Tuesday, June 5, 2012

First week of June

Good afternoon Folks,

It is very warm and humid. It’s almost 4 p.m. and the skies are gray, it is starting to sprinkle and there is thunder to the southwest of us.

This morning I did some clean up in the main garden area, then decided to mow, knowing rain was expected. Then DH decided to trim the sea hibiscus that hangs over our fence to the east of us, and we were both sopping and dropping after that.  But, did I quit, no, we had cloud cover so I did some weeding and trimming, until my body said, ‘hey, wait a minute, don’t do one more thing.  That’s it for now.’ So, I quit, took a shower and fixed lunch and was beat. A nap was in order after lunch and reading for a bit.

In the last week, we put up the top section of the lattice surrounding the humongous rain barrel.  We cut the roll roofing that we had between the house and the sidewalk to fit new space, as DH had moved the sidewalk closer to house to accommodate the French drain from overflow of the rainbarrel. We weeded, raked and leveled the area, then laid the stuff back down.  I’m going to work on the path before planting any blue pea vine seedlings to grow up the lattice.  I did stick some Vanda orchids in the lattice and will add more later. There’s an awning over the bedroom window.

06-05-rb-lattice

So, I got the idea for seating in that area, and thought of a broken tiled, concrete bench top.  We had the two bases for it, just had to round them up. DH had to cut some rebar that was sticking out from the bottoms since we didn’t want to poke holes in the roofing material. (We use this roll roofing around the base of our house outside, so that nothing will grow there and to keep termites at bay.)

06-05-bench

I have an idea for the wall space to the left of the window.  I’ll post a picture later.

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The screen door leads into the ‘cat-rium’ behind our cottage where the outdoor shower, jacuzzi, and claw foot tub are, as well as a nice swing and table and chairs. Tork sleeps in there at night.

06-05-bench2

On to what is happening in the gardens.

Our Queen Crepe is in bloom.  I love it.

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An unknown orchid with sunlight behind.

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Dwarf orchid tree, Bauhinia acuminata

06-02-bauhinia

Blue pea vine bloom.

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Hamelia paten with bees in next two pictures.

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Zebra longwing and hamelia paten blooms.  Hummers, butterflies, bees, and other flying critters love this plant.  It is probably at least 10 ft. tall now.

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A passion flower not quite open yet.

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A Cocktail rose bloom on the wane. I loved the raindrops on it.

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Climbing Maman cochet bloom.

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We curbside shopped this mirror last year and one piece came off.  I want to take the whole thing apart to have all these neat pieces to add to fencing here and there for sparkle, color and depth in the garden.

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Here I am in a section of the beveled mirror that is mounted to the back fence in the main garden.

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Well, that’s it for now.  It’s time to think about supper and have a glass or two of wine.

FlowerLady Lorraine

22 comments:

Sunray Gardens said...

Your Crape is lovely. I put one in last year but it's still really small. Can't wait for it to grow up. You have some lovely things happening your way. As for those sprinkles, I am getting some also, but it already stopped. I'm hoping it's going to start again and give us some rain my plants can appreciate.

Cher Sunray Gardens

Jane said...

You and your DH are such hard workers. It's very inspiring to read about your doings. And I get lots of great ideas too. I told my husband about using rolled roofing on the pathways and he thinks that's a great idea. We're going to give it a try in between our vegetable plots. They are so hard to mow between. Love your cracked tile bench. I've made birdhouses with that method and the front of our fireplace. It's fun! Beautiful flowers as always!

F Cameron said...

You grow so many beautiful and interesting flowers. I always enjoy seeing what's going on with your garden and your projects.

Amrita said...

Oh my how gorgeous. I love your flowers

tina said...

The queen crepe is lovely. Such big flowerets! I like that mirror on the fence. Very nice use for it.

Floridagirl said...

Love that broken-tile bench! I think I might do that on my curved concrete bench. I now will never look at it the same. It definitely needs something. Love your Queen's crape!!! I have always wanted that tree as well.

Becca's Dirt said...

Beautiful crepe myrtle. Love that Climbing Maman Cochet rose. Great idea with the mirror. You have a neat little area outside your bedroom window. Your place is so cute.

Skeeter said...

Love how the Bench turned out! Looks like a nice spot to take a little break to enjoy your garden view. Rain drops on blooms are just wonderful aren't they? Just as a snowflake, it makes the bloom a one of a kind. Oh, what a great idea for that mirror!

Balisha said...

I love to come here...it's like another world for me. Your flowers are so different than mine...that's what makes your blog so interesting. I do love that Crepe Myrtle. You are clever clever people.
Balisha

Anonymous said...

FlowerLady - you are an inspiration in so many ways! I love this post and all your beautiful flowers.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

I am with Balisha, love to visit you. Everything so different from my beginning garden at edge if the dark and damp woods :)
You give me some ideas....

Jean Campbell said...

That Crape is lovely. We have pink, regular old Southern Crape Myrtle blooming and the other colors are starting.

Hamelia -- I've been trying to remember that name for days. Thanks.

Sandra said...

Love the bench, it turned out great :)

And the Crape is beautiful.

I do hope you're having a blessed week.

Hugs,
Sandra
xoxo

Lona said...

Your Crape is just gorgeous. The seating area turned out great. Love all of those little venues in your garden. Have a lovely week.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Cute photo of you in the mirror slice. What a neat idea to add sparkle. I really like your new seating area too.
Your flowers looks so big! Is that because you're zoomed in or ar they just big? Beautiful either way.

GRACE PETERSON said...

In your very first photo, on the right hand side you've got an old cement pillar with a cement child resting on top. I LOVE THAT! It's got that aged patina and looks so cool right there where you've got it stationed. Then on the last photo you've got another aged statuary. I love them.

The bottles are cool too. I love your bench under the window and the plants next to it are really interesting. That red tea plant on the end reminds me of living in Hawaii as a kid. Sometimes you'd see them growing in the wild. I know they're a Cordyline of some kind. Anyway, I love them. Your crepy is so pretty. I love that soft lavender color.

Mirrors look really great in the garden, as your photos can attest.

It's always such a pleasure to visit with you, Lorraine. Have a great weekend.

NanaK said...

That Queen Crape is gorgeous. Love those huge blooms. You're still doing lots of structural work for this hot time of the year. Smart of you to listen to your body when it says to stop. I can't believe those beautiful roses in the heat and humidity. Just so special.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Hey FL, You have won a magazine in my second chance drawing. You can thank The Herbal Husband. He drew your name! Please send me your mailing information. xxoo Nancy

BernieH said...

You have been busy! I understand perfectly how the humidity knocks you around and there comes that point when you just can't move any more! Love your Queen Myrtle. I have two of those beautiful trees growing here, but right now the leaves are changing colour and there are no blooms. That red and yellow Orchid is just stunning, and I loved the flower of your dwarf Bauhinia. So many lovely blooms. I also love the way you're going to make use of that unusual mirror! Fabulous stuff.

By the by, I've nominated you for the 'Versatile Blogger' Award. I think that title fits you perfectly. Your posts are always full of gorgeous flowers, interesting 'finds' and wonderful projects.

Diana Studer said...

Oh, the sparkles on the fence will open your garden wide on all sides. Endless vistas thru a magical garden!

Autumn Belle said...

Love the look of your rain drenched flowers. I have a similar crape myrtle tree too.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Lorraine, So nice to meet you. I'm so glad you visited our blog. We too love our flowers --and ours here in the mountains of Tennessee are quite different from yours.

I assume you are in Florida.. At least, your pictures look like you are down south.. I lived in Venice and also in Jacksonville at one time.. Love Florida --but missed the season changes.. SO--I headed back toward home...

Love what you are doing with the old sections of glass.

Love orchids --but don't see them outside up here. We have to visit one of our favorite places, Biltmore, in order to go inside the conservatory to see the orchids and tropical plants there...

Hope you come back to my blog often. I'm posting some of our Roses on Wed.

Hugs,
Betsy