Gardening Tidbits

2011-12-31T11:09:00.000-08:00

Gardening Tidbits

As we conclude 2011 I thought it would be interesting to learn of the impact that this Blog may have had throughout the World. This report covers the time period from May 2009 through December 2011. The countries listed with the number of page views is submitted for information of all the readers here:

United States 2,585

Germany 149

United Kingdom 101

Canada 92

Russia 74

India 70

France 32

Italy 23

Australia 21

Japan 20

2011-12-14T08:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Decorations

Featuring Natural Materials

I designed this arrangement for the top of the Hutch in the Breakfast Room at The Garden Center in Macon, Georgia. Except for the three red balls all of the items came from the Gardens of the Pine Ridge Garden Club Members.

These Christmas Decorations on the Sub-Division Entrance Sign where I live was designed by a Neighbor. Except for the ribbons the decor features Natural Plant Materials that grow in the sub-division.

I post this entry today to point out, as I am sure many readers already know, that one can decorate for any Holiday using what is available. This post features Christmas which is really quite easy to decorate for using green plant materials and a minimum of red accents.

I take this opportunity to Wish Everyone a Blessed Christmas 2011!!!

2011-11-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

Enjoying the Beauty

Middle Georgia

November 18, 2011

I do not recall a Fall Season when the colors of the season were so rich and beautiful. This evening I took the opportunity to walk around my home here in Bibb County to capture the lovely colors. I hope you also have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.

Angel Trumpet

Nellie Stevens Holly

Fatsia Blooms

Japanese Maple

Dogwood leaves and berries

Queen Anne's Lace

Japanese Maple

I have never had Angel Trumpet Blooms on plants in the ground flourish like they have this Fall. This cluster of blooms has survived several frosty nights.

2011-10-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

Angel Trumpet Blooms

Several days ago I posted an entry entitled "Leaving A Legacy" in which I discussed sharing the Flowers that I enjoy. One of the Flowers was the Angel Trumpet plant. Today I had the opportunity to take several more images of this lovely flower in a better lighting situation. Therefore I decided that I would share them with all of the readers of this Blog. Enjoy the beauty!!! I took these pictures just a few minutes prior to 7:00 P.M. when there was no Sun light.

2011-10-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Leaving A Legacy

I recently was afforded the opportunity to present a program to a Garden Club Meeting. There were sixteen members in attendance and I took the opportunity to discuss the "Pass Along Flowers" that I enjoy in my Gardens.

The Hostess for the meeting happened to have a Night Blooming Cereus on display in her Garden Room so I started the presentation with a discussion of how I received a cutting from a fellow gardener many years ago. I discussed how easy this plant is to care for and how it thrives in full shade. I also stated that I also kept my two plants in fourteen inch pots so they could be Wintered over in the garage so that they would not freeze. In recent years we have enjoyed three cycles of bloom at intervals of about 40 days. I also discussed the lovely fragrance that these flowers have and the fact that they open in the late evening and usually achieve their peek beauty at about 10:00 P.M. The plant itself is rather ugly, but the beauty of the bloom is to be coveted and enjoyed for the one night that they put on their display. As I stated above, the plants that I enjoy were from a cutting a fellow gardener passed along to me.

The next flower I discussed was the "Angel Trumpet." I did acquire this plant from a mail order nursery. That stated, I have shared many cuttings through the years with many fellow gardeners here in Middle Georgia. They are very easy to root and I take cuttings each Fall and place them a jar of water after I have treated the stem with root tone to prevent rot. Then in early March I transplant them into fiber liners for future planting in small pots, once the danger of frost is past and place them on the deck. I have experienced great success with this method and I transplant the plants as they grow larger into twelve inch pots so that I can arrange them along side of the deck. Additionally I have about a dozen plants in the garden with a East orientation so that they do not receive too much Sun. In the peek of Summer I have often had to water them twice a day so that the leaves would not droop. In the Fall, just before a frost I cut the plants down to the soil line and place pinestraw and/or leaves over the plant. Then in Spring I uncover them and they flourish. Just as with the Night Blooming Cereus, I usually get the opportunity to enjoy three cycles of bloom each Year.

I then shared my love of the "Lenten Rose," which can be in bloom as early as Christmas and present their lovely display through March. I enjoy these low growing plants, which the deer to not harm, every Winter. The colors range from white, lime green to the light red you see here. Some are even purple. These plants enjoy the same soil conditions and shade that Camellias appreciate. You can acquire these on-line and if you want a specific color I have seen them sell for as much as $38.00 a plant. The Lenten Rose plants that I enjoy in my Gardens are of many colors. They easily reseed themselves and, again as with the other Plants I discussed, require a minimum of care. They do appreciate a light feeding of liquid fertilizer a few times a Summer and the leaves remain green all year. I recommend this plant for the long term beauty the green foliage presents and most especially the beauty of the bloom during the Winter months. These blooms are a challenge to to photograph. You can view the stick I used to prop up this flower so that I could get a good picture of the beauty of this bloom. The Lenten Rose does not present a fragrance; but the beauty of the bloom in the bleak Winder months make them a valuable addition to any shaded landscape. As I indicated above, the fact that deer avoid Lenten Roses makes them a coveted addition to any urban landscape scheme.

I concluded my talk with a brief discussion of the "Daphne Odera" shrub. I first saw this lovely, fragrant plant at a "Southeastern Flower Show" in Atlanta many years ago. When I returned to Macon I found a local Nursery that had them for $7.00 for a one gallon liner. Of course I acquired eight or nine plants. These plants have become so desirable that I often see them in Garden Centers for $30.00 a plant in a one gallon liner. One thing about this shrub to always remember, they appreciate well drained soil and flourish with a minimum amount of maintenance. They are slow growers and even though we have had ours for many years I have never had to prune them. They are now about 24 inches tall and 36 inches across. One word of caution, this plant may grow for years and years and they decide to perish. Therefore I would recommend that you acquire one or two every few years and place them in your landscape so they are ready to take the place of the plant/s that perish. I have never attempted to transplant any of our plants. I have been told by a very experienced local Plant Person that they are quite easy to root. Just like the Lenten Roses, this plant thrives in the same shaded setting as a Camellia plant; which we have in the same general area. The Daphne Odera also presents a very pleasant fragrance. The plants we have are in the general area of our driveway and as I bring in the morning paper on a damp humid day in Winter I always appreciate the lovely fragrance.

Please be aware that the images I have included in this Blog Post are my own as my additional hobby is photography so my Flower Growing Hobby and my Photography Hobby support each other.

I concluded my talk by emphasizing the fact that it is always nice to be able to share cuttings and plants with other people. Leaving a Legacy for future generations and passing along the love of beauty is the life long mission of every Gardener. In fact, as someone at the Meeting pointed out, there is no known source for the Night Blooming Cereus that anyone was/is aware of. Therefore, it is a true Pass-A-Long plant meant to be shared by gardeners everywhere.

Take The Opportunity To

Pass-A-Long Your

Love Of Plants At

Every Opportunity.

Thank You!!!

2011-10-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

Night Blooming Cereus

Blooms

October 9th, 2011

Once again I have had the opportunity to enjoy these lovely, fragrant blooms. Later this week I will capture the final blooms of the Angel Trumpets that adorn the East Garden.

I always keep the Night Blooming Cereus Plants in fourteen inch pots so that I can Winter them over inside the garage. I have found that this works very well for this tropical plant. As always they require very little care, just a bit of water once in a while.

2011-09-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

"Blue Star Memorial Markers"

Everyone who travels throughout the United States of America has had the opportunity to view these Memorial Markers. They are frequently placed at Interstate Highway Rest Areas as well as on will traveled roads and other high traffic places. The Blue Star Memorial Markers and the By-Way Markers have been placed thoughout our great Country by the National Garden Clubs in conjunction with the State and Local Garden Clubs and Federations.

This Interstate Rest Area Blue Star Memorial Marker was dedicated on November 12, 2007. It is placed near I-75 for Southbound traffic at the Rest Area, which also contains the Macon, Georgia Welcome Center. Because the landscaping was in poor condition the Members of the Pine Ridge Garden Club determined that a Landscaping Project would be appropriate.

This is one of several views of the completed project. The pole in the center supports the Flag of our Country.

The project involved the planting of three Purple Muhly Grass Plants and three Gold Mop Cypress Plants. Of course edging was put into place to hold the large pine bark nuggets. In addition to that each plant was given a bed of garden soil mixed with the already present soil.

The member of the Pine Ridge Garden Club who performed this task on September 28, 2011 also posed for the previous two images. It was a cool misty morning and the project required 2 hours and 58 minutes to complete.

These plants were selected because they will provide year around color and interest for the thousands who pass through this Rest Stop each day. For those Garden Club members who read this "Gardening Tidbits" Blog you now also get to see the Author and Publisher of the Blog.

I enjoyed performing this task, especially in view of the fact the the Blue Star Memorial Marker Program Honors our Nations Heroes, Past, Present and Future.

2011-08-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

Something to Consider!!!

Yes, it has been a challenging Summer here in Georgia for Gardners. We are lacking adequate rainfall to keep our lovely plants and flowers in perfect health. I have decided that I will water what I need to keep for the future.

Now, my next subject - From time to time we read or learn of a locally owned Garden Shop or Nursery that is going out of business. I would suggest that as we prepare for the Fall Planting Season that we consider obtaining more of our Bedding Plants from a local Garden Center.

Admittedly, sometimes we must pay a bit more, but generally speaking you can also obtain a bit of knowledge when you deal with a local Garden Center/Nursery.

Certainly Something to Consider

2011-08-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

2011 Night Blooming Cereus

August 8, 2011

It was a rainy night in Middle Georgia when I observed that the four blooms on the Night Blooming Cereus would most likely provide their one night show. The times under each image is when the image was taken.

7:06 P.M.

9:48 P.M.

10:15 P.M.

10:16 P.M.

These plants are very easy to grow. I have two plants, one each in fourteen inch terra cotta planters. Because they are a tropical plant I Winter them over in the garage. They do not require much care. In fact, other than infrequent watering this shade loving plant does very well. I have been told that they like being pot bound. I enjoy the beauty of these flowers and the lovely fragrance.

In 2010 I experienced three bloom cycles. Early July, Mid September and then in November. I do not know when they will bloom again in 2011; but they are usually about 40 days apart with their cycles. I do know that if I walked up on the plant between bloom displays that I would most likely cut the plant down. They do not look very attractive. But their one night display makes them worthwhile.

2011-07-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Georgia

U.S.A.

On July 12th My Bride and I were concluding a visit to the Upper Mid-West to visit Family and Friends. As we entered Georgia we stopped at the I-75 Welcome Center. It was great to be back home, even though we did enjoy our Holiday.

As a Navy Veteran I always look for the Blue Star Memorials when ever we stop. As the Chairperson of the Markers for the Garden Clubs of Georgia, Inc. My Bride is always also interested in seeing the Memorial Markers.

Of course I also appreciate the lovely Southern Shrubs that adorn our Welcome Centers so I had to take this picture for this Blog. Sometimes we who reside in Georgia do not appreciate what we have. Therefore I include this picture here. We are indeed Well Blessed!!!!

2011-05-31T05:57:00.000-07:00

Blue Star Memorial Marker

Dedication

Memorial Day 2011

West Point, Georgia

The Wedgewood Garden Club in West Point, Georgia dedicated a Blue Star Memorial Marker at the Rest Stop on I-85 on Memorial Day 2011 - May 30, 2011.

These markers are placed in high traffic areas to remind us all that we must daily hold up our Heroes of the Past, our Heroes of the Present and our Heroes of the Future with the utmost respect.

These Women and Men certainly deserve our respect and love.

2011-05-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day 2011

It is my goal this Memorial Day to place an arrangement of Red, White and Blue blooms at the Church where I worship.

I would suggest that all Garden Club Member place an appropriate arrangement in the Church they attend. If the Flowers for the Worship Center are already in the scheme, consider placing an arrangement in the Fellowship Hall for everyone to enjoy during the fellowship/coffee time.

All Garden Club Members are also encouraged to place an arrangement at a local business, library or any other place that the public enters during National Garden Week which is 1 through 7 June.

Share the Beauty that abounds in our Gardens. Thank You!!!

2011-05-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Garden Club of Georgia

Headquarters

On April 26th I was part of a Field Trip conducted by the Pine Ridge Garden Club of Macon, Georgia. We visited the Headquarters and the Botancial Gardens. It was a delightful day.

Of course I had to capture several images of one of my favorite flowers. The Angel Trumpets have always impressed me with their unique display of color.

2011-03-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

Beauty Surrounds Us All

Macon, Georgia

2011 Cherry Blossom Blooms

These blooms were on Coleman Hill in Macon on March 25, 2011

These blooms were in Central City Park, Macon, Georgia on March 26th.

2011-03-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

Beauty Abounds

Middle Georgia

When we purchased our Home shown above we did not realize that we had an abundance of Dogwood Trees on the property. Each year since 1992 we have enjoyed the beauty of these lovely flowers. They usually are at their peak for the first weekend of April; however this year they are beautiful on the 22nd day of March.

2011-03-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

Beauty in Middle Georgia

Macon's Cherry Blossoms

Macon Georgia is preparing for the 29th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival which will run from 18 March through 28 March, 2011.

The beautiful Yoshino Cherry Trees are known for their lovely blooms. They do not bear fruit.

The first Yoshino Tree Bloomed at this address many years ago. The name of the tree was not known until the property owner was in Washington, D.C. on a business trip. Mr. Fickling began propagating this plant and today there are over 350,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees in Macon, Georgia.

This series of pictures was taken on Monday, March 14th. The trees shown here are on Ingleside Avenue. Trees in other sections of Macon have yet to burst forth in full bloom.

2011-03-03T07:02:00.000-08:00

Lovely Blooms

in Middle Georgia

This Morning as I walked out to retreive my morning newspaper I noted that this Japanese Magnolia was in bloom. My research on the World Wide Web causes me to believe that this is a Mulan Magnolia. Specifically it is known as a Magnolia lifiiflora. They trace back to China and were then cultivated in Japan. We in this Country acquired them from the Japanese. Thus our name for them is Japanese Magnolia. Of course there are various colors but I like these purple ones the best.

Also in bloom are the two Tinus Viburnum shrubs which adorn each side of our Garage. These lovely plants which are very hardy here in Middle Georgia are Native to the Mediterranean Regions of our Earth. The are a low maintenance shrub that responds well to severe pruning which will happen after the Spring bloom cycle. They currently stand eight feet tall and need to be taken back a bit.

2011-02-26T16:06:00.000-08:00

Enjoying The Beauty That Surrounds Us

During the past two days I have enjoyed the beauty that abounds this time of year. On Friday I along with eighteen other flower lovers visited the Southeastern Flower Show at the Cobb Galleria in Northwest Atlanta. On Saturday morning I decided to obtain several images in downtown Macon, Georgia.

A Japanese Maple Display

A Rose arrangement at the Flower Show

These Japanese Magnolias were found on Coleman Hill

More Coleman Hill Japanese Magnolias

I acquired this image on Mulberry Street in Macon

One More Arrangement from the Southeastern Flower Show. This event certainly was a feast for the eyes.

The fence on the North end of the Walter F. George School of Law

Mercer University

Macon, Georgia

I always enjoy my hobby of photography year around, however the Season of Spring is certainly the high point of the year when I am able to capture many lovely scenes. I would encourage everyone to enjoy the beauty that surrounds them.

Beauty Surrounds Us All

2011-02-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

Beauty Abounds in Middle Georgia

U.S.A.

These blooms may not appear to be real beautiful; however the fragrance of the Daphne Odera is overwhelming. I enjoy the fragrance each time I walk in the gardens.

As with most of the flower blooms so far this year, the recent cold weather delayed the bloom cycles. But I will be quick to add that everything is now much more enjoyable because we had to wait a longer period for the normal Winter Blooms.

2011-02-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

Helleboros

Yes, we all know these lovely Winter Flowers as "Lenten Roses." The plants in my Garden have been at least three weeks later this year than former Winters.

I pledged that I would publish better photographs this year. Please note the stick that I used to hold the bloom in position to get a better photograph. Also I used a backing board to avoid the distractions in the Gardens.

2011-02-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

Lenten Roses

In years past I have had these blooms as early as late December. But the Winter of 2010-2011 is a bit different. The Lenten Roses in the gardens here in West Bibb County Georgia started to show buds about two weeks ago. The following three images were taken this morning, Valentine's Day.

I have never purchased Lenten Roses by color. In order to do that you have to wait until the plants are mature and have bloomed at least one cycle. While I enjoy the mauve blooms, I am content to take my chance on the bloom color.

These plants self seed rapidly. I appreciate all the colors and was able to capture some pictures this morning. As anyone who has these plants can testify, they are difficult to photograph because the blooms usually hang down. I sometimes hold them in the correct position, but I usually resort to bending the stem back so I can get the picture. Or, as you can see from the first picture in this post, I used a stick to hold the bloom upright.

My favorite color. Admittedly this bloom is a poor photograph; but I had to include it here because of the intense color.

2011-02-13T05:48:00.000-08:00

2011 Southeastern Flower Show

Atlanta, Georgia

I took these pictures during my visit to the 2010 Southeastern Flower Show. I post them here today to simply show what is available in the cool or cold month of February when most of us are planning on how we can get our gardens looking great for the Spring and Summer months ahead.

I have fond memories of attending many Southeastern Flower Shows in the past and am looking forward to the 2011 Show.

Should you desire additional information to plan your own trip to this inspiring event please visit:

http://www.sehort.org/events/2011_southeastern_flower_show/

I can guarantee that you will suffer from sensory overload during your visit to this show. In fact I would encourage everyone to bring their camera so that they can record the beauty and also use the pictures for planning purposes in their own gardens.

Enjoy the Show!!!!

2011-01-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

A Review of "Gardening Tidbits" Progress

Today I took the opportunity to review the post that generated the most visits and also the audience of this Blog called "Gardening Tidbits."

The pages/post that were the most visited during the period of May 2010 through December 2010 were about the following subjects:

Night Blooming Cereus

Hydrangeas

Fringe Plant (Grancy Graybeard)

Angel Trumpets

The Audience by the number of page views are broken down by Country. I found it quite interesting that a Blog that is linked from the Garden Club of Georgia has a readership of people from the following countries:

United States of America - 745

United Kingdom - 40

Canada - 31

India - 31

Germany - 23

Russia - 18

Brazil - 13

South Korea - 8

Australia - 6

Israel - 6

As the publisher of this Blog my Goals for 2011 are:

Better Photography with pictures that have greater impact

More Entries with an emphasis on Plants exterior to my own Garden

2010-12-23T05:41:00.000-08:00

Meet the Author of This Blog

As we all conclude the year of 2010 I thought it would be appropriate to feature a picture of the author of this Blog.

I live on a one acre lot in West Bibb County which features many trees. The plants and flowers that I feature in "Gardening Tidbits" grow here and enjoy the partial shade that many trees provide.

I grew up in Iowa, the Oldest Son of a Farming Couple who raised 6 children on an 80 acre farm. The U. S. Navy brought me to Middle Georgia in 1971 and I found a "home" here. I enjoy the moderate Winters and can survive the Warm Summers.

I enjoy working in the Gardens that surround our home and I also appreciate the opportunity to share my love of all things beautiful here on this Blog.

I Wish all of the readers here:

A Very Blessed Christmas 

2010-12-04T05:41:00.000-08:00

Abundant Beauty

It is always nice to prepare for Christmas. Everyone desires to place the best on display. This lovely flower just reached full bloom yesterday. It was a gift to My Bride for her to enjoy as she recovers from a major accident where she broke both bones in her right leg.

This is an arrangement that The Pine Ridge Garden Club placed on the Hutch in the Breakfast room at the Federated Garden Center in Macon, Georgia for everyone to enjoy during the Christmas Holidays. This arrangement features all natural plant material. In case you may be wondering, the white in the center is blooms from a Fatsia Plant.

Enjoy the Christmas Holiday!!!!!!

2010-12-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

December Flowers

It is time for me to make a post on this Blog. Enjoy the December Flowers.

These paperwhites flourish on the Southern Exposure of our Home in Macon. As you can tell I cut some and placed them in containers so that we could enjoy them in the house. In addition to the beauty, the fragrance is wonderful.

Everyone has fond memories of the "Christmas Cactus" Blooms that adorned their Grandmothers house during the Holidays.

2010-09-17T03:52:00.000-07:00

Night Blooming Cereus Blooms

Again

September 9, 2010

The second and most likely the last cycle of blooms for 2010 of the Night Blooming Cereus happened on September 9, 2010. Enjoy the blooms.

I would encourage everyone to obtain a cutting of this delightful plant. It is true that the plant itself does not display much, if any beauty, but the one night blooms are simply grand. This plant is very easy to grow and maintain. It is a tropical and I winter the two plants over in the garage.

2010-07-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Night Blooming Cereus

July 24, 2010

This image was taken at 10:15 P.M.

This image was taken at 10:18 P.M. and is a side view.

This image was taken at 10:19 P.M. and is a different bloom than the first two. We have two plants and one had a total of 4 blooms and the other had 7 blooms.

This image was taken at 10:38 P.M.

This image was taken at 10:43 P.M. We used a flashlight to add interest and additional lighting.

In 2009 we had two flushes of bloom on these two plants. They were 40 days apart. If that holds true in 2010 we can expect another round of blooms on or about 2 September 2010.

In addition to their beauty they also have a lovely fragrance.

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

July Beauty

Dinner Plate Hibiscus

Hibiscus moscheuto. A close relative of the Rose of Sharon which is also blooming in my Garden. These blooms are about twelve inches across and certainly are timely here in July as we Celebrate Independence Day.

This grouping of plants is just outside of the deck on the North side of the house. The planting thrives with morning Sun.

2010-06-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

Sharing The Beauty

Today, June 13, 2010 members of the Middle Georgia Camera Club held a Field Trip to Indian Springs State Park as well as held a Picnic. This is a simple arrangement of Hydrangeas that I put together just before leaving for this fun event. I would encourage everyone to share their love of flowers with the members of the various organizations that they participate in as members.

2010-06-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

Blue Star By-Way Marker Dedication Ceremony

Augusta, Georgia

The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center was the site for the dedication of the 137th Blue Star Marker in the State of Georgia on Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The music for this dedication was provided by this group from the 434th Army Band stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

The Fort Gordon Color Guard provided appropriate Honors for out Nation's Flag.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by these Girls From Girl Scout Troop 20011.

The lady in the center of this group is Marie Murray, a World War II Veteran. She and four other Army Nurses participated in the D-Day Landing in Europe. Additionally, She and the same four Nurses who were involved in D-Day rendered medical assistance to the Soldiers as they were engaged in the Battle of the Buldge. She is a member of the Azalea Garden Club and she placed a floral tribute at the base of this Marker. Ms. Murray is certainly a living legend and a World War II Hero. The Blue Star Marker Program Honors her, and all Veterans of all times as they served to allow the Freedoms that we all enjoy.

In addition to a view of the Marker, the ladies shown here are from left to right:

Betty Grimes, President Garden Clubs of Georgia, Inc.

Janice Thiese, Chairperson of the Blue Star Memorial Marker Program, State of Georgia

Pat Hathaway, President, Augusta Council of Garden Clubs

Peggy Glover, Deep South Azalea District and Chairman, Augusta Council of Garden Clubs Blue Star Marker

Dr. Katherine S. Allen, Director Azalea District Garden Club of Georgia

Again, a lovely dedication ceremony. This Marker is located near the Entrance of this Medical Center which is located at 1 Freedom Way, Augusta, Georgia.

2010-06-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

Blue Star Marker Dedication

Eatonton, Georgia

On May 27, 2010 My Bride and I traveled to Eatonton, Georgia for another Blue Star Marker Dedication. This event was entitled "Celebrate Patriotism" a Pre-Memorial Day Program. After a picnic supper on the grounds of the Plaza Arts Center the dedication ceremony was held inside the Arts Center, which is a former School.

The Ceremony included a Military Band Concert performed by the 434th Signal Corps Band from Fort Gordon, Georgia.

The President of The Garden Clubs of Georgia,Inc. addressed the crowd and reminded us of the importance of the Blue Star Memorial Program. The over 13,000 Garden Club Members in the State of Georgia in 400 individual Clubs participate in this Nation Wide Program to Honor and also Remember our Nation's Heroes "Who Have Served, Who Are Currently Serving, and Those Who Will Serve In The Future" to defend the Freedoms we enjoy in our United States of America.

This is a replica of the Blue Star Memorial Marker. Shown here are the ladies of various Garden Clubs who participated in the Dedication Ceremony.

In addition to the Garden Club Ladies, several local Civic Leaders participated in the Ceremony. The event was conducted inside and was led by the former Commander of the Famed 48th Brigade of Georgia who is now retired. He led this Brigade during a tour of duty in Iraq. He is the individual behind the left end of the Marker Replica.

This is an image of the Memorial Marker in the Court House Square of Putnam County which is located in Eatonton, Georgia. The Marker is sponsored by the Town and Country Garden Club in cooperation with the Garden Clubs of Georgia, Inc. and Putnam County.

A lovely evening dedication with also featured a concert by the 434th Signal Corps Band. A very fitting and appropriate event to also include the Blue Star Memorial Marker Dedication event.

2010-06-10T05:39:00.000-07:00

Blue Star Marker Dedication

Shellman, Georgia

On May 20, 2010 My Bride and I traveled to Shellman, Georgia which is in the heart of Plantation Country in Southwest, Georgia to so that she could participate in the Dedication of a Blue Star Marker.

Part of the Dedication Ceremony involved the Junior Garden Club known as the Azalea Buds. They placed small rocks at the base of the Marker.

Here you see Garden Club ladies unveil the Memorial Marker. The Marker was sponsored in part by the ladies of two Garden Clubs - The Azalea Garden Club of Cuthbert/Shellman and The Camellia Garden Club of Cuthbert.

A close up view of the Marker

The Dedication was concluded with the playing of "Taps" and was certainly a fitting tribute to those Heroes who have gone on. As a Veteran of the U. S. Navy my heart swelled with pride as this Dedication Ceremony concluded.

Well Done!!!

The town of Shellman, Georgia can certainly be proud of this Memorial Marker. The park where it is placed also includes a Memorial with names of the Veterans who have served our Great Country who joined from the Shellman area.

2010-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

More Beauty in Bloom in Middle Georgia

2010-05-26T04:37:00.000-07:00

Flowering Beauty in Middle Georgia

Mop Head Hydrangeas

Gumpo Azelea Blooms

Lovely White Mop Heads

Lace Cap Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas in a Row

This Blog is published to support the Garden Clubs of Georgia in their mission of promoting Beautification, Conservation, Education. These beautiful blooms are now on display in Middle Georgia.

2010-05-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Climbing Hydrangea Blooms

The Blooms on the Climbing Hydrangea have never looked better in the last few years than this year. I had to take these pictures this morning simply to show them off. These Blooms are lovely. Unfortunately I am not able to capture the total beauty of this plant. I suspect that if I have a "Lift a Loft" I could get in the proper position to get a picture of the entire plant which runs up the North facing chimney at my home.

2010-05-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

Hydrangea Time In Middle Georgia

This Lace-Cap flourishes on the North side of our home and this year's display of blooms is the best yet. It continues to add to the beauty in the gardens.

A close up of the Lace-Cap which grows at the base of the Climbing Hydrange which you will view on the next picture.

This Climbing Hydrangea is also displaying it's best blooms ever. It grows on the chimney and continues to dazzle all who view it.

2010-04-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the Beauty of Georgia

Grancy Graybeard or Fringe Tree

Clematis

I grow this lovely blooming vine in a tomato cage. The plant is placed in a wooden planter which is in the shade but the vine flourishes in the sun. The beauty of Spring in Middle Georgia!!! Enjoy.

2010-04-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

Applied Art

Another Pine Ridge Garden Club Project

In a previous Post I discussed Frustration Art. During the Same Workshop the leader also taught us how to use leaves to decorate Flower Pots. Everyone in attendance had brought leaves and flowers to the meeting along with a flower pot which had been primed. Please note that on the pot above that there is a yellow flower. The artist in this case finished the project by outlining the "Dogwood" flower.

One Member decided that she could free hand her Art Work on a Flower Pot. Very talented.

To apply the leaf to the flower pot, or in this case a Flower Pot Saucer to make a Bird Bath you take the face side of a leaf/leaves and place them on wax paper. You then brush on some paint and then turn the leaf on to the pot or saucer you desire to decorate. Shown above is a saucer, now a bird bath with green leaves adorning the basin.

2010-04-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Preserving the Beautiful Flowers we grow

Recently the Pine Ridge Garden Club here in Macon, Georgia held a workshop during a regular monthly meeting to show everyone how to preserve the lovely flowers that we all enjoy.

The Workshop leader had instructed us on what to bring. Single petal flowers such as Pansy Blooms work best for this type of Art, which the Leader had labeled "Frustration Art." This name is considered appropriate because you take a hammer to beat the flowers. Step One is to lay the flower or flowers face down on a muslin type cloth.

Step Two involves placing masking tape on the back side of the flowers. Of course the muslin is placed on a board so that you can beat the Masking Tape with a hammer.

Step Three which is the fun part involves striking the hammer quite briskly on the masking tape.

Step Four requires that you remove the Masking Tape. Now you have a cloth with your Flower Art. Of course this is a sample. You can use a larger piece of cloth and frame the result to develop a "Frustration Art" Gallery to display in your own home. Of course this Art Work could be also used for Gifts.

Step Five - Enjoy the results.

2010-04-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

Springtime Task

Admittedly the pictures do not relate to the task that I will discuss today. Now that all danger of frost is past for Middle Georgia I determined that my Bermuda Lawn near the right of way needed food. I had acquired 26-0-3 which is just what I needed to green up the grass. I applied the fertilizer in accordance with the directions on the bag label, which stated that the grass must be dry when the fertilizer is applied. This evening as the Sun sets I will set off the sprinkler system to water the fertilizer in.

After I had completed this task in the full sun I took a break to enjoy the beauty that surrounds our home.

2010-04-13T03:41:00.000-07:00

April Beauty Abounds

Just prior to Sunset on April 12, 2010 I took the opportunity to capture some pictures of the beauty that surrounds my home here in Middle Georgia. This Japanese Maple always looks great.

Unfortunately I only acquired five of these Pieris plants. They are dwarf plants. One thing I have learned in gardening is that a planting of shrubs needs to be large enough to command interest. Or as some would say, you need a drift of plants to draw attention to the planting.

Many years ago I obtained a "Climbing Hydrangea" to place on the Northside of my home. This one is growing up a brick chimney. It has blooms several times in the past three years. You will also note the pollen on the leaves. It has about ten collections of flower buds.

Here is a close up of a Lace Cap Hydrangea. It also will be in full bloom. I appreciate these Hydrangeas for their delicate beauty.

I would enourage you to go out in your gardens today, even if for a brief period to avoid the pollen, to enjoy the results of your labors. Enjoy the Beauty.

2010-04-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

Dogwood Blossoms

When we purchased our Home in January 1992 we did not realize that we had so many native Dogwood trees on the property. We continue to enjoy these lovely blooms every April. I cannot recall a Spring when they were not blooming the First Weekend of April.

While the Azaleas are about ten days behind this year the Dogwoods are right on schedule. The birds also enjoy the berries on the Dogwoods every Fall.

Beauty Abounds in Middle Georgia.

2010-03-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Lenten Rose Planting and Care

During the past years I have given many Lenten Rose Plants away, without really giving much thought as to providing Planting and Care Instruction. Today I will attempt to provide information on what has allowed me to enjoy these plants.

First of all I select a planting site that is very much like an area where Camellias thrive. Lenten Roses like the same type shade.

When I plant them I prepare a mix of 1/3 fine pine bark much, 1/3 sand and 1/3 garden soil. The soil where I live is more clay than any type of loam mixture. I put about one gallon of this mixture into a hole and then place the lenten rose plant in the mixture. Of course I am a firm believer of mulch which can be pine straw or leaves from the trees that abound in my Gardens.

Depending on the weather I make sure that they have adquate water, but that is not usually a problem here in Middle Georgia. About two or three times a Summer season I will feed the ferns and the lenten roses in the shade gardens behind the house with a hose end sprayer using any of the available plant foods sold for foliage feeding.

I appreciate lenten roses because the local deer population do not consume them.

2010-03-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

Helleborus orientalis

Lenten Rose

It is the time of the year when the Lenten Rose Blooms can be enjoyed. Today it was warm enough here in Middle Georgia to allow some pictures to be taken. The flower tends to remain closed up when it is cold.

The first picture taken with my hand in view allows you to compare the size of the bloom. The blooms come in many colors. Unless you pay a very high price you get the color that the plant decides to be. These plants produce seeds which grow over a period of about three years before they bloom. The offspring are not true to color of the parent plant.

If you desire a certain color you must purchase a plant that has experienced a bloom cycle, thus the higher cost.

The pictures shown here include the color range that is currently in bloom in the Gardens here in West Bibb County Georgia.

Should you desire additional information please conduct an internet search. These are an easy to grow plant.

2010-02-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

Winter Beauty

This evening just before sun set I decided to capture some photographs of the beauty that surrounds my home here in Middle Georgia. This Camellia blossom just posed for me to take this picture. I have learned that taking pictures of flowers in the evening just before sunset allows great detail.
This pansy is in a planter near the front entrance which also includes fatsia. You can appreciate the natural side lighting present in this picture.

Of course this is my most favorite plant for this Season. The temperature was high enough today to allow the lovely fragrance of this Daphne Odera to permeate the surrounding area. They are coming into bloom later this year. I suspect that is because of the recent cooler weather when compared to last Winter. The fragrance should also improve as more flowers bloom.

This rich red Camellia also wanted to be photographed. You can view each of these images in a larger format by simpling clicking on them.

This is a view of my home. You can see the side lighting here as the sun is preparing to set. The time of the day that works well when taking photographs in the gardens.

2010-01-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Winter Time Gardening

Almost every gardening book you read advised you to study your gardens and plantings in the Winter time so that you can observe the structure of your plants more clearly. Certainly great advice.

Additionally, everyone who has ever held a trowel knows that now is the time to order and plan for the upcoming growing and blooming season.

Today, I will focus on the "Joy of Gardening." In fact that is the title of a program that I will be giving later today at the Dublin, Georgia Garden Club. I have fond memories of pass along plants that I have received from Gardening Friends here in Georgia, my adopted home since 1971.

The program today will focus on "Helleborus," also known as "Lenten Rose." I do not recall how I was first introduced to this lovely plant, but I was told that Deer did not eat it so I immediately obtained several plants because I was tired of the Deer even consuming the roses I was trying to grow.

Here you see a portion of the 20 plants I will share with the Garden Club in Dublin, Georgia this afternoon.

This is a view of the Lenten Rose planting in the Back Gardens where I live in West Bibb County Georgia. Lenten Roses thrive in the same type soil that Camellias appreciate. They are a shade plant but in the Winter time they perform well in full Sun. They also are very easy to maintain.

Here is a close-up of a plant that is preparing to bloom. This has been a slow Winter for the blooms to spring forth. Last Winter, I recall that I had one in Bloom on Christmas Eve 2008. You can see a few tight bloom buds in this picture.

So that you can appreciate the size of this lovely flower which will bloom through late March or even early April I have included this picture. This is the first bloom of the Winter 2009/2010 Blooming Season.

Please be advised that you can view these images in a larger format by simpling clicking on the picture. All of these pictures were taken on Tuesday Morning, January 12, 2010.

So, in addition to planning your 2010 Gardens, take some time to obtain cuttings and pot some new baby plants to share with your Friends. We all know that it is possible to obtain great satisfaction when we share the flowers and shrubs that we grow.

This, Dear Gardening Friends is part of the "Joy of Gardening." Thank You!!

2009-12-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009

Natural Foliage

I have noted that several organizations in Middle Georgia focused on using Natural Plant Material in the decor for Christmas 2009. Even the Grand Home of the South, Macon Georgia's Hay House focused on using Natural Plant Material.

The arrangement shown above is in the entrance of the Neel Reid designed home on College Street in Macon, Georgia. This is also the Headquarters of the Macon Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.

Except for the three gold objects in this arrangement this design on the top of the Hutch in the Breakfast Room at the Garden Club Headquarters in Macon also uses Natural Plant Material.

Have a Blessed Christmas Season!!!

2009-10-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Fall Beauty

Preparing for Winter

These close up photographs of the Fatsia Blooms are shared here because I have never had seen this bloom. These plants are in four foot tall planters with a Southern exposure here in Macon, Georgia. This will be their second Winter and they remained out of doors last Winter with no damage.
The Gardens here are in a tree sheltered situation so I suspect that they will endure cold temperatures more efficiently than plants in planters in a landscape without trees.

No Fall Garden is complete without the lovely Confederate Rose. This pink bloom was just waiting to be photographed.

Frequent visitors to this Blog will know that I enjoy the "Angel Trumpet" plant. This one is in full flower here in late October. It is in the landscape on the East Side of our home in a wind sheltered area. I always cut these plants down to the soil line just before a frost. I collect about a dozen cuttings of the stems about ten inches long. I root them in water over the Winter in the Garage. The garage is not heated, but it is warm enough that these plants do not freeze. I also maintain the "Angel Trumpet Mother Plant" in a sixteen inch planter which I Winter over each year in the garage just in case we have a severe Winter.

I have been enjoying this beautiful plant in our landscape here in Middle Georgia for about eight years now.

As I visited the East Gardens I noted that the one Yuletide Camellia that we have is setting a plethora of buds which will soon become beautiful Flowers. I will share photographs here when they start blooming.

As we anticipate cooler weather it is prudent to think about plant protection for the upcoming Winter Season. Sometimes I wonder if the labor of toting the planters in and out from the garage is worth it, only to remember that the beauty that I enjoy makes it all well worth while.

Enjoy the Fall Season. Soon the Burning Bushes and other Fall Shrubs will be in full beauty.

2009-10-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

Top Award Winners

Georgia National Fair

2009 Standard Flower Show

October 11, 2009 is the final day for this Show at the Georgia National Fair. The Flower Show is a real testment to the design skills of the Garden Club Ladies of Georgia. Additionally the horticulture displays gave every fair attendee the opportunity to view the plants that thrive in Georgia. A very educational event.

There were other Top Award Winners at this Flower Show, but I can only display so many. I took 167 images so that the Flower Show Chairperson could compile a Book of Evidence to submit in Garden Club Competitions.

You do not have much time left to enjoy this event, but I would urge everyone to attend the Fall Flower Show today or tomorrow, October 11, 2009.

I believe that this entry was in the "Hahira Honey Bee Festival" Class.

If I remember correctly, this entry was in the "Gold Rush Days, Dahlonagha" Class.

2009-10-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Fall Flower Show

2009 Georgia National Fair

Perry, Georgia

A Standard Flower Show

Yesterday, October 8, 2009 you had the opportunity to view the Fall Flower Show Staging. Today you are viewing the Complete Flower Show after the Judging had been completed. Of course there are visitors to the beautiful show.

2009-10-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

2009 Georgia National Fair

Flower Show

Hosted By The

Camellia District IV

Garden Club of Georgia, Inc

What you are viewing here is the Standard Flower Show Staging. Tomorrow I will display the Show with all of the entries. This Flower Show was open to all citizens of Georgia.

2009-09-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

Night Blooming Cereus

Today I will show you the cycle of bloom on this delightful bloom. The time and date are shown on each photo. It is amazing how this bloom progresses in a twelve hour period. Enjoy this sequence of blooms. For those who have never experienced the bloom of this flower please be aware that the fragrance is also wonderful. Last evening it was especially nice because of the humid conditions. We actually had a party!!!! Some of our Neighbors, some of our Camera Club Buddies and also some fellow Garden Club Members also enjoyed the show this lovely flower presents.

The first blooms on this plant were on August 1st, 2009. Now we know that the bloom cycle is at least forty days. It will be interesting to see if we have one more bloom cycle this year. Please be aware that we Winter over this plant in the garage. We do not desire that it be killed by a freeze.

2009-09-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

First Impressions

Part II

Yesterday I posted two pictures of the plantings at the Front Door. After that Blog Post I took the camera to the closet. As I looked out the second story window I decided that I could get a better image to show the whole set up.

2009-09-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

First Impressions

All Summer the urns which flank our front steps consisted of Green foliage. The Fatsia and the Potato Vine in the planters. Today I obtained two Mariposa plants and placed them in the concrete planters. They certainly add a nice bit of color to the formerly green plants. I hope they grow rather fast so that the scale will also be improved. I submit this post today to encourage everyone to consider dressing up the plantings near their front door. It is so easy to accept what we have done without adding to the concept to improve the eye appeal.

2009-08-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Angel Trumpet Blooms

I never tire of enjoying these blooms. These five blooms were on full display this morning. They are on the one plant that was acquired many years ago. I refer to this plant as "The Mother Plant." This plant is in a pot that I winter over in the garage, just in case we have a very cold Winter and the Angel Trumpet Plants in the ground are killed because of a freeze. Of course there are other plants and blooms that give great pleasure, but the beauty and delicate flower of the Angel Trumpet are tops on my list of plants that I must continue to cultivate. As always, I will have an abundance of cuttings this November.

2009-08-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

Angel Trumpet Blooms

These plants have been in the garden for at least five years. Every Fall, before the first frost I cut them back to nothing and apply a heavy layer of pine needles/leaves about six inches deep.

When all danger of frost is past I uncover them. Thus the growth you see here is all from 2009.

This is an array of blooms on one plant. I took this shot using natural light in the early morning.

A Close up taken with flash which creates more vivid color. The shot was taken just moments from the first one above but I zoomed in on this blossom to show the detail of these lovely flowers.

On more flash photo with several blooms to show you the arrangement of blooms near the top of this plant.

Again, a flash photo. All of these pictures were taken before the morning sun was too bright. Using the flash at this time allows the distractions of the background to be somewhat muted. It was 8:00 A.M. when I took these photos.

You can be sure that I will also have cuttings of these plants this November to share with fellow garden club members.

2009-08-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Night Blooming Cereus

(The Morning After)

As you can tell this is an image of the Night Blooming Cereus the morning after the lovely display on the evening of 1 August 2009. Please scroll down to the next post to view the cycle of bloom of this lovely "Pass Along Plant" that we have enjoyed the past two evenings here in Middle Georgia.

2009-08-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

Night Blooming Cereus

About five years ago one of the members of a local Garden Club here in Macon, of which my Bride is also a member, told us about a beautiful flower that blooms for only one night and is a lovely flower. We were told it was a Night Blooming Cereus. We were able to attend a late night garden party after she called us to tell us that the flower was in full bloom. Of course she shared several cuttings with us.

Our two plants have been growing and we bring them into the garage every Winter. The plants are potted and thrive in the shade. On July 21, 2009 I noted small buds forming on the edge of the leaves of our plants. The pictures below give you an idea of how this flower develops. Note the date and time of the image at the bottom of the picture.

Not only are these flowers lovely to look at, they also have a lovely fragrance. We had one flower on the night of 31 July 2009 and had friends and neighbors over to enjoy it. Then on the evening of 1 August 2009 we had eight flowers bloom. We started watching the flowers open at about 9:20 P.M. and the flower watching party did not end until Midnight.

If you desire more information about the care of this easy to grow plant may I suggest that you perform a search on the World Wide Web and look for organizations that are Land Grant Colleges. They appear to have the most reliable information. You can be sure that I will be sharing cuttings after the potential of a late September 2009 flush of blooms is past.

In summary a delightful flower and one that you will never forget. Now to show the complete the full cycle of this bloom please be aware that I will make an additional post to show what the bloom looks like on the morning after it's full beauty.

2009-07-17T05:17:00.000-07:00

Summer Time Beauty in the Garden

Fatsia and Sweet Potato Vine make an interesting arrangement in the gun metal grey urns at both sides of the entrance. The Fatsia plants were able to survive the Winter Season in these planters.

The colorful Cordyline Plant is always interesting year round, but it certainly ads color in the Summer landscape. I have a pair of these plants that flank a metal bench in the shade garden. A restful area with a bit of color from these plants. I Winter over these plants in the garage.

The Dinner Plate Hibiscus remain in the garden year round. I have a planting that grows by the Deck and they come back every year. This is also a colorful that is enjoyed every Summer.

When taking pictures of colorful plants it is sometimes important to take a close up for the dramatic effect. I am confident that you will enjoy this view much more than the previous picture.

When taking pictures of garden plants I have found that using the flash in the early, almost dark hours of the morning allows the flower to be the feature in the picture when the background is dark.

You can click on any of these images to see a larger view. Additionally, should you desire additional information about any of these plants you can perform an internet search.

Enjoy the Summer Beauty that surrounds us all.

2009-06-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

"Vitex"

"Texas Lilac"

When I first observed this plant several years ago I thought it was a well developed "Butterfly Bush." The color of the flower was very correct and I thought that the shrub was well cared for an properly pruned to maintain a compact/tight look.

During my attendance at a Flower Arranging Workshop during National Garden Week in 2008 I learned from the program presenter that it was a "Vitex" plant. I generally feature shrubs and plants that I have growing in my Gardens; however my mantra for this Blog also indicates that I will also write about plants that I enjoy.

This is a sun-loving, drought-tolerant plant that does well in the soil filled islands in parking lots here in Middle Georgia. In fact this plant and many more like it are well placed in the soil filled islands at a Macon, Georgia Elementary School. To bad school is not now in session so the students could enjoy this delightful looking plant. It is visible from the street that runs by this school and it sure attracts attention.

I post this information today because I know that many, many Georgia Garden Club members are also involved in landscaping activities in their respective communities. This is certainly a plant that would do well in similiar locations, like the soil islands in parking lots at community centers, and other areas of almost every Georgia Community where there is plenty of sun light.

I did a quick Internet search and ascertained that this shrub can grow rather large, however I do think that it would also perform well with severe pruning when needed to maintain a proper size in a large scale landscape setting such as the parking lot shown above.

As always, I look forward to your comments so that we may have a sharing Blog. Thank You!!!

2009-06-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hydrangeas and Angel Trumpets

In Bloom - Middle Georgia

Everlast Hydrangeas in Bloom. Soon it will be time to dead head the blooms. This plant will repeat blooms through November.
The first Angel Trumpet blooms here in Middle Georgia. These blooms are on the first plant I acquired many years ago. Since then I have shared rooted cuttings of this lovely, and special to me plant.

This plant is still in a large fourteen inch flower pot which I winter over in the garage. I have at least a dozen Angel Trumpet plants in the soil and they are slower, but I will enjoy them later this Summer.

2009-05-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

Interesting Flowers In Bloom

Middle Georgia

Of course everyone has seen the Lace Cap Hydrangea in bloom here in Middle Georgia. There is not very much excitement about this bloom, but I feature it today because these are the first Hydrangeas to bloom in my Gardens.

The exciting Hydrangea in Bloom today is the Climbing Hydrangea. This plant was placed on the North Side of our Home and the planting was conducted using the recommendations of the County Extension Agent. I acquired this plant on a Horticulatural Society Field Trip to various Nurseries in the Athens, Georgia area. I was introduced to this plant when a Speaker from Calloway Gardens gave a presentation to our Central Georgia Horticulture Society some years ago. I paid five dollars for this plant and was told that it probably never ever flower here in Middle Georgia in as much as it thrives in the higher country near Calloway Gardens. I planted it with love and used garden soil, peat moss and fine pine bark chips as well as sand. I did not write the formula down but I do believe that I used a bag of each items and dug a really deep hole. Of course I am excited about this plant and it's blooms here in Middle Georgia.

The featured bloom in this Gardening Tidbits Post today is the Apostle Plant. Several years ago a Garden Club Buddy of my Wife gave this plant to us. We have kept it in pots and divided it so that we could Winter it over in the garage. This Spring I placed one six inch pot on the front stoop and it has flourished. It is also known as:

Neomarica gracilis

Walking Iris

Twelve Apostles

So far this plant has flourished in full sun and the blooms are a visual treat.

I have conducted a limited search using Google and have found one site that indicates that each bloom will only last a day, but that several blooms will open on each stalk. I have found that the quickest way to research a plant if I know the name is go perform a Google Image Search.

2009-04-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

Fringe Tree

A Fringe Tree in Bloom against a backdrop of other trees in the Gardens. You may know this plant as an "Old Man's Beard" or "Grancy Graybeard." It also is known as "Chionanthus Virginicus."

I can not state when I first saw this lovely flowering tree which is usually seen in rural area off of the back roads, but I do know that I first saw this plant in full bloom in a yard in rural Georgia as I traveled to visit my Bride's Aunt in Danville, Georgia. Several years later I learned the name as "Grancy Graybeard." I finally acquired one tree several years ago and it always blooms the second or third week of April. It is not a fast grower but it is a very interesting tree with lovely looking fringe. It does well in full sun and I have been told that it will also thrive in part shade.

A great focal point in April and it then takes a back seat in the landscape. It does loose it's leaves in the Winter.

2009-04-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

Tulip Poplar

Lirindendron Tulipifera L or commonly known as Tulip Poplar is in full bloom in Middle Georgia.

These fast growing trees have lovely flowers, but once they reach great heights you have to wait until the flowers fall. Here is one bloom that was not damaged during the trip to Earth. Click on the image to see full size.

I have several of these trees in the back gardens and they make great shade.

2009-04-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Clivia

Clivia, a member of the Amaryllis Family. This plant is native to South Africa. Here in Middle Georgia it is a house plant. I keep it on the deck with a North exposure during the warm months and place it in the garage during the Winter. When the flower buds appear I bring it into the house to enjoy. This plant has been blooming for three weeks and will most likely continue to have a nice bloom for at least two more weeks. A delightful plant which can also be shared. This plant has two developing shoots which I will cut away once the blooms are complete. It is a great pass-a-long plant to share with your gardening friends and a delightful house plant that does not require any direct sunlight. It is certainly low maintenance.

2009-03-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

Lenten Roses

Hellebores

I have featured the Lenten Rose in several Post this Winter. The first bloom I posted was on December 24th, 2008. These lovely low growing flowers are a delight and once established require almost no maintenance. I appreciate them because the local Deer population does not bother them. You can note the seed pods in the center of the blooms in the three pictures displayed above. These flowers have provided gardening pleasure for three months.

I would urge all Gardeners in Georgia to try this plant. The Lenten Rose was the 2005 Perennial Plant of the Year.

2009-03-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

Spring Time Beauty in Middle Georgia

With the abundance of recent rain this past weekend the beauty of Middle Georgia is now beginning to achieve the full display.

Of course no Spring Time Garden would be complete without an abundance of Azeleas. I have at least one hundred plants which were here when we purchased our home in 1992 or were added in the 1992 - 1993 time frame.

In addition to Macon's famed Blooming Cherry Trees, almost every garden includes at least one Bradford Pear tree which is also grown for the lovely blooms.

We also obtained an abundance of Dogwood Trees when we purchased our home. While these trees do not require any maintenance, I have been told that to insure their health that I should sprinkle a cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer at the drip line of each tree. I usually do this when the bloom cycle is over because I do not want to encourage early growth until all danger of frost is past.

Here is a close up of a few Dogwood blooms with a pine tree serving as the backdrop. I appreciate these blooms and the Dogwood trees that have flourished naturally on our property.

Please leave your comments here regarding your favorite Spring Time Blooms. Thank You!!

2009-02-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

Garden Club Meeting Today

The Thornwood Garden Club met yesterday, February 10th. My Wife is the Club President and the meeting was held at our home when it was not possible for the Club to meet at another member's home. So, I took on the task of making the front door presentable. I found these white cabbage plants at a local nursery and placed them in small pots to adorn the front steps.

Even though we have experienced some rather cool weather, I dead headed the frozen blooms and these have opened up to share their beauty.

The Camellias have been a real joy to behold this Winter. They look so fresh and bright. If you click on the blooms they will enlarge and you just might be able to see an ant or two.

Of course, my favorite flower for this time of the year is the Lenten Rose. They have had an expecially long blooming season this year. They started early and appear to last well through the end of March. Once you plant these in the proper location they keep coming back and even reseeding so you can dig up the small plants to share with friends. A real treasurer.

2008-12-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

Winter Flowers in Middle Georgia

December 24, 2008

Daphne Odera are just about ready to burst forth in full bloom. These usually are at their peak bloom in the Middle of January.

Two Camellia Blooms which have been blooming every Winter here in Bibb County, Georgia. These plants were acquired in the early 90s and have never been pruned and they thrive in the protection of the many trees which adorn the Gardens.

This Lenten Rose Bloom was the first of the Season. They, like the Daphne Odera usually bloom in the middle of January, but I am enjoying their beauty here on Christmas Eve 2008.

This is a close up of a Christmas Cactus Bloom which was in full bloom on Thanksgiving Day 2008.

2008-11-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

Angel Trumpet Reproduction

also known as

Brugmansia X candida

Benefits of a Plant Patent

A plant patent lasts for 20 years from the date of filing the patent application and gives the inventor the right to exclude others from asexually reproducing, selling, or using the plant so reproduced.

Rooting is considered asexual reproduction. This Author investigated several Web Sites to ascertain Patent Information. The status of Patent Information for this Plant is listed as unknown.

Today I will display a rooting technique that I use to have additional plants to share. The first picture is of an Angel Trumpet Plant that is currently flourshing (November 17, 2008) in my Gardens. You can see the bloom pods, which are about four inches long. Unfortunately the cold weather this evening here in Middle Georgia may freeze this plant. Thus I have taken steps to insure that I have these lovely plants again in 2009. I have performed this routine for the last five or six years with great success:

This is a picture of a plant that I rooted during the Winter of 2007-2008. It is currently in a pot in the garage so that I can Winter it over. I also have the first plant that I acquired about seven years ago in a larger pot, which I also keep in the garage.

This is a set-up picture of a stem that has developed roots over the Winter and I place the stems in individual fiber pots like this in Mid-March each Spring so that I can transplant them in the ground in Mid-April, after all danger of frost is past. Please remember that on April 14, 2008 we had overnight temperatures lower than 32 degrees.

Here is a picture of what I accomplished today, November 17th, to root my cuttings. I cut several stems about eight inches long. Placed them in water and then put them in Rootone - a Rooting Hormone with Fungicide; before placing them back into this high tech plastic jug with about two inches of water so that they can root over Winter. Then, as I displayed above I place the rooted cuttings in individual fiber planters for further growth until it is safe to transplant them outside in the Gardens.

Angel Trumpets flourish in full Sun, however I have mine placed on the Northeast corner of our two story home. On hot Summer days I have had to water them twice a day because they do like plenty of water. Please note that I do maintain a heavy mulch around the plants once they are in the Ground.

The first picture clearly shows plants that I hope do not freeze soon, because I want to see another flush of blooms from them. They had three already this Year. Once they are killed by cold weather I cut them off to the ground and then place a pile of hardwood leaves one foot tall over the roots. So far they have come back each year.

I hope you find this post useful and please leave your comments here regarding the maintaining of these lovely, and yes interesting plants throughout the State of Georgia. The methods I discuss above have worked for me here in Bibb County, which is in the Heart of Georgia.

2008-10-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

Gardening Equipment

This spade was a gift to me from my wife one year as we attended the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta, Georgia. The vendors from Lee Valley had this on special for $28.50 which included shipment. They now cost $35.00. It is a finely balanced tool and a pleasure to work with. Which is an introduction to the following information:

I recently attended a Garden Club Meeting here in Macon, which featured a Guest Speaker who is a Master Gardner.

The following is an outline of his presentation:

Gardening Equipment – Selection and Care

Use Chemicals for Caution – Always comply with the directions.

Keep tools in the same place – You will know where they are.

Wear a brimmed hat – Skin Cancer is not fun.

Wear Gloves – Protect your hands.

Use the correct pruner for the task. Bypass for green material. Anvil for dead or dry material

Clean tools after each use – Then they are always ready.

Keep cutting tools sharp

Have emery paper handy – Then you can keep the surfaces of knives clean.

Use WD-40 – Or any other water displacement liquid to prevent rust.

Obtain the best gardening trowel you can afford. Stainless steel is the best.

For gas powered equipment always use STA-BIL when you place equipment in storage for the next season of use. STA-BIL is a fuel stabilizer that prevents fuel from deteriorating so engines start quickly and easily after storage.

Select a shovel with a well balanced and long enough handle and keep it sharp and clean.

If you garden in a tree filled property the use of an AXE is a fact of life. Obtain the best you can afford. Keep the Axe sharp and clean and you will never have to obtain another one.

Obtain a Mattock/Pick Ax or

A Prong Hoe

2008-10-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Confederate Roses

The Confederate Rose, while not a "Rose" is certainly a unique "Pass Along" plant. The three plants that flourish in our East Garden were passed to us by my Bride's Aunt who lives in the Country.
The beautiful feature of this plant is that various colors can appear on one bush. The pinks, white and even a fairly dark red. Unfortunately we had no red blooms when we conducted this photo shoot.
The originator of this Blog is shown here to give you an idea of the size of the Confederate Rose Plant. This shows a six foot tall person and the plant towers above.
This picture gives you an idea of the size of the plant and how the blooms are spread out. The Confederate Rose is easily grown. I cut them to the ground after the first frost here in Middle Georgia and mulch with a generous pile of tree leaves until Spring when I uncover them after all danger of frost is past. A very rewarding plant to grow because of the bountiful blooms every Fall.

2008-10-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

Angel Trumpet Flowers

Gardening Tidbits

I have been fastinated with the Angel Trumpet Flowers for several years. I first saw them while on a road trip to Athens, Georgia to observe the 1996 Olympic Games Soccer Matches.
These pictures are from my Gardens here in Macon, Georgia.

I have had as many as twelve blooms on one plant. A future Blog entry will focus on taking cuttings and sharing this fun plant