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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Around the Yard

Hey everyone! One day of sunshine and we're back in the soup here in Philly, let's see what's blooming...

First, a little science experiment:
Katie at Le Beau Paon Victorien mentioned that her family dyes white peonies
by adding blue food coloring to the water, so I had to try it!
 
  Very pretty:@)
I used about 18 drops of blue and a cup of water, this is after 18 hours.
I think it's important to pick a bud that's just starting to open up like the one on the right.
I tried it earlier but the buds were too tight and while they did pick up the color they didn't open fully.
Red, White and Blue would be fun for Memorial Day!

I noticed something odd the other day, this is the fourth season these hot pink peonies have bloomed...
   
There's the single, then the Bowl of Beauty just beginning to open up. 

This year look what popped up in the same clump, I never saw this pom shaped one before!
It's been so wet that my peonies already have powdery mildew (or whatever it's called).

Both lavender plants are beginning to bloom.

My neighbor planted a few varieties of honeysuckle on the fence, 
quite invasive, but pretty when they bloom.
 Have a happy day!
I'm Joining:
Bloomin' Tuesday
This Week In My Garden
at

36 comments:

  1. DarlaMay 24, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    Don't you just love the little quirky garden experiments? Your flowers are really waking up now.

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  2. JenMay 24, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    All the flowers are beautiful! Pretty cool to know how to dye the peonies. We have soooo many honeysuckle vines in our yard, they take over everything! I think they are pretty & love their smell but hate that they are so invasive.

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  3. LaMay 24, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    Great photos, Lynn. Your flowers are so pretty. I can't wait to try the dye experiment myself.

    Have a great Day!

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  4. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to CookMay 24, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    That's a fun idea, pretty color!
    Your garden is really blooming so nicely, such a nice time of year!

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  5. Frog Hollow Farm GirlMay 24, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    Good morning from Frog Hollow Farm! Yes, one day of sunshine here as well - and it was glorious, wasn't it? Your flowers look so pretty - I guess everything will end up with some sort of mold with the weather we've been having - do you spray with anything? We always have to spray our zinnias for mold - I can find out what we use if you like. We always try to use something organically based whenever possible. Ciao, bella xxoo

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  6. AnonymousMay 24, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Peonies are just so fabulous looking... very elaborate dresses they wear!

    DI

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  7. Linda @ A La CarteMay 24, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Your peonies are so pretty and I love the food coloring blue one! It's so hot here in Atlanta now not much blooming.

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  8. DebbieMay 24, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Oh my goodness, those dyed blue peonies are just GORGEOUS. It's such a beautiful flower. It always to be like two flowers in one.

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  9. RosemaryMay 24, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Lovely peonies. Like the tip re dying white peonies.Wondering about any white flower could be worth a try.

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  10. AnonymousMay 24, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Hi Lynnie! Oh, look at all your pretty flowers! I wish I could grow peonies!
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  11. CathyMay 24, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    I've seen carnations dyed in various colors but never peonies. That is such a beautiful soft blue. I think I like it. Isn't it strange how an odd flower pops up every so often. Maybe its a mutant.

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  12. www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.comMay 24, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    I like that shade of blue! How pretty! Isn't if fun trying out new things? You always seem to come up with the most inventive things to try!

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  13. JeanneMay 24, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    Hi Lynn, thank you for your comment about our trip. We are ready to go.

    I once tried food coloring on a flower and it worked some. I will try your recipe. The blue is fabulous. I have no idea why your peony is so full this year. Funny what Mother nature does. Last fall my yellow iris were blooming like crazy. This spring they are not???

    I checked my rhubarb and it is looking good but it isn't ready yet. It is green and a bit red. We'll see. Smile.

    Until we are in Maine, I won't be on my computer. See you on the weekend.
    Hugs, Jeanne

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  14. Mary BergfeldMay 24, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    I love that kind of experiment. I do something similar with carnations for St. Patrick's Day. Your garden is coming along nicely. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  15. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiMay 24, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    Blue peonie's! Now that's unusual and pretty!

    Love the flag behind the dancing pigs :))

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  16. SavoringTime in the KitchenMay 24, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    I didn't know you could dye peonies! I'm going to try it when mine finally bloom - thanks for the tips. I love peonies!

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  17. LVMay 24, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    I never have seen so many peonies as this year. I love them. I must try to find me some. Yours are simply gorgeous.

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  18. Barbara F.May 24, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    Yeah, Lynn, thanks to Pat at Mille Fiori Favoriti I can leave a comment, but no photo! Oh well, I just wanted to say that I love your garden and I am so wanting to grow peonies in my yard. I guess that is what florists do to get colors not found naturally. Great tip. xo,

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  19. Sue-Someone's MomMay 24, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    I've done that with carnations, but never thought about doing it with my peonies! This is my third year trying to grow lavender. One plant survived from last year and I've added 2 more. I really want a field of lavender!

    Blogger won't let me sign in??? I'm having to back door my way in to comment.

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  20. JeanMay 24, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    I love it when something strange comes up! The blue peony is lovely. I've never seen it done before. Jean

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  21. RacquelMay 24, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    I've done that dye trick with Daisies but never tried it with Peonies. That's a fun experiment. :)

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  22. Sissie's Shabby CottageMay 24, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    Oh how I long for the peonies that I used to grow in the mountains of West Virginia. Here on the coast of North Carolina, where we now live, they will not grow. I do have hydrangeas, but I miss the peonies. That's a pretty neat process of turning them blue.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  23. no spring chickenMay 24, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Will you stop waving your gorgeous peonies in front of my nose!! I am so envious!

    Of course I've seen your science experiment done with carnations but I had no idea that it would work so well with peonies. Too cool.

    Blessings, Debbie

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  24. Lori EMay 24, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    A confused poppy for sure..am I single? Double? Bi? Be patient until it finds itself. Either that or hack off the mutants.

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  25. JessaMay 24, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    I am so glad for spring. Beautiful flowers you have! Love the blue-ing.

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  26. nickMay 25, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    As a scientist, it's nice to see home "experiments" !

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  27. RettabugMay 25, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    It WORKED!! How cool is that???

    Next year, I should have more white blooms to try this on. My white plant is new so not many blossoms this year.

    I remember when we used to do this with carnations waaaaaaay back in the olden days. LOVE that turquoise!!!

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  28. Mid-Atlantic MarthaMay 25, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    How very pretty your flowers are. Love the pretty honeysuckle. I may have to plant some on my ugly fence.

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  29. Candy @ The Little Round TableMay 25, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Love the dye experiment and such a beautiful color! And a peony that gives you a 3-on-1 is a real treat!

    Thanks so much for joining the party,
    Candy

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  30. bjMay 25, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    What pretty flowers you have, Lynn. I love these so much but it's too windy here for them to be pretty like yours.
    have a great day.
    xoxo bj

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  31. Susan FreemanMay 25, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    The peony tip is cool! Your garden looks lovely!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  32. From the KitchenMay 25, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    I'd completely forgotten about that dying process. Thanks for the reminder. Peonies are one of my most favorite flowers. My grandmother had a huge flower garden and in the center were many varieties. She always had big bouquets of them in the house. Such a lovely memory.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  33. DaphneMay 26, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    Love those hot pinks!

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  34. Diann @ The Thrifty GrooveMay 26, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    What a fun idea dying the flowers! I never thought to do that.

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  35. Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorienMay 30, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Thanks for the shout out! I'm glad it worked for you! Isn't it fun to do something fun like that? I had tried other colors in the past, but the blue was the only thing that worked well.
    :-)

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  36. Liz @ Sit With Me In My GardenJune 15, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Wow I didn't know you could get peonies to change color like that! I've done it with Queen Anne's Lace but that's it. I've never seen mildew on Peonies...but it looks like the flowers are going to be just fine! The one you called a pom type flower is how mine looks. Mine are just starting to open up.

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Thank you for stopping by-enjoy your day!