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Pumpkin Flower

Pondering in The Garden

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read1.1K views

I haven’t seen a single bee around since last month and I don’t know if they will be coming back any time soon. Meanwhile, my female flowers need to be pollinated in order for the buds to become a pumpkin. Yesterday I pollinated the first female flower by hand. I figured that since pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the same flower (or a different flower); then perhaps I could just cut the male flower, remove its petals and rub the male stamen’s pollen over the female stigma.

The pollinating process reminded me of all the things we often take for granted because someone of something else is in charge. Can you imagine how stressful life might become without the assistance of the bees? Can imagine hand pollinating each and every single one of your crop by hand? Let’s all help save the bees, starting with these 10 Simple Things YOU Can Do and clicking here to sign a petition to ban chemicals.

Male & Female Pumpkin Flowers.
Male & Female Pumpkin Flowers.

Yesterday, amongst other things, I found two Drawers from our old Kitchen Cabinets, which I cleaned and removed the knobs. I asked my husband to cut and attach three legs to its base and then spray paint the finish product. I replaced the original knobs with a set of drawer pulls I bought from Michael’s a few months ago.

Drawer Garden Planter.
Drawer Garden Planter.

I spent a peaceful moment in the garden today. I am off to spend a relaxing evening with the family.

Have a great day!

Around The Garden

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read777 views

As Fall nears, colors are starting to show again in the garden. My Desert Willow, Texas Sage, Autumn Sage, Yellow Daisy, Oleanders, Gaura Lindheimeri, Plumbago Auriculata ‘Imperial Blue’, Snapdragon, most of the Roses and Gladiolus are blooming with a variety of colors.

Despite the hot temperatures, the Pumpkin vine has been thriving and producing lovely flowers of box sexes. Though there are no female blossoms yet, I have seen a couple of female buds which I will have to pollinate by hand for it to become a pumpkin (if there aren’t bees around to pollinate it). So far it’s looking promising.

Pumpkin Flower.
Male Pumpkin Flower.
Female Pumpkin Buds.
Female Pumpkin Buds.

Dainty Bess Hybrid Tea Rose, is one charming Rose. I instantly fell in love with the Rose when I saw it at Mark and Nellie’s Nursery a couple of years ago. The beautiful “Dainty Bess” single flowering rose with elegant stature and five light pink silky petals is one of my favorite repeat bloomer Roses. The flower opens and closes over its burgundy, purple or maroon stamens.

Dainty Bess Rose.
Dainty Bess Hybrid Tea Rose (bred by Wm. E.B. &  Archer, England 1925).

Most of my mini Rose bushes are in bloom. I particularly loved the one below. It’s one of the Roses I bought from the 99¢ Only Stores early this year (smart way to grow a Garden for less).

Rose Flower.
Rose Flower.

Below is my miniature Rose “Let Freedom Ring.” I planted a couple in the front yard two years ago and just a few months ago they stopped flowering and looked like they were dying. So I moved them into a raised bed in the backyard and much to my amazement, they have been thriving ever since. Another 99¢ Only Stores purchase.

Rose Flower.
Rose Flower.

Finally, a Bee pollinating a Yellow Daisy.

Yellow Daisy.
Yellow Daisies.

I am feeling so grateful for every minute spent in my garden and for the wonderful moments with my family.