Friday, October 1, 2010

East of the House, and Some Critters

I haven't posted updates on the flower beds as often as usual.  Today, I took photos of the area just to the east of the house and the critters that were there.

This butterfly bush is between the front yard bed and the side yard.  This was taken facing north.


I planted 4 or so small bridal veil plants in this pot this spring.  It filled in quickly, and has looked great all season.


The snail vine will not be blooming much longer, because the nights are going to be getting colder, and this plant does not like it when the temps are lower than the 50s.


The fall blooms have joined the annuals that have been blooming all summer and a few perennials that still have some color.


The salvia, 'Black and Blue' is looking great still.  The comfrey on the left did not mind being transplanted to this spot in the spring.


The Short Toothed Mountain Mint keeps looking like it's going to spread in the spring, but by picking up the fallen stems before the roots have a chance to go far, and pulling a few strays, I've been able to keep it in check.  The goldenrod, 'Fireworks' may need to be kept in check, too. 


Here's a closer view of goldenrod, 'Wichita Mountains', which is on the right in the above photo.


The blue on the bottom left in the above photo is a spiderwort I thought had finished blooming for the season.


Here's another moth of some kind on the 'Wichita Mountains'.


I can't remember what this daddy long legs is on.  It looks like amsonia leaves to me.


I can't remember what kind of asters these are, but there are a few volunteers here and there in the bed, and I'm glad they are in good spots. 

Here, there are 2 moths, and the black insect I posted photos of last fall, and don't remember if they were identified for me.  I'll have to check when I get a chance.


 Here's a closer view of the black insect.


I think this is a bellflower of some kind.  It has a long bloom time that starts in the spring.  I though it was finished for the season, but discovered these while taking photos for this post.  :o)


The yellow helenium next to the rudbeckia, 'Herbstonne' is still blooming well.  The Russian sage is flopping over.  I can't remember if I trimmed it back or not this summer, but will be sure to next year.


Do you know what the plant that is trailing from the upper left corner is?  It reminds me of the beauty berry bushes that are in the front yard, but I haven't gone back and forth to see if they are the same thing.


This bee is enjoying the cat mint blooms.


The liatris is finished blooming, but I still like to keep the dried flower stalks around.  The amsonia 'Hubrichtii' is starting to turn its fall color.  The smaller comfrey that has blue flowers was also moved to the bed this spring.  It's on the left in the front of the bed.  I wonder if the coreopsis, 'Moonbeam' in the front will bloom again.


I had trouble getting a clear shot of the spider in the amsonia that is different from my others, in that I have to keep it from spreading too far.  The others just stay in their own clumps.  The leaves are shaped a little different, too.


 I like this coreopsis I got the spring of 2009.  I plan to move some of it in the spring because I want to plant something taller in the corner that may take up the space.


Here's a view facing the south more.


Misty Dawn, I hope you don't mind I put a post on my flower bed up for Camera Critters.  It does show the habitat I have provided for them, and a few in action.  Folks, click on the link for Camera Critters in my sidebar to see more critter posts.

29 comments:

  1. My favorite picture is your header, and your very cute lawnmower guy. I've got one too(grandson), about the same age. :)

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  2. You sure have a lot going on in your gardens Sue. Color, texture and critters.

    FlowerLady

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  3. I like this kind of bed, Sue. Things are so thickly planted that weeds don't have a chance!

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  4. Had a good time looking over your plants in your blog. You have a very nice assortment, and definitly a milder climate for your zone, my plants are getting haggard.My family homesteaded SE NE at Steinaur and Burchard.I have lived in Beatrice, Lincoln, Omaha and born in Norfolk.

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  5. You have a beautiful garden. I saw a canine garden guardian in your very first shot, and together with the insects, this is a fine critter post! My opinion...

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  6. Lovely photos, a lovely garden. Pretty dog and interesting critters.

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  7. Love the salvia and bellflower. Love blue. Your goldenrod is one good looking plant...very pretty.

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  8. So beautiful, Sue. Could you do a close up of your helenium I think it is the same thing I have that is getting ready to bloom soon. I love your Asters--such a nice pop of color. The spent liatris blossoms are very nice, adding some vertical interest. I really love the shot of the bed--so lush and full. What is the weather like for you right now?

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  9. One major thing I miss about NE, the long summers! The fall was always our favorite time of year with all the fun pumpkin patches we would traipse through with our little girls, trying to find the perfect pumpkins. Good memories of Omaha.

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  10. Your garden is still looking so lovely and lush! You work hard out there,that is obvious.

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  11. Without the plants there would be no insects and vice versa so this is a perfect post :-)

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  12. Found your blog just today. So glad I did! Great pictures. You have a very nice garden.

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  13. Your garden is still looking great! So many colors and textures! Still love the shades of the Mountain Mint leaves. Jean

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  14. As always, Sue, the garden looks great, you've got so many interesting critters in there! I love the look of the spent liatris blooms next to the Amsonia...can't wait to see it in it's full fall glory!

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  15. Hello Sue, Thanks for visiting my blog! I had a great time walking through your garden, and how lovely it is, the 'Black and Blue Salvia' are new to me, I will have to search for this plant next spring. Your plantings are very impressive.

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  16. loving the lavenders and that huge bridal veil

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  17. Your garden is looking fabulous, Sue. I especially am smitten with your Solidago--I have 'Little Lemon' but have never seen this one available locally yet. Your black-winged bug is probably black wing moth Ctenucha virginica. We have them this year too, quite a lot of them. They seem to be harmless, and rather pretty.

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  18. I'm loving all the different flowers you have growing. Beautiful.

    I do wash the dirt off the potatoes, but I don't try to get it super clean. I just want most of the mud off. I let the potatoes dry for a week on a cookie sheet in the front porce before I store them.

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  19. Snail vine? Do you know its Latin name? Also, do you prune back your butterfly bush in spring? I always had but this year didn't and it actually seems bigger this year than previously. Woof!

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  20. Well Sue you still have a lot going on there. I like the snail vine. Have yourself a good day.

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  21. Sorry I've been away so long Sue. I love the 'Fireworks' goldenrod. And the snail vine is cool.

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  22. hi Sue, your hardwork is certainly reaping fruits. That's a lovely handiwork of love. It is just sad that in a short while they will succumb to the changes in season, and i feel so sorry for them and the hands caring for them.

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  23. Thanks for your tip on the katydid. Those are some long legs on that daddy long legs. What a fun area to photograph so many lovely blooms.

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  24. Dear Sue, I am amazed how much is going on in your garden at this time. Mine is definitely very tired in comparison. I don't think I have ever told you how much I love your header. Pam x

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  25. Your fall garden is beautiful! You have so much going on all the time! Your trailing vine isn't honeysuckle, is it?

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  26. Oh! I love those beautiful flowers so colorful. I also try to collect flowers and put it in a cute vase. I enjoyed reading your article. It makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing.

    -yumi-

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  27. How you have pretty tiny flowers I like it so much. Keep posting!

    toni

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I welcome comments and questions from anyone, including those who do it anonymously. Some people find my posts by doing searches, and I like hearing from them. I guess spammers won't even read this message, but I will delete spam as soon as I see it.