Kaseys Korner

'Ice Cream' Tulips & 'Double Pleat Blackberry' Aquilegia

'Ice Cream' Tulips ~ another garden addition inspired by Pinterest!

Darn it anyway ~ what started out as cheap fun (the pinning part) has ended up giving me the "I wants!!!"

Photo above of an "Ice Cream' tulip just beginning to bud. 

Below:  Further along:

Not hard to see how they got their name, right?

I only purchased three bulbs last fall and so far, even tho I think they're pretty cool ~ I don't have any on my reorder form.  What gives with that??  What are your thoughts?

Love 'em, ho-hum or No thanks???

Here's one fully open (or possibly just deformed??)

It looks every bit like a peony, doesn't it??? 

'Double Pleat Blackberry' Aquilegia vulgaris needed no help from Pinterest.

Aquilegias are another plant I have a "thing" for... Any aquilegia.  But especially double ones.

Something I picked up from my very first garden mentor.

These were started from seed two years ago.  Along with a double pink & a double light blue.

More photos to come.

p.s.  First Clematis of the season has opened. 

Once again, it's 'Asao'  ~ I'd say gardening season is officially "on!"  :)

 

'Dalmatian Peach' Foxglove

prepare to drool...

omg ~ if I could only get one foxglove to overwinter in my garden, this would have to be "IT!"

I hope it's hardy.  A Digitalis purpurea hybrid ~ should be, right??? 

"sigh"  It's almost a sin for anything to be this lovely. 

How do my other blooms stand a chance next to it???

Which, btw, there are becoming more & more of (blooms.)  The Double Pink Flowering Almond went from bud to bloom in about three days time and quickly reached its peak:

Each stem fully loaded:

I have to admit, it's pretty heavenly too. 

Something else very pretty ~ Petunia hybrid 'Marvel Beauty Raspberry:'

Looks like crushed strawberries to me!!

But call it whatever, it's all good when it looks like this.

Under the Aspen trees, Primula veris (cowslip) has definitely peaked too.

It's been cool(ish) here so maybe if it doesn't get too hot, too fast, they'll last a bit longer.

Isn't that a funny thing to say ~ when we were so cold for so long?!!!

 

Apricot Parrot Tulip

So awesome it deserves its own post!

Last year my favorite tulips were the double or peony flowering ones.

This year, hands down, it's this Parrot tulip:

OMG.  Why. have. I. not. ever. planted. it. before?????

Different shades of lusciousness, in different shades of light.

But never anything short of spectacular gorgeousness.

You know what this means, don't you???

Oh yeah ~ ordering more A.S.A.P.!!!!!!

Who wants to cause a "run" on them with me??!

Bee Skeps for Mother's Day

Buoying my spirits and hopefully yours too.

the sweetest little trio to tuck into the garden...

Mothers and non-Mothers alike rejoice ~ it's planting time in the garden.

For some of us, it's been a long haul getting here.

Does that make this moment even sweeter???  i don't know...

Above:  Lemon Cypress tree container

I only know I'm grateful it's finally here, I was barely holding on...

Now I only want to be outside, playing, planting and savoring the garden.  You knew that already tho, didn't you?? 

It's the perfect place to spend Mother's Day for this Mom. 

How many of you will be there too?? 

A happy day to us all.

'Tsar Peter' Tulips & an Antique Colander

If I were writing a news story about the blooms found in the garden today, I daresay it would begin something like this: 

"Greigii Tulips 'Tsar Peter' triumph over frigid temperatures & heavy snow:"

"Triumph" because it feels like nothing less. 

An uphill battle all the way to even get a bloom, and now a clump no less.

"Elation" is what it feels like to this winter-weary gardener.

I desperately hope it's the start of something different....

Elation was also the feeling when this antique colander was spotted at a local barn sale last week:

The largest colander I've ever seen ~ 15" wide and 9" tall!!!  Wonder what it was used for???

Could it be copper too???

The design around the rim is interesting. 

I bought it thinking it would make a nice planter (with drainage already in place) but now that it's home, I can think of a million more ways to use it!

Maybe stuff it full of Hort Couture's 'Smallwood Driveway' Coleus:

Drop dead gorgeousness, right there!   

Aren't those colors to die for???

Perhaps a pop of 'Cascadias Rim Magenta' Petunia too??  Not that it needs anything else...

Hmmmm.  Maybe more "playing" is in order?

That's the fun of this time of year, isn't it??  So many options, the combinations are endless.

I guess you can tell greenhouse shopping has kicked into gear (even tho our safe planting date isn't until Mother's Day)???

Just following the motto, "the good stuff goes first so it's best to shop early & often!"

Especially when quantities are limited. 

Like with all the Hort Couture plants.  There are only ever a few available in each variety.   Case in point, Gerbera Crazy Daisy 'Eyecatcher Double:'

Irresistible. 

Despite never having luck growing them, the color "wowed" me into trying once again. 

Is 2013 the year for success????   I hope!

So far the shopping has been good considering our slow start.  Expensive but good.  4" pots in our area are selling anywhere from $4.98 to $7.50!!!

I'm carefully considering my purchases...

I can't wait to see what everyone else is buying & bringing home.  Wonder what you'll show me that I'll just "have to have??!!!"  Something more spectacular for my new "old" colander????

 

 

Suffering from illusions of Spring

Spurred on by the occasional sighting of a seasonal wild flower:

Above:  Primula veris (aka Cowslip)

or hardy bulb:

Above:  White Muscari

Not to mention the calendar.  I get wistful notions it might actually have arrived. 

One look outside is all it takes for a swift crash back to reality.

There will be no May-Pole-twirling this May Day:

It looks more like Feb or March.  :(

I'd say it was a bit optimistic putting up the patio umbrella, wouldn't you??

This is one crazy Spring.

Every week brings a new snowstorm along with COLD temperatures.  Nothing has dared to leaf out...

High today of 33 with another record low temperature forecasted for tonight.

A little story to illustrate the severity of our weather:   Our local Home Depot received a shipment of the ever-so-lovely 'Coral Charm' peony (thank you Dana for the heads up!!):

Of course I rushed right down to purchase another one (remember mine got frozen in early April??)  and passed the info on to my other gardening buddies.

One of whom went to purchase only to discover they had already sold out.  She was told another shipment would arrive just NOT this week.  They had to turn the truck back because of our forecast!  Too many casualties already this spring.  Pretty unheard of at this date.

Thankfully this girl smartly brought Begonia 'Rose Petticoat'and all the other tender plants safely indoors to ride out the storm.

And now we wait for the sun to shine again.   And for this tiresome winter weather pattern to end ~ when, oh when, will that be????

p.s.  One positive side note about the snow ~ it allowed me to take the best photos of the handsome Spotted Towhee I've ever managed:

They aren't spectacular photos (taken thru the glass) ~ so don't get too excited ~ but this is the closest I've ever gotten.  Brought to the feeders because of the snow, made it a whole lot easier.   Usually they are found poking & scratching about the shrubbery further away from the house. 

Notice the characteristic red eye. 

Maybe the snow isn't such a bad thing afterall (since every snow event, I get a new bird capture!)

Ummmm, let's not get carried away!

the first container & a strawberry fork

The garden has competition for my affections.

First. time. EVER.

Let's blame it on Downton Abbey, shall we??  Giving me highfalutin notions about the finer things in life ~ including what has recently stolen a piece of my heart away from gardening: 

Silver or Silverplate flatware.  Either one.  It doesn't matter.  I'm officially smitten.

Above:  Strawberry fork in the Antique silverplate pattern 'Glenrose.'

In a way, it's a companion love (not a true betrayal) because all the patterns I'm drawn to are FLORAL.  No surprise there!

Scrumptiously detailed with vines, tendrils, & blooms.

Above:  Antique silverplate fork handle in 'Grenoble or Gloria' pattern.

Oh, the craftsmanship.  What's that saying, "the devil's in the details??"  Precision & skills the likes of these are difficult, if not impossible, to find anymore. 

In researching my new "passion," I discovered that most of the big name silver manufacturers have shipped their production overseas.  Flatware is now predominately made in Indonesia, Vietnam & China.  How sad is that?? 

A pretty piece of silver can make a sweet treat even sweeter.

The garden better kick it up a notch...

It's my new thing and I thought you should know. 

In case it should, somehow (quite inadvertently I'm sure) pop into other photos on this blog...  Just sayin'

But not these:

My first assembled container for 2013.  With the gorgeous 'Fireworks' Begonia & a wonderful PINK (be still my heart) striped grass.  Name unknown.

and (I believe ~ correct me if I'm wrong) a green 'Wandering Jew' (Tradescantia???)  Name also unknown.

Container to be carried indoors tomorrow for the remainder of the week because (insert drum roll here) it's supposed to S.N.O.W. again!  Can you freaking believe it????

I hope I can handle it.  At least I had a chance to play in the dirt between storms...

 

 

Asparagus Quiche & Kitchen Papers

I've really been into Asparagus lately.  I mean REALLY into it.  

I've sauteed it, roasted it, sandwiched it, diced it, and now found a spectacular quiche that was (once again) too good not to share.

Recipe here. 

It's definitely worth a try if you're in the mood for a nice Spring meal. 

Pair with a salad or serve alone. 

Maybe even serve it outdoors ~ on top of an awesome Kitchen paper!!?!!  Notice how smoothly I made that transition!!!

Kitchen Papers, my new favorite product.  I've been giving them as gifts (whenever I can bear to part with them.)

No ordinary paper placemat, that's for sure. 

Pretty & functional ~ how often does that happen???. 

Sold in packages of 50 (at least the ones I've seen), just tear off then recycle/dispose after use. 

Could. Not. Be. Easier....

The website has some other awesomely creative ideas for how to use too ~ like wrapping a floral bouquet!  Beautiful!

The placemats above are from a line called "Backyard Party" and can be found here, if not at a store near you...

Believe me, if you check out the link, you'll find SO MANY cute designs your gardening seed money will be gone before you make it to the greenhouse!!!

Okay, I'm done promoting.  I wish they had paid me to say that, or given me free papers (!!) but believe me they did not!! 

Moving on...   Happy to find Muscari 'Ocean Magic' tonight:

Anything blooming is welcome after the month we've had. 

We may have turned the corner tho & it just might  F.I.N.A.L.L.Y.  be Spring.

Thank the Lord, or Mother Nature or whomever you choose.  Just grateful for some warmth & sunshine.  Have a great weekend everybody!

Asparagus Sandwich & Velour Frosted Chocolate Violas

Thank you 'The Cottage Journal' (my new favorite magazine by Hoffman Media) for introducing us to this delectable spring treat.

French Bread, Asparagus & sliced hard-boiled eggs.  The recipe calls for a sprinkling of bacon over the egg & asparagus ~ obviously missing in our version (I didn't have any on hand) ~ but it would make it even more fantastic.

The dressing truly sends the whole concoction "over the top."  Be sure not to omit it!

Whisk together:  1/2 cup mayo, 2 Tbsps fresh dill, @ Tbsps fresh Lemon, 1/2 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp of pepper.  (I cut in half for our sandwich & still had plenty)

It would be a fabulous tea party sandwich, don't you think??

Pull out the fancy dishes & silver then slice the sandwiches into finger-size portions... Anybody in????

It would also be a perfect addition to an Easter brunch. 

Since my decorations are still up (slightly embarrassed about that), we could almost say it was!

Flowers accompanying lunch were 'Velour Frosted Chocolate' Violas:

An exciting find at the greenhouse yesterday. 

I had pinned these on my garden Pinterest board last year but forgot to track them down & order seed.

Since I'm way behind on seed starting this year, buying plants is perfect.   I'm wondering now why I thought a four-pack was enough!???!!

Another two day rain/snow event here (Mon & Tuesday) then it looks like Spring might actually find us ~ I think I can make it!!! 

 

 

Yet Another April Snow

I'm starting to sound like a broken record, right?

I wish I could change the "tune" but it is what it is...

This go-around has been a three day event, starting on Monday, April 15th, and continuing thru today.  egads. 

The photos you're viewing were all taken the first day ~ our totals are well into 20" now and there's still more forecasted for tonight.

Remember last summer when our state was on fire (and I said I would never again complain about snow)???  Trying to remember those words when all I want is some sunshine & "average" temperatures.  Highs have been in the 20's & 30's instead of the 60's. 

It's a heavy, wet snow tho that will go a long way toward helping with the drought in our state. 

Be happy Kathleen.  :)

The snow brought flocks of birds to the feeders ~ 17 lbs of black oil sunflower seed devoured in 3 days!!!!  To think I'm usually finished feeding by this time of year!

Look what all their twittering attracted to the back garden:

Not the greatest photo but this Great Horned Owl landed deep in my pine tree and was but a dark silhouette until I lightened it a LOT. 

Wow.  I never get over the thrill of an owl sighting.  It was made even more spectacular by the fact he flew right past me prior to landing (as I was shoveling the back patio)!!!!

Now, hopefully, tomorrow the snow will quit falling and start melting.  This weekend is "Rush for the Roses" at a local greenhouse & it feels anything like planting weather!