Almost Ready

I am getting impatient with my small garden projects. I cannot stop taking pictures of the flowers. Seed processing is on my mind and I can see when the best time to start will be when the photos tell me. This will be the last time you will see the blooms. I know you're tired of these, but wait, just wait. I have a plan.

In the meantime, here we go again.....

Oh, and remember the plant with the pretty red and pink flowers? It is a succulent and called Kalanchoe. I'm sorry I didn't take a picture of the entire plant so this closeup is all I have. It was a gift from friends in May and sat outdoors all summer, then died off. I was able to save a little bit and have started it all over. So far, so good. It seems to be doing well.

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Quiet Here...

The day started off with a doe and fawn on my lawn. They did spot me in the window and took off back up into the hillside woodland. I've seen them many times.

It's warm so I went out for a short rideabout. My first stop was next door where my niece from Delaware and my nephew from Rhode Island have been organizing and preparing for several days to take their dad to live with her and her husband. I've known him for over 60 years when he married one of my sisters. She died in 2016 and he has lived next door to me for 26 years from the time when I moved into the cabin. We weren't ever very close but it was always nice to know that he was here and near. Now, after a chat and understanding, we both know it was a necessary move for his safety and assisted care. They took his Ranger so he might be able to ride it on the large property. His dog, of course, went with them.  Still...I'm sad. One by one my family members move on.

On a happier note, a second pink poppy bloomed this morning. I hope to save seeds from this variety.

A neighbor's flowers are full of pollinators and the Pinky Winky Hydrangea blooms are beautiful. 

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Keepin' Busy

I am very happy that my seeding projects are quite successful. It's been a very long time since I grew flowers from seeds. First it was poppies, and today the zinnias have opened. I can't wait to see what the larger poppy buds will reveal. Go Poppy!

Now for the colorful zinnias... my dad always planted these but not such a tall variety.

How about both views of the sunflowers? Back and front.

Then I went for a quick rideabout the lake and found these in a neighbor's roadside garden plot. 

I would like to sow seeds again next year. Just gotta get through another winter!

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Saving Seeds

 There is nothing like a vine-ripened home-grown tomato! I'm still saving seeds. It is one of my compulsions and a part of my yearly obligations. Yes, that's how I feel about my Oxheart tomatoes. I no longer start nor grow these but my daughters do. The first batch has fermented and are drying. ALWAYS on newspaper! 

Even if this year's yield is smaller in size, let me tell you that the flavor is the same.

 This morning I sliced it and saved some of the seeds. They are fermenting in their own juice for several days before being washed and strained and dried. 

The remainder of the seeds will also be saved and   processed after I have consumed the rest of that beauty in a sandwich with only mayo and salt and pepper. Ummmm!   

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 It looks like I'll have three batches of seeds to wrap in plain paper and then store in containers in the freezer for the winter. I might even try starting a few myself - again!

Crazy over Poppies

TODAY!

August 12

June 12

July 27, 2022 - My inspiration to try to grow these came from blogger Mary. All of the following images are from Mary's blog. She lives in the hills of Arkansas.

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I ordered them last year and this year they are out of stock so far...  If you would like to view the description and more colors just click on this link:  

https://territorialseed.com/products/poppy-mother-of-pearl

Surprises

Today my daughter brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her garden. She also brought me yellow and green beans and a container of her ziti for my dinner. 

She took a walk up to the old rock garden to see how things were growing up there and came back with great news! A poppy has opened and several others will soon.....Would you believe it?? Of course I had to get up there on the buggy and get a picture. 

Have a closer look.....

This is the tomato that will provide seeds for next year's crop. My NJ daughter is going to try saving seeds too for the first time.

Not least but last....My clothespin project is almost finished. It needs a coat of shellac or clear varnish to solidify the unit more permanently. It was a very difficult project as the old clothespins were quite warped. I was going to paint it white but decided I like the wooden shades better. It has better character naturally.  One of the skirt feathers fell out and I glued it back in backwards. Toooo late to change it now! Can you spot it?

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