June 7, 2009

A Dose Of Pink & White

The annuals are doing well including this Geranium (Designer Peppermint Twist). I always plant a few Geraniums because they never fail to bloom spring, summer and into early autumn and are somewhat drought tolerant. They're pretty to look at and hummingbirds like to visit them.

These Double Impatiens (Fiesta Apple Blossom) are a very pale shade of pink that shows up nicely in the lightly shaded area where the pot hangs. The plant hook was nailed to the tree years ago and now that we're older and smarter, I doubt we'd put a nail in a tree. Although, I've read that it would take a lot more than a nail to harm a mature, healthy tree. More serious sources of damage would be things like lawn mowers, string trimmers, soil compaction, tree topping and improper pruning. So, I won't worry about this particular nail and will instead enjoy the flowers.

Yesterday, I drove by this Bridal Wreath Spirea and it looked so amazing that I pulled the car over, put the window down and took this photo. For as long as I can remember, this shrub has been a favorite of mine. The way it's covered completely in tiny white flowers with its arched branches curving all the way to the ground always makes me take a second look.

Back in February, we had to cut down the big oak tree that was in poor health. It was a sad day. The good news is that last week I found one of its "babies" growing in an area where it couldn't stay, so I dug it out and put it temporarily in this pot. I don't know a darn thing about growing trees but with my grandson's help, we'll transplant it in his yard. They have three acres and only two autumn blaze maple trees and a handful of evergreens. Plenty of space for the mighty oak.

11 comments:

  1. The geranium is really pretty, I don't think I've seen one like that before. I also like the impatiens in the tree, I might have to try that for a little color.
    Good luck with the oak, it would be fun to see it grow big in your grandsons yard.

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  2. Bridal Wreath Spirea-glad to know the official name. It has been my very favorite shrub forever! I have one in my front yard at our rental house. I planted it as a twig, literally, and it was run over more than once by my sons mowing the grass. Now that I no longer live there, it is in its glory! I see it when I go to pick up the rent in the spring. Thanks for the name of what to look for to plant here.
    The geranium is fantastic!

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  3. I have that same first geranium! It's so much fun with its peppermint colors!
    Brenda

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  4. I love the Spirea, too! It may be my favorite of them all! It makes me think of big country gardens...not sure why! The oak will be a great reminder of your old pal when you see it in your son's garden! I found an orange geranium/pelargonium that I think looks good with purple basil. I don't know much about them, but thought it was a great color. gail

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  5. gardenprogress/Catherine - We've had rain for three straight days....not good for most of my flowers.

    Brenda - I like the geranium and the name peppermint.

    Gail - Big yards out in the country is where I mainly see Bridal Wreath these days. I guess it's an old-fashioned shrub. I bet your orange geranium with the purple basil will be striking. I'll look for it on your blog.

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  6. Anonymous08 June, 2009

    Love the peppermint twist geranium! Wow, I'll have to give it a try.

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  7. The Bridal Wreath Spirea is beautiful. I'm pretty sure I've got a Spirea in my back yard, but not this version. I don't have that abundance of flowers.

    Good luck with the oak tree.

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  8. susie - Peppermint Twist...I think it was also a song & dance that came about from Chubby Checker's The Twist. Don't know what made me think of that.

    Lindalou - I didn't realize the Bridal Wreath was a spirea until I looked it up. Lots of spirea varieties, I think.

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  9. I don't think I've ever seen a Spirea so covered in flowers. It's gorgeous!

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  10. Oh, I love that Bridal Wreath bush!!!

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