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Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Does this look like neglect?

All summer long I've been showing you pictures of the flowers that have been blooming in our yard. Bob does a great job with them, keeps them weeded, watered and pruned. On the other hand, I am not so good. I start off every spring being faithful in watering and even fertilizing. As the summer goes on, I begin to slack. Some of my planters handle this neglect alright. Others - not so well. Below you can see an example of my plant care and 2 examples of Bobs work.
This was a beautiful fuschia at one time!
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This is our hydrangea tree - the flowers are starting to change colors
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This is a sedum plant, which also changes colors in the fall and becomes this rosy color.
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Now I'm wondering - if you were a plant, who would you rather have taking care of you?


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24 comments:

Terri said...

I'll still let you take care of me. I think we're supposed to get stronger and grow deeper roots during hard times! :)

Chad and Tammy said...

Your hanging basket looks like mine! I am the same way - I always start out faithfully watering and fertilizing. I don't know what happens after that! My pots of flowers have all made their way to the trash already!

Andrew Bruins said...

You are a terrible mother to your plants. I'm glad you didnt feel the same way about raising me.

Pat said...

Your plant looks like my hair. Maybe I should let your husband take care of my hair too!

Mary said...

Mari,

Like you, I am faithful to water my plants at the beginning of the year. I did very well this year and remembered them - probably because they didn't have to be watered too often because of all the rain. However, at the end of August I begin to forget to water my hanging baskets and they are done now.

Glad you liked my tour of the Grand River. It is beautiful and this year has been especially so because of all the rain.

Blessings,
Mary

Kayren said...

1. I don't know what a fuschia is supposed to look like, but I don't think this is it, and if I were that fuschia, I'd be screaming for Bob.
2. I didn't know hydrangeas changed color.
3. I've never even heard of a sedum plant and would have been stumped on any game show with that one.
4. Even if you're negligent, you've taught at least one of us something.
5. Have a great rest of your week.
~ Kayren

Diane said...

Well, Mari, at least the cat still looks ok! :)

Anonymous said...

We always used to tease my mom that she had a brown thumb b/c she could kill any houseplant you would give her but there's hope -she's now quite good at growing plants indoors and out.
DMS

Anonymous said...

I used to be just like that too. Starting with good intentions and then they just wane as the summer goes on.
This year though I got those automatic waterers and they work so great. Now I don't have to remember and they looked great all summer long!

Kristie said...

It happens to me every summer as well. I think I just get caught up in swimming, traveling, etc and just forget. :)
I say every year I'm not going to buy plants and let them die but unfortunately they are so pretty in the beginning that I can't help myself.
~Kristie

Megan Cobb said...

Same here, Mari - I start of enthusisastic and promise myself "This year it's going to be different! This year I'm gonna keep 'em alive ALL SEASON LONG." And then August hits, and they croak from neglect. Sigh. Oh well, maybe next year!

Rebekah said...

Maybe its just because you give so much of yourself through Nursing.

But I am like you- I start out with the best of intentions only to have wilted, neglected flowers by summers end

Jenny said...

Certainly not ME ... I'm terrible at plant-tending. I don't know what to do, and I hate getting all hot and sweaty and dirty. *sigh*

Mike Golch said...

That is simple my Holy father,with some help from his children.

Cherdecor said...

I am moving towards perennials because they do a much better job taking care of themselves.
When I have annuals, I am like you. I am ready to dump them out this time of year.

Sandra said...

Well Mari, you know me and my plant care LOL

I don't think I could keep a plant alive even if it took care of itself LOL

Zaankali said...

At my house... my plants would want to be under the care of Mark. LOL! My defense... I am tending to the kids inside. I am also thankful that my hubby works at a greenhouse and replaces the plants I kill.
Smiles!

Pennies In My Pocket said...

I will FOREVER be jealous that you have a hydrangea tree. By far my favorite!!

I have a little something for you. Come on over. :)

~melody~

Growin' With It said...

i never knew there was a hydrangea tree...only "bush" so what does that tell ya about my gardening skills. i stick w/ the fake green indoor plants myself!

Saija said...

um, Bob please ...

:o)

Lynn said...

Oh Mari, we must have the same gardening gene. I start off really well too...and then...oops!

Grace Acres said...

Your Hydrangea tree is gorgeous. i think I need gardening lessons from you.

He Knows My Name said...

love the pictures of your flowers. i always have admired sedum plants and say every year i'm going to plant them...haven't yet and now that they are that fall vibrant color you know what i'm saying...i should have planted one. :) your looks great next to the tall grasses.

Laura said...

Um, that would definitely be Dad. And I think I have to say I have taken after him because I love my plants and care for them all year!