Monday, September 2, 2013

Summer Gardening and a Surprise!



Hi everyone! Sorry I’ve been absent for the past month but life and summer has kept me busy. We’ve been busy planting in our field area that we had cleared just before snow flew in January. My business suddenly decided to breath life back into itself and I got the idea in my head that after a decade I should redesign my website. Do you have any idea how challenging it is to wrap your head around a computer program after a decade? And with menopause? Yes I ask for a lot but it’s all good!


Summer has been bountiful as far as plant life goes thanks to the great amount of rain we received this spring. This is one of my favorite flowering plants called Sneezeweed. It’s the first to bloom in the spring and the last to die back in the fall. Best part is it decided for the first time this year to add some yellows flowers to the arrangement.


I also love Hydrangea, every variety, and I have to say I love this incrediball Hydrangea. It doesn’t flop from heavy heads and if you deadhead the flowers it’ll make more. I planted up this little garden two years ago and my dwarf boxwood hedge is coming in nicely. Another two years and we should have a real hedge.
 
 
Incrediball Hydrangea
 
 
Blue Endless Summer, except they need to include a disclaimer with this shrub, it doesn't really bloom all summer!
 



Limelight Hydrangea


The heads on the limelight get as big as my head and they turn the most incredible green in the fall.
 
 
This is a type of Hydrangea Paniculata f. grandiflora and I love all the ferns just above him along the top of the wall. We get tons of ferns that will suddenly jump up around here and Mister Man keeps mowing them down only to have them jump right back up. He isn’t trying to mow the ferns just the grass but the ferns are literally everywhere!
 

 
My best friend Deb, yes even the same name, and I have been talking a great deal about gardening and Hydrangea and with my birthday coming up soon she surprised me with an amazing gift clear from Seattle Washington! Two huge Viburnum and a Let’s dance starlight purple hydrangea. The Viburnum are planted and staked since I’m going to grow these two as trees and my new Hydrangea went into a new garden I just started that will be nothing but Hydrangea. I personally don’t think you can ever have to many Hydrangea.

 
I don’t know what it is about olive trees but I have a slight fascination with them so I picked up two small plants early this spring and imagine my surprise when they actually grew olives!

 
Yep, they grew olives, black olives that are ripening! This is very exciting for me and I don’t even like olives….lol.
 

As for this guy he’s been loving his life of hiking, swimming although he doesn’t actually swim he’s more of a wader and finding mud. I snapped this picture the other morning after his hike and he was panting on his side.
 
So that’s what I’ve been up to a life of gardening and work and loving being outdoors. I hope all of you have been enjoying your summer and I’m going to try and get caught up with you all.
 
Enjoy your Labor Day!
XXX
~Debra~

44 comments:

pve design said...

Summer does tend to be all about outdoors and then the time we have to think infuses new life into projects. Wishing you lots of success with your new site and your business.
Dylan also always provides comic relief.
Back from our walk - so muggy and hot. I am ready for some crisp Autumn weather and all that goes with.
pve

The enchanted home said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The enchanted home said...

Welcome back Debra!! I was thinking of you...glad to see Dylan has been earning his keep:) dirty paws and all. Love the idea of "finding" olives growing....I have always wanted to grow my own and hydrangea are just about my all time favorite....they are so hardy and are like the gift that keeps on giving. Hope your Labor day is relaxing..we were in Boston and despite the dreary weather had a blast but its always nice to be home too.....

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

I love olive trees, but don't like olives. I wish I did because I like everything else Mediterranean. Your hydrangeas are magnificent. You've reminded me that I want to plant some more with spring fast approaching. I'm glad you've had a good summer. We had a little taste of your winter with some snow this past weekend - it doesn't happen here very often. So was very exciting keep well. Xx Sharon

Decor de Provence said...

Everything about your home is so dreamy, wishing I had a fraction of the talent you have. Those hydrangeas sing to me... thanks for making my day!
Hope you're enjoying your Labor Day weekend Debra!

Much love to you pretty lady!
Desiree

therelishedroost said...

Lets hear it for hot flashes!! Right there with you!
THat dog is just edible!!
Glad to see you back and blogging!
Best,
Karolyn

debra @ 5th and state said...

there you are! your voice has been missed deb!

love your garden, oh those stone walls. agree, one cannot have enough hydrangea. was just at an industry show......wait until you see the new varieties for 2014, good thing you have the land!
cheers
debra

christina @ greige said...

Hydrangea is my all time favorite! I am working on planting a full hydrangea garden on one side of the yard. It is so hot here now that they are not doing as well. I will have to wait until the spring to bring in the beauties again.

Wishing you a lovely week!

Best,
Christina

Karen said...

Debra,
I've missed your posts. Your garden areas are amazing and I do love hydrangea. I too was disappointed with the "ever-blooming" hydrangea. Mine has one good bloom session but then just sits the rest of summer. My oak leaf hydrangea never bloomed this year but a) I over cut it last year and b)our summer was very gray and cool.
I'm glad your back.
Karen

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Oh Debra...I can relate to the hot flashes and the brain fog...I'm right there with ya! Your garden looks so beautiful and Hydrangeas are my favorite....Happy Birthday!

Maryanne@ The Garden said...

I am in total agreement.... One can never have too many Hydrangeas!

PS love the crisp clean look of your header.

Leslie said...

Hi Debra! Glad you are back! Sounds like you've had a wonderful summer. Your plants look so robust:) and the hydrangea are gorgeous.. I like the lime light with a faint touch of green. Dylan looks like he's ready to get into fall mode. Our girls are enjoying the shorter summer days. It seems they know what's ahead. Hope you enjoyed the long weekend! xxL

La Contessa said...

I canNOT believe its been two years since you did that boxwood border and Hydrangeas!I remember that POST like yesterday!I adore the plants as you do and happy to say I too have all the STYLES you mentioned!They are a glorious plant!Your garden is swimming with WONDERMENT!Congratulations........just beautiful!

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Debra-
I am so happy that things are going well for you and your business!
Your gardens are just beautiful, and puppy adorable as always!
Happy Tuesday.
Teresa
xoxo

michele said...

yes yes, never too many hydrangea! things are looking so lush there, and what a thoughtful friend.

i am pulling a dylan today--just no motivation beyond eating and sleeping!

smiles, ms. menopause.

michele

Stacey said...

Debra!
Nice to have you back! I didn't want to stalk you re your absence like last time, so I tried my hardest not to do any "pop ins" or "check ups:-)." Love the new look of the blog and I adore the bigger pics! Beautiful and my, look at ow nature is abuzz on your grounds. So pretty! Love it! Dylan always steals the show though:-). xx

An Urban Cottage said...

Are the olives hardy around here? That would be so cool.

Beautiful hydrangeas. It's nice to have a mix of them so you have blooms throughout the season.!

Karena said...

Dear Debra, your mix of Hydrangeas is amazing and what a special friend to send you more! Love those first white ones! Ferns growing everywhere, a paradise indeed. I do love those rich Mediterranean olives with a good Greek Salad and Feta! Yum!

Thank you for sharing so much!

jeanne said...

hydrangeas love them all

Boxwood Terrace said...

Hi Debra - So nice to know you're having a great summer. Your hydrangea's look amazing. I never knew that the name of the Lime Light hydrangea's -- good to know. Dylan looks as happy as ever!

xo,
Deborah

Mona Thompson said...

Deborah,

I've missed you. I miss visiting blogs like I used to do...hopefully after we get this store open things will level off a bit. We've hired Zac full time and he is awesome!! Love your garden...you have many talents.

Stacy CUrran said...

I was going to moment on the beautiful gardening, but then the dog stole my heart!!!
Stacy

Woodside Park said...

Debra,
Hello, and welcome back!! Look at all your gorgeous hydrangeas!! Yes, you are right.....can never have enough of them. It all looks beautiful in your garden. And how loveable is Mister Dylan :)
xo,
Loi

designchic said...

I'm so happy to see you back. Hydrangeas are my favorites and your garden is amazing...

Unknown said...

Love how robust your garden looks right now. Those hydrangeas are heavenly!!! Mine have turned all kinds of colors throughout the summer and right now they are a pretty crimson touched with green. Prettier than I remember in the past.

Love the sweet and thoughtful gifts from your friend!!! She obviously knows what makes you happy!!!

Welcome back!
xoxo Elizabeth

zanetastyle said...

Beautiful garden and I can see why you wrote that you are still not finished(: so huge!! I can barely handle what I have planted... Love your hydrangeas ... All of them(:
Hugs z

I Dream Of said...

Oh, some how I missed this post, Debra! Your gardens are so beautiful. Those hydrangeas. Wow. We're working on a landscaping update at our house and I am going to have to add several of the "limelight" variety! I hope you continue to keep happily busy as summer turns into fall. Enjoy the weekend! XOXO

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone! Sorry I’ve been absent for the past month but life and summer has kept me busy.Online Nursery

Fashion-isha said...

I'll never get sick on hydrangeas! And congratulations on your olives!
xo
Sharon

cindy hattersley design said...

I so enjoy posts of your beautiful garden. Those hydrangeas are amazing. However I am most happy to see Mr. Dylan looking so happy!!

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Debra,

I have no idea how i missed this...brain fog.

In any case, the hydrangeas are amazing! You are so right, you can never have enough of them. I am sure that your garden looks amazing!

Happy birthday by the way, what a thoughtful gift from your best friend.

Dylan looks so cute, and dirty, but isn't that what summer fun is all about?

I hope the webpage is coming along, slowly but sure. I do not think I could take that on. Computers and I are not friends.

Take care and enjoy your week!

Pura Vida said...

I want some olive trees and I think I'm just about ready to have a place to put them. Loved this post! All so very pretty

Jennifer said...

I love Hydrangeas but never have had much luck growing them. Beautiful gardens. All so pretty.

Stacey said...

Happy New Year Debra! Much love.

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Debra...where have you been? Missing your blog! Hope you and your family are well..

La Petite Gallery said...

Hi loved the post. It's my first visit. I will be back. I am putting you on my side bar, found you at Francines. yvonne

La Petite Gallery said...

Debra, are you still blogging?
I hope so let me know I just found you. yvonne

Carolina Elizabeth said...

I could not believe it when I found a small, but absolutely lovely olive tree at the market recently. I had to bring it home and am so excited to see it give fruit. I have absolutely enjoyed strolling through your blog as it serves as wonderful inspiration. Thank you for sharing. I do hope you will stop by and visit my blog to see some of my oil paintings, as I wish to try to return the favor. Kindest regards, Carolina Elizabeth http://carolinaelizabeth-art.blogspot.com/

Perennial Plant Lover said...

Love Pee Gee Hydrangeas, Limelight and Nikko Blues! I love your plants, they are super vibrant and healthy. I have a problem with my ph level in the soil, especially with the blue hydrangeas, they try to turn pink like my pink diamonds.A little lime will put them right back to dark blue.

La Petite Gallery said...

I have the boulders in my drive and now I am plantin Hudrangeas. Where can I buy an olive plant? will it grow indoors in the winter?
yvonne

Unknown said...

Debra!!!!
So good to see you back here! Your hydrangeas were spectacular. Mine never really took off this year, so I'm hoping for a better showing next year.

Summer was busy, but fun and now I'm in the groove of another school year.

Hope all is coming along with your business...sounds like it was meant to be!
Happy Autumn!

xoxo Elizabeth

La Petite Gallery said...

I want an olive tree. For now Nov. 1 2014, I am burried in SNOW. Yep, it is here now for 4 days and most of Maine has no power. Lucky I have this auto Generator. Best investment I ever made.

La Petite Gallery said...

Happy Thanksgiving I want an olive tree too. yvonne

La Petite Gallery said...

Golly this post looks so warm and inviting. Happy Holidays, it's freezing
on the Maine coast. yvonne

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