September 30, 2012 by Born To Organize

September Treats: A Little of This and That

Tiny purple blooms dot the Polka Dot plant

My garden’s been busy over the weekend. In just 24 hours, the Pink Polka Dot plant produced several flowers. I didn’t know the plant would actually bloom. All plants have a flower and a fruit, but many are subtle and therefore go unnoticed. Tiny purple flowers dot the plant. They’re quite small, no bigger than a centimeter, but they look vibrant against the mostly pink and green backdrop of the spotted leaves. What a fun discovery.

Three cheers for yellow!!!

Also growing in one of the pots is a fresh, yellow daisy or daisy-like flower. It’s another surprise from the packet of wildflowers planted in early spring. Every few weeks, a new flower appears. Today’s gorgeous bloom is as bright as a sunflower, but smaller in size. Yellow flowers are the garden cheerleaders: upbeat and sunny.

In that same pot, one or two fuchsia cosmos remain, a nice backdrop for the hummingbirds darting in and out at the feeder.

Bowling-pin Gourd

I smiled when I rounded the corner of the trellis and saw a rapidly growing birdhouse gourd still thriving on the vine. Most of the early fruit was small, but this latest gourd is growing at break-neck speed. In its present form, it reminds me of a bowling pin. Several smaller gourds grew up the trellis to the side of the house and they now hang below the eaves like a string of Christmas lights. Every time I see them I get a good giggle.

Tomorrow is October 1st with a projected temperature of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius). Crazy weather! I’m starting my Halloween countdown in earnest tomorrow, featuring something seasonal daily. Stay tuned.

I love October! How about you?

Cosmo and Hummingbird
Beauty Times Two

Who needs to hang Christmas lights?

September 29, 2012 by Born To Organize

Garden Sunshine: September Winding Down

A special thank you to all my gentle readers for your comments and advice. The birdhouse gourd vine will stay through the winter. I”ll keep you posted on how things go. Late this week I noticed one of the gourds had doubled in size. Woo-hoo! What would a gardening gal do without this community?

Speaking of community, many thanks to gardensunshine for including me in her list of Beautiful Bloggers. I appreciate your kind words I’ve been following her five-part series as she transforms her “shed” from drab to fab. Honestly, it’s more rustic house if you ask me and I’m positively envious of all that space. The shed even has a bit of history:

It is believed to be one of the oldest buildings in our county. From what we can tell it was used as a house or bunker for the men working in the clay pit making clay bricks around 1890 and earlier. It is a really neat crooked building and as we found out when we power washed it full of water, it leans heavily to the left.

Garden Sunshine’s Historic Garden Shed (before)

Pop on over to read her five-part series, and to see the beautiful transformation in words and pictures. It was lovingly restored.

Back at gardening nirvana, we’re in for an early fall heat wave, with temps floating in the low nineties. I’m glad I got the winter garden in when I did. It’s a happy garden too, if that’s possible. The worm bin is a bustling place, thriving on kitchen scraps and leaves.The composter is “cooking” away, making organic mulch for next summer’s garden. I covered the seeds with wire and mesh, to ensure tiny critters give them a chance to grow. Lindy thought it was a new litter box, so I had to put that to rest as well.

October is almost here. I’m so excited.

September 28, 2012 by Born To Organize

Graceful Acer: A Tree for all Seasons

A graceful Acer hugs the side of our house; a stunning specimen of a tree. Long, green limbs branch out low from the trunk, giving way to seven-point leaves. It’s taller than our one-story house, and big enough to provide shade.

Graceful Branches

Acer 7-Point Leaves

As much as I love the changing colors this time of year, I also feel a little wistful. Though we left Ontario, Canada when I was 7, I feel a cultural tug to my Canadian heritage. Shorter, cooler days and the lovely hues of fall make me a little homesick for my place of birth. Crazy, eh?

Our maple tree is an Acer palmatum, also known as a Japanese Maple. In our arid climate, home to year round citrus trees, the Acer serves as a lovely demarcation of the four seasons. In the spring and summer months, it offers shade for the patio. It shelters part of our living room from the blaring summer sun. I can see the tree from our bedroom, entry way, living room and of course the garden. Hummingbirds rest on the branches, waiting for a turn at the feeder. Cheeky squirrels hide their nuts in the ground under the tree’s canopy. Just yesterday two of the cats took turns sleeping under the tree. Who knows what that was about.

Found a Peanut

Acer Samaras

Now it’s autumn’s turn in the spotlight. Leaves are changing to more vibrant hues. The fruit, known as samaras, populate the tree. Since frosts are rare, our Acer holds on to its leaves for quite a while. Last year, with so little rain, the dead leaves clung to the branches well into winter. You could see all the new leaf buds forming at the same juncture. Occasionally I gave the tree a gentle shake so I could enjoy the rustle of crisp leaves scraping past the branches in a graceful free-fall. It’s a gorgeous specimen, year round, but in these early fall days, it reminds me of a place I used to call home.

The first of the Acer leaves turn red

Resources:

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
Acer (A genus of trees including the Canadian Maple)

September 27, 2012 by Born To Organize

Blooming Thursday: Seeds for the Holidays

Cosmos going to seed

The idea came to me in late July. I started collecting Cosmo seeds to give as gifts for the holidays. This prolific annual grew in abundance throughout the summer. It was such a pleasure watching the plant bloom and bloom. I want to share that with others.

Cosmos are easy to grow and spectacular to behold.They grow in planters or directly in the ground, and thrive with little fuss. It’s a cheerful gift for the middle of winter: the promise of spring blooms.

I’ve been mulling over design ideas, and finally hit on the perfect one. I created a five-panel accordion card using Creative Memories software. Starting with a basic design, I added photos to the front panels, leaving a placeholder on the last panel for the packet of seeds. I included planting instructions and additional photos on the reverse side of the panels.

Cosmos Seed Card – Front Panel

Cosmos Seed Card – Back Panel

I bought a packet of 50, 3.5 inch square glassine envelopes for the seeds. The back panel is 4 inches square. They are the perfect.size.

I can’t wait to order the sample card to be sure all the details came together. In the meantime I’m making envelopes for the cards using last year’s garden calendar. I’m having so much fun.

Are you giving gifts from the garden this year?

Resources:

Creative Memories StoryBook Creator 4.0 digital software
Paper Source 3.5 x 3.5 Glassine envelopes (for seeds)

My Beloved Cosmos:

September 26, 2012 by Born To Organize

Birdhouse Gourd: Numbered Days?

The watched pot never boils, and the watched gourd never grows. Or so it seems…

Christmas lights in September?

Now that I’ve filled one of the planting beds with an assortment of winter vegetables, I’ve turned my attention to the runaway birdhouse vines (Lagenaria siceraria). I have just two, 4 x 4 planting beds, so space is at a premium. The vines are occupying one of them.

Still growing…

I read the fine print inside the seed packet today, and learned that some gardeners let the gourds harden on the vine all winter. I just assumed the plant would die off and we would harvest them much like the pumpkins. So…it’s decision time. Do I leave well enough alone and sacrifice the extra winter planting space? Will I face my disappointment gracefully if the vines die off a month from now, too late to use the beds till spring? Do I need to get a grip?

Shriveled flower and otherworldly baby gourd

Mini hard-shelled gourds are forming along the vine, but before today, none of them seemed viable. I finally spotted one, twice the size of the others. I got excited all over again.

How slow can you grow?

Nature’s twine: super-strong vine tendrils

Should they stay or should they go? What do you think?

Resources:

Birdhouse gourd plant care.
How to make a birdhouse from your gourd. Aren’t these gorgeous?
Where to hang your birdhouse for safety and appeal. Includes hole dimensions based on bird species.
Botanical Interests® Non-GMO hard-shelled gourd birdhouse seeds.

September 25, 2012 by Born To Organize

Winter Garden: Above and Below

I’m branching out this year. Now that we have raised planting beds and a gravel and stone walkway, winter gardening holds more appeal. Year one I planted fava beans as a cover crop, digging the plants back into the soil to add nitrogen. Year two I planted broccoli. I bought seeds, but waited too long to plant them, so I planted six starter plants instead. Two survived and produced a few yummy florets, but it bolted early and that was that.

I’m hoping the old saw “three’s a charm” is true, and that year three will be a roaring success. Here’s what I’m planting.

Above-ground vegetables include:

Lettuce Leaf Red Velvet

Botanical Interests ® Lactuca sativa. The seed packet promises “wine-red leaves that are sweet and tender and will make any salad memorable.” Red-leaf lettuce is delicious and brightens up a salad. It will be such fun to grow my own.

Early Green Broccoli

The Seeds of Change® tag line is “goodness from the ground up.” I love that! We all enjoy broccoli, which is to say, three of us really like it and one of us reluctantly agrees it’s not half bad. Let’s hope we have a better year.

Below-ground vegetables include:

Radish Crimson Giant

My eyesight has officially failed me. I thought I was buying beets. These “crimson beauties” were my sister’s favorite growing up. Now my oldest son is a big fan. Here’s hoping garden beets taste just as sweet as the ones that come in a can! Here’s hoping, too that I can still find a pack in the garden center. Apparently we’re also growing radishes! Now that is embarrassing.

Chives Common

I prefer the Latin name Allium schoenoprasum. I’m not sure I can pronounce it but it sounds far less demeaning than the moniker “common.” The Botanical Interests seed packet says “heirloom, with beautiful edible flowers and delicate onion flavored foliage.” It also says “very easy to grow.” Count me in!

I’m off to get my nails dirty. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, are you planting a winter garden? Garden tips appreciated.

Resources:

Botanical Interests® organic, non-GMO seeds.
Seeds of Change certified organic and non-GMO
Seed Keeper (I’m storing seeds and empty seed packets here for future reference)

September 24, 2012 by Born To Organize

My Beautiful Garden Bench

Our growing collection of pumpkins
(Note the tiny ones at the top. They didn’t turn orange in time, but will make excellent “eye balls” for one of the Jack ‘O Lanterns on Halloween.)

I attended the SummerWinds Nursery fire sale last week, and brought home a beautiful, forged-iron bench. Made in Mexico, it features scroll work along the back and a heart-shaped seat. I’m organized at heart, so it was impossible to resist.

My son was with me at the time, and looked askance at the cold, hard bench. I assured him that I had something else in mind, and it didn’t include seating. Under typical circumstances, I would admire the bench, dream of all the things I could do with it, then move on. It seemed extravagant to buy such a pretty bench as a plant stand.

We walked around the nursery parking lot, looked at what little remained at the fire sale, then worked our way back to the bench. The one-of-a-kind lovely was still there, with a fire sale price of 30% off. Further, 10% of the proceeds would benefit the San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation. We paid for our purchases and into the car it went.

Coincidentally, we harvested our great pumpkins that same evening, I brought home the perfect seat for our pumpkins. Once harvested and weighed on the Wii Fit, I relocated my beloved coleus to the back porch, creating a place of honor for our great pumpkins. You can view the pumpkins seated on the bench from the street. It will be the perfect place for the Jack O’ Lanterns once carved.

Today we harvested the last five pumpkins, making room for the winter garden. My seeds are calling me. Time to get busy!

Go to the SummerWinds Almaden Nursery Facebook Page for updates on sales and plans to rebuild.

September 23, 2012 by Born To Organize

Boomdeeada: One Lovely Blog Award

If you haven’t stopped by Boomdeeadda, you’re in for a treat. Boomdee’s clever and creative blog covers eclectic topics ranging from animals to vintage. She loves the color aqua and weaves it throughout her posts. I look forward to reading her blog daily. It’s always upbeat, personal and informative.

Among my recent favorites:

Continuing the One Lovely Blog Award Tradition:

Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog in your post.
Share seven things about yourself.
Nominate seven bloggers you admire.
Leave each blogger a comment letting them know they’ve been honored here.

Seven Things

I love dancing. I don’t do it enough.
The spelling of my name Alys dates back to the 1600s.
I love the smell of the earth, the sprout of a seed and the joy of a changing garden.
I never get tired of holding babies.
Things I’ve done in spite of my fears: scuba diving, para-sailing and holding my cat as he slipped away.
I used to cover my short, red, curly hair with my mother’s black slip so I could pretend I was Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet.
I enjoy the sound of a purring cat, fizzy champagne and my husband’s laughter.

Seven Super Bloggers

A Detailed House Blogging about architectural details and design symmetry.
A Nature Mom “Playing outdoors and exploring the wonders of nature…every day.”
As Time Goes…Buy Fashion and fun, all rolled into one.
David Hobson’s Garden Humour “To boldly grow where no man has groan before.”
Pillows-a-la-Mode An education writer who loves to make pillows and crafts in her free time.
The Pyjama Gardner. PJ blogs with humour about her spacious and inspired garden.
Romancing the Bee Making urban beekeeping beautiful.

Thank you, Boomdee. It’s been a joy getting to know you. Thanks to all my readers for making this a special place.

September 22, 2012 by Born To Organize

Autumunal Equinox: Love for all Seasons

Fall leaves, summer flowers, happy bride and groom

Summer officially turned to fall today (September 22nd). The autumnal equinox marks the time of year when day and night are of equal length. It’s also a personal milestone. I married the love of my life on the first day of autumn 17 years ago. Autumn landed on September 23rd that year, but no matter. Symbolically, the days feel like one and the same.

We both share a love of the outdoors, so exchanging vows on the grounds of the elegant Wente Brothers Winery was perfect. When I walked down the “aisle,” it was actually a grassy courtyard. We held hands and declared our love beneath a flower-laden arch. I still have a small pressed flower from my tossed bouquet.

After one night in San Francisco we honeymooned along the Mendocino coast. We hiked local beaches, rode the Skunk Train amid redwoods and toured a botanical garden hugging the coast.

Nature is a great equalizer. Seasons change, life ebbs and flows. The majesty of the earth brings a uniting force to bear. As the autumnal equinox ushers in shorter days and longer nights, I’m grateful for the love in my life; grateful for my love in all seasons.

Home along the Mendocino Coast

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Mr. Wonderful in Magnificent Mendocino

Visit beautiful Mendocino Garden by the Sea.
Wente Brothers Vineyards in Livermore, California.
Autumnal Equinox

September 21, 2012 by Born To Organize

Bamboo at the Wild Palms Hotel

Wild Palms Hotel

I’ve escaped across town with my sister for a stay at the Wild Palms Hotel. We’re attending an annual scrap-booking retreat, a cool 48 hours dedicated to the pursuit of our craft. The Wild Palms Hotel is a small inn in the middle of the suburbs. The facade is nondescript, but the inner courtyard and pool are surrounded by towering bamboo. I’m sure there are “wild palms” somewhere around here, but it’s the bamboo that dominates.

Bamboo is an amazing plant, capable of growing at rates of 100 cm (39 in) in 24 hours. It’s considered the fastest growing plant on earth. This tall, graceful grass can be made into paper, clothing, furniture and building material. Bamboo leaves and shoots nourish the giant pandas of China and the bamboo lemurs of Madagascar.

When we remodeled our home seven years ago, we replaced the carpet with bamboo. The floors are as solid as the hardest wood, but unlike oak or maple, bamboo grows like a weed. Conversely, one of the softest dresses I own is also bamboo.

It’s dark now, but come morning I’ll be able to glance out the window at the towering bamboo. I’ll pretend a gentle panda is nibbling on the leaves, just around the corner out of view.