBdcvQX7Mv5XDcUVbh5sTNgf9GTDhyIN0i_8nwahE2oopU8rV5dw4vmVNQufb4w5en0GJiMYDjjoIqRa0bwNLycDsJdUBskxaqWQ/s640/P4080001.JPG" width="516" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There was no happy medium. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What made the tulips happy, brought death and despair to the summer annuals. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztM3DLWPRQb0K-w5RfVDfbLiM_iEH7x9A9nUxCpFqNqijl5_S4UTQNCekp4W4KKwtev1uOXM0f3ELhZ4ChugJtlHfo5zmhBiGz4WMUDSFjL7JfUNWrmW14kwnKHpoSKzyz9vCHypOe-eF/s1600/P4080007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztM3DLWPRQb0K-w5RfVDfbLiM_iEH7x9A9nUxCpFqNqijl5_S4UTQNCekp4W4KKwtev1uOXM0f3ELhZ4ChugJtlHfo5zmhBiGz4WMUDSFjL7JfUNWrmW14kwnKHpoSKzyz9vCHypOe-eF/s640/P4080007.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Being a stubborn cuss, I tried method after method to solve this problem, to no avail. The more I failed, the more irritated I became. Come hell or high water, I was going to solve this stupid problem and I'd do it cheaply. Ha!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHN9jbt3vj0eG3Df0vlaHsqRSHXYLI7EMwkRzkDRQjC2fMEwy5f6WPNjHb7duzcOpreJ3KvOQQukJo4_B0IR8QZLsvD-rm8zOOKD4pzj8P6SEmXwA7LxDwQY5Afk_lrV-36astBwrvSxqG/s1600/P4080008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHN9jbt3vj0eG3Df0vlaHsqRSHXYLI7EMwkRzkDRQjC2fMEwy5f6WPNjHb7duzcOpreJ3KvOQQukJo4_B0IR8QZLsvD-rm8zOOKD4pzj8P6SEmXwA7LxDwQY5Afk_lrV-36astBwrvSxqG/s640/P4080008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So I scheduled a drought and stuffed my bulbs into wire baskets lined with burlap and filled with old soil. Logic dictates that a container full of holes should drain exceedingly well. Logic won and I have tulips. Score one for the Tamster!</span></div>
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-32406605376844565662017-04-01T18:33:00.000-04:002017-04-02T17:28:06.340-04:00Sweet as Candy<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm a sucker for a sweet surprise</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxQZ3p325929EF1bDfCobxy09sfZ8lYxXF5yO_Lrp80wx9XMNHJZWyDrNXKH4PnV4VCi2ALqTjd8mz5x2OC_nYe1K4v9-fCnTIkFKv_K6Cjrv8C7zagXq8s4F9cldFLVZzTwEC78_wKz6/s1600/P3310212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxQZ3p325929EF1bDfCobxy09sfZ8lYxXF5yO_Lrp80wx9XMNHJZWyDrNXKH4PnV4VCi2ALqTjd8mz5x2OC_nYe1K4v9-fCnTIkFKv_K6Cjrv8C7zagXq8s4F9cldFLVZzTwEC78_wKz6/s640/P3310212.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>The 'Candy Showers Red' trailing snapdragons I grew from seed have already started blooming! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> and the pure joy of the unexpected.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWPZW_9MUqnMdBtE1ZY7zc0fHPRYFv5bEQlVPryQT75Xf0uT0Xa5TMawGbXPeOkhStBydlntMv6t40-Z7ZqedqsPfFb8jfVqrDSFAYU1zCaOsr6X-7-ea2t5jXVzl-LSGThwgc8e3LK7Q/s1600/P3310215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWPZW_9MUqnMdBtE1ZY7zc0fHPRYFv5bEQlVPryQT75Xf0uT0Xa5TMawGbXPeOkhStBydlntMv6t40-Z7ZqedqsPfFb8jfVqrDSFAYU1zCaOsr6X-7-ea2t5jXVzl-LSGThwgc8e3LK7Q/s640/P3310215.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's a reminder that sometimes just letting go</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEwr3FczHqsmB2EcJGt0qqT-AgTSrwknoO9IRLQK2VTFZSUEVpndaoCWoLSoLd3zfoeUHCerxGrUqhQY-msDha-FSL71AAL_brZZ4QrTzYxQyFAI7HEBn-I6x9t-EvODgw4ndYcQfAk0D/s1600/P3310213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEwr3FczHqsmB2EcJGt0qqT-AgTSrwknoO9IRLQK2VTFZSUEVpndaoCWoLSoLd3zfoeUHCerxGrUqhQY-msDha-FSL71AAL_brZZ4QrTzYxQyFAI7HEBn-I6x9t-EvODgw4ndYcQfAk0D/s640/P3310213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">to see what happens next </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HN5wiyVO_rSyHmGoShLdiMoTByrNZYg_odT5ugJFXXCH0S-ij4VW9t-bFc7a0W_mtKJA0fqlar0Xqol236nH3vgG7QoAW4llcl0nAzP2HOm9fTs95RTtltbqr08E2JFebl6n3lc5a5HL/s1600/P3310219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HN5wiyVO_rSyHmGoShLdiMoTByrNZYg_odT5ugJFXXCH0S-ij4VW9t-bFc7a0W_mtKJA0fqlar0Xqol236nH3vgG7QoAW4llcl0nAzP2HOm9fTs95RTtltbqr08E2JFebl6n3lc5a5HL/s640/P3310219.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>Some of the plants I've grown from seed have been moved to the patio to enjoy the warm temps. I have others still under grow lights.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">is more rewarding and authentic </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqpxzz24bhM4K8XexDcd7TZULN03QqzkzyKf8h3zkaTEIoljbYqZP_mrl0GGSCYPoYSKNjoRBxx-GLCKrsr_tH2JCfOqtvY34VJimXiSyqpL4IVn88lrkuRUYGGWcVgaoKMG6pHjZJhSX/s1600/P3310214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqpxzz24bhM4K8XexDcd7TZULN03QqzkzyKf8h3zkaTEIoljbYqZP_mrl0GGSCYPoYSKNjoRBxx-GLCKrsr_tH2JCfOqtvY34VJimXiSyqpL4IVn88lrkuRUYGGWcVgaoKMG6pHjZJhSX/s640/P3310214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">than anything you could have planned.</span></div>
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-89335016742306174092017-02-13T21:51:00.003-05:002017-02-13T21:51:28.096-05:00How to Love a Gardener Redux<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: medium;"><i>I originally posted this in 2015 but it's one of my faves so here it is again.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm convinced most gardeners see the world a bit differently than others. We all know real love is announced through all the small things that are - or are not - done through out the year rather than a single grand gesture on a manufactured holiday. But if you wanted to woo your favorite gardener, how would you do it? Rest easy and follow these steps. You are guaranteed to make an impression.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fnJxQ6RXg0Ov3P78OEKdNHokmN0i30atsn41QXGfp70w1UwT8Dsh1aPtkfvhcYFP4IangdSzbIoat5tdIfw5JBJFXkCGxypp5Qjeiyzhp5naugYXphPBIEJQRN4UVlQ39T8g_dq92O_e/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fnJxQ6RXg0Ov3P78OEKdNHokmN0i30atsn41QXGfp70w1UwT8Dsh1aPtkfvhcYFP4IangdSzbIoat5tdIfw5JBJFXkCGxypp5Qjeiyzhp5naugYXphPBIEJQRN4UVlQ39T8g_dq92O_e/s1600/heart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">When the gardener is covered with compost and sweat, avoid statements such as, "What the hell happened to you? Were you hit by a a manure truck?" and "Sweet Mother of God, you smell like a goat." Instead, while they're showering find a way to make dinner magically appear, quickly pay the delivery person, and open a bottle of wine. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNcjDB1FoDdF5OpjY_m_oJXKA64VVxINI7XB3UtN3OVOjDYIOSnULJ-9vgNks-ojj0coXHBAT5jT1lzjRsbRHg0Psg7CceV8b3N37PyBWuJ7r9w-g0FbjA5g5NWyMJySMQGfyg2kq9TQN/s1600/Daniel-Craig+hey+girl+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNcjDB1FoDdF5OpjY_m_oJXKA64VVxINI7XB3UtN3OVOjDYIOSnULJ-9vgNks-ojj0coXHBAT5jT1lzjRsbRHg0Psg7CceV8b3N37PyBWuJ7r9w-g0FbjA5g5NWyMJySMQGfyg2kq9TQN/s1600/Daniel-Craig+hey+girl+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Instead of traditional chemical-laden roses and cheap box of candy, consider this approach, "I've hired David Austin and his landscaping crew to dig up the rest of the lawn and personally select a dozen of his most fragrant roses for you to enjoy all summer. When I told them I was trying to romance you, he suggested I buy the 'In the Mood' package." </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rQCMHzJp6yHPfT-46aW0aYpRWUu9Yh6SLarbr6h-xKtD_iJE8ZfkcysnaTXyyKgYf4ctRWrGIra87y5GPaapadYixgZYHcgc6a0MEN-8e2M-BctTcurtg4wqQLbNj72pnw6c1juQfOqz/s1600/naked+gardener+men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rQCMHzJp6yHPfT-46aW0aYpRWUu9Yh6SLarbr6h-xKtD_iJE8ZfkcysnaTXyyKgYf4ctRWrGIra87y5GPaapadYixgZYHcgc6a0MEN-8e2M-BctTcurtg4wqQLbNj72pnw6c1juQfOqz/s1600/naked+gardener+men.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hey, baby! The landscapers are here!</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of telling the gardener the pink things by the yellow flowers next to the bushes look good, try Latin. "The planting of silene and tulips near the osmanthus 'Goshiki' is beautiful" just might help you get lucky. But butchering the Latin and telling them the "sireen and tulips by the gohsweeki are really nice" is probably better than nothing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6uUEnUThzmvcxDMCG2kySJb0E89mEQksuraYocvvslCy9zK3zRt9eN8I_Y3vSVbRECM0i91butD6cdniPksgCaWErhS0NJEWERv3SatbARnInKsxF-PbLlmA5urv2KwaYzsdrmMNs_5H/s1600/talk_nerdy_to_me.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6uUEnUThzmvcxDMCG2kySJb0E89mEQksuraYocvvslCy9zK3zRt9eN8I_Y3vSVbRECM0i91butD6cdniPksgCaWErhS0NJEWERv3SatbARnInKsxF-PbLlmA5urv2KwaYzsdrmMNs_5H/s1600/talk_nerdy_to_me.jpeg" width="390" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But if you really want some lovin', snuggle up close and whisper in his/her ear, " I cleaned, sharpened, and organized all your tools."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCDGDGwM43Fvk-J-yxOvN_bPxzSFyPoEOIubu4GtoizNy-L4vZahAKaBozCY3H1FpR35ZdPInGk4a_2KfC4ltpfBw7qWQMu0TgUPSZCjMfxKzF706XUGzODhVAL-JwT7Rn2jpoRbc5E1F/s1600/lipstick-kiss-mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCDGDGwM43Fvk-J-yxOvN_bPxzSFyPoEOIubu4GtoizNy-L4vZahAKaBozCY3H1FpR35ZdPInGk4a_2KfC4ltpfBw7qWQMu0TgUPSZCjMfxKzF706XUGzODhVAL-JwT7Rn2jpoRbc5E1F/s1600/lipstick-kiss-mark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-55851860174841201382017-02-06T17:47:00.000-05:002017-02-06T18:30:26.177-05:00A Growing Addiction<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There is something about success that is addicting, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">as if a giant sign suddenly appeared that said </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"You've figured this out so do it again!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnVX2SyhJHL2Pg-magakEPcZzFrmbURQyMNZ-hLEFjmH7Js2rOEwbxK9ouVDhahpfEVcnikFQ6JWeuTSMuUfleRHDIC6l3OJItKvHnOhv__ul8FYYBC9ubq9Wu8l8rQOifmZJWblQOusm/s1600/be-fearless-in-the-pursuit-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnVX2SyhJHL2Pg-magakEPcZzFrmbURQyMNZ-hLEFjmH7Js2rOEwbxK9ouVDhahpfEVcnikFQ6JWeuTSMuUfleRHDIC6l3OJItKvHnOhv__ul8FYYBC9ubq9Wu8l8rQOifmZJWblQOusm/s640/be-fearless-in-the-pursuit-quote.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't matter if what you're doing is mindlessly easy to others. We all have our own mountains to climb.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRN3Dt_2fNWoqOk-PWG9RQwN6IdoQvITpjJ0yz9dTAelhyHaswC8yb3ybJbBsoYcEr_70J1sJ1qyDggi3VKK-W5sKZ5oS2MrvUmfEgZaj6f9ZruJiM7xEDz14TO-IKRzmlPJswvkiur0A/s1600/P6300175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRN3Dt_2fNWoqOk-PWG9RQwN6IdoQvITpjJ0yz9dTAelhyHaswC8yb3ybJbBsoYcEr_70J1sJ1qyDggi3VKK-W5sKZ5oS2MrvUmfEgZaj6f9ZruJiM7xEDz14TO-IKRzmlPJswvkiur0A/s640/P6300175.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">I grow a lot of rudbeckia hirta because it's so easy. This year I'm also growing the herb monarda citriodora. I bought a few organic plants last year (pink flowers above) and loved them so much, I'm starting them from seed. They're also super easy.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've figured out how to grow many annuals from seed but don't be impressed. I specialize in growing plants that are easy to grow but I'm ok with that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Life's hard enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't need to make it harder by torturing myself. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNgEvedEMlhUd3XBLp5AsTBtWeSB3hcOB1QY29uaHb_fX2Ls7j5qHPGd83dNJArTCgGKun7MTr3GvdTBN-fMAbmwf4ZHPGSKH42PRMI-iiq5CPVtw_anj2VGajYZGyZl8VMaRoNgc98A0/s1600/P6210004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNgEvedEMlhUd3XBLp5AsTBtWeSB3hcOB1QY29uaHb_fX2Ls7j5qHPGd83dNJArTCgGKun7MTr3GvdTBN-fMAbmwf4ZHPGSKH42PRMI-iiq5CPVtw_anj2VGajYZGyZl8VMaRoNgc98A0/s640/P6210004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">'Frosted Flames' snapdragons have cool variegated foliage</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The vast majority of the plants you buy at garden centers and even many online nurseries are full of pesticides so every annual I want that attracts pollinators is grown from seed. Sometimes I grow a few herbs, too, although the organic ones are pretty easy to find.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjav3qinUgvi75FZ-Bigfhot1uVuQNP9-85bN2EE6AIed_tWVN6j-PzVg08bHZASCBePaoQ_VEDIZe3IaT1jeKYQ7P-uqqkaBrpxP1oceenRsd4PN9-gToV638gBlwMp4lgzXri0kjMxhV_/s1600/P6200010+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjav3qinUgvi75FZ-Bigfhot1uVuQNP9-85bN2EE6AIed_tWVN6j-PzVg08bHZASCBePaoQ_VEDIZe3IaT1jeKYQ7P-uqqkaBrpxP1oceenRsd4PN9-gToV638gBlwMp4lgzXri0kjMxhV_/s640/P6200010+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Most of these plants were grown from seed.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not hard.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1OCQz9NSRcrUP2ebpHT42ocm-HoSfKHoKRHt1f7Rt9r_lJGA1PT_8FyO4OccXaWf45aMeTsCP7djmnxDystfZSNKAUEbBeyd1ita8oF1h4dSI5sgueBWaqzZo3oG7Nc9PPms-4LUIVTH/s1600/P6180139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1OCQz9NSRcrUP2ebpHT42ocm-HoSfKHoKRHt1f7Rt9r_lJGA1PT_8FyO4OccXaWf45aMeTsCP7djmnxDystfZSNKAUEbBeyd1ita8oF1h4dSI5sgueBWaqzZo3oG7Nc9PPms-4LUIVTH/s640/P6180139.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Pink 'Summer Jewel' salvia grows and blooms quickly.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I buy big red plastic drink cups and poke holes in the bottom with a hot screwdriver I've heated on my stove. I fill them with moist soil and scatter the seeds on top. The only seeds I ever bury are the big ones. I cover the cups with plastic sandwich bags and put them on a heat mat under some cheapo grow lights. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lxHhEhnHYD_Jff_C3uHQ8uTxlEtBncZE8VWC_nBrYS3Zzrtl4TZcm6Q2CMTdVGLxaKFyzDaBZf_ASRIkSiPma_Jh4nLE-M0VbfpFUQaKkqNpwhV5qTsrg1N3_Jd1EIWXrenPrbzbiASo/s1600/P6100168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lxHhEhnHYD_Jff_C3uHQ8uTxlEtBncZE8VWC_nBrYS3Zzrtl4TZcm6Q2CMTdVGLxaKFyzDaBZf_ASRIkSiPma_Jh4nLE-M0VbfpFUQaKkqNpwhV5qTsrg1N3_Jd1EIWXrenPrbzbiASo/s640/P6100168.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Seed grown dahlias are pollinator magnets</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Once the seeds sprout, I take off the plastic bags. This year I'm starting almost 50 different types of seeds. I'd probably grow more if I had the room. Is that crazy? Maybe. But life's short so a little crazy is ok, too. It beats boring.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9PyrOeUKMCRZw6UG85eF8kJXorRttFijkMbxl98LaSReRYzq4U77m3TsMYF0wMoEda3byyKG_KyKrBTCSC5pKkSjp_JjsF2qwlbrxkn89jHWOkhPjGQYpolJhCAVpW-OzV4VD14z1QPX/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9PyrOeUKMCRZw6UG85eF8kJXorRttFijkMbxl98LaSReRYzq4U77m3TsMYF0wMoEda3byyKG_KyKrBTCSC5pKkSjp_JjsF2qwlbrxkn89jHWOkhPjGQYpolJhCAVpW-OzV4VD14z1QPX/s640/IMG_1003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Cups full of monarda 'Bergamo' and monarda citriodora</span></i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This summer when my patio pots are bursting with organically grown, pollinator friendly plants I can stand back and say, "I did this!" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To track how my plants are progressing, check out my <a href="http://ts-casamariposa.blogspot.com/p/seeds.html" target="_blank">So Seedy </a>page.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-19351648490619728712017-01-05T17:59:00.000-05:002017-01-06T22:28:48.370-05:00A Beautiful Madness<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm still here.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEyB3vcfkbS4V98WyPXMEmMSre1kLJizjybfIfzQHWXUlgePNoEH5nUhU77ME-KXvsBOL_R0eMeLKxbdNs3SBqTGCHYNqbfBWpTm2Zr0eJNzmTRF6d9NUdZzkON_cljFbselWzTDuYPal/s1600/crazy+busy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEyB3vcfkbS4V98WyPXMEmMSre1kLJizjybfIfzQHWXUlgePNoEH5nUhU77ME-KXvsBOL_R0eMeLKxbdNs3SBqTGCHYNqbfBWpTm2Zr0eJNzmTRF6d9NUdZzkON_cljFbselWzTDuYPal/s640/crazy+busy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I've just been crazy busy juggling a career while serving as director of the <a href="http://ts-casamariposa.blogspot.com/2016/07/party-at-casa-are-you-coming.html" target="_blank">2017 Capital Region Garden Bloggers Fling</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwtikTKpXAsgvM43-RZ0qVIz3kRUuKS6GoJZxR9Fyc8Xu3Y0wnv0UtC8eVVz29kUIi-hlj6yonwcU6JLKoxkJ1Yw3qVVfKBsPE-mv69eEt6aJWMqwcX8m96GJxStDTXb75XlpFJbJLWMp/s1600/15910096_1372530959445152_214900106_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwtikTKpXAsgvM43-RZ0qVIz3kRUuKS6GoJZxR9Fyc8Xu3Y0wnv0UtC8eVVz29kUIi-hlj6yonwcU6JLKoxkJ1Yw3qVVfKBsPE-mv69eEt6aJWMqwcX8m96GJxStDTXb75XlpFJbJLWMp/s640/15910096_1372530959445152_214900106_n.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>My garden is one of the stops on the Fling.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But that's ok. Crazy doesn't bother me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2ybjoU-07b1KpyrCxauqYBejx22a9EnmDVNQz6XUcF7M1R5no53-9bqUicAKOw6CwLirJxNDOXxKlQElr0ahdUoCEwfXZC-gXbeSHhGZPL652EYpBF0HX4poVIGFSsbBPCbPT_Ta9eg6/s1600/P7300023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2ybjoU-07b1KpyrCxauqYBejx22a9EnmDVNQz6XUcF7M1R5no53-9bqUicAKOw6CwLirJxNDOXxKlQElr0ahdUoCEwfXZC-gXbeSHhGZPL652EYpBF0HX4poVIGFSsbBPCbPT_Ta9eg6/s640/P7300023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Nothing much has changed. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHA74inHi6G7eNcbjbpha0uhR0sMunkUGikZdbqM0VnwevvKOJFxY-ralzEAAzMXSAtnhdZ-dsZtOXDN3NWl4hiPz7gy0RCwBfxZDf2rzp6wpK8zf5Ar6eTqpn1-Cj8TVy-dXXlXsl08p/s1600/P8040088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHA74inHi6G7eNcbjbpha0uhR0sMunkUGikZdbqM0VnwevvKOJFxY-ralzEAAzMXSAtnhdZ-dsZtOXDN3NWl4hiPz7gy0RCwBfxZDf2rzp6wpK8zf5Ar6eTqpn1-Cj8TVy-dXXlXsl08p/s640/P8040088.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>I enjoyed this container grouping so much I'm repeating it </i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>next summer.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My dogs dug new holes </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">after I filled in </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">all the old ones and</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> are still pooping in the garden</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> when they think I'm not looking.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAsLBqowr4NgTUKjGsS7e4Ynqz2WXLg-0_Sg0pE26RCUJWwKyDFmBpxtEs3N-QCLSY30X0rODAaXVFLa_IG3eVuX8AIR3ke78KdDhikJco0iPe7Tv8SQL4B8xaR6BHsAlS6LZo9EO1WKo/s1600/P7190053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAsLBqowr4NgTUKjGsS7e4Ynqz2WXLg-0_Sg0pE26RCUJWwKyDFmBpxtEs3N-QCLSY30X0rODAaXVFLa_IG3eVuX8AIR3ke78KdDhikJco0iPe7Tv8SQL4B8xaR6BHsAlS6LZo9EO1WKo/s640/P7190053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I redesigned my shade garden</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> - again - </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">because it's become an annual event. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_prDgJppJzWe2uGesCzNloc7ZayJHi1Wx-mCR0FHnOg1FoH7awpqT8X-EV3s6q2yPd5M91rq0iuP7LKBGkjdWCtUSekUGUGzWBf0RKuOQDNzIHxD7C7bglPjoag8sSWq6m5EhXniEx28/s1600/P5270024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_prDgJppJzWe2uGesCzNloc7ZayJHi1Wx-mCR0FHnOg1FoH7awpqT8X-EV3s6q2yPd5M91rq0iuP7LKBGkjdWCtUSekUGUGzWBf0RKuOQDNzIHxD7C7bglPjoag8sSWq6m5EhXniEx28/s640/P5270024.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'd much rather make traveling here </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo6Nz7nkkH3zcwp4NLp60ttWrCusC5er1yovIFCIOXnGCsi-Ls6sgU6CHN343LSkTLF2v8w3q3y15Kc4FhSksLm2z5lZOB1YyVhgO3FpTf8yEjkgyHSfBjiIfJixrSqbziBCUJX_CB3QD/s1600/palm-tree-sea-water-huts-237255171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo6Nz7nkkH3zcwp4NLp60ttWrCusC5er1yovIFCIOXnGCsi-Ls6sgU6CHN343LSkTLF2v8w3q3y15Kc4FhSksLm2z5lZOB1YyVhgO3FpTf8yEjkgyHSfBjiIfJixrSqbziBCUJX_CB3QD/s640/palm-tree-sea-water-huts-237255171.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">or here </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6bs-NBbZIBfrkh_FTINgdm5zImFMkwr3vj41QHsmbidBNGYOorJQo7-JagM4blKJviKN6nZJNUo96r6F78l3ZPwD5LxXTEaNpJRtD_9kc_AXymMJSRcPlx3nCvpF28bEDnaKwKoqc1pZ/s1600/northern+lights+hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6bs-NBbZIBfrkh_FTINgdm5zImFMkwr3vj41QHsmbidBNGYOorJQo7-JagM4blKJviKN6nZJNUo96r6F78l3ZPwD5LxXTEaNpJRtD_9kc_AXymMJSRcPlx3nCvpF28bEDnaKwKoqc1pZ/s640/northern+lights+hotel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">with him</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNP3nAJIN-k6z2VUL2Gb_b0WyY_pdxMS79d_mVl1dzG2d328YiJj40VxtCOkgfl_e-5xDt5qau3UK3g5qMYN_pXL50tb9OnyHjYLPtOXDeslENXUrD2idwYHrlFa9RJ6nMb5V0VAqibhg/s1600/Hugh+Jackman+Kilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNP3nAJIN-k6z2VUL2Gb_b0WyY_pdxMS79d_mVl1dzG2d328YiJj40VxtCOkgfl_e-5xDt5qau3UK3g5qMYN_pXL50tb9OnyHjYLPtOXDeslENXUrD2idwYHrlFa9RJ6nMb5V0VAqibhg/s640/Hugh+Jackman+Kilt.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> an annual event but it hasn't happened yet. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My talents apparently lie only in buying plants</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> but not actually designing anything with them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfOICk1cxshRi6XacXdzySJIQvNesvfmUzBpJOuy1FfiL2SWvT_b4ffmuc0wESiVhYRTC8UHw4JcuoaeSpSQxwTh6VoK7rL8i7OmNJlbuVoE_5KyVqjolVPfqYQsKT64lhJOn0rIEwjpQ/s1600/P5300186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfOICk1cxshRi6XacXdzySJIQvNesvfmUzBpJOuy1FfiL2SWvT_b4ffmuc0wESiVhYRTC8UHw4JcuoaeSpSQxwTh6VoK7rL8i7OmNJlbuVoE_5KyVqjolVPfqYQsKT64lhJOn0rIEwjpQ/s640/P5300186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> If I ever tried to make it as a designer </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'd be living in a van down by the river.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfjBlB9Q2umRP5l_TAFs2yxsNYJ1jI6kVqw-D-WkGfQRQ5P7KMDyXOFVUaQ3mxAH7I3gHF-1HxzEUhqFOAm0LVO9V_wLlt8pBtKRkx1XgpOK7R73BDEAwkEsqpDHERkwYBuRuiBvq1FT9/s1600/P5280028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfjBlB9Q2umRP5l_TAFs2yxsNYJ1jI6kVqw-D-WkGfQRQ5P7KMDyXOFVUaQ3mxAH7I3gHF-1HxzEUhqFOAm0LVO9V_wLlt8pBtKRkx1XgpOK7R73BDEAwkEsqpDHERkwYBuRuiBvq1FT9/s640/P5280028.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Native anemone canadensis spreads vigorously, suffocating everything in its path. I redesigned this area with plants whose leaves are large enough to shade out the anemones, hopefully slowing them down.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I updated my <a href="http://ts-casamariposa.blogspot.com/p/seeds.html" target="_blank">So Seedy 2017 </a>page and</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> am planning on starting more seeds </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">than I have room for.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz59FXEO42Torqup6Ugj1AA7Y15WGx-_fSbhiEzew26lmhrrRjrEPVDd7f-A1SdMmtNVIyu6gr5gma4BGpKleFGIaz7ZEsxxVLbXQiEKfEjARRwo_G2iNRYLmN8LAH1yxLupX03f9XS9BT/s1600/carrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz59FXEO42Torqup6Ugj1AA7Y15WGx-_fSbhiEzew26lmhrrRjrEPVDd7f-A1SdMmtNVIyu6gr5gma4BGpKleFGIaz7ZEsxxVLbXQiEKfEjARRwo_G2iNRYLmN8LAH1yxLupX03f9XS9BT/s640/carrots.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> But that's ok, too. </span><br />
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-13815107747278205582016-09-30T22:55:00.000-04:002017-01-12T17:54:09.135-05:002017 Capital Region Fling Registration Info<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm having a party! Are you coming? I hope so! Here's everything you need to know about registering for the <a href="http://ts-casamariposa.blogspot.com/2016/07/party-at-casa-are-you-coming.html" target="_blank">2017 Capital Region Garden Bloggers Fling</a>. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The Fling will be held from 6 pm Thursday, June 22 to 8 pm Sunday, June 25.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>COST: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Registration is $300 and payable with all major credit cards. I'm using Eventbrite to manage our registration and there is a $17 processing fee. You also have the option to add-on a wine tasting at Stone Tower Winery. Only those who have purchased this prior to the Fling will be able to participate. We'll be having lunch at Stone Tower and they'll be setting up a special tasting just for us in the beautiful event space we've reserved. Wineries are busy places on summer weekends so purchasing this ahead of time guarantees you a chance to sample our amazing Virginia wines. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iVowiO5k8kXjI2195oOyuz6V4K2eP33inaDmssVDLnTZSfLvT2_DHOvBFaAvcKpr-TL-Vo7Q0THiEZLCj29PC5gDd7nohJAqchTBPdDUS3kossaw7RkV4ZLmcDFw4_les5ZHwAUcUJ62/s1600/FLING+REGISTRATION+2016-08-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iVowiO5k8kXjI2195oOyuz6V4K2eP33inaDmssVDLnTZSfLvT2_DHOvBFaAvcKpr-TL-Vo7Q0THiEZLCj29PC5gDd7nohJAqchTBPdDUS3kossaw7RkV4ZLmcDFw4_les5ZHwAUcUJ62/s640/FLING+REGISTRATION+2016-08-05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to add the wine tasting, it's available on the final 'Pay Now' page. You also have the opportunity to Opt-In to receive information from our sponsors. This is an excellent way to learn more about these wonderful companies. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">Only registrants who have Opted-In will have their email given to our sponsors. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTw6U6Ogk-VckJPtiwZ1F1VhOkpNsuNB5j0sfvQ7atcw-24GxEEr1h14cB_2jNFlVXO59ai2IFOraEkwkzbpbcOMS2mH0PkAdL1DRlp_upeVBPJcP2cmOvUo64CSV2bIaMXrKYiggYKcs/s1600/welcome+to+Maryland+REVISED.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTw6U6Ogk-VckJPtiwZ1F1VhOkpNsuNB5j0sfvQ7atcw-24GxEEr1h14cB_2jNFlVXO59ai2IFOraEkwkzbpbcOMS2mH0PkAdL1DRlp_upeVBPJcP2cmOvUo64CSV2bIaMXrKYiggYKcs/s640/welcome+to+Maryland+REVISED.png" width="548" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HOW DO I REGISTER?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Registration opens at <span style="color: blue;">12 noon (Eastern Time) on Saturday, October 15</span>. To register send an email to <span style="color: blue;">Tammy@capregiongardenbfling.com</span>. <span style="color: purple;">In the email, include your name, a link to your blog, and how long you've been blogging.</span> I'll visit your blog to make sure it's at least six months old and includes at least one post written on or after April 15. If there's an issue, I'll email you back. If not, you'll receive an email from Eventbrite with an invitation to our private registration page. <span style="color: purple;">Early registration is not available unless you have previously sponsored a Fling. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8msRNU0owsRjsQec597oo698zkUPSull3lvOMP3PK4H_MUwDQjIoPrMw5X8aXsIeIdCH-lXARMyr1ZKi3SPz4-VJSBD8gfhIvD0PCURsHAfbtzMSegNg8-nM3KcFV-COGoKw0aSrB7d9X/s1600/SMITHSONIAN+GARDENS+BEST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8msRNU0owsRjsQec597oo698zkUPSull3lvOMP3PK4H_MUwDQjIoPrMw5X8aXsIeIdCH-lXARMyr1ZKi3SPz4-VJSBD8gfhIvD0PCURsHAfbtzMSegNg8-nM3KcFV-COGoKw0aSrB7d9X/s640/SMITHSONIAN+GARDENS+BEST.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CAN I REGISTER FOR OTHER PEOPLE?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No. Registration has been set up to allow each blogger to only purchase one ticket at a time. If you write your blog with another person, they'll need to register separately.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-WKprHaSj78cdayjWaKSSzZzvooSOULx-ml04L1j7oJaQ7zksniPmX1m4SRNIdAFi0PXjjXyh388m0MUQLFVTuXm5UsdDr_WHRqOoUZQzZ_yi01mOlFVONSl-1062QESpV7CXYJ6I99I/s1600/Welcome+to+DC+REVISED.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-WKprHaSj78cdayjWaKSSzZzvooSOULx-ml04L1j7oJaQ7zksniPmX1m4SRNIdAFi0PXjjXyh388m0MUQLFVTuXm5UsdDr_WHRqOoUZQzZ_yi01mOlFVONSl-1062QESpV7CXYJ6I99I/s640/Welcome+to+DC+REVISED.png" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>IS THIS FLING MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE OTHER FLINGS?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No. While our registration is higher, we've been given an excellent room rate of $159 a night at the beautiful Hyatt at Reston Town Center, which is lower than previous Flings. The Hyatt also offers a free shuttle from Dulles International Airport, eliminating the extra expense of a cab. The Thursday night Welcome event will feature a full dinner instead of just appetizers, courtesy of the amazing folks at <a href="http://www.americanmeadows.com/" target="_blank">American Meadows</a> and <a href="http://www.highcountrygardens.com/" target="_blank">High Country Gardens</a>. These savings reduce the cumulative cost of the Fling, making it the same as previous Flings.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82EYK7GrmGUQCmUbdnxGkYSJCwttz4u1BmTpuiN7cU3W6nhrGaNkgo5bpoW1QzF-eK7hDwe49Pij1MkHRL5XK6454vpJOeJN_OWK7pn0WVvZNc87PcKHVkZau3fnEMze4clOEC8U8iVJi/s1600/Welcome+to+Virginia+REVISED.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82EYK7GrmGUQCmUbdnxGkYSJCwttz4u1BmTpuiN7cU3W6nhrGaNkgo5bpoW1QzF-eK7hDwe49Pij1MkHRL5XK6454vpJOeJN_OWK7pn0WVvZNc87PcKHVkZau3fnEMze4clOEC8U8iVJi/s640/Welcome+to+Virginia+REVISED.png" width="548" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHEN CAN I BOOK MY HOTEL ROOM?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once your registration has been confirmed, I'll send you an email with the link to the Fling-only Hyatt registration site. A code has been applied giving everyone a special rate. If you reserve your room before being given this code, you'll pay a much higher rate. <span style="color: purple;">If you want to extend your stay, the Hyatt is offering the same rate on June 21st, 26th, and 27th based on availability so book the extra days as soon as possible to avoid paying the standard rate. </span></span><br />
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<br />Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-71780132062247395602016-07-29T21:28:00.003-04:002017-01-12T17:51:51.768-05:00Party at the Casa! Are You Coming?<span style="font-size: large;">I'm having a party and you're invited! I'm hosting the 2017 Capital Region Garden Bloggers Fling and I want you to come! The 2017 Fling is open to garden bloggers from around the world and will feature amazing gardens in Washington DC, northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland. It's going to be awesome!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lSGc06GU-riudO0AGDom99FpGVVs-C7fR7APwX19B1ktsby3yeQ3LloJwt4eVt4hGL4wU1JzE7pL78En3J7f4_rN3y8nfJDjhCkPE91QQOKDNo3sApcjMOU_nshyphenhyphen8vtrplGQrAxpO5d4/s1600/Fling-2017-Logo-300dpi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lSGc06GU-riudO0AGDom99FpGVVs-C7fR7APwX19B1ktsby3yeQ3LloJwt4eVt4hGL4wU1JzE7pL78En3J7f4_rN3y8nfJDjhCkPE91QQOKDNo3sApcjMOU_nshyphenhyphen8vtrplGQrAxpO5d4/s400/Fling-2017-Logo-300dpi.png" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Here's the scoop:</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What are the dates/times and who can come?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">We begin at 6 pm on Thursday, June 22 and end at 8 pm on Sunday, June 25, 2017 </span><span style="font-size: large;">Any garden blogger with a blog at least six months old by the registration date that contains a minimum of one post written on or after April 15, 2016 is welcome to join us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What do you do at the Fling?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Think of the Fling as the ultimate garden tour. You'll be surrounded by other gardeners as passionate about gardening as you are. Bloggers are interesting, intelligent, creative people and visiting gardens with them is an incredible experience. Have you ever wondered about the people behind your favorite blogs? This is your chance to meet them! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGDIapGnf3RtekRA9UZFfihOexUbV5HNJ4wEZFal4DbYyKJfx_Qx7nXRFiHSw4KdKabY2wYTcUVwQ9bfzANv9fzkBTPRhcpxVt1kwu-QTAuDLdCLncHC6UO122XHILi8yqt8UE4Pt5eC7/s1600/MN+FLing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGDIapGnf3RtekRA9UZFfihOexUbV5HNJ4wEZFal4DbYyKJfx_Qx7nXRFiHSw4KdKabY2wYTcUVwQ9bfzANv9fzkBTPRhcpxVt1kwu-QTAuDLdCLncHC6UO122XHILi8yqt8UE4Pt5eC7/s640/MN+FLing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i style="color: purple;">Enjoying lunch by a lake at the 2016 Minneapolis Fling. Photo by Helen Battersby</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ok, so what are we going to do at the Capital Region Fling?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We'll be visiting the amazing <a href="http://www.gardens.si.edu/our-gardens/">Smithsonian gardens</a> along the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/nama/index.htm">National Mall</a> in Washington DC. You'll have several hours to self-tour this area which will probably include a bathroom break in one of our world famous museums. We'll also be visiting the incredible <a href="https://www.usbg.gov/">US Botanic Garden</a> as well as a few other fabulous DC gardens. Did you know there's an urban "farm" right in the middle of DC?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In Maryland and northern Virginia, we'll be exploring amazing private and public gardens as well as visiting a <a href="http://www.stonetowerwinery.com/">very cool local winery</a>.<i> </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">There will also be an opportunity to shop at one of the premier nurseries in our area. </span><i style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://arcg.is/22qfESB">Check out this interactive story map for a sneak peek into our itinerary!</a></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe_f6m82JFSY73OYwm_mTY9z4RI4fHC3QcwOiW54a9za9ptsRN4WqnIYdrx79_SGhRl5Ok6d_CyMTSA2M2XBmnTQRMkeJFyAovNRIVIsS7QyOoKWGWFCsieJ11Ha0NLihFlJUCgTiVwF8/s1600/DC+garden+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe_f6m82JFSY73OYwm_mTY9z4RI4fHC3QcwOiW54a9za9ptsRN4WqnIYdrx79_SGhRl5Ok6d_CyMTSA2M2XBmnTQRMkeJFyAovNRIVIsS7QyOoKWGWFCsieJ11Ha0NLihFlJUCgTiVwF8/s640/DC+garden+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>There are twelve Smithsonian gardens along the National Mall. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh970il8ziMtuY7cDsRo4El7SU14ojrCYGp7_zjQyECg4mRCHeVc8Toeulcj4NddamZiU9tfriaU3TS4NpNLCwqxe_vTP1Cv19yAbsXTXoOuaOVvxU7r5QPMK_8bTz3z_45Kb11V-AnP0Bu/s1600/Smithsonian+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh970il8ziMtuY7cDsRo4El7SU14ojrCYGp7_zjQyECg4mRCHeVc8Toeulcj4NddamZiU9tfriaU3TS4NpNLCwqxe_vTP1Cv19yAbsXTXoOuaOVvxU7r5QPMK_8bTz3z_45Kb11V-AnP0Bu/s640/Smithsonian+garden.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What is the Capital Region?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Capital Region includes the surrounding suburbs outside DC that are home to most of the people who keep the nation's capital running. DC is a small city and doesn't have enough space to house everybody who works there. Waking up in Virginia, commuting into DC, and then popping into Maryland is very common. Believe it or not, you'll probably lose track of what state we're in while you're here. One of the unique characteristics of the Capital Region is its geographic diversity. Within 45 miles of the White House you can find </span><span style="font-size: large;">numerous historic towns such as Arlington, Alexandria, and Annapolis, </span><span style="font-size: large;">world class wineries, beautiful farm land, and views of the Chesapeake Bay and Blue Ridge mountains. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J7dEjI5QKs53_e1Uuqc-_aEC2tk2hRgdv2YE9DENBJiFiS0ZRTs1hIEbuNDW2yF77HzrURBr_xk3tON__QnnZNSSu6S9UOYE-mOAWMuAJUm1tC2ocz3AHPKd3KmfOue7S73NBOVIS8cX/s1600/MD+DC+border+LABELED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J7dEjI5QKs53_e1Uuqc-_aEC2tk2hRgdv2YE9DENBJiFiS0ZRTs1hIEbuNDW2yF77HzrURBr_xk3tON__QnnZNSSu6S9UOYE-mOAWMuAJUm1tC2ocz3AHPKd3KmfOue7S73NBOVIS8cX/s640/MD+DC+border+LABELED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Did you know there's a house in Maryland with a sidewalk in DC?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When can I register and how much does it cost?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Registration opens at noon (Eastern time) on Saturday, October 15, 2016. </span>The cost is $300 and is payable through all major credit cards. Registration is expected to fill up quickly so mark your calendar so you don't forget! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How do I register?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As soon as registration opens, send an email to the Capital Region Fling committee</span><span style="font-size: large;"> that includes the following info: </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large; font-style: italic;">Your name, how old your blog is, and a link to your blog. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We'll quickly confirm that your blog meets the registration criteria and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> will send you a response with a link to our invitation-only Eventbrite site to register for the Fling. Once you've registered through Eventbrite and your payment has been processed, you're all set! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Where can I find this information?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">About two weeks before registration opens, I'll post a reminder on my blog. There will also be information available on the <a href="http://gardenbloggersfling.blogspot.com/">Garden Bloggers Fling</a> webpage and in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/gardenbloggersfling/">Facebook</a> group. <i><span style="color: blue;">I'll post the email you'll use to contact us on October 1 but won't begin responding until noon (Eastern time), Saturday, October 15. </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: blue;">To make it fair for everyone e</span><span style="color: blue;">arly registration isn't an option unless you have previously sponsored a Fling. </span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What does my registration fee cover?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Your fee covers the expenses related to the Fling including admission and transportation to each garden, fresh from the farm appetizers at our Welcome! party on Thursday night, and lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as well as dinner on Sunday. You will pay for your transportation to the Fling and your hotel expenses. We're staying at a beautiful <a href="http://reston.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html?src=agn_mls_hrreston_dest_rest_RESTO">Hyatt</a> at the <a href="https://www.restontowncenter.com/">Reston Town Center</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;">and have been given a special Fling-only room rate. There will be multiple opportunities to win incredible door prizes supplied by our sponsors so leave some space in your suitcase for all the swag.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD8qlPBWj8qFbrgZ_2TAfJaU2K46ET-iCliteRhQr67uSRKhaXtkNGAanf_pPlcHwpIHvkkaBWtORjz5a8rLHO4XhQnjImFeDgXEoKmKxmg_8ye8kQzkEFFeZjMzdtoMInFTPpfsJJL9e/s1600/Reston+Limo+BEST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD8qlPBWj8qFbrgZ_2TAfJaU2K46ET-iCliteRhQr67uSRKhaXtkNGAanf_pPlcHwpIHvkkaBWtORjz5a8rLHO4XhQnjImFeDgXEoKmKxmg_8ye8kQzkEFFeZjMzdtoMInFTPpfsJJL9e/s640/Reston+Limo+BEST.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>We'll be traveling in air conditioned comfort thanks to the luxury coaches and mini-buses of <a href="https://www.restonlimo.com/">Reston Limo</a>.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Are we going to be visiting your garden?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes! While my garden doesn't compare to the others we'll be visiting, it's my pleasure to welcome you to the Casa! I hope to see you there.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VPlCe059lIuZvx8-cWc5qspQRAiQNUgkfWaaWgL_4d0t5FyS5GXQ-s6WPeAF9LFGFWRxa_vfbsYSr_RxeprFaAgaMzGEW6TwlSzeRAJs_gM5nQLqKlQynOuWwgJBZkwgGTuW62yX7Rtt/s1600/You+miss+100%2525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VPlCe059lIuZvx8-cWc5qspQRAiQNUgkfWaaWgL_4d0t5FyS5GXQ-s6WPeAF9LFGFWRxa_vfbsYSr_RxeprFaAgaMzGEW6TwlSzeRAJs_gM5nQLqKlQynOuWwgJBZkwgGTuW62yX7Rtt/s640/You+miss+100%2525.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Are you coming?</span></div>
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<br />Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com73tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-60672449506763214812016-07-24T20:23:00.000-04:002016-07-25T21:27:38.432-04:00SomeFling's up at the Casa....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If someone said to you, "I have a beautiful garden. Would you like to see it?" what would you say? If you were me, "Yeah baby!" would barely be out of your mouth before sprinting toward whatever patch of plants they tended. Now imagine you get to tour their garden with a bunch of other passionate garden bloggers and you have the Garden Bloggers Fling.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73yyBCWqZN5A0bF3UJcc_CXlwwaI76kaFN92oXrPRXRbZBZgM1pgtKEStdH-OY-GDninA5TLX8WGS6piN1cimUeBTinARLv3d0suKBoY9Ge7hHR-Oh6YfvwSAXh9oge1lXfW7CiLVsmRP/s1600/P7170228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73yyBCWqZN5A0bF3UJcc_CXlwwaI76kaFN92oXrPRXRbZBZgM1pgtKEStdH-OY-GDninA5TLX8WGS6piN1cimUeBTinARLv3d0suKBoY9Ge7hHR-Oh6YfvwSAXh9oge1lXfW7CiLVsmRP/s640/P7170228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The 2016 Garden Bloggers Fling was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota in mid July. We trekked into neighboring Wisconsin to see this incredible garden full of mosaics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Created by Wouterina De Raad, whimsical sculptures can be found through out this lush garden. The artist and garden had so much spirit and soul I didn't want to leave.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XZKe2HnWBVI1tBTttMHZg1xiZ-_QyzMPzpcgCT_Drr_sSG4aD21IigZdYAn9tCyHK0xIqwRyA68h3lfx7RhryeC4rJW2oH_YFefjEaeIzIDlkfAvW-JWDZ6p5qdWpkuTxkBKqRy8Rech/s1600/P7160171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XZKe2HnWBVI1tBTttMHZg1xiZ-_QyzMPzpcgCT_Drr_sSG4aD21IigZdYAn9tCyHK0xIqwRyA68h3lfx7RhryeC4rJW2oH_YFefjEaeIzIDlkfAvW-JWDZ6p5qdWpkuTxkBKqRy8Rech/s640/P7160171.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But the Fling isn't just about seeing cool gardens. It's about coming together with other gardeners and meeting the people behind the blogs. It's a three and a half day garden lovers gabfest.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq73UB5OzSazBmZUzm5WeToN00dcNpWfAnrx03ZS6myRnD4O59FxqQllJdo5ZjRXUhe1ZekVQ1m_eLxlJHbxusMHrl6F464TwWSJk7QHN5Ywh9WsMjsGBqUVnD79xutTgWw6YITI1wQNL/s1600/P7160152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq73UB5OzSazBmZUzm5WeToN00dcNpWfAnrx03ZS6myRnD4O59FxqQllJdo5ZjRXUhe1ZekVQ1m_eLxlJHbxusMHrl6F464TwWSJk7QHN5Ywh9WsMjsGBqUVnD79xutTgWw6YITI1wQNL/s640/P7160152.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These lake shore gardens with their rich sandy loam were packed with plants that struggle in my hot, humid summers. It was enlightening to see them all alive instead of begging for a quick death in my Virginia clay.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkCYjNk-Lpaz1CQnAvF8-JTviOnufyTCjRJGIt8R4z7mbGks22fkzEM0nmnpzXfh3W4GPawAZo34z6pmN7NePl5hwO6LYp412CFAKvwGuYVjNNng9ERmEDU6aEdjnilmxzEr2mLKr4mZW/s1600/P7160140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkCYjNk-Lpaz1CQnAvF8-JTviOnufyTCjRJGIt8R4z7mbGks22fkzEM0nmnpzXfh3W4GPawAZo34z6pmN7NePl5hwO6LYp412CFAKvwGuYVjNNng9ERmEDU6aEdjnilmxzEr2mLKr4mZW/s640/P7160140.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This riverbed recirculates the water so it's always flowing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oCa8Q0iADBZPt0JcZTIHL0W3stT1ZQDxbwXx4_vZ6d7-_MrLFmEtd2-s4GDNil1LdehEW3wv09sRHPt8eaA1CUjs621YGr6858pq0P_7vu_zNsdGpNgl-CulAXTyRPGO2HxPIUY-QaaE/s1600/P7160136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oCa8Q0iADBZPt0JcZTIHL0W3stT1ZQDxbwXx4_vZ6d7-_MrLFmEtd2-s4GDNil1LdehEW3wv09sRHPt8eaA1CUjs621YGr6858pq0P_7vu_zNsdGpNgl-CulAXTyRPGO2HxPIUY-QaaE/s640/P7160136.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">870 hostas are packed into this magnificent garden. The bloggers arrived in stunned silence</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaC7APg8YjQW3xiYn0U2hWGf8oL4qFkZxmHPYoUSxxmwImPnnJ4-rZ5xmtdX2zjf_cKxtYczhakUpItY9zDAha_IQotiGSVGiw1P7WBx6fq-U8Y8E5ROdRFxPlJOP6nImpLA2biQ7lnid/s1600/P7160129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaC7APg8YjQW3xiYn0U2hWGf8oL4qFkZxmHPYoUSxxmwImPnnJ4-rZ5xmtdX2zjf_cKxtYczhakUpItY9zDAha_IQotiGSVGiw1P7WBx6fq-U8Y8E5ROdRFxPlJOP6nImpLA2biQ7lnid/s640/P7160129.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and then immediately began talking and taking pictures.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczOSEsfcCtoySeCcwVv6Ui3-f6Gb4kRdPwRudMu68tkXHdfFlLqK201U5qSY2icx03pBQjowZOvCZC_pJszPCP5Yy7xSZSKO2S7dAIkLalG7L7pT25kJiNctG9NyvFowTEvHpbsH3Y38f/s1600/P7160105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczOSEsfcCtoySeCcwVv6Ui3-f6Gb4kRdPwRudMu68tkXHdfFlLqK201U5qSY2icx03pBQjowZOvCZC_pJszPCP5Yy7xSZSKO2S7dAIkLalG7L7pT25kJiNctG9NyvFowTEvHpbsH3Y38f/s640/P7160105.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This dry riverbed is used to control the runoff from heavy rain.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk7LLkHPS_sMLSzDAS_jiuw_2Xd8q5JBT83fBHhqbKZ23OT5YSajtNTxf1iVbopZNHhnRpi1oexmBWVGg5PMScXIrU6MUNbKxw1H3LIC4m8xSK00LoQdCp5yAFMsk2iM4BkSecUBAIl1U/s1600/P7150074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk7LLkHPS_sMLSzDAS_jiuw_2Xd8q5JBT83fBHhqbKZ23OT5YSajtNTxf1iVbopZNHhnRpi1oexmBWVGg5PMScXIrU6MUNbKxw1H3LIC4m8xSK00LoQdCp5yAFMsk2iM4BkSecUBAIl1U/s640/P7150074.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We weren't the only garden visitors.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tstAj6_VbUWkGofO2gq9um-vkSJafbqAXzNpnzpcNt5u9_l0AmZu1WlMeY9VUR-yll9N0iuseuRpD5rn2Rm9xdzFblomx0xGCzgogy9EOYsTQDq2ox_W9t9ddNQyk8SfsXXFHE8Qctjq/s1600/P7150055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tstAj6_VbUWkGofO2gq9um-vkSJafbqAXzNpnzpcNt5u9_l0AmZu1WlMeY9VUR-yll9N0iuseuRpD5rn2Rm9xdzFblomx0xGCzgogy9EOYsTQDq2ox_W9t9ddNQyk8SfsXXFHE8Qctjq/s640/P7150055.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>The incredible garden of Rhonda Hayes has gorgeous raised steel beds </i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>full of edibles and flowers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But chatting with your garden blogger friends isn't the only reason to attend a Fling. You're able to explore amazing gardens in person instead of just virtually and you return home inspired and energized. How inspired? After attending three Flings, I'll be hosting the next one! </span></div>
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-63727402473579989032016-07-04T14:01:00.002-04:002016-07-04T20:37:32.405-04:00Confessions of a Pot Addict<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes one is just not enough. Sometimes 87 is better. As a matter of fact, it is 86 times better. But 88? Pure crazy, I tell ya.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGL38b6qxL3Vl9DcbGD8p9rNSd_0p5GNMNw18EJUnquihU8yl7JPFFVCJofDiRdwPmsfVDaW537jd1JgLxQacjqUb6takyreKzZNCEmqG2KlXzIR-75ORM06MiTN0Ck12TKmBoWVOjpFE/s1600/P6300132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGL38b6qxL3Vl9DcbGD8p9rNSd_0p5GNMNw18EJUnquihU8yl7JPFFVCJofDiRdwPmsfVDaW537jd1JgLxQacjqUb6takyreKzZNCEmqG2KlXzIR-75ORM06MiTN0Ck12TKmBoWVOjpFE/s640/P6300132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last I counted I had 87 containers full of plants. But I may have counted wrong.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXpdriyCs5H_F91hyphenhyphenMqA5mG0HpCX_ZfmexSs3y3x7fJiWSr9wMcAhNVgRY-J8dbFIZiIqmNHAJMIuPR2O7hARlyjmz0F7hGJDpTbXF9rfHScFMZz3eQnmTDx41xMMVmSUHXZziCk0uZ0d/s1600/P6300175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXpdriyCs5H_F91hyphenhyphenMqA5mG0HpCX_ZfmexSs3y3x7fJiWSr9wMcAhNVgRY-J8dbFIZiIqmNHAJMIuPR2O7hARlyjmz0F7hGJDpTbXF9rfHScFMZz3eQnmTDx41xMMVmSUHXZziCk0uZ0d/s640/P6300175.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>Annual rudbeckia hirta and monarda citriodora</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anything and everything that doesn't fit into my garden beds, is stuffed in a pot.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmiBA03pPpPTqHMNssM3CrN3yPgY4ibeWvizA_wLd_13OT-KXLsc7dwyj2OQiFp1EOzdIg_jhit4PHkLkmUkPqQP3HZsBD8zDkDYGSwHcTc7FylsaEMpKDMDw8d0Y32Ed25i_oMO2xQFa/s1600/P6300179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmiBA03pPpPTqHMNssM3CrN3yPgY4ibeWvizA_wLd_13OT-KXLsc7dwyj2OQiFp1EOzdIg_jhit4PHkLkmUkPqQP3HZsBD8zDkDYGSwHcTc7FylsaEMpKDMDw8d0Y32Ed25i_oMO2xQFa/s640/P6300179.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Colors are blended and hopefully flow into each other</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVBMEEhuzeQD09orJ22vY_-8pyLBb5g2ntKoLDZeERLEY-SUqR0j4vt-qrqInHpkS2wQLE9XbYvllTcrcah3Ohy-4EKq2L7Cj1CBRYDHPmtMWSYlVxfaoktNs37oDas3k7yIHEz-2KeVV/s1600/P6300180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVBMEEhuzeQD09orJ22vY_-8pyLBb5g2ntKoLDZeERLEY-SUqR0j4vt-qrqInHpkS2wQLE9XbYvllTcrcah3Ohy-4EKq2L7Cj1CBRYDHPmtMWSYlVxfaoktNs37oDas3k7yIHEz-2KeVV/s640/P6300180.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>Seed grown bat faced cuphea lounging in the oregano</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but if they clash, who cares?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrvZDpDPjEMWw9Pzf_mQtJANF__r0ithRB3iw4uku-ofs-vYbejbqoy0VexeMsGwCLx3MK3vSdDEFszddGYxihWKzrqQSBZLpGrZnMdQ86tob9vI4smbGgTEXqfbDZioPqf0Yyt8VDBXW/s1600/P6300136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrvZDpDPjEMWw9Pzf_mQtJANF__r0ithRB3iw4uku-ofs-vYbejbqoy0VexeMsGwCLx3MK3vSdDEFszddGYxihWKzrqQSBZLpGrZnMdQ86tob9vI4smbGgTEXqfbDZioPqf0Yyt8VDBXW/s640/P6300136.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All annuals that attract pollinators are grown by seed over the winter and </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I fill in the gaps with organic herbs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKZY6AR6auMqAWE3AuuacTN2W2RtQ8iy8XxDt8By0LhUSy8HGySkhRFiIBACXMELANSTFffiLUQK_judAtNpJHjc-QbXlOxeo9KsdqSsSwejiYsVHN0D4plRrDa7I-QvSacfz6I4J3yxg/s1600/P6300202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKZY6AR6auMqAWE3AuuacTN2W2RtQ8iy8XxDt8By0LhUSy8HGySkhRFiIBACXMELANSTFffiLUQK_judAtNpJHjc-QbXlOxeo9KsdqSsSwejiYsVHN0D4plRrDa7I-QvSacfz6I4J3yxg/s640/P6300202.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perennials live in the pots forever so I add organic fertilizer </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and granulated mycorrihizae to the soil to keep it fertile.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ-pok23X0LMzs9M9c3sQBFIRqlbA9mwCPzj2td0oQNhdpHzzrwGhsCn4tic4_ZFo42ScuhAP_qBrBv_XvJETx9V4eyreCeFx56Dfd5c5AtJ9icc_PVETuWWAbyEe6ob-GFrdJ6Uot9Y-/s1600/P6300199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ-pok23X0LMzs9M9c3sQBFIRqlbA9mwCPzj2td0oQNhdpHzzrwGhsCn4tic4_ZFo42ScuhAP_qBrBv_XvJETx9V4eyreCeFx56Dfd5c5AtJ9icc_PVETuWWAbyEe6ob-GFrdJ6Uot9Y-/s640/P6300199.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I bought a pot of basil at the grocery store when my plants were too small to harvest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I stuck it outside and thought it would immediately die but it thrived and grew </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">so I had to buy another pot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I had no choice.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgw2N8QhDLVBpHOh_N3dBC45wM-B6mP-XTmKR0PwlyikFryDxitCkzSo0BBQUJY29MFzP_oN9s42gBYIp0dx10zKEsa_H-0JbvUUXwzWoHz0qawLntaPSm7tyA6mZY6EnS4WM_m3xZqxY/s1600/P7030224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgw2N8QhDLVBpHOh_N3dBC45wM-B6mP-XTmKR0PwlyikFryDxitCkzSo0BBQUJY29MFzP_oN9s42gBYIp0dx10zKEsa_H-0JbvUUXwzWoHz0qawLntaPSm7tyA6mZY6EnS4WM_m3xZqxY/s640/P7030224.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>Pineapple mint with seed-grown Jupiter's Beard</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A copper watering can? Stick a plant in it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe1eEtg7JV93ZoJUXvxe4Yj24nq6giHtg8KckwK6yci2ofA3zke3MzFliT0DqoOVYa17pMNKDYyH0CaEDcz4xLZleI75jxBRPq3dYM3Mx8UG7T-0ZFQ8qwMP8Qojh2hiJqFcn7AfVwLvt/s1600/P6300185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe1eEtg7JV93ZoJUXvxe4Yj24nq6giHtg8KckwK6yci2ofA3zke3MzFliT0DqoOVYa17pMNKDYyH0CaEDcz4xLZleI75jxBRPq3dYM3Mx8UG7T-0ZFQ8qwMP8Qojh2hiJqFcn7AfVwLvt/s640/P6300185.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If sticking plants in pots isn't enough, I create funky art and stick it in the pots. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's like decorating the garden.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRYCsUTEXqJ7qDhfhxzWumY3L2wCxVzMhGFhQk9AGCptSd3o5M7HfuGu0uoPcg2B74o7WF6ef793Af9B6KJ7xUGMdR6l_6L1u23yXyD3gJlbkPQg_L-SdRdikqFM6AItO8Q3ezTe9umoI/s1600/P6300182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRYCsUTEXqJ7qDhfhxzWumY3L2wCxVzMhGFhQk9AGCptSd3o5M7HfuGu0uoPcg2B74o7WF6ef793Af9B6KJ7xUGMdR6l_6L1u23yXyD3gJlbkPQg_L-SdRdikqFM6AItO8Q3ezTe9umoI/s640/P6300182.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Agastache that would die in my clay loam thrive in a container so what's a gardener to do but buy more containers? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrvZDpDPjEMWw9Pzf_mQtJANF__r0ithRB3iw4uku-ofs-vYbejbqoy0VexeMsGwCLx3MK3vSdDEFszddGYxihWKzrqQSBZLpGrZnMdQ86tob9vI4smbGgTEXqfbDZioPqf0Yyt8VDBXW/s1600/P6300136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS9MvCnGabpwgTKVIlOf7mCdA64rymK8Jo6b0ivdENWxGvQhHLi4Illh0hWPnh7G5EkVNYU9Iiu79mcu2125VlcyPlBuD47-DOlbddclfIjj5A6iwHwxQvx1ondrZhQ5K7ep16mjAu8wq/s1600/P6300192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS9MvCnGabpwgTKVIlOf7mCdA64rymK8Jo6b0ivdENWxGvQhHLi4Illh0hWPnh7G5EkVNYU9Iiu79mcu2125VlcyPlBuD47-DOlbddclfIjj5A6iwHwxQvx1ondrZhQ5K7ep16mjAu8wq/s640/P6300192.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;">Sweet potatoes fill the two pots in front of the miscanthus. I'll harvest these in the fall and cook them for Thanksgiving.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pots fill my patio steps</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn0tPsP2G-Mu-vQXlj-Vu8y6Y8isjGthUx9R5YeBh_e6z0AFs8KHBtk7U82KLNnZ97gfh3Y19E0Qb3tLZFKrHDFyr-VZJzmhv9g1NIfIT9l5clUhc_OjzSdMKPsLQ2zFf5vs3FQpo6qsA/s1600/P7030002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn0tPsP2G-Mu-vQXlj-Vu8y6Y8isjGthUx9R5YeBh_e6z0AFs8KHBtk7U82KLNnZ97gfh3Y19E0Qb3tLZFKrHDFyr-VZJzmhv9g1NIfIT9l5clUhc_OjzSdMKPsLQ2zFf5vs3FQpo6qsA/s640/P7030002.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i> 'Pandora's Box' daylily</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and house some of my impulse-buy daylilies.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVURky0HYmfYGiSXKNUUVnJLCMx0OMcQkD9dOWZiMhNmlU3Q5s_NvQTItfxk9MQ8Fl5ZQxLFR7izwj9qL40uU7K8CAz00VohB-NRFQsyuZbBI1gSxRRUk7II9-bc7xsyKo7D2NhiNSfP8/s1600/P6300198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVURky0HYmfYGiSXKNUUVnJLCMx0OMcQkD9dOWZiMhNmlU3Q5s_NvQTItfxk9MQ8Fl5ZQxLFR7izwj9qL40uU7K8CAz00VohB-NRFQsyuZbBI1gSxRRUk7II9-bc7xsyKo7D2NhiNSfP8/s640/P6300198.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Just in case they need a little motivation.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI8YNaMZljwMh5voyy56EpoqbjEeI91smOB5qamdopvdow_qb6oRJYeQoimWxCsCXCGL-ik7kjKJGbwXhz9zkjLI0a3-C_8ekM7LapUVqwZsKOX8V9cNYynPwPJ32oqisOnFPmLYc94Ar/s1600/P6300187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI8YNaMZljwMh5voyy56EpoqbjEeI91smOB5qamdopvdow_qb6oRJYeQoimWxCsCXCGL-ik7kjKJGbwXhz9zkjLI0a3-C_8ekM7LapUVqwZsKOX8V9cNYynPwPJ32oqisOnFPmLYc94Ar/s640/P6300187.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even the cracks in the patio pavers are sprouting plants.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeYkOGqUJI1MYZhFBUb0a0e6A01sIOicYaiYbLfIVj4A3YRjwKlgHSeaR6KVo_X7h76d0NgzZXot05eCHa4yfHFHsHTktJAFDPQY5pZUwLHpqGfbzKo_hVAtefChOtSs99Hbi5oNLanLm/s1600/P6300144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeYkOGqUJI1MYZhFBUb0a0e6A01sIOicYaiYbLfIVj4A3YRjwKlgHSeaR6KVo_X7h76d0NgzZXot05eCHa4yfHFHsHTktJAFDPQY5pZUwLHpqGfbzKo_hVAtefChOtSs99Hbi5oNLanLm/s640/P6300144.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>I scattered rudbeckia hirta "Denver Dasies' seed last fall but </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>squirrels ransacked the pot so only a few came up. Furry little jerks.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">I don't bother with fillers, thrillers, and spillers, I just add stuffers and fluffers and call it a day. This gives the plants more room to grow and requires less watering.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTO0rsLmjU3pBtpUQq187i5p4XpzG_bs908lSAXNk_WOlK2QcuIWwXd434p0e2TRoruKXlOXQ8KOx2a5koeKDL80G4BWA8g9zF085mt0IDyUNAhAn1DmnkN9k5aHRRRYJRw-LiXR2lPu_/s1600/P6300145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTO0rsLmjU3pBtpUQq187i5p4XpzG_bs908lSAXNk_WOlK2QcuIWwXd434p0e2TRoruKXlOXQ8KOx2a5koeKDL80G4BWA8g9zF085mt0IDyUNAhAn1DmnkN9k5aHRRRYJRw-LiXR2lPu_/s640/P6300145.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> A bit of variegation keeps everything from being too green.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsZIPuEZ-JxTE9vp_hF9IB_mBwCwwSKWZBMnTp3MKxTYbQHvGBtbBUmClFZ4u5zFosBe3RqD_6i27uRySGwf25e-GRqzUGdFe_gxirZoAZb2DhBA12fUVc7iU4tYw2ef5YBYOBV0Fvmhh/s1600/P6300156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsZIPuEZ-JxTE9vp_hF9IB_mBwCwwSKWZBMnTp3MKxTYbQHvGBtbBUmClFZ4u5zFosBe3RqD_6i27uRySGwf25e-GRqzUGdFe_gxirZoAZb2DhBA12fUVc7iU4tYw2ef5YBYOBV0Fvmhh/s640/P6300156.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To keep the soil from crusting over, I break it up with my fingers so the water penetrates the soil instead of running down the sides. A sharp stick is used to poke holes in deep soil to increase water absorption. Plus, this gives me an excellent excuse for poking things with sharp sticks. It's an excellent stress reliever.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJVV2RjSKy7IJvWYndExdN2-eBwn3VyMZR7Sn2MzAIEPhkOeoJMiVbZ26CgVeQ7PWd_K6wHFKSn9Q5A8HNdBLMZZhnqipEidneKFjpjPRgXtdH0KSFmJnjEM9-2YRvN_iZDHaVP2aLY8T/s1600/P7030008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJVV2RjSKy7IJvWYndExdN2-eBwn3VyMZR7Sn2MzAIEPhkOeoJMiVbZ26CgVeQ7PWd_K6wHFKSn9Q5A8HNdBLMZZhnqipEidneKFjpjPRgXtdH0KSFmJnjEM9-2YRvN_iZDHaVP2aLY8T/s640/P7030008.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: medium;"><i>'Red Hot Mama' lilies blown over in a storm were brought inside.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even my watering can is occasionally pressed into service.</span></div>
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-15911864856333144092016-06-22T14:22:00.001-04:002016-06-23T11:00:18.506-04:00My Mama Calls Me Moon Pie<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes a person's name just doesn't match the person. But I've decided the same can be true of plants. Just a few days into true summer and it's time to reLatin the garden. Goodbye names that trip off your tongue to fall to the grass with a clink and an oops and hello names that tell me exactly what I need to know.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirndIRq2-8HhaLU5E4RzbPm8pPk83ylbu2sXINZxZd7Z3FyD_v7Jl1Clbp_1M_OeC4ONICSo92B6q-gqGExqApskNR_V55MPYekKy-YHZIhyphenhyphenY2G43sHGk0-bM4YP8abGsHtymYhL9XMyFm/s1600/wrestler+Moon+Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirndIRq2-8HhaLU5E4RzbPm8pPk83ylbu2sXINZxZd7Z3FyD_v7Jl1Clbp_1M_OeC4ONICSo92B6q-gqGExqApskNR_V55MPYekKy-YHZIhyphenhyphenY2G43sHGk0-bM4YP8abGsHtymYhL9XMyFm/s640/wrestler+Moon+Pie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>'"My mama calls me Moon Pie!"</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Iyn_HJKlz5PkA2tndRcZ5oxkJQ6zxNmLxpYGvvDEsliuo16P0A_bI00XwVe_Fdgetr69xM4jpB835XUPNf75TS5-MkdohNaCX_Xnmxr__hApEtpqgf11kQ72RR0d_g1g6-VZkGeRpN3F/s1600/P6170060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Iyn_HJKlz5PkA2tndRcZ5oxkJQ6zxNmLxpYGvvDEsliuo16P0A_bI00XwVe_Fdgetr69xM4jpB835XUPNf75TS5-MkdohNaCX_Xnmxr__hApEtpqgf11kQ72RR0d_g1g6-VZkGeRpN3F/s640/P6170060.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Stachys 'Bee plant of amazingness'</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN3MjkJNiDeg3uZTOTm4O1nixyW6QT0PGjC2C1k69eFGdysWpTiRtPdF-6pfz2QbAPy8kEweHKHWQ9QJIzx3Qccv_COmjlSNmRYabE07JWAqeWHEp4Ln6RpeswAhvPEWHWNWC_wG-fBpz/s1600/P6170095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN3MjkJNiDeg3uZTOTm4O1nixyW6QT0PGjC2C1k69eFGdysWpTiRtPdF-6pfz2QbAPy8kEweHKHWQ9QJIzx3Qccv_COmjlSNmRYabE07JWAqeWHEp4Ln6RpeswAhvPEWHWNWC_wG-fBpz/s640/P6170095.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>This thrives in my rain garden.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">aka stachys 'Hummelo'</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Vm9WtlMWch71BYrHu8ZwLLNnpZynNphNeXPq_sXyRwVCcoDuRIa2blfCBDtMozx5UAkdutHWeB_ECaf-Kc6z_Wjah-vGOTWKmAbc_8dDig4uhnrIr5a1fJS9ZCNRnr0o2ZNECkfXHWpy/s1600/P6180132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Vm9WtlMWch71BYrHu8ZwLLNnpZynNphNeXPq_sXyRwVCcoDuRIa2blfCBDtMozx5UAkdutHWeB_ECaf-Kc6z_Wjah-vGOTWKmAbc_8dDig4uhnrIr5a1fJS9ZCNRnr0o2ZNECkfXHWpy/s640/P6180132.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>I grew this 'Black Beauty' from seed and this is the only survivor. I'm underwhelmed.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Dahlia disappointus</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyzjuyWXPSrz6tqXaMUvc3WMaqvF3gHdhvjbLl2EzFIWLhje09KjdKDio2XNX6-vFPAAUP1GsSrzqWIxECtgdGjnvikdSL5eXhqWQeruHIb-Op8_Jhl6A142axIfuOD7KCCuoXDuLRwnn/s1600/P6180108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyzjuyWXPSrz6tqXaMUvc3WMaqvF3gHdhvjbLl2EzFIWLhje09KjdKDio2XNX6-vFPAAUP1GsSrzqWIxECtgdGjnvikdSL5eXhqWQeruHIb-Op8_Jhl6A142axIfuOD7KCCuoXDuLRwnn/s640/P6180108.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Handcrafted by Ted Freeman of <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/roundhouseworks/made-to-order-birdhouses-from-roundhouse-works/">Roundhouse Works</a>, this functional house is built entirely of repurposed vintage building materials.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Birdhouse extraordinarius</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicKCojsaUzzR9CtOieYdtRA9QAJGFlbKwomESwbbyDR8AG9jqmIJQRLhTUVU1IyX6KPmIPXrm3vsRwH9pkfqGL29Y9qqwQpOPJxbnOgNdhzym4vWFtNaDPpXeCRtfgzI3Pbb2hpMM57SH/s1600/P6180128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicKCojsaUzzR9CtOieYdtRA9QAJGFlbKwomESwbbyDR8AG9jqmIJQRLhTUVU1IyX6KPmIPXrm3vsRwH9pkfqGL29Y9qqwQpOPJxbnOgNdhzym4vWFtNaDPpXeCRtfgzI3Pbb2hpMM57SH/s640/P6180128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Campanula collapsus</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_gaTD9w6_EvBhotxyaHqfmoBScirUBacYPWFqzVT7dKnZ4ASH6OyUcyFPIGPfbtjerSEWGa9aDkzx1xehP5M7AANkKaHEljo4mQo37Q9jBmGF_6yPtRZUYooHxXonJSv5UZPcf6HbGPT/s1600/P6180139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_gaTD9w6_EvBhotxyaHqfmoBScirUBacYPWFqzVT7dKnZ4ASH6OyUcyFPIGPfbtjerSEWGa9aDkzx1xehP5M7AANkKaHEljo4mQo37Q9jBmGF_6yPtRZUYooHxXonJSv5UZPcf6HbGPT/s640/P6180139.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>This seed grown variety was supposed to be bright red.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Salvia surprisus</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGT2PadIneqdT1j6J0SvM10POWB3S01f6JmwuVZWlLddaS5kKbdYZlm3zVtjx5s2Q_qwJjdLgC7Tsct35oMxKQ70P2hTOLV8XOc08QcAHv2gH3V6J2a5Fi1GEm__0d7F5t75arta-08CK/s1600/P6180122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGT2PadIneqdT1j6J0SvM10POWB3S01f6JmwuVZWlLddaS5kKbdYZlm3zVtjx5s2Q_qwJjdLgC7Tsct35oMxKQ70P2hTOLV8XOc08QcAHv2gH3V6J2a5Fi1GEm__0d7F5t75arta-08CK/s640/P6180122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Canine sohappyii</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6af-CqQgLFMwqItsJ-NOT5_gEHuQ1qI4oxwQcrLUOA0pXM9bxKxAUJNXvXHxpLsqIs1GodILdlzEAPQaU1MqGsYgTyPg-Gtur-JSCegXB9aY0g3lxFJei_TqUqOhCHlL-aYLMlfM9dWV/s1600/P6180146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6af-CqQgLFMwqItsJ-NOT5_gEHuQ1qI4oxwQcrLUOA0pXM9bxKxAUJNXvXHxpLsqIs1GodILdlzEAPQaU1MqGsYgTyPg-Gtur-JSCegXB9aY0g3lxFJei_TqUqOhCHlL-aYLMlfM9dWV/s640/P6180146.JPG" width="630" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hostas 'fromAnnetteium'</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGDEc_fmS0c-dRXBC3DbLiU9KCLOVaXQQRD6zcrJqFj3mr1MfJ2inzVqWp4pG_muPSlrjHHDxwTHDy2FxOVEMsb67hDpWaPPdDAx65ssJLQcCeApZ_YRXYTyHAU2LW6jNY6uZfLkcTzWJ/s1600/P6200002+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGDEc_fmS0c-dRXBC3DbLiU9KCLOVaXQQRD6zcrJqFj3mr1MfJ2inzVqWp4pG_muPSlrjHHDxwTHDy2FxOVEMsb67hDpWaPPdDAx65ssJLQcCeApZ_YRXYTyHAU2LW6jNY6uZfLkcTzWJ/s640/P6200002+%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Snapdragon I want to grow you foreverfolius</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ9ax_WuG0NWoz1qJKQXMCPB6yujsMi3R5P3gHuSRhKszpGVz0u2l9IrDhB9tFB7fwdvzge4AwVRu1ylaZZ8VDrbGw4wu5ZvBt00NLz-GnFjxOOTN6XdV0x14xBs3q8ZG33zx5k_mJlhG/s1600/P6200005+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ9ax_WuG0NWoz1qJKQXMCPB6yujsMi3R5P3gHuSRhKszpGVz0u2l9IrDhB9tFB7fwdvzge4AwVRu1ylaZZ8VDrbGw4wu5ZvBt00NLz-GnFjxOOTN6XdV0x14xBs3q8ZG33zx5k_mJlhG/s640/P6200005+%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">aka snapdragon 'Frosted Flames' </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIm3IZ2NMdpJzCoSyP-vaWmJ6gW_uJdzL6ppENnhMPgmG8dJVk7_4gekS64H-1uIRGAA9kfe5jNEH0FC24KH_h9Bv20gZu1G_UVTzHIg5whCpGJ7-isqIro-SN8rLaMgpBrC5HD2n6p77/s1600/P6200009+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIm3IZ2NMdpJzCoSyP-vaWmJ6gW_uJdzL6ppENnhMPgmG8dJVk7_4gekS64H-1uIRGAA9kfe5jNEH0FC24KH_h9Bv20gZu1G_UVTzHIg5whCpGJ7-isqIro-SN8rLaMgpBrC5HD2n6p77/s640/P6200009+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>I started these seeds in January after receiving them as a bonus pack with one of my orders. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>I love them!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">These grew so well for me I have two pots full.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFQUr1v-fzFDcR-Hy0HOUooBTl_HiSoCtCgMe1VWXMgFqPD6hfp4NjXD6264yUwJGXo7UoWyQ6pvm9uoOEPYTLP_CKliXeBharZdEBiXsRqsLdRUTtWv1FVcYPpHH_J9Y_l8AfNKsY7rr/s1600/P6200001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFQUr1v-fzFDcR-Hy0HOUooBTl_HiSoCtCgMe1VWXMgFqPD6hfp4NjXD6264yUwJGXo7UoWyQ6pvm9uoOEPYTLP_CKliXeBharZdEBiXsRqsLdRUTtWv1FVcYPpHH_J9Y_l8AfNKsY7rr/s640/P6200001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Echinacea 'Leaning flower of Pisa'</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHw94wEillHFU80JaR5fBE6ioou6-3ne6UJAL-xpNyGjLlV2_SD-DirL5djzrLbTEazH0OH07k-VVD90IYlJIMXNQhrfHL8EclLZCDL2GUif-sDefXqaMfFygZPgPdFJB8K_rVwLWww-0W/s1600/P6200047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHw94wEillHFU80JaR5fBE6ioou6-3ne6UJAL-xpNyGjLlV2_SD-DirL5djzrLbTEazH0OH07k-VVD90IYlJIMXNQhrfHL8EclLZCDL2GUif-sDefXqaMfFygZPgPdFJB8K_rVwLWww-0W/s640/P6200047.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Monarda 'Rastafarian Redhead' aka 'Jacob Cline'</span></div>
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289863235108169853.post-31158418757235364252016-06-11T11:34:00.000-04:002016-06-11T17:48:23.975-04:00A Double Scoop of C'est la Vie<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkwoyPHUsgoSW99OBzlPKmNP4jdQsPoH38GbJBmxjEw_JDvk7fe4WQaLmp4ym8YzIvQsYmM8JLocMcXk8RoxJ3SZ9jLm01xgwjuScXxlSqhq1mPnzQr_pjpva6WCSyuJoNzAaTJ3sMbyE/s1600/P6040071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkwoyPHUsgoSW99OBzlPKmNP4jdQsPoH38GbJBmxjEw_JDvk7fe4WQaLmp4ym8YzIvQsYmM8JLocMcXk8RoxJ3SZ9jLm01xgwjuScXxlSqhq1mPnzQr_pjpva6WCSyuJoNzAaTJ3sMbyE/s640/P6040071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>'Jude the Obscure' rose</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Four months ago</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDmRqo3-yMTNDnAR9EZ45d_SnowOY88KviXohgGANcE9n77D7dzKwcp-sJhnQR0uQDFw6ICuzJAsdiqvRL7tIDLte2cwOyBNbjx7e6vlBEWEJRxQj3gdBnUiio5ZEfwrJy94_h3HykQ-N/s1600/P6080112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDmRqo3-yMTNDnAR9EZ45d_SnowOY88KviXohgGANcE9n77D7dzKwcp-sJhnQR0uQDFw6ICuzJAsdiqvRL7tIDLte2cwOyBNbjx7e6vlBEWEJRxQj3gdBnUiio5ZEfwrJy94_h3HykQ-N/s640/P6080112.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Sun-loving native wine cups (callirhoe involucrata) thriving in bone dry partial shade. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">it was too cold and snowy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_lwFUoHTWsMGmc8fcirqAkRw48EvdOTxQNiU46To3azrocgjpEkXMpFU1HKSjAgzhK3ORjcXOEjU9SJ0xy8rqm6IpTW1bg9cakQMSDpBlimbjGt0ANcYv-sVsUcCweRHkxKdYgUZn42T/s1600/P6090133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_lwFUoHTWsMGmc8fcirqAkRw48EvdOTxQNiU46To3azrocgjpEkXMpFU1HKSjAgzhK3ORjcXOEjU9SJ0xy8rqm6IpTW1bg9cakQMSDpBlimbjGt0ANcYv-sVsUcCweRHkxKdYgUZn42T/s640/P6090133.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><i>Clematis 'Baltyk'</i></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jvck_XHnVat2ybohewRR0u9NuTAefaacBdSf2OhU0FNI7by4qoTa-3DhfyCEI6KOxEG6kZ2F8Q1nC61VbMNxxXZcQnFeE63R91bezsdqkRF-FNnVBL1BP6DZ1YD_HlqgsCmV9QUQofoW/s1600/P6090129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jvck_XHnVat2ybohewRR0u9NuTAefaacBdSf2OhU0FNI7by4qoTa-3DhfyCEI6KOxEG6kZ2F8Q1nC61VbMNxxXZcQnFeE63R91bezsdqkRF-FNnVBL1BP6DZ1YD_HlqgsCmV9QUQofoW/s640/P6090129.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Three weeks ago</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Looking across part of the container garden into the rain garden.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">it was too wet and rainy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvr0xJkWiCy9edMuGK3_38LFNXZhgt1ZViIhyphenhyphenBfp9x0M3Zjo4PjXQRVuv4xHrvg9Tq4jL7b7wCzw4isPJNz3jXNiEZgWNwJ2LNiMt_dUeFC3kDZ2DBT5rl56WZpYhDpwJRsGUz-A5AyZF/s1600/P6100166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvr0xJkWiCy9edMuGK3_38LFNXZhgt1ZViIhyphenhyphenBfp9x0M3Zjo4PjXQRVuv4xHrvg9Tq4jL7b7wCzw4isPJNz3jXNiEZgWNwJ2LNiMt_dUeFC3kDZ2DBT5rl56WZpYhDpwJRsGUz-A5AyZF/s640/P6100166.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Seed grown dahlias</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two days ago</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YtPiScywss-IzGzMDQvvnW3sigB2Es3P-O2DwbP3zcnGzFYpn75CQQofBPyeNZTVATJkRY4afsrOARZofh5m346kTMsKr5U2sECSXbmxoPki4CLFdED9hHLjGaG-zJeUDHIoP-f6Dy-i/s1600/P6050098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YtPiScywss-IzGzMDQvvnW3sigB2Es3P-O2DwbP3zcnGzFYpn75CQQofBPyeNZTVATJkRY4afsrOARZofh5m346kTMsKr5U2sECSXbmxoPki4CLFdED9hHLjGaG-zJeUDHIoP-f6Dy-i/s640/P6050098.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: purple;">'Summertime Blues' campanula with a plant stake</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: purple;"> to mark the location of the soaker hoses.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">it was only 46 F at night</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>Native spigelia marylandica in the shade garden </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">so I closed the windows</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>These are supposed to attract hummingbirds.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> to keep from freezing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>White annual euphorbia and seed grown cosmos</i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i> in a cheap bucket.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today it is miserable hot</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>These will bloom all summer.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">and my soaker hoses </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVX01M2fMPPY75mGqezZck1oCapBYJiQEdRfKdgBK6CTsqOgmk7hp_XgBm9JjdfhugH-h5wSI06rYzq08Gir0mKEjI8ddiEcmgeycc5mhwsXECLdUg_lrhSZurt7qjHQmmc_spAyzjvQf/s1600/P6100154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVX01M2fMPPY75mGqezZck1oCapBYJiQEdRfKdgBK6CTsqOgmk7hp_XgBm9JjdfhugH-h5wSI06rYzq08Gir0mKEjI8ddiEcmgeycc5mhwsXECLdUg_lrhSZurt7qjHQmmc_spAyzjvQf/s640/P6100154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>'Purple Fantasy' persicaria in dry partial shade</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">will be running all day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But that's life. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's messy, unpredictable, and often ridiculous</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but still absolutely beautiful.</span><br />
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Casa Mariposahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.com40