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Welcome
This group is for enthusiastic flower gardeners - people passionate about flowers and all the gardening joys that go with them - birds, butterflies, mists, rain, sunshine, wildlife ... work!
If this is you, then come share in the conversation. Let us ooh and ahh over your photos and your stories. Share what works for you and what doesn't. Tell us how gardening affects your life -- body & soul.
Another Fun Fall Flower
We say goodbye to so many flowers once Fall comes. That makes the fall-blooming perennials like Obedient Plant and Mums so welcome.
Here's another one that grows all summer, and then waits till Fall to bloom. It's called Monk's Hood. See close-up in first reply and it will become clearer how it got its name.
Here's another one that grows all summer, and then waits till Fall to bloom. It's called Monk's Hood. See close-up in first reply and it will become clearer how it got its name.
Praying Mantis
Yesterday I was mowing the lawn and as I walked across the driveway with the mower I almost ran over this guy. Looked just like a stick. Of course I had to run in to get my camera cause I didn't want to miss this shot. He even looked at me and stood still, while I took his picture.
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He hung out in the driveway for the longest time so after I put the mower away I went to look for him and found that he was safe, out of the driveway and in the plants. I bet I must have scared him out of there when I mowed in that area.
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He hung out in the driveway for the longest time so after I put the mower away I went to look for him and found that he was safe, out of the driveway and in the plants. I bet I must have scared him out of there when I mowed in that area.
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Fall Planting
I planted my Northern Lights grass today.
Of course it doesn't look like this now; it is 4 inches tall and fairly dormant. But I look forward to seeing it next year when it fills in.
I also planted some tulip bulbs. And a few weeks ago I planted more mums, which come back year after year.
October is planting time in zones 5-7 (I'm in 7). If you're in 8-9 you can plant next month.
What are you planning to plant this Fall for blooming next year?
Of course it doesn't look like this now; it is 4 inches tall and fairly dormant. But I look forward to seeing it next year when it fills in.
I also planted some tulip bulbs. And a few weeks ago I planted more mums, which come back year after year.
October is planting time in zones 5-7 (I'm in 7). If you're in 8-9 you can plant next month.
What are you planning to plant this Fall for blooming next year?
Thought for the day
"Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace." - - May Sarton
Info about Mulch & Pets
I hope this information is helpful. Has anyone ever used this? I have never heard of it before.
♥ COCOA MULCH AND DOGS
Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those that do. Story from someone else...
Yesterday one of our dog agility friends experienced a tragedy and wanted me to pass a special message along to all of my dog loving friends and family. Please tell every dog owner you know.
Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly. Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.
Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'
This Snopes site gives the following information: Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution, check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens.
Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.
♥ COCOA MULCH AND DOGS
Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those that do. Story from someone else...
Yesterday one of our dog agility friends experienced a tragedy and wanted me to pass a special message along to all of my dog loving friends and family. Please tell every dog owner you know.
Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly. Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.
Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'
This Snopes site gives the following information: Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution, check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens.
Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.
Washington Butterfly Garden
I visited Rainier, Washington last week. My mom and sister had planted this pretty butterfly garden in front of their house.
I thought the purple asters were fun. They look like they are made of shredded crape paper. And when they start to fade, they look like wet crape paper!
More views of the butterfly garden in first reply...
I thought the purple asters were fun. They look like they are made of shredded crape paper. And when they start to fade, they look like wet crape paper!
More views of the butterfly garden in first reply...
My Sweet Autumn Clematis
Just added a photo of my fence climbing climatis. It is so fragrant, you must get some. Wonderful plant.
Welcome FernGieselman!
Welcome Fern!
I welcome you with a touch of Autumn. Can you believe it is here already?
Tell us about your garden in Minnesota!
I welcome you with a touch of Autumn. Can you believe it is here already?
Tell us about your garden in Minnesota!
Cannas
Ok, I'm on a roll now. This is a pic of my orange canna lilies with a mountain near my home in the background. Hope it shows up good:)
