PeridotsGardenBlog

Yellow Iris

2011-04-08T17:00:00.000-05:00

No Words Necessary...

2011-04-06T08:14:00.003-05:00

A Photographic Study of the First 2011 Purple Iris!

2011-04-03T09:19:00.009-05:00

These Purple Iris Bulbs were a gift years ago from a fellow gardener. I've been fortunate to have one or two blooms each year but this year there are buds coming up all over and the bulbs have multiplied ten fold! I am so fortunate!

Plumbago!

2011-03-31T18:16:00.003-05:00

I love this beautiful plant! I've added two to my newest flower garden! I'm in Zone 7and I've heard other gardeners in this zone talk about how their Plumbago over-Wintered just fine! I've never had such luck. So before Fall I'll be trying to coax Mr. B into building a "SMALL" greenhouse! What do you think...will I be lucky?

Right now they are about 15 inches tall and the blooms have just begun to pop! These will bloom all summer long and up until the first frost! You can go here to learn more about this blue beauty!

Thank You Mindy!

2011-03-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

I was oh so fortunate to "Win" this beautiful belt buckle from Mindy at Primitiques 'n Poetry! I absolutely love the antique quality of the metal, the stance of the Cowboy and the idea that it came from Mindy's collection...well need I say more?

I grabbed some turquoise I'd been storing away for awhile and when I sat this beauty of a belt buckle on it...well 'nuff said...the photo says it all! Tomorrow I'll start the process of assembling my newest creation.\

Thank you Mindy! Not only did you GIFT me with a stunning buckle but you helped me find the creative spark to start making some necklaces again! However...as with pieces I truly LOVE...this one will stay with me...sorry guys!

You can visit Mindy's blog here!

The Ferns!

2011-03-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

They start coming out one at a time as soon as the weather warms up.
.
Then one by one the rest come out to join the celebration of Spring!

They start out oh so tiny perhaps a couple of inches in length BUT these babies will grow to be 4 feet tall and so thick that soil beneath their mature fronds will not be visable!

Here is some helpful information if you're interested in growing this beautiful plant!

Wisteria Revisited!

2011-03-22T00:01:00.002-05:00

Remember this Wisteria bloom?

These are photos of the Wisteria blooms from 3 days ago!

This is the Wisteria yesterday!

Here are the Wisteria Blooms today! Full, billowy, wisps of rich fragrant blooms!

You can go here for Wisteria plant care information.

Moss Rose!

2011-03-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

This little beauty is oh so sweet! It requires VERY LITTLE water (might be a good idea this summer cause we sure haven't gotten a measurable amount of rain in awhile...and it LOVES the sun...so we'll see how this little plant does in hanging baskets this year!

Here is some helpful information for this oh so vibrant and independent plant.

Lilacs!

2011-03-20T00:01:00.001-05:00

Singularly this lovely tiny bloom is stunningly simple in design, vibrant in color and the scent is dazzling!

But when the view finder on the camera captures the whole of the blooms they carry a powerful message for me...Spring is on it's way!

Now this lovely Lilac bush is not mine. It belongs to a neighbor of mine but I do so covet this plant. Fortunately for me it grows on a fence between our yards so I can enjoy it's simple beauty every year!

Can You See It?

2011-03-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

I know I get very and I mean VERY excited with the appearance of each and every bud and/or bloom in the gardens BUT gosh who could possibly resist this event as it unfolds!

We'll come back later as this bud develops to it's full potential!

Wysteria!

2011-03-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'll follow these Wysteria blooms as they develope into their full beauty! Barring any hailstorms that may present themselves first.

Thank You Jane for This Beautiful Gift!

2011-03-17T14:48:00.007-05:00

My newest neato torpedo blog friend Jane created a "Follow Me" button for my blog. Such a beautiful act of kindness...but that's Jane! I love it! She told me the plant in the photo is Bells of Ireland and it reminded her of my blog!

Little does she know...as we haven't discussed it YET...my ancestors are originally from Ireland! So kind! If you ever need a beautiful, inspirational place to land while browsing through the Land of Blog please go to her blog...The Hole in the Ceiling!

As with most bloggers, we think of our blogs as an outlet for our talents, a living journal willingly shared and unknowingly we actually more often than not provide inspiration and solice to others...we have and are living life...such is the Land of Blog and it's members!

Again Dearest Jane...THANK YOU! When I look at this beautiful photo I will immediately think of you!

The First 2011 White Iris!

2011-03-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

Ahhh! The first of many to come. This little beauty came forward today, standing tall, with anything but Spring-like temperatures to welcome it. So I took this photo not only to welcome this first white Iris but to thank God for his subtle reminder that renewal is a part of our journey.

Wishes into Prayers and Blessings!

2011-03-16T00:01:00.002-05:00

I never tire of Dandelions! I've made wishes on them all my life and I always will.

Today as I closed my eyes, my wish became a prayer to be carried upon each seed head with it's fluffy wings...asking for blessings for everyone impacted by the Japan earthquake, the resulting tsunamis and now the nuclear reactor situations...as I watched each spore blow into the breeze I hoped for a mulitude of blessings for all.

Here's some information you might not have known about this special plant.

You'll have to use your Imagination on this one....

2011-03-15T00:02:00.000-05:00

When I was 8 years old I was given the highly sought after assignment of being one of the two Angels leading the children taking the Sacrament of their First Holy Communion! I was thrilled! My Mother sewed a beautiful long flowing white angel costume, a real halo and a HUGE set of Angel wings with gold glitter, of course. I practiced fervently and with humility!

The Friday night prior to the BIG event, my brothers and I were practicing putting with our child sized golf putter. I had my turn and missed the hole all 3 times. My oldest of three brothers took his turn...he missed the first, then the second and when he was ready to attempt his third shot...I decided it would be funny to look over his shoulder and tease him. BIG MISTAKE! He swung that club like a pro...and it hit me smack dab in the face. Well, I knew I had an out....SCREAM...and scream I did! I ran into the house. My Mother grabbed a dishtowel to cover my eye. My Father grabbed me and his keys and off to the base dispensary (clinic) we went. I was thinking to myself...this is a little more attention than I counted on...but decided I would go with the flow. Well, 3 stitches later, lots of screaming from me, a threat from the poor physician dealing with me and the promise of a Coca Cola from my Father if I would just be quiet...the medical deed was done.

Needless to say I was wallowing in a bed of care, concern and great and I mean GREAT attention from family, neighbors and friends alike.

Then came Saturday morning...my Father took one look at my humongous black eye and called our Priest. I listened as my Father explained that there was no way I could be the processional Angel for the First Communion. Then I heard him say, "Yes Father." He told my Mother that our Priest couldn't stop laughing and thought it would be an even more spectacular event with the addition of a "Black Eyed Angel"!

Sunday morning came, I was thrilled with my Angel costume and most especially proud of my HUGE shiner! Off to church, everyone lined up, the door opened and everyone in the church turned to look at the processional...The nuns had told me during our practice that my responsibility as an Angel was to walk slowly, look straight ahead and be solemn. So I started my solemn walk but when I looked at the whole congregation and our Priest...EVERYONE WAS GIGGLING, SMILING AND SOME WERE OPENLY LAUGHING! Now here comes the imagination part...IMAGINE a tiny, fair, curly headed blond, little girl with a full set of wings and a HALO...oh and a shiner the size of the state of Texas leading the First Communicants to the alter! Oh how I savored the moments walking down the church aisle but with intense humility...as any good angel would.

After Mass, the angels were to lead the First Communion children out of the church. At the back of the church I saw my Father...he was not smiling...there was a man with a big camera and I saw a flash, then the man was on the floor! Seems my Father didn't want my introduction to the newspaper to be as a Black Eyed Angel...somehow the newspaperman tripped...hmmm that was strange.

After Mass everyone was to go to a celebratory breakfast...unfortunately not me...my Father could not-would not tolerate any more humiliation.

I was disappointed to miss the sweet rolls at the breakfast but I still wore that shiner with pride...school the next morning was spectacular!

Ooooo New Rain Boots!

2011-03-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

Last Winter Mr. B bought these rain boots for me. It wasn't that I needed them at that time but they were on sale and he knows my proclivity for getting in the muddy gardens during a wet Spring in my barefeet. Now that's a pedicure nightmare!

Here's a side view. They had cute red ones with with polka dots! They had sexy zebra striped ones. However, my conservative frugal nature took over and I chose black.

So these little piggies....

are waiting to look like this. We have a chance for rain tonight! Perhaps I'll be out in the muddy gardens tomorrow morning wearing my new rain boots!

The Right Words...

2011-03-13T00:15:00.002-06:00

I am amazed by the power of words.

I was in 8th grade getting ready to choose electives for high school. I wanted to learn Spanish. I was born and raised most of my life in San Antonio, Texas and I just knew that Spanish was a language that would be a benefit to know. When I approached a member of my family, I was told, "You are not that smart. Just focus on being pretty and getting married." That family member walked out of the room and I sunk down into the abominable hole of self doubt.

I questioned my intelligence. I knew my family member would not tell me an untruth. So right then and there I decided since I was not intelligent that there was no need to study...ANYTHING. I never studied again...why bother? That simple sentence truly impacted my thinking at a very early age.

I made good grades but never to my true potential. True I failed Algebra I - but gosh I had 6 teachers in one year! The next year I was required to take it again. I had a 98 average for the year. My school counselor said I should major in math...NO WAY. I was done with any type of math...over...pergatory penance performed...my focus was clear...just get out of high school...for me it was boring...hmm that's interesting since I never ever studied...my text books were simply taken to class and dumped in my locker afterwards.

After graduation from high school and with the experience of "business" classes under my belt I went job hunting. Well, I looked like I was 12 years old and no working experience so my family member decided I should go to college.

I enrolled and on the drive home my family member told me that I better study because he had paid-Paid-PAID for these courses. So from that statement I knew I could not disappoint him. I studied...I excelled...with a 3.9 GPA!

My family member looked at my grades and exclaimed, "You're smart!" I was so proud.

The negative comments were to come up time and again throughout my life...and they always brought me emotionally back to the young 8th grader...

So with my own kids I decided never NEVER to repeat what was done to me...I never believed in false praise...BUT I DO BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF THE RIGHT WORDS! I always told them they were loved, I was proud of them, they would determine their best effort not me AND that I believed in them.

So far this mindset has served my children well! My oldest daughter excelled in school as a child and as a young adult...she has her BACHELORS degree from Texas State University...oh by the way she is Profoundly Deaf. She works for the State of Texas and her new goal is her MSW so that she may further her career and help even more people! My youngest daughter is still in high school and throughout the years she has always excelled, her goals change from a K-grade 3 teacher to a Pediatric Physical Therapist..I know whatever she chooses she will do well...because she like her sister knew the power of the RIGHT words from their parents!

Is there a moral to this story? Yes, Ethics, Honesty, Recognition of their Intelligence, Trust, Accountability, Dedication to Task, a Healthy Self Esteem, Humor, Love, Respect, Understanding, Praise for their best effort, the Right to an Equal Voice and Leading by Example are the emotional foods that feed a healthy person throughout life!

Savor the opportunity to be a positive influence in another persons life because the plot may thicken at times but the conclusion is oh so rewarding!

Please go visit a blogger I've just met. Jane's story defines the "Right Words"! Her journey defines courage, honesty, integrity and most of all LOVE! You will find her blog here!

Memories of My Childhood Revisited...

2011-03-11T19:42:00.018-06:00

Every time I hear or read about an earthquake and/or tsunami I am mentally and emotionally transported back in time March 27, 1964...to my beloved Anchorage, Alaska...Elmendorf A.F.B.

It was Good Friday. I was 11 years old and I really wanted a new Easter coat. My Father said he would take me downtown to J.C. Penney's and I was thrilled! My Mother asked that we wait and eat dinner first. I was helping Mother prepare our dinner when I felt the first 2 small tremors. My 3 bothers, Mother, Father and I looked at each other and laughed. Being from Texas we thought tremors were funny! Then a pause of perhaps a second or two...

I remember the sound like a B-52 engine or a locomotive...as if it were rolling towards our home...then violent shaking. I froze with my fingers clinched on the kitchen counter...hanging on for dear life. I heard my parents voices yelling for everyone to go outside...my Father grabbed me and herded me outside. I couldn't walk straight or get my balance...everything was moving. The kitchen cabinet doors were opening and closing with all the contents crashing to the floor as we exited our home. We sat down on the back steps of our home and I remember watching the cars in the parking area rolling back and forth. I looked to the telephone poles with the wires moving in a wave like motion. The sound continued. Neighbors looked at each other in total disbelief. When the earthquake stopped there was total quiet. Not a sound. It was a quiet beyond description. I was struck by how warm it was that day as I looked up at the sun shining in a crystal blue sky and the streets were clear of all ice and snow...all the while thinking how did this happen?

My Father went to get our battery operated "transistor" radio. He was furious. He thought my brother has used it listening to music and worn down the batteries. All he could get was static. Someone had a ham radio...our link to the world...that's when we began to find out how serious this situation was. No phones, no television, catastrophic damages through out Alaska...a new sense of seriousness took over.

My Father dressed in his uniform and told us that he had to report to his office. He kissed us goodbye and we opened our home to other military Mothers and children. We all tried to sleep on our living room floor while we listened to the ham radio operators reading messages from friends and family across Alaska...all the while hearing the all too familiar rumblings of aftershocks coming upon us. The Mothers collectively kept a sense of humor and it immediately calmed all of us children. We were constantly reassured that our Fathers would be home soon and the Air Force would take care of us. We so firmly believed these statements that we never questioned their validity and for good reason...Father did return home the next morning.

The news he shared with us was defined with his ever present sense of "we can do what needs to be done and we will be fine". Again we never doubted any of these statements.

As more information came to us we realized the enormity of this earthquake. Here are some statistics about the 1964 Alaskan earthquake.

Railroad tracks buckled.

Highways cracked.

Alaskan soil is so saturated with moisture due to the climate and snow that during the earthquake it turned into a "jello like" viscosity lending to further destruction.

Tsunamis are real...devastatingly real.

We learned concrete structures were totally unforgiving in an earthquake and there are reminders.

Downtown Anchorage...after the quake.

The J.C. Penny store my Father and I were supposed to be in...had we not waited to eat dinner...the girls department collapsed...we could have been seriously injured or worse.

Easter Sunday came and we went to church as always but this time there was a difference. Back in 1964 church attire meant your BEST clothes. This Easter Sunday it was different...the services were held outdoors due to the compromised structural integrity of the church. The military personnel were in full uniform as always...the other parishioners were in every type of clothing...but the demeanor of each worshiper was powerful...so powerful that to this day...I remember for the first time in my young life the church service didn't seem too long...the sermon had real meaning for me...and I wanted to stay at our church with it's cracked walls and Thank God for protecting all of us.

A wonderful blogger who lives in Alaska NOW is Retired in Alaska you can go here to see this beautiful state as it is today. It is a place of wonder and it's pristine beauty holds true even today. I love this state, it captured my heart as a child and I still hold it dear today!

My prayers for everyone impacted by earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami victims and survivors from Japan to Hawaii to the continental United States...May God bless.

My Best Friend X 3 !

2011-03-10T00:01:00.001-06:00

I am rich beyond measure! My wealth is not in the form of money, possessions or status. My wealth is defined by my husband, children, grand babies and my dear friends!

Today I'd like to pay tribute to these dearest of friends...3 to be exact. Each one unique. Each one is beautiful from their most private souls to the swathe of skin that is their public selves and even more the love they so willingly share with me.

I met each of these special women years ago at different stages of my life. We've known each other through good times and bad times. You know that special relationship women have that is reality based? Where I can lament having been on a "rabbit" diet for WEEKS, working out for 1 to 1 1/2 hours a day only to get on the scale this morning and find I've gained 1 1/2 pounds! They listen to my self pity and they reassure me that it's muscle! They offer prudent advice on my much needed reality check! We openly share the much needed release of tears held in check way toooooo long. We discuss feelings, hopes, desires, faith and most of all the mutual recognition of how much we truly love each other. Then they help me find my way back to happiness!

These events remind me of a scene from one of my favorite movies, "Fried Green Tomatoes"...the setting is in the courtroom...The prosecuting attorney is asking Ruth about her dear friend Idgie...

DID THIS WOMAN
PROMISE YOU MONEY ?
NO.

A BIGGER HOME ?

NO. NO.

THEN TELL US,
MRS. BENNETT,

WHY WOULD A RESPECTABLE
CHRISTIAN WOMAN...

GO ANYWHERE WITH
THIS IDGIE THREADGOODE...
I OBJECT.

WHOSE REPUTATION
IS KNOWN FAR AND WIDE...

AS A NOTORIOUS LIAR
AND DRUNKARD ?

- OBJECTION !
- SUSTAINED !

WHY DID YOU LEAVE...

WITH IDGIE THREADGOODE
THAT DAY ?

[ Judge ]
ANSWER THE QUESTION,
MRS. BENNETT.

BECAUSE SHE --

SHE'S THE BEST FRIEND
I EVER HAD...

AND I LOVE HER.

So for all the women out there who are fortunate enough to have that SPECIAL best friend...be it one or as in my case THREE best friends...

May your lives continue enrich each other.
May your bond go beyond mere words.
May your tears be shed due to laughter.
May you know you are cherished.
May you hold close to your heart...each others deepest secrets, hopes, desires, fears and cherish the fact that each of you were entrusted with these sometimes only "once spoken" events because you are loved!

I am blessed! Thank you all three!

As Promised...

2011-03-09T00:01:00.001-06:00

As promised in my post yesterday ,this is a photo of my living room curtains. Now we're a very relaxed kinda family. So these fit our lifestyle and my decorating style.

They are made from Home Depot canvas painter's drop cloths. These came in a package with two 9'x12' drop cloths for $10.00. The curtain rods, end caps, side holders and the cafe curtain hangers are all from BIG LOTS! I probably spent less than $50.00 for everything.

When I got home I just threw the drop cloths in the washer and then the dryer. I didn't iron them because I loved the bumpy texture. They were not wrinkly just nice and bumpy like an natural linen fabric.

While Mr. B mounted the curtain rods...I cut the drop cloths to fit my design idea for my double picture window and for one side window. I sewed the seams, placed the cafe curtain hangers on the curtain tops, put them on the rod and pulled them back on the side holders. THEN I just stood back and admired them. They've been up for almost 5 months and all I do is throw them in the washer/dryer and put them back up.

Here are two closeups of the the rod, endcap and cafe curtain hangers.

This is a photo of the side holder.

So here's a photo from yesterday with the lamps and below it a photo of the curtains...I love 'em!

Here's some interesting info...this fabic can be painted! Draw on it...paint your design...customize your curtains with you design whimzy and most of all with today's economy...do it for LESS!

The Story of Two Lampshades!

2011-03-08T00:01:00.003-06:00

This is a story of two lamps. They were the perfect size for my tiny living room but alas their shades left a lot to be desired.

So I went here and learned how to recover them myself. I used leftovers that started out as canvas painter's drop cloths from Home Depot. They came in a pack of TWO 9'x12' drop cloths for $10!

I love my lamps now and they compliment my tiny living room with it's curtains also made from the same fabric! Maybe we have that story tomorrow.

I LOVE ANTIQUE MALLS!

2011-03-07T00:01:00.005-06:00

Saturday morning Mr. B suggested a trip to Lone Star Antiques! I was thrilled! Upon entering the doors, I felt a sense of wonder because almost every vendor had something that stirred a memory of my childhood. The only time I want a lot of $$$ and a BIG home is when I visit an Antique Mall because I always see so many things I want. I saw gorgeous tiny things and gorgeous BIG things!

So my normal plan is to browse. I make a mental list of what I want but I rarely pick-up anything upon my first browsing...RISKY...YES but gosh I might find something else further down the aisle that I want MORE! In the past I've forgotten where specific things were, much to Mr. B's delight! Yesterday I narrowed my purchases to my top favorite 3 items...first they were within my budget...AND most of all...I loved them each and every one! So here's what I got....

This was labeled as an "Irish Hearth Broom". Hmmmm why do I love it? It's the metal and the natural straw. I LOVE IT!

Please excuse the paint colors of our kitchen. This is our next project, a complete redo of our kitchen sometime this Fall...hopefully!

I love these old canning jars with the wire closure! It may not be an antique but no matter to me...again the rusty metal wire and this time with glass !

It sits so prettily next to one I bought last year...with my favorite kitty nestled behind them.

Now some of you are probably scratching your heads and wondering..."WHAT WAS SHE THINKING?" This is a Toledo Torch...used by the railroad many years ago...well my sweet Mr. B works for the BEST Railroad so this little beauty "torched" my heart. Besides it's metal and rusty...do you see a trend?

Here it sits...in front of a weathered wooden post holding a "rusty" metal wind chime whose letters spell "GARDEN"!

So if you're new to my blog...you now know I LOVE RUSTY METAL ANYTHING! Always have and always will!

Oh...here's their business card...notice it's atop a stack of posty notes with the title "SHOPPING"!

More Surprises in the Gardens!

2011-03-06T12:00:00.001-06:00

Each day brings new flowers!

I think these first two photos are of an Azalea bush I'd given up on...so I dumped (mean placed) it at the back of our property...so what a surprise when I first saw these blooms yesterday...ahhh!

This is one of many Jonquils...see the tan edges? They bloomed EARLY this year and their days are numbered but how pretty they have been for a couple of weeks!

This vibrant yellow beauty is at it's prime!

Don't You Love Spring Flowers?

2011-03-05T00:01:00.001-06:00

Oh so subtle tiny flowers are starting to pop up throughout the flower gardens! But the colors are far from subtle! Thank you Mother Nature for first hint of what's to come this Spring!

Creamy Colors of Antiquity!

2011-03-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

This is a close up of the newest addition to our flower garden family! When I first spied it at Home Depot sitting at the back of a rolling tower of shelves I immediately thought of all the beautiful blogs that feature creamy colors of antiquity!

The photos don't really capture the true colors...they are creamy shades of off white, with tan and a hint of burgundy. So thick are the flowers that it's difficult to see the stems!

Now there are two big pots of these beautiful flowers sitting in prominent places in the gardens as a tribute to all of you who captured my heart with your beautiful tributes to antiquity!

Cinnamon Toast!

2011-03-03T00:01:00.001-06:00

Do you remember eating cinnamon toast when you were a child? When was the last time you actually made it? It's so easy and fills the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma of spicy sweetness!

So here's how I do it...

I use white sugar, cinnamon and butter.

Sorry about the clarity of this photo...what can I say...a white bowl is not the best for white sugar? Anyway I mix 2 teaspoons of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon together.

I don't own a toaster...it's a choice...just not my favorite appliance BUT I do own my tried and true griddle! I place the bread on the griddle and turn the heat to medium low.

Keep checking it until your preference for that just right color of doneness is achieved on side one.

Now I put the bread to one side of the griddle and put a pat of butter directly on the griddle...watch that butter SIZZLE! Then I place the untoasted side of the bread face down on the sizzling butter. Boy it's difficult to photograph, swirl a pat of melting butter and place the bread on top of it BUT you get the general idea.

Now when the buttery side of the toast has reached a golden LIGHT brown...flip the toast over...sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top...and if you choose flip it over again to let the cinnamon sugar and butter sizzle to a crunchy scrumptious delight!

So here is Miss M's breakfast...CINNAMON TOAST and apple juice! YUMMY!

Hope this inspires you to create a memory for your family of reignite one of your own!

knock knock...

2011-03-02T06:54:00.005-06:00

I received an lovely email this morning from a dear blogging friend, she asked if my blog had been removed...nope...am I OK...yep...

Have you ever missed a day at church, or working out at the gym or visiting a friend? It starts with one absence...then two...by the third time at least for me...guilt sets in. Guilt fueled by embarrassment.

Oh, I visited other blogs during my absence...did I write a comment? Nope. Why? Again, shame for my absence.

Now, I should clarify, I've been busy...I've written several blog posts but did not post them for any reason other than they just weren't up to par. I hope to revise and post them soon.

I have noticed several of my favorite bloggers writing about feeling overwhelmed, needing a break and when I saw those posts I felt justified...well at least I realized I was not alone.

So scoot over in the pew. May I use that gym machine when you're finished? And yes this is me...knocking at the front door...I'm here...hopefully to bring something positive to our beautiful Land of Blog!

How to Make a Wire Hanging Candle Holder!

2011-02-07T14:36:00.012-06:00

I love gardens! Okay...so that's not big news but one element I believe adds to the overall ambiance of my gardens is candlelight! Over the years I tried every candle holder known to man and some have cost a pretty penny but then I saw a form of this wire candle holder and I knew the destiny of my night-time gardens was on a new path!

So here we go...you'll need a glass jar. I'm using a jelly jar for this one.

I use OLD bailing wire...I love the contrast of the old rusty wire with the pristine shine of the glass! I've also used wire from the hardware store. I've never used aluminum wire but if you've got it try it! One bit of advice, use a soft wire because the more you bend and work wire the harder it gets. Wire coat hangers will not work as they are TOO HARD to bend and in the end you'll be totally frustrated and that's no fun!

You'll need wire cutters.

A ruler is most helpful for beginners, just to measure the wire lengths.

I measure the neck of my jar and multiply that measurement by 4. Cut 4 pieces of wire to that measurement.

Take one piece of wire and slide it around the neck of the jar as shown in this photo. Try to make both ends of the wire close to the same measurement in length.

Twist the 2 ends of the wire as shown in this photo.

Now take another piece of wire and do the same as the previous 2 steps.

This photos shows how the 2 twisted pieces of wire should look at this stage of the process.

Now one more twist of each set of wires so there is one end pointing to the top and one pointing to the bottom of the jar.

This photos shows how I use my fingers as a guide to making loops in the wire. Notice the rust from the wire on my fingertips. Think in terms of gently guiding the wire into the shapes you desire.

Now do the same on the opposite side.

Add as many loops as you desire...I know less is more for me "More is Perfect"!

I like some differences in the "flow" of the wire loops so I developed this trick...just put the middle loop between your index finger and thumb and turn it one turn...TA DAA! You can see the flow of the wire has changed...so pretty!

I added another loop and one more turn of the last loop...see how it flows?

Again I'm using my fingers as a guide for the size of my loops for the bottom wire.

Let your imagination reign...make as many loops as you please.

Take a pair of pliers and simply make a little turn of the ends of the wire to finish off all 4 pieces of wire.

Take the 3rd piece of your precut wire and make a loop...just bring the two ends together and then cross over and you'll see the loop!

My fingers again as a guide for the first loop of the top hanger.

Make a series of loops again.

Notice the flip of one of the loops and there is the "flow" again! Using a pair of pliers curl the ends into tiny loops.

Cut 4 one (1) inch pieces of wire. Make these into a loop. Now connect the hanger to the top of the wire on the jar.

Here is a close up of the loop connector.

Repeat the steps for the top hanger and make the bottom hanger.

I hope these instructions were helpful! A few tips...I've used "some" of my hanging candle holders for years....WHEN I REMEMBER TO BRING THEM IN FROM HAIL STORMS AND FREEZING WEATHER...a little water in the jar on a freezing day or night is disaster. But the good news...they are easily replaced and each time it becomes easier!

I've used glass baby food jars,those tiny jars that held minced garlic or canning jars for the candle holders. I've also used long neck bottles which are transformed into hanging rooting bottles for new plants. Use your imagination!

Tea lights are my preferred candle in these little beauties (hint...I buy a bag of 144 at Big Lots! Love that store!)

Have fun and let your imagination rule!

Just When I Think I'm Alone....

2011-02-05T14:52:00.011-06:00

I don't do Winter very well. Every year I try a new plan to overcome my least favorite season. I am just not a cold weather person, once chilled I never warm up. I put on more clothes. I drink warm fluids. I think warm thoughts but the cold creeps in and penetrates to my very soul...I shut down, on a very personal level and it spreads like a virus throughout my day to day existence until finally I sink into that most abysmal of places. It's not quite depression but I can see the doorway and read the letters etched on the glass to that place I just don't want to visit. So I struggle to create ANYTHING, I exercise, chat with family and friends, count my blessings and PRAY.

Today I'd reached the limit of my patience and this morning while saying my morning prayers I felt so alone in this annual struggle as I looked into the bleak garden areas...and then I felt compelled to do a walkabout...something I just normally don't do on a cold Winter day.

As I looked over an untouched backyard of snow I saw that I'd had visitors!

Could these be the teeny footprints of a mouse? I'm thrilled to see it's outside...sorry buddy for the COLD weather but please don't visit me in my tiny home!

Could this be the footsteps of one of the feral cats that roam our neighborhood?

To my untrained eye these look like the footprints of a raccoon!

Could this be evidence of a possum?

As I stared at these footprints and saw them from start to end...I thought...a rabbit! It's got to be a rabbit!

And then this scene...so many footprints going in the same direction starting at a wide space and narrowing down to the entry of our double gate at the back area of our property! I could only imagine each of the owners of these footprints saying, "Boy oh boy it's party time"!

Hmmm? What's this? Could it be a critter pushing that proverbial ball through the untouched snow? Or was God showing me that no matter what...I'm not alone on this journey...He is always there right along with me and just when I want to throw up my hands in total surrender...He will help me push through every event from the monumental to the minuscule...and I am grateful!

And The Winner Is!

2010-12-30T23:07:00.007-06:00

I am so happy to announce Gwendolyn Kay from Gwennys Place is the winner of my GIVEAWAY!

Congratulations Gwenny and as soon as I have your mailing address this little beauty of a necklace will be going in the mail to you! Have fun wearing it cause I sure had fun making it!

I appreciate everyone taking the time to enter and for your support during this my first GIVEAWAY!

Yep, my first...How about Mother's Day for the next GIVEAWAY? Sounds good to me! Mother's Day will be here before we know it and who knows what I'll be putting in that GIVEAWAY!

Thank you to everyone and congratulations again to Gwenny from Gwenny's Place!

My Christmas Wish List !

2010-12-22T10:56:00.008-06:00

May you be blessed this day
And may these blessings continue everyday that follows.

May your heart be filled with love
And may you sprinkle this love on everyone around you.

May your days be filled with joy
And may this joy be shared with all.

May your life be filled with peace
And may it spread throughout our world.

May your prayers be answered
And may they include others in need.

May you know you and your endeavors are truly appreciated
And may each of us thank you and often.

May you walk with God in your heart
And may you share.

May you reach out for encouragement when needed
And may you return the favor when asked.

May your creative spirit be boundless
And may each of us learn from you.

May you know you are beautiful
And may you know your beauty never fades.

May you know with every word you write you too leave footprints in the sand of this wonderfully special Land of Blog and may you know others will follow you on this magical journey therein.

And finally to each and every blogger friend…you make this The Land of Blog a very special place and each time I venture in…whether to stroll along and enjoy the trip…or to search for guidance which is easily found…or to strive to emulate your talents…I know I can look up and figuratively I will see the hand of another blogger reaching out to help during my ascent through the sometimes difficult steps of Life…Thank you one and all!

Merry Christmas!

Don't forget the GIVEAWAY, I hope y'all will join in the fun...it's my way of saying THANK YOU to one and all!

The top photo is from a Google Image Search and here is the website I pilfered it from...hope they don't mind...

A GIVEAWAY!

2010-12-11T00:01:00.007-06:00

As I sit here typing my words into the computer and figuratively tapping my chin while deep in contemplative thought...oh excuse me...once again I've attempted to fire up too many of my brain cells at one time...FOCUS...that's what I need to do...or is it?

During the Holidays my brain, my body and my emotions are running on overdrive...and I know I'll be facing the post holidays dull drums all too soon. Are you familiar with those feelings of being just plain worn out...way beyond the point of redemption? Does anyone else go through the same emotions? If you do...perhaps this will help...

I'm going to GIVEAWAY this necklace!

I made this is a 21 inch, double strand necklace of greenish-blue magnesite with lovely swirls of taupe throughout the beads and I added flat finish bronze seed beads with tiny sterling bead caps for a little dramatic emphasis.

Here's a close up of this pretty magnesite necklace! The first photo on this post shows the true greenish-blue coloring of the magnesite.

So here's all the giveaway info you'll need! I have to be honest...I got the ideas for my criteria information from Gwenny for her "Giveaway" you can find her information here! Thanks Gwenny...as always...you inspire me!

ENTRY CRITERIA
1. Existing or new followers of my blog who leave a comment about my Giveaway on this blog post will receive 1 entry for the Giveaway!

2. Mention my Giveaway on your blog, leave me a comment directing me to your blog post and you'll receive an additional 1 entry for the Giveaway!

3. Add the first photo at the top of this Giveaway post to your sidebar, keep it there until the drawing is completed and notify me of said actions to receive an additional 1 entry for the Giveaway!

WHEN?
The Giveaway entries begin December 11, 2010 and end at 10 p.m. CST Thursday, December 30, 2010.

RULES
Since I'm just not a RULES kinda gal...we'll go with TWO RULES...this time.

#1 RULE Continental United States entries only. I apologize for the strong boundary limitations. In the future as I have more giveaways perhaps I can expand the area.

#2 RULE My family members may not participate...don't worry they won't be upset I gift them with jewelry all the time!

DRAWING
Ooops! I almost forgot...the winner will be chosen 7pm CST Saturday, January 1, 2011!in a random selection process or in other words...Miss M (my youngest daughter) will select the lucky winner's name from the proverbial fish bowl...but in this Giveaway the entries will be placed in an antique metal colander...it's huge...do you think I'm too optimistic...I hope not!

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER,
WINNER NOTIFICATION AND
MAILING THE NECKLACE TO THE WINNER!
Right after the drawing, I'll announce the winner on my blog and then I'll contact the winner for their mailing information.

I will mail the necklace via USPS FIRST CLASS/INSURED/RECEIPT REQUESTED the first working day after I have received the winner's mailing information.

So what do y'all think? Are you tempted to participate? Aw come on...join in the fun, tell your friends and let's see how much this giveaway helps all of us get past those pesky Post Holiday Dull drums!

The Christmas Box Surprise!

2010-12-09T17:29:00.005-06:00

I've had this tiny Christmas Box for many years. It has held prominent position in my china cabinet just as long. Well...today Mr. B was looking for a place to put his "Santa's helper" receipts...so I picked up this special box, opened it and...

SURPRISE! These are seed pods given to me many years ago from a dear gardener friend, her name is Diane and unfortunately she passed shortly after I was presented with these beauties. I must have placed them in this special box upon being gifted with them...

They look like little Oriental lanterns!

Each pod holds an great number of seeds!

These are the seeds...tiny...hopefully safe and sound!

I promptly found a pretty glass jar for Diane's gift from long ago.

Now the Christmas box has a new job...it holds Mr. B's "Santa's helper" receipts...cause we all know the best toys come from Santa's workshop! So when Mr. B does his part to help out Santa...well we just have to be prepared for returns...funny it never happens with Santa's workshop toys!

Diane's memory is safe in a pretty glass jar and every time I look at it...I remember...my sweet friend...a prolific gardener...an animal lover...a very interesting and funny woman...oh how I remember!

Diane's gift of the seeds are stored safely wrapped in a paper towel and then in a plastic baggie while we await Spring...so that these seeds will be planted, nurtured and then the cycle of life begins again!

P.S. The moral to this story...if you ask Sandy to put something in a safe place...you better witness the event...cause Sandy will never find it again...unless by accident...and what a lovely accident this was!

A Very Special Project!

2010-12-07T14:11:00.007-06:00

Today I've been busy on a "VERY SPECIAL" project! It's a Christmas stocking for my sweet grandson...yes his nickname is JR! Hopefully he'll enjoy this present from Grandma.

Tomorrow it goes in the mail and this little stocking should be hanging on their fireplace by the end of the week!

Take care and enjoy the holidays!

Christmas in Our Little Home!

2010-12-04T08:10:00.017-06:00

Our little home provides me with the opportunity to decorate in creative ways...A Christmas Tree just won't fit so instead I choose several (well okay quite a few) small "TREES" based on sparkle, color, shape, whimsy and architectural pieces that touch my fancy. I group them all together and then I sit back and enjoy our Christmas Tree Forest!

This is my favorite Santa figurine! I love the textures and the details!

Then there is Santa's Workshop...so full of busy elves, Mrs. Claus and of course Santa!

Cardinals are a treasured gift any time of year but at Christmas their "red" color is even more special!

There's always room for a cherished photo of 3 year old Miss M with Santa Claus!

This little snowman has been with us for as long as I can remember...even though his nose is a little scuffed up...he is still an important part of our Christmas decorating theme!

Imagine Christmas music ...cookies baking in the oven...hot spiced cider brewing...sparkling ornaments, soft scented candles and colorful Christmas lights...Ahhhh! So come on over, hang your hat wherever you want and join our family as we celebrate Christmas in our little home!

My Favorite Fall Flower from Mother Nature!

2010-12-01T19:17:00.003-06:00

Now this little jewel first appeared in my gardens about 3 or 4 years ago. The plant first appears out of the soil in early June, grows all Summer to a height of 3 or 4 feet and I cut it back to a height of 3 or 4 inches every chance I get. WHY? Well, the plant becomes fuller and besides the blooms don't appear until mid Fall. After the first freeze the blooms start to turn into a milky white puff ball of seeds. That's when I swoop down upon the seed heads, pinch them off and scatter them throughout the gardens...ahhhh just helping Mother Nature along!

They are probably some sort of weed but I love 'em! They require absolutely no special treatment, they survive throughout our HOT Summers with little to no water, every Fall without fail they provide the prettiest blooms and they self seed! What more could I ask for?

Thanksgiving Wishes!

2010-11-25T07:54:00.005-06:00

May this symbolic day be one of joy for all. May your homes be filled with the people you cherish. May your tables be filled with the foods you love. May you and yours be blessed with health, happiness and the opportunity to savour these moments.

May the football games be exciting demonstrations of skill, determination and sportsmanship. May the parades be colorful and filled with whimsy. May the Fall air be crisp and the colors of the fallen leaves be rich.

May you be greeted with a smile and a resounding "Happy Thanksgiving" wish from everyone you encounter! May you take the time to return that gift. It only takes a moment and you will find your heart is filled with joy each time you do so!

May each of us have time to reflect upon our blessings...some may be grand...some may be insignificant...but when you start putting them together they can surround your heart and soul with happiness.

So...with a smile upon my face and a warm glow of love in my heart I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Life Cycle of a Rose

2010-11-10T10:05:00.011-06:00

This photo captures several roses in the various stages of their life cycle...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

there's a rosebud at the far left of the photo...so new...so perfect,

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

at the far right is a rose bloom as it's petals begin to open in their full glory...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

to the upper right is a rose in it's later stage of bloom with magnificently mature petals...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

in the center is what's left after all the petals fall, leaving behind a striking vision of Mother Nature's wisdom, beause if I'm fortunate it will continue to develop into a rose hip!

You can go here to read all about rose hips and their many uses!

Good Morning From Our Little Home!

2010-11-09T08:14:00.004-06:00

This is a view of our Kitchen table this morning...it holds Miss M's breakfast...Apple Cinnamon Muffins! You should smell the aroma!

Miss M woke up as soon as they were placed on the plate! Don't you just love seeing a smile on your teenager's face first thing in the morning?

Have a great day!

5 Seconds...

2010-10-26T17:33:00.008-05:00

Recently there has been an outpouring of personal tributes to "It will get Better”. After our family's loss, I wrote these words....

"Each of us will face life experiences that will test our will to the limits of personal endurance, to a place we'd rather not visit with everything emotionally imploding around us. Therein, we are overwhelmed and only seek relief. Some of us will build a facade to hide our sorrow while the pain festers and grows more intense. Most of us cringe at the very thought of past, present or the potential for future pain BUT please remember these words...

5 seconds, 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days, 5 weeks, 5 months, 5 years or more from now...you will have survived. Yes it was painful and upon reflection you will have learned more about your personal tenacity and your special place in this world but most of all you will be here with your family and friends.

So tell someone about your pain, let someone know, allow them to help until you can again hold your standard high. Always remember you matter and please believe… it will get better, take a breath...reach out...ask for help...and believe.

Take a moment to remember the worst moment of your life...who helped you? Have you felt the moral obligation to do the same for someone in your life? If the opportunity presents itself please help them find a way to wait that 5 minutes before they make choice that can't be undone; a choice that leaves those left behind searching for answers, battling lifelong grief and every minute for the rest of their lives attempting to redefine normal.

Pain is best defined by the owner...
Compassion is best defined by understanding...
Hope is best defined by example...
And it will get better…I promise!"

May I Introduce....

2010-10-24T12:29:00.003-05:00

This is the newest addition to our little home...She sits near our Welcome sign on the front porch.

I have always loved lizards and we have a variety of these special little creatures who live in the Wood Ferns surrounding our front porch. On hot sultry Summer nights they come out to feast on all the little critters that are drawn to our porch light. This time of year they don't appear as often, perhaps they're preparing for Winter,

Upon researching the symbolism of the Lizard in Native American cultures I came upon this site.

This special creature's symbolism is ...•Lizard: Promotes dreaming, agility, and conservation.

I love these words as they are presented and now I better understand my affinity for Lizards!

Friends!

2010-10-20T09:38:00.004-05:00

Friends, ah just the sound of this beautiful word as it rolls off the tip of the tongue ignites the smoldering embers of a part of life that is so, so important.

The literal definition is, "one attached to another by affection or esteem" there's more to the definition and it can be found here.

I have been blessed by having the opportunity over my lifetime to have incredibly wonderful friends. They each are unique in their beauty, talent, wisdom, thoughtfulness and patience. I remember my first friend in first grade and each and every one up to today, for that I am grateful.

In today's busy world, with all of life's responsibilities there isn't always time to see each other as often as we'd like but when we do get together it is a celebration of caring.

Stories to be told. Secrets to be shared. Hopes and dreams come alive. Recognition of the bond we share. Tears to be shed. Hugs to comfort. Laughter to be relished. Trust is the major component of these acutely special relationships and for all of this I am grateful!

May each of you who I love dearly (and you know who you are) please remember...I cherish you being a part of this lovely life because with every turn, every high point, every low point, through the dull times and especially the fun times...you've always come to share the moment with me and I love each of you for that gift.

Thank You, one and all!

More Fall Colors!

2010-10-08T18:00:00.001-05:00

These little beauties have graced my gardens for several years. Actually they made an early entrance this year and of course I posted photos of them...but Fall is their season!

I pinch them back all Summer until late July...then I watch as they grow with wild abandon. They bloom as soon as the Fall temps start their downward spiral and will flourish until the first freeze.

After the first freeze the blooms take on a tan color...I wait for that cue and then I harvest the spent blooms to scatter them everywhere throughout the gardens. They lay dormant till late Spring and the cycle begins anew...their color is actually a periwinkle blue and the blooms measure 1/4 inch across but their impact is HUGE!

Hope you enjoy the photos!

Smoke Bush in the Fall!

2010-10-06T18:00:00.001-05:00

This is my Smoke Bush. After our HARSH Summer temps, all of it's leaves were dried, hanging on by a thread and I feared for the well being of this gifted plant.

Two weeks ago I noticed tiny nubs starting to protrude from the branches and within a week and a half...there were leaves! The leaves are a deep maroon color and when the sunlight is upon them they are scarlet with green veining.

Fall also welcomes the tiny white to pale pink flowers that grow in clusters on this pretty specimen! Hope y'all like the photos!

Fall Flowers/Chrysanthemums and Asters!

2010-10-03T18:17:00.006-05:00

Recently I splurged and bought some more Yellow Chrysanthemums and Purple Asters! Love 'em!

These little beauties will bloom through the Fall, they go dormant through Winter and come Spring if I'm VERY lucky they will provide more blooms. With the onset of Summer I pinch them back every few weeks, first to about 3 inches in height and with each successive pinching I'll increase the height by one inch. By July 1st I'll quit pinching them back and by Fall they will have grown to their full height, their mass is ten fold with countless blooms! These plants last for years and send out roots under the protective soil so when necessary they can be thinned out and the new baby plants will be placed throughout the gardens! Ahhhhh...more color to look forward to!

This is Red!

2010-10-02T09:02:00.003-05:00

These are a lilly (I think)and they greeted me this morning. They are a much more vibrant red but my little camera just can't capture the color...but that's ok they are in the gardens and I'm lovin' them!

Morning Glories!

2010-09-26T16:22:00.000-05:00

These little beauties have been blooming for a couple of weeks. The colors are luscious and the bees are thrilled! Hope you enjoy the view!

My New Favorite Necklace!

2010-09-17T09:40:00.002-05:00

My oh my! This one's staying right here with Momma!

Hope y'all like it!

Serenity...

2010-09-16T08:53:00.003-05:00

I love serenity! The rays of sunshine filtering through the trees, gently touching the flowers in the gardens and the grassy lawns. The birds flitting from tree to tree to sing their melodies. Hummingbirds and bees working side by side at their tasks. This is my piece of Heaven on earth and I am grateful!

An oh so easy flowering plant!

2010-09-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

About 30 years ago, my Maw Maw had a plant near her front porch, it bloomed only in the late afternoon and throughout the evening. The following morning the blooms either fell off or closed up. Maw Maw told me the plant name was 4 O'clocks because it only bloomed after 4 p.m.

Now 30 years later, I have these sweet plants through out my gardens. They can be intrusive, but baby plants are easily pulled up and transplanted wherever you'd like. When mine get "leggy" I've been know to cut 'em back...then I either immediately root them or scatter the cuttings where I want 'em to grow! Mine are in full sun, partial shade and full shade areas...all do equally well. They appear to be drought tolerant but they bloom and thrive with moderate watering. The flowers will become seeds...to self seed or harvest and scatter where you want them. Notice mine are pink...I've had yellow, red and white as well BUT they did not over winter...pink must be the hardy variety for my Zone 7 gardens.

This photo is from early this morning...notice the blooms are closed...

This photo is from this evening around 6 p.m...now the blooms are opening and oh how sweet they are!

You can go here for more information!

Ahhhhh Mornings!

2010-09-13T07:40:00.000-05:00

I am a morning person! Today the sunrise was subtle and comforting. It covered the gamut of pastel colors as the sun's rays bounced off the few morning clouds that were just hangin' around.

UH-OH!

2010-09-12T22:24:00.003-05:00

While browsing through the Internet this afternoon I found out that my cute little caterpillars are NOT...I REPEAT...NOT...simple cute caterpillars that will turn into lovely butterflies! You can go here to see the news video!

They are "ARMY WORMS"! They are very destructive! They will eat an entire lawn...they start out small and cute...and as their voracious appetite takes over they grow accordingly and they can destroy an entire farmer's field in a matter of days! It seems that this year's weather was perfect for an infestation...one farmer commented that he had not seen this many army worms in 20 years!

The advise is to exterminate immediately! So tomorrow I'll be out in my overalls and sorry to say...on a mission...not so pleasant for these army worms but for the salvation of my gardens and my 1/2 acre of St. Augustine!

Wish me luck!

God Bless America!

2010-09-11T00:01:00.003-05:00

Each of us has had experiences in our lives that either add to or detract from the whole entity of who we are. I call these events "Life Markers", some fill us with anxiety...some with challenges to be overcome...some are a prelude to prayer...others end with prayer...we choose to face these events full on or stand back awaiting the first opportunity for a "safe" entrance into the dark realm of the unknown. All the while, we garner energy, strength and bravery towards an undefined outcome but with the belief that we must participate...we open our eyes and find ourselves witness to events that define humanity...good or bad.

September 11, 2001 I was preparing to go to work when the first plane hit I stood in front of the television stunned...a million thoughts and emotions tumbling through my mind...all the while I was attempting to assimilate the surreal images into some sort of definition of an accident. When the second plant hit...in my gut I knew...America was being attacked...then the news about the Pentagon...and the unspeakable was taking place in my country to my fellow citizens...

While attempting to focus on driving to work and juggling my emotions I came to a red light. Okay...time to breathe...then something caught my eye...I saw a very special pickup truck coming off the freeway. The young man driving it had anchored a HUGE American Flag to a flag pole on the bed of his truck and my country's flag waved full, bright and strong as a symbol of everything I believe in! I was as proud of this young man as if he were my own child and his public declaration of patriotism defined honor! My flag...my country...my countrymen...I am proud to be an American!

God bless America!

Callepitters!

2010-09-10T10:33:00.008-05:00

This morning I went outside specifically to capture on film (well on the memory stick) some photos of the "goings on" in the gardens today....

I looked down on my back porch steps and saw a cute little caterpillar! Then as I was checking out him or her...I saw another and another...then upon investigating the grassy areas around the back porch I saw LOTS more!

Here's a few photos of them!

This is specifically dedicated to Julie in homage to her sweet comment about the "Flutterbye" post of yesterday! You can check out her blog "A Vintage Chic" here! I thought of you Julie and your darling Callepitter story!

Flutterbye!

2010-09-09T18:28:00.006-05:00

When Miss M was 2 to 3 years old she sometimes got her letters mixed up when speaking...this was always true of "Butterflies"! To this day when I see a butterfly I hear her sweet voice all those years ago, announcing, "Mommy! It's a flutterbye!"

This morning I spied this little jewel of a butterfly samplin' some of the seed heads of my mint plants! As I attempted to get that "just right" photo...I saw one more...then another...and another! I have no idea what they are but they are TINY about the size of a dime!

I first started seeing this type of butterfly during the summer...I fully expected them to grow...not happening...they are about the size of a nickle and oh so pretty!! They only go to the Lantana blooms...luckily I have lots of those!

So for now...I'll watch these little beauties and remember those oh so sweet "Flutterbye" days!

Indian Summer!

2010-08-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

This morning the temperatures were in the 70's! The grass was full of dew! Walking through the yard my feet were dripping wet and slippin' on my flip flops! Then as I stooped low to take a photo I saw sparkling dew drops on every blade of grass!

These dew drops have a short life...the sun will rise and through Mother Nature's natural process these glistening drops will evaporate quickly as the temperatures today will rise to the mid 90's.

We call this Indian Summer...cool mornings and warm afternoons! Oh so nice!

Front Porch Collage

2010-08-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

So quite naturally as the last days of Summer are upon us...well in Texas that can be a whole different season definition...but here is a collage of our 2010 Summer front porch.

Our little porch is surrounded by wood ferns, comfy with chairs, birds nesting in the begonia hanging baskets...all to welcome our friends and family!

I could not ask for more! Hope you enjoy this glimpse into my little piece of the world!

Garden Flowers after a Summer of 100+ Temps!

2010-08-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

How did the gardens hold up during our 100+ degree temperatures this Summer?

Well, I've been watering....watering...watering...everything is alive...but boy are my plants are just plain worn out!

Three types of plants have continued to produce small blooms...all the other flowering plants have given up that task a few weeks ago. So I baby them and hope for next year.

Pink Mexican Petunia!

Tried and true Lantana!

Purple Mexican Petunia!

As Fall approaches I'll prepare the gardens for Winter...I'll share my methods later!

An August Cold Front in Texas...Means RAIN!

2010-08-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

Soooooo....actually the photos in this post are from yesterday morning...all this popped up after I completed my return post....

I walked outside, heard the rumbling towards the north, looked around and started snapping photos. This all developed in under ten minutes over my little home.

These are the first of MANY raindrops to fall upon our property! The rain was tentative...a few drops here and there...then they increased into big plops of rain...and before I knew it we had RAIN!

I'm talking gully washing, curb high RAIN! Oh so welcome and hopefully we've seen the last of the 107 degree days with a heat index of 110 degrees! Well I can hope!

Can it be true? Summer is almost over?

2010-08-24T09:18:00.011-05:00

I sincerely hope everyone has enjoyed this Summer!

I chose to take an extended break from my computer this summer...I hit the off button on my cell phone! Not to worry, I still had the land line home phone so I was not TOTALLY disconnected from the outside world...but I found that I spent quality time with my friends and family...my world slowed down...there were fewer interruptions...therefore less stress...and I enjoyed every precious moment...quietly...peacefully...productively!

So here is a glimpse into my garden this morning...Aesop's fable about the "Grasshopper and the Ant" tickled my imagination so I caught the main characters in photos...

This Grasshopper is chillin' out on the swimming pool float...wherever did he get that idea? Of course he and his buddies have been nibblin' on my Wood Fern up a storm!

These are a "FEW" of the pesky fire ants that definitely fall into the category of "the bane of my existence"...they appear to be very busy...could this be a warning of a COLD Winter?

Butterflies!

2010-08-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

I love butterflies!

I'LL BE BACK!

2010-07-12T09:21:00.003-05:00

As much as I love my gardens, making jewelry, sewing clothes for my grandbabies, sewing new curtains, working on the interior of little home and last but certainly not least - visiting all of the gorgeous sites it the Land of Blog...I'm going on a internet break.

Oh not to worry I'll be in and out but with so much to do around our little home...I've found myself short on time...so I've decided to take a bold step and hold on to your reins...focus on my priorities...then as I complete each task (wish me luck) I'll mark it off of my "Honey Do" list and accordingly open up my Etsy shop and my Blog...Hopefully with a much better attitude on my part with more interesting posts for my Blogger friends to enjoy and NEW jewelry items in my Etsy shop!

Take care...know you are missed...and wish me luck!

P.S. If you see a woman running around home improvement stores with spackle and paint on her face and in her hair that'll be me...don't be afraid...it's just that when I get in this mode...well let's say I don't deviate...not even for the norms of society! Love y'all!

Please help me fill in this space with idea sources!

2010-07-10T11:32:00.006-05:00

I've been working on a long ignored "Honey Do" list for the interior of my little home...tape and bedding is on the top of that list...it's going very well! I completed a texturize technique on the living room walls and I am LOVING it! Sort of a free form "rough" finish...and here comes the plea for help...

I am a very casual person...it just fits my personality and our home environment. So I've been looking at online catalogs, magazines, home tours, tutorials, fabrics, paint colors and therein I started an IDEA catalog...for my visual preferences...I prefer warm colors; browns, umber, a touch of opulent Santa Fe red, turquoise greenish blues, natural woods and well...an eclectic mix of my treasures in my quest for my "homey" western, with a touch of Tuscan warmth, casual but hopefully pretty home...

So why am I asking for your help? Do you know of any blogs that carry this theme? Are there more online magazines or catalogs that could assist in my quest? I would appreciate any and all assistance in this matter...my primary concern is $$$...I'd prefer to use those for purchasing supplies, paint and everything else I'll require...so blogs and free idea sources are totally appreciated.

Oh and as you all know by now I AM A TOTALLY VISUAL person...give me a photo and off I go on my journey loving every footprint I leave along the way!

Thank y'all!

P.S. The baby replacement vines are doing great!

Early Morning Flowers after Rain, Rain and more Rain!

2010-07-03T09:03:00.007-05:00

We've been blessed with rain every afternoon for...ummmmm...gosh almost two weeks! Although not an accurate rain gauge, my pool level increased almost 5 inches in just the last 3 days!

The St. Augustine grass is lovin' it! The flowers have recovered from the 100+ temperatures we had in early June. My flowers just don't bloom during those high temps.

With the remnants of Hurricane Alex passing through our part of North Texas the temps are now in the upper 80s to mid 90s, HIGH humidity when not raining and every afternoon we get storms or showers. The flowering plants are blooming like crazy and so is the grass that creeps into my flower gardens...good gosh almighty...I'll be out there pulling up grass for quite awhile!

Hope you like the photos! I love the colors!

P.S. Thank you to everyone who helped me through the events of my last post! I've replanted trumpet vine...every 6 inches along the fence line...please grow...please!

Trials and Tribulations on the Path to Gaining Patience...

2010-06-21T06:25:00.008-05:00

This is a photo from June 1, 2010 of our natural privacy fenceline filled with yellow honeysuckle, red honeysuckle and red trumpet vine.

This is a photo of our fence line as of today...a sad, sad story...so if your day is not going as you'd wished...I'll understand if you choose to turn away to happier blog posts.

Mr. B and I were sitting in our backyard one week ago...enjoying the shade of our Mama Crepe Myrtle, chatting and savoring the peace of our little piece of paradise...then in the vacant lot next to our property there appeared a RED PICK UP TRUCK. Mr. B went to check on their doings...ahhh this person had bought the lot and was going to clear it for the new home he's building. How nice a new neighbor!

The very next day the clearing began...he asked if we minded his clearing "some" of the trees at the back of our shared fence line as he would be putting up a "privacy" fence. We understood and to be honest most the trees in the fence line are Hackberry Trees...not exactly everyones choice but God gave them to us and we enjoyed the morning shade they provided on the east side of our property. I did ask that the vines on the fence at the front of our property remain untouched as they afforded our family a natural privacy fence for our backyard. Our new neighbor said he would respect my wishes as he wanted to be a good neighbor and he too wanted privacy for his home.

As the day progressed the chain saws moved towards the front of the shared fence line, our "Money Pit" pool was filled with wood debris and then I saw his teenage neice cutting into my Yellow Honeysuckle, Red Honeysuckle and Trumpet Vine! I calmly walked over to him and again explained my desire to have these plants remain as they were and that they had been seedlings planted by me over 6 years ago. He again said yes he was just trimming them on "HIS" side of the fence. I showed him how much damage had been inflicted on the vines and he smiled and said he would not damage them further.

Three days later we awoke to once full fence line that contained chopped tree limbs, sparse vines with dying plants...I was angry, I was sad and I mourned their demise.

Today my once lush fence line is depicted in the third and fourth post photos....so sad...so much work and tender loving care for naught. Every plant for over 100 feet of fence line was killed. We spent almost 10 hours cutting everything down to the ground and hauling off all of the debris.

I realize I am as a work in progress...patience, kindness and forgiveness! So our once tranquil 1/2 acre tranquil garden paradise is now decimated...in the BIG PICTURE of life I know this is oh so trivial...it will pass...a family will have a new home...and things will work out as God intended...but I am so sad...so very sad.

The new neighbor now does not look us in the eye...Mr. B says that he surely knows he did wrong...we could pursue this situation legally but to be honest we don't have that kind of money. I've been told that our neighbors are furious because they enjoyed looking at the flower filled fence line and over the years they've watched as I work 6 to 7 hours a day on the gardens. I've been asked what I'm going to do. My response...I will continue to be the best neighbor I can be and I will wait...wait to decide what or even if I will plant anything along this sad, sad fence line again.

So I ask...if you can offer me a kind word of encouragement please do...I find myself in a place I've never been before and try as I might...I can't find my way back to my tranquil life...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

2010-06-20T19:05:00.007-05:00

I've written about my Mr. B before...as you know he is my dream come true. Now as a Father he is without fault and tops my list of Fantastic Fathers! So how did he come to earn these accolades from me...his adoring wife?

Twenty years ago, he fell in love with me and my two Profoundly Deaf children. He taught himself Sign Language...a priceless gift to all three of us. He always took the time no matter what else was happening to sit and discuss whatever was important to them. He helped them accomplish their dreams and he loved them enough to punish them when necessary without hitting or name calling. He would explain his displeasure, define their punishment, sit with me as they endured their "grounding" and after their time was up...he would take the time to discuss their infraction and their feelings about their punishment. Then he would tell them he loved them and the infraction was never brought up again. No embarrassing trips down "Memory Lane". The kids always knew he meant business...and they never repeated a transgression...now that's love.

Fifteen years ago, our baby girl Miss M was born...while coming out of the anesthetic he whispered in my ear..."Thank you for the greatest present of my life." Mr. B had never held a baby before...and we both worked so I had no idea about what to expect. I should have known...we shared all of the childcare for our three kids...I had nights and he had days. He took Miss M everywhere with him from the tender age of 4 weeks and still today they are best buds!

To have a Father who loves unconditionally, respects them as the individuals they are and holds each child accountable for their actions is a rare gift that truly defines "Fatherhood"!

We now have three grand babies and I watch him hold them tenderly in his arms, talk (in Sign and speech) with them and yes hold them accountable for their actions. So the gift is growing...it will be passed on...he will always be remembered for his strength, his kindness, his patience, his humor, his devotion, his love and for this I am grateful, I am blessed and I love this man of mine...the Father of my children!

Today's Surprise from the Gardens!

2010-06-13T17:37:00.003-05:00

Hello! I hope everyone is well! We're doing great! Busy with the gardens, opening the pool (we won't go there...$$$...our harsh Winter was not good to our pool or our wallets) but we persevere and just plain ole enjoy Summer.

Today I spied a new flower to the gardens! Now this plant was originally gifted to me from another Interpreter for the Deaf...a lovely woman who is a gardener extraordinaire! By that I mean she knows the common names of every plant as well as the botanical names! I was so impressed! We've lost touch over the years but when I see the babies of the Momma plants she gave to me...my memories of her are oh so sweet!

So back to the nature of this post...this plant is a perennial...it normally blooms in the Fall...it is easily transplanted...I pinch it back all Summer so it is THICK and filled with blooms in the Fall. When the blooms dry on the stem usually after the first Winter freeze, I pick them and scatter them everywhere! There are probably hundreds of seeds per bloom. These plants aren't picky...full sun, shade, water or not...and my oh my are they pretty!

Well...this plant presented it's first bloom EARLY! Very early indeed! So my question...Does anyone know it's name? I've searched the Internet to no avail. It's not a life or death situation...I can survive not knowing it's name...but I did so want to pass it on to y'all because in the Fall it fills your gardens with tons of periwinkle blue flowers on top of thickly leaved plants! If you know it's name feel free to educate me and hopefully anyone else who is interested in acquiring one!

See y'all soon! Be safe, have fun and may God bless you all!

I Simply Must Apologize!

2010-06-06T19:42:00.004-05:00

I've been remiss in my dedication to blogging and for that I must apologize. It's not that I care any less. It's not that my life has suddenly become an ongoing adventure. I've not dedicated myself to anything other than...the pure enjoyment of my favorite time of year. SUMMER!

I awaken early, to hear roosters crowing (not mine...but a neighbor's), I listen to the birds singing their morning songs, watch as the bees begin their busy day and all the different butterflies start flitting from flower to flower. I watch the sun come up everyday...I want to feel the warmth it sheds upon my gardens. I water my potted plants and yes sneak in a sprinkle of water to the flower gardens and trees. I walk around to check the bird baths...then I sit...I drink it all in like it is a fine wine and I savor each and every moment. ...all gifts from Mother Nature and I am grateful.

I do work in the yards and gardens but only until 11 a.m. I don't enjoy the super hot days but I end my morning gardening tasks with dirty feet and hands to match. I wash off with the garden hose...and I walk through the grass to dry off my toes! I take one last look around knowing that I'll return in the evening.

When evening approaches I once again listen to the birds singing a different selection of songs. The bees are no where to be seen. The bird baths are filled again, feeding stations checked, spent blooms are removed, flowers that have gone to seed are sown throughout the flower beds. I love to turn on a sprinkler and watch the sprays of water tumble about the grass and then I sit and listen. The cicadas begin their beautiful haunting melody. The crickets join in. The trees rustle in the wind and I am at peace as darkness descends upon my world.

So, I beg your forgiveness, I honor those of you who find the time to blog everyday and are dedicated to this beautiful venture into a world as it should be...and I'll post periodically...but for now I am emotionally, physically and intellectually pulled to my gardens.

Bear with me and know that sometimes in the wee hours of the night I do open the gates to your blogs...I visit...your posts make me laugh, cry and think...but most of all I enjoy each of every one of you and your multi faceted talents!

Till I post again...

What a Week This has Been!

2010-06-02T20:19:00.003-05:00

This week has been well...to put it mildly it's been harrowing at times!

First part of the week...my oldest daughter called on Video Phone to tell us the police were in her backyard hunting for a rattlesnake! WHAT? She lives in a beautiful new house in Kyle, Texas. Wonderful neighbors! So earlier she had my 3 grand kids in their backyard playing while she watered her gardens. Yes, she is a gardener now also! Well, while watering one of her rose bushes she thought she saw a snake intertwined amongst it's thorny branches. She peered closer...she saw the head...then the rattle! She dropped the hose, rounded up the kids and headed inside the house to tell my son-in-law! They went next door to warn their neighbor...he called the police. The police showed up within minutes and shot the snake. It was about 18 inches long...a baby rattler? How do I know...my daughter called on the video phone and showed me the DEAD snake!

Now here is the clincher! My daughter, son-in-law and oldest granddaughter are Deaf! They are extremely intelligent and very visual...meaning their peripheral vision is acute! If my daughter had not seen the rattler...well let's not go there. Now the grand kids have all been taught since they were babies, "Do not touch snakes...get Daddy or Mommy!" They are very quick to obey this rule and now they are aware of exactly what a "Rattler" looks like and there was a discussion about not touching it even though it was DEAD! Sorry rattler enthusiasts but my babies are ever so much more important to me!

Then tonight we were seeing the beginnings of a thunderstorm approaching our area, DFW...I got a text from my daughter asking for assistance with weather...now remember they live in Kyle, Texas...between Austin and San Marcos! Okay, we pull up weather.com on the laptop. We are chatting (American Sign Language) in real time on the video phone....my daughter signs that the winds there got really bad, trees bending, light poles swaying, lightning, power outages, cable off...OK Mr. B pulls up the radar for her area on our laptop. We are able to hold the laptop in front of the video phone and she can see the severe storms approaching them. We chat on the video phone for about 15 minutes till the worst is past...talking to the grand kids explaining the safety issues of being in the central bathroom...OK they accept this information...then the worst is over...my daughter checks out the front window...it was raining some lightning...but her cable is back on and her babies are safe!

The video phone is a powerful tool for the Deaf! It allows us to communicate with everyone in the world at real time...there is an interpreter service available for all if they are calling someone who does not have a video phone and as proven with these two events...our FAMILY stays in touch with a phone call!

Thank God for his blessings and all my babies are safe! Now I'm off to REST! If you want more information about video phones you can go here!

Oh So Sweet Butterfly!

2010-06-01T07:47:00.002-05:00

This sweet tiny butterfly was resting on a Lantana leaf and kept moving it's wings ever so slowly in a back and forth motion. Could it have been fluffing it's new wings?

Don't you just love all of Mother Nature's gifts?

Ooooooh A New Daylily!

2010-05-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

This was a surprise for me! This morning while walking around the gardens I spied this beautiful Daylily standing tall and proud in the shade garden! Hmmmm, I wonder how it got there? Surely I would remember planting it...well probably not...sometimes my gardening with wild abandon provides me with the most unexpected surprises!

The Althea Trees are Blooming!

2010-05-29T00:01:00.001-05:00

These photos are from one of my 3 Althea plants. They are known as Althea, Rose of Sharon or Hibiscus syriacus. The other 2 have buds but no blooms so I'll just wait...their colors are stunning! We'll catch them as soon as they bloom!

This is what the same bloom looked like yesterday! I am enthralled with the bloom process of this pretty plant! All three plants will be covered with blooms soon and they will bloom all Summer! The hummingbirds and bees love 'em and I can see why!

My gardening tips for this plant are based purely on 8 years of trial and error...sorry poor Althea. This tree is pruned annually to a height of 5 feet. Plant #2 is pruned back to a height of 3 feet and plant #4 is pruned to a 1 foot height. I usually prune them after all the leaves have fallen in late Fall. They all add on a minimum of 2 feet in branch length during the Spring and the branches are thick with leaves and flowers!I water them a little bit every other day during the heat of summer...not mushy wet but just enough to keep they lightly moist. My Altheas are totally non forgiving and their demise is imminent if left to dry out.

I've attempted to propagate these by air layering, soft wood cuttings, placing branches in water and from harvesting seed pods left by spent blooms and I have had absolutely no success! So ever the optimist...I'll keep trying.

You can go here for more information.

Begonias

2010-05-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

Begonias! YES, another favorite of mine because they're easy to grow, they provide texture and a variety of colors in the garden.

Come along with me as we visit mine...notice the first three photos? These were hanging baskets but with the temps in the mid 90's and no rain for awhile...they were starting to become leggy. Leggy means that the stems elongate and the leaves and blossoms are well scant.

My solution every year is to remove the basket chains and place the baskets among the existing plants under my Mama Crepe Myrtle...there they receive morning sun and shade from 11 am till the next morning....

Now I have one solution for correcting the "legginess"...it's not for the faint of heart...and honestly the baskets will not look happy for a few days. In the shade of late afternoon, I water the baskets thoroughly, then I pinch off at least half the length of each stem. Then out comes the trusty "Rooting Hormone"...dip the pinched off end of the stems into the hormone...now I use a pencil and poke a 3" hole in the empty portions of the basket or another container and then put the pinched stem into that little hole. I carefully pat the soil around the "Cutting" and now comes the easy part. Just check on the soil daily...not dry...but not mushy wet...just a touch of water and soon you notice the cuttings are growing!

This process allows for easy propagation of your favorite begonias and the Mama plant will thicken up and the blooms will just keep on coming!

Here is a website that defines many alternative methods of propagating begonias!

Mushrooms, Toadstools or Fungi?

2010-05-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well...this morning when I walked into the backyard I gazed upon the lawn and there they were...Mushrooms, Toadstools or botanically known as Fungi! Hmmm...what to do?

Well I grabbed my camera, attempted to get the perfect photo...a never ending quest on my part...and then I decided to research these little beauties!

I usually have these gems pop up during the transition from warm Spring days to Hot Summer days. Not too many...perhaps 6-8 in one spot. Do I worry, grab a fungicide, apply fertilizer? Nope, I pick them up and throw them away...sometimes I just give 'em a swift kick.

I really am not that concerned about their presence as I figure everything has a purpose as far a Mother Nature is concerned. The general purpose of a Toadstool? Well, for me their simple existence is enough.

Congratulations !

2010-05-26T06:20:00.005-05:00

Yesterday Mr. B and I went to Miss M's high school for a meeting with one of the Assistant Principals...not to worry Miss M was not in trouble we just wanted some clarification on "a thing". Upon arriving at one of the many parking lots of her school we saw the risers (you know the portable bleachers) and a sea of black gowns and mortarboard hats! We looked at each other...realizing that this was a photo op for the high school and this years seniors.

Okay this parking lot and the entrance door to the school were realistically not available...but there are 3 more parking lots to go to. We drove around to another parking lot...the seniors were exiting the school and this parking lot (being the student body parking lot) was BUSY!

We waited as the seniors made their way to their vehicles...graduation gowns flowing in the wind, hats in hand and the smiles from ear to ear on each and every senior's face....

Mr. B and I looked at each other and smiled...we each were remembering this most special of life markers...that glorious threshold of passing out of one realm of education and their march towards all the other thresholds now available to these seniors!

We parked, walked into the school and immediately saw our Assistant Principal...we saw him before he saw us...he was standing in the hallway, beaming...you could see the pride on his face...yes he's made this journey many times before but upon getting closer to him...you could see the emotion on his face. We apologized for disturbing this special moment in time...he being the professional that he is assured us that Miss M's moment was equally as important...

Our meeting was brief and went well...but as we left the building...I paid more attention to the atmosphere...the faculty and staff were filled with pride and yes there was that special emotion on their faces defining their professional and personal investment in each and every student.

This year's seniors were beginning their walk towards new vistas and underclass persons were watching not only the seniors but the faculty and staff...the opportunity to view this shared experience was a gift!

Congratulations to the 2010 seniors and THANK YOU to every faculty and staff person who have contributed to their lives!

Daylilies!

2010-05-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here are the soft yellow Daylilies! They grow beautifully in morning sun with some afternoon shade after 4 p.m.!

One of my earliest forays into gardening was definitely trail by fire! I had a lovely huge bed of yellow/orange Daylilies...I decided that I would thin them out. So I brought my shovels, Miss M's trusty red wagon and a brave spirit to tackle this job. I dug and dug...hmmmm now where are the bulbs? I dug some more...nope not here...okay they must be tiny bulbs in the swath of brown roots I dug up....so I filled the red wagon full of water...I sifted through the brown roots...dumping them into the trash as I went...hmmmm I literally scratched my head and wondered where they could be...totally frustrated with my adventure...I threw away all the brown roots, the then damaged flower plants and sat down to muddle my way through this early episode in gardening. As I pondered I decided I would just go to the store the next day and buy some more...

Early the next day, off I went to the store, purchased my replacement Daylilies and came home to plant. As I opened the packages I saw "BROWN ROOTS"! Oh no! I then realized they did not have a bulb but rather a brown root system....I ran for the trash! I would save my Daylily mistake...WHAT THE TRASH TRUCK HAD ALREADY MADE IT'S PICK UP!

My lesson...investigate the plant completely prior to moving...so now my laptop is my gardening buddy...I search for all kinds of information; growing tips, zones, propagation, fertilizing and pest control.

So somewhere in a garbage dump...under who knows what...are my Daylilies!

The Crepe Myrtles are Beginning to Bloom!

2010-05-24T08:08:00.003-05:00

This is a close up of one of my Crepe Myrtle flowers. I love the swirling yellow anthers! The yet to open flower buds! Oh so beautiful!

You can go here to get more information on the anatomy of the Crepe Myrtle flowers!

We have Red, White, Pink and Lavender Crepe Myrtles! Now I love 'em but I must admit when our pool (oh don't be too impressed it's an above ground pool but we love it all the same) is full of the flowers blown about by storms or winds...well let's just say the first vision of all the flowers swirling on the pool surface is stunning...then comes the clean up...not so stunning!

For now, I watch and wait...as the Lavender and Pink Crepe Myrtles are just beginning to bloom. The Red and White Crepe Myrtles will bloom later. Their colorful show of blooms lifts my spirits...we sit under these beauties during the heat of summer and bask in their glory!

I attempted to make some photos of our Mama Lavender Crepe Myrtle...she stands about 35 feet tall now but Mother Nature was not in a very cooperative mood! Her winds are strong today and every photo came out BLURRY! So I wait patiently until Mother Nature agrees to allow the Mama Crepe Myrtle to be photographed!

Mexican Petunia

2010-05-21T09:12:00.003-05:00

This morning I wandered through the gardens and found the first Purple Mexican Petunia! Now my photos don't do the color justice because this flower is a deep purple color.

They are true perennials, lovin' the full sun but will do equally as well in part shade. They can grow to be 24 inches tall if not pruned. If you prune them back periodically they will thicken up and provide you with beautiful blooms until the first frost! Here is a website with more information that may help you.

I've also made cuttings, with my tried and true rooting hormone and placed the cuttings in pots to grow. They've done beautifully and I can move the pots through out the gardens or gift them to family or friends.

These plants can overtake a garden quickly but I have found them easily controlled by careful garden management. I just dig them up, divide the root system, put half of the original plants in the same spot and plant the other half where I want them.

Now here's a funny aspect of this plant...the spent flowers develop seed pods...when you water the plants... they spit the seeds...so you may find these little jewels popping up in the strangest places but they are easily dug up and transplant beautifully!

I also have pink Mexican Petunias growing in various parts of the gardens...we'll see them later this Spring or early Summer!

Hope you like them!

Baby Crepe Myrtle!

2010-05-17T08:17:00.003-05:00

I'm proud to introduce our newest baby Crepe Myrtle! Yes, this was a cutting last Fall! Now before you get too excited I must explain that my success to failure ratio in Crepe Myrtle propagation is VERY LOW! For every 6 cuttings I place...one survives. But that's one more than I had the year before so I'm pleased.

How did I do it? In the early Fall, I make both soft wood cuttings and green wood cuttings, I peel back the soft wood bark about 4 inches, remove any flowers, dip the stem in water, then into the tried and true rooting hormone and next into a really good location...either directly into the soil or a large pot. I make the hole in the soil with an old salvaged CB radio antenna. The hole is approximately 1/2 inch wide and 12 inches deep, then I put the cutting in and wait.

Sometimes I know rather quickly that a cutting is not going to make but sometimes I'm surprised. Todays first photo was a complete surprise...it was rooted last Fall in a corner part of the yard that receives morning sun and then dappled sunlight throughout the day to shade in the late afternoon.

Now this is a photo of one of my propagated Crepe Myrtles...it's about 6 years old now...stands almost 20 feet tall and has survived two of Mr. B's mowings...well survived from the soil down but he did manage to scalp it...wonder of wonders...it thrived.

So it can be done...my goal is to have a few crepe myrtles within the fence lines of Red and Yellow Honeysuckle, Carolina Creeper and Red Trumpet Vine. We'll see how long it takes...

Hope you enjoyed this little baby Crepe Myrtle's story.

Music for my Soul!

2010-05-15T06:19:00.005-05:00

Ahhhh, I am an early morning person, always have been and always will be. My first memories from my childhood are waking early, before daylight, trying with all my might to stay in bed as I listened to the total stillness of our family home. Then I would climb out of my bed, ever so quietly and play with my dolls on the floor of my room. When what I was sure was several hours had passed, I would tip-toe down the hall to my parents room, peek in through the small opening of their door...hmmm still sleeping. Then to my brother's room...hmmm they're still asleep also. Okay, perhaps it's earlier than I thought. Back to play. As with most children, sound was relevant to "my" world...I had no concept that my parents could hear me because I just knew I was being very quiet. Actually, they naturally were aware of everything I was doing and everyday I was asked if I could try to sleep a little longer. "Sure." But we all knew that was not to be.

Today, I still rise "EARLY" but now I go to my back porch to experience my portion of the world as it awakens.

The sun's first rays send a glow of light over the eastern horizon to be followed by beams of light reaching out through the tree tops and then bouncing off the morning clouds.

As the light increases, all the colors begin their transition from shades of grey to soft pastels and then intensify to their full spectrum of color.

I hear roosters crowing, the awakening songs of the many birds in our backyard. Then the squirrels scampering up and down the tree limbs as Mother Natures' orchestral crescendo begins. The birds swoop from tree to tree then ever so tentatively they light on the grass to pluck what they need to sustain themselves that day. Soon the bees begin to buzz, going from flower to flower on their daily quest for the oh so necessary nectar to sustain the full colony. The butterflies begin their graceful flight to every item of color in their search for sustenance.

Everyday Mother Nature opens her door for me to experience this early morning repertoire and I am grateful!

My Thumbprint

2010-05-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

My dear friend Rose at Delightful Clutter recently asked the meaning behind my blog name of Peridots Garden...so are you ready? Here goes...

I love nature, my favorite color is green, my birthstone is peridot, I am a former "Flower Child", I have an affinity for Native American cultures and therein the primary reason for the name and the punctuation...or lack of...

You'll notice that there is no apostrophe in "Peridots Garden". As in Native American culture the "People" believed that they did not "own" the land or any part of it's gifts...they used what they needed to sustain their lives, cared for the land for future generations and knew the fragility of Mother Earth.

I am but a grateful custodian of Mother Earth's gifts, be it the stones I use in jewelry, the metal I carefully wrap into protective coils of support for said stones, the leather her animals provide for me, the colors I select from the Nature's palette or the plants that I care for...which are my inspiration.

I am drawn to discarded or forgotten relics with an unknown past...it's my nature...to harvest, to use what I need, to waste nothing, to cherish everyday things and covet nothing...so my thumbprint will be a positive impression upon Mother Earth's horizon.

I am the transient entity...Mother Nature's gifts are forever...IF...we respect and take care of these precious gifts... Therefore my name selection and my belief.

Hydrangeas!

2010-05-12T08:25:00.010-05:00

I love Hydrangeas! They are very easily grown in the proper environment and when their gardener pays attention to their messages they will reward everyone with their incredible beauty for many years!

The colors are subtle, the blooms prolific and they can become parents to new babies if done properly with Mother Nature's full cooperation!

Now this is a happy Hydrangea! It's nestled beneath a Crepe Myrtle tree that allows early morning sunshine and all day protection from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun that will burn the tender leaves of the Hydrangea.

This is a back view of the same Hydrangea. Notice the blooms starting to pop out everywhere?

This is a view of the eastern side of the Hydrangea...it appears to be very content to soak up the early morning sunshine.

This is a view of the western side of the same Hydrangea...it's leaves remain in full shade during the hottest part of the day throughout the year, thanks to our Crepe Myrtle and our western tree rimmed shade garden.

These are 3 baby Hydrangea plants that I started two years ago...they appear to be happy...there was 1 bloom last year...so we'll watch and see what develops!

My secrets to a happy pink hydrangea?

1. Good soil that drains well.
2. Planted in a location with early morning sun and protection from the sun after 10 a.m.
3. I water mine daily...at the soil never on the leaves. Now if there is rain...ahhh you will have an exceptionallly happy Hydrangea.
4. When the leaves appear to wither up ... your Hydrangea is telling you that it's time to WATER and not to forget again! It will plump up again but please don't allow this to happen too often...it severely stresses your lovely plant.
5. You want babies? Okay, I done this more times that I care to remember...the wrong way...

The correct way to make Hydrangea cuttings!

Cut stems from underneath the plant...dip in rooting hormone...find the perfect location...or use a pot of good soil and stick them in. Now other than watering and protecting them from the harsh sun you can forget about them...you know a watched pot never boils...OK a watched Hydrangea is simply to shy to grow!

Now my common mistakes in making cuttings...I've cut the stems from the top and too late in the growing season. Next years flowers will come from the new growth this year! Key to success is not to over cut the stems...you'll have a pretty plant but NO FLOWERS the next year.

Hope this helps, we'll keep an eye on them...and see what happens.

Ooops...blue hydrangeas? I've never attempted to change the color but it is effectively done with a soil that is either naturally acidic or the gardener can amend the soil with additives from the garden store to achieve the acid level required for blue hydrangeas!

Also...hydrangea flowers can be dried and used in your home! There are various methods...my favorite is to allow air drying...but to be honest I just can't bear to cut flowers and bring them indoors...so mine stay on the stem!

Have fun!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T07:04:00.005-05:00

Happy Mother’s Day to every Mom out there in the Land of Blog and beyond!

Traveling down memory lane is unlike any trip you will make…it’s done from a point in time…backwards…to those places in your heart, mind and soul that safeguard your collection of life experiences like an art gallery, to be revisited upon your wish with the added ambiance of full color, fragrance and emotion felt at that exact moment in time. So bear with me as I travel down my memory lane...

My life has been a rich life…three children…each a path with its own unique beginning, twists and turns all joining at a specific point via a life marker where one became one more, not as a burden but as the joining of a grape vine…tendrils shooting off the main vine…curling upward or downward going nowhere and everywhere…supporting the lush leaves and clusters of fruit…each representing a life moment fulfilled.

I remember receiving the news with each pregnancy in total awe of this new life growing inside of me…knowing my every action would affect this new person whose life I was responsible for…and my first emotions were garnered in protecting my child.

That first kick…well actually a fluttering…I would lie down…remain perfectly still…place my hand on my abdomen and wait…not to be felt by my hand but deeper as if knocking on the door to my soul which I gratefully opened wide for each of them to enter.

Watching my body change…it was no longer mine…it was an unexplored territory being shared by another person…unseen but oh so loved!

Upon the moment of birth…that first cry…each child’s cry was immediately imprinted upon my brain…linked to my heart…and I could hear my child’s cry above all others.

With each child, when placed in my arms, I bent towards their little face and smelled their baby fragrance…unlike any scent known to man…each child’s unique…another imprint upon my soul.

Tending to each child with all the love in my heart…defining self denial…I was no longer the primary in my life journey…each child was the focal point in my life.

The first time my infant smiled at me with eye contact, the first laugh, the first tears, the first hug returned to me…all gifts beyond measure…never to be lost or given away…these are mine.

The first steps towards independence…turning over, scooting, crawling, tentative steps, tumbles, stumbles, scrapes and bumps…each time to be scooped up in my arms, kissed and reassured that I’m here…I’ll always be here for each of you.

The first of many firsts, school, church, friends, activities, attitude, sweethearts, broken hearts, their dreams and life goals…all the while I watch and wonder…Did I teach them what to do just in case…? Then if need be, they come to me...I listen…they share…I am filled with wonder at their courage, resilience and wisdom…but I am there just in case.

This journey of motherhood is not an easy one…it is not meant for the weak hearted…it is a venture only for the selfless…but it is so worth it.

Then one day your child brings their baby to your arms…you look at your baby now all grown up and meet their baby. You are familiar with the path they will travel...oh so well…and your heart smiles as you watch them begin the journey…and you begin building another Memory Lane with this new life.

May your path be filled with all the richness life has to offer…may the sun be at your back…the gentle breeze on your face…may the river of life flow nearby and God’s gardens be available to sustain you when needed. Most of all…may you know love…may your heart, mind and soul be filled with these and more memories to sustain you through all the days you walk on this earth.

Happy Mother’s Day and blessings to you and yours!

Birdhouses!

2010-05-08T08:56:00.005-05:00

Each year while browsing garden centers and thrift stores, I keep an eye out for unique birdhouses...these are a few photos of some of them.

You'll notice there is not one nest in any of them...but the trees are full of nests...we are blessed with hummingbirds, cardinals, dove, blue jays, mockingbirds, sparrows and wild yellow finches! This is our second year for a returning pair of small owls, they come out just at dusk, go to the water sources and perch in various places in the gardens! Our lone bat comes out at dark and swoops throughout the gardens all night long!

Recently I noticed that the bird feeders and water sources were not as busy as usual...I watched....I waited...and then I saw what was happening...we have two red tailed hawks! So until the other members of our informal bird sanctuary feel safe they stay in the trees and only come out briefly...so I'll keep an eye out for them....perhaps moving the feeding sources and water sources closer to their natural tree habitats...I mean we must think SAFETY FIRST! Don't you agree?

Fairy Homes?

2010-05-07T09:41:00.002-05:00

As a child I so believed in Fairies! Today's photos are from two of many woodpiles throughout the property. As an adult I know this is fungus growing on the cut wood...but those childlike memories come flooding back and I so want to believe in Fairies again!

Do you see the doorway?

Will this fungus continue to grow until it becomes the roof of a new Fairy abode?

I do so hope I can coax Mr. B into saving these for me...then I will lovingly tuck them amongst the shade gardens for the Fairies to find their way to them.

Gossamer Wings Amongst the Clouds

2010-05-06T09:07:00.002-05:00

This morning as I looked around my world I gazed above and saw cloud formations that drew my camera lens towards them.

I saw wisps become feather like.

There were cross hairs within the formations.

Free wheeling strands became twirling pinwheels soon to disappear.

There I stood watching this miracle unfold wishing but that I had gossamer wings...

to soar upwards...
to glide within them...
to savor the peace and serenity...
to feel their moisture upon my face...
to play amongst them...
diving...
swirling...
becoming part of their mystifying dot in time...

Mother Nature has been Busy!

2010-05-05T08:52:00.010-05:00

The Butterfly Plant is blooming!
The Honey Bees are lovin' the Gaura!
The Esperanza's flowers are opening!
The Strawberries are ripening!
The Hydrangeas are starting to make their gorgeous pink flowers!
The Honeysuckle is vibrant in it's color and the fragrance is carried by the breeze throughout the gardens!

Each morning I awaken to more gifts from Mother Nature and knowing that the life cycle abounds in my gardens...May God share His many blessings with each of you!

Now I'm off to get really dirty...perhaps one day I'll share my Gardener's Manicure with you...well maybe...but I promise it'll never be an early morning viewing...it's not that pleasant...but it's oh so real!

Ahhhhh!

2010-05-04T08:18:00.003-05:00

This is one view of my flower gardens this morning. The early morning fog relinquishing it's place to the sun's first rays streaming through the tree tops...to me this is peace...I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

The Path

2010-05-01T07:45:00.006-05:00

This morning I awoke and my first email was from my Dear Friend Rose,at Delightful Clutter, she has an intuitive sense of just what I need and just when I need it...her perspective on life is awe inspiring and I love her dearly! She shared a most touching video with me, if you have a chance go here and listen to this child's wisdom...so this post actually started as a reply to my dear Rose's email...and then I thought...I should share with all of you...

Thank you dear Rose! I needed to hear this beautiful child of God share His message...you're so right as always...the tears did flow but not in total desolate sadness but in joy...

Yesterday was my worst day...I inadvertently kept looking for Shelby...and I broke down...I sobbed...I was angry...I was so lonely...and Mr. B took me in his arms...he talked me back to "my place" in God's world...we shared our tears...our memories...and slowly replaced those negative emotions with smiles and gentle laughter about our dear Shelby...I vowed again to trust in God's judgement...realizing that my goal is not one thing on this earth but everlasting glory in Heaven with my God. Last night I went to sleep and dreamed....perhaps my mind was starting the healing process but I choose to believe that God is leading me on that healing path....

I dreamed that in a place of total harmony and peace there was my son, Bubba smiling at me, standing tall and beautiful....I noticed his right arm was moving...my gaze continued down to his hand...and there sat my Shelby...sitting tall and erect...mouth agape in her ever present smile, her tail wagging and her eyes met mine...then she gazed up at Bubba...they looked lovingly at each other...and then their gaze met mine....there were no words...there was no need...

Now, realists may choose to interpret this dream as my brain attempting to logically put my sorrow into a happier place....I choose to put my sorrow in God's understanding hands...for me...I am at peace...I trust...I have a goal...to live the remainder of my life as I vowed when I lost my son...to be the best person I can be...so that when my time comes...I'm allowed in the "short" line so that I may meet up with my son and now I add my Shelby beside him...so with God's abundant mercy and "understanding" I begin the healing process...

With all my love and gratitude to all my friends and family who've shown me compassion and their gentle spirits during this time. May God's abundant blessings be bestowed upon every aspect of your lives and know that every word you've said, written or thought has touched my heart and I am grateful beyond mere words.

So I begin anew...God has given me a sunny day today...I am off to walk among His gardens...to remember...and to Thank God for this life of mine...not always an easy path to follow but when I do...I'm rewarded with far more good experiences than not...

Love to all,

My Beloved Shelby

2010-04-28T17:02:00.003-05:00

You may have noticed that I've not been blogging as much recently as I did in the past...there was a reason...my Shelby has been ill. Our vet who is WONDERFUL thought it was arthritis, first meds made her ill, second meds worked on the pain for about 3 days then we saw a rapid decline in her physical being. Last night I slept beside her knowing our moments together were coming to an end...touching her coat, nuzzling her, telling her how much I loved her and watching her sleep. Today she could not get up when I called her...I cried as I told Mr. B that I could not bear to watch her suffer any longer. Our Vet was out of town until May 1st...so they referred us to an incredible office filled with loving, caring and supportive staff and their Vet was superb! Tests were ordered and when the results came back my worst fears were confirmed.

Shelby passed on today. We said our goodbyes, held her, loved on her, asked her to go towards Bubba (our son) in Heaven. As we were leaving the vet's office Shelby struggled to walk, her tail wagging, her panting unabated and her love for us so powerful that if I could have gone on this last trip with her I would have. But now I again trust in God's wisdom and mercy. We have so many memories and were so blessed to have her in our lives that we are willing to believe that she runs with our Bubba, the angels and is pain free again in Heaven. She certainly brought Heaven on earth to each of us.

So thank you for your patience...I will mourn, I will tear up, I will smile at all the Shelby memories, I will meet up with her again in Heaven...to feel her gentle breath upon my face at the waking hour, to be greeted at Heaven's gates with her loving spirit, seeing her sitting at my feet no matter what my task was with her ever present wagging tail and all the while knowing...that she was mine and I was hers...gratefully.

Thank You!

2010-04-27T09:24:00.005-05:00

What a wonderful surprise this morning to receive an Etsy Convo informing me that one of my necklaces was included in an Etsy Treasury!

I want to thank Favorite Scents for creating this gorgeous treasury based on "Love that Rusty Color"! Pop over and see all the pretty, delicious and very reasonably priced candles she has to offer in her Etsy shop! So special!

You can go here to see this spectacular Treasury!

It's so wonderful when someone recognizes your work and when a fellow Etsian takes the time to include said work in a Treasury...well...my heart beats a little faster and I am grateful! So my day is so much brighter now...I may even get that artistic nudge to make something or better yet...post something I already have made...

Hope y'all have a wonderful day! I know I will!

Thank you, Favorite Scents!

Yellow Irises are Blooming!

2010-04-27T00:00:00.002-05:00

These beautiful Irises were a gift from my oldest daughter. They were first featured here. Now they are approximately 36 inches tall, the blooms are starting to open and the blooms typically last for weeks!

Once the bulbs have found a place to grow...they are difficult to move...their roots run deep...so I have them planted through out the gardens...some in part sun, some in shade and some in full sun...they all bloom and grow the same...and boy do they multiply! So now I'm off to enjoy them...I hope you do also!

Gaura!

2010-04-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is a lovely plant named Gaura! Perhaps you've seen it in your local nursery. They require full sun and benign care. Their root system is compact but goes deep into the soil, thus allowing limited watering. Mine have always done well with other flowering plants and do not overtake the flower bed...they like their own little space.

I've had pink Gaura and white Gaura, notice there are no photos of pink Gaura. Does that tell you what happened? My Gaura are an annual favorite of aphids as well, the aphids feast on the flowering stems. I've tried a gentle washing with a weak dish soap and water solution...not very effective except for burning the leaves of the Gaura and other plants as well. It's funny the aphids do not touch any other plants in my garden. So after much trial and error, I now allow the Ladybugs to do their job and all is well.

When the flowering heads are blown by the wind they resemble butterflies fluttering in the garden. Mine bloom from early Spring through early Fall. If the flowering stems play out, just trim them back and soon they will blossom and bloom again for you.

These plants do well in my zone 7 but I've had absolutely no luck transplanting them. I've read that they are self seeders...hmmm? Mine evidently don't like that idea. However, one Fall Mr. B accidentally took his weed eater to them and to my surprise the following Spring I had baby plants everywhere the chopped stems fell. Go figure.

These Roses are a "Knock Out"!

2010-04-23T15:00:00.003-05:00

I've always loved Roses but they haven't loved my care. I tried and tried but to no avail...they would die...with the exception of Mr. B's Yellow Rose which I defined as "Sandy does not touch"...I posted some photos of it here and as you can see it does very well with that rule!

I'd first seen these red Roses at my oldest daughter's in Kyle, Texas. I watched as these roses bloomed from early Spring through the heat of Summer and without fail they were never barren. I watched as the owners really treated them with benign care...hmmmm sounded like my kinda Rose!

I inquired about them from the owner and then again at their local nurseries. THEY ARE DOUBLE KNOCK OUT ROSES! Remember that name, and they come in several colors! They will grow to a height and width of 3 to 4 feet with dense foliage and lots of blooms! The price there was an average of $25.00 for a "small" one....for me that's pricey...and besides how would I ever get it home...we ALWAYS take the train from Fort Worth to San Marcos - that's another story cause WE LOVE TRAINS!

I chatted with Mr. B about these Roses while I was in Kyle....my dear love looked around here, found them on sale, called me inquiring about what was my favorite color and then he bought these two Rose bushes for me last year and they were on SALE $14.99 each. They were waiting for me in my garden area when I returned and I was thrilled!

This is one of the first two Roses he gave me.

This is the second of the first two Roses he gave me.

Now may I introduce 5 of their 6 babies!

HOORAY! I found a Rose that I can not only grow BUT propagate as well! These 5 babies were started during the hottest part of last Summer.

HOW'D I DO THAT?

I made cuttings on branches that had bloomed, at a joint where I left a 5 leafed branch on the Momma Rose. Then I dipped the cuttings in water and again in Rooting Hormone, placed them in Miracle Grow Potting Soil, in a clay pot with a saucer always filled with water. I placed them under a Crepe Myrtle tree in the morning sun with noon to evening shade....

Then I waited...at 3 weeks they were snug in the potting soil when I gave a gentle tug...first indication that they've started to root...

Then I waited some more...at 6 weeks they were ready to be transplanted to a holding garden...again morning sun and afternoon shade with dappled sunlight after 4pm...They over Wintered with snow and ice...remember last Winter? I know I'd prefer to forget it as well. But there they sat...with no preferential care...

Then this Spring I started watching these babies....one is very slow to grow...but it hanging in there...no photos as it's so small it hard to see in the photo...but it's there I promise.

The other 5 were growing and now they are full of buds and blooms are opening!

So...to move or not to move from the holding garden? They are happy and I find it is easier to plant abound them...the fence is covered with Yellow Honeysuckle, Carolina Creeper and Red Trumpet Vine so I pulled weeds for a couple of hours, threw in some Thrift bulbets, transplanted some other perennials and now I wait.

You'll notice in the photos I don't get too uptight about weeds. I pull what I can after a rain shower because they're easier to get out of the soil...and I tend to allow Mother Nature to take over...as I'm just the guardian of her flowering plants.

But so as not to pass up another opportunity for more Red Roses...I've started 3 more...they'll go in existing gardens or in areas that just need a pop of color.

I know this is a wordy post but I hope you enjoyed it and got some tips that will help you try to do the same!

Evening Primrose!

2010-04-22T00:00:00.003-05:00

Evening Primrose are a favorite wildflower of mine. These just showed up about 8 years ago in one of my flower gardens. I love them! I hope you enjoy them as well!

Honey Bees!

2010-04-21T00:00:00.003-05:00

The honey bees are everywhere! These little worker bees are very busy, flying from one flower to another. They don't seem to mind me attempting to capture them on film but don't let me try to pull weeds, they will start buzzing loudly and I know when to give them the space they need.

Purple Beauties!

2010-04-20T00:01:00.002-05:00

I have no idea what these Purple Beauties are...but they've been a part of my flower gardens for approximately 12 years. Perhaps they were gifted to me by one of our local birds as they visited our feeders or birdbaths...did you know that can happen?

These flowers are so easy. They come back every year. They bloom early and continue through the hottest summer days as long as you "dead head" the spent flowers which quickly go to seed pods that look like brown ball shapes about the size of a baby pea. Then you can distribute the seed pods wherever you like. They will grow in sun or shade. If the seed pods mistakenly start to grow in a place you don't want ... just dig up the plant and move it to another place.

This is a very forgiving plant and will reward you with months of blooms!

The Wood Fern is Emerging From It's Winter Sleep.

2010-04-19T00:01:00.002-05:00

I love Wood Fern! It's so easy to grow and although it requires daily light watering during the hottest of Summer...it'll reward you with HUGE showy fronds that for me define Mother Nature at her ethereal best!

My care tips: Plant in the Spring or Fall where the Wood Fern will get gentle early morning sun. Avoid any hot direct sunlight especially during Summer. Plan on daily light watering from Spring through Fall so as to avoid dry soil around the ferns. I cut mine back to the ground after the first freeze and scatter the mulched fronds back over the garden bed. When Spring first starts to tease us with warm days this hearty Wood Fern is not fooled...it'll wait until the day time temperatures reach a consistent 75 degrees to 80 degrees...then it starts to show it curved loopy baby fern fronds!

Now, with all that moisture in the fern beds you're probably wondering...MOSQUITOES? Well, they used to be a problem...so I got some tablets from a local nursery, it's all green and I'd plop them into the beds and there were few mosquitoes but they were still an issue. So what changed? For about 5 years we've had a colony of lizards that nest in the fern beds....and no Mosquitoes and even with our porch light....no telltale flying bugs...the lizards come out at night, eat every bug and we live in perfect harmony!

Well there was one exception, last year a baby lizard (about 1 1/2 inches long) made it's way into our home....to our bathroom...I'm dressing for bed after a shower...I feel something inside my gown...AHHHHHHHH! Yep, the baby lizard...Mr. B helped me and then he released it to the front porch again...we still laugh about that one...we don't know who was more scared...the baby lizard probably...but boy did I do a fast 2 step....well maybe a fast 1,000 steps!

To Everyone in the Land of Blog!

2010-04-18T00:01:00.003-05:00

This is the first Rose from our Yellow Climbing Rose! There are lots more buds waiting to bloom and I am thrilled! This Rose blooms in early Spring and then again in early Fall. It does not like the heat of our Texas Summer but I love it anyway!

When I see a Yellow Rose, I think of TEXAS! But upon researching the meaning behind a Yellow Rose...I choose to offer these Yellow Roses "as a sign of friendship" to everyone in the Land of Blog"! May they brighten your day and may you know how much I appreciate all of you, your blogs, your talents, your support and most of all your friendship!

Purple Irises are Blooming!

2010-04-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

Everyday the gardens are changing...and here is today's spotlight...the Purple Iris!