Little Helper

It often happens to children - and sometimes to

gardeners - that they are given gifts

of value of which they do not perceive until much later.

~ Wayne Winterrowd~

Planting

Now to plant the things we bought...

We Have Begun Pruning

in earnest, now that it's the middle of February.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

All gardens, even the most native and naturalistic, benefit from the hand of an artful pruner. In this season where the garden is poised for the green flood of springtime, remember that our gardens are co-creations, shared with mother earth. And like any good mother, she expects you to tidy up your room. Now get clipping!
~ Tom Spencer ~

Herb Gardening~ With Help From My Girls

Ivy, Ilex, Holly and I enjoy a day in the herb garden.

“Gardens are not made by singing "Oh, how beautiful," and sitting in the shade.”

Rudyard Kipling

Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity.

~Lindley Karstens~

Design you own Herb Garden

Step 1~ Design for your tastes and site - plan for herbs you'll actually use and pick a spot with at least half a day of sun for your herb garden. Measure your available space and make a drawing of it on graph paper for a working design.

Step 2 ~ Take a page from traditional English herb gardens - give the bed a focal point for year round interest. Plan for a sundial, bird feeding station, wire obelisk, tall sculpture or trellis at the center of your herb garden.

Step 3~ Choose cottage garden ambiance for a friendly herb garden that overflows its borders with flowers. Use any shape - circles and ellipses are popular - for a cottage style bed and define it with a path that circles and bisects it for maintenance.

Work & Play

While one of us was working one of us was playing.....

(Well I did help a little)

But then I decided I really must get some photos of what's blooming right now... then a little flower cutting... then a little deciding what will go in the bouquet for the Easter table... well then to make the bouquet and decide what dishes....

In the mean time the apple tree got a long overdo hair cut...Yea!

Forcing Spring Branches

Spring's Budding branches can be cut and brought indoors to bloom a little early . This is a nifty way to get that color we are all craving at this time of the year.

Cut into the bottom of the branches to allow them to take up plenty of water then place in a vase. Wait for them to bloom. I love the way they look even just the way they are.

Daphne is so fragrant and can also be forced to bloom early.
( maybe forced is too strong a word- how about encouraged )


A few little vases on a fun cake plate and you have a great centerpiece.


Happy Spring!

Boots

I love having helpers in the garden, especially

when they come in cute boots!

All gardens, even the most native and naturalistic, benefit from the hand of an artful pruner. In this season where the garden is poised for the green flood of springtime, remember that our gardens are co-creations, shared with mother nature. And like any good mother, she expects you to tidy up your room. Now get clipping!

~Tom Spencer~

Work

Little by little, even with other cares, the slowly but surely working poison of the garden-mania begins to stir in my long sluggish veins.

~ Henry James ~