Espalier Heart

Espalier (ess-PAL-yer) is the practice of controlling plant growth so that it grows relatively flat against a structure such as a wall, fence, or trellis. In the 17th Century, espalier originally referred to the frame or trellis on which the plant was trained. Today, espalier refers to both the plant and the horticultural technique of actually training the plant.

Espaliered plants can be used to create a focal point and as a form of art. In an area where space is limited or where a plant is needed to accent a large blank wall an espaliered plant can be an outstanding landscape feature. A mature espalier plant will catch the eye of almost any visitor to your home. image source This one is a real 'labor of love' isn't it?

Interesting Summer Bedrooms

 

I'd love to sleep in each of these rooms at least once before deciding which one I liked better. I'm a fresh air freak and have to have an open window so that might be a deciding factor. The glassed-in bedroom looks as if it could be a hot box in the summer. I think I'd like to bed down in the first one and wake up in the second one. All things are possible in the virtual world. 
photo #l -- photo #2

The Wisdom of Webster

I said yes to his request.

Hummingbird Visits My Cottage

I got this cute little hummingbird feeder at a thrift shop several weeks ago and finally got around to cooking up a batch of nectar for it. I like this one because it's small and has only one feeding hole. I positioned it so I could see the frequent visitors quite easily. I got this photo with my iPhone last night while I was sitting on the balcony with Webster after a long day of weed trimming. It's not very sharp because a lot of quality was lost because I was zoomed all the way in. I'll take my SLR outside with me and see if I can get something sharper later in the week. I love these wee birds that have migrated to New Jersey for the summer. My red geranium has big buds that will be open soon and they will love it. They have been buzzing around my lamb's ears too because their tiny flowers have deep throats. Enjoy your Sunday.

Nectar recipe: one cup of sugar with four cups of water. Stir to dissolve sugar, bring to a boil on the stove, cook for 2 minutes to slow down the fermentation and cool. Store excess in refrigerator. 

The average ruby-throated hummingbird weighs 3 grams. In comparison, a nickel weighs 4.5 grams. More fun facts here.

I found two photos online. The first is for my female ruby-throated hummingbird shown more clearly than in my blurry photo. The second is an antique print of the male found @ Natural History's blog.

Royals in a Playful Cable Car

George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Brilliant. I would love to know the history behind this vintage photo, wouldn't you? via

Tree with Orchid Blossoms | Catalpa

I have two towering Common (or Eastern) CATALPA trees that are in full bloom right now back in the lower reaches of my property. The ground around them is covered with blossoms that have fallen.

The clusters of flowers look rather orchid-like, don't they? According to my tree identification book, these trees are common in the south but have migrated as far north as New England. Later in the year, long seed pods will be hanging from these trees. They are rather messy so I'm glad they are in an area where they can 'do their thing' in a naturalized setting. The leaves are huge and give new meaning to 'falling leaves' each autumn. [iPhone photos are mine]

Have a Relaxing Weekend

I know that's a tall order this time of year. I don't know about you but I really don't know how to pace myself. I alternate between killing myself and doing practically nothing the next day. Wouldn't it be better to do a normal amount of work every day? Yes, it would but the weather lately has not allowed this. I mowed for about 6 hours straight yesterday and got almost all of it done after weeks of rain. Progress has been made but I have had no energy at all today. Maybe tomorrow I'll feel energized. Fingers crossed. via

Garden Shed with Roses and Chickens

Isn't this a nice place for the chickens to hang out? I'll bet it smells wonderful inside with the fragrance of the roses wafting inside the open awning-style windows. If it were mine I would figure out a way to put a screen door on the building so I could see outside while I was working inside. via