Is The Whole World Cranky

It sure seems that way.  Or is it just me.  I wouldn't say that I am cranky but I don't exactly feel like I usually do.

It's still hot, TOO HOT !  Even though the outside air was very smoky this morning I spent four hours outside in the garden,  mostly just cleanup and maintenance and of course, watering , always staying in the shade of the many trees.

There is a row of Prunus Carolina shrubs/trees along one of my property lines that have been neglected and looking like they are suffering from lack of care - especially WATER.  Just happened to find this website that really describes what I planted years ago.

 Twenty Prunus Caroliniana trees were planted .

And, my trees are at least 20 feet tall.  During our rare winter snow some of the top limbs have been broken.  But , it still makes a nice privacy screen between neighbors (good or bad neighbors).  At the present , I  have only GOOD neighbors.  I am a lucky gal.

Someday, I may blog about "The Neighbor From Hell" that tormented/stalked me for 10 years.  Yup, he's gone - - - he died!                      How's that for a succinct sentence ?

The White Crape Myrtle is in full bloom.  More blossoms than ever in the past !

The TOMATOES are less than impressive this year, just like last year.  Each of the four plants have tomatoes, but only a few.  And, they show no sign of turning red.

I remember so vividly the beautiful tomatoes that I was able to grow the first few years I lived here when there was more direct sun .  That was when the large canopy trees overhead were much smaller.  There has been over twenty years of tree growth !

 Did you know that yesterday was International Cat Day ?  Do I know what that means - not really.

But, I do know that the Catio is a very favorite place where Ivy likes to hang out.  It seems like the location is always shaded by the trees.  Frequently, there is a soft breeze even when the temperature is HIGH.

This afternoon, Ivy has been a very frisky cat, running about until she tired herself out and then snuck into the cookware box to take a Cat Nap.  When I say frisky - I think she was chasing her tail while in the box because the big box was bouncing all about .  It was the funniest sight !  So, later when I bent down to see if she was in the box I was prepared with camera in hand .

                                Can you see that cute little face? You can click the photo to enlarge.

                               And, then I was able to get a couple more photos of her in her HIDE AWAY !

That's it for today.  Take Special Care.

Mary

Hotter Days Ahead And New Plants

The weather report sounds like it is going to be in the high 90's for the next 10 days, at least.


It makes me so sad that every time the California news comes on the TV we are reminded of the horrendous wildfires that are occuring in so many parts of the state.  And, the fires caused by use of fireworks makes me feel very angry.  What are these people thinking ?  Obviously, not much about personal responsibility and danger to others property and life !

The decline of civil responsibility and threat of global warming is a deadly combination.

Time to get off my soapbox !

Yesterday when I was out and about I bought some plants for the front of my garden where I had the mishap of planting Gomphrena 'Fireworks' that did not work out for me.  I did not realize that they were self seeding and not a perennial.  They had the potential of looking great.  But, I do not have much luck with self seeding, maybe because of the terrible soil conditions. This is a little photo from my garden last year before the demise !

So, I surprisingly, found Pennisetum Setaceurn plants that looked vibrant and healthy. And, I was able to buy six plants.  I had never noticed this decorative grass in the past. It is described as an upright showy shrub with colorful strappy leaves with long variegations in cream, green and red and in late summer produces long purple tassels that rise above the foliage. Interesting?

And, it also is called 'Fireworks' !  What are the chances?

 So, I set them in the raised flower bed behind the border of Yellow Stella Oro Daylilies.  I think this might be a winner.

The sun was bright when I took these photos.  Sorry for poor quality.

 Healthy - Huh ?

Do you see the old clay strawberry pot on the left. It is heavy and in all the years I have had it I have not found a settled place for it.  So, I am turning it on it's side and I will plant something that flowers nicely . Maybe, with planted flowers spilling out of it the looks will be interesting.  Trial and error.  That's the way my garden rolls some times.

Hope your Weekend is going Lovingly.

Mary