Welcome!

I’m Dee Nash, a native Oklahoman, and I’ve gardened here since my teens. I know from personal experience how challenging our prairie climate can be.
But my blog isn’t just for Oklahomans. Gardening can be challenging in other climates too. So, I share how to garden wherever you grow.
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Hey there! I’ve moved my blog to Substack. You can find the archives below and CLICK HERE to visit my Substack.
Attracting butteflies to the garden
This summer, although of late hotter than the Sahara, has still been a good one for butterflies. I've been planting for these winged acrobats for most of my garden life, but I think this might be the best year ever. I attribute that to several things. Butterflies don't just appear with the tap of a magic wand. They require a few simple accommodations. They like a big, packed garden full of diversity. They also like their home to be a messy one. Nectar plants are important, but like most creatures, they want good schools for their children. No, wait, I'm kidding. No schools, but they do require good food and shelter for their offspring. So, larval plants are as important as nectar sources. This year, trying to attract the swallowtail group, I worked very hard to have plenty of herbs like parsley, dill and fennel. I bought plants of each...
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Wordless Wednesday: Sleepy bumble
Wonder if she is a teenager like mine? If so, she is very, very tired. When did you last pet a snoozing bumblebee? Well, that's too long. Get out while it's cool and give one a little stroke. It will make you glad you woke up this morning. It will. Trust me.
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Dear Friends and Gardeners, August 9, 2010
Dear Carol, Mary Ann and everyone else, If you live in the continental U.S. (and not on the left or right coasts), I have two words for you, "Don't despair." I know, it's hot and not going to cool down anytime soon, but if we just hang in there for a month and a half, our world will be seasonable again. I hope. Hey, you there, on the greenhouse roof, don't jump! Everything will look brighter, 'er cooler in a week or so. In fact, next week is supposed to be in the low 90s. Mid-September, all this heat will be past, and we'll celebrate a second spring. Until then, just water the containers at least once a day, and perhaps move them (except for sedums and agave type plants) in a bit of shade. Keep the garden and grass watered too, and we'll meet back here later. I water...
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Jealous roses sing the blues
"Where have you been," says 'Sophy's Rose' as I bend over her to drag out some weeds. I feel guilt wash over me. "I've been busy." I try not to look at her, but she clutches at me with her prickles so that I have to remove them one by one. Roses beckon with their beautiful faces, but they never want to let go. I continue weeding and try to ignore her. "It's been over two months since you've come by. You've been out with Susan again haven't you? Or, is it Becky this time?" I jump back in surprise and snag myself. Dang it. 'Sophy's Rose' is too smart for her own good. She's referring to Rudbeckia fulgia 'Goldsturm', black-eyed Susan. Becky is Leucanthemum × superbum 'Becky', a shasta daisy cultivar whose sunny personality helps carry the garden through the long, hot summer. "You think we don't see you,...
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