Wordless Wednesday - Signs of Spring

One of the things I love about the lot we live on is the abundance of nature that surrounds us.  Having a new camera allows me to capture way more than I was able to in the past. Until we get a new PC the photos I'll post will be unedited:

Goose Egg - Hatched

My Munchkin tells me both of these must be males because they are so colorful...

Sassy Male Cardinal

Gathering worms for their young after the morning rain.

Nosy rabbit on our deck before the garden was planted.

Frog or toad? Not exactly sure.

Sugar Spa Peas from seed

Still amazed how quickly they grew...

 I'll be sure to post garden pics throughout the summer... Trying a lot of new things this year on the deck. 

Already getting ideas on self watering systems to add for next year.

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My how you've grown - Wordless Wednesday

My family thinks I'm nuts because I get such pleasure from watching my garden grow...

 These Peppers continue to make this Momma proud.

 Heirloom Tomatoes

 Cherry Tomatoes

And now it's your turn... Grow Baby Grow!

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy: Not So Wordless Wednesday: Sample the Beauty - Mpls Farmers Market or  Wordless Wednesday - Making Spring Rolls w/ Garden Goodness

Spring Plantings - Triumph over Winter

It's Memorial Day Weekend & the Garden Center & Mpls Farmer's Market were packed with people ready to stock up on things for their Spring planting.

  Half the fun for me is building new arrangements each year.   

No offense if you prefer the pre-made variety.  

;  )

 I started my floral containers a few weeks back, but added a couple more elements this afternoon to each of the pots.

Adding to the things I bought at the Farmers Market on the Nicollet Mall last Thursday I completed 90% of what I wanted to plant today:

Sweet Basil, Lemon Basil, Spearmint ~ Alpine Strawberries & Junebearing Strawberries

 Arugula, Buttercrunch Lettuce, Bistro Blend Lettuce & Parsley

Red & a Mixed Variety of Bell Peppers

Heirloom Tomatoes

Rosemary & Thyme

Nothing quite as satisfying as kicking Winter to the curb for a while & enjoying the textures, smells & color in your garden! We already have chives in another area in the backyard.  It would also be fun to find a place to plant pumpkins. However, a few more tomato plants & perhaps some sugar snap peas (curious to try) & my deck garden will be complete - "out of reach" for the numerous critters that frequent our backyard.

What are some of the things you love to plant in your gardens each year?

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Why Mom Needs a Gardener...A Wisteria Lane Worthy One Would Be Nice

For the most part I would say I have a Green Thumb.  I anticipate the start of Spring and eye the new garden decor & usually find a new planter or two that I can't live without. A couple of years ago I began collecting wooden barrel style planters which I love - all shapes & sizes & they anchor my container gardens in both the front yard & the deck. 

I've done fairly well with them, usually putting together arrangements our guests love & think complement our home's exterior.

But I'm not above admitting when I'm in over my head & when it comes to this renegade monster in our back yard, each year I'm at a loss.

I always have to start somewhere & that means a couple hours work climbing in & clearing the dead brush from the past season. 

I then attempt to dig out the stubborn weeds that have found their way into the garden over the years. But in the end along with the good comes the bad. It always ends up looking rather overgrown & unruly.

 

 I need a professional garden tamer to step in & save the day. What would be ideal is for someone to come in & build a monster version of this...

http://www.mastergardening.com/rgb-1030s.html

http://www.composters.com/raised-garden-beds/select-raised-garden-bed-animal-barrier-kit_477_9.php

With something like this to keep the critters out... of which we have many.

http://blog.ufpi.com/blog/decking-and-outdoor-living/raised-garden-bed-kits-unique-products-fuel-americas-new-favorite-pastime-gardening

But those are just random ideas.  Any recommendations for a reasonably priced landscape designers who specializes in this sort of garden project & are proficient in transplanting perennials are welcome. I'd love for this somehow to be the last growing season where I obsess over this less than ideal part of an otherwise perfectly beautiful outdoor space.

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Wordless Wednesday - Why I love this time of year

Blueberries in the making...

Roses in bloom

Too many Peonies?!

Buds That Resemble Baby Carrots

Early April Rain

 

 We just received a brief but needed downpour.  With the lack of March snowfall, it's looking quite dry outside.  The grass and tender young spouts desperately needed a drink. The rain has stopped momentarily & the sun is shining brightly from behind a thick white curtain of clouds lighting up the sky.

Late last night I received word that a friend who had recently been laid off had received an offer & was starting back to work. One of her networking leads had paid off. I quickly sent her a note back with my congratulations.  We had met a couple of times while she had been out of work, just to chat & offer one another some positive energy & encouragement.  I'd be lying if I didn't admit that a few tears welled up in my eyes as I was typing that note.  I kept thinking "when will it finally be my turn."

“God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.” - Unknown

I'm doing my best to remain optimistic about my own search efforts. The employment figures seem to be improving every month, while I'm also hearing that long-term unemployment is still a major issue for many very qualified individuals.

Before the flowers have a chance to bloom & flourish, a little rain must fall.  When my rainy days finally stop, I know there will be a ray of sun following closely behind it, my garden will fill in & all will be right again in my world.