Said Spring is here.

Called my name loud and clear.

Said time is wasting. Get to work. Buds are everywhere.

Second Crocus…

All of these pictures were taken on this one Sunny Sunday.

I’m linking with Karen at My Little Home and Garden for Sunlit Sunday 

and with Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Here it is in 2011

The pond is always . . .

THE main focal point.

September 2011

It serves well as My Little Oasis . . .

May 2011

always changing through the years.

Two Frogs at the Pond

Here it is in 2009

Garden Pond in 2009

Goldfish have remained.

Goldfish 2009

Here it is in 2005

Too Much Ribbon Grass

The New Stream

View of the Stream in 2005

Here it is in 2003

Our New Garden Pond in 2003

Not liking the black plastic waterfall too much.

Overhead View of Pond

The New Pond

It was actually our second pond. 

Here Is Our First Pond

Our first pond with a little food coloring for effect in the 1980's

We got tired of patching the cracks every year. . .

Did you recognize it?

I really could do this all day…

Male Cardinal

Here’s the domino effect.

So I’ve been admiring many other blogs that display permanent pages of their garden photos.

Dark Eyed Junco

Thanks to Debra of Gardens Inspired, who inspired me to actually start this.

I had been meaning to do that.

Female Cardinal

Choosing a few photos that give a good feel of the gardens here is a task since it means looking through so many photos. So then I figured I really needed to sort my photos.

Tufted Titmouse

And I’ve been meaning to do that anyway. 

Good thing I had actually already started doing that. But it was only the tip of the iceberg.

Dark Eyed Junco on Snow

The thing is I really enjoy doing this, but sitting at a computer for hours can’t be all that good for a person.  So I try not to do it all in one sitting.  I type, I get up, and then I come back and sort images, I get up, and so on.

Chickadee sits above a new home that Jeff built.

So I got up, watched some birds, had some lunch, and then came back to the sorting…

Tufted Titmouse on Bell

and the thing is, I really don’t want to do this all day.  Working my way back through my 2011 photos, I made it into my September pics, which really isn’t bad but there is still a long way to go. It will not be done in one day.

Raven

If you made it past all the above blabbering, you realize that I’m at the end and yet still in the middle.

Flying

In any case, I hope you enjoyed Jeff’s bird photos, as well as the photos I have placed on the tabbed page so far.

I still remember how I felt as I headed for the entrance to Fuller Gardens this past summer.  Oh, such a picturesque entrance with a sea of fragrant, fresh roses just beyond! 

The fee was quickly paid, and in case you were wondering, the garden’s worth every penny. I was handed a brochure, and we were told that a volunteer would give us some information before we entered. 

Now I consider myself a patient person, however, I was not ready for a history lesson, no matter how brief, while garden beauties were waiting just behind the gate.  However, I needed to focus my attention on the kind volunteer, before I could focus my camera on the roses. 

I smelled them, photographed them, enjoyed them. 

photo by Jeff

 Hundreds of varieties… So many roses, so little time. 

 Sure, I read some of the labels, only to be forgotten later. 

photo by Jeff

Perhaps you recognized some of them?

There is an interesting history here, so if you want to know more, here is the link:

http://www.fullergardens.org/FullerGardens/

And the beach is nearby!

I am linking this post to Mary at The Little Red House.  She hosts Mosaic Monday.

 12 clump divisions

11 plants from cuttings

 10 frequent fliers

9 chives displaying

8 goldfish swimming

7 lilies blooming

6 Kopper Kings

 5 mossy things

4 busy bees

3 hoverflies

2 little frogs

and a pileated in the oak tree.

I’m joining Diana of Elephant’s Eye for her The Twelve Days of Christmas

         I am also joining Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

My daughter took these pictures of our Turkey Tails in October.

Turkey Tails are commonly found on stumps or other rotting wood…

and we have plenty.

We learned these were called Turkey Tails from Dan the Mushroom Man http://www.marchedimanche.com/2011/10/my-mushroom-man.html

I have linked to Mary at The Little Red House.  She hosts Mosaic Monday.

I am also linking to Donna of Garden Walk Garden Talk . She is hosting Words for Wednesday ’Texture and Pattern’.

Our Incrediball Hydrangea had to be moved for many reasons, which you really don’t want to hear now.  It just had to be moved now so I could plant Giant Allium bulbs in it’s place.  After much pondering, I was satisfied with the determined location of the hydrangea. 

Anyway, back to what I was saying… With the shorter days, I often found myself outside at twilight or dusk.  I had forgotten how beautiful an Autumn evening could be.  Not that I could capture that.  I could, however, capture some things.

Here is the Incrediball hydrangea at twilight.

Do you like hydrangea flowers as they start to turn brown? Love them? Hate them? 

I think they have some interest…

 They look almost fake in this photo taken from below.

Though, I am not too crazy about my other hydrangea with it’s brown flowers.

Miscanthus is incredible this time of year, and rather dramatic at night.

 Dandelion Seeds seem innocent from above…

I had no idea what was hiding underneath…surprise!

And speaking of surprises… our Four O’Clocks actually opened in the evening!

Below are Tall Phlox, Coreopsis, Sedum, Tradescantia, Tall Phlox and Northern Sea Oats at night:

 Here is a closer look at the Tradescantia:

Here is a closer look at Northern Sea Oats:

Now take a close look at this Rudbeckia:

Did you see what lurks?

Now I could go on and on…

or I could just call it a night.

I have linked to Mary at The Little Red House.  She hosts Mosaic Monday.

So what is blooming here at NHGarden? 

The question should be, “What is NOT blooming?” I mean seriously there is a lot that is NOT blooming now.

I have made a point of going out in the yard each day, and did manage to find a few things that are still flowering.

Rudbeckia, Sedum, Buddleia, Geranium, Boltonia, Sweet William, Anise Hyssop, Tradescantia, Cranesbill and Tall Phlox are shown above.

Roses are hanging in there.

A Morning Glory vine is wrapped tightly around Pink Double Knockout Rose.

A Mini Rose is in the Center and Knockout Radrazz is still budding on the Right.

Pollinators are getting together. Three Toxomerous Hoverflies meet up on Coreopsis.

 I think there is another one under this Tall Phlox flower.

Bumble Bees having a big bash on Gaillardia.

Plant foliage has changed.

Oenothera, Hosta, Balloon Flower, Peony, Monarda, Fern, Kopper King Hibiscus, Sedum and two Columbines are shown above.

Notice the Liatris below.

White Liatris is on the Left and Purple Liatris is on the Right. I never realized the difference in their foliage before.

Still some ferns are green.

The Pond Garden is also quite green.

Fall is a great time for grasses like Miscanthus…

And Northern Sea Oats.

Bush Cherry, Rhododendron, Blueberry and a mystery plant… Do you know what it is?

Tree leaves are going through their colorful changes. The Sumac really stands out with it’s neon orange.

Shown above are Oak, Sumac, Maple Leaf, Peach, Maple and Shiny Sumac.

Crabapple Trees are loaded with bright red crabapples.

Compost in the making.

and something is blooming in the house…

Linking to Carol  GBBD at May Dreams Garden

There is no deadline.  Nothing that must be written here. Yet it is a little break from the day to day of work, dishes, laundry, bills… you know.

A blog break.

The Monarchs are back this year thankfully.  Perhaps it’s due to my resisting pulling the wild milkweed.  The milkweed has also escaped the weedwhacker. Whatever the reason, I’m glad they’re back.  Their presence was missed last year. 

Monarchs practically live on our Buddleia. There is good reason Buddleias are called Butterfly Bushes, and that is good enough reason to grow them.

I noticed the Monarchs seemed to have a preference for my Meteor Sedum.

As did many others. If you look at the center picture, you will see Sedum Spectabile Brilliant behind Sedum Spectabile Meteor. Brilliant did not get as much activity.

I’ve been trying to enjoy what is left of simple Summer…

Reblooming Creeping Phlox

though Summer has left and nothing seems simple.

And yet preparing for what is next…

What is next?

During this transition of Seasons I feel like I’m losing my focus.  Like I’m losing control as we slip into Fall. 

Yet, we are already Falling. The air is turning cold, which just gives me another reason to stay inside. So many people say they love Fall. Really.

Precious little of the usual bright leaf colors so far this year. We New Englanders do get spoiled when it comes to Fall foliage.

Not so much weeding to be done now.  Well surely I could find some, but the mosquitoes won’t allow it anyway.  They are not staying in the wooded areas as they should be. They are thriving in these moist conditions, as is the moss.

 I don’t believe I’ve ever seen so much rich green moss. If you look carefully at the second picture in the top row, you will see that the moss is even growing among the Hens and Chicks.

 We also have interesting mushrooms. 

The one above is small. Daylily foliage is behind it.

I’ve been a Fast and Furious gardener lately.  Anything done outdoors, including taking pictures, is done quickly in short bursts.  When it’s not raining that is. I have been waiting for a break to do some planting, dividing…

This is a time for gathering seeds, cuttings… thoughts.

Thoughts that are scattered as seeds going in several different directions. 

Some to plant, some to share.   

Some to let nature take it’s own course.

Which plants are worthy of my efforts?

Will I do geranium cuttings again?

Perhaps not as many as last year though. I want to save room for growing the plants on my wish list.  Hmmm…Where did I put that list?

I think I’ll skip the Sweet Potato Vine cuttings.  They took so long to spread once planted outside and required frequent watering inside all Winter.

Maybe I’ll take a few Coleus cuttings.  That should be easy.

4 O’ Clocks filled in some bare spots nicely, however, I mostly saw the opened flowers only as I was leaving for work. Mostly I saw them closed.

I’m taking notes and making lists. Getting back into focus.

Back to the day to day…

til my next break. 

 I am linking up with Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday.

Now it is heavy with elderberries.

I was grateful for Milkweed in July.

A closer look.

And the promise for more next year.

Because it brings Monarchs. This photo was taken in August.

Black-Eyed Susans photo taken in August.

Woodland Sunflower is lit up in the shadows in August.

Asters in August

Asters with Goldenrod in early September

The same Asters flattened after Tropical Storm Irene.

These Asters bloom a little later and have much smaller flowers.

The same small Aster flowers contrast with the blue sky.

 Another shot looking in.

I don’t mind if the shorter Goldenrod grows in the garden here.

The bright yellow is a welcome sight in September.

This oxalis caught my eye recently.

Worth a closer look.

One more shot.

That’s one small insect.

See his shadow? 

Does that mean we get 6 more weeks of Summer?

I am linking up with Gail of Clay and Limestone for Wildflower Wednesday.

Hopefully I will get some good photos of the following next year:

Ruby Sentinel, Matt, Strutter’s Ball, VT Lemon Cream, VT Ovation, Lord Jeffrey Amherst, Zona Rose, Wynn, Caviar, Guardian Angel, Dark Rose, Dashing Prince, Red Ribbons, Little Fantastic, Sable Song, Christmas Carol, Bonanza, Fire Escape, Dream Legacy, Pardon Me

Two daylilies are blooming today!

UPDATE: I just deadheaded what I thought was the last Happy Returns Flower when I noticed two more little scapes… so it isn’t over yet!

I am linking this post to Mary at The Little Red House.  She hosts Mosaic Monday.

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2011/09/mosaic-monday-san-francisco-landmarks.html

Clara Curtis Daisies go crazy this time of year.

The sun shines brightly on them and through them.

Vermont Abalone Daylily blooms gracefully against a September sky… and softly in front of a rock.

I grew these Geraniums from cuttings.  They just got their second wind.

Yellow tipped orange on blue… and standing bright among the late Summer garden.

I started Portulaca from seed.  This is the first to finally bloom.

I bought Pink Double Knockout Rose this Summer.  It has not disappointed.  The late Summer bloom has been better than the first.

Morning Glories reseed themselves each year. Flowers continue to reach for the sky.

These Tall Phlox are a salmon pink color.  They have been blooming for weeks.

I bought the Delphinium this Summer.  It is now reblooming.

I just love it when that happens!

I’ve linked to Carol at May Dream Gardens. She is sponsoring Garden Bloggers Bloom Day.

They also loved the leaves of our grape vines and cherry trees, but that is another story.

I’m still finding Japanese Beetles on my Sunny Knockout Roses.  Apparently Japanese Beetles are more attracted to roses that are light colored and fragrant.  Other roses above are Radrazz Knockout, a mini rose and Pink Double Knockout.

I have linked to Mary at The Little Red House.  She hosts Mosaic Monday.

I have linked to Mary at The Little Red House.  She hosts Mosaic Monday. 

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2011/09/mosaic-monday-palace-of-fine-arts.html

Glowing bright

Splashing white much needed here

Growing among rocks

 Overflowing  everywhere

Popping up in Phox

Combining with Russian Sage

Contrasting Coleus Mix

Budding at this late stage

Shooting stars after six

Volunteering by the stream

Reaching up as if

Adhering to a theme

Leaning yet unbending

Tending to what flies

Marking Summer’s Ending

Sharing Garlic Chives.

mini daffodil

May merely a memory.

Sugar Tyme Crabapple

June was most joyous.

June Perennials

July a jubilee of color.

July Perennials

Those of us in New Hampshire should now savor August. This is a time to ease up on the garden chores just a little.  Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the garden.  There will be plenty to do later as the leaves are changing their colors in Autumn.

Helenium Mardi Gras

Well, that sounded like a good plan when I started this blog post at the beginning of the month…And I must admit I did savor some of August.

Black Swallowtail on Buddleia Nanho Blue

Butterflies owned the Buddleias.

Dragonfly

Mostly.

Two Frogs Guard Pond

Frogs often appeared to be guarding the small pond.

Maiden Grass

Maiden Grass bounces and sways with every breeze.

Goldfish

Fish shimmer in the light.

Kopper King Perennial Hibiscus

Kopper King totally ruled.

There are only days left to the month now as we prepare for Hurricane Irene.  Lawn chairs, umbrellas, and a mess of empty plant pots have been stuffed into the garden shed.  Monday brings with it the start of a new school year, signalling Summer’s end. 

There, I said it. 

Now We Must Savor September.

Turtlehead Plant

My other Chelone occupies a sunny location.  It is just starting to show it’s pink Turtlehead blossoms.

Chipmunk

Saw this little guy just after that.  Dropped my gloves to get some pics.  Love how he posed for me.  Maybe the Chipmunks are more plentiful this year. http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/08/15/curious-about-the-chipmunk-population/?src=fb

White Admiral Butterfly on Starfire Phlox

I forgot what I was doing when I spotted the flash of white on dark wings. 

I think I was looking for my Four O’Clock flowers. I’d like to see them open at 4 O’Clock! I rarely see them opened up at all. And I thought they were supposed to be fragrant.  The plants are just starting to grow bigger now, so I really should try not to be so quick to judge them.

White Admiral Butterfly on Black Knight Buddleia

Thought the butterfly had vanished, but I found him again a little later at the Butterfly Bushes.

The last of my seedlings, 8 Painted Daisies, were finally in the ground. It’s been so long since I’ve had Painted Daisies in the garden. Perhaps I will have more success this time. Hopefully they will bloom next year. Went to put the empty tray in a pile of other trays… to be rinsed at some other time.

Baby Snake

As I fumbled around with the stack, I found a snake under a tray. You can see how small he is compared to the 3 inch plant pots.

Frog

Decided to chop off some Hosta, so I’d have some to put in the shade garden.  They look so much better in shade.  As I was digging into the plant, this frog hopped out of the pond. 

Frog stayed while I dug into this Hosta

I snapped a few pics and then went back to hacking the Hosta.  He hung around with me until he caught a bug.  Maybe I stirred some up for him.

Bumble Bee on Rosy Glow Sedum

Rosy Glow Sedum is starting to bloom.

Condilla Daylily

My last Condilla Daylily Flower.

Gazania Daisy

Gazania Daisies are staying with me this year.  I’ve learned not to water them!

Perennial Geranium

Perennial Geranium is on a rebloom.

All in an August afternoon!

Multi-Blue Clematis Not Looking So Good

Clematis requires patience, and my Multi-Blue is demanding plenty of that. A few years in the ground and so far, though I love the flowers it can produce, the plant does not impress me much.  This year I tried giving it plenty of water and was generous with the mulch.  My efforts so far have not produced noticeable results.

Multi-Blue Clematis in Bloom Earlier This Year

I am still a Clematis rookie though, so I will try to learn more and see how Multi-Blue does next year.

Grass Pinks, Dianthus in Bloom, top right - Picture taken earlier this year

Grass Pinks have been in my garden for years and the same problem always emerges… Grass growing up through it.  There comes a time when pulling the grass out from under the perennials is just too tedious.  This is that time.  I’m at the point where I will be digging the mature dianthus plants out entirely to remove the grass. 

Grass Pinks have gone to seed, weeds growing up through it. Hosta is looking ragged.

This year I let this entire planting go to seed to ensure some new dianthus plants.  Letting anything go to seed is difficult if you’re the type who goes around deadheading and cutting old stems back every day. I’ve been trying to ignore the ugliness of this garden, or maybe I’m just putting off dealing with it.  Though you would not think so from looking at the above photo, this is a perennial worth growing for it’s great clove fragrance, blue foliage and pretty pink flowers.

A Younger More Manageable Dianthus Plant

With many of my perennials, like; echinacea, candytuft, coreopsis, daisies, and heliopsis, I deadhead while leaving a few seedheads to continue the cycle.  You never know when you will lose the mature plant, so it’s always good to have new ones forming.

Yellow Daylilies Not a Good Fit for Rock Garden

Do you ever plan a renovation for next year, and then find yourself doing it now?  These daylilies have been in this rock garden for years, though they just don’t fit. 

Daylilies Have Gone By

By late Summer the daylily leaves dried and turned brown. I innocently started weeding this garden and ended up digging out everything. 

Lots of Daylilies

Some gardening friends will be enjoying some of these when they bloom in their gardens next June. 

Gardens can inspire…So please share the Good, the Bad… and last but not least… share your Garden Ugly.

Daylilies planted and mulched in new bed - Room for more!

I kept the daylilies about 4 feet apart when planting so new ones could go in between. Arranging the daylilies now will make things so much easier, keeping in mind the heights, colors and bloom times.

Ollalie Daylily Gardens

Our latest day trip was to Olallie Daylily Farm in Vermont.  

Thistle

There is something to be said about walking among daylilies. Priceless.

Ollalie Daylilies

My search this day was focused on August blooming daylilies that would compliment those bold red and orange ones I’ve already planted. Armed with scrap paper and catalog, we took our time checking the many numbered garden beds, revisiting our favorites.     

Eye Catching Group with Dreaded Yellow Tag

Many of those were yellow tagged, which meant they were being held for growing. Some of the other ones we liked were mostly gone by, so I didn’t consider getting any of those now.

Amaranth

 I couldn’t help but notice beautiful Amaranth plants that stood out amongst the daylilies.  Though it’s an annual, Chris said it had reseeded itself.  I’m putting that on my next year’s seed list.

View from the Shade

There were shady spots to relax while contemplating selections and enjoying the expanse of colorful flowers. We flipped through the beautiful catalog trying to find the names I had jotted down. 

Ollalie Daylilies

Olallie B Plants

Eye Declare blooming in the bucket

So now they sit in a bucket of water, waiting for me to pot them or plant them directly.  We are into August, a typically hot humid month, when I try to find time for just sitting under the shade umbrella.  Not that I’m finished with daylilies, just making a little promise to myself.  If I purchase more daylilies this month, they will be already potted with several scapes and loaded with buds.  Lesson learned.