Good day friends, Maddie just hanging over the back fence. Don't let those beans get in the way of our chatting. I was back there yesterday after the rains came again and saw my FIRST bean blossom!! Today after the SECOND rainstorm came through and finally let up, I went and took a quick peek and was caught when the third downpour started up counting bean blossoms. I think there are now seven. Nothing like good soaking, pissing down summer rains to be most welcome for us gardeners. I was dancing out in the rains like some middle aged faerie. Speaking of faeries and other things that I've come to wax about upon many wordy occasions, I was visited the other day by one of the winged dignitaries that have come into the area. I was standing beside the western window that overlooks the fence row tomato/nasturtium/ sweet cowhorn pepper and rhubarb patch and saw the welcome flash of bright Las Vegas green. A RUFUS HUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!! I'd tied the tomato's gently with the hot pink/red soft blanket edging stuff that the former owner who lived in the house I just moved from had started crochetting a rug before her untimely demise from her losing battle from cancer. When I found the unfinished rug downstairs with all of the other stuff that was left behind, I pulled the end and it completely unraveled. It was so soft and usable, I decided to wind it into large balls and secure them for garden stuff. It's awesome stuff. Never rots, holds up well during sunlight, rains, etc. Not to mention that the tomato's adore it (and the other things that benefit from the usage. Apparently the bright color of it had enticed the Rufus hummers who were supping from the nearby mimosa tree that is currently in full blossom. I was thrilled and watched as he darted in amongst the towering tomato "trees" (well to him they were like trees!) and saw him stop and taste a tomato blossom before doing that angled escape they do. No amount of searching, though brought me to find one of many hummingbird nectar feeders that I have accumulated that they really like best. somewhere in the chaos............not to mention that box of gardening hand tools that just eludes me completely! sigh........... Today was the third day in a row that we got refreshing, thumping down, soaking rains. I will not complain because last year we were locked in almost a year long deep drought that I suspect all this rain has barely touched the deep parched undergrounds yet. It was enough of a steady downpour that I took out potted plants and moved those potted up Autumn and Tassel ferns into the soak. In doing so, I noticed a new unfurling frond of the Tassel fern that I hadn't seen before. On the Veronica that is still cranking out blue blossoms, wet and grumbly bumblies were clinging to the tiny blue flowers all damp and cold. I stopped to pet a few and they lifted their legs in protest to be just left alone to be miserable until the rains let up and they could dry out. In the smaller, container gardens that I've positioned around the perimeters of the front yard, the sedums have started to make their assorted broccoli looking buds in getting ready for their show. I finally identified one dark beauty in one of the pots. Lynda Windsor, only because when I first got her, I documented her awesome darkness and put it into a file and named it appropriately. One of the true reasons I've rejoiced lately is that I've witnessed the blooming of three unknown daylilies that I feared I'd lost from last years adventure with Mr. Savage. I think, not quite sure, but I believe that I have the hybrid that he grew from seed and named for his beloved Black Lab, Blossom. The daylily I have is double, and red and most unusual. Deffinately came from Mr. Savage, I'm hoping it's his "Savage's Blossom' or Blossom Savage. can't remember what he called it and I need to reconnect with him which isn't easy with no transportation... The other two I will have to search the web for names as I don't recognize them and just don't know who they are. I don't have any sign of my beloved "Bruce" at all, nor any of the Silome varieties (little Fairy was especially wonderful and appropriate) and I'm now just dealing with the magnatude of loss I have over just the daylilies, let alone the perennials I will miss this summer. Bitter sweet, I searched the files and saw faces I knew would have been around had I not relocated. Oh well, it's a teaching experience. This year has been a learning experience for me, and it will never cease to be otherwise. The dogs have slipped into serious city suburb mode, though. Sugar dawg apparently brought her dislike of squirrels and rabbits with her. When she spots a fluffy-tailed nutter close by, she chases it intent on causing it death. She is smart enough being a Border collie/Black Lab mix to know how to outflank the squirrel and one day she will have herself a victim. I don't discourage her as they are city squirrels and will steal my tomato's when they see they're ripening. Same with the rabbits, although the sweepings of dog and feline hair deterred them finally to where my beans (fourth sowing) got a toe hold and are thriving. The cats have discovered a whole new breed of birds here though. City birds that are cat wise and not fooled. and that's fine with me. I like all but the silly morning doves who make quite a nasty mess of everything and the pigeons that live a few blocks away keep to themselves as well. I need to leave but I promise to keep you all posted, and wait eagerly for updates on your own gardening and the inhibitants of your special places. Thanks for allowing me to talk a little bit. maddie up in the green bowl, soaking wet, gardening in zone 7b surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest and Appalachian mountains
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15 years ago