I am not a fan of bugs in general. But I have to admit that I have learned that in the wonderful world of nature there is a balance that will keep things under control if we don’t interfere. By this I mean, don’t use broad spectrum herbicides or insecticides– they kill everything, and often do more harm than good.
Here is a link to a 5 minute segment I recorded in September with Carrie Davis on her morning radio show on the Pledge Radio. Maybe you will be inspired to change your gardening habits to give the good bugs a chance to do their work!
MSU extension is a wonderful resource for more information.
This is one of my absolute favorites! The small (approx. 2″) bloom is only open for a day, but then followed by other blooms. It is in the iris family, so the leaves are tall and similar looking. Following blooms the seed pods will turn to a fruity looking seed pod that resembles a blackberry, so they have good fall interest as well. Once established, it is drought tolerant– liking well drained soil and sun to part shade.
Pale blue hydrangeas with Shasta Daisy, Purple Coneflower and Allium ‘Summer Beauty’. A touch of Rose Campion (tiny hot pink flowers on silvery stems) adds a nice accent.Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa) with the brilliant purples of salvias (salvia nemorosa) and a little dianthus bordering the front.
I’m excited to announce that I have been asked to do some weekly ‘spots’ on Carrie Davis’ show, The Pledge (96.5 FM/1260AM) starting in August. They will air at 7:25 a.m. on Wednesdays and we will cover (briefly) some relevant gardening topics. After it airs each week it will be posted online so that you can enjoy it at your convenience.
With Carrie Davis of The Pledge working on upcoming spots for her show
A favorite Quote from MonetEarly morning by the garage– took my breath away…Formerly the ‘shade garden’ (before the giant maple was taken down this winter). Partially in bloom…A happy Bee on Echinacea Purpurea (purple coneflower)Bed by garage in JUNE 2016 Salvia May night, Dianthus, DaisyGreat ‘step-able’ ground cover under chairs – Mazus reptans. It is covered with small purple flowers in spring. It is a good spreader and suppresses weeds…soon I will need to clean up the path area and move some of it to area by alliums (to left of path).2016 July BackyardBelamcanda chinensis (Blackberry lily)…a delicate bloom on a plant resembling iris leaves. Small and exquisite! July 2016
I don’t think a gardener is ever done…it isn’t like arranging furniture where things stay put. These wonderful living things that grace our environment are constantly growing, spreading out, re-seeding and requiring dividing– or they can also struggle and die. Best quote from friend of mine’s husband (Birney), which he often said when he planted something: “Now don’t get too comfortable there…”.
Things change in nature–one thing we have all had to deal with is the ‘sun requirements’ of plants. Trees grow larger and create more shade, or they have to be cut down, forcing you to find ways to protect your shade loving plants–either of these scenarios can mean ‘relocation’ for certain plants. The third year after you put in your perennial garden is when things really seem to take off (assuming you have done your part). These pictures are from 2012-2015 –a progression of plants– as they grow, get moved, get adopted in and out. My goal has increasingly been to have a yard that is beneficial to wildlife, less dependent on watering (once established), and provides beautiful flowers to enjoy and share. No more herbicides or other chemicals that harm the environment and wildlife.
Some water run-off issues (gutters), a variety of hostas and LOTS of rocks in beds
Lots of potential in this backyard; Love my little ‘shed’ (former original garage)
Side of the ‘new’ garage.
Lots of weed-trees, trees that were diseased, and general clean up needed
Small bed between back porch door and driveway. Need to install a fence (to keep my four legged friend in!). Unfortunately the large maple that is SO close to the house had to be removed in 2015 due to disease. This was originally very shady.
I guess you could say this was a ‘no maintenance’ yard….
How my house looked in 2011 when I bought it. Not much curb appeal, but I could see the possibilities! Stay tuned for a series of pictures that shows the progression of different parts of my yard as I ‘adopted’ more plants, rearranged things, and made room for more!Another ‘before’ picture of front–weedy bushes, masses of weeds…all this had to GO.
the left side of the house (before)the view up the drivewaythe ‘bed’ by house/drivewaythe area between my driveway and neighbor’s2013 — a beginning of a plan for the frontEvolving colors
Sure you know they make honey, but lets all take the time to fully understand the impact our actions have on these wonderful fuzzy buzzy creatures! Check out this recent article about the relationship between BEES and flowers, among other things.
FlowerCoach as a child. This sort of says it all.
FlowerCoach 