The Rustic Garden

2008-06-16T12:38:00.007-04:00

Crazy. Wild. Wacky! What else can you say about the weather when your daughter has her June birthday off from school because they've used the last "snow day"? While we didn't actually have snow we did have a State of Emergency in my town due to wild weather. We lost our power and didn't regain it for days. But finally life has begun to resume it's "normalcy". Yeah, right, my life isn't ever normal!

And neither are my gardens! I've gone from lush Iris beauty to well...less than lovely. It's that odd time of the season when spring blooms are over and summer blooms need another week or so. But still I can find beauty, peace and tranquility (and weeds) in any garden!

Like this last of my Iris beauties to bloom.

I was surprised by this lemon yellow Iris when it bloomed amongst it's already spent purple counterparts. I find that my gardens go through color changes throughout the year. You might think I planned for Early Spring to be yellow (daffodils, narcissus, and such)...Late Spring to be purples and blues (Bearded Iris, Siberian Iris, etc)...Summer tends to be more fiery with pinks and oranges (daylilies my one true love) and...Fall with it's deep dark solomn reds, oranges, and browns...But you'd be wrong. I simply toss everything in together and then marvel that I haven't made a mockery of the gardening experience. Yet, I've never been truly unsatisfied with any of my gardens.

Such is the case with my Compost Garden. Every plant in this new garden (planted fall of '07) was saved from a Gardening Friend's Compost Pile. I really had no idea of what I was "saving" I just grabbed anything that I could and shoved them in the ground. I am pleased to recognize many of my favorite plants (Siberian Iris, Daisies, and Daylilies) and even more excited about the plants I've never had before including Virginia Bluebells. I love the entire garden but I'm not loving the weeds creeping up over my rock border as they launch yet another attack on my garden bed.

However, this isn't the only gift from a Gardening Friend that is currently giving me delight.

Thanks Apple for this bit of fire in my "Adirondack Fire Garden".

And another "Thank You" to Marci for the gift of Sundrops making today Sunny!

My Iris Beauties!

2008-06-06T07:43:00.004-04:00

I hate to Brag...But I'm going to anyways! I have even more Iris varieties opening every day. Because I received these as gifts after blooming last year I've never seen many of these in bloom. So each day is a bit like Christmas for me. Yesterday, I was surprised with this Pink/Peach beauty. And just like the best gifts it has some beautiful ruffles along it's edges.
I was stunned when I saw the coloring of this magnificent Iris this morning. The center is such a beautiful light blue with more traditional Iris colors on the outer petals. I think I'm in LOVE!
And Finally, the Iris that I tracked down for my husband has bloomed. I had heard rumors of an Iris named "Banjo Blue" and had to have it for my banjo-picking hubby. Although in this photo it might seem slightly lavender in reality it is a stunning blue.
I have no idea what the variety name for this Iris is. So I've decided until I find out that I'm going to call it Radish. Seems color appropriate.
We had a lot of thunderstorms and rain last night. I was worried about my poor flowers and rushed out to check on them at 6:15 a.m this morning. I was thrilled to see this beautiful Iris display!

And soon we will move from Iris time to Daylily time. Don't you love gardening?

Veggies: The Good, The Bad & The UGLY

2008-06-04T09:47:00.004-04:00

The Veggie Garden has been planted for 10 days now. I wish I was more enthusiastic about it. But like all of my garden attempts~The first year is never as successful as I hope, wish or dream it to be!

We've had some Good: Green Beans! Near the bottom of the Rustic Trellis!

Lettuce Seedlings Everywhere! (Wild Child "helped" with planting.)

Potatoes! First attempt at growing Potatoes for anyone in my family! So far...So Good!

We've had some Bad:

Unexpected Frost takes it's toll on my Precious Peppers!

And we've got plenty of the Ugly:

Is there anything Uglier than a plant killed by frost? My poor Peppers!

June Blooms

2008-06-04T08:30:00.001-04:00

Despite my lackluster care of my garden this year (notice the weeds in the background of all the pictures) I've been enjoying the Iris Blooms. They have been absolutely beautiful so far. However, I am still waiting for my favorite "Blue" Iris to open. Until then though, I thought I'd share my Iris bounty with you.

I live in FEAR...

2008-06-04T08:05:00.003-04:00

As you know I am trying my first veggie garden. Because we have been sooo busy with the medical needs of my oldest daughter I haven't been able to focus on my gardens (veggie or flower) like I normally would. This has left me in a constant state of worry about my unprotected youngsters ~ yes, I mean veggie seedlings! My children seem to delight in the very thing that causes me the most worry. It's especially worrying to see my young gardeners-in-training lured to the dark side by their new found "friends"...If only the kids could see the truth about their "friends".

"OOOhhh, That Wascally Wabbit!"

Still Gardening without my SuperPowers!

2008-05-26T08:30:00.012-04:00

You may have thought that I abandoned this blog but that is not the case. I have however, abandoned the idea that I am Superwoman and by doing so have given myself permission to focus on the big stuff right now and let all the small stuff wait. Unfortunately, compared to my Daughter's J.M.E. everything is small stuff.

That doesn't mean I've given up on gardening. No, I'm far too addicted for that! In fact, I've even expanded my gardens! Yes, it has taken me this long but I finally have my Vegetable gardens planted. Yeah, me!

But sadly, the grand plans and schematics that I had hoped for were scraped due to well...lack of time between Dr. appointments! After hours of back breaking work by my strongman hubby a plain lawn was transformed into 4 equal plots for veggies. Equal in size not in soil quality. The soil from one plot to another varied immensly from perfect topsoil to pure clay.

In the background you might recognize a rotatiller under that tarp. You may be thinking that my husband isn't the strong man I've discribed but I assure you he is! That Machine is the most contrary piece of gardening equipment to ever be invented! It ran well for about 2 minutes and then it would over heat. My hubby called it the "one row workhorse". You'd complete one row and then it would rest for 15 minutes before it would start again. So all in all, hubby did about 6 passes with the Machine and instead broke all that sod up with an old fashioned Maddox. What a Man! What a mighty fine man! All in all, it took him about 3 days of work. (Of course, with our schedules he did it over a two week time period.)

Then it was time to plant. At last!!! I was so proud to put in the peppers I had started from seed myself. They looked as good as the ones from the Backyard Farmer. While there I also purchased my onion sets. And as soon as I planted these prized possessions of mine I began to worry about a little creature I had seen in making his escape from my flower gardens just a few days before. Was I doing little more than setting up a free buffet for this cute vandal?

We've discussed fencing but we haven't gotten there yet...

After planting we carefully laid out our new watering system. We attached a 100 foot regular garden hose to our water spicket. At the other end we attached a four way splitter to which we attached four Seeper flat soaker hoses (by Gilmour Gardening Innovation from Wal-Mart for approx $13 per 75 foot hose). With one easy step I can now water all four gardens without wasting water, energy, or time (which is highly prized at this point). My new gardens are now ready. But will they grow?

The Rustic Garden Spring Blooms

2008-05-01T18:19:00.010-04:00

I haven't been able to post as much as I like to so forgive me if this has too many photos and not enough text. It's been very busy around here and especially in the garden. As you know I had big plans for a raised veggie/kitchen/potager garden this year but sadly I think I'll have to compromise. With GardenGirl's recent health issues I have not been able to find time to bring in the necessary soil so it looks like I'll be rotatilling after all. Ssshhh, don't tell the relatives. So as we look prepare for that adventure I've been slowly making my way through the gardens and doing some light spring weeding. Here's a tiny peek of The Rustic Garden today, May 1st 2008.

Are these Daffodils MUTANTS?

2008-04-30T11:08:00.005-04:00

My cousin and I were talking about bulbs about a month before we could even see the ground. She had some bulbs that she was nervously awaiting their first spring time blooms. She had just purchased a home and was a bit desperate to turn the bare earth into a welcoming garden. Today I received news from my cousin that her bulbs (although blooming about a month later than everyone else's) had finally begun to bloom. She was overjoyed but something was amiss. She had planted full size single bloom daffodils. So she was bewildered when she found this:Can you see that there are three blooms on each stem? She asked me if it was a type of Daffodil that she was unaware of OR if her brown thumb has now turned into a RADIOACTIVE Thumb? Need a closer look? Here's a shot of another Mutant Daffodil... I've never seen anything like it so I turn to you for HELP! Have you any idea what type of Daffodil this is?

Or do I have to start sewing my cousin a Superhero outfit? After all, Peter Parker got a neat Spideyman suit when bit by a radioactive spider. What do you think of calling her "The Bloom Booster"? I like it...

E Day Resolutions?

2008-04-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

Earth Day. It's the "New" New Years. I don't know about you but I stopped making New Year's resolutions a long time ago... but now everyone seems to be making Earth Day Resolutions and I can not resist. Why not try to "Go Green"

So with the assistance of my kids we have decided that we will be plastic bag free. We have about 10 of those "free" giveaway canvas totess that have never been used so we are going to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! By using the totes we will: Reduce the amount of plastic bags filling our landfills, Reuse the totes for a purpose, Recycle any remaining plastic bags in our home.

That was our Earth Day Eve resolution last night. And I'm proud to say, I've gone shopping and returned without any plastic bags! And what's more the canvas totes were so easy to carry that I didn't have to struggle to hold my daughter's hand in the parking lot! One more reason to Celebrate Earth Day!

Adding More Rustic Charm

2008-04-21T07:54:00.001-04:00

Boy, did my family need Spring Break this year. We planned on sleeping in, snoring until noon, watching movies, eating popcorn, sitting on the couch and generally giving in to the laziness we haven't had time for. But the danged weather refused to cooperate! Who can sleep in on mornings that look like this:
And who can resist temperatures in the50's at sunrise? Not me... or my children! So we were up and at 'em by no later that 7:15 every morning. We enjoyed checking to see when the daffodils would open and were very happy when they finally put on their show.

The week was thoroughly enjoyable despite realizing that the bright sunshine is yet another trigger for gardengirl's seizures. A good pair of polarized dark sun glasses were the best buy of the week.

The unusually warm weather also led to an unusually helpful hubby and since winter hit while I was in the midst of starting a rock garden I was more than happy to recruit him to help me get the project underway...again. But sadly, he is easily distracted.

Wait...

Could it be?

Yes, he's finally going to build my Rustic Arbor! for my Rustic Garden! I've dreamt about having a arbor frame the entrance to the rock garden. {wipe a tear} I've waited so long... and now hubby has done all the hard work and left me plenty of space to do the twig work that I so love. This is how my new arbor looked late yesterday:

And this is how my brand new Rustic Arbor looked just seconds before my daughter ran into it will the tractor:

And After...

No damage Done.

The Beauty of the First Spring Flower

2008-04-09T15:42:00.005-04:00

Yes, I know that there have been tons of posts about the blooming of every variety of crocus but... I cannot stop myself! Finally, in my garden, is the very first blooms of spring. With all the hectic worry that has filled my life lately it was so pleasant to stop and "smell" the flowers.

I'm LATE but I'm a Winner!

2008-04-09T15:16:00.005-04:00

I'm very late with this post but (in my defense my life has been focused on my daughter and her medical issues) I am here at last! I won a copy of Cultivating Delight by Diane Ackerman from Kylee at Our Little Acre. It's a delightful garden read that has been very entertaining to me as I wait (endlessly) in doctor's offices. It reminds me that outside those dingy gray walls there is life. There is Spring. There is Gardening... And on a rare day home (a dingy gray day) it's a perfect way to relax.

Thank You, Kylee!

Peeking Peppers in my Peat Pots

2008-04-02T11:40:00.006-04:00

This the first year I've used peat pots or peat pellets. I've heard so much about them (both good and bad) but I have to say they are so easy and convenient that I may be hooked! I started a most of my seeds on 3/22/08 and have seen great results! And more importantly, today I...

Peeked Pepper Plants in my Peat Pots!

I'm a Happy Gardener!!! And lookee at my greenhouse:

Lots of Green!

Tiny Bird Brain Gardening (Part 2)

2008-04-01T07:47:00.007-04:00

Everyone knows that hummingbirds love red flowers but do you know why? Because although tiny, a hummingbird's brain is quite knowledgeable about where to find the most nectar. Red flowers tend to have more nectar than other colors. Does that mean a hummingbird garden should be completely red? No, hummingbirds also feed at pink, orange, purple, yellow, and even white flowers. The real attraction for hummingbirds is shape. Think "Tubular" and you'll be thinking like a hummingbird.

So what does a garden need to be successful at attracting hummingbirds?

Flowers: You can choose combinations of annuals, perennials, flowering shrubs, vines and even some flowering vegetables to attract hummingbirds. Remember that they prefer "hot" colors and to overlap the bloom times so the garden never runs out of nectar. Although, not every flower has to be red, a patch of red flowers will act as a "Come and Get Me" sign. Also, regional wildflowers provide more nectar per bloom than other flower varieties so if at all possible "Go Wild!"

Sun & Shade: Hummingbirds prefer to spend about half their time in the sun, 1/4 of their time in partial shade, and the remainder of their time in full shade.

Shrubs & Trees: Essential in providing both partial and full shade they also provide locations for perching, shelter, and roosting.

Flight room. While most birds perch to feed, hummingbirds don't always have that luxury. They need room between flowers to fly and hover. A tiered flower bed works best for hummingbirds.

Water. Hummingbirds love to bathe (actually to shower). And are very resourceful at finding water for bathing in. They prefer moving water such as beads of water left on leaves after a rainfall or the fine spray of a waterfall. To set up a hummingbird shower in your hummingbird garden use a nozzle that gives us a continuous fine mist.

Favorites for Hummingbirds

bearded iris
bee balm
bellflower
buttercup
butterfly weed
carnation
catmint
columbine
coralbells
daylily
evening primrose
fireweed
foxglove
impatiens
hummingbird's trumpet
hollyhock
larkspur
loosestrife
poppy
sweet william

Polka-Dots and Mud!

2008-03-28T14:00:00.002-04:00

I know I promised hummingbird info in my next post but...

I ACTUALLY DID SOME GARDENING TODAY!!! Apple~I'm sorry for the pain that this is going to cause. Look away now. LOL.

My hubby surprised me with a trip to my favorite store: The Backyard Farmer. Brian was able to offer me some great advice for my veggie garden and I had a wonderful time at the store. And I bought a new pair of rubber boots. Believe it or not, I never actually had a pair before! I always just wore my winter boots when working in a muddy garden. But not anymore! Now I have state of the art, old fashioned Wellies!

After we returned home, I slipped into my new polka dotted wellies and my other spring gardening gear~thermal sweatshirt, fleece hat, and cheap gardening gloves. After all, there is no sense ruining my favorite garden gear in the mud! As I worked in the garden several of my neighbors drove and gave the courtesy honk & wave. One even rolled down the window and hollared, "She's in the garden! It must be spring! WooHOO!" And it made me realize that my neighbors know me as the garden lady or the dog walking lady. Neither is an occassion I dress nicely for. They may never have seen the real me (you know~clean!). Just to be sure I don't make that same mistake here below I've posted both versions of myself. Clean and well... MUDDY!

Don't believe that I'm all that muddy? Just look at my gloves at the end of the day!

Don't you love gardening in the spring?

Backyard Farmer

2008-03-28T13:55:00.000-04:00

There is a great debate over where you should and should not spend your gardening money. Many people feel that you should buy the best deals and they can often be found at big chain stores. Many others feel that you should spend your money at small local business because it does so much for your local economy. I can see the sense in both arguments and I have been known to shop at both large and small stores. However, if you ask me what my favorite garden store is the answer is quick and easy: My local small garden shop~The Backyard Farmer.

It's a family run business (yes, they still exist!). A few years ago the business was run by a different family and I shopped there back then too. But during it's last few years under prior ownership it began to lean towards wine making, orchard-ing, and pumpkins in the fall. Then one spring I heard rumors that it was closing and my heart went into my throat! I couldn't imagine not having this store nearby (even if I hadn't been a big spender there in a few years).

So it was great relief when I stopped in and saw Brian Sheley running the newly named Backyard Farmer. I instantly felt a change of atmosphere. This was a place for the gardener. I defy anyone to have a question that Brian and his friendly staff can't answer. And believe me when I say I've asked some WEIRD questions! They have everything needed for the backyard farmer or gardener. From bird food, bird houses, horse & tackle needs to seed potatoes, fresh (and I mean FRESH) produce, boots, tools, mulch, and soil additives, and yes, flowers. But they have something extra that no chain store could every carry. Spirit.

When you enter the store there is an instant feeling of community. It's like bumping into an old friend. It always surprises and delights me. During apple season Brian has been known to give each child a free apple causing immediate giggles followed by the quiet crunch that accompanies biting into an apple. And as you make your way through the store you will encounter the nicest member of the staff: Claire! Oh, she is sweet and friendly. She is so very gentle that every child finds a calm smile when she is near. I've often thought that I'd love to put Claire in the truck with my purchases and take her home too. And Claire is too wonderful to object but Brian would. So we say good bye to Claire and leave the Backyard Farmer until next time. And with a mouth full of apple my daughter will say, "Claire is a great dog!" And I agree and add, "And that is a great store."

So, if you live near my neck of the woods. Take a drive on US Route 11 to Adams Center, NY. Meet Brian and Claire and the rest of the crew at Backyard Farmer. You'll be so very glad you did.

Bird Brain Gardening!

2008-03-27T14:00:00.000-04:00

As gardeners we love to see company enjoying our garden as much as we do. From those neighbors who peer into our gardens with envy, to the mail man who pauses to enjoy the blooms near the mailbox. But how often do we get the satisfaction of seeing people enjoying our garden? Not nearly enough. That's why many of us become obsessed with the other visitors to our gardens: The BIRDS! Most gardeners end up enjoying the birds almost as much as they end up enjoying they're gardens. And I'm no different! Just this week I plowed over small children as I ran from room to room trying to capture a picture of a Cardinal! Our first ever! With that in mind I thought it was high time to address birds in the garden because any garden can be a sanctuary for birds. All your yard needs to do is supply is some very basic bird needs: adequate cover, food, and protection from enemies. And chances are you have most of these basic needs already covered. For the biggest variety of birds try dedicating 10% of your plantings to insure the safety and well being of your bird population.

Bird Brain Gardening

Trees! Evergreens provide bird shelter year round and this is extremely valuable to your winter birdies (songbirds enjoy red cedars & other pines while Balsam firs attract chickadees, nuthatches, and finches~among others). Shade trees~even a young tree~is loved by most birds (oaks can attract mourning doves, jays, and flickers and maples are a favorite for evening birds like grosbeaks and purple finches).

Shrubs! The single best way to invite birds into you yard is to have shrubby hedges. In addition to providing shelter they can be an excellent source of food for your winged friends. Honeysuckle, currants, gooseberries, and wild blueberries (if you're willing to share) are fantastic for the birds.

Flowers and Herbs! If we love them then chances are our feathered friends will too. But just in case you really aren't sure here's a list of birdie favorites!

Asters
Cosmos
Forget Me Not
Foxglove
Lavender
Lobelia
Marjoram
Petunia
Poppy
Sunflower
Thyme

Did I cover everything? Ooops! Looks like I forgot our hummingbird friends. Look for ways to invite them into your garden in my next post.

A Watched Pot Never...Sprouts!

2008-03-26T14:00:00.001-04:00

Of course, I'm talking about tiny little pots that are littering every sunny surface available! It seems there are two kinds of seeds: the "OOOHH, They're UP already!!!!" and the "AARGH! What's taking them so long?"

Now, I suppose you really fancy-dancy gardeners will consult the seed packet to see how many more days you will have to wait before seeing a tiny seedling. But you know darn well, that I'm not doing that! No, I'm not no fancy-dancy garden gal! No, instead I want to check the seeds twice daily until I see signs of life. I like lifting the lid and seeing the tiniest of stems so new it's still white! I take all this peeking time to introduce myself to the plants. Yes, I do introduce myself! (I already told you that I'm not fancy-dancy!)

I say, "Hello there, babies! How are my little sweet things? Did you
know that you're going to grow to be big, healthy, and full of blooms?
Yes, you are! You're a real beauty I can tell."

Okay, the baby talk may not be necessary but the carbon dioxide can't do them any harm, can it? So I talk...and sometimes...just sometimes...once in a while...sing a little. So what? It's not crazy to sing to plants! IT'S NOT!!! People have been doing it for centuries.

So here's my question...Is it crazy to sing Rocky Top? After all it is a song about not being able to grow corn because well...the dirt is too rocky by far.

Wish that I was on ol' Rocky

Top Down in the Tennessee hills

Aint' no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top

Ain't no telephone bills

Once I had a girl on Rocky Top Half bear, other half cat

Wild as a mink, but sweet as soda pop I still dream about that.

Rocky Top you'll always be Home sweet home to me

Good ol' Rocky Top

Rocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee

Once two strangers climbed ol' Rocky Top

Lookin' for a moonshine still

Strangers ain't come down from Rocky Top

Reckon they never will

Rocky Top you'll always be Home sweet home to me

Good ol' Rocky Top

Rocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee

Corn won't grow at all on Rocky Top

Dirt's too rocky by far

That's why all the folks on Rocky Top

Get their corn from a jar
Rocky Top you'll always be Home sweet home to me

Good ol' Rocky Top

Rocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee

I've had years of cramped-up city life

Trapped like a duck in a pen

All I know is it's a pity life

Can't be simple again

Rocky Top you'll always be Home sweet home to me

Good ol' Rocky TopRocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee

Innovation or Idiocy? Don't let your Relatives decide!

2008-03-25T14:00:00.000-04:00

My husband and I are just a small part of a longstanding gardening tradition in our families. And to my husband vegetable gardens are a source of more than just vegetables. It's a connection to the past. At least that's my husbands idea. He lives by a very simple motto: Change is BAD!

So my wild idea of growing our vegetables in raised beds met with...Well...raised eyebrows.

My wild idea of not planting in straight rows met with Wild Skepticism.

My wild notion of using flowers mixed in with the vegetables to repel pests met with Wild Laughter.

And he wasn't alone. I've heard comments from all the "traditionalists". My Mom, My Dad, Aunts, Uncles. My mother thinks I'm a nut for planning on planting pole green beans. "Bush beans grow just fine and they don't need any support! Why go through the extra work?" Aesthetics? She just shakes her head. One relative even told me that I COULDN'T plant a garden without the help of a rototiller. I explained I didn't need one because I was using raised beds they answered, (like I was mentally impaired!) "Yes, dear, that's for your flowers. For a vegetable garden you need a rototiller." Eventually, I gave up and said, "I'll send you photos when I'm done."

There are many reasons why people don't like change. Many reasons why others are always looking for innovation. But I...I like the middle road. I am not trying something that is untested. I am not leading the way in gardening revolution. Neither am I bogged down in the "way it has always been". I am looking for my own gardening way.

I think that is how most gardener's do it these days. We read, we talk, we research, and we do it the way that we feel is the best way for our gardens.

Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Peppers...

2008-03-24T14:00:00.001-04:00

After some dedicated gardener spent hours toiling away in the dirt planting the seeds, praying for sunshine, and protecting them from varmits! Yet, does the gardener get any recognition for the vital role that they played? No the only thing remembered is:

Peter Piper Picked

a Peck of Peppers,

Peter Piper Picked

a Peck of Peppers,
Peter Piper Picked

a Peck of Peppers!

Well, Peter just better stay away from my garden because if I see his grubby little hands on my precious peppers I might just get violent! I have just planted Burpee's Signature Big Dipper variety of sweet peppers. I find myself very being very protective over my little pepper plants (and they haven't even sprouted yet!). I have to ask myself why I am so emotionally connected to these tiny little pepper seeds. Maybe it's because of those childhood memories that flood back when I see the seed packets.

In my childhood home a Pepper seed packet meant only one thing to me...Pepper Relish! Mom's homemade pepper relish would make any plain-jane meal into a tasty treat! I realize now that my children have had this extrordinary treat only occassionally!!! I have done my children a grave disservice and this is the year that I WILL rectify the situation!

I vow this is the year when I fill my cupboards with the tasty treat and that we have stuffed peppers on a regular basis! This is the year when we mix fresh peppers in our meatloaf! This is the YEAR!

So if I am seen softly crooning love songs to a flat of soil with no obvious signs of life do not think me a mad woman! For I am the dedicated gardener upon which Peter Piper depends!

Forking in the Garden

2008-03-21T14:00:00.001-04:00

Last year I discovered that a good Garden Fork is much easier for me to use than a shovel. The second I realized the true value of a Garden Fork I was hooked. I would go nowhere without this handy-dandy garden tool. But the garden fork I was using had been a hand-me-down tool and I managed to crack the wooden handle. My husband spent the remainder of the day calling me a "Brute" and laughing his butt off at me as I struggled with the Shovel (yuck!).

So then he took mercy on me and he found another old garden fork in the basement. I used the garden fork for weeks. Me & My Garden Fork. It was a wonderful arrangement until I heard that dreadful creak. Then a CRACK. Then "BRUTE!!!" And then laughter!

I was devestated. Thus, a search began for a garden fork that was unbreakable! I refused to look at any with wooden handles (I just couldn't handle anymore of his laughter!). Summer turned to fall, and fall into winter, and still no fork to be found. Finally spring arrived and I felt hopeful. I began the search yet again. I checked Lowes, Wal-Mart, K-Mart. Oh they all had garden forks but were they unbreakable? I had my doubts. So I searched on...and on...

At last I've found the Garden Fork I've been dreaming of. Where did I find this wonderous tool: Big Lots (baby!) for $15.00! Made of metal (even the handle) I doubt even the Brute could break this Gardening Fork!

And LOOK at the width of the handle! I can easily place both my hands side by side! And a place for my foot to fit "into" the fork. And there is a very wide foot plate too. But despite it's many obvious attributes there is one major flaw in it's design...Can you find the flaw?

It's PURPLE! While I'm fine with the color...Hubby vows NEVER to touch my Garden Fork. Which means I'll be the only one doing all the Forking in The Garden.

Spring is Officially open for Business!

2008-03-20T14:00:00.000-04:00

At exactly 1:48 a.m. (eastern time) Spring threw open it's doors and announced it's Grand Opening! Or so they tell me...But here we've officially kicked off the Mud Season! Not that I'm complaining, mind you. Anything is better than snow.

While my neighbors aren't all as lucky as I am the general mood is improving as the community begins to see sure signs of spring. The Robins are back. There has been talk of Canadian Geese heading north (I still haven't seen them but I'm a believer...It's kinda like believing in Santa Claus! LOL). The deer are in the fields in groups of 30 to 40! And the local bank has finally switched their outdoor sound system from songs from the movie "White Christmas" to songs from Irving Berlin's "Easter Parade". Yes, Mud season/Spring has arrived!

Garden Girl Diagnosed

2008-03-20T13:50:00.000-04:00

Well, after nearly a month, 2 mis-diagnoses and about 150 partial seizures we have finally received a diagnosis regarding my daughter. She has Generalized Epilepsy. While medications are effective for some people in controlling seizures the doctors warn us it will be an uphill battle to find the right medication for her. However, we are hopeful and satisfied that we will be able to help her through this.

Thanks to all of you who have sent your prayers, best wishes, kindness and comfort to us during this troubling time. I really appreciate it.

The Snow Recedes and the Cold Continues

2008-03-17T15:55:00.000-04:00

The snow has begun to melt in spots around my cabin today but the cold has set it and it's bitter. I can see a bit of my garden and a lot of the clean up that I have to do. But I'm having a hard time concentrating on the garden right now.

We've received the results of Garden Girl's EEG. The EEG measures seizure activity in the brain. Unfortunately, her results were highly abnormal with 13 instances of seizure activity in 60 minutes. This is the same girl that we thought was perfectly healthy a month ago! I've started a new blog as a place for her and I to keep track of our thoughts as we begin this long journey: Seize the Day...A Child's Way.

In the mean time, I intend to celebrate any signs of spring. Such as melting snow and the return of the Robins! Yeah, they've finally come home~at least that's what hubby says. I haven't seen them yet. And the deer are back in the fields. There is even some sunshine today. It won't be long until spring really begins and I can't wait!

Water features for the Cheap! Like ME!

2008-03-15T08:08:00.007-04:00

You can't walk through any garden nursery, home improvement store, or major retail store without seeing water feature paraphernalia. "It looks so easy" you might think. Then you start imagining your garden with the soft tinkling of water as a background. Thats when you say, "Honey, what do you think of..." Then reality sets in (usually in honey's voice). "First we need to dig, then place good construction sand in the hole, then we'd need one of those black pre-formed things...look at how much they cost! Then we need a fountain, which means we'll have to run electrical out there. This is gonna cost a small fortune! Maybe, next year." And you sigh and nod your head.

But water features don't need to be a huge backyard production or a huge drain on the budget! Featured in this month's issue of The Family Handyman is a 1 day pond & fountain that is simple and inviting. This article helped me to think a bit more creatively about water features. I guess in my mind I thought that you needed to get the biggest water feature available to really have a "beautiful" pond to rest by. While that would be nice if I ever win the lotto I really don't want to wait that long and so I've begun my search for all things water and budget friendly.

I am a true DIY'er. I love to find images in magazines, online, even from TV and then figure out how to make it myself for way less money. That's Why I've compiled a list of Cheap & Easy Water Feature Tricks:

If it's waterproof it's a water feature in waiting! Cheap plastic pots, galvanized tubs, even buckets. Go wild but stay cheap! Use rocks, plant material or even mounds of dirt to "hide" the ugly part.
If you don't want to dig a hole for anything...That's even better. Above ground water features offer even more flexibility. If you change your mind about placement it's easy to drain the water and move your feature to a brand new home. This can provide a whole new atmosphere in your garden...instantly.
Solar Powered pumps. If you're electrically challenged or you're really craving a water feature at the far end of the garden solar powered fountains can be very useful. However, these must be in the sun to work. And prices vary but if you're saving money by using cheap plastic pots then you'll have a little extra to spend on pumps.
Get Whimsical! Nothing adds interest to a garden more than the unexpected. NO, I am not insisting that you get a pink flamingo with water shooting from it's nostrils! Instead re-purpose other garden items such as the birdhouse seen below.
Don't be afraid to wing it! Buy a pump and some tubing. Go home. Look at your favorite garden spots. Have a birdbath that needs some pizazz? Or a trellis that would look wondeful with some water cascading down one side? With a few simple changes anything can become a wonderful water feature.