Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Magic Day

 
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Today was the day. The day that spring actually “arrived.” The Confederate jasmine is beginning to bloom and scent the air. Roses are putting on their full show. Salvias, lilies, guara, and many more are popping out buds and blooms. The weather was warm. There was that special light at sunset that seems to happen only at this time of year. The soil is moist and all of the plants are thriving. The weeds are flourishing as well, but they are so green they look beautiful too.

Watering, weeding, and planting were pure pleasure, as were the smells of spring warmed earth and freshly turned compost. It was warm enough that my hair stuck to the back of my neck for the first time this year.

This was the day. The magic day that was just perfect for a gardener.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Git

Aunt Debbi is not in the mood for your antics.

Go outside and play.

Seriously, git out. It is a beautiful day.

Go on now. GIT:)

Saturday, April 18, 2009

The Yelow Rose of Texas Part II

I made a phone call and did a little more research. Apparently, sometime this year, Nacogdoches rose, which was renamed Grandma's Yellow, will be declared the offical Yellow Rose of Texas. Nothing I read claims this designation has already happened. It is a beautiful, pure, bright yellow. This is a discovered rose, so I couldn't find a date.

For more information on Emily West Morgan go here

Yellow Rose of Texas

There's a yellow rose in Texas, that I am going to see,
Nobody else could miss her, not half as much as me.
She cried so when I left her, it like to broke my heart,
And if I ever find her, we nevermore will part.

She's the sweetest little rosebud that Texas ever knew,
Her eyes are bright as diamonds, they sparkle like the dew;
You may talk about your Clementine, and sing of Rosalee,
But the yellow rose of Texas is the only girl for me.

When the Rio Grande is flowing, the starry skies are bright,
She walks along the river in the quiet summer night:
I know that she remembers, when we parted long ago,
I promise to return again, and not to leave her so.

She's the sweetest little rosebud that Texas ever knew,
Her eyes are bright as diamonds, they sparkle like the dew;
You may talk about your Clementine, and sing of Rosalee,
But the yellow rose of Texas is the only girl for me.

Oh now I'm going to find her, for my heart is full of woe,
And we'll sing the songs together, that we sung so long ago
We'll play the bango gaily, and we'll sing the songs of yore,
And the yellow rose of Texas shall be mine forevermore.

She's the sweetest little rosebud that Texas ever knew,
Her eyes are bright as diamonds, they sparkle like the dew;
You may talk about your Clementine, and sing of Rosalee,
But the yellow rose of Texas is the only girl for me.

Here are the lyrics of the song. As for an actual "Yellow Rose of Texas" I have not heard that one has been designated as the rose. I read a news paper report that Grandma's Yellow received the honor, but nothing on the Aggie Horticulture website backed up that claim. If y'all have heard something I haven't please let me know.

As legend may have it, the yellow rose was a mixed raced woman who distracted Santa Anna allowing his army to be taken by surprise at Battle of San Jacinto on April 4, 1836.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Blue Bonnets Cryin in the Rain

 
 
 
 
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Actually there were no tears just two crazy ladies who were determined to drive the blue bonnet trail. I met Nola of Alamo North at the Ennis Walmart and she drove me the whole blue bonnet trail. It rained cats, dogs, and humongous frogs. We had a good time anyway. Nola is excellent company and a great tour guide. Above are pictures of the blue bonnets, proof of frog, and Nola and me soaking wet. It was so much fun.

After touring the blue bonnet trail, we had lunch at a very good Mexican restaurant. Then we went and visited the few craft booths that were open. The weather really put a damper on the vendors. We both bought beaded book marks. Then we went to Nola's lovely home and had a nice visit. I got to see all of her plants and flowers and of course brought some home. I scored purple oxalis, hyacinth bean vines, a succulent. I met Chili the wonder Dachshund. Sweet little puppy he is too.

I had such a nice time and look forward to visiting again.

Thanks Nola.

This is also my On The Streets post hosted by VP.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Bounty

 
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Yesterday I shared my blooms. Today I will share my vegetables. The picture shows the collards, dill, parsley and rosemary I will share with the library ladies. As much as I love the flowers, it is the food that really drives my gardening urges. I have given away dozens of bags of greens, lettuce, and herbs this spring. This has been the most productive cool weather garden I have ever grown. Raised beds seem to have made all the difference in the world.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

April GBBD Bring on the Blooms

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day is back and we are covered up here at Aunt Debbi's Garden. We have iris, petunias, and passion vine.
 

We also have bloomin bushes. The antique roses are loving the recent rains and the mock orange smells like heaven.
 
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Thanks again to Carol of May Dreams Garden for hosting.