Garden Tour Bucket List: Bellagio Botanical Gardens and Conservatory- Merry Christmas!

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit a botanical garden AND a beautiful conservatory- Bellagio in Las Vegas. This conservatory changes amazing displays every season. I've included several videos- two in the spring and in honor of Christmas Eve- Bellagio at Christmas. Enjoy!

To learn more about Bellagio Botanical Gardens and Conservatory, click here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: VanDusen Botanical Garden Vancouver, British Columbia

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, British Columbia. Again, I've included a Christmas video of a spectacular lightshow at the garden for you. Also, a video of the garden in bloom. Both seasons are worth a visit.

To learn more visit their website here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens 12 Days of Christmas, Texas

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit the Dallas Arboretum for a special Christmas display- The 12 Days of Christmas. I've included two videos. One is of the display in the daytime with an interview about it and the second is at night with the exhibits lit up. This will really get you in the spirit!

 

Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens website here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Longwood Gardens Pennsylvania

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. I'm including two videos for you. One of Longwood Gardens in garden season and to get into the holiday spirit, a video of Longwood Garden's Christmas display. No matter the time of year, this is one of the most beautiful gardens.

To learn more about Longwood Gardens, visit their website here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Roozengaarde Tulips Garden

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit Roozengaarde Display Garden to see the breath-taking plantings of tulips. This video is truly spectacular.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Plimoth Plantation Wampanoag Homesite Garden, Massachusetts

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the gardens at Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth Massachusetts. This is one place I have actually visited, but not for nearly 20 years, so it's on my bucket list to return. At Plimoth Plantation you will see both Pilgrim's gardens and also agriculture at the Wampanoag homesite.

Here's a virtual visit to the Wampanoag homesite garden.

To learn more, visit the Plimoth Plantation website here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Atlanta Botanical Garden, Georgia, USA

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Georgia.

To learn more visit their website here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Singapore Botanic Gardens

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lee Claxton, the YouTube creator, has done a fantastic job with this video. I think you'll enjoy it!

To learn more click here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Ooty Botanical Gardens, India

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit Ooty Botanical Garden in India. I think you'll be as impressed with this garden as I am. Beautiful!

To learn more about Ooty Botanical Gardens, click here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Kiftsgate Court Garden in the Cotswolds

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit Kiftsgate Court Garden in the Cotswolds.

To learn more about Kiftsgate Court Garden, click here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Hidcote Manor Garden, England

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit Hidcote Manor Garden near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, England.

Learn more about Hidcote Manor Garden at the National Trust site here.

Friday's Flower "Chrysanthemums"

The ability of flowers to set the mood is magical, isn't it? When I see the garden centers fill up with mums each fall, immediately I remember autumns past, raking leaves, trick or treating, and grandmother's house. I love mums. The color choices are many, with more and more new varieties every year. I only which these plants were perennials!

I've heard some people can overwinter mums. Here's an article about just that, if you are interested in trying it. I know I am! Click here for the know-how.

Garden Tour Bucket List: The Royal Gardens at Highgrove, Tetbury Upton, UK

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit The Royal Gardens at Highgrove, the private garden owned and designed by Prince Charles.

Please visit the Royal Gardens at Highgrove website here.

Friday's Flower "Narcissus"

Now is the time to plant Narcissus in all its many varieties. Plant in large groups for maximum WOW  in the spring.

Planting your bulbs soon? Check out this guide from the Old Farmer's Almanac. It's fantastic and helpful.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Biltmore Estate Gardens in Ashville, North Carolina

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit the Biltmore Estate Gardens in Ashville, North Carolina.

To learn more about this garden, click here.

Friday's Flower "Forsythia"

If you would like spring to arrive with masses of yellow color, plant forsythia bushes. the tiny flowers individually aren't too impressive, but they spring forth in the thousands to cheer your winter-weary heart.

Forsythia are so, so, so easy to grow. In fact, they can be invasive, so keep that in mind, but it's very easy to keep them under control if pruned. They easily root if you want to propagate more. Just cut and stick in some water! You'll have roots before you know it.

If you are on a budget, check with friends and neighbors who have this bush to see if you might have some cuttings or even small rooted bushes. They root in on their own if not kept pruned, so you may find someone happy to share a few with you.

Learn more over at Gardening Know How here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Claude Monet Garden at Giverny in France

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit the Claude Monet Garden at Giverny in France.

To learn more about Monet's garden visit the garden's website here.

Friday's Flower "Tulips"

 Now is the time to think about planting bulbs for next spring. Through the long winter, the bulbs will sleep under the ground. You will welcome spring with lovely colors after the dull pallet of winter. Tulips are good for the spring soul!

Check out this fantastic article about tulips from Country Living.

And let us know if you are planting any bulbs this fall in your garden!

Garden Tour Bucket List: The Montreal Biodome and Botanical Garden Canada

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit the Montreal Biodome and Botanical Garden in Canada.

To learn all about this garden click here.

Friday's Flower "Crocus"

Looking ahead to fall bulb planting, I'd like to share this photo of my spring jumbo crocus. These are lovely little flowers, the first to poke their heads through the dirt in early spring. If you are planning your fall bulb choices, I highly recommend this one.

Check out this article from the Old Farmer's Almanac about planting crocus.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa.

Learn more about Kirstenbosch here.

Friday's Flower "Daffodils"

Daffodils in September? Well, it's time to plan fall bulb planting. If you don't have any daffodils in your garden, now is the time to think about adding them. Nothing is more cheerful come spring to see these sunny flowers emerging from winter's slumber. Sometimes they even bloom while snow is still on the ground. You can't go wrong with Daffodils!

Read all about the care and keeping of Daffodils over at The Farmer's Almanac- click here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: St. Petersburg's Sunken Gardens Florida

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today we visit St. Petersburg's Sunken Gardens in sub-tropical Florida.

To learn more about Florida's classic "Sunken Gardens" click here.

Friday's Flower "Lady's Mantle"

This Lady's Mantle grows in my cottage garden. If you are designing a cottage garden this fall, this plant is a must.

Click here for tips!

Garden Tour Bucket List: The Huntington Library Botanical Gardens San Marino California

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today we visit Huntington Library Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California.

Learn more about the Huntington Library's 12 gardens here.

Friday's Flower "Peony"

If you are planning for next year's garden, try adding some peonies. These beauties bloom in June and put on a spectacular show. I have white peonies, but they come in pinks and reds too.
They can be planted in spring or fall, so if you are looking for something new to plant this fall, consider the peony.

For peony growing tips click here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Royal Botanic Gardens "Kew Gardens" England

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today we visit Kew Gardens in England.

To learn more visit their website here.

Friday's Flower "Impatiens"

For color all summer and fall, choose impatiens. They do great in the shade and come in so many pretty colors. I like filling in between perennials in shade gardens with this plant. They also do well in containers that I position all over my property, mostly under trees and shady spots.

For tips on growing impatiens, click here.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Bodnant Garden North Wales

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today we visit Bodnant Garden in North Wales.

Learn more about Bodnant Garden at the National Trust site here.

Friday's Flowers "Hydrangea"

 

Don't these beauties remind you of snowballs? These hydrangeas are always a show stopper in the garden and do well in partial shade. In the heat of August, their while snow ball shapes bring back memories of the cool days of winter (in which we will be wishing for summer!)

Click here for hydrangea growing tips from This Old House.

Garden Creatures: Frogs

What would a garden be without a frog pond? And a frog pond without frogs? These little guys are brand new this year. It's hard to tell from the photographs, but they are quite small. Their bigger, older extended family also live in the pond. It's fun to listen to the deep croak of the bullfrog when he decides to be vocal.

 

This particular frog pond is in my parents' garden.

 

Every year we enjoy watching the tiny tadpoles morph into these little frogs and then grow and grow, year by year.

 

Welcome to the pond, little frogs!

Garden Tour Bucket List: Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today we visit the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden on the Big Island of Hawaii.

To learn more, visit the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens website here.

Friday's Flower "Raspberry Flambe Daylily"

This pretty daylily grows in my mother's garden. Raspberry Flambe is so pretty, I plan to add this variety to my own garden. Click here to read more about this cultivar at the American Hermerocallis Society.

Garden Tour Bucket List: Nanzen-ji Gardens Kyoto Japan

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today we visit Kyoto Japan to tour the Nazenjii Temple and Gardens.

Read more about Nanzen-ji here.

Friday's Flower " Bearded Iris- Savannah Fair"

I have always loved growing iris in my garden. I mostly have purple Siberian iris in my borders, but a few years ago added this tall bearded iris, Savannah Fair. So far only one has bloomed for me, but next year the rest will bloom and put on a show.

Click here for bearded iris growing tips!

Garden Creatures: Busy Bees

So many creatures call my garden home. The bees have been busy lately, which is a good sign. It's especially nice to see honey bees.

More July Daylilies

Daylilies are everywhere in July. Here are some varieties I saw on my travels this week. I just might add these varieties to my own garden someday.

 

Here's a good video from First Class Gardens on how to grow daylilies from seeds. Very informative!

 

Garden Tour Bucket List: Umpherston Sinkhole Garden in Mount Gambier, Australia

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today we visit the Umpherston Sinkhole Garden in Mount Gambier, Australia. If you are a hydrangea fancier, you will love this one!

Friday's Flower "Lupinus"

I love lupines. They are easy to grow and showy. The bees and butterflies love them. And they seed in naturally. Consider adding these to your perennial border or cottage garden!
To learn more about "Lupinus" click here.

If you have children (or even if you don't) do check out the picture book "Miss Rumphius" by Barbara Cooney from your local library. It's about the Lupine lady and one of my favorites!

Day Lilies in July

These are some of the day lilies blooming in July. I don't know the official names of these, so any reader who does, please leave a comment to let me know.

 

 

 

 

Herbs: Gigantic Chive Patch

 

This is my Dad's huge patch of chive in bloom.

I have never seen so many chives in one spot and the purple flowers made such a pretty sight.

The bees love them!

It may not show in the photos, but the patch must be three to four feet in diameter.

Anyone know any good uses for chives? I might try drying some to use in the winter.

Garden Tour Bucket List: The Lost Gardens of Heligan Cornwall

The world is full of so many spectacular and varied gardens. And I'd like to visit each one of them, but until I win the lottery that's not possible! However, through the wonders of YouTube, it is possible for a virtual visit. I have found so many garden tour videos, I'd like to share my Garden Tour Bucket list with Sprouts readers. Each week, I'll feature a different garden video tour on my bucket list.

Today, we visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, England. Be sure to keep your eyes open for the Mud Maid, one of the earthen sculptures in the gardens.

Read about the history and restoration of the Lost Gardens on their website here.

Friday's Flower "Lady's Slipper"

This is the beautiful Lady's Slipper. My daughter and I saw two of these orchids while hiking in the Maine woods. To read more about this flower, click here.

Cottage Garden In July

The pastel pallet of the spring cottage garden has faded to the hot colors of summer.

Orange and yellow daylilies, red bee balm, yellow loosestrife have replaced the iris, geraniums and lupine.

The daisy flea bane is still blooming and provides a nice backdrop to the other flowers no matter the pallet.

The exception to summer's hot colors, is this rose. This is a fairy rose with tiny pink flowers.

Soon new plants will bloom and the pallet will change again.

Mountain View

This isn't really a garden post, but I think Sprouts readers will appreciate the beautiful scene of Lake Winnepesaukee in NH from the top of a nearby mountain. The views were spectacular. And, to keep this post garden related, I will mention wild blueberry bushes were plentiful at the summit, with loads of ripe berries for visitors to eat!

How To Upcycle an Old Book Shelf into a Raised Bed

This spring I was in need of another raised bed. I had this old book shelf which originally was a do-it-yourself home entertainment center that was later turned into a child's bookshelf (note the blue color to match the child's room) and then had a later incarnation as a Barbie apartment building for my daughter's dolls.

When Barbie moved into classier townhouse digs, it was used for basement storage. It survived a flooded basement, but was damaged. So, this year, instead of heading to the landfill, it has a fifth life as a garden.

Today, it is filled with peas, lettuce, beans, and a cucumber plant. It was recently raided by a groundhog (a subject for another post) so now sports a make-shift fence, also created from up-cycled materials.

So, look at discarded items with an eye toward the garden. Don't worry too much about appearance. Once filled with plants, the container isn't so noticeable. Check yard sales, thrift stores, Craigslist freebies, and curb alerts for possible items to up-cycle. I'm not handy with power tools, so this is a good option for me. I know Michele has used dresser drawers found on the curb for her garden beds.

Be Creative!

How To Make a Triangle Raised Bed With No Power Tools

I had an old stump in my yard from a dead oak we cut down 20 years ago. I had three long planks. I had some stakes. I had a pile of loam. I had a daughter willing to lend me a hand. I didn't have any power tools.

This was the result. At first I was thinking of making a rectangle or square raised bed but would need to either a) use power tools which I didn't want to do or b) buy another plank the same length which I also didn't want to do. Then it hit me! Why not a triangle shaped raised bed?

Here's what we did in three easy steps:

1. Arranged the planks into a triangle shape around the old stump.
2.  Drove stakes into the ground to hold the planks in place. We used ample numbers of stakes so the planks won't move out of place. Stakes were placed on the inside and outside of the bed for maximum stability.
3. Filled the bed with loam and compost.

Easy!

My new triangle bed is in the shade so I planted hostas, astilbe and impatiens in it. I decorated the stump with a bowl for the wildlife to have water. This is just a bowl I found at a thrift store. I think it was once part of a set with a pitcher. I also added a cherub statue I moved from another location in my garden.

We are pleased with the result. I will post more photos as the plants grow and fill the bed.

Garden Story for Children

The July issue of Guardian Angel Kids E-zine, Making Our World Better A Better Place, includes a garden story and children's poem written by Caroline. Both are about children growing food to share with others.

Check out the July 2016 issue here.

Scenes from the Cottage Garden

The cottage garden has been full of blossoms this year. Here are some scenes from the first blooms. Since I snapped these pics, most of these have passed by and the colors of mid-summer are opening up. I'll show you those in the very near future.

My mock orange bush outdid itself this year. My favorite part of this bush is when the petals rain down over our walkway and garden at the end of the blooming cycle. The blossoms smell wonderful while they last. You also see some daisy flea bane and dianthus in this scene.

I'm so happy lupines and iris bloom at the same time as they make such beautiful companions.

 

Every year I start new lupine seeds of many colors, but it seems purple is the only color I can grow. I have several shades of purple, but I'm hoping to add some other colors with any luck. I started more seeds this year so we will see in seasons to come if I'm successful.

I started these foxglove from seeds last summer.

This lovely rose is a volunteer. A few years ago I noticed it in my garden and happily let her stay.

more scenes from my cottage garden to come.....

Happy Independence Day!

 

Note to Michele: Memorial Day Flowers

Dear Michele,

It's a quiet rainy Memorial day so I thought I'd take the opportunity to photography the blooming plants in my garden for you to see. Suddenly, blossoms have burst open with spring color.

 

This time of year I mostly have shades of pink and blue.

 

This is the first sweet William of the season.

Geranium...

 

The Rhododendrons just opened yesterday. I'll photograph the whole bush once it's covered with blossoms. I'm still waiting on my magenta bush to bloom.

 

These pansies were a Mother's Day gift from my mother. I also have some plants she gave me last year which surprisingly survived the winter in my garden. I was shocked to see them alive and well this spring.

 

The lilacs are starting to go by but had such a lovely perfume this year, especially at night. The whole yard smelled wonderful.

 

 

I love lilacs and look forward to lilac season all year.

I'm not sure what this wild flower below is. It is growing in large numbers in the forest behind my house. If any one of our readers know, please tell me in the comments. Whatever it is, it is very pretty and I am enjoying them.

That's all for now. I still have a few non-garden things to catch up on with you and will do so soon. I have some photos from a camping trip, a Renaissance Faire, and a country store I can't wait to show you.

Until next time...

Caroline