Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Down the Rabbit Hole

This is my Garden Bloggers Bloom Day post, even though I know it's late.

Purple coneflowers
These have been so pretty in my garden this year, I purchased more.
The butterflies love them, and they bloom in very hot weather.


"I'm late, I'm late
For a very important date
No time to say Hello, Goodbye
I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!"*



Things have been a bit odd around here.  For instance, I woke up one night and there were 30 cows in my yard.  And that's been the least of my worries.

Lantana
I have several lantana and they all bloom well in extreme heat.
Mine have also returned for me every year so far.

"Curiouser and curiouser."*


My parents crawled under their house and got stuck!

Yes, you read that right!




Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Aren't these the most beautiful, delicate looking flowers?
But what they lack in durability they make up for in abundance.


"I can't explain myself, I'm afraid sir, 
because I'm not myself you see."*



I've been on a few trips, I've had lots of company, and more company and more trips are scheduled.

Hosta bloom
My hostas have grown quite large this year.
It's so exciting to think that eventually this area will be completely green, with no soil showing underneath.

"Now, I give you fair warning, either you or your head must be off,
and that in about half no time!  Take your choice!"*



I feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland.

Iceberg rose


Christopher Marlowe rose
The roses are blooming sporadically.  They are real workhorses in my garden!


"My dear, here we must run as fast as we can, just to stay in place.  
And if you wish to go anywhere you must run twice as fast as that."*



My flower beds are very weedy.  The pile of mulch that I never got around to spreading out in the flowerbeds is now beginning to compost.  And the vegetable garden is history.  No vegetables.  Just weeds.

Cannas love our heat!
 Their foliage is beautiful, but I also love their bright flowers.



"That was a very sad story."
"Aye, but there's a moral to it."
"Oh, a very good moral, if you happen to be an oyster."*



I had no idea that June and July would be so crazy.  And even crazier still is that I don't see an end in sight.  Nothing bad, just life itself.

Chaste tree (Vitex)
It's amazing to me how many pollinators this attracts!


"How puzzling all these changes are! 
 I'm never sure what I'm going to be, from one minute to another."*



But one thing I know about gardens.  They will still be there when we come back to them.  Gardens can wait.  People are more important.

The crape myrtles are in full bloom.


Black Diamond 'Ebony Glow' crape myrtle.
Ebony Glow is new to me.
I was enticed by those beautiful black leaves paired with the innocent blush of white/pink blooms.
Now I just need to find time to plant it!


"But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.
"Oh, you can't help that," said the Cat: "we're all mad here.  I'm mad.  You're mad."
"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat, or you wouldn't have come here."* 



So please forgive me for extended absences.  If you are wondering, I do want to continue with the Garden Book meme on the 20th of every month, and hope you will join in.

Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum')
Too bad this grass is an annual here.

"One side will make you grow taller, and the other side will make you grow shorter."*


I predict it will be a few more months before I emerge from this rabbit hole.  For now, I'm just going to enjoy my garden's blooms when I see them, not worry about weeds, post and comment when I can, and wait for things to settle down, which will hopefully be sooner rather than later.

I know most people's lives get a bit crazy at times, so I expect you'll understand.

I'm waiting for the Moonflower vines (Ipomoea alba) to bloom!
Moonflowers can be controlled here, unlike morning glories (Ipomoea violacea), which can become invasive.
Moonflowers are easily grown from seed, if you nick them and soak them in water first.

"Some say to survive it you need to be as mad as a hatter.  
Which luckily I am."*





* All quotes are from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll 

59 comments:

  1. Oh your poor mom and dad. And cows in your yard? You are having an exciting summer! But I am glad to hear from you. Your garden is looking lovely. I have been planting my own roses this summer and it is exciting!

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    1. And those were actually "calm" days! :0 I hope your roses give you years of joy - and blooms!

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  2. Holley, I've been down that rabbit hole and back a few times myself. I've missed seeing your blogs, but I hope you get to have some relaxing times when you get out of that rabbit hole. You do have some pretty flowers for Bloom Day, and I especially like the 'Ebony Glow' crape myrtle. I don't think I've ever seen one before...very unusual! Keep cool and carry on!

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    1. I haven't been able to find out much about Ebony Glow, but I think it is so very pretty. I can't wait for it to grow tall! I know other people have crazy times, too. That's why I knew people would understand. Right now, blogging just has to take a back seat. I'll remember to carry on - and try to keep cool, too! :)

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  3. Smart lady, its obvious the only thing to do is roll with it. So true about gardens, patiently waiting, just the thought of them can steady us.

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    1. You are quite correct. The garden keeps me grounded. :) I find I need to dig in the dirt in order to keep calm. It's so relaxing, and I've missed being able to spend my days out there, idly weeding or planting or planning. At least there will be loads of weeds for me to pull when I get back to it!

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  4. Oh my, that does seem like quite the crazy summer! I think it has been a crazy busy summer for several of us on the blogosphere. It is nice sometimes to take a break from the garden anyway - it makes one appreciate it all the more when they get back to it after awhile.

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    1. I'm not exactly sure why summers are always so very much more crazy, but it seems they are. I'm hoping when it starts to get cooler, things will settle down here, too!

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  5. Welcome back. Sounds like you have had a busy summer... Your blooms are beautiful. Our hostas have done well this summer also.

    Don't leave us hanging with the statement about your parents getting stuck UNDER the house... Oh My!!!!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. That was one silly story to hear about - they were too embarrassed to call me and let me know they were stuck, I think, until they got out! Anyway, to make a long story short, my dad went under the house to fix a leak, lost one of the lenses to his glasses, so my mother decides to go under and help him find it, and they didn't have the strength to get back out and up! They actually thought of calling 911, but thought that would be too embarrassing, so they just finally, slowly, somehow, made it out! Oh, the things we get into without realizing we have to get out somehow!

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  6. Betsy's right inquiring minds want to know what happened to your parents! Also from where did the cows come and how did you get them to go back? Did they eat a lot while they were visiting? (The cows, not your company.)

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    1. So, I've answered Betsy about my parents. As for the cows - well, my garden has been so weedy, they actually just munched on a lot of weeds! It actually looked better after they left! But, don't tell the guy who let them escape his pasture! I don't want them back!

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  7. There you are!!! I am just glad that you are well! I hope you enjoy your time with family and friends! Your blooms are outstanding!

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    1. How sweet of you - yes, things are well here, just crazy (as life gets sometimes). I know many are much more busy than I am and get loads more done (blogging, too), but I just don't seem to be able to juggle as much anymore. I'd rather spend time with family and friends when I can, because most of my family lives far away.

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  8. Cows are so funny! Stuck parents, not so much.

    Lantana here is tired of rain and sulking instead of blooming.

    Rose of Sharon roots easily. Now that I have a handful of rooted cuttings, I don't know what to do with them.

    Take it easy, enjoy what's left of the summer.

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    1. I hadn't thought about rooting some Rose of Sharon! I may have to look around my garden and see if there is a bare spot (I'm sure there is!).

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  9. Holley, glad you are back to blogging!
    Your flowers are nice, I love the 'Ebony Glow' crape myrtle, it does not grow here, is very lovely.
    Have a nice week!

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    1. I just couldn't resist that black foliage of Ebony Glow. The pretty white/pink flowers were an added delight. We that can't grow lilacs (due to the heat), grow crape myrtles. Not sure which is better. I think they both are fabulous.

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  10. This is my first time growing Moonflower. I had a few seedlings, some of which I planted in containers and a few in the ground. They are doing pretty good here in the Southern California heat and I am waiting for them to bloom. I hope it will be soon!

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    1. I love moonflowers, although sometimes it's not easy to find the seeds. I especially love seeing the hummingbird moths feed on them. But, they are late bloomers, and it can be hard to be so patient! I remember the first time I grew moonflowers - I was so impressed with their large blooms! Good luck with yours!

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  11. Lovely Holley, just lovely! I'm going to be a day late (actually two!) and a dollar short as well - although your gardens are never a dollar short! I adore the picture of your purple fountain grass and the sculpture. Thanks for keeping me inspired.

    sj

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    1. Sometimes it's just plain hard to get a post out in time! I have been very impressed with the purple fountain grass. I bought several (at a very good price) before I realized they were only annuals here. Still, they have been quite delightful. I would love to have more, if only they were perennials here.

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  12. Cows and stuck parents, oh dear...

    Do enjoy this crazy, manic summer as much as you can :))

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    1. Not often one can talk about cows and stuck parents in the same sentence! ;)

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  13. Yes, of course, we understand! Until recently, my entire life was like that. Getting one kid through college and employed, cutting back on my own schedule, and getting more regular sleep have helped. Now I just have occasional relapses when things heat up periodically. Hmmm...now I'm wondering about the story behind those stuck parents! I hope they're OK?!

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    1. Life can easily turn from happily busy to unbearably hectic, can't it? As for my parents, they are fine. Read my reply to Betsy above for a short version of the 'stuck under the house' story. (They have a pier and beam foundation.)

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  14. Hey I figure we do what we can do. Sounds like things are hectic for you so enjoy what you can.
    Cher Sunray Gardens

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    1. Thanks, Cher, I will. I'm sure I'll end up with some great stories when it's all over! :)

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  15. Your readers certainly understand and you are right, most have hectic periods and we must juggle. Now you have to excuse yourself, and find the joy in each day - the garden awaits eagerly no matter what and you will be happier! The blooms are so lovely!!!

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    1. I knew people would understand, as everyone's life gets crazy sometime. I just kept thinking that things would settle down, until I finally realized that it would be the end of the summer (at least) before things turned 'normal' again!

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  16. I understand what you're going through. Loved how you described it. Great analogy.

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    1. It's almost as if each day is a different (and unexpected) experience! :)

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  17. It's often difficult to keep on top of everything and somethings just have to wait!! Garden is beautiful as usual Holley. Enjoy all you have planned.

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    1. Thanks, Angie. There's a lot of fun planned in between all the other crazy stuff that's going on, too. :)

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  18. Good grief! I thought the cows and parents under the house were dreams until I read some of the responses. Juggling life can be a challenge. Enjoy whatever fun you can find!

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    1. haha - no, not dreams. Although, I bet my parents thought they were in a nightmare when they realized they were stuck under the house! They have never confessed how long it actually took them to get out!

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  19. I understand completely - May was a bit like that here.... Hope your parents were rescued speedily and without injury! And hope things calm down for you. Your garden is looking wonderful and will just get on with its stuff without you for a while!

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    1. That's the good thing about gardens. They don't go anywhere! Just a few extra weeds here and there (and everywhere), but I'm used to having weeds to pull!

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  20. I have been checking your on blog as I do enjoy seeing what is happening in your neck of the woods. Life does get in the way of gardening! Hope all will go well.

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    1. Oh, thank you. I've missed reading about everyone's gardens, and the wonderful garden blogging community.

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  21. Life throws a wobbly now and then, happens to most of us and things get hectic, glad to see you back blogging, I have been looking for you :-) The good thing about gardening is that most things can be rescued even if it has been neglected for a while, I have seen that many times in my own garden when I have not been able to take care of it – the only exception perhaps is the vegetables, but there’s always next year!
    Loved your Echinacea, mine haven’t started to flower yet but have many buds. And reading about the cows weeding your garden made me chuckle, I think you had a lucky escape there, it could have gone very differently – I have some personal experience there, not from here I live in East London obviously, not a cow in sight for miles on end - but from where I lived before!
    Hope you have a great summer, take care, Helene.

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  22. Your summer sounds very hectic! But you're so right...the people in our lives are so much more important than the garden. The flowers will wait! (And I hear you about the weeds - I'm almost ready to give up this year!). :)

    Love your Rose of Sharon...I tried growing them one year to no success - I had transplanted them during a hot, dry spell, unfortunately.

    Enjoy the rest of your summer!

    Sheryl @ Flowery Prose

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  23. Absolutely understand. I'm just getting back into blogging after a trip down the rabbit hole myself. Though you have me VERY curious about those cows- hope there wasn't any damage?

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  24. I feel so un-alone here. This summer has been one of the most hectic ever. I keep thinking, "Hmm.. Wonder what my local readers think of the weeds when they drive past my house?" All two of them. As if they even pay any attention.

    I really like what you said. "People are more important." That's easy to forget sometimes, especially with the ones who are closest. Thank you for this very timely reminder.

    Peaceful days ahead to you,
    Keri

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  25. Oh, my, and I thought I had weird things happen! Yes, the garden and bloggers will still be here when you have the time to visit. I think of you often. (A few years back I had a herd of buffalo in my back yard, it was quite the sight. I had to blink once or twice to make sure I wasn't seeing things. Nope, they were there alright.)

    I hope your parents are ok, too!

    Good to hear from you.

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  26. You have your priorities right- life is more important, the garden can wait. There will always be weeds. Hope to have a book for the review-fingers crossed!

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  27. Oh your poor parents - what a predicament. I am pleased to see you here - better late than never and such an entertaining post. Your garden will wait - some weeds are beautiful in any case. Last summer was manic here and the weeds had their day. This year (so far) things are calmer and today (although it may change tomorrow) the cultivated plants are winning. We are a bit prone to cow invasions - they are such nosy creatures. We now have extra catches on our gates to hinder them!

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  28. Very cute post. I will look forward to hearing from you when you emerge from the rabbit hole.

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  29. Oh boy do I understand...I can so understand....life happens indeed...so we will see you when you come out of the rabbit hole!!

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  30. Dear Alice - Please tell your Mom and Dad to stay out from under the house.

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  31. I think you've got your priorities straight even in the midst of that madness. I hope the cows found their way home and your parents managed to get out from under the house. Every garden needs to get along on its own at times. Enjoy your travels and your visitors!

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  32. I have never had 30 cows in my yard and I have never had my parents stuck under a house. I am trying to imagine how these kinds of things happen. Hang in there!
    I am so glad you are going to continue the book meme. I haven't done a review this year due to my own rabbit holes (boo hoo), but am planning on doing one tomorrow (smile).....unless I wake up to find 30 cows in my garden (frown). LOL
    David/:0)

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  33. I love that Black Diamond Crape Myrtle...so stunning!

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  34. Enjoyed the format of this post! Your flowers are lovely. I love Lantana, but it does not come back for me here in NE Pennsylvania. I am going to try to winter one over in the house this year, though I've read that they can attract white flies. So we'll see. Moonflowers are quite spectacular--at a former home of mine, a neighbor gave me a division of one of his, and it was lovely. It did spread quite a bit as I recall.

    I look forward to coming back to see what other "adventures" your summer brings!

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  35. Hope you've managed to find a bit of time to chill out in the garden! Never mind the weeding, just stop and smell the roses :) I love your bloom day photos especially the fountain grass. I need to put in some sort of ornamental grass this year I think!

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  36. Cows in your yard and your parents got stuck?!! What a quirky post! I love it!!I love the coneflowers too, I have tried and tried to grow these with no success, even a pot I bought from the garden centre disappeared?

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  37. yup, rabbit hole. Only now, do I get to read your post.
    Did you rescue your parents? Unscathed, apart from their dignity??

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