Grape Vines

I was so happy to see I had grapes hidden under my vine.  For years I have planted grape vines but never had any bunches of grapes.  I believe the secret to getting grapes is all in the pruning.  I never prune my vine because the deer do it for me!  

I found this website that seems to have a lot of information if you are interested in planting a grape vine. Have a wonderful day!http://www.almanac.com/plant/grapes

Chrysanthemums

 Chrysanthemums are a beautiful reminder that fall is near.  These daisy-like perennials were first cultivated in China as an herb as early as the 15th century BC.  Thousand of years later the flower was introduced to Japan. They celebrate the mums at "The Festival of Happiness".

Over 200 species are hardy in the northern hemisphere.

Chrysanthemums can add lovely color to flower beds or pots.

Yellow or white mums are used to make tea in some parts of Asia.  Rice wine flavored with these flowers is made in Korea. 

Mums also have an insect repellent effect. They are harmful to fish but less toxic to mammals and birds.  Who knew?

And the most interesting fact I found- Chrysanthemums have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by NASA!

I hope you can find "Happiness" in chrysanthemums this season!

Tomatillo Lime Dressing

While at my local farmer's market I bought tomatillos. I have been wanting to make this dressing and I finally found fresh tomatillos.  I really had no idea what they were used for.  Tomatillos originated in Mexico.  They are used for making green sauces because of their high pectin content.  After peeling the inedible 'husk' and cutting into a tomatillo it really just looks like a green tomato.   

I had a coffee creamer container so I peeled the label off and used it for the dressing.
For this amazing dressing you will need-
1 cup mayo
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cilantro
2 or 3 jalapeños
1 packet ranch dressing mix
2 large tomatillos
Put all ingredients into blender.

You'll never want plain ranch dressing again!

Caught on Camera! Mule Deer

You've probably already seen my deer photos but I got some more really nice ones today.  These Mule Deer aren't even afraid of my dog anymore.  

Mule Deer live mostly in the Western United States.  They can thrive in deserts and mountains. 

Male Mule Deer grow antlers through summer and fall and shed them in early spring.

Most female Mule Deer (pictured here) most often give birth to two fawns unless it is their first baby,
they only have one.
Notice all the leaves on my grape vine.

Now you see them, now you don't!   Mama deer showed her fawn right where the good stuff is.  I didn't want to scare this fawn away.  She was so small and she still has spots!
And my vine will recover just like it always does.

Stella de Oro Daylily

 Oooooooohhhhh......... I love this photo! 

 I planted Stella de Oro Daylilies

 in my front yard last year as a border. 

They are growing very well this year.  

 Isn't it funny they are still blooming? 

Stella de Oro daylily is a compact plant and early bloomer, reaching a height of just 12" with a similar spread. It blooms from May-July. (Except in my case!)  Its adaptability to a wide range of planting zones and conditions, makes it the most popular of the daylilies. The fragrant flowers are golden and trumpet-shaped. The foliage is also attractive, forming a dense clump that can function as a ground cover.  Zone hardy 3-9.

Our Moon

So I know this isn't quite the Harvest Moon but I wanted to see how well my camera would zoom in.  I was pretty impressed.  The Harvest Moon will actually rise on September 29, 2012.  I am looking forward to taking pictures of it.  Good thing I am practicing!

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I'm Back!

I must be the worst blogger ever.  I haven't done anything impressive with my garden or taken any cool photos.  Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things now that school is in.