There once was a crepe myrtle bush
That refused to grow tall and/or lush.
I watered and fed
The seed pods turned red*
Perhaps it just needed a push!
*watermelon red
P.S. This is a limerick. This poor crepe myrtle has been moved three times now, in an effort to settle it in just the right spot. Glad I didn’t give up on it!
P.S.S. Time for a little blogging break — I’ll catch up with y’all soon!
Watermelon-colored Crepe Myrtle
Bloom where you’re planted,
Or leave and thrive somewhere else.
We, like seeds, need goals.
Learn to be an observer in all seasons. Every single day, your garden has something new and wonderful to show you. ~Author Unknown
Look what I just noticed:
Winter, you have worn out your very last welcome. Me
Forecasters were right on target yesterday when they assured us we were in line for an additional 4-8 inches of snow (the last tally I saw indicates we got at least six).
I don’t know about others, but I’ve had it Up To Here with winter!
On my walk earlier this week, I found some interesting flowering plants that I wanted to share with you.
And since I didn’t know too much about them (other than a name), I figured that was as good as any excuse to do a bit of research.
First up, Naked Ladies.
The bottom is supposed to drop out, temperature-wise, this weekend, so I decided I’d get some late autumn photos before nothing is left but sticks!
This sugar maple is decked out in reds and yellows
What says “Autumn” more than a yellow Chrysanthemum?
This Dogwood has all sorts of pretty colors, from shades of gold to crimson and bronze
I don’t remember my Crepe Myrtle turning this pretty last year!
Ooh, looks like somebody’s going to have to do some raking!
This miniature Japanese Maple is a profusion of brilliant red leaves
Even sidewalks get into the act — some feature leaves so deep you can really swoosh through them!
Here’s another yard just begging for a rake
In a sea of reds and yellows, this purple mum truly stands out — I like to think it knows how special it is!
Has Autumn been spectacular in your neck of the woods, too?
Note: So far, nobody has correctly guessed my Darling Doggie’s name! But you still have until 6 p.m. CDT on Sunday the 28th to guess. If nobody comes up with a correct answer by then, we’ll just have to toss all the names into a hat and draw one out — I’ll announce the winner on Monday the 29th (and make arrangements for shipping the earrings to them). Thanks to everybody who played along!
Those who forecast the weather are gloating over a recent break in our Midwestern heat (like they had something to do with it!)
Temps that were hanging in the high 90s and low 100s have dropped — finally! — to a more reasonable low 90s.
So far, so good. What they fail to mention is how dry it is.
I’m not a farmer, and I can’t find any data to corroborate this, but I’m calling it a drought. If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck!
While parts of Illinois benefited from the passage of a cold front (and its accompanying storms), we did not. No rain for weeks on end.
Oddly enough, our plants seem to recognize the difference between Mother Nature’s drenching and the stream from a garden hose.
Since a picture is better than my rambling and complaining about it, take a look and see for yourself:
Wonder if our Kentucky Bluegrass will turn green again?
Big ole cracks where grass is supposed to be
This redbud, I’m afraid, has seen its last days
Weeds seem to love this dry heat!
Now, lest you think all is lost, let me contrast this dire picture with some that show what happens when plants do get water (even if it’s from a hose!):
Aren’t these beautiful and happy-looking?
Snapdragons in full bloom love the sun
Vinca, another sun-loving flower
My crepe myrtle — yes, it should be pruned, but that’s a chore for late winter. Isn’t it magnificent, though?
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 