My favorite splashs of color are

Dragon Wing Begonias, they never disappoint me!  They love sun, shade or part sun! They are spectacular planted in small or large containers or directly in the ground!  My favorite way to use them is to plant 3 plants in each huge container (like half whiskey barrel size) and watch the show begin!  This year I treated them to some worm poop (more about that in another post) and watered them well weekly!  Actually, I stop at a country greenhouse near the cabin early in the spring and place an order for about 22 of them from the first batch they grow out and pick them up once the frost danger has passed.  At home I do a big pot in my big hosta bed, a big pot next to the garage and a few in a taller small pot between the two garage doors.  

Just two plants in this container

Three plants in this container

Walking in my neighborhood....

I have a few favorite homes I slowly stroll by while admiring some gardening elements.  This is such an unique way to display hanging baskets and containers overflowing with flowers.  Her husband made this flower cart for her a few years ago and I look forward to her new display every year.  It was a bit past its peak color when I remembered to take my camera along this day, but it is still attractive.  So easy to care for when watering and deadheading, they are all in one spot! 

In the neighborhood....

recently I took my camera along on a walk (yep, I do that once in  awhile) to capture a few scenes to share with you.  This neighbor does the most lovely matching flower boxes on two windows in the front of the house!  When I pass this house I usually walk a bit more slowly to enjoy in the view!

Goodbye...Endless Summer...

Enough of your unreliabililty.......you've been replaced!  When you decided to bloom you were beautiful, but you are fickle!  I've given you 6 years of love and care and I'm not happy with you.   

I finally decided to replace my Endless Summer Hydrangeas!  The one at the lake was rescued by a friend who will be content with a green shrub most of the time.  In it's place I planted an Annabell Hydrangea a friend shared with me!  I've been admiring Annabells for several years! 

The one at home is rescued by another friend who is content with a lovely shurb and I planted a 'Bobo' Hydrangea in its place!  I'm so excited as I have been considering several varieties of the smaller size hydrangeas all summer!  I ran across a sale in Mankato recently and at 30% off, I couldn't resist 'Bobo' as my final decision!  I've had several garden friends recommend this one! 

Bobo™ Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata in Miniature!
This great new Hydrangea bears so many flowers you can hardly see the leaves! And at 2 1/2-3' tall and 3-4' wide, it is small enough that even space-challenged gardens -
 

Limelight Hydrangea in Sept.

 White blooms turn to pink in September and continue to darken to a rich mauve into October.  I shared with you the beautiful white blooms in August and now the the lovely pink is showing! 

Reminder:  You check my blog at any time and see posts I've made in the past, etc.

http://gramakjsgardengate.blogspot.com

A cup of coffee and a visit with a friend......

Take the time.....

 

My garden friend, Rhonda, has the perfect spot for a visit!

Hosta gardening...in planters

This spring...

I was delighted to find this pot of hostas coming back to life to enjoy my garden once again!  Spring 2013 I had a few pieces of hostas, that weren't up enough to donate to plant sales I participate in,  so I decided to pot them up.  By fall I had decided to see how they survived winter in the garage in their temporary home.  This spring it was great to have such an attractive planter ready to use in a bare spot in part shade!  Needless to say, that container has become not so much a temporary home for them!   They must have been happy there cuz I'm probably going to have to split them a bit in the spring so they'll continue to be happy in that pot! 

This was taken in June this year and I plan to use it again next year!  I loved adding a planter and not spending money for plants for it!  Oh, the little birdhouse I picked up previously at a garage sale for 50 cents!  I liked that, too!