Home of the Practically Perfect Pink Phlox and other native plants for pollinators

Friday, November 14, 2008

Enough To Make Me Smile on November Bloom Day


Welcome to Clay and Limestone where just a few days ago fall was a golden glow.

The colors are receding into a beautiful sea of brown leaves.....But there are still smiles to be found hiding here for us to find. (all photos enlarge)


Does this flower make you smile?

Callirhoe involucrata - Wine Cups (N) moved into the garden last month and continues to bloom...I hope it settles in and isn't put off by our wet winters. Winecups prefer good drainage and don't like to be moved once they send their tap rot into the ground.


Phlox paniculata 'Laura' (N) also joined the gang this fall...a very strong flower color....we are remaining open to her possibilities.


The Salvias~~
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' blooms lightly all summer, then really shines in the fall...another survivor of frost. Gotta love that south facing hill!

Salvia "Dreamsickle' also managed to survive our first frost! This cutie will seed about the garden.

One more Salvia that survived frost! I think the salvia has a bit of that magic we've talked about!
It also lives on the south facing hill that protects it from light frost.

I have come to really love the salvias...they are hardy and reseed each year. Just be sure and give them good winter drainage.


I've recently read that Cyclamen hederifolium is so hardy it may be regarded as no-maintenance, & so extremely long lived that tubers in excess of a century old have been documented. (Paghet's Garden). I don't know if they will live for a century in this garden, but they have been here for more than 15 years and continue to thrive and spread... sometimes popping up many feet from the original spot. They make me smile, how about you?


Echinacea purpurea...My beloved Purple Coneflower after being trampled by the deer who came calling on the Bur acorns.

The Asters~~
One of the many native asters that blooms profusely from late summer until ...now!
This native is beloved of bumbles and other bees.

I'm pretty crazy about it myself.

Aromatic Aster/Aster oblongifolius

Late fall visitors like butterflies and bees rely on the asters for nectar for the long trip south or food for the nests.


Even a Susan (Rudbechia hirta) has to rebloom for the last Bloom Day flowers at Clay and Limestone...

she is a bit bedraggled but it is November. Another Rudbechia has joined the family

smaller flowers and with distinctive basal leaves~~~please say hello to Rudbechia triloba.


A few cutie pie flowers...part of the Sorbet series of Violas

I love their little faces and velvet colors.

So nice in the garden all winter a long.

This one is my favorite!

Finally, one last flower who is so new to the gardens that she lives in a plastic bag...

Isn't she a beauty...a gift from a neighbor and not yet planted. We haven't an identity for her but, she seems much like one of the Korean Chrysanthemums. She is well over 3 foot tall and has beautiful foliage. My neighbor assured me that she was indestructible; then told me where to plant her!

Thank you all for joining me in a celebration of the blooms still here in the garden...if you want to see more blooms, please head over to May Dreams Gardens. On the 15Th of each month Garden Bloggers from around the world meet and greet one another at May Dreams Gardens. There the talented hostess, Carol, greets new arrivals for the Bloom Day celebration. Thank you Carol.
Hamamelis virginiana

Gail

To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival. Wendell Berry

95 comments:

  1. Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day Visitors,

    I have a conflict that will take me away from the computer on Saturday! But I will be back to read and comment back as soon as possible. Happy Bloom Day!

    Gail

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  2. Pansy faces truly do smile! You still have so much lovely color in your garden, Gail. Wonderful!

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  3. Hi Gail,
    As usual you remind me of bloom day, ah not much is still hanging on here except the Calendulas (a bit worse for wear) and a few snapdragons.

    Again, I'm envious of your Cyclamens ... we've tried them several times/places and gave up. But aren't the Salvias great? Our Black and Blue was going great guns just a few weeks ago, but gone now (sigh).

    You've got some great bloomers left!

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  4. All your flowers made me smile, Gail. A phlox still in flower? Wow, mine are long gone. Your salvias are still going strong, so does mine but in a note to self I wrote that I need more salvias next year. ;-) Asters are great, you can never have enough of them, I think and I noticed that your neighbour thought the same. ;-)

    Happy GBBD, Gail! :-D

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  5. It's all so beautiful today. I love the blue pansy the best. I want to dry them this year. I was thinking about you earlier because we had a lot of rain all at once and it looked like it had come from your direction. HOpe all is well.

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  6. You're doing very well for blooms this November Gail!

    I love Cyclamen at this time of the year. Most of mine are in pots, but quite a few are spreading their wings round the garden :)

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  7. Gail,
    why your Hammamelis is blooming roght now?
    Not too early?
    I am also surprised by fragrant aster - flower is also very sweet :)
    eeee.....
    not to mention the pansies as well...

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  8. Gail - you still have so much going on in your garden. The Salvias are lovely (Note to self grow salvis next year)
    Lovely bloom day post
    Karen

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  9. Hi Gail, lots to look at and all lovely. I am thrilled about your witch hazel, it is a fave of mine. So glad the deer left you some things too. The cyclamen intrigues me, I wonder if there is a place here where it would grow? Love your asters, thanks for drawing them to me attention, I am now a convert to their beauty!
    Frances

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  10. Happy GBBD. You certainly do have lots to smile about in your garden.

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  11. I love to tour your place with you as the tour guide! I want more Salvia too, I just have one small one that my neighbor rooted, it has yellow and green variegated leaves with red blooms, do you know the name of it? You have a lot of neat plants.

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  12. Enjoy your Saturday Gail and your blooms are hanging on. It is a rainy mess here today so bloom day may be inside more than outside.

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  13. layanee,

    I know the feel of a messy, rainy near winter day! Not fun! That is pretty much a description of winter in November and December in Middle Tennessee! I am glad you popped over...I do hope all is well with you and the boys! Give the EM a hello and Tucker a nice pat. Gail

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  14. nancy,

    Hi...I have this day and then it will be gone...except the pansies and violas! They are keepers! Have a great weekend. Keep warm.

    Gail

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  15. IVG,

    Hey you! I am always thrilled when the cyclamen pops up! Conditions here are not always ideal for what looks like a delicate plant! All the plantings seem to thrive under trees...it is dry among the roots. The squirrels are so happy with the nut and acorn situation they haven't bothered the cyclamen! Of course there are trade offs when one has trees! Leaves and shade!

    Take care...Bloom Day moves inside for folks whose gardens go dormant!

    Gail

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  16. ye,

    Hi! Normally phlox would not be blooming; but I purchased her in October and she only just went in the ground! maybe she will be a late bloomer next year!

    Yes, more salvias! They are on my list, too! I will continue planting them even if they don't like my winters!

    Have a good rest of your weekend!

    Gail

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  17. Anna,

    Hi...rain today, yesterday and the day before...tomorrow temps in the mid twenties! I wonder if that will be heading your way, too! I do like those violas with the sweet faces...Anna, have a good weekend and keep snuggley warm!

    gail

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  18. Coneflowers and Susans blooming now--that would definitely put a smile on my face, too, Gail! I don't have all the varieties of salvia that you have, but I agree about their being a stalwart in the garden in the fall. Your aster is another beauty; I should add one of these to my new native garden next spring. Happy Bloom Day!

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  19. VP,

    Hi..this will be it for outdoor blooms...then indoors for what I don't know!

    I would love to try the fragrant cyclamen that you grow but it won't survive here. They are such delicate looking flowers but they do originate in some rugged parts of the world!

    Thanks for hopping over to visit! Have a lovely weekend.

    Gail

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  20. Rose,

    Hi there! This fall has been bountiful....and I think I might be ready to let it go and 'embrace winter'! Maybe!

    The native asters are perfect plants if you don't mind untidy! They arch over other plants and seed themselves about! I don't mind! I might be able to send some seeds to you...it will be in a few weeks when the last flowers turn to puff balls!

    Have a warm weekend...Hope your team carries through!

    Gail

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  21. Ewa,

    Isn't the witch hazel lovely...ths is one of the natives that blooms at this time of year! H virginiana...Diane has yet to bloom! You need one or two in your garden!

    The fragrant aster has fragrant foliage! It does have the same old aster scent!

    I forgot to tell everyone that the unknown Chrysanthemum has a vanilla fragrance.

    gail

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  22. Karen,

    Thank you! I am pretty happy to have any bloom at this time of year!...Salvias are perfect for extending bloom into late summer and fall. Even the less hardy one like Dreamsickle reseed nicely. Have fun visiting folks today! Thanks for stopping by.

    gail

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  23. "Smiles" -- what a wonderful way to describe these little fall wonders! :-) So many pretties are still in your garden.

    I'm a big salvia fan, too. My love grew out of necessity for finding deer proof flowers! Now, I'm just hooked on them.

    Cameron

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  24. Frances,

    That witch hazel is a cutie pie. It is looking good even with the brown leaves. The dear deer didn't get near her so it is safe this year!

    Frances, Yes there are several places in your garden for cyclamen! The hill would give it sharp drainage during the winters. Just find a spot under one of the trees or shrubs that will give it protection from the summer sun. None of mine are in full sun. The most successful spots are the porch wildflower garden and under Diane (Witch hazel). I bought mine from a local nursery but they have gone out of business...looks like a bulb order next year to get more!

    Have a good weekend...

    Gail

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  25. lisa,

    Hello...it has been a good season for smiling. Happy Bloom Day to you! Have a warm and cozy weekend filled with great birds!

    gail

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  26. Darla,

    Hi! Not sure but maybe it is Salvia van houtti 'Dancing Flame'...see if the photo matches your plant! Salvias are great plants and you can't beat their late fall blooms! Bees and butterflies also like them!

    Have a good weekend.
    Gail

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  27. Cameron,

    Smilers they are! But I mentioned to someone earlier that I might be ready for the garden to rest....planning and assessing is needed!

    I hope that the deer stay away but just in case I will continue to plant salvias and other less then attractive bloomers! Your suggestions (on your site) have been noted and put on the planning list.

    Have a good weekend~~~

    Gail

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  28. Oh, to have a south-facing hill again. My last garden had one, so I know what a wonderful microclimate that makes. Yes, the Callirhoe made me smile. That magenta flower seems to be thumbing its nose at all the autumnal reds, yellows & oranges.
    The Cyclamen hederifolium doesn't make me smile because they remind me of the ones in my old garden and of how the squirrels dug up every single one I planted here.

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  29. All of your flowers are indeed smile-inducing, Gail (ok, except for poor MMD in the case of the cyclamen). What a joy to see all of the colors. I too am smitten by that unnamed chrysanthemum. It deserves a name as pretty as it is.

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  30. They all make me smile. Anyone who loves flowers, takes the time to snap pictures (in rainy weather I might add), and then post them to share all makes me smile.

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  31. Gail ~ Your garden makes me smile too! How nice to have so many magical surprises to find this bloom day.

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  32. MMD,

    There has to be a spot, a perfect spot where those crafty squirrels cannot get at your cyclamen! Maybe under some hardware cloth...the bloom and stems are so tiny they could get past the wire! Have you tried that all ready? I know the squirrel Haven squirrels are particularly smart.

    I do like the wine cup...let's see if she likes it here! Have you tried it in your garden?

    We are having very cold weather heading our way...the south facing slope will not stop winter this time!

    Keep warm, it is time for a fire!

    gail

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  33. Nan,

    Smiling nodding flowers are a must in this garden! I am glad you appreciate the sweet passalong mum from my friend. It smell a bit like vanilla...I must do a search to se if it identified someplace. Thanks for dropping by tose the blooms...have a good Bloom Day!

    Gail

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  34. You have more than a few blooms to bring about a smile this November day Gail. I love many of them myself (the salvias & violas) and I'm sure I've said before how I plan to add some native asters to my garden next year. You have converted me to their beauty as well. I had no idea phlox would still be blooming anywhere?!! That was a surprise. Also I keep meaning to check if the cyclamen would be hardy in my zone. What a fabulous longevity record for such dainty blooms. Wonderful photos Gail. Enjoy your blooms for as long as they continue and have a great weekend!

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  35. Tina,

    Yep it has been raining here, too! I must share with you my new boots...I will send you a photo...they are perfect for our winter weather and make tramping out side so much easier when it is wet.

    We love flowers and tramp out there to get photos any chance we get!

    BTW...fantastic flowers on you Diane!

    gail

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  36. Cindy,

    Hi there...I feel fortunate to have blooms to make me and visitors smile! After today...they will be gone! Thanks for popping over...I hope you and your family have fun weekend planned.

    gail

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  37. Hi Gail, first, I wanted to thank your for posting the link to the Natural Resource Defense Council, I took action on the bees and some things about drinking water. It's funny, because they are frequently the plaintiff in environmental lawsuits I see, but I didn't realize they had such a good website!

    Your salvias are looking great! You you a beautiful assortment. I'm becoming a big salvia fan since I've seen so many incredible varieties on all these blogs. Those pansys are so cute, the flowers look like cheerful faces, I love them, but can't grow them, since the rabbits find them delectable. :(

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  38. Izyjo,

    I was glad to publish helpful links! The Natural Resource defense Council is excellent and committed to working to save our environment... go RFK Jr!

    The salvias are a must have in the garden...I have to thank the Austin Gardenbloggers...even though I have had salvia in the garden...their blogs always showcase them dramatically.

    Violas and pansies are sweet right now...I am sorry you have bothersome bunnies eating them...Not sure why the bunnies are eating mine...could be our 'friend' the coyote who has decimated the populations....Chip and Dale continue to elude them and wreck havoc in the beds.

    Thank you for stopping by and for your much appreciated feedback!

    gail

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  39. Gail,
    All your flowers make me smile and especially that dark blue Pansy. What a beauty!
    Katarina

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  40. I definitely need to add more Asters to my garden for fall color. I love the Salvias too, they just are such troopers keeping the garden going through November. You still have alot of lovely flowers for GBBD!

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  41. Gail: You still have such a variety of clor and blooms in your November garden! I only have my roses that continue to smile and their fragrance so delightful!

    I am so pleased that you enjoyed viewing my ~special garden~ post for todays Bloom Day! I needed the lift myself from the grey wet days here.

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  42. naturegirl,

    I really did enjoy it! We were in Paris to visit our son when he was doing a semester abroad (aren't these modern kids lucky) and we never could get to see all the gardens and sites I wanted to visit. Another vacation..when the dollar gets some worth! Glad you came by to see what is happening in Nashville!

    gail

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  43. katarina,

    Thak you,,,it is my favorite, too...In person it looks almost black but I haven't been able to capture it.

    Gail

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  44. Racquel,

    These native asters set seed easily...I could probably dig them up and send you some! Let's talk about how to do that and when it makes sense! I am going to see if I can get seed after the rain leaves...

    Gail

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  45. kathleen,

    The cyclamen are indeed special...they are in that group of plants that disappear for bit, then send up their mottled leaves, shortly after the leaves disappear and voila, as if from nowhere, pretty little pink flowers! I do hope you can grow them...with winter protection they might survive...I will be trying to collect seed of the native asters...I do think they can grow in your part of the world...if I do I would be glad to share.

    Have a fantastic weekend!

    Gail

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  46. We still have a ton of things blooming here. The temps have been in the 70-80 range this past week!! Its nuts!!! Usually we have a frost here already but we have gotten lucky this year for sure(-:
    Thanks for sharing your pictures!

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  47. what alot of blooms you have. I really like the Salvia Black and Blue - I bought one this summer and it hasnt flowered since I bought it!

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  48. patientgardener,

    Oh my...that would try anyone's patience! Sorry...I bet you get that all the time. Hang onto it...it might bloom next year....They do like sun, haven't you had an unusually wet summer?

    Gail

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  49. Hi Gail....lovely post and much of it made me smile....
    I love the info on the cyclamen...never heard that before......
    The violas are lovely, such pretty flowers....and wonderful colour for the winter months.......

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  50. Cindee,

    The frost seems to arrive later here each year...which means we have this huge amount of bloom that get wiped out...then we go into shock! I am glad you popped by to say hello! Take care....gail

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  51. Cheryl,

    Hi! The violas are sweet and lovely flowers...for some reason I forgot to get them last year. Paghet's Garden blog is really fascinating. it's truly an on line journal, I don't think there is a place to comment, but she has a vast amount of information. She gardens in the NW and her plaant info might be very relevant to some areas of England...You know what I mean;-) The rainy, cool and damp regions!

    I am glad you stoppeb by...have a good rest of the weekend.

    Gail

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  52. Gail, I love all your images but my favorite would be the delicate asters. I adore wildflowers.

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  53. wonderful blooms gail! i love the violas. the dark purple one is so pretty.
    i really like the cyclamen to i need some no maintenance things for blooming in the fall. that's fascinating that there are some from a century ago.
    the wine cup with the rain drops on it is beautiful.
    it is rainy and cold here.

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  54. I love your cyclamen, I have always wanted to grow them. :)

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  55. Your post looks like it could have been done in the summer, is amazing to see how many blooms you have in the garden. I like that cyclamen, any plant that can last a century is my kind of a plant

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  56. Happy bloom day Gail! I have to agree with Rusty, you have SO many blooms there! Many more than my pathetic blooms, but I guess you are just a little bit warmer there than we are here. I don't think my pansies will last the winter but it's nice that they're still here giving me at least one flowering bloom in my yard for a short while longer.

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  57. Wow, Gail, what a list! I think that the deer who trampled your echinacea did you a little favor--that background is a wonderful foil for its pink vibrancy.

    By the way, you think visiting my blog adds to YOUR list? You should see all of the salvias I now have on my list, thanks to you! (Reds... I really need more of the reds!) :)

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  58. Your photos are so lovely, my favorite are the funny little Asters!
    Sandra Evertson

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  59. sandra,

    My favorite are the little asters, too! They are unassuming and easy to care for...You have an impressive blog! Very creative and now I shall be singing Up up and away for days! Thanks for stopping by!

    gail

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  60. Kim,

    Pinkisk lavender and brown do look nice together...that is true! I must thank that dear deer!

    Yes, you must get some more reds and Salvias are the way to go...the Pineapple Sage, although an annual is spectacular and cheap! It grows quite tall and full and then it has this terrific red flower.

    Is your The Blues still looking good?

    Gail

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  61. Hi Gail!
    I have not yet done a bloom day, but I would love to!
    I love all your beautiful flowers.
    Right now it is hot in San Francisco, and we need rain!
    Mostly what I do is re-seed planting beds and naturalize plants. When the rains come I see what comes up and I then transplant like mad to create the effect. I suppose I could use the hose, but I am trying to conserve in the drought. It is such a pleasure for me to see your garden so far away, and yet like it is a friends garden next door.
    Sincerely,
    Philip

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  62. Gail, all your blooms are providing lots of smiles. The asters, the rudbeckia, and yes, the salvias. I am a big fan of all salvias. My black and blue is blooming its head off, too. Your favorite viola is also mine... that deep color is stunning. A very good showing in your November garden.
    Meems

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  63. I had to laugh when your neighbor told you were to plant the chrysanthemums. Can she see it from her house in that spot?

    Loved the photos. I wish something pretty was blooming in my garden. I used to have chrysanthemums but the last ones died out over last winter (or more likely with the slugs in the spring) and I haven't replaced them.

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  64. I loved looking at all your beautiful pictures. Here in Ontario we just got a dumping of snow.Yikes! Your garden looks great. Every year I tell myself that this is the year I'm going to have a gorgeous garden that's the envy of all the neighbourhood, and somehow I run out of time or money, or both. Oh well, it's always fun trying. Next year will be the year . .

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  65. This post is so good. It made me smile. Thank you for sharing.

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  66. VALERIE, Thank you for stopping by to let me know it made you smile! that is a sweet gift!

    HELEN, Next year will be the year for both of us! I keep telling myself that, too! I have great ideas and garden blogs give me more, but ....!

    I am very glad you popped over here...sorry about the snow...is it early?

    Gail

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  67. DAPHNE, I laughed, too! She would like me to plant them by the mailbox, in full sun...a good spot really!

    Sorry to hear that your bloom is gone! One of the many lessons I am learning from bloggers...is that I haven't planted nearly enough plants that offer more than flowers! There are leaves, and bark and berries that will give me more textural interest all year long. I joke that I need to always carry my instruction sheet with me to the nurseries...the flashy flowers distract me!

    Have good week!

    Gail

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  68. Meems,

    Hello and good morning! The violas are adorable and I hope will provide a spot of color most of the winter! Is that asking a lot of a small, but very cute plant? I hope not!

    I am so glad you like the sweet asters...they are the best of the best fall flowers...here at least! Thank you for stopping by, as always it is a delight to visit with you!

    gail

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  69. marmee,

    Hi! Thank you for your very kind comments. We are getting ready to have no bloom left after this cold front moves in. We lit the first fir last night and had good friends over for dinner and conversation! Time for our middle Tennessee gardens to go to sleep!

    Have you visited Growild in Fairview? It is an appointment only native plant nursery...that is where I found the winecup, many of my native flowers and the native witch hazels! It is a good place to visit and wander around if you want to get ideas and learn more about natives.

    Have a delicious day! Take care,
    Gail

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  70. Lythrum,

    You must give the cyclamen a try...it really does grow nicely under a tree tangled in the roots! There it will stay dry and not get soggy! When it blooms will you show us the photos?

    Gail

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  71. PhillipB,

    I have loved your posts since I first popped over there! So when you have a Bloom Day I will be there to see it, too! I love naturalized gardens and a California natural garden has got to be gorgeous! Here I let some of the flowers have their way in the garden, but I still need some work on shrubs with winter interest...texture, berries whatever! Planting in dry shade is the biggest issue...there aren't many natives (which is my preference) that are evergreen. You are a great listener;) Thank you for stopping by...it's always pleasure!

    gail

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  72. Cinj, I saw that snow on your blog! Winter has arrived at your place! We are zone 7...so we get to have blooms a bit longer than you. Maybe the pansies will survive! I might be tempted to plant them in containers and bring them inside! Thank you cinj for stopping by...I really appreciate your visits!!

    Rusty, The magic of digital cameras and not showing a shot of all the brown! Summer is over, soon fall and then the brown season will be upon us! The cyclamen is a cutie pie plant that I really like! Thanks for stopping by!

    Sarah, I like the native aster, too! Do you have many were you garden?

    Gail

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  73. Great posts this week, Gail--your Bloom Day photos are wonderful. I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't even know cyclamen could grow outside, let alone last 100 years! And your salvias are gorgeous--I just love them--have to get the dreamsicle (one of my favorite treats when I was a kid). Hope the deer behave themselves--Cosmo

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  74. I especially love the Cyclamen - didn't realize they were so hardy.

    I went on a fall hike with some friends once, who kept asking me the name of every flower they saw. When I kept saying, "some kind of aster" they thought I was making it up. :)

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  75. Cosmos,

    Hi...don't be embarrassed this cyclamen is a hardy one and not the ones you see at florist shops! You could grow it where you garden! Dreamsickle would love your garden and it was one of my favorite treats as a kid, too! Have a good day...is it ever cold here and soon it will be in the twenties! Keep warm and have a great week!

    Gail

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  76. We live in many different states, but after visiting here, we desire a south-facing hill with excellent drainage and no squirrels!

    The clarity of your photos and the purity of the colors is just lovely, Gail - Phlox 'Laura' looks beautiful.

    Yea for the Salvias - we both love those flowers! I once wrote a song about them and put it on YouTube.

    And our friends the bees agree with us!

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  77. Gail, what a lovely assortment of blooms you have! Might I have the name of that last Sorbet viola, please? I am in love with that dark rich color, although it will probably be much less intense here.

    I think of you every time I see Susans blooming in my garden. Only the R. trilobas are still going strong here on my corner of Katy this bloom day.

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  78. Rurality,

    We can probably give the "Some kind of aster' as an answer and be right often...since they are one of the largest plant families! Aside from that isn't it fun to be able to identify plans on walks!

    The hardy cyclamen is hardier then I thought! Zones 5 to 9. Hope you grow them! Have a good day and glad you are posting again!

    gail

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  79. I was away from the computer most of yesterday, too. Today, my grandson has just awoken from his nap, and is playing next to me so far. I've stopped reading the comments others have left on the blogs, because I'm trying to look at all the GBBD blogs. Your blooms are beautiful! I love those pansies, too!

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  80. Nice to see that you are still open for bloom business.
    Many of your flowers made me smile. Your phlox paniculata 'Laura' looks great. I was pleased when my phlox lasted until the beginning of November, but yours looks like it is determined to bloom right through. Your salvias are all looking good too.
    It's hard to believe that such a pretty flower as your cyclamen is easy care. It looks like a beautiful exotic flower that would need pampering.
    My biggest smiles were at your violas. Their cheery faces must bring a smile to anyone's face.

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  81. Cindy,

    They are almost iconic clay and limestone...except for the PPPP! Speking of...I am serious about the offer to dig them up and ship them to you!

    The sorbet series viola is from the 'Mixed Series"...which means to me that they are unnamed crosses? The closest match I could find was Purple Duet. But there is one that is Black! Seeds are available from a few companies...I may order them, too!

    Keep warm...is it chilly there or are you still in flip flops! I miss flip flops!

    Gail

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  82. Northern Shade,

    So glad you came by...I stopped by your blog this morning...even though I have seen your Rocky Mountain photos earlier, I loved looking at them again! Beautiful

    The violas are sweet...I like their small nature; pansies have gotten too big...But then Johnny Jump ups remain one of my favorite plants! So cute.

    It is cold out and sunny with that intense blue fall sky... we still good leaf color, but winter is arriving soon.

    Glad to add a smile or two to your day. Keep warm!

    Gail

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  83. Your flowers all look great, but I like the salvias the best. There is just something about salvias.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  84. Jan,

    There is something about salvias...I have come to really appreciate them and all the critters they can attract to a garden. So glad you stopped by for a visit!

    gail

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  85. I am shocked as to how much color so many people still have in their this time of year. Looking good there Gail...

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  86. So many little pretties in your fall garden Gail! I love the cyclamen, salvias and asters. 'Dreamsickle' is a perfect name for that pretty color.

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  87. Thanks for offering the cyclamen seed Gail. You are more than generous. I have yet to do any research about their hardiness in my zone but now you've motivated me! I'll get right on it and let you know. Thanks again! :-)

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  88. You are going to be one busy girl addressing all these comments, Gail! It would certainly make me smile to see all those blossoms... but, speaking from the vantage point of living up here... it would make me Extremely Nervous! ha. Have a great day!!!

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  89. Lovely blooms for bloom day! There is still a lot going on in your garden, hopefully you'll continue to have blooms for awhile yet.

    Thanks for joining in!
    Carol, May Dreams Gardens

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  90. You found some lovely tough little beauties hiding in your fall garden. Yes, the Cyclamen especially makes me smile :) I've fallen in love with Salvias too and must try harder to add them to my garden next year.
    I had some very late phlox blooms too. Not for this Bloom Day though.
    Your fall garden looks gorgeous. Loved seeing all the fall shots you've taken. Beautiful!
    Great bee post too. I saw lots this past summer :)

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  91. Gail, I had chicken wire on top of the ground where the Cyclamen were planted. I guess next time I have to plant them in a cage. Occasionally I consider planting Winecups, but then I always talk myself out of it. I'm sure why.

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  92. MMd,

    I don't truthfully know why the cyclamen survives here! We have plenty of squirrels but they seem to leave it alone...It may be the rocks get in the way!

    Gail

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  93. I love your photos! They are beautiful!

    It's so interesting to read about gardening in different parts of the country. My grandfather gardened in limestone country in Southern Indiana. (Meanwhile, on our farm, unamended soil has a pH of 5!)

    I love your blog and will be sure to visit again.

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  94. Hi Gail. I looked up the cyclamen and one interesting thing I read is that they don't like clay! How on earth do they grow at C&L?? If that is true, I will certainly struggle with them here. Has that been your experience?

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  95. Such pretties you have, Gail! I love the Aster longifolium. The mum reminds me of 'Broadway Lights'. The violas are gorgeous and your favorite is my favorite, too.

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"Insects are the little things that run the world." Dr. E O Wilson