Thursday, June 11, 2009

Gnome Friend


I have heard of this happening, but never thought I would get to experience it first hand- a gnome has made our garden it's home! I was pulling weeds around the day lilies the other day, which have become out of control, and I noticed a clearing in the center of the clump of plants and a little metal chair. The craftsmanship of the chair was sublime, as the welds of the chair were clean and metal work is very ornate. Fine gnome craftsmanship for sure!

According to the publication 'Gnomes' by Wil Nuygen, there are a pocket of gnomes located just South of Lake Superior, which would include the Twin Cities region. I believe I have a house gnome who are good natured, but mischievous. They often take up residence in the garden, but have been known to live in the walls of the home also.

We are very excited about our new friend and will share when he reappears!

Monday, June 08, 2009

The state of the garden..

Patio with Cannas in the pots.

Corn.

Iris with ferns.

Fort Coal.

Annuals.

Another Canna.

Column I scored from the depths of Urban Outfitters basement years ago..

The vine on the trellis is a white Clematis, I lost one over the winter :(

My garden is almost on automatic- all I need to do is add annuals and vegetables. Oh and make the four trips to the mulch pile, and add compost, and weed, and condition the soil under the spruce.. Oh and replace plants that didn't make it because of the freaking frigid weather..

But otherwise the garden is looking established, and I am just as proud as a pickle!

Thursday, June 04, 2009

WHAT IS THIS?


I have a mystery plant here... Anyone know what it is?

I will be super embarrassed if it is a weed as I have already transplanted it into a prettier spot! :p



UPDATE

Well the two suggested identifications were Stinging Nettle and Catnip... So who do I use to test what plant this is, me or the cat?

It is Stinging Nettle, a pretty plant with lots of uses (anyone ever had Nettle Soup?) so I think I will keep it- but relocate it to a location where the kids don't run through it every day!

And no cats were harmed in the identification of this specimen....