Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - April






My poinsettia is still going strong!


Bleeding heart.


Last of the daffodils.

Compare this to last year's April Bloom Day posting. Weather temps make a big difference.

Check out other blooms this spring day at May Dreams Garden.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Fear of Losing My Peas

Last spring I truly believe that a turkey was eating my peas as they poked through the soil. So this year I've had a net over the peas, but with rain storms it keeps being blown cockeyed. Today when leaving down my steep drive I spotted two very large turkeys in the wetlands at the bottom of the steepest part of the drive. They didn't fly away - they ran. Then I thought of my peas! I'd better fix that net and while I'm back up there, grab the camera. I turned around and did both of those things. Alas, when I returned to where I'd seen them they'd disappeared but left this deer behind. It wasn't there the first time.



It took its time walking away but I had a time trying to capture it so I took photos of the skunk cabbage instead.



Then here's my surprise lily that surprised me two years ago in the wetlands, I transplanted it last year to the entry way to our drive and this year it's growing.


When I got home from my errands the net on the peas was askew again. It's been a windy day. Maybe the peas are past the point when turkeys will eat them?

Monday, April 11, 2011

Harvest Monday

Enough spinach was harvested on Friday for a salad for three of us. Emily of Greens and Jeans was visiting and enjoyed the feast with us.

Check out other harvests at Daphne's Dandelions.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

This and That

In July last year I visited some garden centers in Amish Country in Ohio. I was very inspired by a small garden scene in a metal washtub. I've managed to make my own such scene in a metal pail I got at a yard sale last Fall. Here is the inspiration:

Here is my rendering of this scene using only one purchased plant (the dianthus). The thyme, moss, cedar tree come from my yard. The hens and chicks were taken from another potted plant I purchased.


That project and the following were done with help from Emily who has been visiting this weekend.

We went shopping at a wonderful garden center and purchased a variety of succulents. Then Saturday visited Home Depot and found some cacti. My hope is these plants will better survive the heat and drying out and not need constant watering. I think we got some marvelous combinations of plants.




Finally some scenes from the garden.