The mystery has been solved.  The beautiful flowering plant on my porch is a member of the forest cactus family–plants that came originally came from Mexico and South America.  Specifically, epiphyllums;  commonly known as ”orchid cactus.”  No matter what the name, it is a dramatic and beautiful plant. 

My daughter lives in the city in an old neighborhood that is making a comeback.  Her row house is a bicycle ride from downtown, but unfortunately does not have any garden space.  The point is that I cannot claim ownership of the beautiful irises that are now blooming in my yard.  She gathered the hybrid rhizomes.  I weed….            

My less than successful first experiment with Hyper Tufa can be visited at http://coco724.wordpress.com/2008/08/04/hyper-over-my-tufa/

Fortunately, I really did overcome the errs of my ways.  My next attempt at making a planter turned out just the way it was planned.  I’m really pleased with the results.

Changes to the landscape and architecture at this house have been evolving over several seasons.  There’s a long way to go, but the curb appeal is definitely a long way from where it started about 2 1/2 years ago:

In the beginning, it was long-neglected, but as they say, “with good bones.”

Working our way forward, slowly, but surely, the “good bones” are starting to become evident.

Curb appeal in progress.

Enjoy.

A few purchased silk sprays packaged with leaves and berries scavenged from my yard.  The week’s vacation has fast dwindled to a few hours, but part of the joy of some time off, was the opportunity to meander through the yard, casually picking the bones of an arrangement.  It happens during normal work weeks, too, but the pace is more of a sprint then–trying to fit it in minimal time and minimal light.

Today was the perfect day to do a yard work blitz.  Man-of-my-dreams worked until 3:00 pm, then left for a weekend charity golf tournament.  That meant that my time was totally mine for the whole day.  Stopping to cook or even get presentable to go out for the evening was completely off the agenda.  With no one but myself to answer to for the day, the amount that was accomplished was truly amazing–it’s amazing even to me!

• picked up all sticks in yard left from Hurricane Ike’s windy visit
• carted sticks and asssorted debris to burn pile for Saturday AM allowable burning time
• cut grass using the bagger on the mower to mulch and capture leaves that are starting to accumulate.  Dumped on compost pile. 
• used electric chain saw to finish cutting overgrown hedges 
• carted hedge debris to burn pile
• raked accumulated loose sticks, pine cones and leaves from where hedge formerly stood, and, loose twigs from where new compost pile will be starting soon
• dug out weeds, grass clumps and small bushes from hedge location
• seperated small stones from pile, discarding in woods
• washed throw rugs and hung outside to dry
• straightened and swept garage
• began staining new wooden pergola
• miscellaneous sidewalk and porch sweeping

After looking over that list, it makes perfect sense why I am just a bit on the tired side tonight.  A blitz doesn’t have a defined beginning or end.  In this case, the point was to do as many things as possible without being concerned about the order.  It worked.

“At Last”  Lyrics sung by Etta James:

As a child, the apple orchard that had been planted long before we ever lived there, provided a spot for swings, tree-climbing, pies, applesauce and spur-of-the moment snacks.  Climbing the various apple trees were one of my favorite past times.  There were times that I would go outside, scrambling to the tippy top branches, as high as I could go.  My Mother would come to the door, calling my name to come do some chore that she had found to occupy my time.  I would sit in the tree top, hidden by the leaves, pretending I hadn’t heard her.

There were also the times when I was sent out to climb the tree, picking the apples to make a pie or homemade applesauce for dinner.  The Golden Delicious Apple tree in my current yard is full of fruit.  It’s time to make batches of fresh applesauce for now, plus a few containers to stow away for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Gather and wash 8-10 fresh Golden Delicious Apples.  Peel and core, cut away any bad spots and rough cut the apples.  Put in a heavy-bottom pot, adding about 2 cups water and 1/4 to 1/2 cup white sugar.  Heat over low heat until the apples are very soft.  If you prefer chunky-style sauce, stir in about a teaspoon of cinnamonand serve.  If you prefer your applesauce to be very smooth, put through a food mill, a food process or use an immersion blender.

Sweet potato vines are common additions to any gardeners toolbox.  This delicately colored light green variety with soft brushstrokes of white and pink on the tips is my personal favorite. 

A bright green variety is planted in my vacated outdoor fireplace.  See a pic at: 

http://coco724.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/fireplace-frenzy/