OK, When Does It Become An Obsession?

It started  a couple of weeks ago, with the lull after the Holidays.  I looked out the back windows at the snow covered gardens.  It had beauty in it's simplicity - but the garden 'backdrop' of suburbia (egg crate backyards) kind of bugged me.

Like all the "Bunny" protection?!

Now I realize, this is the home and area we chose.  It has been a wonderful place to be, and with the addition/renovation we did 4 years ago - we will be enjoying the upgrades for years to come.  Maybe I have "garden envy" - of those that have mature and robust gardens?

Rolling fields behind a plethora of blooms ... deep sigh!
(thanks to the creative minds at Microsoft)

I read many garden blogs, and salivate when I see woodland gardens in Alabama, crafted landscaping in Wisconsin, organic farms in California, the majestic views in Colorado, hear sage advice in Maine or Ohio, see breath-taking photos in Belgium or New York, along with big things in Texas (yes, everything is big and beautiful in Texas).  Then I travel around the globe to exotic, far-away places like Australia, Africa, Canada or Ireland and really get wistful.

(But then, I digress... because I could go on forever!  P.S. Check out the many blogs I follow;  there are so many gifted folks on the Blogosphere!))

So, between garden blogs, garden magazines and Pinterest - I have been losing my mind on 'next steps' in the garden in 2012.  I've 'surfed', re-researched, down-loaded, tabbed pages, printed-out and finally, cut & pasted garden inspired ideas.  Ultimately it took me back to my garden journal.  I journaled for the last few days (why is spell-check telling me I can't use the word "journaled" - past tense of "journaling").  So, this is what 'a whole lot a crazy' looks like:

Bunnies' Buffet - 'Garden Central' 2012

Yes, that is a pair of scissors and scotch tape sitting next to my garden journal (deux).  Yep, Post-its, too.  I downloaded pictures of my "2012 Wishlist" plants for reference.  A copy went in my "Garden" folder under "My Documents" on the computer - and another copy was printed out for the journal.  (I'm a "visual" learner.)   I also printed out photo copies of 2011 garden successes as well.  Here are are few other shots, so the mystery of my mind & how it works might be revealed:

I L-O-V-E "Google Images" for quick reference photos
(personal use only, of course - not for reuse)

'Bunnies Buffet' Historical Reference - see it, read it, be one with it.

It's not just "cut & paste" here at 'Garden Central'.
There's sketching too ... ("Front Garden" concept sketches).

It does appear there may be a risk to all this printing, cutting and taping.  The brand new (not so expensive) garden journal is already showing stress points.  It will probably never close completely again:

"Composition Books" just don't hold up like they used to ?!?

So, I may not be the most sophisticated gardener, or garden blogger - but I sure get an adrenaline rush doing all of this.  The more I look out the windows, the more I know the gardens will grow to encircle the front and back.  I better check out the village ordinances on residential landscaping & start pricing bulk-purchase compost.  More than ever, I aspire to sit in our backyard with a sense of serenity and sanctuary, thanks to the landscaping that surrounds me.

My question is ... is this type of activity, with it's current laser-beam focus on 2012 gardening, considered "healthy behavior" or has it become an obsession?  It is "colorful" to say the least (I'm the girl that loved the "big" Crayola Box with the sharpener in the back!).

Never met one I didn't like ...
(Microsoft Clipart)

Pacem in paradiso...

©  All content & photography by Shyrlene Foster at The Bunnies Buffet (unless noted)

Light 'Play' and Gentle Breezes

I'm feeling 'garden-y' ((?) probably couldn't find that in Wikipedia) and Zen this morning.  The heat & humidity broke today, so all the windows are open and there is an amazing breeze blowing through the house.  Paging through a new issue of Garden Gate, as I sat in my 3-Season room I noticed the 'light play' on the plants in the "Shade Garden" from the morning sun.

Garden Blogger, Cat - The Whimsical Gardener has a keen eye for the art of the garden, through her photography.  I look at my garden in a whole different way now - as a photo op and perhaps some personal artwork in my home.  My favorite plant progress shots are taken at sunset (as a self-described NON-morning person, 'sunrise' shots will be few and far between).  The other evening the Cottage Garden was bathed in sunset.  Here are a few shots I was able to capture:

Sunset on the Sweet Autumn Clematis
(by my 'Budding Photographer)

'Morning Light' Maiden Grass and Perennial Hollyhock
(at Sunset)

Yellow Daylily Bloom in Sunset shadows

Arabian Nights Dahlia bloom
(Must plant more Dahlias next year!)

I'm entranced by the beauty of this garden in sunset!  

So now that my 'anchor' gardens are in place and I have a sense of closure on what's done so far - I'm back in the garden plant books and pouring through garden magazines for the next phase of planning and planting.  Many of you provided a great recommendations for my 'wishlist' in 2012 and there are a few plants I fell in love with (like Lavender) as I perused my favorite garden 'haunts'.

Borrowed from the creative talent at Microsoft Clipart

I have also had a chance to surf the Blogosphere a bit and catch up with many of your blogs.  Summer has been 'spotty' for getting online, so I am incredibly behind.  In my 'virtual' travels, I try to leave you a comment - so you know I've been by.  It still blows me away how much talent is shared in this format.  Recently Tufa Girl and Toni -Signature Gardens were doing separate whorl-wind driving tours (the real kind) and introduced me (and their readers) to Karen at Quarry Garden Stained Glass.  Many of you may already know about this talent, but if you are new to the blog as I was - stop by!  "Wow" doesn't even cover it.

Time to wrap up.  It's a busy day in our house-hold as we pack up one of the "chitlins" (my kids) for another year at college.  (Geez, I must have fallen into that 'space-time contium' again?  Somehow school is starting up, which means Summer as quickly coming to an end...)

Since my post was all about gentle breezes and "light play", here is a little 'non-garden' shot to finish out this post:

Sunset at the Pier - Gulf Shores, FL

Sunshine wishes...

Stylish Blogger Award

This month I was doubly fortunate, when "Orchid de Dangau" and "Deb's Garden" generously awarded "The Bunnies Buffet" with a "Stylish Blogger Award".

Makarimi has an incredible gift for growing orchids, along with other wonderful exotic plants in Malaysia.  It never ceases to amaze me when I connect with a fellow garden enthusiast half way across the world.  Blotanical once again was the catalyst for networking garden bloggers.

Deb has an incredible landscape that she has transformed over time.  She has woodland gardens I can only dream of.  Deb's blog brings you along as seasons change and her garden's evolve.  Her photo galleries are a treasure trove of information and beauty.

Along with the award, there are a few duties that come along with.....

1.)  Recognition to those that gave me the award (so easy to do!)
2.)  7 Random things about me... (hum, I'll have to think about that)
3.)  Award 15 fellow bloggers with the "Stylish Blogger Award"
4.)  Drop the awarded nominees a note to let them know they were recognized

7 Random things about me:

"Stylish" even in my youth?!

1.)  I've become OCD about garden planning in 2011 - sketching & reading like a maniac
2.)  Corporate construction project management was my favorite job - ever
3.)  I'm hoping to re-create a peaceful sanctuary in my backyard over the next few years - because nothing breathes life back into me faster than a few solitary moments enjoying a gentle breeze and beautiful landscape
4.)  I gave up my motorcycle when I found out I was pregnant with my oldest - an easy sacrifice
5.)  I'm a guppy for a fun software program, but will go into a coma if I have to read anything technical (like a tech.manual or a contract's terms & conditions)
6.)  Macro-photos of plants stop me in my tracks;  simply incredible
7.)  Music - of all kinds - rocks my world & sooths the savage beast (when I get beastly!)

Now, other bloggers that you should check out as "Stylish Bloggers" (in random order):

Along Life's Highway

Tufa Girl

Plantaliscious

My Little Garden in Japan

Garden Walk Garden Talk

Ink and Penstemon

A Gardener In Progress

Dusty Bay

Faire Garden

Gardening While Intoxicated

Sweet Bean Gardening

Thanks for Today

Onenezz

Garden's Eye View

Roses & Other Garden Joys

There is so much talent on the Blogosphere!  Thanks for your inspiration, your creativity and your sense of humor.  It's a really cool place to hang out!!

Peace out......

1 Year of Garden Blogging Bliss!!

February 21st is my 1-Year Anniversary of garden blogging --- the proverbial "Blogoversary" ("Blogaversary"? [sp?])!  I simply cannot believe it?!  My family can't believe it's only been a year - but then they are my 'blog guinea pigs', so I test drive posts with them 1st.

Celebrate !!
(thanks to Microsoft clipart)

First, I'd like to send a shout out to Anita ("Holla"!).  She is the person that introduced me to the idea of blogging.  I'd also like to send a shout out to Lizz & Judy - who threw me into gardening years ago, by buying me my 1st plants whether I was ready for it or not.

Thirteen months ago I knew of blogging, but had no idea what world it would open up for me?  A bit of Google research back then ("What is this 'blog technology' you speak of?"), and I jumped in - right in the middle of the pond!  (I'm kind of like that with technology toys - leap first, ask questions later.)

Right in the Middle!

My very first (non-family/friend) visitor that left a comment was Jean, of Jean's Garden.  If for some reason you have not had a chance to visit Jean, I highly recommend you do!!  Jean is one of the most effective and influential Garden Blog resources I've come to know.  She features a monthly post -- "Blog of the Month", which features 3 garden blogs that are new or under-appreciated in the Blogosphere.  At the time, Jean also recommended I join "Blotanical" (garden blog directory & networking website).  It is another networking resource that is great to connect into.

"Looking back"
(Microsoft clipart)

I looked back at my 'maiden' post.  Wow, what a difference a year makes?!  Twelve months later, this is what I know:

(01)  There are incredibly talented gardeners & landscapers out across the globe
(02)  Garden Bloggers are generous by nature
(03)  Garden Bloggers are each unique & bring individual gifts to the Blogosphere
(04)  Information and knowledge comes at the 'speed of light' online
        (only limited by the speed your internet provider brings to your home)
(05)  An online garden journal is a powerful personal tool
        (if your memory is fuzzy, posts will remind you)
(06)  A picture really is worth a million words
(07)  Latin names for plants are still intimidating to me, but I am no longer afraid
        (practice, practice, practice)
(08)  Sometimes it's best to step away from the PC
        (pull out the old garden planning 'tools' - like the graph paper & a pencil)
        (garden reference books are "golden" - there's always a new 'pearl' waiting for you)
(09)  Garden blogging is an adrenaline rush
(10)  There is still a LOT to learn

Oh, ya - lots to learn!
(Microsoft clipart)

Thank you for your inspiration, talent and sharing a corner of your garden world!  I'm all jazzed up for garden season 2011 - probably more than ever.  It's been a fantastic 'blog' year... on to the next!

Happy Garden Planning!

I've Got it BAD!

It started this morning.  I woke up thinking of gardening --- really!

Ya, like I look that good when I wake up?!!

Red Husker Penstemon.  Karl Forester Feather Reed Grass.  I had the  'itch' to pull out my garden journal and start sketching what plants I wanted to put in the new "South-by-Southwest" garden.  Then I started thinking about all the 'bald'/empty spot's by my slumbering 'Crimson Pixie' Asiatic Lilies (Lilium Hybrid) by the SW corner of the addition.  I hadn't been a "red" flower kind of girl until I saw those beauties back in 2009.  The 'Center Glow' Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) looks great by them, but what else would compliment those early risers?

 

Not being able to sleep another minute - with my mind just racing, I got up and logged into the web.  It was a beautiful sunny day today, and I pulled the blinds wide open.  The Paprika Yarrow  (Achillea Millefolium) stood tall against the recent snow (it must be melting - on Wednesday you could only see the top of the dried blooms)

Paprika Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium)
Dormant in the snow

I started catching up with the garden blogs I follow.  My adrenaline got cranked up even more!  Garden Walk Garden Talk had a post that really struck me.  Donna has a design series of posts that I could really relate to -  focused on fundamental elements - shape, texture, color.  Check it out....  Cat, at The Whimsical Gardener had a more Zen moment (I need to tap into that!).  And Tufa Girl was another blogger who enjoyed a peaceful moment.  Along Life's Highway featured bunnies in the latest yard art "field report" post -- we know how I feel about bunnies (the good, the bad and the ugly).  I was a reading machine today.  Thanks, as always, for your inspiration.

I went nuts on "Google Images" -- downloading photos of all the plants I have on my '2011 Wishlist'.  Being a visual person - I needed a photo fix to inspire me.  Bee Balm, Meadow Rue, Shooting Star, Astilbe, Jacob's Ladder, Candy Tuft - to name a few.  (Hope I win the Lotto?!)

Then I had to do something tactile.  If I couldn't work outside, I'd add a little color inside....  just a little.

It's organic ... it's color, "The Spring Edition"

This wasn't organic - but was the "Holiday Edition"

Blue has always been my favorite color - but since I've started gardening, green has prevailed.  It's become a feature color around my home....  As I walked about, I started to appreciate what's inside.  Green leads your eye around from the kitchen to the family room...

The striped green vase was a recent impulse buy.  With the addition, I now have a lot of tall walls, so I had to re-adjust my train of thought - think tall.  During the Holidays I moved our Ficus tree into the kitchen.  It was not happy, and promptly started shedding leaves.  Once I moved the tree back into the family room - there was a big vertical void in the kitchen.  When I found some tall bamboo in a local craft store, I ran with it.  The 'next steps' in the kitchen - the back wall needs a 'feature' color, and then I'm thinking a photo collage would be great - combining pictures from my "Budding Photographer" and 'her' generous mother, who shares Mom's digital SLR.

Speaking of the Ficus, I had a fresh look in the family room to appreciate some of the live green there.

Ficus during the Holidays - tolerant but not happy

Ficus - happy back 'at home'

So, I'll see if this blogging is going to help satisfy some of my garden anxiety?  If not, I may have to be sedated.  Or I could channel my energy toward the Lotto --- lots of plants on that 2011 wishlist!

Happy Gardening!
(Come on Spring.......)

Garden Plans for 2011 - Even On a 12 Degree Day

There is a charming blog, My Little Garden in Japan, that is taking the Blogosphere by storm.  The blog owner, Fer~, recently created a meme:  World Garden Blog Carnival.

Visit New Year Gardening Resolutions Blog Carnival

at my little garden in japan

His 'call out' this time around is - "Gardening for the New Year".  I'm a little late to the party - his invitation came out for January 17th, but I've been thinking about just what I want to accomplish......

(from Microsoft free clipart)

My 'theme' this year is going to be "BAM! Yes, I meant to do that!".

This will be 'Season #3' of recreating the landscape from scratch, after our home renovation.  Last year was a banner year of accomplishment - roughing out the main gardens in the back, while continuing to add perennials through-out the landscape.  In the Fall, I even posted on future plants I'm mulling over.....  As I look out the windows today, Spring feels very far away.  My poor PJM Rhododendron (Rododendro P.J.M.) looks like it wants to curl up into itself!  Like it just can't get small enough to protect itself from the cold.

Will it ever be Spring?
(Notice - the ever present bunny tracks)

The Vicary Golden Privet (Ligustrum x vicaryi) and Dappled Willow (Salix integra 'Hakura Nisbiki') stand stoic - frozen in time and place by wind and snow.

I realize that connecting with other garden bloggers has helped me learn more in almost one year (soon to be my 'Blogoversary'), then I've learned in 6 years of gardening.  Garden blog Ink & Penstemon had an interesting post lately about blogging, blogs linked to Facebook and gardening (it's thought-provoking, you should check it out).  There was a debate about 'garden blogging' versus getting off the computer and get out to garden...  Well I, for one, hope the garden bloggers that I follow - never stop blogging!!  You are my virtual garden mentors and Mensas -- my garden design and inspiration would be greatly diminished without you.  (So don't get any crazy ideas!)

Paprika Yarrow and Moonbeam Coreopsis

Persian Shield - 2011 'compost'

Sedum - looking a bit like Nick Nolte's mug shot?

...you be the judge....

So as I look at the frozen "Tundra", and iced plant remnants from 2010, I start looking forward.  Two, OK three prevailing areas loom in my head.

Area #1:  (plant a lot, plant fast growing and plant often!!; and maybe it would make a great "moon garden"?)

Area #2:  (Plant more perennials, extend the 'Shade Garden' along the fence line)

Area #3:  (What's next? ...extend a shade garden under the bay window?.. additional garden(s) framing the driveway?  Hummmm....time to get out the colored pencils and graph paper.)

And finally - because I needed hope for Spring - a snapshot of the Summer of 2010:

"Sweet Dreams" Threadleaf Coreopsis
(Coreopsis rosea) 

Happy garden planning in 2011!
(Thanks for the motivation:  "My Little Garden in Japan" blog)

A Little Friendly Competition.... The 2010 "Golden Manatee" Awards

A while back Rosey, from Dung Hoe, introduced her blog readers to this charming and fun website:  Along Life's Highway - The Yard Art Game.  I have become a frequent visitor and back in October even submitted a 'yard art' entry I had seen.  Low and behold, it was featured on the blog (Princess Gnome)!  (Imagine my thrill! -- and the thrill of the yard art owner, I might add)

Princess Gnome Bride - not your everyday yard art!

Well, I just found out that this little 'gem' still has a few more minutes of fame!  For the next day and half (Tuesday, 1/4/11 at 8pm ET through 1/6/11 at Midnight ET), it will be in the running - along with 24 other worthy candidates - for a "Golden Manatee" award!!   Check it out!

The 2010 Golden Manatee Awards are not to be missed!  Like the "People's Choice" - YOU can review the candidates and VOTE!  If you haven't had a chance to visit "Along Life's Highway", you really should.  The author and participants have a wonderful sense of humor and dry wit - and the yard art featured is not anything you may have seen anywhere else.  Enjoy!

SkyWatch Friday - 12/31/2010

SkyWatch Friday is a great meme.  If you haven't seen it - check it out!!

Always with my eyes to the sky, I had to take a moment to appreciate a few "skies" on our recent adventures.   Here are a few of the "500" pictures I took in our travels.... surprisingly, some of the most scenic views were where you least expected it!

Haunting images of a Wind Farm in Western Iowa

Sunset in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

A Western Iowa farm enveloped in recent snowfall

Nothing like a little travel to calm the nerves and sooth the soul...

Happiest and healthiest of New Years - in 2011 

"10 Things...." on 10/10/10 (ya, I meant to do that)

The Garden Blogging community is a generous and creative lot!  Garden Blog pal, Kimberly at Garden in Paradise (10 Things) invited me to share "10 Things" I like, on my blog.  Soooooo ... here goes, in no particular order:

Inspired by today's incredible weather, the 1st thing that comes to mind:
1) Morning coffee & a quiet read on a Sunday morning!

2005 - Sunday morning on the deck

Nothing makes me happier then starting my Sunday morning communing with the 'flora and fauna' - whether it was sitting on my deck (in the picture above) or now, in my 3-Season room with all the windows open!  Someday in the future, there will also be a paver patio just outside the door of the 3-Season room - so I have 'choices'!

(Conversely - when the neighbors get the 'power tools', like leaf blowers, out on Sunday morning - I want to say 'Have you ever heard of the "Day of Rest"?' ...and in my mind - I use a lot of colorful explicatives.)

2) Hanging out with my husband and kids - enjoying the young adults the kids have become, and listening to their perspective on things.

Back when they were little...

3)  "Girls' Night Out!" or "Girls' Road Trip"

Night on Beale Street - Memphis, TN

Nothing says "havin' a blast" like getting out for a night or a long weekend with 'The Girls'!  A few years ago, we loaded up the truck and headed down to Memphis, Tennessee - to visit Elvis at Graceland and sing the Memphis "Blues" on Beale Street.

4) Cranking the tunes on my iPod!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bjornolsson/2097514869/

I L-O-V-E, love music - and have a quite diverse music library.  Depending on my mood, I listen to anything from classic rock to classic Bach!  But I am especially dangerous when I'm driving!!  I love to crank the tunes when I'm in my truck .... usually some serious rock n roll (Zepplin to POD) !!  I'm also a iPod "playlist" queen (ask my friends) -- I've become the De facto DJ for all social events, and I'm 'ok' with this.

5) Photography!  ... it never gets old...

Indian Rocks Beach, FL  2010 - "In the rain"

It started with a Minolta SLR back in 1982 (yep, that long ago!) and evolved to my current digital Canon Rebel XT (a generous anniversary gift from my hubby in 2006).  Thank goodness for inexpensive electronic file storage, because I run amok when it comes to taking pictures - then sort it out after the fact!

6) Hanging out with my extended family!

We're like 'cats n dogs' getting loud n rowdy!

Whether it's with my brothers and sister, or extended out to our cousins, etc. - we are loud n rowdy!  There is always animated conversation, laughter and an ice cold beer or two....  Sometimes we sound more like 'cats & dogs' wrestling, but it's always lively!

7) Road trip - the "Clark Griswold" drive out to Estes Park, CO

Rocky Mt National Park - Estes Park, CO

If you can't be home for Christmas, then 'Christmas in the Rockies' is an amazing alternative.  On a semi-regular basis, we pilgrimage to Estes Park, CO to meet up with extended family.  It's a driving vacation, so you can decompress from work - and after the 2nd day in the car - be eternally grateful to reach in the mountains!

8)  "Big Boy Toys" ......... 4wd trucks, motor-cycles and high-performance cars

My 1st truck - 4wd Ford Bronco (351 h.o.)

No joke!  I love driving stick-shift ... motor-cycles ... and big ol' trucks.  I have had quite a variety of vehicles in 'my youth' and enjoyed them all.  I'm a little more reserved these days, but I still get whiplash looking at a brand new, tricked out pick-up (like a F-150 SVT Raptor) or a hot bike (like a 2011 Harley Fat Boy LO).

9)  The change of seasons!  (really!!)

Sunburst Locus - on a Sunny Sunday in October 2010

A warm breath of wind & sun in October 2010

Mums & Smoke Bush in the front garden - October 2010

As the leaves on the Sunburst Locus rain down on us right now,  I have to say I just love the change of seasons in Zone 5!  Even the snow in winter is picturesque - though I will be the first to admit the month of February seems about 90 days long (for the shortest month of the year)!

10)  Garden Blogging!  Reading (fellow garden bloggers) and writing....

What a difference a year or two can make....

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Blogosphere and garden blogging has been very, very good to me!  I have learned more and met some of the most amazing people in the garden blog community than I could have ever imagined.  I am forever amazed, impressed and amused by the talent out in the virtual world!  I hope anyone that stops by my humble little corner of the world enjoys the visit(s) and takes advantage of the garden talent that is linked on my home page.

Now, for the final task of this meme - inviting 10 garden bloggers to participate (in random order).  As my friend Kimberly so eloquently put it - I hope the invitees participate, but I certainly understand if you already have or choose not to.  There are fascinating gardeners out there, and I look forward to what is on their list..... I love that this list is 'global' !!!!

Wall Flower Studio (CAN)
Crystal Coast Gardener  (US - NC)
My Dry Tropics Garden  (AUS)
Gippsland Gardener (AUS)
The Idiot Gardener (UK)
Dung Hoe (US - CO)
Dakota Garden (US - ND)
The Obsessive Neurotic Gardener (US - NJ)
Elephant's Eye (AFR)
This Grandmother's Garden (US - UT)

The 'rules' are very basic:
1) Post the person that invited you
2) List the "10 Things" you like/like to do
3) Invite 10 bloggers to participate