Ratherkooky is right, dianthus is a member of the carnation family and are often sold as perennials. I have a big plant of Rosemary that I got at the farmers market, it looks just like yours and I love it! I love the scent of rosemary so much I think I would buy it even if I didn't like the flavor. I wonder if the gardening you have been doing is one of the reasons your back has flared up again? I'm glad you sought a diagnosis and I hope the therapy and treatment give you some relief. I have never even heard of that second word in your diagnosis. Praying you get relief and can really enjoy your summer!
May 11, 2016 at 5:40 AM
Anonymous said...
your flowers are lovely and the ones you brought in for the winter did wonderful! I wish your back wasn't so sore,,nothing worse than a sore back,,you must take it easy, both those problems with your back are things that will need you to take things gently on your back, my husband has the same back issues,,
Really sorry to learn of your back issues Jane - join the club my dear, it seems to be something we all suffer with as we age. I'm holding off from having surgery for my back problems, that will be the very last resort. Meanwhile we have to go easy and know our limitations. You will definitely find the PT helps - and it's good exercise for all the other bits too!
Off tonight to Ireland so must away and finish all the odds and ends. Haven't heard back from you regarding NC visit since I e-mailed you on 4/25! Will have my laptop with me if you have time to drop a line or two.
Take care - enjoy the gardening but be careful of your back. Love to you and Alan.
Sorry to learn of your back issues, Jane. I know how difficult they can be to diagnose and live with. I need to get out in the garden too. I love that herb planter and am impressed you kept your plants over the winter. That watermelon salsa looks so fresh and yummy. I will be sure to try that recipe. Take care! :)
I agree, they are Dianthus and they are perennials where I live. You probably had a warmer winter than usual and they returned to say hi to you in the spring.
One of my plans today is to go out to the raised beds and cut back the oregano. I use so little of it and it will, left without pruning, take over. It is almost as bad as mint, another plant that will be severely pulled out untill it is a reasonable amount.
Good girl finally going to the doctor to find out what's wrong with your back! You've got to take good care of you! I laughed at the line "a conservative trip to the nursery". I always find that so hard to do! I end up buying too much and then not having time to plant it and ...money down the drain. So I'm trying to be better this year!
I have spring fever too, Jane! I have been trying to be choosy with my plants as well. I did just buy a bunch of ground cover roses for my front yard. They look great and hopefully they will take off despite my lack of a green thumb! ;)
I'm glad that you went to see the doctor. We attend to ignore our pain, but it does sap you of your strength. Your kids know you well! Gift cards for gardening, love it:) Have a beautiful day gardening, Kathleen in Az
OMG, that watermelon salsa looks absolutely DELISH! I will try it for sure and let you know! Thanks!
Also, I too am starting slowly in having a small 'herb garden'! Ha! For a black thumb like me, I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one for sure. I hope your doing much better on your back issues. Did I tell you my husband specializes on that? He does invasive interventions though, so I would avoid someone like him if PT and other non-invasive options are still possible for you! This spring has been so muggy, bAd for me, but good for the plants out here, my rose bushes are looking glorius!
Morning Jane, loving your plants, , great little herb planter..... Oh the dreaded sore back, I have such problems with my lower back, even gardening is getting so hard for me but I love it so.....the salsa looks yummy, thanks for sharing,Hugs Francine,
Oh Jane I hate to hear about your back troubles! That sucks! But I'm glad the ice and Tylenol are working. It sounds as though you are getting your garden back in shape and that's always a good thing. You planter is adorable and I know it makes you smile seeing your herbs flourish and thrive in it. Happy (belated) Mother's Day!
Happy belated Mothers Day! I'm glad that you got your back looked at. I have spondylitis in my back. I see a rhuematologist for it since it's an inflammatory/arthritis condition. I take anti inflammation meds daily and make sure to do a lot of stretching to keep my body flexible. I hope that your condition gets better now that you're under a doctors care. Too bad that your husband doesn't like rosemary. I love it! I use it in many of my recipes. I love your cute herb garden crate too.
I am glad you are getting help for your back, and will be able to enjoy your gardening more. I am interested in which solar lights your daughter found on Amazon. I have been looking for some. Be well, Delaine
I have been starting slow too and really won't do the majority of my planting until Memorial weekend, but I did but some pansies for the front porch - such happy little flowers! I'm going to the opening day of our farmer's market Saturday and hope to get some herbs :-)
Blondie, I think your little pink flowers are called Sweet Williams. Maybe called other things in different areas. I love you pretty gardens and that antique pot holder is so nice. Some times my lower back hurts too. I use ice and heat. But I can feel better in a couple days. I hate that you are hurting so badly...but I am proud that you know not to mix some meds. I will be taking some tylenal this evening...my ankles are really hurting from my daughter's picnic. Blessings, xoxo, Susie P.S. aren't you ready for dry good weather?? Me too.
Oh boy :(. You've been dealing with serious back issues all this time without intervention. That must have been awful. The at home exercises shouldn't be too painful, so let the specialist know about that.
I was wondering what 'hesitant' planting is? I suppose I could google it :).
I see you have gotten answers to your question about the flowers, and I think where we are they're called sweet William, but I'm no expert. I barely know what a rose is!
Watermelon with lime is always a winner. I'll be sure to try it.
xxx
May 11, 2016 at 5:47 PM
Anonymous said...
Am agreeing with others your little pink flowers are Dianthus. They are a welcome sight here in Oregon also after the winter. Have rosemary in several spots and is a favorite of mine also. Hope your aching back gets better!
I love my every visit here!!! My rosemary always reminds me of you and I am due to make more rosemary infused olive oil and rosemary salt! Amber especially loves these!! Good for you in taking action regarding your back!! I'm doing the same thing with my toes!
Jane, the temps you're having are the ones I got the most work completed in my garden this spring. I love working in cooler temps. All the rain in between really helped establish my transplants, and my grass patches are nice and thick now. Like you, I'm trying to show some restraint, but I really like the dianthus bunches, and am thinking I may plant a few to bring some color on one side of my garden where color doesn't come until mid-summer. Your overwintered plants look terrific! I'm too lazy to do that. I sure can empathize with your back conditions. For me, scoliosis has been a lifelong condition - severe. As a teen, I wore a brace for 3 yrs, 23/24 hrs a day. Now, I also have stenosis (arthritis), mostly cervical but also lumbar. All those appointments add up on the calendar that we so covet as our own time......I hope you get relief without the need for surgery. Rita
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Hope you back improves quickly. I have back problems at times, but stay away from the Dr. My sister in law has had back surgery several times, and still SUFFERS terribly. So, I would absolutely afraid to do that. I hope the PT works for you and you feel lots better soon. Your flowers are looking great. I planted some in my mother's old iron pot recently and they are growing really fast.
Glad you had a nice mother's day. I did too. My sweet grandchildren gave me a gift certificate to my favorite consignment shop, flowers, and mugs from the Bahamas. My daughter took me out for dinner. So a really enjoyable day!
Take care of yourself, and keep posting those delicious recipes! I'm trying to lose a little weight, but mostly watching my carbs and sugars to get my diabetes numbers down some. They aren't really bad, but I want them lower. It's unreal how many carbs I've been ingesting without really thinking about it, so I'm doing better. Looking forward to your next post!
Goodness girl. We need to get you in tip-top shape. For the past year, it seems like you've just had one thing after another going on. I have scoliosis. Was diagnosed during middle school and have had problems with my back ever since. Too much bending, and my back goes out. Sometimes just twisting wrong is a no-no. So I try to be careful. If I feel a pinch, I straighten up quick. :) My senior boy did not water plants on our balconies while hubby and I were away and so all of my mint died off and so did many of my other plants. Was not too happy at all to come back and find that. Oddly, the tropical plants fared better than the others that should be more acclimated to hot, desert climates. Go figure. Can't really grow anything inside because of the tinted windows. I guess your hubby wouldn't like my rosemary shortbread. It's vegan, made with olive oil rather than butter, and everyone who tried it liked it.
Hi Jane! I am so glad you went to see a Dr. and it has given me the impetus to go too. I have scoliosis too and my lower back hurts alot but for the past feww years I have another pain in my back. It is up below my shoulder, right where I call it "my wing". I can NOT lay on my back for longer than 5 mins. or it is horrible. I have to go find out what it is. So thank you. I have been working in my gardens too, in fact today, Joe and I were out there all afternoon. Have a beautiful weekend.
Jane, I'm glad you've felt like being in your garden. That's where I've been much of the past weeks. We had more rain this last week, and things are needing haircuts again. Hard to keep up with it all. Sorry the back is bothering you again, but gardening will do that to our bodies. Take care! I hope things improve quickly. Thinking about you!
I'd love to start an herb garden. I grow basil in a pot. Gotta have my basil! Hope you get your back in tip-top shape again, stick with those exercises. That is what helped me when I had back trouble...well, that and a much needed new mattress. The flower you mentioned is a dianthus aka sweet william and also called pinks. Take care and have a nice Friday and weekend!
So sorry about your back, I hope the therapy helps a lot. My back occasionally goes out and the pain is intense. Lets hope for better days ahead. Your garden looks fantastic. Hugs to you, Meredith
Hang in there with your back. Being tall, I've wrestled with various back problems for years and years. Yoga and pilates were bigger help than PT, as they helped to strengthen my core. These days, I do yoga three times a week. You might try it when you are in a good place with your back......
Just ordered a windowsill garden to grow microgreens. I have a big planter for rosemary outside the kitchen. Like you, I love it : )
Thank you for your very sweet and supportive comments on my blog! I wish I could write more posts, but in my current life's season, I just don't have the time to create more than a few a month. I SO appreciate having you as a reader, Jane!
Ugh, back problems :( Hate to hear that! I am dealing with some nerve issues my self. Hope you get some relief soon. Love all the flower photos..............I am getting Spring fever, love seeing all my little pretties come each each Spring {esp. when I forget a few things I planted, it's always a surprise to see them pop up!} :) blessings...
Sorry to hear about your back problems, Jane! I am trying some yoga and strengthening, but have been giving some thought into checking mine out, too...you inspire me to do more! Hope the physical therapy helps!
Jane, I really hope you get some relief with your back. I'm sure that gets you down when it hurts constantly. The watermelon salsa sounds so good to me. The combo of sweet and spicy is a favorite. Your plants are gorgeous and I'm glad you are getting some spring weather. It's already almost feeling summery here.
I'm so sorry to read about your back problems, but glad that you had the courage to see a specialist and will now get some help and some relief. The salad sounds wonderful. I will try it, as I love watermelon salad. I have a recipe too, and should share it one of these days. A conservative trip to the nursery? I didn't know that it was possible!
Starting at the end and working backwards.... the salsa looks scrumptious will definitely be making that this summer, Backs! What can I say, I'm a fellow sufferer taking paracetemol 3 times a day, it sure makes working in the potager more of a challenge these days. Hope yours improves with therapy. No flowers out here yet but the herbs are thriving. Wishing you some warmer weather soon, take care.
Hello Jane, I am praying for you. I know you are a GO - Go girl, so not feeling well is not easy for you. Sending a hug too. Thank you so much for the recipe. :-) I was waiting for this after you mentioned it on IG. :-)) Love, Carla
Hello there!! Loving the garden. BTW yes, as everyone has said (I haven't read all the comments) it is dianthus but it is also known as Sweet William. Beautiful scent. I am an icepack on the back girl myself. I know strengthening my core is the answer. I love rosemary and luckily so does my BB Guy. Mmmm. I have learned something here today. I didn't know that mosquitoes don't like the wind. I shouldn't have any then because my hillside is very windy. I guess I have far fewer than I would otherwise. Good to know.
All your flowers look lovely! So sorry you have been suffering with back pain, but glad you have now found some help for it and hope it will ease up soon. The recipe does sound delicious...thank you for sharing. Take care Jane. Happy weekend. Helen xox
Hope your back gets better. Back pain is not fun. Isn't Antique Farmhouse great? So many neat things. Spider mums are my favorite flower! I love to see them in so many different colors too. You got some cute candles! Love the bright colors! Hope you're having a great weekend!
HI Jane... Great informative post..."ouch" about your back....you can't seem to get a break here,eh? This weather is ridiculous....cold...hail...winds...yuck! Hopefully this week will be better...getting itchy to do some serious gardening! We have a long weekend coming up...family will be out to the cottage...praying for good weather! Enjoy your week Jane.. Cheers! Linda :o)
It's great that you've found some answers with your back problems Jane and l hope the exercises are helping and giving you some relief...my hubby also had scoliosis when he was younger and was advised to swim which he did regularly for a couple of years and it worked well for him... Anyway you'll love going to the nursery and picking out more plants with your MD voucher, sounds like fun.
Hope you feel better soon. My Dd's beau has severe back problems after being injured in AIR FORCE. he's not even 30 and I worry about long term issues. It's nothing to fool with. Glad you're taking action.
Lovely post, I'm sorry to hear about your back issues. I've been having some with my back and neck that I have been putting off getting checked... I will keep you in my prayers. Enjoy your afternoon!
Hi Jane, It's fun getting caught up reading your blog. Sorry about your back, I hope you find some relief now. Love your plants and your pretty herb garden. Mostly I've been busy watching kiddos and visiting my mom. She is making progress. I got a chance to plant some flowers today. We got such a hard frost the other day and so I've been leary. Hopefully were past it all now. We need to make a summer plan. Let me know what you think when you get a chance. Hugs friend, Cindy
Looks like your gardens are well on their way. Love your herb planter. Wish I had room for pots of herbs in my kitchen. I only have one window and it doesn't have a wide sill. The counters are already crowded enough, plus there's not enough natural light. (The kitchen window faces north.) I'm so sorry to hear about your back. Sheesh, like you haven't had enough medical problems lately! Is the scoliosis something new (degenerative scoliosis) or have you had it since childhood? I hope the PT is giving you some relief.
I depend too much on icepack therapy myself, Jane. So glad you listened to your husband and consulted a specialist. I do have slight scoliosis. My mother too, and now she is very bent over at 91. So we must do everything we can to avoid that. You sound like your gardening therapy does your spirits good! We won't be doing gardening here--that's all taken care of by our son-in-law's gardening service people, but buying herbs was the first thing we did. Snipping herbs for cooking always makes me feel like a gourmet cook, even if I'm not. And I agree with your husband about rosemary--cannot abide it, except for tucking into a roast chicken. But I use it for the Williams-Sonoma recipe for simmering on the stove for that wonderful scent their stores always have. You stick to those back exercises, Jane, and let us know if they help!
Bummer about your back. Glad you looked into it and I hope they can help you out. I started having back problems after my hysterectomy. Now and then it goes out and I have to behave myself. I don't like to behave myself...LOL Have a good weekend! Kit
May 21, 2016 at 3:12 PM
Anonymous said...
I have missed so much since that tumble, then more dangerous things. :( I am so glad to know you are putting your health to the fore, because you need to be as healthy as you can for you, The Husband...kids...grandkids. You don't want to be watching from the sidelines! Take care of you. ( "Sermons from One Who Didn't Practice What She Preached", by Trudy!) Love you, my friend. xx Trudy
Hi Jane, Your flowers are so pretty! I know you take great enjoyment in creating your gorgeous gardens. Herbs are my favorite. They are that perfect combo of fresh/pretty PLUS you they add such flavor to dishes. I have a small herb garden on my deck so I can run out (in a nightie or whatever;) to grab fresh herbs for cooking.
As for your back pain, my friend, so sorry. I'm so glad you are seeking treatment. I know firsthand watching my husband deal with that all winter. It takes such a toll on your ability to be active and to feel like yourself. Physical therapy IS helping him. We are hoping to avoid a third back surgery for him. I hope this does the trick for you. It feels good to be on the path towards healing, I'm sure. Sorry to be so late coming by. My retirement next month and the FIRE that almost took our home earlier this month have been time consuming. Happy Sunday! xx, Heather
Hi Jane, Your garden looks amazing! I love growing herbs too! When I'm cooking, I can just go in the garden and cut some! I hope the therapy for your back helps a little, any kind of relief is a blessing. There's always something hurting on me too, darn it!! I checked out Antique Farmhouse, love everything they sale! Thinking of you on this beautiful Monday morning in San Diego! Happy Gardening ♥, Hugs, Jody
It's good you got some answers about your back so you can take care of YOU! Your gardens are looking so pretty. I'm planning to head out and work in mine in just a few minutes. I've only had one small trip to a nursery but hope to make more time for shopping and planting in the next couple of weeks!
Hi Jane, what a great recipe, perfect for summer. You garden looks lovely. It does time to make our yards look fabulous. Back time is no fun. Feel better soon! xo
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Helloooooooo! It's just me. I know I've abandoned all of you. But...I think I may have a touch of spring fever. In between the rain, heat and cold, I've been out in the backyard doing clean up and hesitant planting. It's a small start since we have been in the low 50's or less most mornings. It was, however, sort of exciting to work on my little backdoor herb garden. The abundant oregano comes back every year and I actually have to pull some out or it would eat up the whole bed. The chives also come back so hardy.
I made a very conservative trip to my favorite nursery Friday. I decided the best way to work this early in the spring would be to do things in segments. So I worked on the area around my patio. I added basil, thyme, parsley and dill to the herb bed and then some mulch to the beds around my patio. I've been wanting to add solar lights for some time and Emily found some on Amazon for a great price and simply loves them. Let me know if you want more info. I'm going to keep working as I'm between the rain.
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Some pretty happenings in a bed along the back of my house. Things are filling in. I was really surprised that these little annual pink flowers came back, probably due to our mild weather. Can anyone remind me of their name? More space to fill in though.
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I found this cute little planter at Antique Farmhouse. They really have some neat stuff and you have to use restraint!! ;-D It's hard to tell in this photo but it has a chicken wire cover that is cute but absolutely useless now that I've added little pots of herbs. I like that I have a nice compact place to snip herbs while I'm cooking and the scent is so sweet. I don't grow sage so I have tiny bit of rosemary there...you might remember how much The Husband abhors rosemary.
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That little plant wasn't going to do me much good when I like to make rosemary infused olive oil and vinegar, so I have a much larger plant to pot for the patio. Poor guy hasn't noticed it yet. He will if he tastes it on his food.
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The plants I brought in last fall made it wonderfully over the winter. This is a perfect window in my family room that faces northwest. The sun is blinding from about 2:00 p.m. until dusk. Even my poinsettia is still blooming. I hope I can move these out soon and reclaim this table!
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I mentioned The Husband cleaned out the shed a few weeks ago and my oh my, most of my stuff was looking very shabby, and not in a decorative shabby 'chic' way. Simple beat up. I decided to take a trip to Marshall's to get some decorative things for the baker's rack I have on the patio. I found a cute lantern and some little galvanized buckets that will make cute planters (I'll share later when it's all together.) I also found these colorful citronella candles. I thought they were so darn cute. I really detest the smell but will use them on a really buggy nights. I also have a small tabletop fan I like to use on the top of the baker's rack~~mosquitoes don't hang around where it's windy.
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Spider mums. So pretty and they last forever like all mums. I received some gorgeous roses and carnations in a sweet bouquet from Jeff and Deirdre for Mother's Day. I hope all of you ladies enjoyed yourselves this past Sunday. For me it is not all about me, although I'm darn proud of carrying those babies around for nine months and then raising them forever, as it goes. I also honor my mother and grandmothers and aunts and friends, well...anyone who is or knows a mother. Remarkable people. My kids know me well and also gifted me with gift card to my favorite nursery and Home Depot. :-D
I'm moving slowly lately. If you've read my blog long enough you know I have back issues and on occasion the old back 'gives out'. I've thought of seeing a specialist but I always shrink away, I blame my weight and think the problem will magically disappear if I lose the weight. Finally, The Husband asked how long I was going to sit on a bag of ice on my lower back every evening without knowing what real problem was.
I bit the bullet and met with a specialist last week. I really liked him. After a detailed history, a physical exam which put me through rigors I would expect in boot camp, and finally a look at x-rays, he told me very seriously that my back was really messed up. Scoliosis and spondylothesis. Big words and yet I bet many of you have one or both of these conditions. The thing that worries me is the latter, my second to last vertebrae in my lower back slides in and out. That's why I'm in the most pain. Without more whining, I have home exercises, they've killed me. I start physical therapy in a week. Yeah, it's always something. But as I sit here, with my ice pack behind my back and a nice little dose of Tylenol every 4 hours (yes, Advil is better but a no no with my meds for my skin), I'm hanging by a thread. Better days ahead. It's not life threatening. And Yay! I'm doing something about it finally after ten long years!
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This is a recipe that is beyond delicious, perfect for summer and so easy it's disgusting. Let me ramble. I buy a Mango Salsa at our Fancy Nancy grocery store at $6.99 for 6 oz. I stumbled on a recipe that made me much happier and brought it to a Mother's day event. Abby brought the remains to work and her co~workers loved it. It's a summer staple. Please try.
Watermelon Salsa 1 small seedless watermelon, diced small1 red pepper, diced small1 yellow, diced small1/2 red onion, diced small1 jalapeno, seeded, diced small1 handful cilantro, chopped1 lime, juicedSalt and pepper to taste Chop, chop, chop away. Depending on the size of your watermelon you may not need all of it. Look for about 6 cups in ratio to the rest of the ingredients. Mix everything well and refrigerate for about an hour before serving so flavors meld. Serve with tortilla chips.
See all of you soon!
Jane
posted by Blondie's Journal at 12:09 AM on May 11, 2016
"GARDEN NEWS, OUTDOOR DECORATING & A REFRESHING SUMMER RECIPE"
63 Comments -
The little pink flowers are dianthus.
May 11, 2016 at 2:31 AM
Ratherkooky is right, dianthus is a member of the carnation family and are often sold as perennials. I have a big plant of Rosemary that I got at the farmers market, it looks just like yours and I love it! I love the scent of rosemary so much I think I would buy it even if I didn't like the flavor. I wonder if the gardening you have been doing is one of the reasons your back has flared up again? I'm glad you sought a diagnosis and I hope the therapy and treatment give you some relief. I have never even heard of that second word in your diagnosis. Praying you get relief and can really enjoy your summer!
May 11, 2016 at 5:40 AM
your flowers are lovely and the ones you brought in for the winter did wonderful!
I wish your back wasn't so sore,,nothing worse than a sore back,,you must take it easy, both those problems with your back are things that will need you to take things gently on your back, my husband has the same back issues,,
May 11, 2016 at 6:59 AM
Really sorry to learn of your back issues Jane - join the club my dear, it seems to be something we all suffer with as we age. I'm holding off from having surgery for my back problems, that will be the very last resort. Meanwhile we have to go easy and know our limitations. You will definitely find the PT helps - and it's good exercise for all the other bits too!
Off tonight to Ireland so must away and finish all the odds and ends. Haven't heard back from you regarding NC visit since I e-mailed you on 4/25! Will have my laptop with me if you have time to drop a line or two.
Take care - enjoy the gardening but be careful of your back.
Love to you and Alan.
May 11, 2016 at 7:15 AM
Sorry to learn of your back issues, Jane. I know how difficult they can be to diagnose and live with. I need to get out in the garden too. I love that herb planter and am impressed you kept your plants over the winter. That watermelon salsa looks so fresh and yummy. I will be sure to try that recipe. Take care! :)
May 11, 2016 at 7:22 AM
I agree, they are Dianthus and they are perennials where I live. You probably had a warmer winter than usual and they returned to say hi to you in the spring.
One of my plans today is to go out to the raised beds and cut back the oregano. I use so little of it and it will, left without pruning, take over. It is almost as bad as mint, another plant that will be severely pulled out untill it is a reasonable amount.
May 11, 2016 at 7:30 AM
Good girl finally going to the doctor to find out what's wrong with your back! You've got to take good care of you!
I laughed at the line "a conservative trip to the nursery". I always find that so hard to do! I end up buying too much and then not having time to plant it and ...money down the drain. So I'm trying to be better this year!
May 11, 2016 at 8:10 AM
I have spring fever too, Jane! I have been trying to be choosy with my plants as well. I did just buy a bunch of ground cover roses for my front yard. They look great and hopefully they will take off despite my lack of a green thumb! ;)
May 11, 2016 at 8:20 AM
I'm glad that you went to see the doctor. We attend to ignore our pain, but it does sap you of your strength.
Your kids know you well! Gift cards for gardening, love it:)
Have a beautiful day gardening,
Kathleen in Az
May 11, 2016 at 8:27 AM
I love your new little herb planter....so cute! I hope you feel better soon....back pain is horrible.
~Des
May 11, 2016 at 8:54 AM
OMG, that watermelon salsa looks absolutely DELISH! I will try it for sure and let you know! Thanks!
Also, I too am starting slowly in having a small 'herb garden'! Ha! For a black thumb like me, I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one for sure. I hope your doing much better on your back issues. Did I tell you my husband specializes on that? He does invasive interventions though, so I would avoid someone like him if PT and other non-invasive options are still possible for you! This spring has been so muggy, bAd for me, but good for the plants out here, my rose bushes are looking glorius!
May 11, 2016 at 9:29 AM
Morning Jane, loving your plants, , great little herb planter..... Oh the dreaded sore back, I have such problems with my lower back, even gardening is getting so hard for me but I love it so.....the salsa looks yummy, thanks for sharing,Hugs Francine,
May 11, 2016 at 9:33 AM
Oh Jane I hate to hear about your back troubles! That sucks! But I'm glad the ice and Tylenol are working. It sounds as though you are getting your garden back in shape and that's always a good thing. You planter is adorable and I know it makes you smile seeing your herbs flourish and thrive in it. Happy (belated) Mother's Day!
May 11, 2016 at 9:48 AM
Happy belated Mothers Day! I'm glad that you got your back looked at. I have spondylitis in my back. I see a rhuematologist for it since it's an inflammatory/arthritis condition. I take anti inflammation meds daily and make sure to do a lot of stretching to keep my body flexible. I hope that your condition gets better now that you're under a doctors care. Too bad that your husband doesn't like rosemary. I love it! I use it in many of my recipes. I love your cute herb garden crate too.
May 11, 2016 at 10:15 AM
I am glad you are getting help for your back, and will be able to enjoy your gardening more. I am interested in which solar lights your daughter found on Amazon. I have been looking for some. Be well, Delaine
May 11, 2016 at 10:32 AM
Sorry to hear about your back, but glad that you have found a way to take care of it! Your flowers are lovely and I love your herb garden piece.
May 11, 2016 at 11:16 AM
My husband has spondolothesis, as well. Regular back exercises really made a difference for him. Massage helps, too.
Fondly,
Glenda
May 11, 2016 at 11:34 AM
I have been starting slow too and really won't do the majority of my planting until Memorial weekend, but I did but some pansies for the front porch - such happy little flowers! I'm going to the opening day of our farmer's market Saturday and hope to get some herbs :-)
May 11, 2016 at 1:34 PM
Try hot packs for a change, and easy on garden work! Loosing weight does help.
May 11, 2016 at 4:04 PM
Blondie, I think your little pink flowers are called Sweet Williams. Maybe called other things in different areas. I love you pretty gardens and that antique pot holder is so nice. Some times my lower back hurts too. I use ice and heat. But I can feel better in a couple days. I hate that you are hurting so badly...but I am proud that you know not to mix some meds. I will be taking some tylenal this evening...my ankles are really hurting from my daughter's picnic. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
P.S. aren't you ready for dry good weather?? Me too.
May 11, 2016 at 4:31 PM
Oh boy :(. You've been dealing with serious back issues all this time without intervention. That must have been awful. The at home exercises shouldn't be too painful, so let the specialist know about that.
I was wondering what 'hesitant' planting is? I suppose I could google it :).
I see you have gotten answers to your question about the flowers, and I think where we are they're called sweet William, but I'm no expert. I barely know what a rose is!
Watermelon with lime is always a winner. I'll be sure to try it.
xxx
May 11, 2016 at 5:47 PM
Am agreeing with others your little pink flowers are Dianthus.
They are a welcome sight here in Oregon also after the winter.
Have rosemary in several spots and is a favorite of mine also.
Hope your aching back gets better!
May 11, 2016 at 7:46 PM
I love my every visit here!!! My rosemary always reminds me of you and I am due to make more rosemary infused olive oil and rosemary salt! Amber especially loves these!!
Good for you in taking action regarding your back!! I'm doing the same thing with my toes!
May 11, 2016 at 9:39 PM
Jane, the temps you're having are the ones I got the most work completed in my garden this spring. I love working in cooler temps. All the rain in between really helped establish my transplants, and my grass patches are nice and thick now. Like you, I'm trying to show some restraint, but I really like the dianthus bunches, and am thinking I may plant a few to bring some color on one side of my garden where color doesn't come until mid-summer. Your overwintered plants look terrific! I'm too lazy to do that.
I sure can empathize with your back conditions. For me, scoliosis has been a lifelong condition - severe. As a teen, I wore a brace for 3 yrs, 23/24 hrs a day. Now, I also have stenosis (arthritis), mostly cervical but also lumbar. All those appointments add up on the calendar that we so covet as our own time......I hope you get relief without the need for surgery.
Rita
May 12, 2016 at 6:02 AM
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Herbal Potpourri
May 12, 2016 at 8:02 AM
Hope you back improves quickly. I have back problems at times, but stay away from the Dr. My sister in law has had back surgery several times, and still SUFFERS terribly. So, I would absolutely afraid to do that. I hope the PT works for you and you feel lots better soon. Your flowers are looking great. I planted some in my mother's old iron pot recently and they are growing really fast.
Glad you had a nice mother's day. I did too. My sweet grandchildren gave me a gift certificate to my favorite consignment shop, flowers, and mugs from the Bahamas. My daughter took me out for dinner. So a really enjoyable day!
Take care of yourself, and keep posting those delicious recipes! I'm trying to lose a little weight, but mostly watching my carbs and sugars to get my diabetes numbers down some. They aren't really bad, but I want them lower. It's unreal how many carbs I've been ingesting without really thinking about it, so I'm doing better. Looking forward to your next post!
May 12, 2016 at 11:59 AM
Goodness girl. We need to get you in tip-top shape. For the past year, it seems like you've just had one thing after another going on. I have scoliosis. Was diagnosed during middle school and have had problems with my back ever since. Too much bending, and my back goes out. Sometimes just twisting wrong is a no-no. So I try to be careful. If I feel a pinch, I straighten up quick. :) My senior boy did not water plants on our balconies while hubby and I were away and so all of my mint died off and so did many of my other plants. Was not too happy at all to come back and find that. Oddly, the tropical plants fared better than the others that should be more acclimated to hot, desert climates. Go figure. Can't really grow anything inside because of the tinted windows. I guess your hubby wouldn't like my rosemary shortbread. It's vegan, made with olive oil rather than butter, and everyone who tried it liked it.
May 12, 2016 at 12:46 PM
Hi Jane! I am so glad you went to see a Dr. and it has given me the impetus to go too. I have scoliosis too and my lower back hurts alot but for the past feww years I have another pain in my back. It is up below my shoulder, right where I call it "my wing". I can NOT lay on my back for longer than 5 mins. or it is horrible. I have to go find out what it is. So thank you. I have been working in my gardens too, in fact today, Joe and I were out there all afternoon. Have a beautiful weekend.
May 12, 2016 at 4:00 PM
Jane, I'm glad you've felt like being in your garden. That's where I've been much of the past weeks. We had more rain this last week, and things are needing haircuts again. Hard to keep up with it all.
Sorry the back is bothering you again, but gardening will do that to our bodies. Take care! I hope things improve quickly. Thinking about you!
May 12, 2016 at 9:50 PM
I'd love to start an herb garden. I grow basil in a pot. Gotta have my basil!
Hope you get your back in tip-top shape again, stick with those exercises. That is what helped me when I had back trouble...well, that and a much needed new mattress. The flower you mentioned is a dianthus aka sweet william and also called pinks. Take care and have a nice Friday and weekend!
May 12, 2016 at 10:28 PM
So sorry about your back, I hope the therapy helps a lot. My back occasionally goes out and the pain is intense. Lets hope for better days ahead. Your garden looks fantastic.
Hugs to you,
Meredith
May 13, 2016 at 6:27 AM
I just copied the salsa
recipe - thank you!
Hang in there with your
back. Being tall, I've
wrestled with various
back problems for years
and years. Yoga and
pilates were bigger help
than PT, as they helped
to strengthen my core.
These days, I do yoga
three times a week. You
might try it when you are
in a good place with your
back......
Just ordered a windowsill
garden to grow microgreens.
I have a big planter for
rosemary outside the kitchen.
Like you, I love it : )
Thank you for your very sweet
and supportive comments on
my blog! I wish I could write
more posts, but in my current
life's season, I just don't have
the time to create more than a
few a month. I SO appreciate
having you as a reader, Jane!
Happy Weekend,
xo Suzanne
May 13, 2016 at 9:36 AM
Ugh, back problems :( Hate to hear that! I am dealing with some nerve issues my self. Hope you get some relief soon.
Love all the flower photos..............I am getting Spring fever, love seeing all my little pretties come each each Spring {esp. when I forget a few things I planted, it's always a surprise to see them pop up!} :)
blessings...
May 13, 2016 at 11:04 AM
Sorry to hear about your back problems, Jane! I am trying some yoga and strengthening, but have been giving some thought into checking mine out, too...you inspire me to do more! Hope the physical therapy helps!
May 13, 2016 at 8:51 PM
Jane, I really hope you get some relief with your back. I'm sure that gets you down when it hurts constantly. The watermelon salsa sounds so good to me. The combo of sweet and spicy is a favorite. Your plants are gorgeous and I'm glad you are getting some spring weather. It's already almost feeling summery here.
May 13, 2016 at 9:16 PM
I'm so sorry to read about your back problems, but glad that you had the courage to see a specialist and will now get some help and some relief.
The salad sounds wonderful. I will try it, as I love watermelon salad. I have a recipe too, and should share it one of these days.
A conservative trip to the nursery? I didn't know that it was possible!
May 14, 2016 at 1:35 AM
Hope your back gets to feeling better and happy you got it checked out:) That salsa sounds SO GOOD! Enjoy your day and your garden, BIG HUGS!
May 14, 2016 at 7:05 AM
Starting at the end and working backwards....
the salsa looks scrumptious will definitely be making that this summer,
Backs! What can I say, I'm a fellow sufferer taking paracetemol 3 times a day, it sure makes working in the potager more of a challenge these days. Hope yours improves with therapy.
No flowers out here yet but the herbs are thriving.
Wishing you some warmer weather soon, take care.
May 14, 2016 at 7:20 AM
Hello Jane,
I am praying for you. I know you are a GO - Go girl, so not feeling well is not easy for you.
Sending a hug too.
Thank you so much for the recipe. :-) I was waiting for this after you mentioned it on IG. :-))
Love, Carla
May 14, 2016 at 10:52 AM
Hello there!! Loving the garden. BTW yes, as everyone has said (I haven't read all the comments) it is dianthus but it is also known as Sweet William. Beautiful scent.
I am an icepack on the back girl myself. I know strengthening my core is the answer.
I love rosemary and luckily so does my BB Guy. Mmmm.
I have learned something here today. I didn't know that mosquitoes don't like the wind. I shouldn't have any then because my hillside is very windy. I guess I have far fewer than I would otherwise. Good to know.
May 14, 2016 at 11:37 AM
All your flowers look lovely! So sorry you have been suffering with back pain, but glad you have now found some help for it and hope it will ease up soon. The recipe does sound delicious...thank you for sharing. Take care Jane.
Happy weekend.
Helen xox
May 14, 2016 at 11:56 AM
Your recipe looks delicious, and I think I have everything but the onion. I will do this next week for sure.
So sorry about your back, and I do hope your therapy program and exercises will help. I think it will!
Those morning glories are growing, and they now have an obelisk trellis to climb. I can't wait till they bloom.
May 14, 2016 at 3:03 PM
Hope your back gets better. Back pain is not fun. Isn't Antique Farmhouse great? So many neat things. Spider mums are my favorite flower! I love to see them in so many different colors too. You got some cute candles! Love the bright colors! Hope you're having a great weekend!
May 14, 2016 at 6:42 PM
Isn't it fun to start gardening after a cold winter. It looks like you've made a good start for this summer growing season.
May 15, 2016 at 4:35 PM
HI Jane...
Great informative post..."ouch" about your back....you can't seem to get a break here,eh?
This weather is ridiculous....cold...hail...winds...yuck!
Hopefully this week will be better...getting itchy to do some serious gardening!
We have a long weekend coming up...family will be out to the cottage...praying for good weather!
Enjoy your week Jane..
Cheers!
Linda :o)
May 15, 2016 at 6:24 PM
It's great that you've found some answers with your back problems Jane and l hope the exercises are helping and giving you some relief...my hubby also had scoliosis when he was younger and was advised to swim which he did regularly for a couple of years and it worked well for him... Anyway you'll love going to the nursery and picking out more plants with your MD voucher, sounds like fun.
May 15, 2016 at 7:20 PM
Oh I can't wait to try your watermelon salsa. It looks so refreshing. Have a wonderful flower filled week!
May 16, 2016 at 9:37 AM
Hope you feel better soon. My Dd's beau has severe back problems after being injured in AIR FORCE. he's not even 30 and I worry about long term issues.
It's nothing to fool with. Glad you're taking action.
May 17, 2016 at 2:30 PM
Lovely post, I'm sorry to hear about your back issues. I've been having some with my back and neck that I have been putting off getting checked... I will keep you in my prayers. Enjoy your afternoon!
Blessings,
Jill
May 17, 2016 at 3:54 PM
Hi Jane,
It's fun getting caught up reading your blog. Sorry about your back, I hope you find some relief now. Love your plants and your pretty herb garden. Mostly I've been busy watching kiddos and visiting my mom. She is making progress. I got a chance to plant some flowers today. We got such a hard frost the other day and so I've been leary. Hopefully were past it all now.
We need to make a summer plan. Let me know what you think when you get a chance. Hugs friend,
Cindy
May 17, 2016 at 5:34 PM
Looks like your gardens are well on their way. Love your herb planter. Wish I had room for pots of herbs in my kitchen. I only have one window and it doesn't have a wide sill. The counters are already crowded enough, plus there's not enough natural light. (The kitchen window faces north.) I'm so sorry to hear about your back. Sheesh, like you haven't had enough medical problems lately! Is the scoliosis something new (degenerative scoliosis) or have you had it since childhood? I hope the PT is giving you some relief.
May 19, 2016 at 8:13 PM
I depend too much on icepack therapy myself, Jane. So glad you listened to your husband and consulted a specialist. I do have slight scoliosis. My mother too, and now she is very bent over at 91. So we must do everything we can to avoid that. You sound like your gardening therapy does your spirits good! We won't be doing gardening here--that's all taken care of by our son-in-law's gardening service people, but buying herbs was the first thing we did. Snipping herbs for cooking always makes me feel like a gourmet cook, even if I'm not. And I agree with your husband about rosemary--cannot abide it, except for tucking into a roast chicken. But I use it for the Williams-Sonoma recipe for simmering on the stove for that wonderful scent their stores always have. You stick to those back exercises, Jane, and let us know if they help!
May 21, 2016 at 12:08 PM
Bummer about your back. Glad you looked into it and I hope they can help you out. I started having back problems after my hysterectomy. Now and then it goes out and I have to behave myself. I don't like to behave myself...LOL Have a good weekend! Kit
May 21, 2016 at 3:12 PM
I have missed so much since that tumble, then more dangerous things. :(
I am so glad to know you are putting your health to the fore, because you need to be as healthy as you can for you, The Husband...kids...grandkids. You don't want to be watching from the sidelines! Take care of you. ( "Sermons from One Who Didn't Practice What She Preached", by Trudy!)
Love you, my friend.
xx Trudy
May 21, 2016 at 8:52 PM
Hi Jane, Your flowers are so pretty! I know you take great enjoyment in creating your gorgeous gardens. Herbs are my favorite. They are that perfect combo of fresh/pretty PLUS you they add such flavor to dishes. I have a small herb garden on my deck so I can run out (in a nightie or whatever;) to grab fresh herbs for cooking.
As for your back pain, my friend, so sorry. I'm so glad you are seeking treatment. I know firsthand watching my husband deal with that all winter. It takes such a toll on your ability to be active and to feel like yourself. Physical therapy IS helping him. We are hoping to avoid a third back surgery for him. I hope this does the trick for you. It feels good to be on the path towards healing, I'm sure.
Sorry to be so late coming by. My retirement next month and the FIRE that almost took our home earlier this month have been time consuming.
Happy Sunday!
xx, Heather
May 22, 2016 at 9:14 AM
Hi Jane, Your garden looks amazing! I love growing herbs too! When I'm cooking, I can just go in the garden and cut some!
I hope the therapy for your back helps a little, any kind of relief is a blessing. There's always something hurting on me too, darn it!! I checked out Antique Farmhouse, love everything they sale! Thinking of you on this beautiful Monday morning in San Diego!
Happy Gardening ♥,
Hugs, Jody
May 23, 2016 at 10:43 AM
It's good you got some answers about your back so you can take care of YOU! Your gardens are looking so pretty. I'm planning to head out and work in mine in just a few minutes. I've only had one small trip to a nursery but hope to make more time for shopping and planting in the next couple of weeks!
May 24, 2016 at 8:04 AM
Hi Jane, what a great recipe, perfect for summer. You garden looks lovely. It does time to make our yards look fabulous. Back time is no fun. Feel better soon! xo
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