I Like The Color Tangerine

This 'Durango Tangerine' marigold (Tagetes) is working very well in our orange and blue themed areas. Marigolds are very durable although they do benefit from being pinched back and having spent blooms removed. We've not dabbled in marigolds very much but this variety was recommended by Susan from Ball Seed Company once she heard about our orange and blue theme. It literally glows. See it below as a major component of our entrance garden. The orange "blobs" in the distance are clumps of this marigold. This area is filling out nicely. We had our normal skeleton crew today (Larry, Janice and myself) minus Jerry who is off on vacation. Janice, Kay and Heidi were a mobile "weed wrecking crew" and were able to even do some planting. That darn purslane is on our "Most Wanted" list for sure. Laura, a new volunteer, did a great job weeding as well. Dr. Gredler and Bill rounded out the crew. We were happy to get a nice 2" rain last night as we always (albeit rarely) enjoy a day where we don't have to worry about any watering.

Enjoying plants and horticulture is not always about flower power. This morning I caught this image of moisture beading up on lady's mantle (Alchemilla sp.). This perennial gets chartreuse flowers in early summer and is tolerant of a wide range of soils. The latin name means "plant of the alchemists". Imagine in medieval times, alchemists diligently collecting these moisture droplets, which look very much like mercury (quicksilver). These droplets were considered a component in creating the Philosopher's Stone. This legendary substance (Philosopher's Stone) was thought to be able to turn inexpensive metals to gold. In addition, it was the elixir of life and could convey immortality. Today, I just thought, ....cool. It was nice to slow down and appreciate this subtle look in the garden (although don't expect any poems about it!).