And we stopped to smell the flowers at Mona and Rick's also....

I was delighted to take a stop at these garden beds....always get there once a year to admire the mature ferns, hostas and peaceful atmosphere with spots of  lilies lighting things up!

This year the show stopper seemed to be the Martagon Lily 'Terrace City' that was in peak bloom!  Martagon's are perfect companions for shade gardens as they love half shade during the day!

'Terrace City' was really strutting it's stuff!  Way over the projected 4' height, this mature clump was loaded with blossoms sparkling in a few rays of sun that were peeking through yet!

Even a Monarch couldn't resist a visit!

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For more information about Martagon lilies:
http://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/martagon-lilies-are-the-go-to-for-gardens-with-some-shade

Stopping to smell the flowers....

Another stop in the Shades of Green Hosta  Society Member's Tour!

While Linda's gardens are primarily shade beds, there are always rays of sunshine streaming in to light up the scene and Linda has the perfect touch with  her fence of suns!

To enter my blog and see options to view past postings and leave comments  go to the bottom of this email  and click on Over the Garden Gate 

Stop and smell the flowers along the way!

We did just that the other evening!  Shades of Green Hosta Society of SE MN had their June Members Only Garden Tour!  A few of us met for a socialable supper before heading to 3 gardens to view!  Lots of beautiful hostas as well as flowers!

These soft pink Astilbe's were a show stopper at Alma's!

Perfect companions!

Protection for roses in winter

Last winter I posted my friend Rita's new winter protection for her roses.  How did it work for her?
Well, here is one of the rose bushes that was protected under her new covers!

Here is what I posted last winter with her roses all tucked away in their new winter homes:















email me if you want details on where she got the covers from, etc.   gramakj@charter.net

Meet Mrs. Cholmondeley, my English friend!

My Japanese lady friend 'Asao' has finished her first bloom but shares a large trellis with 'Mrs. Cholmondeley' who is now appearing for her first visit this year!  These two lady friends have a brief conversation together before 'Asao' takes a rest letting 'Mrs. Chombley' take over the conversation!

I listened to my friend, Betty, talking about 'Mrs. Cholmondeley' with such enthusiasm so often that when I found her for sale, I decided to bring her home!  So glad I did!  I so enjoy her visits!

For more information on her:  http://www.clematis.com.pl/en/encyklopedia?view=plant&plantid=235

Bridal shower for a gardener

So, what do you give the gardener bride-to-be for a gift at a bridal shower?

She shed!

Betty now has her own 'She Shed'!  I don't have one!  Do you?  I want one and don't have space for it so I can only wish!

Her husband built a new shed to store mowers in and a section was built for Betty to enjoy as a 'She Shed"!  She can grow plants in it year around!  How fun!  We had coffee out there the other day so I had a chance to admire what is going on there!  







This awesome water garden was created when she visited our local Habitat for Humanity Resale Shop!  She found this huge planter, which had a former life at Apache Mall, for only $35.  It is now a working water garden complete with gold fish.  The water in it is used to water nearby plants with fresh water replacing the old water!  Healthy fish and plants with creativity!   Oh my!