A walk on the wild side
I stepped right up to disaster and grabbed it right by the code. Once I stepped off the template I was on my own. I’m not entirely happy about the new look but I had to break out of the two sidebars. The old posts are no longer ‘best’ formatted but I am looking forward to having more elbow room.
I mainly wanted to post larger images. So lets take the new layout for a spin
Spotted Knapweed - Centaurea maculosa
Alien wildflower caught in bloom July 14, 2008.

600 pixel width - still have room to expand. Lets try 626
Jerusalem Artichoke - Helianthus tuberosus
These native sunflowers are very very aggressive. The plants form edible tubers that can be used like potatoes or sliced and diced in salads.
If that one wasn’t large enough then click it to open one big enough to use as your desktop wallpaper.
BTW that was the first photo I’ve posted from my new camera. I’m very happy with the results so far. It is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 and I’m still fumbling around learning how to use it. The Lummox with the Lumix. The next photo is from the new camera too. Lets see how a 640 width image looks.
Gentian - Gentiana
My best guess - Closed Gentian - Gentiana andrewsii but it could be Soapwort Gentian - Gentiana saponaria or even G. clausa. It’s too close to call for me.

Ligularia
Just a garden variety but it has gone ‘wild’ in my pond garden. Every year they demand more space and I’m happy to give it to them. Right now they’re making a spectacle of themselves.

Enough for now. Now Ihave to stew over the new layout and see how I like it after a couple days.

September 6th, 2008 at 11:14 am
DearWiseA**
I just can’t help myself with that name .. hope you forgive me ? LOL
I am getting some beautiful wallpaper from your gorgeous flower shots and I want to thank you for them .. it will certainly brighten up those long dull winter days when I am cruising on my lap top.
How can I convince you that some ferns are stunning and would fit in your gardens some where ? I’m taking this on as a mission I warn you ! I will convince you some time : )
I’m hoping next year my planning and energy is focused enough to finally get rid of the awful wooden borders .. I just didn’t get to them this year with the raccoon business .. and the bed spring from hell (long story!) LOL
Spectacular pictures !!
PS … the new format is looking very good too !
September 6th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
As always I so look forward to your updates and those gorgeous photos! I was not disappointed today.
I have been on the lookout for a new camera and the model you have is one that is on my short list. I’ll be watching to see what you can do with it.
I also have been enjoying your wonderful wildflowers as desktops. I know this winter they will certainly make our long winter seem less dreary.
September 7th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Hi WA,
I visit Garden Joy regularly and found your witty comments intriguing. Since you are a northern gardener, I decided to check out your site and am finding it quite entertaining and love the cats and beautiful photos. I’ll be checking in often!