Spring, Interrupted

The drab landscape has grown tiresome, so I took matters into my own hands - and bought a bright beautiful flag to remind me that spring WILL come, as it always does.

These are my tulips. 

My ferns, hostas, irises, and bleeding heart look equally pitiful!

But all is not lost!  This little flower has popped up in my back yard.  I didn't plant it, but there it is.  One tiny little spot of color in an otherwise colorless landscape. 

I don't know where you came from, little flower,

but thank you for brightening my day!  :)

Olbrich Garden

Welcome to beautiful Olbrich Gardens, in Madison, WI.  I visited the outdoor garden/park.  The air was cool and crisp, and the sun felt warm on my face.  I want to remember that warmth to sustain me through the winter! 

Took this picture of a sun dial while walking beneath lattice and vines.

This is the Thai Pavillion.  In Thailand, you would only see this type of structure on royal grounds.  It's covered in delicate gold leaf.

 Olbrich has a variety of indoor displays throughout the year.  Quilts in Bloom will last through October 17th.  At the holidays they set up elaborate model train tracks.  Will have to visit again to see what else they come up with.  :)

Brown Eyed Susan Seeds

Here is the tail end of my Brown Eyed Susans for this year.  Although they look rather scraggly, goldfinches have been feeding on the seed heads, so I'm reluctant to cut them down.  All the birds need to build up their body stores to tolerate cooler weather and to migrate.  One day this week I had about 30 robins in my yard.  They were even feeding below the birdfeeder.  I've never seen a robin at or near a feeder before.

Did a little research about Brown Eyed Susans:

"If you let the last flowers of the season form seeds, you will soon be visited by small birds who love to make a feast of the oily black seeds.  Rudbeckia seeds are a favorite treat of goldfinches and pine siskins. Other seed eating birds such as chickadees, cardinals and tufted titmice will also dine on Black Eyed Susan seeds."

So far I've only seen the goldfinches, but I'll be keeping an eye out for the other birds!  For more info on Brown Eyed Susans, see: http://www.xomba.com/black_eyed_susan_flowers_belong_every_summer_garden

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

My Jack-in-the-Pulpit had 3 buds for over a week. 

I couldn't recall what the flowers looked like, so I took a peek.  WOW!

I'm glad I took that peek, because the plant only flowered for one day!

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arisaema_triphyllum for more info.

Flower Report

Quilting progress (pin basting) has slowed to a crawl. I'll need 972 pins just for the interior blocks, and more for the inner and outer borders. SOOO here are some flowers to enjoy in the meantime...

These lilies will bloom for much of the summer.Love the unusual colors of this Coral Bell.This Jack in the Pulpit came to me from an elderly woman who graced our neighborhood for many years. Despite her modest means, she always wanted to pay my boys for their help.  So we asked her if we could dig up some perrenials for payment .  This plant came to us in that manner.  I've had it for three years and its finally looking robust and content. Its hard to see in the picture, but a bud is forming.  I hope to show it to you soon!