Moving the Little Blue Coop

If you remember, we fixed up an old cabin and converted it to a chicken coop back on our old property. We later learned that it was cabin #8 and was original part of a hotel somewhere in Oakland, IA. I’d love to learn more about its history at some point. If anyone has any…

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Flower Field in September

Dahlias and celosia are the stars of the garden right now. It’s really fun to photograph across the four 100 ft. rows and find pretty layers in the shot. My favorite time to shoot is late in the day when the sun is almost gone. Happy gardening!

Fall Container

I’ve never actually made a fall planter before. My first attempt includes mums, ornamental peppers, purple fountain grass and kale. When I bought the peppers they were green and purple and went with this color scheme a little better. The ice cream bucket leaks really bad so my fiancé thought I should use it as…

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Passion Bouquet

This bouquet was inspired by passion flower vine and hyacinth bean vine. The purple theme carried all the way through this arrangement. Can you spot the passion flower in the bouquet? Featured in this bouquet are dahlias, celosia, scabiosa, cosmos, ammi, hyacinth bean, passion flower along with love-in-a-puff, scented geranium, lemon verbena and artemisia for…

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Red & Gold Bouquet

In honor of yesterday’s game, ISU vs. Iowa, I created this ISU themed arrangement. As some of you know, I attend Iowa State University – GO STATE! Unfortunately they lost the game but I still hope they have a great rest of the season. What do you think of this color combo in an arrangement? This…

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Dinnerplate Dahlias

Dinnerplate dahlias are SO fun to grow. They are difficult to work into arrangements but look stunning alone in a vase. They take longer to bloom and have less blooms per plant but I think they are very worth the time and space in the garden. I absolutely love this color palette of creamy peaches,…

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Dahlias at Dusk

The dahlia field is just unbelievable right now. I’ve been telling people that it peaks every day at dusk and here is some proof. The light during the last portion of ‘magic hour’ is gorgeous anywhere but here on the farm it’s at a whole new level. What do you think?

Hot Air Balloon Landing (In Our Yard)

We had an exciting morning here on the farm. There were a total of six balloons in the air that I could see from our house when I got outside. They were up and moving northwest until they all disappeared about the same time. They landed in the fields surrounding our house and our neighbors.Then…

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Stories from Jane’s Garden

Meet my friend Jane. Jane is an extraordinary human being. She brings light and laughter to every room and is quick to make everyone feel welcome. I had the pleasure of meeting Jane last fall through our Master Gardener program training. I felt an instant bond with her as almost everyone probably does. Our passion…

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Round Succulent Planter

Succulents prefer well drained soil and plenty of sun. I used my Cactus mix and stuffed this pot full of little plants. These succulents are not hardy in Iowa so I will need to bring this pot indoors before our first frost. They will probably do best under grow lights indoors. I was able to try…

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Passion Flower Vine

The tropical passion flower or passion vine (Passiflora spp.) naturally grow in South America and Mexico. An annual vine here in Iowa, prefers to grow on a trellis in full sun and in well-drained soil.  The blooms were originally used by missionaries to teach of the passion of Christ which is how it got its name. Because…

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Islander Bouquet

One of my favorite dahlias is called Islander. It’s absolutely huge and the most amazing magenta pink color. It just screams TROPICAL flower. I had two perfect Islander blooms today that were the inspiration for this bouquet. Also included in this arrangement are celosia, scabiosa, ammi, zinnia and amaranth with scented geranium, millet and love…

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