Leptinella

I love this low dish that I found at my local independently owned garden center.  For a couple of years, I had Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus) growing in it but the squirrels finally dug it up one too many times.

I was looking for something else to try and found Brass Buttons (Leptinella).  I have grown this plant before as a ground cover for a small area and I think it is very charming. 

I planted it with chicken wire, as you so, so hopefully it will grow in peace without interruption from the squirrels!

Have a beautiful day!

Ruth
 

Bluebirds

When I moved to the apartment, I saw that a neighbor had up a bluebird nesting box.   I also occasionally saw that bluebirds would come drink out of my birdbath.  So, I did a little research and put up my own bluebird nesting box! 

I've had the bluebird nesting box for several years now, and even though it hasn't been used every nesting season, it has been used numerous times.  This makes me so happy!   And one time, I found a chickadee in there, sitting her tiny eggs!

I was careful to position the nesting box where is would be attractive to bluebirds, facing in the right direction and so they would be able to have a clear view of their surroundings.  It turns out, they also really like to make use of the handicap parking sign that is near the box!  When they are nesting, I will often see one of the couple, usually the male, sitting on the parking sign. 

I have a critter guard on the pole so things, including snakes, can't get to the nesting box.

While these photos aren't the best, I'm glad to have them as the bluebirds usually fly away when they see me!  

The bluebirds make me happy!

Have a beautiful day!

Ruth

A Hydrangea (post) for Mother's Day

Somehow it seems appropriate to post about my Hydrangea (one of them) on Mother's Day, although I'm not sure why.  It wasn't a Mother's Day gift.

This is a Hydrangea called Mini Penny.  It was one that was advertised has having a longer blooming period.  And since it's always nice to have lots of Hydrangea blossoms, I thought this was worth a try!

I grew it in the ground when I lived in the house and it did well.   When I moved to the apartment and transplanted it into a container, it struggled.  

(Hmmm - maybe like me at the time?)

It's in the shadiest corner of my shade garden behind my apartment and it does pretty well now. I'm glad I have it!

Have a beautiful day!

A Blooming Hosta

 So, I don't know the name of this Hosta.  I'm sure I have the plant tag somewhere.

I bought it a couple of years ago because I loved the large variegated leaves.  I've collected a few Hostas for when I have a house.

Now it's going to bloom!  It will be the first Hosta I have at the apartment to ever bloom!  I'm so excited!  

Have a beautiful day!

An Old Friend

We were able to buy our first house at age twenty-one (long story) many years ago when we lived in California.  This Campanula was growing under a tree in the front yard of that house.  It makes a beautiful ground cover even when it is not in bloom.  Of course, when it is in bloom, it is so enchanting!

When we moved to North Carolina, almost twenty years ago, I brought a number of my plants with me, including this one.   It is one of only two (outdoor) plants that I still have from when I lived in California.

When I moved out of the house and to the apartment, I brought it with me again.   It grows in containers now, one in front of the apartment and one in back of the apartment, but it is still as lovely.

Have a beautiful day!

Ruth

Frog friend

Do you see the tree frog?

One surprise that came with our apartment was ... frogs!   I never imagined that we would still get to enjoy frogs when when my daughter and I moved to our apartment!   But we do have frogs, including this cute little tree frog!   

Have a lovely day!
Ruth
 

Chicken wire

The apartment complex where I live has lots of trees which I think contributes to there also being lots of squirrels.  And the squirrels LOVE to dig in my flower pots!  One of my neighbors puts out peanuts in the shells for the squirrels to eat and I often find these peanuts in my flower pots!

The only way I can keep the squirrels from digging in my pots is to protect the dirt with chicken wire!

Today I bought the Coleus at my local garden center.  (Support your local garden center!)  I didn't get home with the plant tag on this one, but I sure do like the colors in it!

This one is called Black Dragon.

And this one is Chocolate Drop, for the chocoholic in me!

So, yeah, chicken wire, so I can live in peace with squirrels!

Have a beautiful day!