Posts
If you thought the picture of our daughters was lovely, have a look at these grandgirls!
Could they be any cuter?
Jun 27, 2009
Precious Grandgirls
If you thought the picture of our daughters was lovely, have a look at these grandgirls!
Could they be any cuter?
Jun 21, 2009
Thoughts on Fathers' Day
My own father died nearly 55 years ago, so it’s no longer a big deal that he’s not around; he would be closing in on 100 years old by now, so most likely gone anyway. I have to admit, though, that I do allow myself to feel a little bit sorry for myself on Fathers’ Day. He was a good and loving dad, funny and gentle and generous with his three daughters. I like to assume that he would have continued to be a positive influence on my life and that we would have grown to have a close relationship as I grew older. Why not imagine the best that could be? Who really knows?
I was only thirteen when he was suddenly just… not there. He died in a horrible one-car accident. At age thirteen, I think I must have been in love with my dad. (Perhaps at age fourteen I would have found fault in everything he said and did, but we never had to suffer through that.) I lived for the times when he was at home. He was a traveling salesman, gone for a couple of days or a couple of weeks at a time, depending on the customers on his regular route, and our lives were built on “when Daddy was coming home”.
Needless to say, there was a huge, empty hole in my life when he died (as there was in my mother’s and sisters’ lives). Home never meant the same after he was gone, and though my mother tried valiantly, her own grief overshadowed her ability to give me what I needed. I finished high school and went many miles away to college before I began to discover who I might be without a father.
One of the reasons I have the husband that I do is that I felt he would be a good father. Observing him with his nieces and nephews, I realized that they liked him and laughed a lot, a big selling point. He had an impossibly high standard to live up to, because in my mind it was as though my own father had achieved sainthood, but I think he did a pretty good job of being a father to our four offspring.
Now our kids are grown, and one of them has fathered children of his own. As far as I can tell, and recognizing a certain bias, I would say he is a wonderful father. I recognize, however, that it’s horribly unfair to give any man a grade on how well he rates as a father. Even his own children have impossible expectations, and that goes both ways… some fathers have impossible expectations of their children as well. So it’s a good thing we have Fathers’ Day when they can be treated in special ways… given gifts and hugs and thanks… receive cards and emails and phone calls.
Personally, I think it should be called Dads’ Day, though, because it’s easy to father a child but much harder to be a good dad.
I was only thirteen when he was suddenly just… not there. He died in a horrible one-car accident. At age thirteen, I think I must have been in love with my dad. (Perhaps at age fourteen I would have found fault in everything he said and did, but we never had to suffer through that.) I lived for the times when he was at home. He was a traveling salesman, gone for a couple of days or a couple of weeks at a time, depending on the customers on his regular route, and our lives were built on “when Daddy was coming home”.
Needless to say, there was a huge, empty hole in my life when he died (as there was in my mother’s and sisters’ lives). Home never meant the same after he was gone, and though my mother tried valiantly, her own grief overshadowed her ability to give me what I needed. I finished high school and went many miles away to college before I began to discover who I might be without a father.
One of the reasons I have the husband that I do is that I felt he would be a good father. Observing him with his nieces and nephews, I realized that they liked him and laughed a lot, a big selling point. He had an impossibly high standard to live up to, because in my mind it was as though my own father had achieved sainthood, but I think he did a pretty good job of being a father to our four offspring.
Now our kids are grown, and one of them has fathered children of his own. As far as I can tell, and recognizing a certain bias, I would say he is a wonderful father. I recognize, however, that it’s horribly unfair to give any man a grade on how well he rates as a father. Even his own children have impossible expectations, and that goes both ways… some fathers have impossible expectations of their children as well. So it’s a good thing we have Fathers’ Day when they can be treated in special ways… given gifts and hugs and thanks… receive cards and emails and phone calls.
Personally, I think it should be called Dads’ Day, though, because it’s easy to father a child but much harder to be a good dad.
Jun 9, 2009
Daughters!
Just in case you missed it on Mike's blog, here is the best picture from the time spent in South Bend June 7th and 8th. Danielle and Miki, the amazing and wonderful daughters of Mike and Diane. Wasn't it just yesterday when they were small?
If you want to see more great pictures of the Bird family, go here and type "portraits from South Bend" in the search box at the top left of the page.
Jun 6, 2009
R.I.P.
Mike’s dad passed away in his sleep Thursday night after a long and painful struggle with colon cancer. He had been ill and failing for a number of years, experiencing a gradual decline in his health. The promise of release from suffering makes death more welcome, but still his family is saddened by the loss of his presence. He was a highly intelligent and talented teacher, writer and editor, with an interest in a multitude of subjects and the ability to pass on that enthusiasm. His mind remained sharp and clear to the end, for which I am certain he was grateful, as were the members of his family. Though he outlived many of his friends, those he had were strong and loyal.
He had eight children, none of whom thought of him as a particularly good father, but rather spoke of the tremendous impact and influence he had on their lives. While he sometimes was belittling, confusing, demanding and maddening, at the same time he expected and encouraged his children to use their minds and their curiosity and their intelligence to explore and research the many facets of their world.
I saw him as a man with a brilliant mind, but also the common inability of geniuses to exhibit common sense or to cope with practicalities. His expectations for people were beyond what most could ever provide for him, so I suppose he was both disappointed and despairing of making ordinary connections with people.
While at home, he spent most of his hours in his library, reading, studying and writing. His self-imposed loneliness included drinking, and at times he became a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality. Unfortunately, that behavior alienated me and some others like me. Still, there’s no denying that he was an interesting person, whom one would very much like to get to know. Some did, and because their forgiveness knew no bounds, these are the ones who will miss him the most. … and so it goes.
He had eight children, none of whom thought of him as a particularly good father, but rather spoke of the tremendous impact and influence he had on their lives. While he sometimes was belittling, confusing, demanding and maddening, at the same time he expected and encouraged his children to use their minds and their curiosity and their intelligence to explore and research the many facets of their world.
I saw him as a man with a brilliant mind, but also the common inability of geniuses to exhibit common sense or to cope with practicalities. His expectations for people were beyond what most could ever provide for him, so I suppose he was both disappointed and despairing of making ordinary connections with people.
While at home, he spent most of his hours in his library, reading, studying and writing. His self-imposed loneliness included drinking, and at times he became a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality. Unfortunately, that behavior alienated me and some others like me. Still, there’s no denying that he was an interesting person, whom one would very much like to get to know. Some did, and because their forgiveness knew no bounds, these are the ones who will miss him the most. … and so it goes.
Jun 2, 2009
Groundcovers
We were in Bloomington on Sunday, and after brunching with Miki and Kevin, we toured their back yard. It's a shadowy hideaway with walkways and ponds and quiet, secret corners where one can rest and ponder and dream. Someone who owned the house in the past was gifted with imagination and created this lovely sanctuary. Their front yard is a study in contrasts, as it is brightly sunny and steeply sloping downward toward the sidewalk and the road. Miki spoke of wanting to replace the grass, which poses a danger to anyone mowing it, with a groundcover, perennials, or perhaps even making a series of terraces, as their neighbors have done. She requested information about groundcovers; thus, this series of pictures.
This first picture was meant as a caution rather than a suggestion. English Ivy is the chosen groundcover for many people, but I find it obnoxiously invasive and extremely difficult to eradicate.
This low growing plant appears to be, and acts like, a groundcover, though it spreads very slowly. I've entitled this picture "Mystery (weed?)" and encourage its growth simply because I find it to be a pretty addition to my front yard.
This may be creeping thyme... or some variety of thyme... The leaves are thyme-like and when crushed their scent approximates the smell of thyme.
This is a shade and moisture-loving groundcover called Ribbon Grass (or Dwarf Garters, which I find amusing). It's easy to take cuttings from existing stands, and it's hardy and slow to spread. I like the contrast of light and darker greens.
I found no explanation in my gardening books of why this is called Bishop's Weed. It grows about a foot tall and in the early summer it blooms with a stalk topped with what looks to me like a smaller version of Queen Anne's Lace. It can be invasive, but is also easily contained by planting it next to a foundation and surrounding it with rocks or some sort of edging. The leaves will start to get brown edges in dry, hot weather, but that doesn't harm the plant; in fact, a good deep watering will solve the problem.
This closely resembles what my books call Scotch Moss, other than the fact that my planting blooms yellow, while the books picture white blossoms. It grows thickly, forming hillocks as the stalks lay over on themselves. Partial shade and plenty of water are necessary for this groundcover, as with any variety of moss.
I believe this is the most popular groundcover around here, possibly because it is so hardy and will grow in sun or shade. I found some growing by an old, deserted farmhouse and barn, and helped myself to some starts. It has many names, including Common Periwinkle, Vinca Minor and Creeping Myrtle. It blooms in the summer, (periwinkle blue, of course), and grows thickly enough to choke out any noxious weeds that try to compete.
My personal favorite is this groundcover, called Ajuga Reptans or Bugleweed. There is more than one variety, but this picture and the next show the deep green and purplish leaves that appeal to me. It spreads by runners and establishes itself wherever it finds compatible soil. It's also easy to start with rooted cuttings. It can tolerate some sun, but for optimum performance it prefers mostly shade.
...and that's your lesson for the day. There WILL be a test. :)
This first picture was meant as a caution rather than a suggestion. English Ivy is the chosen groundcover for many people, but I find it obnoxiously invasive and extremely difficult to eradicate.
This low growing plant appears to be, and acts like, a groundcover, though it spreads very slowly. I've entitled this picture "Mystery (weed?)" and encourage its growth simply because I find it to be a pretty addition to my front yard.
This may be creeping thyme... or some variety of thyme... The leaves are thyme-like and when crushed their scent approximates the smell of thyme.
This is a shade and moisture-loving groundcover called Ribbon Grass (or Dwarf Garters, which I find amusing). It's easy to take cuttings from existing stands, and it's hardy and slow to spread. I like the contrast of light and darker greens.
I found no explanation in my gardening books of why this is called Bishop's Weed. It grows about a foot tall and in the early summer it blooms with a stalk topped with what looks to me like a smaller version of Queen Anne's Lace. It can be invasive, but is also easily contained by planting it next to a foundation and surrounding it with rocks or some sort of edging. The leaves will start to get brown edges in dry, hot weather, but that doesn't harm the plant; in fact, a good deep watering will solve the problem.
This closely resembles what my books call Scotch Moss, other than the fact that my planting blooms yellow, while the books picture white blossoms. It grows thickly, forming hillocks as the stalks lay over on themselves. Partial shade and plenty of water are necessary for this groundcover, as with any variety of moss.
I believe this is the most popular groundcover around here, possibly because it is so hardy and will grow in sun or shade. I found some growing by an old, deserted farmhouse and barn, and helped myself to some starts. It has many names, including Common Periwinkle, Vinca Minor and Creeping Myrtle. It blooms in the summer, (periwinkle blue, of course), and grows thickly enough to choke out any noxious weeds that try to compete.
My personal favorite is this groundcover, called Ajuga Reptans or Bugleweed. There is more than one variety, but this picture and the next show the deep green and purplish leaves that appeal to me. It spreads by runners and establishes itself wherever it finds compatible soil. It's also easy to start with rooted cuttings. It can tolerate some sun, but for optimum performance it prefers mostly shade.
...and that's your lesson for the day. There WILL be a test. :)
Jun 1, 2009
Roses, Roses
Whether walking south down the pathway, coming in the front door....
or walking north, going out to the car or the garden or the shed....
...these rose bushes are there to please you and bring joy to your day. Their tiny, tiny blossoms grow in clusters like miniature bouquets. The blooms continue all summer, whether you "deadhead" the old blossoms or not, but the bushes look much better, of course, if the old blossoms are removed. Under the bushes is a thick mat of Ajuga, one of the best ground covers around. It keeps the weeds down and helps hold moisture for the roses' roots.
This has been a week of new flowers showing up. The daylilies have started, too, so we're in for quite a show. Hurray for June!
May 29, 2009
Summer Woes
Here is a recipe for frustration:
1. Make sure your car is plenty dirty, including front and back door mats, inside doors, upholstery, storage area and windows. There should be a) tiny pieces of paper b) somewhat larger mystery pieces of paper c) items to go to St. Vincent’s d) used ink cartridges to go to the Cartridge Depot e) lots of tiny rocks f) mud g) hair h) golf clubs & bag i) golf umbrella j) golf ball retriever k) “green” grocery bags l) golf visors m) empty drink bottles…
2. Wait for a day that is not hot, not humid, not raining, and with minimal bugs.
3. Wait for a day when there are only six other things scheduled, so you have “time” to clean out your car’s interior.
4. Find your handy-dandy portable 33-yr-old vacuum cleaner (it’s in a box, wrapped in plastic to keep the ants out, in the small shed).
5. Take all the parts out of the box.
6. Assemble them.
7. Check to make sure there is a clean bag inside (whew! there is).
8. Go find the car keys.
9. Move the car next to the sidewalk for easy (easier) access.
10. Remove as much of the stuff listed in #1 as possible.
11. Take out the floor mats and smack them around a bit to dislodge some of the dirt & rocks.
12. Go back to the small shed to get the extension cord.
13. Go into the large shed to look for the extension cord.
14. Go back to the small shed to look for the extension cord.
15. Go into the utility room to look for the extension cord.
16. Put the car back together.
17. Put the vacuum cleaner back together.
18. Put it in the box, plastic wrap the box, and return it to the small shed.
19. Leave a telephone message for the person who drives the other car, and undoubtedly has my extension cord in his car.
20. Go to the computer and write this blog entry. Then smile :) Life is good :)
1. Make sure your car is plenty dirty, including front and back door mats, inside doors, upholstery, storage area and windows. There should be a) tiny pieces of paper b) somewhat larger mystery pieces of paper c) items to go to St. Vincent’s d) used ink cartridges to go to the Cartridge Depot e) lots of tiny rocks f) mud g) hair h) golf clubs & bag i) golf umbrella j) golf ball retriever k) “green” grocery bags l) golf visors m) empty drink bottles…
2. Wait for a day that is not hot, not humid, not raining, and with minimal bugs.
3. Wait for a day when there are only six other things scheduled, so you have “time” to clean out your car’s interior.
4. Find your handy-dandy portable 33-yr-old vacuum cleaner (it’s in a box, wrapped in plastic to keep the ants out, in the small shed).
5. Take all the parts out of the box.
6. Assemble them.
7. Check to make sure there is a clean bag inside (whew! there is).
8. Go find the car keys.
9. Move the car next to the sidewalk for easy (easier) access.
10. Remove as much of the stuff listed in #1 as possible.
11. Take out the floor mats and smack them around a bit to dislodge some of the dirt & rocks.
12. Go back to the small shed to get the extension cord.
13. Go into the large shed to look for the extension cord.
14. Go back to the small shed to look for the extension cord.
15. Go into the utility room to look for the extension cord.
16. Put the car back together.
17. Put the vacuum cleaner back together.
18. Put it in the box, plastic wrap the box, and return it to the small shed.
19. Leave a telephone message for the person who drives the other car, and undoubtedly has my extension cord in his car.
20. Go to the computer and write this blog entry. Then smile :) Life is good :)
May 24, 2009
Summer Smiles
Looking out the west window from the kitchen this morning (working at the sink, as usual) I saw this cute little mini-sunflower that apparently shot up overnight. It's one of the wildflowers I planted a year ago that did not show up last year and so I had given up hope that any of them ever would germinate, let alone bloom. I'm sure I'm not the only one who buys those large bags of wildflower seeds that are supposed to turn 100 sq. ft. into a mass of flowers. This one little flower made my day, and a closer look revealed several buds that will be opening soon.
My Mother's Day hibiscus finally found a permanent home, and it is very happy to have root-room to grow. I'm expecting great things because I've been told that these plants get huge and bloom all summer. Since this is a "tropical hisbiscus", I doubt it will make it through the winter, but then sometimes I wonder if I myself will make it through the winter, and I always do!
I liked the contrast here between the dark green, fern-y things at the bottom of the picture and the pale green and pink of the shrub behind them. Last fall I chopped all of this vegetation nearly to the ground because it was leggy, past its prime, and ugly. It's possible that I threatened them with certain death if they didn't perform this year, because look how they responded! :-)
I took another picture of the same bush, because I am so impressed with the delicate pastel leaves and blossoms. The rains followed by a week of warm weather seemed to bring out the best in this year's growth.
These are several small evergreen bushes that keep insisting on working their way out into the pathway along the front of the house. Last fall I realized that moving them would be a major chore, probably involving more energy and more tools than I could manage, so I pruned them way back. Now look what I've done! They are back with a vengeance. (Aren't those little green fingers cute?)
Every now and then a catalog purchase pays off. This is the result of just a half-dozen tiny starts. They got stuck in the ground with not much hope that they would survive, and now they're spreading like crazy... and blooming!
The north side of the house doesn't get much sun, winter or summer, so shade-loving plants, grasses and ground covers have an area where they can survive beautifully (as you can see). We intend to fill the area with a variety of hostas and maybe some bleeding heart plants. There is already a significant amount of moss growing there on its own initiative, so I get a good laugh out of seeing instructions on "how to grow moss"!
May 19, 2009
Blimey! They're Bloomin'!
These old fashioned climbing roses bloom all summer long at the southeast corner of the house. I did have to spray them for mildew a few days ago, because of all the rain we've been having, but they'll survive.
One of the plants that Marty and Laura brought me for Mother's Day was this hibiscus, and this is its first blossom. As soon as the ground is a little less soggy, I'll plant it and wait for a multitude of blooms, which will appear on this blog later on :)
I promised a picture of the first peony bloom, and here it is, bowing down before the onslaught of day after day of rain. Now that it's drying up a bit, there are many more blooms, and larger ones. I'll get a picture of them tomorrow to share here.
This is my sturdy mock orange that I ordered through the mail several years ago. Naturally, it didn't look anything like the picture in the catalog, being only about 6" tall and severely straggly... but look what it's become! I am disappointed that it has no scent, but the profusion of blossoms makes up for that.
Now competing for space, these clematis vines have so many huge flowers that they're struggling to be seen. Come late fall, I'll split the root ball and put half of this profusion somewhere else for next year's glory.
This poor, overgrown sage plant is literally flat on the sidewalk, completely overcome by the continuing deluge of rain, but it struggles valiantly on and will be standing up straight again after a couple more warm days. (Reminds me of those awful down days that occasionally lay me flat, but I always come back!)
May 16, 2009
Joys and Sorrows
There is something wonderful about getting older; it probably starts about the time you find yourself rapidly approaching the age of 50. You will see people in their 50s "doing" genealogies and scrapbooks and putting their photos in order, perhaps even getting them all on the web. Why? I think it's because around that age we begin to become more conscious of our mortality (whoa!); we have become grandparents (egads!); our own parents seem suddenly ancient (oops!); our own retirement is closer (yea!). We start thinking about hobbies or about traveling abroad or taking a cruise. So, it's a mixed bag; part of it is joyful and some if it is sad; but in either case, it is a sort of wrapping-up of our lives. It's definitely time to start our own "Bucket List". (If you've not seen that movie, see it! It's about making a list of what you want to do before you "kick the bucket", and Morgan Freeman starring with Jack Nicholson makes for a hilarious, unforgettable movie.)
One of the joys of getting older is recognizing that we actually have a smidgen of the wisdom we've been seeking. We catch ourselves sharing that wisdom with our kids more often (who don't "get" it yet, but will!). Another joy is learning how to slow down, sometimes as a result of that wisdom, sometimes just because our bodies insist on it, and behave badly if we overdo. Another great joy (and also a reward) comes when you find yourself in good health with energy to spare, find yourself trying out the new things that come along with progress, find yourself seeking other outlets for your imagination, find yourself interested in learning new things.
One of the greatest sorrows of getting older is discovering that our parents are reaching the end of their lives, are not well, and need more care... but this is something we have come to expect. However, when we learn that some of our friends, neighbors, relatives and peers are struggling with disease and experiencing a tortuous journey through extended treatments, we struggle along with them. Talk about coming face to face with one's own mortality! Does one ever learn how to accept pain without despair? Death without fear? Loss without emptiness and the agony of depression? When those we love are trying to make it though a worrisome and anxious time, how do we help? How can we keep from feeling terribly guilty about being so glad it's not us?!
I guess this is when we dig deep down into that (however shallow) well of wisdom and call up our better selves, our kinder and gentler natures, and express our caring about and sharing of their pain. Surely we've learned something along the way that taught us to be accepting of whatever the future offers. On the other hand, maybe not. All I know is, feeling helpless is pretty awful, whether it's in relation to others or to ourselves.
One of the joys of getting older is recognizing that we actually have a smidgen of the wisdom we've been seeking. We catch ourselves sharing that wisdom with our kids more often (who don't "get" it yet, but will!). Another joy is learning how to slow down, sometimes as a result of that wisdom, sometimes just because our bodies insist on it, and behave badly if we overdo. Another great joy (and also a reward) comes when you find yourself in good health with energy to spare, find yourself trying out the new things that come along with progress, find yourself seeking other outlets for your imagination, find yourself interested in learning new things.
One of the greatest sorrows of getting older is discovering that our parents are reaching the end of their lives, are not well, and need more care... but this is something we have come to expect. However, when we learn that some of our friends, neighbors, relatives and peers are struggling with disease and experiencing a tortuous journey through extended treatments, we struggle along with them. Talk about coming face to face with one's own mortality! Does one ever learn how to accept pain without despair? Death without fear? Loss without emptiness and the agony of depression? When those we love are trying to make it though a worrisome and anxious time, how do we help? How can we keep from feeling terribly guilty about being so glad it's not us?!
I guess this is when we dig deep down into that (however shallow) well of wisdom and call up our better selves, our kinder and gentler natures, and express our caring about and sharing of their pain. Surely we've learned something along the way that taught us to be accepting of whatever the future offers. On the other hand, maybe not. All I know is, feeling helpless is pretty awful, whether it's in relation to others or to ourselves.
May 12, 2009
"Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley Grow..."
Don't know much about oats or barley (besides the fact that I eat oatmeal for breakfast and put barley in my homemade soups), but I do know a little about peas and beans. Today I bought a packet of bush bean seeds to plant a 16' row and discovered there were only six (count them... 6!) seeds, and the instructions said to plant them 4" apart. Well, hm-m-m, they are a lot farther apart than that, so if one doesn't germinate, I'll just plant something else there. Last year, the few bean plants I had continued to produce well into October. Maybe just for fun I'll toss out some flower seed and see what happens.
On a hunch, I bought some pea seeds, too. Even remembering that the best pea crop I ever got was planted in February(!), I decided to try planting in May just to see what I might get. Even erected a trellis thing-y to support them. Next year (yup, already planning next year's garden) I'll plant some sugar snap peas, because those are the ones I really like. Thinking about asparagus starts, too, because the only way I like asparagus is right out of the garden, fresh and crisp and raw... to get that, you have to plant it yourself!
On a hunch, I bought some pea seeds, too. Even remembering that the best pea crop I ever got was planted in February(!), I decided to try planting in May just to see what I might get. Even erected a trellis thing-y to support them. Next year (yup, already planning next year's garden) I'll plant some sugar snap peas, because those are the ones I really like. Thinking about asparagus starts, too, because the only way I like asparagus is right out of the garden, fresh and crisp and raw... to get that, you have to plant it yourself!
Gardens and Flowers
Here are some pictures of recent changes around the house, including the beautiful hanging plant (a Mothers' Day gift), the clematis that finally decided to bloom (and we'll have about a hundred more blooms before it's done), and the bush out front of the house that was nearly decimated by the early Spring and late frost of a couple years ago. I'm happy to see it blooming again!
Busy days with the nicer weather finally here. I've been getting the garden planted; all done but the green beans. I have to go to town and get some bush bean seeds today because I had accidentally gotten pole bean seeds. In the past, I've grown both, and though the pole beans are easier to pick, it's hard to find the best way to support them, and the beans themselves seem to be tougher. So, I'll be picking beans on my knees in the dirt again this summer, probably hoping the plants will die because they produce skabillions of beans before they're done.
May 3, 2009
Lotsa Pics
This is my "Miki Azalea", because she gave it to me years ago. It's a full-sized bush azalea, not a dwarf like the one below. Note the totally different blossoms... each uniquely beautiful.
This is another picture of one of the dwarf azaleas that borders our back patio. It's now in full bloom, and you can compare it to the picture in the previous post, where it is just beginning to flower. Such a change!
An example of how Mother Nature will have her way. You can use dandelion weed killer all you want, and mow your yard every few days, but those darling little yellow flowers will grow where they can and re-seed, too!
We had so much rain, and the grass just kept growing. When it dried out a bit and Mike and the big tractor -mower were available at the same time, they quite literally followed the old adage: "Make hay while the sun shines." Too bad we don't have a hay baler ;-)
I call this one "A Magnificent Profusion of Color".
Lilies of the valley, so tiny and delicate and shy, not to mention short-lived, but well worth it when they bloom. It's quite a sight to see their whitest white supported by their green, broad, elongated, flat leaves.
One of Nature's treasures, hidden away for eight years and finally showing itself. I disturbed the area when I removed the old electric pathway lights and some thick growth. In a few days, there it was!
A cloud of dogwood... glorious.
Almost ready! Lots of compost, bags of topsoil, hours and hours of working with shovels and rakes, and I think another couple goings-over will have the beds ready for planting. Once I get it properly positioned, the wood planks will provide a dry path between the beds... and also edge the beds to keep the soil from getting washed away during "gully-washers". The area in the forefront of the picture is where the old compost pile was, and will be where I plant the 4 tomato plants and 5 pepper plants I bought the other day. That ground is SO rich.
Apr 26, 2009
Azaleas! Dogwood! Dandelions?
There's nothing much more spectacular than a blooming azalea. Our red azalea insists on pouring through the patio railing, making certain we don't miss its glory, and to make sure we don't forget that it is the first of two dwarf bushes to bloom in the Spring. Then, about the time it starts looking a little tired, along comes lovely Miss Orange Azalea, not to be outdone. She pours out the other way, into the yard, where I have to surround her with bricks lest she get in the way of the mower (or the mower in her way, I should say!) 
I wondered, when we first moved here, why the previous owners didn't plant two of the same variety. It's easy to understand now that having two of these lovelies guarantees a prolonged Springtime. They're both simply gorgeous, and we look forward to them every year.
Along about the same time of the year, and often close to Easter Sunday, the dogwood trees come into bloom, making splashes and clouds of white here and there through the woods and at the edges of fields. There is a legend about the shape and color of the blossoms. The dogwood has been "adopted" by the Christian religion as a symbol of the crucifixion of Christ. The legend says that a flowering dogwood tree was used to make the cross of the crucifixion and as a result it now grows as a living memory of the event. The cross is represented by the four petals; the petals' brownish marks represent the nails; the center of the flower sometimes resembles a crown. Take it or leave it, it's an interesting story.
And then, of course, there are the ubiquitous dandelions! This picture shows how obnoxious they can be, infiltrating themselves into areas where it is most difficult to dig them out without destroying something else. I still remember, though, how my children, when they were small, would pick handsful of dandelion blossoms and present them to me as a bouquet. A mom can't ever forget those dancing eyes and cute smiles. I'm certain the same tableau continues today with other moms and kids, because we've never found a permanent dandelion slayer... so that's a good thing.
Apr 24, 2009
Lessons from Mother Nature
Yesterday I pulled old electric-powered pathway lights and put in new solar-powered lights and got to thinking how we take for granted the changes in the seasons and the new growth in the spring, but in actuality it’s a mind-boggling transformation and a recurring miracle. I know for certain that springtime is invigorating to flowers, trees and humans alike. We have more energy; we make plans, plot gardens, start projects, do some spring cleaning; we’re inspired to dance to the music (as if no one is watching); we feel grateful for what feels like a reward for doing something great that we don’t remember doing.
We struggle along. Take a lesson from this poor little Japanese maple tree. It has been in the ground for six years and is still not quite three feet tall… a real slow-grower. I’ve babied it through several seasons, never being sure if it was going to leaf out again in the spring… but here it is again in all its glory. I really want that tree to grow right where it is, even though it does have wet feet most of the spring. There’s a lesson to be learned from its determination to grow where it’s planted.
Can you guess what this is? Looks a little like that poor, stunted tree. When it’s mature (which will happen within days), it will look totally different, and will support many very large, pink, many-petaled blooms right around Memorial Day. It’s surrounded by lilies-of-the-valley that spread in circumference every year. They’re all about to bloom… stay tuned. A lesson here? Even “ugly” has the potential to be beautiful… watch and learn… wait and see.
The Japanese maple could take a lesson from this blue fescue that has re-seeded itself from the border along the north side of the driveway into the driveway itself, growing up out of the gravel. Mike and I have guessed that maybe the ground is less acid there. Even so, it’s something of a miracle that anything other than a weed could take root in a driveway. It’s pretty there, though, so there it stays, and maybe it will continue to re-seed. I like this daring-to-be-different little guy.
Here’s an example of how unpredictable and contrary Mother Nature can be. This Washington Hawthorne tree has the most beautiful clusters of flowers in the spring, pink at first, gradually changing to white. The leaves are dense and the tree itself is quite beautiful. However! It has long thorns on the trunk and on the branches that make it very un-friendly. Also, the roots are shallow and insist on coming up through the ground, trying to make more thorny little trees. It’s a Washington Hawthorne, and I think it’s going to struggle to have its way, no matter what this human wants.
Life happens. Rejoice and be glad.
We struggle along. Take a lesson from this poor little Japanese maple tree. It has been in the ground for six years and is still not quite three feet tall… a real slow-grower. I’ve babied it through several seasons, never being sure if it was going to leaf out again in the spring… but here it is again in all its glory. I really want that tree to grow right where it is, even though it does have wet feet most of the spring. There’s a lesson to be learned from its determination to grow where it’s planted.
Can you guess what this is? Looks a little like that poor, stunted tree. When it’s mature (which will happen within days), it will look totally different, and will support many very large, pink, many-petaled blooms right around Memorial Day. It’s surrounded by lilies-of-the-valley that spread in circumference every year. They’re all about to bloom… stay tuned. A lesson here? Even “ugly” has the potential to be beautiful… watch and learn… wait and see.
The Japanese maple could take a lesson from this blue fescue that has re-seeded itself from the border along the north side of the driveway into the driveway itself, growing up out of the gravel. Mike and I have guessed that maybe the ground is less acid there. Even so, it’s something of a miracle that anything other than a weed could take root in a driveway. It’s pretty there, though, so there it stays, and maybe it will continue to re-seed. I like this daring-to-be-different little guy.
Here’s an example of how unpredictable and contrary Mother Nature can be. This Washington Hawthorne tree has the most beautiful clusters of flowers in the spring, pink at first, gradually changing to white. The leaves are dense and the tree itself is quite beautiful. However! It has long thorns on the trunk and on the branches that make it very un-friendly. Also, the roots are shallow and insist on coming up through the ground, trying to make more thorny little trees. It’s a Washington Hawthorne, and I think it’s going to struggle to have its way, no matter what this human wants.
Life happens. Rejoice and be glad.
Apr 20, 2009
Planning the Planting
The only good thing about all the rain we've been getting lately is that the puddles show me which areas of the garden are especially in need of topsoil. As far as I know there aren't any vegetables that grow well in a bog! So, I slogged around the garden perimeter, walking off measurements in preparation for planting the garden on paper. That's the fun part.
It's not a very big garden, barely a small plot compared to the humongous garden we had at Lost River. Now THAT was a garden!
Double-dug soil, enhanced with compost and various organic fertilizers, terraced with two-foot-high rock ledges, and with grassy paths alongside each row. The vegetables were easily harvested from either side, and we never had to worry about compacting the soil because we had no need to walk on it. There was room for strawberries and asparagus and peas and beans and beets and corn and beans and tomatoes and lettuce and spinach and radishes and all sorts of herbs and flowers, as well as winter and summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, onions, garlic, potatoes and yams...... It was a dawn to dark garden, that's for sure.
This year's garden is going to look like an old lady's hobby, which it is! I pulled out my old copy of Rodale's Herb Book and our battered, much used Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening today and set to work plotting it all out on paper. I'll buy five tomato plants and three green pepper plants. The rest will grow from seed, a little bit of this and a little bit of that, with flowers and herbs scattered throughout, partly for looks but mostly because there are plants that like and encourage and protect one another. That's why it's called "companion planting".
Basil and borage protect tomatoes against that ugly tomato hornworm. Marigolds and nasturtiums planted all over the garden deter many bugs. Green beans are happy around dill and savory. Cucs & squashes taste better interplanted with oregano and marjoram. Pyrethrum flowers protect beans and can be made into a very effective bug-killer spray. Green beans like garlic, too. Caraway protects radishes. Chives like carrots. There is absolutely no need to buy anything to kill the bugs, because they don't come around when you companion plant.
Truth time... I gave up on growing broccoli and cabbage and cauliflower because I never found anything that kept the worms out... Yuk! ...and I tried the entire spectrum of organic deterrents from mint to red pepper spray. I have to admit that there is no magic bullet, but companion planting works well for the most part, and it makes gardening kind of friendly and cozy, thinking about all these compatible little plants :D
I'll put in a packet of cosmos, too, because when I first experienced those lovely, free and airy blooms a couple years ago, it was like discovering I had a new best friend!
It's not a very big garden, barely a small plot compared to the humongous garden we had at Lost River. Now THAT was a garden!
Double-dug soil, enhanced with compost and various organic fertilizers, terraced with two-foot-high rock ledges, and with grassy paths alongside each row. The vegetables were easily harvested from either side, and we never had to worry about compacting the soil because we had no need to walk on it. There was room for strawberries and asparagus and peas and beans and beets and corn and beans and tomatoes and lettuce and spinach and radishes and all sorts of herbs and flowers, as well as winter and summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, onions, garlic, potatoes and yams...... It was a dawn to dark garden, that's for sure.
This year's garden is going to look like an old lady's hobby, which it is! I pulled out my old copy of Rodale's Herb Book and our battered, much used Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening today and set to work plotting it all out on paper. I'll buy five tomato plants and three green pepper plants. The rest will grow from seed, a little bit of this and a little bit of that, with flowers and herbs scattered throughout, partly for looks but mostly because there are plants that like and encourage and protect one another. That's why it's called "companion planting".
Basil and borage protect tomatoes against that ugly tomato hornworm. Marigolds and nasturtiums planted all over the garden deter many bugs. Green beans are happy around dill and savory. Cucs & squashes taste better interplanted with oregano and marjoram. Pyrethrum flowers protect beans and can be made into a very effective bug-killer spray. Green beans like garlic, too. Caraway protects radishes. Chives like carrots. There is absolutely no need to buy anything to kill the bugs, because they don't come around when you companion plant.
Truth time... I gave up on growing broccoli and cabbage and cauliflower because I never found anything that kept the worms out... Yuk! ...and I tried the entire spectrum of organic deterrents from mint to red pepper spray. I have to admit that there is no magic bullet, but companion planting works well for the most part, and it makes gardening kind of friendly and cozy, thinking about all these compatible little plants :D
I'll put in a packet of cosmos, too, because when I first experienced those lovely, free and airy blooms a couple years ago, it was like discovering I had a new best friend!
Apr 18, 2009
The Art (?) of Gardening
This clever and pretty little door hanger is going to experience some fairly heavy use this summer. My garden is going to be twice as large as last year, so this morning I was busy moving my compost piles and burning down an area of last year's leaves, small branches, clippings and garden trimmings. All last year I added to two compost piles on a regular basis; one of leftover food, eggshells and vegetable/fruit scrapings & peels; the other of yard waste, weeds, twigs, and spent flowers. Occasionally I sprinkled organic compost starter on the piles and watered them down. Probably I should have turned them on a regular basis, but the starter instructions said that wasn't necessary.
When I went after the finished compost at the bottom of the piles, I was glad to find about four bushels of rich, crumbly, dry stuff that was ready to be spread, and another couple bushels of not quite done compost that makes a good start for this year's piles. It is so easy to make good compost; if done correctly they are never odiferous; there is no cost and very little effort involved. Now if you want fast-acting, nitrogen-rich compost, you will have to ask a neighbor who has chickens or goats to donate some animal waste to add to your compost pile. We had large, steaming compost piles when we lived on the "farm" at Lost River, because we had both chickens and goats.
I'm going to get some topsoil in a day or so to add to my raised beds, and then beg, borrow or steal a tiller. Then it will be time to buy plants and seeds. Because I love flowers, there will be flowers galore, and because I like to use fresh herbs when cooking, they will have a place in my garden as well. Maybe my next entry will be about companion planting (and no, that doesn't mean my companion will help with the planting. Stay tuned!
Apr 15, 2009
Generosity
American Heritage Dictionary: “1. willing to give or share; munificent; unselfish 2. Lacking pettiness or meanness in thought or behavior; magnanimous”
Roget’s Thesaurus: Giving; magnanimous; tolerant; forgiving; benevolent; openhanded; bighearted
So, what does it really mean to demonstrate generosity? I believe that to describe someone as “generous” we are attributing to them all of the above qualities, for if you have ever known a truly generous person, you realize that you are in the presence of someone very special. Their hearts and hands are open; they do not judge; they are kind. They’re neither meek nor weak; they simply show true generosity of heart and spirit at every turn… and in their presence, I am in awe, and feel the lack of their qualities and the desire to develop them. They make it look easy, and maybe it is easy for them, maybe some people are simply born that way, but I tend to think that it takes a lifetime of trying and learning to give freely, to care and to share. Like many other things, it is an ideal for us all to strive for, and whether we reach it or not, it’s the trying that counts.
A very generous person opened her heart to me recently, and I am the lucky recipient of some concrete results of her magnanimity. She didn’t think it was any big deal, but that’s probably because humility is yet another quality of a truly generous person. Because of her I now have reading material that should last me five years… and I have three wonderful, matching, brand new storage chests… and I have a milk pitcher that matches perfectly with a cookie jar that I’ve had forever… and I have a wonderful antique yardstick that still has the original metal ends on it… and on and on. There’s no way you can adequately thank a person like that, much as I would like to!
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