Here is a photo taken years ago shared on my prior blogs and websites. At one time, this image sold online as cards and prints. How this photo came about was one of those spur-of-the-moment ideas. But first, it all began 2010 thru 2012 when I was heavily involved in TTV (Through the Viewfinder) technique utilizing both digital and vintage camera. Constantly searching new ideas and subject matter for photographing, the photo happened one misty spring morning. After breakfast, while roaming around my front yard, I noticed the groundcover blooming with delicate lavender blue periwinkles. And then I thought what would it be like to place a small statuette of Venus de Milo among the blossoms? Heading back indoors and retrieving the goddess, this was the result.

Actually, last night while fiddling around in photoshop, I made changes to the original. Removed the black frame associated with TTV. Also, added a filter flare. Yes, I love lens flares.

Here is a post featuring another one of my plant photos. This glorious plant named Lysimachia Clethroides or Gooseneck Loosestrife bloomed two summers ago in my garden. With graceful arching spikes of star-like white blossoms, the flowering lasted from mid-summer to early fall.

The plant had begun with seedlings which I had carefully sowed into my clay soil amended with organic compost. Having high hopes the plant was readily a self-seeder, that first sowing worked and I was one very happy gardener. However, the following spring, the roots were rotted and reseeding did not occur. Bummer! Perhaps the cute little finches throughout my gardens got to them! Oh well, I love finches and all various birds.

Well, when it comes to desirable plants in my garden, I don't give up on failures. So, come this spring rather than seeding, I'll probably just purchase a potted Lysimachia and place perhaps near my garden shed. If you like growing a white flower garden or want to add some pretty white blossoming plants mixed with more colorful plants, this is a wonderful plant to include into your beds. Just be careful... apparently they can be invasive. But don't let that stop you. You can always deadhead or dig up any new shoots. Also, as with Lysimachia to prevent spreading, avoid planting in wet heavy soil.

Do you have some garden advice regarding this plant?

These photos were taken last summer at my house. Here, displayed on my kitchen table are mophead hydrangeas. They came from one of my shrubs seen in next photo. When out in my garden gathering hydrangeas, I always (use clean pruning shears) do the cutting in the early morning or late afternoon.

Hydrangeas can wilt after cutting. Known causes vary such as when the plant was cut, heat stress or sticky fluids in the stem which prevent moisture reaching the blooms. To remedy, a conditioning method is required. The one method I do never fails me. Hence, no wilting occurs during their time in arrangements. To begin, once gathered and stems cut at an angle including leaves removed; the flowers are quickly plunged up to their necks in a bucket of cool water. Afterward, I'll usually leave them outdoors in a cool spot away from direct sunlight. Four hours later, they're brought indoors to my kitchen sink. After filling my sink with cold water, the stems are recut under water at an angle with another slight vertical crosscut on the tips of the stems. Finally, they're ready to place in arrangements. While displayed, I make sure they're not placed in direct sunlight or hot areas of the house.





June's Tip: If you're bringing the hydrangeas indoors from the garden, firmly hold the woody stems with their flower heads faced downward and give a gentle shake. This helps disperse bugs, especially garden spiders from entering indoors.

Last summer on the island of Gig Harbor. More photos of island coming soon.