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Kay's Blog
End of the season
Category: autumn 2010 | Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 3:04 pm I always have such separation anxiety this time of year. I am sorry to watch my annuals finish their life cycle. In the mornings, I cautiously peer out the window to see how they fared overnight. After last week, most of them have succumbed to freezing temps. I had to say goodbye, and off to the great compost they went. This shows a small group of the last survivors huddled up in a sunny corner with some little orphan shrubs. A Boxwood, a Diabolo Ninebark, and the Burning Bush. I am such a sucker for aquiring little sad shrubs in need of a home! 
some of the last remaining containers; autumn 2010 ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) There are huge pink Pentas that just seem to keep on going. Then there is Angelonia that was with a nice big Coleus all summer. I can't let it go until it really looks bad. Same with the blue Victory Salvia, what a non stop bloomer! I need to harvest that wonderful Rosemary before frost gets it! 
2 yr old Burning Bush ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Burning Bush orphan ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) I love the Burning Bushes in Autumn! The small one is in a container, and I will be overwintering it in it's pot and devising a spot for it to go in the ground next spring. (cut out another bit of grass to enlarge my evolving shrub border?) I think it's color is fantastic!! 
Mt. Airy Fothergilla ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) This is a Mt. Airy Fothergilla. A wonderful shrub that isn't used as much as it should be. Blooms white bottlebrush flowers in spring, and look at the vibrant autumn color! The perennials are quietly going into dormancy, and are getting covered by falling leaves. *SIGH* My one and only Rose is still green, but soon will need to be tucked in for it's winter nap. I planted some white Anemone bulbs in the holes left when the frozen Impatiens came out. Planting bulbs is like planting HOPE. May it be a good, mild winter, and hurry up spring!!! This blog entry has been viewed 1649 times
the cabin in Autumn
Category: in the country | Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 12:19 am We took advantage of the holiday Monday to go out to the cabin and check up on everything. The air was refreshingly cooler, there is definitely a feel of Autumn to it! So much better than the oppressive heat and humidity we had in August. The mosquitos and flys weren't bugging us either! The lake is full and the fish were biting, so Bob enjoyed that. Meanwhile, Missy and I walked around and checked out the plants, flowers and birds. 
wild garlic ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
butterfly ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
butterfly on thistle ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Ornamental grasses blooming ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) Next, we all took a hike through the woods, stopping at the pet cemetery to pay our respects to Roxy & Charlie; faithful dogs, and Calcutta & Patches; beloved cats. Bob has left behind a few relics in this area... 
relics in the pet cemetery ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) We walked across the big field, stopping to admire the weeds that have become flowers... The pretty Goldenrod is Nebraka's state flower. 
me in the wildflowers ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
wild sunflowers ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden )
butterfly on thistle ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Goldenrod ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Goldenrod ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) We like to see the big old Osage Orange trees that grow on the east end of this field. They are loaded with the fruit which are known as hedge apples. The deer, squirrels and other critters eat them, some folks decorate with them, but we like to gather up a bunch of them and practice our throws! 
big old Hedge tree ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Hedge Apples ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) There were several places in this big field that we could see had been deer resting areas. I also spotted a lone wild turkey feather. The turkeys are plentiful out here. 
wild turkey feather ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) Missy had such a great time running and stretching her old legs, she did get a bit bogged down in some overgrown weeds, but she didn't seem to mind much! 
Missy in the weeds ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) When we got back to the cabin, we had a picnic of chicken, potato salad, peaches and tea. I noticed this pretty yellow butterfly intent on a thistle. 
butterfly on a thistle ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
butterfly on a thistle ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) It was a good day in the country. This blog entry has been viewed 506 times
A summer excursion
Category: my first blog ever! | Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 9:36 pm Monday was my birthday, and I didn't much feel like working, so we decided to take some time to do something fun! We drove up to I80, and headed east about 25 miles to The Lee Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari. It is right off the interstate in the rolling hills next to the Platte River. This is in affiliation with the big zoo in Omaha. Since the late 90's, it has been home to many animals living in natural habitat. Along with the ones in my photos, we also saw Fox, Bobcats, a large variety of birds, like the Great Blue Heron, ducks, geese, white tailed Deer,and Antelope. There is a nice visitor center, and gardens featuring our native Nebraska plants (of course) Then, you get in your vehicle and drive through a 4 mile area to see these animals up close where they live. It was nice for us because it wasn't busy or crowed, so we had an opportunity to talk with the animal keepers as they were out giving the wolves and bears their breakfast. It was a nice, fairly cool breezy morning so it was fun to be out doing something besides pulling weeds!!! My photos are not the greatest, as these animals would not pose. The wolves especially would not look up at me (too busy eating) The deer were on the move, and impossible to photgraph. The lake that the Pelicans and Swans were in was just full of Cranes, Geese, Ducks, and various other birds. They were so pretty. I loved watching the Black Bears get their breakfast. It was amazing to see her peel and eat that orange! We were also impressed by the huge antlers on the Elk. It was a fun time, and I of course also loved all the trees, shrubs and wild flowers we saw. 
Elk having a morning soak ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Elk with grass on his antlers ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Buffalo ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Swans having a morning swim ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
3 Pelicans on a log ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Black Bear eating an orange ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
resting on the rock ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Sandhill Crane ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Bald Eagles sunning themselves ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
wolf eating breakfast ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Buffalo ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) This blog entry has been viewed 437 times
My one and only Rose
Category: Planting | Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:27 am Early this spring, a customer of mine gave me a bareroot rosebush. I accepted this gift graciously, but thought to myself...I don't really want this, where will I plant it? Hmmm 
bareroot rose ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) It was still kind of chilly, and I wanted to wait for the air and ground temps to warm up. So this poor thing sat in this bucket for quite a while. I would move it out if it was sunny, then put it back in the garage to await the warm day when I could get it planted. Then finally the day came when I had the time and energy (at the same time!) and in the ground it went. Now, sun is scarce in my yard, so I had to do a relocation project just to make room for this girl. I was still having doubts about the whole rose thing. I mean, I like Roses, but I have a love/hate thing about them. This is because I spend so much time taking care of other people's roses! I cut them back, I deadhead them, fertilze them, I dig a fair number of the pesty thorns from my poor fingers!! (despite wearing special thick leather gloves) 
Teasing Georgia Rose ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) So, the weather warmed up, as it always does here in Nebraska. The Rose decided it likes it's new home and rapidly began to grow. This is "Teasing Georgia" and I am going to eventually train it to climb on a trellis attached to the fence. 
"Teasing Georgia" Rose ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) It has a very pretty, buttery yellow blooms. There are three blooms as of today, and lots more buds.So, I guess it was a fine gift, and I'll probably fuss over her like I do with all my other plant kids. This blog entry has been viewed 908 times
This year's container plantings
Category: Planting | Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 4:59 pm I finally had the timing and weather cooperate at the same time, so I got busy with planting containers. I love to see how they grow and change as we go through the season. Some do really well, others are a lesson learned. I like to haunt as many nurseries and plant stands as I can, to seek out fun, different plants. It's always satisfying to see them go from these little guys, to lush big ones. Check out my photos in my "garden" for plant descriptions. Hope you enjoy seeing what I've done. 
on the deck ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
hanging basket ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Succulent ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
concrete planter ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
spring Pansies ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
deck ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
deck container ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
on the deck ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Pink Verbena ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
Herbs & Sedum ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
burgundy theme ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
pretty in pink ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
another baby Heuchera ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
baby Heuchera ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) 
container in white ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) This blog entry has been viewed 616 times
Now we're ready for some Rain!
Category: Spring 2010 | Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 1:47 am 
bring on the rain!! ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) We've talked about making a rain barrel for a while, and Bob had some time, so he made one! He spent a total of $31.00. He had to re-route the downspout anyway because it has always been in an awkward spot and this is a great way to solve that problem, and conserve water too. I especially like that he added the spigot at the perfect custom height for me to fill up my watering cans, or I can attach a hose if I want too. I wasn't real happy with the color, but there is an ornamental grass next to it that gets about 8 feet tall, so that will help hide it. So, I'm anxious for some rain to get a "reserve" of water! There is actually rain in our forecast! :) 
rain barrel ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) This blog entry has been viewed 458 times
A cure for spring fever!
Category: Spring 2010 | Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:15 am 
Daffys, finally blooming ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) I was so thrilled to finally see some pretty yellow daffodils in bloom! I have been waiting so long. There are a lot of Crocus and Daffs that have not bloomed yet, but I have a feeling it won't be long. We have had some nice warm weather here and its certainly a welcome change. March was a chilly, wet and windy month, but it truly is "going out like a lamb". I am also back to work, and we are busy! It is so good to see plants coming out of dormancy. I feel like I come out of dormancy too! Right now we are cutting away the old dead plant material and cleaning up leaves and debris and then dressing up with new layers of fresh mulch. I love seeing our customer's properties when we complete the work, and it looks so nice for them. So far, I haven't seen too much winter kill, but some of it may not be apparent yet. The boxwoods sure have a lot of winter burn, poor things. So, I am switching gears, got out my water jug and lunch cooler, tools, sunscreen, hat, gloves, boots, grubby jeans... Putting away the puzzles and books, well maybe not :) Gotta go to bed earlier, up and out earlier! Hurray for spring!! This blog entry has been viewed 321 times
A Visit to the lake
Category: my Winter thoughts | Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 4:06 pm Over the weekend we decided to drive out to the cabin to check things out. This is about 12 miles south of town. when we arrived this is what the gate looks like. 
snow buried gate ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) So, we have to hike down to get to the cabin. 
cabin ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) It was sunny, but still pretty cold. We fed the birds, and took a walk around to check up on everything. All is well. Can't wait to be out there this spring and summer! The lake is under 20" of ice. We walked out on the ice, and saw various critter prints criss crossing the snow. 
frozen lake ( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) I was enjoying the view, and breathing in some brisk, fresh air. Then, wouldn't you know, my camera tells me the battery is exhausted! So, I can't share any more of the day's experience. Oh Well, maybe next visit! This blog entry has been viewed 477 times
Finding Bargains
Category: Random Stuff | Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:21 pm The other day I decided to stop in a local thrift shop to search for snow boots for my growing -like- a- weed grandson. Well, no good boots, but you never know what you can discover in these shops. I spent $8.00 for this picture. I love these Nuthatches. We like to decorate with pictures featuring birds and flowers. It measures (aprox) 24hx18w. The matting is a subtle (probably a bit faded) light sage green. Will go quite well with our colors! I'm not very fond of the frame, but Bob has already taken it apart, (and says it was very well put together) and he discovered the frame IS wood with that gold stuff painted on. So he is now sanding and removing that. We'll stain it a dark color that compliments the picture. Not a bad find! 
( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden ) This blog entry has been viewed 374 times
Fun in my Garden Stew Garden!
Category: my Winter thoughts | Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 2:27 am I have been having a lot of fun with my web garden here at Garden Stew :) If you take a look at my plants, you can see that I have quite a large garden!! I either have all these plants or have cared for them in other's gardens. I am partial to shade gardening, but where there is sun, there can be so much color! I love container gardening because there are so many possibilities, and you can change things each year. That is where most of my sun loving plants are. Today, I was obsessing about Hostas! I love them, and miss the REAL ones so much!!! I miss my ground, and digging in it. I miss the smell of dirt! We had more snow last night, and the forecast is not improving. I'm feeling like we're living our days like in that movie "Groundhog Day". We shovel snow over and over and over! Perhaps I'm experiencing a bit of seasonal affective disorder, or just cabin fever....Hey, I'll be OK, you'll see... I will come back to life when spring finally arrives! This blog entry has been viewed 404 times
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