Flowers – Barb's Back Yard

Pansies! Cool weather love.

March 15, 2020March 15, 2020 by adminNo Comments

Pansies brighten up spring and fall, and come in so many colors and sizes. They play nicely together - so a monochromatic planting or one filled with vibrant colors - will perk up a garden, planter or garden. Pansies thrive in cooler weather so they work well as a "first of spring season" choice to dress up an early spring planting. I just love looking at their happy little faces and cannot help but smile back to them. I got these at Costco during the "stock up on everything to stay home and avert the pandemic" activities. And, surprise! They have a lovely scent, which made the ride home so nice. Nature heals, and beauty lifts the spirit. So two bright bowls of pansies by the doorway it is! Spring Pansies ...

Spring flowers & cats: which are toxic?

March 21, 2011January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Last month, I brought home some beautiful star gazer lilies to take the edge off of winter. As their fragrance filled the room, my charcoal cat began munching on the leaves. I wondered: is that dangerous? Turns out it could have been fatal. Lilies, especially their leaves, have toxins that shut down feline kidneys in a matter of days. By the time symptoms begin to show, it is often too late. In Shadow's case, we rushed him and his brother to the vet. After the vet induced vomiting, the cats were given activated charcoal to coat their digestive system, and they endured three days of IVs to flush any remaining toxins through their systems and blood panels every so many hours to check their liver and kidney functions. Not the best three days of their lives to be sure, but thank heavens for Dr. Mike. By the time I got there, he'd checked with other local vets on procedures and kept...

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...

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...

Cosmos: carefree and great for cutting

April 4, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Have you planted Cosmos before? A beautiful flower, prolific bloomer and a butterfly magnet to boot! The plant boasts feathery green foliage, and flowers have long stems. Perfect for cutting. The flowers come in a variety of colors and shades - from hearty yellows to vibrant pinks and soft white. I usually plant a range of pinks and some white Cosmos in my garden. They require regular watering, and I give a feeding boost about once every four weeks. Try them in a bouquet by themselves. They are equally at home in a humble jam jar and in an elegant vase. They also round out a mixed bouquet beautifully, and the foliage adds a great softness and depth. (more…)...