I would have to say that I spend more time out in the sunken garden and vegetable/herb garden than anywhere else. Maybe because in the early morning this is the sunny garden.
Yesterday morning I was out there, before the sun rose, with my camera. This is the time when I decide where I will work and form my 'to do' list. This invariably changes throughout the day as I spot new places that need my attention.
I am delighted to see some blackfoot daisies popping up between the stone but there are also one heck of a lot of weeds. A little kitchen knife is the tool of choice here.
Most of the plants in here have self sown and I just have to act as the controller- something at which I am not very good.
Yesterday's main job was to do something about the Texas sunflowers in the back of the vegetable garden. I had to take a saw to one which had a 3" diameter stalk. It was a good fight getting it out and I know I wasn't very popular with the goldfinches. I was encroaching on their feeding time.
I only removed one so there are still plenty more seeds for them. In the meantime there is a lot of weeding to do underneath in the gravel. I did some more boiling water treatment between the pavers in the herb garden where thousands of coreopsis seedlings had germinated. If only I could get them to grow on the septic field.
I collected all the seeds from the white rain lilies which are growing in the center of creeping oregano. I found a new home for them out in the front. The deer should appreciate that.
The squash has responded to the rain. Hope I get some fruit from them before winter comes.
Two rows of beans were planted 3 weeks ago and they are just starting to flower.
Along the walkway and under the window of the potting shed is a window box. The only plants that I have had any success with in this westerly facing direction are the Mexican feather grass.
Yesterday morning I was out there, before the sun rose, with my camera. This is the time when I decide where I will work and form my 'to do' list. This invariably changes throughout the day as I spot new places that need my attention.
I am delighted to see some blackfoot daisies popping up between the stone but there are also one heck of a lot of weeds. A little kitchen knife is the tool of choice here.
Most of the plants in here have self sown and I just have to act as the controller- something at which I am not very good.
Yesterday's main job was to do something about the Texas sunflowers in the back of the vegetable garden. I had to take a saw to one which had a 3" diameter stalk. It was a good fight getting it out and I know I wasn't very popular with the goldfinches. I was encroaching on their feeding time.
I only removed one so there are still plenty more seeds for them. In the meantime there is a lot of weeding to do underneath in the gravel. I did some more boiling water treatment between the pavers in the herb garden where thousands of coreopsis seedlings had germinated. If only I could get them to grow on the septic field.
I collected all the seeds from the white rain lilies which are growing in the center of creeping oregano. I found a new home for them out in the front. The deer should appreciate that.
The squash has responded to the rain. Hope I get some fruit from them before winter comes.
Two rows of beans were planted 3 weeks ago and they are just starting to flower.
Along the walkway and under the window of the potting shed is a window box. The only plants that I have had any success with in this westerly facing direction are the Mexican feather grass.
Just as lovely as can be, Jenny. I think it would be my favorite spot, too. Your garden is like a Texas rainbow after all the rains we've had.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to start your day. And some cooler temps and a little rain to boot! You gardens look lovely. I wish I could get mine to reseed and you wish yours would stop! I'm going to clear some mulch and pray the plants get there before the weeds!
ReplyDeleteMeredith- What a lovely way to describe my garden- Texas rainbow. Those rains just can't be beat.
ReplyDeleteDiana- I made a little correction on the post. I actually wrote this blog late last night and posted it this morning. Quite a different day today with the cooler temperatures and the rainfall. I looked for that Texas rainbow but couldn't find it even though the sun was peeking through.
Your garden is beautful. It truly belongs on the cover of a magazine or book.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you for the Huernia schneideriane (I looked it up on your August post). I planted it in a container. Nice meeting you!
I don't think I'll EVER not be in awe of your gardens. It really brightens my day to see your great photos of your beautiful creation. (But now I'm feeling guilty for not being outside weeding right now!)
ReplyDeleteSo many flowers and so much color -- your garden looks lovely. You've done a wonderful job with it! What is the pale blue flower beside the walk in the second picture?
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat you've given us with this virtual garden tour. You have a very beautiful garden, Jenny, as I never tire of reminding you. I'm glad you were able to make time to enjoy it while weeding.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness...that is my dream garden you have there! I might need your house too. Beautiful...
ReplyDeleteAmy-Thanks Amy. I love the Huernia too. It has such a lovely flower and at this time of the year it is in full bloom.
ReplyDeleteIris-Weeds are a bit of a problem here. Just as many weeds as flowers, but that's the way it goes in the gravel.
Sweet Bay- The blue flower is alyssum. It just keeps popping up and most of it has reverted to pale colors.
Pam-I'm glad you came along for the tour. The mornings have just been perfect for touring.
The Curious Holts- Thanks for visiting my garden and welcome to the Austin Garden Bloggers. Don't forget to join our google group.
My goodness your space looks more beautiful each year! I don't know how you keep the bugs away from your veg garden...mine is being eaten up nightly!
ReplyDeleteConscious gardener- I am just letting the bugs have at it hoping that things will balance out. My main problem is snails and pill bugs-Nothing eats them except chickens and they are just out of the question.
ReplyDeleteLove all that color. I lost probably 1/5 of my flowering shrubs and flowers this summer, even with a drastically increased irrigation schedule. Our mere three inches of rainfall this total year, plus record highs, took care of any hope of fall color for me. I can just look at your space and hope!
ReplyDeleteAiyana
Aiyana- i am here in Phoenix and took a walk around the neighborhood this morning. So many plants were dead- even the cactus were looking shriveled. On Friday I am going to the Wallace garden. I hope their garden survived.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. I would be horrible at being the controller. I can't stand to pull anything living.
ReplyDeleteI think you're a very fine controller. The layers and colors are so well-organized. On the amaranths, I really like you're color combinations with the gold, yellows, purple and white.
ReplyDeleteYour garden just amazes me - it looks as if it's so comfortable in it's own skin (if that makes sense). It's so different than our east coast gardens - makes me want to sit in a chair in the middle of it all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful tour. I am always amazed at how your English heritage influences your Texas garden. There is a sense of structure and order that you have, no matter the plants or area of the garden. Always a joy to visit!
ReplyDeleteLoved the pictures and the combinations you have. Coreopsis grows feral near here, but only in poor, stony soils, so I doubt it would grow in a septic field. And west-facing window-boxes? That's challenging! Can you plant something away from the house to provide shade?
ReplyDelete