Another Wildflower Wednesday

I often miss the Wildflower Wednesday that Gail hosts at Clay and Limestone.  As I am usually behind in my reading of blog posts, it could be Saturday or Sunday before I see that WW has come and gone.  Ah, retirement!  Lucky for me I saw another's posting, so I know it is THIS week that is WW, so I can participate.
This first little beauty I believe to be one of the Gerardia Agalinis, though I am not sure which one.  This was found in the ravine(ish) area of the backyard that leads to the lake.  Many of the wildflower finds are in this area. 

 Reading a little more, the book says the Agalinis linifolia is the only species in South Carolina that lacks yellow lines within the corolla.  I see no yellow, I believe this is the species.

In the front yard, along the lower side yard I found this sunny yellow beauty.  Again, not sure what the species is....though it looks like a Helianthus to me.  Many of these are quite tall, but mine~~~ only about 12- 18" tall.  It could be due to the drought that the growth is stilted.  Wildflowers are not my strongsuit, I am learning one flower at a time.

This fall beauty is Schizachyrium scoparium 'Little Blue Stem'.  Native grasses are doing well in many places of the yard.  The area along the driveway is very hard packed, full of construction rock and sand, little to no topsoil.... and a bear to dig in.  We decided to put a number of 'Little Blue Stem' in to help slow the water (if we get any rain!) as it rolls down the hill.  I planted 17, 14 still survive.  There are some that are really small and some, like the one pictured, that are doing quite well.  I love the seedheads that shimmer in the light.

 Hidden in the woods at the top of the property are some Hawthorn, Crataegus flava.  Love the yellow fruits in the fall but watch out for those thorns.

 While exploring the front woods, I thought I would check out the area where the Cranefly Orchid, Tipularia discolor was last year.  Imagine my delight when I found two leaves!! 

I have done a whole posting on Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum, each fall, when these beautiful red leaves jump out of the landscape it is hard not to mention them again.   As we drive by this tree, I tell my husband I love this tree.....and him, not necessarily in that order.  Don't you just love these flower buds??

 I seldom go into the septic drainfield area, too many bugs this time of year.  I have ventured in during the winter and spring.  The other day I was along the edge of the grasses, checking out the Cosmos I planted earlier this spring.   Look what else I found growing near the Cosmos!! A Helenium perhaps autumnale. 

Goldenrod is present this time of year...love the bold yellow color.  I thought about collecting the seeds from this one and scattering it in more places ...the wind will take care of it.
 

 Last but not least, a wildflower that Frances mentioned in her posting today.  Dog Fennel, Eupatorium capillofolium, later in the fall the stems will turn a ruddy red.  This is one I will admire from the street.

 Please stop by Gail's blog and see other Wildflowers. 


©Copyright 2011 Janet. All rights reserved. Content created by Janet for The Queen of Seaford. words and photos by Janet,The Queen of Seaford.

Great Combination, If I Do Say So

As the cold weather moves in I wanted to bring in a few of the last roses on my 'Janet' rose.  These roses are such beauties, changing colors as it opens and matures.  










  The stems are small and slender and really not strong enough to hold the flower heads up in a vase. 

 The solution was to put them in a small bowl shaped vase.

The combination that suits me ----to accompany the roses---Deep, dark, delicious chocolate from Belgium.  Leonidas chocolate....freshly flown in, made with no preservative, pure deliciousness. 




I love getting a box from my sweetie.





And I love having roses to bring in and enjoy....................................

©Copyright 2011 Janet. All rights reserved. Content created by Janet for The Queen of Seaford. words and photos by Janet,The Queen of Seaford.

Can't Get Enough of It

Do you have a bloom that you are thrilled when it opens?  One where you watch and watch as the bud gets plumper every day?  You know what I am talking about, the prized bloom.  I think everyone has one.  Mine is the Epiphyllum oxypetalum.  I have posted about it many times...here and here and here to name just a few.  One of the drawbacks is trying to get a great photo of this night bloomer....because it blooms at night!  If you use the flash it is too bright, the lack of flash you have the possibility of a blurry photo. 
This morning after feeding the dogs I noticed my Epi had bloomed...and the blooms were still open.  Maybe it was because the night was so cool...think the lows were in the low to mid 50's.  Camera in hand I went out and started taking photos.  I couldn't get enough .... I love photographing this beauty. 

 To be able to capture this great bloom in daylight was a treat.

 The lighting was super for capturing these blooms.

I took a bunch of pictures then ate breakfast, walked the dogs, went about my morning.  Just before noon, I looked out back and saw the blooms were still open!  Amazing!!  I was taking pictures from , the back.....

the front,

 the side

 I was enjoying every angle of blooms.  I wasn't sure how much later in the day before they faded so I kept snapping away.

For as gorgeous as the blooms are, the plant itself is sad looking and oddly shaped. It needs a good trim and other years I trimmed it just before briniging it in for the winter, which should be about now.  But I couldn't trim off flower buds before they opened.  So now that it has bloomed it will be trimmed and retired for the winter.  I have one person, Lola, who would like a piece of the plant, anyone else? 

This month the Gardening Gone Wild Photo Contest theme is 'Fill the Frame' I thought I would try my hand at it again.  I have two photos to argue with myself about which is the best choice.

Back of two or---

 inside of one..........

I think I am going for the back of two.   My entry is this one (see larger one above) or click on any photo for a larger view.

©Copyright 2011 Janet. All rights reserved.
 Content created by Janet for The Queen of Seaford.
 
words and photos by Janet,The Queen of Seaford.

I Love Fall

Fall is a time of year where the temperatures are more pleasant and I can get back into the garden.  It is like getting reaquainted with an old friend.  The ornamental grasses are in full bloom and dancing in the breeze.  Last year I planted three small Miscanthus--'Little Zebra'.  This year they are looking great.

 You may remember I planted some daffodils in our field across the street.  It is our septic drain field and will soon have to be cut again....have a few trees popping up.  I want to wait to have it cut (bush-hogged) until closer to frost.  I scattered some flower seeds in that area to come up after the daffodils were finished.  I don't water over there at all.  The only flowers that really put on a show are the Cosmos.  Love how they sparkle in the early morning sunlight.

Magnolias are great all summer long with their gorgeous blooms....and now, these lovely seed pods.  It almost looks like they are adorned with tiny little ornaments.  

 Additionally the Euonymus americanus is showing its seed pods....looking like its common name--'Hearts A Bustin'  I am happy to have some growing in my property.

Some of the Muhly grass is finally blooming.  Love how the water droplets hang on the seedheads.

We have had some more opportunities to go out on the lake and enjoy the wildlife.  Not too much longer and the Egrets will migrate.   These two look like they had an argument-- not looking at each other.

 I love these birds, they are so graceful.

 It was amazing how calm the lake was when we went out last time.  At our end of the lake there was nary a ripple.

All in all these are great examples of why I like fall....BUT- there are also the end of season plant sales in our area! At the end of September I went to one that I had gone to last year. Acres and acres of plants. The only thing limiting me was thinking about the holes I would have to dig in this hard clay soil. One neighbor asked for a pick axe!

 I had an idea what I wanted and headed through the rows with my wagon. Finally got them all planted and am crossing my fingers that they will all make it through the winter and shine next spring and summer. 

We have had a lot of company off and on for the past month.  I know I have missed many postings from all of you.  Will make my rounds and try to get back in the swing of blogging. 


©Copyright 2011 Janet. All rights reserved. Content created by Janet for The Queen of Seaford. words and photos by Janet,The Queen of Seaford.