Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Round and Round the Garden

 
Mom's showy 'black' iris.  Mom really loved this flower, so I'm glad one of them popped up in my bundle of iris.  Most of these iris were dug up from her garden last year when we sold my parents' house.  They were dug up after the blooming season, so I didn't know yet which flowers would show up this year.  Now every one of them is a delightful surprise, and they're coming out one at a time so I get to enjoy each beauty individually.  Some of the smaller iris have no buds, but they look strong and healthy, so maybe next year.

One of my favourites is the two-toned purple with fancy little stripes on the lower petals.  Such pretty colours throughout.
 
 
My sons's clematis are starting to bloom ...
 
 
 
 
My new foxglove just about there ...
 
 
This lovely Solomon's Seal has thrived the transplant from Mom's garden too.  A really nice tall, but orderly flower with small flowers similar to lily of the valley.
 
 
The bees like it too!
 
 
Look at those pollen-laden thighs!!

 
Some things are not going so well.  I'm in front-line battle with the baby rabbit who is enjoying my balloon flowers, roses, lilies and more!  I bought some Skoot and painted that on the plants.  Not sure if there are fresh chews there or not.  Some of my lilies are just stalks with all the leaves and buds chewed right off.  Bugga!
 
I have a couple of poppies that I bought awhile ago and one of them has some huge flower buds ready to burst any day now.  The other one didn't like its planting situation and I've had to move it (I think it wasn't getting enough sun).  Hopefully it'll come back and thrive soon.
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
Wendy
 
Linking up with Fishtail Cottage's Garden Party
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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58 comments:

  1. Stacy5 June 2013 at 13:58

    Your son has a wonderful eye for clematis! The black iris is gorgeous ~ I can see why you were hoping to have it. It is an amazing color! I am glad I don't have rabbits around here. That must be so frustrating!

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 07:43

      Thanks Stacy, I never used to like the black iris as much, but now that it's here in my garden it means a lot more to me ;)

      Delete
  2. Vintage Sheet Addict5 June 2013 at 13:59

    Beautiful flowers! A munching rabbit, and I moan about munching slugs, I've nothing to worry about! :) x

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 07:45

      I've never had slug problems, but the rabbits return every year :[ They are quite voracious eaters too (and watching my indoor Smudge, he can tear through a few leaves of lettuce in mere seconds!).

      Delete
  3. Manuela@A Cultivated Nest5 June 2013 at 14:54

    What a wonderful photo of the bee! Those are all beautiful flowers. I especially like the iris with the stripes!

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 07:46

      Thanks Manuela, the bee did a photo bomb on me as I was really photographing the flower! But never miss an opportunity like that ;)

      Delete
  4. thriftwood5 June 2013 at 15:07

    And everything in the garden's rosy, Wendy! Lovely pictures, it's hard to believe that the same garden was snow covered not so long ago!

    Hope the sun's shining n you

    Love Claire xxx

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 07:48

      It IS hard to believe it was so wintry two months ago. My surrounding neighbours all have some beautiful lush trees too, and makes coming outside such a pleasure again! Rain today & tomorrow, but they're promising a sunny weekend. Take care xox

      Delete
  5. Jennifer Hays5 June 2013 at 16:09

    All of your flowers are gorgeous, Wendy. Nice photos too.

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 07:49

      Thanks Jennifer, these spring flowers will be the last for a while, my summer garden needs some work!

      Delete
  6. Annie Cholewa5 June 2013 at 16:47

    How lovely to have such a beautiful garden :)

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  7. Plain Jane5 June 2013 at 18:19

    Good grief the pictures of that bee are incredible! Love the black iris - very dramatic x Jane

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 07:50

      Glad you like my chubby bumblebee ;) He was very cooperative flying by so slowly (I think his legs were weighing him down!)

      Delete
  8. My Garden Diaries6 June 2013 at 00:20

    Wendy...your blooms are just beautiful! You really captured some amazing shots! I am thinking I need to add some foxglove as well! I hope those bunnies leave your plants alone! Keep the pictures coming!!

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 07:53

      I was a long time deciding on the foxglove because it's poisonous. I was always a bit worried that my kids might chew on it, or the dog (but have I ever witnessed my kids or dog eating any other flower?! no.) Since I've always admired them and my kids are now MUCH older, I decided to get one.

      Delete
  9. The Faerie Factory6 June 2013 at 03:39

    Wendy ... those irises are stunning particularly the black one. I'm fighting a losing battle with the squirrels at the moment, they dug up all my sunflowers and now they've even raided the seeds in the pots... pesky critters!!

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 07:56

      My mom had lots of trouble with squirrels too ... they dug up her bulbs and seeds continuously! She laid chicken wire down over the flower beds until the flowers came up. I've done the same with some seeds I planted to keep the rabbit away from the new shoots. Good luck!!

      Delete
  10. W-S Wanderings6 June 2013 at 07:54

    Such a gift your mother's flowers are. A living connection. Beautiful. It makes me think of gardening in whole new, layered, profound perspective. I have no flowers passed along through the generations. Wait, no, I do. I have some plants from my mother-in-law. I'm going to pay more attention to them now, because they really are a celebration of life.

    Thank you.

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 08:00

      I'm glad that came across ... you've put into beautiful words exactly how I feel! My mom was always pushing plants on me, and most times I refused because I really wasn't that much into gardening and I really struggled with it (bugs, rabbits, digging dog, kids). But now I feel a bit like a steward to her plants, and it really matters to me that they are still alive and well. Of all the things I inherited from my mother after she passed away, the flowers are the most precious to me (weird isn't it?).

      Delete
  11. Gaia6 June 2013 at 09:36

    You have such a beautiful garden, Wendy! love the purple flower, it is perfect for a painting. Also, you are good photographer :)
    wishing you a lovely day, [ i think it is going to rain again today] - Gaia

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 11:29

      Thanks for such nice compliments Gaia :) We had the rain this morning, but not very nice out there today is it. Sun is in the weekend forecast, so I'm looking forward to that!

      Delete
  12. Debbi6 June 2013 at 11:28

    Stunning iris! Well all your flowers are stunning...my foxgloves are almost done, I so enjoy them in the cottage garden:)

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 12:54

      This is one of the first really good years in my garden, so thank you! I can't wait for the foxgloves, peonies and a few more iris still to come out.

      Delete
  13. Judith @ Lavender Cottage6 June 2013 at 11:44

    I enjoyed seeing the flowers from your garden. You captured a fantastic macro of the bee!

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 12:53

      I'm glad you enjoyed the flowers and the bee!

      Delete
  14. Abby and Stephanie6 June 2013 at 12:39

    Amazing bee in flight! We also have black irises that our neighbor gave us. It' really stunning and unusual. Your garden is lovely. I can't reply to a comment you left about my green nail polish...my nails were painted green BEFORE shopping for the adorable tea cups.

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    1. September Violets6 June 2013 at 12:51

      That is TOO funny!! It must've been karma to find the green cups then ;) And I think I am an unintentional "non-reply blogger" as others have said the same thing, but no matter how I try to follow all these helpful tips on reversing that I still haven't figured it out :[

      Delete
  15. Hilde6 June 2013 at 17:01

    You have so many blooming beauties in your garden, and the black iris is absolutely stunning!
    Love the bee photos, great shots :)

    I have had a couple of busy days now, hopefully I'll do a little gardening tomorrow, and take some photos around my garden too.
    Happy weekend, Wendy :)

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    1. September Violets7 June 2013 at 07:25

      Thanks Hilde, glad you enjoyed the photos. Enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  16. Jemma@athomewithjemma6 June 2013 at 18:42

    This Iris-is spectacular!! I wish that I was able to grow them where I live. Just too warm to truly get the blooms that you have. This bee shot is amazing! Such an action shot!
    Happy Hugs-
    jemma

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    1. September Violets7 June 2013 at 07:25

      Thanks Jemma, I ddn't realize that iris were a cooler weather flower.

      Delete
  17. JoKnows7 June 2013 at 00:36

    Gosh, your flowers are so beautiful! I have got to add to my gardens!! Love the bee too. :)

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    1. September Violets7 June 2013 at 07:27

      Thanks Jo, I'm surprised at how easy the gardening has gotten for me lately. Iris are so easy in a very sunny, well drained location ... give 'em a whirl!

      Delete
  18. Susana7 June 2013 at 10:30

    Hola y gracias por tu comentario. Que flores tan bonitas tienes en el jardín, me gustaría tener un jardín.
    besos

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  19. September Violets7 June 2013 at 12:27

    Hi Susana, and thanks for popping back for a visit. I'm glad you like the flowers, and didn't I see a tiny garden in a pot on your balcony? Have a great weekend! :)

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  20. Fishtail Cottage7 June 2013 at 12:40

    beautiful bearded iris's! I can't seem to get enough of them in my garden either! & what a great shot of that bee! thanks for linking up over here at Fishtail Cottage's garden party! xoox, tracie

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    1. September Violets8 June 2013 at 17:44

      Thanks Tracie, I'm really enjoying the iris, now I need to stake some up they're getting so tall! Thanks for hosting the garden party, I love having a peek into fellow gardeners spaces :)

      Delete
  21. HIBISCUS HOUSE7 June 2013 at 13:00

    Oh my what beauty! Thanks for visiting me it enabled me to find you and follow!
    Dolly

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    1. September Violets8 June 2013 at 17:45

      Hi Dolly, I'm glad you came over for a visit and thank you for following ;)

      Delete
  22. Jennifer7 June 2013 at 19:42

    Isn't it so nice that you have something in your garden that come from your mother's garden! I love the two toned purple iris as well.
    You were asking about my favourite local nurseries in the comment you left on my blog. Humber Nursery has a selection of perennials that is hard to beat. They also have a great clearance sale in late August. I have purchased standard lilacs there for around $30. Sheridan Nurseries can be a bit pricier than Humber, but they have nice decorative items. I also like to visit Lost Horizons Nursery at least once every summer to see the display garden and shop for more unusual plants, shrubs and trees.

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    1. September Violets8 June 2013 at 17:49

      I love having my mom's flowers coming up these past two years, especially when she worked so hard at them (it's inspired me to take good care of my gardens now!). Thanks for the names of the nurseries, they both sound like a visit to them would be worthwhile!

      Delete
  23. Patti8 June 2013 at 15:19

    We recently moved to the country. At this very moment hubs is outside finishing up the "you rabbits stay out" fence. They eat anything, don't they? Well, we have gophers and ground squirrels, too. They aren't even afraid of us!

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    1. September Violets8 June 2013 at 17:52

      One baby rabbit in my yard has done considerable damage (didn't realize till yesterday he even got my son's rose!). Now I've painted a lot of the flowers with "Skoot" which tastes bad to them. I can't imagine fending off gophers and ground squirrels on top of that! My mom used to battle with deer who thought nothing of clearing a 5 ft fence into her veggie garden. Good luck, and I hope it's not too discouraging for you.

      Delete
  24. Anonymous9 June 2013 at 13:47

    Hi Wendy,
    I just had to pop over from Lavender Cottage to comment on your pond and feeding the heron your goldfish!!! I had to laugh although it isn't really funny... but hey, someone has to fee the heron! :D I'm new to your blog but I am now following and looking forward to reading more posts! I am happy for you that one of your Mom's favorite Iris bloomed in your yard... :D
    Hugs,
    Beth P
    http://elisabetpollock.blogspot.com

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    1. September Violets10 June 2013 at 10:01

      Hi Beth, and thanks for following! Yes, the heron is a greedy bird and we've had to cover the pond with netting to protect the poor fish.

      Delete
  25. Rustic Vintage Country9 June 2013 at 16:47

    Beautiful, lovely flowers! x

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  26. Mel @ Coal Valley View10 June 2013 at 07:22

    Such a pretty garden - reminds me of an English garden with the Foxglove there - and I love that you have been able to successfully transplant so many from your Mom's garden. Mel x

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    1. September Violets10 June 2013 at 10:03

      My garden is anything but an English garden (I don't have the skill to make those enormous full flower gardens they are famous for!). I'm very happy to have some of my mom's with me. Have a great week Mel!

      Delete
  27. Tammy@T's Daily Treasures10 June 2013 at 10:08

    How in the heck did you get those mid-air photos of the bee? Very cool! Your garden is looking so lovely and it must be such a delight for your mom's plants to bloom for you. The purple clematis is amazing. Wow! Have a great week. Tammy

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    1. September Violets11 June 2013 at 07:21

      Bumblebees are very slow, and this big guy had thighs heavy with pollen ... even slower. He was an easy photo target ;) But thank you. I AM very pleased with my mom's flowers this year, and glad they all survived the quick transplant last spring and our hard winter. I hope you have a great week too Tammy.

      Delete
  28. Tammy@T's Daily Treasures10 June 2013 at 10:11

    P.S. You have bunnies eating your outdoor plants and I have Jingles the cat eating my indoor plants. It drives my husband mad but I figure if she needs the green stuff then there's a reason why she does it and it's only a plant. In the grand scheme of things, really isn't very important. :)

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    1. September Violets11 June 2013 at 07:23

      Naughty Jingles! My dog eats grass like a horse. I was always told if your dog eats grass he's sick (probably with worms), but it doesn't seem to be the case with Cody, and I too figure he's lacking something in his diet that he craves a bit of green stuff.

      Delete
  29. Jo10 June 2013 at 12:19

    What lovely irises! My dark purple ones are done now, but I have some in the back yard that are just about to bloom. I think they may be white, but I can't remember.

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    1. September Violets11 June 2013 at 07:25

      Thanks Joanna, White iris sound really nice (hmmm, maybe I'll scout some of those out!), I have a few more to bloom too, but they're sure to be more purples.

      Delete
  30. Jane and Chris10 June 2013 at 15:48

    Hi (waves) nice to meet a fellow Ontarian...especially one who has heard of where I live!
    Jane x

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    1. September Violets11 June 2013 at 07:28

      Hi Jane, and thanks for popping back AND following! I live in the town of Whitby, but love reading about rural life :) Enjoy your week!

      Delete

Thanks so much for leaving a comment, it's nice to know when you've stopped by! :)

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