Dirt Therapy

Last year when our garden was featured on the local garden tour, this little number received about as many comments as the purple wall . It was Michael's idea, who has a knack for these things. The chandelier had been sitting in our basement for years. I had considered putting it inside the iron pergola in the secret garden but he told me he wanted to try something else. Just days before the tour (in fact, it may have been the day before!), he transformed the fixture into a hanging basket of sorts. The bottom portion of the chandelier was removed and a planter form was cut and fitted in. Potting soil and sphagnum moss was added and then, viola! A chain was added and draped over a branch and secured at the trunk of our massive pecan tree. It is very heavy so the only time I lower it is to replant it in the spring. It is watered with the spray from the hose and since it is hard to get to, I don't fertilize it. I am still experimenting with plant materials. This year's pl...

At first I thought they were cute. I started observing the little masked varmints about a year ago in my garden, usually at night, but increasingly during the day as well. I let the little guys go about their business and I’m sure our habit of throwing scraps out was welcoming to them. As long as they didn’t hurt my cat – they were fine with me. After all, I am a big animal lover. About a month ago, I saw three baby raccoons playing around my waterfall. Adorable. Then things started to get out of hand. They wouldn’t leave my birdfeeders alone and they have broken several, some beyond repair. Heck, the hummingbird feeders aren’t even safe because they love the nectar! Then we started hearing sounds in our attic. At first we thought it was probably squirrels but now we are wondering if it is the raccoons. That mystery is still not solved yet. Last week, I stepped outside to feed Isabella and heard a commotion of scurrying. I stepped back inside and observed a mother and five baby rac...

This is not exactly the most exciting time in the garden. Since we've finally received some rain (FINALLY!!), the weeds are taking off and the grass is greening up. The humidity is down and this was a pleasant weekend but still a tad hot. This morning I mowed, spread some mulch and did some minor weeding. I took these photos this afternoon. The paniculata (PeeGee) hydrangeas are beginning to bloom. This one is called "Pee Wee." Not many roses are blooming right now, but "Belinda's Dream" has several blooms. I'm beginning to see frogs around the waterfall. I think this is a rain lily but I don't remember the name of it. The color is fantastic. Containers around the mailbox include coleus, million bells and ageratum. Coleus are truly wonderful plants for containers. This one is called "Saturn." This is becoming one of my favorite annuals - Begonia "Dragon Wing" This is the f...

So why I am starting a blog? I barely have time to maintain my garden, read the ever increasing stack of books on my bedside table or watch all the dvds that are arriving from Netflix. For the past ten years, I've maintained a gardening website and I keep hearing from readers who say they would like to see more frequent updates. Perhaps by blogging, I can share more about my garden on a more steady basis (but don't hold me to to this!). I do think I can post photos and experiences that I might not have a place for on the website. Who knows how this will turn out or if it will be a worthwhile experience. I'm willing to give it a try!