Monday, July 30, 2012

Meanwhile Back at the Ranch...

An unusual stretch of overcast weather this weekend made for some perfect picture taking conditions.  While I was away the garden fared better than expected.  In fact I was surprised to see everything so lush.  I decided to hang out a few of the upstairs windows to capture some "aerial" views and was so pleased with the results I just had to share.

If the color appears a little funky, it is.  My camera either over and under exposes pictures depending on the auto setting I use.  Since I'm a point and shoot girl, my only option is to try and fix it in Picasa.  Sometimes I get it right and sometimes not so much.

West side hot tub garden view from the guest bedroom


Same view looking right.


View directly down from the bathroom.


Walkway to my side door taken from the den


Another bathroom view


The patio from the north facing window of my den.


Another north view from the den.


East screen porch fountain garden from my bedroom window


Another bedroom view.

19 comments:

  1. Wow, wow wow!!!!! everything looks fantastic Sue! So filled in and lush. Love it.

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    1. Thanks Deanne. I've got some rough spots but they don't show in long range photos :).

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  2. Clearly your upstairs windows are way cleaner than mine, lol.I love this perspective..too bad you don't have photos from theses windows before the garage etc was put in. Everything looks splendid ! I must say I'm very attached to your garden.

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    1. Don't be so sure-both windows and screens were open and I was hanging precariously out to get these pictures.

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  3. Everything looks fantastic. Everything is so lush with lots of interest everywhere.

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    1. Thanks Michelle. Before I left, conditions were so hot and dry that I figured I'd come home to crispy borders so I was pleasantly surprised.

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  4. Views from heaven...
    Things have of course changed since I was there, but I actually can figure out the orientation pretty well!
    Did you say something about painting over the pink parts of the shed with orange? Or did I invent that? (senility here...)
    (Kathy and I need window cleaners...and can't compete)

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    1. Yes, the shed trim needs to be repainted orange. It's been on "the list" for a couple of years. Painting is not my thing so unless I can find someone else to do it, it's not going to get done.

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  5. Wow...you've got a beautiful garden! (and a great photo taking location) Everything looks very lush and you've got some amazing Colocasia! The one in the last picture looks like it could eat a small child. Any tips?

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    1. Loree, the Colocasias you're asking about are just regular C. esculenta. I overwintered a plant for a couple of years in my basement and had to divide it this year. Six divisions and all have taken off. I've had no luck overwintering the likes of 'Black Magic' or 'Mojito' so just buy those as annuals every year. If you want to try a big bad Colocasia that is easy to overwinter (at least for me), try 'Diamond Head'. A couple of months ago I blogged about it. Huge leaves, dark purple foliage...ooh la la!

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  6. Everything looks gorgeous Sue! I really like your hardscaping too, adds a lot of interest. I really appreciate the amount of time and effort you must expend to get it and keep it looking so great! Julie. I also need window cleaners...

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    1. Just open the windows and hand out of them, Julie, you'll get the same effect :).

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  7. It is indeed amazing how your garden has matured, Sue -- I can't believe the growth on things from a few years ago -- truly a lovely mosaic of collector foliage. And it's so lush -- you have definitely had more moisture or perhaps your shade has been a saving grace. Thanks for taking life chances to offer us the overview! Wiping drool off the monitor now... Cindy H.

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    1. Not much shade in these areas, Cindy. Somehow it just held together while I was away. Maybe it was the mulch I finally got around to spreading :).

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  8. Holy crap! And I thought the heat was taking its toll, but everything looks fantastic, Sue. Would love to know what's the plant to the right of the fountain looking from the den, seen in 6th and 7th photos.

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    1. Denise, that is Prunus persica 'Bonfire', one of my favorite plants. Perfect little cherry blossom like flowers in early spring, dark purple foliage that holds it's color all season, timy peach fruits and good winter interest. What more could you ask for?

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  9. Absolutely stunning Sue!!! I really need to come and see it for myself more often! Thanks again for dinner Tuesday! Jen

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  10. I tell you, Sue, you sure had a lush and lovely garden to come back to. What a gift you have for layering textures and colors. Hey, I love that leafy plant that spills onto the cobblestone? walkway in the porch fountain garden. Beautiful touch.

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    1. Thanks Lee-I was pleasantly surprised at how well the garden held up in my absence. I believe the plant you're referring to is a perennial Ruellia. Hardy and seeds around to boot.

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