Gramma, the sun is shining!

My almost three year old granddaughter (pictured eating strawberries) stayed all night with us last night. When she awoke this morning at 5:55 a.m., she immediately sat up and said, "Gramma, the sun is shining - it's a good day." Out of the mouths of babes!"

Sometimes I forget the beauty of things like "the sun is shining". Gardeners, above many others, have the up front seat to the beauty of nature. Something I shouldn't take for granted and shouldn't be too busy to notice.

And so, what's pretty in your garden this especially beautiful Sunday?

I have an unknown variety of hosta that is just beginning to bloom. The flowers are white and have a very strong jasmine fragrance. It's a hummingbird and butterfly attraction.

The cleomes are spreading and have filled in next to the daylilies that have stopped for this summer. They're so light and airy with pink and white flowers.

Just beginning to bloom is the bright yellow and very tall Rudbeckia called Golden Glow. The leaves are dark green and it will now bloom until about frost.

The Amaryllidaceae (called Naked Lady by locals) are blooming about a month ahead of typical. They bloom a lavender shade of pink (or a pink shade of lavender) and have a heavy fragrance.

Coneflower, black eyed Susan, bee balm, turtle head and some varieties of sedium have all begun heavy bloom time.

And last but not least, the humidity has lowered and I have the doors and windows open. Even though my hotsy totsy weather gauge says it's 112 in the sun, it is a beautiful sunny day.

Serenity Now

I'm a Board member at Freedom House, the women and children's domestic and sexual abuse shelter and advocacy center. It serves five counties: Henry, Bureau, Marshall, Stark, & Putnam.

The calming effect of gardens, both decorative and vegetable, can help those who have suffered from violence, both physical and emotional. The sounds, the labor, the colors, and even the arrangement can add to the soothing effect.

Sometimes we don't take the time to soak up the benefit to our emotional well being a garden can bring. Not only those who suffer the effects of abuse but for the many who suffer from noises, stress, and pressures of everyday life.

Water features have become extremely popular again. Always a fixture in gardens even back BC, water features come and go in style and popularity. Today, there is something for most every garden: A small table top device for the office, a wall-hung unit for an apartment balcony, a bird bath, a fish pond, a water fall, or a lake are all options depending on space, funds, and how much work you want to do to maintain.

The sound of a water feature can mask out irritating noises of the city, apartment & suburbia neighbors. For some, the sound of moving water is soothing. For me, I find it similar to fingernails on a chalk board but I'm probably the exception.

Another benefit of a water feature in a garden setting - it typically attracts birds.

The colors of a garden may determine the calming level. Hot colors tend to excite - cool colors tend to calm. If your landscape is big enough, having pockets of both may fit your changing moods.

Here are some suggestions for a "serenity space":

• Soften the background with tall trees & bushes in green. A mix of shade and sun is optimal.
• Provide a place for insect free shade.
• Pastel flowers on bushes and perennials typically take less care.
• A water feature that will add serenity and not add to your work load.
• If you enjoy gardening, a bed of flowering annuals and perennials.
• Make sure you have flowers & herbs that have a scent mixed into your garden. Consider Oriental Lilies for years of carefree enjoyment. Lemon Balm, Basil, Oregano all have heavy scents. Place those plants close to where you will sit/walk.
• Provide comfortable seating.

This may sound like a lot but it doesn't need to be huge or lavish. Here are some ideas for simple or small:

• If trees and bushes aren't an option, consider a screen made from lattice, metal or blinds.
• If you have no grass, consider a rug made from anything that won't rot: bamboo, plastics, wood, or painted.
• Curtains made from material. Heavy for rain and sun protection - net for insect or semi protection. Something as simple as stitching together material from bright used clothes and hung on a piece of clothesline will suffice.
• Lights: Candles, twinkle lights, oil lamps, solar powered - the list is expansive.
• Pots of flowers: Situated around the seating area. Although they must be protected from freezing in the winter, small trees and shrubs can block views and noise.
• Take all your old bed pillows away and get fresh new ones. THEN, cover the old ones in pretty covers to fit your mood and have available for lounging. Throw in a large trash bag and return to the closet or garage until the next time. (Rain & insects do ugly on these.)
• Do not listen or watch the television, computer or radio in the serenity area. If you must have externally produced sound, consider soothing music but remember your music may not sooth others and that should be a consideration.

Serenity now? It's possible!

Freedom House hot line: 800-474-6031 or call 911 for emergency situations. The local police work with FH and abuse victims.

To learn more about Freedom House or to contribute:

http://www.freedomhouseillinois.com/

What's Up?

Black-eyed Susans

What's happening in July in our gardens:

Young Canada geese fledge.
Wild turkey hens re-nest.
Second squirrel litters are born.
Weasels breed through August.
Cicadas and katydids start singing. (Started this past week here)
Black eyed Susan and Prairie Blazing Star bloom. (Mine started last week)
Young bald eagles fledge.
Young raccoons leave their dens.
Rattlesnake master blooms. (Been blooming for several weeks)
Tiger salamanders change to adult shape.
Young hummingbirds visit feeders.
Blackberries and mulberries ripen (Mine are about done.)
Quail (bobwhites) hatch.
Lizard eggs hatch.
Wood ducks fledge and biologists start banding them in the open.
All this thanks to Jeff Lempe, Peoria Journal Star

What's happening in my yard:

The walnut trees have started to loose their leaves.
Curly cabbage and horseradish have been severely eaten by earwigs.
Red cabbage is doing good.
The first tomatoes have started to turn red/ripen. Many garden plants are about a month late.
Blooming plants are still about a week to a month ahead of typical.
White Turtles head is just starting to bloom.
Except for a few very late bloomers, daylilies are about done blooming.
Many annuals are just starting to get really robust - most do well with dryer weather.
Some hosta have finished blooming and others are just starting.
Many ornamental grasses have already set seed heads.
There are little frogs and toads everywhere.
Trumpet vine blooming - clematis finished. Some honeysuckle still blooming.
Dusty mildew on phlox, honeysuckle, lilac, dogwood and other things to a lesser degree.
Japanese Beetles are going full bore - earwigs have slowed.
Phlox that I didn't pinch back are blooming - others are just budding.
Some areas are dry and ground cracked - others are still wet.

Here's something to watch for:
Humidity comes and goes this summer - mostly comes. It encourages mildew and mold. There are powders and sprays for plants, but to be effective, it must be applied early and often (after every rain) and on both sides of the leaves.

If you don't have air conditioning or run dehumidifiers, watch for both in your home and on wood furniture. Mildew is white/gray and mold is black. Both in the house and outside, they can cause allergic reactions - sometimes serious in the vulnerable.

Back Home Again

Back home again from Indiana. My family always laughs when we cross over the Illinois/Indiana border, I break out in song, "Back Home Again In Indiana." I do love my Indiana roots and childhood farm-kid memories. I still have lots and lots of cousins and I managed to visit many this trip. A mixture of sweet/sad as my closest cousin's husband had passed away unexpectedly and I attended the services.

One of the things I've noticed is we have reached the age where family get-togethers are more at funerals than just for visiting. I decided this spring to make the trip to my home area and visit family just because I want to stay connected. Many of my cousins are in their 70s & 80s (my dad was the youngest of eight children.) My visit reaffirmed how much I care for them and enjoy our visits.

Although mid-Indiana is typically a little ahead of us on crop and bloom times, our weather conditions parallel. Their sweet corn, tomatoes and muskmelon were at many road side stands and I made sure to bring back some. YUMMY!

In talking to others and my own experience, it seems vegetable gardens are doing strange this year. Tomatoes are slow to bloom, mature and ripen. Pepper plants are just sitting there and only this past week set blooms. Some cabbages have almost been destroyed by earwigs. Sweet corn in many places have been stunted by standing water depleting nitrogen. All these are from the huge amount of rain we've received.

On the up side, if you planted squash or gourds of any kind they are taking over the world. Moisture lovers, this has been their perfect year.

I'm willing to wait on the corn, tomatoes and other fresh vegetables - the Midwest does grow some of the best.
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Just to brag: We had tomato sandwiches, fresh buttered corn on the cob and for dessert, cut up muskmelon last night. Heaven! It was a great quick meal after spending most of the day weeding my flowers. Yes, this rain has encouraged bind weed, water grass, and other weeds to go crazy, too. I know it's a lot of work, but pull those weeds prior to their setting seed or you will find next year's weeds will have multiplied ten fold. After pulling weeds, add another layer of mulch (not over 4 inches) and perhaps you will have it licked for the rest of the 2010 growing season.
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Side note: This is the perfect time to buy annuals. The cost is drastically reduced, can be pinched back and will be doing great for the rest of the season. They seem to take hold even better when planted in midsummer and tend to last much longer. Because they are so cheap, you can get enough to tuck into any bare spot in your gardens.
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Another side note: Even if you used enhanced potting soil, it is now the time to start applying fertilizer. Water hanging planters at least every other day and if they are looking stunted, water every day. Once a pot or planter dries totally out, the plant never fully recovers and never becomes as healthy/vigorous as it should. Use a light solution of commercial fertilizer dissolved in water or an organic fish emulsion at least once a week.

A little late but just saw this and had to add to my post:

"Back home again in Indiana,

And it seems that I can see

The gleaming candlelight, still shining bright,

Through the sycamores for me.

The new-mown hay sends all its fragrance

From the fields I used to roam.

When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash,

Then I long for my Indiana home."

Little This and That

Chicago Apache Daylily

Globe Thistle

Rolling fields of corn tasseling.

Was another beautiful day on the hill, beautiful weather and then a little rain in the evening. Daylilies are putting on a heavy showing, plus, most summer flowering perennials are in full bloom.

Without the heavy winds, huge downpours, and hail, most things are looking pretty good. We're finally able to mow all parts of the yard and the "streams" are mostly or almost dry. Was able to mow our walking paths in the woods after my husband cut up the large fallen branch from one of the many old trees.

I'm taking a bit of a trip over to Indiana this week to visit family. I've had the trip in the works for quite some time and then this week my closest cousin's husband died unexpectedly. I'll also be attending those service and grateful I can be there for them.

One of my favorite summer travel time enjoyments is putting in an Agatha Christy book on CD and enjoying the many pretty yards and farm fields along Route 24. See you when I get back home!

No Work Produce!

Old Burpee illustrations

Blessing #1: The Midwest produces some of the best summer crops known ANYWHERE!
Blessing #2: There are Farmers' Markets in almost every town in the Midwest!

Kewanee

Wednesday and Saturday - 7:30 to 11 a.m. (or they sell out)

May 19 - September 29

200 Block 3rd St (old police station location)

chamber@kewanee.com

Oneida

Thursday - 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

July 2 - October 1

DT Sales Parking Lot on US Hwy. 34 221W

309-483-6467

Wyoming

Thursday - 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

June 4 - September 24

Downtown Wyoming Corner of 7th and Williams St.

309-695-4739

Galesburg

Saturday - 8 a.m. to 12 noon

May 15 to September 25

Simmons St., one block west of Seminary and south of Main Street

309-464-1035 or downtown@galesburg.org

Aledo

Thursday - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

June 11 to October 22

Central Park Parking Lot downtown Aledo S. (College Ave.)

309-582-2751 or aledoms@qconline.com

Princeton
Tuesday - 3:30 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

May 23 to October 31

815-875-6468 or bcfb@insightbb.com

The Illinois farm direct web site lists 21 Farmers Markets within a sixty mile vicinity of Galva. There are others that do not have their markets on-line, such as Kewanee. Many close when they are sold out for the day. The trick is to get there early enough that you have choices.

I stopped at the Princeton market last week and was amazed at the diversity of vegetables and fruits available. When was the last time you saw organically grown Bok Choy for sale?

Some markets have other food products: baked goods, fresh flowers and crafts type items.

Here's my Farmers Market produce recipe that's great for home use, canning or to take to a potluck. Diane's Veggie Dip:

1 1/4 lb. - Tomatoes - peeled, drained and medium chopped

1 lb. - Black eye peas (Can use a 15 oz. can) - drained

1 lb. - Corn - cooked and cut from the cob

2 Tbs. - Olive oil

2 Tbs. - Garlic - chopped fine

1/2 Cup - Dried cranberries - medium chopped
1/4 Cup - Granulated white sugar
1/4 Cup - Brown sugar
2 Tbs. - Kosher salt
1/2 Cup - Lime juice (fresh)
Zest - From one lime - chopped fine
1/2 Cup - White vinegar
1 tsp. - Dry mustard
1 tsp. - Cumin
1 Tbs. - Cayenne pepper (double & chop fine if using fresh peppers)
Fresh ground pepper to taste
Cup-shaped corn chips

Heat oil and cook garlic and cranberries until soft - do not brown. Remove from heat and add liquids and sugars, stir until sugar dissolves. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, stir and cover tightly. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to blend. Serve with corn chips.

Friendship

"Friendship - Friendship - It's a perfect friendship. When other friendships have gone to pot - ours will still be tops." Now there's an old song from way back in my youth.

I've found friendships with other gardeners is pretty much tops. Serious gardeners or gardeners who are serious about their garden passions, are always interesting and fun. Most are seriously nice and enjoy talking gardening.

I visited a Bishop Hill (IL) garden this past week and enjoyed the beautiful daylilies. A peaceful setting, set in a mature yard, and tended by a mature gardener. I say that with respect because this gardener is what some might call a "senior" and he just stopped walk-mowing his acres this year.

He has quite a collection of daylilies on the 2 1/2 acres he tends and is doing some cross breeding of lilies. I doubt that I will ever do lily breeding and I find it interesting to hear the how and why of his interest.

You can always learn something new from a fellow gardener if your open to listening. Sharing information such as ideas, remedies, plans and such is as nice as sharing plants.

I find it most interesting to see how others landscape. Most of these daylilies in this garden were vibrant oranges and reds and variations thereof. Seen from a distance, the beds glow brightly. Seen up close and the varieties have subtle and interesting differences such as the ones pictured above.

The vibrant daylilies are especially effective against the shade and green of the mature trees and perennials.

I suspect this garden and it's beauty have not been seen by many because it's in a tiny town and down a dead end street. The lily gardens are to the far sides of the property from where others might travel. I'm especially grateful for the chance to see, visit and take my pictures. And, the cinnamon iced tea served by his Misses was so welcome on that really hot and muggy day.

Side Note: This Bishop Hill gardener would like to get with other gardeners on an afternoon now and again. Call 309-927-3356 if you are interested in getting together (informally) to discuss gardening and related topics.

Gardener friendships, they're the perfect friendships!