Archive for the ‘Dianne's Blog’ Category

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Last Trip

May 22, 2015

Do you recall when I took a trip to Dragonfly Peony Farm last year? This month, I returned to purchase my last peony from owner Julia Moore who is closing the farm due to health issues.

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Julia opened the farm earlier, so the blooms were fewer than last year . . .DSC00461_edited-1

. . . and it rained the evening before.

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But Julia always has a photo by each variety section so customers can view the shape and color. I purchased Do Tell.

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A few weeks later mine bloomed. The color looks different than the peony photo posted at the farm.

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Still, it’s a beauty.

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I wish you the best, Julia. Thank you for the peonies, tips, and hugs.

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Sunburst

April 24, 2015

 

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Don’t you just love Aeonium Sunbrusts? The variegation naturally brightens any garden, patio, or balcony, and once established it needs occasional watering.

This beautiful photo was provided by Author Nell Foster who has a great article and video on Aeonium Sunbursts. Check them out, and while you are there be sure to read about Nell and her growing business, Joy Us garden.

Thanks for sharing, Nell!

 

 

 

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Inspired by Nature

April 17, 2015

 

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New photography prints available now with or without white matte.

Take a look.

Dianne Andre Photography

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Daffodils

April 10, 2015

Last October, I helped the Vista Point volunteers, in Jackson, California, plant 10,000 daffodil bulbs. A few weeks ago, I visited the site. The spread of yellow, white, and orange flowers was a beautiful welcome into Jackson. I’m sure locals and tourists enjoyed the cheerful spring blooms. That is what the plantings were all about . . . putting a smile in the hearts of those who pass by.

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Look what fell from the sky!

March 23, 2015

In California, where I live, we are in our fourth drought year.  When I woke this morning and looked outside at wet surfaces, sparkling vegetation, and droplets on leaves and blossoms, I felt an impulse to capture the memory.

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It’s Here! Time to . . .

March 20, 2015

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Christmas Wish

December 14, 2014

cmas wish

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From my home to yours

November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers at In and Around the Garden. I hope you have a wonderful day filled with family and friends and delicious food you worked so hard to prepare for those you love and cherish. I am grateful for your visits to my blog and for your comments and support.

May you have a happy, safe Thanksgiving. I hope your day is filled with bountiful blessings!

Dianne Marie Andre

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Live Forever . . .

November 20, 2014

. . . that is the meaning of Sempervivum, more commonly known as hens and chicks. Now, here’s the kicker. The mother hen (or main rosette) lives two to three years, not forever! But she produces so many chicks you’ll always have future generations—thus the reason for naming this succulent Sempervivum.

But don’t be fooled by all the little chicks. This plant is not invasive.

The chicks can be transplanted at any time. When the mother hen dies it is best to divide and replant the chicks close together. This succulent loves to be cozy.

Which one becomes the hen when the chicks are orphaned? I suppose the largest chick, the one that gives birth first!

Click here, to see a photo of the hens and chicks below when I had first planted them.

 

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Chicks

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Zones: 3 – 11

Full – part sun

Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, water when soil dries out.

 

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Capturing Summer and Autumn Blooms #5

November 4, 2014

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Tis the season for mums. This potted beauty (sorry, I don’t know the variety) sits in my back patio where I can see the bright sunny hue from inside the house. For tips on growing and caring for mums watch Jerry & Autumn Horrocks’ video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Ysv5Y6tYo.