Orange We Happy?

These plants were looking healthy this year, so I was hopeful they would bloom. It's Blackberry Lily, Belamcanda chinensis. I don't think they've bloomed since 2011. They haven't been a huge success although they do survive. In fact, they have spread a bit. However, they never really fill in to make much of a splash of color. But they are pretty interesting. I may share again when the seeds pods open.

Here's something I never noticed before, and I love it! The buds are spiraled like a soft-serve ice cream. They close at night and open later in the day.

I haven't showed you the blanketflower this year (except the seed heads). The variety is 'Arizona Sun.' I think next year I'll look for one other variety. They tolerate the heat of the rock garden quite well and bloom for a long time.

You will hear more about the marigolds later. A few are blooming.

And I gave in to temptation and bought one of the popular Heuchera. This is 'Caramel,' sort of orange. Not marked down. It's not my favorite, but it is a bit different from the others I have.

I was doing well until about mid-afternoon. Not sure if it's the horrible air quality, the humidity, age, or just whatever. But I did work some on most of my projects and the gardens. Walked 3 miles this morning and braved the store. Meijer was a zoo. Maybe I'll blame my fading energy on the stress of shopping.

Miles hiked in 2025- 321.6

See Back to the Blackberry Lily

The Mystery of the Blue Pearl

Nice title. It really is turning out to be something of a mystery.

This is the plant I ordered in the spring that is supposed to be 'Blue Pearl' Sedem. This is one of the patented SunSparkler varieties. I moved it to a new space today, and here is what it looks like.

It does not look anything like the pictures you can find on line. ID apps say it is a Kalanchoe. Now, I'll NEVER bet the farm on the photo ID apps, but it does lend some weight to my thoughts.

Here is one pic of Blue Pearl from the web.

I contacted the seller. I don't think they did anything dishonest, but somebody could have mixed something up. She assures me this is 'Blue Pearl,' but it won't look like the pictures until it is older. OK...

Here is another picture from the web.

And this is a 5-year old one. Large leaves, doesn't look anything like my plant.

Well, here is the tiny new growth at the base of what I have. I suppose it's possible it will grow up to look as advertised. In fact, I'm the one who keeps pointing out how different plants can look at different times. But a complete change in form? We shall see!

I had a total rest day in mind, but ended up puttering at things that need to be done. For example: those of you who think I'm disciplined, I had left the total kitchen mess over the weekend. It was pretty bad. It's mostly cleaned up now. Played in the garden slowly and moved some things. Came home from the weekend with some new plants I'll show you soon. Did some computer stuff. Avoided a trip to the store, and hope to be able to continue to do so for a couple more days.

See Sedums I Ordered

A Chicken with No Name

Remember the knitting project I said I couldn't show you until after it was delivered? Here it is- new home with author friend Jean. And that fluffy brown lump in front of her? That is real live chicken, Mr. Millie, who came to the event today to help sell books.

Before the chickee could go live with Jean, she took a tour of my yard.

She liked the garden best.

And Mr. Millie does a good job of selling books. And the chicken I brought is supervising, but Jean wants help to name her. Suggest names and I'll pass them on to Jean. Or go to her Jean Davis Facebook page and post suggestion there.

It's been a long day- all good. I did quite well at the event. But now I have to place a book order yet tonight, and then I can rest.

See Previous View of the Knitting Project

Jean's Been Weeding

Since the last time I was at Jean's house a month ago, she's been doing a LOT of weeding. Lots of her garden hill now looks nice.

She has lots more room for large plants than I do. This is right near her front entrance.

Her garden space is also on a hill, and she has stone steps with an interesting creeping evergreen growing over them. Just ignore the hose. We didn't pose the pictures.

The color of these lilies is stunning!

And 'Stargazer' lillies are always good for a show. It's no wonder they are so popular.

Oh, you want to know how those chicks that had just hatched a month ago are doing? Sure.

Laya is being a good Mom to them.

Tomorrow we'll be at Holland's Art in the Park!

See Jean's Hobbies