I was so hoping to see more dialogue regarding the garden flags. How about we also add showing pics of garden art? Would any more of you post then? I suppose if I am going to whine, I need to find myself some time to sit down with my camera and learn to post pics. I think that I stated somewhere before that I am working with a "lemon" computer. It won't do half the things I would like for it to do, so I haven't tried anything new for a while.
I visited a place in Harrisonburg VA called Harpers Lawn Ornaments last Monday with my niece who lives there. They have the cement factory on grounds where they make the stuff. I am not sure whether they have tours or anything, but just walking among all their products is lots of fun. The gentleman who waited on us told me that there is an Open House this coming weekend. I believe that he said that Andre Viette is going to be there too. After I close this post, I will go to Harper's Lawn Ornament site and see if it is being advertised.
If anyone is interested in maybe meeting up there one of the days of Open House, I might be available to meet you there. Any interest?
I bought a cement elephant and a large pineapple to hang on wall. I saw some other goodies that I would like to have too. Anyway, will close now and go to their site and see what I can find out. I will post any info if I find it.
Does anyone have any sort of garden art they would like to post a pic of?
What happened???
Sorry -- I don't have any flags or garden art. . . .
Hi Ruby, Here I go....................................
Chris
And another........................
There are 2 in this picture! This is from 3 years ago, I didn't set them out this year, and some one made off with my 2 solar lights when we were out of town.
And another one...............
flags were big around here several years ago but have not lasted. My flagpole fell off the house and I didn't want to ask hubby to put it back. and I'm too add to maintain them. but here's a potery nirdhouse that wrens would put sticks in but never nest. I suspect it wasn't really practical for birds. so I just put it down and we'll see if some toads or fairies move in.......
Awwww... thank you both ladygardener and sally. You both have really neat things. Well, I cannot promise when it will be, but I am officially typing on a brand new computer. That means that I don't have any excuse now for not taking some pics and posting them here.
I had the last straw this morning when I turned the other computer on and read two of my daily newspapers and then the things jammed up and wouldn't do a thing that I asked. Thankfully, I had the money in my checking and was able to go to Staples and buy something new. Speaking of which....I bought this "cute" little computer made by Hewlett Packard that is about a third the size of normal computers. I didn't even know there was such a bird. ha-ha.
I will be taking my other computer in to Staples, probably tomorrow and let them try and figure out what is going on with it. I can't tell you what is wrong with it per se, but know who to blame for it. I have purchased two computers in the past six months. It is my belief that my 16 year old son is doing something to destroy these things. After the other one is fixed, it will go in his room and I don't want him touching this one. He is too costly. It worked out pretty well for the other one that I replaced, because my older son wanted it.
I am not sure why we don't have more folks posting these days. I understand that people are busy and there are crisis from time to time, but I was hoping for a bit more activity. Anyway, thank you to those who do contribute, I always enjoy this forum particularly.
Take good care, all.
Ruby
Sally, cute birdhouse, hope someone moves in. I like the mini garden flags you stick in the ground easier to maintain.
Ruby, congrats on your new computer you'll really enjoy it durning recovery, can't wait to see some pictures from you.
Chris
Ruby- we have a kid here who goes out on the internet . My hubby keeps the computers going. You probably have, but if not, maybe should have a top rated virus protection kind of thing. Not sure which we settled on but it has found tons of stuff to eliminate. Hope when the computer goes into the 16s room that'll be the incentive to keep it going.
Here's my other garden 'objet', I had heard of using a mailbox in the garden. Then when the dumster came by, somebody had tossed a mailbox. Couldn't pass it up. Painted and attached to a length of branch. Its nice that it is at convenient height, keeps the rain off and bugss out. I keep pencil, plant labels, trowel, pruners, twist ties. Tried to grow sweet peas up the post but failed this year.
Other than this I'm basically too stingy to buy myself garden art....so far. I'm a terrible house decorater too.
Ruby, just wanted to say I would suspect you probably need a good anti-virus, anti-spyware, popup blocker, etc. program too. And to make sure it's updated every week or so.
Even with that, make sure you don't open emails with attachments, click through phishing emails such as the fake Ebay or Paypal emails and so on. I won't even open the junky "isn't this cute" emails send by well meaning friends any longer.
You might also want to consider installing a parental watchdog program too. I would if I had a 16 year old son and was finding problems with the computer after he used it.
Thank you ladies. I am writing on a NEW computer. I went this morning and picked up the other one that I had left at Staples for them to repair. As you suspected, it was the virus programs. But....it was a problem of having two on here both wanting to be top dog. Not exactly sure what the computer technician did to resolve that, but he said that machine is fixed.
It is still in my car, so I haven't been able to check it yet. Not sure where it will be "living." We are out of room in our small house. If my son will allow me to move the small refrigerator out of his room, I can buy a small desk and put the computer in there. If not, I will still need to find another desk and put the computer in our spare bedroom.
Sally, your garden looks very healthy and pretty. What a great idea to have the mailbox to hold your gardening supplies. I bet that you will have others copying that idea. When I replace our old mailbox, I too might paint it up and put it outside in yard and use it the way that you are. I love it.
Again, thanks for all replies. I just love talking with you folks.
Ruby
Ah Sally - who cares about the house anyway? LOL I just keep my door shut...long as the yard looks great...and your's certainly does...all those colors!! Great job!!
Sally, I like the mailbox too, great idea! And is that an amaranthus? Man is it tall !!
Chris
You all are too nice. Thanks for the compliments! But you should see , when I get to doing it, my Failures section of journal. ...I only showed you what looks good !
Chris- I have pond envy. yours looks so refreshing right now! That is an amaranth Hot Biscuit from Pinetree garden seeds. It's nine feet tall. About as tall as I had hoped my giant sunflowers would be............failed. I'll try to save seeds but not sure how- the flowers are so tiny I can't tell what is a bud/green seed/flower..........
The computer- We also had conflict between Norton which came on a new 'puter, and McAfee which our internet provider gives 'free'. We stayed woth McAfee. Seems good. Also found something to check for pop ups like'don't allow third party ads' which was a huge help.
Good luck all with your 'puters and the rain we might finally be getting
Sally, if that's an amaranth, I doubt if you'll need to save seeds.
Hi - Good to hear from all of you. On Monday I visited a Joanne's store. I receive their 40% off coupons in the mail. I was looking for a shephards hook to use for either a hanging basket next year or to hold a bird feeder. Even though their supplies were getting way low, I was able to find a few other goodies to put outside next year.
I was able to buy several wrought iron crosses with colored glass faces. I believe that these were 70% off. I bought them to possibly give my niece who will be having a house warming in November. Actually I ended up buying several possible gifts and will decide later which one she actually gets. Another item they had and would be a nice gift, I thought was a set of baskets. All of their basket sets were half off. I bought a set with three wicker laundry basket with handles type. They were lined in blue and white gingham.
As I type this I remember that I have another niece who just moved in to a new house too. She lives out of state, so even if there is a house warming party, most of us wouldn't be able to attend. She will be coming here the end of September to visit, so I am sure that one of the goodies I bought will have her name on it.
If any of you are the type of shopper that I am and only buy what is dirt cheap, you might want to check a Joanne's if you have one nearby. Our store still had enough garden goodies to make a trip worthwhile. This weekend, all of their Halloween and Thanksgiving items are on half price sale too.
And.....no, I do not get a kick back from Joanne's. ha-ha. In fact, last year I had a pretty bad experience with them while trying to make a return. It was definitely mishandled on their end. I decided to continue to shop there even though this happened, because I didn't want to miss their sales.
Thanks everyone for the input.
Ruby
Ruby,
Are you referring to Joanne's fabrics? I'm confused...as always...LOL
Yes Chantell. The store is called Joanne's Fabrics.
Ruby
Hart- guess there will be a zillion seeds falling there, huh? I'll just label the spot...Thanks
Ruby- thanks for the pre shopping tip. Sounds like some ggreat gift ops. I hate shopping, because of the time spent not knowing if you'll find something you actually want in a particular store. ps I love dirt cheap.
Thanks, Ruby...think I might just "stop by" Joanne's on my way home tonight...LOL BTW, how are you feeling?
If you go to www.joann.com and sign up for their emails, they'll send you printable 40% off coupons. Or you can sign up at at the store and they'll mail you ad flyers with the coupons.
BTW, the 40% off coupons are only good on regular priced items but that's certainly handy when you're bargain shopping.
This message was edited Aug 31, 2006 12:33 PM
I hope that you ladies can find some goodies while shopping. One of my other favorite stores is Dollar Tree. There are select and cheap places that I buy household needs. The Dollar Tree has a good selection of toiletries and snacks. Name brands for less than the grocery stores. A lot of my pots have also come from there this year. Every once in a while I will find little gifts there to give away.
There is also a store called Dollar General which has some name brand foods that I buy there regularly too. Starkist Tuna, Hunt's tomato ketchup, Cambell's soups, lot of manufacturers cereals, etc. Another way that I save money is to make the weeks' meals from what our local grocery store has on sale that week. Recently have been able to pick up Tombstone pizza's at 2 for 1 price.
Well, Chantell, one week from today is my surgery. I am so grateful to have had this extra month to grow used to the idea. I really haven't spent too much time thinking about it actually. I had another month to garden, spend with my son who was out of school and have my mouth stop hurting.
I will be back in touch with you ladies as soon as possible after hospital visit. Posting here has become one of my daily delights. Which reminds me. A week or so ago, someone asked about some of us taking a day trip, away from children and work people.
I had wanted to respond to that message and then forgot about it. I knew that this weekend was a holiday weekend and that I don't travel if I don't have to. I also knew that at least for a couple to three weekends I wouldn't feel like going anywhere. So........if that person will speak up or any of you who want to try and get together, please keep me posted. I believe that is will be at least October before I can go anywhere.
Gonna scoot. I sincerely thank those of you who try and post regularly. It is very disheartening to sign on and have no new topics or replies to old ones. Since this is my first year of having a garden this large, I am sure that I will be coming in often with questions on how to put it to bed for the winter.
And oh!!!!!!!!! We are having rain!!!!! I am thrilled!!!
Ruby
Ruby,
Thanks for keeping us updated!! I love the fall season...so for me at least...October would be perfectly fine!! Don't know about the rest of you...but wouldn't a day trip be nice to some place like Williamsburg...not to mention the pottery is there. Just a thought...anyone else have any suggestions?
Ruby - you gotta check out some of the other forums...that you'd enjoy...that way when you sign on there's always a new post.
Hugs,
Chantell
edit to thank Diane for the link!!
This message was edited Aug 31, 2006 1:38 PM
Hi everyone! I had the day off today but had to get my CT scan redone for radation therapy. I had to turn the trip into a good thing so I stopped at Lowe's and went through the garden sale items, things were 1/2 of discounted plants. I got a large pot of Dwarf Coreopsis, Heuchera Purple Palace, Dianthus Firewitch and Korean rock fern. Also a small house plant for 50¢ and a beautiful Coleus that had accidently rooted itself in another annuals pot (picture below) I want to grow it over winter and take cutting for next spring. I have off till next Tuesday so I hope to get some gardening done.
Ruby, rest and drink lots of fluids, that's good for you before surgery. It will be about 4+ days before you'll want to look at your computer, I slept most of the time from the meds when I got home. Then I'd just sit and read the posts, about 2 weeks before I felt like typing. Take care.
Chris
P.S. Just found out my Coleus is a Magilla Perilla, Learn something new today!
This message was edited Aug 31, 2006 8:17 PM
I also wanted to show you what I have hanging at my back door at the deck, It's a stepping stone but to cute to step on. LOL
Chris, when do you have to start your radiation therapy? I hope it goes well for you and am glad you had a nice gardening/garden bargains break.
Hart, I have to wait 7 to 10 days before I hear anything (this is the 2nd time to wait). The treatments will be for 28 days (excluding weekends). Today I just came home with more purple marks on my chest, any one for Tic Tack Toe : )
Chris
Ok, here is the garden art and the story. (A little long)
I had been looking for several years for a water feature to put next to my front door had a pretty good idea what I wanted. Last Sept (2005) while on vacation I found this Cobalt Ball. You dig a well, cover with screening and rocks pump water from the well out the top just enough to run down the ball over the rocks and back into the well. I brought it home had it sitting in the corner of the living room just so happy with my find. Thinking about how nice it would look. At Christmas I moved it to my bedroom eagerly awaiting Spring. April, “Ah Spring" my wonderful Cobalt Ball came out of my bedroom to sit proudly next to the front walk just waiting to be installed. My mother came to visit and said what a nice egg. (It was Easter after all) Well my ball is really egg shaped which I had not really thought of it that way. "No Mom it’s my fountain". May, My son said “I’ll install your fountain for Mother’s Day”. Mother’s Day came and went. June, still hopeful. It is now July. Father-in-law comes to visit all smokers are banished to the front porch. Father-in-law thinks it’s to put your cigarette buts in. "No Poppy it’s my fountain". August has come. I rounded the corner of the house just in time to see Grandson 3 year old and recently potty trained straddling my Cobalt Ball and peeing in the hole at the top. "No JR it’s my fountain". September, Fall is coming my wonderful find is soon returning back into the house never installed to wait for next spring and another “Mothers Day”.
Here is a porch grouping too.
Loved the story! Your decor is nice too.
Thanks, The lions (2) one on each side of the walk are Ceramic I made them for my husband. He made me the Bird house's. I plan on doing some decorative painting on them when I get a chance the Galvinazed watering can (with the sweet potato vine) came from my Grandmothers house and the Painters cooler my son brought home. The planting in front of the house doesn't look very good right now. It has a lot of nice plants but nothing that blooms now. I'm hoping to add some plants that would add more color during the late summer. I just ordered some Hardy Cyclamen.
HollyAnn Cute story, hope next spring you get your wish. Thats a nice grouping. The height leads you right up the stairs.
Thanks, I usually change it up every year with diferent items. But I really liked it this year. There are a couple of tables sitting on the porch behind the grouping that are not usually there. We just replaced all of the glass in the back of the house and needed some extra space to work. Since the porch is covered they got moved out temporarly. The picture would have looked nicer with out them in the backround. Usually my son is more dependable but he has been very busy this summer with a new property. A couple of years ago he did a great job installing my Bird Bath/Fountain/Pond. I'll post a picture if I get a chance. We're leaving for a 2 week vacation tomorrow. Either my husband or I could have installed it but we have been pretty busy with other projects and just didn't get to it ourselves. We're great ones for projects there is always another one to do.
Chris, keep us posted. I'll bet the waiting, now for a second time, is pretty hard on you.
Holly, that's a really pretty fountain. You said you made the lion - do you do concrete molds?
They are ceramic painted with a textured paint to simulate stone. The're getting old and have some algae stains that make them look even more like old stone. I have a pair of them one on each side of the walk.
Chris - yes, as Diane said please keep us posted!!!
Holly - that story was wonderful...oh how I can relate!!!
HollyAnn ~ I love, love, love your egg! It is just like mine! Except mine came with a bowl. The stand was hand-made by guy we bought it from. Your story was so funny that my husband and I couldn't stop laughing! Thanks so much for sharing. (I'm going to post this same message on the other thread I was on when you contacted me, in case you miss this one). Thanks again.
I love the egg!! And the story that came with it! Unfortunately I do not have much garden "stuff" at all, I have been concentrating on the plants so far, guess next year will be the sod/lawn and the "stuff" to make it all purdy! I do have a sign DH felt I "needed" to have!
With a stamp sized front yard and a 18 x 25 backyard there is a limit to what I can place back there, and if I actually buy the greenhouse I am planning to I will have even less room! :)
Beautiful Bec.
Ruby