Pansy in the Snow

Springtime in the Rockies

We here, in Wyoming, at just 8 feet shy of 7,000 feet elevation above sea level, are accustomed to spring snowstorms. Boy did we get a whopper Monday & Tuesday (April 25-26). Over a foot of heavy water-logged snow. One of the best spring snows I've ever seen.

"Pansies are not difficult to grow. Good soil, steady moisture, and at least partial sun will provide the results you're looking for. What they don't tolerate is heat and humidity, which is why they thrive in spring and fall."
BHG: How to grow Pansies

A few weeks ago, even though I know better, I planted a flat of happy pansies to feed my soul and get a head start on the blooming season. Well take a look at this gorgeous maroon blossom (MAMMOTH Rocky Rose) braving the cold heavy snow yesterday morning.

Now, why do we use the word "PANSY" to suggest someone is weak or frail? Looks to me like these little flowers with their sheer grit and stubborn determination in the face of calamity are the bad-ass of the poesy patch. What do you think? No shirking violets are my pansies!

Learn more about pansies from Burpee, the well known purveyor of quality seeds and plants:

All About Pansies
"Especially when purchased as bedding plants, pansies are very easy to grow and require only a minimum of care to provide a very long flowering season. Available in a wide variety of individual colors and mixes, pansies can also be started from seed either indoors or directly in the garden."

Weekender Bouquet: Sweet William

Weekender bouquet: This is an arrangement of Dianthus barbatus "Sweet William" taken from "Howard's Garden" - the garden at the entrance of our kennel building where Charvie now happily reins as top dog. Sweet William convey to me old fashioned innocence and country charm; the Mason jar with wire bail seemed the perfect vessel for them. Their essence is sweet and evocative, much like their botanical cousin the carnation. Do you have a memory of old fashioned Sweet Wiliams?

Gardening: Hanging Geraniums

I mentioned in an earlier post that I outdid myself with container gardens this year. Two of my favorites (okay - they are ALL my favorites) are the coco fiber lined hanging planters that hold magenta Martha Washington geraniums. These are hung under the eves on the east side of the garage where they get gobs of gorgeous morning sunshine and cool afternoon shade. They are also well protected from the infamous Wyoming wind and they thrive. I captured this image in the early morning light with my big Canon camera. The exquisite detail of the flower petals and fuzzy deep-node leaves make these container gardens true show stoppers. I have not had a problem with non-blooming on these two lovely ladies. I keep them indoors over winter and have had them since 2012.

 From one of my favorite gardening resources, GardenGuides.com:

"Martha Washington geraniums (Pelargonium domesticum) produce large, showy blooms in shades of pink, white, purple, red and yellow early in spring. Of all types of geraniums, Martha Washington is the most difficult to grow, and often won't bloom after the first spectacular display, especially if summer nighttime temperatures exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, they work best as an indoor plant. Native to South Africa, they are also known as "lady geranium" or "regal geranium."

Read more: How to Care for Martha Washington Geraniums | Garden Guides

Gardening: Hanging Violets

Over the last few years I have taken a shine to container gardening. The containers are such a fun and easy way to add spots of color and foliage to any yard. This year, when I did a count, I was authentically shocked to learn I had 82 (that's EIGHTY-TWO folks) containers scattered over the decks, the gardens, the entry, and the plant house. How did that happen? Quite frankly it was too many and challenging to keep up with sometimes twice-daily watering, not to mention the deadheading and trimming. But wow do they add some lovely eye candy to the world! The little birds and butterflies liked them as well.  Next year I shall try to contain myself a little better and not get so carried away.  

This is one of my favorite hanging gardens this year, a living globe filled with violet, sweet alyssum, and nasturtiums. I caught this image from underneath when the sky was perfect blue with oh-so-gentle clouds. 

 

Today Inspired: Nasturtiums

Enjoying the late summer blooms in the gardens today.

The Little Things

Today's Reminder: It's the little things in life that truly matter.

Fuschia's in hanging basket by Kaye Bailey.

Hollyhocks & Peonies

I'm still trying to fit in posting to this craft blog, the fun things I get to do outside of my work with the weight loss surgery community. One of my favorite activities is gardening, which seems a bit diabolical given I live at 7,000 feet elevation in Wyoming. Our growing season is brief complicated by high dry winds and sporadic rainfall. In the last 18 years I've found some reliable plants that bloom and grow despite the unfavorable conditions. Two of my favorites are the peony and the hollyhock plants. Take a look at their blossoms this year:

Pink Sorbet Peony
Touched with morning light this is a sorbet peony, now at least 10 years old, blooming in the playground garden. One of my favorite perennial blooms. Image (C) Kaye Bailey 2014.

Frilly Pink Hollyhocks

Rain sprinkled hollyhocks. This is a "volunteer" that planted herself out back by the wood pile and is thriving. Gives validity to that favorite saying, "Bloom Where You are Planted." I might gripe about the Wyoming winters but never about hollyhock season. Image (C) Kaye Bailey 2014.