Visitors from Sequim

Brig, Linda, Heather, Chris, and Trevor came to see us just before we left for the Pacific Northwest and more family. We had not seen these family members all together for more than a few years! It was good to have all under one roof, and to have a time for visiting, even if it was short. They left from here to go fishing at Red Lodge - we'll hear the rest of the story sooner or later. The nice thing about family is that no matter what the distance in time or miles, there is always a good feeling when we get together. ```

More of the giant Lily

When Breck's sent the original advertisement for this lily, I lumped it with the ones for giant strawberries, tomatoes, etc. However, after letting the brochure lie around the house for a while, I decided that I couldn't lose anything by trying, so I purchased two bulbs, to be panted in the fall. Sure enough, just as promised, the first year, one stalk came up, and bore one lily. Last year, the stalk was a little higher and a little thicker. This year, this plant is a prize winner. It's partner, in another flower bed, didn't grow so tall, but it's coming. Trying to count the blossoms at the top of this one sturdy stalk is a challenge, and the fragrance is very vivid. So, last fall, I planted some partners. One is red - that picture has already been posted, one is the same as this one, and one is a pure yellow, edged with white. My lily bed is coming, making things more beautiful around here.

What makes a Geranium a Geranium?

Would you think this pretty, pansy-like flower is a geranium? It certainly is. I love the coloration, the markings, and especially the flirty stamens in the center. I've had this plant for about 4 years. It lives in the garage during the winter months, and then comes out to rejuvenate when spring comes. The leaves are fragrant. This is another geranium. The blossoms may make an appearance as white, pink, or the scarlet color you see below. This plant also winters in the garage and comes out to delight in the spring.

The Flowers Bloom On

Petunias are always a sure thing for Idaho summers. As long as the deadheading persists, the blooms keep coming. I love the gingery smell when the sun heats up the blossoms. The penstemmon is also in it's glory, keeping one tall lily plant company. The succession of flowers in a small garden keeps the interest up. I do miss the rhodies and azaleas from our Washington gardens (even after 16 years), but here we begin with the tulips, the grape hyacinths, daffodils, narcissus, violas and pansies. Next the columbine and bleeding heart takes over, with the purple thyme adding a fragrant note. Iris follow, looking like beautiful orchids with their fuzzy beards. Peonies follow, with huge, voluptuous blooms as big as dinner plates. In the meantime, the miniature and David Austen roses are gearing up for a big show. Clematis grow and bloom, and it's time for the lilies to begin. The lollipop (pink and white) lilies bloom first, then comes the golden lilies, and the big lilies like the one in the picture above. I've still got a big bed of lilies to bloom - I didn't keep the literature on them, and this is the first time, so I've got surprises to come. Meanwhile, the pots of geraniums keep blooming their glorious blooms - life is good in flower land.

Bowls from Odds and Ends, Strips and Strings

For some years, I pre-washed my quilting fabric, and regardless of following various tips such as "clip the corners", etc, I found that when the fabric came out of the washer and/or dryer, there were still strings that were tangled and had to be clipped. I have been aware for years that interesting bowls and other forms could be made from these throw-aways. I sewed the first bowl (top two pictures), trying to remember what I had read about the process, and then searched online for instructions, which helped simplify making the second bowl. I first measured the bottom of a smooth bowl to determine the size I needed, and with the first bowl, I improvised a circle on the Solvy before stitching through all layers. After finding the directions, I found that cutting a preliminary large circle to go underneath the Super Solvy to be a guide for the size of the string, thread, and snippings creation. I used a temporary adhesive spray to affix the conglomeration to the Solvy, and then sewed wavy lines back and forth. Then you wash out most of the Solvy under running water, leaving enough to be goopy, and form the sewn creation over the bottom of the original bowl. A spray with clear Krylon will protect the bowl. The first and last pictures are my last bowl, and the middle pictures are of the first bowl. Pretty nice to create something out of stuff that usually ends up in the wastebasket. Be sure to enlarge.

Supports for my flowers

Many times I have looked longingly at the fancy, expensive supports for individual tall flowers that the gardening catalogues carry. My oral hints have not affected Ron until I told him that I was going to order some, since they are now on an end-of-season sale. I know that wooden dowels are a short-term solution for my tall lilies that grow in front of the porch because even when I paint them, the part that is in the soil will disintegrate after a time. These particular lilies are in the shade until mid-afternoon, so they are always leaning westward, reaching for the sun. My creative husband left in the van, and, after visiting the metalworks on the west end of Preston, came home with rebar cut into appropriate length. Total cost of enough supports for my beautiful lilies and penstemon, $16. Cost of supports for two plants from the catalogue, $14.95 plus shipping. I do believe we are ahead of the game on this one, thanks to Ron, who loves to solve problems like this one. (More lily pictures tomorrow.)

P.S. Be sure to enlarge the photos so that you can see how well the rebar works. I used the green gardener's wonder tape that works a bit like velcro, but doesn't bite into the stems and sticks to itself.

Not the Old Oaken Bucket

Ron must be part Scotch, although he has only found hints of forbearers from that country. For years, we used two green watering buckets to water plants in pots and carry water to the bird baths. Last year, this one parted company, the handle being no longer a part of the bucket. Bottom of bucket - good; handle - kaput. This morning, Ron took time to repair the handle. Some epoxy glue, some wire with a knowledgeable twist, and a ring for holding things together completed the fix. Now the bucket is as good as new. Isn't it amazing that things that need to be fixed in our lives may require just such a fix? Rather than setting things aside forever, a little concentration on the best way to proceed, rounding up the right tools, studying how to get the best result, and applying a little muscle and ingenuity. It is easier to shunt these problems aside and attempt to ignore them, but faced squarely, the job is often quickly done.

Little Purple Pansies, Touched with Yellow Gold...

Pansies are a sure thing, whether for real, or in an applique quilt. Love the little faces on them. Another block completed. Phew!

The Tiger Lily Quilt Block

The blocks are adding up. They look pretty cool on my big design wall. I keep plodding along - of late, I have been working on the blocks in the evening. Maybe have to step up the pace. They are so satisfying to do. I really prefer the variety - doing the same block over and over isn't really my thing, although I have done it, and had to do that to get the basic basket in this block.

A New Flower Block - the Poppy?

This flower is supposed to be a poppy. I loved the fabrics, but find it a very different poppy - it's just a very pretty flower. Be sure to click on the picture to enlarge it.