Monday, September 20, 2010

Dahlias in the Garden

It wasn't too difficult to fall in love with Dahlias. While not hardy to Minnesota, it is quite easy to plant them in the late Spring, enjoy them in the Fall, then dig them up after the first frost and store them away till the next growing season. Granted, you most likely will lose a few, but it is well worth it to save your favorites.

Dahlias don't like a lot of water or they will rot, so I have been watching all year to see out the dozen I planted have handled our extra wet summer. I have lost one for sure. The others are taking forever to bloom. The two pictured are the first to open, but most of them are still forming buds. This time last year, I had so many more growing out of control. Hopefully next year will be better!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Hydrangea "Pinky Winky"

I am enjoying watching my Pinky Winky Hydrangea grow bigger each year. While it says it can get up to 8 feet tall, I doubt I will let it, but will instead prune it to stay around 6 feet tall. I took these photos a month ago, so now the pink is a really "burnt" pink, but still very pretty. I also like this Hydrangea as it requires no special treatment - no special pH, no special soil, etc.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Spotted Touch Me Not

I was out photographing the wetlands around the Mississippi River this morning and came across a wildflower I have never seen before. This delicate orange flower is called a Spotted Touch Me Not, and can be found in wetlands and along streams.

An interesting fact about this flower is that the juice from the stems can be used to soothe the sting from nettles and Poison Ivy. It is also a favorite of hummingbirds.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Goldenrod means Summer is at an End

It seems everything is coming early this year compared to last. The amount of Goldenrod that is blooming already is amazing. I have more this year behind my house than ever before. With the light winds we have had this week, it seems almost calming to watch this Minnesota wildflower sway in the breeze.