grandgardener

Iris... Lots of them.

2010-05-22T08:47:00.000-04:00

One of a very select group of deer resistant flowers, Iris, thrive in my natural gardens. Right now we have a family of Canada Geese, hundreds of rabbits, woodchucks, herds of deer (including a crazy protective mama and her fawn) and various other creatures roaming about our gardens. It takes a lot of tenacity for a good looking plant to survive with such shady characters around. A few years ago I received a bag of rhizomes as a gift. Very few bloomed the first year. The second year was thrilling to see these new beauties bloom by bloom. This year there are even more blossoms that I have never seen in my garden. Once, I thought these plants too old fashioned but, now I've learned that there is a good reason some of these old standbys stick around.

All Photos © Lauren Taylor

Better than Cotton Candy!

2010-04-22T20:18:00.000-04:00

photo © James Kusmierski

My husband planted these fruit trees before we were married. The dark pink in the background is a Purple Plum and the light pink is a Weeping Cherry. They are flowering about a month early here in Michigan which is lucky for us. We leave in the morning for a two week trip to Mexico. If the weather had been like other years we would have missed the blooming fruit trees.

There really is something magical about cherry trees blooming. The smell, of course is wonderful, and it looks beautiful...really beautiful, but, I think it is the wild life that it attracts. For the brief week or so that it blooms it brings Orioles, bumble bees, and all sorts of other critters to our yard.

So, while the ground in most of the garden beds is still pretty bare, we have flowers overhead to keep us mesmerized.

Brunnera macrophylla 'King's Ransom'

2010-04-20T07:55:00.000-04:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

How's this for brightening up the shade? This is King's Ransom brunnera, a sport of Jack Frost. It is a perennial favorite in my garden for so many reasons. First of all, check out those adorable, super bright, blue flowers! They are just like forget me not blooms but when the flowers are gone the show is not over. With cream and silvery veiled green leaves to rival the beauty of hosta and stellar pest resistance, this one is a real winner. After the deer and rabbits have eaten everything else in the garden I can always count on having at least this one little plant; a real die hard.

two or three or four lips

2010-04-17T16:32:00.001-04:00

Growing tulips can be one of the most frustrating attempts a natural gardener can withstand. To plant hundreds of bulbs, wait a full term of human pregnancy, watch the bulbs give birth to pretty green leaves, spray the pretty green leaves with deer repellent, watch the spring rain water the bulbs, and wake up the next morning to see that the deer took advantage of their window of opportunity during the rain is heart breaking. This year I didn't try so hard. The deer had their feast and I looked the other way. Hey, we've all got to eat. It's like handing an ice cream cone to a starving African child and saying you can look at it but don't eat it. Right! I have pity for the deer. Sure, sometimes it seems that they must be mocking me while the saunter through the garden eating only my favorite plants, but, I can't blame them. Michigan has had some hard winters. I don't think I saw a single thaw this winter. They ate any green thing they could find.

It just so happens that our yard is surrounded by woods. We do not live in the country, nor do we really live in the woods. We just have enough trees in the lot next to us to give residence to a small heard of hungry deer and their babies. Babies...I love the babies. Some people put salt licks or carrots out to attract them. So, in the spirit of things I will use my tulips... to attract the deer. Hey, if you can't beat them join them, right? Although, at one time I had hundreds of tulips and now I have about five, I can sleep soundly at night knowing that my generosity to the deer has not gone amiss.

photo © Lauren Taylor

Summer time

2010-04-15T09:46:00.000-04:00

Summer in our gardens are great for photos. Here's a shot of Aubrey & Patrick (one of our favorite couples) with green headed coneflower in the background. I think they were about 7 feet tall at the time. In that sunny spot they grow up to about 10 or 11 feet!

photo © Beautiful Wedding Photography

Spring Cleaning

2010-04-09T13:05:00.000-04:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

Spring cleaning is in full swing outside but, with all the pruning, edging, organizing, and propagating our yard and gardens may actually look slightly worse!

Dear husband, Jim, started the season with a chainsaw. The house's foundation plantings are getting a total makeover. Well, nearly total. 1 diseased Pine: down. 1 overgrown Arborvitae: down. 1 oak tree sized Honeysuckle: down. Next step: rent chipper! We have brush piles lining the yard that must be heaved to the top of our hill and chipped. Not to mention the battle of keeping the branches in the piles once we get them there (See photo above!)

I just pruned the butterfly bushes back hard. My fingers are crossed that my timing was okay. Last years branches had just started sprouting new leaves. Since there were sure signs of life it only made sense to use these cuttings to start new shrubs. So, I've added about twenty terra cotta pots with butterfly bush cuttings to this Spring Mess.

My least favorite task by far must be edging. With three acres and 36 beds (most of them islands) I must be crazy to edge them all by hand. Seriously! There must be an easier way?

Someday, when I'm rich, I'll hire myself a man servant and he can do all this work for me. For now, I'll take a different stance on this idea of yard "work" and enjoy the simple meditation and extra calories burned.

Pretty in Pink

2010-04-08T16:38:00.000-04:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

After reading a great little post over at goawayimgardening all about sedum and succulents I had to post one of mine. I love this little tricolor stonecrop. It's hot pink this time of year and gets hot pink flowers in a month or so. It's just the cutest little creepy crawler. That's all I've got on the subject. Now, head on over to goawayimgardening and read more about these terrific plants!

Bloom Boom!

2010-04-08T15:29:00.000-04:00

After more than half a year of Winter, it is suddenly Spring and we have flowers to prove it. That's right, actual flowers. Hyacinth with its heady fragrance, the little faces of Pansies and Violets, stalwart hellobores, and forsythia bushes blooming like fireworks, bring every day a new delight. I just can't get over how hopeful this time of year can be. The Michigan temperatures go up and down every day and maybe, just maybe, we'll have one more snow, but for now, we have flowers and that makes me happy.

photo © Lauren Taylor

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T10:11:00.000-04:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

Heuchera Plum Pudding

He's got the goods.

2010-04-06T17:17:00.001-04:00

photo © Lauren Taylor
This is my sweet husband, Jim. He is the talent behind any talent that I may have. I always hated photography and much preferred drawing and painting pictures to just "taking" pictures. Jim changed my mind. Not only have I learned the art of photography from this great man, he teaches hundreds of college students every year to see the world through a camera's lens.

Jim's photos always surprise me. We work together photographing weddings, events, and portraiture. We can photograph the exact same things for eight hours straight and come home with completely different photos (and we usually like each others' photos better, of course). In fact, we went on an extended stroll through our gardens yesterday evening and photographed the goings on. It happened again. His photos inspired surprise and awe. He is just that good.

So, here are a few of Jim's jewels from our photo walk. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. Is he good or what?

photo © James Kusmierski

photo © James Kusmierski

photo © James Kusmierski

photo © James Kusmierski

buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds budsbuds buds buds buds buds

2010-04-05T22:16:00.001-04:00

buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds budsbuds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds buds.

photo © Lauren Taylor

Purple Plum

photo © Lauren Taylor

Lilac

photo © Lauren Taylor

ummmmm..... Maple? maybe.

photo © Lauren Taylor

Purple Plum

photo © Lauren Taylor

Burning Bush

photo © Lauren Taylor

Flowering Quince

photo © Lauren Taylor

Russian Olive

photo © Lauren Taylor

Purple Plum and Pine

photo © Lauren Taylor
Crabapple

photo © Lauren Taylor
Purple Plum

photo © Lauren Taylor
Japanese Lilac

photo © Lauren Taylor
Japanese Maple

photo © Lauren Taylor
Spirea

Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden

2010-04-05T21:53:00.004-04:00

Well, how about that?

2010-04-05T21:53:00.000-04:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

Look what my husband found growing in the shed! Ha ha. What's that saying? "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions?" Well, thanks, Meijer, for the daffodils.

Here comes the GREEN!

2010-04-05T16:37:00.000-04:00

Photograph © Lauren Taylor

All at once it's Spring! Bright, warm, budding, Spring. Thank goodness. Every morning I look out and take inventory of what has begun to bud. By evening there are more buds and the next day it's doubled again. I can hardly keep up. Do yourself a favor. Go out and study the beauty of buds. They are nearly as pretty as flowers and so full of inspiration. By the end of Winter I am almost convinced that every sticky shrub in my garden must be dead and then, this. How lucky are we gardeners to see the simple beauty of the everyday world around us?

First Daffodil of the year

2010-04-05T15:44:00.001-04:00

Photograph © Lauren Taylor

Note to self: Plant more daffodils!

Little bulb without a name

2010-04-05T15:32:00.000-04:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

I've been sitting on this post for a few days waiting for the name of this pretty little flower to come to me. Much to my shame and embarrassment the name has permanently escaped me. I have a grouping of about 20 of these little beauties blooming in my garden right now. They were planted as bulbs a couple of years ago and are always a surprise when they bloom in the early spring. Then I forget about them for another year until they surprise me again the next year.

I'm sure one of you clever gardeners out there in cyberspace will see this flower, have the ah ha moment that never occurred to me, and clue me in on its name.

Hello Beauty!

2010-04-01T18:48:00.000-04:00

To me, beauty is in the details. This time of year, if you look close enough, it can be found all over the place. Some of my favorite perennial plants emerge so interestingly from the ground in Spring. Here are a couple I sought out today.

Photograph © Lauren Taylor

Alchemilla Mollis

Lady's Mantle

Photograph © Lauren Taylor

Tiarella "Key Lime Pie"

Foam Flower

Moms and Dads

2010-03-31T12:08:00.000-04:00

Two sets of parents to be have been greeting us at the water's edge every morning. We've had at least one nesting pair of Canada Geese for years but this is our inaugural visitation from the Swans. What a treat! We have a lot of water foul duking it out for the prime nesting real estate on our islands. So far these two pairs seem to be living peaceably together. Now, if we can only keep our dogs away from the babies it will be a good Spring!

photo © Lauren Taylor

First Spring blooms!

2010-03-31T09:03:00.000-04:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

The first bloom of 2010; the timeless classic, always appreciated crocus. There is truly no bloom that makes me giddy like the crocus bloom. After 8 months of Winter these little flowers remind me, as if for the first time, of how happy flowers make me. When the rest of the yard is gray and brown these little beauties just shine even from far away. Of course, there can never be enough of them and by Fall I've forgotten all about the lowly crocus. This year it is on my to do list- PLANT MORE CROCUS BULBS!

photo © Lauren Taylor

It's about time!

2010-03-30T07:50:00.000-04:00

Today will be the first day of growing season photoblogging. Is that a word, photoblogging? Well, anyway, this is my mission, a photo a day of my garden through the season. Photo one will be posted later on today as I've yet to take it. Ha. So, hope you enjoy my journey. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you!

You Be the Judge #2

2010-03-12T09:34:00.001-05:00

I bring you the long awaited - 10 hours to be exact- installation number 2 of "You be the Judge" where you, the people, cast your votes and biased opinions, deciding collectively which flower show entry is, in fact, the best. This is very serious, as you can tell.

So, here we go. Below are four entries for a class entitled "European Cuisine", a buffet table for five. Of course, as all the designs were created in West Michigan, the European element varies.

Can't wait to hear/read your expert opinions!

You be the Judge

2010-03-11T21:57:00.001-05:00

This class is called "Breakfast in the British Isles". It was scheduled as a capsule table for one. Using basic design principles (if you know them) or your own personal biases and opinions (you definitely know them) judge these designs. Go ahead; though shalt judge. I (and everyone else like me) would love to know what you think. In fact, if you expound on your inner feelings toward these designs I'll post more "You be the Judge" posts and we'll see how closely you come to the actual judges' results.

Success in some sense of the word

2010-03-05T16:55:00.000-05:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

So here it is, the design I've been imagining for months. The theme for this Flower Show Class was "Island Dining" a functional table for two (on a card table).

photo © Lauren Taylor

As you can see, I went with a volcanic island theme.

photo © Lauren Taylor

I used all perfect tropical blooms of Pincushion Protea, Strelitzia, Anthuriums, and Oncidium Orchids.

photo © Lauren Taylor

I envisioned two "volcano" arrangements working synergistically across the center of the table.

photo © Lauren Taylor

It turned out even better than I imagined. But, alas, it did not win the blue.

photo © Lauren Taylor

This is what won the blue. It's very good but...

photo © Lauren Taylor

I still like mine better. Sorry.

Flower Show Mayhem!

2010-02-26T12:35:00.000-05:00

photograph © Lauren Taylor

Next week is the Home & Garden Show here in Grand Rapids. While I am looking forward to all of the Spring inspiration, I am completely shaking in my boots. A feature of this show is Michigan Garden Club's District 4 Flower Show design and horticulture competition. I am placing two entries this year. As it turns out I will be up against some of the best designers in the state, all of which have years of experience and expertise. Me? I have less than a year's experience but, what the heck? Here goes nothing.

My first flower show experience was terrifying to me. It shouldn't really have been scary at all except that I happen to be extremely competitive despite my best efforts to tone it down. I created this giant arrangement (pictured) with lots of hot glue and a large reliance on gravity and water tubes. First time around, prepared to lose on all fronts, I took home two blue ribbons, Designer's Choice, and People's choice. Who'd have thought. I was thrilled! Now, I have a reputation to live up to. Yikes.

I have 5 days now to finish preparations for an encore. Nervous, nervous, nervous! In fact, the more I type the more nervous I get... so I'm done. That's it for this post. I don't know what you say to a flower show competitor: Good luck? Break a leg? Something clever related to flowers? Well, anyway, wish me..... whatever.

photograph © Lauren Taylor

Shade Revolution

2010-02-24T09:22:00.002-05:00

photograph © Lauren Taylor

Welcome to one of my many renovation gardens. This narrow strip on the shady side of our home has been in flux for the last couple of seasons (along with practically every other area of our property). At the beginning of this project existing features included a large cottonwood tree some dead(ish) rhododendrons, and one big hosta in need of division. Oh, and let us not forget the ugly old privacy fence. Although the site has its drawbacks it has one advantage that no other area of our gardens has. It is magically deer and rabbit proof. I don't know why. It just is.

I've always wanted a dark little side garden that was just jam packed with a beautiful variety of sparkling foliage plants, vines, and tucked away seating areas. Although I would love a teeny tiny, barely usable winding path through the plants, a mowable strip is more practical and, until I give in to my less practical side that is what we have.

The little seating are began this past Summer. You can see its beginnings below. Of course the stepping stones are set now and the raised bed has more plants but, you get the idea. I hope to grow an alpine clematis on the bare fence to give more of a sense of enclosure to the seating area. I've added ajuga to the gaps around the stepping stones (where there are dandelions in the photo) to give them a softer transition. The rock wall will have epimedium at its top edge with bleeding heart and hosta behind.

The curved edges of the garden at the foot of this massive tree seemed like the perfect place to try out one of my new favorites, japanese forest grass. You can see aureola just planted in the photo below. Around the bend I also planted a gold and white striped variety and a solid gold variety. To pick up on their bright foliage there are a few varieties of gold toned hostas. The variegation of the forest grass is mimicked in the bicolored solomon's seal and gold edged hosta in the back.

photograph © Lauren Taylor

Further down the path the hostas are all tones of blue green and white. Angel Wings (above) is one of my favorite blue big leaved hostas in this section. Patriot, with it's white striped leaves and stems give some pattern to this dark area. Mouse Ears, with its tiny blue leaves, sits out near the edge among the lovely lamium pictured below.

photograph © Lauren Taylor

Of course, when all else fails to bring light to the shadowed areas of a garden creeping jenny will get the job done. Well contained creeping jenny is beautiful with spots of read around via coleus and of course, my handy dandy rooster.

photograph © Lauren Taylor

Formal English Garden

2010-02-21T13:29:00.000-05:00

photography © Kelly Doyle

This is a dream garden. Don't you agree? Who wouldn't love to step out their backdoor onto cool flagstone into the dappled sunlight of a formal English garden? Well, to the Doyle family this dream garden is a reality. On Summer days the air is filled with the sweet scent of lavender and old fashioned roses that climb wrought iron arbors. The arbors frame charming vignettes at the ends of the paths. With ample seating, this garden is one to be taken in with a cup of English Tea and a moment's peace and quiet.

Here's a Cool One to Try!

2010-02-15T13:54:00.001-05:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

This is Amorpha canescens (leadplant) and it is fantastic!

I came across this plant while shopping for seeds to sow in the snow.

Of course the beautiful illustration on the Botanical Interests seed packet caught my eye immediately. The fact that it is shown attracting a butterfly drew me to it as well. I just love to see my garden full of happy winged creatures!

Upon composing myself, I read about propagating the seeds of these Colorado natives. The packet specifically states that stratifying (giving seeds a cold treatment for a matter of weeks) improves the germination of these seeds and recommends late fall to midwinter sowing. Score! So, of course, I bought myself a pack. Yes, I did show restraint in not clearing the entire shelf of Leadplant seed packets.

I'm anxious to see these beauties in person. Just look at the gorgeous contrasting colors. Bright and deep blue petals on 1/4" pea like flowers, clustered together to form a raceme up to 6" long all with anthers of perfect, hot orange. To add even more allure, the foliage of this plant is soft and slightly fuzzy in my favorite foliage hue of silvery gray.

This plant, I believe, will be my favorite new plant this year. And for a $2.69 expenditure, it may also be my best deal of the season!

Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

2010-02-14T11:32:00.000-05:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

It is at the edge of a petal that love waits.
- William Carlos Williams

Here's a crafty little Valentine flower for you.

To make this you will need :

-Red Construction Paper cut into double sided hearts with a hole punched in the middle (see photo below)

-Lollipop

-Foam ball cut in half

-Sheet Moss

-Red Raffia

-Glue

Simply thread the hearts onto the Lollipop's Stem. Then, tie the Raffia in a tight bow right under the heart petals. Cover the half foam ball in glue and lay sheet moss over it. Let dry. Then trim around the edges. Stab the Lollipop into the center of the foam.

Now make another one so you can share.

photo © Lauren Taylor

The Cute Factor

2010-02-12T17:15:00.000-05:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

Would you like to have the cutest garden on the block?

Find out how after the break.

Plant an adorable puppy.

Eenie Meenie Miney Moe

2010-02-12T07:45:00.001-05:00

With all of the wonderful garden publications how can one possibly choose? For the last few years I've snatching up this or that magazine in hopes of finding "The One". "The One" that will unlock the magic door to garden bliss. "The One" that will reveal everything I never knew I didn't know. "The One" that surpassed all others. In short, a gardening magazine that I just can't live without. So far I'm stumped.

I do, however have a shortlist of favorites that I have found to be focused on different kinds of gardening styles in the same way that interior design magazines are focused on different kinds of decorating styles. My shortlist, pictured above, is: Garden Gate, Garden Design, Country Gardens, and Fine Gardening.

Garden Gate is a bimonthly publication that features plant surveys, design plans, and simple tips and techniques for gardeners at beginning and intermediate levels. One of the great perks of this magazine is that it features real and doable gardens. Not every garden you see here is owned by a wealthy person or even by a person who spends half their time gardening. The featured garden articles describe the overall layout of the gardens (which I find extremely helpful) as well as the zoning, age, and owners' particular approach. One bit of this magazine that I find down right annoying are the surveys of best plants. Practically every other issue it seems that the same "Favorite plant for shade", "Favorite plant for sun", "Best perennial", "Best annual" is featured. You know, I get it. Their readers like Hostas for shade and Daylilies for sun. There definitely seems to be a glass ceiling on new plants and information here but, for useful day-to-day gardening tips and doable gardens, this is a great one.

Perhaps on the opposite end of the spectrum is Garden Design. It features high end...scratch that... highEST end gardens that are both modern and creative. This magazine showcases expensive garden products and pushes the boundaries of gardening as an art form. Most of the gardens found here are not the average homeowners' garden but they certainly make great inspiration! Garden Design is for gardening what Metropolitan Home is for interiors. Sleek, contemporary, and way above my pay grade.

A new favorite of mine is Country Gardens , subsidiary of Better Homes and Gardens. Just as the title implies, it is full of detailed articles and photos of gardens with a particular "Country" or "Cottage" flair. The plantings suggested are loose and natural. Most of the featured gardens are homeowner designed and managed but just as impressive as the professionally designed gardens found elsewhere (perhaps more so). There are creative ideas about using antiques and rustic garden decor (if you're into that), and appropriate tips throughout. You might not learn anything new about gardening techniques but, you will find a feast for the eyes and encouragement to take charge and build your own garden dream. The only drawback here is that you will only receive this inspirational little gem once every 3 months.

Finally, the standard for admirable gardening skill and knowledge, Fine Gardening . Ever the ivory tower of garden magazines, it exalts the use of proper botanical nomenclature, right technique, and knowledge design theory for the garden. You will always find detailed plant profiles and combinations.

In fact, their close up portraits of particular plant groupings make up nearly half of the photos. There is usually one good garden feature but, sometimes none. You will find many examples of how to use particular plants and list after list of plants to add to your shopping list. This is a good one for know it alls.

After trying all of these very different magazines on for size, I still am without the perfect fit. So, I'll stick to my little bit of this, little bit of that approach for now.

What magazines have you found enjoyable? Tell me all of your favorites!

Snow Day... again.

2010-02-10T10:46:00.001-05:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

Snow Day- again. How many snow days have there been this Winter? And what a strange winter it is!

I remember loving these days as a child. Bundling up and going outside armed with a sled and some imagination was bliss. A snow day was a day full of potential. Why is it that as an adult a snow day feels like a dead end, like I've been put on terminal hold from doing what I really want. I want to be outdoors but, I don't want to be outdoors in the snow. No, I want to be out in my garden. I'm looking forward to seeing the Hellobores opening their buds with the hope of Spring, and the green daffodil's spears climbing out of the darkness toward the sunshine.

I know this winter can't last forever but, for now, I will curl up indoors with a cozy blanket and learn to appreciate the beauty of a snow day again. No, I will not be bundling up to go out sledding. I will sit right here and view the cold world outside at a safe distance. Today is beautiful even without the flowers and when the air is frosty and the clouds hover close to the earth the snow brings light and shimmer. I used to sing a melancholy song that goes something like this:

Snow is falling

gently falling

from a sky of gray.

Turns a dreary morning

to a magic Winter day.

Small and clean and white.

Shining Diamond Bright.

All the world seems right

When

Snow is falling

gently falling

from a sky of gray......

So, today is a snow day. What will I do with it?

A Photographic Ode to Emily's Garden

2010-02-08T13:18:00.000-05:00

photo © Emily McCall

Emily McCall is my sister and a devoted gardener. She and her daughter, Grace (now 3) started this garden together a couple of years ago and it has been growing more beautiful every year since. I could go on and on about the great work she has done in her yard but, I think her photos really speak for themselves.

So, here's to you, Em! I love you, sister!

photo © Emily McCall

Week Old Flowers

2010-02-07T20:39:00.000-05:00

photo© Lauren Taylor

Remember my "gorgeous centerpiece" from a week, actually, a week and three days ago? Well, the gerber daisies were the first to go then, the roses, and finally the lilies. However, the carnations are just now looking their ruffly best and the alstromerias are also hanging in there.

Since there were too many gaping holes to leave them in their former arrangement I got creative. That tends to happen from time to time: creativity. I like how things worked out. I just gathered up a handful of different sized white vases and filled them with what was left of my pretty flowers from a week ago.

By the way, carnations and alstromeria are super cheap. The carnations were only fifty cents each and the alstromeria were something like four dollars for a big bunch. Amazing that they lasted so much longer than the five dollar lilies!

photo© Lauren Taylor

Rethinking our connection to the landscape

2010-02-06T16:46:00.000-05:00

"Waterfall" by Georgia O'Keefe

While Winter is still upon us we all find ourselves daydreaming about this year's garden. It will be bigger and better, and more beautiful than last year. It will be healthy and well managed, and we will do right by it. That's a lot of pressure.

Why not think of gardening differently this year. Instead of having to control it all, how about letting the garden impress its desires on you. Try to see your landscape, your own special environment as a place where you can be at peace with nature. I hate to tell you this but, sometimes, weeds are about as natural as it comes.

Perfection does not exist the way we want it to. In the natural landscape, perfection is achieved when every part of the ecosystem feeds another. In your garden, you are the master manipulator of the ecosystem for better or for worse.

I came upon this wonderful painting by Georgia O'Keefe and was reminded of the simple way that gardening connects us to the earth. Every flower in our garden and yes every weed shows us the simple beauty of nature working its hardest to bring beauty and connectedness to the world.

I hope that this year brings you a multitude of peaceful, simple, perfect days in the garden.

Not so furry friends

2010-02-05T19:35:00.000-05:00

photo © Frederik Meijer Gardens

Have you ever seen the smile on a child's face when they encounter a leafy garden animal? To a child topiaries are a lot like a stuffed animal. In fact, to the makers of these gorgeous artforms, they are exactly like stuffed animals. With inspiration from the wonderful creatures found at Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park's Children's Garden you can learn to make an animal to delight visitors of all ages in your very own garden.

Learn how after the break.

These large animals are simpler than they look to those with practice and skill. For us beginners, a smaller version is more manageable. Follow these simple steps to build your own living garden creatures.

1. Order a form online or purchase one at a home and garden center.

You can find them online at Garden Artisans

2. Stuff with Spagnum moss to hold moisture.

3. Insert succulents or ivy through the wire form and into the moss.

4. Place in light shade and water occasionally.

Simple, right?

If this is too daunting then, treat yourself to a field trip to Frederik Meijer Gardens for some inspiration!

photo © Frederik Meijer Gardens

A Controversial Beauty

2010-02-04T17:30:00.000-05:00

Artemisia vulgaris "Oriental Limelight" Photo © Lauren Taylor

Here's a real attention getter! This gold and green stunner is an Artemisia called 'Oriental Limelight'. It's gorgeous foliage stands high above many border plantings, topping out at around 6 feet tall in some areas. It is deer resistant, it puts on a good show for a very long season, and it's cold hardy all the way to Zone 4a! All of these attributes make it very desirable for most gardeners.

(more after the break)

Since this is a relatively new cultivar, what you may not know is that 'Oriental Limelight' is not only a show stopper but, it steals the show...literally! If you have any meek little beauties nearby then, watch out! This artemisia will take over!

For some of us a plant like this would be a nightmare. For others, a spreader like this is just what the doctor ordered. In my garden there is plenty of room for another swath of variegated foliage. If it took over a ten by twenty stretch of land it would be just beautiful. Also, I have deer; lots of them. This may be one of very few plants that could stand up to them. In addition, Artemisia 'Oriental limelight' is highly recommended for xeriscaping so, I can plant it far, far away and not have to worry too much about it needing me.

If you want some of this controversial plant your least expensive bet would be to find out who already has too much of it. I'm sure they'd be happy to give you one of this plant's plentiful new starts. Otherwise check out Romence Gardens online for their high quality perennials.

Northscaping.com and DavesGarden.com both have some interesting tid bits to share on this plant if you want more information.

Bloom Baby Bloom

2010-02-04T15:05:00.000-05:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

Although the snow is deep and we are all in hibernation mode, there is hope on the horizon. No, Winter will not be over tomorrow or the next day but, with some ingenuity we can bring Spring indoors a few weeks early.

The solution to cold weather blues may lie in "forcing". Forcing yourself to get off the couch and be productive, forcing your dogs not to eat what remains of the philodendron, forcing a branch to bloom.

For now, I think I can mange the branch bit...the rest is a work in progress.

Forcing branches to bloom is easier than you might think. It all starts in January or February when the temperatures are cold but not freezing. This is when flowering shrubs and trees start showing their buds. Simply select a branch with numerous plump buds and cut that baby off. Smash she end with a rock or a hammer to open up some of the fibers. Alternatively, you can make a vertical cut in bottom of the stem about a few inches long. Put your branch in water and cut again, keeping the stem immersed so it takes up the maximum amount of water. Keep your branch in a warm room (60 - 70 degrees F) and change the water every few days. In just a few weeks (sooner in some cases) you will have a branch that is bursting with blossoms. Won't that be nice?

This year I'll be trying some Cherry branches, Forsythia, and Flowering Quince. Others to try include, Redbud, Dogwood, Crabapple, Lilac, and Purple Plum just to name a few.

Sow in the Snow

2010-02-03T12:07:00.001-05:00

photo © Lauren Taylor

Did you know that you can sow the seeds of self seeding perennials and some self sowing annuals right now. That's right; now, in the cold, snowy winter. It's super easy and in most cases these plants will bloom the very first year.

I've had great success with Hollyhocks. For the last couple of years I've tried different methods of propagating this cottage garden favorite (pictured above- second from the left). Spring sowing in peat pots (indoors) was successful for germination but, after the first winter, results were varied. Since Hollyhocks are biennial they must set seed to replace themselves. If new plants don't flower and do not set seed you may not have hollyhocks the following year. I also tried direct sowing in early summer. I followed the instructions and soaked my seeds over night (like Morning Glories) and had no luck at all. So this year I know what works: Winter Sowing. So along with Hollyhocks I'll try Shasta Daisies, Cleome, and Poppies. With some success I'll have photos of these plants blooming in my garden to share this Summer.
Find out how after the break.

Here's how:

1. Buy some seeds. Hollyhock seeds are big so buy a few packs if you want a lot of plants.

2. Choose a spot for sowing. Make sure you research the conditions your mature plants need to thrive. Shasta Daisy, Hollyhocks, Cleome, and Poppies (pictured above) all prefer full sun and well draining soil. Hollyhocks and Cleome, which are quite tall, do best with some protection from the wind. Planting them near a wall or fence will make them less likely to blow over.

3. Brush away the snow and rough up the soil. Making a small trench for your seeds to rest in will help them to stay put until spring.

4. Sow your seeds. I like to plant seeds two or three at a time to increase my chances for success.

5. Lightly cover with soil (not too much. Some Seeds need light to germinate).

Garden Barefoot... almost

2010-02-02T22:39:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't love to walk barefoot in their own yard? Who likes to work barefoot in their own garden? Unfortunately, going barefoot can be risky business. Your little tootsies are vulnerable to cuts, infections, fungus, and lots and lots of dirt, not to mention how rough and ugly they will look.
Well, there is a revolution underway. It's called the barefoot revolution and it's being marketed by an athletic company called Vibram FiveFingers. They recommend their "fivefingered" shoes for all sorts of activities but, my first thought was for gardening. They aren't cheap. They'll run you about $80 but, imagine gripping the rich soil of your garden, feeling the terrain underfoot, finding your inner hippie and connecting with the energy of the earth. I say, "Eighty bucks? That's a steal!"

Missing my Summer view

2010-02-01T19:49:00.001-05:00

photo © Lauren Taylor
This is my garden in early June. I miss it. Now all you can see out the windows are the evergreens, a few stems still standing in the perennial beds and snow; lots of snow.

photo © Lauren Taylor
In the Summer this bed reaches heights of 11 feet tall.

photo © Lauren Taylor
We love our secluded section of the lake. The plantings are naturalistic with irises, ferns, honeysuckle and other natives to Michigan.

photo © Lauren Taylor
The focal point of this bed is a large weeping pine (left side of the photo). In the Spring the weeping cherry (leaves across the top of photo) is completely covered in light pink blossoms.

photo © Lauren Taylor

Our hosta collection is growing and providing and endless supply of food to our other pets... the slugs.

It doesn't look like the snow will be going away anytime soon. So, for now, I'll satisfy my gardening urges with planning not planting. I suppose that's almost as fun.

Great Craft Tutorial from Stem

2010-01-31T21:20:00.000-05:00

photo © Stem Parties

Create this simple vase cozy for Valentines or any other day of the year. It's a creative and inexpensive way to customize a simple vase for any occasion.

See the entire tutorial from Stem Parties here http://stemparties.blogspot.com/2010/01/super-simple-sock-craft-yes-socks.html

"Victory of Somathrace" adaptation for the garden

2010-01-31T10:06:00.001-05:00

photo © Aoibheann Lambe via sculpture in context

Aoibheann Lambe
After the "Winged Victory of Samothrace"
Hemp, Paper
200 x 100 x 150

If you are an art lover you may recognize the inspiration behind this garden sculpture. The original, "Victory of Somathrace" or "Winged Victory", was created in the 2nd century BC in Greece. It is now a focal point of the Louvre in Paris but, when it was created it stood in an open air temple setting. It is fitting that Aoibheann Lambe's tribute to the famous sculpture is not only made for an open air setting but, literally wrapped around it. This piece is such a lovely expression of the victory of nature in this beautiful landscape.

View The original "Victory of Somathrace" below the break.

photo © D.Barcia

Take my word for it

2010-01-30T13:49:00.000-05:00

Go to this website: http://www.oudolf.com/piet-oudolf/gardens/public-gardens . Check out the AMAZING perennial landscape designs of Piet Oudolf. He is so fantastic that his photos are all locked up with private copyrights, so I can't share them with you directly. But, take my word for it, he is incredible! Visit the site. Look at the pictures. Be inspired.

Procrastination leads to Gorgeous Centerpiece

2010-01-30T11:26:00.004-05:00

Yes, I am a procrastinator. Or should I say "Hi, I'm Lauren and I'm a procrastinator". If there were such a Procrastinators Anonymous group, I would be top of the class. Occasionally, however, I am rewarded for my tardiness.

After cooking all day in preparation for an Indian feast for eight, I ran out of time to create the centerpiece I had planned. So, rather than have my guests entertain themselves while I finished my work, we all got our creative juices flowing and designed the arrangement together. The result was this unique centerpiece with a great story behind it and a wonderful start to the evening.

To try this approach at your next gathering you might want to take these preprocrastination steps.

1. Buy the flowers: I did this the morning of the party. If you're making the arrangement a group effort it will be more interesting for your guests to have a wide variety of flower types to choose from. Choose a color theme so the resulting arrangement is cohesive but not boring. For my centerpiece I chose a purple and gold theme. So, I purchased Three colors of Snapdragons that fit the theme, two varieties of Carnations (I bought a lot of these for filler), Gerber Daisies, Asiatic Lilies, and Roses.

2. Condition your flowers by placing them all in a bucket of deep warm water mixed with cut flower food. It's important that you cut the stems underwater before you leave them to soak. They will last much longer if you do this.

3. Lay out your supplies, container, and flowers in an easy gathering spot. Our coffee table was a perfect location for this. As guests arrived, I greeted them and they joined in the fun.

For supplies you will need:

Sharp Scissors (at least 2 pairs)

Sharp Knife and Cutting Board

Floral Foam for fresh flowers (Oasis)

Dish Towels and/or Newspaper to protect the table. If you really want to be extravagant lay out dish towels that coordinate or contrast with the color of your flowers. I used Blue towels to draw attention to the contrasting yellow/orange flowers as we worked. Call me crazy, but I do think the flowers of that color got preferential placement in the arrangement as a result.

Cut your floral foam and have it put into the container before guests arrive.

4. Prepare a spot on the Dining Table for the finished arrangement.

5. ENJOY!

CLARE DOHNA Mosaic Garden Art

2010-01-28T15:21:00.002-05:00

The mosaic garden art by Clare Dohna transforms plain gardens to beautiful and beautiful gardens to breathtaking. The bright tiles that she makes herself echo the colors of the garden in bloom and offer a multi-hued focal point in the bleak, gray winter days.

Learn more about Clare and her art at her website .

Moss on the move

2010-01-28T14:56:00.000-05:00

It's amazing the heights that this low growing and often overlooked plant has climbed to in the design world. Take these three artists for example.

Mineo MiZuno uses moss as a living glaze on her perforated ceramic forms. Nguyen La Chanh makes the most of a steamy situation with this moss carpet for www.yankodesign.com

Perhaps my favorite use of moss is the guerrilla gardener/artist Edina Tokodi. Her moss artwork, mostly in Brooklyn, gets the water it needs from the air and natural precipitation.

Not everyone has such an easy time growing moss. For information about attempting it yourself check out this Washington Post article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/20/AR2009032001449.html and learn all about it.

More Boxwood, Please.

2010-01-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

Boxwood (Buxus microphylla) is one of the most reliable and long lived evergreen shrubs in the garden. They can be used as hedges, topiary, knot gardens, and edging. They look beautiful in any shape, any size, and especially en masse.

Luckily, boxwood happen to be one of the easiest broadleaved evergreens to propagate.

Find out how below the break.

There are a few different ways to grow new boxwood bushes: Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings, and Layering.

Boxwood are slow growers and new shrubs are usually different than their parent plant so seed is usually out of the question for home gardeners.

If you already have boxwood growing in your garden the simplest way to produce an identical shrub is called Layering. Very simply, select a low growing branch, strip the leaves from about a hands length of it to lay on the soil. Rough a small area by bending it a bit more. This is where the roots will grow. You may want to put some rooting hormone on this section (buy at any nursery or home improvement stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot). Make sure it has total contact with well draining soil. The best soil for propagation is slightly sandy with added peat and/or perlite. Hold it in place with a landscape staple or a heavy rock. Leave it like this for the season. Soon you will see new leaves growing near the end of the branch. Next season you can cut the branch that connects it to its parent plant and move your baby boxwood to it's new home.

Another easy way to create a lot of boxwood babies is by Cuttings. In mid summer cut about 5 inches from a stem if boxwood. Strip the leaves from the bottom 4 inches. Dip the end in rooting hormone and stand upright in a 1/2" to 1" deep hole of a peat pellet or other sterile planting media. In a few weeks it will have rooted and you can transfer it to a larger pot, then start hardening it off in a sheltered, outdoor location. Plant in the garden that fall or overwinter it indoors, and plant next Spring.

I think I would like to take a risk and start my stem cuttings directly outdoors in a partial shade section of my yard. I'll plant more than I need right away and make sure to keep them misted. By next year I should be able to move them around the garden.

So, whether you need one more boxwood or 300, growing your own is an easy and rewarding way to add evergreen beauty to your garden.

For more information on growing varieties of boxwood visit www.boxwoodsociety.org

Garden Art by FRANCES DOHERTY

2010-01-27T13:04:00.001-05:00

This ceramic garden art will knock your socks off! Frances Doherty is a funky little Brit whose art reflects her vision of plants in all their detailed glory.

She shows her work in their intended garden environment and in Galleries throughout the UK. Most recently the Ventnor Botanic Gardens on the Isle of Wight was adorned by these precious jewels for guests to admire.

How gorgeous are these poppy sculptures? The industrial quality of the metal "stems" and wooden base create a very interesting contrast in this naturalistic English garden.

Smaller sculptures are staked throughout boxwood hedges to delineate the edges of walkways and planting beds.

Stumps make appropriate pedestals for these floral beauties.

The grand finale, "Towering Bells" makes a space for itself right in front of Sedum of complimentary color.

For more images and information about Frances Doherty's incredible work visit her website: www.francesdoherty.co.uk/

ORCHID SHOW

2010-01-26T13:43:00.001-05:00

This show by the Grand Valley Orchid Societysurpassed all expectations. Orchids of every color, shape, and size, even a few with smell impressed visitors of all ages this weekend at Frederik Meijer Gardens. View an array of Orchids after the break.

Garden to covet:

2010-01-26T10:36:00.000-05:00

What is Green and Red and pretty all over?

The gorgeous garden of East Grand Rapidian, Adele Krhovsky.

Her property is completely grass free. It has no lawn, no weeds, just beautiful, luscious plantings of both native and exotic, tropical plants.

Adele's garden is a haven for entertaining guests of all ages. With multiple levels including cobblestone patios, steps, decks, and a pool, navigating her garden in easy and exciting.

With an eye to texture and interesting foliage, she creates charming vignettes throughout the landscape. Some of the most striking of her foliage plants are the giant elephant ears and astounding varieties of hosta.

Black, White, Yellow Centerpieces

2010-01-25T23:29:00.000-05:00

I LOVE this color combination for a modern table.

Also, I must say, there is no flower more adorable than the billy ball. I used it here with the biggest white mums I could find and just a little bit of bear grass.

To make these cute little arrangements simply cut the end off a gourd and hollow it out like you would a jack-o-lantern. Then cut a block of soaked Oasis to fit inside. Use 2-3 mums and a few billy balls. Be creative with the bear grass. For this table I arranged the flowers in each arrangement differently then, let each couple at the party take home their favorite. To finish it off scatter river rocks at the base of your beautiful design. You can complete the look by stamping your guests initials on the rocks and using them as paperweights for the seating cards.

See all sorts of BLACK WHITE YELLOW designs at my favorite interiors blog: blackwhiteyellow.

Check out more great uses for billy balls at Ruffled Blog and order them atVans

MAKE IT: Felt Flower Clip

2010-01-25T23:10:00.000-05:00

Check out this wonderful tutorial from ahootandaholler

First of all, to get started you will need:
-Some nice wool felt (Any felt will do but 100% wool felt looks the nicest)
-Matching embroidery thread and a needle
-Something for the flowers "center". I used a felted wool ball this time but I have used rhinestone, beads, etc.
-one metal hair clip
-A glue gun
-Small scissors

First you will need to cut two squares out of your felt a little bigger than your metal clip.

Next you will need to cut a tiny hole in the center of the top of one of your squares. I do this by pinching the felt and then snipping a TINY hole into the top.

Look! No hands!

Slip the back of your clip through the hole you just created.

Next your will want to put the other piece of felt on top sandwiching your clip in the middle.
You will take a long piece of embroidery thread (I usually just use two strands of it) and make a knot at one end.
Next, you will want to sew the two layers of felt together making your way around the clip as close to the edge as possible. I like to make my first stitch starting in between the two layers so the knot will not show.

After you are finished sewing around the clip tie a small knot in the back and clip your thread. Then you will want to trim all the extra felt as close to the stitches as you can WITHOUT clipping your thread.

Now for the flower pedals! This is the shape I chose for the tutorial. They are about a half of an inch.

You will need five pedals for each flower. The next step is to sew them together with a long piece of embroidery thread with a knot at the end of it. Start at the v in the flower pedal. Pull each one down to the knot.

This is what you will have when your finished with the flower.

Next you take the thread around to the back and sew the first and the last pedal together and tie a knot.

Now just glue the felt ball or whatever you chose for your center on and then pop it on the clip and your set.
Enjoy!

Posted at 11:39 AM in She's Crafty, Tutorials | Permalink

Nemours Mansion and Gardens

2010-01-25T23:01:00.000-05:00

photo copyright Britt Conley via thephotogardenbee.com

Look at this lush garden! It must be French, right? Wrong! Actually, this garden (which is huge, by the way) is right here in the U.S. It lies in the Brandywine Valley near the Deleware-Pennsylvania border.

It's formally designed landscaping based on Versailles’ Petit Trianon and it shows. I was overwhelmed by these images of the boxwood gardens with it's intricate patterning and carpets of red begonias. To find out more head over to the PHOTO GARDEN BEE

photo copyright Britt Conley via thephotogardenbee.com

COLORS in my garden: WHITE

2010-01-25T22:21:00.000-05:00

Clockwise from top left, Balloon Flowers, Snow in the Summer, Columbine, Japanese Lilac.

COLORS in my garden: RED & PINK

2010-01-25T22:14:00.000-05:00

Clockwise from top left: Tulips, Weeping Cherry, Columbine, Peony, Tulip.

COLORS in my garden: YELLOW

2010-01-25T22:06:00.000-05:00

Clockwise from top left: Sundrops, Tulips and Daffodils, Columbine, Tulips, Daffodils, Iris.

COLORS in my garden: PURPLE

2010-01-25T21:55:00.001-05:00

Clockwise from top left: Columbine, Clematis, Bearded Iris, Muscari, Cornflower, Bearded Iris, Lamium.

THIS IS ME:

2010-01-25T21:03:00.000-05:00

MY NAME: Lauren Taylor

MY MISSION: Spread my love and knowledge of gardening. This blog is a journal of gardening information and inspiration for gardeners and "wannabe" gardeners of all ages and backgrounds. I believe that gardening is a way of living. It changes the way you see and experience the world. I'd like to share some of that with you!

MY JOB: Photographer and Fine Artist. My husband Jim and I own Beautiful Wedding Photography and my paintings show across the country at galleries such as the Malton Gallery

MY GARDEN STATISTICS: Officially, I am in my fourth year of this obsession called gardening. It all started when I got married and moved from an apartment in the historic district of Grand Rapids to 3 sprawling acres in the suburbs. With the generous help and kindness of Grand Rapids Freecyclers I began to stock my new gardens with divisions of all sorts of perennials. I soon learned about native flower gardening and it was love! The obsession got wheels and before I knew it I was armpits deep in seed catalogs, gardening magazines, and library books searching for any information I could get my hands on. Soon, I made the life changing (and I mean life changing) decision to join a wonderful group of comrades at the Kent Garden Club. Since then I have been learning to make the very most of this beautiful land... and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon! So follow my journey and be inspired to see the world around you in new and living colors!