From the monthly archives:

January 2009

Blue Eyed Grass and Scarlet Monkey Flower

by Lorraine on January 27, 2009

A few days ago I discussed what was currently blooming in the garden but I didn’t have any pictures to share at the time.   I mentioned that the Blue Eyed Grass and a Scarlet Monkey Flower were blooming and I’ve since taken a couple of pictures of them to post.

The Monkey Flower is in a container and seems to be doing very well in it’s location.   I really enjoy it’s vibrant orange-red color and needless to say, so do the Hummingbirds, as they visit it on a regular basis.

Scarlet Monkey Flower

Scarlet Monkey Flower

This is the only one that I have right now but I do have other varieties of Monkey Flowers in the garden.   None of them are blooming at this time but I know that within a month or two they probably will be.

The ones in the garden are either orange or yellow and they bloomed from Spring right up into Summer last year, until it became too hot.  I”m looking forward to seeing how many flowers they will have this year because they have grown larger since I originally planted them and should put on quite a show.

Here’s a photo of one of the Blue Eyed Grass plants.   I’m guessing that I have about 25 of them either near the walkway and scattered in other parts of the garden.   I love the soft violet color and the flowers are on long stems and tend to bloom for a long period of time.

Blue Eyed Grass

Putting in my garden was a large expense for me but having it to enjoy everyday, has been priceless.   With all the difficulties that people are experiencing at this time, at least I have the opportunity to go into my garden and temporarily tune out the world’s difficulties.

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Native Garden Respite

by Lorraine on January 25, 2009

My life has been a bit stressful lately with trying to keep up with the many things that I do and the best place to unwind is in the garden.  We’ve had a bit or rain the last few days and the garden looks so happy about that!  I know, I know an anthropomorphic statement.

I sat outside for a bit, relaxing and seeing what’s sprouting…lot’s of seedlings from last year’s wildflowers and enjoying the blue, green and gray colors of the foliage.   A number of plants have started to bloom due to the previous warm weather and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not, as we could still get some frost.  And all those seedlings are going to be a problem because they will smother the garden if I allow them to grow.

I’m gradually pulling them out as I see them, but it’s like trying to hold back invading Mongols.  Letting them grow isn’t an option and I have to remove them before they get too large and difficult to pull out.

I will be posting more current comments about the garden and also my adventures with the Forest Service, soon, as I’m lagging in posting regularly but always determined to do it. 

The Sespe Wilderness is beautiful and I’ve been doing my volunteer trail work with them every month for three years.   This coming Sat. is where I’ll be and very happily so!   Nothing like hiking boots, good friends, streams, wildlife and hard work.

But today, I’m going to post something from last Summer, actually June about my experience (Or lack of) with irrigation.

What I know about irrigation.   Not much!  I’m running four lines of  drip system and have since found out that this is no longer the recommended method for watering.  NOW I FIND OUT!   Oh well….too late to switch it all out.

Apparently mini sprinklers are now the preferred method of irrigation for native plant gardens.   Bart O”Brien discussed this briefly at the Salvia class that I attended earlier this year and he said that the Santa Ana Botanical Gardens are using them instead of the drip lines.

He feels that it’s better because with using drips, you can’t be sure if the plant(s) are getting enough water until it’s possibly, too late.   In other words, the plant(s) is dead.

For me, irrigation is a big irritant.  It seems that every time that I turn on one of the lines, there’s some sort of blow out with one of the emitters.  Today was no exception!  I don’t dare leave the house when one of the lines is running, due to the fear that if  an  emitter decides to misbehave while I’m gone, I will find a mini version of Old Faithful spewing water all over the garden and sidewalk upon my return.

I will be taking a class on irrigation that is scheduled at the Theo. Payne Foundation and hopefully I will learn enough as a novice to know what to do and what system is best to use.  I’m confused on this topic and I’m sure that there is no one single answer.

Like life, everything is complicated, isn’t it?

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