The Monarch Has Landed!

July 20, 2016July 20, 2016Leave a comment

Today, I continue the wait for news. I worry some, and know that my daylilies will pull me back into the moment. I step outside, with camera in hand (and a queezy stomach) to admire my days blooms. I work it from the porch to the west edge of the walkway garden. Then out to check some of my pots and the xeriscaped area before going out to check on my Southwest named Ned Roberts garden. I am almost done, but decide to stop for one more shot of South Seas next to Primal Scream. Routine.

And, then, I spot it . . . a large Monarch butterfly on Thin Man. I quickly take my PowerShot out of close-up mode and attempt to focus on the distant flower. The Monarch was flower-hopping. From one to the next. I got a few good shots . . . in others, she seemed intent in hiding from me. Here are my favorites.

Monarch on an old Orange Vols bloom – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

Monarch in the South Seas – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

Monarch on the Orange Vols – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

The only new bloom for 2016 today is Baja. For some reason, this is one of my favorites each year.

Baja – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C Hartt

Of note, my other Primal Scream bloomed. The one that was labeled Primal Scream (and not Desert Flame). This was one of my <$5 fall sale daylilies. It struggled with insects when I planted it. I was unsure if it would come back in the spring, let alone bloom. But, her it is. The bloom is smaller than on the new nursery-bought plant that I thought was Desert Flame. But it is a different location and year one for a smaller fan. What do you think, same flower? (Today’s bloom is on the left.)

Today’s collage is by garden area. The top blooms are in my walkway garden. The middle ones are in the xeriscaped area of my front lawn. And, the last ones are in my Southwest named daylily (mostly Ned Roberts) to the West of my house. Sadly, I believe we have seen the last Ruby Spider for the year 😦

From L to R: Top Row: Mini Pearl, Chorus Line, Prelude to Love, Primal Scream. Second Row – Baja, South Seas, Thin Man. Third Row – Indian Love Call, Lady Fingers, Fooled Me. Bottom Row – Dream Catcher, Zuni Thunderbird, Aztec Firebird.

I wonder what blooms today’s monsoon will bring tomorrow? Hopefully blooms of news!

The Rainy Season (Monsoons!)

July 19, 2016July 19, 2016Leave a comment

Yesterday, I believe we got our first monsoon of the year. They are a couple weeks late – and I have missed the cooling off effect that they bring to the evening. I am curious to see how the this impacts the blooming.

Today brought 19 cultivators. Two are new – and I mean new, new. They have not bloomed here before; both were added last fall. The first one represents my granddaughter, Maia, in the family section. Her name is Mayan Poppy. I love the pastel colors.

Mayan Poppy – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

The other one was a small one fan gift plant that I wasn’t sure would make it. And, if it did, I did not anticipate blooms this year. This is Heavenly Curls. As a nurse-midwife, I look at some of these and wonder how they ever bloom without a c-section.

Heavenly Curles – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

The collage today was kind of fun. I paired like-looking flowers. Some were closer matches than others. Gives it a different look.

From L to R: Top Row – Zuni Thunderbird, Ruby Spider, Aztec Firebird, Dream Catcher, Pick of the Litter, Mayan Poppy. Second Row – Return A Smile, Stephanie Returns, Lullaby Baby, Isaac, Mildred Mitchell, Purple De Oro, “Montrose Sunset” (unknown), South Seas. Bottom Row – Inwood, Blackthorne, Heavenly Curls, Indian Love Call, Soco Gap.

Still no news. Thank heaven for my garden. I believe that brings me to 53 blooms for the year. I may just make that mid-60s (50%) goal. Some of my later bloomers are getting scapes! Yea!!!

The Long and the Short of it

July 18, 2016July 18, 2016Leave a comment

Today, when I walked outside for the first time, my garden smiled at me. At first, I thought I wouldn’t have many blooms. But, 15 or so cultivators is good. I’m a bit on-edge today, waiting for some news. I love the garden because it causes me to live in the moment.

So, some new faces today. One of the new Ned Roberts spiders that I put in last fall joined the others that have bloomed in the new garden. This is Dream Catcher – a sibling to Dream Keeper, which was one of my earliest bloomers.

Dream Catcher – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

And a much more traditional bloom reappeared for the first time in 2016 – Fooled Me.

Fooled Me – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

Both are gorgeous orange colors, but the shapes are so different. Daylilies are like dogs . . . there are long ones and short ones. But, a dog is always a dog.

Another one I am highlighting today is Inwood. Her first bloom was so misshapen that it was almost unrecognizable. She only put out one scape, so savor and move her to more light. Today’s blossom was perfect!

Inwood – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

Oh, and I wanted to feature a couple of triplets: Blue Beat and South Seas. I have mixed opinion on seeing more than one bud get used up in a day, but they are pretty in the moment.

Blue Beat – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

South Seas – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

And, the collage for today features the spiders at the top. Just look at all the variety of shape and color. Cheaper than therapy, and they smell good!

From L to R: Top Row – Aztec Firebird, Dream Catcher, Ruby Spider, Lady Fingeres. Middle Row – Blue Beat, Early Bird Cardinal, Indian Love Call, Inwood, Mesa Verde. Bottom Row – Prairie Blue Eyes, Soco Gap, Mini Pearl, South Seas.

And, the Peak Goes On! (In Colorado)

July 17, 2016July 17, 2016Leave a comment

I walked out the door to over twice as many blooms as yesterday. Twenty-one! So, we are continuing to climb to the apex of the season. Interesting that in this bouquet that there are no new cultivators. So, what to talk about? Perhaps what the sun does to color in daylilies. I am no hybridizer, but I was a printer at one point much earlier in my life. I learned about color then . . . additive and subtractive.

It is my understanding that daylilies don’t have genes to make blue. So, the near blue flowers are a mosaic. Additive color is what I use when I paint my blooms. It is easy compared to subtractive color . . . which is done with light and filters. If I was issuing a somewhat educated guess, I would say this must be a subtractive process.

So, here is my stunning Blue Beat before the rays of sun hit it directly:

Blue Beat – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

And here it is just 5-10 minutes later, as the first rays of sun found its pedals: ( It shifts from blue, green, and light pink to peach, yellow, and purple). I would love to hear a hybridizer’s take on this!

Blue Beat – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

I had a lot of cool spiders today – Ruby Spider, Thin Man, Aztec Firebird, Zuni Thunderbird, and Desert Icicle. Here is one with Ruby and the Thin Man.

Ruby Spider with Thin Man in the distance – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

Also, three out of five in my family garden are blooming today: Here are all three: Isaac (grandson), Mini Pearl (Minnie Pearl – grandma), and Stephanie (daughter). The colors are nice together. Maya Poppy (for granddaughter, Maia) is going to blend right in. Hopefully, soon. Catherine Irene, momma’s namesake, looks like it is waiting for now.

All in the Family from L to R: Isaac, Mini Pearl, and Stephanie Returns – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

So, here are today’s 21. Busiest day of 2016 so far. At least until I start trying to paint all of these for Christmas presents! Oh, help!

In alphabetical order from L to R: Top Row – Aztec Firebird, Blue Beat, Desert Icicle, Early Bird Cardinal, Isaac. Row Two – Lady Fingers, Mesa Verde, Mini Pearl, Pick of the Litter, Prelude to Love, Purple de Oro. Row Three – Razzamatazz, Return a Smile, Route 66, Ruby Spider, Soco Gap, South Seas. Bottom Row – Stephanie Returns, Thin Man, VooDoo Dancer and Zuni Thunderbird.

So, I am ready for a nap!

Twin Firebirds

July 16, 2016July 16, 2016Leave a comment

Today was much less overwhelming than peak day yesterday. Every bloom was a return. However, the bloom(s) that caught my eye were twin Aztec Firebirds. There is something about two blooms together, facing the same direction. They look like dancers.

Aztec Firebird – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

The name brings to mind Aztec Ruins, an Anasazi site close by in the Four Corners. I need to superimpose these blooms on the ruins picture from my spring Southwest road trip this spring. They are awesome ruins, just like the blooms.

Aztec Ruins National Monument – Photo by C. Hartt

Since I have no new blooms, I will highlight a couple of other Ned Roberts spiders in bloom today. Desert Icicle is a beautiful bloom.

Desert Icicle – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

And, poor Zuni Thunderbird was invaded by thrips and looks like it has reverse measles. I did some photo touching with it to make it presentable. One thing about having over a hundred cultivators – you begin to learn the work of farming daylilies.

Zuni Thunderbird in enamel – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

So, here is the collage for today. Some really nice blooms, all in all.

Left to Right: Top Row – Just Plum Happy, South Seas, Desert Icicle, Lady Fingers. Row Two: Chorus Line, Ruby Spider, Soco Gap, Lullaby Baby. Bottom Row: Purple de Oro, Aztec Firebird, Zuni Thunderbird.

Climbing to the Peak of Daylily Color

July 15, 2016July 15, 2016Leave a comment

If yesterday was a little quiet (for July) in my garden, today was a bit overwhelming. There were several new faces.

Thin Man bloomed for the first time ever – the biggest bloom (12 inches) in my garden.

Thin Man – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

One of my Ned Roberts Southwest spiders also showed his colors for the first time ever in my yard. Meet Aztec Firebird.

Aztec Firebird – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

And, a nice little addition called Pick of the Litter was also a first-time in my yard bloomer today. Funny, this was a gift plant and I don’t remember the plant it came with – or if that plant has bloomed.

Pick of the Litter – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

First blooms for 2016 in my existing daylilies included one that I don’t have a name for – so I decided to call it Montrose Sunset. I picked this up when I xeriscaped a few years ago . . . before I was a true hobbiest. And, I cannot find the name but I like the bloom a lot.

??? “Montrose Sunset” – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

Prelude to Love is a pretty dark red/purple bloom that reappears each year, as well.

Prelude to Love – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

Strutter’s Ball is one I added last year and (like its neighbors, Inwood and Funny Valentine) it is astruggling to produce blooms this year. I decided today that when my blues finish blooming in a week or two, I will switch their locations and see what happens. The issue, I believe, is figuring out which pots the sprinkler system over-waters, and which it under-waters. And, then, balancing that.

Strutter’s Ball – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

Cheddar Cheese, aptly, lives near my outdoor grill and is back to top-off our hamburgers.

Cheddar Cheese – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

Blackthorn is one I put in last year – I really like this bloom!

Blackthorne – Photo by Colorado Kid Daylilies – C. Hartt

And, here is today’s collage. I tried to put this is semi-rainbow order. It is a lot of color, for sure. The peak has come to this yard on the Colorado Plateau.

From L to R: Top Row: Route 66, ? “Montrose Sunset”, Isaac, Mildred Mitchell, Razzamatazz, Prelude to Love. Row Two: Indian Love Call, Soco Gap, Aztec Firebird, Lady Fingers, Purple De Oro, Strutters Ball. Row Three: Early Bird Cardinal, Thin Man, Cheddar Cheese, (Lady Fingers), Blackthorn, VooDoo Dancer. Bottom Row: Stephanie Returns, Pick of the Litter and Return a Smile.

Hey, folks, that is eight new blooms in the yard today. That puts me at circa 45 different blooms this year. (That means about 90 have not bloomed – but many are year ones or small year twos.) I only need 20+ more to hit 50%. I have a lot of scapes – so maybe . . . stay tuned.

Mystery in the Daylily Garden

June 22, 2016June 22, 2016Leave a comment

So, the first blooms are appearing in my brand new Ned Roberts (mostly) daylily garden. And, today a plant clearly labeled as Chief Four Fingers bloomed. Beautiful bloom . . . but it doesn’t look like Chief Four Fingers. The label is from the grower, so I am guessing they were busy. I don’t care too much other than hoping it is in the right row for its height. So, here is the bloom from today:

And here is what Chief Four Fingers photo looks like (note the petal count discrepancy):

And here are the other ones ordered from that grower with that order:

Mount Echo Sunrise

Purple Many Faces

Aztec Firebird

So, any guesses? My own thought is Purple Many Faces. I guess we will see what the one labeled as such looks like when it blooms. And, PS, I mean nothing negative against the grower. These are the probably the best blooming sized plants that I get from any grower. It is just sort of funny and hopefully the Chief shows up this summer.

Also making an appearance in the front garden is Early Bird Cardinal. This one blooms early and is a repeat bloomer. The show has just begun. I think Ruby Spider is getting ready to hatch! Those are the biggest, most colorful blooms in my garden . . . and I divided my main plant into three last fall. So, I should have plenty of color soon! I also think Hopi Jewel is due soon. And, if Electric Lizard is strong enough now, I think there will be a new bloom there soon. She dropped her last buds so fingers crossed that she is growing stronger. Ta Ta Til Blooms.

Colorado Kid Daylilies

A Blog About My Western Colorado Daylily Adventure

Tag: Aztec Firebird

The Monarch Has Landed!

The Rainy Season (Monsoons!)

The Long and the Short of it

And, the Peak Goes On! (In Colorado)

Twin Firebirds

Climbing to the Peak of Daylily Color

Mystery in the Daylily Garden