Happy Autumn--Wisely Gardens

 

 I haven't been writing much (or gardening much) since Mom's passing...although I have lots of ideas....it's just been hard to get the energy or enthusiasm.  Anyway, it hasn't stopped me from enjoying autumn!  Although I don't like to bombard a blog with pictures...as it results in "too many channels"....this time I couldn't help myself!  So, without words....enjoy a bit of autumn....next week should be even better!  (I wont mention the work I have in the garden!)

 

 

 

In memory of Mom

In Memory of Mom

This blog is in memory of my Mother Ruth Davis, who passed away on the 12th of July, 2012.  I have a separate blog in her memory, so I will just leave a note here....  Gardening has helped me through this painful process....although mom was not a gardener, many of my family were, including my grandma.... Mom was a creative soul who could paint, play the piano, cook wonderfully, and make all sorts of things!  She was 82 and on the internet, could screen print shirts, and was just a very smart, adaptable lady....here's to mom....although born in Oklahoma, the folks in the UK used to call her the yellow rose of Texas (and she lived there most of her life).

Love you Mom!!!!!

Compost Tea

What's better on a rainy day than to dream of compost tea?  LOL.  Well, I just pulled out some pooped out anchusa...and decided to double-check as it seems so close to borage that I have read is good for tea.....  I was not far off!

Anchusa Mint Borage Verbena family!

I also found a link confirming using anchusa for compost tea!  The only thing is, I didnt make it for a week, I have made it for a year!  I also added to the concoction  I also scooped out a bunch of the liquid in a bucket (smells nice!-not!) and added a bit to a bucket of water for my beans and tomatoes....mmmm lovely!  It should be great!  These little bees/flies seem to love it too....I used an old steel trash can...hope it doesnt burn a hole it it!!!  We shall see!  Anyway...as my compost has not gone so well....its good to know I can cook something else in the garden!  Happy Sunday! 

How to make Compost Tea

Being Good at Hampton Court Flower Show

So, I went to Hampton Court Flower Show for the first time in the 5 years I have lived here!!!  And, of course, the day I go was pouring!  Anyway, the tent displays and the free nibbles made it worthwhile!  It did become more of a whole day shopping event!  However, I think I bought more food than I did plants!

So, I consider that I was very good!  I saw many plants that I like, but I restrained myself and looked for things I can grow!!  I couldnt help myself and got a few more scented geraniums for the windowsill...I just LOVE them!  I'll post some pics later of the variegated and lemon scented...

I did find a little gem...that others may not notice.....a variety of Joe Pye Weed....."Eupatorium Chocolate"!

 I love blending in Purple/Chocolate Plants in my garden to offset the yellow of my Choisya Sundance! 

My Sambucus Nigra is looking fantastic, and this year I also bought some Lysimachia ciliata Firecracker, and Lysimachia congestiflora 'Persian Chocolate'....to add to my yellow Lysimachia Punctata (non-variegated :() and standard golden Lysimachis creeping Jenny....Needless to say...I can appreciate the easy color these plants can provide...and long lasting flowers!!

 Ok...and I got some Alcea (hollyhock) seeds for sowing in the autumn, and got sucked up by the plantsman for some Franchi lettuce (Regina Delle Ghiacciole)---sounds exciting, huh?  It was a beautiful lettuce with jagged edges...couldnt resist!  Ok....its stopped raining...off to weeding and playing in the garden!

Constable Country

This Saturday I went on a walk with a meetup group to Contable Country....amazing views (hence the big pics...I hope you enjoy too! What luck we had with the weather...felt like a real summer day!!!

The famous Constable Country pictures.....

A garden in the national trust site...

rowing on the Stour river

One of my favourites :)

A few Chertsey Mead pictures

Here are are few pictures from Chertsey Meads on the Thames, 2 miles from where we live....

Lars took the pictures with HDR......we promise they are real pictures!  Hope you enjoy!

Greenbean doing some wild foraging!!

There it is!

 Greenbean is our lovely 12 year old Amazon.....this morning we went to Chertsey Meads (2 miles from our house) on the Thames and brought our feathered friend (the pet who owns us!).  We just happened to see a Cherry tree starting to have ripened fruit..so I decided to let Greenbean have a go at foraging!

In for the kill....

Almost!

 I hope you enjoy the pictures!  Greenbean enjoyed the cherries!

Got it!!!

Playing catchup! Microview of the garden :)

This may be overload.....but its a bit like my garden and my style...say overenthusiasm? 

Well, I am playing catchup....and although this post may look like a cable guide with too many channels....

I couldnt resist holding the pictures back for a later day....so enjoy..even if you get an overdose!!

I'll do the macro-garden next time!!

Fantastic Poppy from my neighbor in our old house

....the ultimate poppy!

Last autumn's foxglove seed fruited!!

My first year with Sambucus Nigra Black Lace (Elderberry)...Love it!

My gentle happy garden guardian!

lysimachia punctata (loosetrife)--great semi-shady plant!!!

Combinations are working!

Red Hot Poker!

 

Cerinthe-First time for this annual

Jerusalem Cross Lychnis
Species: chalcedonica

Ornamental Cabbage

Astilbe

The end for today!!