Pretty in Purple - A Walk Around the Neighborhood Looking for Color

Whether you work from home or in an office or are a homemaker it's really important to take a break every morning. My favorite morning break is a walk around my neighborhood to get some fresh air and light exercise. The neighborhood is large enough that I have choices about where to go and how long I want to walk. But it's not so large that as I get lost in thought it takes me an hour to walk home. Which has happened when I've drifted out of the neighborhood.

I always have my phone handy so that I can take photos here and there. Earlier this week I was on a quest to find various tones of a specific color - purple. And, in one short 15 minute walk I found five beautiful flowers. I don't know what they all are. For sure I photographed a sedum, lilirope and hydrangea. The others I can't identify. But they are all quite pretty.

Next time you're out for a walk or hike play a color game. See how many plants you can find of a certain color. If you are focused on finding color you will see more than you expect. Our world is chock full of amazing colors. You just have to see them!

Artist Profile - Andy Goldsworthy

Are you an avid hiker, naturalist or just like to sit out on in the fresh air? Or do you simply enjoy beautiful sights? Of course, beauty can be found just about anywhere. Because I am lucky to live in a wooded community I am treated to a daily concert of sights and sounds and no day is the same. The Artist Andy Goldsworthy Source: Kidzworld.com As someone who has always enjoyed nature and art I was thrilled to discover the art of Andy Goldsworthy. Although I've known his work since the mid-nineties he never ceases to enchant me. If you don't know who he is, prepare to be amazed. Goldsworthy is a man who enjoys the colors and textures of nature and presents them in a way you likely have never seen before. And, you don't have to be a nature-lover to appreciate his art. Rowan Leaves & Hole Source: Morning-Earth.org Goldsworthy is considered a pre-eminent "Earthworks" artist. This trend in art-making was popularized in the 1980s and 9...

Planting Fall Bulbs

There are many advantages to planting flowering bulbs in the fall. First, most bulbs are perennials . So, once you plant the bulbs they should return year after year. Also, you can plant the bulbs on a cool autumn afternoon, wait until spring or summer and enjoy. None of the heavy lifting involved with digging holes for potted plants. Fall is the best time of year to plant bulbs, before the ground freezes . Depending on where you live that could be anywhere from early October to mid November. I visited the Farmer's Almanac website and found these great tips for planting bulbs ( http://www.almanac.com/content/fall-bulb-planting-spring-blooms ). Select high quality bulbs. Cheap bulbs will likely disappoint. Larger bulbs will usually provide a larger bloom. Weed the area where you plan to put your bulbs. Plant soon after purchase. Plant your bulbs in a sunny spot. In the ground or in a planter. Either is fine. Be sure the soil drains well. Pl...

Fall Blooming Perennials

Think it's too late to garden this year? Not so! It's a great time to plant for fall color. No matter where you live there are some plants that enjoy - even need - cooler weather. And they reward you with pretty blooms starting in September with many lasting weeks and weeks. There are some high-maintenance varieties - requiring staking and pruning all summer and fall. This is not what Summer Casual is all about. We are all avid gardeners and know many very pretty varieties that are low-maintenance from spring through fall and will return beautifully year after year. The three we recommend are sure to please and easy to find at your local nursery. 1. The Hardy Mum - Zones 4-9 This plant has loads of choice for colorful blooms - yellow, orange, red, purple as well as variegated colors. With regular watering these plants grow nice and bushy with loads of flowers. They grow very well in pots and so are suited for small or large spaces. Because of their tolerance of the cold...

Crafty In Cobb

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