Then and Now

August is near its end; it's a good time to browse though my garden photo collection to view the changes that happened in my garden. I share with you some of the result of this summer's incredible record precipitation, along with persistent weeding and cultivation, and ongoing battle with the mosquitoes who love the moisture as much as my plants!

Then: Here is my front perennial garden planted in the Fall 2007. This picture was taken on May 19, 2008.














Now:This photo, a south-facing garden, was taken today. It is a sunny day so the colors are a bit washed out despite much editing. The annuals: pink & white cosmos, golden yellow annual rudbeckia, dazzling fuscia zinnias, delicate pink and white cleome. What the photo doesn't show is the variety of textures and shades of green and gray-green.









Then: My Spring garden as taken on May 19, 2008. The foundation plants (evergreen) and the iris came with the house. The bits of green growth are the perennials planted from last fall.










Now: The self-seeding Impatiens balsamina came with the house as well and they are great for filling in any extra space in the flower bed. They come in as pale pink, dark pink, red and dark purple so they blend well with the rest. This salvia 'May Night', which has become one of my favorites, has been flowering all summer although the spikes are not as showy as the first blooms. The yellow marigolds in the foreground and the yellow bidens to the left of the photo complements the dark purple of the salvia.

All corners of the backyard garden have been providing me a glimpse of panoramic colors which I hope will enlarge as the years go by. Also, it's been a delight to see the veggies survive despite the constant onslaught of snails, slugs and whatever bugs that decide to feast on them.

Now: From left to right, Heliopsis (false sunflower), pink Coreopsis, Rudbeckia hirta (black eyed susan), Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush), Delicata squash, Heliopsis,Coreopsis, Zinnias, Buddleja, Rudbeckia, Heliopsis, Physotegia (obedient plant), 'Sprite' Astilbe, 'Pumila' Astilbe, Helianthus annus (sunflower), Roma tomatoes.

Sunflowers - finally!

After being away for about 5 days (wedding/reunion in Minnesota), I came home with a surprise: my sunflowers (Helianthus annus) are in bloom! (Well, OK, I only have 2 blooms).

About 4 months ago, I joined San Francisco State University's "The Great Sunflower Project". Please click on this link as it explains the project without me repeating the information.

While the warmer climes had been submitting data since April, I can finally start submitting. There are certain criteria to follow so I just need that window of opportunity to do the bee counting. Yeah!

For my gardener friends, you may want to consider joining this project next year or please let others know about it.

Minneapolis Family Reunion

The Soriano-Asuncion reunion was prompted by the wedding of my cousin's son in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The wedding was on August 9,2008; the celebrants: Ed and Kellie. The day was auspicious: clear, sunny weather, impeccable wedding ceremony and the reception at the bride's parents' home went smoothly as well.

The common denominator between the Soriano and the Asuncion families is on the maternal side: our mothers are sisters. The Sorianos are as spread apart as we are (Asuncions): 2 siblings from California, one from Washington state, and another from British Columbia.



This ratio is reversed in my family. While I am the only one in Brantford, my parents, a sister (Mayette) and brother Jonas with his family live in London,ON; my oldest brother (Marvin) & his family live in Woodhaven, Michigan, and a sister (Chalkie) live in Toronto.

The reception was held at the Brandt's (the bride's family home): Beautiful gardens, well-decorated and well- coordinated tables and delicious spread followed by dancing music.

Butler Reunion 2008

A marriage can bring in four different family ties: the bride's maternal & paternal family ties and the groom's maternal & paternal family ties.

Last July, we attended a family reunion on my paternal side. Today brought together the Butler side of the family-Bob's maternal ties.

It was held at Bob's cousin Ted & his wife Frances' farmstead in Thorndale which they have generously shared in the past.

As usual, the food fare was generous & delicious! The "catching up" was certainly stimulating for me as I struggle to remember everybody's names (especially the children's as they grow up quickly in a year). The children were entertained with Uncle Lloyd's Gator, a John Deere utility vehicle, and Uncle Bill's two-men water balloon slingshot (see last picture frame). The latter had always been popular among the young and old.

Next week: yet another reunion on my mother's side.