Prays please

Please turn on your news. And pray for the people at Fort Hood!

Before winter settles in:

Rake those leaves. Once the snow flies, an unraked layer of leaves can get matted down over the turf and smother it all winter long. Raking or using a mulching mower in the fall helps avoid dead patches in the spring. But don't worry about getting every last leaf, especially in the garden. They help insulate plants, and as they decompose, they provide valuable nutrients.
Feed the grass. Fertilizing in the fall is like a day at the spa for your lawn. Using a slow-release fertilizer allows the grass to soak up nutrients and - just as important - spend the cool days and nights of autumn recovering from summer heat and stress. And building a healthy, rejuvenated lawn is one of the best ways to protect against heat, cold, drought, insects and other stresses.
Weed all about it. Weeding in the fall is probably the most valuable thing you can do to prepare for spring, and it's one that many people overlook. The good news: Pulling weeds used to be a backbreaking chore, but tools like the Weed Hound have come a long way from the tiny weeding forks of "the good old days." There's no reason to get down on your hands and knees and gouge at the turf. All you do is place the tool over the weed, step lightly on the footrest, and pull.
Pick up the poop. When the snow melts next spring, the last thing you want to see on your lawn is pet waste. Fall is the perfect time to get out there and clean up Rover's little leftovers. Don't look forward to getting on your hands and knees? Hire a neighborhood kid to do the dirty work, or invest in a long-handled pooper scooper.
Remove thatch build-up. A build-up of above ground roots called thatch prevents sunlight, oxygen and moisture from getting to the nutrient-hungry soil below. But it's easy to remove, especially if you don't wait until it overwhelms the yard. Just go at the yard with a dethatching rake in early fall, or for an easier - but more expensive - option, rent a power dethatcher.
Aerate. Heavy use throughout the summer can cause soil to become compacted. Perforating your lawn with small holes helps reduce compaction and lets water, air and fertilizer get down to the soil, which strengthens the grass plant's root structure. For smaller yards, a manual aerating tool that removes plugs from the turf while you step should be just fine. If you've got a larger yard, consider renting a power aerator.
Water trees and shrubs. Dehydration during the colder months is an all-too-common cause of tree damage, but it's easily preventable. To sustain them over the long winter, it's important to give trees a drink before putting them to bed. After they go fully dormant - but before the ground freezes - use a soaker hose or root irrigator to water them thoroughly.
Clean out your garden. Fruits and vegetables left in the garden can rot all winter long, and provide a comfy home for insect eggs. Gross? Not as gross as they'll be in the spring. Now is the time to get rid of diseased plants, too, but keep them out of the compost pile so the problem doesn't spread to the rest of your garden next year.
Plant spring bulbs. Fall is not all about closing up shop. It's also the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips. But pay attention to the weather in your area; planting too early can cause bulbs to sprout before winter, and planting them too late can mean their roots don't have enough time to develop before the ground freezes.
Give your tools a tune-up. When it comes time to put away the backyard tools for the season, don't just shove them into the garage or shed. Spend a few minutes wiping them down and removing debris and dirt, then apply a light layer of oil to keep them from rusting over the winter. That way they'll be all set to go again come spring.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween my friends!





There's a house upon the hilltop
We will not go inside
For that is where the witches live,
Where ghosts and goblins hide.

Tonight they have their party,
All the lights are burning bright,
But oh we will not go inside
The haunted house tonight.

The demons there are whirling
And the spirits swirl about.
They sing their songs to Halloween.
"Come join the fun," they shout.

But we do not want to go there
So we run with all our might
And oh we will not go inside
The haunted house tonight

Introducing a new blog friend!

It's about time I get back to blogging.

I have missed all of my blog friends.

I can't wait to get around to all of your blogs.

What a fun time of the year to get started again.

I am sure there are a lot of great

fall decorating ideas being posted.

Luv Ya! Terrie

I would love to introduce you to a new blog friend.

Her name is Rhonda.

Many of you may know her from

HGTV's Rate My Space.

That is where I met her about 3 years ago.

She is a very talented woman.

She loves to decorate.

I hope you'll stop by her blog and visit her.

Countryman's Village Jewelers

Making your own "Fall" flower arrangement

This is the one I made this morning!

It is such a beautiful day.

I decided to go for a long walk.

This is our small towns walking trail.

I bought my pail and pruners with me.

These are some of the flowers along the trail.

The best thing about gathering your own flowers is
that it saves you money to spend on other fall decor.

Welcome the fall season by decorating

your house with fall flower arrangement.
Make your home more decorative.

Instead of looking at the same furniture

and setting everyday, spice it up a little.

Put fall flower arrangement at places where it can be seen by your family members as well as your friends.
Put a fall centerpiece on your dining table. If you have a round table, a round centerpiece would be more advisable. If you have a rectangle table, a long-shaped centerpiece would be nicer.
Put a fall bouquet on your living room table. That is the place where your guests can admire your fall bouquet. It reminds them of the coming fall season, too.
Place a fall wreath on your front door. Your wreath can be made of fall accents like wheat, pumpkins or even acorns. Your house will be ready for autumn.

A day at the beach!

These are my nieces two little girls.

They want to share their day

at the beach with you!

"Come walk with me,

take off your shoes,

let's walk the beach"

“Play in the sand;

splash in the water;

get dirty; get wet"

It's time to head to the beach.

The wind blows through your hair.

The warm sun bathes your skin.

Soft golden sand caresses your feet.

The waves sing to a perfect rhythm

and the coconut trees gently

sway against the breeze.

“Our memories of the ocean will linger on,

long after our footprints in the sand are gone.”

Harvest time is upon us here in Iowa

As much as I love summer.

I am loving the thoughts of fall.

Here are a few of the things

I love about the season!

You crown the year with your bounty,

and your carts overflow with abundance."

""We must give more in order to get more.

It is the generous giving of ourselves

that produces the generous harvest.""

"Thoughts of love like falling leaves

...Swirling in the Autumn breeze."

"The goldenrod is yellow

The corn is turning brown

The trees in apple orchards

With fruit are bending down."

I miss my blog friends!

Hey, everybody! My blog break is over.

I've had a great summer so far.

But, I miss each and everyone of you!

I decided today would be a perfect day to return.

I wanted to join my friend Tootsie's

Flaunt your flowers Friday!

It's Tootsie Time

I know.. I am late!

But, that's me!

My green thumb came only as a result

of the mistakes I made while learning

to see things from the plant's point of view.

I can't wait to visit your blogs.

I have so much catching up to do!

Flaunt your flowers friday! I'm back!

Remember to "Flaunt your Flowers"

every Friday with Tootsie!

It's Tootsie Time!

It was really hard for me to

decide what to show you.

But, Here are a few of my flowers.

We've had a very cool spring.

And not much rain.
But, the flowers are doing

really well inspite of the weather.

Sometimes you just have to step back

and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you!
I hope you've been enjoying your spring!

Where the heck has this girl been?

This is my real world.

But, that's not where I have been.

I starting playing Farmtown on facebook,

I can't can't seem to escape.

It is so much fun!

But, I really need to get back to my blog.

I miss all of you so.. much!

These are some pictures from my part of the world.

The real farm land that is.

It is so peaceful here.

I just love living in rural America!

If you are addicted to facebooks

FarmTown I would love to know!

It flaunt your flowers time!

Gardening has really just begun

here in zone 4.

As of yesterday it's finally warming up.

Heres's just a little of what

happening at our home.

I hope you enjoy!

As my good friend Tootsie would say:

"It's fertilizer Friday!"

Make sure to stop by her blog

for some great gardening ideas.

And links to more beautiful flowers!

It's Tootsie Time!

Annual geraniums grow and flower best in full sun and moist, well draining soil. Geraniums growing in part shade may tolerate that level of light but will not produce flowers well. Always amend soil in a garden bed with organic material before planting. In container gardens use pre-bagged potting soil or a soil-less mix.
Short of time, space or energy? Don’t let that dampen your gardening enthusiasm. Just focus on containers and decorate your deck, patio, porch or balcony with bright splashes of color with “mini gardens” that are easy to maintain.

Playing with the primary and secondary colors of your flowers and pots and using adjacent and contrasting effects can make this a very artistic endeavor.

Fuschias have exotic-looking flowers; their two-tone colors are brilliant. The shape of the flower is quite unusual and they are quite delicate. They are perfect for hanging baskets. If cared for properly, this plant will produce an abundance of gorgeous flowers all summer long.

With their lush tropical foliage and showy flowers, cannas make beds and borders come alive with their bright colors. Cannas will bloom all summer long until frost. Cannas will range in height from 24” – 60” depending on the variety you purchase. Cannas are ideal plants for full sun.

A woody trailing vine, the mandevilla is known for its ability to produce large quantities of fragrant flowers on sparse foliage. There are many species and varieties of this annual to choose from with huge trumpet-shaped flowers and bright green leaves.

Spiderworts are weak-stemmed plants that grow up to 1 foot long. They produce a watery juice and have folded, straplike leaves. The 3-petaled flowers, opening at dawn and fading by mid-afternoon, are surrounded by many buds.

May Night sends up a vivid flush of dark purple flower spikes in late spring, then takes a short break and resumes blooming in mid-summer continuing to flower right up through most of autumn. It is a real flower machine - just as long as you remember to remove faded flower stems on a regular basis. One of the heaviest blooming perennials available.

Just a sneak peek at

a corner of our garden.

This is my very small garden.

I only wish to plant enough for us

to walk out the backdoor

to pick a fresh juicy tomato.

Or a yummy green pepper.

I love to make fresh salsa or omelets.

This garden is perfect for us.

About Inspirations

Sometimes we just need a little inspiration to help us get going. It can be a picture, an idea, a story.If you’re not ready to start digging in the ground just yet, sit back and enjoy a few articles that can help you get in the fun gardening mood. Read up on the gorgeous offerings of a public garden. View before-and-after pictures of a personal back yard. Find a flower and garden show to visit. And learn fun, healthy ways for your family to use up any extra harvested fruits and veggies from the garden.

Gardening is an amazing creative outlet –

let some of the ideas bring out the inner creative in you!

Better late than never tablescape!

Welcome to Tablescape Thrusday.

Hostessed by our beautiful hostess, Susan.

Make sure to stop by and visit her wonderful

blog. Between Naps on The Porch!

Beautiful fresh sunflowers!

Almost everything in this

tablescape came from Walmart.

I thought sunflowers were just the

thing for a beauitful day of sunshine.

Look at the cute little birdies.

A rattan charger was just the idea base.

I love red, white and yellow!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Please come again!

Flaunt your red!

My friend Stacey at

Poofing The Pillows is hosting

Flaunt your red. Make sure to stop by here blog for

links to great ideas in working with red.

Stacey has a beautiful blog.

I am sure you will enjoy it.

I add touch of red within my art pieces.

How about a red tablescape!

Notice the red candles.

Yes, I love my red!

I am a neutrals kind of gal.

But, I do love to add color by

adding it using accent pieces.

I love these large candlesticks

using red candles.

A few of my pottery vases are red.

A red pottery vase I found in Mexico.

How about a little red within a cloche.

I love my red cannisters!

I love to add a little red using dishes.

Art with a touch of red.

Working with red!
Decide whether to make red the focus or the accent color in the room. Use it in a monochromati

scheme or as a part of another color scheme to create a bold happy space.

Create a mood board, collecting magazine and Internet photos of furniture and accessories, color swatches and textures to decide what types of things you want in your room to set the room.

Decide whether you're trying to create a cheery country kitchen feel or a sensual atmosphere in the bedroom.

Choose artwork that incorporates bold splashes of red mixed with the other colors in your scheme or large black and white photos. Use vases and other accessories to bring additional red into the room without overwhelming it.

Consider which items you want to be red. Think about how much emphasis you want on large items. You can choose a red sofa and loveseat or bedding, or add more subtle pillows or curtains.

Look at dark wood and chocolate brown as a complement to your red decor. Decorate with darker browns mixed with brighter colors to give your room a feeling of happy sophistication.

Incorporate multiple textures into your room, such as leather, glass, silver, fleece, silk or woven fabrics. Use fresh flowers and mirrors to make the room feel more open.

Love your red!

Memorial Day Weekend!

I hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend.

I know we did. It was a lot of hours on the road.

We had a 7 1/2 hour trip each way.

We left Saturday morning at 5 am.

We crammed so much into a day

and a half that's it's unreal.

But, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

We had so much fun with family and friends.

We got back home yesterday.

We were so tired.

Come and Sit A Spell!

This is a very cozy space to relax and visit!

Here's one of her babies.

I love that Red Japanese Maple.

The millionbells will soon be

sprawling all over this wheelborrow.

Hosta's, I love the texture of the leaves.

Beautiful iris in bloom.

Here's my sis waving to you!

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.

~Author Unknown

I love this little section of the garden.

A honeysuckle vine. ( I believe)

My sis has several kitty's in the garden.

A friend of my sis made this metal yard art.

I love ferns!

A sister is a

forever friend.

~Author Unknown

Flaunt Your Flowers

Make sure to stop by Tootsies for more links to

beautiful flowers and gardens.

Flowers in containers offer endless artistic

and simple ways to enhance your home.

Containers can go anywhere,

add value and provide luxury

to a gardener regardless of experience

Make sure the container has a drainage hole

so excess water will come out the

bottom to prevent root rot.

Pick a good potting soil mix that contains

perlite or vermiculite for drainage

as well as peatmoss to hold the moisture

If the potting soil you use

doesn’t contain any fertilizer,

add & mix in some slow release fertilizer

to the potting mix before

you fill the pot with plants.

If you choose items that won’t

survive strong winds without

toppling over (like a standing bicycle),

choose places to display in the yard

that will provide some shelter from the wind.

Make sure you water enough so that

the water comes out the bottom of the container.

This ensures that the entire container

of soil is wet, not just the top.

Water plants thoroughly and check the plants daily.

Happy Gardening!

Welcome to Outdoor Wednesday!

Make sure to stop by

A Southern Daydreamer's Blog

for links to more great outdoor spaces,

This is how our yard looks today!

I love color in the yard!

Our neighbors Martin house.

We love to watch the martin's.

Just look at the beautiful lilacs.

They are on the property line.

Habitat is Key
The single most important way to attract birds is to provide bird-friendly surroundings. Sure, birds want to eat the seed or suet from your birdfeeders. But they also need to find shelter, water and natural foods. In fact, studies show that even a bird that regularly visits your winter feeders will only get about a quarter of its food there.
An appealing habitat for birds will have a wide variety of plants. Yards dominated by lawn will never attract as many birds as a yard filled with an assortment of perennials, shrubs and trees. Even better, you can include plants that are known to be favored by birds. For example, you can plant nectar-rich bee balm for hummingbirds, or berry-producing viburnums for cedar waxwings. If possible, include trees and shrubs of different sizes and shapes. Some birds prefer tall trees for perching, so they can scan the surroundings, while others like the cover of a dense shrub.
Remember that birds also need access to water year-round for drinking and for preening their feathers to ensure good insulation. A water garden, pond or a birdbath can be both an attractive garden accent and an important habitat feature.

Prairie Crabapple Tree.
Some more backyard visitors!

Lots of the plants around my house and gardens were planted to provide food for the birds: assorted berries ; thistle for the goldfinches; sunflowers for the chickadees; nectar for the hummingbirds, and of course plenty of peanuts for the blue jays.
Over the years, I've discovered that birds like to hang out where they can find two things: good habitat and an assortment of feeders

We really need rain.

I am trying to talk my sweetie

into turning on the sprinkler system.

Sammie loves to run and play in the grass.

When I'm out in the garden, there's no music I'd rather hear than the songs of orioles, cardinals, goldfinches, chickadees and robins. During the winter months, when I'm spending most of my time indoors, watching birds at my feeders becomes one of my very favorite things to do.

I hope you have a beautiful day!

Check-out my niece, Kristi!

My niece is posted on the walls of the city!

(My niece is not the girl standing there)
How cool is that!

Just outside my bedroom window!

I placed this feeder outside our

bedroom window about two weeks ago.

Today my friends finally decided to visit us.

Encourage Serenity in Your Home

Plant lilacs, roses, or other pleasantly scented trees and shrubs near the windows of your living room and bedroom. You will then have beautiful scents wafting into your rooms day and night. Plant several of the items so you have enough to cut some flowers to bring into the home. Having a touch of nature inside is very soothing.
Use shrubs or trees that attract wildlife that you enjoy seeing. Plant a butterfly bush to attract butterflies. Plant red flowers to attract hummingbirds. Plant sunflowers to attract golden finches. Or put up a feeder like we've chose to do.Taking a few moments to watch wildlife frolicking in the yard is very relaxing.

I have new backyard visitors! The Baltimore Oriole!

I am so excited.

We love to feed birds.

This year I decided to try

to attract the Baltimore Oriole.

Baltimore Oriole
Few birds can match the bold

coloring of the male Baltimore oriole.

With it's signature black and orange feathers,

it's no wonder so many people

want this flier at their feeders.

Learn how to attract a

Baltimore oriole to your yard,

and listen to its song.

Song: Short series of

clear whistles in varied pattern.

I placed a half of a orange on our

nectar feeder about a week ago.

A couple of days ago my dh suggested

that I take it down because it was too

close to the house to attract a bird.

I had not seen any Baltimore Oriole's

this year. But, I heard their song.

I knew from previous year this was

the time of year I had seen them.

Since, our trees are young I wasn't

sure how much success I would have.

But, when I set my mind to something

I do not give up very easily.

Boy, am I glad I was determine.

Habitat:

Deciduous woodlands,

parks and suburbs.

Sorry. these pictures are taken

through the screen door & window.

Diet: Caterpillars, fruits, berries

insects, spiders, and nectar.

I am wondering if he's eating a berry!

Male has full black hood

and fire-orange plumage.

Female is drab yellow

with dusky-brown wings.

So, go ahead and set out some oranges.

Nail them to a fence post or whatever.

I wish you luck attracting these little guys.

Join our dutch parade!

Welcome to Orange City's Tulip Festival.

I have two niece's and 1 nephew in the parade.

Make sure to watch for them.

Selling flowers

A typical day in Holland!

The Reformed Faith is part of the Dutch culture.

This float is adorable.

The wooden shoes move up and down.

The tulip on the right opens up.

Their is an adorable little dutch girl inside.

Our majorette's

Marching Band from:

Brancroft-Rosalie Nebraska

Home of the Panthers

Marching band from Sioux Falls, SD

Dutch children

The Queen and her court!

My niece is in the middle. (above)
She is 100 percent Dutch!

My adopted niece-2nd from the left-from Russia

My adopted nephew on the right- from Russia
Dairy is important in our part of the country.

Quilts made by the dutch.
Children in dutch costumes

Ladies in dutch costumes.

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh Bread!

Diamond Vogel paint is made here.

The Dutch as known for their cleanness.

Cheese anyone?

Freshest fish in town!

I hope you enjoyed the parade!

Celebrate our Tulip Festival with us!

Where did it all begin?

Though the first wave of Dutch immigrants in the New World can be traced back to the 1600's, it was a second, later surge of immigrants that brought the Dutch to Iowa.

Moving ahead to 1870, 70 families from the Netherlands settled in NW Iowa, establishing a town named William of Orange and the House of Orange in Holland.

The community was based on agriculture and began to grow. In only two years the population had reached 1,000. Schools and churches were important to the residents and by 1882 the Northwest Classical Academy had been started.

The first building, Zwemer Hall, remains as a landmark of Northwestern College today and is also included on the National Register of Historical Places.

Northwestern College now has an enrollment of more than 1,500 students and is a four-year Christian College, affiliated with the Reformed Church of America.

As the community prospered, residents also began to feel increasingly removed from their homeland. Thus. a movement began to start an ethic celebration. In the spring of 1936. the Tulip Festival officially began. The first queen, who resigned in 1937, was Elizabeth Top-Sweets.

During the war years of 1942-46, the festivities were stopped. There were men form the Dutch East Indies training at the Army Air Technical School in Siuox Falls, SD, so Orange City residents developed a relationship with them, speaking in the native tongue. In 1943 & 44 the two groups celebrated victory days together.

After the war ended, The Tulip Festival began again in 1947. The event is celebrated on the third weekend of May. Though events and activites change and evolve through the years, you can fins a flower show, two parades each day, street dancing, authentic costumes, ethnic food, wooden shoes, horse-drawn trolley rides and much more.

The city has grown and propered into the 21st century. You'll now find an 18-hole golf course, a new aquatic center, two highschools, housing developments, and business and industrial expansions.

Though it all, the dutch hertiage remains. Architecture throughout the city reflects Holland and you'll even find windmills popping up amongst the other buildings.

Whether you're dutch ot not, you are always welcome here.

It's hard to wrap your head around it almost because it is so genuinely beautiful. Before you even arrive you're surrounded by all the classic spring flowers - tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, iris, and more

Then once you step foot inside the gardens there are more flowers than you can imagine. They're in fields and pots and greenhouses. They're in floral pictures and formal displays and natural, woodsy settings. However you like to enjoy your flowers, they have what you want. There's are windmills.

Windmills have always played a great part in the life of Holland and its inhabitants. While at first they served to grind corn, to remove excess water from the low-lying districts, and to saw timber, thus making the country fit for human habitation and adding to habitable area, they developed - especially in the seventeenth century - into a most important factor in the social structure of those days. It is with increasing interest that one learns about this.
Although it can be said that windmills which can be compared with the Dutch windmills are to be found in other European countries as well (England, Belgium, France, Denmark, Germany, Finland), it has to be observed that their number is relatively small there. It is only in Holland that so many windmills are present in so small an area. These windmills moreover are in very reasonable, many of them even in excellent, condition and a considerable number of them are working regularly. There are windmills of the most varied types: drainage mills, corn mills, and industrial mills for all sorts of purposes.
Windmills form an important element in the Dutch landscape with its wide horizons, its glittering waters and big clouds floating overhead; without them we can hardly imagine this landscape, which is unique in the world.
Thoughts of the Netherlands bring to mind country windmills, clogs and Dutch chocolate. And of course the famous Dutch tulips . One can't travel through Holland in the spring without spotting what could quite possibly be the national flower.

The tulip's petals shine in dew,

All beautiful, but none alike.

I will be showing more of the

Tulip Festival over the next few days.

I hope you enjoy.

Join us for flaunt your flowers!

I was so happy to get an invitation from my good friend Tootsie to join her in "Flaunt Your Flowers". I love Tootsie! We were friends before joining blogland. I started my blog after BJ and Rue started theirs. it looked like so much fun. We all became friends at RMS. Many of us began our friendship at RMS. I begged Tootsie to join us in blogland. She finally gave in. I am so glad she did. She is my little sis. We have been there for each other through some really rough times. We have really needed each other. There are many of you in blogland that I feel the same way about. It's probably easy to see why Tootsie and I love each other. We have one huge thing in common. We both love to garden. I have learnt a lot from my dear sweet friend. There is no right or wrong way to garden. It's like everything else in life you pick up what you can use and leave the rest behind. I am sure Tootsie would tell you the same thing. Please stop by her blog
Tootsie's Time and visit her. She is full of great information. She has a beautiful yard, garden, home & family.

I am so glad I meant all of my new friends here in blogland as well. It amazes me there is so much talent here. We have great cooks, home decoraters, gardeners, etc.. Everyone is always so willing to share their talents. All you have to do is ask. I am so glad I can call you my friends. I am not sure how I got carried away talking about all of this. But, I really want you to know what you mean to me. Let's Garden!

I always.. start planting my pots

with good potting soil.

I prefer Miracle grow potting soil.

Not the moisture control that is offered.

I like to have control over watering my plants.

Sometimes I water once a day.

And when it's really hot outside

I water twice a day!

When to Apply
Use when potting or repotting indoor or outdoor plants in containers.
Where to Use
Container Plants
Where Not to Use
In-Ground Gardens
Desired Results
Plants will grow better blooms, lush foliage, and strong roots.
Benefits
Enriched with Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Plant Food which feeds for up to 3 months. Also feeds instantly to help build strong root system

This is one of my favorite fertilizers.

I have been using it for as long as I can remember.

I only use it about once a month.

Because, I just use it for a extra boost.

How to Use

OUTDOOR PLANTS
Two great methods for feeding your garden...
With the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder: One feeder refill packet in the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder will cover 500 sq. ft. in approximately 12 minutes.
OR
With a Watering Can: Mix 1 tablespoon of Miracle-Gro for every gallon of water.
Whether you use a watering can or the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder, exact gallon measurements are not critical, so do not worry if you use a little more.
For All Flowers and Vegetables: Use 1 gallon for every 10 square feet of flowers and vegetables, every 7 to 14 days.
For Roses: Use 1/2 gallon for small bushes. Use 1 gallon for large bushes. Feed every 7 to 14 days.
INDOOR PLANTS
Mix 1/2 teaspoon (not tablespoon) per gallon of water. Apply every 2 weeks. We do not recommend foliar (leaf) feeding for houseplants.
When to Apply
For spectacular results, feed every 7 to 14 days, anytime during the growing season. Slow-growing plants can be fed less often (monthly).
How often to apply
Can be applied every 7-14 days
Where to Use
Can be used for all flowers, vegetables, shrubs, trees and houseplants
Associated Plants
All plants including fruits and vegetables.
Desired Results
More, beautiful flowers and bigger, bountiful vegetables.
Benefits
More, beautiful flowers and bigger, bountiful vegetables. Starts to work instantly for quick results.

This is one of my secret weapons when

it comes to having great looking flowers.

If you really want beautiful

flowers this product is a must.

By using this product I don't have to

worry about using Miracle Grow every week.

Try it and let me know what you think!

How to Use
For outdoor use, sprinkle evenly across areas to be fed and work into the top 1-3 inches of soil. When transplanting annuals from flats or when re-potting, mix into the soil and growing media at the bootom of the hole before planting. Water.
When to Apply
Apply to outdoor plants every 4 months during the growing season. Can be applied to indoor plants, also every 4 months, year-round.
How often to apply
Reapply every 4 months.
Where to Use
Apply with confidence to potted plants, indoors or outdoors

You know I luv ya

when I tell you

my gardening secrets!

My garden preview!

I wanted to show you a sneak

peek of our flowers.

As always, I am off to work.

But, I hope you'll enjoy!

Gerbera daisies!

Gerbera Daisy

Annual Phlox

Dahlia

Dalhia

Petunia

Our Prairie Fire Crab in budding out!

Make sure to check back for more

of my garden pictures.

Thanks for visiting!

What a difference a month can make in the midwest!

In our neck of the woods

nothing says spring like new life.

The baby calves are relaxing

in the sun with their mothers.

Yes, we do live in a very

rural part of the country.

Please stop by and visit Susan

at Asoutherndaydreamer blog.

There will be links to wonderful outdoor spaces.

I love Outdoor Wednesdays.

But, I haven't had much to show you until now.

Can you believe these pictures

were taken April 5th!

If I remember right we had about 6 inches of snow!

It seemed as if winter was never going to end.

But, the pictures below

were taken May 9th!

Yes, the grass is finally green.

I love it!

These are Springsnow crabapple trees.

Mature Height: 25-30 ft.
Mature Spread: 15 ft.
Zones: 3-7
Soil Type:
Shape: Rounded
Flower: White, single
Fruit: None

This fruitless Canadian introduction is completely covered with pink buds that open to fragrant white flowers in the spring. It has bright green, shiny foliage and good heat tolerance.

Our trees are not mature yet. They are five years old.

Things are changing quickly here now.

I can't wait to show you!

Cake
1 & 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
5 eggs, at room temperature
1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 & 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup milk
4 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease 2 9-inch round cake pans and line each with parchment paper. Grease paper and dust with flour.
Mix butter and sugar on medium-high speed of an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add extracts and mix. The mixture will look a bit lumpy.
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Turn the mixer on low speed and add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, in three parts. Mix just until combined. Fold in coconut.Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Smooth the tops of each. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until tops are browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 30 minutes. Then, remove from pans to finish cooling on wire racks.
Frosting
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted
6 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
Using an electric mixer on low speed, combine cream cheese, butter, and extracts. Add confectioners’ sugar and mix just until smooth.
Spread frosting on first layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides. Sprinkle top and sides with coconut.

It's a shoe thing!

If somebody steps on your shoes and ruins them,

don't freak out.. get a new pair of shoes.

If you miss something, don't freak out..

there's nothing you can do to change it..

just move on!

My niece may be little.

But, she totally gets

the shoe thing!

Life is too short not to wear cute shoes!

Butterflies in the garden!

Thanks for stopping by my butterfly gardens.

I am so glad my friend Susan host :Outdoor Wednesday

Make sure to stop by her beautiful blog for more links.

"A southerndaydreamer"

I love butterflies in my garden.

These pictures are from last summer.

With a pair of binoculars

and a butterfly field guide,

your garden is sure to bring

you many rewarding hours

of butterfly watching.

"You can chase a butterfly allover

the field and never catch it.

But if you sit quietly in the grass,

it will comeand sit on your shoulder."

"Just living is not enough,

" said the butterfly,

"One must have sunshine,

freedom,and a little flower."

You should select a variety of nectar-producing plants with the aim of providing flowers in bloom throughout the season. This will entice a continuous succession of new visitors to a yard. It is especially important to have flowers in mid to late summer, when most butterflies are active. Flowers with multiple florets that produce abundant nectar are ideal.
Annuals are wonderful butterfly plants because they bloom continuously through the season, providing a steady supply of nectar. Perennial plants, such as coneflowers, lilac, butterfly weed, and asters, are visited regularly by butterflies. Most plants in the mint family are also good nectar sources for butterflies. Avoid double flowers because they are often bred for showiness, not nectar production.

Successful butterfly gardening includes more than providing larval host plants and nectar sources. It includes planning appropriate habitats for these useful and beautiful creatures. For instance, shelter is important to butterflies for a number of reasons. Butterflies prefer to feed and lay eggs in sheltered areas, where they will not be cooled by nor have to fight wind gusts.
A row of shrubs or trees can make a dual purpose windbreak if plants that also provide food for moths or butterflies are selected. Place tall plants at the back and the sides of the butterfly garden for additional protection.

"I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free."

Hey, I actually made it to the porch party.

Barb at Grits and Glamour

is our gracious hostess.

Make sure you stop by her beautiful blog.

Her blog is wonderful.

And you'll find links to more porches.

Have fun!

We are in zone 4.

Approximately 1 week ago

we were at 40 degrees.

The grass was still pretty brown.

And nothing was budding.

We have been in the high 60's

for the past couple of days.

And just look at the difference.

"Welcome to our home"

This little vignette was created
a couple of hours ago.
The hurricanes came from Walmart.
I also purchased the little nest and birds
from the Walmart floral department.
I just glued them all together.
I Incorporated some rocks,
moss and greenery that
I had on hand.

I love this little table.
I think it's fun to be able
to put a potted flower in the base.

I was planning on showing you all three seating
areas that we have around the house.
But, the weather got really cloudy and dark.
So, I'll save the other two for a later post.

This little fern was found yesterday at Walmart.
It was marked down to $5.50 because
it needs some tlc.
That is not a problem.
In about a week it will be beautiful.

I hope you enjoyed our porch.
We sit out here alot.
Please, come again!

I can't wait to get out and visit your porches.

My style in one picture!

I love the curved sofa. The elegance of the side chairs.

And just check out the fabulous fabric on those chairs.

The mirrored side table is to die for.

I bet it's beauitul in the evening

with that pretty little lamp glowing down on it.

I adore the arched doorway.

And you know how much I love metal art.

For me, there always has to be some pottery.

And the sunlight coming through the windows

make the room seem so warm.

Check out the moulding.

I could spend hours in this room

reading the books on the coffee table.

(Just click to enlarge)

My good friend Vicki from

"Room Service- Decorating 101"

Has challenged me to post a picture that shows

your "true" style in only one picture.

This room speaks to my heart.

I love it!

Tag you're it!

I would love to see

your style in one picture!

I love neutrals.

The big challenge of decorating in a neutral color scheme is how to keep the room from looking bland and boring. Neutrals are tints and shades of white, gray and black and are considered non-colors. While they are often used along with colors from the color wheel, they can also be used to create a beautiful room all on their own.
Decorating with beige and taupe can create a fabulous elegant setting. Both soothing and understated this combination comes to life when you include a variety of textures. Use silky, sparkling fabrics like satins and moires along side heavy chenille and velvets. Another way to keep all of the furnishings from just blending into each other is to include various shades of each color from light to dark and everything in between. Tone on tone patterns will also help to define each fabric. This can include tone on tone stripes, plaids, paisleys and floral patterns all intermingled in he same space. The more variety the more interesting a beige and taupe color scheme becomes. To create a dramatic setting using neutrals, decorate with the stark contrast of black and white. This can result in a striking look that feels fresh and clean. Imagine a black and white toile paired up with a mini check and a bold awning stripe. The combination of patterns all in black and white against white walls can be stunning. A variety of soft white fabrics can be used together and result in a romantic airy feeling. Mix a creamy white lace with crinkled sheers and an embroidered cotton fabric for a delicate, pretty room.

Tablescape Thrusday: Singing the blues!

Welcome to tablescape Thrusday

hostessed by Susan at

Please stop by her blog

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

for more information.

Her blog is wonderful.

You'll really enjoy it!

Many of you know I am not one to

spend time creating my tablescapes.

I love things nice and simple.

Usually I can have one done

within 15 minutes.

And today's in no exception.

I am in a hurry to get to work.

But, I wanted in on the fun!

The round plate on the sideboard

came from a local boutique.

And the vases came from a

different home decor store.

They owed me money for

some work I did for them.

I love to barter.

I bought these dishes at Target!

Yesterday I went to Walmart to buy flowers.

They did not have anything on hand that I

thought would go with my tablescape.

I decided to go home and use what I have.

This morning as I was setting the table

a light bulb came on.

Duh....

Why not use the tray and candle

I have in another room.

I think it looks great.

And it didn't cost a cent.

I have found by sticking to elements that you

love you can always pull a tablescape together

by using what you have on hand.

These are things I have collected

over several months.

I really do love the blues!

Thanks for visiting!

Welcome to "What's on my wall Wednesday"

Barb at Grits and Glamor host this event.

And with good reason.

She has a beautiful home and blog.

Make sure to visit her for some

good ole' southern hospitality!

Just click for close-ups!

" Welcome to our home"

I think today I'll show you the

walls/above the cabinets

in our kitchen.

I love my plate rack above the cabinets.

It fills that space in perfectly.

The rooster canisters below the

plate rack have a metal base & topper.

I adore them.

OMG!! Is it faux greenery?? Shhhh..

I love the pottery in the corner.

It has shells hanging

around the neck of them.

The art is framed metal art.

I have pottery filled with ferns

and grasses.

I love to bring in a little nature

when I get the chance.

We have extremely

high vaulted ceilings.

So, I have to make sure I have

good balance of our accessories.

It's easy to see that I prefer

neutral walls in our home.

But, I love to accent with color.

I lean towards jewel tones.

I love tones of red, green and gold.

Above these cabinets

I have more pottery.

If you were actually visiting

our home in person

You would realize

I love pottery and metal art.

Oh, I love candles, too!

Above the sink is a sigh that says;

Come In And Sit A Spell

Then there is a

primitive candle holder.

And a rooster print.
Below is a "Coffee" sign.

I love my old fashion green wall clock!

This is the entry to the mudroom.

We'll visit that another time.

Please come again!

My good friend Melissa from

Melissa's Heart and Home

asked me if I had hints

that I could share about hummingbirds.

I thought more bloggers might like to know

a little more about these beautiful little birds.

So, I decided to make this my post for the day.

These beautifully etched and lustered glass

hummingbird feeders make an

elegant statement in your yard

Have you ever observed a humming-bird

moving about in an aerial dance among the flowers

- a living prismatic gem....

it is a creature of such fairy

-like loveliness as to mock all description.

~W.H. Hudson, Green Mansions~

Hummingbirds require a lot of energy. The simplest way to attract hummingbirds to your backyard is to place out a feeder filled with sugar water. Most hummingbird feeders are designed to mimic nectar bearing flowers. They are usually bright red because most hummingbirds find the color red more attractive. The best place for your hummingbird feeder is on a pole in a flower bed or hung on a porch or deck near flowers hummingbirds are attracted to.
If you are placing a hummingbird feeder out for the first time, or you don't see any hummingbirds visiting your feeder try placing it close to flowers where hummingbirds have been seen feeding. You can also tie 18 to 24 inch strips of red ribbon to the feeder. The blowing ribbons will make it easier for the hummingbirds to see.
Provide perching areas around your hummingbird feeders with various trees and shrubs at varying heights. Hummingbirds will need places to rest between feedings and like to perch in view of their nectar source.
Hummingbirds are very territorial and will aggressively protect nectar sources. To prevent a single hummingbird from monopolizing your feeder, place several feeders out of view of each other around your backyard. Or place a bunch of feeders together so no one individual hummingbird can possibly defend them all.
Provide nectar feeders at varying heights. Different hummingbird species will favor and defend different heights. Some hummingbird species like to feed at heights of 12 to 15 feet, while others typically feed on low growing flowers and will prefer feeders placed closer to the ground. Place your feeders in at least 3 different heights to reduce aggression between hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds love to bathe on misted leaves. Add awater mister around broad leafed plants and watch them take a bath!
In their non stop quest for fuel, Hummingbirds may visit 1,000 flowers per day. Plant flowers that hummingbirds are attracted to. Your best bet is red, tubular single blossom flowers. Provide foliage that hummingbirds will use for nesting materials. Offering an abundance of nesting materials will encourage nesting females to stay in your backyard and bring their babies to your feeders! Hummingbirds prefer downy like materials, spider webs, ferns, moss and lichens for nesting material. Willow and eucalyptus trees are wonderful for providing downy like nesting materials.

Create a living screen!

A screen can define an area and add interest to any lawn. If you lack the ground space for planting shrubs or want a less permanent design, consider arranging evergreens in large ceramic planters Emerald Green arborvitae, which is a smaller selection reaching up to 15 feet high. The bushy shrubs will provide year-round privacy, and the containers lend visual appeal. Let your imagination run wild. I can see using all kinds of plants. I think fountain grass would be beautiful.


This is an inspiration that I love!

Cute and Cuddly? You decide!

Look deep into nature,

and then you will understand everything better.

~Albert Einstein

Squirrels are cute and cuddly, but once they've found your bird feeder and monopolized it, many of us change our minds about them. The next time your blood pressure starts to spiral upward as you watch a squirrel pig out on your bird feeder, consider this: those furry bandits are responsible for planting many of the trees you now enjoy. Their instinctual habit of gathering nuts and burying them for the winter, is actually to our benefit. Unfortunately, they don't always remember or recover all their buried treasure, so we benefit when a new tree has been planted. And we all know how good trees are for cleaning our air!Entice these fury critters to their own feeding stations and keep them off your bird feeders! Research has shown that squirrels are very territorial. When fed continuously away from your bird feeders, they will mark the area as their own and protect it from other squirrels entering the area.

Watch your squirrels open the hinged lid

and dig for corn or peanuts!

Added Bonus:

Will keep those annoying jays from

stealing all the squirrel peanuts first!

If you can't beat em....feed em, and enjoy!

More fun!

Watch your squirrels go inside the bottle to feed!

Also a great way to keep larger birds like the jays

from getting to the squirrel food.

A lot of people like having the squirrels
around as long as they stay away
from the feeders, and try to distract them
by giving them their own food source.
Special feeders are available that can be
placed where the squirrels can easily find them.
One type has a hinged top that the squirrels
have to lift to get the food.
Squirrel food is a mix of dried corn,
sunflower seeds and peanuts,
and is available in many stores.
Also available are ears of dried corn
that can be placed out for squirrels.
Feeders designed to hold the corn
have a large spike on which the cob can be impaled.
Peanuts in the shell can be tossed on
the ground to keep the squirrels busy,
but if there are bluejays in the yard,
they will probably get them first.
Love them or hate them,
if you like to feed the birds,
squirrels are a factor to be reckoned with,
and there will soon be a lot more of them
as the first litters leave the nest.

We love to watch the squirrels!

A new passion! Accidently created:

Just look what I found.

They were right next door at a rummage sale.

They plastic bag they were in said, "$1.00"

No one was even looking at them.

They poor neglected things.

I just had to bring them home.

And within a few minutes they were

all shiny and polished.

I just know they were as happy as can be!

This pie server says, "National Silver Co"

A old price tag.

How many times has this pie server been in a new home?

When I saw this little plastic bag full of

antique silverware what really stood

out to me was the three pie servers.

I have always adored antique pie servers.

Believe me I will be using

these beautiful treasures!

A pretty little fork.

This little pickle forks says: Hotel West

I wonder where "Hotel West" is/was.

A gravy ladle

Antique soup spoon

A few antique silver spoons

This is one of the things I really

wanted in that little plastic bag.

I adore antique pie servers.

Just looks at the cutout work.

This pie server says WM A Rogers A1 Plus

Handle to pie server below.

Is this a pie server?

A couple of old knives

Look at the detail of this little butter knife.
Says, Tudor Platt Oneida

I just love this little knive.

Just look at the detail!

The handle is twisted.

Says, "WM Rogers and Son AA"

What is this? Does anyone know?

I thought maybe it was some kind of a corer.

I have never considered myself a collector.

I believe that has just changed.

I am so in awe of this antique silverware.

If you happen to know anything about these

pieces I hope you'll tell me about them.

Welcome to Foodie Friday.

Make sure to stop by Gollum's

beautiful blog for more information.

Do you ever wish you had a

beautiful appetizer to serve your guest.

Well, this one is as yummy as it is beautiful.

Ingredients 1/2 of a 17.3 oz. package Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet)
2 tablespoons butter
4 cups assorted wild mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, oyster and/or button)
1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
2 cups baby arugula leaves, coarsely chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Shaved Parmesan cheese

Directions
1. Thaw the pastry sheet at room temperature for 40 minutes or until it’s easy to handle. Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 3 strips along the fold marks. Cut each strip into 4 rectangles. Put the rectangles 1 inch apart on the prepared sheet.
3. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Remove from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.
4. Split each rectangle into 2 layers. Arrange the pastries, cut-side up on a serving platter.
5. Heat the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and onion andcook for 8 minutes or until golden brown and tender. Stir in the arugula, thyme and black pepper. Cook until the arugula wilts.
6. Divide the mushroom mixture evenly among the rectangles.
Garnish with the cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 24 appetizers.

These are so easy and yummy. Your guest will be impressed.

What on my walls??

I love "What's on your wall Wednesday!

I can't wait to see your walls.

Be sure and stop by Grits and Glamour

for more information.

You're going to love the hostess, Barb!

And her beautiful blog!

Welcome to our home office!

Yes, this is where I blog from.

So, I thought it may be nice to show you this room!

But what minutes!

Count them by sensation,

and not by calendars,

and each moment is a day.

~Benjamin Disraeli

Larry & I- photo to art(on canvas)

Soul-mates are people who bring out the best in you.

They are not perfect but are always perfect for you.

~Author Unknown

A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.
~Eudora Welty
Pictures of us at The Biltmore (Ashville) and
Magnolia Plantation(Charleston, Sc)

Larry & I( A church photo)
Love is a flower which turns into fruit at marriage.

~Finnish Proverb

Thanks for visiting our home.

And checking out what's on our walls.

I am off to work.

Have a beautiful day!

Love is like a butterfly: It goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes.

You can chase a butterfly all over

the field and never catch it.

But if you sit quietly in the grass

it will come and sit on your shoulder.

Author Unknown

Love is like a butterfly, it goes where it pleases

and it pleases wherever it goes.

Love is like a butterfly,

hold it too tight, it'll crush.

Hold it too loose, it'll fly.

Author Unknown
(Yes, these are my pictures from last summer)

How to Make a Butterfly Garden
To bring in the widest variety of butterflies you’ll need to plant a wide variety of flowers. That’s because different butterflies have preferences for different nectars.

For best results, try these tips:
* Plant a mix of cultivated and wild flowers.
* Plant flowers in groups to make it easier for the butterflies to see species they like.
* Stagger flowers species so there are blooms throughout the entire season. As one species of flower dies another has taken its place.

There are many species of flowers that are attractive to butterflies including: Aster, Black-eyed Susan, Butterfly Weed, Daylilies, Goldenrod, Hibiscus, Lavender, Lilac, Marigold and many more.

Other Ways to Attract Butterflies:
Butterflies use flowers for food so naturally they are attracted to gardens. Other things that attract butterflies are:
* Open areas in the yard so butterflies can sun themselves.
* Shaded areas for them to hide or cool off if it’s extra hot.
* Baths – Butterflies like puddles of water lower to the ground.
* They like overripe fruit sitting out on the ground.

Additional Tips to attract Butterflies:
* In order to support the full butterfly lifecycle you’ll need to also plant flowers that are good host for caterpillars. There are a variety of caterpillar food sources. This depends upon the butterfly species and can include: milkweed, thistles, hawthorn, and many more.
* Use colorful plants – butterflies see more colors than humans do and seem to prefer red, orange, yellow, purple and dark pink.
* Pesticides kill butterflies and caterpillars. Solution: plant flowers that naturally repel pest such as mint, marigolds, and petunias.

My Music Monday

My new friend Teresa at The Eclectic Pink Rose

has decided to host My Music Monday's.

Please stop by and visit her adorable blog.

You'll be glad you did.

She is such a sweetheart.

I am very excited about this.

I love music from all decades.

Of course being a child of the 70's

It is some of my favorite music.

I grew up with a parents

and sisters that loved music.

We all love to dance.

I could not image life without music.

It's funny I had just updated my music player on my blog.

I had chosen to have all music from a very special lady:
Linda Ronstadt

So, I thought that I would just go with my orginal choice.

Born July 1947 in Tucson Arizona, Linda Ronstadt's childhood was obviously filled with music. Leaving home after high school she moved to LA and started playing with a small music combo called The Stone Poneys. Achieving some success on the LA folk music circuit, they managed to deliver one chart hit - Different Drum - a song synonymous with the anti-war movement of the time.
Shortly after this in 1968 the Stone Poneys split and Linda began her solo career, which for the first few years was slow. It was during the 70s that her career spiralled when she joined with Peter Asher who produced several multi platinum selling albums for her - making Linda the first real female rock superstar and earning her the title of top selling artist of the decade. These albums, although pretty formulaic with their country rock/pop sound, contain classic renditions of classic songs and along with The Beach Boys and The Eagles became the sound of California in the 70s.

I hope you enjoy her music as much as I do!

A truly romantic city!

Welcome to Outdoor Wednesday Hostessed by Susan at "A Southerndaydreamer".

Make sure to stop by her beautiful blog. You'll be glad you did!

I have to get to work.

I am going to let these pictures

speak for themselves.

I hope you enjoy!

It's one of our favorite cities.

I truly think I must have been

a "Southern Belle" in a previous lifetime. LOL

If you have never been to Savannah I think you

you should consider going. It is truly magical!

Yes, It runs in the family!

My niece's daughter!
She has good teachers!

A true friend reaches for your hand
and touches your heart.
~Author Unknown~

Spring blizzard in our part of the country!

Looking out the window after the blizzard let up!

My dh trying to clean up the snow on the driveway.

The snow is winding down, however, travel is still not advised across much of southern South Dakota. I-90 remains closed from Sioux Falls west to Wall. Light snow will continue through the morning with gusty northwest wind from 25-40 causing blowing and drifting in rural areas. Yes, we live in rural Iowa. The blizzard has quited down. And we actually have sun. Hopefully this is the last snow for this spring. Maybe next week I'll be able to get outside and start doing our spring clean-up in the yard.

I know I'm hooked on hoses!

I started looking around for hose holders.

I couldn't believe what a selection I found.I really need some of these to keep

the hose out of my flowerbeds.

This is so pretty for attaching

to the house or garage.

And look at this on to hold

your hose out in the garden.

I love that this looks

just like a flower pot.
I have been thinking about
getting a coiled hose.
And look at this beautiful
hose holder.

Who could resist a hose holder

that looks like wicker?

These can be found at Plow & Hearth

Pretty in Pink!

Please stop by Beverly's beautiful blog for more information.
I have been wanting to participate in "Pink Saturday " for a long time. I was sitting here thinking. LOL I know that's a lot to ask for! LOL What do I have in pink?? Well, I do think I have the cutest pink around today. Just look at the sweet little girls in pink.

These are my nieces three daughters.

Aren't they sweet!

I love Girlie Girls!

Hopeful Friday!

Cielo at "The House in the Roses"

host "Hopeful Fridays".

It is very inspiring.

Please stop by and check out her beautiful blog.

There are links to more inspiration posts.

"Seek the wisdom of the ages,

but look at the world through the eyes of a child."

(These are my nieces sweet girls)

Carmel-filled Chocolate Cookies

Make sure to stop by Gollum's blog for lots of great tablescape ideas and recipes.

There will also be links to more wonderful Food Friday Post.

These cookies are so.. yummy! You should really try them!! INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 cups flour All Purpose or Unbleached Flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup margarine or butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
1cup chopped pecans
48 Rolo Chewy Caramels in Milk Chocolate, unwrapped (from 13-oz. pkg.)
1 tablespoon sugar
4 oz. vanilla-flavored candy coating, if desired
DIRECTIONS:
1.In medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa and baking soda; mix well.
2.In large bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, brown sugar and margarine; beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; beat well. Add flour mixture; blend well. Stir in 1/2 cup of the pecans. If necessary, cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 30 minutes for easier handling.
3.Heat oven to 375°F. For each cookie, with floured hands, shape about 1 tablespoon dough around 1 caramel candy, covering completely.
4.In small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup pecans and 1 tablespoon sugar. Press one side of each ball into pecan mixture. Place, nut side up, 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
5.Bake at 375°F. for 7 to 10 minutes or until set and slightly cracked. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes or until completely cooled.
6.Melt candy coating in small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Drizzle over cookies.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft) Increase flour to 2 3/4 cups. Bake as directed above

Tell me about your garden style!

Tropical Garden

Who wouldn't love a tropical garden?

I wish!!

Main features include plants with very large leaves, vegetation that builds in height towards the back of the garden, creating a dense garden. Large plants and small trees hang over the garden, leaving sunlight to hit the ground directly.
Desert Garden
Even a décor of rocks and stones can be jazzed up by bringing in boulders of different shapes, color and sizes. Don’t forget to mix them up with native desert planting for a softer look.Desert GardenThe key to a successful desert garden is to select planting that is adapted to the local growing conditions, even flowers. Use a variety of plants to add texture to create your scheme, keeping the taller ones towards the back.A Room With A ViewWhen designing your outdoor space, keep in mind how the backyard will look from inside your home. The view can inspire you and your guests to step out and enjoy its beautiful setting.

Our dear sweet friend Linda/mom at RMS has the prettiest desert landscaping I've ever seen.

Japanese Garden

A Japanese-inspired garden requires components that maintain the design. They combine with the elemental building blocks and represent the Universe. They also guide visitors through the garden. These design elements should tie in with each other.
Boundaries: gated wooden fences composed of bamboo or cedar, along with brick or stone walls;
Walkways and paths: gravel, flat stones and flat stones set on a bed of sand or concrete;
Bridges: stepping stones are appropriate for crossing small streams, while bridges built of wood, or stone and wood harmonize with larger stretches of water;
Buildings: pavilions and tea houses proportioned and constructed for the garden's size; and
Ornaments: basin stones and wells, sculptures, stone lanterns and benches should all have a function as well as enhance the garden .

Formal Garden

Formal gardens are the opposite style as cottage gardens. They have a well defined structure.of uniform, symmetrical plantings. They take their inspiration from geometrical shapes. The lines of a formal garden are usually straight or angular. The lines lead your eye to the focal point in the landscape, whether that be a front door, a piece of sculpture or a framed view. Mirroring symmetry is also important in a formal garden. This may take the form of two identical borders flanking a patio or two matching pots on either side of the entrance.


Formality in a garden can give a feeling of peace and order, emphasising the architecture of your house. Hedges such as Boxwood, can give definition to the design, displaying the structure of the garden and accentuating feature trees, carefully placed for maximum effect.Pots and garden ornaments can make a strong architectural statement.

Formal garden

Create Cohesion & Balance
Repeat plant shapes and colors throughout your yard for an organized look. Here, concrete finials used as decorative accents repeat the shape and color of Annabelle hydrangea blooms. And the low boxwood hedge mimics the shape of the brick path surrounding the lawn.

Cottage Garden

"Keep your cottage garden small, and most of all, fun." This planter is a fun element to add to a cottage garden. Notice how colorful and relaxed it is.

Cottage gardens bubble in cheerful tangles of flowers that form a kaleidoscope of hue and texture."Cottage garden style is relaxed, colorful, and fun" Our own dear sweet friend "Tootsie" has the perfect example of a cottage garden.

Check out her beautiful garden.

Country Garden Style

New flowerbeds and twig structures blend in with the 1800s farmhouse and original outbuildings on the property for a seamless mix of old and new. Here, Virginia creeper frames a composition of vintage accessories and potted plants displayed on one side of the garage -- creatively transforming everyday objects into art.

Country Garden Style I was enchanted by the antique goat cart that doubles as an eye-catching centerpiece and a unique planter for 'Red Wave' petunias and yellow African daisies. Next to the cart, lysimachia adds brilliant color behind a weathered iron fence.

Country Garden Style

I love how the homeowners updated the curbside view by replacing lackluster foundation shrubs with an abundance of perennials, annuals, and bulbs. Pink phlox and purple veronica are accented by yellow and white snapdragons and purple petunias to create a vibrant, cheerful color scheme, and a white picket fence adds instant charm.
(Some of the Inform & Pictures from Better Homes & Gardens)

Take the Better Homes and Quiz

(click here)

Here the results of mine:

Formal Style:It sounds to us like

you lean toward formal style,

with symmetrical plantings,

clipped hedges, and a prim look.

Formal gardens often feature classical accents,

such as sundials, urns, and pillars.

If you're up for it,

feel free to go wild with topiary, too

-- it fits well in most formal gardens.

It couldn't be truer.

" I love all garden styles".

But, formal is what touches my heart the most!

You know how many topiary & urns I have.

I do lean a little toward the Country Garden.

Sharon & Kristi go to Costa Rica!

This is my sister Sharon.

She teaches nursing and she is a mid-wife.

This is my niece Kristi.

She is attending college.

If you are a follower of my blog

you may remember her modeling pictures.

Doesn't Kristi looks like she's having a great time.


You know they were having fun!

Now, your have meant all three
of my sister within the
last couple of weeks.
I feel blessed to have 3 wonderful sisters.
What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it?

A walk in the park??

Since my blog is mainly about the great outdoors I wanted to participate in Susan's Ourdoor Wednesday. Please stop my her beautiful blog for links to more Outdoor Spaces. I am sure you will be glad you did. http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

My dear sweet friend Chrissy from The Apothacary Shop writes:
Morning sunshine!!! O.k.now.... I got a rosemary plant?! So what do I do with it, water,feed, read to it,take it to the park??? I need your help....I am going to post it later, silly I know but I love it and I don;t want to kill it!!!!! I am trusting you with my first born rosemary Terrie....presure is on!!!! xoxoxoxoxo

Well, Chrissy you have chosen a plant that is.. very easy to grow. You're going to love it! Rosemary has always held more importance than most of the other herbs, put together. The name of the herb is derived from the Latin words ros and maris meaning “spray from the sea”. In ancient Greece and Rome rosemary was believed to strengthen the memory, which accounts for its being known as the herb of remembrance and fidelity.
Rosemary was an herb that followed you from cradle to grave. A sprig of rosemary was used to stir cups at christenings, while during the courting season its wood was made into lutes for lovers' madrigals, it was often placed in a bride's bouquet or worn at funerals, and those taking examinations would twine rosemary into their hair or massage rosemary oil into the forehead and temples. This herb has always been a symbol of friendship and one might find a fresh little sprig tucked into a letter from a kindred soul.
Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub in zones 8 through 10 with spiky, evergreen leaves which are dark and glossy on the upper side and gray-green and downy underneath. The small, blue nettle-shaped flowers appear in May to June and are a great attraction to bees. The shrub will grow to four to five feet and a few bushes planted together will make a compact, fragrant hedge.
Planning
Rosemary should be grown in full sun. It will tolerate soil that is somewhat dry, rocky and poor, but the soil should have good drainage. Rosemary enjoys a slightly alkaline soil, so add a handful of lime when planting if your soil pH is base.
Keeping rosemary pot-bound not only adds to the strength of its fragrance, but is said to encourage flowering as well. Rosemary requires a sheltered spot in which to grow - a south or west-facing wall is ideal - and light well-drained soil.
Preparation
Rosemary is rarely grown from seed. It is easier to simply buy a small plant at a nursery or get a friend to layer some for you. You can also root a soft stem cutting in wet sand. Seeds are difficult to germinate as well as very slow to grow and the best way to propagate rosemary is either by cuttings or from layering. A new plant can easily be produced from an old by firmly pegging down a small branch into the soil with a piece of wire or twig until the roots are established and then removing it carefully from the parent plant.
In warmer zones you can grow rosemary right in the ground and produce a marvelous hedge of rather large proportions. In borderline climates you may want to consider heavily mulching your rosemary if you hope to overwinter the plants and keep them as perrenials. For colder climates the best way to grow rosemary is in containers, bringing them outside in the spring and returning them indoors in the fall.
Care
Rosemary is very easy to care for. Well-drained soil is essential, to prevent root rot. Once established, rosemary needs very little water so be sure to allow the soil to dry between waterings. Feed once a month during the growing season with a diluted, all purpose fertilizer, and if needed prune lightly for shape. Rosemary can be used for topiary.
Harvesting
Fresh rosemary as well as dried rosemary are wonderful additions to any number of culinary dishes. Harvest rosemary on an as-needed basis.
Enjoy your new plant my dear sweet friend!

Cooking with Rosemary

Since a few of my blog friends seem interested in growing Rosemary. I thought it would be fun to explain to to cook with it.
Store fresh rosemary in a plastic bag or in a glass of water in the refrigerator. To dry your own rosemary, hang fresh sprigs in a warm, dry place. Be sure to strip the leaves from the stems, discarding the stems, before storing. This is easily done after the sprigs are dry by putting them in a plastic bag and rubbing them off the stem. Store in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place, away from light, to preserve freshness and flavor.

Dried rosemary leaves should be either wrapped in cheesecloth to be removed later or crushed with a mortar and pestle before adding to any recipe as the leaves can be sharp in the mouth when left whole.

Rosemary is essential for roasted meat of fish, but also ideal when grilling, baking in parcels or inside a crust of salt. Just rosemary with salt and pepper is enough, nevertheless finely chopped together with parsley, sage or thyme is an ingredient in innumerable stuffing or marinade mixes.

Rosemary baked potatoes
2 lb baking potatoes,

washed2-3 rosemary sprigs, leaves only

½ cup olive oil

Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cut potatoes into equal size wedges

and lay them in a baking tray.

Season with salt, pepper

and the fresh rosemary leaves.

Drizzle with the oil and shake

the tray to help spreading it.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Rub your steaks with fresh, chopped rosemary leaves. You will achieve an effect very much like that of a steak au poivre, but you will not need any other seasoning than the rosemary leaves.
Sprinkle finely chopped rosemary on grilled bacon or ham.
Mix finely chopped rosemary and marjoram with breadcrumbs before using them to bread chicken tenders or your favorite cutlets.

It can be combined with olive oil in sautéing eggplant, tomatoes or zuccini. Fresh can be used but remove the leaves before serving. Rosemary is great for barbeques. The bigger stems ban be used as skewers, the smaller ones thrown onto the coals to produce a mouth watering aroma. But remove the leaves first as you don't want to overdo it!

Try combining finely chopped rosemary, salt, pepper and flour as a rub for roasting small chickens or game fowls. There's no end to how you can use rosemary.