Thursday, August 28, 2014

End of August ~ Wow!

 

Hello Friends ~ Boy oh boy, is this year ever zipping right along. I did have a ‘hint’ or two of fall coming since my last post, but that’s it, tiny hints. For the most part is has really been miserable out. I have worked outside 1-3 hours in the mornings, depending on how it is. Today we had a little rain, which was nice. I was doing some clean up of debris this morning when the sky darkened and the wind picked up. I put away my tools and headed inside and the rain started.

We’ve had so much rain down here the past couple of months that the place has become quite overgrown in some areas. I decided to tackle a couple of them this week.

At the end of the driveway, between the pine tree and the back fence is a pathway into my potting area. You can also see weeds in area from pine tree to my van. All of that needs some serious work.

08-27-driveway-back2

Below is the pathway to my potting area, which I’ve not done anything in since my dear husband left this planet.  I really want to work back there again and this is just a start. More work to be done in the cooler months to come. I’ve a wonderful stainless steel restaurant sink/counter to work at. We found it in an ally many, many years ago when a restaurant was renovating. The reddish/orange flowers are from the Ixora bush, covered in air potato vine. SIGH!  What a pain in the rear they are! 

08-27-potting-area

Forward progress.

08-27-potting-area3

I also started weeding the patio area between the caravan and clothesline.

08-20-clothesline-caravan

This was after weeding but before raking the debris up.  Still a work in progress

08-27-caravan

I mowed the other morning and trimmed trees and shrubs along the driveway. I’m standing at the driveway gate looking north.

08-27-driveway-back

This is looking south through the gate. 5 lane road out front, 45 mph speed limit, but people go faster to beat the light at the corner 3-4 blocks to the west. Across the street used to be cow pastures many years ago.

08-27-drive-way-front

When I went out last evening to take pics, I saw this 4 o’clock in full bloom.  I wish you could smell the sweet fragrance of these flowers.

08-27-4-oclocks

08-27-4-oclocks2

08-27-4-oclocks3

Here are what I’ve always call ‘bleeding hearts’ Florida style.  They are Clerodendrum splendens.

08-27-bleeding-hearts

This is Lavendula pinnata, from my friends Nanci & John.  This smells wonderful!  It is not edible though.

08-27-lavendula-pinnata

Black Eastern swallowtail butterfly.

08-28-swallotail

08-28-swallowtail2

This is inside the ‘cat-rium’. The wall is the workshop’s east wall.  Sunlight is shining through the stained glass window on the west wall of workshop. The iron pieces on either side of the window are old screen door inserts.  Aren’t they cool?  I need to repaint them.  I did just see a can of exterior high gloss enamel so that is another project for the future. This area is still a work in progress. 

The little round piece on the wall to the right is a pull-out clothesline. The reason I am showing this photo is because of the new addition, the little lion wall fountain.

DH and I were going to make a fountain using a cement lions head that has a hole in it’s mouth, but alas, that is one of the projects that we didn’t accomplish. I’ve been looking at small fountains online over the past few months, and just Sunday morning I was looking at an email I had sent myself about one seen in HD. I checked it out again, and couldn’t justify spending the money on one, so deleted the email.

I went to early church service with a widow friend of mine Sunday, and we were joined by her daughter. After the service they decided to go to Denny’s and asked did I want to go too. They told me that there’s been a run of inexpensive breakfasts $2, $4, & $6. So, I decided to be brave and do something out of my comfort zone, and said sure.

We all went for the $2 sausage covered biscuit with hash browns and I got a glass of o.j. too. It was good, and for the price and being with friends, worth it. While we were eating, my friend was telling her daughter about my little place, how peaceful it is, etc. and the daughter asked me if I’d like a small wall fountain. She no longer wanted it. I asked how much, and she said I could have it. I thanked her and said I’d love it. WOW! Can you believe that? Not a coincidence.

So, Monday I was at our widow’s group staff meeting at my friends house and her daughter brought the fountain.  I could hardly wait to get home to try it out. It worked and is so soothing.  I even had it plugged in yesterday morning while I was trimming in the ‘secret garden’, and it was great, then I went to hang up clothes and could still hear it there. I still can’t get over how it all worked out, but I do believe God was behind it all. A little gift from Him to me and I am thankful. He cares even for little inconsequential things in our lives. I know Mark would like this, and if he can see it, he’s happy for me too.

The two light green potted trees are there because I haven’t decided where to put them yet.  They have huge thorns, get bright pink flowers, and grow to about 40’ tall.  A customer from work grew these from seeds. They need to be repotted while I contemplate where on earth to put them.

I may paint the fountain, as it is cement covered fiberglass, no all that pretty.  But I think she had it indoors, maybe it will get a nice patina on it if I just leave it alone.  I do plug in into a GFCI outlet.

08-27-catrium

08-27-lion-fountain2

08-27-lion-fountain

Let’s see, what’s next. Oh yea, my three ‘45th anniversary’ celebration roses came Tuesday. They were mailed on Monday. Of course, we’re in the same state, but I was still impressed. These are ‘babies’. I’ve moved them up front and placed them on the stand in front of my window, so that I can watch them grow. I also have ‘Rose de Rescht’ there too.  It has a bud on it, yippee. It has a wonderful old rose scent. (That was given to me by Deb and her hubby Charles. Her blog is: A Day In the Life’)

There is a saying about roses, "first year sleeping", “second year creeping", “third year leaping”. So, I’m looking forward to watching these babies grow.

08-26-45th-anni-roses

Roses in bloom today.

The first two are ‘Mr. Lincoln’. A wonderful deep old rose scent.

08-27-mr-lincoln

08-27-mr-lincoln2

These are the ‘Paul McCartney’ rose. This has a delicious rose scent too.  Just wonderful.

08-27-paul-mc

08-27-paul-mc2

Two unknowns.

08-27-unkn

08-27-unkn2

I decided to pick a bouquet this morning before the rain came.

08-28-bouquet

08-28-bouquet2

 

Well, that’s it. This has turned out quite long.  That’s what happens when I don’t post for a week. Smile

Don't go through life, grow through life.
Eric Butterworth

Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady

31 comments:

Morning's Minion said...

What a delightful tour of your property. I am always impressed that your roses thrive in the heat and humidity of FL.
It is a lovely 'treat' that you have your little fountain--each time you look at it you will recall the special way that it came to you.

Julie said...

My goodness, Lorraine...what a post! I seriously do not know how you keep up with all of that yardwork! You must truly enjoy it, as I think I would go inside and never go out (which is almost what I do over here)!!! I love your 4 o'clocks! So sweet, and maybe one day I can find some to smell. They sound just lovely. How tall and bushy do they get? Maybe I could find a place here for one. Can they take full sun?

I was making huge paper flowers today. I just posted about them.

That Denny's breakfast sounded so good. They closed ours up here, but there is one on 45th...or is it Blue Heron? West of I95. I never get there since it is so far out. Maybe I need to plan a trip!

Take care.
xoxo- Julie

Ruth Hiebert said...

Fascinating photos. The roses are spectacular as always.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Lorraine, It's so glad to hear from you and see your pretty little home/yard... I know how many memories you have around there...

That new wall fountain is PERFECT for you. That had to have been God's work for sure... It is perfect at your house --and it must be SO peaceful.

Mr. Lincoln is one of our favorite old roses... It's one of the first ones George ever had many many years ago. I love the fragrance..

Hope you have a good weekend --and try to stay cool down there.

Hugs,
Betsy

Nancy J said...

Beautiful roses, a lunch out, and your fountain, it is so " YOU"!! and runs perfectly, what a wonderful addition to the wall, Down here another frost, zero Celsius to start the day, and guess what?? No splitting today, Ann and Hugh finished the last rounds yesterday. So a few days rest till the next lot come down. Take care, hugs,Jean

Rebecca said...

I'm clapping my hands over the fountain! I'm SO happy for you. Neighbors have some four-o-clocks. We're never out walking when they are blooming but they've told us how fragrant they are! You've done some serious weeding, Lorraine! You have a lot to keep up with there....

shirley said...

Oh Lorraine, what a lot of work you have to do in the garden, but soon it will be cool enough for you to venture out for longer and I am sure you will accomplish all you need to.
We have four oclocks here and they come up from their own seed every year.
Your fountain and window surround are definitely "you" and how wonderful to come by them without cost. I am sure you will get much enjoyment from them.

Sally said...

Hi Lorraine,
Like you, I don't believe in coincidences....the fountain has a lions head! How cool is that!! You have such lovely roses...Abe Lincoln
is perfection! Happy Gardening!

Claire said...

Wow, you have been busy!! I rather like the wild look, though it's amazing how you've opened it all up...
And nothing beats a vase of garden roses :)
I've responded to your sculpture question over on my blog - thanks so much for visiting x

L. D. said...

Sometimes I get started on a blog and it just gets to be longer than normal. Your blog was great from start to finish. I enjoyed it all. The fountain is a great addition. Your roses really are doing well. Rains can play havoc on roses so it is good to pick them before the rain. Thanks for sharing.

Annie said...

Wow, you have been busy! I like your rose called Paul. What a blessing with the fountain.

madcapper said...

Lorraine, I so enjoyed your post, and I am sure God sent that fountain your way! Enjoy it. I have followed and read a lot of blogs over the years but seldom comment. Your post touched me. Thank you.
I used to read Tom's Seventh Street Cottage blog and am wondering has anyone heard any thing from him much since he stopped posting? Just hope he is ok. I really enjoyed all the different plants and beds he was always working on.
Enjoy the coming good weather for working out in the yard........Judy

M.E. Masterson said...

Wonderful post...I can smell the roses from here.... love water features.. so soothing to the soul!

CYNTHIA CRANE said...

Loved seeing and reading about the enchanted little wonderland you call 'home'! So many lovely, and unique, blossoms growing in your part of the country. Your 'cat-rium' is just lovely and the fountain is perfect there!

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

I love the fountain
and for years thought of one.
But being by the woods
and mosquitos
do not need it...

M.K. said...

Hi, dear friend. Thanks for sharing all this beauty and creativity with us. I love it when the rain splattering begins, and you dash inside just in time, and get to sit and hear the comforting rain outside. One of my favorite times. I'm comforted by the sound of water -- I'm so happy about your fountain! What a direct answer from our God that He loves you and cares for you! That is a comfort to me also. I need to be reminded. I love the assembly against the wall with the fountain. Do plant those thorn trees far away where they won't scratch you when you're clearing out. And your clearing-out work is amazing! Sheds appear! :) Good job. We can tell you love your yard work!

Kit said...

How wonderful you have a fountain! I have a few in my yard and they never fail to please. Enjoy! Love, Kit

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Your husband would be proud......it all looks beautiful! You are one busy lady!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

You have worked hard and it certainly shows! Your gardens are lovely!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

I'm so pleased I managed to grab a few minutes internet time while I"m away, what a visit to your place Lorraine! Always love your images and hearing what you're up to around the garden and house and how you're doing.
Just a quick cruise-by!
Hugs
Rose

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

You have some beautiful flowers in your garden and also some overgrown corners. Over the last few days my children have been busy taming one area of overgrown garden in our yard. Spring and Autumn are often the very best seasons to enjoy time in the garden.

sweetbay said...

Your bouquet of roses is lovely. The four o'clocks are in bloom here too and they do smell so sweet.

Congrats on the new wall fountain. It sounds like a wonderful addition to your garden.

organicgardendreams said...

Dear Lorraine, how wonderful that you got the fountain that you desired. I can imagine that the sound of the water is pretty soothing!
The Black Eastern Swallowtail looks amazing! Sooo... beautiful.
I am glad that you got your rose babies. They look pretty good as far as I can see on the photo. Hope they will bloom well for you and can't wait for more photos! Have a nice rest of the week! Warm regards,
Christina

Darcie said...

I can only agree with you when thinking about how quickly this year is flying by!! It's hard to wrap my mind around it sometime.

I love when you give us glimpses into your piece of paradise in your corner of the world, makes me smile every time to think of you surrounded by all you love, and all the memories you hold dear. How absolutely wonderful about the foundation...love stories like that.

Balisha said...

I'm late in reading this. The fountain was meant to be with you. I know how much you will enjoy it.
I love that you put the "baby roses" where you can watch them. Kind of like a human baby....needing special care.
Soon you will be able to be out more...when it isn't so hot and we will be inside watching snow out the window. I so enjoy your blog...knowing that you are able to garden and share it with me during the winter months.
Have a nice weekend,
Balisha

Marti said...

I imagine gardening 7 days a week is a necessity in Florida where everything seems to flourish.

I have a stainless steel commercial kitchen cart and love it. I wish mine had a sink though.

Your four-o-clock are gorgeous. I have some, though I wish I had never planted it, but it has never had blooms like that.It's way too invasive where I have it.

I LOVE your screen inserts. We had one similar when I was a kid. Yours are a perfect fit around your window.

I've always wanted a wall fountain too, but like you, I just can't spend the money on it. I think you are right, that God know about our needs and wants, even the small things.

I wonder how the Paul McCartney rose got its name. Interesting.

Marti said...

Well, I had a long comment and got an oops response after I sent it.

I love your fountain and like you, I believe God knows our wants and needs since He is with us every minute. It's a comfort to know that he looks out for our every need, no matter how small.

gld said...

I am behind in reading again.....

I love the fountain and also believe it was meant to be. Would you believe I have been looking online and various water features too. The assisted living place where Max's mother is has several out front and I loved the sound. It is so soothing. Now you need to take some time to just sit and enjoy the sounds and the sunshine.

GRACE PETERSON said...

Hi Lorraine, I know today is a very important day for you. I'm praying that you will be especially blessed. I love the story of your fountain. What a blessing and great illustration of how going out of your comfort zone can be a blessing.

I really love that entire wall and I don't think the screen inserts need paint. I like them aged and a teensy bit rusty. I love the chairs too especially the rusty one.

Good job on clearing all the weeds. It's quite a job isn't it? I'm glad you're getting rain though.

Your Four O'Clocks are gorgeous. I need to get my nose down and see if mine have a scent. I grew that Clerodendrum last year. Unfortunately with our colder-than-normal winter it didn't survive.

I hope your anniversary roses perform beautifully for you. Take care my friend.

camp and cottage living said...

Lorraine
You have sure been busy, Lady.
I'm so amazed at all of your beautiful flowers and you're still adding to them!
I like the fountain that the Lord gifted you with too. He does care about the little things in life too!

Sallysmom said...

Hope all is well with you. Missing your posts.