Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wildflower Wednesday - October 26, 2011

I have always liked growing things, but I never had the time to really indulge in it. Now that I am retired, I'm growing flowers and vegetables, and discovering wild flowers. I don't know much, but I am eager to learn.

I discovered these three plants growing beside a stream on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tennessee just south of the Merriweather Lewis Park (Old Trace Drive). These wildflowers are in bloom now; photos were made last Saturday. Can someone help me identify them?







And where do you find wildflower seeds or plants for sale?
Thanks!!


Monday, October 24, 2011

Freedom Hills - Alabama

Saturday was a pretty day for a drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

We stopped at the Freedom Hills Overlook in Alabama.


A bench half-way up the short, but steep, walking trail provides a peaceful moment's rest.

The panoramic view at the top of the trail needs more time to develop color,
but some individual trees were shinning with yellow-orange,


And here and there a splash of red!

Wildflowers are still in bloom.


The bees and butterflies are busy gathering pollen and sipping nectar.


If you live near the Natchez Trace Parkway
(Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN)
spend some time on one of the nature trails.
You will love it!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - October 19, 2011

Mississippi sunrise, Tuesday morning, October 18, 2011 - The heavens declare His glory - Psalm 19:1

Monday, October 17, 2011

Garden Bloom Update

The Night Blooming Cactus bloomed on Sunday night, October 16 - one day past the GBBD event!







Saturday, October 15, 2011

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day - October 15, 2011

This is my first time to contribute to GBBD, so I have a question: do flower buds qualify?
My Night Blooming Cactus has buds, but no blooms, yet.

I've been very happy with my Mums this year.



















This Lantana suffered
through our hot, dry summer,
but is bloomming beautifully now.
The cosmos are looking a bit bedraggled.

And one final photo, in the vegetable garden - Okra!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - October 12 2011

Sunday Afternoon Drive


Tennessee River in Northwest Alabama





































'All that glitters is not gold'
A truth I've often been told,
But a day such as this,
Pure joy and sweet bliss,
Is more precious than silver or gold!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Autumn


These mums, bought last Autumn, are even more beautiful this year.

I like the play of light and shadow in this photo.

The cosmos are certainly happy that the weather is cooler,
but I miss the hummingbirds.

The first hummingbird arrived April 2, and they began to leave last week.
This photo was made on September 13.
All 5 feeders were swarming with birds that day!

The marigolds have been steady bloomers for months,
and are still going strong,


but this is the last blanket flower bloom.

On August 30, I planted radishes, carrots, and onions in large containers,
hoping to keep them above bunny rabbit's eye-level.
And they will be easy to cover when frost is expected.

Maybe frost will wait a few more weeks so that the last tomatoes will ripen.

I stopped pinching back the basil to let it bloom. I love the smell!


It is the time for Fall Festivals, State Fairs, Chili Cook-Offs ........
Go! Have fun!