Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Garden Themed RAK & True Blue Plants

Monday's mail brought a most wonderful surprise: this most thoughtful RAK from Maggee over at Stitching Devotee.  She's read my blog for sometime now, and knows that I'm an avid cross stitcher and gardener.  This little beauty speaks to both my passions. It's by Heart in Hand and is called "Spring's Abloom".

Besides the exquisite stitching, the finishing - the butterfly button, the rick-rack trim, and backing fabric were all chosen with care. 
Many, many heartfelt thanks Maggee!

We are having our "Hot August Weather".  Saturday was 88, Sunday was 95, Monday was 95, Tuesday is to be 88, Wednesday 88, Thursday 96, and Friday 93.  Then, finally it cools down to the low 80's.  I'll need to water often to keep the plants in good condition.
It's Tuesday so let's head over to the Garden Party at an Oregon Cottage.

Last fall I stuck a small, scraggly Black and Blue Salvia (Salvia guaranitica) in a flowerbed to see if it would over-winter.  It not only over-wintered, it is now a monster - close to four feet tall and that wide too.  I so love the true blue blooms and how they coordinate wonderfully well with the bright green leaves.

Speaking of color coordination (or lack thereof!)...with the Black Beauty Lilies, the Bread seed Poppies, and the pink Penstemon, this is a part of the garden for people who do not fear color!

Come mid-August many of my potted plants begin to look more than a little bedraggled. 

I spent several sessions last week working on the Front Porch.

I took each pot / each plant and examined it for disease.  I trimmed and dead-headed, and even re-potted if needed.

I took a broom and swept.  Now it looks somewhat 'fresh and new' once again.  And I am happy to sit on the Front Porch and enjoy my efforts.

I have been well rewarded. 
Can you beat the colors and textures of this group of Coleus? 

Even the Hummingbirds seemed pleased with my 'Mid-August Clean Up'.

Yep, I do love blue.  My sister's 'Heavenly Blue' Morning Glory has begun to bloom.

 I hope you enjoyed today's tour of the Front Porch.     

12 comments:

Denise said...

Impressive! I have 6 hanging baskets and 4 pots and am overwhelmed! Can't even imagine how much work you put in. Maggee's gift is adorable. perfect for you.

WishfulMe said...

Love the morning glory! Our house has 0 shade so I have not planted any here. At our old house though I had them coming up all over the place! One of my favorite flowers for sure!

Take care,
Dee

Anna van Schurman said...

Your porch looks great! And your RAK is wonderful. That backing fabric is perfect!

cucki said...

your porch is looking so lovely..and the RAK is so cute.
have a lovely day xxx

Margaret said...

I love morning glories! Such a lovely RAK -- and your garden looks wonderful! (how do you stop plants from becoming leggy? I'm totally clueless....)

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Your hard work is worth it when you see the end results. Your garden is always beautiful.

Melanie said...

Ooooooo, what an adorable little RAK!!! Very nice. :)

The potted garden looks awesome. I would have killed all of that in about two weeks, no doubt. lol

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

I most certainly DID enjoy the tour! :)

Athena at Minervas Garden said...

It's all so beautiful, Beth! Love 'Heavenly Blue' morning glory--that color is so clean and clear. And what a great picture you got of that hummer--it's like she posed for you, but I know it's your fantastic photo skills that got it to come out so well--they are fast little guys to try to capture on film! Take care--have a fantastic week--find the shade spots and enjoy them in the hot weather!

Barb said...

Beautiful flowers and a nice little gift!

Carol said...

What a sweet gift from Maggee--and a perfectly themed one for you :)

Lovely tour today, Beth--those morning glories are heavenly, indeed!

Jami @ An Oregon Cottage said...

Oh, I have plant lust for that Black and Blue salvia - must find me one! :)