Blue Passion Flower, (Passiflora x belotii)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?GCNJL 29 June 2008 Blue Passion Flower (Passiflora x belotii)

This plant will cover the trellis by the end of the season. The flower lasts about one day, but issues new blooms daily, and usually produces a yellow fruit, that is nice tasting if ingested complete with the seeds, but the outside is insipid if eaten alone.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?XMAGX 5 August 2008 Passion Flower (Passiflora x belotii)
It rained heavily today, and the Passion Flower still bloomed.

28 June 2008 Food Garden

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?RXPMF 28 June 2008 Food Garden Zone 5b.

There was rain 27/28 of June, which was much needed. It could be described as perfect. My four 45 gallons (Imperial measurement) drums were completely filled. They have become my practical rain-gauge. The garden will thrive now. Some growth has been retarded, due to relatively cold weather during May. My brocolli and cauliflower were pulled up due to poor growth, and root maggot.

Biting Insect Protection.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?EGSWK 27 June 2008 Mosquito Net.

This covering is made from plastic screening from any local hardware store. It is four feet wide and sewed up both sides along the long dimension with simple slits for the arms. It doesn't tangle on bushes, and allows free air flow, and can be removd easily. I use it for, gardening, camping out and walking in the bush, and for sleeping outdoors at anytime there are too many insects, that want to attack.

The slight stiffness of the fabric is an advantage, since the fabric doesn't cling to the skin and presents an effective barrier to most of the insects. Gloves or some type of musk oil gives almost complete protection from biting insects. It is low cost and effective.

Musk Mallow (Malva Moschata Rosea)

http://ikaiv.notlong.com/ 27 June 2008 Musk Mallow (Malva Moschata Rosea)

A nice little trouble free perennial for any garden. Seeds germinate well.

http://ahieb.notlong.com/ 28 June 2008 (Malva Moschata Rosea) Leaves. A clue to identification.

http://uneeja.notlong.com/ 4 July 2008 Musk Mallow (Malva Moschata Rosea)
In full bloom.

Bachelor's Button, Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

http://ouxiu.notlong.com/ 27 June 2008 Bachelor's Button, Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

The flower has several colours, but my garden only has two this year. It is a nice plant in the home garden.

Okra 'Clemson's Spineless (Lady's Fingers)' (Abelmoschus esculentus)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?NMRFB 27 June 2008 Okra, Clemson Spineless

Two plants started indoors in March 2008, and placed in the garden on 3 June in full sun and with black cloth to increase the sun heat. Both plants have started to grow by producing new leaves. This cultivar must have warmth (75F and above) to grow. Six were planted in 2007 and were a failure, so I decided to try again this year. I like to eat the fruit raw. The flower lasts one day, then produces fruit in about four days, which is about three to four inches long. The flower is quite pretty. Apparently the plant can get quite large, so I have great expectations.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?AXUDT 4 August 2008 Okra, Clemson Spineless
Producing a few pods.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?SZJYF 8 August 2008 Okra, Clemson Spineless
I am not about to go into market gardening, but am getting a few pods, and the plants are growing well, and are very healthy.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?DVGNI 23 August 2008 Pretty Okra Flower
This exquisite flower lasts for one day, falls off and the okra fruit forms.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?ISNGZ 2 September 2008 Okra, Clemson Spineless
Production is increasing. The two plants are still very healthy. The month of August was cool so growth was probably slowed considerably.


http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?GBRWI Summary: Okra, Clemson Spineless

Plant Markers.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?IMOFF 27 June 2008 Plant markers.

Getting tired of always running out of plant markers, I searched the Internet and ordered a box of 1000 of the white markers and several hundred of the yellow circular ones for labelling plants for seed collection. Writing is done with a black marker pen, and it withstands weather exposure well. For tying, the soft covered wire center pipe cleaners from a craft store are used.

The yellow circular marker is 3 inches in diameter, and the white one is 5/8 by 6 inches. This is my first year using them, and they appear to be ideal.

Papaver somniferum

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?SLWFN 27 June 2008 Papaver somniferum

First bloom for 2008. The poppies hide the tulip bed until the vegetation is finished. These poppies self-seeded from 2007. All Papaver somniferum poppies have the same vegetation. These are the poppies that produce poppy seeds sold in food stores. Many of the flowers have the dark basal marking in the form of a cross.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?OFJVZ 30 June 2008 Poppy Papaver somniferum. Very pretty flower.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?BSDLV 1 July 2008 Papaver somniferum foliage
In my limited experience all Papaver somniferum plants have this bushy type of foiliage.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?PINTG 3 July 2008 Papaver somniferum poppy

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?DRPLH 4 July 2008 Papaver somniferum

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?YGSHU 7 July 2008 Peony type Poppy, Papaver Somniferum

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?MJVAQ 9 July 2008 Papaver somniferum Purple smooth with purple cross.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?QPMTQ 14 July 2008 Papaver Somniferm White Peony

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?ZVLEL 15 July 2008 Papaver somniferum Burgundy peony

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?PXFIE 18 July 2008 Papaver somniferum A bee frenzy
Bees enjoy all the Papaver somniferum. Sometimes there are three burying themselves on one flower.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?PXOLQ Papaver somniferum poppy seed harvest. One pound from my patch.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?QZFYM Summary: Papaver somniferum

Striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma sp

http://tuakoo.notlong.com/ 25 June 2008 Striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma sp

This ubiquitious bug is seen throughout the garden, but predominately on the potatoe leaves. I notice this bug when squashing the few Colorado Potato beetles present. There are not many, and the bug moves quicky, so it is necessary to clap the hands together and squash leaf and bug. The shell casing is very hard, and it takes considerable force to squash.

The beetled carries Bacterial Wilt Erwinia tracheiphila. Crops affected are mainly cucumber and cantaloupe, but also squash and pumpkin to a limited extent.The pathogen survives for extended periods in its cucumber beetle vectors.

Control cucumber beetles with insecticides. Reference: http://kuwiere.notlong.com/

The Lily Bed.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?QHMDN 25 June 2008 The Lily Bed.

There is a twelve foot square bed for lilies. I put a bit of compost on the bed every Fall, and some wood chip mulch, and enjoy the blooms during the summer. The names of the cultivars has been long lost, and they are just lilies to me.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?SGPHY 3 July 2008 Lily Bed

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?BVCGT 7 July 2008 Lily Bed. Probably all types are now blooming.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?TOUBB 13 July 2008 Lily Bed

Hollyhocks (Alcea spp.)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?LZSAA 25 June 2008 Hollyhocks (AIthaea spp.) Rust. Apparently Aithaea has been changed Alcea by the plant people.

(Caused by the fungus Puccinia malvacearum), and some of my hollyhocks are infected.

Rust disease and is found nearly everywhere hollyhocks are grown. The rust also occurs on mallow. The disease progress during the Summer and totally destroys the beauty of the hollyhock plant. The plant still flowers but has the appearance of stick with blooms.

My control is to remove the leaves as they become infected, and place in the garbage not the compost heap. In the Fall the hollyhocks are cut down and the area flamed with a propane garden torch, during a wet spell. If the flaming is extensive and through the rust is severely inhibited. Flaming does not destroy the plant, due to it deep root system. Chemical treatment was found to be ineffective in my limited experience. Also avoid wetting the foliage when watering, and allow as much air as possible around the plants.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?WIZEK 3 July 2008 Hollyhocks (Alcea spp.)
My variety has been reduced by Hollyhock rust and winter kill.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?MMSNC 17 July 2008 Hollyhocks (Alcea spp.) Three types in Garden. I notice hollyhock rust is present- spots on some of the leaves.

Making Seedling Soil for 2009

http://dibefi.notlong.com/ 24 June 2008 Making Seedling Soil for 2009 Season.

The soil is made to my unscientific standards, and seems to meet my plants requirements. The soil is friable and has some nutrients supplied by compost and garden soil, which is basically clay.

Escapade Rose, Cluster Rose (Floribundas)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?WAHJH 23 June 2008 Escapade Rose, Cluster Rose (Floribundas)
This Escapade Rose, Cluster Rose (Floribundas) blooms profusely all summer, with periodic deadheading. The vegetation is very prickly. The rose withstands adverse conditions. During heavy rainfalls the rose roots are in water for several hours. It always manages to survive and thrive.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?WDWUU 4 July 2008 Escapade Rose, Cluster Rose (Floribundas)
In full bloom. When these blooms finished, it will be deadheaded, and will bloom most of the summer.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?GHSGB 15 July 2008 Escapade Rose, Cluster Rose (Floribundas)
The flowers are very pretty this morning.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?YAXLL 28 August 2008 Escapade Rose, Cluster Rose (Floribundas)
This plant is still blooming. A welcome addition to a garden.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?BHQSQ Summary: Escapade Rose, Cluster Rose (Floribundas)

Peas Dr. Evans (Pisum sativum)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?JADST 23 June 2008 Dr. Evans Peas (Pisum sativum)

A variety called Dr. Evans was a sample received, and they were planted on 4 May 2008. Every seed germinated, and the plants are vigorous and healthy. The flowers are mauve, not white like most of the other peas grown. Full germination is difficult with peas in my experience, so I will collect seeds from this cultivar to determine if it repeats next year. It will be a few more days before the peas are mature enough for the table.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?JFKPR 17 July 2008 Peas Dr. Evans (Pisum sativum)

First picking today. The peas are normal in colour and taste just like most peas. I had full germination, and the plants are about 8 feet tall, and the pods are purple. Grow for the novelty.

Monkshood (Aconitum napellus)

http://itiex.notlong.com/ 22 June 2008 Monkshood (Aconitum napellus)

This Fall flowering plant is often for sale in pots in Greenhouses. The flower is well described by Monkshood, which grow on a spike. This plant is exceptionally large. All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings. I expect many blossoms this year.
Common names: Monk's Coule, Helmet Flower, Cat's Tail

Clematis (Niobe)

http://feelaf.notlong.com 22 June 2008 22 June 2008 Clematis ‘Niobe’, Jackmanii x group.

This is the fourth year. I prune a bit off the top each Spring and let the plant do its thing.

Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)

http://asaecu.notlong.com/ 22 June 2008 Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)

This plant is grown because it attract bees in large numbers. Don't even think about watering this plant, and it thrives. It does spread by seeds and roots rather profusely.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

http://piesho.notlong.com 19 June 2008 Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea).

This one plant is on the periphery of the ornamental grass bed. Whilst snapping these pictures one bumblebee visited almost every flower. He would disappear completely inside the flower.

Hanging Plant Baskets- Tip of the day

Hanging Plant Baskets- Tip of the day.

I assume many people have some hanging basket plants. The soil is usually relatively light, and they require a watering often.

Cover the soil with black mulch to a depth of about two or more inches, and this tends to maintain soil moisture for longer periods. The black mulch has the appearance of normal soil, and doesn't distract from the typical beauty of the plant and container.

http://neefa.notlong.com/ 22 June 2008 Black Mulch. It appears to be ground up forest fire residue, and the colour black comes from the carbon present.

Ivory Silk Lilac Tree (Syringa reticulata)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?ZCQFV 18 June 2008 Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk' / Ivory Silk Lilac Tree

This tree was on the property when I took possession. It is a nice garden tree, requiring litttle care. The Tree Lilac is also called a Japanese tree lilac or Ivory Silk lilac. It is also being used as a landscape street tree. It flowers more heavily than other lilac species. It is able to withstand winter temperatures as low as 30 degrees below zero.

Delphinium

http://alohf.notlong.com/ 18 June 2008 Delphinium. Just starting to bloom.

It starts growing in the Spring when there is still snow on the ground. A layer of compost is put on top of the plant in the Fall. This cultivar was planted in 2004, and is more spectacular each year.

http://aibaif.notlong.com/ 27 June 2008 Delphinium
Growing well.

http://kaerohv.notlong.com/ 29 June 2008 Delphinium Full Bloom. The wind broke one stalk off today.

Clematis 'Multi Blue'

http://tajiex.notlong.com/ Clematis 'Multi Blue'

This is an early clematis bloomer.

Bellflower (Campanula (Kent Belle)

http://wazah.notlong.com/ 17 June 2008 Bellflower (Campanula (Kent Belle)This is a perennial, and spreads rather well by rhizomes. Bell flowers are always pretty.

http://ufeejo.notlong.com 19 June 2008 Bellflower (Campanula (Kent Belle)

Coral Bells (Heuchera)

http://oosohw.notlong.com 17 June 2008 Coral Bells (Heuchera)

One plant in the garden, and these little flowers are always gently waving in the breeze as one walks by. They flower almost all summer.

Asiatic hybrid lily

http://ceique.notlong.com/ 17 June 2008 Asiatic hybrid lily.

This lily was given to my wife on Mother's Day in 2004 in a pot of about twelve blooms. It was planted in the garden and has bloomed since 2004. Some small daughter bulbs were transplanted along the fence and they are now a new clump as large as the mother patch.

http://aoraht.notlong.com/ 25 June 2008 Asiatic hybrid lily in Full Bloom

Weigela florida

http://eozeem.notlong.com/ 14 June 2008 Weigela florida

This plant has been in situ for three years. Nice plant to have in the yard. Flowers are very abundant and showy. Blossoms are funnel shaped and more than an inch long in clusters of up to three, appearing in late spring and early summer.

Zones 4-8. Draws hummingbirds and butterflies.

Mandevilla

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?KCMNH 14 June 2008 Mandevilla
This plant has been grown the last three years. Usually I dig, prune heavily, and put in pot sufficient for the root ball, and place in dim light in the basement, just keeping it alive, and replant in the Spring. In 2007 I left it oudoors and it didn't survive, which was not suprising. This plant is native of South America - Bolivia and Brazil. This plant was purchased from a greenhouse supplier.

The plant can be keep indoors and blooms all year. During the summer on the side of the deck, it always has flowers, which are clean looking and delightful.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?ELRTA 19 July 2008 Mandavilla A pretty picture of the mandavilla flower growing on a trellis at the end of the deck.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?HPKNZ 7 August 2008 Mandevilla
There are two types shown.

European gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?IIWYC 14 June 2008 European gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa)

European gooseberries are slightly larger, in diameter, than the American gooseberry berries. The American species is also thought to have an inferior flavor, with some validity, judging by my limited exposure. The berry size is ~2 cm when ripe.

When visiting a friend,we were talking in his garden, and he offered me a gooseberry, which was large and had a wonderful flavour. I was astonished because I had a goosebery bush, and there was no comparison to mine in size and flavour. I asked for root piece to put in my garden in 2007. He gave me the whole bush, but it was very dry and I had to cut off a lot of root. I planted it carefully, and pruned it in the Winter, since it was sadly neglected. This year it is heavily laden with large fruit. I am looking forward with some anticipation in comparing it to my older American Goosseberry, which are a separated by a distance of a few feet.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?YKTOG 8 July 2008 European gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) Harvest
About 15 quarts were obtained from this plant. Unfortunately, they were picked when unripe, and were very tart. When ripe the berries become a light coloured green , and are very sweet with no tart flavour.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?GKJRM 2 August Comparing Berries of European and American Gooseberry.
The American type changes colour from green to reddish, and the European stays basically green, when ripe.

American Gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?NICUK 14 June 2008 American Gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum)

This American Gooseberry bush was planted in the Spring of 2005. In 2006 after fruiting the foliage was attacked by a fungus (Downey Mildew) which devastated the leaves, but apparently had no lasting harmful effects. Since then, when watering, I avoid wetting the foliage.

The berries are sweet about 1.5 cm in diameter with a tart tang, which varies with the degree of ripeness. I mix them with my raspberries and eat as a fruit dish with cream or milk or, sometimes simply put in the blender and make juice with other fruits.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?XMEGS 1 August 2008 American Gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum)
First picking of the fruit. There will be another picking when the remaining berries ripen. The berries of this type always have a tart flavour.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?GKJRM 2 August Comparing Berries of European and American Gooseberry
The American type changes colour from green to reddish, and the European stays green, when ripe. The European has no tart flavour, and is very pleasant to eat raw.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?UILWW
21 August 2008 American Gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum) Last picking
The berries are strongly connected to the stem, and don't fall when ripe. Taste is sweet, and no difficulty eating raw, and probably comparable to many types of table grapes.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?LBTCR 2008 Growing Experience.

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?HUYXD 14 June 2008 Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum)

The first picture is the bush planted in May 2006. The Blackcurrent bush grows vigoursly. Just another fruit for the home gardener, easy to grow. The bush requires some support, particularly when it rains. There is no bug damage.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?RDLPU 13 July 2008 Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum)

Picking fruit. There will be another picking when the remainder of the berries ripen.

Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops)

http://ietin.notlong.com/ 14 June 2008 Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops)

There are two clumps of the perennial Sundrops. I keep the plant contained by digging a trench around the clump. The plant blooms about two weeks, and the vegetation is still a dark attractive green throughout the season.
Common Names: Golden sundrops,· Narrow leaf evening primrose.

http://peeloh.notlong.com 22 June 2008 Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops) in Full Bloom

Tradescantia bracteata (Spiderwort)

http://liepoh.notlong.com/ 14 June 2008 Tradescantia bracteata (Spiderwort).

There are three clumps of the perennial Spiderwort in my garden. Bright, fresh flowers greets me every morning.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)

http://epohg.notlong.com 8 June 2008 Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)

Appears every year and has pretty flowers.

Root maggot in Cauliflower

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?XXTRO 6 June 2008 Root maggot in Cauliflower.

My cauliflower were drooping, so I pulled one and found it was infested with root maggots. I pulled all plants and put them in water, and will leave them there for several days. In the area the mulch was raked off, and the bed was rototilled several times, and the mulch replaced. It is too late for a early cauliflower, so I will plant a late crop about the 25 of July. This is my first experience with this bug.

Utilizing Downspout Rain Water

6 June 2008 Utilizing Downspout Rain Water

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?WRYEY 6 June 2008. Utilizing Eaves Trough Water.

Today a tank was installed to utilize some of the eaves trough rain water. This method is a practical approach utilizing material readily available, and making the installation as simple as possible. Total time including purchasing the necessary supplies was seven hours. The 45 gallon drum cost $10.00 readily available from various local recycling companies. The 3/4 inch NPT tap valve, a boiler drain valve, cost $9.96. The fence posts cost $8.67 each for a total of $34.68. Two eaves elbows (2) cost $3.94 Galvanized cable cost $4.42 Clamps cost $3.54 Miscellaneous cost $3.00. Total cost. $69.54

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?PEKMC 8 June 2008 Rain Barrel Project Completed.
The down spout was modified for Winter use, when the barrel will be disconnected due to freezing.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?SVGTC 8 June 2008 Overflow during rainstorm.
The overflow works well. It was raining rather hard at the time the picture was taken.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?LTEZR 10 June 2008 Another barrel added for extra capacity.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?EMYAL 13 June 2008 Two more rain water tanks installed.
Two more rainbarrels were added to the other side of the house. This will give a total capacity of 180 gallons, and more barrels of 45 gallons can be added easily, depending upon the usage. This is a "closed" system. No bugs can enter the tanks, so screening is not necessary. The bungs are only open during rainfall, and to allow air to enter when removing water from the tanks. Notice the modifications to the downspout. Cut off 8 inches of the downpipe and insert a flexible plastic coupling for Winter use, and an elbow running off to the rain barrel. Insert some straps to support the downspout if the existing ones are considered insufficient. This method is 100% leakproof.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?VXDIS 16 June 2008 Installing immersion pump to dispense rainfall water. The plastic barrel is filled by gravity from the two top barrels. The pump pressure is almost the same as city water pressure, so I added a garden hose for dispensing water to the flower beds. The pump float automatically switches the system off when the water is too low in the barrel. Basically the system is still an enclosed reservoir, so no bug screening is required. This is probably not necessary, since dipping out of the upright barrel is easy enough.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?YMOXC 21 June 2008 Practical Rainwater Collection System Construction Details. Pictures are annotated.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?HBRPA 24 June 2008 Downspout Crimping Tool.
A downspout crimping tool was received today (Internet) , after I have completed the rainbarrel project. this tool is almost essential when dealing with downspouts, since often connections must be made with pipes of the same size to insure the water flows inside the pipes. Without the tool connections are difficult. Don't attempt the project with out it to reduce frustration.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?WKKAS 26 June 2008 Rainwater Delivery System. Putting water in a wheelbarrow has its problems; in that wave action causes spillage. The tub limits wave action, and the wheelbarrow can be pushed at a normal pace. This system is convenient for moving water from the rainbarrels to the area required

Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?JDUOF 5 June 2008 Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)

The Colorado Potato Beetle made its appearance today. Only one was detected. I picked it off the plant, which is my usual method of control, since my potato patch is small.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?QPQQW 7 June 2008 More Colorado Potato Beetles about eight on the potatoes. The type of insect with the three strips is the striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma sp. I have never seen this insect on potatoes before today.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?ROJIJ 26 June 2008 Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) . Some detected today and squashed.

Planting Rapini, Lettuce, Green beans

http://demoo.notlong.com/ 4 June 2008 Planting Rapini, Lettuce, Green beans

Space was available, so rapini,(first time planted) late lettuce, and beans were planted. The use of the small tiller is depicted, as is the method of using toilet paper in the row to facilitate seed spacing and depth control.It is probably best to run the guide line prior to laying the row of toilet paper, as can be seen by my rather crooked row.

Nasturtian (Tropaeolum)

http://kaiwo.notlong.com/ 2 June 2008 Nasturtium (Tropaeolum)

These plants self-seeded. There were three types in the bed last year so the flowers will be a bit of a surprise. They eventually spill over the raised bed, which was built when my yard was a swamp before I installed drainage ditches. The leaves are attractive, even without the flowers.

http://lolahf.notlong.com/ 17 June 2008 Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) First flower.

http://chibe.notlong.com/ 23 June 2008 Nasturtium flower types. It appears all three types grown in 2007 re-seeded.

http://aibiey.notlong.com 2 July 2008 Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) Flowers are rising above the foliage.

2 June 2008 Bigleaf Golden-ray Ligularia dentata 'Othello'

http://quuyier.notlong.com 2 June 2008 2 June 2008 Bigleaf golden-ray Ligularia dentata 'Othello'

Perennial. There are two plants along the fence. It produces a large orange flower. Sometimes called the Leopard Plant.

Iris Bed

http://aijuin.notlong.com 2 June 2008 Iris bed.

A neighbor gave me some rhizomes in the Fall of 2007, so I made an Iris bed. Only one was produced this year, but all plants are healthy, so in 2009 the blooms should be spectular. They are all the same type.

Shirley Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?KHJSV 2 June 2008 Shirley Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

This is the first bloom of the Shirley Poppy for 2008. There are many throughout the garden, and they self seed over-winter. One plant will produce about 100 blooms if it is not crowded. I usually have some blooming most of the summer. Zone 5.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?VYWOP 8 June 2008 Shirley Poppies.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?PHOBD 17 June 2008 Shirley Poppy- ONE plant.
Poppy seedlings are very delicate and much crowded due to the small seed size. All that is required is one plant, and if they are not crowded one plant produces many flowers. One never knows what to expect in flowers, until they bloom. I am always thinning them to about one foot from each other.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?KXTLQ 22 June 2008 Shirely Poppy in Full Bloom

Dracunculus vulgaris

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?ZYGOA 23 March 2007 Dracunculus vulgaris
aka Arum dracunulus has survived a Winter outdoor planting in Zone 5.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?HMVBK I June 2008 Dracunculus vulgaris.
The plant is variously called the Dragon Arum, Voodoo Lily, Ragons, Snake Lily, Black Arum, Black Dragon, Dragonwort, & Stink Lily. Five plants eventually grew, and one is going to bloom soon. The spike on the larger plant is the blooming structure.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?DWSNF 15 June 2008 Dracunulus vulgaris in bloom.
Early morning pictures and the flower was only partially open and later when the sun came out full, the bloom opened up, and now has a slight odour, and the flies are congregating. The plant odour attracts flies to assure pollination.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?HLTMT 17 June 2008 Dracunculus vulgaris Two plant blooming.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?ZOIGH Summary: Dracunculus vulgaris

Columbine ( Aquilegia)

http://eumaey.notlong.com/ 1 June 2008 Columbine ( Aquilegia)

Aquilegia, a native plant of Europe, blooms from late spring to early summer. Many types of flowers in solid colours or combinations of white, purple, yellow, orange, red and blue. Aaquilegia propagate from seed is easily. Columbine prefer partial shade and don’t like too much sun.

31 May 2008 Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

http://hohkuu.notlong.com/ 31 May 2008 Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

This plant needs some shade. Growth is severely inhibited in full sun. There is not much shade in my garden. The plant grows on the shady side of the fence and puts flowering arms through the fence.