Fetid, Foetida….you see where this going?  Yes, F is Foetida and it means that the plant stinks in the literal plug your nose sort of  way.

But I find that it is rarely that off-putting….and I happily plant Iris Foetida and Hellebore Foetida, and I am inspired to learn more about Orobanche foetida (because it looks so cool).

What foetida plants do you stinkily enjoy?

Here are few more ideas on my F is Foetida Pinterest Board.

Image of Japanese Serissa Tree (Serissa foetida Variegata) from Ebay.

I’m taking all sorts of inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wrights ‘Ennis House’ that resides in the Santa Monica mountains but I am not sure I could live with the place.

“You see,” writes Frank Lloyd Wright in his 1924 letter to the Ennises, “the final result is going to stand on that hill a hundred years or more. Long after we are all gone, it will be pointed out as the Ennis House and pilgrimages will be made to it by lovers of the beautiful from everywhere.”

Right, and it still stands (after 6.5 million concrete restoration project) — but I kind of feel like it has a face only a mother can love.  What you love about it?  I am fond of the extreme use of anything to gain a unique design point (in this case concrete).  I also love the decorative manipulation of the material.  And the way it sits on the land is completely enviable.  But to live there, I think I might feel like I was living in a tomb….and that it might crush me. What do you say? Love it, hate it, or take it for what it is?

If you think you might be able to be it’s mother…it is on the market…at an easy $15 mil….and with the knowledge that it needs another $10 mil in renovations.

Images from Arch Record and Unique Homes. 

We’ve discussed the the lawn replacement (I still have no resolution on that) and now I think we need to discuss the mower.

We got a new one after the old craigslist ride-on decided to not turn on this spring (along with 4 flat tires, I’m done fixing it)
Getting a new ride-on mower is a little like getting a new car — except that the first drive immediately dismisses any sense that the thing is new… goodbye ‘new mower smell’….you are now covered in dust and grass clipping forever more.

The new mower has presented a few problems….first…it is wider and now does not fit down the cobble path that allows access to the back garden. I tried and now I am going to be constantly reminded of the disaster – the ‘just out of the ground’ (and not yet unfurled) hosta leaves are going to be misshapen all season since I cut the tips off. (Damn!)  (I’m hoping that maybe, since the cut was so clean, I might be able to salvage some use for them….like in these floral arrangements? fingers crossed)

But the issue gave me a new idea….to cut a new grassy mower path through the flower bed that I have had a constant issue with. Basically the bed is odd shaped, too deep, and full of junk (ditch lilies, monkshood that rarely blooms, and bee balm that has gone wild) — and it is underneath the annual snow plow pile….so every spring it a right mess. I’m working on it now…I can’t wait to share before and after pictures with you.

But until then….maybe you might want to enjoy the great article that the picture above came from about ‘No Mow’ grass. (and then you don’t need to worry about mowing!)

Also — I am using my trusty old hose to lay out the path of the path….do you use hoses like this? I do all the time…hoses are great for drawing temporary and adjustable lines on the ground. But I thought that this article about alternative uses for the garden hose was also handy.

images from for wild and  myhomeideas.com via Hostess Jo

I am spending this weekend in the garden (if that bitter wind would just stop!).  There is a mountain of compost/mulch (a 50/50 mix) on my driveway that I mindlessly threaten to hit with my car every time I pull out of the garage.   It needs to be spread and it’s going to take a while– a whole days work of weeding and spreading barely got me through a quarter of it.

• So last night my hubs and I checked out a new band…Air Traffic Controller…they are the current music obsession and well worth checking out.
• I can’t wait to see the new Domino magazine!
• I’ve got party plans on the horizon….think these would be so fun! ~ Flower Party Poppers
• I’m still be-fuddled about what to replace my dead lawn with..looking for inspiration in these Lawn free garden ideas
• I’m curious if you have a favorite persimmon?  Wanting to plant one, not sure which.
• Planters, in a rainbow of fruit flavors!
• For fashion, or for gardening…I like so many of these hair in my face problem solvers.
• Oh, yeah– I just found my 2012 summer shoes…

have a great Sunday….

image of Air Traffic Controller from Iceland Naturally.

Every year, I try out things in my garden that I have no idea what will come of them….as I potter around my garden I see the remnants of last years experiments and I am pondering what will be this years projects.  (I am thinking of trying to propagate my favorite hydrangea by cutting, among other things).

Last year, on a whim, I bought a lemon grass plant.  A complete $3 impulse buy, I was armed with no knowledge of growing this thing and only the fond memories of Thai Coconut martinis and a legendary party where homemade lemongrass syrup was a key ingredient.

I slapped it in the ground and did nothing (absolutely), only to be rewarded with a giant beautiful bounty of grassy stalks.  I didn’t even bother to check it was hardy.  This spring, I am discovering that it is not….but I don’t care,  I am spending the $3 x6 at least this year.  Or if I happen to see it fresh at the grocer first, I will try and root the stalks (I have read it is quite happy to throw out roots and thrive).

Nothing bothered this thing and it grew to enormous proportions in a single season.   So this years plan….put it in lots of containers.  Why? — because it is easy, cheap, beautiful, and edible….and capping off the sweep — it repels mosquitoes.

We are calling this experiment a winner!

What are you trying out this year?  As I evolve the rest of my seasonal experiments….I will share my results and I hope you will too. 

image from metafro

My husband and I have been day dreaming about turning our lower and unused three stall horse barn into some sort of fun summer house.  It seems like a big challenge that is very far down of the ‘to do’ list….but is nonetheless fun to dream about….

Somewhat along the same lines, I am intrigued by this Fire Truck conversion for additional guest accommodations at the Inshriach House in Northern Scotland.

And I thought my mini barn would be a trick….this gives me so many ideas.

found via and images from Design Mom.