Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Faire Heat

I had read a headline online, "Record Heat Grips Southern States" and heard some grumbling from Florida, but that was not going to deter me from leaving the cool mountain highlands for a trip down to the low valleys of Tennessee. I put on shorts for the first time of the season, packed a cooler with liquids and made good on a rendezvous with the sweet and generous Frances of Fairegarden, Tennessee.

It was indeed sunny and warm. Not the best light for picture taking of gardens or of a welcoming front entrance. Not that I entered this way as a guest. Instead I was taken round back and through the corridor of the "revenge on the tall people" and the gardener's rear entrance.



Of course I had to admire the stacked rock facade. Just look at all those uniform flat rocks. Straight edged rocks, what a concept.



The heat was on and the garden was bursting with life. When I first stepped out of my truck, I was greeted by the sweet fragrance of dozens of blooming lilies.



This deep port red one in the black garden caught my eye.



What is this? A purple aster blooming in the summer. Frances told me it was a New England Aster and it would re-bloom in the fall. Some of that would be nice in the sunny utility meadows. It does not look like any of our fall blooming blue asters or what I call the New England Aster here. Aster confusion is typical.



A nice cool spot in the shade of the tall pines with 'Annabelle' hydrangeas in full bloom.



Even the juxtaposition of the fiery daylilies against the cool white couldn't break up the shady cool and calm feeling in this corner.



At the end of a day that passed rather quickly, we gabbed quite a bit about many important things, we posed and hoped for the best. I had gotten a bit sweaty gathering and unloading a few things.


(Photo by the Financier)

Back home on the cool mountain top, a well had apparently been drilled as deep as it needed to go. The next disturbing process is to run the water and electric lines all the way down to the cabin.



Buckets filled with all kind of choice plants were also brought back to the cool high mountains. Fairegarden is a true smorgasbord and the head gardener generous to a fault.



More on them later, since I spent the day planting most of them and starting the repair and cleanup of the flower bed the new well took out.

15 comments:

Pam/Digging said...

It's wonderful to see the visits and sharing between you and the Fairgardener. So you're in NC and she's in TN. How far a drive is it?

Christopher C. NC said...

Pam, depending on the traffic through Knoxville it is a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive. It is nice to see in person another blogger's garden. You get a real feel for the place that pictures often can't convey.

Unknown said...

Still handsome as ever...my oh my two years have gone by fast!

Frances said...

Dear Christopher, you are a welcome and gracious guest. We do hope you return many times, and maybe next time you will let me fill that truck bed with plants. It was rather hot, even for us lowlanders.
Frances

Lisa at Greenbow said...

You lucky duck, getting to visit Frances in her garden. It is good to see you both.

Rose said...

I just read Frances' post on your visit, and it was nice to see your take on it. As many photos as I've seen of her garden, yours show some parts I've never seen before. Looks like a great day, not to mention a productive one with all the plants you brought home. Of course, I liked those big rocks, too! A new well and buried power lines? Sounds like you will be busy planting for some time.

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

That's a long drive indeed--but worth it for the rest of us who got to enjoy your reunion and garden photos!

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

I am visiting from Frances' blog. "Revenge on the tall people"?? Will have to compliment Frances. :D Being 5'2" with a
6'3" husband I get some short jokes a good bit...we less tall folks need to take revenge at any opportunity.
Will explore around on your blog and see your gardens.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

It was fun reading about the visit from both of you.

lola said...

It's great you took some time to visit. You both look great. It's nice to meet another gardener.
You have some really nice plants as gifts. I know they will be greatly enjoyed.

Siria said...

Hi Christopher! It's so nice that you got to visit Faire Garden, Frances and the Financier. I know you all had a great day! What a special garden to visit too!

Christopher C. NC said...

Nalani, you are so sweet. I feel like a wrinkled old prune. I've been reading a book about Kauai and the Tropical Botanical Garden before bed and dreaming about leaving Maui. Some repressed feelings in there, but we know we don't like to feel things. Two years. Good thing I stay busy.

Frances, you are generous enough. Perhaps when my garden is more civilized I can gather more booty.

Lisa, it was a fun trip. I don't even mind the drive since it is all new to me.

Rose, I have years of garden installation work ahead of me. It is the cobbler's children syndrome.

Daffodil Planter it was very worth the drive.

Janet there is a main path below a deck off the back of the garage for people below about 5'8". Hope you enjoy your visit at OutsideClyde.

Hi Sue. It was a fun visit. We could have talked even more.

Yes Lola, the plants will find good useful home in my mountain top garden.

Siria, it felt right that I visit Fairegarden since Frances and company have been here twice.

Gail said...

Christopher, You've described our gardening friend beautifully! She is generous and kind....and a first rate gardener!

It's exciting to watch your progress or is it now 'progmess' as you clean up after the big dig?

gail

Rebecca said...

My brother lives in Bryson City on "Hospital Hill"....are you familiar with the town? I'll have to get a map out to find Clyde. B.C. is one of our favorite places on earth!

I'll be back to visit your blog frequently. You're welcome at my sceneinourgarden anytime!

chuck b. said...

What a treat--cool stuff! How nice to have Faire friends