Thursday, May 25, 2017

Flower Power




Flowers don't tell, they show.
                             ~Stephan Skeem

There is the plant. It has a stem and at the top there are brightly
colored parts called petals which last only a short time. To some 
this is the best part. Those beautiful blossoms, colors of the rain-
bow offering us happiness and a little bit of heaven right in our 
own garden.


                                                

The fairest thing in nature, a flower, still
has its roots in earth and manure.
                                                            ~D.H.Lawrence

Flower power indeed. We are mesmerized by the sight and scent
of blooms, affecting us to feel positive, even less stressed, perhaps
even giving us inspiration.





Flowers always make people better, happier
and more helpful; they are sunshine, food
and medicine to the soul.
                                                 ~Luther Burbank

Gardening is a way we participate in a life-giving process. To
plant flowers (flowering)... it is enjoyable and beneficial. Combine 
the two we create harmony in our landscapes.







When you garden with love, it doesn't take much
to make you happy. It only takes a bloom.
                                         ~Diana Moore




Friday, May 12, 2017

Are You Herb Happy?




Herbs have been a part of my garden life for many years. My
love of lavender and my success growing them led me to try a 
few other herbs, then a few more. I wanted to be able to say I've 
grown them all and I have. Not any more. I have favorites and
that's what I stick too. I still put a few in the ground but the
last several years I use strawberry jars to grow my herbs. 
They're easier to maintain and are close to the kitchen door.



You may wonder why herbs are so popular. They are useful. 
We cook with herbs, preferably fresh. Herb infusions, tea and 
vinegars are easily made using herbs. You've heard the term 
aroma therapy? Herbs can be grown for its oils and thus create 
wonderful aroma blends. Their healing properties are well-
accepted going back centuries. Finally herbs can be enjoyed
simply for its beauty as a plant. Their scent is individualized:
balmy, savory, sweet, perfumed and spicy. Working in your 
garden planting and maintaining herbs can be quite relaxing
and intoxicating.



I hope you give herbs  a try. Grab a lavender plant and maybe
a Basil or some Lemon Thyme...pot them up, and enjoy!



I guarantee everyone will be tempted by their aroma. Mama
Hen liked the Mint while Sam (the Pug) was loving the Lemon
Balm.



And, if there is extra... share! 

Thanks for stopping by,  Diana
Remember Mother's Day, Sunday May 14th

Friday, May 5, 2017

May Arrives



  "The world's favorite season is the spring.
  All things seem possible in May."
                                                                 ~Edwin Way Teale     
     
                             
May arrived full of rain, wind and cool temperatures. Some of
us chose to ignore that and bought flowers. Some of us planted
said flowers and now we're nail biting. Most of us are storing 
our purchased flowers in the garage. Out during the day, in at 
night. Remember frost is still a possibility. Perennials and cool
weather crops can tolerate the drop in temperature. Fingers
crossed friends as we move to our safe planting date around
May 12-15th. 



The Pansy has been chosen as the 2017 annual Flower of the
Year. What a terrific bloomer. Friendly, easy to grow and the
varieties and colors are endless. Here's a beautiful example
I saw recently at the garden center.



Speaking of garden centers, my annual visit to a favorite place with
friend Marian yielded several great finds. Hydro Growers in 
Pleasant Hill, Ohio has it all. If you live close by, a visit is definitely 
worth it.


A garden is a friend you can visit anytime!

Even though we're a little frustrated by our area's current
weather pattern, there's much to be said for May. It's flower
time and planting time, it's a spring walk, it's putting your
face to the sun and smiling. Have a wonderful month!


Ethan says, thanks for stopping by!