Joyous Tomorrows

This morning I went out to start planting the shrubs I had chosen to replace the rosebushes my daughter had lost to gophers.  Just the thought of having your landscape eaten by gophers was a new one to me. As I started to dig the first hole, I realized I had the wrong tools. A hand spade and small shovel would not work.  I had not dug in dirt this hard since I had tried to get some dirt for an experiment in the frozen tundra of Idaho in March of 2004.  Oh my!  It was time to get out the pick ax and the heavy duty shovel.  As I chopped and dug through the hard clay and rocks, my thoughts went to the pioneers that had gone to climates like this and had to create fields to grow crops.  Well, just the few holes I dug were tiring, can't even begin to put myself in their shoes.  Hats off to the pioneers! My young padawan was disappointed when I informed her that the tools would put her in danger and she would have to wait until we were ready to pu...

This spring I have had the fun working as my daughter's gardener.  It has been satisfying when people drive up to her house and say, "Beautiful yard!".  Hard not to get a puffed up attitude.  The Lord has blessed my efforts to keep her yard beautiful. The front yard we started out with barren brick mail box.  I added 'Carolina' Jasmine on each side and replaced some lantana that had died over the winter. Will show you later in the summer the results. The front yard we planted some 'Kaleidoscope' Dwarf Abelia, it has been touch and go, but it has taken hold and will be great to show you when it is blooming. Great fragrance too. We also planted violas and pansies for color in the beds. They have lasted until now. Getting ready to change out for petunias. The back yard we put in 'Purple Hempstead' Verbena, with 'Mystic Spires' Blue Salvia, and Soft Pink Petunia, with some beautiful hanging baskets for one bed. The Clemanti...

Look at my beautiful bean blossoms, My Cinnamon Basil next to the Red Sage, take note of the small tomato in the background.   It is so pleasing to sit and enjoy the natural beauty in my garden The berries were breath taking in the amount they bore this year.  Plenty for us and for the birds.  My fine feathered friends are singing their hearts out in my mini Texas Rain Forest.  Working for balance here.