bwisegardening

Rain Gardens

2012-01-31T20:37:00.003-06:00

Several months ago I posted about a little garden I saw at West Meade Middle School and was impressed at the care that was being given to educate students with hands-on ecology lessons. Today I got an email from Mekayle Houghton, the Program Director for Cumberland River Compact and she gave me a little more information about their Rain Gardens For Nashville website. Did you know that teachers can go to their website and download Lesson plans for grades K-12 to help them teach about rain gardens? They also have a Resource Guide that you can download for planning, designing, and maintaining a rain garden. Even if you aren't lucky enough to live in Nashville ;) you can still learn a lot about creating a rain garden from this site.

Container Gardening

2012-01-26T17:42:00.001-06:00

I've been at the ANLA Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky this week talking plants and landscape management. I feel like all this plant info is starting to flow outta my head!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

A Giveaway That Will Get You Clucking!

2012-01-21T19:37:00.004-06:00

Timber Press has recently released Free-Range Chicken Gardens. In this essential handbook, award-winning garden designer Jessi Bloom covers everything a gardener needs to know, including chicken-keeping basics, simple garden plans to get you started, tips on attractive fencing options, the best plants and plants to avoid, and step-by-step instructions for getting your chicken garden up and running.

They're planning a month- long giveaway from January 18—February 21 where entrants can win:

· $50 gift card for chicken feed or supplies from McMurray Hatchery

· One chicken coop plan from The Garden Coop (a $20 value)

· 1 lb. of organic chicken forage blend and seeds for chicken-friendly plants from Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply (a $20 value)

· A copy of Free-Range Chicken Garden

Readers can enter by submitting their email address on their contest page.

Winter Container Idea

2012-01-21T18:34:00.002-06:00

Took this picture mid-January

'Edmee Gold' Lonicera, 'Scotch Broom' Cytisus scoparius,Heuchera, Ivy, pansies.

Westward Ho!

2012-01-20T21:50:00.005-06:00

In about two weeks I'll be heading back to Seattle for the Northwest Flower and Garden Show so I've been perusing photos of my time there in July. Just thought I share a few of the beautiful plants I saw while I was there - like this orange tiger lily.
And garden paths leading through luscious plant growth .
Some plants I'd never seen.
And some that were down-right otherworldly.With entrenched colors unaltered by Seattle's seldom sun.
And a glimpse at some of the container gardens you'll see throughout my seminars while I'm there. Can't wait to see the exhibits at the show!!
This combo of Cordyline, Autumnalis Fuschia, and some other fuschia just about tempted me to stay in this temperate zone last summer.

Northwest Flower and Garden Show!

2012-01-16T17:39:00.004-06:00

12:00 PM Thursday

The WOW! Factor
Principles of Creating Beautiful Container Gardens

Barbara Wise

10:00 AM Friday

Container Garden Compositions
Transform a Garden into a Symphony of Sensations

Barbara Wise

Photos are 2011 NWFGS winners - complements of The Garden Show

Tic Tac Toe

2012-01-14T19:34:00.004-06:00

When I was growing up, Tic Tac Toe was the interactive game of choice for idling away a boring wait. I remember that I was always supposed to start with the 0 in the middle. This picture brought back that memory for some reason.

A Little Winter Beauty

2012-01-10T19:47:00.005-06:00

Today I was walking into the Resident's Club at Westhaven and had to snap a picture of this awesome Rainbow Drooping Fetterbush (Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'). This part sun groundcover shrub likes a moist ground and some room to spread out. I love using it in containers - here with Cryptomeria
but love it with red twig dogwood also.

The Growing Zone - New Year's Day 2012

2012-01-01T20:53:00.013-06:00

There are several reasons why I enjoy New Year's Day so much: all day football, black-eyed pea salad, the boys home from school, and a chance to look at new ways of growing. This New Year's Day I want to show you two examples of growing against the odds - of being willing to thrive where others may think it impossible.

The picture above is an Abutilon (Flowering Maple - zones 8-10) that I had in a hanging basket at my home this summer where it was extremely happy all spring, summer, and fall. Then we got hit with several 25 degree overnight temps before I remembered to bring it in and I thought it was toast. But these last few weeks have been unseasonably warm - temps in the 60s - and I looked out my window to see new leaves had sprouted on the Abutilon over the weeks. This plant shouldn't have survived. But it defied the odds - in a hanging basket no less!
In the picture above, the husband of my friend Kimberly Mote is making Christmas cookies for the first time. Blind since birth, Gordon Mote has spent his whole life defying the odds. At 3 he began playing the piano, and Gordon became one of the first blind students in the country to mainstream into the public school system, graduating from high school with honors, while serving as band captain of his high school's award winning marching band. During his time in college, he began capturing the attention of some of the music industry's brightest names, including Grammy winning recording artist Lee Greenwood, who hired Mote as keyboard player and background vocalist just two days after graduation. Throughout his exciting career, he has shared the stage with such popular performers as Martina McBride, Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood and famed Grand Ole Opry star, Porter Wagoner. Crossing the genre of country and Christian music, Gordon is a sought after performer who travels the country to entertain and uplift with his ear tickling and soul stirring music.

But Gordon had never made Christmas cookies! This year, his wife Kimberly decided it was time for him to learn so he could join in all the fun of holiday baking. I'm thinking that teenage daughter, Samantha might have picked out that apron for him... I'm also thinking that being blind doesn't protect a parent from teenage pranks.The Oreo balls are done. And Gordon has proven once again that there are still ways to grow, to learn, to defy the odds and do what others say is impossible.
"If You Could See Through My Eyes" by Gordon Mote

May your year be filled with opportunities to grow, even in the hard places, to live against the odds, to find hope in the impossible.
Grow where you are planted.

First of All to End the Year - An Apology

2011-12-31T19:45:00.016-06:00

In less than an hour, 2011 will simply be a short little bar on my facebook timeline, captured through thousands of photographs, blog posts, email messages, and moments seared indelibly in my mind.

A year of bold steps forward,

A year of tentative steps and uncertainty A year where some steps are best washed away.

A year filled with steep wonderful highs and deep heartbreaking lows
and that type of emotional mountain climbing has worn me out. I'm ready for a year of gentle rolling hills and calmer waters.

So as I've been winding down from this intense year, I realize that I jumped too quickly into another big commitment (The Growing Zone - a daily look at what is growing on around us) without fully considering the impact on my family. For the past few weeks, I made a choice to put down the computer and chose family time over a self-imposed need to work, to write, or to post. So I apologize to my fun friends I've met through this blog that I started something that I know now that I need to tune back - the blogs in the future will be a little less frequent but hopefully more informative. You all continue to bring me encouragement, you have walked with me in those valleys and rejoiced with the peaks. I wish you all a Happy New Year filled with peace and joy and focused priorities, and wish you a year of healthy growing in heart, mind, soul,
and garden.

The Growing Zone - Dec. 26

2011-12-26T18:48:00.001-06:00

My friend, Kathy Wallace, had several families over for a Christmas eve luncheon and wanted to do something quick, easy, and inexpensive for her two empty front containers. She found two fresh wreaths at the abandoned Christmas tree lot (all they wanted was for you to leave a donation for whatever you took) and these silver spray painted stems and instant pretty planter!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

The Growing Zone - Day 49

2011-12-21T19:30:00.003-06:00

Just in case some of you wondered how some of us Tennessee rednecks decorate for Christmas...

Or how we winterize our garden tools...

Or DIY a garden swing...

yes, it's true, I didn't take any of these pictures - got them off an email. But you havta admit they are pretty funny.
This is redneck Wednesday.

The Growing Zone - Day 48

2011-12-20T19:24:00.005-06:00

'Twas A Week Before Christmas

The Myth of Winter’s Rest

‘Twas a week before Christmas and all through the ground

The roots were all resting and no moles could be found.

The mulch was all laid in the garden with care

With hopes that no weeds would try to grow there.

The roses were nestled all snug in their bed

While visions of blossoms danced in my head.

The overalls, gloves, and my wide-brimmed had

Were hung by the fireplace where I leisurely sat.

When out of my mailbox there came such a flurry

Of plant catalogs that were saying, “Buy! Hurry!”

I read “Plant Delights” from cover to cover

‘Cuz Tony Avent knows his plants like a lover.

New hostas, agaves, hydrangeas abound -

Each catalog offers a new treasure that’s found.

I jump in my wandering car to explore

Mary’s Greenhouse, Randolph's Greenhouses, Saul’s Plants and more!

At Hewitt’s I ask John Bradley about trees

To replace those I lost from the drought and the freeze.

On the phone I am calling to locate a new vine

That I saw in “Fine Gardening”, “Horticulture”, or “Garden Design”.

I dash away over to another seminar:

“Southern Garden Symposium” in Georgia – it’s not very far.

I fill up my mind with garden books that I’ve read.

(Allan Armitage’s books are all piled by my bed.)

Redesigned my old garden to include a new plant;

Cleaned and sharpened my tools and replaced those I can’t.

I wiped off my brow and gave a low whistle

‘Cuz the winter all flew like the down off a thistle.

I shout as I’m running from spot to spot fast,

“Hurry planning your garden because winter won’t last!”

(with greatest respect to Clement Clarke Moore)

The Growing Zone - Day 47

2011-12-19T19:46:00.005-06:00

My friend, Joan Benton, reminded me recently about what a wonderful place Moore and Moore Garden Center is for getting container gardening ideas. Here are a few Christmas container ideas that I snapped a few weeks ago.

Kinda leaves you wanting...
...Moore and Moore!

The Growing Zone - Day 46

2011-12-18T18:12:00.007-06:00

One of the harsh realities of growing is the inevitability of dying.

Today's post is for one of my sons' most lively high school friends, Meredith Fara Avery: June 8, 1991 - December 17, 2011. This beautiful gypsy girl had a passion about life that was inspirational, a faith in Christ that was genuine and transforming, and an enjoyment for life that was contagious. Her random pop-up facebook chats - "Hi Mrs. Wise! Are you still planting lots of flowers?" were a reflection of her warm thoughtfulness and engaging heart.

This was a picture that Meredith posted on Facebook on April 15, 2011. Her time was short, but the life she lived was time fully used to enrich those around her. Life takes time, yet we know not our time - love deeply, laugh often, forgive easily, work diligently, listen intensely, and never let fear keep you from that great adventure in life.

The Growing Zone - Day 45

2011-12-17T23:22:00.005-06:00

A touch of lime - at Bloedel Reserve in Seattle, Washington

The Growing Zone - Day 44

2011-12-15T20:09:00.004-06:00

I was crazy about this container with its mix of textures between the banana leaves, lobelia, calibrachoa, Autumnal fuschia, black petunias, and a couple of other plants. What I enjoyed the most about the container's placement was the echeveria flowers growing in front of the container that seemed to be saying, "Look at me, look at me - I'm pretty, too!"
(The Epping's home in Seattle, WA.)

The Growing Zone - Day 43

2011-12-14T20:18:00.004-06:00

If you're feelin blue...

The Growing Zone - Day 42

2011-12-13T19:59:00.004-06:00

Just a little something from this summer's garden tours in Seattle - this container planting with glass art just made me smile. Kind of Dr. Seuss-y

The Growing Zone - Day 41

2011-12-12T20:38:00.005-06:00

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. ~Anne Lamott

Today, I just needed to be reminded of hope and one of the greatest symbols of hope are bulbs - tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, and fritillaria.
All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope. Winston Churchill

TheGrowing Zone - Day 40

2011-12-11T21:17:00.004-06:00

I love finding special or unique "Gathering Spaces" in people's gardens. These are a few I found this past Thanksgiving on my walk around Chastain Park in Atlanta.

The Growing Zone - Day 39

2011-12-10T17:26:00.008-06:00

As I've mentioned before in "The Growing Zone", horticulture and the world of landscaping and gardening can serve as a backdrop to either reflect or expose what is going on or growing on inside of us. The stories of a garden are in many ways the stories of life, and sometimes I simply have to remember the truths that God has taught me through my interaction with His botanical handiwork to gain direction for other areas in my life.
When one of my sons was young and wanted to be outside with me while I was working in the yard, he decided he would help me by pulling up all the "weeds" that were in one of my flower beds. By the time I got over to see what he was doing, over 200 of the crocus and daffodil bulbs that I had planted the previous fall had been pulled up. I was aghast. But the hardest thing to bear was the misunderstanding in my son's face when, after he had thought he worked so hard to help me and couldn't wait to see my pleasure, all he saw was dismay and disappointment. That precious relationship between mother and son, between nurturing soil and growing bulb was briefly interrupted. Forgiveness became the soil that regrew relationship as we worked together to replant bulbs and restore what had been removed. Some of the bulbs survived, some did not, and some didn't bloom until the following year.
Over the years I have found myself on both sides of the forgiveness field - the one needing to forgive and the one needing forgiveness. Sometimes I have been the unwitting puller of crocus causing deep disappointment in another. Left to lie on top of the ground, a relationship that has been pulled by its roots because of words or actions that have been misunderstood or misspoken will never have a chance to bloom again. Restoration comes when forgiveness is coupled with genuine sorrow and repentance where needed. With tears as healing rain and understanding as healthy sunshine, regrowth can begin.

My gardening friend, Helen Weis, recently posted this with the comment that "Forgiveness is not what effects them... Forgivess is what effects you."
My wish this Christmas season is that regrowth and restoration be accomplished within all our lives. The Christmas story is one of love and redemption, and most of all about forgiveness.

"Mary, Did You Know" video

The Growing Zone - Day 38

2011-12-09T20:34:00.004-06:00

Hollies in the snow - one of the simple beauties of winter time. Natural Christmas decor.

The Growing Zone - Day 37

2011-12-08T20:14:00.005-06:00

Through out my blog you'll hear me refer to my container planting mentor and plantswoman extraordinare, Rita Randolph of Randolph Greenhouses in Jackson, Tennessee.
These are a few of her Christmas combinations to inspire you.
The fern in these pictures is Rita's own introduction called Rita's Gold.

The Growing Zone - Day 36

2011-12-07T20:25:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

The Growing Zone - Day 35

2011-12-06T20:08:00.005-06:00

More Christmas decorating ideas using fresh greenery or container plantings

The Growing Zone - Day 34

2011-12-05T20:50:00.003-06:00

This is one of my favorite Christmas containers. Red twig dogwood is so underused in winter containers!

And You Thought Your Bed Was Cold

2011-12-04T21:30:00.003-06:00

The Growing Zone - Day 33

2011-12-04T18:52:00.003-06:00

Just a couple more pictures from Chastain Park - how I wish I could get to plant these mega-planters. I would definitely call my Atlanta garden guru friend Geri Laufer to come help ;)
These containers are about 5 feet across.

The Growing Zone - Day 32

2011-12-02T23:05:00.005-06:00

Walking around Chastain Park in Atlanta last week, I loved seeing these Rosemary hedges. Great idea for those in zones 7 and warmer.
The fastigiated Hornbeams look great, too!

The Growing Zone - Day 31

2011-12-01T20:23:00.002-06:00

Edible beauty.

The Growing Zone - Day 30

2011-11-30T21:00:00.004-06:00

Japanese barberry and meatball shrubs - a strange but oddly appealing combination.

The Growing Zone - Day 29

2011-11-29T20:38:00.005-06:00

Following in yesterday's footsteps of clever cottages for the garden, check out this one from Lorene Edwards Forkner that I saw in her fun and kitchy Seattle garden. Lorene has a great book out called Handmade Garden Projects if you love taking treasured, well-loved items and putting them to new use.

The Growing Zone - Day 28

2011-11-28T22:22:00.003-06:00

Repurposing done right.
Yesterday's Bonneroo vehicle = today's playhouse.

The Growing Zone - Day 27

2011-11-27T19:03:00.005-06:00

This home in Nashville was on tour but I was drawn to this welcoming little corner in their back yard.

The Growing Zone - Day 26

2011-11-27T00:54:00.005-06:00

Traffic and the Auburn/Alabama football game kept me from getting home in time to post this before midnight, this is supposed to be Day 26.

I loved these hydrangeas I saw yesterday at the Chastain Park area in Atlanta.

The Growing Zone - Day 25

2011-11-25T14:22:00.003-06:00

You got somethin' to hide?
Big sis's new house has this utility box smack dab in the middle of their front yard so they've surrounded it with Encore Azaleas - blooming now in mid-November in Atlanta. They'll eventually be big enough to hide this eyesore.

The Growing Zone - Day 24

2011-11-24T20:00:00.001-06:00

Thankfulness is the bridge that takes us from restlessness to contentment

The Growing Zone - Day 23

2011-11-23T21:23:00.003-06:00

My darling niece, Paige Jones, on her European adventure experienced a world-wide appreciation of The Growing Zone. Check out the planters at her French bed and breakfast in Avignon.
French vineyards

The Growing Zone - Day 22

2011-11-22T20:29:00.003-06:00

Sky Pencil holly Ilex crenata, pansies and violas, and Nandina Filamentosa

The Growing Zone - Day 21

2011-11-21T20:40:00.003-06:00

More reasons for planting bulbs - and plan on visiting Dallas Bloom Days in March and April!
So why is the beautiful Narcissus flower associated with the awful narcissistic personality? Well mythology tells us that Narcissus was a beautiful man who spurned love from all who sought him out because of his own vanity. The goddess Artemis made Narcissus fall in love with his own reflection in a pond from which he could not leave because he was so enamored with himself. He died at that spot and a white flower, with a blood-red rimmed cup, grew every spring where he died.

The Growing Zone - Day 20

2011-11-20T22:08:00.002-06:00

Just a few reasons why you should plant bulbs...

Welcome Home, Jonathan Wise

2011-11-20T20:49:00.003-06:00

Poppa Jon and Aiden
Jonathan and Alex
Dad (my hubby, Steve) flew to Hawaii for the homecoming
Steve, Jonathan, Aiden, Alex (with baby due in just a few weeks - doesn't she look fabulous!), and Alex's mom Donna

The Arrival

The Growing Zone - Day 19

2011-11-19T20:20:00.006-06:00

Yesterday my #2 son was on Beale Street enjoying classic blues

But look for the blues throughout out your own garden - in the plants
and the containers
or the beautiful sky

The Growing Zone - Day 18

2011-11-18T21:00:00.002-06:00

So what did you notice in the picture above? The container, the sunbeam, or my awesome work truck?

Late afternoon in November - some of the wonders of The Growing Zone

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

The Growing Zone - Day 17

2011-11-17T21:51:00.004-06:00

Y'all remember my big garden install project that I mentioned on Day 1 that was pushing me into The Growing Zone?

Added a few trees and shrubs

Insta-park! Just add water and it grows!!
Lesson learned when finishing off this project: with the steep slopes of these beds, we used pine straw as our mulch - won't wash away like hardwood, pine fines, or pine nuggets.

The Growing Zone - Day 16

2011-11-16T21:08:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday
(Thanks, Chris Peake, for the great ideas!)

The Growing Zone - Day 15

2011-11-15T19:31:00.005-06:00

As I mentioned on the first day of The Growing Zone, life right now has me in a growing zone - as a profession and professionally. Everyday I'm being challenged to understand WHY I do what I do as well as learning new aspects of what my job entails in garden installation. I love the challenge of digger deeper to not just know what I need to know, but to understand it. It seems to me that knowledge may make me work smarter, but understanding will make me work more effectively.

So why am I showing you pictures of Christmas decorations used with fresh greenery? Because sometimes you have to take things from the growing zone and use them in ways you haven't quite imagined - like using fresh cut greenery from cypress, junipers, and magnolias to fill your windowboxes for Christmas. Or Nandina berries to accent your mailbox arrangement
Like taking the lessons I've been learning and applying them to life close at home. I've been challenged professionally to let go and entrust the things that I love to others capable of getting things done that need to be done.
Today I'm having to take that part of the growing zone that I'm learning in my work and use it in my family life. Tough health news and tough job forecasts with hubby's work make me realize how much all of life's lessons need to intersect. I'm clipping off branches from my professional growing zone and bringing them home - learning to let go and entrust the things I love to others capable of getting things done that need to be done.
The Growing Zone just got bigger.

The Growing Zone - Day 14

2011-11-14T20:45:00.004-06:00

Electric Lime Heuchera, pansy, Euphorbia Rainbow Ascot, Yuletide camellia

Give this Georgia gal what I love - you're going to see a lot of camellias in The Growing Zone! How far north have you seen them grown?

The Growing Zone - Day 13

2011-11-13T17:29:00.005-06:00

The side porch at the Westhaven Resident's Club is one of my favorite spots to try out new plants. This winter I didn't get too adventuresome - my new for this area was a standard form (topiary) Loropetalum in the wall-side containers. I'll be interested to see how they handle a zone 6 winter as a standard form (they are zoned to zone 7).
Winter 2008

The Growing Zone - Day 12

2011-11-12T19:13:00.002-06:00

A winter window box made with Variegated False holly Osmanthus 'Goshiki' and 'Plentifall' violas

The Growing Zone - Day 11

2011-11-11T23:22:00.001-06:00

Downtown Knoxville has it's own Growing Zone with the secret courtyard next to trendy Cafe 4 and the many stores with clusters of planters or window boxes. I'm here for tomorrow's Running With Hope race to raise awareness of the need to assist homeless families. Nope, not running - just a volunteer.
Enjoying so much this revitalized downtown area. Businesses and planters all seem to be growing well.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

11/11/11 - Veteran's Day

2011-11-10T21:28:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow, wake up and take in the reality of the freedom you have to voice your opinions, to worship as you desire, to dress as you desire (unless you're my son), to choose who you want as your life partner, to receive an education - thank a veteran. Enjoy your freedoms and remember the price that it cost.
Walk alongside a veteran this Friday

Walk alongside a veteran everyday

The Growing Zone - Day 10

2011-11-10T20:07:00.006-06:00

Just a few things you can see around Franklin, Tennessee in November...

Cold weather can be hydrangeas' friend
Gold chamaecyparis, purple pansies, and red carpet sedum

Yellow twig dogwood, lirope and pansies

Pansy bed waiting for bulbs to be planted

A sedum skirted planter (that's Angelina sedum) filled with Berkman's Gold Arborvitae, Red Bor Kale, and pansies

The Growing Zone - Day 9

2011-11-09T19:51:00.002-06:00

In honor of the CMA Awards tonight:

here are some containers I did for country music singer Heidi Newfield - one of the absolutely sweetest and down-t0-earth gals you'll ever meet

The Growing Zone - Day 8

2011-11-08T19:46:00.003-06:00

Windstone containers - this is now what I do for fun

The Growing Zone - Day 7

2011-11-07T20:30:00.005-06:00

I'm back at work at Open Space 59. (See Day 1)
In the photo above, you'll see super heros Norberto, Isidro, Luis, and Ciro helping me paint this pond park a little green.

First of all, don't you think these corporate folks could come up with some cute little name for these new park-like areas that would inspire more inspiration than "Open Space 59"? Don't you think the installation crew would be more motivated in their work if they knew they were working on THE GRAND PARK or HERITAGE POND PARK?
Second of all,

shoot, there is no second of all cause it's been too long a day and I'm too tired to think.

The Growing Zone - Day 6

2011-11-06T21:44:00.005-06:00

A sneak peak at what is still going strong this morning in my garden.

My New Dawn rose with a late November flush of blooms.

I hope I'm like these roses when I'm in my autumn years - having flourished in spring, persevered through the drought and intensity of summer days, and finished strong even through early frost of encroaching winter bringing beauty to those around them.

Coral bark Japanese maples bring four seasons of beauty here in Middle Tennessee.

I've loved these "Story Book" garden roses - tough miniature roses that have handled well my Tennessee climate extremes.
Even the Angelonia seems to have handled a few 31 degree mornings with little sign of wear and tear.

The Growing Zone - Day 5

2011-11-05T17:18:00.006-05:00

Today was my darling little niece's first birthday, and being the dutiful aunt, I hopped over to the park next to West End Middle School where the big event was to be held. Now, as much as I enjoy hanging out in the jungle gym section taking scads of photos of these precious babies, my eye was drawn to the big spray of blue asters next to the middle school.

As I got closer, I realized that this was a display garden and that the school here had an intentional horticultural and/or ecological program going on.

I wandered past the rain garden to peek around the corner and found a hillside raised garden still crammed with summer's growth of veggies and herbs.

I'm excited about what my little niece will be learning someday in this school if they continue to "grow" this horticultural program and watching her learn about sustaining our world in a responsible and beautiful manner.

But for now, I'll just enjoy watching her eat cake.

The Growing Zone - Day 4

2011-11-04T22:06:00.003-05:00

Another misty, muddy day left me with time to check on some of my other projects. This was in front of the Windstone Clubhouse - one of my favorite summer annuals called Cuphea llavae 'Flamenco Samba'. This heat and drought-loving plant is still going strong after several days of temperatures that dipped to 31 degrees at night. I love the demure Muhly grass waving at me from behind the flashy Cuphea.

The Growing Zone - Day 3

2011-11-03T22:10:00.005-05:00

Rain all day (yea!!) so here are some of the fun winter containers I get to put together in the greenhouse on rainy days.

The Growing Zone - Day 2

2011-11-02T17:56:00.004-05:00

Open Space 59 is starting to get dressed up.

Transformation is a beautiful thing. Tree and shrubs in and just starting to add the perennials. So what did I learn today?

Many hands make light work.

One fact that has been reinforced during this planting - fall really is the best time to plant. You don't get the instant gratification that spring and summer plantings afford (you can hardly see the flowering shrubs and perennials in these pictures), but the lower stress level on the plants is obvious. In spring and summer, when plants are busy growing and blooming, manpower needs to be set aside for diligent watering in the planting process. During this planting, with almost dormant plants, we've been able to spend less time watering and more time finishing the project. And rain is predicted for tomorrow

The Growing Zone - Day 1

2011-11-01T20:28:00.005-05:00

Today was a big day in the life of Open Space 59 - the development lingo for what will soon be a welcoming open area for the families of Westhaven, which one the developments in which I work. This picture was taken last week just after we had roughed in the irrigation (I still have a whole lot to learn on this so I won't even begin to talk about irrigation installation). Today's fun fact - how long do you think it takes 3 guys to plant a 3 caliper tree with a dingo and 30" auger?
No, I'm not speaking in another language. The caliper is the diameter of the tree at chest height. A dingo is a super cool mini-digging machine that I wish I'd had years ago at my own house.
The auger is a huge drill bit that can be attached to the dingo for dinging holes to plant trees in.

Well in ten hours we got 12 trees in the ground - I'll let you do the math.
Yes, boys and girls, I'm learning the joy of figuring out manhours and learning the ways of efficiency.
Day 1 may have been hard work, but the beauty is just beginning.

366 Days of The Growing Zone - Starting Tomorrow!!

2011-10-31T21:36:00.005-05:00

The Growing Zone - A Daily Look at Life Growing All Around Me

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the new events in my life - of taking on greater responsibility in the company that I work for and the learning curve that rises ahead of me. I have a new boss who is pouring information my way on how to manage people well and develop my leadership skills. But the end result of all this is to produce beautiful landscapes: economically sound, ecologically friendly, and ever noteworthy - whether in a tiny townhome courtyard or a 5 acre green space. I see my days ahead being a continual process of growing - whether in knowledge, in understanding, in the greenhouse, or in the landscape. So check in daily to see what new or renewed bit of information that's come my way. "You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension: a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into..." the Growing Zone.

Be prepared for posts that include pictures like this - that remind you of the many reasons to plant those spring blooming bulbs. :)

A Field of Screams?

2011-10-29T17:56:00.005-05:00

I took this picture while visiting Dr. Kessler's Prairie Garden in Indianapolis, Indiana.
I wanted a picture of the flowing field and all its texture and movement.
I was a little freaked out when I downloaded the pictures and saw what else was in this field!

Fall Container Ideas

2011-10-22T21:19:00.003-05:00

The Peter Principle vs. Peter's Principles and The Tale of Two Katies

2011-10-17T23:48:00.002-05:00

The last few days have been very interesting. In a few short weeks my day job has gone from being a venue that I dealt with confidently (annual and container plantings for a large development company) to the huge learning curve job of overseeing the company’s entire landscape and irrigation installation department. I look in the eyes of those I work with and see “but she’s just the ‘the flower lady’” and almost hear their heads rattle as they shake them in dismay. The term ‘the Peter Principle’ seems to be on everyone’s lips.

Was this a position I sought and fought for? No.

Is this a position I embrace. Of course. It never occurred to me that I couldn’t do this job. My only concern has been, “How long until I can do this job with excellence,” and “will I be given the tools to learn my job well.” I tend to ignore the Peter Principle, which is the idea that in business, people are promoted into jobs with duties they cannot fulfill, and hope my focus is more on Peter’s principles.

You may have heard of Peter – he was fisherman who became a disciple of Christ, who was always sticking his foot in his mouth, who seemed to act first and think later, yet Christ chose him to be the person to help build his church. And Peter wrote two letters, the first of which spoke some of how I should handle my responsibilities as an employee (I Peter 2:13-21) by showing respect to all those around me, to do good in all I do, and to serve diligently those I serve. Peter’s life was about hard work, having a teachable spirit, and not being afraid to face his mistakes and learn from them. His influence was felt more deeply because he knew he needed the help of others.

The more I thought about living out Peter’s principles, the more I thought about the stories I have followed over the last few years of two very different Katie’s. Katie deSwanville has a blog called NorCalKatie and I enjoy her thought provoking post and perspective on life and gardening. I gained keen interest in her writing, though, when I read that she had been stricken with spinal meningitis and hovered near death for months. She faced an obstacle that destroys many lives, yet the moxie that I enjoyed in her pre-meningitis days when she would face life’s obstacles and proclaim, “Bring it!” seemed to be her subconscious battle cry in her long recovery. There are no skills for battling death, there is only a passion to live. This is a gal who seems almost polar opposite to most of what I believe socially, politically, and spiritually. But her mantra is “Be not afraid of death.
Be afraid of the unlived life.” The learning curve seems to be her mode of operation.

The other Katie is another 20 something who left for Uganda at age 18 for a year of mission work and has ended up being foster mother to 15 young women and starting a mission to educate and care for hundreds of orphans in this war ravaged country. Katie Davis had no formal skills to do what she did (you MUST read her book, Kisses From Katie), but she had plenty of passion. Her young life has inspired and influenced more lives than most folks ever will, and the thought, "Can I do this?" never seems to part of her forward motion.

So I’m thinking that as I plan to stay away from ‘The Peter Principle’ and follow Peter’s Principles, I might just start saying I’m using the Katie Principle – to look at what is set before me, to use the passion that has driven me to this industry (what a great way to ‘Cultivate a Culture of Gardening’ by setting an example of good gardening principles in landscape installment!), and look that learning curve in the eye and proclaim, “Bring it!”.

Mystery Plants Revealed!

2011-10-07T20:04:00.001-05:00

Day 353 - Supertunia^® Indigo Charm Pentunia
Day 354 - Yubi^® Red Portulaca

Day 355 - Lanai^® Dark Red
Day 356 - Walkabout Sunset^® Lysimachia
Day 357 - Daredevil® Claret Zonal geranium
Day 358 - Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Purple Sweet potato vine (Yea, I know this one was hard to see; took the picture with my phone)
Day 359 - Supertunia® Vista Bubblegum
Day 360 - Intensia® Blueberry Phlox hybrid
Day 361 - Red Glo Echevera (I am guessing on this one myself - I need a succulent expert/PW expert to give me the exact variety!)
Day 362 - Summer Wave®Blue Torenia
Day 363 - Angel Face Dark Violet Angelonia
Day 364 - Inspire Deep Orange pansy

DAY 365 of 365 Days of Container Gardening

2011-10-07T18:31:00.004-05:00

Supertunia Indigo Charm petunia with Saffron calibrachoa, verbena, and Russellia surround a Variegated Lemon Tree.

What a year this has been - sent a son to Afghanistan, had another son graduate from high school, one other son got married, wrote a book, and saw my 50 hr a week horticulture job jump to an oh-too-frequent 60 hrs a week. But before it all began I decide to write a daily blog - and I'll spend another post waxing poetic about the truths I've learned along the way. But folks are eager to have a chance to win something to celebrate this fun year of blogging. So here's what you need to do:
There are TWO chances to win a container gardening prize!
To Win the Fabulous Proven Winners Prize Package (see Sneak Peak at 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway!) all you have to do is make a comment on this post and let me know what is your favorite container from this past year.

To Win a $200+ container from Campania International go to The Flower Ladies of SLC, LLC
facebook page - LIKE my facebook business page and leave a comment on the post that says "WIN A Campania container".

You have until Sunday, Oct. 9, at 3pm to leave your comments (that's about the time I either wake up from my Sunday afternoon nap or about the time the Titan's game is over). The winner will be chosen from a random drawing. Thank-you for this year of support and fun comments and stay tuned for the kick-off of 366 Days of Container Plants!

Day 364 of 365 Days of Container Gardening

2011-10-06T21:36:00.001-05:00

Sitting at Boxwood Bistro tonight waiting for my friend and had to snap a picture of these simple, pretty, and easy windowboxes. The Proven Winners plant won't be hard to find in this one. And check back tomorrow to learn the answer to all the mystery plants and see how you can win my Grand Finale Giveaway!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Day 363 - Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T19:26:00.006-05:00

If you don't know why I want you to try and guess the Proven Winners plant in this container, scroll down to The Great 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway and see what all the fun is about. Only two more days to have fun guessing (you don't have to have a correct answer to win; you just need to comment on day 365). By the way, Darla is on a roll!

Day 362 - These Fourteen Hour Workdays Are Wearing Me Out!

2011-10-04T20:03:00.002-05:00

But fall is high planting time so I'm glad I have a job and there is plenty of work to do.

These are some containers that my co-worker, Yelena, did last spring.

I got to enjoy them today while I was planting pansies in front of this client's home.

And there is a Proven Winners plant amongst all that beauty that you get to guess at. Only 3 more days until all those good guessers get to find out if they were right!

If you don't know why I want you to try and guess the Proven Winners plant in this container, scroll down to The Great 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway and see what all the fun is about.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Day 361 - In Honor of the (Historically) Driest Month of the Year

2011-10-03T19:06:00.005-05:00

I'm thinking I need to do 365 Days of Molbak Garden and Home store. I love this place! Thank you, Alison Conliffe, for taking the group to this store! Here's a succulent bowl from Molbak's that was very striking.
This might be a tougher Proven Winners plant to name.
If you don't know why I want you to try and guess the Proven Winners plant in this container, scroll down to The Great 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway and see what all the fun is about.

Day 360 - Let the Countdown Begin

2011-10-02T21:15:00.004-05:00

I have to be honest with you (ok, I've probably been a little TOO honest with you over the years) but I'm feeling a little superficial. As I sit here writing about the AWESOME countdown to day 365 and the big Giveaway, I'm thinking about my precious daughter-in-law. Alexandra, the first of my two daughter-in-laws, has a countdown going of her own. Except hers carries a greater weight of significance than my silly little countdown. You see, in 49 days her darling husband, who is also my darling son, will be returning from 8 months of military duty in Afghanistan. So I'm thinking that my little flower container countdown will mean that in reality, at Day 365, we're only 44 more days away until Jonathan comes home.
And the hint for today's Proven Winner's plant for you to guess - the cultivar name of this plant is also the name of this darling son's favorite fruit when he was growing up.

Day 359 - PJ's Windowboxes - End of September Beauty

2011-10-01T18:22:00.004-05:00

This Proven Winners plant is my friend PJ's favorite. Hint: this color pops ;)
If you don't know why I want you to try and guess the Proven Winners plant in this container, scroll down to The Great 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway and see what all the fun is about.

When Life Reflects Fiction

2011-10-01T05:59:00.002-05:00

It was like a scene taken from the literary files of William Goldings' Lord of the Flies. We are sitting around a table trying to work out details for upcoming projects: we are not children on a deserted island but are equals in our positions having to work out the details that have been previously outlined for us to accomplish. The interaction begins as to who needs what to survive - which in the business world means getting your assigned tasks done in the time allotted with efficiency and quality output. A tense debate ensues as I begin to stress that we have a guideline to follow - of course I see myself as the protagonist, insisting that we follow the rules set before us and work as a civilized group toward the common good. The antagonist of the group proclaims that he is a realist - that what must be done is based on his reality of what he sees to be done. It is his greater knowledge of what lies before us that we must follow, protecting us from the "Beast", otherwise known as our ignorance of all the needs and demands upon him that he must fullfill to portray his supremacy in our group.
It is an interesting dynamic and I find within myself that survival instinct, to fall into his modus operandi and fight for my way - which would be to follow the guidelines set before us. While I still can self-righteously proclaim that I am fighting for the common good, my instinct is ruled more by anger, which proves ineffective in a business workplace and causes me to lose proper perspective.
I come to realize that I am not going to get much support for my position from others at the table when there arises the character most like Golding's Piggy who, while not given to fighting, is a peace-maker at heart and helps to bring us to a workable solution.
In the end, what the antagonist seems not to realize is that his tasks are brought to fruition not by only his own hand but because of the tireless effort of the group. Much was sacrificed so that he could succeed.
Golding shows that fiction is just daily reality with names and locations changed.

Day 358 - A Night On The Town

2011-09-30T19:29:00.001-05:00

The family is treating me to a night on the town so as we walked the streets of downtown Nashville I saw some cool container plantings: I loved these big pots in front of the Hermitage Hotel and the bamboo pots accenting the crevices of TPAC.
Waiting for the play to begin so I'll see y'all tomorrow

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Day 357 - It's My Birthday And I'll Post If I Want To

2011-09-29T20:15:00.005-05:00

And I do want to post something, but I also want to celebrate with my family.
So here's a quick post of a container with one of my favorite Proven Winner's 'Proven Selection' plants. Plus a picture of yesterday's birthday girl, the delightful Helen Battersby. Please forgive me if I've posted this picture before, but this picture of Helen, who is one of the funniest people I know, is so disconcerted because she can't grow this fabulous Acuba. So pop on over to her blog and remind her of all the things YOU can't grow in your zone and commiserate with her.

If you don't know why I want you to try and guess the Proven Winners plant in this container, scroll down to The Great 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway and see what all the fun is about.

Day 356 - Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T19:47:00.003-05:00

A flashback to Molbak Nursery in Seattle. There are a couple of Proven Winner's 'Proven Selection' in this planter. Some good guessing going on for the last couple of days' posts.
If you don't know why I want you to try and yes the Proven Winners plant in this container, scroll down to The Great 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway and see what all the fun is about.

Day 355 - Time To Say Bye-biscus

2011-09-27T20:31:00.005-05:00

With morning temps hovering around 50, I know it's soon time to say so-long too my summer annuals, especially my wonderful hibiscus. But there's a Proven Winner's plant in these photos that you can guess at identifying. Check back on Day 365 at my grand finale and see if you have guessed them all correctly!
If you don't know why I want you to try and guess the Proven Winners plant in this container, scroll down to The Great 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway and see what all the fun is about.

Day 354 - Oh, The Thrill of A Good Plant Mystery!

2011-09-26T19:19:00.003-05:00

Do you know tonite's Proven Winner plant in this container?

If you don't know why I want you to try and guess the Proven Winners plant in this container, scroll down to The Great 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway and see what all the fun is about.

Mystery Plants Revealed!! Day 353 Thru Day 364 Proven Winners Plants

2011-09-25T20:54:00.005-05:00

Day 353 - Supertunia^® Indigo Charm Pentunia
Day 354 - Yubi^® Red Portulaca

Day 353 - Can You Identify the Proven Winner Plant in This Picture

2011-09-25T20:44:00.005-05:00

See if you can identify the mystery Proven Winner plant (I have left a clue) and leave a comment on Day 365 for a chance to win a Proven Winners Prize Package.

The Great 365 Days of Container Gardening GIVEAWAY

2011-09-25T18:18:00.003-05:00

If you have been following over the last 352 Days, you know that I am a little bit of a plant snob. I love plants that live up to their name - like the plants from Proven Winners. So as a way to say thank you for checking in on this blog over the last year, you will have a chance to win a fabulous gift package from Proven Winners. Check out The Sneak Peak to see the prize package!
This is the way it will work: over the next few days as we wind down to Day 365, I will post a different container that contains at least one Proven Winners plant. Now I love a good plant mystery, and if you do too, see if you can figure out which plant is the PW plant of the day and leave a comment with your guess. But don't worry, guessing is not part of the winning. On Day 365 I'll let you know what each day's mystery plant is. All you have to do is leave a comment on Day 365 of 365 Days of Container Gardening telling me which plant was your favorite plant or how you may have used that plant in your own container - just some kind of comment on that day that will allow you to be entered in the contest. (I will actually allow two days for folks to comments.) On Oct. 7, Ramdom.org will be used to determine the winner.
Have fun checking out the next few days of container plantings!

Day 352 - Succulent Saturday

2011-09-24T17:03:00.002-05:00

I thought these were so cool!

Day 351 - Triple Treat

2011-09-23T18:52:00.003-05:00

Day 350 - An Idea for Fall/Winter Windowboxes

2011-09-22T21:17:00.005-05:00

Autumn fern, Carex grass, pansies, chamaecyparis, erica (mediteranean heath) - wonderful evergreen look for your windowboxes.

Check back soon for info on my 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway!

Sneak Peak at 365 Days of Container Gardening Giveaway!

2011-09-22T20:29:00.005-05:00

Starting this weekend, my "THANK-YOU for visiting my blog during 365 Days of Container Gardening" Giveaway will begin. If you're good at math, that means you have about 2 weeks to win this wonderful package donated by my good friends at Proven Winners.
Check out these goodies:
Slidechart
Gardener’s Idea Book
Igarden t-shirt
Slow release fertilizer
Water soluble fertilizer
Gardening Simplified Catalog

WaterWise Kit
Stationary/Greeting cards
Incredible?! YES!
Stay tuned for how YOU can win!!!

Day 349 - Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T20:28:00.002-05:00

Day 348 - Going Postal Over These Planters

2011-09-20T21:04:00.002-05:00

Golden Jackpot bougainvillea, blue scaevola, and sedum in the strawberry jar pockets have made this a season long beauty.

Sitting on the side of the road waiting on a tow truck, wondering how am I going to get my blog post done, when I remember these pictures I took with my phone yesterday outside my FedEx/UPS/USPS store. The sign over the door?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Day 347 - Two Wonderful Things

2011-09-19T19:58:00.005-05:00

This container from Lockwood Gardens near Buffalo, NY, is wonderfully creative - filled with heirloom geranium, variegated ginger, banana tree, black-eyed susan vine (thunbergia), begonia, lysimachia, and several other things that I can't identify. But peek through those banana leaves and you'll identify my wonderful friend Kylee Baumlee. Today is her birthday so pop over to http://ourlittleacre.blogspot.com/ and wish her a happy birthday. Tell her you were WISE to her special day!

Day 346 - Cousin Itt With Bouffant Hair

2011-09-18T21:38:00.004-05:00

Beauty is said to lie in the eyes of the beholder. When I first saw these blue strawberry jars with their interesting planting in Indianapolis, I was impressed. But one of our entourage came up beside me and said, "Hmmm, reminds me of Cousin Itt with bouffant hair." Not sure I was seeing that but it did give me a good chuckle.
Lysomachia (golden creeping jenny), miniature hostas, and wonderful silver leaf begonia that I wish I knew the name of.

Day 345 - Containers to Show Off the Color Around It

2011-09-17T18:52:00.008-05:00

This planter of sweet potato vine and purple gomphrena makes the petunia and coleus around it look fabulous.

Day 344 - Parenting Lessons From Plants

2011-09-16T20:23:00.005-05:00

Plants at my house don't get pampered. In fact, these planters - picture taken today - were sadly neglected for several weeks as I traveled from plant nerd activities to daughter duties to mom responsibilities all over the southeast. I returned from all my travels last week to find plants that endured heat drought conditions - wilty planters looking way beyond recuperation. But the day after my return, we had 2 full days of slow steady rain.
Do these plants look unloved to you now?
On the other hand, I have several areas where I've had serious over-watering issues due to irrigation problems or over-eager watering personnel. These plants that had too much of a good thing have suffered the worst this summer, most are spindly and weak or bearing few flowers.
Both areas where these plants are growing, the plants are admired, valued, and appreciated. But plant care, like parenting, is a balance of giving and of letting growth occur from roots reaching deep to find what is needed.
Sometimes I need to work in my garden to remember that letting my children feel a little stress along the way is ok. Yes, I'd much rather they have everything - and more - that they need. But I know that for them to learn to reach deep, to reach beyond just what I can provide for them, the stronger they become. And the easier they recover from drought seasons of life around them.

Day 343 - A Classic Look

2011-09-15T20:05:00.004-05:00

Classic blue and white - reminds me of antebellum southern homes (but these were seen in Indianapolis, Indiana)
White mandevilla, Diamond Frost Euphorbia, blue verbena. white begonia, purple petunia

Classy.

Day 342 - Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T19:35:00.003-05:00

Avon Gardens in Indianapolis, Indiana

Day 341 of 365 Days of Container Gardening

2011-09-13T19:47:00.003-05:00

Boring title - beautiful bowl.
Gazania surrounded by a sedum hybrid called Fine Gold Leaf Stonecrop

Day 340 - A Gentle Welcome

2011-09-12T19:35:00.002-05:00

This home in Indianapolis had such an unconventional yet appealing entryway. Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold', Dream Catcher™ - Beauty Bush - Kolkwitzia amabilis, Tiger Boston Fern. I really like the softness of this trio.

Day 339 - Planting Hope

2011-09-11T21:46:00.006-05:00

On 9/11/11 - to me, bulbs are a symbol of hope, that in the depths of darkness beautiful things can grow. This fall, plant some bulbs in remembrance of those who lost their lives in 9/11/01, for those who gave their lives trying to rescue others on that day. Learn more about the beauty of bulbs at
Brent and Becky's Bulbs
Netherlands Bulb Company
Colorblends

Day 338 - A Little Bit of Something Good

2011-09-10T22:27:00.007-05:00

Think beyond just plants in pot like these planters I saw at a home in Indianapolis during the Garden Writer's Symposium. Miniature hostas are becoming my new favorite container plant.