On this page, I will add notes about how the gardens are coming along, what plants are doing particularly well, what chores we are doing, and how we are coping with Indiana's often erratic weather!
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October 8, 2006 |
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A lovely autumn, and the harvest season is underway. Fields are being sheared of their crops, and the landscape changes every day as I look out the window. Although the farm is closed for the season, I continue to work every day, mostly propagating plants, but also saving seeds and eliminating weeds. I'm still enchanted by the intense colors of the dahlias, the abundant verbena, colorful asters, and heaps of boltonia and Joicus daisies. At this time of year, our eyes drift upwards from the gardens to note the brilliant colors of the trees. We are tidying up the gardens, getting ready to mulch them for the winter rest they deserve. I'm also pouring over catalogs and making lists of items to order for the Barn Shop for next spring. It's still a busy, busy season, but at least I have a bit more time for reading and computer work! I can't believe the season has already ended. Each year seems to pass more quickly! |
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September 22, 2006 |
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The gardens are changing...the annuals' colors are becoming more intense, as they attempt to attract every last insect to do a bit of pollination before frost. Many plants are producing seeds, and some are dropping their leaves. Of course, some are just coming into their glory, like the variegated Joe Pye "Joicus", which is covered in white daisies. I'd sure like to get more planting done, but I have so many conferences and meetings this month that I doubt I'll get much done at the farm! I have been taking lots of lavender cuttings, and we will begin on the thymes soon. I can't believe the farm will be closing in just a matter of days. While the weather continues to be so nice, it doesn't seem right that our season is over! |
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August 24, 2006 |
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IRELAND! What a wonderful country! David and I just returned from the preview trip of the gardens of Ireland. It was one of the best trips we've ever had, and both of us are eager to return to this scenic country. The coastal villages are lovely, the mountains are powerful, the food was delicious, and the gardens were inspiring. The history that permeates this island is remarkable. We visited cathedrals, castles and pubs! Oh, the music and the laughter, and the stories they tell! I can't recreate the magic here--you'll just have to see it for yourself when we go in August of next year. Check out the article in our website for more information. |
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June 24, 2006 |
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What a glorious day! Hundreds of people joined us for Lavender Daze, under gorgeous blue skies. The fragrance of lavender filled the air, as people picked lavender bunches or created lavender wands. The bees buzzed as they busily collected nectar and pollen. The people buzzed as they compared notes, and grabbed treasures from the plant benches. It was a fun day for all. When it ended, our staff collapsed on chairs in the classroom, and finished off the Lavender Fudge! The gardens are doing well, and change every day. Different daylilies are beginning to open, and it is always exciting to see them for the first time to see if they actually look like the picture! Some of the dahlias are opening, and the old-faithful perennials, like gaillardia, phlox, coreopsis, monarda, and yarrow never fail to please. I think my "favorite" plant at the moment is the gorgeous pink bellflower by the Cottage door--it is one of the Bellringers, and it certainly is! I'll take a photo today, and try to get it on the website soon, so you can see it. It is nearly 3'tall, with hundreds of 1 1/2" pink bells. These are fat, drooping bells that nearly cover the stems. It is amazing!
The revamped Dye Garden is thriving, and even the cotton is starting to grow, now that the weather is warmer, although cool nights are slowing it down. That garden looks better than I thought it would, and the scent of the blooming elders is fabulous. The Sunrise Garden is truly glorious right now, and has really filled in nicely. The petunias in the Cottage Garden echo the bright magenta pink of the rose campion and wine cups, and I really like the new trellis there. The dwarf wood betony in the Fairy Garden has amazingly large blooms of magenta pink, that are really showy. I didn't expect them to be nearly as large as they are, so that was a nice surprise. I've picked a few blueberries from the Cook's Garden, but still haven't planted the blackberries! Now I'll be so busy picking lavender, I won't have time to weed--Oh, darn! :) |
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May 17, 2006 |
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After being spoiled with a week of beautiful weather in late April and early May, we've been poured on for 7 days in a row. Finally, yesterday, we bagan planting in the gardens, putting lots of color in the Butterfly Garden, and a few things into the Moonlight Garden. During the rainy days, we've been diggin and dividing perennials, so you'll find lots of new things in the sales areas. I've also been taking lots of cuttings, since the stems are filled with moisture, and I finally had some room on the greenhouse! Of course, six days of overcast, fully moisturized air is causing some mold problems, too. Just one challenge after another. But, the columbines are gorgeous, the Dames Rocket is fragrant,and many other perennials are lovely, so I can't complain. However, my new honeybees are feeling housebound with rain so often, and buzzing about all the pollen being washed away uncollected. It's nice to know I have company in my grumbling about the weather! |
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