Somethings Old, New, Green, Redo!: 2024-07-21

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Mather Introduction to Watercolor: Organization and Color Mixing

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I just finished my second week of my Mather Introduction to Watercolor Series.

The first week was basically BASICS...materials: water colors, papers, brushes, and tape, surfaces...etc. I'm doing my notes and tests in an all-media good quality sketchbook.

Midwest Gardening 2024: What's Blooming Late July Between the Raindrops!

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Yesterday between the raindrops, as I was trying to get to the car, I took a few shots...of our ABADANZA growing things...All the rain has made everything explode. I had to up the exposure a bit, but the colors are....

Are just as they are....so vivid... color recipe must be water and clouds for great color in Midwest Gardens. Here the statement is the Baby Tears....crazy...they have been wintering over and I've been sticking bits in my pots.

I think we need to build a platform for the birdbath, everything is HUGE this year...the Giant Sedum is blossoming early and the second year Phlox is really a gorgeous hot pink in color.

Here you can see the nest of Baby Tears along the walkway...the Hostas are all blooming big, thick stems of fragrant flowers.

I had to dash across the grass...Hubby is replacing our composite decking stairway because of wash out and warpage. He is going to pour concrete. We have to use too much salt in the winter and a rougher surface will be better and safer, the composite is extremely slick.

On the mound the birdbath is equally hidden. The Tiger Lilies are almost done, they were huge blossoms and also tall. This pot has escaped the bunnies, full of Marigolds, Balsam, and Zinnias all grown from seed in the greenhouse.

Normally this Phlox ( 20 years old at least) is washed out looking, but it is also very vibrant this year. It's in the crappiest dirt corner of this flower bed...so I'm happy it exists.

This is the second pot out on the mound with Marigolds, Zinnias and Balsam. These are thick insulated pots I bought ages ago...and are still holding up. I remember I got them for $6.00 each on deep discount at the end of the season.

You can see the Giant Sedum peeking out at the bottom of the bed, the white Phlox are second year, I'm really going to have to get in there and trim

some of the excess out.

A few years back...quite awhile actually they replaced our telephone pole and tore out all the Joe Pye Weed around it. I nursed a few sprouts and I now that it has taken at least 10 years to re-mature to blooming status. This is an favorite plant of Monarchs and other butterflies. I'm so happy it has regenerated to this point.

Sadly in 2027 the entire front easement will be torn up for a very much needed turning lane into our complex. Next year I may attempt to get some of this moved to the back yard. I know it won't survive the next wave of construction, as the pole will probably be redone again.

We have over 600 households in our community and only three entrances and exits, add rush hour, add schoolbuses and it's a jam out there. I never make Doctor appointments before 10:00 in the morning, because you might not get out in time.

Lilies were magnificent....but lasted only a day or so with the repeated rains we have had. After years of drought to severe drought in our area...this is a welcome relief, bugs and weeds, love it too.

My focal points in the planter are supposed to be two spider plants on the end and the Spike in the middle. None of the red Salvia had done a thing and the Spider plants are exactly the same size as 8 weeks ago.

The purple Petunias, are eh...eh..eh...! Thank goodness the Marigolds are bonkers. It is hot and windy here, so I keep trying to find the magic combination.

Upside with the rain, I haven't had to drag the 80 feet of hose too often, that has been really nice!

Right before I jumped in the car...this is the pot along the driveway...Balsam, Tall Marigolds, and short ones...and an ornamental grass. The Tree Rose of Sharon is starting and everything seems really happy here.

I'm Off to do errands, and dodge between the raindrops!

HOW ARE YOUR FLOWERS FLOATING?

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