alabama – Page 12 – Fine for Friday

Fall Colors 11 Nov 2022

The garden is continuing to ebb as the temperatures slowly decline. It is a slow march into winter but this past week, the colors of the changing leaves have been unmatched. It is made ever more noticeable because of the clear blue skies and the dry weather.

In addition to the leaves, I still have some persistent blooming flowers to show you.

Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana). This tree stands near the Mens Garden along the side of the elevated roadway. Last year, I found some acorns underneath it that were sprouting. I took them home and I now have a chestnut oak in my own yard.

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). This native shrub provides four season attraction. The red fall coloration is beautiful. This particular shrub is at the edge of a small woodland and really stands out since it is south facing.

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). This dogwood was planted several years ago and has taken some time to be established. It performed well this year so I am expecting to see it bloom this spring.

Sweetspire (Itea virginica) This small shrub is another Alabama native which performs so well. It has thrived in this location also on the south facing side of a small woodland. It should also bloom well in the spring with its characteristic tassel.

Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana). This native established itself near the fountain of the Mens Garden. It is a fall bloomer and really shows out.

Red mulberry (Morus rubra). This is a well established tree, along the east facing side of my property line, which bears a lot of fruit in the spring. If you want some of the berries, you have to beat the squirrels and the birds to it since they really love them

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum). I planted two of these trees along my property line 40 years ago. Each year I think they will show the rainbow of colors characteristic of this tree but each year it produces this brilliant gold.

Zinnias. These zinnias haven’t given up. I am still seeing Monarchs, Gulf fritillaries and Clouded sulphurs coming for nectar.

Well, that’s my lot for this week. I enjoy this exercise of finding six photos (more or less) to keep up to date with the happenings in my garden world. If it brings you pleasure to view them, then my job is doubly fulfilled.

Check out Jim Stephens Garden Ruminations. He is hosting Six on Saturday where you can view gardeners from around the world who share in this exercise.

November Blue Skies 4 Nov 2022

We have had some rain this past week. Thank goodness for that. The temperatures have been moderate with just a hint of coolness in the morning. Long range there is not danger of frost for the next 10 days. The most striking feature is the bright blue skies. The summer haze is gone. Colors just seem to pop in the landscape.

Speaking of pop, here are my photos for this week.

The fennel in the fall vegetable bed bloomed this week. Very perky color. Sorry for the bit of unfocused blooms but you get the idea.

The Camellia sasanqua is at its peak. It is loaded with multiple blooms. I caught this one with just enough light to cause it to sparkle.

The swamp sunflower (Helianthus augustifolia) is also at its peak. It is set against the purple of the Japanese maple but the mid day sun has overwhelmed that color.

The purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpura) are continuing to give a wonderful display. This is one of our magnificent natives. It shamefully self seeds but I do not protest.

I found an intruder this week. It is a Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum). It is mildly invasive but it is exotic enough to be forgiven as long as it minds its manners and stays out of the shrubbery.

Finally, I have purchased some fall annuals which will be planted soon. The pansies are in the Mystic series and the poppies called champagne bubbles are a new candidate for the Mens Garden.

Happy gardening.

Six on Saturday continues Garden Ruminations. Check it out tomorrow.

Grasses and Such 20 Oct 2022

Since the garden is entering hibernation, I was searching for photos to post today. I found some photos of grasses and such. We have visited the Alabama Gulf Coast often over the years and I have a selection of photos I have taken there.

First is a pampas grass against a backdrop of palm trees. This grass is tall and stands out in the landscape with its plumes. It is a native of South America but commonly seen in the American South.

Second is a pink Muhly grass. It is a perennial sedge like plant. It is an Alabama native which blooms this time of year. It is commonly seen along roadsides. The feather blooms are noticeable from a distance.

Third is sea oats. Sorry it is a little blurry. It grows on the sand dunes and is a signature of the beach and coastal areas. It provides shelter for birds.

Here is a close up of the sea oats.

I am not sure of this next photo but my plant app suggests it is a goldenrod. The Monarch butterflies seem to enjoy it.

Finally, here is a magnificent sunrise. The object above the sun may be Venus.

So, there it is. Hope this diversion entertains you.

Just a reminder, Jim Stephens of Garden Ruminations is hosting Six on Saturday now. You can find him here: https://gardenruminations.co.uk/ He has a good blog too.

Back to gardening next week.

Frost is coming

In our area, first frost averages as November 15. I was planning on beginning to winterize my garden the last week of October. In fact, we have an out of town trip planned next week. As luck would have it, next week we are forecast for 2 nights of below freezing temps. I have had to step up today and begin that process. Tender plants have been provided shelter.

In the meantime, here are my photos for the day. I have been looking at succulents. So here are some of my discoveries.

First, this is known as a paddle plant. It has appealing shape and color with a sense of modesty about it. It will be an indoor plant. Careful not to overwater.

Second, this another interestingly shaped succulent. It may be a whisk fern although I am uncertain. It is another indoor succulent.

Third, and found at the Mens Garden. It tolerates our climate in Zone 8. It tolerates this partly sunny location nestled in a repurposed bird bath. I am unsure of the name.

Fourth, this looks likea Euphorbia but I didn’t catch the name even though it looks like the tag was beside it. It will also be an indoor plant.

Fifth, here is a mass of light blue pansies. They will tolerate our winter and even bloom. They will survive a light frost. Careful not to overfertilize them in the winter months.

Sixth, here is a lingering patch of Sunpatiens. It is a hybrid plant combination of traditional impatiens with the larger New Guinea impatiens which results in a plant that thrises in full sun in hot, humid weather. These had a slow start this summer but are have thrived ever since June. Hope they will survive this little cold snap and give pleasure for a few more weeks.

That’s it for this week. I wish you “Happy Gardening” and don’t forget to take a peek at the propagator’s blog. He is the host of Six On Saturday.

More Fall Colors 6 Oct 2022

Our weather continues to be dry. Hurricane Ian passed well to our east and delivered no rain to us here in Central Alabama. There is a chance for rain in the middle of next week. On the other hand, the temps are slowly declining and there is only a very mild wind. Nevertheless, watering is in order.

I am enjoying the fall colors and I have some photos to show you of them. I also want to show the progress of my fall garden.

First, here is a beautiful goldenrod that appeared in my perennial bed.

Next is a Max Sunflower or Helianthus maximiliani. It is also called Michaelmas daisy. It is a native. It is about 6 feet tall and has just started blooming.

I have a vine to show. I planted it last year and I thought it didn’t make it through the winter. I found it growing and I hope it begins to climb the nearby oak tree. It is a Dutchman’s pipe and is the host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail.

The next vine is the yellow passionflower or Passiflora lutea. It is the host for several butterlies including Gulf fritillary and zebra longwing. It seems to be thriving but did not bloom this year.

The next photo is a cardinal flower which is also a native I found nearby recently. Hummingbirds like the tubular flowers.

My last photo shows my fall/winter garden. It is off to a great start. Here are the radishes which are called Rhapsody. The fencing seems to be keeping the rabbits and deer from feasting.

I hope you are having good gardening weather.

Don’t forget to look at the propagator blog. I enjoy his weekly blog Six on Saturday.

Happy gardening!!

Fall Colors 30 Sept 2022

This week, it has been fall like weather with highs in the 70’s and morning temps below 60. I have been able to complete many more fall tasks. Most of the planting beds have been cleared and I do have a good start on a fall vegetable garden with radishes, carrots and beets.

It has been a little breezy from a cold front. It is still very dry. The hurricane did not bring any rain our way but it has been devastated to our dear brothers and sisters in Florida. I have spent many vacations in central Florida and it is painful to think of the destruction and misery. God Bless all those who are rushing in to help.

Here are my six.

First is this Inland Sea Oats that I started from seed. It will do well in the shady areas of the garden. It is beginning to show that golden fall color. The seed heads are so unusual.

Next is some boneset. It is a Eupatorium species. It is a common native. I did not plant it but it is a delight of the fall.

Next is a toadlily given to me by a friend. It is Tricyrtis hirta. It is a hardy, shade loving perennial. It is low growing and has such beautiful lily like flowers.

Next is another grass I planted this year. It is a Carex known as Everillo. Beautiful fall golden color. It loves the sun.

I was visited by this beautiful butterfly. I think it is a Red Spotted Purple.

Speaking of blue, here is a group of Ageratum proudly displaying their color.

This Alabama Croton is beginning to show its bronzy side and the dogwood beside it is showing its red side.

At the last, here is a camellia showing that it will bloom in January when the days are dreary and that the spring will return.

Hope you are enjoying the blue sky days of October here in the American South.

Take a peak at the propagator blog. He is the inspiration for my efforts.

Happy Gardening.

Friday Favorites

It is Friday. Our beautiful weather continues. It will be dry for the next week so some judicious watering is in order. These tasks will have to be done today as you will soon find out.

Football season has begun so the wife and I will be watching college football tomorrow.

First off are two spider lilies. They are sometimes called surprise lilies because they seem to just appear overnight.

Second is the Sedum “Autumn Joy”. It was really putting on a fine display today.

Third is this trio of purple coneflowers looking so fine in the morning light.

Fourth, here are these red knockout roses. There is a new wave of blooms that have begun this week.

Fifth, is this beautiful, large bloomed hardy hibiscus. They were just planted two weeks ago. I hope this is a good harbinger of things to come.

Sixth, I encountered two visitors, one small and one large for you to see.

The small is the tussock moth caterpillar and the large is one of two healthy bucks that came walking through the front yard a few mornings ago.

Happy gardening to all and remember to take a look at the Propagator.

His blog Six on Saturday is the inspiration for this blog. He would appreciate you stopping by and giving him a like if you favor what you see.

A Stroll In The Gardens

The weather here in the American South continues to be wonderful. It has been just a little cooler each morning. Each afternoon we have been having a little bit of rain. The sky is a clearer blue each morning as the humidity has fallen.

It has been time to take on some fall tasks such as clearing the vegetable garden, pruning some of the spent perennials and planning some hardscape projects.

This weekend is the Fall Plant Sale at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. I have volunteered for this sale for several years now. I took the time to stroll through the gardens and took some photos for you there.

I began my walk crossing this bridge leading into the area of the Bog Garden.

Along the way, I found this Paw Paw tree (Asimina triloba) with plenty of hanging fruit. The pawpaws have a sweet taste said to be a blend of mango, banana, berries and pineapple. It is the host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail although I did not see any.

A little further along, I found these seed pods of the strawberry bush (Eunonymous americana). Its common names include bursting-heart and hearts-a-bustin derived from the image of the fruit I suppose.

I then spied this flower of the jewel weed. It is common along creeks and ditches since it likes bottomland soil. It is just past its prime but there were abundant blooms remaining.

This is the fall panicle of the oak leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). It is a common plant in our woods. The blooms linger after the spring and gradually take on a bronze color like this gem.

I next found this inland wood oats near the water of the bog. It is very popular as a low maintenance shade grass. Its color transitions from green in the spring to ivory in the fall to a brown during winter.

Out near the vegetable garden, I saw this cotton at near maturity.

Next, I saw this eyecatching orange cosmos.

Finally, as I exited the garden I saw this planting of a dwarf sunflower. It was very happily showing off its bright yellow color in the bright sunshine.

I hope you enjoyed these glimpses of my stroll in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Happy Gardening.

Be sure to take a look at the efforts of the Propagator.

September Blooms 2 Sept. 2022

The weather is moderate and the rainfall is adequate here in the American South. College football season has begun and there will be a heavy dose of it this Labor Day Weekend. College football stadiums will be in full throttle and the tailgates will be plentiful and abundant. It is a great time of the year.

The gardens are still beautiful and the butterflies are plentiful. The summer perennials are waning but the fall flowers are appearing. I am beginning to plan fall and winter projects.

Here are my photos for the week.

The first is the beautiful dragon wing begonias. It inhabits the window boxes and will be abundant until frost. I have to remember to remove them before frost since they make a frightul mess if they freeze.

The second is a solitary Shasta daisy. They have been plentiful and healthy this year. They will need some thinning this fall.

Here is an obedient flower. It is a native perennial and has just begun to bloom. Physostegia species are so named because a flower pushed to one side will often stay in that position. It is in the mint family.

The “Indian Summer” black eyed susan and the Penta are still blooming regularly.

These garlic chives are blooming beautifully and attracting many Common Buckeyes.

The zinnias are attracting all manner of butterflies including the gulf fritillary.

Finally, here is an autumn fern (Dryoperis erythrosora) that loves the container on the deck. This beautiful fern is evergreen and hardy in our climate.

Hope you have a memorable Labor Day Weekend and happy gardening.

Remember the Propagator. He is our inspiration.

More Butterflies 26 Aug 2022

Here in the American South, August is ending. It continues to be a few degrees cooler than expected and we are getting some rain every day this week. The foliage is green but the flowers are fading. The butterflies, skippers and insects are very noticeable this week.

I have two feeders that the hummingbirds are keeping very busy. The hummingbird “wars” are fun to watch.

Weeding has gotten a little ahead of me but perhaps I can catch up now with the moderating temps of the approaching fall.

First up today is a fiery skipper in my zinnia patch. This patch has been a butterly magnet. Sorry, it is a little fuzzy but that skipper is quick.

Next up is a silver spotted skipper in that same zinnia patch.

Just adjacent to the zinnias is my milkweed patch. I have only seen a few Monarchs but these milkweed bugs are in abundance. I will try some Neem oil spray on them.

I have a Rose of Sharon blooming nearby with this noticeable white color with a white throat.

The rain has brought out a lot of mushrooms on the lawn. These are some vermillion waxcaps according to my iNaturalist app.

In the sideyard, there are some roseglorybowers. They are also called Mexican hydrangeas. They are attractive to the bees but they are pushy and I have to keep an eye on them.

This last one is a Seashore mallow in the genus Kostetetskaya. It is a late summer bloomer and seems to shyly catch your eye. As you can see, it does resemble the Rose of Sharon.

I hope some rain and sunshine is coming your way. Here’s to happy gardening. It is a splendid way to keep your mind off trouble and worry.

Remember to take a peek at the the propagator. Just click the link and see what he is doing this week.