Recent Garden Photos

 The Lycoris lily that hadn't blossomed in about ten years was broken off by the dogs so I was forced (fortunately) to bring it into the house where I actually enjoyed it even more. Clicking on photos will enlarge them.

Lycoris Lily

I first identified Ironweed growing outside at Fritatta. 

Gorgeous purple color, very tall, and loved by insects

This Dahlia is one of my favorites; it mutates readily producing single flowers, doubles, solid purple, purple with white, downward facing, upward facing blooms and the hummingbirds love it.

I'm not good at identifying my ferns. 

This might be the Royal Fern. Maybe?

This wildflower is one of my favorites. Perhaps because of its name: -

Silphium perfoliatum. How cool is that? 

Normally it's very tall and the Goldfinches love its seeds.

Abba - August 27, 2022

Three weeks ago Abba came back home. Although she has several potty issues, she does seem to be getting better (slowly). I think she forgot or maybe she didn't remember that she was an Icelandic. My current pack have helped her to become more self aware. Icelandic Sheepdogs (aka "farm dogs") are amazingly smart and learn quickly. 

Outside my office today is her litter brother Sir Watson: - 

Very cool dude, IMO. 

I loved the way my office windows reflected the Tilia tree (aka Basswood) on the bluff overlooking Lake Huron. Mother Kit is below on the grass, Watson on the porch, , half-brother Tryggur is on the left.

Tryggur, Kit, Watson

Tryggur, Abba

Abba

Abba

Abba

Abba

Abba now explores by herself and has found snakes, mice, birds, a snapping turtle, lots of cool smells in the north forest. She's becoming a real dog. It's clear she has had some formal training; hopefully when she's fully housebroken we'll enroll in another class in Lapeer. Recently two other half brothers came for a long visit and the five siblings all had a great time.

Monday, August 22, 2022

 Big storm this past weekend brought down some large branches but no trees. Climate change!? My Lycoris lily hasn't flowered for more than ten years but suddenly this just popped up. Clicking on photos will enlarge them.

The rain has magnified the beauty of the Rose of Sharon blossoms while also chasing the Japanese beetles away keeping them intact and beautiful. Of course they are yet another example of the Hibiscus family.

While I'm making these blog entries before I go to my dermatologist in Port Huron I'm listening to Bach's Brandenburg Concerto # 5. Honestly? I think personally I had to be older to really appreciate him and his works. 

Thursday, August 18, 2022

I turned on the news to check on the weather and the latest outrageous comments from some politicians. The first thing I saw was a photo of my old first apartment building on Whitmore in Palmer Park; - A3 was the unit and it's the first floor with a screened in porch and behind that there are five windows. Loved it and the neighbors. It was a short drive to Mumford High School where I taught Biology for several years.

Clicking on photos will enlarge them.

I recently heard that a good friend just passed. He was an avid gardener and an inspiration. Hostas and unusual plants were his love. Daylilies? Not so much. However, this very late flowing one was one he did like; he called it "Autumn Orange". I'm calling it "Jim Langhamar". When all the other daylilies are finishing their season, this one is just starting.

On the way home from "All Dogs Can" where Kit and I have been working on agility obstacles, I saw a large flock of birds circling overhead. I recognized turkey vultures but couldn't identify the majority. I suspect they are starting their fall migration. Guess it's time.

I prefer small orchids that will fit on my bookcase near the windows, that have a pleasant aroma, and that flower in the winter when my garden is covered with snow - BUT - this lovely little beauty likes to flower now! 

I came across this quote from Honore de Balzac: - "Laws are spiderwebs through which big flies pass and the little ones get caught." Appropriate, eh? 

Some garden shots: -