barb – Page 3 – Barb's Back Yard

Gardening abundance: flowers, herbs, tomatoes

June 23, 2010January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Gardening unveils an abundance of great life lessons. From tilling rich soil in the spring to harvesting the final flowers and fruit, gardens yield more than the simple fruits, vegetables and flowers. A good garden teaches patience and peace. A great garden holds memories of delicious meals shared with loved ones and graced with fragrant and beautiful arrangements for months on end. From an apartment balcony to a full backyard, each garden of mine has had advice, cuttings and conversations from neighbors and friends included in its design and function. FlowersGood summer choices for cutting and bringing indoors include colorful zinnias, dahlias (depending on location), roses, snapdragons and cosmos. Cosmos have the added advantage of being kind to those of us with allergies. I love to mix them up in bouquets and surprise a neighbor or friend to liven up their day. Another great idea: snip a few flowers before going to a friend’s cook-out. Lay them in a simple piece...

Karen’s backyard: Wisteria

May 20, 2010January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

My friend Karen shared this photo from her backyard this year. This Wisteria went crazy with blossoms and graced her yard with purple blossoms for a couple of weeks. She says this year the number of blossoms was absolutely amazing....

Butterflies in the desert

May 16, 2010January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Karen sent these photos from a butterfly exhibit at Phoenix's Desert Botanical Gardens, which is nestled in the beautiful red buttes of Papago Park. Serving the community for over 70 years, the gardens are committed to preserving desert plants and educating people about the fragile desert eco-environment. They offer a variety of classes to learn more about how to preserve the desert - and how to plan your own gardens. They also offer many events throughout the year, including art exhibits and a jazz series in the gardens. Check out the Allan Houser exhibit through the end of this month, or attend one of the many jazz events through June. Or, simply enjoy these beautiful photos from Karen's desert visit. : )...

Snow on lilacs – spring in Colorado

May 9, 2010January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

A friend of mine in Boulder took this picture Friday before graduation. Snow on lilacs! Spring in Colorado has some weather swings - summer like weather one day, and snow the next....

Dahlias, dahlin’

August 21, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

French gardeners often plant dahlias in their herb gardens to brighten the landscape. I suspect that bringing flowers to a dinner prepared from the garden is a big motivation as well. What a joyful dining experience! Fresh food you've grown to please your stomach, and beautiful flowers to soothe your eyes. I've grown a number of dahlias over the years. Our climate has winter, so around early October I cut back the foliage, dig up the tubers and nestle them in a box of cedar shavings for winter rest in my basement. In the spring, I re-plant once the danger of frost is gone. When they bloom, its like welcoming old friends back to my yard. Dahlias come in many sizes and colors. I love them all - one has a face like bright sunshine, another is a big purple shere. Of course, they have their own society, the American Dahlia Society, complete with their own Website chock full of information. Other than staking...

Gardening can add years to your life!

July 5, 2009February 1, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Did you know gardening may add years to your life? There may be a tie to long life and gardening - according to an article published on realage.com. The article references a book by Dan Buettner The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. Apparently, people in Okinawa who actively garden have some of the longest lifespans in the world. Food for thought. (more…)...