Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Hairy Woodpecker

Uploaded another image on Imgakind

Yesterday, I was shooting landscapes and noticed the woodpecker in a tree near the feeding station. They're so use to my presence that when I fill the feeders or add suet, they just wait close by for me to be done.

It was getting very cold and I took a few quick shots but didn't expect much. One turned out to be a perfect candidate for Topaz Clean2 and that made it worth staying in the cold a little longer.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8

Monday, December 28, 2009

Bonica Mouse pad


Regular photos don't come out as good on mouse pads. Using Topaz Simplify I was able to produce an image that blends better.

This type of enhancement also works for images you want to print on canvas

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Pine Tree Template

 Themes

Just installed a basic template. No Joomla, no Worpress and no Blogger.

The template was generated with Web Design Generator - Artisteer
Content added with Notepad++
Uploaded with Core FTP Lite

Checked with W3C and it validates for CSS Level 2.1.

This Portal will serve as a central for all of the sites I manage.The feed is from this blog.



Next will be the Gen Blog  

Update: There has been lots of changes since this post.
I no longer use Artisteer to generate my themes.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Cardinal Template 2

An updated version of the Cardinal template is now installed on the Garden Image site. The text is darker, the background lighter and the links the right colour. Plus, the images can stay the same size.

Also changed the feed. Using a Joomla Jumbox, I tested the feed module and decided to go with that.

The site will continue to improve. Reading Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works is a great help. It should be required reading.

Double Jewel template

Changed template for the garden journal This time the heading is a Double Jewel hardy geranium bloom. The links on the Cardinal template were to difficult to see. I tried updating that template but so far haven't figured out how. Whenever I try, I get a message that the template can't be uploaded again. I'll keep trying, I like that template, a lot.

The template for the Garden site is ready. I just need to double check to make sure I didn't forget anything this time.

I may, with time and more experience, offer templates with my images as headers.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

New Template

For months I've tried to find some way to create matching templates for my Joomla managed sites and blogs. Even took a shot at designing from scratch. It can be done, but it takes a lot of time coming up with a style and then coding it ip.

I spotted ads for Artisteer on a few sites and mostly ignored it. I've tried lots of editors before and never liked the end results. But this is different. With Artisteer you can generate templates for Blogger, Joomla, Wordpress, Drupal and others. You can change the colour schemes, the heading, sizes, etc... In other words, its very flexible. I created this template using Artisteer Standard Edition.
But you don't have to take my word for it. Download the trial version and see for yourself.

#1 Automated Web Design Software for Blogs, CMS and Portals. Generate templates for Wordpress, Joomla and Drupal.



P.S: I am no longer using Joomla.
The Encyclopedia is now static and the journal and blog Wordpress.
See links in menu.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Another correction made

 Roses

This time it was here.
I linked the wrong photo for the Wenlock English rose post.
I usually double check myself, but a mistake slipped by me anyway.
The previous photo was of a Rose de Rescht , an autumn damask I purchased last year from
Richters Herb Specialist.

View full list of roses in my garden in the Encyclopedia

Maiden Deep Lavender

Going through Garden Image checking links I noticed that I wrote the wrong genus for Maiden Deep Lavender. So if you googled that name for a dahlia, you came up blank. Maiden Deep Lavender is a Pelargonium Domesticum, common name Regal Geranium and Martha Washington.

Mine is still blooming. Just need to keep it away from direct sunlight.

Gardener's Supply Company

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Nature Album

When I loaded the Jalbum with photos, I thought I would be able to place it directly on my site but you need to sign on as a paying member for that and I nearly did. Then I found WP Photo Album. This plug in comes with clear instructions. You just need to create a page for it then a link.

Visitors of the Garden Journal will now see a link to the Photo Album in the navigation bar. This takes you to the Albums page. Then you choose which album you want to visit. All without leaving the site. Makes a lot more sense.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Sheryl Gallant art site

After reading a comment Sheryl made on one of my post on GardenWeb, I visited her Nature Photography site. I liked her photos very much. I especially liked the Red Grass.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Monday, November 16, 2009

Garden Art Competition

Just entered one photo in the Horticulture - Garden Competition. I read this magazine year round and visit their website on a regular basis. I also follow them on Twitter Having one of my garden photos appear in this magazine would make this gardener deliriously happy. Wish me luck!

Deadline December 1st

Hot-Color, Heat-Resistant Garden Plan

One way to survive winter while my garden is buried in a few feet of snow is to look at garden plans for ideas. This way I have plenty of time to find and start seeds indoors. I like the bold colours of this plan.
Hot-Color, Heat-Resistant Garden Plan

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Change on Garden Images

It's a good idea to always check your work on more than one browser. I work with Firefox but do have Explorer installed too. They don't read a site quite the same way. I noticed that the two bottom images were overflowing on the front page in Explorer. Too large to be side by side. The idea of Garden Images is to present clear photos to go with the details. Not easy to do in a small size, but something needed to change. I tried resizing smaller, that didn't look right. Removing two looked better.

Now only the newest addition will appear on the front page. When viewed on their own page, the photos are well aligned. So if you were visiting while I was testing, sorry.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Nonstop Mocca Scarlet begonia

Begonias

Just added Non Stop Mocca Scarlet in the Perennials.
A link to a seed source is included with the details.

Took the shot in natural light to keep the colour true.
This is a really nice deep red begonia.

Begonias: Cultivation, Identification, and Natural History

Saturday, October 17, 2009

A Jalbum I like from another member

Perfect photos of a kingfisher with a nice smooth bokeh. This member is from The Netherlands.
http://kiez.jalbum.net/ijsvogels/

Shared via AddThis

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

New Jalbum

Surfing for inspiration for a new album I found something called Jalbum. You can download the software for free. The albums are customizable and you get to upload on a community type site. My first album is Nature. It includes critters and landscapes. Since I've just joined myself, I don't have favourites yet.

If you decide to join, let me know so I can check out yours.

P.S: The Jalbum is no longer available.
All photos are now on Photoshelter

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

English rose card

I often invite family and friends to visit my Virtual Garden. Busy schedules, bad weather and poor timing makes it impossible to see everything in bloom. But not everyone is connected to the web.

I use small postcards as bookmarks. One of them is 'Rosa Bifera Macrocarpa" from Botanical Blooms. It gave me the idea of creating a card version of the Wenlock English Rose on my site. On the front is a photo of the rose, and on the back is a trimmed down version of the details part.

The cards can also be used as reference with enough white space left over for notes. Now when I offer a book as a gift, I can slip one of these inside with a personal note to the recipient.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Wenlock English Rose

English Roses

I pride myself for nailing shots in camera, most of the time.
For the Wenlock (See photo) I tried early morning, cloudy days, just before sunset.
None of them turned out exactly like I wanted.
If you check the photo of this rose in the Botanica roses you can see that this rose presents a challenge.
The colour either glows or is too dark.
The photo used on the David Austin Roses site is a bit too dark and doesn't bring out the shade's subtle changes.

Fortunately,this rose blooms often throughout the season.
This gave me a chance to try different methods.
But even this shot wasn't quite right.
I use Adobe Photoshop Elements 7for editing and with the photo filters, I was able to reduce the glow.
But you need to see it up close to appreciate the colour.

Too bad I can't enter this photo in the David Austin's US Garden Rose competition Its not open to residents living north of the border.

If you want to add this lovely rose to your own collection they can be ordered online from Hortico
You can check out their Shipping cost and detailpage to find out if they ship to your area.

The English Roses: Classic Favorites and New Selections

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Life Goals Poster

Zazzle Store

Going over some of my previous designs on Zazzle (now closed) I realized it was time to make a few changes.
The photo I used for the Life Goals poster was way too dark.
I still have the same pelargonium and yesterday I took a few shots outdoors.
Nothing beats natural light. Plus I had the benefit of having autumn colours for the background.
The results are much better.

Selling Online 2.0: Migrating from eBay to Amazon, craigslist, and Your Own E-Commerce Website

 P.S: The Zazzle store is now closed.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Rosa Rugosa var. Alba

Roses
To read my views about this rose visit the Journal

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Funny Face Shrub Rose

Funny Face shrub rose

Just added to the Rose Collection section. BAIface is sold as Funny Face, which I think suits this hybrid shrub rose perfectly. The photo used on the site is a close-up.

Hope it will survive our cold winter. It bloomed all summer.

Complete Roses: Featuring 100 Easy-Growing Favorites

Friday, September 25, 2009

Pasque Flowers

Pulsatilla Vulgaris is now in the Perennials section. A second image of the seed heads was added as a mouseover. If you look for more information on this perennial herb, check also under Anemone pulsatilla.

Pasque Flower Print

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The 25 Best Tulips for Your Garden

Every year I add more tulips. Found a few possibilities in this slide show.

The 25 Best Tulips for Your Garden

Shared via AddThis

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

How to grow tuberous begonias

I was surfing for information on Begonias when I found this site with instructional videos. The site is called Graspr and a link was added in the Online tools section.

Found one on how to grow tuberous begonias by the head gardener at White Flower Farm. The video is now embedded in the Begonia category of the weblinks. More links will be added.

Begonias: Cultivation, Identification, and Natural History

Friday, September 18, 2009

Being grey

Just added a new t-shit on Zazzle with just words I repeat every so often when asked why I don't hide my greys.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Desert Rose

I'm now adding photos of houseplants in the Journal section. If and when it will bloom, it will be added to the main page.

The Adenium Obesum makes an unusual looking bonsai.

101 Essential Tips Cacti And Succulents

Monday, September 7, 2009

Red at Night Tall Bearded Iris



Just added this photo in the Bulb section Made no adjustments. Took the shot when the first bud opened, so no faded bloom to ruin the scene.

The Iris Book

Friday, September 4, 2009

Pasque Flower enhance with Topaz

Photoshop Filters



My first post with a Topaz-Simplify enhanced photo.
I love this photo but the background on the left ruined the effect on the original.
It's still not perfect but not as harsh.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Profile Cards

I use profile cards to share my email and website information. Now I decided to design my own. They come in a small plastic sleeves that fits in your pocket or purse. No need to look for pen and paper anymore when I want to invite someone to visit my site or contact me by email.

Blue Evening Sky Profile Card & Apothecary Rose Profile card

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Mignon White Shade Dahlia



I added a close-up photo of this mignon dahlia in the bulb section. Started mine 3 years ago from seed from Johnsons Seeds. In the fall, after one frost, I lift the tubers, dust them with sulfur, let them dry a few days then store them in perforated veggy bags with peat moss. I divide them in spring just before planting.

The close-up can also be viewed in the Imagekind Gallery

Meebo me

New on Garden Image Meebo widget added to the registered members' area and here on the left. If you are unfamiliar with this gadget visit Meebo.com I'm still learning myself. It will also be added to the Garden Journal section of the site.
Let me know what you think.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

Maiden Deep Lavender



Just added this Regal Pelargonium in the Geranium and Pelargonium section. The main photo on the site is different. This one will appear when you mouse over the image. I now have enough photos in this section for a calendar.

Building Websites with Joomla! 1.5

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Photo editors

Recently upgraded to Adobe Photoshop Elements 7. What finally convinced me was the new Photomerge/Scene Cleaner tool. As a garden photographer this new feature is invaluable.

Right now my Peacock Orchid bulbs are in bloom. You can find plenty of images of this exotic plant online but I wanted mine to stand out. It took three shots and the photomerge tool to create the image I now have in my Imagekind Gallery

Friday, August 14, 2009

Freestyle Arctic Red

Pelargoniums
 
Freestyle Arctic Red (see photo) finally bloomed.
Visit the Encyclopedia for the nearly full list of every pelargonium I have grown.

Friday, August 7, 2009

New web links

While trying to identify a daylily I received by mistake, I found the websites of a few hybridizers. The AHS database doesn't always include a photo with the descriptions of the hemerocallis. When you Google the name you end with lots of photos and not all of the same shade and guessing, which is right, is out of the question.

Next I searched for the hybridizers. Some sell their own daylilies online with photos and descriptions. Found a few that look close to mine but no exact match so far. For now a photo of the mystery daylily is in the Garden Journal section.

The links to the hybridizers websites are now in the Web links section

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Derby Bound

Hemerocallis

Derby Bound (see photo) is now featured in the Encyclopedia
Found mine at the  Réno Dépot in Gatineau, Québec
This Hemerocallis was introduced in 1967, some think of it as an antique.

Soon I will be start to move some of my plants indoors.
Updates for this will be added to the Garden Journal part of the site.

Stay tuned ;-)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Garden Photo site

Now AristGarden.net
 
I've been adding more photos and details on the site.
The latest is a Dicentra spectabilis
In the roses you will find a Rainbow Sorbet and in the Geraniums, a Broad-Petaled Geranium.

Update:
Lots of changes to the site since this post.
More plants were added.
The style revamped.
And the URL is easier to remember.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Mme Hardy

Mme Hardy Damask rose

Newly added this season. This is one of three roses ordered late last summer from Richters Herbs This old Damask was introduced in France in 1832. The fragrance alone makes it worth adding to any rose collection.

A close-up of an open bloom is now on McFingon.net along with a few more details.

Mrs Kingsley

Pelargonium

Found this geranium at a local nursery.
It wasn't in bloom but I recognized the name of a plant I was planning to order from Richters Herbs.
See Photo


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Dr Huey Wichurana rose

Dr Huey wichurana rose

New addition to the Rose section. This Wichurana rose is used as a understock for tender roses. Read more on the website.

More roses will be added soon.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Will Goodwin clematis

Clematis

Will Goodwin (see photo) survives the winter months in my 4b zone with little protection.
In the fall, after the grounds freezes and all the critters have found winter homes, I cover the base of my clematis with straw.
I do not prune until spring.
This particular clematis flowers on both new and old wood.
The blooms on the old wood are larger.

I do add compost again during the growing period.
The clematis fertilizer is applied only once in spring before the blooming starts.
This one is in full sun all day.
The soil is rich and drains easily.

Read more in the Encyclopedia If you click on the hybridizer's name you will learn more about the Pennells and Sons nursery.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Clivedon Beauty



Newly added to the Perennial section. This is a very lovely Delphinium that belongs in the Belladonna group. I've added a Canadian plant source, but they are only available in spring. So if you visit their site now, you will not find it. But you should be able to order from their next catalog.

Also added a UK seed source. The plant is hardy to zone 4b. It does die back to the ground so mark the spot to avoid damaging it. I will add more information in the journal

Friday, July 3, 2009

Catherine Woodbery



New addition to the bulb section of my Garden Image site. It will also have an entry in the Garden Journal

The photo is from last year's season. I will take another this year and replace this one. This Daylily is widely available. In the journal I will include the blooming time in my zone.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Mrs Pollock brocade pelargonium

ArtistGarden.net

I found Mrs Pollock at the Aux Jardins de la Pointe garden center in Masson, Qc.
It was the only nursery in the area that had this type of pelargoniums.
Got the Occold Shield and Pink Happy Thoughts from them also.
If you live anywhere near Masson, they are worth a visit.

Next I will be adding roses.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Mystery Rose



Bought this rose last year labeled as a Ferdinand Pichard. I had doubts but loved the colour and the fragrance. I've been trying to find out if this is a named variety. I did have a rose that was very similar, a Blue Boy, a modern shrub rose. The leaves, like the Blue Boy, are large and glossy. The growing habit is also the same. But for the shade, I can't remember exactly. Didn't have a decent camera at the time, so no photo.

I did find another possibility, Shocking Blue Floribunda. But I never seen one in person, so I can't be sure. More photos are on my garden photo site. The article includes two photos and a link to more. If you have an idea what this rose is or need more details to figure it out, please let me know.

P.S: This rose as no black spot problem. Found a few Japanese beetle munching on the petals but got rid of them before they had a chance to do real damage.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Julia Child Floribunda Rose



I am delighted by this rose. Last year, when I brought it home, the leaves were covered with black spots and needed some serious pruning. This year I removed the lower branches and open the center for better air circulation. As you can see by the photo, it worked. So far, no problem with pest, I do check daily.

For more details and a larger view, visit Garden photo site

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Molineux English Rose

Molineux English Rose

New addition for this season. So far it's doing very well. I now have several David Ausin roses. In the fall I will include an article on overwintering roses in my zone. More details are included on my Garden Image site.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Beauty Bush



Moved this shrub two years ago. First winter it was covered for protection in by 4b zone. Last fall I didn't have anything large enough to cover it. So I just made sure it was well covered with snow. No winter kill. Didn't prune first year to give it a chance to settle. Now I cut old wood to encourage new shoots that flowers the next season. The soil is sandy and amended with compost. It also receives sun all day.

For more details visit my Garden Image site.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Pink Happy Thought

Pink Happy Thought brocade pelargonium

Added this fancy leaf in the Pelargonium section. Some describe the bloom colour as bubblegum pink. The green leaves with ivory center make them look nice even when not in bloom.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Blue Blizzard Pelargonium



Moved the Fisrain detail page on the new site. This photo was taken outside so the colours are more accurate and the photo is larger. I've added more information on the lineage.

At this time, you can find this pelargonium at your local Loblaws Garden Center (if they're not sold out).

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Elegant Lady

Elegant Lady tulip

Newly added to the bulbs section This tulip opened late enough to miss the last frosts. They multiplied well and bloomed at the same time as Erna Lindgreen parrots.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Occold Shield

Fancy Leaf

Newly added to the collection.
I like the history behind Occold Shield (see photo).
Found an article on Rev Stanley P. Stringer, who hybridized pelargoniums from his home in Occold, Suffold, UK.

Next to be added will be Pink Happy Thoughts (see photo), Caroline Schmidt (see photo), Vancouver Centennial (coming soon)and Mrs Pollock (see photo) .

Update: Now all are featured in the Encyclopedia part of the site.

White Blizzard Pelargonium

Fizbliz, trade name White Blizzard.  Single white flowers with reddish purple markings on upper petals. Image license (Joanne McKinnon)Ivy Pelargonium
Posted a photo of a fisbliz before but it didn't look right. Got a second plant and kept the label this time, and shot it in natural light. Now the markings are more visible.

I posted more details and a larger view in my Encyclopedia site.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Elegance Burgundy

Elegance Burgundy Regal Geranium

Found this pelargonium domesticum at a Canadian Tire garden center. The plant is healthy and still blooming. Placed the pot away from direct sunlight. In August it will be brought inside with the rest of the collection.

For a larger view and more details, visit Garden Image site.

Garden Journal entry

Royal Dark Burgundy Pelargonium

royal dark burgundy geranium

Found this pelargonium at a local nursery. I like the classic look of burgundy. It's also the first to be added in the Pelargonium section of the updated site. I have a large collection so more will be added.

If you know of an online source, please share.

Tres Chic Tulips

tres chic tulip

Added this lily-flowered tulip in the bulbs section of Garden Image site. A link back to this post is added for comments or suggestions.

Part of the reason for this site, is when I surf the net for images on a flower I'm considering, most times all I find is small image with very little details. Then I have to surf some more to find all the information that I need. So the idea is to include enough to give you a good start.

Hope you find it useful.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Chicago Apache

Chicago Apache daylily

Last summer I divided my hemerocallis and gave some away. Also planted a few I started from seed from a flava (lemon daylily). Didn't expect blooms until next year, but I found buds on the still small plants. I love their scent and the fact that they bloom early.

Took a photo of this Chicago Apache last year and added it to my site with details and links. A link back to this post will be included for comments or suggestions. More will be added soon. Those I took of the flavas were not very good, so I will try again this year.

Garden Images

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Colarette Dahlia

collarette dahlia

Got this bulb as part of a collection two years ago. I've been trying to find it sold by its name but so far no luck. Searching the net, I found Ace if Hearts and Rosita that looks like it. Can anyone help me name this dalhia?

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Wincherster Cathedral English Rose

Winchester Cathedral English Rose
The image of this rose is no longer in the Photo Index or the Payloadz store. It's now part of the Garden Image website.

On the new Joomla managed site, it will be easier for me to make updates. This rose has survived one winter in my garden so far. More photos will be taken this year. This David Austin rose was worth the detour to find it.

More will be deleted from the Photo index.

Flaming Parrot

Flaming Parrot tulip

This is one of the new images added to the Garden Images site.
It includes a description and links.
Hope you like the it.

Poster      Us Postage

Time for Tulips

My tulips are almost done, I started lifting them for inspection and storage. The lily flowered tulips have produced several new bulbils. They were dusted with sulfur, and now left in baskets to cure. Once the leaves have dried off, they will then be moved to paper bags until its time to replant in the fall.

You can view images of my tulips on Garden Images

They will now be replaced by summer bulbs like, Sprekelia, Cannas and lots of Dahlias.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Sir Winston Churchill Daffodils

Sir Winston Churchill daffodils

These double flowering narcissus, are reliable and easy to grow. For the first 5 years or so, I left them undisturbed in my rock garden. Then I started lifting them to divide and store for the summer in a cool garage. In the fall I replant in amended soil.

More details included on my new Garden Images website.

Botanical Print

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Monsella Tulips

Monsella tulips

Every year I add new bulbs. I also lift them all after flowering, check for damage from disease or pest then store them in a cool garage for the summer. This gives me a chance to amend the soil properly and change design yearly. It is a lot of work, but the benefits to my physical health and the bulbs makes it all worth it.

This year I noticed that the Queen of Sheba blend well with the Monsella. The Monsella tulips start to open first but the Queen of Sheba follows closely.

More information will be added on McFingon.net along with a larger view. Links to online sources will also be added in the weblinks section.

Hope you like the photo

Tulip poster

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Glory of the Snow

chionodoxa

Chionodoxa Luciliae will be added to the Garden Images site. They bloom early even in my zone. Added more last fall along with a white variety. Read the new page to learn more about this hardy little bulb.

Postage Stamp  Postcard

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Translator on new site

Now visitors can translate my Garden Photography site with Babelfish too. I also included more information on Brunnera 'Looking Glass'. .

Looking Glass

siberian bugloss looking glass

Brunnera macrophylla, common name Siberian Bugloss, blooms in spring in part shade. Got mine last year from Loblaws. Amended the soil with shrimp compost and mulched with autumn leaves.

Update: Took advantage of the fact that the plant is still blooming to take another photo. This one is a close-up, visit Garden Images to view.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

New Custom Stamp on Zazzle



As a collector I've been wanting to design a stamp for awhile and now I finally did. The Raspberry Ripple is perfect for this. Now I'm trying to come up with a good pelargonium design for a t-shirt.

P.S: Been busy repotting pelargoniums. Also cruising the local nurseries for older varieties.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Raspberry Ripple

I've chosen this pelargonium as the first to appear on new site.
Since you can grow these as houseplants, you can start them from seed at any time.

Hope you like the photo Link has been updated!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Babel Fish

The Yahoo! Babel Fish translator is now available for this blog. It will also be added to the Garden Images site. I'm still waiting for my new book: Beginning Joomla!: From Novice to Professional to design the new site.

Roses, Iris' and Daylilies will also have their own sections. It will be a busy season ;-)

N.B:  Lots of renovations since this post.
Babel fish was remove several years ago.
Now you need to add a translator plugin to your web browser.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Site maintenance

The photo index is out of commission for today. I'm slowly moving to another webhost. That is why you can't see as many photos as usual. In the new location you will notice that the pages are more like a directory. the main page will be changed to a Table of content. More information will be included with each photo as you can see from the pages that are ready now.

I'll keep you posted on new additons to the Garden Images site.

P.S: During the growing season, some of the photos will be changed.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Fisblizdark

Found new information on my Dark Red Blizzard pelargonium. You can read the updates on its page on the Garden Image site. I will also update the pages of the White and Blue Blizzards.

The US Plant Patent pages on Google have all the information I've been searching for. Now I will be able to include the breeder's name and origin. Also added a source from the UK. Can't find an online source for the US right now. But you might be able to find it at your local nursery soon.

Will be adding Lulumex, trade name: Picasso. Started them from seed and they are coming along nicely.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Pistachio Evirida

Clematis

The Pistchio (see photo) is one of many clematis from Raymond Evison, author of Clematis for Small Spaces

Bought mine late last summer at Wal-Mart.
Since then it has died back to the ground twice and rebloomed.
The photo you will see on the new page was taken today.

Order Prints

Monday, March 30, 2009

Smug Mug

I was doing some checking on links on discovered that the Smug Mug link didn't go where it was suppose to. The link is now corrected. They have a very nice set up.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

New Garden Image site

 Encyclopedia

Well it took me a long time but I finally got a few pages up.
I'd like to know what you think.
I don't have a comment page set up yet, but you can leave the comments here for now.
The image on the main page is a digital watercolor I created using Painter X.
I'm hoping to upgrade to the new version before the end of the year.

Now in my new Encyclopedia you will find more information on individual plants.
When possible, links to a source is added also.
The main page layout will also change when I have an index set up.
Now the pages will be smaller to make it possible for those using mobile devices to view the full page without having to scroll down.
So if I have too much to fit the small frame it will go on a second page.

Something else you might like, no banner ads on any of these pages.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Cherry Rose Helianthus

Sunflower
Sunflowers are easy to grow and there are lots of varieties to choose from.
The seeds do not always match the photos on the packets.
I found a variety called Cherry Rose from the Ontario Seed Company.
This is a pollen-free variety popular with florists.
What grew out of mine, is more likely to be from the Fantasia Hybrid Mix (See photo).

I got another packet this year.
I'm hoping, that this time, they will be the actual Cherry Rose variety.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

New details pages

I finally found a way to include more information with the photos. You may have noticed that I have been changing the index links to details. This allows me to add more. So far I only have Red Blizzard , Bella Regal and Barbe Bleue But now that I have a template to work with, the rest should be easier.

I will be adding pages for the White and Blue Blizzards soon. I also started 24 pelargoniums from seeds in Jiffy pots and propagated those I grow as houseplants.

Update: I now use Joomla to manage my site. The photos are larger so you can see more details. The menu makes it easier for you to find what you are looking for. The front page is updated almost every day during the growing season. If you have any questions, a contact link is part of the menu.

My garden images

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Bella Regal Pelargonium

Bella Regal pelargonium

If you are looking for a good online source of pelargoniums, I recommend a visit to Holt Geraniums. or P & J Greenhouses They have a wide selection including, Angels, Stellars, Uniques and many more.



Details  Card  Prints