"One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it brings."

Monday, August 3, 2009

Getting ready.

I spent some time doing some work in the garden, getting ready for our company that will be arriving on Wednesday.  I always want it to look as close to perfect as I can get it.  I'm sure no one else notices the weeds, plants in need of dead heading or empty spots like I do, but still it makes me feel better if I can get it done.

Rose 'Iceberg'

Echinacea 'Fragrant Angel' has it's first flower opening, I didn't notice any fragrance yet.

My favorite pink Penstemon which returned from the dead.  It was dried dead sticks after this winter, but I decided not to be as ruthless as I usually am and gave it a chance.  I'm so glad I did!

Cosmos 'Sensation' and Phlox blooming in the dry and hot driveway garden.

Coreopsis 'Limerock Ruby' -  Grace mentioned it in a recent post and I commented that the only reason I hadn't bought it this year was because I hadn't seen it.  Well here it is, I found it this weekend.  Let's see if it survives winter this time!

Dahlia 'Pretty Lady'

Dahlia 'Love Parade'

Today is housework day, but I'm sure I'll make my way outside to the garden sometime.  There's always something more fun outside to do than dusting, vacuuming or cleaning the bathroom!
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22 comments:

  1. typical gardener....more worried about what the garden looks like than the house...LOL!!!! Everything is beautiful...but the dahlias are my fave!

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  2. AMEN! Have a great visit with your guests. That reminds me, I should get out in the garden and do some weeding too!

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  3. Your garden looks pretty outstanding all the time but I hope it is up to your standard for your company to see. They'll love it.

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  4. Everything is looking beautiful....

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  5. Catherine ~ Your garden is always lovely and a treat to see. I love your dahlias. I'm sure you're working up a storm to make your gardens look their best by Wed. Try not to stress and relax and enjoy your company.

    FlowerLady

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  6. I'm not a huge fan of white but that Iceberg rose is just gorgeous!

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  7. I am a fan of your dahlias. I have none and I want some. I planted several different kinds and mine just didn't do a thing. Well there is next year. Your gardens are performing beautifully. Lots of color. I hope you have a good day.

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  8. I am envious of your guests who see your garden in person. It must be overwhelming!

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  9. Oh wow, I love your dahlias. They're beautiful. All of your pink flowers: the Penstemon and the Phlox/ Cosmos combo too.

    Love your footer photo. Your pond looks fabulous.

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  10. Oh, the company's gonna have a ball in your garden! They're gonna love it! Of course we always think our plants/gardens are never perfect. There's always a stray yellow or brown leaf or a malformed bud, or something...
    Echinacea 'Fragrant Angel'! Is that fragrant really? If so, my friend's gonna have to get that for me too when he comes back to India this September. LOL! He's gonna go crazy once he looks at my list of to-bring-back-to-India-for-Mouli.

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  11. I can't believe a weed would dare to set foot in your garden! hahaha Such beautiful pictures and blooms, as always. I hope you have a fabulous time with your company.

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  12. Catherine, your guests will love the garden! Our NW weather is cooperating and you should have nice time showing them beautiful blooms! Love your dahlias and all the other plants, too! Have a great time!

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  13. Iagree- your guests will love the garden.it alwasys looks stunnign in yor photogrphs,Catherine!

    Im doing exactly the same thing-to the annoyance of my children- for we have company on Saturday....never have my topiary pieces looked so crisp! Weeds....well, nice people never mention them do they ;-)

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  14. Your garden always looks lovely to me but then maybe you only show us the good bits!!

    The weather is so rotten here my house will be immaculate but the garden is going to ruin!!

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  15. I, too, spend a lot of time sprucing up the yard before company arrives and then do almosts nothing inside the house. Enjoy your company. Your dahlias are lovely.

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  16. Don't worry...your company will find your garden absolutely amazing! They will be in awe of it, really.
    Besides, they come to embrace the uniqueness of you and to enjoy your friendship! They won't even notice your house or your garden as much as your companionship.

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  17. Your gardens are breath taking! I always wonder if my company notices the little things that drive me insane...the mulch isn't just right...there might be a few brownish leaves. I don't think they see it. Your company will be in heaven!

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  18. Catherine, if your company isn't impressed by the diligent work of a perfectionist - then they are pretty hard to please. Trust me, you have nothing (I mean NOTHING to worry about). Your garden looks great. Today, I was totally captivated by your dahlias.

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  19. Oh my heck Catherine! Your blooms are spectacular! And like you, I like my yard looking grand. I am always disappointed, however, when our kids come home to visit and don't mention my garden. Sniff. It's important to me that they enjoy the splendor like I do. We had my stepson and wife over the weekend and not once did they say anything. But then again, my stepson's mother has an incredible yard and garden. Ours doesn't compare, so I'm sure that's why.

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  20. Hi Catherine~~ I'm glad you found the Coreopsis. Let's compare notes next spring. Love your penstemon. Aren't they just the coolest flowers?
    And the dahlias, ooh la la! They really make the border pop, don't they? I'll be interested to know if 'Fragrant Angel' actually has a scent.

    I hope you have fun with your guests and I hope the weather stays cooler.

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  21. Let me know if that Fragrant Angel is actually fragrant, I've been eyeing them lately! I love echinaceas, and like to have lots of different varieties.

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  22. Sorry it took so long to reply...
    I will go check on Fragrant Angel again and let you all know if it really does have a fragrance or not.

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