Can you find the owl in this picture? I found this little guy setting up house in a tree in the backyard.
We were getting ready to leave for our annual trip to Arkansas to see Hubby's family.
It's always hard to leave when the garden is busy, but more so in the Spring when it is just waking. I was afraid I would miss so many things that were ripe with buds ready to burst forth.
The Indian Paintbrush was just starting to unfurl.
As was this shy little cosmos.But, oh my! Everything was awash in blossom and color when we reached our destination.
Can anyone tell me--is this cross vine?
I would kill for this Clematis--and my Sister-in-Law didn't know she had it!
Can you see the sweet little freckles on this azalea?
Their backyard was a paradise for all the birds, rabbits, and raccoons that I saw.
...and squirrels...
Nephew was very proficient in the science of the center of mass.
We had such a lovely restful time visiting family, but it was good to get home and see what had been going on in the garden ...and at home.
While things were popping outside, things were not so happy inside. Before we left for Arkansas, we started having Internet connection problems. We had a technician come out to fix it, so Hubby thought he would hit the ground running as soon as we were home since he had so many unproductive days before we left due to the problems getting online.
Not so! Even though the company had left a message that the problem had been fixed, we still couldn't get online.
Technician #2 to the rescue...he found the problem was a split in the connection outside." We'll get right to it"...Days later, Hubby calls to find out why we still can't get online. Company said they had no history of any work being done--or for that matter, a problem being reported!
Can you see the sweet little freckles on this azalea?
Their backyard was a paradise for all the birds, rabbits, and raccoons that I saw.
...and squirrels...
Nephew was very proficient in the science of the center of mass.
We had such a lovely restful time visiting family, but it was good to get home and see what had been going on in the garden ...and at home.
While things were popping outside, things were not so happy inside. Before we left for Arkansas, we started having Internet connection problems. We had a technician come out to fix it, so Hubby thought he would hit the ground running as soon as we were home since he had so many unproductive days before we left due to the problems getting online.
Not so! Even though the company had left a message that the problem had been fixed, we still couldn't get online.
Technician #2 to the rescue...he found the problem was a split in the connection outside." We'll get right to it"...Days later, Hubby calls to find out why we still can't get online. Company said they had no history of any work being done--or for that matter, a problem being reported!ARRRRRGGGGGG!!!
Bring in Technician #3. "Yup, ya got a split in yer connection. We're gonna have to tear up the street in front of yer house, but first we gotta get 10 thousand work permits from the city before we can even begin to tear up the street."
Okay, okay, I'm exaggerating... it's probably only one thousand work permits. But, that is where we stand right now. Waiting for the work permits, still have spotty Internet connection, and one very frustrated Hubby.
I think I'll go out in the garden and get my hands dirty.
Is it too late to give the roses a little compost before I put down some mulch?
Bring in Technician #3. "Yup, ya got a split in yer connection. We're gonna have to tear up the street in front of yer house, but first we gotta get 10 thousand work permits from the city before we can even begin to tear up the street."
Okay, okay, I'm exaggerating... it's probably only one thousand work permits. But, that is where we stand right now. Waiting for the work permits, still have spotty Internet connection, and one very frustrated Hubby. 
I think I'll go out in the garden and get my hands dirty.
Is it too late to give the roses a little compost before I put down some mulch?
34 comments:
Your blooms are spectacular. I deadhead my iris, but not sure if you are supposed to or not. I hate to travel in the spring when my garden is waking up, too; then I hate to leave in the summer because it needs daily watering!
Connection problems turn me into a raving maniac! I hope your's is corrected soon, very soon!
My opinion - I always deadhead iris (and daffodils). It's never a bad time to add compost.
Internet problems can be so frustrating! I sometimes wonder how did we ever get along without cell phones or the internet:) But the upside is that you won't be distracted from gardening! Glad you were able to post this, though, and show us all that is blooming in your garden--it looks like you got home in time for the best part. Yes, I would add some compost to the roses; I don't think there's a wrong time to do that.
It is hard to leave home this time of year, because it's very easy to miss something in the garden. I'm leaving to see my youngest daughter next week, just at the time when we can finally plant annuals and some tender vegetables in the garden. But it's been almost 9 months since I've seen my "baby," so the garden will just have to wait!:)
I'm glad you had a good time visiting family in AR. That's my home state.
How nice you had all those nice blooms waiting on you.
Sorry to hear about the connection problem. That is no fun!
Thanks Nola, I feel like I have no attention span, bouncing from one bloom to the next, trying not to miss a one.
I hate leaving in summer too. So much needs attention (water)to survive the hot weather. Wish I could convince Hubby to vacation in winter.
Marie, my hubby is there (raving maniac). Since he works from home, our Internet connection is his life line. This has been going on for three weeks now and I expect a computer to sail through the window any day now (just kidding). LOL!
I didn't know you could deadhead daffs. I always thought you had to leave them to store energy for next year. Is that just the foliage that needs to be left alone?
It's so weird, Rose. Some days I have no problems getting online, and other days I can't get on at all. I guess it is like a short in the wiring that causes it to work sometimes, and sometimes not.
Yes, Rose, family trumps gardening every time! 9 months is a long time to not see your baby. I hope you have a wonderful time together.
Wow, you have had so a lot going on. The trip sounds like fun. I know what you mean by hating to leave in the spring for fear of missing so many lovely blooms in your own garden.
Sorry about your internet service. Very frustrating. Hope they can get it repaired quickly.
Marnie
Susie, I think Arkansas is one of the most beautiful states. The trees are so tall and everything is so wild and lush looking. I lived in Little Rock for 5 years a million years ago (Clinton was governor). Two of my children were born there.
Hubby has to have an Internet connection to work, so I am just praying that our computer problems will be repaired quicker than they think.
Hi Morning Glories......two lovely gardens.....clematis are beautiful and such wonderful woodland plants.
I personally deadhead any bulb....it has always worked for me.
Compost anytime....I do, I am a compost sort of girl......
It is always good to be back home, isn't it??? Your garden is looking lovely, spring has sprung for sure.....
Hi Marnie,
It's good to be back. I worked out in the garden this evening until it became too dark to see. So much to be done to catch up.
Still nothing being done about our Internet connection. I am sure it will take weeks to get the permits and work crews in place. Hubby's work has reluctantly sent a chip for his computer to by-pass our Internet...but then forgot to send the disc along with it to configure the computer. It is beginning to seem like a comedy of errors.
Dear Cheryl, Arkansas is very much a woodland--so beautiful and wild. Very different from Central Texas. We always marvel at the trees when we go--so tall.
Yes, I am a compost gal too, although I can't boast as many composters as you! But thanks for the imput--it seems most do deadhead, so I will do so this year.
Yes, we always enjoy going on trips, but are always glad to get back home. Not only do I miss the garden, but our pets as well.
MG,
I always cut the flower stalk of the daffs after they bloom. From what I understand, the daffs will put energy into producing seeds (in the lump below the flower head) instead of nourishing the bulb. I let the leaves grow to gather energy for next year - until they yellow or dry.
(See April 29, 2009 blog post. http://bethlehem-pa-gardening.blogspot.com/2009/04/deadheading-bulb-flowers.html )
In regards to that blue flower you asked about, it is a perennial cornflower. Sorry the botanical name slips me.
Internet problems do make me pull my hair~It's possible I might be a little too into blogging! I am leaving town next week and I will be missing the peonies, penstemmons and lots of other beauties...But, it's good to go on vacations! Your garden is looking wonderful~I love Indian Paintbrush~the first time I saw it I made my husband stop the car so I could run over and look at it! We were on the interstate! gail
It's looking great there my friend. I'm about a month behind you, but I'm catching up. :) Sorry you're having internet problems.~~Dee
Marie,
Thanks for that info--it makes sense to trim off the spent flower but leave the leaves.
Susie, thanks for the I.D. The cornflowers have been beautiful this year. The colors are just lovely.
Gail, you are probably the most prolific blogger I know--except for Frances. Even though I am good to post once a month, it is frustrating not to be able to get on and check on all my favorite blogs. The biggest problem I have is trying to download anything--even as simple as a YOUTube video or music can take f-o-r-e-v-e-r.
As hard as it is to leave your garden and home, I know you are excited about your trip. I am hopeful that you will write about your adventures for all of us who can only travel to Malvern vicariously through you.
I am still chuckling over the picture of you getting out on the interstate to look at Indian Paintbrush! You must have a very patient hubby.
Dee, It seems we had such a long cool Spring, but it is feeling like summer has hit with muggy weather.
Hi Grand one
hello to you! how do you do? i cant wait to get to know you! well sing and play, learning all day!going along the musical way!
I stopped by earlier today to discover that my work is now blocking a lot of blogspot access, so only two of your pics loaded. That's frustrating! Anyway, I came back to see the pics!
There are a lot of reports out there of owls in neighborhoods, which is a good sign. I think el nino really gave the local wildlife a boost.
I really love your iris! I could really complain about a local cable/internet company, but I won't bore you. Suffice it to say that we've gone round and round with them and cut back most of our services because their customer service reps and technicians are seriously lacking...
Dear Jenny, it's so good to be back after my enforced absence following surgery.
Wow! An Owl in the garden!! How I would love that.
Your garden looks lovely already! So many pretty flowers. It was great to see the wildlife at your relatives' home too.
We too have had intermittent computer problems recently and I have had visions of myself throwing the thing through the window :) I hope yours is sorted out soon.
To Nuts About Soy: Hello Granddaughter! I'm glad you visited my blog, and I hope you check back and see everything I post (especially about you)!
Dear Joseph, I am glad to get your comments about the local cable service. I had been trying to talk Hubby into it. We have DSL right now, and I must say as frustrating as having connection problems have been, they have been very friendly and diligent in getting the problem fixed. Last week we had technicians at our house every day at least once--sometimes 2 or 3 times. They have re-routed the connection in order to by-pass the split under the street. Fingers crossed that it will hold! ;-)
Dear Shy Songbird,
It is SO good to hear from you! I hope your surgery was successful, and you can get on with the busy-ness of life!
I think it was easier to get shots of wildlife on our visit to relatives because they don't have silly dogs that must bark and chase everything that moves. Bocephus and Chrissy take protecting their property very seriously!
Even though the calendar says it is still Spring, the weather says Summer, and all the flowers are taking heed. I hope it is lovely weather where you are now that you are well enough to get out and SEE it.
Take care,
Jenny
Just lovely. I don't think that's crossvine.~~Dee
Thanks Dee. I wonder what that vine is. It looks like a trumpet bloom with leaves like honeysuckle.
I totally understand the frustration when you have internet problems! And I also hate leaving my garden in spring.
Love your blooms. Your garden is pretty.
Thanks Wendy. The garden is starting to look a little bedraggled now. We have had some heavy rains and LOTS of wind.
I hope we are through with ISP techies trampling my flowers. I don't think my Russian Sage will ever look the same! :-(
Thinking of you every day. Saying a little prayer for you and Hubby.
Hugs,
Jenny
We've had a number of people out trying to figure out if we're having problems with our cable or TV. I'd rather have these problems than yours with the internet, though. I hope it gets fixed soon.
If they dig in your yard, will you get a new flower bed out of it? LOL
I see you got your questions answered. I apply compost whenever I get the pile turned over and find some that's ready. I do cut my iris back, and was noticing I have some that are ready to be cut back. Some people cut the leaves back at some point, too, but I don't do that.
I feels good to be home again, doesn't it?
I enjoyed your photos, by the way. I hope my larkspur and bachelor buttons bloom soon.
It's definitely a crossvine. I've got two varieties here -- orange with yellow insides and yellow with orange insides. It's a keeper!
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