tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82596418393060444562024-02-07T02:23:42.247-08:00Plants for a Prairie GardenDeborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-91851555241793199972007-06-21T14:10:00.000-07:002007-06-21T14:16:48.449-07:00Bachelor Buttons (Cornflower)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7geU35kf7GSqBltrA2f1w2WmElh8YhBT3ZIz4Swww5IThbXCWLO6cAxNuZZjprQx7-DYmAs24iL9goCP5H4y0IZ8ViUU7dFv76EPtH2J1XvLRBoTBUAHgc85dJdzdl5IUedUWptc-CiOg/s1600-h/Bachelorbuttons.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7geU35kf7GSqBltrA2f1w2WmElh8YhBT3ZIz4Swww5IThbXCWLO6cAxNuZZjprQx7-DYmAs24iL9goCP5H4y0IZ8ViUU7dFv76EPtH2J1XvLRBoTBUAHgc85dJdzdl5IUedUWptc-CiOg/s400/Bachelorbuttons.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078628763253141394" border="0" /></a>We had a profusion of <a href="http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/flowers/annuals/bachelor.asp">BACHELOR BUTTONS</a> in every shade from pale pink to cornflower blue to purple to maroon. Beautiful, and just the thing to fill in the color of the garden while we waited for everything else to bloom. The only thing I don't like about these beauties is that they get a little straggly between bursts of bloom. We've pulled quite a few clumps out that still had blooms on them because they were flopped over or had so many dead heads. I guess I should start cutting them for fresh flowers inside. Or maybe drying them for fall arrangements.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-51584000596618407792007-06-20T20:57:00.000-07:002009-06-10T17:09:51.212-07:00Black-eyed Susan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSuUmX-tpA7uF1HWUkgh2o1XrAb319baYCETnw8YpGQcoUbuVRVClxIvGvsUiW2LuEUYSzsqzEnHSyFtLO4cFsJFWk20vLI41ftglJQt05q7YQuN-mFs84ViaXbbcD-srJFkF6R9ZBUpT/s1600-h/Black-eyedsusan1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSuUmX-tpA7uF1HWUkgh2o1XrAb319baYCETnw8YpGQcoUbuVRVClxIvGvsUiW2LuEUYSzsqzEnHSyFtLO4cFsJFWk20vLI41ftglJQt05q7YQuN-mFs84ViaXbbcD-srJFkF6R9ZBUpT/s400/Black-eyedsusan1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078627693806284674" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.dyckarboretum.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=134">BLACK-EYED SUSANS</a> are thick all along the fence now in late June. We like them because you can see them so well from a distance. A nice mass of yellow in the yard and they almost glow when the sun shines on them in the late afternoon and early evening. <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">[Mid-July note: The only drawback to these flowers is that the foliage starts looking gray and raggedy by July. We've been pulling them out by the "bale" and are thinking next year we'll let them come up, but yank them before they start to fade. The False Sunflowers give the same yellow glow, but their foliage holds up much better in the heat, so I think we'll favor the False Sunflowers and Cupflower in the future. (Plus, the Black-eyed Susans have prickly stems that make my forearms itch like crazy after handling the flowers.)]</span>Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-19670542145122896182007-06-20T20:56:00.001-07:002008-06-25T11:15:07.238-07:00Bleeding Heart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Mrkq7-ZxPfA18DZCqyKF7PPy_jxRJ-zvLD2xtwCqxfxdLqrjhIGb5gGvkEVm2en77sDtzMydImwihJVuX3vFCipZuwEY_EVIsjcQ62B_dP9pBydapl3bCA9shnlWmq6GfmfKlJXM8sqp/s1600-h/Bleedingheart.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Mrkq7-ZxPfA18DZCqyKF7PPy_jxRJ-zvLD2xtwCqxfxdLqrjhIGb5gGvkEVm2en77sDtzMydImwihJVuX3vFCipZuwEY_EVIsjcQ62B_dP9pBydapl3bCA9shnlWmq6GfmfKlJXM8sqp/s400/Bleedingheart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215883729059801298" border="0" /></a>We thought our <a href="http://wiseacre-gardens.com/plants/perennial/bleedingheart.html">BLEEDING HEART</a> had been killed off after the first year, when it bloomed only marginally. But two years later, it's back and simply beautiful. It doesn't bloom as long as the Columbine, but it's sure special when it does.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-2226844313582123392007-06-20T20:55:00.000-07:002009-06-10T17:08:46.679-07:00Blue Dune Lyme Grass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnlRm5IioxN2hhEF4wNhcwGl764Prd6M94ZFnaWGcXPVL2tkBQil7eUeTx-q5Bf483tSigtgkH-3XVmyHD0d0eCB9Ayx0OEJEJY5lIPFLq124xPhXfOCOqmb4ls9sEMOJnKseA7Qk-6TB/s1600-h/BlueDuneMonster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnlRm5IioxN2hhEF4wNhcwGl764Prd6M94ZFnaWGcXPVL2tkBQil7eUeTx-q5Bf483tSigtgkH-3XVmyHD0d0eCB9Ayx0OEJEJY5lIPFLq124xPhXfOCOqmb4ls9sEMOJnKseA7Qk-6TB/s400/BlueDuneMonster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108363686850605586" /></a>We call <a href="http://www.northcreeknurseries.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.plantDetail/plant_id/370/index.htm">BLUE DUNE LYME GRASS</a> the Blue Dune Monster. This is a vigorous, attractive plant that will quickly fill in a large area. We underestimated how big it would get and would almost label it invasive, but we like it well enough that we plan to move some other plants out of its way this fall so it can fill in the flowerbed behind the house. We especially like it for its contrasting blue-gray color. And the fact that a weed wouldn't stand a chance in its shadow.<div>UPDATE: The monster got out of control and we decided to get rid of it (no easy task!) It was taking over the Rose of Sharon bushes and the Catmint. It would be great ALONE in a large, contained area, but you won't want to plant it in with other plants unless you're ready to let them be choked out.</div>Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-63998883862106212142007-06-20T20:54:00.001-07:002009-08-25T04:10:01.999-07:00Blue Mist Spirea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0GUogiKkyy6tvcruryECl3wMN249RyQOC3GorP4kRh0_pZee-MugFoJPwuWr1Ruh37MBkdmmwRZx5JVbhzl_Ffj7vJnOQehLfMExkpYF6wqOLjuBlxiZeqAa52lGYNCL0rJTb67LzGcx/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 421px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0GUogiKkyy6tvcruryECl3wMN249RyQOC3GorP4kRh0_pZee-MugFoJPwuWr1Ruh37MBkdmmwRZx5JVbhzl_Ffj7vJnOQehLfMExkpYF6wqOLjuBlxiZeqAa52lGYNCL0rJTb67LzGcx/s400/Picture+4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373856661511541698" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://www.bbg.org/mem/signature/2006/t21.html">BLUE MIST SPIREA</a> is a great addition to the garden because it blooms later than many of our other plants. This year, it was at its peak mid-September. Last year, it was late September to early October before it was in full bloom. It's also wonderful for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-59307782783560199382007-06-20T20:54:00.000-07:002009-06-10T17:12:09.470-07:00Butterfly Milkweed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpKHjrDWSl1Ty5J5QEluZxI-WVuFOBAbZUIwxfCtMWX5bQlAt8P5DA4j4qREBlDrU_9WAyMBsrfa2_cR6i0vkqo-eQrDdfc41MQnZ68n3OFMa93mJsHdHQ2dqRd4dw9KeEAzi7_9mrNlk/s1600-h/Butterflyplant.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpKHjrDWSl1Ty5J5QEluZxI-WVuFOBAbZUIwxfCtMWX5bQlAt8P5DA4j4qREBlDrU_9WAyMBsrfa2_cR6i0vkqo-eQrDdfc41MQnZ68n3OFMa93mJsHdHQ2dqRd4dw9KeEAzi7_9mrNlk/s400/Butterflyplant.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081833897936993970" border="0" /></a>I love <a href="http://www.dyckarboretum.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=13">BUTTERFLY MILKWEED</a> because it provides a spot of unusually bright orange in a garden of mostly yellow and lavender. Not to mention, it really does seem to attract butterflies. We've seen many more butterflies and birds in our yard this summer. We've only had three or four of the pretty orange blossoms this year (and none last summer), but we're hoping it will spread and we'll have more throughout the gardens next year.<div>UPDATE: After 4 years, Butterfly Milkweed has done well, and appears in bunches in four or five places along the fence. It's one of our favorites and we hope it continues to spread.</div>Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-58652126457946637042007-06-20T20:51:00.000-07:002007-06-25T20:34:46.190-07:00Cactus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHflFdbB71paq25lrL_fC9AB1stW19lF1GLA6cDACeCShFC2kPuwM9KgmW9vQ3tkM_WCgmFvCo5LmoXV5lamK8IlgtwOioSn3tabf7k6p8P9TymU28N1TE6pX7yloVLYPBtEiJ5sTW9b_V/s1600-h/Cactiblooming.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHflFdbB71paq25lrL_fC9AB1stW19lF1GLA6cDACeCShFC2kPuwM9KgmW9vQ3tkM_WCgmFvCo5LmoXV5lamK8IlgtwOioSn3tabf7k6p8P9TymU28N1TE6pX7yloVLYPBtEiJ5sTW9b_V/s400/Cactiblooming.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080209766484603074" border="0" /></a>Our friend, David, gave us these <a href="http://www.cactuslimon.com/?gclid=CMeI5-7s-IwCFRe9IgodAw-X_w">CACTUS</a> plants from his pasture last fall. They survived the winter atop the stone wall and rewarded us with gorgeous pink blooms mid-June this year. I think these are some variety of barrel cactus.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-560037620576520282007-06-20T20:21:00.000-07:002008-06-25T11:00:36.198-07:00Carefree Delight Roses<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJXl3W5LY9QuVNnHBVpD0STnX-QKp6AYkVJ4e1iPTFOvDGTXXUBNnFettUHHbdIt8W-hdhbMaXlTXzMJc5apWjYXbPRuS_zDmSYMcrIBmNCqn3UQmUgiL-clNIS4y2XV8rFSbCb99DY9I/s1600-h/Carefreedelight.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJXl3W5LY9QuVNnHBVpD0STnX-QKp6AYkVJ4e1iPTFOvDGTXXUBNnFettUHHbdIt8W-hdhbMaXlTXzMJc5apWjYXbPRuS_zDmSYMcrIBmNCqn3UQmUgiL-clNIS4y2XV8rFSbCb99DY9I/s400/Carefreedelight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078635716805193650" border="0" /></a>These <a href="http://www.rose-roses.com/rosepages/shrubs/CarefreeDelight.html">CAREFREE DELIGHT ROSES</a> truly are carefree <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> a delight. After seeing them growing in profusion at the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, we bought four small plants from the aboretum's plant sale. They have not disappointed us! They bloom from spring to fall, need no deadheading, no care other than trimming them back when they trail out onto the stone walk in the arbor garden. Their only drawback is that they are very thorny. But a good pair of garden gloves solves any problems the thorns create.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-1297159046978454712007-06-20T20:20:00.001-07:002009-06-10T17:14:17.642-07:00Catmint<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijogX1X-26XkEbVuMVyA3OUUsDNxBADp32gKnIBD0j2IuhOcQ59837ySiVbN_rCnzudN9tZv7nbRJNmlD9mDqf3GiH5GU8uSUIUl1Onk59NEXwhXaqaeCeeUgpjEdhoK9GMU9DkXleY_Rq/s1600-h/catmint.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijogX1X-26XkEbVuMVyA3OUUsDNxBADp32gKnIBD0j2IuhOcQ59837ySiVbN_rCnzudN9tZv7nbRJNmlD9mDqf3GiH5GU8uSUIUl1Onk59NEXwhXaqaeCeeUgpjEdhoK9GMU9DkXleY_Rq/s400/catmint.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215878909126528578" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mooseyscountrygarden.com/perennial-plants/perennial-catmint.html">CATMINT</a> has been a wonderful surprise in our garden. We bought a tiny pot of it to see if it really had an appeal to our cats. It didn't do much the first year, but the following year, it filled a three-foot circle and provided a beautiful spot of color for more than six weeks. The cats seemed to like it better before it bloomed. Now they pretty much ignore it. But we are talking about finding more places in the garden to plant this beautiful mint.<div>UPDATE: I've learned that if you cut back Catmint after it's finished blooming you may get another bloom before summer's over. This is a beautiful plant and very easy care.</div>Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-70459665901824603472007-06-20T20:19:00.000-07:002011-06-15T11:55:05.621-07:00Chameleon Plant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEa1cmjVHCRzISTS47d0nvKOUXTi6NqZQ6vHeUbnt14V0_vKYFOQH5DKo-7zWsdfPBp1XUGHAJ3cpdlUNB3pFWVUjwZiHLJt9x2fAsJLlk20Ljk0CENNadzmLrJIp9kMSImM9eVX6b2Heb/s1600-h/Koreanplant.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099889767915203922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEa1cmjVHCRzISTS47d0nvKOUXTi6NqZQ6vHeUbnt14V0_vKYFOQH5DKo-7zWsdfPBp1XUGHAJ3cpdlUNB3pFWVUjwZiHLJt9x2fAsJLlk20Ljk0CENNadzmLrJIp9kMSImM9eVX6b2Heb/s400/Koreanplant.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>This <a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2164/">CHAMELEON PLANT</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Houttuynia Cordata</span>) didn't do much all summer long, in spite of the warnings on many plant sites that it can be extremely invasive. Now, near the end of August, it's finally starting to establish itself in the little rock garden by the curb in the front yard, sending new shoots up via runners under the mulch. We have some moss rose and sedum planted in that bed as well, but we really wouldn't care if this Chameleon Plant took over since the moss rose is an annual and the sedum can easily be moved to one of the gardens in the backyard.<br />
<br />
UPDATE: Two years after planting the Chameleon Plant, we've decided it is evil and invasive! Not only has it taken over this flowerbed, but it has crept out into the lawn and it doesn't matter how much we yank it our or how much we spray it with Round-up––back it comes to overrun anything else we try to plant here. It is rather attractive (in spite of the fact that it has an unpleasant smell when the leaves and stems are mashed) and if you wanted to fill a huge space with something that would completely take over, it might be great. Or maybe for a pot. But it is not for a flowerbed!!Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-74954965772712086552007-06-20T20:17:00.000-07:002009-06-10T17:15:25.534-07:00Columbine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZbTX4joCPBj_BK_1rL513sIrPzg3kZVTmLGLxzKliMqUFtDOCG1Ydr2RyYQst5wmsTFjLq6lyEggtCW0wHIX_a_DtHQpsqsZBlnVUKko7dsJa1uTe-kVxBP2Y94Qmq21yV2IjRMzPSjZ/s1600-h/Columbinepurple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZbTX4joCPBj_BK_1rL513sIrPzg3kZVTmLGLxzKliMqUFtDOCG1Ydr2RyYQst5wmsTFjLq6lyEggtCW0wHIX_a_DtHQpsqsZBlnVUKko7dsJa1uTe-kVxBP2Y94Qmq21yV2IjRMzPSjZ/s400/Columbinepurple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087537876961172114" border="0" /></a>We bought several little pots of <a href="http://www.dyckarboretum.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=344">COLUMBINE</a> at the arboretum plant sale and they have rewarded us by multiplying like crazy. There are many varieties of Columbine (Aquilegia) and I'm not sure which ones we have, but they're all beautiful.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q_8JncX56Cj2pCNfffuWFqfkGeFr19fDw9_5Io7M0Pz3UjxeIEiLQ8-GrGSkfhRS5z_tcLCL_E10dOZqCJUXQaaciXEDSo5IcNyirbN31_litmfXJ3gDZGEWh1Y8OXzH79_acWOBY8Vy/s1600-h/Columbinered.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q_8JncX56Cj2pCNfffuWFqfkGeFr19fDw9_5Io7M0Pz3UjxeIEiLQ8-GrGSkfhRS5z_tcLCL_E10dOZqCJUXQaaciXEDSo5IcNyirbN31_litmfXJ3gDZGEWh1Y8OXzH79_acWOBY8Vy/s320/Columbinered.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087538096004504226" border="0" /></a><br />There are red and purple varieties on the Rock Garden Hill. The red has crept down the hill to mix with the sedum and we're trying to keep it pinched back, but I have a feeling all the pinching is only encouraging it to spread more. It's pretty stuff, though, even after it's finished blooming late-spring. It looks especially nice beside the rocks on Rock Garden Hill and Boulder Hill.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-90623639254639962902007-06-20T20:16:00.000-07:002011-06-21T08:05:13.633-07:00Coral Bells (Heuchera)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEDJv5xC9BH4dEtklxj74AAM7SB-ap4nBR0J2PQ0lF1eMtcADs0M5coBWMqkOnnoYsMtE7f9p2kCKRskqWeQryLTRU3jTYnexTHhS77SrP4v4fTs3q_JBZ8XHqlGODzmoJm1-xuqGElG4/s1600/DSCN1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEDJv5xC9BH4dEtklxj74AAM7SB-ap4nBR0J2PQ0lF1eMtcADs0M5coBWMqkOnnoYsMtE7f9p2kCKRskqWeQryLTRU3jTYnexTHhS77SrP4v4fTs3q_JBZ8XHqlGODzmoJm1-xuqGElG4/s640/DSCN1262.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><a href="http://www.daytonnursery.com/encyclopedia/perennials/heuchera.htm">Coral Bells or Heuchera</a> come in a variety of colors and are easy-care and beautiful accents in the garden. The flowers (bells) grow on tall spiky stalks and are especially pretty waving in the Kansas breezes.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-19636565397536910942007-06-20T20:15:00.000-07:002007-06-30T05:10:41.765-07:00Coreopsis<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjW9_kVjatuQpC0Dl89q8tKqtwuLGyyw_iZ83bXY25AzYrTppBSwxkFep5H0KTp_yTytwekrW9bwM11gB8KfHeWUzVeaDOTkiD8Xr-EAeG0zT28kmUnD4hEFheoKoqggzEC1PcAK7TD1by/s1600-h/P1010012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjW9_kVjatuQpC0Dl89q8tKqtwuLGyyw_iZ83bXY25AzYrTppBSwxkFep5H0KTp_yTytwekrW9bwM11gB8KfHeWUzVeaDOTkiD8Xr-EAeG0zT28kmUnD4hEFheoKoqggzEC1PcAK7TD1by/s400/P1010012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081825454031290002" border="0" /></a>Last year we pulled <a href="http://www.soonerplantfarm.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/specials.specDetail/recID/22/index.htm">COREOPSIS</a> out in haystack-size heaps week after week. This year, it's come back in much more manageable volumes. And now that we recognize it, we pull it out as soon as it emerged, from everywhere except at the back, near the fence. It's in full bloom now, late-June, and stunning. We had three varieties last year, plain yellow, maroon with yellow centers and the reverse, as in the photo above, taken June 19, 2007. This year the yellow with maroon centers came up first. The maroon variety showed up late in June. We haven't seen the yellow-only color yet.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-19031004539121409512007-06-20T20:01:00.000-07:002007-07-30T04:01:14.243-07:00Creeping Jenny<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZtftv3TndfF0z9OZd8j42kbgXNHs3OxloY6IbJ9EOV3_f94RLTEHafArAs2wpzCB7YC0cgNVerPDI-sPcYqOhretwqMuFXhwHVpUMZ56eE5KYD9XILuxOE5h9GTcM2cBExXN-yBs8zkR/s1600-h/CreepingJennyminuspot.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZtftv3TndfF0z9OZd8j42kbgXNHs3OxloY6IbJ9EOV3_f94RLTEHafArAs2wpzCB7YC0cgNVerPDI-sPcYqOhretwqMuFXhwHVpUMZ56eE5KYD9XILuxOE5h9GTcM2cBExXN-yBs8zkR/s400/CreepingJennyminuspot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092939527731801954" border="0" /></a>We have <a href="http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/677/">CREEPING JENNY</a> in several places in our garden and it adds a bright spot of yellow-green wherever it grows. The plant above (resting atop the right side of the rock) is leftover after the <a href="http://kansasprairiegarden.blogspot.com/2007/06/what-to-do-with-broken-pot.html">pot</a> it was in crumbled over the winter. The word "creeping" is appropriate, as this seems to be a very slow-growing plant, but it is worth waiting for it to establish itself. It makes a nice groundcover, and we have a nice "steppable" variety growing between the pavers in the Arbor Garden.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-4850146984221048822007-06-20T20:00:00.000-07:002007-06-20T21:02:24.780-07:00False Sunflower<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLAjkXN_J1h6pJsHQFkjcDDixoP55LLOC2s8e85YU_jZfcWkpR8vBfl2q2LICv4gDLjz-h0zjZsAW-E5m7Rh4jESUGlFuGTqVSgnWTdSuUWNU4pkRD-eovUCAJdbxrPH2XTBzhKdS6Nvr/s1600-h/Fenceflowers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLAjkXN_J1h6pJsHQFkjcDDixoP55LLOC2s8e85YU_jZfcWkpR8vBfl2q2LICv4gDLjz-h0zjZsAW-E5m7Rh4jESUGlFuGTqVSgnWTdSuUWNU4pkRD-eovUCAJdbxrPH2XTBzhKdS6Nvr/s400/Fenceflowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078362105913601810" border="0" /></a>These yellow flowers really don't look much like a Kansas sunflower at all, so I'm not sure how they got their name, <a href="http://www.dyckarboretum.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=225">FALSE SUNFLOWER</a>, but we like them in the garden. They were part of a mix of wildflowers and prairie grasses we ordered from Prairie Frontier. I don't remember seeing them last year, so they must be one of the flowers that don't come up until the second or third year. I like that they are supposed to bloom from late spring through fall.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-71211291006917303952007-06-20T19:58:00.001-07:002007-07-30T04:15:05.516-07:00Fleabane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurwtb_Bhuy53xdo35c531GsDtKcbB_ct58Ur-ZhEd08e6VdDwz0q8fgWSJSeiuKhoBcmxMVH1wUR7nx1bQhqqUYHIdknXJqsFuA78qoAYmV5e44WFVIqpQtk5KaSFSU4bMZZ29us9Y84o/s1600-h/P1010031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurwtb_Bhuy53xdo35c531GsDtKcbB_ct58Ur-ZhEd08e6VdDwz0q8fgWSJSeiuKhoBcmxMVH1wUR7nx1bQhqqUYHIdknXJqsFuA78qoAYmV5e44WFVIqpQtk5KaSFSU4bMZZ29us9Y84o/s400/P1010031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092944402519682930" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/erigeronphil.html">FLEABANE</a> is the pretty aster-like flower featured in our blog header. This isn't something we intentionally planted (unless it was in one of the little wildflower packets we've collected over the years and tossed in when we were planting our mix from Prairie Frontier, or maybe it survived in some of the farm dirt we brought in to build up our hills.) At any rate, we sure do like it and hope more will come up next year. Right now there's one nice, tall clump to the left of Boulder Hill, and that's it. I don't know how Fleabane got its name, but I think I could come up with a much better name for this pretty little prairie flower.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-14195631586463397532007-06-20T19:58:00.000-07:002007-07-30T03:59:57.689-07:00Fameflower Rock Rose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbxih3JrEt85QkGwWqfNYxG-M0utoboBnQqAlyMfjGxX5a50Nd889r6JtM-IJhEn0IhTGj_DRXtVadNB56-VEyqYlCtJia0o6Jt05ChrCI48VZzSB2DJ2dCmb4S1PxYvrFlRSYjtl9SaB/s1600-h/Fameflower1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbxih3JrEt85QkGwWqfNYxG-M0utoboBnQqAlyMfjGxX5a50Nd889r6JtM-IJhEn0IhTGj_DRXtVadNB56-VEyqYlCtJia0o6Jt05ChrCI48VZzSB2DJ2dCmb4S1PxYvrFlRSYjtl9SaB/s400/Fameflower1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092937968658673490" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.easywildflowers.com/quality/tal.cal.htm">FAMEFLOWER ROCK ROSE</a><a href="http://www.easywildflowers.com/quality/tal.cal.htm"> </a>takes center stage here on Boulder Hill. You really need to click on the photo to enlarge to appreciate the beauty of this plant. The foliage is sedum-like and the dainty hot pink flowers seem to float above it on wiry stems. It's gorgeous against the rocks. (The clumps of grass on either side of the rock rose are <a href="http://www.dyckarboretum.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=201">PRAIRIE DROPSEED</a> and the bluish short grass between the smaller rocks is <a href="http://www.stockseed.com/buffalograsses_default.asp">BUFFALO GRASS</a>.)Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-13246417319766953622007-06-20T19:57:00.001-07:002007-07-31T17:44:55.178-07:00Gaura<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweoGOyGzHeTIstZfxIwP0KiKdS6GqLrOZmI4Zn7u3pGYb4iOAPVyB1B0vd9ze88P1evaQ8gLCkluEIgxqn-Z7PxN4vMGN-EQr81vmo3XqeqzApy5cP-uJwCXe4OMwr-bRnwjRaInPqJ7L/s1600-h/P1010051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweoGOyGzHeTIstZfxIwP0KiKdS6GqLrOZmI4Zn7u3pGYb4iOAPVyB1B0vd9ze88P1evaQ8gLCkluEIgxqn-Z7PxN4vMGN-EQr81vmo3XqeqzApy5cP-uJwCXe4OMwr-bRnwjRaInPqJ7L/s400/P1010051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092934103188107074" border="0" /></a>We've had moderate luck with the <a href="http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/590/">GAURA</a> we've planted. Several plants in the flowerbeds on either side of the driveway didn't come back this spring and the ones that did don't look very healthy. The gaura pictured here was part of a mixed pot that we plopped in a soggy corner of the backyard, hoping a couple of the plants might survive the winter. They all thrived, and this Gaura, in what we call our Moss Garden, is gorgeous. It's easy to see why Gaura is sometimes called Whirling Butterfly. The wing-like flowers that "float" above long, wiry stems flit in the breeze like butterflies.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-64463158072076433372007-06-20T19:56:00.001-07:002011-06-21T07:53:09.634-07:00Gray Santolina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9xbVEkadswNA8yAP0Sj4Ix_-kNdP45ONa-CFzT0Fk73Xc-dxMyth0seDMO7R3QB2JZM4aoin6AhyqrnaqTNg7Hxjva1lLP8_17bv4VOQVAmSoHc9zhsZm-AmqZ9iWhQ9nyN_FpZq1X4M/s1600/DSCN0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9xbVEkadswNA8yAP0Sj4Ix_-kNdP45ONa-CFzT0Fk73Xc-dxMyth0seDMO7R3QB2JZM4aoin6AhyqrnaqTNg7Hxjva1lLP8_17bv4VOQVAmSoHc9zhsZm-AmqZ9iWhQ9nyN_FpZq1X4M/s400/DSCN0617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We weren't able to identify this plant in our garden for several years. Neither of us remember buying it, but we thought it may have been something we bought when we were collecting sedums. At any rate, it has done very well, and recently a friend recognized it as <a href="http://www.highcountrygardens.com/catalog/product/85620/">GRAY SANTOLINA</a>. A welcome addition to our Rock Hill Garden with it's yellow button flowers and gray-green foliage. It thrives in the sunny backyard on a sloped hill.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-81011994494991684302007-06-20T19:56:00.000-07:002007-06-21T20:46:45.958-07:00Hen & Chicks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaFrTCexb8XfzXbnI-kbocAMPklSslF4CfjgkkOLmJ5wWMwr9VeOVLadU8ZXLfoPBz9c2AnJSAX5IqRgH5gnt8Ntdsdv9Rq0eeCmxUcU5aEzkZ8b1gsi1finbnyIbgADD885U7SXF8RDZ/s1600-h/Henchick+bowl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaFrTCexb8XfzXbnI-kbocAMPklSslF4CfjgkkOLmJ5wWMwr9VeOVLadU8ZXLfoPBz9c2AnJSAX5IqRgH5gnt8Ntdsdv9Rq0eeCmxUcU5aEzkZ8b1gsi1finbnyIbgADD885U7SXF8RDZ/s400/Henchick+bowl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078721568906473426" border="0" /></a>We put this pretty pot full of <a href="http://www.simplysucculents.com/shop/search.php?category=18">HEN & CHICKS</a> together by collecting slips from those we have in various spots in the garden. The red in the middle is Sedum that we dug up from Rock Hill Garden. Hen & Chicks are another plant that looks interesting in the winter garden as well.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-11700431894252872902007-06-20T19:55:00.001-07:002007-07-31T17:49:58.020-07:00Indian Grass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_G6wD3ofG05eq5a-LCAiFZihH43vRDgZMBAuAdrP6eDC9o5VMgXaaJsSWW9tK0j_ZxBXDWFYRPzmAownurGN47xDIJZSSvAGV146TNcETxU3z9-P21V13ZbH49i6IcH8zdBS5o7Ituho9/s1600-h/Indian+Grass+in+Flower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_G6wD3ofG05eq5a-LCAiFZihH43vRDgZMBAuAdrP6eDC9o5VMgXaaJsSWW9tK0j_ZxBXDWFYRPzmAownurGN47xDIJZSSvAGV146TNcETxU3z9-P21V13ZbH49i6IcH8zdBS5o7Ituho9/s400/Indian+Grass+in+Flower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093514314615091346" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/indian_grass.htm">INDIAN GRASS</a> is one of the last native grasses to show up in the garden each summer, but it is definitely one of the most stunning come fall when its heads turn a beautiful bronze color. It adds interest to the winter garden, especially when the wind blows.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-18047171638324711562007-06-20T19:55:00.000-07:002007-06-21T12:47:38.255-07:00Lead Plant<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpJOLPxvE0h_77ZSfATeADCH5jLTZnb_XhTKSo7lSPYy_vagAhTdjyOpWILIL53y9NSVOaKQU0duagwqZ4HwtIGCiNDKUFyzRM0_TDbNSo7F00DhB3GS_6WnzoNkcfytlWXl3XAKx6U8p/s1600-h/Leadplant2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpJOLPxvE0h_77ZSfATeADCH5jLTZnb_XhTKSo7lSPYy_vagAhTdjyOpWILIL53y9NSVOaKQU0duagwqZ4HwtIGCiNDKUFyzRM0_TDbNSo7F00DhB3GS_6WnzoNkcfytlWXl3XAKx6U8p/s200/Leadplant2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078605248307195730" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.dyckarboretum.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=205">LEAD PLANT</a> is one of the most unique plants in our garden. When we bought it, it was a small greenish gray plant with a fern-like compound leaf structure. This spring it grew huge and finally bloomed mid-June with large fuzzy finger-like purple blossoms tipped in brilliant orange. These photos don't do it justice, and it's tucked back beneath the grasses when it should be center stage!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHGX4CjU6N7X3W-AWoFlimUZqB9SWjAKaPigpdWRA_raDJgdQu1j37onAdkGfAfqAE6LjD_AB2Bkbecise3IyAyirIIsFNcHTw5G3pMOZi9tuJiUjVw-uiNen-a1oCTdLecAyK5rF-7Ns/s1600-h/Leadplant.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHGX4CjU6N7X3W-AWoFlimUZqB9SWjAKaPigpdWRA_raDJgdQu1j37onAdkGfAfqAE6LjD_AB2Bkbecise3IyAyirIIsFNcHTw5G3pMOZi9tuJiUjVw-uiNen-a1oCTdLecAyK5rF-7Ns/s400/Leadplant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078600489483431730" border="0" /></a>Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-62254551523819528402007-06-20T19:53:00.000-07:002008-06-25T10:45:43.776-07:00Maiden Grass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbMR3gOFePpBqnlKDpmfvruC3AYXvh5rvBKrSA412dQ-E4MhNop2IunU6YIKkf86kZzOv3c6kc-n8ba2UiPnsir8R0zLHZuHcqgcpNuPEvam4sF4OVI9L51d6WIg4congReqtKx-lz-Hn/s1600-h/Maiden+Grass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbMR3gOFePpBqnlKDpmfvruC3AYXvh5rvBKrSA412dQ-E4MhNop2IunU6YIKkf86kZzOv3c6kc-n8ba2UiPnsir8R0zLHZuHcqgcpNuPEvam4sF4OVI9L51d6WIg4congReqtKx-lz-Hn/s400/Maiden+Grass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185739411088056658" border="0" /></a><div>Graceful <a href="http://www.westongardens.com/page%20content/plant%20library/maiden%20grass.htm">MAIDEN GRASS</a> is an asset to the garden all year long, and is especially pretty with the Kansas breezes (okay, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">gales</span>) giving it movement. In the fall and winter the seed heads add color to the drab landscape. We usually cut our grasses down late February or March and they immediately start to come back. A couple of tips we can pass on: to cut the grasses down, first wrap the clump 8-12 inches from the ground with duct tape. Then use a chain saw to mow down below the tape. Leaving a bit of a "stump" gives the new grass some support, and using the tape makes clean-up far easier (and may even give you a pretty bouquet of foliage for the porch while you wait for the new grass to grow).</div>Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-73599076950396285442007-06-20T19:52:00.000-07:002008-06-25T10:45:13.710-07:00Moonlight Broom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNtur34IfOv5UPHM7pZ232x0C1bj54cTeU2rfVcfEDGiZYOUJ_ye9gXE2qxbygym_V9GvlAfEdW_tzFQhMoZe8SzlOA3yAqVuUgDoI56978hdCYsTA2B0gm1l5Wr93zQDRxo7wKN7ePhr/s1600-h/moonlightbroom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNtur34IfOv5UPHM7pZ232x0C1bj54cTeU2rfVcfEDGiZYOUJ_ye9gXE2qxbygym_V9GvlAfEdW_tzFQhMoZe8SzlOA3yAqVuUgDoI56978hdCYsTA2B0gm1l5Wr93zQDRxo7wKN7ePhr/s400/moonlightbroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215874329179108706" border="0" /></a>This <a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/57588/">MOONLIGHT BROOM</a> (or Scotch Broom) plant is a very interesting and unique plant with dainty yellow blooms in early spring. However it blooms for such a very brief time that it's been a little disappointing to us. Still, even after the blooms are spent, it has a nice shape, and bends gracefully in the Kansas wind. We're just glad we didn't give it a place of honor in one of the larger flowerbeds. It's just right at the back of the house near the garden shed.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259641839306044456.post-15870297512937003922007-06-20T19:50:00.000-07:002007-08-17T21:36:38.116-07:00Moss Rose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyese8DUc17fM_dgNysAmfdsJ1aruXBJfsxiFB76Imx78aaK2jUL37-QZQC-ZjflGS9ROGLQaRW7iF0YDkDtrdbTMJuY3naz5DMgi3cttgS64QaXQO7yeBFbR5BqQSO37n8nwYujpDp12m/s1600-h/Mossrose8-07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyese8DUc17fM_dgNysAmfdsJ1aruXBJfsxiFB76Imx78aaK2jUL37-QZQC-ZjflGS9ROGLQaRW7iF0YDkDtrdbTMJuY3naz5DMgi3cttgS64QaXQO7yeBFbR5BqQSO37n8nwYujpDp12m/s400/Mossrose8-07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099893577551195490" border="0" /></a>We planted <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_6766_grow-moss-rose.html">MOSS ROSE</a> (Portulaca Grandiflora) in a small flower bed by the curb in the front yard (trying to draw attention away from the streetlight pole there while making it easier to mow around). The Moss Rose is really taking off and so colorful and cheerful there. I wish it was a perennial, but it's so easy to take care of and it's done so well in that spot, that we'll probably plant it again next year. It makes a nice contrast to the mulch and the rocks.Deborah Raneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.com