I have taught all types of art to all ages, and as we enter this embroidery course, I invite all the participants to think like a child. Children love to make–they love to do, and they are thrilled with every exercise thrown at them. Typically speaking, adults are in a hurry. In painting classes, adults…
Month: April 2024
Learn Embroidery Stitch by Stitch
When I was a tiny child, my mother and my grandmother taught me how to embroider. The highlight of my week was when I would get to go to the dimestore and pick up my design to embroider for the week. Embroidery is still the core of my textile art. The images that you see…
In the South, April Showers Bring April Flowers
In the South, April Showers Bring April Flowers. As I’ve watched this allium mature and bloom in my garden–in the midst of this stand of bachelor buttons, I’ve been thinking about this expression all month. In essence, Thomas Tusser wrote “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” “…sweet April showers, do spring May flowers” – Thomas Tusser…
Comparing Types of Green Bean Plants: How Many Days for Each to Mature
In previous years, I have grown two types of green bean plants: Kentucky Wonder and Scarlet Running Beans. Both of these are climbing pole beans. This year, I am growing Contender Bush Green Beans, too–as well as Rattlesnake Beans. I hope to plant all these different beans this week–before the rains, and I thought I’d take…
Identifying Some of the Lichen in My Yard
Jacki Kellum – Lichen on a Water Oak Limb Normally, I am into more traditional gardening, but I am fascinated by a network of lichens that have attached themselves to my neighbor’s water oak tree. Look Closely! I see a smorgasbord of lichens. Usnea strigosa Image Credit: Ohio Moss & Lichen Association “Usnea strigosa, also…
Old Garden or Antique Roses – A List with Dates of Introduction
“Antique roses, also known as old garden roses or historic roses, are roses that existed before 1867. They are known for being hardy, disease resistant, and coming in many colors, shapes, and sizes.” Google Generative ai Archduke Charles Image Credit: Antique Rose Emporium Prior to 1837 Height: 3′ – 5′ Very Fragrant Continuous Bloom “Thomas Rivers called…
How I Created My 20′ Rose Arbor – Partially from Scraps
Arbor October 2024 Rose Arbor – March 24, 2024 20′ Long – 8′ Wide “We Eat the Whole Buffalo” Following is an old saying that is said to have evolved from the tradition of the Plains Native Americans: “We Eat the Whole Buffalo.” The words allude to a resolve to use everything available when trying…
Focus on Bearded Iris – Listed by Height
Absolute Treasure Image Credit: American Meadows Height: 36-48″ tall Fragrant Pallida Image Credit: Wikipedia Height: up to 40″ Fragrant Señor Jinx Image Credit: American Meadows Height 39″ Mango Image Credit: American Meadows Height 38″ Magical Image Credit: American Meadows Height 37″ Sugar Blues Reblooming Image Credit: American Meadows Height 36″ Fragramt Off Topic Image Credit:…
Sages I Am Growing in My Garden – All Sages Are Not Created Equal
Garden Sage [Salvia officinalis] Image Credit: Gardener’s Path Height: 18″ – 36″ I love purple accents in my garden, and I like the lavender blooms on common garden sage. In addition, the smell of this plant returns me to my childhood Thanksgiving feasts. Garden sage smells of turkey and dressing, mom, and brisk November nights….