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!

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!

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....

Lame-ass blogger

So I have not been writing as much as I had hoped this last semester, but I am taking the summer off and plan to write some short stories.. So please hold me to that- I am motivated by guilt!!!

Here are a few more drawings I have finished, to prove I haven't been completely unproductive this last few months..

Piranesi drawing.

Well it is done- 42 hours of bitching and drawing and bitching and crying...
The game- there is a 8 1/2 x 11 xeroxed Peranesi drawing somewhere within mine, find it and win a virtual 'high five'!

I am a weather freak! I want to know what is going to happen, when and where.. Just to be prepared, you know, in case of sudden changes (did I mention I am a control freak too?). today I found this- my new informer of the atmospheric events- dude weather

Fucking fantastic.

30 Second Bunnies Minisode - Bunnies: The Shining

I saw The Shining or the first time last night. It was good- but the bunny version is better...