Desert Horses

Welcome to my horse blog, Desert Horses. We live in the desert southwest, near Palm Springs, CA, but board our horses up in our local mountains where it is cooler in the summer. I have 4 horses, all rescues. Here is the ranch up the mountains where the horses stay.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Hollyhocks and sunflowers~My flowers at home











I have tried to have a flower garden at my house for over 30 years, but it wasn't until our son installed a 100 foot chain link fence last spring (to keep the dogs from running all over the yard) that I was able to grow the sweet peas and other flowers that I've desired. So, last December, I soaked my sweet peas overnight and they surprised me by sprouting immediately and growing to over 7 feet tall! They have done very well in this sunny location and I've picked many of them for bouquets. Unfortunately, the 100 degree days have finally zapped them and they are going to seed. I also planted some hollyhock seeds at the same time and they, too, immediately sprouted. They are now starting to open up and bloom. Aren't they pretty? This is the first time I have EVER successfully grown them and I am enjoying watching them open. I planted some leftover sunflower seeds and they, too have sprouted and grown. I'll have to think and plan what I want to grow there next year. The summer heat will take its toll on everything growing there now except for the sunflowers. I'll rip out my sweet peas this weekend and think about what to plant in their place. I seem to have recovered from my headache/flu, although I now have a runny nose, so I'll drive up to see the horses this afternoon.

2 comments:

Nuzzling Muzzles said...

Sunflowers and Hollyhocks are my favorites. I planted some Hollyhocks years ago, but was never able to get them to bloom. All I get are green stalks.

Terri said...

Hope u are feeling better!! love the flowers! While I have been blessed with a way with animals, I have a black thumb! I envy anyone who can grow anything!

Come see new blog!! Turned out great!