#stone crop sedum

[cedar-glade]

Along the Little Miami Inbetween hamilton and clermont co is a section that maintains conglomerate mudstone layer and a lot of mud banks close enough to mudflats that you still get some classic mudflat species and riparian gravel bar species.

The first is the winged monkey flower(Mimulus alatus) , known for winged squared of stems, though since Ohio gets both, if you need to collect seeds for bioswale forbes and want to differentiate them when the stem is brown, the peduncle, aka main stem that holds/bares a flower or a fruit attached to the stem, is almost sessile or near sessile, aka still there but close to not existing where as Allegheny is elongate.

a gravel bar species requiring full sun is Hibiscus moscheutos or the swamp rose mallow, it's about as common as our other native Hibiscus laevis or the halberd leafed mallow; this species pictured has more common smaller colonies with pink flowers on average with what most assume as a non deeply lobed leaf differing from a halberd lobed white flower with taller plants on average and larger colonies.

Wouldn't be a good gravel bar without falls redest sedum, Ditch stone crop! or is it a sedum really???, while we used to assume based on morphological features it is no longer placed in the genera Sedum and is Penthorum sedoides a non succulent water loving species that actually has found it's self as a member of the saxifrage order. It is one of two species that I know of in the genera, and is associated with it's own family as of now. It is also the only member of the genus within the United States. Side note: As a member or the saxifrage order I don't even know if this species utilizes CAM to be honest and it wouldnt benefit it if you think about it.

Lindernia dubia

false pimpernel

Associated with the mudflats, it's funny because people call this and many others the mudflat ephemerals because they are brief and seasonal inbetween flood stages. These always look like a monkey flower at first glance before you know the species.

Eclipta prostrata

Mudflat false daisy, a riparian and swale species but also very common on mudflats.

Persicaria pensylvanica or pensylvania smart weed, is a robust flowering species that forms semi erect inflorescence that are peppered pink and white. and easy to differentiate when you look at a non frimbrate connected ocrea that sheathes both stem and petiole. you can see invasive Persicaria longiseta or oriental bristled ladies thumb with frimbrate ocrea in background :( spicy flowers on our natives less spicy on the non natives.

#mimulus #mimulus alatus #ringens #botany #ohio #mudflats #riparian #hibiscus moscheutos #hibiscus laevis #hibiscus #lindernia dubia #lindernia #mudflat #ephemeral #penthorum #penthorum sedoides #eclipta prostrata #Persicaria pensylvanica

[sadmachine1190]

10 Low-Maintenance Rock Garden Ideas for Drought-Affected Areas

Transform Your Landscape with Xeriscaping

Drought is an ongoing and critical issue in the U.S., affecting millions of acres of crops and millions of people. As the need to conserve water becomes increasingly urgent, homeowners can play a significant role in combatting drought by embracing xeriscaping. Xeriscapes are landscapes that require little water besides what the sky provides, often incorporating native plants.

Not only does xeriscaping help conserve water, but it also adds beauty and personality to any property. In this article, we explore 10 low-maintenance rock garden ideas that are not only environmentally friendly but also visually stunning in arid areas.

Intersperse Bright Hues and Rough-Hewn Rocks

Let your creativity shine by pairing broad splashes of brightly-hued flowers with craggy, rugged rocks. Create a sprawling terrace garden with alternating sections of ground-cover plants like flowering thyme, phlox, and sedums, and wide, relatively flat rocks that can double as stepping stones during maintenance.

Dig a Petite Pond

Add pizzazz to your backyard with a pint-sized pond filled with fish and floating lily pads. Surround the pond with stones in various sizes, such as large, chunky rocks interspersed with smaller pebbles, to delineate its perimeter and create a visually appealing water feature.

Add Gravel in the Garden

Transform an ordinary flower bed into a visually appealing space by incorporating a decorative bench tucked among flat rocks that are flush with the ground. The contrast between rich, dark mulch and small, multi-colored stones adds depth and visual interest to the area.

Divide and Conquer a Large Lawn

If you have a large lawn, consider dividing it into discrete areas that serve different purposes, such as an herb garden, butterfly or bee garden, or even beehives or a chicken coop. Use large, boulder-like rocks to separate these spaces and create distinct areas within your yard.

Rock That Walk

Create a minimalist rock garden by edging a sidewalk with a narrow border of smooth pebbles. This clean and asymmetrical style adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. Complete the look with deep-green, leafy plants that complement the rock border.

Use Lighting to Create an Otherworldly Atmosphere

Transform your rock garden into an enchanting evening scene by incorporating illuminated rocks. During the day, the rocks blend into the background, but at night, they create an eerily beautiful moonscape when softly glowing LED indoor/outdoor orb lights are added.

Pair Stone With Succulents

In drought-affected areas, inorganic materials are often used in larger quantities. Create a balanced and aesthetically appealing xeriscape by combining multicolored pebbles with a solitary palm tree, widely spaced succulents, and a low stone wall. This composition is both visually stunning and water-efficient.

Elevate an Outdoor Space With Stone Steps

If you have a sloping yard, embrace the split-level look by incorporating wide, irregular stone steps. These steps not only define the different levels of your outdoor space but also add visual interest and functionality.

Make a Modern Rock Garden

Create a modern and minimalist rock garden by using precisely pruned shrubs that resemble giant green Rubik's cubes, oversized square pavers, and a tidy rectangle of monochromatic stones. The simplicity of this design makes a bold statement and is perfect for those who appreciate clean lines and simplicity.

Add Some Country-Garden Charm

Create a charming garden path by using midsized slate chips. The horizontally oriented rocks add a touch of country-garden charm and can lead to a wishing well or a cozy seating area.

Create a River-Like Design Through It

Create a meandering river or rocky point effect by incorporating curving lines and seaweed-like tufts of foliage in your rock garden. This design not only adds visual interest but also helps reduce lawn maintenance while catching the eye of visitors.

Keep It Simple With Stones

Create an expansive rock bed that serves as a backdrop for showcasing exquisite plants, rocks, or sculptures. Whether you choose smooth pebbles, snowy-white pea gravel, or chunky creek rocks, a simple surface of stones will enhance the beauty of your displayed items.

Get Creative With a Small Garden

Add drama to a small garden by choosing the right type of landscape rocks. Polished black pebbles or moonlike lava stones can transform an ordinary area into a visually striking space that captures the imagination.

Think Inside the Box

Create a stylized lawn with a deliberately boxy composition. Fill each section with contrasting or complementary materials, such as stones of different sizes and foliage with varying heights, to create a unique and eye-catching "lawn-drian" masterpiece.

Transforming your landscape into a low-maintenance rock garden is not only visually appealing but also a smart move for conserving water in drought-affected areas. By embracing xeriscaping and incorporating rocks into your design, you can create a stunning outdoor space that requires minimal water while adding beauty and personality to your property. Whether you choose to intersperse bright hues with rough-hewn rocks or create a minimalist rock garden with stone steps, the possibilities for creating a stunning rock garden are endless.

Embrace your creativity and take the first step towards a water-efficient and visually appealing landscape.

[m5-6]

Transform Your Landscape with Low-Maintenance Rock Garden Ideas

Create an Environmentally Friendly and Drought-Resistant Oasis

Drought is a pressing issue in the United States, with millions of acres of crops and millions of people affected. To combat drought and reduce water consumption, homeowners can turn to xeriscaping, which involves creating landscapes that rely primarily on natural rainfall. One popular and visually appealing option is the installation of rock gardens.

These low-maintenance gardens not only add personality to any property but also help conserve water and support native plant life. In this article, we will explore a variety of rock garden ideas that are not only attractive but also well-suited for arid areas.

Intersperse Bright Hues and Rough-Hewn Rocks

A colorful landscape can bring cheer and vibrancy to any outdoor space. By combining splashes of brightly-hued flowers with rugged rocks, homeowners can create a visually stunning rock garden. This design utilizes ground-cover plants like flowering thyme, phlox, and sedums, interspersed with flat rocks that double as stepping stones during maintenance.

Dig a Petite Pond

A small pond can add a touch of elegance and tranquility to a backyard. Surrounding the pond with a variety of stones in different sizes creates a visually appealing perimeter. Mexican or Caribbean beach pebbles can provide a dramatic effect and enhance the overall aesthetic of the pond.

Add Gravel in the Garden

Adding a decorative bench among flat rocks that are flush with the ground can transform a flower bed. By using rich, dark mulch and small, multi-colored stones, the plants take a supporting role, allowing the contrast between the materials to shine. A few flowering bushes can provide the necessary greenery.

Divide and Conquer a Large Lawn

Large lawns can be overwhelming to maintain, but they offer ample opportunities for creativity. Dividing the lawn into different areas, such as herb gardens, butterfly or bee gardens, or even beehives or a chicken coop, can give purpose to the space. Using large, boulder-like rocks can help delineate these areas and save money on pavers.

Rock That Walk

A minimalist approach to rock garden design can be just as striking as more elaborate styles. A row of smooth pebbles edging a sidewalk creates a clean and asymmetrical look. Pairing this border with deep-green, leafy plants completes the aesthetic.

Use Lighting to Create an Otherworldly Atmosphere

Outdoor living areas take on a different ambiance at night. Illuminated rock garden ideas can create an enchanting evening scene. By strategically placing LED indoor/outdoor orb lights, rocks can blend into the background during the day and transform into a beautiful moonscape at night.

Pair Stone With Succulents

In drought-affected areas, inorganic materials are often used extensively. Using multicolored pebbles, a solitary palm tree, widely spaced succulents, and a low stone wall can create a balanced and visually appealing xeriscape. This design is as lovely as a grassy lawn or a garden in full bloom.

Elevate an Outdoor Space With Stone Steps

A sloping yard can be a challenge, but it also offers opportunities for creativity. Bi-level backyards can be ideal for entertaining or outdoor activities. Using wide, irregular stone steps can define and connect the two distinct spaces, creating an elevated design.

Make a Modern Rock Garden

A modern rock garden can be sleek and minimalist. By using precisely pruned shrubs, oversized square pavers, and a tidy rectangle of monochromatic stones, homeowners can achieve a stunning effect. Choosing marble chips instead of stones can elevate the design even further.

Add Some Country-Garden Charm

A charming garden path can wind its way through an assortment of blossoms and boulders. By using midsized slate chips, the path remains straightforward while adding visual interest. This type of path can lead to a wishing well or a cozy seating area.

Create a River-Like Design Through It

A broad border with gently curving lines and tufts of foliage can resemble a meandering river or a rocky point at the ocean's edge. This design is evocative and helps reduce lawn maintenance. It serves as a remarkable example of xeriscaping and catches the eye of visitors.

Keep It Simple With Stones

A rock bed can serve as a backdrop to showcase exquisite plants, rocks, or sculptures. Smooth pebbles, snowy-white pea gravel, or chunky creek rocks can create a simple and elegant surface that reflects attention back to the displayed objects.

Get Creative With a Small Garden

For smaller spaces, decorative landscaping materials can be used to create dramatic rock garden ideas. Polished black pebbles or moonlike lava stones can add interest and transform an ordinary area into a visually striking space.

Think Inside the Box

A stylized lawn with a deliberately boxy composition can provide a unique twist on traditional landscaping. Contrasting or complementary materials can be used to fill each section, creating divergent effects. This design allows for creativity while maintaining a strict layout.

Rock gardens offer a visually appealing and environmentally friendly solution to combat drought and conserve water. By incorporating various rock garden ideas, homeowners can transform their landscapes into low-maintenance oases that require minimal water consumption. Whether it's creating colorful terraces, adding ponds, or utilizing lighting to create an enchanting atmosphere, rock gardens provide endless possibilities for creativity and sustainability.

[flyhighhorny]

12 Low-Maintenance Rock Garden Ideas for Drought-Affected Areas

Transform Your Landscape with Environmentally Friendly Xeriscaping

Drought is a pressing issue in the United States, affecting millions of acres of crops and millions of people. In the face of this challenge, homeowners can play a crucial role in combating drought by embracing xeriscaping, a landscaping technique that reduces water usage and incorporates native plants. One popular and visually appealing aspect of xeriscaping is the creation of rock gardens.

These low-maintenance gardens not only add personality to a property but also help conserve water. In this article, we will explore 12 rock garden ideas that are perfect for drought-affected areas, providing both beauty and environmental sustainability.

Intersperse Bright Hues and Rough-Hewn Rocks

One way to create a visually striking rock garden is by pairing brightly-hued flowers with rugged rocks. By alternating sections of ground-cover plants, such as flowering thyme, phlox, and sedums, with flat rocks that can serve as stepping stones, you can create a cheerful and colorful landscape.

Dig a Petite Pond

Adding a small pond to your rock garden can bring a touch of serenity and beauty to your backyard. Surround the pond with stones of various sizes to delineate its perimeter and create a natural look. For a more dramatic effect, consider using Mexican or Caribbean beach pebbles.

Add Gravel in the Garden

A decorative bench nestled among flat rocks can enhance the visual appeal of a flower bed. By incorporating small, multi-colored stones and contrasting them with rich, dark mulch, you can create a visually appealing and low-maintenance rock garden. A few flowering bushes in different heights and shades of green can complete the look.

Divide and Conquer a Large Lawn

If you have a large lawn, consider dividing it into discrete areas to serve different purposes. Whether it's an herb garden, a butterfly or bee garden, or even beehives or a chicken coop, using large, boulder-like rocks can help set these spaces apart and add visual interest to your landscape.

Rock That Walk

For a minimalist yet eye-catching rock garden, consider creating a narrow border of smooth pebbles along a sidewalk. This simple addition can draw the eye and add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Pair it with low-water ornamental grasses, vibrant tiger lilies, or gladioli for a stunning effect.

Use Lighting to Create an Otherworldly Atmosphere

Illuminate your rock garden with soft, glowing LED lights to create an enchanting evening scene. During the day, the rocks blend into the background, but at night, they transform into a magical moonscape. This lighting technique can create a captivating atmosphere for outdoor entertaining or relaxation.

Pair Stone With Succulents

In drought-affected areas, incorporating inorganic materials like multicolored pebbles can tie together the natural and manmade elements of a xeriscape. Combine a solitary palm tree, widely spaced succulents, and a low stone wall to create a balanced and aesthetically appealing rock garden that rivals a traditional grassy lawn.

Elevate an Outdoor Space With Stone Steps

If you have a sloping yard, consider using wide, irregular stone steps to define and connect different levels. This elevated design not only adds visual interest but also makes your outdoor space more functional for entertaining or leisure activities.

Make a Modern Rock Garden

For those who prefer a clean and minimalist aesthetic, a modern rock garden is the perfect choice. With precisely pruned shrubs, oversized square pavers, and a tidy rectangle of monochromatic stones, this design is simple yet stunning. Opting for marble chips instead of stones can elevate the composition even further.

Add Some Country-Garden Charm

A charming garden path can be created by using midsized slate chips. This horizontally oriented rock complements cheerful blossoms and stately boulders, creating a visually pleasing and straightforward pathway. It's the perfect addition to a country-style rock garden.

Create a River-Like Design Through It

A broad border of rocks with gently curving lines and foliage can evoke the image of a meandering river or a rocky shoreline. This design not only adds visual interest but also reduces lawn maintenance. Its eye-catching appeal is sure to impress visitors and passersby.

Keep It Simple With Stones

A large rock bed can serve as a backdrop to showcase exquisite objects, whether they are rare plants, notable rocks, or sculptures. Smooth pebbles, snowy-white pea gravel, or chunky creek rocks can create a simple yet striking surface that directs attention to the displayed items.

Get Creative With a Small Garden

A small garden space offers an opportunity to get creative with landscape rocks. Consider using polished black pebbles or moonlike lava stones to add drama and interest to an otherwise ordinary area. Comparison shopping for the right type of rocks can help you find the perfect fit for your small garden.

Creating a rock garden is an excellent way to conserve water and add beauty to your landscape in drought-affected areas. By incorporating these low-maintenance rock garden ideas, you can transform your outdoor space into an environmentally friendly oasis. Whether you choose to intersperse bright hues with rugged rocks or create a minimalist composition, there are endless possibilities for creating a visually striking and sustainable rock garden.

[damasaknjigama]

Transform Your Yard with Low-Maintenance Rock Garden Ideas

Discover creative and environmentally friendly ways to enhance your outdoor space

Drought is an ongoing and critical issue in the U.S., affecting millions of acres of crops and millions of people. As water scarcity becomes increasingly prevalent, homeowners are searching for ways to combat drought and create sustainable landscapes. One solution that has gained popularity is xeriscaping, which involves designing gardens that require minimal water.

Rock gardens, in particular, offer a low-maintenance and attractive option for homeowners in arid areas. In this article, we will explore a variety of rock garden ideas that not only conserve water but also add personality and charm to any property.

Intersperse Bright Hues and Rough-Hewn Rocks

Let your creativity shine by incorporating vividly colored flowers with rugged rocks in your rock garden. By creating alternating sections of ground-cover plants like flowering thyme, phlox, and sedums, and using flat rocks as stepping stones, you can achieve a sprawling terrace garden effect. This combination of vibrant hues and natural elements will transform your space into a cheerful and visually appealing landscape.

Dig a Petite Pond

Add a touch of tranquility to your backyard with a small pond filled with fish and floating lily pads. Surround the pond with stones of various sizes to create a visually pleasing perimeter. Consider using large, chunky rocks interspersed with smaller pebbles for a more dramatic effect.

This addition not only enhances the aesthetics of your rock garden but also provides a soothing atmosphere for relaxation.

Add Gravel in the Garden

Elevate the visual appeal of your flower bed by incorporating a decorative bench surrounded by flat rocks and multi-colored stones. The contrast between the dark mulch and the small stones creates an eye-catching display. Keep the plant selection minimal, with a few flowering bushes of varying heights and shades of green.

This design allows the rocks and stones to take center stage while still providing a touch of natural beauty.

Divide and Conquer a Large Lawn

If you have a large lawn that feels overwhelming, consider dividing it into separate areas that serve different purposes. Create distinct spaces for a herb garden, butterfly or bee garden, or even beehives or a chicken coop. Use large boulder-like rocks to set these areas apart and save money on pavers.

This not only adds functionality to your yard but also adds visual interest and structure to the overall design.

Rock That Walk

For a minimalist approach to rock gardens, create a narrow border of smooth pebbles parallel to a walkway. This simple addition acts as a visual embellishment, drawing attention to the path. Pair the pebbles with deep-green, leafy plants to complete the clean and asymmetrical style.

Consider low-water ornamental grasses, vibrant tiger lilies, or gladioli for a stunning contrast.

Use Lighting to Create an Otherworldly Atmosphere

Transform your rock garden into an enchanting evening scene by incorporating illuminated rocks. During the day, these rocks blend into the background, but at night, they create an eerily beautiful moonscape when paired with softly glowing LED indoor/outdoor orb lights. This lighting technique adds a touch of magic to your outdoor living area, perfect for entertaining or unwinding after sunset.

Pair Stone With Succulents

In drought-affected areas, the use of inorganic materials is common. Create a balanced and visually appealing xeriscape by incorporating multicolored pebbles with a solitary palm tree, widely spaced succulents, and a low stone wall. This combination ties together the natural and manmade elements of your rock garden, offering a stunning alternative to a traditional grassy lawn or blooming garden.

Elevate an Outdoor Space With Stone Steps

If you have a sloping yard, embrace the challenge by incorporating wide, irregular stone steps. These steps not only separate different levels of your outdoor space but also provide a visually appealing design element. The elevated design creates a bi-level backyard perfect for entertaining, playing games, or enjoying outdoor meals.

Make a Modern Rock Garden

Simplicity meets sophistication with a modern rock garden design. Pruned shrubs resembling giant green Rubik's cubes, oversized square pavers, and a rectangular area of monochromatic stones create a stunning visual effect. Opt for marble chips instead of stones to elevate the minimalist composition even further.

This modern design is perfect for those who appreciate clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic.

Add Some Country-Garden Charm

Create a charming garden path by using midsized slate chips. The horizontally oriented rocks add a touch of elegance and guide visitors to a focal point, such as a wishing well or a cozy seating area. This design is perfect for those who desire a country-garden feel while maintaining the low-maintenance benefits of a rock garden.

Create a River-Like Design Through It

Add a touch of whimsy to your rock garden by creating a border that resembles a meandering river or a rocky point at the ocean's edge. This design not only adds visual interest but also reduces the need for lawn maintenance. The unique shape and texture of the rocks are sure to catch the eye of visitors and create a remarkable example of xeriscaping.

Keep It Simple With Stones

Create a showcase for your prized plants or treasures by using a simple surface of stones. Whether you choose smooth pebbles, snowy-white pea gravel, or chunky creek rocks, the stones will reflect attention back to the exquisite objects on display. This design is perfect for gardeners who specialize in growing rare plants or for those who want to highlight sculptures or other unique features in their outdoor space.

Get Creative With a Small Garden

Transform a small space into a visually striking rock garden by choosing the right type of landscape rocks. Consider using polished black pebbles or moonlike lava stones to add drama and interest to an otherwise ordinary area. This creative approach allows you to make the most of limited space and create a unique outdoor oasis.

Think Inside the Box

For those who appreciate abstract and geometric designs, consider creating a stylized lawn with a boxy composition. Fill each section with contrasting or complementary materials, such as stones of varying sizes and foliage with different heights. This design allows you to showcase your creativity while maintaining a structured and visually appealing rock garden.

As water scarcity continues to be a pressing issue, homeowners are turning to xeriscaping and rock gardens as sustainable and visually appealing solutions. By incorporating low-maintenance rock garden ideas, homeowners can create beautiful outdoor spaces while conserving water. Whether it's interspersing bright hues with rough-hewn rocks or using lighting to create an otherworldly atmosphere, there are endless possibilities for transforming your yard.

Embrace your creativity and make a positive impact on the environment with these innovative rock garden ideas.

[smilethroughtherain]

Transform Your Yard with These Low-Maintenance Rock Garden Ideas

Create a Beautiful and Drought-Resistant Landscape with Rock Gardens

Drought is a pressing issue in the United States, affecting millions of acres of crops and millions of people. As the need for water conservation becomes increasingly important, homeowners can play their part by incorporating xeriscaping techniques into their landscapes. Xeriscaping involves using native plants and minimal water to create stunning and environmentally friendly gardens.

One popular xeriscaping option is the rock garden, which not only adds personality to a property but also requires little maintenance. In this article, we will explore some low-maintenance rock garden ideas that are both visually appealing and suitable for arid areas.

Intersperse Bright Hues and Rough-Hewn Rocks

Let your creativity shine by combining vibrant flowers with rugged rocks. This rock garden idea creates a cheerful and colorful landscape by alternating sections of ground-cover plants, such as flowering thyme, phlox, and sedums, with wide, flat rocks that can serve as stepping stones. The contrasting textures of the plants and rocks add depth and visual interest to the garden, while the low-maintenance nature of the ground-cover plants makes it easy to maintain.

Dig a Petite Pond

Add a touch of tranquility to your backyard with a small pond surrounded by stones. Whether you choose to stock it with fish or simply enjoy the sight of floating lily pads, a pint-sized pond can be a captivating focal point. Use a variety of stones in different sizes to create a natural-looking perimeter for the pond.

Consider using large, chunky rocks mixed with smaller pebbles for a more dramatic effect reminiscent of Mexican or Caribbean beaches.

Add Gravel in the Garden

Transform a mundane flower bed into a visually appealing space by incorporating a decorative bench surrounded by flat rocks and colorful stones. The bench, nestled among the rocks that are flush with the ground, provides a unique seating area. The rich, dark mulch and small, multi-colored stones create a striking contrast, with a few flowering bushes adding a touch of color.

This design allows you to enjoy the beauty of the rocks while also providing a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy your garden.

Divide and Conquer a Large Lawn

If you have a large lawn that feels overwhelming to maintain, consider dividing it into different areas with distinct purposes. Create separate spaces for a herb garden, butterfly or bee garden, or even a chicken coop. Use large, boulder-like rocks to visually separate these areas and save money on expensive pavers.

This approach not only adds visual interest to your yard but also makes it easier to manage and care for different sections of your landscape.

Rock That Walk

Add a touch of elegance to your walkway by lining it with a row of smooth pebbles. This minimalist rock garden idea creates a clean and asymmetrical style that draws the eye. Pair the pebbles with deep-green, leafy plants or low-water ornamental grasses for a complete look.

The contrast between the stones and the plants adds a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space.

Use Lighting to Create an Otherworldly Atmosphere

Create an enchanting evening scene in your rock garden by incorporating lighting. During the day, hefty rocks blend into the background, but as night falls, they transform into an eerily beautiful moonscape when illuminated by softly glowing LED indoor/outdoor orb lights. This illuminated rock garden idea adds a magical touch to your outdoor living area and creates a captivating atmosphere for nighttime entertainment or relaxation.

Pair Stone With Succulents

In drought-affected areas, incorporating inorganic materials like stones is a common practice. Create a balanced and aesthetically appealing xeriscape by using multicolored pebbles to tie together the natural and manmade elements of your garden. Combine a solitary palm tree, widely spaced succulents, and a low stone wall to create a visually appealing tableau.

This design showcases the beauty of the stones while maintaining a drought-resistant landscape.

Elevate an Outdoor Space With Stone Steps

If you have a sloping yard, embrace the challenge by incorporating elevated stone steps. These steps not only separate different levels of your yard but also connect them, creating a unique split-level design. Choose wide, irregular stones for a natural look that complements the surrounding landscape.

This rock garden idea adds functionality and visual interest to your outdoor space.

Make a Modern Rock Garden

Simplicity meets elegance in this modern rock garden idea. With only three main elements—precisely pruned shrubs, oversized square pavers, and a tidy rectangle of monochromatic stones—this design creates a stunning visual effect. Opt for marble chips instead of traditional stones to elevate the minimalist composition.

This rock garden idea is perfect for those who appreciate clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic.

Add Some Country-Garden Charm

Create a charming garden path by using midsized slate chips. The winding path, adorned with cheerful blossoms and stately boulders, exudes country-garden charm. The horizontally oriented rocks provide a visually appealing footpath that can lead to a wishing well or a cozy seating area.

This rock garden idea adds a touch of whimsy to your landscape.

Create a River-Like Design Through It

Add a touch of nature to your rock garden by creating a border that resembles a meandering river or a rocky point at the ocean's edge. This design is not only visually striking but also helps reduce lawn maintenance. The curving lines and seaweed-like tufts of foliage make this rock garden idea a remarkable example of xeriscaping.

It is sure to catch the eye of visitors and create a unique focal point in your yard.

Keep It Simple With Stones

Highlight the beauty of your prized plants or sculptures by creating an expansive rock bed. The simple surface of stones, whether smooth pebbles, snowy-white pea gravel, or chunky creek rocks, reflects attention back to the exquisite objects on display. This minimalist rock garden idea is perfect for gardeners who want to showcase rare and unique specimens.

Let your plants or treasures take center stage with a backdrop of stones.

Get Creative With a Small Garden

Even a small garden can become a work of art with the right choice of landscape rocks. Consider using polished black pebbles or moonlike lava stones to add drama and interest to a compact space. The unique textures and colors of the stones will transform an ordinary area into a visually captivating garden.

Let your creativity shine by experimenting with different types of rocks and creating a stunning rock garden in a limited space.

Think Inside the Box

For those who appreciate abstract and geometric designs, a stylized lawn inspired by the paintings of Piet Mondrian is a perfect choice. Create a boxy composition using contrasting or complementary materials in each section for a striking effect. Use stones in various sizes and foliage with different heights to bring your "lawn-drian" masterpiece to life.

This rock garden idea is a unique and artistic way to transform your outdoor space.

Transforming your yard into a low-maintenance rock garden is not only visually appealing but also environmentally friendly. By incorporating xeriscaping techniques and using native plants, you can create a beautiful landscape that requires minimal water and maintenance. Whether you choose to intersperse bright hues with rugged rocks or create a modern and minimalist design, rock gardens offer endless possibilities for creativity and personalization.

Embrace the beauty of stones and let your imagination run wild as you create a unique rock garden that will enhance your outdoor space for years to come.

[yumitsukiyoru]

Transform Your Yard with Stunning Rock Garden Ideas

Create a Low-Maintenance and Environmentally Friendly Landscape

Drought is a pressing issue in the United States, affecting millions of acres of crops and millions of people. As homeowners, we can play a role in combating drought by implementing xeriscaping techniques, such as creating rock gardens. Xeriscapes are landscapes that require minimal water, often incorporating native plants.

Not only do rock gardens conserve water, but they also add a touch of beauty and personality to any property. In this article, we will explore some low-maintenance rock garden ideas that are not only attractive but also suitable for arid areas.

Intersperse Bright Hues and Rough-Hewn Rocks

If you have ample space in your yard, consider turning it into a colorful landscape by pairing brightly-hued flowers with rugged rocks. Create sections of ground-cover plants like flowering thyme, phlox, and sedums, alternating with flat rocks that can serve as stepping stones during maintenance. This combination adds vibrancy and texture to your rock garden.

Dig a Petite Pond

Add a touch of tranquility to your backyard by incorporating a small pond filled with fish and floating lily pads. Surround the pond with stones of different sizes to create a natural border. Large, chunky rocks interspersed with smaller pebbles will not only enhance the aesthetics but also prevent young visitors from wading into the pond.

Consider using Mexican or Caribbean beach pebbles for a more dramatic effect.

Add Gravel in the Garden

Elevate the visual appeal of your flower bed by placing a decorative bench among flat rocks that are flush with the ground. This creates a contrasting effect between the dark mulch and the small, multi-colored stones. Keep the plant selection minimal, with a few flowering bushes in varying heights and shades of green.

Divide and Conquer a Large Lawn

If you have a large lawn, consider dividing it into different areas to serve various purposes. Create sections for an herb garden, butterfly or bee garden, or even beehives or a chicken coop. Use large boulder-like rocks to separate these spaces and save money on pavers.

Rock That Walk

Create a minimalist rock garden by lining a narrow border of smooth pebbles parallel to a walkway. This simple addition adds visual interest and draws attention to the walkway. Complete the look with deep-green, leafy plants or low-water ornamental grasses for a clean and asymmetrical style.

Use Lighting to Create an Otherworldly Atmosphere

Transform your rock garden into an enchanting evening scene by incorporating illuminated rocks. During the day, these rocks blend into the background, but at night, they create an eerily beautiful moonscape when lit with softly glowing LED indoor/outdoor orb lights.

Pair Stone With Succulents

In drought-affected areas, incorporating inorganic materials like stones is common. Use multicolored pebbles to tie together the natural and manmade elements of your xeriscape. Plant a solitary palm tree, a few widely spaced succulents, and create a low stone wall for a balanced and aesthetically appealing rock garden.

Elevate an Outdoor Space With Stone Steps

If you have a sloping yard, embrace the challenge by creating a bi-level backyard. Use wide, irregular stone steps to separate and connect the two distinct spaces. This design not only adds functionality but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your outdoor area.

Make a Modern Rock Garden

Create a modern rock garden with a minimalist design. Use precisely pruned shrubs that resemble giant green Rubik's cubes, oversized square pavers, and a tidy rectangle of monochromatic stones. Opt for marble chips instead of traditional stones to elevate the composition.

Add Some Country-Garden Charm

Create a charming garden path by using midsized slate chips. The winding path, adorned with cheerful blossoms and stately boulders, adds a touch of country-garden charm to your landscape. This simple addition can lead to a wishing well or a cozy seating area.

Create a River-Like Design

Create a broad border that resembles a meandering river or a rocky point at the ocean's edge. This design is not only visually appealing but also reduces the need for lawn maintenance. The river-like border is sure to catch the eye of visitors and add a unique touch to your driveway.

Keep It Simple With Stones

Create an expansive rock bed that serves as a backdrop for showcasing exquisite objects. Whether it's rare plants, notable rocks, or sculptures, a simple surface of stones, such as smooth pebbles, snowy-white pea gravel, or chunky creek rocks, will highlight them effectively.

Get Creative With a Small Garden

For smaller spaces, get creative with the type of landscape rocks you choose. Consider polished black pebbles or moonlike lava stones to add drama and interest to an otherwise ordinary area. The right selection of rocks can transform even the smallest garden into a stunning landscape.

Think Inside the Box

Create a stylized lawn with a deliberately boxy composition. Fill each section with contrasting or complementary materials to create divergent effects. Use stones of various sizes and foliage with different heights to create your unique "lawn-drian" masterpiece.

Rock gardens offer a low-maintenance and environmentally friendly solution for homeowners looking to combat drought and add beauty to their landscapes. By incorporating these rock garden ideas, you can transform your yard into a stunning oasis that requires minimal water and maintenance. From colorful terraces to minimalist designs, the possibilities are endless.

Embrace the beauty of rocks and create a rock garden that reflects your personal style and values.

[shelovesplants]

Stone crop sedum🌿💜

#sedum #sedum flowers #plants #plant photography #plant life #plant #plant photos #garden photography #gardening #my garden #stone crop sedum #my plants #my photography #my photos

[atomicsuperhero]

Indoor Gardening: re-potting house plants

On Sunday I re-potted two of my newest plants. I figured they could do with some fresh dirt, a little more room, and some fertilizer.

Neither plant actually got a new pot, but they were transplanted out of their smaller pots into the decorative pots they had been sitting in. So now they have a little more room for roots to grow. They are a Peperomia (top left) and a Burro’s Tail or Stonecrop Sedum (top right). I’m not sure which variety of sedum yet because its so little still.

I did a few timelapses of the process.

Both plants have a little cutting from a string of pearls plant. I’m not sure if the ones in the sedum pot will take, but the ones in the Peperomia have definitely started showing signs of putting down roots.

There are a few things I could have done better here:

I should have added in some gravel, or another drainage medium, to the soil, so they don't stay too wet. Because these are all tropicals, they like to be warm and dry out between waterings. They're in a south-facing window where they get sun all day long and are quite warm, so I think they'll be ok. The plants in this south window generally dry out pretty quick, so I'm not too worried about them. If I re-pot them in the future I will add some chunky gravel to the bottom of the pots.

We also started Dracaena seeds today, so here is a few shots from that. This is our first time starting Dracaena from seeds, so we'll see how it goes. We're a bit late, apparently, they should have been started in December.

#Indoor Gardening #tropical plants #house plants #re-potting #transplanting #string of pearls #sedum #peperomia #stone crop sedum #dracaena #seed starting

[ayearinthegarden]

#garden #gardenphotography #photography #sedum ellacombianum #sedum yellow stone crop #yellow #flowers #frog #statue #reclining

[cedar-glade]

Mudstone conglomerate Pt1 Little Miami River

Thalictrum dioicum, Toxicodendron radicans, Sedum ternatum, Dolomedes albineus, and a very large amount of Dermatocarpon muhlenbergii.

I fully expect all of these plants/ spider/ and lichen to be common on rock features like this since it's perfect stable rocky habitat that experiences fairly wet conditions seasonally or rather gets sprayed occasionally, The level of disturbance is some what high in many cases but is variable with each one of these species. Poison ivy for example favors dryness and so does the early meadow rue growing with it but occasional removal of shade species near it is beneficial, Ide say the woodland stone crop prefers similar habit, and is most likely caused by missing these three species some how but flooding around them. The fishing spider cavity was actually near the high water mark on that rock and the rock was littered with them, this was just the only one with it's legs exposed. As for Muhlenberg's stipple back it loves spray and seasonally submerged systems of stable rocky habitat, where as sandstone stippleback/brook is a semi submerged obligate that needs near constant spraying and the white stipple back needs dry rocky habit only.

#ohio #ecology #thalictrum #thalictrum dioicum #toxicodendron radicans #toxicodendron #dermatocarpon #dermatocarpon muhlenbergii #dolomedes #dolomedes albineus #sedum ternatum #sedum #conglomerate

[woodlandali3n]

Sedum kamtschaticum - Stone crop 7.16.17

#stone crop #sedum kamtschaticum #sedum #sedum plants #plants #plantblr #plant blog #houseplants #succulents

[downtherabbitholeblog]

October 15 2019

Extended the Rose Of Sharon plot so I could plant some Crocus and Grape Hyacinth.

And re-arranged the front plot for the last time.

First set of 2 photos is the plot this summer, yuck. Wtf.

Second set: digging out all the plants! Probably 120 + plants! :O gave away SO many to a friend. :)

Last set: all finished rearranging and mulching!

Plot goes, Solomans Seal, Orange Day Lily, Large Yellow Lily, Small Yellow Lily, Medium Purple Lily, Iris, Daffodil , big bang boom Allium, Tulip bulbs in the middle, Daliah , Stone Crop Sedum, and Hostas.. I believe thats it.. 😆 oh, and I skattered 3 varieties of Cone Flowers different from mine. Really hope they germinate. Omg. I want come flowers all over.

#garden #garden2019

[melchiorsensmedegaard34-blog]

Leading Vegetable Plants For The Beginner Garden

In addition to be able to the food item gardening can give for our stand, that adds beauty to the planet. Gardening is something that is shared by most nationalities and all time intervals. This is something that is adopted by men and women from all walks regarding life. While there will be many reliable rules purely natural in this hobby, there is also room intended for variance. These tips can provide a brief look at both. Remember to carbonate your own personal soil. If auto blueberry uprawa loosen or even puncture the soil, it can increase surroundings permeability plus water puncture. Aerating could be as simple because turning the soil around with a scoop, or even in the case regarding lawns, doing small cracks in the lawn. That can be done with an aerating machine, some sort of garden branch, or perhaps by walking on often the grass wearing a couple of spiked golf shoes. This provides oxygen straight into the roots together with produces healthy new progress. Employ stones as plant indicators if you want for you to keep a healthy looking design. You can produce having permanent magic marker in the flat side involving stones and surround your own personal plant with them. The fact that way it will be easy to notify what type of plants you might have without possessing a unsightly white colored mark. Set compost down on the soil in your backyard regarding two months to some thirty days prior to you plan for you to plant. This allows typically the compost the required time to incorporate with the soil. Giving the compost time for you to secure means that your ground pH will be regular sufficiently to test, and even your plants decide to survive when you plant these people. After a long day involving gardening, clean all those unclean hands with a new morning meal treat. Create some sort of mixture of oatmeal and water. Help it become thick! Use the particular mixture as being an abrasive to get the dirt through your skin and from below your fingernails. Follow it upwards with the normal soap plus water wash to acquire virtually any lingering dirt off. Making use of mulch is helpful to plants that are based in serious heat. Typically the best mulch to make use of can be wood mulch given it supports in moisture helping block out the weeds. Solid wood mulch also adds vitamins to the dirt like it decomposes. Rock is usually used intended for mulch simply because well, however, natural stone does certainly not retain humidity simply because well as wood mulch. Know your climate zoom. This is the variation among a new thriving garden and one that will in no way grows up. Knowing your own weather zone will help you decide on flowers, fruits, greens and even trees that are great for where you are supposedly. This approach, you get a little of a headstart any time designing a garden. Choose specific plants for dried soil. Light and sandy soils have many benefits: many people warm up immediately in the planting season together with drain well immediately after damp weather. The downside is they can quickly become very dry in the particular summer, and plants must work hard to draw out good enough moisture to pull through. A number of plants are quite tolerant associated with dry circumstances, as long as they are given a helping give when young. The moment set up they do well along with little or no water. These flowers incorporate alyssum, cosmos, hebe, violescent, rosemary, sedum in addition to veronica. Mini roses can be very favorite and are low maintenance. One can choose from a lot of bright colors and provide some sort of variety of interesting flower styles. However, if a person want to add a good rose to your yard for the aroma, after that a mini-rose may not have to get a good choice due to the fact they produce little to no aroma. If fragrance is the best desire, try a larger, hybrid rose for the many intense fragrance. You never want to do any kind of farming with open acute wounds, hence make sure almost everything is completely recovered upwards before you begin; often, an individual run the possibility of your cut being exposed to dangerous chemicals and dirt. This is possible regarding some sort of cut to turn into extremely tainted if this comes into contact with grime and grime whilst gardening. You will discover bandages out there there now that may seal cuts completely. It is important to take care of roses prior to they happen to be attracted by glitches. At this time there are insecticides that you can buy at almost any garden supply store of which should eliminate or discourage bugs from attacking your current rose bushes. It is usually best to take care of this bushes before one can find any kind of signs of a new parasite problem. Grow your unique natural tomatoes quickly. Garlic like light, so pick a spot that gets sun all moment longer. Allow area involving your own personal tomato plants to lower the chance of garden soil diseases that will have an effect on your own personal crop. If you buy seedlings alternatively regarding sprouting your own, try to avoid small seedlings with poorly developed root systems; they are going to take weeks to display any kind of real growth. Some sort of good first step in order to having a successful natural and organic garden is to examine typically the acidity of this soil inside your garden. This ideal number is usually a few. 5, if your earth is on the very low end, it can as well acidulent and if it's upon the high end really very alkaline. None regarding those conditions gives by itself to a prosperous yard. So by purchasing a soil testing kit just before planting, you will promise your gorgeous organic yard in the summer. Stay shallow inside the soil when an individual are working it. You do not need to break your back again digging heavy in your current organic garden. Keep your degree to an average associated with six inches. Nearly eighty-five percent of all vegetable root base only require often the top six in . associated with soil. That should make it easier. When starting a good organic garden look straight into natural pesticides. It is a balanced way to make sure you do not shed a great deal regarding the crop to pesky insects when working to preserve your environment good. There are many pesticides that were the moment used plus are really effective. Also a small investment of the time and effort to horticulture pursuits is sure for you to be greatly compensated. These rewards may come around food to feed all of our families or in blossoms and other pretty vegetation to beautify our atmosphere. Everyone can enjoy all these rewards. The tips which have been outlined above will have people started off in that will direction.

[tychsenkumar57-blog]

Top rated Vegetable Plants For A good Beginner Garden

In addition in order to the foodstuff gardening can give for our family table, the idea adds beauty to the world. Gardening is something will be shared by all civilizations and all time cycles. nasiona cookie is something that is adopted by men and women from all of walks involving life. While there will be many constant rules inherent in this interest, right now there is also room intended for variance. These tips will provide a brief examine both. Remember to hydrogenate the soil. If an individual loosen as well as puncture the soil, it is going to increase air flow permeability plus water penetration. Aerating is often as simple because turning often the soil more than with a trowel, or perhaps in the case involving lawns, doing small openings in the grass. This specific can be done with an aerating machine, the garden pay, or even by walking on the particular grass wearing a set of two of spiked golf shoes and boots. This delivers oxygen directly into the roots and produces healthy new expansion. Usage stones as herb prints if you want in order to keep an organic looking design. You can write using permanent magic producer with the flat side of stones and surround your current plant with them. That way it will be possible to notify what type of vegetation you may have without acquiring an unsightly white mark. Set compost down on the ground in your lawn with regards to two 2 or 3 weeks to a calendar month just before you plan to be able to plant. This allows the particular compost the required time to integrate with the dirt. Presenting the compost time for you to stabilize means that your soil pH will be stable sufficiently to test, plus your plants decide to survive when you plant them all. After a long day time associated with gardening, clean all those unclean hands with some sort of breakfast treat. Create a new blend of oatmeal and normal water. Allow it to be thick! Use the mixture as a possible abrasive in order to get the dirt through your skin and from through your fingernails. Abide by it right up with your normal soap plus water wash to obtain any kind of lingering dirt off. Applying mulch is helpful to help plants that are situated in serious heat. The particular best mulch to work with will be wood mulch since it retains in humidity and helps drown out the weeds. Timber mulch also adds vitamins to the dirt while it decomposes. Rock will be used with regard to mulch as well, however, mountain does indeed not necessarily retain water mainly because well as wood mulch. Understand your climate zone. This is certainly the variation between a good thriving garden and one that never ever increases. Knowing your own personal climate zoom will help you pick flowers, fruits, greens together with trees that are best for what your location is. This way, you get a tad of a headstart if designing a garden. Decide on specific plants for dried out soil. Light and sand soils have many strengths: they will warm up quickly in the spring plus drain well immediately after damp weather. The downside will be they can quickly come to be very dried up in the summer, and plants must work hard to extract good enough moisture to survive. Particular plants are incredibly tolerant connected with dry situations, as long as these are given a helping palm when young. As soon as established they do well together with hardly any water. These plants include alyssum, cosmos, hebe, lavender, rosemary, sedum together with veronica. Mini roses are usually very popular and are usually low upkeep. These come in many bright colors and gives a new variety of interesting plant shapes. However, if you want to add a good flower to your yard for the fragrance, next a mini-rose may well not get a good choice mainly because they produce little to no scent. If fragrance can be your personal preference, try a larger, amalgam rose for the many intense perfume. You certainly not want to do any kind of farming with open pains, thus make sure everything is completely cured up before you begin; normally, anyone run the risk of your cut coming in contact with dangerous chemicals and dust. It is possible intended for some sort of cut to turn into particularly tainted if the idea comes into contact together with soil and grime even though gardening. One can find bandages outside there now that could seal cuts completely. The idea is important to cure roses prior to they can be attracted by bugs. Generally there are insecticides that a person can order at just about any garden supply store that should eliminate or discourage bugs from attacking your own rose bushes. It is definitely best to cure often the bushes before you will find just about any signs of a insect problem. Grow your personal organic tomatoes easily. Tomato plants fancy light, so select a area that becomes sun all day very long. Allow room between the tomato plant life to lessen the chance of soil diseases that will have an impact on your own personal crop. If you buy seedlings alternatively regarding sprouting your own, steer clear of small seedlings with terribly developed root systems; they will likely take weeks to indicate virtually any real growth. Some sort of fantastic first step to be able to having a successful natural garden is to test out typically the acidity of typically the soil with your garden. This ideal number can be six. 5, if your dirt is on the small end, it's as well acidic and if is actually about the high end is actually also alkaline. None involving those situations gives alone to a prosperous yard. So by purchasing some sort of soil testing kit before planting, you will provide yourself a lovely organic backyard in the summer. Stay shallow within the dirt when anyone are working it. You do not need to break your back again digging heavy in your own personal organic garden. Keep the interesting depth to an average associated with six inches. Nearly eighty-five percent of all plant sources only require this top six inches tall involving soil. That should make it easier. When starting a good natural garden look straight into natural not eco-friendly pesticides. It can be a balanced way to be sure you do not shed a great deal of your crop to pesky insects although working to retain your environment free from danger. There are many pesticides that were as soon as used plus are really powerful. Even a small investment of time and effort to horticulture activities is sure to be greatly recognized. All those rewards may come around food to feed each of our families or in bouquets and other attractive plant life to beautify our environment. Everyone can reap these kind of rewards. The tips which are outlined above will find you commenced in of which direction.

[cecilspeaks]

130 - A Story About Us

This is a story about us, said the man in the radio. And we were pleased, because we always wanted to hear about ourselves on the radio. Welcome to Night Vale. 

This is a story about us. We live in trailers out near the car lot, next to the house where the angels reside. We live in homes near a poorly secured library, hiding and shivering, fearing an escape. We live in apartments below heavy-footed neighbors. We live on streets, removing ourselves from a world that refuses to learn how to love us.

At night, we can see the red light blinking on and off on top of the radio tower. A tiny flurry of human activity against the implacable backdrop of stars and void. We sit out on the steps of our trailer, on the balcony of our apartment, on a bench in Mission Grove Park, on a tree swing in our yard. With our backs to the brightness of the moon, watching the radio tower for hours. But only sometimes. Mostly we do other things. This is a story about us.

We eat together in the Moonlite All-Nite Diner. One of us is philanthropist Thomas Charles Fleming, who once caught a hog and showed it to a local radio host, who happened to find hogs adorable, and just wanted to pet one and speak in high-pitched voices to it, and name it Gary or Dolores, and listen to its snorting breaths I order to feel alive. Especially on that particular day, where that radio host’s intern forgot to buy coffee. Anything to start the day with a charge.

Thomas Charles sits in the Moonlite All-Nite eating his skirt steak, and he begins to choke. We are alarmed, because we feel empathy. Selfish, selfish empathy. We feel our own necks (cease) up. We hold our hands to our own throats gently, choreographed mimickry, a moder dance around the themes of mortality, as Thomas Charles heaves forward gasping, his eyes bulging. We look to the OSHA-mandated choking assistance poster near the cash register. We begin to recite the instructions to each other and demonstrate the moves required to complete this life-saving (--) [0:04:34].

One of us, dinosaur expert Joel Eisenberg, stands and wraps his thin arms around Thomas Charles. Joel pulls his hands into a central fist under the victim’s sternum. Joel yanks his hand back and up, and we shout, “Harder!” and some of us shout, “Softer!” Thomas Charles thinks of the new Night Vale botanic gardens he created. His mind wanders to the pride he felt opening this cultural institution, and secretly, the guilt he feels about the frightening people he partnered with to fund it.

He knows he must warn us, but does not know about what, exactly. In dying, we often find that the lists of what must be done evaporate, and there is nothing left to be done, and there never was. Needing to do this was an illusion we built to keep ourselves busy.

We panic in our efforts to free Thomas Charles’ esophagus. One of us, Laura, a waitress in the diner, breaks off a heavy branch that is growing out of her hip, and begins poking Thomas Charles in the chest. We frantically fumble for our phones typing in “Heimlich Maneuver”, all unsure how to spell it. Some of us saying, “It’s H-I-E”, others saying, “H-E-I”, one of us even saying, “Manoeuver has an O in it somewhere, I’m sure of it”. We find an article headlined “Save a Choking Victim with One Surprising Move”, but become frustrated by the amount of pop-up windows.

Thomas Charles grabs a pen and a napkin and scrawles a single word. We argue about what exactly it says. “Maybe he wrote ‘swan pups’”, we say. “That’s not a word,” we reply. “What about ‘sound-roos’?” we interject as we stare at ourselves wondering who would think that made any sense. “You know, like children’s pyjamas made from audio frequencies,” one of us says. “It could work,” that same one says to the quiet room, then continuing: “as a technology startup, like an app on your phone that makes…” before trailing off, running out of words to protect the judgmental silence. “Oh it’s a great idea,” we all agree in order to ameliorate the situation. And we pat Thomas George on the back to congratulate him on his multimillion dollar idea of audio-only children’s sleepware. We think for a moment that it is this companionable swat of the choking man’s ribs that will finally free the steak from his throat. We have read enough short stories to know that this is a sensible narrative resolution, requiring an unforeseen solution to an impossible problem. And given that we are hearing our story on the radio, we know that this is the perfect culmination of a tale about a collective we, a coming together, a climactic comradery.

But it does not work. Thomas Charles sinks to his knees, eyes wet and resolved. In the commotion of choking hazards, clickbait, and startup dreams, we fail to notice two men who have entered the diner. One is not tall. One is not short. They are not part of us, so we know that this story is not about them. The one who is not short moves Joel Eisenberg aside and then grabs Thomas Charles’ shoulders. The one who is not tall punches Thomas Charles in the stomach, as a piece of beef shoomps out of his mouth, a rope of spit and a soft weeze tailing it. the piece of unchewed meat arcs perfectly into a waste basket, and we cheer. These strangers saved a man we barely knew. Thomas Charles inhales loudly and finally shouts, “It says ‘stone crops’. Stone crops!” “Shut up,” says the man who is not tall. “Come outside,” says the man who is not short. “Please,” Thomas Charles pleads. “I’m sorry I told them about stone crops.” “Everyone is sorry you did that,” says the not-short man. “This is not how I wanted to spend my day,” says the not-tall man. We hear the radio describe two men of indistinct heights, walking another man out of the Moonlite All-Nite. We hear the man on the radio describe a muffled pop of a handgun from the parking lot, the slamming of a trunk, and the fading Doppler effect of a vehicle speeding away.

We sit in our booths, poking hashbrowns with spoons, imagining we heard a car backfiring instead. We leave the diner and find a blood stain on the asphalt by our truck, or our sedan, or our motorcycle, and we pretend it is a spilled drink.

Let’s have a look at the Community Calendar. Last Saturday at noon, we all went to the Botanic Gardens, for the opening of the new exhibit called (Sedum Fields). One of us who is a dosent at the gardens named Halla Darwish, explained to us that these succulent plants are excellent for private gardens, as they are affordable, easy to maintain, beautiful, and require little water. Sedum are often referred to as “stone crops”, Halla tells us before it means anything. She then thanked Thomas George Fleming and an anonymous benefactor for funding the Botanic Gardens.

On Monday, we attended an emergency press conference at the site of City Hall, where no mayor currently presides. Before an empty mic, reporters asked questions and then tried to transcribe the occasional sounds of wind and crickets onto their notepads. One of us, Pamela Winchell, uncharacteristically tamped down her usual bluster and allowed someone else to speak for her, in this case the incidental sounds of nature.

On Tuesday, we took a longer than usual lunch break to go look again at the Sedum Fields exhibit at the Botanic Gardens, and we saw the sunny summer blooms, which are elongated pink tubes billowing at the top, looking ready to burst. But in the middle, there are asymmetrical bulges, like small crouching humans inside. A dosent who was not Halla Darwish, and who was not any of us, and who was neither tall nor short, told us to look at another plant. These were not for us. As we got back into our vehicles, cranberry spinach salads with sesame vinaigrette only half eaten, we caught a glimpse of this new dosent plucking the unopened blooms and placing them gently into crates. We heard one of us on the radio say this aloud, as we scattered back to our desks and counters and warehouses and trucks and kitchen.

This has been… a… oops. That was last week’s Community Calendar. Well, this has been Community History.

Disturbed by the presence of the men who carry crates, who possibly kill philanthropist hog catchers, and who hurry us through our garden visits, we anxiously eat our daily meals. Absent-mindedly do our jobs and mutter angrily during showers about our own inaction in the face of brutality by those who are not us. “We are people of action. This is a story about us,” we say aloud in unison from our couches. We stand and walk and look at each other in the streets and join hands. We join hands and sing. We sing “Angel is a Centerfold”, because some of us had just attended a minor league baseball game and could not rid themselves of the sexist earworm. We walk past the Scrublands and the Sand Wastes to the edge of the desert, and we surround a cargo truck filled with crates. There are two men, neither tall nor short. They do not move.

One of us, who is a sheriff named Sam, places the men under arrest for the murder of Thomas Charles Fleming. The man who is not tall says, “He was not the man you thought he was.” The man who is not short says, “Do they still have HBO in the abandoned mine shaft out of town?” “This is not a story about you,” we shout. “This is a story about us.” Sam places the two handcuffed men into a white police car with “Undercover Police” with bold lettering across the sides, and a stylized rhinoceros holding a night stick painted on the hood. We turn to each other and celebrate with smiles and eye contact. Diane Crayton tells Nazr al-Mujaheed: “We saved our town.” Nazr groans and does not respond. He has talked little in recent months. Susan Willman tells Simone Rigideaux: “What a happy ending.” Amber Akini tells Wilson Levy: “This is a better world now, Wilson. For our son.” She pats her belly, and Wilson begins to cry. Steve Carlsberg, who can sometimes be a killjoy, but whose intuition is not often wrong, says: “Look! The truck!”

We look at the truck. “This is not a story about a truck,” we say, as six-foot-long pink blooms burst from tiny crates. They stumble and squirm, like humans swaddled in plastic wrap, toward us, under a clear predictable afternoon sky and in the face of terror.

The last thing on our minds is the weather.

[“Space and Time” by Joseph Fink]

The protagonist of a story must have agency, must use their skills against their antagonist. This is a story about us, and so we actively confront our predicament.

Nilanjana Sikdar attempts to communicate with the beings. They make no noise. Pamela Winchells shouts at them through a bullhorn, but they do not react. Josh Crayton changes his physical form into a great white shark, but they show no fear. And he finds it hard to breathe on land, so changes back into a hummingbird. Henrietta Bell throws her co-worker, Sarah Sultan, who is a fist-sized river rock, at the creatures but they do not flinch. 16-year-old Tamika Flynn loads a crossbow with an explosive-tipped arrow, and we question our lackadaisical weapons laws in this state.

Overwhelmed, we back against each other, surrounded by the writhing featureless beasts. A flower monster reaches out, its arms stretching, elastic under the petals and touches former mayor Dana Cardinal. Another touches Harrison Kip, and another touches Leann Hart, just as she reaches for the hatchet she keeps in a waste holster.

The top of the flower opens up, and inside it is you. Yes, specifically you. We all recall many years ago, there once was a story about you, right here on this radio station. Now your eyes are open, but empty. Your face swollen and teeth shattered in places. Part of your right ear is gone. And we remember you died in that story. We all felt bad. But here you are, again, inside a flower, staring crooked and blank at our screaming faces. Another flower opens, and another broken face of someone who once lived in Night Vale. And another, and another. And as the last flower opens, the face of Thomas Charles Fleming emerges, his head split right where his hair once parted. This lips in the final hiss of an S, like a man whose last word was “stone crops”.

Sheriff Sam returns with the two men and releases them from their handcuffs, ordering them to take those monstrosities away from here and then come back to be arrested. The men gently lift each writhing bloom into the back of the cargo truck. They say nothing. We ask: “Who are you?” They say nothing. “What are these crates?” They say nothing. “These are people you have killed.” They pause briefly, but say nothing. “Are the crates always filled with bodies which are also flowers?” The men shake their heads no. The man who is not short says, “We are only doing our job.” “And what is your job?” we ask. “We handle the crates,” says the one who is not tall. “Are you hiring?” says Trish Hidge, who recently lost her job at City Hall. “The Botanic Gardens are closed to the public,” the not-short man says. “It is better that no one involve themselves with this,” the not-tall man says. They climb into the truck and drive away with their broken crates and human flowers.

We look at each other, relieved to know we completed another day, alive and together, but bereft of solutions or answer. “We have defeated gods!” we say. “And dragons!” we say. “And librarians!” we say. “And despotic corporate overlords!” we say and kind of high five each other about that one in particular. “But these men,” Missy Wilkes says. “Maintenance men,” Leann Hart says, already writing a story in her head. “Mafia,” Sheriff Sam suggests. “They’re kind of cute,” Michelle Nguyen says, as her girlfriend Maureen nods in agreement. “Not everyone gets to know everything,” we tell ourselves. “We have limitations,” we say, stumbling upon a new truth. “And when we know what we cannot know, we can believe whatever we want.” “Flower mafia,” Sheriff Sam insists. “Cancer is actually more inexplicable and frightening than those men,” Lorelai Alvarez says from great and terrible experience. And we sigh and, yeah, collectively nod. Culminating in a town-wide understanding that we not only touched the sky, but pushed against it. We know more about what we cannot know, and we are less afraid, even if we are still quite afraid. But in a productive, positive way. Like knowing not to put hornets in your mouth. We learned this, all together. Tough luck about you, though. Hope you’re doing OK at the gardens, I mean it didn’t look like you were, but we do wish you the best.

We walk to our homes, turn on our radios and hide. And we listen to a familiar voice say: “This has been a story about us.”

And we are pleased, because we always wanted to hear about ourselves on the radio.

Good night, Night Vale, Good night.

Today’s proverb: Anything is a piñata if you hit it hard enough.

#weclome to night vale #wtnv #wtnv transcripts #episode 130 #a story about us