Dirt Therapy

I just finished reading "Under The Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes. We saw the movie way back when it was released. I don't remember much about it, other than it was a syrupy romance with some great scenery. I saw a news segment recently on the CBS Sunday Morning Show with Frances Mayes being interviewed and it prompted me to read the book.  I enjoyed the book but soon realized that what I was reading was a lot different from the film, pieces of which began to slowly trickle back into my memory. I assume Mayes sold the rights to her book and the film adapters used the basic premise and the setting and then added all the fluff. I was curious as to Mayes's reaction to the film but I could not find a comment from her about it. So, if you loved the film and are looking for romance, you probably will find the book disappointing (a lot of Goodreads reviews confirm this). On the other hand, if you really want to read about a couple buying a house in Tuscany and renovati...

A second rainy Sunday in a row but I am not complaining. 64 degrees was the high today. I moved here for this kind of weather.  I don't necessary enjoy working in a wet garden though and did not get much accomplished today. I planted some things yesterday afternoon after work and forgot to get some autumn crocus in the ground. So I planted those between taking photos. The autumn crocus that was already here are blooming. I am not sure exactly what they are - colchicum maybe? I added some of these - Taking a look around the wet garden - I am getting ready to work on the center steps between the terraces. Those are the reason for the random stones. The railroad-tie steps are too steep so I am going to add some pavers and hope that will work. Around front between the front borders. The grass, which has been unwatered, is just now returning to green. There are many bare spots. I plan to redo this pathway next year.  I've never really been a...

Hidden Hills Nursery in Camas (about 10 minutes east of Vancouver) is going out of business. I had never been there before and visited it a few days ago. The 5 acre nursery is going to be torn down and a retirement facility built there. Sad. On the way up the hill to it, development was everywhere and the first thing we saw as we topped the hill were huge trees being cut down. It is happening all around us. Everything is discounted from 40-75% off and I was surprised to see that there is still a huge inventory. Lots of very large specimens like conifers and trees. Here are some nice sized Dove trees for 35.99 - I don't have room for any large trees or shrubs but I had heard that there were lots of hydrangeas and there are some that I'd like to have. They did have a large collection but only a few varieties. They did have 'Bluebird' which I'd like to have and may go back for later. They also had lots of 'Lady in Red' which was ...

Clematis tangutica 'Bill Mackenzie' The change in weather has already started here in the Pacific Northwest. We received about an inch of rain last week and today and the next few days promises to be very wet. Today's high will only be in the mid 60's! This will really spoil me as I have an upcoming trip to Alabama where temperatures are still in the upper 90s. I sure hope that ends before I get there. There are lots of blooms in the garden so where to begin? I will start with the containers on the front porch. I changed the plan a bit this year and instead of just planting one Dragon Wing begonia, I added a coleus and it seems very happy if a bit unruly.  The back deck is filled with potted fuchsias. They look good although I think they would be better with more sun. Next year, Michael says he is going to try and create a cover that we can open and close to allow more light in. Some fuchsias just produce more blooms than others, even in limited light. ...