Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Pt.42 Visit with Friends

And it's Monday morning!!! Feel as though I completely wasted my weekend, but body must be joyful because it led me to the couch...

Thread was getting long so thought we'd start fresh this morning..

Doc, will take a photo of it, it really has NO leaves, think it's just furry/furry, very dark outside so hopefully I can take a photo this morning before leaving for the city...

I see we're both up at odark thirty..........my allergies are such a pain, I woke up sneezing like mad, I need to vacuum the bedroom and mattress again, sigh. If it doesn't rain today I think I'll hang the pillows on the line and let the sun bake them a bit. Took my meds so am starting to feel a bit better. I may have to give in and go back to an allergist again, I took the shots for years, but once I had the kids, they didn't work so well anymore.

I'm hoping to get some plants in the ground today. I potted up some of the herbs I bought on Sat. DH got a 6' card rack from the local drugstore, I bought some of the Kylon metal paint, in a deep forest green. It's white with blue advertising all over it, I plan to "fix" that. The rack is perfect for up to 6" pots and rotates, true trash to treasure. We can bring it in the winter and put it in my spare bedroom which is acting as my "greenhouse" for now. The house is small and I got tired of tripping over all the bags of soil, etc in the rec room. LOL

Doc, will make note of the rose and go in search of it...managed to take this photo, it's grown quite large in the few years I've had it, in fact looking closer along the step I see another rose shrub making it's way..

Betty,
This is a pic of the wild rose I dug out of the ditch across the road several years ago.
The blooms don't last very long on mine. This was taken in July 06

morning all,

enjoyed all of your photos of the gardens and children, just a busy weekend

carol, what a wonderful rose
doc those look simmilar to one i have in the yard
betty, wow the craft room is something to browse through now!how fun..
ok now i get it with the left over glass those are cool nice idea.
here is where fil is he made a small error so he says next week it should be complete

Thanks Betty, that is a wild rose. Why it's not blooming for you, I'm not sure. They need 6-8 hours of sun a day and good rich organic material to grow in. You can try putting some coffee grounds around it and a banana peel, they love the potassium. I'm not sure if it's the light from the camera or not. Some of the leaves look rather yellowed out? If that's the case it also needs a shot of iron and trace elements. Do use an organic GRANULAR fertilizer on this baby. They are in some cases these are some of the precursors of rugosas, who do not like liquid fertilizer at all. Water deeply first then add the fertilizer and then water again to work it in.

here is dh messing aroung withe a bee told him im going to laugh if it stings you!

Good Monday Morning to all my pals - A very nice day here it looks like. A bit too cool for me to head outside quite yet, but will be out there later on I am sure. I spent several hours watering everything yesterday in my back yard. This morning I will stand on deck and water the large bed that is directly in front and below the deck. Watering is my all time favorite thing to do.

I was really thrilled yesterday as I took a walk around to look at everything and saw the three Clematis that I own are all going to town. One is in bloom with a very pale pink bloom. I am not sure of the names of the Clematis because this is really the first year that I have been faithful about labeling them and these are about three years old. When I find the time sometime, I will research and find out the names and then label them.

Gilli, you were correct on me mistaking you and Vicky. I was referring to the right child though. ha-ha She is a real sweetie.

I don't have much to say, so will just wish everyone a very good day. Will check in again later today.

Ruby

Ooops! I posted this on #41. So I s/p the text and added it here.....Gita


Dawn--

I am not any Wisteria expert either--but my "pea brain" tends to retain all kinds of unusual, trivia information--especially on plants. So, here are two things I have heard.

1--Blooming depends on whether the Wisteria was grown from seed or from a cutting. One does--the other has a hard time blooming. Don't remember which is which.

2--If you have an older Wisteria that does not bloom, you can "shock it" into blooming by severing the roots around it with a shovel. NOT all around--but say--N-S-W-E. Many plants respond to this kind of drastic "intervention" by thinking their "doomsday" has arrived--and they put out bloom as a last effort.

I have even heard you can "shock" an African Violet into blooming by giving the pot a couple good whacks on the table. This tears away some of the small roots and the AV will bloom--kind of the same reasoning...
...that's what I have heard...

Just for you all---Here is the front of my house. You can see my beautiful Camellia in full bloom on the left of my front door...

Gita

And here is a bed-full of "Forget-Me-Nots"--in full bloom at this time of year.

Gita, looks so inviting..love the forget-me-nots..
Thanks for the info on African Violets, I'm going to try knocking them around..ooops, forgot, they are fake ones...lol just teasing you, but yes they are fake..

Ruby doesn't it make your heart sing to walk around and watch Mother Nature at her best...lucky you, get to spend a day outside..

Liz, father-in-law is caming your piece..how wonderful..it's similar to the one I've been working on isn't it..must get back and finish it..probably no more than a few hours and I could have it inserted into a came frame...Now where will you be hanging this piece of work..had FIL been working with stained glass all along or have you brought the interest back to him? such a nice hobby..

Doc, no I think that it's just my camera, looks very healthy..I don't use coffee grinds and few banana's..is there a solution I can purchase at a nursery that would do same?

Carol, very much the same color but think it had quite a few more petals..I always enjoyed taking a run in the spring to see all the wild roses in bloom...lordy it was hard to get one dug up, rooted very deeply..am hoping this year will bring blooms...also, I planted I think it was called 'wedding lace' vine, (almost like lilac white arrays of flowers) anyway, didn't do particularly well last year but I see it started to vine and
leaf..so that's exciting..

Left home and it was a bit chilly but know it will be a lovely day..looked at the grass as I was leaving and really it should be cut..takes me about 3 hrs to cut all the grass so perhaps if I break it up in sections and do a little each evening by the weekend it will be time to do it again...if I wait much longer I'll be raking grass...

Liz/Cat you are both often on some of my swaps..do you remember anyone mentioning a clay pot exchange??? somewhere and I'm on a few other groups it was mentioned and I received notice that the individual would partner with me..so now I'm on a mission...

GUESS WHAT...want to know were my seeds were...WHY I don't know, but I must have put them in my junk drawer..tried opening it this morning and thought that's unusual, something must be grabbing..yep..all my seed packets so I get to scatter them tonight..

Judy, how's the grandchild making out? You'll hate to see that project finish..good experience for you..

betty, no dont remember clay pot?
yes fil had done work for years now he is back to taking a interest

Good morning everyone. I'm back at work this morning and would much rather be working outside. I have so much to do and seems like there is never enough time. Anyone want to volunteer to come help me? :-)

Have a super day

Well, you can try an organic rose food and see if that helps.

Cat, I'll come help you if you come help me..and here we thought Mother Nature could do it all on her own..so funny, I went back and read the following..know some of you already read it but for newcomers I think it is worth posting...


GOD FINDS OUT ABOUT LAWN CARE

“Winterize your lawn,” the big sign outside the garden store commanded. I’ve fed it, watered it, mowed it, raked it and watched a lot of it die anyway. Now I’m supposed to winterize it? I hope it’s too late. Grass lawns have to be the stupidest thing we’ve come up with outside of thong swimsuits!

We constantly battle dandelions, Queen Anne’s lace, thistle, violets, chicory and clover that thrive naturally, so we can grow grass that must be nursed through an annual four step chemical dependency.

IMAGINE the conversation THE CREATOR might have with St. Francis about this:

“Frank you know all about gardens and nature, what in the world is going on down there?
What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistle and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect, no maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracted butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now. But all I see are these green rectangles.”

It’s the tribes that settle there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers ‘weeds’ and went to great extent and expense to kill them and replace them with grass.”

“Grass? But it’s so boring. It’s not colourful. It doesn’t attract butterflies, birds and bees, only grubs and sod worms. It’s temperamental with temperatures. Do these suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?

“Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it – sometimes as much as twice a week.”

“They cut it? Do they then bale it like hay?”

“Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.”

“They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?”

“No Sir. Just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.”

“Now let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grown and then when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?”

“Yes Sir.”

“These suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth down and saves them a lot of work?”

“You aren’t going to believe this Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.”

“What nonsense! At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves form compost to enhance the soil. It’s a natural circle of life!”

“You had better sit down, Lord. The suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and have them hauled away.”

“No! What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter and keep the soil moist and loose?”

“After throwing away your leaves, they go out and buy something they call mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.”

“And where do they get this mulch?”

“They cut down trees and grind them up.”

“Enough! I don’t want to think about this anymore. Sainte Catherine, you’re in charge of the arts. What movie have you schedule for tonight?”

“Dumb and Dumber, Lord. It’s a real stupid movies about…..”

You can always tell when I've mega time on my hands..niece just sent me this and thought I'd share..

Instructions for Life


Take into account that great love, great achievements involve great risk

When you lose, don't lose the lesson

Follow the 3 R's - Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck

Learn the rules so you know to break them properly

Don't let a little dispute injure a great relationship

When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it

Spend some time alone every day

Open arms to change, but don't let go of your values

Remember that silence sometimes is the best answer

Live a good, honourable life, then when you get older and think back you'll be able to enjoy it a second time

A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation of your life

In disagreements with your loved ones, deal only with the current situation, don't bring up the past

Share your knowledge, it's a way to achieve immortality

Be gentle with the earth

Once a year, go some place you've never been before..

Hi everyone,
A beautiful day it is.

Very Pretty entrance to your home Gita. Is that a Bleeding Heart Bush I see?
The forget me nots are simply wonderful, as is the Camilia!

Oh Betty...LOL this grandchild is spoiled for sure. Someone constantly checking on it, I mean him. He had a very busy first weekend! Breenie went to visit Grandma (the real one) took the little guy with her. Then Aunti Julia went to a friends house and took him with her. So last night Breenie wanted me to check his egg. I told her no, she had to do it. Well she huffed and puffed about it, so I said Hey this is your kid so you got to learn to do this for yourself. i am not going to be at school when your teacher checks and you are going to have to do it there so start practicing. So this morning i go in to wake her up and the there in the basinette is the eggless baby!! She took it out and checked still in tact, but was too nervouse to put it back in.
So this morning I was watched as she put the egg back in. Was funny when you said it looked like a cabbage patch doll, You should have seen the very first time it looked like ET!! of Course I didn't say anything but man was i giggling inside. So now we have replacing the egg down pat. Today is the first day of the project. So all goofing aside...She has made a schedual, feeding, bathing, etc. she also carries a bag and it has been agreed if she asks anyone to babysit she has to 25 cents an hour. Lets just hope she makes it through the day. without any mishaps. This is a serious project and if they break the egg, they have to literally go to the emergency room...fill out all the forms and turn it in to the class. It's like playing Dolls for real.
So we managed the weekend. Today was his debut to the class. i am anxious to hear how it all went. LOL, No frantic txt message so far so that is good.

So Are you working on your piece from your friend? I enjoyed both the writings you posted.
It would be wonderful to see your wild rose bush bloom, that will be a grand surprise.
Yep, I suggest the coffee grounds and Banana as well. The only thing is I use the actual banana, Liquify it to make a shake and water down some more (but remember I have coons) thats why I liquifiy. Do your family drink coffee? Maybe you can get some grounds from your cafeteria. A friend of mine goes to her local dunkin donuts, they are glad to give the grounds away. But you have to ask for the regular meaning not the fancy kind. I have only ever grown my Joseph's Coat. But he was beautiful, 9 glorious waves of white blooms. Trying to think how often, if i remember correctly, coffee ground and banana mixture was like every other week.

Ok so yesterday...I did find my heat gun spent the entire afternoon and evening Stripping the side of house. Whew was exhausted by time i went to bed. So tonight i will start the wood wash. I am hoping to get the completed by the end of the week.
DH did get rid of part of the woodpile. So we'll see if that keeps the squirells from the feeder.

Oh, DD#1 Found the perfect sparkly heals for the prom. So another thing checked off our list.

Thats about what up in my world...Back to work today.

Gita, thanks for the info on possible ways to get my plants to bloom. I'm heading home now to beat mine into submission!!

Betty, I think you have a Rugosa Rose. VERY thorny canes. They are suppose to be easy to care for - no blackspot or pests. I chopped mine up after it attacked me one too many times!! :-)

At work right now, studying a little here anthere for my test tonight. Then have to head to DS's baseball game. Another busy day......

Chat later
J

Hello everyone. I don't believe I know what you are studying Jeannine. Do you mind telling? Yep, you were within about 15 minutes of my house when you were at the concert on Friday. I haven't been inside of the new arena yet. I did see an advertisment over the weekend about several broadway shows that will be there this summer and thought about maybe purchasing tickets to at least one of those. I grew up going to the "dome" building that was next to the John Paul Jones Arena. It is called University Hall. Back in the 1970's they used to have some good acts that performed there. Since that time, no big names that I can think of. So glad to have the JPJ Arena now though. We have been getting some really super entertainers since that opened.

Judy, I love the grandchild stories. So cute. You and your family are hoots. ha-ha Love it.

Everyone have a good evening.

Ruby

heheh, GG you are so cute! Hope Gita's treatment does the trick for you.

Geeze, everyone must be enjoying this beautiful day! Hope so on my way out to work on house.
Hope to read of your days later.

OMG,OMG, Shar!! Did you know Your a Celebratey??(ok know thats spelled wrong)

Yahoo, to my dazzling delight, LOL don't know why it surprised me but You and Aunt Bett and the Stinking Asphidity can be found in GOOGLE!!! No kidding.

Ok..So here is I found this out. Breenie is going shopping with her dad so asked me to baby sit the grandson. So i said sure, he's got to come outside with me while I get some work done. Well she didn't like that to much so as she thinks the bugs will go for him.
So right away I am thinking hmmm, Asphidity bag would take care of that. Big smile, I come inside to research what is in it! And so i googled Asphidity and you are like the 3 or4 on the page!! How Cool! Woohoo....

Haha, better not really make one, she might knock me out for putting something so stinky on her lil guy. But Like Aunt Bett moms know best.

Oh gosh still giggling.

This message was edited May 5, 2008 7:16 PM

Well geesh, Judy, everybody's gotta be famous for something, and if is the stinking asphidity bag for me, well, then, so be it!!!

Congrats Shar..your stories should be published, truly they should..do hope you've a journal all written to pass on..Ethan I'm sure will remember all these stories told...

OMG Judy, asphidity bag for grandson...do you want to win the prize or not! lol..I really don't know who is having more fun, you or Breenie..

Ruby, sounds as though you and Jeannine live fairly close to each other, you'll have to visit..

Well as promised to myself, I came home, got into a track suit, immediately went outside, my that couch sure looked good but I fought it..burnt brush, mowed the back lawn, planted 38 pkgs. of seed and now I'm watching Dancing with the Stars, I'll skip supper, bath and off to bed...

Sleep well my friends...

No kidding, what a great surprise that was to find. I loved reading it again.
... might make one with your guess just because..Made my night!

How are ya doing?
I am rather bored, got chilly out and already sang to the flourbag!
Oh, golly I really have got to get a life.

You must Judy, no you love being the mom you are being, enjoying all that motherhood has to offer..I envy you..our kids grow up much too soon...

Just went to the craft room, oh it's just so clean lol and another elf must have visited because I had mentioned my wrist was still bothering me after my accident and look what she left...

HUH, Your wrist bothering from the Semi accident??? Oh gosh Betty, maybe you should wear a brace.

So sweet of your Elf...My but you have been busy, you'll sleep well tonight.

Thank you, Yes, my kids are all that matter to me in the world. I thing every mom feels the same, boohoo that they do growup, bet then some are lucky to have grandchildren.

MIL hated that she was going to be a grandma, but you know she would walk through fire fire my kids. That has got to be an incredble experience...One I can be patient about, because well my kids are just too young. This world is too serious for me to think about that right now, so pretend is fine...But LOLOL you are right! I am having fun too.

..So here is my little song..so pretty,

Blue bird Bue bird through my window, Hi diddle diddle day day day. Get a Little Partner, tap em on the shoulder. hi diddle diddle day day day!
LOL repeats over and over...fun little tune! sung in any tune or tone, fast or slow..just cute.

Ruby, I am taking classes thru the University of Richmond for Landscape Design. Right now I'm doing the plant classes. Once these are over at the end of the summer, I'll need to decide if I want to pursue the graphics part. It'll take a couple more years and isn't cheap (the classes OR the supplies!). So my test tonight wasn't that good. I got in there and not only was my head just not in it, but I forgot to make pictures & study one whole list of plants. So out of 20, three part questions, I got maybe 14 total right. Oh well, I'm not going to sweat it. I'll email the instructor and ask if there is anything else she'd like me to do to add credit.

Well, I'm tired tonight so off to bed! Hugs to all!

Jeannine

Oh gosh Jeannine - I guess that you were so excited about the upcoming concert that you forgot your homework assignment. I am in awe of those who can go to school successfully while also having "another" life with families and jobs. It is hard I know. Hopefully the teacher will be open to giving you some extra credit work. My hat is off to you for following this dream though. You can do it.

Betty, all I can say is that when you do something, you go all out. That is a lot of seeds to plant. I thought I was doing great when I got four packages sowed yesterday. ha-ha

Judy, as always you sure do liven a place up. Don't you dare stink up that grandbaby. So cute that Sharron is "famous." Shar, I have to agree with Betty, you may want to compile your Aunt Bett stories and see about getting them published above and beyond Dave's Garden. Hey, even just publishing a compilation for family members is something. Kinko's and other printers do a great and professional looking job when binding these things. Hey, you might also think of selling them also through Dave's and other gardening sites. I will do your PR. ha-ha

I just wanted to share that I am getting better sleep the last little while. I slept until 6 this morning and am thrilled about it. Yippie!!! For at least a year I have been getting way too little sleep each night, so to sleep this long is very exciting for me.

Not sure what I find to get in to today. It sure looks pretty outside with the sun shining brightly. Our neighboring counties got a good rain last night but it went around us. Oh well, I can water the new seeds I planted yesterday until we get a good soaker.

Here is wishing every one a very good day.

Ruby

Gita..Love your Camellia..
Thanks for all your tips about growing. I can't tell you how often I think about you when I look at my few seedlings..and think "Gita says"
I have also heard the tip about cutting into the roots of Wisteria to make it bloom...and cutting back some of the vining branches.

Dragonfly..hope your ear gets better soon.

Morning Ruby.... It must be so hard not to get a good night's sleep...you must feel full of energy this morning.

Judy..you sure are having fun with that new "grandchild"..a great lesson for young people to see what be responsible for a child is all about.

Waving to you all..


(I just posted on #41 by mistake too)..too early in the morning..

Everybody sounds so happy and busy! We have had gorgeous weather and now they are saying rain. But that is okay. Maybe I can get more of the backhill burnt. DH tried pulling and raking some of the brown thyme. It's pretty tuff! Anyway I told him that doesn't work. He had to try and prove me wrong! I chuckled to myself and didn't say a word when he walked away. LI S(laughing in silence)

I am too far behind to comment to each. But the pictures were beautiful and thank you for sharing.

I have to go if I am to get any work done outside in case it rains.

Best thing Dh went to work today. Those long weekends are too long sometimes.
Worst ?
Learn ?

Morning all. I am so sore from working in the garden and out at the camper yesterday!! I am going to have to keep going but can't see what I have done yet just like my house. Still can't hear out of this ear and will have to call doc next week if it doesn't improve. It is going to rain this evening so better get breackfast and dress and head out. You all have a good day. BEV

arrghhhhhh!!! i thought i was in the twilight zone,,, every one was gone.... i had missed the link LMAO... gosh im getting old.... hahahahaah

well have had a good day... reasonable night sleep and hoping for another tonight. went to craft group and continued my hand sewing but i tell you what.. the old arthritis in the hands doesnt like it in the mornings! lol
gosh your all so busy.... and have lovely gardens... unfortunatly mine needs to be redone now due to the drought. oh well will do next spring.

I envy you all that you can visit each other, well some of you. I would love to have some girlfriends to call my own. someone to gab with, coffee with and such. oh dont get me wrong i love the time with my family, but there is no subtitute for girlfriends.... maybe one day eh?.... lost a couple when i married my second husband. he is a lot younger than me and it didnt go down well. but i have to say he treats me better than i have ever been treated and i feel special. between him and all of you i am finally starting to find some worth in myself and a reason or two to be like and loved.

anyway....
you know you guys are the best....

hugs

xx

morning all,

jeannine, wow you juggle alot of things with your time, thats wonderful, hopefully you can get some credits made up, oh i forgot, asta is 8 years old he loves to beg and work for treats so i think he is still trainable, dont know what possessed him on this?
it started about 6 months ago, he even sits in the hallway in the morning hears me comming down the hall starts barking and growling and hoovers over his bowl wagging his tail he is just to much sometimes! lol i saw the web site for cesar millan so now i need to find the article on this alpha thing.

hi carol, how are things out your way?

ruby, cant wait to see all your flowers blooming

gita, your frount yard is lovely

dragonfly, hope your ear is better
hello, gilli, laura, jaye,hope your all well to.
judy, i think your having tooo much fun with your grandbaby lol


betty, did you find the swap you were looking for, geez i feel like im swimming in a pool of projects!! oh how nice someone left that ffor you to wear hope it takes off some of the pressure off your wrist.
well guess who came home with two glass drilll bits lol
back up and running again ok dh made a face and so did i dont know about this windchime thing he said it wasnt uniform enough and not even enough, next time he can build it! lol enjoyed the instructions of life and the lawn care.
well better get ready for work running behind as usual lol

vicki, how are you doing?
everyone have a great day

This message was edited May 6, 2008 5:34 AM

Liz, how lovely, is that a plastic glass? tell hubby it's beautiful, the only comment I would make, apologies it's the teacher in me, is maybe use smaller beads and some see through, it would give it an airy appearance..you've talked me into it, not sure when but those 2 cases of plastic icecream sundae dishes have to come out of hiding..those I know where to find, lol..under basement couch with a whole lot of floormats to be painted....

Laura, you do have girlfriends, it's us/us/us..and you must be close to my neighborhood because you are using the old canadian 'eh' just like my countrymen/countrywomen..lol You keep plugging and know we are all here for you all..we each cover each other when we're down and all enjoy the 'ups'..that's what true friendship is all about..

Jeannine, let's hope the instructor will let you do a make-up...rats..and you study so hard..what happens if they don't allow you to do so, can you take another session? how you juggle everything is beyond me and with boating season coming, school soon to be out will you have the summer off so you can re-coop? How's that Murphy doing today...

Carol, can you grow wisteria successfully in your region? You are in 5A and I 5B? there is quite a bit of difference I would imagine as to what grows in your and not in mine? I watched a show at 6:30 this morning, it focused on someone called Douglas Counter (?) couldn't really get proper pronounciation as they said it so quickly but I'll try to find him on the internet..his home is in Mississauga..

When his mother was dying, she wanted her garden tended, she had natural gardens with many almost extinct plants..he began tending her gardens and when she passed on he continued..his gardens (all natural plants/flowers-come might call them weeds) were absolutely breathtaking....so many little hidden away areas within, you came to mind...then he went on to say all the difficulties he had with his neighbors pertaining to the front gardens and along the roadside beautification project he undertook..municipality tried to have him cut his lawn to look the norm..I had to leave for work and didn't get to watch the entire show but I would imagine from the beginning of his how that he won out..anyway will try and find it and post the link for you...

Ruby, this not sleeping take so much energy..mind doesn't stop for a sec...night are so long..am glad you are getting more sleep..did you finally decide what will be on today's agenda???

Aren't men who have hearing difficulties Bev the worse..my sister and I would call my dad to chat (he had breathing problems and couldn't get out much the last year or so) and he couldn't hear a bloody thing..kept saying we 'mumbled too much' if we spoke clearly he'd not have a problem ..lol..meanwhile you only have to know me to know I'm not a 'quiet' person when talking..rather loud...he just wouldn't ADMIT he had a hearing problem... I feel much the same when I'm working outside, put in dozens of hours usually over a weekend and if someone was to visit (other than a gardener) one would never know..same as in the house..for me it's my craft room, might work 8 hrs. cleaning it but you can't achieve the clean/clean look because of all the projects in the works..but WE know we've been busy...

Forgot to mention I think I did anyway..that my nice flowering crab tree had a nest of caterpillars at the base of it where it branches out..went and got a b.b.q. lighter and burnt it off..yuk/yuk they were squirming around like crazy and I kept the lighter going burning them all..how cruel..I felt terrible but no one told me how else to get rid of them...couldn't cut off the limb because it was at the entire area of growth...then Lenny (BIL) dropped in for a couple of secs. and walked the garden with me, he loves gardening anyway, I had just planted those 38 pkgs. of flower seeds and was watering..he was laughing, don't know what happened to the end of the hose so I was using my finger at the end of the hose to make it spray..told him I could water until my finger was frozen..so must get to Canadian Tire to pick up an end..

Next door neighbors were out on back deck b.b.q.ing and having supper, Darren also works late..felt bad because I had the lawnmower going but I felt if I didn't and then we got rain guess who wouldn't be able to cut..

I burnt almost all the tree brush and this morning Suzanne told me there is a burning ban on for my region..can't believe it..my goodness after all the rain we've had..oh well, no fine.. will have to be more cautious next time..

Judy will try to wear the brace while working outside..the year before last, actually it was Thanksgiving and was Carol's funeral, I wanted to go to the grocery store early to get all of my Thanksgiving goodies, a friend of Roger's had spent the night because he had a few drinks and was driving his motorcycle...so I was in a hurry to leave, saying goodbye to him, he's asking me if he dropped in with his new harley would I go for a ride, I'm telling him no because it's much too dangerous for this old gal and we had a very cold night and there was just a hint of ice on the step and I took a flip every which way, shoes went flying, hit each of the 8 steps - hitting the rails from side to side and finally landing on the cement leaves below and of course I tried to support my fall with my wrist..never been the same..no strength and then of course before Christmas when we got hit by the tractor-trailer I must have somehow damaged it again, no breaks just hurst like the dickens..guess motorcycling isn't that dangerous is it? So, moral of that long story is I will try to glove, Darlene kept telling me to get one, you know me, always put these things off so she left it for me along with $10.00 for milk..lordy, these girls come on Mondays and they use my mild for their coffee/tea, they wouldn't use $10.00 worth in months..anyway, that's them, said they don't want it back..buy a plant..that I will...can I find a 'milk' plant? lol

Jaye, where are you hiding out? lol probably in the 'swaps' right???

Vicki, is thyme what they tell you to plant as groundcover near rocks..want to get something to grown in between the pond rocks but don't want something that will overtake the entire garden area...

BIL was laughing last night when we did the garden walkarounds..in the front I have 3 large holes dug for trees I'm hoping to get for Mother's Day..nothing like giving a hint..however, neither of the boys so far have asked me what I want...but that's ok..if I don't get WHAT I WANT I'll be at the nursery at the light of day Sunday to pick up trees...we usually get together on Saturday for Mother's day so they have time to spend with me and do some work..usually it's putting up the gazebo but I've already done that...

Better get off this post...I'm agitated today so I'm rambling.. I always ramble but today I'm all over the place..please excuse...

Betty the thyme will take over.If I can cut it before it goes to seed not as bad. I do have a small patch Of Wooly Thyme that is between my rocks and that is lower and slower growing. I haven't noticed it in bloom like the others. It has also been in that spot for 3 years.

Vicki, it's got quite an aroma doesn't it...I've a list on hand for my next visit to the nursery (let's hope it's Mothers' Day and the boys have their interact card lol) for thyme and also heather...have seen the heather plants in full bloom so not sure if I purchase one will I have to wait till next spring or will it continue to bloom?

Betty I am thinking of Heather also. But don't know much about it yet. The thyme has a wonderful scent. But if you have alot to walk on it it can be a bit to much. For me anyway. Thyme can be a fantastic ground cover for the person that doesn't like to mow and it is in a place they don't care if it takes over and just wants to look at it and the bees love it. If it is cut back it will blossom again.

HMMM sounds fascinating Vicki..have seen it on hillside..read about it in a few places and thought wouldn't it look nice coming out of pond rocks but maybe I'd better find something else..

Moving you over Ruby..we've changed threads...lol

Here's what Ruby posted:

Hey there Starzz. Yep, Gita is quite a gardener. I am the lucky recipient of three of her offerings. I first became the owner of a Pregnant Onion that she had several of at a plant swap we both attended last June. Mine has never done very much, if the truth be told.

The same day I also became the owner of a type of bamboo that she gave me. The label is marked Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo. Gita, I kept it all winter as a houseplant and was thrilled a few months ago and it began putting of new shoots. I somehow over watered it and it is ailing a bit these days. I tried not watering for a while but it is not looking too great. Should I try putting it in the ground this summer or maybe repot in new soil and keep indoors? I want it to recover. It is not dead, but just not as healthy as it once was.

Last summer as we were heading in to fall, Gita also offered me starts of an Angel Wing Begonia. It has done beautifully for me thankfully. Very healthy looking but no blooms yet. Thank you so much for all of the plants Gita.

Yep Gita, we need your expertise here. Always lots of questions that need answers.

The extent of my gardening today will be getting together an assortment of things that I have an abundance of and giving to my massage therapist tomorrow when I have my massage. I am giving him some Sedum Autumn Joy, Lamb's Ear and Artemesia (?sp.) None of these have especially pretty blooms, but will spread fast and delight new gardeners. In the fall we will thin our hostas and I will take him some of those then. If John is feeling in a giving mood then, we will probably share some day lilies with him also. He ought to be happy with these things. I am also thinking of giving him some of the indoor things that I have more than one of.

So, I am glad that I sat down and began writing this because I had forgotten that I needed to get these things together. I hope that everyone is enjoying their day. Take care everyone.

Ruby

Then Gita replied:

Ruby! You are too kind...

OK! The Nandina is an outdoor, hardy plant--NOT a Houseplant!. It is a form of baboo. Very indestructible! Please plant it outside asap. You could take it outside in the pot it is in and find a partial sun spot (full sun is also OK--eventually--just need to acclimatize it since you had it inside). It grows fairly slowly NS WILL SUCHER AND SPREAD WAY OFF INTO MATURITY. It has beautiful horizontal stems, and looks very "airy" witht he fine foliage. It makes a spike at he top in early summer with little white blooms--which turn into bright red berries that stay on the plant all winter. They are still there at this time. It grows in any type of soil, drought does not bother it, NO diseases!

Pregnant Onion--
Did you get a decent-sized bulb or one of the marble-sized ones? You say it is doing "nothing"...Could you post a picture? You can also put this plant outside now. Treat it as any other plant--just give it a well-draining soil-maybe a bit on the coarse side.
I keep mine in a very heavy, clay window box. I also keep it practically dormant all winter in my tiny Laundry Room window. It does yellow a lot of leaves while inside and dormant, but I just trim them off. Seems it does most of it's multiplying during the winter months--then just takes off when you put it outside. If you started with an itsy-bitsy baby onion--it will probably be a while before it gets big and "pregnant"...

The Angel Wing Begonia-----This time of year--you will want to cut all the tall tips back. Be brave! You are doing the plant a favor! Cut way down--maybe to 4"-5". Keep about 8" sections of the top growth--put them in a glass of water and let them root. This is easy as pie! Then cut away and discard any of the bare stems in between--OR--they would probably also root in soil.
The stubs left on the original plant will grow into a new, bushy plant, but may bloom only sparsly. The tip cuttings, when rooted and potted up, will bloom very well--because the blooms come on the tips of the canes.
By now--I also have this plant outside in shade and it is doing very well. Once it hardens off a bit--it can take some sun. The leaves will "burn" if you do not do this at a slow pace... If you never cut it back, it will bloom nicely--but also be all gangly and tall--all "canes"---hence the name--"Cane Begonia"...
During the Winter--I bring it in and keep it on the dry side near a sunny window. It will drop all the leaves, except the ones att he growing tips. That is all you want to have anyway...
This is how I have kept it propagated for about 25 years! About every 2-3 years, I take the old plant out of it's 12" pot, knock all the soil off, pull all the rooted canes apart and see what is alive and "producing" and what is not. The "nots" are dead stems and get canned! The good roots get re-potted in fresh soil--and you should see how tha plant groes THAT year!!!!!
The potted starts you got were the Spring tip-cuttings.

End of "class"...:o)

Look here! The front pot is that Spring's new cuttings all potted up and blooming. The re-growing Mama is in the back.