tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38765341426670599312024-03-17T12:44:25.498-05:00Tropical TexanaGardening with Nature, Humor, & KittensDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.comBlogger477125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-80858346615905135542017-09-22T23:17:00.000-05:002017-09-22T23:26:58.181-05:00THE TROPICAL GARDEN AT THE END OF SUMMER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Turk's Cap grows wild in Houston, Texas</div>
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Long ago I fell in love with tropical plants. As a child, I would watch Tarzan movies and any show with mysterious jungles and steamy rainforests. Afterwards, I would climb my favorite tree and dream of far away places.</div>
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Houston is on the very northern edge of all things tropical. It's a nice place to push the boundaries of tropical house plants that can grow outdoors. </div>
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Here's a sample of what I have right now in our Houston garden.</div>
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Perhaps even Tarzan would feel at home! :0)</div>
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Alocasia</div>
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Umbrella plant</div>
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Mexican fire spike</div>
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A species of gardenia with huge leaves!</div>
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Root beer plant</div>
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Our native sabal palm with lots of friends.<br />
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Pothos and airplane plants</div>
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Banana cannas</div>
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My last surviving coleus with a Sansevieria.</div>
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Air potato</div>
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"The Flamingo Trail"</div>
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That's the end of our tropical tour through the garden. All of the plants shown are easily grown outdoors in our Texas coastal climate. Tropical plants thrive in heat and humidity....two commodities Houston is famous for.</div>
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All for now. Happy Gardening!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-8199582772334808542017-09-06T14:07:00.001-05:002017-09-06T18:34:31.919-05:00GARDENING AFTER HOUSTON'S HURRICANE HARVEY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Draining the Opuntia Pot</div>
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There are several ways to lose plants along the Texas coast. As a tropical gardener, FROSTS & FREEZES top the catastrophe list.</div>
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DROUGHT is second on the list followed by HEAT WAVES.</div>
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HIGH WINDS are always a concern for the canopy of trees so they're ranked number four.</div>
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WATER STANDING IN THE GARDEN FOR FIVE DAYS IS A NEW EXPERIENCE.</div>
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I have many types of plants besides tropicals, so let me share my newest learning curve.</div>
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As you might gather from the above image, this agave did NOT like the flood. We shall see about the rest in the weeks to come.</div>
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The herb garden was hit and miss. The lavenders are of course unhappy as are the rosemary.</div>
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Their thin, well-draining raised beds might save them in the long run. But it will be nip and tuck.<br />
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Thyme abhors overwatering. And yet... it looks like its going to make it. I love having thyme in the garden. I wish I had more. ha ha</div>
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The zinnia bed was up near the street and literally washed away, but these Rudbeckias (though a bit wilted) look like they are going to recover. These are my favorite flowers and a nice gift from my gardening friend in Katy, Texas.</div>
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They are the bright spot after the hurricane.</div>
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It is simply bizarre to see plants wilt after a flood. Usually I associate this behavior with drought conditions. This was a clerodendrum.</div>
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THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT TROPICAL GARDENING IS THIS...IT SEEMS NO AMOUNT OF WATER IS TOO MUCH FOR MOST TROPICAL PLANTS!</div>
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The gingers did fine!</div>
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The banana trees are reaching towards heaven and looking quite majestic.</div>
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I use pothos ivy as a ground cover in many parts of the shade garden. I can't believe this plant can sit in water for days and remain healthy. And yet...here they are along with purple Zebrinas! </div>
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Wind gusts topped 45 mph from Harvey. My windmill palm is now leaning and the roots seem very weak from the many days of water-logged soil. It might be time to sing "Let it Go".</div>
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So long windmill palm. </div>
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On the other hand,</div>
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these Chinese Fan Palms fared very well throughout the ordeal.</div>
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Our native Texas trees like this redbud in front of our home have adapted to the local climate for thousands of years. Dealing with floods is in their survival guide.</div>
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I'll end with a view of my favorite tree, the live oak. Its nickname is the Hurricane Tree since it has a low, streamlined profile that can take heavy winds. This one is in a neighbor's yard, but I wish it was in mine!</div>
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*****</div>
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As I end this post, our first cool front has arrived and its cool for the first time in over three months. THE GARDEN IS CALLING AND I MUST GO!!!</div>
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Texas gardeners look forward to this first cool day like most people look forward to Christmas.</div>
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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RIDICULOUS FOOT NOTE:</div>
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Same species, same soil type, same light conditions, and same location...but not the same ending.</div>
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(Gardening is full of mysteries)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-81454744179856866202017-08-28T01:27:00.000-05:002017-08-31T08:48:05.217-05:00REPORT FROM A GARDENER DEALING WITH HURRICANE HARVEY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdYxb1CrHIBlwXIsYGsHigCYXeDl8kMmN0fo4D3tOyrNhwl9dpCZq8wS3PwYWwJv_xrJg77SrWBL4Z-YKjsAc8YbjjrvdW2xuutqonyfMZxNmosFtL44lp1EgIQ2_ZYl_ar0xvTSVp3E/s1600/IMG_7092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdYxb1CrHIBlwXIsYGsHigCYXeDl8kMmN0fo4D3tOyrNhwl9dpCZq8wS3PwYWwJv_xrJg77SrWBL4Z-YKjsAc8YbjjrvdW2xuutqonyfMZxNmosFtL44lp1EgIQ2_ZYl_ar0xvTSVp3E/s640/IMG_7092.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's been a difficult week.</div>
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I live at the "x". Since Thursday, we've had 33 inches from Hurricane Harvey. A few areas have had even more!</div>
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This will soon be the worst rain event in our 130+ weather history!!! Rains are expected for tonight, tomorrow and in to Wednesday.</div>
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I'll update tomorrow!</div>
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WIND MAP OF USA ~ AMAZING!</div>
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http://hint.fm/wind/</div>
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******</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Data compiled by David Ross ~ National Weather Service</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">source: "Texas Hurricane History"</span></b></div>
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https://www.weather.gov/media/lch/events/txhurricanehistory.pdf</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlURw2ZFuBs_2Sw5253PbcaCcUnXvPkzN9hSs_MciMqSnfqXTNSAr4o3NdFSfnr7UWOvCgAG9m6ZB4WuT-Tjfr314XsBzJxj-8rro0HCadqlPPBp9bWEy0gTEil-HQTAlScOnSdqkGHk/s1600/tropicalcyclonerecords.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlURw2ZFuBs_2Sw5253PbcaCcUnXvPkzN9hSs_MciMqSnfqXTNSAr4o3NdFSfnr7UWOvCgAG9m6ZB4WuT-Tjfr314XsBzJxj-8rro0HCadqlPPBp9bWEy0gTEil-HQTAlScOnSdqkGHk/s640/tropicalcyclonerecords.JPG" width="554" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxqeYJbtYed9BmSSz6KQxnz0b44eJ9VjFKEWb8JBE2m1YFiqTUhYytyUh00GEsNnVGlyErC8a1Jc12SkpMyBckYO-eKw3vzxHWbdmjo55PHiO0SJOrugRTyFvebAtI_qFEbWh4IhfVt0/s1600/harveyrain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxqeYJbtYed9BmSSz6KQxnz0b44eJ9VjFKEWb8JBE2m1YFiqTUhYytyUh00GEsNnVGlyErC8a1Jc12SkpMyBckYO-eKw3vzxHWbdmjo55PHiO0SJOrugRTyFvebAtI_qFEbWh4IhfVt0/s640/harveyrain.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Early in the week, the predictions for epic rainfall totals started to pour in. The National Weather Service started with 10-15inches and by the end of the week this news source predicted up to 40 inches (101.6 cm)!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6rtBzPiEtCnQRbMugu30j5gAl691zyHtDQFKLRsznITAaAD3cbMBp02mBDHa8RCeKwoSmQ5eAbcrdiwbvKiavq5j_-nyEqs4-D7-Q4IUmhu-LPPYOLlRi4c-RfRfXXz2HG_1JgF2jOQ/s1600/IMG_7050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6rtBzPiEtCnQRbMugu30j5gAl691zyHtDQFKLRsznITAaAD3cbMBp02mBDHa8RCeKwoSmQ5eAbcrdiwbvKiavq5j_-nyEqs4-D7-Q4IUmhu-LPPYOLlRi4c-RfRfXXz2HG_1JgF2jOQ/s640/IMG_7050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thursday remained dry, but cloudy. Friday ended with .80" (3.3cm) and that night brought 3.00 inches (7.6cm) of rain. It all soaked in the ground since this part of Texas had not seen rain in two weeks. So far so good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThHs5zgD4qZYkpBexIG-6v0oDKTxzAdnEBwfRR3z7R5CkRBCeVgpRo5k_GX9xnm0pV30dRTKlTGBuP1KlrWTGWo58_saC5B2elVUFQ_rtA4IeeIo5kXsolG-oLQEOZPaTXUUZkcq2Ouw/s1600/IMG_7063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThHs5zgD4qZYkpBexIG-6v0oDKTxzAdnEBwfRR3z7R5CkRBCeVgpRo5k_GX9xnm0pV30dRTKlTGBuP1KlrWTGWo58_saC5B2elVUFQ_rtA4IeeIo5kXsolG-oLQEOZPaTXUUZkcq2Ouw/s640/IMG_7063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Saturday brought only .50 inches (1.2cm) of rain. I was beginning to feel relieved....until that night.</div>
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As you can see by the above photo the first band of tropical rains completely filled our street. I measured 3.40inches (8.6cm) in 4 hours. </div>
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It was a lot, but I had been through more until....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiVAbvat9lg1AJGtGuBcrbvUrFtoql6slY427ZpWwG16gZTU0BvBp7N2vLriubtn_vx463jK3epnKaB08UOTifrXtMnqzaLNCgN8LpEU5V6qDWUl0oiu9fAUbJoHXUEm_22qF_LZstdY/s1600/IMG_7113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiVAbvat9lg1AJGtGuBcrbvUrFtoql6slY427ZpWwG16gZTU0BvBp7N2vLriubtn_vx463jK3epnKaB08UOTifrXtMnqzaLNCgN8LpEU5V6qDWUl0oiu9fAUbJoHXUEm_22qF_LZstdY/s640/IMG_7113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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just a couple of hours later it poured buckets AGAIN as another band of tropical rain drenched the Houston area. I sat up and took notice!!! Two floods in one night! Geez!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GIKabjEdj6lRdK7nCN7uzfmHa3qR8uLXeCyOjOSBK3uy6i5xRW1l2fhQWPTYj9bRENmSysMt_NL56E3ogEk9urIsbPslJrbikwK_auM_g64sugVecIj5JV4VvbcKg4L-emwgXYXxDPc/s1600/IMG_7049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GIKabjEdj6lRdK7nCN7uzfmHa3qR8uLXeCyOjOSBK3uy6i5xRW1l2fhQWPTYj9bRENmSysMt_NL56E3ogEk9urIsbPslJrbikwK_auM_g64sugVecIj5JV4VvbcKg4L-emwgXYXxDPc/s640/IMG_7049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My garden is low compared to most and the runoff from the gutters have always overwhelmed my drainage systems. So...leading up to Harvey, I set up an entire system of pipes that took the water directly from the roof to the front drive and on to the street.</div>
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My yard is too low to bury them, so I just considered the whole thing a temporary stop-gap measure against the railings of Harvey. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsHOBy7tEPQ3EueFGaSQ3n_2JGp-2tZG__etSDl83O0TK89_UGoqYLiIQNI7VrCCj0NDFIwTwzjuVV-t54CYRoXqDyDvu1cNyE-Xium3cxSlSKkS3CfoV2vs1EYuR2xaXREYgUUkd9kM/s1600/IMG_7101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsHOBy7tEPQ3EueFGaSQ3n_2JGp-2tZG__etSDl83O0TK89_UGoqYLiIQNI7VrCCj0NDFIwTwzjuVV-t54CYRoXqDyDvu1cNyE-Xium3cxSlSKkS3CfoV2vs1EYuR2xaXREYgUUkd9kM/s640/IMG_7101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This morning (Sunday) I woke up to this! It had been raining steadily since 3:30am!</div>
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To keep the water out of our house I would have to do even more.</div>
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By the way, that house on the corner is not damaged; it is new construction and they aren't finished.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw8CQZM5v0X3l4qBqck8R6f6yi4L4Ek5b7rdJEBHhZp-o5DbcOMu0hreW-s-W9Ev7m_2uhZcrIHuMZxvAYrlNHU6dIvlxQpOUR_jUTpKxWubwmBnDdgUM-21k5s9B-fzY84MbmmXwOGs/s1600/IMG_7089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw8CQZM5v0X3l4qBqck8R6f6yi4L4Ek5b7rdJEBHhZp-o5DbcOMu0hreW-s-W9Ev7m_2uhZcrIHuMZxvAYrlNHU6dIvlxQpOUR_jUTpKxWubwmBnDdgUM-21k5s9B-fzY84MbmmXwOGs/s640/IMG_7089.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had put this nice path way in a number of years ago. But today in an extreme effort to get the predicted rains out of my back yard, I decided to pull the pavers up.</div>
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I'm so glad I did because....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54lN5jQkHE0EK3X3zdS3kLBnF6DPqhI027MOMmkzokze2lBrblFN_OmP7fRH2CUfQA2fNZ7nLUGAVaOFMOqK-w-FpDt8ZJI0R5fNbuKjTNqgGVl0EttslIXsgw4f62BmfFvWppfiU_F4/s1600/IMG_7070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54lN5jQkHE0EK3X3zdS3kLBnF6DPqhI027MOMmkzokze2lBrblFN_OmP7fRH2CUfQA2fNZ7nLUGAVaOFMOqK-w-FpDt8ZJI0R5fNbuKjTNqgGVl0EttslIXsgw4f62BmfFvWppfiU_F4/s640/IMG_7070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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KAPOW!!!</div>
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We have had FOUR cycles of horrific rain bands travel through our part of Houston today.</div>
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I have kept careful records from my rain gauge.</div>
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The number for today is an all time record and looks like this:</div>
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4.20inches (street floods to all time high)</div>
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3.30 street floods again</div>
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2.40 floods again!</div>
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.90 afternoon lull (thank God!)</div>
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5.10 inches tonight (up to my porch and door! Street hits second record high in one day!)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">TOTAL for SUNDAY, AUGUST 27th, 2017....15.90 inches (40.3cm) of precipitation</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4u2Ud20J19TxLWIxu-9NChqWn8ScryuY2ye5XbWHyV7_9pFlXD2Whgt55fQvBVnkMo-wJc4EQ5sdS0PU7_jH35CtIjZlstQAr8amCvj7c9jh6oLxm3bP8CPBOLKfCyk3EOlon9ZKQnc8/s1600/IMG_7104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4u2Ud20J19TxLWIxu-9NChqWn8ScryuY2ye5XbWHyV7_9pFlXD2Whgt55fQvBVnkMo-wJc4EQ5sdS0PU7_jH35CtIjZlstQAr8amCvj7c9jh6oLxm3bP8CPBOLKfCyk3EOlon9ZKQnc8/s640/IMG_7104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You might be wondering where all our street water is going? Well, here's the place.</div>
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This is White Oak Bayou near 34th street. This goes directly to downtown Houston and on to Galveston Bay. </div>
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As you can see, we really can't handle any more RAIN here! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxbbQqZAk5UVXdZugzxtjJoZlnFa7_SU-uERGc8QaqSuGt4beb0UIK07qN0gO7-iig1XzUHa1J3lty1IlQdjswa4-2yCOfptZFCSJwrbtfaOWspYH_1wRFVA7eTkLASob2lAIFVfnIoE/s1600/TrainingHarveySaturday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="699" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxbbQqZAk5UVXdZugzxtjJoZlnFa7_SU-uERGc8QaqSuGt4beb0UIK07qN0gO7-iig1XzUHa1J3lty1IlQdjswa4-2yCOfptZFCSJwrbtfaOWspYH_1wRFVA7eTkLASob2lAIFVfnIoE/s640/TrainingHarveySaturday.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sadly, Harvey has stalled and is throwing tremendous bands of rain across this part of the Texas.</div>
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On the map above, my house and garden are next to the letter "H" in Houston. Seeing a hundred mile long rain band sends chills down my spine. Sometimes they move around a bit and that's what you hope for! Otherwise, you get 4 straight hours of drenching rain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGz0vjOXQGYINkWiDYaDv4_nGXRBXQJ__UzWvOUe3aOenodG2uOA7vSd3-j2kDXUMe2n2ft6PuYaTxsJsqTek4wOX62cpbJa-L4dxVvvNjsanWATUa-rmQseMd0EXkA5sx4f1IgNMFOrs/s1600/IMG_7095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGz0vjOXQGYINkWiDYaDv4_nGXRBXQJ__UzWvOUe3aOenodG2uOA7vSd3-j2kDXUMe2n2ft6PuYaTxsJsqTek4wOX62cpbJa-L4dxVvvNjsanWATUa-rmQseMd0EXkA5sx4f1IgNMFOrs/s640/IMG_7095.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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My 'Hill Country' stream has been flowing a lot lately. If it weren't for the hurricane, I could actually enjoy the sounds of the rippling water. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3zvhyUYfLQYHhYnbUVuFXFhqAnadeYQZlO0CRFoN5Xf4Na5ohiEaok9lzfqkvAivRbYyhugPD0_XFfgbKpb-Pm4e6_OI2uzj8eYx22EqdpMGMvW2GhAExdwkgS_ENc75QFyjgnVd25w/s1600/IMG_7109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3zvhyUYfLQYHhYnbUVuFXFhqAnadeYQZlO0CRFoN5Xf4Na5ohiEaok9lzfqkvAivRbYyhugPD0_XFfgbKpb-Pm4e6_OI2uzj8eYx22EqdpMGMvW2GhAExdwkgS_ENc75QFyjgnVd25w/s640/IMG_7109.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm not thinking very much about my garden these days. The plants will make it just fine. Tropical gardens are like that.</div>
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What I'm thinking about right now are the people sitting on their rooftops waiting to be rescued!</div>
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We have TWO MORE days of this. I am praying that Harvey will somehow move away early and die out in some drought stricken part of the country. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBRQak5IvADDsiLVI5tNxHsj1rXt3jmoV308F1ZZZSR-gSd8C82Q3Ii7QSxZ_G8kput9D5_kPxWqHl1PZcog_2bEdJSndMEkfAajUXTGIBMoCeV469LEMfs0YYqOI7OGx83QUDKJS0io/s1600/IMG_7111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBRQak5IvADDsiLVI5tNxHsj1rXt3jmoV308F1ZZZSR-gSd8C82Q3Ii7QSxZ_G8kput9D5_kPxWqHl1PZcog_2bEdJSndMEkfAajUXTGIBMoCeV469LEMfs0YYqOI7OGx83QUDKJS0io/s640/IMG_7111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've lived along the Texas coast all my life and seen a number of hurricanes and flood events in my 59 years.</div>
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But this ONE ranks number ONE on my list of worst FLOODS!</div>
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The old record for my garden was with Tropical Storm Allison at 20.00 inches.</div>
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All for now! Keep dry!!!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Final Updated Total Rainfall Event:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span>Overnight Early Morning 1.2"<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Monday Morning: 1.4"</b></span></div>
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<b>Monday Afternoon 2.3"</b></div>
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<b>Monday Night 6-10PM 2.4"</b></div>
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<b>Tuesday Early Morning Midnight-8am 1.5"</b></div>
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<b>Tuesday Morning 8-12 0.9" </b></div>
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<b>Tuesday PM 0.15"</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">GRAND TOTAL...... for 5 day Hurricane Harvey.....35.75"</span> <span style="color: #990000;">(91cm)</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKCIAUDpTJrO5b-PvhQVTUUTOBuJ-ZYLpvyNSyOA2xPvLT3b-GCPIfSrAhBvvF9p_ZaazlxENOslKlJsDzow_IIHdw7KlI1yB4AZj3EJe0UaFkiFC8kPca9Z39xsQmCU4giwrd74Ip04/s1600/IMG_7090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKCIAUDpTJrO5b-PvhQVTUUTOBuJ-ZYLpvyNSyOA2xPvLT3b-GCPIfSrAhBvvF9p_ZaazlxENOslKlJsDzow_IIHdw7KlI1yB4AZj3EJe0UaFkiFC8kPca9Z39xsQmCU4giwrd74Ip04/s400/IMG_7090.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Watering Can filled itself this week!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0DEQflWe6ukOVfeAWc3w_aM-MXq1u7yx42vr1hB_xWr0AU22t_r-jD6yYLVTNmNS69OWZ3VLCa6uEmXC891xQptjrZlencQmxFMWlGgmoj-n3uq_Jgcj1Mk01aBh4GoMq9Wmji5sBxw/s1600/IMG_7080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0DEQflWe6ukOVfeAWc3w_aM-MXq1u7yx42vr1hB_xWr0AU22t_r-jD6yYLVTNmNS69OWZ3VLCa6uEmXC891xQptjrZlencQmxFMWlGgmoj-n3uq_Jgcj1Mk01aBh4GoMq9Wmji5sBxw/s320/IMG_7080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ceiling in bedroom now has a slow leak. It looks at bit like the shape of Antarctica.</div>
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Must now cut a hole in the sheet rock and put a plastic container up there to catch the drip.</div>
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Still no water in house, so I count myself lucky.</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-66228569851286095282017-08-22T18:25:00.000-05:002017-08-22T23:13:26.359-05:00THE JOY OF CRAPEMYRTLES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYeB8os5kMAF_CfaI5UnntBml34NmVfcqGQPnj4qrJw2hKva1-Hl_2pK6gHoGTFRCrPIA-O85Z-U1QSBfInLkupF3VCeZsMIup_eM3EjimDh1yoyrvTNws4cGd3Fy090Xm7oLm-u-PRA/s1600/IMG_7025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYeB8os5kMAF_CfaI5UnntBml34NmVfcqGQPnj4qrJw2hKva1-Hl_2pK6gHoGTFRCrPIA-O85Z-U1QSBfInLkupF3VCeZsMIup_eM3EjimDh1yoyrvTNws4cGd3Fy090Xm7oLm-u-PRA/s640/IMG_7025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A sampling of crapemyrtle blooms in my neighborhood</span></div>
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If I could pick one plant that I ignore and seldom even notice it would be our huge crapemyrtle in the front garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0ma942XUKfEVhbeKy1kanEGJhETq7Igq074gRQX44ncZ6buwObiUZQpWDuoCgZZruKRob66AFnD2usqByY0StVefDreHUcLOpiVgmxEqS2qWiTnM9H0sYRQdc9iUp2S4u0YnDEcHOjs/s1600/IMG_6964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0ma942XUKfEVhbeKy1kanEGJhETq7Igq074gRQX44ncZ6buwObiUZQpWDuoCgZZruKRob66AFnD2usqByY0StVefDreHUcLOpiVgmxEqS2qWiTnM9H0sYRQdc9iUp2S4u0YnDEcHOjs/s640/IMG_6964.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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It has kept that old, straggly shape for the last 32 years. It has always looked like a bent over 'old man'. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtJCETtZtHgx6lF1kKTv0jZd1zbXBLlRvn8pe5YAuNr-Kvi768QtnFYjMSYXpaGIPjNNleWOlOpxYBV8dsB_m0GcUfcEKbbDQZp98JgQFdW57fwu4QgsT0bUG87jcIYgsL4tEPrVtVvE/s1600/IMG_7002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtJCETtZtHgx6lF1kKTv0jZd1zbXBLlRvn8pe5YAuNr-Kvi768QtnFYjMSYXpaGIPjNNleWOlOpxYBV8dsB_m0GcUfcEKbbDQZp98JgQFdW57fwu4QgsT0bUG87jcIYgsL4tEPrVtVvE/s640/IMG_7002.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Judging from its trunk, it was probably planted back in the 1960s or even earlier. Our house was built in 1949 so it could be very old.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5O_1pNbCITtofvPMHLM14SGyg_q74e3eaHLSiz7_bQ0SgNy5ZU0Lnr8ZraARcqtUsBreZwze46XkBjG-NNtOQiksbA1qYKRjhcnMxubbZhzA-2fua-r73D3gj8crN1eh5eQqu71amLuY/s1600/IMG_6970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5O_1pNbCITtofvPMHLM14SGyg_q74e3eaHLSiz7_bQ0SgNy5ZU0Lnr8ZraARcqtUsBreZwze46XkBjG-NNtOQiksbA1qYKRjhcnMxubbZhzA-2fua-r73D3gj8crN1eh5eQqu71amLuY/s640/IMG_6970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have always felt sorry for our crapemyrtle because it struggled for decades underneath our neighbor's line of pecan trees. You can see from this photo how lopsided the poor thing has grown.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsQk1hRTvPP6nDPQCJCkS931mLDHjXiqDs6bLUv2VeX7kh2WDVfiamq3DaJ-p5AXSnXZAfEDVZPxkZdhEdIt253DqtnQj_GaXJqBuPoYrPuwO8wo9SUIf-RO9mECSbhZSmxjsSRc_LEc/s1600/IMG_6973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsQk1hRTvPP6nDPQCJCkS931mLDHjXiqDs6bLUv2VeX7kh2WDVfiamq3DaJ-p5AXSnXZAfEDVZPxkZdhEdIt253DqtnQj_GaXJqBuPoYrPuwO8wo9SUIf-RO9mECSbhZSmxjsSRc_LEc/s640/IMG_6973.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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That all changed three years ago when the trees were cut down to make way for a new house.</div>
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The crapemyrtle that had waited patiently for perhaps half a century had finally been released from its shady captivity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpENxlwQcAuOOUFdIE3h2CBLUs7v-zQrjYyzOb54pPkFObWN5S5rHJXn6bGeOzEKBREYv3XFd2UchdFvN8dobJ6SFCTGz9Fp62vTyEow55n5JeT2sJfCosDSNZdWNUvcSBkrsMlt2L-U/s1600/IMG_6975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpENxlwQcAuOOUFdIE3h2CBLUs7v-zQrjYyzOb54pPkFObWN5S5rHJXn6bGeOzEKBREYv3XFd2UchdFvN8dobJ6SFCTGz9Fp62vTyEow55n5JeT2sJfCosDSNZdWNUvcSBkrsMlt2L-U/s400/IMG_6975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our crapemyrtle is also a haven for a naturally occuring species called ball moss.</div>
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The ball moss does not take nutrients from the tree, but it can overwhelm its host if left unchecked. I climb a ladder once a year to thin out the hundreds of ball moss babies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3X1x1iTGBESWo5AUXd_9nmIpVFLnrVb-8PN_4X18ftt6N6IBjuf0-O3BY_BrJ3_mQec2wJcL26Q5utAHWo-g5ofUThRmQKlmIbwEMaW74emOwEmyfRrAnXeBOntwW-5HB2WAFDv3iwI/s1600/IMG_6997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3X1x1iTGBESWo5AUXd_9nmIpVFLnrVb-8PN_4X18ftt6N6IBjuf0-O3BY_BrJ3_mQec2wJcL26Q5utAHWo-g5ofUThRmQKlmIbwEMaW74emOwEmyfRrAnXeBOntwW-5HB2WAFDv3iwI/s640/IMG_6997.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The crapemyrtle is an excellent choice for most of East Texas since it requires no fertilizing, no special soils, no pruning, and will tolerate both wet periods as well as drought.</div>
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Our crapemyrtle also has a high canopy that allows that perfect dappled light to filter through to the flowers below. I try to plant flowers and herbs that like a dry soil in and around crapemyrtles since they have an extensive root system that will compete for water. My rosemary plants LOVE this location.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIIVUrzD2rr5YXWnhF8BrA-TR3gvFw-bNZhkHQuhJ4kZ84o96bjQ4x1TvHxCYPCz3J1Ij0BbKMB9jBRoVU8mPC4d7iImqrl7Sv_d4RPlwOHXOeZoGABF53Vy8yZeF0RLy6L1TEc0Ju3M/s1600/IMG_7024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIIVUrzD2rr5YXWnhF8BrA-TR3gvFw-bNZhkHQuhJ4kZ84o96bjQ4x1TvHxCYPCz3J1Ij0BbKMB9jBRoVU8mPC4d7iImqrl7Sv_d4RPlwOHXOeZoGABF53Vy8yZeF0RLy6L1TEc0Ju3M/s640/IMG_7024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am a bit color blind in the area of pinks and magentas. So I went around the block and collected a sampling of our neighborhood crapemyrtles. I'm pointing to mine. What color would you call it?</div>
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By the way, there were at least three more shades of pink I could have added to the group, but I was on my bicycle and it was too HOT to do any more collecting!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggz4cIiU1258ovkbwuYKw-c1Z2WoF38QBgauz5lzKMbk69GLCGtid9LdDTpoAmg4ON7mMTcwZPob4v4fHoyBs9nJJy1du6cZJ7jMCblrEyOs5nsmWt-NkpTomqgszVBz25tIwa3UfGVhc/s1600/IMG_6989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggz4cIiU1258ovkbwuYKw-c1Z2WoF38QBgauz5lzKMbk69GLCGtid9LdDTpoAmg4ON7mMTcwZPob4v4fHoyBs9nJJy1du6cZJ7jMCblrEyOs5nsmWt-NkpTomqgszVBz25tIwa3UfGVhc/s320/IMG_6989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have one other crapemyrtle in the backyard. It is the white variety with a beautiful tan and white trunk and gorgeous foliage. In the fall, the leaves turn a flaming orange color.</div>
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It's a very small plant, so no blooms yet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JoTDjYwLfpUnzCs0vcnchBi3ESK1YR17iHnqY19cSyimqQpp7gCgAq2drdrf6LBxxSbn3aRGO4og_2aiDgzpBUW5i-IFqPKaLpTp4Cf6CUb3nfLqXQP1n7dg9tMXaaHcuNTfNnLVNVw/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JoTDjYwLfpUnzCs0vcnchBi3ESK1YR17iHnqY19cSyimqQpp7gCgAq2drdrf6LBxxSbn3aRGO4og_2aiDgzpBUW5i-IFqPKaLpTp4Cf6CUb3nfLqXQP1n7dg9tMXaaHcuNTfNnLVNVw/s640/IMG_7017.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Our crapemyrtle will never have a perfect shape or win any prizes. But it does bloom its heart out each and every year for months on end. If it ever dies (which will be decades from now), I will turn some of the smooth branches into walking sticks. We've been through a lot together during the past 32 years of gardening. It would be nice to have a keepsake of my old friend.</div>
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All for now!</div>
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Happy Gardening!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Houston, Texas</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-60191625021646422812017-08-11T19:00:00.002-05:002017-08-11T19:59:13.077-05:00HEAVENLY PLUMBAGO FOR THE SUMMER GARDEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwHkvjaC92FBFIHjYR7CENbeXte4nK4oIwCvAwTQ-gArVxZNH5ixBu70aQs4hTr-FZkRQD3rwx7dYI7uJcDWuXX3gIpboA_2ysDLB-1QX9cZ0UrCveDxGLOBc-GRzoInsJ3CliTzlPok/s1600/IMG_6939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwHkvjaC92FBFIHjYR7CENbeXte4nK4oIwCvAwTQ-gArVxZNH5ixBu70aQs4hTr-FZkRQD3rwx7dYI7uJcDWuXX3gIpboA_2ysDLB-1QX9cZ0UrCveDxGLOBc-GRzoInsJ3CliTzlPok/s640/IMG_6939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The old adage, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" is one every gardener lives by. For me, the living proof is none other than Blue Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApipoXYHA70vOiCNzt7zbvVTVZMVCOGlMvvQF4Y5ZQllzGl4rDXd2tsXqzLjysPgRa9j4l5bO90OJEBDcKsg_0xPA8D4eL7E2ueLGw9WyrR_t4dnKNYx7zg1NSU3mWpiOJ9sE28xgBjY/s1600/IMG_6946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApipoXYHA70vOiCNzt7zbvVTVZMVCOGlMvvQF4Y5ZQllzGl4rDXd2tsXqzLjysPgRa9j4l5bO90OJEBDcKsg_0xPA8D4eL7E2ueLGw9WyrR_t4dnKNYx7zg1NSU3mWpiOJ9sE28xgBjY/s640/IMG_6946.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue agave with blue plumbago....so cool!</span></div>
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For most Texas gardeners, plumbago just grows and blooms without a care.</div>
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For me, I have struggled....until now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijblGpenPD2Zib5LVBMHD0SwTFEY0OMhIDmiNeDgXqPqJOo9fg2rr8_un7oMVjfVZY1yUJc-SwU9z4IgG17BUikVstRyClbNQGGfpL8Y946hSzOFnJHlsE6TqK7QJLwFzBC-PIfRAMAGk/s1600/IMG_6947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="1600" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijblGpenPD2Zib5LVBMHD0SwTFEY0OMhIDmiNeDgXqPqJOo9fg2rr8_un7oMVjfVZY1yUJc-SwU9z4IgG17BUikVstRyClbNQGGfpL8Y946hSzOFnJHlsE6TqK7QJLwFzBC-PIfRAMAGk/s640/IMG_6947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Butterflies LOVE plumbago nectar!</span></div>
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This is my third year to grow this same plant and it is finally blooming like a champ. I find it weaving its way around agaves and spilling over a small stone ledge...just like you'd find in garden magazines!. It has well over a hundred clusters of blooms</div>
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and seems to be adding more each day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4H2AOFqJJq2yXc_Uu971Ilyth9K7145PqTIZQi337OS_Ni68rjR5AHU1eTPSMtQA7WaWD6ZIeBmjbCJQZyI_O1b1Bohpdr1EGedbo7Kh16wsPrA5x4aZRx8B_BAURwAqf7ioUhOFohQ/s1600/IMG_6951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4H2AOFqJJq2yXc_Uu971Ilyth9K7145PqTIZQi337OS_Ni68rjR5AHU1eTPSMtQA7WaWD6ZIeBmjbCJQZyI_O1b1Bohpdr1EGedbo7Kh16wsPrA5x4aZRx8B_BAURwAqf7ioUhOFohQ/s640/IMG_6951.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Zinnias, gomphrena and blue plumbago in the front garden</span></div>
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It is easily one of my proudest gardening moments. Plumbago even loves our torrid August heat!</div>
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I love Plumbago!<br />
I'll end with a funny story from my childhood.<br />
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Each summer I would spend a lot of time with my grandmother out on the farm. She had the most wonderful flower garden you could imagine.<br />
One day while helping her pull weeds, I stopped and asked, "Grandma, why do your flowers all look perfect?"<br />
"They don't."<br />
"What you're looking at are only half my flowers."<br />
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Imagining some wonderful gardening secret I asked, "So where's the other half of your flowers, Grandma?"<br />
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She didn't even look up to answer, "They're all dead and I pulled them up!"<br />
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So much for perfect flowers!</div>
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All for now. Happy Gardening.</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-27738652037286145082017-07-28T21:01:00.000-05:002017-07-28T21:13:20.907-05:00WEED WARS!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGssKibDOVDcfJJlqXWqk2ug7u5zlu0J8GiUDYwiO1yfZYq0lxgvO5IC36VYLctcvw1YFs7O-_dN2kcvsVt-quhy_7Ec5vxkl46ZHKwb_OeYiW7a7XluXIjgylB53lWDf9z2PMo7rorY/s1600/InkedIMG_6927_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGssKibDOVDcfJJlqXWqk2ug7u5zlu0J8GiUDYwiO1yfZYq0lxgvO5IC36VYLctcvw1YFs7O-_dN2kcvsVt-quhy_7Ec5vxkl46ZHKwb_OeYiW7a7XluXIjgylB53lWDf9z2PMo7rorY/s640/InkedIMG_6927_LI.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Down here in The South, Mother Nature brews up the perfect mix of heat, sunshine, humidity, and rainfall. Add to this the overheated and exhausted GARDENER, and you have the recipe</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>WEED WARS!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht74-xGa9u42L0I1gWKP4rFyrN_8ONfQLkVarHs012SauHsbJtss07eWavnnGuYYvlVpYZZ1wEqZm7KMkDPMewzaJ1PBBwznEssXD5WsD0iYDKrGkk5rpKE-Kn81oeICMbA2WHIJHmBbU/s1600/IMG_6928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht74-xGa9u42L0I1gWKP4rFyrN_8ONfQLkVarHs012SauHsbJtss07eWavnnGuYYvlVpYZZ1wEqZm7KMkDPMewzaJ1PBBwznEssXD5WsD0iYDKrGkk5rpKE-Kn81oeICMbA2WHIJHmBbU/s640/IMG_6928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Currently the troops are fighting an all out battle against this tough-rooted bunch grass. I haven't the faintest idea what it's called. We'd like to call it DEAD!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay7RX8buE0PUI0rjDC75oiM-cD7h6VXG1ypRxlHVNFejs8P4qqv9ajB2LxgzPWPmq7shb6H7737UfzZ5nKHK54wYqeLmQdbuFPmwuFwMTQ_022Ms9K7FchbBozh8wiIVZrzZpg4ybCNA/s1600/IMG_6929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay7RX8buE0PUI0rjDC75oiM-cD7h6VXG1ypRxlHVNFejs8P4qqv9ajB2LxgzPWPmq7shb6H7737UfzZ5nKHK54wYqeLmQdbuFPmwuFwMTQ_022Ms9K7FchbBozh8wiIVZrzZpg4ybCNA/s400/IMG_6929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've sent other troops to fight this tricky leaf flower weed.</div>
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It grows in even the smallest cracks. It can reseed by the hundreds if you don't pull it in time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7Rtx9rWUb9CjCKfFh1vTFHYFuEnY_kmCZZVjALnnW9k7t4l8iYyHf9RU9_AlcvDqV03snIYCiXExE-X7irjIw8Yr5z5DKQfZE6vamH0fboFCvBxPKWo4rvaP3sK_U7oHdzpzabSEdts/s1600/IMG_6931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7Rtx9rWUb9CjCKfFh1vTFHYFuEnY_kmCZZVjALnnW9k7t4l8iYyHf9RU9_AlcvDqV03snIYCiXExE-X7irjIw8Yr5z5DKQfZE6vamH0fboFCvBxPKWo4rvaP3sK_U7oHdzpzabSEdts/s640/IMG_6931.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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It will take an entire battalion to combat this hairy crabgrass.</div>
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It wins the prize for toughest root system to deal with. You can pull all you want, but most of the time it takes a digging tool to get all of it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4YoaqiVSPmqn6TvHJDHsx4kYhM2INGJ00hSxzXEs8ymxHaeEPJT1bbjIsBwNRvonfcI-1f0RlMsjGdvwAgJjA20Lnc7Cx6N4tgqMJbB1bXpUH7wc0cu2nXOvZgzKtGzUq3Cb4raV-EE/s1600/IMG_6932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4YoaqiVSPmqn6TvHJDHsx4kYhM2INGJ00hSxzXEs8ymxHaeEPJT1bbjIsBwNRvonfcI-1f0RlMsjGdvwAgJjA20Lnc7Cx6N4tgqMJbB1bXpUH7wc0cu2nXOvZgzKtGzUq3Cb4raV-EE/s640/IMG_6932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a short version of leaf flower. It looks so pretty and ornamental...until you find hundreds of them in every nook and cranny. The leaf flower genus hails from South America and finds the Texas Gulf Coast a perfect place to live.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3VYLsu5TRGjLwfGJEqVZhRnsW-WIU82w7xDTUsq8ldNBLq1f9WcxTQOvRONE3-fgUTE7k3ogRcPXwqpBZpmxqYjYD5IqIY6RBihkgiW_Ve44a8-gy0jkDhIuu9E_vA7PdLSS5m16qxI/s1600/IMG_6933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3VYLsu5TRGjLwfGJEqVZhRnsW-WIU82w7xDTUsq8ldNBLq1f9WcxTQOvRONE3-fgUTE7k3ogRcPXwqpBZpmxqYjYD5IqIY6RBihkgiW_Ve44a8-gy0jkDhIuu9E_vA7PdLSS5m16qxI/s640/IMG_6933.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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In the shady backyard the troops are taking on mulberry weed. This weed has not been in America very long, so many gardeners are just now seeing it for the first time. It moves around via the nursery trade.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lcCkToWxYtkt3wK8ZXhKxiOODqIuxYSblJj1BwQ_8jqGoX9jpA4bhWJemVVo6u8ZidMSqF2qsy825VuqfbZ9KxLWpzyulAEDKaDxRVF5-vJPzTUzDa_sLFjrBQpgD3ERwD9lK5v4pB4/s1600/IMG_6934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lcCkToWxYtkt3wK8ZXhKxiOODqIuxYSblJj1BwQ_8jqGoX9jpA4bhWJemVVo6u8ZidMSqF2qsy825VuqfbZ9KxLWpzyulAEDKaDxRVF5-vJPzTUzDa_sLFjrBQpgD3ERwD9lK5v4pB4/s640/IMG_6934.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Do NOT just snap off the top of mulberry weed. Here's why; as you can see by the above image, you will generate a whole Medusa's head of new growth each time you trim it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGmtca3vgZOF4-WzfB-bcJxN_-UxNqDcjS77b4jx4ROxVBoSVv9uTMI16mA-u5bRkafUzk8AF2lBBx1HpBjPe9VBQf-r1tkz2LesOPPLMyk9tkUCNks8NPricKhoiRXdYzxEyl4M_DdI/s1600/IMG_6937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGmtca3vgZOF4-WzfB-bcJxN_-UxNqDcjS77b4jx4ROxVBoSVv9uTMI16mA-u5bRkafUzk8AF2lBBx1HpBjPe9VBQf-r1tkz2LesOPPLMyk9tkUCNks8NPricKhoiRXdYzxEyl4M_DdI/s640/IMG_6937.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also, NEVER throw mulberry weed into your compost pile. Each seed head contains hundreds of viable seeds as tiny as this dot "<b><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></b>" (Actually they are tinier, but I know you would find that hard to believe) I think it is actually closer in size to this dot "." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBzvMu-5Lv182a2GDbUq2V0UvLi1lUr7yfsJ-HGC4UejDbSjDX5NWRy1HZnnBiF_2vmWhrdbprDyWlCemYUg_X8TYdm6lZLLz1bQct1OHav1NGHb2X3km13EyhfluAR19YFCMn29ncts/s1600/IMG_6936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBzvMu-5Lv182a2GDbUq2V0UvLi1lUr7yfsJ-HGC4UejDbSjDX5NWRy1HZnnBiF_2vmWhrdbprDyWlCemYUg_X8TYdm6lZLLz1bQct1OHav1NGHb2X3km13EyhfluAR19YFCMn29ncts/s640/IMG_6936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Leaf flower has these cute little green seed pods dangling beneath the foliage. Each contains a powerhouse of seeds. Unless you have some weird 'cycle of life' thing going, DO NOT throw leaf flower in your compost or leave them on the ground as mulch. You can enjoy the cycle of life in other ways. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgxqwPUQ2rWM_sgHhP2JWa1bE-xKTE9c5q-WP5Vl6Sik8U2e2IsAlu7NvWDNny0LS3N-GRkC5OrCuslHDNna-GttPhMvSopndiw3VWpHDiAwtqwEDUzL8w1cVGHUXxK02KvUxiYBMtRw/s1600/IMG_6935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgxqwPUQ2rWM_sgHhP2JWa1bE-xKTE9c5q-WP5Vl6Sik8U2e2IsAlu7NvWDNny0LS3N-GRkC5OrCuslHDNna-GttPhMvSopndiw3VWpHDiAwtqwEDUzL8w1cVGHUXxK02KvUxiYBMtRw/s640/IMG_6935.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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As we enjoy another Texas sunset, I'll leave you with some hopeful news.</div>
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Each of these bothersome weeds are annuals, not perennials. They don't like the cold and they must have open ground to show up each year. Mulching your garden will give you a distinct advantage.</div>
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Unfortunately, I love my gravel and rocky beds too much to cover them with mulch. I count pulling weeds as my stretching and yoga workout each morning.</div>
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That's it for now. Find some excuse to get outside today and garden!</div>
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YOU WILL FEEL BETTER for it!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-44970787024896230982017-07-20T18:18:00.001-05:002017-07-20T18:33:56.296-05:00THE SHEAR JOY OF TRIMMING HEDGES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUrd3McmQM9eaHwqsboTEGlfexrkxmqq5NUG_CEggBDsabyPSapUXshpXe4-NNUPmDDFt1fgbGJY844rR6FD0iupwiDUbnPvVMbxDxcM4b2IgyuZu4hk4gVVgOROeJCnksIv34iAhmGk/s1600/IMG_6906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUrd3McmQM9eaHwqsboTEGlfexrkxmqq5NUG_CEggBDsabyPSapUXshpXe4-NNUPmDDFt1fgbGJY844rR6FD0iupwiDUbnPvVMbxDxcM4b2IgyuZu4hk4gVVgOROeJCnksIv34iAhmGk/s640/IMG_6906.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I learned how to trim hedges long ago when I was only 10 years old. We lived on a ranch and one of the gardeners took a special interest in teaching me his secrets. Now, 50 years later, I keep those secrets alive each time I work in the garden. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_xJnR9v162IcbO_JqDRPUQ9_iyeFHSiMtkvJN6msPsdPOhjtCx5biybEQrgrGfgmqfkiZmAiiN041t0BVqhkOHMvMF3Wvp7zeHwzq4ujyVbZid4JPgiLZ9Rjvzdmu5-RGUNBLSNrcVU/s1600/IMG_6902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_xJnR9v162IcbO_JqDRPUQ9_iyeFHSiMtkvJN6msPsdPOhjtCx5biybEQrgrGfgmqfkiZmAiiN041t0BVqhkOHMvMF3Wvp7zeHwzq4ujyVbZid4JPgiLZ9Rjvzdmu5-RGUNBLSNrcVU/s640/IMG_6902.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love to keep my hedges very neat and tidy. That's because the rest of my natural garden appears a bit too wild & crazy for most of the neighborhood. In the above photo, you can see a typical garden across the street. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5kwUzQncb4JsxQmYgWv-JcYjbMaWeK3m9GFx3f0AuT3zwkgykoS5QTGbVEDFMdDxT2stShOjCoUJs5NqzB8V_K9SmRQ57uhUa46IpCQaoIaP-O-emh81fOlz4n-dvxdoahqph3V35bM/s1600/IMG_6886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5kwUzQncb4JsxQmYgWv-JcYjbMaWeK3m9GFx3f0AuT3zwkgykoS5QTGbVEDFMdDxT2stShOjCoUJs5NqzB8V_K9SmRQ57uhUa46IpCQaoIaP-O-emh81fOlz4n-dvxdoahqph3V35bM/s640/IMG_6886.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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A few years ago I met a gardener on one of my bike rides. He had trained a bunch of his young, wild Carolina laurel trees into beautiful hedges. Discovering his garden was one of the most wonderful moments in my entire gardening life. From his example, I learned what to do with all the myriads volunteer laurel cherry trees found growing in my flower beds. I would transform them into beautiful additions to the garden instead of pulling them up and putting them on the compost heap!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJy3aqz7tSacvVLJ_CWISFLpQCXC8jxu3H6bmDofK71PiPKpRllKeuGRSxml4-DU8M0TN-wjx3TvLAWeaPLSs0xSj2p_hPLKPfEcaBCBzxZQP2fvQ6AuFYKOpNhOhBmrbfJmGACviD3A/s1600/IMG_6890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJy3aqz7tSacvVLJ_CWISFLpQCXC8jxu3H6bmDofK71PiPKpRllKeuGRSxml4-DU8M0TN-wjx3TvLAWeaPLSs0xSj2p_hPLKPfEcaBCBzxZQP2fvQ6AuFYKOpNhOhBmrbfJmGACviD3A/s640/IMG_6890.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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During our conversation, I dreaded asking him how LONG it would take to get a nice looking hedge. I was shocked; he said things really start to look good by year 3! I was expecting him to say 10 years!</div>
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The hedge shown above is now starting its third year of trimmed growth on the bottom. I'm starting a second portion at the top. It will be ready for its first shaping soon.</div>
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Most gardeners seem to have a number of traits in common; they love cats (or dogs), they love reading, they love gardening, and they love being creative (artistically or otherwise).</div>
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I have a large dose of art in me as well as gardening.</div>
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As you can see, I'm working on a much more complicated project with this set of three trees.</div>
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This project will take another good year to start looking like the multi-level lines I've outlined above. I'm excited each time I think about it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NcuJV4TLGAdK1d9SsfO9fpfCtb4aUvh44HRA93k7Lwsh0vhdGLojD4OaMdb1-9xb9HvGreheQmFduXhKtTaaInMAJ4ytPF7wgB0YWM41MiYUJZ0XtOuGJSUgCzUz2bZBjpvGCvRmT30/s1600/InkedIMG_6919_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NcuJV4TLGAdK1d9SsfO9fpfCtb4aUvh44HRA93k7Lwsh0vhdGLojD4OaMdb1-9xb9HvGreheQmFduXhKtTaaInMAJ4ytPF7wgB0YWM41MiYUJZ0XtOuGJSUgCzUz2bZBjpvGCvRmT30/s640/InkedIMG_6919_LI.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's one of our beautiful native holly trees. I'm going to gently shape it since my neighbors are fretting about the berries dropping across the fence. According to everything I've read, the berries only cause a mild stomach ache to pets. It will be a big challenge, but I'm up for it and both of us will be happy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWxmx7ueWFhhyphenhyphengnG2JsXXSJXiiCwk6w034wZQ43PbNAxisXEEgh2lFOuF8cqqdX4SgXNAEvH_-n5q_4T0KcdnT7LbJoaJjp28sDwgm3STGri-XjVdXMOAB8RlTef-X7UXOirXMoITBUw/s1600/IMG_6884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWxmx7ueWFhhyphenhyphengnG2JsXXSJXiiCwk6w034wZQ43PbNAxisXEEgh2lFOuF8cqqdX4SgXNAEvH_-n5q_4T0KcdnT7LbJoaJjp28sDwgm3STGri-XjVdXMOAB8RlTef-X7UXOirXMoITBUw/s640/IMG_6884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll end with a nice view of our dwarf yaupon coupled with some other garden plants.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfCAawA0jBsl-Ic05PUp7wTI2ow0nw7YbDiAUmIgB31hVR3_S6LVhAQh3hBkpMjnear-Fy4FylMONln4Orv9O7sb-gmzj8KN1XBHdv_ob-h3v_Ec6AbJDvmwchy8Opg9fPoQsHBBVbhE/s1600/IMG_6914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfCAawA0jBsl-Ic05PUp7wTI2ow0nw7YbDiAUmIgB31hVR3_S6LVhAQh3hBkpMjnear-Fy4FylMONln4Orv9O7sb-gmzj8KN1XBHdv_ob-h3v_Ec6AbJDvmwchy8Opg9fPoQsHBBVbhE/s640/IMG_6914.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Happy Gardening! Find a great reason to get outside today!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-52440558156941337212017-07-15T10:16:00.000-05:002017-07-15T10:35:02.371-05:00GROWING LAVENDER IN TEXAS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MMDRAZ4MXDcx3BRm9jqopggQEKDo4TShPBuBm6ZOh1LTjm50LvMb4tf-6YrlaSxqYoVc8ua4nV-A-tMLOYFR334TVk19XBciXx2Ner588ai6foeZKhRx_iprnvdJZa0TBYSHQd_HUcY/s1600/IMG_6830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MMDRAZ4MXDcx3BRm9jqopggQEKDo4TShPBuBm6ZOh1LTjm50LvMb4tf-6YrlaSxqYoVc8ua4nV-A-tMLOYFR334TVk19XBciXx2Ner588ai6foeZKhRx_iprnvdJZa0TBYSHQd_HUcY/s640/IMG_6830.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you REALLY want to grow lavender plants (Lavendula) in Houston, you will need a therapist to help you through this difficult decision.</div>
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Besides that, you will need to accept the fact that you will lose a number of your plants even under PERFECT growing conditions. You may give them all they need, but you cannot wish away our boatloads of HUMIDITY which this species strongly dislikes. (Hey, let's all move to southern France and grow lavender! LOL)</div>
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<i><b>Lavendula</b></i> is worth the effort. Its alluring fragrance, its charming growth habit, its irresistible blue flowers, and most of all, its silvery gray foliage are all reasons to love this plant. </div>
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So, if you MUST attempt this insane gardening challenge, here are some vital facts.</div>
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#1...Use almost pure sand in clay pots if you want to grow them in containers. Add a generous handful of compost or leaf mold for nutrients. Add a tablespoon of dolomitic limestone to make the soil a bit alkaline (not entirely necessary, but lavender will love you for it). </div>
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#2...Do NOT over fertilize lavender. They like a lean soil.</div>
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#3...Water at the base of the plant and leave the foliage dry whenever possible.</div>
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#4...Give it a half day of morning sun and some afternoon shade. </div>
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#5...Use raised beds if you are planting it in your garden.</div>
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#6...Leave a generous space between plants for air circulation.</div>
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#7...MOST IMPORTANTLY, choose the right variety!</div>
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If you find these conditions too overwhelming, I can boil them down to one simple rule:</div>
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PRETEND THIS PLANT IS A CACTUS! (except that it needs a bit of water every other day)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA76wxrzYwlJKj5EeD4_qpYjCnx7XibH__Dm4x-OFIi6oi6HcZfFC1SfNVKTnLh7O90t9PjXKTjybXlV09O_CJlNDuvkX_0PoBysuAHLjoczuQLE2g_BkV9s5in8xNboTYwlv1aMW0Xj8/s1600/IMG_6845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA76wxrzYwlJKj5EeD4_qpYjCnx7XibH__Dm4x-OFIi6oi6HcZfFC1SfNVKTnLh7O90t9PjXKTjybXlV09O_CJlNDuvkX_0PoBysuAHLjoczuQLE2g_BkV9s5in8xNboTYwlv1aMW0Xj8/s640/IMG_6845.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you want some inspiration, get this book! It's out of print, so enjoy the hunt!</div>
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Amazon used books is your best bet. I stumbled upon this rare copy at Half Price Books in Rice Village.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOS3gjgFZnGLnKzQgR2pXsC97-zZh79n5FWGJm32QOTn_YBNTGqFfuvzhx1VCXz1_-IoBVKYBjYKF-6Kvia-nDTuq-fSqzELNa6LuaVqr5dlNEBNn-v3mYGcUcpzsTH87CpfETkV05pBI/s1600/IMG_6846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOS3gjgFZnGLnKzQgR2pXsC97-zZh79n5FWGJm32QOTn_YBNTGqFfuvzhx1VCXz1_-IoBVKYBjYKF-6Kvia-nDTuq-fSqzELNa6LuaVqr5dlNEBNn-v3mYGcUcpzsTH87CpfETkV05pBI/s400/IMG_6846.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JGER0eqSZakNXgY50HYG7BR8pn0EyKmegh_QcWWCy7N5ahf58maNIhfZT0cyA6AjYnXOR4pFtenRyRGXqD-TAMu-3fijYABRohDYeq6NN68Uq3ybscgI9S-yphzCHfniu_zDsrl6Ecw/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JGER0eqSZakNXgY50HYG7BR8pn0EyKmegh_QcWWCy7N5ahf58maNIhfZT0cyA6AjYnXOR4pFtenRyRGXqD-TAMu-3fijYABRohDYeq6NN68Uq3ybscgI9S-yphzCHfniu_zDsrl6Ecw/s640/IMG_6833.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The most reliable lavender for the Houston area would be Sweet Lavender. You can find it at Whole Foods Market, Buchanan's Native Plants, and from a few other sources.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47LoVN4HWEfww9az3vuuK03pZNKPcWc6tRDdSOqqZ_YjWlXB50s6UlE8kTS0JSe0LdG2Ka_PJZqCzVi3mw0XfyODpw2ckrWKktfdKdTJLABZlg1wc6jxg8Qx1Ym4VwZ1H4xgGvaClt1E/s1600/IMG_6834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47LoVN4HWEfww9az3vuuK03pZNKPcWc6tRDdSOqqZ_YjWlXB50s6UlE8kTS0JSe0LdG2Ka_PJZqCzVi3mw0XfyODpw2ckrWKktfdKdTJLABZlg1wc6jxg8Qx1Ym4VwZ1H4xgGvaClt1E/s640/IMG_6834.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My second favorite would be Lavender 'Fred Boutin'. It has by far the most beautiful foliage. However, poor Fred is falling apart on me after 3 short years. Also, it never seems to bloom, which means I will not be growing Fred in the future.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmYEqREi0CKmOzWsGZGv03gUHlebHkJ-Tr4Umr-NWBNV-IODTNPBIA0ojIOg4Z7zq2hNk7I7NOZaN7r7_g4m5vOQ-tJ19HdLlcLuhyphenhyphenbj04vxzE5YqGn7KBT3JgqoD0P7UYf75_3_BKIU/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmYEqREi0CKmOzWsGZGv03gUHlebHkJ-Tr4Umr-NWBNV-IODTNPBIA0ojIOg4Z7zq2hNk7I7NOZaN7r7_g4m5vOQ-tJ19HdLlcLuhyphenhyphenbj04vxzE5YqGn7KBT3JgqoD0P7UYf75_3_BKIU/s400/IMG_6856.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ju1NxENMiqeuOJ2NHku8vG_Rs0JjbupdY_6KXKTEpFkIhoAZJRJtHDfXcAD5T3keSzt4YSCVz35N57mItBDCaMHe6pDjpOvQFL8ixCkXxx3rlsVaWior4LDDLY9Hb7NxGL5PNnfAPSI/s1600/IMG_6858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ju1NxENMiqeuOJ2NHku8vG_Rs0JjbupdY_6KXKTEpFkIhoAZJRJtHDfXcAD5T3keSzt4YSCVz35N57mItBDCaMHe6pDjpOvQFL8ixCkXxx3rlsVaWior4LDDLY9Hb7NxGL5PNnfAPSI/s320/IMG_6858.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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On the other hand, if blooms are all you want, try 'Ellagance Purple'. Since I'm a retired school teacher, the misspelling of the name drives me crazy. Here in Houston, the foliage turns an ugly gray after you cut the blooms, then regenerates to a lovely shade of green afterwards. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7Xf1mTe83j3F6jbKZZ_befwt3thF6xFa3Fe98LhwXp-5qd68jf4g-hHHnYZFxUhBzGeXFRuTSAvbVn6N6lgOCr-mXRRU-sEbeF8XHjQb8Z6RR6jkq9f2f8x7mC5Rq_Q3SRFty2xdnnQ/s1600/IMG_6839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7Xf1mTe83j3F6jbKZZ_befwt3thF6xFa3Fe98LhwXp-5qd68jf4g-hHHnYZFxUhBzGeXFRuTSAvbVn6N6lgOCr-mXRRU-sEbeF8XHjQb8Z6RR6jkq9f2f8x7mC5Rq_Q3SRFty2xdnnQ/s640/IMG_6839.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's one last homage to Fred before he passes away to that great Lavender Garden in the Sky.</div>
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The smaller Sweet Lavender is off to the left and will take over as Queen of the Lavender next year.</div>
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I could also recommend Lavender "Provence", but 5 out of the 6 plants I purchased have died. That's not very good odds. If you find 'Provence' and 'Sweet' side by side at a local nursery, do yourself a favor and choose 'Sweet'. You'll be glad you did.</div>
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All for now! Happy Gardening!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld5KThxdeKLNYcMk_ElR4eG0K93M8IPS8rQ1r-CupZBez-m4xhmBLS-h24BFnywHBIBMhA8apX_yafvM7H_aKzhyphenhyphenuvmnbRVBpWWwG6JEVcnrDMtPy2HZjZVcjIwW5KfUvA7E5oD3bWZg/s1600/IMG_6844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld5KThxdeKLNYcMk_ElR4eG0K93M8IPS8rQ1r-CupZBez-m4xhmBLS-h24BFnywHBIBMhA8apX_yafvM7H_aKzhyphenhyphenuvmnbRVBpWWwG6JEVcnrDMtPy2HZjZVcjIwW5KfUvA7E5oD3bWZg/s640/IMG_6844.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Front Garden ~ July 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pictured in the front is a 'fake' lavender. More on that in a future post. </span></div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-65996795663089895122017-07-12T11:21:00.002-05:002017-07-14T09:38:38.105-05:00ZINNIAS ARE A GREAT CHOICE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy952xCY3SLj4kNYtlU6lKL9TByXytXsmni7Ph-FNNpGfdfhdm1ZNz78unVp20d79VCcrkVTZHYQMa7loXzKAHV_jWzk-HS0PgdRvsVdP_JuPOfPynxJY9ViuHDifbsM1IPH8p6dRx2m8/s1600/20170621_193740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy952xCY3SLj4kNYtlU6lKL9TByXytXsmni7Ph-FNNpGfdfhdm1ZNz78unVp20d79VCcrkVTZHYQMa7loXzKAHV_jWzk-HS0PgdRvsVdP_JuPOfPynxJY9ViuHDifbsM1IPH8p6dRx2m8/s640/20170621_193740.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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The new varieties of zinnias grow well all summer long here in Houston. Not that long ago zinnias were problematic due to our constant battle with powdery mildew.</div>
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Fortunately, the newer varieties are very disease resistant and bloom profusely with no deadheading needed. </div>
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These low to the ground varieties are my favorite since they mix well with the agaves and yuccas.</div>
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They can take full sun or partial shade.</div>
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Zinnias are originally from Mexico so they can cope with the brutal summer heat of the South.</div>
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If you want to learn ALL about ZINNIAS, check out this link to the Chicago Botanic Garden.</div>
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They call them the hardest working summer flower. I agree!</div>
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<a href="https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/smart_gardener/zinnias_hardest_working_flower_summer_garden">https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/smart_gardener/zinnias_hardest_working_flower_summer_garden</a></div>
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All for now. Enjoy your garden wherever you may be!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-77524602022014873902017-07-11T09:28:00.000-05:002017-07-14T09:39:12.390-05:00JULY SUMMER GARDEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGTFbXD8TFSd8EDwilukL5KQ1MTbjocKEsHgjX-2Njmj14aviaOv8ZEs3dRckYaOEhaa7-pJu9cAKhvDxAvSHJEGgWPDNEfVd680hfJrv8bbAIds4RDqSniG3CMX4PsJAfyJDtJzqXIo/s1600/IMG_4021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGTFbXD8TFSd8EDwilukL5KQ1MTbjocKEsHgjX-2Njmj14aviaOv8ZEs3dRckYaOEhaa7-pJu9cAKhvDxAvSHJEGgWPDNEfVd680hfJrv8bbAIds4RDqSniG3CMX4PsJAfyJDtJzqXIo/s640/IMG_4021.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Checking back in after a long hiatus.</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Tropical Texana Garden</div>
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Houston, Texas</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-75921799225435896662014-07-24T09:24:00.001-05:002016-01-03T14:55:59.275-06:00PREVENTING YARD WARS! BOUNDARY IDEAS WHEN PHILOSOPHIES DIFFER<div style="text-align: center;">
For the most part, neighbors plant & mow the same types of grass. They don't often care where their yard stops and the other begins.</div>
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But what if you don't have the same ideas about gardening?</div>
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Here are some neighborhood yards and gardens that conjure up some interesting solutions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2AywVamXeopEESt9tmV4znBLZ2GKKJH7NTgt-9HtXmOK2EPq1J0cDahhWrmKNeWioBiBNm54uWdcdRVKwgAyxxzVH-bHtQCYhEX_FVDYLZiMXPJLfrF64L4VEPbgo8Bo1qyF4DeFPHg/s1600/borders+july+2014+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2AywVamXeopEESt9tmV4znBLZ2GKKJH7NTgt-9HtXmOK2EPq1J0cDahhWrmKNeWioBiBNm54uWdcdRVKwgAyxxzVH-bHtQCYhEX_FVDYLZiMXPJLfrF64L4VEPbgo8Bo1qyF4DeFPHg/s1600/borders+july+2014+044.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This gardener used black star gravel and a metal border. To prevent gravel from becoming a problem for the neighbor's lawnmower, they then cleverly transitioned to a black mulch!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPACV1j0wCyG56CuNeoqM2JmypLDl6O9a7UL3jQIBklq3rZVktijnzkF_Sv5l9dUN-9tdsY06Lpk_-F-Qh7MsAAIxNWADJjLgfd0oEq5xlCLz20ArwGkKa0fWjlSk7lUUoBehCzMwr7k8/s1600/borders+july+2014+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPACV1j0wCyG56CuNeoqM2JmypLDl6O9a7UL3jQIBklq3rZVktijnzkF_Sv5l9dUN-9tdsY06Lpk_-F-Qh7MsAAIxNWADJjLgfd0oEq5xlCLz20ArwGkKa0fWjlSk7lUUoBehCzMwr7k8/s1600/borders+july+2014+043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure I like the stark all-gravel look with a bungalow, but never mind.</div>
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These two neighbors have a dramatically different philosophy!</div>
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To solve the problem and keep the gravel in its place, they've used landscape bricks and a metal runner.</div>
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Note: The nut sedge has already decided to live in the gravel. (Mother Nature hates a void.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpYJV95NEteEL_6hRTnGQNkCG2vxGhWrfzbKCBMxj0lKNUnnTr4l8vKEi6VmYNuE-yb-4smCx08AZReUzGjqRzUrzeeU3-BlNakmZdTAxVP1zmaxQe5hMAHSDxZp-WS5bZd5STvuqWIg/s1600/borders+july+2014+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpYJV95NEteEL_6hRTnGQNkCG2vxGhWrfzbKCBMxj0lKNUnnTr4l8vKEi6VmYNuE-yb-4smCx08AZReUzGjqRzUrzeeU3-BlNakmZdTAxVP1zmaxQe5hMAHSDxZp-WS5bZd5STvuqWIg/s1600/borders+july+2014+048.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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It pains me to admit that one of my neighbors in the next block has a fake yard. </div>
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You are looking at St. Augustine grass on the left and the fake yard on the right. </div>
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The concrete divider comes standard with the fake grass. By the way, studies have found that the fake grass heats up about the same as concrete sidewalks. I've not tested the theory, so let's move on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxIdNAangNjKOnrudX4zWxbJvIuYkwR-LO0hmhA8jMnnM4zyPoMnC9QwzkopO9eyjJOnyGJtFCnMNiieE7hbf8RaXsUUXeEALjfme8HrnkrxhGNwr033aFysE_BYUfofDTxQ_NTtl6mM/s1600/borders+july+2014+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxIdNAangNjKOnrudX4zWxbJvIuYkwR-LO0hmhA8jMnnM4zyPoMnC9QwzkopO9eyjJOnyGJtFCnMNiieE7hbf8RaXsUUXeEALjfme8HrnkrxhGNwr033aFysE_BYUfofDTxQ_NTtl6mM/s1600/borders+july+2014+051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The family on the left wanted to plant natives and do away with part of their lawn. </div>
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Landscape bricks separate their planting from the St. Augustine lawn next door.</div>
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I liked this idea so much that I borrowed it for my own border problems (which I'll show you at the end of the post).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6rN7jn0BTfbebl-S37PoMBYAwt5wdyWJAuspxNH7bDER0B1oNwCsCE38APwwmxCa-Mrs_RGT5UYevpTDVwWhTTVEMRs0y0z2yOcmwBL1WOYUMbRUjS197tyUYVCDkm6NP6yUnS1X8TY/s1600/borders+july+2014+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6rN7jn0BTfbebl-S37PoMBYAwt5wdyWJAuspxNH7bDER0B1oNwCsCE38APwwmxCa-Mrs_RGT5UYevpTDVwWhTTVEMRs0y0z2yOcmwBL1WOYUMbRUjS197tyUYVCDkm6NP6yUnS1X8TY/s1600/borders+july+2014+045.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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A small ditch separates these two different mowing philosophies; longer grass on the left and shorter grass on the right.</div>
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Both are St. Augustine grass.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV2ScZxwcYa6IrrLubntXEYQ_XJ4zJvlHnX6Rr7RLMMtemUA_paY2w7vgY2J1YpuLaLMA96euO0Xmr4kMpMRDpCgohpvj2v3SZyrAT8dmoXihYZbSskW1GRjPKlYm-dHWPJvMIrELSE8/s1600/borders+july+2014+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV2ScZxwcYa6IrrLubntXEYQ_XJ4zJvlHnX6Rr7RLMMtemUA_paY2w7vgY2J1YpuLaLMA96euO0Xmr4kMpMRDpCgohpvj2v3SZyrAT8dmoXihYZbSskW1GRjPKlYm-dHWPJvMIrELSE8/s1600/borders+july+2014+050.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Three of the newest homes have Bermuda grass lawns.</div>
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I personally do NOT like this type of grass since it is much more difficult to maintain.</div>
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As you can see on the left, weeds are a constant battle. If you are next to a standard St. Augustine lawn, you'll need to install a metal strip to prevent the lawns from battling for supremacy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iSfEPenPEXfFHplkU_lyZuOOnvsxLAFRfO2KEOjXLDnrUzezJoMOhml8_a1JVlJ1tlFk3o-V2kSvqZ_gOa_RQSF4rYWb-bTgVEFE25EDxAWqLsg1gIIV_FHKOnmWXyj-HYZx2kEJOVY/s1600/borders+july+2014+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iSfEPenPEXfFHplkU_lyZuOOnvsxLAFRfO2KEOjXLDnrUzezJoMOhml8_a1JVlJ1tlFk3o-V2kSvqZ_gOa_RQSF4rYWb-bTgVEFE25EDxAWqLsg1gIIV_FHKOnmWXyj-HYZx2kEJOVY/s1600/borders+july+2014+052.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Another example. St. Augustine grass on the left and low cut Bermuda grass on the right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiL4llM5DqJ67aOJKIfgibETbMfVYRYWuNS4FWDT5TikGoVActJL58sia-9drSulnbVRImoJEwPoY-zuf9bQqCOIRw3DMHMoRwdnELkBpgrn8cMeiaCZ3W01QEzPCZA0hh8i0Vp6WFNc/s1600/borders+july+2014+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiL4llM5DqJ67aOJKIfgibETbMfVYRYWuNS4FWDT5TikGoVActJL58sia-9drSulnbVRImoJEwPoY-zuf9bQqCOIRw3DMHMoRwdnELkBpgrn8cMeiaCZ3W01QEzPCZA0hh8i0Vp6WFNc/s1600/borders+july+2014+046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nothing divides these two types of grasses and this could lead to problems.</div>
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Bermuda grass is on the left and something new is on the right. I'll check back in a couple of months to see what happens.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hIGJI8GsfCXnhk_LwRsxAWpaRTfsyF6RuXLao0WViU17SlTYp388jyZ5XfzK40mtYph3sAd4e6LfSKD1Na6NBkJZxdpBw7fLnWuw1moQe5FYggtX8k8J1SbWev9uwa0_T7qzlQZxyFU/s1600/borders+july+2014+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hIGJI8GsfCXnhk_LwRsxAWpaRTfsyF6RuXLao0WViU17SlTYp388jyZ5XfzK40mtYph3sAd4e6LfSKD1Na6NBkJZxdpBw7fLnWuw1moQe5FYggtX8k8J1SbWev9uwa0_T7qzlQZxyFU/s1600/borders+july+2014+040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If both houses have no lawn and lots of shade, homeowners like this one plant under story shrubs in a shared bed (left side). The right side of the property has a fence, then gravel next to the sidewalk. I like when neighbors work together. It looks like one endless garden.</div>
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I hope you NEVER have to face a boundary problem between you and your neighbor.</div>
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But if you do, hopefully this post will offer some solutions to keep the peace.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbk-NgW14yEiW2fAmiLGifOv0R_YrKLYlGGvMyembF4190PGPA2i1VAF55PSoDsyhqcySGrWJyeluXWASNA-qlNMXiedn6gRgHCzA0IGF9tiAkjwhjs_kJJy43e-GuOUnWxGzseA6kN0/s1600/museum+cats+sunflowers+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbk-NgW14yEiW2fAmiLGifOv0R_YrKLYlGGvMyembF4190PGPA2i1VAF55PSoDsyhqcySGrWJyeluXWASNA-qlNMXiedn6gRgHCzA0IGF9tiAkjwhjs_kJJy43e-GuOUnWxGzseA6kN0/s1600/museum+cats+sunflowers+045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-23216070827537361532014-07-16T17:08:00.001-05:002016-01-03T14:59:49.087-06:00JULY STALWARTS: FLOWERS THAT BLOOM IN THE TEXAS FURNACE<div style="text-align: center;">
STALWART: <i>a loyal, reliable, hard-working supporter in a common cause</i></div>
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<i>*****</i></div>
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None of the flowers below would cause passerby bicycle riders to fall off in utter amazement.</div>
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But when it comes to the furnace of the Texas summer, I'm happy with any flower that wants to be in my garden.<br />
THIS IS GBBD PART 2 (My first one for July was devoted exclusively to sunflowers)</div>
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What's always so remarkable about doing these <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/">GBBDs (Garden Blogger's Bloom Day by May Dreams Gardens)</a> is the fact that I always find a surprise waiting for me in the garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BrIZkSLEi5IZ-Oogku7IoXIfSRTdwjY2VPhlikYWPPU45ahNhHgIcPPIbnv42SuwFlqwMBe0me8PL5yjI2gurFi44aguTOZRgxe8aIpOOIqPLC2A5NIgcVPTSqzKcBNbv58LsWLCYKA/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BrIZkSLEi5IZ-Oogku7IoXIfSRTdwjY2VPhlikYWPPU45ahNhHgIcPPIbnv42SuwFlqwMBe0me8PL5yjI2gurFi44aguTOZRgxe8aIpOOIqPLC2A5NIgcVPTSqzKcBNbv58LsWLCYKA/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+025.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is now my third season with Coreopsis 'Route 66'. It came back from the roots this time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidy04Sx_l_OwMilFdu89XZ0AnfPiX5RlDqxl88YyXeOQgytVvjsY-yzecy4kqfQqBBqdK7FPqmsRDx5gXiZO7PrQDH7zAll82wW_hS7txU53Ct_6MX9-y4ob_u9yir0QDGBIXd1H_WfGU/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidy04Sx_l_OwMilFdu89XZ0AnfPiX5RlDqxl88YyXeOQgytVvjsY-yzecy4kqfQqBBqdK7FPqmsRDx5gXiZO7PrQDH7zAll82wW_hS7txU53Ct_6MX9-y4ob_u9yir0QDGBIXd1H_WfGU/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+023.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I call Gomphrenas a grandma plant since my beloved gardening grandmother always had them in the garden.</div>
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This one is called Gomphrena 'Fireworks'. I'm tossing the spent seedheads everywhere to see if they will self-seed next season.</div>
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Other Gomphrenas I would recommend are 'Tiny Buttons' and 'Buddy Purple'. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJgi2cNZpX3oYebWqlysVj3JeO0oSwo_qifYDcRJgABHuuc9Otz8RUgxoUMhjZb4vMpfmszvKTXPUjhzwe4ZR-XdY-T72roF66QZ0plAd9gm170E0H2IEMt3p4cjkYZodTlCO3Vk_hDw/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJgi2cNZpX3oYebWqlysVj3JeO0oSwo_qifYDcRJgABHuuc9Otz8RUgxoUMhjZb4vMpfmszvKTXPUjhzwe4ZR-XdY-T72roF66QZ0plAd9gm170E0H2IEMt3p4cjkYZodTlCO3Vk_hDw/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+051.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This will be my comparison photo for years to come. Sunflowers and Castor beans are on their way to the skies above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p3v-ExDrLwXP9Wpd2ckFOmPPn7pRdto40ETsrW4htsc3gfiAKN8QP6VeaxmiXGftHHafVNGheC1TZ5QUj1tRu6MNCt2Zhi2hxuX8ogibP7t10QRpKxCTCci4hyUoD8_Y-LrEKkSVoo0/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p3v-ExDrLwXP9Wpd2ckFOmPPn7pRdto40ETsrW4htsc3gfiAKN8QP6VeaxmiXGftHHafVNGheC1TZ5QUj1tRu6MNCt2Zhi2hxuX8ogibP7t10QRpKxCTCci4hyUoD8_Y-LrEKkSVoo0/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+048.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I would say this crimson Castor bean wins the prize for most tropical and exotic plant for this month.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39c3nxN489Pr2p2RDLJl5dmorpK0xm1zDzR42joZ3X6JPX5y3BkKHoWf-nHT3az37st_vCv4xuLssqgcThxazWVaEjsMROrWbEJFeG_iaD6KvGDF6nNmPn7IQ3wquuDFKU6wKunWNccY/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39c3nxN489Pr2p2RDLJl5dmorpK0xm1zDzR42joZ3X6JPX5y3BkKHoWf-nHT3az37st_vCv4xuLssqgcThxazWVaEjsMROrWbEJFeG_iaD6KvGDF6nNmPn7IQ3wquuDFKU6wKunWNccY/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+011.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Back down on the surface we have a small white<i> Lantana montevidensis</i>. </div>
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I grow this species more than the native variety because the native variety is a magnet for lantana lace bugs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-tJ2eh7BzsY7bgAKAeuDasEhqLfN9QCvH5R8iv2N60Xa_n7EPE1TBZMdzkoZDn9RsVMpf1NtnP_o1jJ-Hln-VIvzj52yZHA7i1YwLX6g2Z5k498SEhLiKaj4tgNQlRtpSk-R5FP_yLc/s1600/mid+July+2014+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-tJ2eh7BzsY7bgAKAeuDasEhqLfN9QCvH5R8iv2N60Xa_n7EPE1TBZMdzkoZDn9RsVMpf1NtnP_o1jJ-Hln-VIvzj52yZHA7i1YwLX6g2Z5k498SEhLiKaj4tgNQlRtpSk-R5FP_yLc/s1600/mid+July+2014+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's the native variety. So far no lace bugs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVUMuEe1R8QoOpOWnpAnsRpRkzJApLizI7POscgD47KUnnX13FirVQkMi2ocXZxUwy_gkMawlrPAyqKR0qu7cjRCpKfsT4Zb0_hj9p_8K3_ertRTio1R4ILGLnoLGiqB371Z7V9wBGdo/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVUMuEe1R8QoOpOWnpAnsRpRkzJApLizI7POscgD47KUnnX13FirVQkMi2ocXZxUwy_gkMawlrPAyqKR0qu7cjRCpKfsT4Zb0_hj9p_8K3_ertRTio1R4ILGLnoLGiqB371Z7V9wBGdo/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+053.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's a portion of the purple and blue garden. Blooming in the foreground is Ruellia 'Blue Shade'. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyAP5JKCWoXys0DF0MaZf2s2WzLwB4ogP53yNEkSiz6mW8mqAHQ0ZZOJyGYMMuJgEX-x6mkAhdmagPNIDiFdZk-qfC8j8t2lcNVj_-0UhKgt813E6wR7Hjpyg9XiEOOtmdbSaD4qWZlg/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyAP5JKCWoXys0DF0MaZf2s2WzLwB4ogP53yNEkSiz6mW8mqAHQ0ZZOJyGYMMuJgEX-x6mkAhdmagPNIDiFdZk-qfC8j8t2lcNVj_-0UhKgt813E6wR7Hjpyg9XiEOOtmdbSaD4qWZlg/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+028.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is the rarest plant in the garden right now. It's called Zinnia maritima 'Solcito'.</div>
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This species is native to Hawaii and will even become a perennial in your garden if protected from frost.</div>
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I had about 7 seedlings appear in the path. That's fortunate since I can't find it for sale anywhere in the U.S.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNB9pxk0tcq6CHs_JxCbEIYNbTIrG-9rjVEt7xjrJ6izygho-TFaMltYxkRK-Dlwt0Gb9iQDd806vvV2aHf12p12G9VT-Ml0gJYpC0xoIrZwBT-XmrLRDDC12F9bJ5L41e8UQn_o0SY8/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNB9pxk0tcq6CHs_JxCbEIYNbTIrG-9rjVEt7xjrJ6izygho-TFaMltYxkRK-Dlwt0Gb9iQDd806vvV2aHf12p12G9VT-Ml0gJYpC0xoIrZwBT-XmrLRDDC12F9bJ5L41e8UQn_o0SY8/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+045.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Yucca gloriosa will be blooming in a few days. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1iekCh6VCoTkwFqAIT8_i0_TFVJ118lWeA4fNs5crgbJ5436gl_1axZwhToix9IA1wr91CqdW5EleEpW8OkTI8RwqQnlbe2d0Wi_3TMZwBi_SZ5CBSYG5VYSSDGJDrOPxp0VyGpQ-O4/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1iekCh6VCoTkwFqAIT8_i0_TFVJ118lWeA4fNs5crgbJ5436gl_1axZwhToix9IA1wr91CqdW5EleEpW8OkTI8RwqQnlbe2d0Wi_3TMZwBi_SZ5CBSYG5VYSSDGJDrOPxp0VyGpQ-O4/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now for the surprise. It wouldn't be summer without the sounds of cicadas.</div>
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I found this one struggling on the ground. It had fallen from its perch as its wings were developing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxuJxkQYi8EejFgNNyKqJQHhsm7Ru9ZwHpBoY-3dhQPMcrrsjo0OxPoorUVDzIPHyTpDgiDZ5TNwnLUV8U4TsQUwXXtYQO1GW-TZDckcKE1iaoCmOaw-_AW-i_DvuhcLlUJA1UwUBfqs/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxuJxkQYi8EejFgNNyKqJQHhsm7Ru9ZwHpBoY-3dhQPMcrrsjo0OxPoorUVDzIPHyTpDgiDZ5TNwnLUV8U4TsQUwXXtYQO1GW-TZDckcKE1iaoCmOaw-_AW-i_DvuhcLlUJA1UwUBfqs/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+016.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Cicadas are probably the black sheep of the insect world. Some people are downright scared of the things.</div>
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Yet, the shades of gossamer green found in the unfolding wings holds a special magic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgV2RidjF3EVp-hXL3Y8w4soDGAnQuG8yQDeCCpXUOxwoKBPY0M20WYG78ZmGg1S0UOs3J7ILAi3Hc9rlCayKlVToz1iu-Ra5_tqXQL8H6CMh4hljrzQHOZSkYYZcsTm_7tMl0OrgpLZc/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgV2RidjF3EVp-hXL3Y8w4soDGAnQuG8yQDeCCpXUOxwoKBPY0M20WYG78ZmGg1S0UOs3J7ILAi3Hc9rlCayKlVToz1iu-Ra5_tqXQL8H6CMh4hljrzQHOZSkYYZcsTm_7tMl0OrgpLZc/s1600/july+bloom+day+2014+030.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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An hour later it flew away....to somewhere here in the garden.</div>
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And the magic was over.</div>
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Hope you find some magic in your garden today.</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-18177909461431944272014-07-15T12:58:00.000-05:002014-07-15T13:04:30.317-05:00JULY GBBD: IT'S SUNFLOWER TIME!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy GBBD from our garden in Houston, Texas.</div>
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As the saying goes, if God gives you lemons, make lemonade.</div>
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And if He gives you sunshine (after 30 years of gardening in the shade), then grow </div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">SUNFLOWERS!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXVdoYZyaNxDGz1aJbnRNr3d1x-8lF3qdjCq7i_rt4_LIxktTgLr7zEJunX1p6XaXK7yDqpypVLHXfVwz1SYx2ljaK73ermnMA40OMdB7dIWT6hOxVmmBaELqe5Vu-ofLnwKzGAaZdtQ/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXVdoYZyaNxDGz1aJbnRNr3d1x-8lF3qdjCq7i_rt4_LIxktTgLr7zEJunX1p6XaXK7yDqpypVLHXfVwz1SYx2ljaK73ermnMA40OMdB7dIWT6hOxVmmBaELqe5Vu-ofLnwKzGAaZdtQ/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+019.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I always grow the standard Mammoth sunflowers, but actually LOVE the smaller, colorful sunflowers more.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J3C_rljZ2dxk2lvJx1UIMLwhkPVKgQVHXMtaZlpJA5t-DyrpJ8RG42gd0ZEyVYoAcsJ4oStTUqQ4nRLzH5OH210brPxlwkiBarOGHSykYcra4VIO4BmHsHBc9LdT9Aobnqy-ZL_Yl-c/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J3C_rljZ2dxk2lvJx1UIMLwhkPVKgQVHXMtaZlpJA5t-DyrpJ8RG42gd0ZEyVYoAcsJ4oStTUqQ4nRLzH5OH210brPxlwkiBarOGHSykYcra4VIO4BmHsHBc9LdT9Aobnqy-ZL_Yl-c/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+021.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Someone else also loves these colorful sunflowers. See?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQos5VFhVFTS1Kk-aHV9fePWBE6Vv4wVr59NIhqsAPfff9TYbysmbH8EBzwY_XZnITl7StDNj9V2k2_h8tJnnWSF7io8iSPQWAhKhgu6Q2ksELJT77BPhDdCg_EXr7GDCS0eA0lknhe2Y/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQos5VFhVFTS1Kk-aHV9fePWBE6Vv4wVr59NIhqsAPfff9TYbysmbH8EBzwY_XZnITl7StDNj9V2k2_h8tJnnWSF7io8iSPQWAhKhgu6Q2ksELJT77BPhDdCg_EXr7GDCS0eA0lknhe2Y/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+022.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are from the Burpee "Evening Sun Mix".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8cw2PD9GNPNgudae0m3Z6xIJ-c9Z4OyihHphYldSEQv0z-w8FFR5KHBd0p8sDMGTt9gxXjWQOuvEzh5JS-gyffzrRSqf1Z5_4cthGzR0EyodMtXhvtrsWqLztGmBUJGckksenFbRD4c/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8cw2PD9GNPNgudae0m3Z6xIJ-c9Z4OyihHphYldSEQv0z-w8FFR5KHBd0p8sDMGTt9gxXjWQOuvEzh5JS-gyffzrRSqf1Z5_4cthGzR0EyodMtXhvtrsWqLztGmBUJGckksenFbRD4c/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+023.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The package shows 5 different colors and patterns of deep reds and bright yellows.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CxZLx5N4MILZVFYX-Azd5eVhIb9_emoW0uaqHl8DOUSOvTasxMBLzGiQDX6Uhbi41qObPxQpcOApkLD6F0-fFaS9ptCUSiHA1e-KwTyk21NKL_V7mPnHM26OaMuaGVxTDztCuZ-gEXA/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CxZLx5N4MILZVFYX-Azd5eVhIb9_emoW0uaqHl8DOUSOvTasxMBLzGiQDX6Uhbi41qObPxQpcOApkLD6F0-fFaS9ptCUSiHA1e-KwTyk21NKL_V7mPnHM26OaMuaGVxTDztCuZ-gEXA/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+012.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's good old Mammoth. It always cheers me up even on the gloomiest day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPDqEKatoycm5K6aC9USZMeqJvOiApyvg63PNWZEFLuDt7-AZFmWWFlALommCXxHe1FlwZ3ZkE87cdwuXYkFlkAJhSlcTwn30RJADEDQZkMHeniiGK489oeKm5eHwRLJi0PSDVD9YKc8/s1600/crepes+art+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPDqEKatoycm5K6aC9USZMeqJvOiApyvg63PNWZEFLuDt7-AZFmWWFlALommCXxHe1FlwZ3ZkE87cdwuXYkFlkAJhSlcTwn30RJADEDQZkMHeniiGK489oeKm5eHwRLJi0PSDVD9YKc8/s1600/crepes+art+076.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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And here's one of our many-headed native sunflowers that grow along the Texas roadsides.</div>
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One managed to make it into my garden. So cool!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKp6DfNo28eWVmod6onSf5_B78Wfk8OlVsBaFEMUKppFGVp_V1OKq-bpJFI7NG3CePU5yD-wuReapf8Mqt8sP_O1p4PE-y_fTl503vFqINPUqS1qzzdI9zeyRcVTsOh-gQvHCrPC5cQw/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKp6DfNo28eWVmod6onSf5_B78Wfk8OlVsBaFEMUKppFGVp_V1OKq-bpJFI7NG3CePU5yD-wuReapf8Mqt8sP_O1p4PE-y_fTl503vFqINPUqS1qzzdI9zeyRcVTsOh-gQvHCrPC5cQw/s1600/sunflowers+2014+July+018.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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We have about 10 more that will be blooming next week.</div>
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Anyone else out there like sunflowers?</div>
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That's it for this GBBD. I have many other flowers, but they can wait until next time.</div>
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Hop on over to<a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/"> May Dreams Gardens</a> for more flowering fun.</div>
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She's our gracious hostess each month.</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-23117543246884582292014-07-13T22:19:00.001-05:002014-07-13T22:27:46.712-05:00UNCLE! SO, CAN ANYONE OUT THERE TELL ME THE NAME OF THIS PLANT?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMlaJP1uNBzqT57MVE_t9Ki_l7FwclC3Epzx0Apqq5Ir1VAGZ7eaL7afLIqv4Kad-7jnrm6_poDPFWmdMF7gXvIgDwFFK3sipnCXo5r345fpxp_8BuG40GQA7DcWqpPAMRi6JcuNPlvM/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMlaJP1uNBzqT57MVE_t9Ki_l7FwclC3Epzx0Apqq5Ir1VAGZ7eaL7afLIqv4Kad-7jnrm6_poDPFWmdMF7gXvIgDwFFK3sipnCXo5r345fpxp_8BuG40GQA7DcWqpPAMRi6JcuNPlvM/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+019.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It has a light fragrance like honeysuckle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3NZQNS4-NifaeFHCdEAVKPBrgJGNZZoFgaa6w_SZxc1cZQlbmbUZkrYTCDZjONRd0m8VcQW7gmfXtYGzG4hkl2T3wyy9X8Q-ieuL-Ge8-mSAv0LiJa3MXxG1uPEq3HpPrArJ_FFOXGw/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3NZQNS4-NifaeFHCdEAVKPBrgJGNZZoFgaa6w_SZxc1cZQlbmbUZkrYTCDZjONRd0m8VcQW7gmfXtYGzG4hkl2T3wyy9X8Q-ieuL-Ge8-mSAv0LiJa3MXxG1uPEq3HpPrArJ_FFOXGw/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+020.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The leaves are thick and waxy and have this shape and configuration.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBo4IkNoUebN5V-YPSar0M2wNj_qhjC_xlvyfG5vMtdNTOxA3-ipZyRDLYKeFN0EuX3JLxfkSm8wN-DB9dJeUOV0B4kcPU3oJIP_rTo9zkFohyDO5w-boj4fLAob_tIBl8Pgv1aisy9Y/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBo4IkNoUebN5V-YPSar0M2wNj_qhjC_xlvyfG5vMtdNTOxA3-ipZyRDLYKeFN0EuX3JLxfkSm8wN-DB9dJeUOV0B4kcPU3oJIP_rTo9zkFohyDO5w-boj4fLAob_tIBl8Pgv1aisy9Y/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+021.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It grows like a small shrub. It has some hardiness to freezes, but dies back each winter here in Houston.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpdH62oWYJa2kBnQ5MrDFsqoxbSDBvrtaz1V4jC2HNkDkoJKYzqvIGtzE050y0uXFWe2Uf1tVHy8futCZZ3oyTXgVdKLGdXNF6Vuu_ekIlhrnpIJN-xvZo4MX3GgOf_ZfgxRIMaUUeWg/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpdH62oWYJa2kBnQ5MrDFsqoxbSDBvrtaz1V4jC2HNkDkoJKYzqvIGtzE050y0uXFWe2Uf1tVHy8futCZZ3oyTXgVdKLGdXNF6Vuu_ekIlhrnpIJN-xvZo4MX3GgOf_ZfgxRIMaUUeWg/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+022.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The new buds have a reddish tint. New growth can be vine-like.</div>
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I've never seen it for sale, but this gardener had 5 different shrubs.</div>
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Anyone have this plant or know the name?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jpGd_PqUE8qkE6LXiXXaUEXrdF_Kasz8RjH0nKMDDlxMKfTLN_dnRMXm1rsRtkJq5kNIbfZJkxPLgTKhjThQdFAFea-V_Ps3ITS572pawvCKIwmt2DlsuJGylUaUJoALnWmnwfWBQ_g/s1600/IMG_3372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jpGd_PqUE8qkE6LXiXXaUEXrdF_Kasz8RjH0nKMDDlxMKfTLN_dnRMXm1rsRtkJq5kNIbfZJkxPLgTKhjThQdFAFea-V_Ps3ITS572pawvCKIwmt2DlsuJGylUaUJoALnWmnwfWBQ_g/s1600/IMG_3372.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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For comparison, here's a Sweet Autumn Clematis. The two plants are different species though in my mind, they 'feel' like they should be related. I'm probably wrong and that's OKAY.</div>
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Any ideas? I've already cried uncle and given up.</div>
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Thanks for any help!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-32107734598528550262014-07-12T20:55:00.001-05:002014-07-13T09:15:38.190-05:00MY LITTLE SECRET<div style="text-align: center;">
My wife and I suddenly have lots more sun in our yard and garden.</div>
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<i><b>My</b></i> first thought was, "Yippee...more agaves and a bigger cottage garden."</div>
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<i><b>Her</b></i> first thought was, "Yippee...now we can have a lawn again."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstXbICSPHaAarhR3TQHdpDOLb3NZF_MHTtUx0qLfCNHrLeXhCIJzWN8hfagUpFp-gTYkD5EEhn86TGUQMX4uY4t-fIjTB5tV9w5IS9uE9w6UCibsgAC8lr4BQ8mH1qUxkQYk_2cf7SzA/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstXbICSPHaAarhR3TQHdpDOLb3NZF_MHTtUx0qLfCNHrLeXhCIJzWN8hfagUpFp-gTYkD5EEhn86TGUQMX4uY4t-fIjTB5tV9w5IS9uE9w6UCibsgAC8lr4BQ8mH1qUxkQYk_2cf7SzA/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+042.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The new sunny spot waiting for a lawn</div>
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I've done every summer project except this one. I'm stalling and she knows it.</div>
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"When are you going to plant grass?" is a daily question.</div>
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"Grass, you say?" Hmmm...she did use the word grass, not lawn. I start to think about it like a botanist.</div>
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There are many different types of grasses out there. Why settle for that same old boring St. Augustine stuff.</div>
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And then I found just what I wanted....a yard filled with bunny tail grass!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhoTDn1Dcxu99n39Tl3JkFi9efpHi3Kt2r_nCzbBvoOjJBwI9IvIuIJVF5jpjXa5e8Bk-unhYWjxi1YZj5rwivIGHVrisc7jEEnNSHg5qQGJaICdMQ71tCAhAIjtehK7yD7GAJbyvan8/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhoTDn1Dcxu99n39Tl3JkFi9efpHi3Kt2r_nCzbBvoOjJBwI9IvIuIJVF5jpjXa5e8Bk-unhYWjxi1YZj5rwivIGHVrisc7jEEnNSHg5qQGJaICdMQ71tCAhAIjtehK7yD7GAJbyvan8/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+023.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I love this species of Pennisetum but haven't a clue as to its real name.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqPOkLwUtFJnOE9wHZ2K2yFfy_FgrN_XtXR1e9h_IaV9C1USbOUUUmdJLvZzBgRUK-SJlJ7nludQCmsEeN7qTlUhhoUC7_wIrzAj9n8kyCspNr2DOs_JPG0_bG6_rRxAD5aryePozb8Q/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqPOkLwUtFJnOE9wHZ2K2yFfy_FgrN_XtXR1e9h_IaV9C1USbOUUUmdJLvZzBgRUK-SJlJ7nludQCmsEeN7qTlUhhoUC7_wIrzAj9n8kyCspNr2DOs_JPG0_bG6_rRxAD5aryePozb8Q/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+028.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The bunny tail grass is located in front of an abandoned home. While this cute bungalow is waiting for demolition (like so many in our neighborhood), Mother Nature gets to have one last fling. She gets to grow whatever she wants.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXzTFDQXtUXbegPI8qYsU62jMBzR4AxDOdMypyavPeHBh0ak0WVfcSfum-pN6hyphenhyphenD5-yko33RhtyLNjQN0I7_pPgtybvp2od2g3k98h-Tb7cVccGXCmmofTYjbBlpbQanArabet2d-q24/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXzTFDQXtUXbegPI8qYsU62jMBzR4AxDOdMypyavPeHBh0ak0WVfcSfum-pN6hyphenhyphenD5-yko33RhtyLNjQN0I7_pPgtybvp2od2g3k98h-Tb7cVccGXCmmofTYjbBlpbQanArabet2d-q24/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+024.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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We found the bunny tail lawn (notice how I've included the correct terminology now) while on a bike ride. I told my wife to bike on home while I took some closeups. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tGb1leq-rkwDB_igkDgeu92Wdm5njNo2SnVtFdArvdiUYQnq9Ivwtzw4zW_V48cQLfURAeIAmfXdDtKsW0QbBsAIlQuAHmbRO85q61DkkRZaPJ17HH-FUJIONT7WPzwaG1r9wQFwFnM/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tGb1leq-rkwDB_igkDgeu92Wdm5njNo2SnVtFdArvdiUYQnq9Ivwtzw4zW_V48cQLfURAeIAmfXdDtKsW0QbBsAIlQuAHmbRO85q61DkkRZaPJ17HH-FUJIONT7WPzwaG1r9wQFwFnM/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+025.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's so soft....so magical...and...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvu-9Yg65chwQcFm6tmg-ziawbiijq6DDMft1lsAZKmG7SylC-sXxV8PjiV8sIOSEDOK0GTJ8FeLtCt1QPZeYKgfk85PRBFS0LzyJYCnnNg1oSFkcGDn9K_TwC-Pa6gkn82EvrTvnyanQ/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvu-9Yg65chwQcFm6tmg-ziawbiijq6DDMft1lsAZKmG7SylC-sXxV8PjiV8sIOSEDOK0GTJ8FeLtCt1QPZeYKgfk85PRBFS0LzyJYCnnNg1oSFkcGDn9K_TwC-Pa6gkn82EvrTvnyanQ/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+026.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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so fuzzy...just like a bunny tail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk6JD5np8hefRsOl3XbLP4An4vO_INmYcdyGy6QslK5FDAYMHFUGEngPjTJCepzN4Lqc2x1jx1svXow4Gq3cF-gWGKeEUsvsU3kkC7-rUdLHdtZwG2Ro_3iA_u_l9sD2ZPBPmZeQOnjs/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk6JD5np8hefRsOl3XbLP4An4vO_INmYcdyGy6QslK5FDAYMHFUGEngPjTJCepzN4Lqc2x1jx1svXow4Gq3cF-gWGKeEUsvsU3kkC7-rUdLHdtZwG2Ro_3iA_u_l9sD2ZPBPmZeQOnjs/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+027.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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After awhile, I just couldn't resist; I simply had to pet some of the little bunny tails.</div>
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And then it happened...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sqFYyBiEiMVehrf2jnxX7UJWXxJb3aKErH0x0a0Vw7LzE1Wner-cRzj0cgSKdVGwWsmt10K_Cc5gaHgcrQsEoq-rJU9JipNgxJ_hMEErmWokgwKvnKvqSYnMyFwrBZNjvf8eQmZMPK0/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sqFYyBiEiMVehrf2jnxX7UJWXxJb3aKErH0x0a0Vw7LzE1Wner-cRzj0cgSKdVGwWsmt10K_Cc5gaHgcrQsEoq-rJU9JipNgxJ_hMEErmWokgwKvnKvqSYnMyFwrBZNjvf8eQmZMPK0/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+040.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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A couple of the bunny tails filled with seeds snapped off in my hand. </div>
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Not wanting to litter, I put them in my pocket and biked home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzlScFHpB2avbgwIPXB0dGgyoBF-grTa1N3dO_mr4Wwfd3RDSOT5Fpub280T6Qmk-5yt71Whyn0NP7rdTsmcnAwQ7M7U2eqRR_4z4wyxXwYaUHLz-PlBP9RazBBkBAoRFfX90hPLmx90/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzlScFHpB2avbgwIPXB0dGgyoBF-grTa1N3dO_mr4Wwfd3RDSOT5Fpub280T6Qmk-5yt71Whyn0NP7rdTsmcnAwQ7M7U2eqRR_4z4wyxXwYaUHLz-PlBP9RazBBkBAoRFfX90hPLmx90/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+041.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I got home, some of the seed heads ACCIDENTALLY fell right on that bare spot of land.</div>
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I'm so clumsy! Ooooops!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu3NpOM3cXFly_k8xv9YWzP6-jYIPnt8y9VxUZoAkz6g612NVA4NmcwGE2Ax4ZhyphenhyphenDz6GwITRnqbyCOezetrJzYiJL3Q9ItEqiuKL9g-j_jYzWc-zDMpUzXQwKhS_A-UyZst3bMg8nBqA/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu3NpOM3cXFly_k8xv9YWzP6-jYIPnt8y9VxUZoAkz6g612NVA4NmcwGE2Ax4ZhyphenhyphenDz6GwITRnqbyCOezetrJzYiJL3Q9ItEqiuKL9g-j_jYzWc-zDMpUzXQwKhS_A-UyZst3bMg8nBqA/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+039.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'll probably forget about them until next Spring. </div>
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By then, I'm hoping my wife will fall prey to their charm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNUIABQn9uy4tfppX7hZSOvw8S2_QCaEsjyJkeMk9Z2uDZ8ZnZ_roce-NT-vrZHBgX1ZQW6NzpuHXhV5ZCNQh4-B6H50M0uUDg9a-ZeA6zKn0PXEOx1xkpcUW59ddkRBOyDFVrU4kvaA/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNUIABQn9uy4tfppX7hZSOvw8S2_QCaEsjyJkeMk9Z2uDZ8ZnZ_roce-NT-vrZHBgX1ZQW6NzpuHXhV5ZCNQh4-B6H50M0uUDg9a-ZeA6zKn0PXEOx1xkpcUW59ddkRBOyDFVrU4kvaA/s1600/parrots+and+grasses+july+2014+042.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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If I get away with it and get to keep that little patch of bunny tails, I'm moving the chair right smack in the middle. Then I'll let my whole family take turns sitting there while the bunny tails tickle their legs.</div>
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They'll be in such a good mood that they'll forget to ask me to mow the lawn!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA9f1iwF8MTkweyTpQXb5ALy6ELZWIhXElsEW5bwmWlHOm055ssN2axitZH-aQweNYn3nXuBSp1fQTdhchJiBEvDV5Af0MwHCm4nLrFBTGecGTNUQ1bQHBNpuiGTkR5b5e4dNbENb9p8/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA9f1iwF8MTkweyTpQXb5ALy6ELZWIhXElsEW5bwmWlHOm055ssN2axitZH-aQweNYn3nXuBSp1fQTdhchJiBEvDV5Af0MwHCm4nLrFBTGecGTNUQ1bQHBNpuiGTkR5b5e4dNbENb9p8/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+048.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I already have a family member that's on my side. It seems our cat is already enjoying this little clump. I don't know why cats love to eat grass, but our cat Binky loves this particular species.</div>
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All for now.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-58236720750974418322014-07-11T19:11:00.000-05:002014-07-11T19:18:14.346-05:00NEVER ALONE IN THE GARDEN<div style="text-align: center;">
My garden friend over at <a href="http://www.redhousegarden.com/">Red House Garden</a> just posted about all of her wildlife friends that she encounters while gardening. I thought it was such a great idea that I've decided to do the same.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqdyL6f_exSEAGlg95S7fU8B7QYJFVXL19HgWfeJtGH0M1MA3EgS_yWuJA2zbPLpxd1AsmZaJPX6lsU9QQi7NcB182PA2sQf-ALD9pSibYeQQlvuDPABM7pAe5GWnI74pTJO7-iRG2_E/s1600/December+School+&+Garden+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqdyL6f_exSEAGlg95S7fU8B7QYJFVXL19HgWfeJtGH0M1MA3EgS_yWuJA2zbPLpxd1AsmZaJPX6lsU9QQi7NcB182PA2sQf-ALD9pSibYeQQlvuDPABM7pAe5GWnI74pTJO7-iRG2_E/s1600/December+School+&+Garden+104.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Butterflies are a daily thrill. This one was found in the leaves this past Autumn.</div>
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It's a Gulf Fritillary.</div>
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Dragonflies are also a daily joy. This is a new one that follows me around when I water plants.</div>
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As I got closer and closer for a clear view, I also learned that someone else was closing in for a different reason.</div>
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Same agave point, only one split second later.</div>
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We have these green lizards everywhere in the garden.</div>
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It's called a Green Anole.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLW_xWbTxYr13VphZ9bd8cHPcNuDuyLzbJYTYzUnbQQ3FNA7idNlAHtq6PpDA873xsuodZU2MhgLOsI8odyFb4ZidTKkTN9xrIlXuT2tDzBMeEYvOgp1DDFCDoc8KNHSJ_dxu9REVs82A/s1600/July+1+Garden+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLW_xWbTxYr13VphZ9bd8cHPcNuDuyLzbJYTYzUnbQQ3FNA7idNlAHtq6PpDA873xsuodZU2MhgLOsI8odyFb4ZidTKkTN9xrIlXuT2tDzBMeEYvOgp1DDFCDoc8KNHSJ_dxu9REVs82A/s1600/July+1+Garden+066.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hmmm.....that twig is misplaced. Yep, that's right. It's an inch worm doing a fine imitation.</div>
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I don't usually spot these when I'm in a hurry.</div>
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I use no pesticides or chemical fertilizers and have perhaps a dozen different species of bees in the garden.</div>
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Most are solitary like this bumblebee.</div>
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Since my bee population has gone up, I've noticed that my red wasp and yellow jacket wasp populations are way down. I don't like paper wasps, so I'm fine with the trade off.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_aNwZXhWRaOSrWQKb14JzPxeB16Q4BWg2C1nCVg3bJk_ts8I0Jfh4hLGAL-qgj4pvcSuA58xgzYdkvQuetBiQu7gqSQstDz6lnu0lv0RsQbj7k0IeubvIZCmu2z37UC53C2Eziu_cX8/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_aNwZXhWRaOSrWQKb14JzPxeB16Q4BWg2C1nCVg3bJk_ts8I0Jfh4hLGAL-qgj4pvcSuA58xgzYdkvQuetBiQu7gqSQstDz6lnu0lv0RsQbj7k0IeubvIZCmu2z37UC53C2Eziu_cX8/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+029.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you know what this is? It's called a twice-stabbed ladybeetle.</div>
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I found this one on a prickly pear. I've since read that they are one of the few insects that attack and eat scale. I hate scale on my Opuntia, don't you?</div>
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Read all about this wonderful creature right here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/twicestabbed_lady_beetle.html">http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/twicestabbed_lady_beetle.html</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav1Uiw-pp2oy3bORNf2oDHP_MULsnQD4HIKCJ_EANrOC07urL4dupGSJ00jr_svuAUOlJyk4WtJGAJk8pXv25zoYV-YFxtLtVygPgAx52DLzpK7wpG1EkidwEt9FpPCLq-jLzG3_I3j4/s1600/french+country+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav1Uiw-pp2oy3bORNf2oDHP_MULsnQD4HIKCJ_EANrOC07urL4dupGSJ00jr_svuAUOlJyk4WtJGAJk8pXv25zoYV-YFxtLtVygPgAx52DLzpK7wpG1EkidwEt9FpPCLq-jLzG3_I3j4/s1600/french+country+051.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The biggest surprise I've ever had was finding this leopard frog in my garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7gJmGzgxasNtMKZOkA8xXG2QAzzRrdWLg1UHx0v0ORAQDivgQ17zfh0E43tTdVQGMKtQ8VTMu7INEqmb9V4y5ne-BCKqDn2crVznNANeGxpRezFdVR-ojyWY4jTe1ld-8szOObyYYmk/s1600/french+country+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7gJmGzgxasNtMKZOkA8xXG2QAzzRrdWLg1UHx0v0ORAQDivgQ17zfh0E43tTdVQGMKtQ8VTMu7INEqmb9V4y5ne-BCKqDn2crVznNANeGxpRezFdVR-ojyWY4jTe1ld-8szOObyYYmk/s1600/french+country+052.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had these out in the country when I was a small boy.</div>
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I've never imagined having one here in the middle of a huge city.</div>
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I've named him Leroy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFgvD2wRGzSUBgz0hJkIsXzMa-xM_SC_ZjCxhxyff7yzvffYGBezCH6EJgOZzKfn-eNggtod86svmQQQrSE1dOxz_HarVo05mpr_Mfo0J8386l9GYrXsouF7w9sAIBjbpNGb2ex1xXv0/s1600/new+bug2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFgvD2wRGzSUBgz0hJkIsXzMa-xM_SC_ZjCxhxyff7yzvffYGBezCH6EJgOZzKfn-eNggtod86svmQQQrSE1dOxz_HarVo05mpr_Mfo0J8386l9GYrXsouF7w9sAIBjbpNGb2ex1xXv0/s1600/new+bug2.PNG" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
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This insect showed up in my garden last month.</div>
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It's not a boxelder bug, but it's in the same family.</div>
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I'll be doing a follow up post on it soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW-YhqjGDjCt7aaa4ZWJ3rEUaAMiDiWcjQfvPnhWW72XoPdMREp-FmyF8_xcQgrDfDPxN1PPz6aWTgoR7my_RaEDHUqZr0ci8v4wXSKPlhuUYLURkr8gdlHKf9QFhZOJtavVTo9FHmEI/s1600/black+swallowtail+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW-YhqjGDjCt7aaa4ZWJ3rEUaAMiDiWcjQfvPnhWW72XoPdMREp-FmyF8_xcQgrDfDPxN1PPz6aWTgoR7my_RaEDHUqZr0ci8v4wXSKPlhuUYLURkr8gdlHKf9QFhZOJtavVTo9FHmEI/s1600/black+swallowtail+002.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I took this photo this morning. I'm finding black swallowtail caterpillars all summer since I've let the wild dill grow in the front garden. It's one of our wonderful native plants and makes a nice wispy ground cover.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfqHBAPm__c3IiJlyNVkqOLeD9D_B1KiLn_9yEx9oHpTwdJRiBMfpYd48SS_Zp1oAXaM6qVtFoLReBZ2C6_vIc7iYjefnWuORt0iL_7zceeReHZazFyaFHGBkRwf9-WKNwpWyXXgUPjI/s1600/july+garden+holes+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfqHBAPm__c3IiJlyNVkqOLeD9D_B1KiLn_9yEx9oHpTwdJRiBMfpYd48SS_Zp1oAXaM6qVtFoLReBZ2C6_vIc7iYjefnWuORt0iL_7zceeReHZazFyaFHGBkRwf9-WKNwpWyXXgUPjI/s1600/july+garden+holes+002.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, let's talk about squirrels. I have a love/hate relationship with them. When they look like this one, I can't help but smile.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmpzctOYSfqivyfIJ8CvmQJIdp4oKoxRZ7sMar-lF4gNHh4LwNOOYEzbtOip6VXJFZebRnQWnLYU5_sJy0zpg6WN8sRbMzQ1tBWeqGZOtoku0VC6agh1zE0QZSh1a0OuRNzEAJtG_pHQ/s1600/drag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmpzctOYSfqivyfIJ8CvmQJIdp4oKoxRZ7sMar-lF4gNHh4LwNOOYEzbtOip6VXJFZebRnQWnLYU5_sJy0zpg6WN8sRbMzQ1tBWeqGZOtoku0VC6agh1zE0QZSh1a0OuRNzEAJtG_pHQ/s1600/drag1.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll end with this character. This dragonfly OWNS our backyard. He returns every year to our pond. I think it's called a Neon Skimmer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9yfdBxMYUsRZ_JK89M6DChXBHO7l4el63AYbdyyWT6CQbAHyVH6QWLZnwNgkzWQyeKZFzQ5xtj41AEy3cxCbVhMVdvinbfCkHK8u6zCPXhQCRtTtVHBvx0OC7qv0VOsGu4a_w-Hd4pQ/s1600/late+august+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9yfdBxMYUsRZ_JK89M6DChXBHO7l4el63AYbdyyWT6CQbAHyVH6QWLZnwNgkzWQyeKZFzQ5xtj41AEy3cxCbVhMVdvinbfCkHK8u6zCPXhQCRtTtVHBvx0OC7qv0VOsGu4a_w-Hd4pQ/s1600/late+august+2013+001.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well that concludes our look at wildlife at Tropical Texana. Next time I'll write about our cats.</div>
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As you can see, it's a HOLE different topic.</div>
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Ha ha.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-10788852728699107032014-07-09T18:18:00.000-05:002014-07-10T09:37:38.590-05:00TROPICAL TEXANA TURNS 4: HOW TO MAKE ART OUT OF AN OLD FENCE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZsiL-djZ1g9-JYjXm6xlpbO1Fij3sGFwq9lnH53hjCKGM0LvdV0c-MjPF35JrSXnwjw9OxX9gpNnhL6_Wh013g-ukLdQHvH7bJtiq_fMVRMNnL8ygcRZQeY5PrwdsqeJqfkjAxNo4nA/s1600/trees+2014+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZsiL-djZ1g9-JYjXm6xlpbO1Fij3sGFwq9lnH53hjCKGM0LvdV0c-MjPF35JrSXnwjw9OxX9gpNnhL6_Wh013g-ukLdQHvH7bJtiq_fMVRMNnL8ygcRZQeY5PrwdsqeJqfkjAxNo4nA/s1600/trees+2014+003.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I guess after 4 years of writing a garden blog called Tropical TEXANA, it seems appropriate that I should finally add some Texana art to the premises.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1CaoxeJlurNEU1KieVh00KQKKng3s_FH_2dqsZjOEWpTf_YJUZsScm6lZVnpAFER1F5oQJHP9BTFoO5dtOQgsUKwGcs2Ws1hJDMG2FtWZ8MOvgfe3VYyBG5t1yatQPE86p6AONWSNfE/s1600/July+1+Garden+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1CaoxeJlurNEU1KieVh00KQKKng3s_FH_2dqsZjOEWpTf_YJUZsScm6lZVnpAFER1F5oQJHP9BTFoO5dtOQgsUKwGcs2Ws1hJDMG2FtWZ8MOvgfe3VYyBG5t1yatQPE86p6AONWSNfE/s1600/July+1+Garden+035.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Besides gardening, I love to paint and I love old wood. I make my own art each summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPCjNUGohgKRZJbNORkxOOkFVjLhLoK4esPG8Q_TDzGz5_U9M5cROiAwY9tgPtpTDjQYdQA9iTzpnYri3LUHvdNo_vxmcChKaXqvKOpUwjgWQNcqboK2Y0v57G6p2uwfyT92NV6pbXg0/s1600/July+1+Garden+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPCjNUGohgKRZJbNORkxOOkFVjLhLoK4esPG8Q_TDzGz5_U9M5cROiAwY9tgPtpTDjQYdQA9iTzpnYri3LUHvdNo_vxmcChKaXqvKOpUwjgWQNcqboK2Y0v57G6p2uwfyT92NV6pbXg0/s1600/July+1+Garden+033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's how you can make flags out of old fence boards. First, cover the board with paper and old mini-blinds to get a feel for the finished product.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEw8XmmHzQpm9BKO6sD41obFcBRDAkdVFEXF8lrrN2k_sF00Z5exgJMAKN02EgCAex1g8-8GDWKx7Wk_eLGdBDgGH2jQiR6fw620lSy3mieylhwu5BRPOhHJXIIzUpRYiDYulXVzaBEY/s1600/July+1+Garden+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEw8XmmHzQpm9BKO6sD41obFcBRDAkdVFEXF8lrrN2k_sF00Z5exgJMAKN02EgCAex1g8-8GDWKx7Wk_eLGdBDgGH2jQiR6fw620lSy3mieylhwu5BRPOhHJXIIzUpRYiDYulXVzaBEY/s1600/July+1+Garden+037.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, paint the blue fields of color. To get that old rustic feel, you lightly dab on the paint.</div>
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Try not to cover all the wood textures since they add personality. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpYRArGOfFq3NuI_uJ9BmIJm_jiy8Cuy8ZPG-h_ORoDMrcYtlglmvCTfnfARERR5aO5SLC9fnpXWInj1ijmY7HOIgmx-yX1hTWcombAVSmVUtaOy2eLUBfK31PLi84VKvjSqfYV1i554/s1600/July+1+Garden+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpYRArGOfFq3NuI_uJ9BmIJm_jiy8Cuy8ZPG-h_ORoDMrcYtlglmvCTfnfARERR5aO5SLC9fnpXWInj1ijmY7HOIgmx-yX1hTWcombAVSmVUtaOy2eLUBfK31PLi84VKvjSqfYV1i554/s1600/July+1+Garden+042.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, line up the mini-blinds and paint the red stripes.</div>
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Hold down the plastic strips to prevent slippage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuclQclqCcEglvzzdjXzfO7Vs4-WwCT7l5A7TnrMnsic5fNqwjd03oo8B1PZYrqtv_DKd_A5V7VTSXTHJIe0rDodPBJbZ3hf4tyJRaBVx9REF-PrXbSjJxOYOpsJDnm0_kMDutZYdtO2s/s1600/July+1+Garden+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuclQclqCcEglvzzdjXzfO7Vs4-WwCT7l5A7TnrMnsic5fNqwjd03oo8B1PZYrqtv_DKd_A5V7VTSXTHJIe0rDodPBJbZ3hf4tyJRaBVx9REF-PrXbSjJxOYOpsJDnm0_kMDutZYdtO2s/s1600/July+1+Garden+043.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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On both the American and Texan flags, the red symbolizes bravery (some would even go further and say that it symbolizes the blood given for our precious freedoms).</div>
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<a href="http://blog.cvsflags.com/flag-history/what-do-the-colors-of-the-american-flag-mean">http://blog.cvsflags.com/flag-history/what-do-the-colors-of-the-american-flag-mean</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOnCQ3lWKGGd84AZsqPyBaKb48fgBgXg30U5WGwIDiBwZxnFMMw7n24z2qjoUFyTA6F4J1HzCxYThYqoqgIuAdXgLni42DHaM7uMRA84f_B7W8O3HfFJjz-d5fW6TSP4uQsnqCl-cUNE/s1600/July+1+Garden+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOnCQ3lWKGGd84AZsqPyBaKb48fgBgXg30U5WGwIDiBwZxnFMMw7n24z2qjoUFyTA6F4J1HzCxYThYqoqgIuAdXgLni42DHaM7uMRA84f_B7W8O3HfFJjz-d5fW6TSP4uQsnqCl-cUNE/s1600/July+1+Garden+045.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next we paint the stars. I don't make all 50 since this is a piece of art from the past.</div>
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Notice that I mark the location of each star, then add details.</div>
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This flag has 28 stars which just so happens to be the flag flown in 1846 when Texas joined the Union.</div>
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I scratch paint the points with a knife blade since brushes won't work on the heavy wood grain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuYV2roUCPdOXYHklrGzbdlLNQLdHKit3kLXKHtZV6ViLAiEcnBvq8Ovjspbbwkj3PfZSncEQ9zKuBUujYXFi4z4OO4fGIfKURrTfS6ShMyu9MorWwS3MjiQpS2RsjbVsnfbPvyFArLA/s1600/July+1+Garden+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuYV2roUCPdOXYHklrGzbdlLNQLdHKit3kLXKHtZV6ViLAiEcnBvq8Ovjspbbwkj3PfZSncEQ9zKuBUujYXFi4z4OO4fGIfKURrTfS6ShMyu9MorWwS3MjiQpS2RsjbVsnfbPvyFArLA/s1600/July+1+Garden+046.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll tell you a great little secret. To make star templates,cut plastic squares from gallon milk jugs.</div>
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This type of plastic is flexible and thin enough to cut with an exacto knife.</div>
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You can also use the plastic to trace on a computer screen without any problems.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs6LMXvTx9DFcdgOCj-uiWVXmsby_myoQ1sgDo3H0BrhxFR8Wkh21i-9aiZRoGtwg4fL6G-ehrjg_lqviFd90KqZ4tULNbJKQU4iuZkOlLMcXOAW_HskJOD-I4X6tFG16Sqt3thfH-Lc/s1600/trees+2014+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs6LMXvTx9DFcdgOCj-uiWVXmsby_myoQ1sgDo3H0BrhxFR8Wkh21i-9aiZRoGtwg4fL6G-ehrjg_lqviFd90KqZ4tULNbJKQU4iuZkOlLMcXOAW_HskJOD-I4X6tFG16Sqt3thfH-Lc/s1600/trees+2014+016.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the finished Texas flag with its rustic lone star.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRpx8OE_S_FS9UJejbqUtWU88cdAkX8lBCESEhleLRfp8of81hFGmWG_IUa8fBM6-VfaaxmZchD_s8mfJoYoaFrCS4DeAvwB9mD7KCz-oLVOzDPlvZRcw30zgU-Gb91KCbJOtdiXqQIY/s1600/July+1+Garden+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRpx8OE_S_FS9UJejbqUtWU88cdAkX8lBCESEhleLRfp8of81hFGmWG_IUa8fBM6-VfaaxmZchD_s8mfJoYoaFrCS4DeAvwB9mD7KCz-oLVOzDPlvZRcw30zgU-Gb91KCbJOtdiXqQIY/s1600/July+1+Garden+047.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here's the collection of wooden flags and symbols I completed out of one fence board.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnyjOCXPPYKOHzNcBuM0Q_DADsjtGgJZ6Av5R5hWcLKE4SNXEhnjOvNPMdyDe4rRh3cshoxLa_egknrF5bWPBH2pgY2ht46Fl9M0vasjkEIgcU7SMvoXTHLRE1Dts_hq-v_xwpKfybks/s1600/early+july+2014+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnyjOCXPPYKOHzNcBuM0Q_DADsjtGgJZ6Av5R5hWcLKE4SNXEhnjOvNPMdyDe4rRh3cshoxLa_egknrF5bWPBH2pgY2ht46Fl9M0vasjkEIgcU7SMvoXTHLRE1Dts_hq-v_xwpKfybks/s1600/early+july+2014+002.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm using them to decorate a wall on our garden shed. This is a wonderful garden shed that was built by my dad many years ago. It's a beautiful building. Thanks dad!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOdYGloycazkN1MZ5s4OVzmxkPBx7QLIL6r8GAFj5w7jZPxZulQvuIQrV05xCn91lioWQVnCl-YVCSZAIOPW-j_g0RS-Ui95EeplEpfHOHyZrJ8JTOg2iMDPDGphhHo9rqpBDhymoNfA/s1600/early+july+2014+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOdYGloycazkN1MZ5s4OVzmxkPBx7QLIL6r8GAFj5w7jZPxZulQvuIQrV05xCn91lioWQVnCl-YVCSZAIOPW-j_g0RS-Ui95EeplEpfHOHyZrJ8JTOg2iMDPDGphhHo9rqpBDhymoNfA/s1600/early+july+2014+003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you want to see all the historical flags of the U.S., here's a great link:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagfact.html">http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagfact.html</a></div>
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That's it for today!</div>
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Hope the wooden flags will inspire you to make some of your own.</div>
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And as always, thanks for stopping by.</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-69098503379318236602014-07-01T18:47:00.000-05:002014-07-01T19:01:30.987-05:00INSULTED BY A COMMON FLOWER<div style="text-align: center;">
At first I thought it was just matter of moving the plant to a sunnier spot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrLjnK-BgKB2alWmxKNt6gGN9PJfzT2bTaZ6seNCr9oSYP6tmAoXm24CIG9islbveWXdofgMvCYzu2RzJQSvEY85zHc4-OtG_uQsBfW8ZT23iJJKbuSdu1N5BJuUT1PjDrSgZjKYdNSw/s1600/ruellias+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrLjnK-BgKB2alWmxKNt6gGN9PJfzT2bTaZ6seNCr9oSYP6tmAoXm24CIG9islbveWXdofgMvCYzu2RzJQSvEY85zHc4-OtG_uQsBfW8ZT23iJJKbuSdu1N5BJuUT1PjDrSgZjKYdNSw/s1600/ruellias+015.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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No matter what, Ruellia nudiflora refused to bloom. So I did some research:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDv-OraElaqGOzk3J02HyJxBTYnfpu3ujJ353os1xI4lSMl9JYFZRxNSbjjtSPgQaOocm8iiffReZ_uAkke8od7pM4r7Dn7GLqw9IdDVfZGjwc-gYRZCOeTBTi0BkTgqqP_JVivwn7AJs/s1600/Cap.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDv-OraElaqGOzk3J02HyJxBTYnfpu3ujJ353os1xI4lSMl9JYFZRxNSbjjtSPgQaOocm8iiffReZ_uAkke8od7pM4r7Dn7GLqw9IdDVfZGjwc-gYRZCOeTBTi0BkTgqqP_JVivwn7AJs/s1600/Cap.PNG" height="152" width="400" /></a></div>
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FULL ARTICLE:</div>
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<a href="http://www.academia.edu/3690773/Extreme_variation_in_the_reproductive_phenology_of_the_weed_Ruellia_nudiflora">http://www.academia.edu/3690773/Extreme_variation_in_the_reproductive_phenology_of_the_weed_Ruellia_nudiflora</a></div>
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I found out that this particular species of plant has both chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers. </div>
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Of course they do! Duh....why didn't I know this already. (just joking)</div>
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To put this in plain English, this little Ruellia has a secret: when grown under happy conditions, it decides to burst forth in lovely purple flowers (open-pollinated/chasmogamous flowers).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehyphenhyphenT5f2EEI5OgTAoWoDxGRu_egEELdJvS3uWPRjJSJws0iXWqW9wcY48vdaJdyVSAS4UmA4gRe5XJUIoqX34gShBKWzNJsNzxKE1hlmj53y4t31LjbU2aE6ke_wyhui1rFBZOCujV9Ic/s1600/ruellias+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehyphenhyphenT5f2EEI5OgTAoWoDxGRu_egEELdJvS3uWPRjJSJws0iXWqW9wcY48vdaJdyVSAS4UmA4gRe5XJUIoqX34gShBKWzNJsNzxKE1hlmj53y4t31LjbU2aE6ke_wyhui1rFBZOCujV9Ic/s1600/ruellias+009.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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But when grown under STRESSFUL conditions, it decides to self-pollinate inside the seed capsule with no need for external flowers (cleistogamous, non-opening flowers...BORING!).</div>
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Since it seems to do this ALL the time in MY GARDEN, <i>Ms. Ruellia nudiflora</i> has declared to the world that living in my garden is somehow stressful!</div>
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This common little weed thinks my garden is...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">STRESSFUL?!? </span></div>
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I'm so hurt and so confused.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCQNnuXdGiUYJoj-PKVG5x039DAoCvy0_qXloamLZVTUCe_1NR7zmMY-5hZujef6rzCsM5wNpXsxs54OBsnhIUH_QstKcQE3J6U9YRNWH3oeheN1yJ544RB9TESjSH_5bM9vzgEKrt3I/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCQNnuXdGiUYJoj-PKVG5x039DAoCvy0_qXloamLZVTUCe_1NR7zmMY-5hZujef6rzCsM5wNpXsxs54OBsnhIUH_QstKcQE3J6U9YRNWH3oeheN1yJ544RB9TESjSH_5bM9vzgEKrt3I/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+196.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've given all my plants a helping hand each time they've needed it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY5Skq_mT-WLXcd8E2HXhmYM2Y8zafN9qsfKZhppUqr1LxX12MzNtHCaABPQppTDX9snECwx8M2NcMmQ5Yft8K9Nps61TNRNB4jiXAqMchw6N5_0FdRckFZK9iG27oef2j2PoQ_OmSK4/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY5Skq_mT-WLXcd8E2HXhmYM2Y8zafN9qsfKZhppUqr1LxX12MzNtHCaABPQppTDX9snECwx8M2NcMmQ5Yft8K9Nps61TNRNB4jiXAqMchw6N5_0FdRckFZK9iG27oef2j2PoQ_OmSK4/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+085.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I try not to monkey around with their environment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAb3QdNlN7miqi-6FHBihqW2sxtfX-pkg6ufZXevaakTyAV_iOaVuSJ_3SZFyi5ua_wc8qSFtIKfvwQEspZ-wncgUEbsdXF4lX3bkX7hyphenhyphenCzDbSjDeJNwg78AwOIW8d9aIkM5x0XBgV1ng/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAb3QdNlN7miqi-6FHBihqW2sxtfX-pkg6ufZXevaakTyAV_iOaVuSJ_3SZFyi5ua_wc8qSFtIKfvwQEspZ-wncgUEbsdXF4lX3bkX7hyphenhyphenCzDbSjDeJNwg78AwOIW8d9aIkM5x0XBgV1ng/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+077.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I dream about giving them a happy home....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7OCIgKhsgPMgpKlGJqqmHjfB2I5KWEB4NG91Kzydt8GIQgFgHu3Ezuoy7feb3hba60OSXMKgWA29g763n5E7pr4IZe2I1XjMRs4Xdj_u4f2EuWdTf_jXtxxJp1Am55305SvesRcXAhY/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7OCIgKhsgPMgpKlGJqqmHjfB2I5KWEB4NG91Kzydt8GIQgFgHu3Ezuoy7feb3hba60OSXMKgWA29g763n5E7pr4IZe2I1XjMRs4Xdj_u4f2EuWdTf_jXtxxJp1Am55305SvesRcXAhY/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+106.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and plenty of proper light.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZMWVatBg6ardLOVX2YaIhfvlXz7boNJsTkHIcki903yx-cq-r7rHAtU4IYBiZYUURvEURxRIp_0sEONTI2BY_UsUwCGyZCXks0buhEyjB6HH5emHKkJ96yaHngmzOCpHiqggP6lzdso/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZMWVatBg6ardLOVX2YaIhfvlXz7boNJsTkHIcki903yx-cq-r7rHAtU4IYBiZYUURvEURxRIp_0sEONTI2BY_UsUwCGyZCXks0buhEyjB6HH5emHKkJ96yaHngmzOCpHiqggP6lzdso/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+140.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I thought we were a big, happy family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmM5COsT5VLYb4KIYJ2O_KOxRb6AcdWixe2k1js_G-8hRdF7kGM2tGINYsfZWqFlk72UghE5VhXhU4mpOvA-WofzqKLFdf98oWQiJugdt4JsyJY1yBQshIoqwBrI00uXNZ16av4nIiIU/s1600/ruellias+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmM5COsT5VLYb4KIYJ2O_KOxRb6AcdWixe2k1js_G-8hRdF7kGM2tGINYsfZWqFlk72UghE5VhXhU4mpOvA-WofzqKLFdf98oWQiJugdt4JsyJY1yBQshIoqwBrI00uXNZ16av4nIiIU/s1600/ruellias+002.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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My other Ruellias are happy. This is Katie Ruellia. She looks happy. Doesn't she?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtMpzCpQVwIYe_PVLMOaICUrULnd_jCtHZYfDBdjCIwS4_gfHzuuTTAfgKjMbRcR-vpt9FkM41FkBglm4A2RFTvR9vj_b4ioGJFffVR3xCbCV-MJKtlVdNkFo3Ex6jXQtbFgrRomgcJI/s1600/ruellias+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtMpzCpQVwIYe_PVLMOaICUrULnd_jCtHZYfDBdjCIwS4_gfHzuuTTAfgKjMbRcR-vpt9FkM41FkBglm4A2RFTvR9vj_b4ioGJFffVR3xCbCV-MJKtlVdNkFo3Ex6jXQtbFgrRomgcJI/s1600/ruellias+003.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is <i>Ruellia brittoniana</i> 'Chi chi'. Is she happy? I think so. I'm so filled with self-doubt that I'm no longer sure of anything.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsNo-hIVI6TwlF5o9RE8CyoL7Cr2TiuA8RfsZTFUHGmAOoNnc0VaeiHwEIe-q_UfTDgX1AGWjp93o5F3mnaG7hJDI_TuegBaEbwGVwNfElbDIwvTLWS9XaquYRv8Oobc3r6aqEpAGZUw/s1600/ruellias+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsNo-hIVI6TwlF5o9RE8CyoL7Cr2TiuA8RfsZTFUHGmAOoNnc0VaeiHwEIe-q_UfTDgX1AGWjp93o5F3mnaG7hJDI_TuegBaEbwGVwNfElbDIwvTLWS9XaquYRv8Oobc3r6aqEpAGZUw/s1600/ruellias+005.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is Ruellia 'Blue Shades'. It's not totally happy since it just got transplanted. But at least it's blooming.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDOp7uWOpA9xqjc3JFkWZeKU93Jhn_bv43S5KBD-0xwhymz-c3l0x6mAjyLXBYtoZPcCnhbQJddNOjhT0y3YoY7CC1ecXFNPxJYuTRR0ds0qjVrTrveffAMN8F_gMuo49C273_iQtWQc/s1600/ruellias+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDOp7uWOpA9xqjc3JFkWZeKU93Jhn_bv43S5KBD-0xwhymz-c3l0x6mAjyLXBYtoZPcCnhbQJddNOjhT0y3YoY7CC1ecXFNPxJYuTRR0ds0qjVrTrveffAMN8F_gMuo49C273_iQtWQc/s1600/ruellias+004.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I don't know the name of this Ruellia, but it pops up everywhere and seems to think my garden is a wonderful place. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIUDskv0J91PbFzVdcoCHgscwcIidv62M2_PQhD6m4IHQcJtpWgMjsYFf20pv9KJDwjdEFqhmqZ073Yc9NnRpc1-LFEBPmw1V-Q7PaHlgJe8juNJRUOJH1UETjlLSfxP1Bj4ct_PxEcg/s1600/ruellias+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIUDskv0J91PbFzVdcoCHgscwcIidv62M2_PQhD6m4IHQcJtpWgMjsYFf20pv9KJDwjdEFqhmqZ073Yc9NnRpc1-LFEBPmw1V-Q7PaHlgJe8juNJRUOJH1UETjlLSfxP1Bj4ct_PxEcg/s1600/ruellias+006.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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This shade-loving Ruellia will have purple flowers later in the season...as long as it remains...happy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP3x4iz6tEAz7k5j5OX_fk_rtqLOnp-Dk_yyPL32F2BPc_KEKP4ObB6O8WoAAKjv8UMkXDEd7mS_COSY7VrNKW4ZoIjnhXaGr5rA8ND221XcS8KZc3NvfwJeZ2bhNnKCkFNi-okBDfy4/s1600/ruellias+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP3x4iz6tEAz7k5j5OX_fk_rtqLOnp-Dk_yyPL32F2BPc_KEKP4ObB6O8WoAAKjv8UMkXDEd7mS_COSY7VrNKW4ZoIjnhXaGr5rA8ND221XcS8KZc3NvfwJeZ2bhNnKCkFNi-okBDfy4/s1600/ruellias+001.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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As of this morning I'm happy to report that one of the many <i>Ruellia nudifloras</i> in my garden has finally bloomed.</div>
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I guess my garden is now a happy place...even to Ms. R. nudiflora.</div>
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Thank-you, Ms. Ruellia.</div>
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I'm no longer filled with self-doubt.</div>
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*************</div>
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That's it for today. Hope you have a happy garden &</div>
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thanks for stopping by.</div>
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David/:0) </div>
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NOTE: The museum images are from my visits to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the </div>
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Art Museum of Southeast Texas in Beaumont.</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-37744760758238916412014-06-29T18:35:00.000-05:002014-06-29T23:52:07.167-05:00I'VE ALLOWED A BEAUTIFUL TEMPTRESS INTO MY GARDEN...AND NOW I'M AFRAID<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't like roses. </div>
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But with the added hours of sunshine, my final excuse for not growing them has vanished.</div>
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My wife is all smiles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVb0OD5yq5VQgYijTXPttGp3w8-VCj33yfv_nBavJiOOO8BgaQkAkTaZUuSqKvFC7vQRV9l4MXD7XEeJZhFJhphxQWJS1OIIz9Orf2ibE9OdkkMlTvFCdnaSCdZ4SQmby-WBkZopvPJ8/s1600/crepes+art+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVb0OD5yq5VQgYijTXPttGp3w8-VCj33yfv_nBavJiOOO8BgaQkAkTaZUuSqKvFC7vQRV9l4MXD7XEeJZhFJhphxQWJS1OIIz9Orf2ibE9OdkkMlTvFCdnaSCdZ4SQmby-WBkZopvPJ8/s1600/crepes+art+032.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I take these pictures, my irritation over their thorny character starts to subside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdATVFSBVH2XCosDl0IDQ1mm8gOGQctfZf08KusuvSGSJ4fItlASq1DrWJd5PPrxvIQjD3qOqbUNNOPXKD2-ZklqJHOHbjxsm2Ct7UaxpaPENPZDVBxhQV5mybv5V8455dfyqiGwSxtgI/s1600/crepes+art+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdATVFSBVH2XCosDl0IDQ1mm8gOGQctfZf08KusuvSGSJ4fItlASq1DrWJd5PPrxvIQjD3qOqbUNNOPXKD2-ZklqJHOHbjxsm2Ct7UaxpaPENPZDVBxhQV5mybv5V8455dfyqiGwSxtgI/s1600/crepes+art+028.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Reblooms bedazzle me. The things seem to NEVER stop blooming.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaxAhTO927t8OiCN-AZDY5-qd1WKqYrVWFkiDMZVeHtXAph0tz8N1fVZJ1DPJzlwb-y6D5VL9TfUl4Zc6DcMK7TG2O4hwT9fKbzeJIMUCwDMKYhVNNb1HLiMojHJyDX6SvD17dXLHg7U/s1600/crepes+art+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaxAhTO927t8OiCN-AZDY5-qd1WKqYrVWFkiDMZVeHtXAph0tz8N1fVZJ1DPJzlwb-y6D5VL9TfUl4Zc6DcMK7TG2O4hwT9fKbzeJIMUCwDMKYhVNNb1HLiMojHJyDX6SvD17dXLHg7U/s1600/crepes+art+034.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Their bright red sprinkles the sea of green with shouts of 'Look at me!'</div>
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I try to stay strong and force myself to remember that I don't like roses.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYny6m6e4jDE9fTNw5wAA7vOsZe02Bu0tnjnn89su6kizMyJ_JD3lG1X-RgHc66UYqWon4KGS7uamULrposRPtXOcxQ_AkyVhZYLrzwvxQO4tYrCgwXOWl7M1QY4xaqj2w_1JrmjZwFQ0/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYny6m6e4jDE9fTNw5wAA7vOsZe02Bu0tnjnn89su6kizMyJ_JD3lG1X-RgHc66UYqWon4KGS7uamULrposRPtXOcxQ_AkyVhZYLrzwvxQO4tYrCgwXOWl7M1QY4xaqj2w_1JrmjZwFQ0/s1600/Jan+2013+Photos+015.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last winter, this little temptress was covered by a fine layer of ice. As a photographer, I was enraptured. My dislike for roses was melting away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBpEexjRJe2CwXTSHaAYzvRiS4bEt30d6fyFsyz6am_fiqgwMFmBJY4PrKV9fss61_rAEQqCiX2of4r4memq6attMtiZ2T2eTGczFP1Ng-bDQQuVBtQBtjCm-OwTi3PQ6dWUV2L2M9mg/s1600/Spring+2014+356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBpEexjRJe2CwXTSHaAYzvRiS4bEt30d6fyFsyz6am_fiqgwMFmBJY4PrKV9fss61_rAEQqCiX2of4r4memq6attMtiZ2T2eTGczFP1Ng-bDQQuVBtQBtjCm-OwTi3PQ6dWUV2L2M9mg/s1600/Spring+2014+356.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It doesn't help matters that one of the largest rose vendors in the country is just a short drive out to Washington County, Texas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOrPrHOwHL0YPVIaRvkAjkLvR03pT1ui5duuciAKQy88bHnjsgB5yF0tUoZL9JojptAWIl6vc3UXEfrbcLbTo3vQhYzwxw96Z0ubGp2ccHqaJTNmrGIsctnbQ_ZrEqOMVFEu94v3pjvg/s1600/Spring+2014+365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOrPrHOwHL0YPVIaRvkAjkLvR03pT1ui5duuciAKQy88bHnjsgB5yF0tUoZL9JojptAWIl6vc3UXEfrbcLbTo3vQhYzwxw96Z0ubGp2ccHqaJTNmrGIsctnbQ_ZrEqOMVFEu94v3pjvg/s1600/Spring+2014+365.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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My wife LOVES the place. So every Spring we pick out exactly ONE rose to add to the garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ysgpI_HPLtOYmEv9OulvB6xudJhkxEsEiDL3H4zYKvawoo14V0dw6LT0QFAVt4iYqoimPQG-kWEePRAMqZRzVhvunnQr0aPbuP0PUkxDjyw2wfsRTFbn32nP2pRZcHSG3kJ6J_9ujwE/s1600/late+June+2014+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ysgpI_HPLtOYmEv9OulvB6xudJhkxEsEiDL3H4zYKvawoo14V0dw6LT0QFAVt4iYqoimPQG-kWEePRAMqZRzVhvunnQr0aPbuP0PUkxDjyw2wfsRTFbn32nP2pRZcHSG3kJ6J_9ujwE/s1600/late+June+2014+011.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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These antique roses are tough little characters that seem to survive with a minimum of care.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDwVYwCEHCaMSqdc6qmq1Vs37aMxEoL_0snyKy-nG15euYllXYQ1I5s8BB_1ezciQh4w43k3dPeJ_XBJG3HQ-sTHnH4dUivO2zyvYGYWqJ2tDcWKyvau1OjuVDti2BHQmVyawIaftfQs/s1600/late+June+2014+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDwVYwCEHCaMSqdc6qmq1Vs37aMxEoL_0snyKy-nG15euYllXYQ1I5s8BB_1ezciQh4w43k3dPeJ_XBJG3HQ-sTHnH4dUivO2zyvYGYWqJ2tDcWKyvau1OjuVDti2BHQmVyawIaftfQs/s1600/late+June+2014+010.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now we are picking fragrant roses to bring inside.</div>
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There's nothing like the smell of a great rose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSo9YDcGRvfvoJzjEgE5W1hBuXqYtlcXUmP_mVPjts-96GZJ5K-Ka54BqHL-x4p7WvfvKpZCVCjDYKQ9Ykjj2SlR_ODl0Uy94A-gay6c65xxStuuzoDnRbRdGM0Ih1Hb4OvND_xpNLMo/s1600/Spring+2014+342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSo9YDcGRvfvoJzjEgE5W1hBuXqYtlcXUmP_mVPjts-96GZJ5K-Ka54BqHL-x4p7WvfvKpZCVCjDYKQ9Ykjj2SlR_ODl0Uy94A-gay6c65xxStuuzoDnRbRdGM0Ih1Hb4OvND_xpNLMo/s1600/Spring+2014+342.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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So there you have it....I have to admit I've been beguiled </div>
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by these lovely creatures....just don't tell my wife!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxECYcUcqNTF64eQRW-8cDHaqWoIniI07auBfluRQmMuKcHWbhmvjvOcdpFNjoWqfWVOR8D-DTZ95yMgUVr7p6wgpPGEhi01SmUGMTrpIieHhmtAwuEVuRJVYF1mKcNEIx3nQAZNahyphenhyphenq4/s1600/crepes+art+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxECYcUcqNTF64eQRW-8cDHaqWoIniI07auBfluRQmMuKcHWbhmvjvOcdpFNjoWqfWVOR8D-DTZ95yMgUVr7p6wgpPGEhi01SmUGMTrpIieHhmtAwuEVuRJVYF1mKcNEIx3nQAZNahyphenhyphenq4/s1600/crepes+art+031.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
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That's it for today. If you have a favorite rose please share the name with me.</div>
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It just might end up here in my garden someday!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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***********************</div>
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NOTES ON WHAT I GROW:</div>
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The Antique Rose Emporium website:</div>
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<a href="https://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/">https://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/</a></div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-37224046783142078732014-06-27T19:38:00.000-05:002014-06-27T19:40:39.795-05:00WOW! HORTICULTURAL HORROR MOVIE SET AT OUR POST OFFICE...NIGHTMARE ON CRAPE MYRTLE STREET<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't want to show this to anyone in McKinney Texas. McKinney bills itself as the Crape Myrtle City.</div>
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<a href="http://crapemyrtletrails.org/">http://crapemyrtletrails.org/</a></div>
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And Paris, Texas has an annual Crape Myrtle Queen. I shall not be sending a link to that fair city as well.</div>
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<a href="http://inparistexas.com/articles/crape-myrtle-queen-coronation-at-bywaters-park/">http://inparistexas.com/articles/crape-myrtle-queen-coronation-at-bywaters-park/</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb08GhuJ2hlQSUZrTjiiM-5KZyjf0hQlreBwFdHz7TPAAIVXCK4z1znZba57G8ipWiJdiBfQjSlbEyytjKHnOEYmAvPs7bArVabGBVkOmV3LQpIAJvYbbx0DYY8ogp8MrD5doY3ma7Vqg/s1600/crepes+art+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb08GhuJ2hlQSUZrTjiiM-5KZyjf0hQlreBwFdHz7TPAAIVXCK4z1znZba57G8ipWiJdiBfQjSlbEyytjKHnOEYmAvPs7bArVabGBVkOmV3LQpIAJvYbbx0DYY8ogp8MrD5doY3ma7Vqg/s1600/crepes+art+070.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's the middle of the summer and these magnificent, tree-size Lagerstroemia fauriei were just starting to bloom. Then the U.S. Postal Service groundskeepers came and cut off the tops!</div>
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Why? Because it was part of the maintenance checklist.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgolY9Y5nBungJPH3am2IFqLpa_y1Obtlgl5evuzSsQkBuJ3bvnSODYU3vepHEPhIWd71lMYeESyDsEonz9FdgQMLyJcx2UKBPHkvLO8U9v502bkCgJ6jGnAgejF6e7HWSmPeZ7TOoEpM/s1600/crepes+art+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgolY9Y5nBungJPH3am2IFqLpa_y1Obtlgl5evuzSsQkBuJ3bvnSODYU3vepHEPhIWd71lMYeESyDsEonz9FdgQMLyJcx2UKBPHkvLO8U9v502bkCgJ6jGnAgejF6e7HWSmPeZ7TOoEpM/s1600/crepes+art+022.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's what our Crape Myrtles normally look like this time of year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPucLuLKofA7gBGJVZqXqhWGy-y7uTMS8yeLknsjLcYkM5POKoEz7MingQHs9k7WejnBGgUBzoz38GTYtK8X_dAZly5vp8TspUSsJNhQgDtioXcGfqYxKmf2ZzKSyL8SRdAQRjlPtnmZM/s1600/crepes+art+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPucLuLKofA7gBGJVZqXqhWGy-y7uTMS8yeLknsjLcYkM5POKoEz7MingQHs9k7WejnBGgUBzoz38GTYtK8X_dAZly5vp8TspUSsJNhQgDtioXcGfqYxKmf2ZzKSyL8SRdAQRjlPtnmZM/s1600/crepes+art+068.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here are the ones in front of the post office. I watched 20 people walk by and nobody noticed.</div>
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That means that if nobody cares, then why not leave them alone and let them provide shade and blooms all summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eqKa3EEPjD4PVjU4MPDjm7faZXNAvhugW9nenHf12JSBWNSqkdrdlpBqvUj_jRlBKjMLWcIaLn_vodDHu9zfcC2IZQAVNnP5uUFzYeZjqmwyO1K4AXM9rqH5l6SEdljBk10ML9XEcNE/s1600/crepes+art+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eqKa3EEPjD4PVjU4MPDjm7faZXNAvhugW9nenHf12JSBWNSqkdrdlpBqvUj_jRlBKjMLWcIaLn_vodDHu9zfcC2IZQAVNnP5uUFzYeZjqmwyO1K4AXM9rqH5l6SEdljBk10ML9XEcNE/s1600/crepes+art+074.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's one of the white-flowering Japanese Crape Myrtles in bloom. </div>
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And here we are back at the Post Office. Maybe I should hang the stop sign in the trees!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNos2EG909LK2bbX3whfdNqKpAffChMGqZj-2ODJusUJ-3KjWCUspjxJFaIBiRMtzY66JO7Uyk24cAhcfVpn-miuq7Ar58YEcrONMVVy_W2nrFMizsSYBBByaMVNX9i5T1uxxNkt6hg8A/s1600/crepes+art+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNos2EG909LK2bbX3whfdNqKpAffChMGqZj-2ODJusUJ-3KjWCUspjxJFaIBiRMtzY66JO7Uyk24cAhcfVpn-miuq7Ar58YEcrONMVVy_W2nrFMizsSYBBByaMVNX9i5T1uxxNkt6hg8A/s1600/crepes+art+067.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I normally don't notice Crape Myrtles. But the ones at the post office are the species with the beautiful cinnamon colored bark....Lagerstroemia fauriei. Most of our trees here in Houston have the pale brown bark of L. indica.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuNWHU2AqL1yYt7iS0qel9gNtaEgIjEVLtZseyJXGu7LgAjIlNlmOVxJceMB-a5SVf_lXQKBcuOnLK00ij6Kc18q4uw61-WKsMPdOwUnc8FDjzpU6E-aepT_Tdh11JJV7JFKtfNOmybs/s1600/crepes+art+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuNWHU2AqL1yYt7iS0qel9gNtaEgIjEVLtZseyJXGu7LgAjIlNlmOVxJceMB-a5SVf_lXQKBcuOnLK00ij6Kc18q4uw61-WKsMPdOwUnc8FDjzpU6E-aepT_Tdh11JJV7JFKtfNOmybs/s1600/crepes+art+066.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's the beautiful bark of one of their trees.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Wz7g2YrO71807rd6fegEhQf3uvmlgKDkye8fHECaknl80SmyuUlD6xHF1RSiySf_HQmNNIhbnOUekuouuwAFy3YliM06NZ6BcPE-_yiiQ-gUADR_9JAykVwXnGfmyiPr1KG6YxqDxPg/s1600/crepes+art+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Wz7g2YrO71807rd6fegEhQf3uvmlgKDkye8fHECaknl80SmyuUlD6xHF1RSiySf_HQmNNIhbnOUekuouuwAFy3YliM06NZ6BcPE-_yiiQ-gUADR_9JAykVwXnGfmyiPr1KG6YxqDxPg/s1600/crepes+art+073.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'll leave you with some nice blooms to think about.</div>
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Hope your Post Office is smarter than mine!</div>
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All for now.</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-44897908090411701272014-06-24T18:24:00.003-05:002014-06-24T18:58:35.411-05:00I'M SINGING THIS SONG TO MY GARDEN: THE BEATLES...HERE COMES THE SUN!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6j4TGqVl5g">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6j4TGqVl5g</a></div>
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If you can figure out how to listen to the music while you read this, then more power to ya!</div>
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Last Autumn, THE HOME BUILDER next door decided that the forest canopy was a BAD thing and commenced cutting down all the beautiful trees. Since that time, I've had to do an about face to keep up with the new SUNNY side of gardening.</div>
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As you may recall, I've gardened in the SHADE here at Tropical Texana for almost 30 years (except for a narrow strip in the very front of the yard).</div>
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Lucky for me I was raised in the middle of a Texas prairie where we had endless sun from one horizon to the other.<br />
So...let's take a tour and see what's happening. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC86I9gdb6X6LnmeoWOsRbuTLHlSmnqC1ZbvjrxgssNBpuSUwPRv8sy8ZNBEe0R8EbwnGmdsQywc06p52gIZo2T4UckhlfMRDG4pRpDfVb-tOZiRBx5X3F-HS_z1cn0bqrrtBl-JGsWEs/s1600/June+2014+front+yard+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC86I9gdb6X6LnmeoWOsRbuTLHlSmnqC1ZbvjrxgssNBpuSUwPRv8sy8ZNBEe0R8EbwnGmdsQywc06p52gIZo2T4UckhlfMRDG4pRpDfVb-tOZiRBx5X3F-HS_z1cn0bqrrtBl-JGsWEs/s1600/June+2014+front+yard+010.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's THE NEXT DOOR MILLION DOLLAR MANSION shining in the sun. I feel like I've moved to a different neighborhood without actually moving! Wow!</div>
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In front of my new mansion (ha ha) is the start of the newest addition to our garden. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3wCx_46NTAKRr1OM0wE4n1yXX-EaKv5Ej6Rt3TRiSafFJuXlO3iZFqClt_ApavD4rEjdgIE_5p3QwMy723MfncT3GW9GG_zb1ibsqsOZ-uu8Vug7EPcEZaxVkzRHzk0539YNfWPZK9o/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3wCx_46NTAKRr1OM0wE4n1yXX-EaKv5Ej6Rt3TRiSafFJuXlO3iZFqClt_ApavD4rEjdgIE_5p3QwMy723MfncT3GW9GG_zb1ibsqsOZ-uu8Vug7EPcEZaxVkzRHzk0539YNfWPZK9o/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+029.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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My boyhood home on the Texas prairie had sunshine all the day long.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXqnBJB5hqJV8rrlYmsUcvAohCSybZBsx0QB9BPNCkjkRmPj7anpAkbvCr4DQjK-31UPGQO_ZquWllBzGDvfRMR6Gp4rw73C60ngb5wzcjUpqWrxMfnSBkZuPpF10nZtJ8853nlA5pxM/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXqnBJB5hqJV8rrlYmsUcvAohCSybZBsx0QB9BPNCkjkRmPj7anpAkbvCr4DQjK-31UPGQO_ZquWllBzGDvfRMR6Gp4rw73C60ngb5wzcjUpqWrxMfnSBkZuPpF10nZtJ8853nlA5pxM/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+062.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The front garden has had two extra hours of sunshine this year. I have admit the plants are actually happy for the extra sunlight.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr2o3C86FZc8_4INcPziBDPIynbN0sWKkDIys-3uE2Yov2YbdKcJt3s3feqvkYcxMsHDMW8LB1eUZdbOOJ_aPVuByO3ar2vGDb3uO81FV1ZoETNgK4ZFhgK3agL8sG6g4v2i2ikRnjcY/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr2o3C86FZc8_4INcPziBDPIynbN0sWKkDIys-3uE2Yov2YbdKcJt3s3feqvkYcxMsHDMW8LB1eUZdbOOJ_aPVuByO3ar2vGDb3uO81FV1ZoETNgK4ZFhgK3agL8sG6g4v2i2ikRnjcY/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+063.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The front herb garden and cottage garden have also fared well with lots of blooms (but extra watering).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEj5jkNx7Rq-rP2D0rZeVawOUYG2LMzCE7rJ5lNdPID81lHuNeP3ez_nuFeHqjeDXmtIG1_ds2fBosRwGojgJG9Y7lOon12rnTqC51S-jX6NxyblJhZEVylhPAXQI4AKDI1wsrOk4Iko/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEj5jkNx7Rq-rP2D0rZeVawOUYG2LMzCE7rJ5lNdPID81lHuNeP3ez_nuFeHqjeDXmtIG1_ds2fBosRwGojgJG9Y7lOon12rnTqC51S-jX6NxyblJhZEVylhPAXQI4AKDI1wsrOk4Iko/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+035.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This biggest changes are here in the shade garden. I'm basically taking it apart and moving it one piece at a time. The ferns will go to their new home when it is cooler. Moving them now would be instant death.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Z8RddKtZyVJxsttJz4BKdC2F9OF29qhgryfLquGGEWyoom8MwNsAdiaiW3ieJ3t45mkOANyFc_J-bIQTHHJX9VYYjFADUsVCK1jjX2wweUYKZK1L1KpYWB_cBUn8Tj8rEfj55vvD8bA/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Z8RddKtZyVJxsttJz4BKdC2F9OF29qhgryfLquGGEWyoom8MwNsAdiaiW3ieJ3t45mkOANyFc_J-bIQTHHJX9VYYjFADUsVCK1jjX2wweUYKZK1L1KpYWB_cBUn8Tj8rEfj55vvD8bA/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+038.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The only 'shade' garden I have left from the original area is this small piece underneath a redbud tree.</div>
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I've added cannas since they love half a day of sun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_nH4SE1QyEYxjcaXaQDWlSF7x-EV-33SAOL5cRucYachkdla8dI9gGbGNh7ymr3TVW6rC_JlMV3oE32Tf7Hm7h6u0mqEg5IaV0i5i1uyeUcsAuey8Duspzw01vKP-YeXz41qeL-2fT0/s1600/late+June+2014+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_nH4SE1QyEYxjcaXaQDWlSF7x-EV-33SAOL5cRucYachkdla8dI9gGbGNh7ymr3TVW6rC_JlMV3oE32Tf7Hm7h6u0mqEg5IaV0i5i1uyeUcsAuey8Duspzw01vKP-YeXz41qeL-2fT0/s1600/late+June+2014+030.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just finished this planting yesterday. It will get about 5 hours of morning sun followed by a shady afternoon. Below are the plants I'm growing:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG28hh_IrO8eDo4b5Lyd8B0sg19HhYhjm3v-3AyxTW2rxUnwqaLIyUDxMAGuPqJN4C95EEdYxtqGuOvHXssmJr6Z1BezKrc3IyA2nGuAUau0Mv3QndNzJw_Gbcx7GOdJYQaBjWuLemGrY/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG28hh_IrO8eDo4b5Lyd8B0sg19HhYhjm3v-3AyxTW2rxUnwqaLIyUDxMAGuPqJN4C95EEdYxtqGuOvHXssmJr6Z1BezKrc3IyA2nGuAUau0Mv3QndNzJw_Gbcx7GOdJYQaBjWuLemGrY/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+009.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blue plumbago and violet gomphrenas</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMCXOZ9yq8JYm6WzVCwzEJisl0IjL48S1bEs3Y7OYVcmqBS0s77SeYiXaFDtbA2mB6E2bw0QKjmgh1w9D0i43lUm6K1zkQdyMkJzsRXg4GUx7lv3-sOQnY_8WgguasV1Z4N8xnK3wmys/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMCXOZ9yq8JYm6WzVCwzEJisl0IjL48S1bEs3Y7OYVcmqBS0s77SeYiXaFDtbA2mB6E2bw0QKjmgh1w9D0i43lUm6K1zkQdyMkJzsRXg4GUx7lv3-sOQnY_8WgguasV1Z4N8xnK3wmys/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+011.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ruellia humilis 'Blue Shade'</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwp8uZuq4PqHmT69pTtyhEBIYBDwCKWjW3XKVeptIenoz1vi-0ny2lvNAM70Iz8FzPrvIIc-BnV8rVWdgbhURxAgVzsItMCNx39oeFJcdBTJ0krWQVso_OyTzBsMqx2tYN9c0-fGz2OA/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwp8uZuq4PqHmT69pTtyhEBIYBDwCKWjW3XKVeptIenoz1vi-0ny2lvNAM70Iz8FzPrvIIc-BnV8rVWdgbhURxAgVzsItMCNx39oeFJcdBTJ0krWQVso_OyTzBsMqx2tYN9c0-fGz2OA/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+012.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Angelonia 'Serena Purple'</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8EONiDWi7kG6i__NJFucn4NfD5AdG6Grwut-zPjGM0je5lsD8oH6_sztOnJRjJhacQ2dyTcEOw3H9fMiboudyWDq832ySAikt1KnH0-3yuRam8gKYxE3c-lbNMoUsISxDJjuhpU0jOA/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8EONiDWi7kG6i__NJFucn4NfD5AdG6Grwut-zPjGM0je5lsD8oH6_sztOnJRjJhacQ2dyTcEOw3H9fMiboudyWDq832ySAikt1KnH0-3yuRam8gKYxE3c-lbNMoUsISxDJjuhpU0jOA/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Convolvulus 'Blue Daze'...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tGXkltRlwDcrUtFeOrnJlfQSmx4AbbKvihOuVXJ-gCH2N7T_D6w7XjmTQ_Bq_nl59_Ja0Wp8iMzkiv7oH2y5G4oML3nCj4HA5sfyo5hG2Vr3ExI9ry2xjxJcuKasfNcMKzd9Eh04g7A/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tGXkltRlwDcrUtFeOrnJlfQSmx4AbbKvihOuVXJ-gCH2N7T_D6w7XjmTQ_Bq_nl59_Ja0Wp8iMzkiv7oH2y5G4oML3nCj4HA5sfyo5hG2Vr3ExI9ry2xjxJcuKasfNcMKzd9Eh04g7A/s1600/Danevang+and+Front+014.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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...and in the background I've planted this Texas native called Little Bluestem. We grew this in our hay meadow so it feels like an old friend is coming home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D1dy0TNjcJNsmUCesvVfa_HzF8OTXt3-ZI3pU2ULsHvwmVvKHQQweNuVjJxFdg4OhkJj3JOwMSMiWX-5p8DJyKKxntGysbAEXDU4aYMtnHlJ-fjSJ8BQ2Zxr7uvN_sltvWJKjcc8g4A/s1600/late+June+2014+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D1dy0TNjcJNsmUCesvVfa_HzF8OTXt3-ZI3pU2ULsHvwmVvKHQQweNuVjJxFdg4OhkJj3JOwMSMiWX-5p8DJyKKxntGysbAEXDU4aYMtnHlJ-fjSJ8BQ2Zxr7uvN_sltvWJKjcc8g4A/s1600/late+June+2014+031.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I could be really sad about the destruction of the garden next door.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX8vmkf2mox-wOCv2jouVGbhs7qMiB83liPv5JuKBlD754xa27q2CE_5IVuF58nigCRiy_zPBXG-yWg0PZtI6m6k_flgsDpJiKqujHVXHVdkpdZhLCtyKuqqcRLfddnFTah9L4E9-ao8/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX8vmkf2mox-wOCv2jouVGbhs7qMiB83liPv5JuKBlD754xa27q2CE_5IVuF58nigCRiy_zPBXG-yWg0PZtI6m6k_flgsDpJiKqujHVXHVdkpdZhLCtyKuqqcRLfddnFTah9L4E9-ao8/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+060.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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But I know someday I'll see something a little better than this!</div>
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Maybe a gardener will move in and we can share plants.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5IiAUNymNJDfyLNO2Am9N5cYtUjoWy_Fktn1cfXcAULsK_3IvpPAioFr0H8YWLzlrJUY31PXvOLIpp4LkA3aub5tkTzW5afg9L8x3MM5reJOvvVSXMYXVdc0-H9ZsoLiZ9TSJC2xokw/s1600/late+June+2014+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5IiAUNymNJDfyLNO2Am9N5cYtUjoWy_Fktn1cfXcAULsK_3IvpPAioFr0H8YWLzlrJUY31PXvOLIpp4LkA3aub5tkTzW5afg9L8x3MM5reJOvvVSXMYXVdc0-H9ZsoLiZ9TSJC2xokw/s1600/late+June+2014+028.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, I'm going to go drink some iced tea and get out of the sun for awhile.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp-KpdRtQQrbzxVtdtzIjx4yzD4LvUdequHHxTuBhjkpSp_P6NFItztbTFYM17wbscglwZly3Xy5-QN1OBpIvrb10K_ZhmALn199jA7g2U39990PuShZrvgebVU4NGo031Vxf02aM1hs/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp-KpdRtQQrbzxVtdtzIjx4yzD4LvUdequHHxTuBhjkpSp_P6NFItztbTFYM17wbscglwZly3Xy5-QN1OBpIvrb10K_ZhmALn199jA7g2U39990PuShZrvgebVU4NGo031Vxf02aM1hs/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+054.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Gardening and thanks for stopping by!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-23437289551799908372014-06-16T18:04:00.001-05:002014-06-17T19:16:42.876-05:00JUNE 2014 GBBD, FOLIAGE FOLLOW-UP, & OBSESSIONS OVER A DANDELION PUFF<div style="text-align: center;">
It's summer!</div>
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And after 12 consecutive years of teaching summer school, I've decided to take a break, stay at home and actually garden during the summer.</div>
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Here's a combined Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-up along with my obsessions with trying to perfectly photograph a dandelion puff.</div>
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And if you want to see more GBBDs and FFs, just visit Carol or Pam's blogs. They're over on my sidebar favorites, so take a gander if you'd like.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuiq7BJ0wnIWy50BvSFWzwHjKu-Gk-MU2mmy3kiNsCJ3jubFf4sVU5t2pU3Svlb7MDHsrid5zwT3Mnoxw-I5QwGNt80IDbE86zuf-i6Qt4TiXfzcPFnFr8Wi4Hccdu6cy-R4qUqOkzzA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuiq7BJ0wnIWy50BvSFWzwHjKu-Gk-MU2mmy3kiNsCJ3jubFf4sVU5t2pU3Svlb7MDHsrid5zwT3Mnoxw-I5QwGNt80IDbE86zuf-i6Qt4TiXfzcPFnFr8Wi4Hccdu6cy-R4qUqOkzzA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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June is a great month for flowers here in Houston.</div>
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***</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQ9Q9wGlIEOofYKbFUGnQCOCk9S1PnCbH5dzO6OmF6veLNoBOUYAM6fyNyPabvD0chm2RTtozhf62WLd5s7-92AHC4_QldsbE4OnoO-lnufbIKrHXEeOQEmx4TJyicG3L_vwXoE5Cfgc/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQ9Q9wGlIEOofYKbFUGnQCOCk9S1PnCbH5dzO6OmF6veLNoBOUYAM6fyNyPabvD0chm2RTtozhf62WLd5s7-92AHC4_QldsbE4OnoO-lnufbIKrHXEeOQEmx4TJyicG3L_vwXoE5Cfgc/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+086.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the tiniest flower I have blooming right now. I have know idea what it's called, but the plant would look nice in a rock garden or alpine garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfE_7C6_SYH6RIsJ3XaMeHpFPOoi0357xx5WlDJjVzasgazTJTQsjB1Sh734l3zWteHSmH5CU4ov3l_6liroGV0hIzjZnf47Tk9SLk52pirAuzhruo2inGQLVgOEMeQaG3gAQAlTkK-E/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfE_7C6_SYH6RIsJ3XaMeHpFPOoi0357xx5WlDJjVzasgazTJTQsjB1Sh734l3zWteHSmH5CU4ov3l_6liroGV0hIzjZnf47Tk9SLk52pirAuzhruo2inGQLVgOEMeQaG3gAQAlTkK-E/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+088.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the plant. It has the coolest growth habit and stem pattern.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1NYCBeM9jdvUAH9h1_HEE8V56r0NJRyWSFvylrMRo9c2Tc6Fic7EvZ1mpVUqGwKhUeUyPATYfsBq2T18OCUcRoMlALz2gXRFnbw8u7eoMwcWFVOakoitvB12bEo8oXS4cPztzRl5iKE/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1NYCBeM9jdvUAH9h1_HEE8V56r0NJRyWSFvylrMRo9c2Tc6Fic7EvZ1mpVUqGwKhUeUyPATYfsBq2T18OCUcRoMlALz2gXRFnbw8u7eoMwcWFVOakoitvB12bEo8oXS4cPztzRl5iKE/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+089.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the stem pattern. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LyD0G_z0f_X-FNX0KWCoj4tE3jXW4pB6tZ1NHVSbe5NIjjoWbDV2m5lyhOR2BM9SjCiy_PUzVBnkNzYF_IWC9flSAEZ4Tw0FVZFsnJnk7VLb20qazmrKi7mwW9i1Fa3VgYZuhK55w0A/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LyD0G_z0f_X-FNX0KWCoj4tE3jXW4pB6tZ1NHVSbe5NIjjoWbDV2m5lyhOR2BM9SjCiy_PUzVBnkNzYF_IWC9flSAEZ4Tw0FVZFsnJnk7VLb20qazmrKi7mwW9i1Fa3VgYZuhK55w0A/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+057.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the other extreme, here's the largest flower I have blooming right now.</div>
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It's called 'Nivea Guest' (Munson 1984)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwH4yVBQoZXNBN1SRpuqQZs7MLB2U_XERNQ6nieBjdFRqTbS8C_HTui_317_kUoM6dzOYsqENf_8W0bifRjfek8W5hj9ONbbLZ2IDEI22uWrhtqh60ndh02qsp4k3HDuPm4ysjJi-0QA/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwH4yVBQoZXNBN1SRpuqQZs7MLB2U_XERNQ6nieBjdFRqTbS8C_HTui_317_kUoM6dzOYsqENf_8W0bifRjfek8W5hj9ONbbLZ2IDEI22uWrhtqh60ndh02qsp4k3HDuPm4ysjJi-0QA/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+053.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the month for<i> Clerodendrum bungei</i>. These grow wild here in Houston and can form entire colonies in vacant lots and along ditches. Butterflies love them, but I would not recommend planting these if you don't already have them in your neighborhood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGUgG0SFdFTNs0he_4ZkMz3RMFem964MYsnlGEXEAGvGgx6Ts6_fVTYVp1w8JeqRM5xHa6h2mALLik-BF6oSiHQQo7HLAKb0Tx0mhMuryPecv45CCJqrTZf0R1nM2OuFJgnlKkbqocr0/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGUgG0SFdFTNs0he_4ZkMz3RMFem964MYsnlGEXEAGvGgx6Ts6_fVTYVp1w8JeqRM5xHa6h2mALLik-BF6oSiHQQo7HLAKb0Tx0mhMuryPecv45CCJqrTZf0R1nM2OuFJgnlKkbqocr0/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+011.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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My favorite right now is this little <i>Melochia tomentosa</i>. It's stuck in a little pot overgrown by a huge rosemary bush. I've got to get this little guy in to a better part of the garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIOuMv45Gp61Q-jxvtfbaFRbPy_UWnRd-vlA_12wpNrBa1ocGETMxeDezvKa1jipEj6KYxLFiS9TJJameSt4RZxioBIOtjHpjQATxbsS5Z4rQ7_U1x3O9ho6kxBeg6NW0dsgFBVCIbMY/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIOuMv45Gp61Q-jxvtfbaFRbPy_UWnRd-vlA_12wpNrBa1ocGETMxeDezvKa1jipEj6KYxLFiS9TJJameSt4RZxioBIOtjHpjQATxbsS5Z4rQ7_U1x3O9ho6kxBeg6NW0dsgFBVCIbMY/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+036.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't buy many annuals, but here's the zinnia patch. The smaller <i>Z. linearis</i> does much better here in Houston than the large varieties and seldom get powdery mildew. Zinnias are native to Mexico and can take the summer heat in stride.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNZTJMgb-kE4EEgjY0VMePrL_NFsXngJhKdXho0p_AmgggHg8XHDIHLfiuvzC-UzHQRveEgsyTo100L1Ik1GKpiFdA3SLQ2tWPtwTjdZBC6Su1AyNG3UYFMBIwuzjAK0x5z0yqEAv6B4/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNZTJMgb-kE4EEgjY0VMePrL_NFsXngJhKdXho0p_AmgggHg8XHDIHLfiuvzC-UzHQRveEgsyTo100L1Ik1GKpiFdA3SLQ2tWPtwTjdZBC6Su1AyNG3UYFMBIwuzjAK0x5z0yqEAv6B4/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+023.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the surprise of the year. Before pulling up my parsley I took this picture. I love the little white things sticking out. As you can tell, parsley is in the same family as Queen Anne's Lace. I wish I had some lace in the garden!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghavQuhaDSiD2IKQ1mMFSZNUlO3PDglrjeZ1V9ipHqunK9ZeWRdjaFQM6_RU2mnpousTSBnvdQ4d8Lt398j6kE0gckgxETS66F6TJtUkpB5v2V-wIRMQ2y658aUg9MkHSdkLR6yVcWcyY/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghavQuhaDSiD2IKQ1mMFSZNUlO3PDglrjeZ1V9ipHqunK9ZeWRdjaFQM6_RU2mnpousTSBnvdQ4d8Lt398j6kE0gckgxETS66F6TJtUkpB5v2V-wIRMQ2y658aUg9MkHSdkLR6yVcWcyY/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+027.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our cycad is blooming for the first time. I've finally found out that it is a male.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGY5zTIXEc_Y0Al1NrRrCiV1dLocG7n_RFnylve013cOx7lkLS2RdCgInHf2YMdr0rvcF4StL0a7Kd6VOlcbkjv0QFLYOwarskWesjAB4P6acnVa4FFlqdPpMUQ34HYCI64O2tmMhxDE/s1600/MidJune+2014+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGY5zTIXEc_Y0Al1NrRrCiV1dLocG7n_RFnylve013cOx7lkLS2RdCgInHf2YMdr0rvcF4StL0a7Kd6VOlcbkjv0QFLYOwarskWesjAB4P6acnVa4FFlqdPpMUQ34HYCI64O2tmMhxDE/s1600/MidJune+2014+022.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Also our Lady Palm is blooming for the first time. Sadly, all Lady Palms of this species are males. Not a single female plant has ever been discovered. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXQwI_TnnvWO-jMK1B_shVBfjuS1DHfVsQ6U7qrywshefbvLPt01ehLDOZpUkQVFkI17hBEoLYsPtepK6gjbdlKwAJiSl-dmHcfEKhlUXc9FsaQrVi2yJ01LN_JrCnlOOKApP2Wp0_D8/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXQwI_TnnvWO-jMK1B_shVBfjuS1DHfVsQ6U7qrywshefbvLPt01ehLDOZpUkQVFkI17hBEoLYsPtepK6gjbdlKwAJiSl-dmHcfEKhlUXc9FsaQrVi2yJ01LN_JrCnlOOKApP2Wp0_D8/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+037.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Moving on to foliage, here's a nice combination of skull cap and a silvery plant that I've lost the tag to.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4BT6U69JjXUpR8oeBVPqn8JqEgQXTpRTldmsJm8g-DaBaU8gklpWssAo4_0E8Hskg2xK76msVO9Bq_hwZ7uzZco2-FV6llNQaReICR0gTgDS4pIgSZphs5h0-auK4hz3Tk2r_5t5Dpo/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4BT6U69JjXUpR8oeBVPqn8JqEgQXTpRTldmsJm8g-DaBaU8gklpWssAo4_0E8Hskg2xK76msVO9Bq_hwZ7uzZco2-FV6llNQaReICR0gTgDS4pIgSZphs5h0-auK4hz3Tk2r_5t5Dpo/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+038.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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An octopus agave in a sea of silver.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAXI8Qscx_wohWG9hhFP0qYNotGT-VzbWE_zr727eHzu9SVp8Dt3YGLHXgfwnLzM9v-RjPadmo5KAKMmgrU4FRgAIfQ1WHvx_gLo2fMDYLK_jghD_I0AiWgUA_KYBUVLzsWWN_RPAHLE/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAXI8Qscx_wohWG9hhFP0qYNotGT-VzbWE_zr727eHzu9SVp8Dt3YGLHXgfwnLzM9v-RjPadmo5KAKMmgrU4FRgAIfQ1WHvx_gLo2fMDYLK_jghD_I0AiWgUA_KYBUVLzsWWN_RPAHLE/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+042.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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These are some new canna hybrids I've grown from seed. No surprise that this one is crimson like its parents.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuj8G8VeX_zExRvMhYXw2q3rtKdsLja_aq776qLgmofMgEa1HklABxxlPYb_W4vB7k-M7k-bNMa0b5slEEC2FQeAzIDs9eTy4063aRyKoyZpZuKSbpzTGN6OL0Pmu3DgnuNkJI_8xwSjU/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuj8G8VeX_zExRvMhYXw2q3rtKdsLja_aq776qLgmofMgEa1HklABxxlPYb_W4vB7k-M7k-bNMa0b5slEEC2FQeAzIDs9eTy4063aRyKoyZpZuKSbpzTGN6OL0Pmu3DgnuNkJI_8xwSjU/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+051.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This counts as a foliage shot until the sunflowers pop open next week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBkMddoDs-OngXCMCSRZGi8Gh5ij8p99i6AjubVd24hFP3ZXm0CSVcWCxNbkWs_zc6O0FWeAianPwU6MU4fDj6dwc251zBdjGLuQScyCWKxpUSZ-cpMIyZ8zteNag_E6191fjSZwfQbw/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBkMddoDs-OngXCMCSRZGi8Gh5ij8p99i6AjubVd24hFP3ZXm0CSVcWCxNbkWs_zc6O0FWeAianPwU6MU4fDj6dwc251zBdjGLuQScyCWKxpUSZ-cpMIyZ8zteNag_E6191fjSZwfQbw/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+091.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some native grasses I"m testing out stand sentinel to the pathway in the front garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7QrOnlrB8WLFRtuV0tlfef-2zFpYmdCcgFZqfmgPs8xF9C_wlutvqj5PhJwG9vjnmVq2imNgngPr-caTPrZn-CHEekiBOX7fqQLPeJ2oF_lx_gjKi1b41jvn8uekRT0mhwc0CpyJ9KA/s1600/Mid+June+two+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7QrOnlrB8WLFRtuV0tlfef-2zFpYmdCcgFZqfmgPs8xF9C_wlutvqj5PhJwG9vjnmVq2imNgngPr-caTPrZn-CHEekiBOX7fqQLPeJ2oF_lx_gjKi1b41jvn8uekRT0mhwc0CpyJ9KA/s1600/Mid+June+two+001.JPG" height="311" width="320" /></a></div>
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A monarch enjoys the last of the Peter's Purple Monarda (Bee Balm)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_oOgVte3DqhIVFgc19u2arjUs2ca0IFVOk7MnaW-7fuTt_6cGaPDQ9UHfWcZs6MNItZwyAxNNFFrilXR0cU9ZGRVFtVvBtInzlv7fn9XtDyKdD25gu5LRoaFFobARReFANsr9vpcvZA/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_oOgVte3DqhIVFgc19u2arjUs2ca0IFVOk7MnaW-7fuTt_6cGaPDQ9UHfWcZs6MNItZwyAxNNFFrilXR0cU9ZGRVFtVvBtInzlv7fn9XtDyKdD25gu5LRoaFFobARReFANsr9vpcvZA/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+085.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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More native grasses. I think these are in the genus <i>Pennisetum</i> .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmB5p-ydkj8q9YYuk4fhl-yTtGju4HbVcXe7cQhaEP6KI8UUsapXttnU5C6bVjEJneiEPe-ywGpZ_ubM1s5sAnV7bCb218_Uh1Pn95UHBSJggQV6G3n4TCgBDRrNRcKW69M2cxZCB-2Vo/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmB5p-ydkj8q9YYuk4fhl-yTtGju4HbVcXe7cQhaEP6KI8UUsapXttnU5C6bVjEJneiEPe-ywGpZ_ubM1s5sAnV7bCb218_Uh1Pn95UHBSJggQV6G3n4TCgBDRrNRcKW69M2cxZCB-2Vo/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+018.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Do you ever go out in your garden for one reason and then get distracted?</div>
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This dandelion puff looked like a great subject to photograph. The sun was very low so the lighting was perfect.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn8YOZTiQyDuHRb9D1IMoSU-s5F83j1-lOruPgRfiOrJIVRucf241A8ohm3-9qpdbM0NbZN5VIjH3W6_JqYoVYwTDggZbvRYassFnu-EXFf-NZjel-KP4-VcPmLkomCaPkqoZf2D2dhE/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn8YOZTiQyDuHRb9D1IMoSU-s5F83j1-lOruPgRfiOrJIVRucf241A8ohm3-9qpdbM0NbZN5VIjH3W6_JqYoVYwTDggZbvRYassFnu-EXFf-NZjel-KP4-VcPmLkomCaPkqoZf2D2dhE/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+028.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's another angle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m8erYk9lJxr5OvmoRRn060RaFmxTKHvyFt-tjeJDJsj_fPRQFcvFwhQMt8ZSJzM6En_7QCS_NNqrXthl3kpg2kJY89AFUJBpQPO-r3gQtIJFN53M92t0lDWu-FR_B82L-C6BKNBVH2s/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m8erYk9lJxr5OvmoRRn060RaFmxTKHvyFt-tjeJDJsj_fPRQFcvFwhQMt8ZSJzM6En_7QCS_NNqrXthl3kpg2kJY89AFUJBpQPO-r3gQtIJFN53M92t0lDWu-FR_B82L-C6BKNBVH2s/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+022.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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And here's my best shot out of 20 or so.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeu4RT6cC4mzB2l6uq46bxnKUwQK86EbLGoZcfX0eVMAWHTjKljhBFIcjUxeMMMwzYA_cOK2HUT_2733SpQCoNFeP4DVbPvQl6nQt2P5HW-c4VsLqFBpo5RrcTARxf2nyKzzHTatxuoA/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeu4RT6cC4mzB2l6uq46bxnKUwQK86EbLGoZcfX0eVMAWHTjKljhBFIcjUxeMMMwzYA_cOK2HUT_2733SpQCoNFeP4DVbPvQl6nQt2P5HW-c4VsLqFBpo5RrcTARxf2nyKzzHTatxuoA/s1600/mid+June+2014+3+098.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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(a fallen crepe myrtle flower on a palm)</div>
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Well, that's it from Tropical Texana in Houston.</div>
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May you have plenty of time to garden this season.</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-189803863009352502014-06-13T19:23:00.000-05:002014-06-13T19:43:05.014-05:00GARDEN HUMOR: MY NEW LINE OF SYMPATHY CARDS FOR GARDENERS<div style="text-align: center;">
My photos are always free here at Tropical Texana. </div>
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So...if you want to borrow one and send it to a struggling gardener, please be my guest.</div>
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***</div>
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So....without further ado (drum roll please)</div>
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Here are the 2014 GARDEN LINE OF SYMPATHY CARDS by</div>
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David at Tropical Texana</div>
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***</div>
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CARD #1 COVER</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6mZzy2XKH1v9j0U1cyMdsqob616Xelf3ySxWvPkKF3p0qBNevS4ouvSsJGkKQYJVlkH0H2uc6-jaPmxuKvW7LYiGqmREwDKcA1QrgdtWKo9Ajyqfzw3Kzjv4PGf7JpC63EqCN3L1Bwk/s1600/MidJune+2014+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6mZzy2XKH1v9j0U1cyMdsqob616Xelf3ySxWvPkKF3p0qBNevS4ouvSsJGkKQYJVlkH0H2uc6-jaPmxuKvW7LYiGqmREwDKcA1QrgdtWKo9Ajyqfzw3Kzjv4PGf7JpC63EqCN3L1Bwk/s1600/MidJune+2014+045.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Cover: Sorry about your neighbor's taste in lawn art</div>
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****</div>
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Inside: Hey...at least they're not PINK FLAMINGOS</div>
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CARD #2 COVER</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Jv9FEXxRUZoetpOId2VuVIXfXfnud085eYd5X0x2LRL-EVTEVfM2oZD1ot6UkQW86KKENjkoKWIr2qyjgAMx2gQXXjSp2m9zGgx3a1p8wY0CGHMG3I2PLj6Vwy3lkBqX7Ta2c33EScY/s1600/June+early+2014+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Jv9FEXxRUZoetpOId2VuVIXfXfnud085eYd5X0x2LRL-EVTEVfM2oZD1ot6UkQW86KKENjkoKWIr2qyjgAMx2gQXXjSp2m9zGgx3a1p8wY0CGHMG3I2PLj6Vwy3lkBqX7Ta2c33EScY/s1600/June+early+2014+020.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cover: Sorry to hear that the city is putting a sidewalk through your garden...</div>
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***</div>
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Inside: ...but it's not the end of the world. Actually, it probably is. Give me a call and we'll talk.</div>
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CARD #3 COVER</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX2jH4sM6ZxDmAlP3u6SIqbgaES8Puhbl1YTw6uybSQ2W6Zu7LlmmzjHi_P6HXVastmwiNf2mUB643eRO9xowHkyFc1oYXx1rv9CfU_TxcRTwLzQsY-2r_miwVChrAvcZ5WD5kqcpw9M/s1600/MidJune+2014+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX2jH4sM6ZxDmAlP3u6SIqbgaES8Puhbl1YTw6uybSQ2W6Zu7LlmmzjHi_P6HXVastmwiNf2mUB643eRO9xowHkyFc1oYXx1rv9CfU_TxcRTwLzQsY-2r_miwVChrAvcZ5WD5kqcpw9M/s1600/MidJune+2014+036.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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COVER: Sorry to hear that the really expensive plant (that you had no business buying on that crazy trip to another part of the country that's not even in your plant hardiness zone) is almost dead.</div>
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***</div>
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INSIDE: Tough love...it comes in many forms. </div>
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CARD #4 COVER</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_wIu697L1ynbYTNG_rGw9XojsIR_fvM_KJSf5-BvfbLM6hmRCi-HSZA5pYDy_MCg6OS_lRSGkq_xnOtDnq0erhx4TyNza76eaFGzmpXgA9jhucvd5WQ1ZTDlXaBhfDMZp3kliMu6jRQ/s1600/June+early+2014+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_wIu697L1ynbYTNG_rGw9XojsIR_fvM_KJSf5-BvfbLM6hmRCi-HSZA5pYDy_MCg6OS_lRSGkq_xnOtDnq0erhx4TyNza76eaFGzmpXgA9jhucvd5WQ1ZTDlXaBhfDMZp3kliMu6jRQ/s1600/June+early+2014+017.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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COVER: Geeze....so is your new neighbor a master gardener or what?</div>
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***</div>
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INSIDE: Guess not. Hey, at least they're trying.</div>
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CARD #5 COVER (This is a real photo on the next street over)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsEkAf3AMkjbBiuNpvx_SzR-9RvK4qqMXi_lSEvwvk8amaqwVL8StSG4W9M2oMPEpDg0cnirTxM4_v7EsToAxMHmTMDwnkHrql_kO7symWOcP3WZm7ESa4RvkaFJxcsFOT2ZxHoQ1IVQ/s1600/MidJune+2014+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsEkAf3AMkjbBiuNpvx_SzR-9RvK4qqMXi_lSEvwvk8amaqwVL8StSG4W9M2oMPEpDg0cnirTxM4_v7EsToAxMHmTMDwnkHrql_kO7symWOcP3WZm7ESa4RvkaFJxcsFOT2ZxHoQ1IVQ/s1600/MidJune+2014+031.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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COVER: Words cannot describe how sorry I am that my tree fell on your house...</div>
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***</div>
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INSIDE: Blank</div>
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CARD #6 COVER</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHlTmXlNicqpdBjmfVvY-a7VFZopwWsbExHsSUBlByBVZltfaUbuOX0q8A5qC10XBfePHmkw8Nhp9WZYwPGZEArY80TCnp6wYu3ekuqvFDzoMVDr1rTOL4-iF_RzRwD3dlAmFR6ciDNs/s1600/MidJune+2014+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHlTmXlNicqpdBjmfVvY-a7VFZopwWsbExHsSUBlByBVZltfaUbuOX0q8A5qC10XBfePHmkw8Nhp9WZYwPGZEArY80TCnp6wYu3ekuqvFDzoMVDr1rTOL4-iF_RzRwD3dlAmFR6ciDNs/s1600/MidJune+2014+037.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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COVER: I'm SO sorry you didn't buy 10 more of these while they were on sale...</div>
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***</div>
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INSIDE: I bet you are too! </div>
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CARD #7 COVER </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdvFkJgPRC9RjHuR8H8nYqfFG6EQV_ycuo3fpbu8-NUaIM4EBpHGdaY2MUGXa1wbpAGyzS06CR-IPWH4oDcIXqL2PRlL6r4TLInU2pfOgVAiOz5QPSn2OgPlKaZOv7aLMw2iYCq14j8U/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdvFkJgPRC9RjHuR8H8nYqfFG6EQV_ycuo3fpbu8-NUaIM4EBpHGdaY2MUGXa1wbpAGyzS06CR-IPWH4oDcIXqL2PRlL6r4TLInU2pfOgVAiOz5QPSn2OgPlKaZOv7aLMw2iYCq14j8U/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+136.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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COVER: Hey, what's bugging you?</div>
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***</div>
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INSIDE: More importantly, what's bugging your plants?</div>
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Text me sometime, okay?</div>
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And finally....the one I need for myself</div>
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CARD #8 COVER</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn98NVWTSB64Xbj1bSC_x9wd_a3gGe7bSl2tMKXu53cXqmFZM8Pg3rw1UIQU9Fv4UTDInHkXn1cthWJFquxoXv_sAWQdUgrHnlp8KVddul1oSTccrHPd7TDcsVuGaEGjgKwwuCLjiuOA/s1600/MidJune+2014+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn98NVWTSB64Xbj1bSC_x9wd_a3gGe7bSl2tMKXu53cXqmFZM8Pg3rw1UIQU9Fv4UTDInHkXn1cthWJFquxoXv_sAWQdUgrHnlp8KVddul1oSTccrHPd7TDcsVuGaEGjgKwwuCLjiuOA/s1600/MidJune+2014+029.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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COVER: Sorry to hear that your summer will be spent indoors doing your spouse's projects.</div>
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***</div>
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INSIDE: Sneak out and garden anyway!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeaCeFimz1dbIKsqiEsc3jTPlJCDsZvrDcar_jB-HJHpCPdpNVDet_guJTZ5L3sC2UJ0Jf0NmKmRAaY2bJpSTbA37cZwMbPfeyFTu0DllVRsxukSELnjGm2JqQWtq268-17Wx5Bw1Bi8/s1600/MidJune+2014+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeaCeFimz1dbIKsqiEsc3jTPlJCDsZvrDcar_jB-HJHpCPdpNVDet_guJTZ5L3sC2UJ0Jf0NmKmRAaY2bJpSTbA37cZwMbPfeyFTu0DllVRsxukSELnjGm2JqQWtq268-17Wx5Bw1Bi8/s1600/MidJune+2014+042.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Freeze damage...another card idea)</div>
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****</div>
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So there you have it! Sympathy Cards for Gardeners</div>
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P.S. If you have any other ideas, just leave a comment.</div>
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I need someone to think of a card about squirrels.</div>
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That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-30844362097536331492014-06-07T22:33:00.001-05:002014-06-07T22:39:55.749-05:00LIFE IN THE GRAVEL GARDEN<div style="text-align: center;">
I often wonder what would happen if I replaced all my lawn with gravel.</div>
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For starters, I know my wife would kill me.</div>
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But also I know my front yard would be a lot more interesting.</div>
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It always amazes me that plants can grown in gravel (or in sidewalk cracks).</div>
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Here's a view from the gravel garden today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3dCpF67pp4N2yyRfKBRpnBu21877cU2GmcaRcfHl7oyWVXlbg5MIrF4b16x2NJJQgXAoyyyxzogfvdZUi9cYXtpRZHlFjcaXr36JfP4tjxY9xV6cEIEr2dsimkDGeERrmKzD8hfOTHo/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3dCpF67pp4N2yyRfKBRpnBu21877cU2GmcaRcfHl7oyWVXlbg5MIrF4b16x2NJJQgXAoyyyxzogfvdZUi9cYXtpRZHlFjcaXr36JfP4tjxY9xV6cEIEr2dsimkDGeERrmKzD8hfOTHo/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+176.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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A view from the edge of the gravel. Zinnias, pink skullcap, and Mexican feather grass play among the rocks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nI2o_S125kZ6dtPJvtpxd_ithCoHXSM5AyBKI1NjjPqwqvl2yJS-1qlVkj6NNxvj4EmrdjpAztaQMfPq91_Vd0vxctH8SGOOcmoxLbruQhyphenhyphen9KZ902fz03TOBScRcUMQGc7WQH6AGLGw/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nI2o_S125kZ6dtPJvtpxd_ithCoHXSM5AyBKI1NjjPqwqvl2yJS-1qlVkj6NNxvj4EmrdjpAztaQMfPq91_Vd0vxctH8SGOOcmoxLbruQhyphenhyphen9KZ902fz03TOBScRcUMQGc7WQH6AGLGw/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+054.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The whole enchilada.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWcV7mS8k6mBm62v4meuX9PNleDBfQ_pVuev5aBtv15oP1Yf_myILYn6v_HYnyvKmWioksf2xh61G0rNKIjW7INxaY_CkdaXAUOd3s4Wqy0eCW3GWZiPMzz3UTEdS9WpM2CWhecA7pV8/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWcV7mS8k6mBm62v4meuX9PNleDBfQ_pVuev5aBtv15oP1Yf_myILYn6v_HYnyvKmWioksf2xh61G0rNKIjW7INxaY_CkdaXAUOd3s4Wqy0eCW3GWZiPMzz3UTEdS9WpM2CWhecA7pV8/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+172.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I let this native dill weed grow anywhere it wants.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNuNABEtjX_krBgrcO5KH8UChthg4EUgOk6KH6JEhplPuUWdJ7juuFdlNLXQe1h7D89cWKbrsSPGW8QFLJ-0itM0h64RRKgULRzSjLw8Dt8fgP3Vcb37aDIdXOaOMShIbFCdt3bkyAoY/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNuNABEtjX_krBgrcO5KH8UChthg4EUgOk6KH6JEhplPuUWdJ7juuFdlNLXQe1h7D89cWKbrsSPGW8QFLJ-0itM0h64RRKgULRzSjLw8Dt8fgP3Vcb37aDIdXOaOMShIbFCdt3bkyAoY/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+166.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's why. Dill plays host to one of our beautiful swallowtail butterflies. This is a black swallowtail caterpillar and it's on the dill. (I'm 90% sure...any experts out there can help me out on this one)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNO68D97a_XTR-rocB2O3sJJ6DwHQYGcAqPnjcBulxXrIf9SYik4-RH2MK43xrmnjx76TuFhRpHHiyfQzqMwOygwp7k1wISDcJuqe04vXbmWHsQl445J7-IOZM40rCp84Yf06Y7h90eF8/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNO68D97a_XTR-rocB2O3sJJ6DwHQYGcAqPnjcBulxXrIf9SYik4-RH2MK43xrmnjx76TuFhRpHHiyfQzqMwOygwp7k1wISDcJuqe04vXbmWHsQl445J7-IOZM40rCp84Yf06Y7h90eF8/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+167.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Out native Dichondra looks nifty in gravel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiIHWng2Z-D4wRyEkfFUFnl6cMvSViGHcux3V-3MMeeiKFMAjzBJRvpvr2hTP7hn6Jmn58GV1tGixQBwRD0zUV-aGE3KcQf9z8BryKV7y62oley11iu7TC12biWkquAfUAEtHthku29k/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiIHWng2Z-D4wRyEkfFUFnl6cMvSViGHcux3V-3MMeeiKFMAjzBJRvpvr2hTP7hn6Jmn58GV1tGixQBwRD0zUV-aGE3KcQf9z8BryKV7y62oley11iu7TC12biWkquAfUAEtHthku29k/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+170.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I give <i>Zinnia maritima</i> 'Solcito' all the nice soil it can manage.</div>
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But instead, where does it want to grow? In between rocks in a garden path and in the gravel.</div>
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I'll have to transplant them soon or they'll get stepped on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotwXmdiO350MZDei0rWAgQvLizYiwshRmWkUeFe9kfbaCMDd07qRVyyR4s2JjIRMvD7zVVzHyGV7_LV-sK_uDQkZ9JPnm83I6Ws1uBA3pxcw3ASTPPqbpjMXsqmunlU5YLC5xMEyQTOM/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotwXmdiO350MZDei0rWAgQvLizYiwshRmWkUeFe9kfbaCMDd07qRVyyR4s2JjIRMvD7zVVzHyGV7_LV-sK_uDQkZ9JPnm83I6Ws1uBA3pxcw3ASTPPqbpjMXsqmunlU5YLC5xMEyQTOM/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+171.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Walker's low catmint it happy on the edge of the gravel bed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijA6_X9LnFMXOlSHB7fWI4mA0cZOID3z9uFhgctgF1cidP0PxiufIr4OuLFJBGPyg9UQ-WKwhj0D7rwzF5IvQiCI0ojY3rq_Px72XxBfvldyjUKH6sEyb2r7N7p_fXni98kjzNTaWHZGg/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijA6_X9LnFMXOlSHB7fWI4mA0cZOID3z9uFhgctgF1cidP0PxiufIr4OuLFJBGPyg9UQ-WKwhj0D7rwzF5IvQiCI0ojY3rq_Px72XxBfvldyjUKH6sEyb2r7N7p_fXni98kjzNTaWHZGg/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+175.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Pink skullcap is a native that is super easy to grow. It loves full sun and sharp drainage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBfbgajCqyWwO2QUUnQh7WaMwsZrx65Cej9hcgeqIEGsuVF3t0guVSPWQATbvFT39nuobc0jIzxHSZeslTNpzuTiGEEgi4w_H6mgYWFsiCMydEy3gA_lfhIHCqLpnAivofmsWMf1PelY/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBfbgajCqyWwO2QUUnQh7WaMwsZrx65Cej9hcgeqIEGsuVF3t0guVSPWQATbvFT39nuobc0jIzxHSZeslTNpzuTiGEEgi4w_H6mgYWFsiCMydEy3gA_lfhIHCqLpnAivofmsWMf1PelY/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+174.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This little spurge is considered a pesky weed by most.</div>
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I pull them up as they get bigger. But as a baby, it looks so cute.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQFmmbl4E4kyAW_3Z1o013mHBsv857IiKgzr4bU6uxPYxp-rk9NkVXV3N_ObqrhKxX2y12vV8SnT77BA2RR_RQldxAeJLjHONfLsu4IX9KgVoKvE8LefU2Od1Te-H8xbiEDGb5cjm7iA/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQFmmbl4E4kyAW_3Z1o013mHBsv857IiKgzr4bU6uxPYxp-rk9NkVXV3N_ObqrhKxX2y12vV8SnT77BA2RR_RQldxAeJLjHONfLsu4IX9KgVoKvE8LefU2Od1Te-H8xbiEDGb5cjm7iA/s1600/2014+May+June+End+of+School+125.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, I want to end with this photo of the cows right next to my elementary school.</div>
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I have been reassigned to my original campus and will no longer get to drive by the cows each morning.</div>
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Since I was raised on a ranch, this scene brings back fond memories of my childhood.</div>
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*****</div>
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That's it for today. Hope you liked the gravel garden.</div>
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Happy Gardening!</div>
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David/:0)</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876534142667059931.post-10260218663855702732014-05-31T19:10:00.000-05:002014-06-02T18:27:04.939-05:00NATIVE ORNAMENTAL GRASSES FOR SOUTHERN GARDENS<div style="text-align: center;">
After 30 years of shade, my garden is suddenly filled with sunshine. I've almost forgotten what can grow in full sun. But my memory is quickly returning. I am eager to find some native grasses to mellow out my agaves and other pointy plants. </div>
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Here are my favorites:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6cYjzL_xiQVrpN2fTAX3_rmMFIjuXizTm7g7CrxGjmmURF-0ImL1D-__ELRLKC5m2puWKycHILODmDlOmQenStsisZQdNw8kTB6BpoIl_-rey0C9mKDS5IAvv5QnJVBL0ra-L6vRlX8/s1600/grasses+and+classes+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6cYjzL_xiQVrpN2fTAX3_rmMFIjuXizTm7g7CrxGjmmURF-0ImL1D-__ELRLKC5m2puWKycHILODmDlOmQenStsisZQdNw8kTB6BpoIl_-rey0C9mKDS5IAvv5QnJVBL0ra-L6vRlX8/s1600/grasses+and+classes+083.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I do not know the name of this one and it's proving to be quite a botanical adventure.</div>
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I'm using a book that lists 222 of the native and naturalized grasses in the Houston area.</div>
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I'm about half way through the list and so far this one remains a mystery.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4hHjL1Ef9qHTVEP4BdZ21zqzXC2dJ4RNuFAKKYXvqW9i2_ZBvLWHUYJVWragQOEBj5cS4BOXDQxl7e8piG_x55S-FRNUNZFS-MeXLNFJlxaq0ylskpK-tDGRem-iXfgOlLZHgWxYfNA/s1600/grasses+and+classes+111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4hHjL1Ef9qHTVEP4BdZ21zqzXC2dJ4RNuFAKKYXvqW9i2_ZBvLWHUYJVWragQOEBj5cS4BOXDQxl7e8piG_x55S-FRNUNZFS-MeXLNFJlxaq0ylskpK-tDGRem-iXfgOlLZHgWxYfNA/s1600/grasses+and+classes+111.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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It's an early Spring bloomer (May here in Houston). The downy soft seed heads look lovely in the light.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iDdVsm6ElFajm5KCSlPMez3YwIXeJBwG_YFm8mQLkXuACL6NS-nPpALUaEi5n9_9KHfkmR7rGzGdCboLQzWdUpqFXt_CuMPMTtaLbERq0o3Cs-9Gdry_atdIsLU6vW-CtRpdTeFF-Gg/s1600/grasses+and+classes+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iDdVsm6ElFajm5KCSlPMez3YwIXeJBwG_YFm8mQLkXuACL6NS-nPpALUaEi5n9_9KHfkmR7rGzGdCboLQzWdUpqFXt_CuMPMTtaLbERq0o3Cs-9Gdry_atdIsLU6vW-CtRpdTeFF-Gg/s1600/grasses+and+classes+112.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a close-up of the seeds and tufts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vglDWkg2UufDSJek5BZ1GaycQE8oskjd_wjRtOgOPLzTYDeUuMfHFozV0Ve8S_CGkkYH6txsUBY7g-h2oEPQrdcNTy82nfrfakdyavt5szykMg3IXgOUcYtDdW5AyW5sLImcDXHtFmc/s1600/grasses+and+classes+115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vglDWkg2UufDSJek5BZ1GaycQE8oskjd_wjRtOgOPLzTYDeUuMfHFozV0Ve8S_CGkkYH6txsUBY7g-h2oEPQrdcNTy82nfrfakdyavt5szykMg3IXgOUcYtDdW5AyW5sLImcDXHtFmc/s1600/grasses+and+classes+115.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here is an individual seed.</div>
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It is not very common and I've only found 5 plants along with a few seedlings.</div>
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Any grass experts out there want to hazard a guess?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwYAz0P1sOehBHasFivfel4W0txwPKu3AgoXO31oJD4opBDjHo3ab4klH8LPmob-8B8lmP8IFaXGkL_m3yFSBRxMLoFAopdZGsSsm4MlsG9w6HY5U_JoJSnxgGYo9w1xS94NIRKnM7cQ/s1600/grasses+and+classes+145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwYAz0P1sOehBHasFivfel4W0txwPKu3AgoXO31oJD4opBDjHo3ab4klH8LPmob-8B8lmP8IFaXGkL_m3yFSBRxMLoFAopdZGsSsm4MlsG9w6HY5U_JoJSnxgGYo9w1xS94NIRKnM7cQ/s1600/grasses+and+classes+145.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This one is NOT a mystery. It's Muhlenbergia capillaris (Gulf Coast Muhly or Pink Muhly).</div>
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These are the seed heads after a winter of wind and rain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ma2rP6L_m1ADUZA7ZFoLoMyF8bOkl_TItPEQJb21gG_1VOyN1L3RmO2C3Jj3dZAktDtTi-j6WGZqHT31AvFhhJYSU5_DPcA6oS9BVLi86Lp8EXB7t6rBIt439_s_lPDm8N9UYty1eUA/s1600/prairiebest4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ma2rP6L_m1ADUZA7ZFoLoMyF8bOkl_TItPEQJb21gG_1VOyN1L3RmO2C3Jj3dZAktDtTi-j6WGZqHT31AvFhhJYSU5_DPcA6oS9BVLi86Lp8EXB7t6rBIt439_s_lPDm8N9UYty1eUA/s1600/prairiebest4.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a></div>
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And here are the seed heads in bloom. As the wind blows, it looks like a wispy dream.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBTr0r2jA3SmiEnTEO9KEMgiWTkDzi6Yj56E6YdlQKbSx-tqbH-bM2dbJRt1oT66S9iOXAoraBsOwqwy7HE0Yb66OwArIG-1bGdROA9N4OiqgtweK-j1M4ZMuNvfPMfekajUV8TYZX1o/s1600/muhlybest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBTr0r2jA3SmiEnTEO9KEMgiWTkDzi6Yj56E6YdlQKbSx-tqbH-bM2dbJRt1oT66S9iOXAoraBsOwqwy7HE0Yb66OwArIG-1bGdROA9N4OiqgtweK-j1M4ZMuNvfPMfekajUV8TYZX1o/s1600/muhlybest2.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
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You could set up a lawn chair and spend hours relaxing near a clump.</div>
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It's great therapy for stress!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY3WLMqO0x4BVgD6rGPs-JcSjnRwQyPBRtI40j7kEtPB2SaNsOtZrYpKWwzqyN7qbssbm_4A-D2rFK5SOl3w-IxDl8zWY4eDIignrouKTFN9W6x1orAiYvzgtOXxCY9UgulRtmkpH47M/s1600/grasses+and+classes+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY3WLMqO0x4BVgD6rGPs-JcSjnRwQyPBRtI40j7kEtPB2SaNsOtZrYpKWwzqyN7qbssbm_4A-D2rFK5SOl3w-IxDl8zWY4eDIignrouKTFN9W6x1orAiYvzgtOXxCY9UgulRtmkpH47M/s1600/grasses+and+classes+043.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lots of schools and waterwise landscapers are using Pink Muhly to add carefree beauty to their commercial plantings. In winter, you can cut the seed heads back or, as in this image, leave the seed heads for an extended time each Spring.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYZBa71JmrUhXoxYxiTSXXM2NfUNfJiLNIUVkngRN5Gt1upbT6_Gcd1N2xYWFEzoL1cG4Aquv2AKMKj1ttVrJkOcq0IxwI9aiEQ54K4Xok_OSRHn5jwgp0bcBa-koIiA3_UjiNuitgLY/s1600/grasses+and+classes+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYZBa71JmrUhXoxYxiTSXXM2NfUNfJiLNIUVkngRN5Gt1upbT6_Gcd1N2xYWFEzoL1cG4Aquv2AKMKj1ttVrJkOcq0IxwI9aiEQ54K4Xok_OSRHn5jwgp0bcBa-koIiA3_UjiNuitgLY/s1600/grasses+and+classes+013.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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My next pretty little native is Little bluestem. I wish it had a cute botanical name. Instead, it's been saddled with this mouthful....Schizachyrium scoparium. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8sIv2e1B5yQOqIZpv2Bclpe0yazjKL_2eisGDxQAwIJvgvfxURm0x0tJ2v4XQxd7oUHI1K1jtI6-Y-0qtFAtIEv8TIxDjLkP2ckmFwwBQ1HXw5dBHnnTWP36lc0T18SMgPP__fM2Ck4/s1600/450px-SchizachyriumScoparium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8sIv2e1B5yQOqIZpv2Bclpe0yazjKL_2eisGDxQAwIJvgvfxURm0x0tJ2v4XQxd7oUHI1K1jtI6-Y-0qtFAtIEv8TIxDjLkP2ckmFwwBQ1HXw5dBHnnTWP36lc0T18SMgPP__fM2Ck4/s1600/450px-SchizachyriumScoparium.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I rarely borrow images, but this one shows the beautiful blue-green foliage.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(image from wikipedia)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbEoU6Fl8p7Y9UNtsyZQKpJuWHvTBRiKo3hmPv5cH2K4mEAP2k7OKFePD0VInT9vO_v20NooDlkO9cRWd70oKP-LprJoZcy3A0Ev2t-I-iHs7vLDeCi2EXlnvTg1oaHOvpaiT3QVk3zY/s1600/grasses+and+classes+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbEoU6Fl8p7Y9UNtsyZQKpJuWHvTBRiKo3hmPv5cH2K4mEAP2k7OKFePD0VInT9vO_v20NooDlkO9cRWd70oKP-LprJoZcy3A0Ev2t-I-iHs7vLDeCi2EXlnvTg1oaHOvpaiT3QVk3zY/s1600/grasses+and+classes+011.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Notice how much variation there is between the Little bluestem on the left and the one on the right. I prefer the one on the left because it looks neat and would behave well in a garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTq7GmETlxsm55jEIx5pYf5mEhSpKh-yHaFErxCXDwzUhGxq8AIJSfoXx1PvKpO0dr4es2vCFLHVl0rw4l8F6QWEBR_MtMMaH9IjceEOT8waCMzR2XcCdgHRF2VakQMkxpZByTsA5b4c/s1600/Mid+March+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTq7GmETlxsm55jEIx5pYf5mEhSpKh-yHaFErxCXDwzUhGxq8AIJSfoXx1PvKpO0dr4es2vCFLHVl0rw4l8F6QWEBR_MtMMaH9IjceEOT8waCMzR2XcCdgHRF2VakQMkxpZByTsA5b4c/s1600/Mid+March+054.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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My last favorite is Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima).</div>
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I've grown it now for 3 years and it is finally starting to reseed in the gravel areas of the garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAc47Xu-QSZJFtOyunei51uqsfX5-pCOIZCN5WL2mmPe80uv2kwAx84RBxIuv2Tk6fgFj4CKDMEIeqpaD61RIj7SAEvyAIdwasqA7lCp3CulWnywXnCYhiBYOQyAolEOZZRKWrnYbbcI/s1600/garden+and+last+architecture+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAc47Xu-QSZJFtOyunei51uqsfX5-pCOIZCN5WL2mmPe80uv2kwAx84RBxIuv2Tk6fgFj4CKDMEIeqpaD61RIj7SAEvyAIdwasqA7lCp3CulWnywXnCYhiBYOQyAolEOZZRKWrnYbbcI/s1600/garden+and+last+architecture+078.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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It looks beautiful with agaves, small drifts of flowers, or with rocks.</div>
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Here it is growing in my friend's garden in Katy, Texas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eykVWzgVUyCUD6-xQZRBpuBUg4XRgMbUc4_Xdb9XxbB6AyupMypCiGOWNWnxRBmgpcAxokYIFduyE0IZPdTNLArReLnf1Q2iOOkbcdDKdxDDJ8fFWbtQ62zchTRJoWL4LC94sN7YIxQ/s1600/grasses+and+classes+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eykVWzgVUyCUD6-xQZRBpuBUg4XRgMbUc4_Xdb9XxbB6AyupMypCiGOWNWnxRBmgpcAxokYIFduyE0IZPdTNLArReLnf1Q2iOOkbcdDKdxDDJ8fFWbtQ62zchTRJoWL4LC94sN7YIxQ/s1600/grasses+and+classes+095.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here it is growing along with Pink Muhly and lantana.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXWF5WN_suFqPnDp8ILJrP2K-FSjw_1YRCVjqLsBlb8R5oncIlodDHtgDf9-EcoKdBH4IIWRQv0u8igzcMYfZwwXqy1iA7yJhfccgaiQOqpVexYxlcFPSa5-tUafP7c_oSl5kqECem3g/s1600/grasses+and+classes+144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXWF5WN_suFqPnDp8ILJrP2K-FSjw_1YRCVjqLsBlb8R5oncIlodDHtgDf9-EcoKdBH4IIWRQv0u8igzcMYfZwwXqy1iA7yJhfccgaiQOqpVexYxlcFPSa5-tUafP7c_oSl5kqECem3g/s1600/grasses+and+classes+144.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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In closing, if you are looking for some easy to care for, naturally beautiful and extremely versatile</div>
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sun-loving plants, try some native grasses for a change.</div>
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And when the Pink Muhly blooms, get a lawnchair and enjoy the show!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhlT9AdQMTAJ8MaQSgPdtIevXMiDHzPDwPmmgHGFAofw5VvvscE9SsN6Y62CmHDIr1joa7vZU2qq9SqoONvYgg-NGMvJSWRJic2WJmOSAIYPCNh5go61IyWXnYzbSP7kcgPlyzryodWA/s1600/grasses+and+classes+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhlT9AdQMTAJ8MaQSgPdtIevXMiDHzPDwPmmgHGFAofw5VvvscE9SsN6Y62CmHDIr1joa7vZU2qq9SqoONvYgg-NGMvJSWRJic2WJmOSAIYPCNh5go61IyWXnYzbSP7kcgPlyzryodWA/s1600/grasses+and+classes+001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's it for today!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhah4BkeuoqKiAGkv6H1xuvf2FZrJNdhoufBBF4cy_B41ww6Jl7C1HH3bNX244-LGs9I0m_zIG635se2IEKe8lUfzYfW2ehUi3JM5rNbNqkh34JVCEaI5WBIMmnmiIZSy43D7IzUNygKE8/s1600/grasses+and+classes+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhah4BkeuoqKiAGkv6H1xuvf2FZrJNdhoufBBF4cy_B41ww6Jl7C1HH3bNX244-LGs9I0m_zIG635se2IEKe8lUfzYfW2ehUi3JM5rNbNqkh34JVCEaI5WBIMmnmiIZSy43D7IzUNygKE8/s1600/grasses+and+classes+003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Gardening from David/:0)</div>
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Another mysterious grass in my garden.</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495040805660192347noreply@blogger.com3