Simply Flowers

"I know the heart of life is good" ~ John Mayer

2011-07-19T12:19:00.001-07:00

"I know the heart of life is good" ~ John Mayer, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I've been spending time in nauture lately and feel inspired. This was taken in a garden in Malibu. This song fits this photo perfectly for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS8NvoMudy8&feature=related

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain

2010-12-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

If you're from an area where seasons are distinct and easily recognizable, visiting Southern California will make you feel as if you're not having seasonal changes at all. But if you look closely, you can find it.
Location: Terrenea Resort - L.A.'s Oceanfront Resort
http://www.terranea.com/

If you visit Terrenea Resort, they grant oceanfront access to all California residents, as well as, a professional Falconer who meets up with his magnificient birds of prey daily. I met this lovely Eurasian Eagle Owl there, on Halloween morning. This to me was certainly a sign of the season, as well as a fortunate event. The falconer keeps them there to detract pigeons and rats from moving into the resort.

My gardening mentor, Florence Sullivan, told me she was convinced that even the plants are slightly confused and bloom when they shouldn't. In any case, if you're used to extreme weather changes, and predictable patterns in nature, Southern California Fall will certainly make you realize you have to open your mind and awareness, and look for the changes.

I suggest you carry your camera, and keep your eyes open. Opportunities to spot fall in Southern California are everywhere. One of my favorite places to visit, is Descanso Gardens, in La Canada Flintridge, CA.

http://www.descansogardens.org/

And although every leaf won't be falling or changing color, even the green leaves give hints of Fall.

It is a wonderful time of year here, so do come for a visit, and enjoy the subtle changes.

Balboa Island, California (Beach Cottage Gardening)

2010-06-14T10:22:00.001-07:00

Hee that is in a towne in May loseth his spring. ~George Herbert, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

My sister-in-law came for a visit and I suggested we take a quick day trip to Balboa Island, located in Newport Beach, CA.

This adorable cottage town has fun activities for families and children, including a ferry ride, a carousel, and an arcade.

And the endless rows of cottage houses, with the accompanying cottage gardens are stunning.

To add to the charm, the restaurants are casual and inviting.

It's the perfect place for a day trip and if you do go, let me know if you enjoyed yourself. We certainly had fun!

LINK
http://www.balboa-island.net/

A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

2010-06-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

June

The first step in having color in your garden is planning well ahead. This month plan for the mums that will make your garden a joy next October. Divide clumps now and make some cuttings too. If you are limited on space, put a few divisions or cuttings in 4" plastic pots and bring them along for the next six weeks then tuck them in. Keep tops pinched back till first week in August. The rewards are so great that I like to put a very small handful of all purpose organic fertilizer in each hole and also use a small spade and work up the soil for each plant and add some R.S.A. Plants can be obtained at nurseries or aske friends for divisions.

If you have fading foxgloves, you could pull them out and put the mums in. Speaking of foxglove, they are so worthwhile for tall colorful spikes, and have bloomed for almost two months. First, the tall cneter spike, which when faded is cut back, then, six or more small spikes all grouped. Spikes are hard to come by in the garden where most of the forms are rounded, so next fall do buy some foxgloves. Put it on your calendar for October. They take full sun on the coast. Colors white, purple, cream and pinkish. After the early spring bloom of the last few months, actually the best time in our gardens, there are literally garbage cans full of throwaway material. Consider putting this on the compost heap. Even if you have no time to turn a heap, it will eventually become compost.

Delphenium gets cut back when new growth appears at the base.

Early sweet peas are almost gone, you might have a few seeds before throwing them out. When you plant them next September pinch them once when six inches high. You will be happy about what a nice full bush that makes.

Early in June you could buy pony packs of many late summer annuals, put them in a good mix, half garden soil, half potting mix, in 4" plastic pots, then when all these bare spaces occur from pulling calendula, sweet peas, etc. your late summer things will be ready to pop up and flower. This is a great money saver. The nursery does it for you at about ten times the costs. If you plan ahead this way, you save money and make the garden show more color.

Iris should be divided in July if they have become too crowded, but if you have too many you might dig some now and throw away or give away and tuck summer annuals into the empty spaces.

Dwarf Dahlias can be bought in 4" pots in bloom so you can see the color. Tucked in now, they will give months of bloom in summer, and then die down to rise in full glory for years to come. Use systemic granules when you plant them, and every six weeks thereafter, while in bloom. Let the leaves die completely before cutting back.

Zinnias provide some summer color, they want good air circulation or get mildew.

Roses can be cut with long stems now.

Margurites should be kept groomed and thinned and they will bloom all year. Make some cuttings now. Many of the best summer bloomers are perrenials. Statice, lily of Nile, daylilies, roses and others. Plan on getting some in next fall, and your garden will have summer color. Gloriosa daisy could still be planted from 4" pots and give a lot of summer color for years to come. Protect from snails. Select roses now, when you see the colors, but buy in January, bareroot. Botanic gardens usually have them labeled.

In mid-June your fuchsias should be in full bloom. They are fairly expensive at this time but do go to a nursery and get the names of some you like and plan a basket for next year. Red ones are blooming now, in full sun, along the coast. Other colors give six months of color, tucked in semi shade in the garden, and trained as trees or bushes. Much easier than watering baskets all the time. Train them high, remember they look best from below, hence the popularity of fuchsia baskets. Learn to make fuchsia trees from basket types.

I suggest you get your social calendar and make an appointment with yourself on the above suggested dates and go out and do these things.

Keep fertilizing!

~Florence Sullivan

“A beautiful thing is never perfect.” ~ Proverb

2010-05-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

“A beautiful thing is never perfect.” ~ Proverb, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I went to the flower fields in Carlsbad , CA with another photographer.

If you're visiting Southern California in April or May, this is a wonderful place to explore. They plant the fields in rainbow rows of ranunculus.

The last section, nearest the entrance blooms last, just in time for Mother's Day.

They are located directly behind the Carlsbad Outlet mall, and adds another fun dimension to your trip there if you want to stay more than one day.

This is their website for more information including their address and phone number.
http://www.theflowerfields.com/

A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

2010-05-01T00:57:00.000-07:00

May

May is Lei Day in Hawaii or MAY IS THE MONTH OF MILDEW here on the coast, on your roses.

Be sure to spray for mildew on your roses all this month, every week. Spray the soil also. Cut short stems on the roses for the first blooming to let the plant get strong, then after that, long stems to semi-prune as you pick.

You can safely fertilize almost everything now, to keep it growing fast. When the rains are over, water infrequently but deeply, about once a week in sandy soil, less often in adobe.

Always add organic amendments to soil when you plant, as these continuously decompose and must be replaced.

Multiply Mums Madly, by making cuttings of the tips and divisions of the plants. In the next six weeks see that all your mums are divided. You will do better to dig up a clump and keep one division than to leave the whole clump. After they are established continue to pinch till mid August. Keep them 6 to 8 inches high, till then. If they get lumps on them use systemic granules.

If fuchsias are nicely rounded plants, stop pinching now and let them set buds. Fertilize them now iwth fertilizer with a high middle number.

If calendulas get mildew and leggy throw them out. They have had their day and plant them again in September. Save the stock, it may last two years, simply cut the old flowers off. Keep pruning chunks out of the marguerites every few weeks and they will continue to put out new green and blooms all year.

Plant asters and zinnias late in the month.

First Lady marigold will add a lot of summer color. Buy small dahlias in the 4" size in bloom so you can pick the color. They will bloom all summer if you protect them ever six weeks with systemic granules, then they will go dormant in late fall. When foliage i all dried up, dig and store bulbs to plant next year or they may be left in the ground a few years before separating. They always get leaf minor o you must use systemic granules every six weeks or spray them every 10 days. Protect them from snails too.

If you have pets do use the "spray on" snail protection. Completely water the garden first in the morning, let all the water dry off the leaves and then thoroughly spray the entire garden. Repeat in about 10 days and you will find very few snails live through this treatment. "That's it," and a product by Germaines are a few of the good sprays. If you can persuade the neighbors on each side to do this at the same time you are all going to be happy for a while. If you use snail spray or any spray be sure to get under the leaves.

In summer: impatients for shade, vinca for sun. Impatients in shade will bloom until November. A good investment, make cuttings and have them next year. Buy in bloom and collect your favorite colors. Planted amid ferns and using campanulas as a ground cover you can have a colorful spot in the deep summer shade. Impatients can stand a bit of sun along the coast, and must have sun in winter.

Don't cut foliage off bulbs but braid it and tuck it away neatly. Try to take in a Garden Tour in May. You will learn a lot from it. Take carnation cuttings now.

Florence Sullivan

Bright colours or dark ones, sparkling clarity or misty atmosphere, landscape, still life, portrait - I haven't met a subject, style or mood yet that can't be portrayed beautifully in pastel. (Dave Beckett)

2010-04-22T13:11:00.001-07:00

Bright colours or dark ones, sparkling clarity or misty atmosphere, landscape, still life, portrait - I haven't met a subject, style or mood yet that can't be portrayed beautifully in pastel. (Dave Beckett), originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Flowers are blooming everywhere in Southern, California. All of this rain from El Nino has certainly brought forth gorgeous blooms.

Signs of Spring in Southern California

2010-02-01T20:52:00.000-08:00

A day before the Groundhog tells the world about the coming of Spring, February first in Southern California shows blossoms everywhere.

Happy Girl, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

It appears that our recent El Nino storms nourished the flowers and helped the insect population.

This flowering tree was filled with blooms, and quite a swarm of happy bees, which are not picture here.

There will be more Southern California floral photos here. This tree was spectacular, and covered in pink blossoms.

Enjoy an early taste of Spring fever if you live in Southern California. I think were in for a showy floral season with the help of all of this rain.

GARDENING TIP: Now is a good time to use the weed and feed sold at your local nursery. It'll boost your grass and fight back the weeds and crab grass that could take hold if you don't catch it now.

A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

2010-02-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

Calendula in Florence's Garden in February

FEBRUARY

Calendula can be in full bloom on Valentine's Day. Do note on your calendar to plant them next September or October. Learn to plant the lovely annuals that will soon be in bloom, in early fall, to get the best and most carefree bloom, we have all year. All of the following bloom best in our early spring: Calendula, Iceland Poppies, Primula, Primroses, Cineria, Stock, Marguerites, Daffodils, Freesia, Statice, Callas - boom in February and March if planted in the fall. Buy them by the dozen then, at very reasonable prices. They will all be available in 4" pots at a higher price now. Another advantage of early spring bloom is the dormancy of many insects.

Roses pruned last month can be fed a good 1 cup of balanced commercial fertilizer now, 10% nitrogen. As soon as all of the the sprouts are out.

Buy cottonseed meal to feed Azaleas next mont - good for other shade plants too.

Prune Poinsettias, Lantana, and semi-hard hibiscus, bougainvillea - about the middle of February. Our last freeze date in this area is February 28. Finish dormant pruning early in February.

In spite of the advice of others, I don't fertilize my lawn much now or it gets too think in March and is very difficult to cut.

Cymbidiums get Hi-nitrogen til July.

Epiphillums get a Hi-bloom fertilizer as soon as blooms appear.

Fuschsias get a second and last feeding of blood meal now. 1T per basket and a heaping T per foot in the ground. Don't work into soil.

Pelagoniums gat a pinching now.

Dahlias and tuberrose go in now.

Try another dozen delphiniums in enriched soil. Bait for snails. Or you can use plastic cherry tomato baskets inverted to protect delphiniums from birds and snails.

Make a mum tree. Put 3 plants close together and pinch out side shoots till correct height is reached, then train it like a tree rose. Pompoms are best.

Calendula, carnations, cinerarias, and dahlias always suffer insect damage. I protect from the time of planting with the granular form of systemic and therefore do no spraying, simply using the granules every six weeks.

Meyer lemons do very well here. They are dwarf and look great in a large container.

Try some Azaleas even if they are difficult here. They don't really like our alkaline water and soil. Work an azalea mix into your soil. I don't like pure peat, once dry it is next to impossible to get it wet again.

~Florence Sullivan

A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

2010-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

My friend, and gardening mentor Florence Sullivan, passed away recently at the age of 95 1/2. I had previously asked her daughter's permission to share her gardening tips. She wrote a booklet, with the above title, so any tips I share on this blog, with this title are from "Florence Sullivan," with the kind permission of her daughter Holly.

Since it's already February, I'll do this slightly out of order and start with February.

AUTHOR'S NOTE
This booklet contains flower gardening information for a specific area. This area includes Santa Barbara to the Mexican border and from the Pacific, inland to the hotter areas.
To make the best use of this information, may I suggest that you get a thin felt pen with green ink, go to your calendar and turn to the current month. Jot down chores which apply to your garden. Then continue thru the year. Green ink will suggest gardens. Thereafter when you fertilize or spray, make a note on your calendar, in green, to remind you when to do it next. Then you will be organized, and your garden will flourish.
Happy Gardening

Florence Sulivan

Mrs. Sullivan has taught Basic & Container Gardening at the South Coast Botanic Garden and lectured to Garden Clubs. She has gardened in this are for 25 years. (Copyright 1986 - Florence Sullivan)

September 1, 1913 to February 9, 2009

life in la la land

2009-11-11T11:09:00.001-08:00

life in la la land, originally uploaded by Abby - going camera shopping today!!!.

There are many ways to enhance a garden. Adding a picket fence is certainly one way to go. Earlier this year, I found ready assembled sections of picket fences at Lowes.

With the help of a good carpernter, and and a few buckets of white paint, my front yard was transformed into a cozy cottage garden.

Welcome to my little slice of paradise.

A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

2009-08-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

AUGUST

Remember, all beautiful color you see here in winter and very early spring should be planned about this time. The roots get a fine start and much of the best blooms come from this early planting. If your garden is full of mums now, and you lack room, get pony packs and transplant into 4" plastic size pots, and have inexpensive plants ready to pop into place later. If you plant directly into the garden, do it at about 4 p.m. to give the plants a whole cool night to help them thru the next days heat. Shade them for part of the next day.

THING WINTER COLOR NOW, BUY BY LABOR DAY!

Our early color comes from planting these now. Stock, iceland poppies, calendula, snapdragons, and try some perennials, now, too. Try margurites, blue daisy, foxglove.

Some seeds could be sown in flats now, if that's your thing. Spring flowers and perennials. A few that do well sown in the garden and reseed year after year are: white allysum, forget-me-nots, bachelor buttons, lobelia, nasturtiums, impatients, California poppy, and orange African daisy, but most others need more care and the see is too expensive to waste trying to sow directly into the garden.

Stop fertilizing hibiscus and other subtropicals so they will harden off for winter.

California poppy if watered in a garden situation makes a fine garden flower. It blooms much longer than in the wild. Lack of rainfall keeps it from germinating on our local hillsides. Remember seeds must never dry out while germinating. California poppy comes in mixed colors. African daisies, the little orange and cream colored kind can be sown soon. They bloom for many winter months.

Now, you have thouh about your winter garden, let's see what needs doing this month.

POINSETTIAS may still be pinched back early this month. Just remove the last six inches of each stock to have double the number of blooms.

FUCHSIAS, keep the dead blooms picked and plan to cut some straggly branches back about six inches.

HIBISCUS should be fertilized for the last time this year, but lightly. Later fertilizing will result in growth tener to frost. This is true of many sub-tropicals.

CAMELLIAS must have mulch renewed or replaced to keep the roots cool and don't let them go in hot weather. Fertilize lightly and thing buds. Be careful not to remove the growing tip which can look like a bud.

IRIS should be ordered now.

MUMS should be cut to about 8" abou the first week in August, then do not cut again. Some gardeners do it a few weeks later but do it! Otherwise, they will get six feet tall and collapse.

Prepare areas for sweet peas, dig in manure, and R.S.A. Let set a few weeks, then plan early blooming kind. Remember they are heavy feeders. When six inches high, pinch tips out.

CALENDULA will get thrip so use systemic granules when planting and every six weeks. Thrip is what causes the buds on otherwise healthy plants to dry up. Thrip have eaten them from inside.

A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

2009-07-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

JULY

FERTILIZE, everything is growing fast and continues to need feeding. Water deeply and usually only once a week. Light sprinkling begets shallow roots. Mulch. Keeps weeds down and moisture in.

July is the best time to separate iris. Don't use any nitrogens when replanting, only super phosphate. Remember, the new growth does the blooming, the second year is the best bloom and the third is good, then consider dividing.

Roses, daylilies and many other things have bloomed and need feeding with low nitrogen fertilizer for more bloom. Epipilliums can be repotted now, they like to be grown in orchid bark.

Make cuttings of Martha Washington type geraniums after they finish bloom, or cut back a bit to give you good cutting wood next month.

If the weather is very hot, do not drown fuchsias, but rather sprinkle the area around them several times a day to increase the humidity they love.

Continue to keep your margurites thinned and they will continue to bloom. Make some zonal geranium cuttings this month, and when well rooted, consider throwing out the parent stock.

Buy foxglove seed, and plant for the next year.

Look over the garden, and the neighbors garden, and decide what you want for next year at this time. Write it on your calendar to buy and plant, at the right time. See what perrenials you could put in this fall, and consider flowering vines as easy color. Hold yourself in check next year when you plant in containers and remember what a chore watering is, and plan to put more things in the ground, for easier gardening. Think ahead about winter blooming containers, they don't require as much watering, try to plan to get these started early.

Carnations get thrip, so protect as buds form, with systemic granules. Petunias should be lightly pinched so they will not get leggy all at once.

Spend an hour sitting and thinking in your garden with a pencil and notebook in hand. Plan for a year from now. Then go write notes on your calendar for things to plant next year. Use more perennials, they will be there year after year.

Daylilies finish their first bloom now, and can use a good cleaning out of the old dead leaveas underneath. Cut down the old bloom stalks. If they are sending up too many side shoots eliminate some. Feed them a fertilizer with a high middle number.

Pinch back poinsettias.

Look carefully at your glads. Plan on moving them to places where their dying leaves won't show, for next year. Don't cut leaves back till fully brown. Then they can be dug, dried and saved for the next year. While in bloom mark the colors.

If you have vacant spots now, you can still slip in some marigolds or dwarf dahlias.

Lily of the Nile can hardly be beat. They bloom from June 1 to July 20, need no feed, look neat as a border plant all year, what more can you ask? Get one, divide it over and over again the next few years, and then leave it alone and you will have a huge display. Be sure to get some of the Peter Pan, half as high. Divide about a month after they bloom.

Fuchsias flaunt their beauty all summer. Red ones will take full sun along the coast while lighter colors need more shade. In July red fuchsias, white shastas, blue lily of the nile, yellow marguirte, golden gloriosa daisy, and lemon and yellow marigolds make the garden the most colorful of the year. Purple statice blooms like mad in July and Pink geraniums, roses and petunias complete the color palette. Tuck in a few lobelia, both dark and light and you'll never want to leave home.

Water deeply and keep fertilizing and weeding.

My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view. ~H. Fred Ale

2009-06-18T22:07:00.001-07:00

“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.” ~ Tom Boddett, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Meet some of my latest rose blooms. After adding a picket fence to my front yard, it was quickly followed with the addition of some pretty pink roses.

I'll share photos with the fence soon too.

“The heart has reasons that reason does not understand.” ~ Jacques Benigne Bossuel

2009-05-22T20:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Pink Saturday!
Thank you Beverly at "How Sweet the Sound" for hosting.

Welcome to my flower blog. This week I'm taking you on a garden tour. First stop; my rose garden! The more I garden, the more I realize roses are my favorite flowers.

“The heart has reasons that reason does not understand.” ~ Jacques Benigne Bossuel, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Earlier this year, I added new bareroot roses, and this is the first "pink" bloom on the new bushes.

Next stop... the area women's club hosts a yearly garden tour... and this home had a beautiful waterlily coy pond that ran right underneath the driveway.

The tour had five gardens, and the perfect mix of garden styles for the tour.

The cottage garden had this mullein verbascum album. It was quite frankly, the first time I had ever seen this flower. Thank you to my gardening friend Kate for the flower id. If you get a chance, visit her blog, it's packed full of gardening knowledge and beautiful flowers. http://www.katesmudges.com/

Finally, the last stop on our garden tour today, was taken at the flower fields in Carlsbad. There were so many ranunculas there, to focus on one seemed odd, but I thought it was fitting for our tour.

I hope you enjoyed your pink garden tour. Stop back soon, and you'll get the rest of the garden tour, and I'll surprise you with giant honeysuckles climbing the walls of a Spanish Villa. Until then, have a lovely Memorial Day weekend.

Cottage Garden Curb Appeal

2009-05-08T11:23:00.001-07:00

"Cats never strike a pose that isn't photogenic." ~ Lilian Jackson Braun, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Nothing is more relaxing to me than walking my dog through my neighborhood, and studying my neighbors "cottage gardens."

My home is a small 1950's ranch house, and as my rose and front yard wildflower garden grows and flourishes, it finally occured to me that I want a picket fence, and a coastal cottage curb appeal. Luckily, my neighborhood is filled with this cottage gardening style.

As my ideas for the the landscape design become solidified, I'll post before, during and after photos of my garden updates. I'm currently studying fencing, arches, and cottage garden accessories.

Meanwhile, enjoy the stroll through my neighborhood!

Wildflower Garden Experiment Update

2009-05-05T11:07:00.001-07:00

all i need is a moment, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes (has Spring Fever).

My wildflowers are in full bloom. This is a macro photo of one of the pretty blooms.

This is the box of seed, and the flower's baby photos. :-) The box was $6 and yielded an entire wildfower bed beside my driveway, and around my rose garden.

A Good Day

2009-04-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

Need to be uplifted today? Then click the title above... you'll be taken to an inspiring video that I just love.

"Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more." Brother David Steindl-Rast.

A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

2009-04-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

April

Is your patio spilling over with color? It could be!

Mine is brilliant with pots of blue and yellow violas, pansies, blue ageratum, geraniums,a nd white alyssum. But they were all planted in November and December. So reach for your calendar and make a note to plant these things next year in those months. Even a huge redwood tub of yellow marguerites was planted last fall. The petunias blooming now are left over from last year. All in the sun.

Last month, and this month, is the time to be planting containers and tubs, and moss-lined hanging baskets of plants that will bloom clearn thru till next November. To plant now use for Pink: petunias, White: allysum, Blue: ageratum, potato vine, light blue or dark blue lobelia, Yellow: or Orange: dwarf french marigold, Red: fiberous begonia. These are all for sun. Vinca also.

For shade, now, use fuchsia, white allysum and impatients, but this would be light shade.

Small cyclamen can be purchased now for next winter's bloom.

PLANT - Dahlias from now till mid-June. A handful of bonemeal worked into soil below tubers at planting time is good. Take mum blooming bulbs, braid it and bend it over till completely brown. Try cherry tomatoes in a hanging basket, one basket will supply two people all summer. Put cascade mums into 12" pots now.

SPRAY - Watch roses for signs of mildew and spray it as it appears. Usually next month is bad for this. Spray ground too. Systemic granuales with fertilizer will protect from insects and fungicide to get the mildew. Systemic granules completely protect cinerarias, calendula, carnations, and any other plan you knoww that will get insect damage. Most of the garden will not need spray.

PRUNE - Camellias and azaleas after bloom, but only if needed for shaping and only after reading a book on pruning them. Important too is to remove the dead flowers from plants. Know what you are doing here. Sunseet prints a good book on pruning. Prune cape honeysuckle. Many other spring blooming shrubs need pruning after bloom.

PINCH - fuchsias till May Day.

FERTILIZE - lawns - shrubs and trees and bulbs when blooming.

Epiphyllums get top dreing of well-rotted manure. Hydrangeas get camellia food or cottonseed now. KEEP AFTER THOSE SNAILS.

WEED - Don't let it get ahead of you!

Hint: Even if you have poor reusults with petunias in the garden, do try them in container, epecially in moss lined baket where snails can't get them. Only trouble wa leaf minor and you can control that for six weeks at a time with systemic granules. These granule can be bought with or without added fertilizer.

REMEMBER: A garden is a thing of joy and a job forever! - unknown

Florence Sullivan

"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death." ~ Leonardo Da Vinci

2009-04-13T15:14:00.001-07:00

"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death." ~ Leonardo Da Vinci
Originally uploaded by Abby Lanes

The dogwood tree brings back the Spring in my childhood memories. I found this tree in my parent's front yard in NC, while we were visiting family for Spring Break. I have long associated dogwoods with Easter. The four petals represent the cross, the marks on the petals, represent the nails into Christ's body. It's a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Easter, and a gorgeous floral Spring tree.

This is a gorgeous old Southern home in my parents town. I thought the pink dogwood trees framed the home so beautifully!

The Flower Fields ~ Carlsbad, California

2009-04-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

If you're anywhere near Southern California this time of year, and you're wild about flowers, the Flower Fields, in Carlsbad, are a must see! I must mention, if you like to shop, they're located right behind the Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall, so you might want to stay a day or two.

As for the flower fields, I'll let the flower photos speak for themselves. Here's the website, address, and phone number. If you do visit, let me if you enjoyed yourself. I'm sure you will.

www.theflowerfields.com

5704 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 431-0352

"April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks Go."

2009-04-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

~Christopher Morley, John Mistletoe

I'm dedicating this entry to my blogging friend Sylvia. When she talks about flowers that she loves, it seems that hydrangeas rank the highest.

Please check out her blog,"Sylvia Cook Photography" for some of the most gorgeous floral images you will ever see. If you click the title, you will taken directly to her blog, or you can cut and paste this blog address.

http://sylviacookphotography.blogspot.com/

These photos were taken at Roger's Garden, in Orange County, California. This store is a gardener's dream. and it feels like Disneyland for gardeners. They have displays like no one else. Their spring arrangements were stunning, as they included gorgeous birds nests with colorful eggs.

And of course, their fuchsia hanging baskets were simply irresistible.

Enjoy springtime. Everything is certainly blooming in Southern California now.

“Plants that wake when others sleep. Timid jasmine buds that keep their fragrance to themselves all day, but when the sunlight dies away let the delicious secret out to every breeze that roams about.”

2009-04-02T09:37:00.001-07:00

“Plants that wake when others sleep. Timid jasmine buds that keep their fragrance to themselves all day, but when the sunlight dies away let the delicious secret out to every breeze that roams about.”, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes (on Spring Break!).

~Thomas Moore

The jasmine is blooming in my neighborhood. It's delightful.

African Daisies

2009-03-29T14:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Sunshine Sunday, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

These African Daisies had such pretty morning light. My hope is they'll brighten your day! Cheers!

Angel Face Rose

2009-03-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

Angel Face Rose, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This is the first rose to bloom in my garden this Spring. In California, we cut our roses back in January and don't fertilize them for that month. They get a nice rest, and fertilizer in February. Our weather has been good "rose weather." The right amount of rain, sunshine, and cloudy days. All of my roses are about to explode! I'm sure more photos will come soon.

Meanwhile, I ripped out some old roses back in January, and replaced them with bareroot roses. The first time I saw Angel Face, I nearly fainted! This is my favorite rose... a) for it's beauty, and b) for it's fragrance. I planted 5 of these beauties!

I also found a "Sterling Silver Hybrid Tea." It was the last one in the store, and had gimpy roots. I talk to it everyday. It's having a hard time, but I keep sending it positive vibrations. If that one survives, you will definitely see it too!

“Memory is the greatest of artists, and effaces from your mind what is

2009-03-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

“Memory is the greatest of artists, and effaces from your mind what is unnecessary.”, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

~ Maruice Barning

Happy First Day of Spring! I took my camera and headed down to the beach, where there were lovely blooming wildflowers. Theses lovely yellow flowers are likely in the Asteraceae family. It was rather foggy, but it was perfectly peaceful.

Peace and Serenity

2009-03-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

How do you meditate? I personally walk, garden, and spend time outside. I found this beautiful rose while walking along a peaceful horse trail.

I wish you a relaxing weekend, and a lucky Friday the 13th!

“Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul,

2009-03-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

“Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice.”, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I gave this flower eyes, so he kind of looks like a blue bat or a blue fox. He's actually an edible flower.

Here's a link to someone's page on flickr, that shows you what the plant looks like with a wider angle lens.

This is a wide angle of the type of flower that it is:
www.flickr.com/photos/mpudi/3281969103/

A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

2009-03-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

MARCH:

Fertilize
Orchid cactus after buds are set and again after flowers.
Cymbidium or orchid - hi-nitrogen till July - every ten days
Azalea - cottonseed on surface
Hydrangea - acid now and again before bloom. Cottonseed will do.
Roses: feed well now and each time they come into bloom, with a long acting commercial fertilizer, or use the fertilizer with systemic insecticide and do no spraying except for later for mildew with fungicide.
Lawns get 10-6-4 now.
Daylily, liquid hi-bloom or superphosphate. Repeat after each bloom period.
Fuchsias, last feeding of bloodmeal March 15, thereafter balanced fertilizer on the acid side.
Camellias may be planted.
Repot Orchids before June.
Spray Holly with oil spray only if it needs it, for black sooty mold.
Prune Hibiscus, removing one/third growth, about March 21.
Pinch fuchsias

This is a very good month for cutting and seeds as it is warming up at night. Cuttings of Hydrangea, Fuchsias, Begonia leaf cuttings, Marguerite cuttings, and Zonal Geranium tip cutting now.

Make a moss lined hanging basket and fill it with petunias from a flat, now, and in a few months you will have a bloom that last about six months. Fertilize regularly. Use about 2 dozen plants.

Root some tuberous begonias in oak leaf mold now. I f you have no luck in shade, try in full sun after they have been rooted, and transplanted. Mine stayed in full sun till the second hot spell in Sept. and I am one and a half miles from the ocean.

Get Dahlias in now. Put bonemeal an inch below them. Stake now.

Plant a couple of cherry tomatoes in a large redwood basket and hang it in the sun. One basket will keep two people in salad tomatoes, as well as being decorative.

This is the month to enjoy all of the annuals you planted last fall. Keep after weeds, and bait for snails, and don't let either get ahead of you this month.

Most plants need fertilizer regularly. Folia feed or get a fertilizer that can be thrown around like snail pellets and doesn't need to be worked in. Fruit trees can't be expected to produce fruit without fertilizer.

Florence Sullivan

false dandelion ~ hawkbeard

2009-03-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

false dandelion ~ hawkbeard, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

www.answers.com/topic/dandelion

Hawkbeard flower heads and ripe seeds are sometimes confused with Dandelions.
Dandelions are so similar to catsears (Hypochaeris) that catsears are also known as "false dandelions." Both plants carry similar flowers which form into windborne seeds. However, dandelion flowers are borne singly on unbranched, hairless and leafless, hollow stems, while catsear flowering stems are branched, solid and carry bracts. Both plants have a basal rosette of leaves and a central taproot. However, the leaves of dandelions are smooth or glabrous, whereas those of catsears are coarsely hairy.

Other plants with superficially similar flowers include hawkweeds (Hieracium) and hawksbeards (Crepis). These are both readily distinguished by their branched flowering stems which are usually hairy and bear leaves.

Dandelions!

2009-03-08T00:06:00.000-08:00

I've had quite the conversation back and forth on email with a gardening friend about dandelions. I learned a few facts about them that I didn't know. There are fake dandelions, that are endangered in California thanks to the weed killer "Round-up."

Then, the dandelions pictured here, have a flower counterpart. Remember that yellow flower we all know and love, and think of as a weed in our yard? In reality they are technically flowers and in the family Asteraceae. There are tons of them in my yard at the moment, and I'll shoot them and post them pics in my next blog entry.

Here's the link to the Wikipedia article that goes into great detail. If you click the title above, it should take you right there.

I'm using a macro lens for the first go round in the Spring season, thanks to Santa Claus. Enjoy your dandelions when they pop out in your yard, and careful with that Round-Up!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion

"My colors are blush and bashful!" ~Shelby (Steel Magnolias)

2009-03-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

I'm not exactly sure how magnolias got associated with the South, but it probably had something to do with the movie "Steel Magnolias." It seems that magnolias really enjoy the California sunshine, and all over my neighborhood, they're blooming. The flowers are quite delicate and beautiful. The magnolia pictured, goes by two names, known as a "Japanese Magnolia," or a "Saucer Magnolia." It adds so much beauty to a spring landscape, and is a sure favorite with many gardeners adoring flowering trees.

“It's spring fever.... You don't quite know what it is you DO want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ~ Mark Twain

2009-02-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

The trees are in bloom in my neighborhood. Beauty is all around, and Spring is just around the corner. Get our your gardening equipment though, I've seen some lively weeds too!

“There are fairies at the bottom of our garden.” ~ Rose Fyleman

2009-02-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

Gardens are meant to soothe the soul, and inspire the weary mind. Part of the fun of gardening, is inviting the magical idea of fairies, sprites, and their feathery bird friends. Adding simple touches, like bird baths, and a fairy door at the bottom of a tree, evokes the magic that you and your plants need. When you have time to rest a spell in your magical garden, sit back, close your eyes, and open your imagination.

Seeds of Change

2009-02-16T01:22:00.000-08:00

Most of the women in my garden club lived through the Great Depression. They seem to have such a better handle on saving things, being conservative with their money, and recycling goods. I also noticed they share plants from their gardens with each other, and they start many of their prettiest plants from seeds.

This year, thanks to our own roller coaster economy, I decided to try an experiment. I planted a seed garden. As these flowers bloom and grow, I'll share the excitement with you. I planted a patch next to my driveway, and a border around my roses. Then I covered them with fresh potting soil. This is photo number one, in a hopefully successful series known as "Seeds of Change." Wildflowers for a wildflower child.

Take time to smell the roses

2009-02-15T17:51:00.000-08:00

"You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love." ~ Henry Drummond

As the symbol of love and romance, the red rose is certainly a beautiful flower for the recent holiday. Roses say "I love you," along with hearts and boxes of chocolate. I hope you enjoyed your Valentine's weekend. Tomorrow is "President's Day." I'm so happy that we have holidays nearly every month. Life is more fun when it's being celebrated.

Descanso Gardens Gift Shop

2009-02-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

I recently visited Descanso Gardens. It's a real pleasure to look around their gift shop. I found these lovely roses, made from shaved wood. If you click the title above, it will take you directly to the Gift Shop. Have fun.

In memory of Florence...

2009-02-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

I think we should look forward to death more than we do. Of course everybody hates to go to bed or miss anything but dying is really the only chance we'll get to rest.
~ Florynce Kennedy

I was informed today that my lovely gardening teacher and neighbor "Florence" (not the author above) died peacefully in her sleep yesterday. She was 95 and a half. She lived a life filled with incredible beauty. An avid gardener, and photographer, she was a lovely friend and mentor. I will miss her, but I celebrate her wonderful life and peaceful passing. May we all live and die so gracefully.
RIP Florence - September 1, 1913 to February 9, 2009

Look at what's blooming in my garden!

2009-02-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

...and for a brief moment, the weatherman thought it might snow in L.A., but it didn't. I did read that daffodil's love cool weather though.

Cheers to Spring, it's on it's way!

I planted wildflowers seeds in my garden. I touched up the blank spots in my yard with grass seed, dirt and fertilizer. I planted new roses. Now my back hurts, for real! I suppose I was surely working.

Signs of Spring

2009-02-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is an exciting time of year in my Southern California garden.

I planted new bareroot roses two week ago. I chose shades of pink, lavender, fuschia, and purple and I removed an old yellow rose that I no longer enjoyed. I had several gardeners recommend this rose "Perfume Delight." I will photograph this for you when it blooms.

Some of my roses are peeking out, and will be in full bloom probably by next week.

I found evidence all over my roses that they preparing for a colorful spring. I see life popping out everywhere.

My azaleas are in bloom, and are especially pretty right now.

It is easier to get forgiveness than permission. ~ Stuart's Law of Retroaction

2009-02-08T19:02:00.001-08:00

While practicing macro flower shots, I photographed a small orange flower, on a shrub. This flower is actually quite insignificant to the larger plant. I was amazed at the ability to enlarge such a small flower.

This is the same flower edited using layers and changing the colors.

It is easier to get forgiveness than permission., originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I decided to create some "Warhol-ish" images, with this flower. Here are two of them.

Faded Hydrangeas

2009-01-30T15:33:00.001-08:00

Thank you Amanda!, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Quote for the day:
To obtain a man's opinion of you, make him mad.
Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809 - 1894)

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler"

2009-01-23T11:41:00.001-08:00

The quote by ~ Albert Einstein

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler" ~ Albert Einstein, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

These flowers are the are the "Summer Snowflake" or Loddon Lily (Leucojum aestivum)

Here's the wikipedia link if you want more information. Apparently they don't care that it's winter in California.

I found them under a tree at Descanso Gardens, in La Canada / Flintridge, California.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucojum

"Any man can lose his hat in a fairy-wind."

2009-01-22T17:18:00.000-08:00

"Any man can lose his hat in a fairy-wind.", originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I found these magical magnolias at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, in California.

"Faeries, come take me out of this dull world, For I would ride with you upon the wind, Run on the top of the disheveled tide, And dance upon the mountains like a flame." ~ William Butler Yeats, "The Land of Heart's Desire," 1894

Simple Gifts

2009-01-20T21:22:00.001-08:00

Simple Gifts, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This title was inspired by the music at today's historic inauguration.

The rose is layered with an oil texture, and was found in the Descanso Gardens, rose garden.

Here's the Inaugural performance of "Simple Gifts" on youtube, or you can click the title above and it will take you directly there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Ao9jyq5Vk

Winter Blooming Cherry Tree ~ Prunus subhirtella

2009-01-20T07:19:00.001-08:00

Happy Martin Luther King Day, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I visited Descanso Gardens during the winter season. I was surprised to learn, while walking through the roses, that there is a Winter Blooming Cherry Tree. Interestingly, in researching this delicate beauty, it is a difficult tree to own. You must find the perfect spot, give it meticulous care, and care for it constantly as it is disease prone.

Descanso Gardens had it located in a sunny spot in the rose garden. Amidst the barren roses, it stood out in all it's glory. For sure, this was my find of the day while visiting this lovely garden.

A camellia from my garden for Artist Stephen B. Whatley

2009-01-19T07:52:00.001-08:00

A camellia from my garden for Artist Stephen B. Whatley, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

The internet is a wonderful tool for connection. I have been so lucky to connect with some incredibly creative, caring people here.

I met artist Stephen B.Whatley on Flickr and he could not be a kinder, more wonderful friend. I suspect I will meet him in person one day.

He wrote me such a thoughtful testimonial on Flickr, and I am so grateful to him for that and his friendship.

I am awed by his generosity, and his success as an artist. He has painted the Queen of England, Prince William and Harry, the Crown Jewels and many more of England's royal families, past and present. There aren't enough adjectives to describe how wonderful Stephen is as an artist and a human, so please do take a look at his art.

If you click the title above it will take you to his website, and I've also included his flickr page. Do spend some time browsing his gallery and getting to know him. You will be so happy that you did.

FLICKR:
www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/

STEPHEN B. WHATLEY WEB GALLERY:
http://www.stephenbwhatley.com/index.htm

The Ginkgo Tree

2009-01-14T07:49:00.001-08:00

The Yellow Tree, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I visited the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. Everything about that garden is peaceful and magical, but with the changing leaves and blooming camellia's the Japanese Garden was particularly perfect. A must see, if you're in Southern California.

Live with Gratitude

2009-01-05T08:58:00.001-08:00

Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels. If we take the time, no matter how crazy and troubled we feel, we can find something to be thankful for. ~ Terry Lynn Taylor, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels. If we take the time, no matter how crazy and troubled we feel, we can find something to be thankful for. ~ Terry Lynn Taylor

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

2009-01-01T09:32:00.001-08:00

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Happy Shiny New Year!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-21T08:58:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Here's a little music to accompany this poinsettia. It's Elvis, who I think is the rockin King of Christmas music!

Merry' Christmas Baby ~ Elvis
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtjY3X-8JVE

Indian Hawthorn

2008-12-20T12:41:00.001-08:00

Indian Hawthorn, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Warmth for the Soul

2008-12-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

Warmth for the Soul, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

“See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence...we need silence to be able to touch souls.” ~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Surrounded by Beauty

2008-12-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

Surrounded by Beauty, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Beauty before me, I walk with.
Beauty behind me, I walk with.
Beauty above me, I walk with.
Beauty below me, I walk with.
Beauty all around me, I walk with.
Navajo Night Chant

The day after a rainstorm in California is quite spectacular. These flowers seemed to enjoy sunning themselves, although the temperature is certainly cooler now.

Finding Beauty

2008-12-11T09:44:00.001-08:00

Fading Beauty, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

~Anne Frank

Honoring Nature's Beauty

2008-12-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Honoring Nature's Beauty, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

It is good to realize that if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honor nature's gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever. ~ Jimmy Carter

The Orchid

2008-12-05T07:31:00.001-08:00

An Orchid for Angela, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Orchids are known for their timeless beauty, but did you know they coexisted with dinosaurs? While researching bee pollen, from bees found trapped in amber 15 to 20 million years old, scientists discovered orchid taxon on their fossilized wings. Essentially, orchids truly are timeless.

Camellia

2008-12-04T14:10:00.001-08:00

Camelia, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

The Camellia is a wonderful plant, with Asian origins. I had quite the history lesson on these delicate beauties when I took the Tram tour at Descanso Garden in La Canada, Flintridge (California.) They have the largest Camellia Garden in Southern California. A must see if you're looking for a garden to visit.

Elizabeth, the Queen Mother grew Camellia in all of her gardens. As her body was taken from Royal Lodge, Windsor to lie in state at Westminster Hall of the Palace of Westminster, a Camellia from her gardens was placed on top of the flag-draped coffin. (from Wikipedia)

Cyclamen

2008-12-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

Friday I'm in Love, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Everywhere I go in Southern California, I see cyclamen planted in beds and borders. Until I decided to take gardening more seriously, I used to kill every cyclamen I met. It was accidental of course, as I followed my idea that plants like lots of sun and water. WRONG!

This plant likes shade, and minimal water, as to avoid root rot. That's because they originate from dark, densely covered, dry forests. They come in various shades from white, fuschia, pink and ever variagated colors. I found these cyclamen in Roger's Garden. If you ever visit California, this is a gardening store you don't want to miss.

Roger's Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd
Corona del Mar, California 92625
949-640-5800
Toll Free @ 1.800.647.2356

Orchids

2008-11-28T11:22:00.001-08:00

Orchids , originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I do believe Roger's Garden has the best orchid displays I have ever seen. It's a gardener / photographers paradise there. Click the title, and the link will take you to their website.

When I saw the distant orange wall behind these orchids, I couldn't believe my eyes. I knew that wall would be the perfect backdrop for these amazing flowers.

Perfectly Imperfect

2008-11-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

Perfectly Imperfect, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

“They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds.” ~ Winston Churchill (Happy Birthday - November 30, 1874)

Out for a walk along the horse trail, I found my favorite rose, "Pierre de Ronsard," having a restful Thanksgiving.

Purple Orchids

2008-11-22T09:56:00.001-08:00

Purple Orchid, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I finally made my way to Roger's Garden, in Corona Del Mar, California. The flowers, plants and displays were even more breath-taking than my gardening friends had described. Imagine one entire room filled with purple orchids!!!

I'll be making numerous posts here with my finds.

Here's the website, if your want directions, hours, and more information.
http://www.rogersgardens.com/

Even nature is thinking of the upcoming holidays...

2008-11-19T23:22:00.001-08:00

Berry-okeh, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I spotted these gorgeous berries today, and couldn't resist taking their photos. I feel this is nature saying, the holidays are coming. Are you ready?

God gave us memories so we might have roses in December. ~ J.M. Barrie

2008-11-17T20:08:00.001-08:00

God gave us memories so we might have roses in December. ~ J.M. Barrie, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

My brandy hybrid tea rose is blooming again.

In January, I will trim all of my roses carefully, and leave them with no fertilizer for the month. This dormant spell lets them rest and prepare for spring.

I also plan to change out my less productive roses. I'm in the mood for showier roses this year. This rose will stay in my garden. I'll keep you updated on my rose choices.

"Gather the rose of love whilst yet is time." - Edmund Spenser

2008-11-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

"Gather the rose of love whilst yet is time." - Edmund Spenser, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

These roses came from my neighbor's garden. She's 95 and her family had to put her in an assisted living home. They gave me some of the roses from her garden, and these are my favorite. If I discover their name, I will let you know.

Pink Roses

2008-11-15T13:29:00.001-08:00

Rose with Texture, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Okay, I'll admit it. I can't stop taking photos of pretty pink roses. They are my all time favorite thing to photograph. I'm also in love with the color pink. I've been told that my signature color must be pink. If that's true, then the pink rose is my signature flower!

According to this article (linked to the title above) their primary meaning is appreciation, gratitude and love.
http://www.proflowers.com/flowerguide/rosemeanings/pinkrose-meanings.aspx

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, which is rapidly approaching, I do appreciate pink roses.

I am grateful for my the gift of sight...

And I do love pretty pink roses! I hope you do too, enjoy! Happy almost Thanksgiving!

Garden Bunnies Rock!

2008-11-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Garden Bunny, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I wanted to share an absolutely adorable garden bunny with you. I found this is Frank's garden. (see entries for October 14 and 15 for more photos from his garden)

Bougainvillea

2008-11-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

Flowers are Red, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This beautiful bougainvillea lives in my coastal Southern California neighborhood. It lines paths, fences, and driveways throughout. After researching this plants history, I found an article that is superbly written. Instead of giving you second hand information, click the title above, and you'll be taken to the article. Here is the web address if you prefer to cut and paste.
http://www.bgi-usa.com/bougainvillea-resource/bougainvillea-101.php

Plumbago

2008-11-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

Plumbago, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I've been paying lots of attention to the plumbago, lining the walking trails in my Southern California neighborhood lately. It has delicate blue flowers, and creates a stunning ground cover.

Need a delicate hedge in your shade garden? Look no further.

This South African native comes in shades of light blue and white. Butterflies flock to this delicate beauty. This perennial plant is just wonderful, blooming from spring through fall.

I found an article on Dave's Garden with ratings about this plant. Enjoy.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/414/

The Getty Malibu Villa

2008-11-11T13:51:00.001-08:00

A Good Day, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

If you enjoy visiting beautiful public gardens, Los Angeles has an array of garden hot spots. If you're looking for an activity, possibly, the word "garden" might not immediately come to mind when you think of "The Getty Malibu Villa," but it should.

Not only does the Getty have a wonderfully relaxing and beautiful garden, it has Greek, Italian and Etruscan antiquities. Even more wonderful, we learned a bit of history. A big lesson from my daughter, as she loudly pointed out, "Look, it's real live mummy mommy!" Quite frankly, that was the first time I saw a 2000+ year old mummy up close and personal, and I found it as thrilling as she did.

The tickets are free. You simply make reservations online, or by phone, arrive on the date the tickets are reserved, and pay $10 for parking. It's a great way to spend your day. Enjoy.

For more information and tickets, visit:
http://www.getty.edu/visit/

Echinacea

2008-11-10T00:03:00.001-08:00

Echinacea, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Echinacea, or the Purple Coneflower, is a popular perennial amongst gardeners and photographers. I personally have this on my "add to my garden list." I've tried several times to start it from seed, and I tried scattering the seeds about my garden. I clearly didn't give it the care it needs, as I didn't have luck growing this flower.

If you want more information, this is a great Echinacea article.
http://www.gardenguides.com/how-to/tipstechniques/herbs/echinacea.asp

Disneyland Floribunda Rose

2008-11-08T12:10:00.001-08:00

Sleeping Beauty's Castle holds the center stage spot at Disneyland. Look closely at the rose photos, and you'll see the castle's reflection delicately floating in the water. Surrounding the castle, and throughout the park, you will find the Disneyland Rose. Bred in the US in 2003, it has a soft fragrance, and a lovely pink and orange tones.

Disney Garden Accents

2008-11-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

Thumper Love, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Disneyland not only positions their flowers beautifully, they have wonderful garden statues throughout the park. Thumper, pictured here, lives on the rock wall surround Aurora's castle. He's admiring the beautifully blooming trees.

A Sea of Beautiful Flowers

2008-11-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

A Sea of Beautiful Flowers, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

As a California resident, I have an annual pass to Disneyland. Having the opportunity to go there often, sometimes several times in one week, I've come to appreciate the hard work the Disney Gardening Fairies do. I say that jokingly of course, as you never seen anyone working on the gardens during the day. I suspect they come out at night, and work their magic. Perhaps, Tinker Bell oversees her Pixie Patch friends.

Speaking of the Pixie Patch, I hear their new Pixie Patch is open to the public. They replaced the section where Ariel used to be located with a band of magical fairies, including Tinker Bell herself. I plan to visit soon, and will share the photos with you.

Mexican Marigolds

2008-11-05T23:47:00.001-08:00

Mexican Marigolds, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Meet my favorite California fall flower, the Mexican Marigold. I first discovered this plant while visiting "The Living Desert" in Palm Springs. They sell their plants near the exit, and I wanted a plant that would thrive in a California Garden. They told me this plant was a wonderful, flowering plant, and that it was a California native.

Interestingly, a Mexican friend told me this flower is used in Mexican funerals, and he's not particularly fond of it because he associates it with death.

For me, I associate it will fall color, a wonderful fragrance, and a strong, sturdy, California plant. If you love this shade of harvest yellow, this plant may be an instant favorite for you.

Pacific View

2008-11-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

Pacific View, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

These roses live in front of a white picket fence, and they have an ocean view. In this garden, there are roses of every shade, and you can tell they are well loved. They bloom like roses who have a true gardener looking after them. I've passed them by many times, thinking I should bring my camera. Today, I did.

Maryam's Cottage Garden

2008-11-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

Southern California has the perfect weather for year round gardening. It's not uncommon to find lovely cottage gardens scattered about town. My neighbor Maryam has a stunning cottage garden, complete with Shabby Chic accents, and a red vintage watering can.

Pink, Purple & Green, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

These are Maryam's window box flowers. She studied Art History at Loyola, and her garden looks like an artist lives there. She changes out her flowers seasonally, and I noticed yesterday, that she's popped in a few snapdragons. When I get a chance, I'll snap a few shots of them for you to view.

If you click the title above, it will take you to my Flickr set, which gives a little tour through Maryam's garden.

Grandpa's Garden

2008-11-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

There is no more spectacular garden in my neighborhood, in my opinion, than Grandpa's Garden. Grandpa is not my grandpa, just an elderly gardener, with the prettiest cosmos I think I've ever seen.

He's incredibly friendly, and chit chats with anyone who walks by while he's gardening.

Start these plants from seed if you want to see prettier healthier flowers!

And remember, mix it up a little with a few complimentary flowers to create texture and beauty in your garden!

A Stunning Two-Toned Dahlia

2008-10-31T20:12:00.001-07:00

A Two-Toned Dahlia, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Stop by the garden of a true gardener, and you never know what might sneak up and surprise you. I've passed a rose garden for months, telling myself to stop by and photograph those amazing roses. I finally did it today. While I was poking through the roses, I found, what appeared to be the last dahlia of this season. It was starting to droop, but I've personally never met such a gorgeous dahlia in person. Meet this two-toned beauty, and if I find the dahlia's name, I'll post it.

Pretty & Pink Geranium

2008-10-27T11:04:00.001-07:00

Pretty & Pink, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This has to be one of the easiest plants to care for on Earth.

One of the most memorable flower articles I ever read was on geraniums, by the Martha Stewart Living Magazine. You can find the article here.

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/geraniums

Fall in Southern California

2008-10-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Color Purple, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Southern California suffers from overcrowding, and here's the reason. Fall in California comes shades of purple...

...fading pink hydrangeas...

...and seashells lying about in your cottage garden...

But before you move here, ask yourself, can you handle the traffic, the multi-cultural diversity, and the expense. I moved away once, briefly, and I don't think I'll do that again. Yes, I'll stop my whining, and stay right where I am. Southern California is a gardener's paradise.

The Brandy Hybrid Tea Rose

2008-10-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

You simply cannot find a shapelier, healthier rose for your garden than the Brandy Hybrid Tea Rose. I can't imagine walking in my garden and not seeing it there. Don't tell my other roses, but I think this is the prettiest rose in my garden, and it has an appealing soft scent. When it's in bloom, it's so perfect you almost think it's fake. If you don't have this in your garden, quick, go get it, you will be thrilled.

Peggy's Garden

2008-10-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

My friend Marilyn, introduced me to her sister Peggy, an avid gardener, a few years ago. Peggy is incredibly creative, and her garden is so inspiring to visit. I had the good fortune of being invited over for lunch in Peggy's magnificent cottage garden, and she allowed me the privilege to photograph and share it with you.

Peggy's Garden, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Peggy raised boys which left little time, or space, for gardening. She kept her backyard pretty barren, so they could play basketball.

After they graduated, a family member asked if they could have a wedding at her house. This sparked a new beginning for Peggy, and her passion for gardening soon blossomed. Here's a sprinkling of photographs from her lovely cottage garden. If you click the title above, I've attached a link to my Flickr page, with more photographs of her lovely garden. Enjoy!

Descanso Gardens

2008-10-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

I've been Schmap'd. Is that a word? Yes, Schmap is an online a mapping service for your computer or iPhone. Click the "Descanso Gardens" title above, and you can learn more about their service!

Lots of Easter bunnies, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This photo was taken at Easter time in Descanso Gardens. Descanso Gardens, located in La Canada / Flintridge, California, is my absolute favorite garden in Southern California.

It's sprawling 150 acre garden once belonged to E. Manchester Boddy, a wealthy newspaper publisher. He built a lovely home, which has recently been renovated and is open to the public, and the most peaceful garden you can find. Descanso means "rest."

They have many types of gardens within Descanso Gardens, including a Children's Garden, a duck pond, a rose garden, and a lovely Japanese Garden (pictured above.)
For more information about Descanso Gardens, visit their website at:

http://www.descansogardens.org/site/home.cfm

Pierre de Ronsard Rose

2008-10-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw the Pierre de Ronsard climbing rose, it instantly became my favorite rose of all time. It's a stunning rose, that's beautiful to photograph, and see in your garden.

Pierre de Ronsard Rose, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Stephanie, a friend and fellow gardener, had this growing up and over her pergola, in her cozy cottage garden. A real beauty, this old-fashioned looking rose also goes by the name Eden Rose.

Hybridized in 1987, it's disease resistant, a vigorous grower, and low maintenance.

This rose is a nearly continual bloomer, with year round health and vitality.

If you live in California, and want to use this for your garden, you'll be thrilled if you purchase it from Roger's Garden. Here's their web address, and I've linked their to the title above, and here's the website:

http://www.rogersgardens.com/

(The roses in this post, belong to Frank. More of Frank's flowers are featured below. Frank mentioned that this rose is lovely on the vine, but droops when you try to use it as a cutting rose in a vase.)

The South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation

2008-10-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

If you're an avid gardener, or just a person who wants a relaxing day in the garden, take a trip to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. There, you'll find the South Coast Botanic Garden, with 87 acres of beauty to experience and enjoy. This botanic garden holds beautiful garden gems.. like the lovely Children's Garden, complete with a child's size house...

...a Dahlia Garden...

...a Japanese Garden...

...a Rose Garden...

...and more...

You must visit the South Coast Botanic Garden. They offer gardening classes, Girl Scout Badge programs, tours, and they have a garden shop with plants and gardening items. For more information visit their website at:
http://www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org/home.html

Yellow Marguerite

2008-10-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Yellow Marguerite, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This yellow marguerite is a shrubby perennial plant. It's cultivation history goes all the way back to 1699 in England. I had this flower in my garden for sometime. I recommend you replace it once it becomes to thick and woody. I found it easy to maintain, and a vigorous bloomer.

Pink Dahlia - for the cure!

2008-10-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Pink Dahlia - for the cure!, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Here's my contribution to "Pink for the Cure." It's a wildly edited dahlia, creating a fun floral abstract for a good cause.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A Roadside Garden

2008-10-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

While driving, and following my navigator to a Chinese restaurant one day, I stumbled upon this gorgeous roadside garden. I suspect it was started when someone sprinkled seeds there in the springtime. It was filled with zinnias, daisies, cosmos and more.

I think I'll try this seed sprinkling garden experiment next year. I have the perfect patch of soil, right beside my driveway. Hopefully I'll get the same stunning results.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This pink collage is for the cure!

Costco Roses

2008-09-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing says romance quite like roses, and in today's economy, you can pinch pennies and please your sweetheart.

Costco has the most stunning rose bouquets, and they come in assorted sizes.

The Costco florist told me she loves her job, and it's a pleasure to spend her day with flowers.

If you really want to impress your sweetheart, come home with one of their wonderfully chef prepared meals and a DVD. Romance is in the air.