Where the Wild Things Are

 I don't keep up with my garden the way I once did since I'm a bit older and busy growing my junky business. Luckily there are some wild things that show up year after year despite lack of attention from me. I used to fight this wild Lily of the Valley but have learned to embrace it as a sign that Summer is right around the corner.

I am especially fond of the wild Bleeding Heart.  The blossoms are not as big as the hybrid variety but it blooms and flourishes all Summer long instead of dying back after a short hurrah.
Soon the volunteer Foxglove will be here with their annual show - blooming wherever they chose to plant themselves.

Heads Up!

 I finished the Styrofoam head project this week.  One side effect of this hot weather is it keeps me in the art room instead of outdoors after work.  I haven't decided if I will list them on Etsy or save them for the imaginary antique mall booth.  They are kind of awkward to ship.  For now they are sitting on a high shelf in the art room watching over my activities.

Last Sunday I did suck it up and work on one BIG garden project.  I should have taken a "before" picture but I think you can get the idea.  The arborvitae next to my pond had grown so wide I was in danger of being pushed in when I tried to get back to the filter.  Consequently I have gotten VERY lazy about cleaning it and my pond is looking pretty yucky this year.  The fish don't seem to mind but I do!  I like the new look but, unfortunately, discovered a wild holly tree back there.  It is in between an arborvitae and the fence so I have no idea how I'm going to get that thing out of there.  I'll think about it some other day...
For today, I'm off to get a haircut and look at some junk!

Whole Lotta Soakin' Goin' On!

 This is the first of the treasure from the latest button score - the plastics.  That is all I have finished cleaning to show so far.  You can click the picture bigger. This was a huge tin and it took me several days and some very sore fingers, to get them sorted and the strings picked out.

This was a real button tin in as-found condition so it included all those odd things that make their way in to button tins.  No bullets or baby teeth this time but lots of dry beans and corn.  Weird! I don't know what happened to these buttons but I suspect they were spilled out on a cellar floor and swept back up and plunked back in the tin.  Nobody know the trouble they have seen but there are happier days ahead for them!

 Holly at Damita's Pretty Wrap and I were joking the other day about what a great theme "what's in your kitchen sink" would be for us junking aficionados!

Nothing to do with junk but must share a few garden pictures.  My hydrangeas are back to their full blue glory this year.  The last couple years they have been a mix of blue, lavender and pink, like an impressionist painting.

 There are a still a few renegade pink blooms but mostly blue this year and I'm loving it.

The water lilies are also putting on a show this year.  Yesterday there were four blooms.  I need to put on my water socks and take a little walk in there.  The lily pads are about a foot across and some are extended above the water - a sure sign they are pot bound.
I hope you are all enjoying the holiday weekend.  The Husband and I are celebrating 39 years today.

Feeling Purple

 You all know I don't have a favorite color because there are just too many to choose from but noticed that I seem to be surrounded by shades of purple tonight.

 The Wood Hyacinths and the ferns will eventually inherit the earth, or at least my backyard.

 My Frank Klager lilac that takes a licking and just keeps on ticking.  That reminds me, the Gunera isn't doing well this Spring.  I don't think it was the Winter.  I think we didn't give it enough water last Summer.  There is still a sign of life but send your good vibes, please.

 New lavender nail polish because sandal season is right around the corner.

 Johnny Jump Ups growing anywhere they want.

 As are the petite, wild, Lily of the Valley popping out between the stones.

 An inspiration kit that has been languishing in my Etsy for a while so I re-listed it tonight.

A new Dark Star California Lilac for the garden this year.  I need to get this guy planted!
Have you been feeling any special color?

Welcome Autumn!

 Welcome Autumn!  Last Spring I never would have predicted you would hear me say those words but I AM READY.  The temps are cooling off and the garden knows it is time.

 The Hydrangeas are fading from blue to green and on their way to the dusty burgundy that signals the end of the season.

Even the sedums are taking on their Autumn hue.  Now how about a little rain, PLEASE.  Another word I never thought you would be hearing me say but me and the garden are so ready for a long steady shower!
(I think I have that sorting thing figured out, at least for me.  Stay tuned!)