tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46663017103747029112024-03-12T16:20:25.258-07:00Our Ever-Changing LandscapeAnastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-30103959633969335602017-04-12T06:39:00.001-07:002017-04-12T06:39:19.100-07:00Fierce Romance: Guest Interview: Cynthia Owens<a href="http://fierceromance.blogspot.ca/2017/04/guest-interview-cynthia-owens.html">Fierce Romance: Guest Interview: Cynthia Owens</a>Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-29882956398630550432015-02-22T17:48:00.001-08:002015-02-22T17:48:32.788-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Our Ever-Changing Landscape </i>is changing locations! I hope that you will come visit me at my new webpage: http://anastasiaabboud.weebly.com/our-ever-changing-landscape<br />
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A lot of gardening is going on! I hope that, like me, everyone can look forward to a happy Springtime of planting.Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-89871667417192566072014-12-01T05:57:00.003-08:002014-12-01T05:57:13.775-08:00Sowing Seeds on Top of my Head <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope that everyone enjoyed a wonderful and bountiful Thanksgiving. <br />
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I'm not sure that "bounty" is a relative term, but it can certainly seem so in the eyes of the beholder. And what we behold often -- usually(?) -- depends upon our state of mind. Can you recall a time that you were not as thankful as you should be? How about distinctly ungrateful and graceless?<br />
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I wish I could say that I've spent the better part of a year struggling with a bad habit. I've spent an entire year doing so! It's the habit of "whys and what-ifs". For me, the problem with this habit is that I do not find it entirely without merit. I happen to agree with Plato. "An unexamined life is not worth living." <br />
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So, we moved. A somewhat radical change of lifestyle does give cause to pause, especially if done swiftly and suddenly. If you're an avid (obsessed) gardener, it's not necessarily fun to move from a generous, park-like setting to a postage stamp lot. That's to say nothing of the difference in houses, not that the new house is entirely without its own charms. But the what-ifs were fierce and plenty: what if we had waited until we had found something more suitable, what if we had selected a different property from the options available, and what if we don't stay? Why did we choose this property knowing its limitations and our preferences and the great gulf in between?<br />
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I think it's okay to analyze questionable decisions. But to never be satisfied with the answers, especially if they are reasonable ones and especially when we have so much to be glad and grateful for, is surely the sign of a restless, ungrateful soul. That is not what I expect or accept of myself.<br />
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The uncertainty and constant questioning certainly put a different spin on my gardening. Why improve a basically acceptable outdoor space if we are not going to keep it for a good length of time? How much time, money, and heart should we invest in the landscape?<br />
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Yet I cannot <i><b>not</b></i> garden. It is part of who I am. I love the outdoors, I love flowers and, if I am honest, I really do appreciate our new space for what it is. But until very recently, I wasn't sure I could ever embrace it as my own. <br />
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What's a gardener to do? I decided early on that I would not lavish lots of money on this garden. We would make basic, necessary improvements, I would treat myself to some favorite roses, and for the rest, I would mostly sow seeds. There's been very little seed-sowing in my gardening life. Why not sow seeds, I asked myself (acerbically)? I should be able to keep an eye on them; I can see almost the entire back yard from the kitchen door. <br />
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I did not realize, in my dejectedness, that I was beginning to experiment and learn in my new, little garden just as I had experimented and learned in my big one. I ignored the voice reminding me that all gardens and our very lives are ephemeral and that we should make the most of our time and every situation. I brushed aside every zen-like thought I'd ever had, every Christian admonition to be joyful and grateful, and, boy, oh, boy, did I sweat the small stuff! It's funny, what the brain will allow.<br />
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This time last year, we hardly celebrated the holidays even though we were surrounded by loved ones, we were all in good health, and we could look out our windows and enjoy a parade of golfers in their struggles and victories. We did not decorate. Not only were we tired from our move, we were having improvements made upon a house we were already rejecting. The golf course took on a brown hue.<br />
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I tried to write a few optimistic posts during the year, but I think we all suspected that I was still trying to convince myself. I really didn't feel much like writing even though there was a lot I could write about. I like to believe that most of us struggle with control issues every once in a while; it lessens my embarrassment at least a little.<br />
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After a full year with this house and garden, I am only just beginning to sincerely lighten up. Where did my sense of adventure go, my sense of humor, my sense of balance, my sense in general? What happened to my joy in the challenge? It's just a house, after all, and a nice house with a pleasant garden at that! I don't know how many days or years I will have with this garden any more than I know the number of my days on this earth. I would welcome plenty of both. But I do understand that right now is the only time I can be sure of. I've always known that it's not all up to me and I thank God for that. These recollections have finally washed through me. I feel cleaner and lighter of spirit and can laugh at my own silliness.<br />
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I hope you are okay with this flat-out confession! It does show signs of growth, doesn't it? Much like those seedlings that now line my beds. . . . <br />
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I haven't told you about the squirrels, the "yard guys", the hilarity of the golfers, of our oak tree fiasco. But I will! I'm back.<br />
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It's time to have fun. Happy Holidays!Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-16028340271890998752014-10-09T14:55:00.000-07:002014-10-09T14:55:25.632-07:00Creating and Awaiting Opportunities: Timing Counts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isn't Autumn wonderful? Here in the Houston, Texas area, as in many other warmer climes, it is not the harbinger of cold, dark days. On the contrary, Fall is the herald of gentler, kinder weather, a time when heat and vicious insects are less intense.<br />
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We've been preparing for our fall garden. My new planters box is finally filled with a rich mix of garden soil. <br />
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We've also improved some of the existing beds, enlarging them and adding more soil. We will probably add more soil to different areas of the garden. We noticed that the beds we ignored suddenly appear lacking in comparison with those that have been tended to. That's a life lesson, isn't it? Fortunately, it's not too late (which is also true in life more often than we think). We still have time. It is yet awfully warm for planting or sowing seeds for cool weather plants, especially herbs and vegetables. <br />
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A few before (top two) and afters of one particular area:<br />
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They aren't the best comparison photos; I realize that. But I think they are sufficient to show that the beds are less skimpy, that the planting space is improved.<br />
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Some cool weather plants, like Swiss chard and radishes, will grudgingly accept warmer, though usually not hot, conditions. But some seeds, such as lettuce, might not even germinate if the soil is even just a little bit too warm. So I think I will give it another week or two in hopes that the temperatures improve for both the garden and the gardener! In the meantime, we'll probably order that extra soil and draw up new plans for a little hardscaping. There's never a dull moment in our ever-changing landscape.<br />
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Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-43308601824700153102014-08-29T11:16:00.000-07:002014-08-29T11:34:24.985-07:00A Short Vacation Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love the mountains. My husband loves the coast. But we both love nature and outdoor recreation, so any vacation that affords us rest and relaxation in the great outdoors is usually fine with both of us. We just returned from a trip to the Florida Keys. Alpine dreamer or no, I must admit that seeing avocado and mango orchards, coconut groves, sea grapes, and a variety of fragrant, flowering trees warmed this gardener's heart. </div>
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I didn't take nearly as many photos as I should have/could have/might have. We were just too busy snorkeling and fishing and were hardly ever on dry land during the day. But I have returned from vacation with a renewed energy and interest in my garden. I also have a new appreciation for its diminutive size; it affords us more time to enjoy other activities as well. </div>
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I love gardening and gardens, but I am finding, to my surprise, that a small garden is plenty enough to make me happy. I am sure that not everyone feels the same way. In fact, I can well understand the opposite, that some would prefer to spend to spend most of their time working and playing in their own gardens. But it is not a bad thing to understand our limitations, whatever they might be, and simplicity can be splendid. </div>
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<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-29538490545700031032014-08-15T09:09:00.000-07:002014-08-15T09:09:10.000-07:00My New Planter Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm so excited! Finally, a raised vegetable bed! My back is already celebrating! I have realized that that it's north/south configuration isn't ideal. I don't know what I was thinking -- even my last patch was east/west, which would have been the preferred option had it been available to me. But I'm not worried. It's so very hot here and a four or five hours of sun will likely go a long way. I will try to plant strategically. </div>
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Now that my "patch" is so convenient, I am eager to make it as productive as I possibly can. I've been reading everything I can about intensive gardening. I was glad to discover an excellent article by Linda A. Gilkeson on the Mother Earth News website, comparing Mel Bartholomew's square-foot gardening and John Jeavons' biointensive method.</div>
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<a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/intensive-gardening-zm0z14fmzsto.aspx#axzz3A3I43nk2">http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/intensive-gardening-zm0z14fmzsto.aspx#axzz3A3I43nk2</a></div>
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Gilkeson recommends "customizing" one's intensive gardening system. The best approach is to employ common sense, of course, blending the two methods as necessary for what works best for the gardener and space. Certainly that goes for gardening of any kind.</div>
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My concern for now is soil quality. We are going to have a few yards of soil delivered to spread in the box and certain, needy areas of the garden proper. It will be a vegetable garden mix and of course I should be able to see, smell, and feel the quality and texture But while I would rather not take a soil test, I am worried about nutrients. I have only just started composting again and have nothing "homemade" to contribute at this time. Should I buy ladybugs? Can I purchase earthworms? </div>
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I will probably follow Jeavons' approach and use the soil I (will) have, as is, amending it over time. As for the good bugs, I think I will hang onto the hope that they will find their way to the patch one way or another. </div>
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If anyone has recommendations or suggestions, please, I'm begging you, speak up! </div>
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As for flowers, we don't have too many right now in the garden. We have a long way to go as for as our ornamental beds are concerned. That's not a complaint, by the way. I love the challenge. I have not yet planted many stalwart and fairly ferocious perennials. Most of our plants seem to be resting for now, as is the gardener!</div>
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We do have some lovely purslane. We enjoy it in both salads and the garden.</div>
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Happy Gardening!Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-87828053857421207702014-08-08T22:28:00.005-07:002014-08-08T22:28:56.880-07:00Small Being a Relative Matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was my vegetable patch at my old house. It was pretty pitiful, considering the space I had. It was too wide, up against the property line, right next to an open field. Weeds were a nightmare! But there was no way I would abandon it. It had been created by a loved one as a surprise for me. The grass and weeds had been painstakingly removed, the soil turned, and various edging materials placed. I was happy that it ran North-South and that a pecan tree shaded it from the worst of the afternoon sun. It was more than my husband or I had managed and it was more than enough space given my time constraints. I had a lot of ornamental beds and an orchard to consider! But I while I loved my little patch, I never particularly liked it. </div>
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In my new garden, I have very little room for a veggie-specific bed. The only space that seems somewhat promising is the very narrow strip between our house and the fence. I've been debating for quite some time as to what I might do with that area. The windows are those of our kitchen/breakfast area and I wasn't sure if I wanted to look out and see flowers and more flowers or a raised vegetable bed.</div>
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Another issue is privacy. At first I thought that I just had to have tall ornamentals to at least conceal a part of our backyard from passersby. But I think a nice, fairly tall cedar box and, hopefully, some healthy vegetables will suffice. <br />
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I 'm looking forward to my new little vegetable patch! I've always wanted a raised vegetable bed filled with rich, wonderful soil. The configuration will again be north-south and now the plants will be protected from the elements. It should be eighteen feet long and two feet wide, which I think will be enough for a nice, cool season salad crop. I was reading about raised beds and one writer referred to a "small, raised garden of 250 square feet". I started laughing. Clearly, "small" is in the eyes of the beholder. What would that writer call my thirty-six square feet?<br />
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If you're wondering if I mind, considering the space I used to have, I don't blame you. As for my future vegetable patch, I can honestly say that I'm feeling very optimistic. I will be able to gaze outside my kitchen window and watch my edible garden grow, which I've never been able to do in any house we've lived in. I'm happy that it's going to be a raised bed in a protected area. Since I'm not very experienced at growing a food crop and life has gotten rather busy, I have hopes that my little vegetable garden will be just right for me!Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-21226368964813033752014-07-28T22:18:00.002-07:002014-07-28T22:18:41.210-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last summer:</div>
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This summer:<br />
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The top photo is a view from our old side yard (the North Garden) as it stretched towards the back orchard and field. The second photo is from the back porch of our new house. I have not taken measurements, but I believe that our new backyard might be no larger than the front flower beds of our previous home. It is a startling and, at times, shocking change, but since it's almost August and a zillion degrees out there, I have absolutely nothing to complain about. My gardening activity is always at a minimum in August, whatever the size of the garden. </div>
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The move honestly felt like a mixed blessing at first. I was absolutely thrilled to be closer to those I hold dear, but the house and garden did not seem to be a good choice or fit for us. Now that two thirds of a year have passed, I no longer have mixed emotions. It's all good. My life has changed, my garden has changed, and so my gardening has naturally changed. These days, I have much less time to dig than I used to and my tiny, new garden perfectly suits my new agenda. Where I used to spend lots of time moving plants around and experimenting, I now focus on a few of my very favorite things. </div>
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Of course, I had to decide just what those might be. The short list: a prayer garden, antique roses, herbs, a lemon tree, a sweet bay tree, native flowers, a gardenia, and a vegetable patch.</div>
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The first thing we added was a prayer or Mary garden. I was able to incorporate both roses and herbs and will continue to add and amend as time passes.</div>
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We have yet to decide if we want one bench or two and whether we want them to be concrete without backs or wooden with backs. On either side of the statue we planted climbing roses, Sombreuil, and created two beds for Marie Pavie and her sister, Marie Daly. These are all hardy, fragrant, old garden roses and amongst my favorites. I don't mind that a neighbor's oak tree shades the statue. If it wasn't there, I would have planted a tree in that corner myself. The only thing that I must get used to is the occasional sound of golfers enjoying themselves beyond my garden while I'm praying or meditating. </div>
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I've been reading about monastery gardens and culinary or kitchen gardens. If I only had one bed in which to plant, it would have to be for herbs. I have several basils, tarragon, parsley, purslane, a good variety of thyme, mints, lemon balm, lemon grass, three different oreganos, rosemary, and sage. We have a bay tree, too, a gift from a loved one when she learned I was in mourning for the one I left behind.</div>
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I am excited about my little garden. I will share many of our challenges and all of our garden in future posts. Although I might wish to have room for a few more fruit trees, we really don't mind its diminutive size. My husband used to mow and edge four acres every week or two all summer. Now, he doesn't own a lawnmower. While we miss having a pecan grove for our front yard, we don't miss maintaining it and our view is actually pretty open in front. As for the back, it's an improvement on many counts. I'm pretty sure that my husband would say that the best part is that it's nice, vast, and he doesn't have to maintain it himself. The back view rather reminds me of favorite book illustrations from childhood, the ones that featured a green expanse (usually a hill), a town, and a train far off in the distance. That's what I see when I look past my backyard -- the golf course being the green, slightly hilly expanse, homes comfortably situated around it, and the train out there far away but still within sight. It's pleasant, it's comfortable, and so far, uncommonly simple. </div>
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What I wouldn't change at all, not one tiny bit, are our nephews showing up at our back door unexpectedly, my brother and his kids stopping by on their way to the grocery store, coffee with my sisters-in-law, weekend breakfasts with our children, and our granddaughter toddling through the front door as fast as her little legs can carry her. Such precious flowers as these can be nurtured, appreciated, enjoyed -- the more, the better. But they cannot be replaced. </div>
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I'll be back soon. I have a lot to show, tell, and ask!</div>
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Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-70619570139457217602014-01-28T12:58:00.000-08:002014-01-28T12:58:07.642-08:00This Time We REALLY Did It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Move? But we just agreed that we love this and want to stay! We just planted all of those crape myrtles! I haven't divided all of the lilies yet! I have no rose cuttings! Are you serious?"</div>
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I looked at my husband and I saw that he was. More than that, he was tired. Between his business, a large extended family, a full social life (blessings, all) and a four-acre lot to maintain according to somewhat stringent deed restrictions, he was drained. If I were honest, I was, too. I knew that we were not giving anyone or anything the attention they deserved and that we were missing much. We are not getting any younger. Once thoroughly considered, the idea of living closer to family and friends became a tantalizing one. While the moving process was exhausting and perhaps we made some hasty decisions, I am convinced that it's all for the best. <br />
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Once we sold our house, we did not want to keep our belongings in storage until Spring; we determined to choose a house from whatever was available and came closest to meeting our requirements at the time. My husband was moving his office, too. Everything happened quickly and all at once. It is the settling down and adjusting that has taken some time. <br />
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Moving from four acres in a quiet, rural subdivision to a house on a golf course, zero lot-line, has been an adventure we will not forget any time soon. But I am not here to talk about life in the fast lane. I am here to talk about my garden, our drastically ever-changing landscape. <br />
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I do not have access to all of my photos at present, unfortunately. < I am not at all sure I like external hard drives at this moment.> To compare the front and back yards in the same season isn't possible today and to use what photos I have access to really is terribly unfair to the new property. For now, I shall limit myself to a short, one-paragraph comparison. <br />
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Between the properties, there are two major differences that will affect my gardening. One, of course, is that the old garden was expansive in all directions and the new garden is tiny in all directions. The other is the configuration of the house. Our former house was situated east/west while our new one is north/south. All of this means that I will have to be very choosy about what to plant, whatever I plant will have more protection from the elements, and suddenly I have a tall, north-facing wall and very little "full sun". A difference that will affect my garden, if not my gardening style, is the fact that I will have much less control of what surrounds my plantings (neighbor's yards). It will be an entirely different gardening situation and I admit that I'm looking forward to the challenge. I've already decided what plants must go to make way for plants I want. There is so much to do!<br />
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But not today. We have an unusual day of snow and sleet. Yesterday, the temps were in the 60's and they will return to them later this week. I hope that you are all warm and well and that 2014 has been good to you so far.<br />
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Oh! There is one rather amusing difference! We are now the caretakers of three very tall, hardy palms. They sound lovely in the wind.<br />
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I'll be back soon!<br />
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Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-33335631018748217802013-10-09T10:09:00.000-07:002013-10-09T10:09:48.068-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-13699002232199953072013-09-25T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-25T00:00:10.493-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Batty (bat-faced cuphea)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-78047874384848001062013-09-20T15:46:00.003-07:002013-09-20T15:46:38.603-07:00Reason to Blush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know how many gardeners -- what percentage -- are like me. I don't like cutting flowers for display indoors. I love bouquets, but I always feel I am cheating the garden out of what rightly belongs to it. A good friend of ours, florist and gifted gardener, protested my silliness. "But you should cut them! It's good for them; they'll produce more and everyone will be happy! Enjoy them!" I know he's right, but I still have a hard time forcing myself to do it. </div>
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I don't, however, have any such qualms about picking fruit or vegetables from the garden for our benefit. So what if a plant I grow for its blooms also produces fruit? One of my favorite roses, Old Blush, produces large hips if left on its own. I've always been interested in making rose hip jelly, but I am basically too greedy for blooms to give hips a chance to grow. Knowing that the more I prune, the more flowers this nearly ever-blooming shrub will produce, I remove spent blooms as often as I can.</div>
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The flowers, while not the spectacular bourbons I favor, are pretty, abundant, and have a light, sweet fragrance. </div>
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Pretty, ever-blooming flowers, sweet fragrance, healthy foliage -- what more could one ask of a flower? But that's not all Old Blush is good for. It's a fairly large, dense shrub, growing up to six feet, sturdy, disease-resistant, and makes a fine hedge. It is also very easily propagated. The first photo, in fact, grew from one of my own cuttings. Which brings me to my point: having two large, healthy specimans, I decided to finally try and let the hips grow. They really are so pretty. I won't pick them until they're nice and rosy (ha -- wish I could say that the perfect pun was intended). Yes, I want rosy rose hips!<br />
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High in vitamin C, they are good for us. I think I should have enough for two six-ounce jars of jelly and a little left over for tea. I'm not sure, though. I'll be happy with one jar if that's all I have hips for. Either way, I'll save some for tea and I might just take some more cuttings. A healthy hedge that both flowers and feeds us as well as provide habitat is my kind of hedge. Old Blush has a lot to be proud of.<br />
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Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-3613881708198951692013-09-18T09:33:00.000-07:002013-09-18T09:33:06.134-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-64612837773803571932013-09-11T11:51:00.004-07:002013-09-11T11:51:47.299-07:00Wordless Wednesday: American Beautyberry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-7773524190362409102013-09-09T14:20:00.004-07:002013-09-09T14:23:17.331-07:00Turk's Cap: For the Birds?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love Turk's Cap, <em>malvaviscus drummondii. </em>A member of the mallow family, its range stretches from Mexico through Texas, to Florida, Cuba, and beyond. I am glad that it's conveniently native to Texas, a tough, drought-tolerant plant that was named a Texas Superstar back in 2011. The flowers are beloved by both hummingbirds and butterflies, and it also proffers small, red fruits that birds enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Turk's Cap can take most any soil, is heat resistant, and while it prefers some shade, can also thrive in the Texas sun. Nevertheless, I've had a hard time growing it. Only recently, in the last year or so, a plant actually thrived, then another, and now the birds have planted a few for me. Their attempts have been more successful than mine; these photos are of a bird-sown specimen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In our area, it dies back in winter, to return usually stronger each spring. </span> <span style="font-size: large;">I've read that the flowers and fruits and even the leaves are edible, but I've never personally tried them. It took me so long to get the plants going; I'm not about to eat them! But evidently, the fruits have a faint, apple-like flavor. Perhaps one day, when I'm more confident, I will try a few. I don't think the birds should mind; they have plenty. Share and share alike!</span><br />
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<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-7282750183378734452013-09-09T14:20:00.003-07:002013-09-09T14:20:34.799-07:00Turk's Cap: for the birds?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkD0yxgVD29axdE5wOxsJU_To9GXMVioQUEtRY3Ulj1tqvC96k9AJpN-sMtrBp8jOvNynDvYCz0JD1zinEGObBBIQMX8gGQy2kNw5tNq6gsrLec4OHWVzNWA4jmekAMnl1XehujAXUpg/s1600/8-26-2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkD0yxgVD29axdE5wOxsJU_To9GXMVioQUEtRY3Ulj1tqvC96k9AJpN-sMtrBp8jOvNynDvYCz0JD1zinEGObBBIQMX8gGQy2kNw5tNq6gsrLec4OHWVzNWA4jmekAMnl1XehujAXUpg/s320/8-26-2013+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I love Turk's Cap, <em>malvaviscus drummondii. </em>A member of the mallow family, its range stretches from Mexico through Texas, to Florida, Cuba, and beyond. I am glad that it's conveniently native to Texas, a tough, drought-tolerant plant that was named a Texas Superstar back in 2011. The flowers are beloved by both hummingbirds and butterflies, and it also proffers small, red fruits that birds enjoy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Turk's Cap can take most any soil, is heat resistant, and while it prefers some shade, can also thrive in the Texas sun. Nevertheless, I've had a hard time growing it. Only recently, in the last year or so, a plant actually thrived, then another, and now the birds have planted a few for me. Their attempts have been more successful than mine; these photos are of a bird-sown specimen. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCkjTF7itRfUIUtSX0bDrzXH4aAllnT1jeL_HtAG5xVSTNYi-LWVv2HtkBv8BvVKMVPdcrUDcitcGkxE9-pBOHicLV_PjBETh4IhtWAgx6PZNVGVjA4JmXIuD7soqtenPBDyDEf7AQHw/s1600/8-26-2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCkjTF7itRfUIUtSX0bDrzXH4aAllnT1jeL_HtAG5xVSTNYi-LWVv2HtkBv8BvVKMVPdcrUDcitcGkxE9-pBOHicLV_PjBETh4IhtWAgx6PZNVGVjA4JmXIuD7soqtenPBDyDEf7AQHw/s320/8-26-2013+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In our area, it dies back in winter, to return usually stronger each spring. </span> <span style="font-size: large;">I've read that the flowers and fruits and even the leaves are edible, but I've never personally tried them. It took me so long to get the plants going; I'm not about to eat them! But evidently, the fruits have a faint, apple-like flavor. Perhaps one day, when I'm more confident, I will try a few. I don't think the birds should mind; they have plenty. Share and share alike!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-PpKr3GpXkukxvU_QNwVe-0xYdNlsvj5Q6wopOuZxRH-9jynvbW5mRbZrArUK56IrDza_uZ05VL5eURkfhiayvUxgI1LQcj2zvwX1zfMDaJ6FWTdOoU1hmV0tn8kGp3wQEhybiDwy-8/s1600/8-26-2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-PpKr3GpXkukxvU_QNwVe-0xYdNlsvj5Q6wopOuZxRH-9jynvbW5mRbZrArUK56IrDza_uZ05VL5eURkfhiayvUxgI1LQcj2zvwX1zfMDaJ6FWTdOoU1hmV0tn8kGp3wQEhybiDwy-8/s320/8-26-2013+004.JPG" width="163" /></a></div>
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Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-32351939841699188742013-09-04T09:03:00.001-07:002013-09-04T09:03:56.907-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPugoqWMV2R8XjU2x8hqIfReSiI_bwInCZSZ4pYDl-u7TfZPkjpWBd0SnMKY0H-d5au5PuNUmun_i34BbZvz6iZFCTvUL15V9gk93tX5oScLeuB-q9UVYYdxjURDmZYeKIOlMFf8aD_sk/s1600/9-04-2013+garden+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPugoqWMV2R8XjU2x8hqIfReSiI_bwInCZSZ4pYDl-u7TfZPkjpWBd0SnMKY0H-d5au5PuNUmun_i34BbZvz6iZFCTvUL15V9gk93tX5oScLeuB-q9UVYYdxjURDmZYeKIOlMFf8aD_sk/s320/9-04-2013+garden+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-15823344182568800052013-08-27T17:52:00.000-07:002013-08-27T17:52:15.817-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The sunrise was so lovely this morning. The sun behaved gently; it did not show itself as a sizzling orb before lighting the sky most delicately.</div>
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There's a lot going on in the garden right now, including, at this very moment, buckets and buckets of rain! Whoop whoop yee-haw hooray! The weather has been milder this week, in the low to mid-90's during the day and often cloudy, which makes a difference if you're working in the garden. As September draws near, many plants that go semi-dormant in high summer are preparing to show off once again. The roses are beginning to bloom more vigorously, Mexican bush sage,<em> salvia leucantha,</em> is almost in full bloom, and those few plants I took the time to prune earlier in the summer are coming back strong. Hummingbirds are everywhere and, indeed, bird activity in general is beginning to pick up. I've seen lots of butterflies, too; sometimes I feel I should never walk outside without my camera. </div>
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But I should not give credit only to those plants returning full force with milder weather. What of the plants that have bravely faced the heat day in, day out? One of my favorite annuals is globe amaranth, also known as bachelor's buttons. <em>Gomphrena globosa</em> is from the tropics and <em>gomphrena haageana </em>is a Texas native and there are lots of hybrids between the two. These plants love the heat and butterflies love these plants.</div>
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I learned three things about the globe amaranth today: it is a designated Texas Superstar, it makes a nice tea, and the globes aren't flowers but bracts. I wasn't surprised that it's a Texas Superstar; I was surprised that I was surprised! It's tough, reliable, and maintains its good looks throughout the hottest season of the year. I was a little surprised that the dried globes make a mildly sweet herbal tea that's reputedly good for the skin. I was very surprised that the globes aren't flowers! The flowers are hardly noticeable.</div>
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Can you see the tiny, yellow flowers?<br />
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I have my doubts about its anti-aging effects (although I suppose it's worth a try), but I do know that it's a cheerful addition to the garden, even on a rainy day. I wish all of my plants were looking so perky; I think they will soon enough!<br />
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Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-8351291791191883202013-08-13T08:27:00.000-07:002013-08-13T08:27:16.082-07:00Purple Passion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDIwaYfLjHzFQMAZFCmN3xh-gqxeQEWylRosxx0iDoEi1jWqcHNwyARxmB7jwwtF4NNO8rEIbdcoRP-S-OdEv9521MLXxtitOEhTpkEtBTT46UHDUYzW5rYCOsoxyVu2dEhPfsHR0EYg/s1600/Purple+Passion+Blog+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDIwaYfLjHzFQMAZFCmN3xh-gqxeQEWylRosxx0iDoEi1jWqcHNwyARxmB7jwwtF4NNO8rEIbdcoRP-S-OdEv9521MLXxtitOEhTpkEtBTT46UHDUYzW5rYCOsoxyVu2dEhPfsHR0EYg/s320/Purple+Passion+Blog+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When we say we love or hate something "with a purple passion", what does that mean? Although it indicates strong emotion, when I checked out purple on the color wheel, I did not find it a particularly passionate color. It denotes royalty, wisdom, creativity, magic, and mystery, amongst other things. I tried then to substitute the various connotative words for the word "purple". Wise passion (no), creative passion (yes), magical passion (maybe), mysterious passion (?), royal passion. . . . I liked "royal passion" best, as it sounds rather grand, so I looked up the word royal. Merriam Webster offered an interesting variety of definitions -- the obvious being "of, relating to, or subject to the crown", the surprising " requiring no exertion", and the most useful for my purpose, "of superior size, magnitude, or quality" and "magnificent". To love something and especially someone with a "magnificent passion" sounds good to me!<br />
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But this is not a romance novel! This is about my magnificent purple blooms, although true they aren't particularly magnificent at the moment, nor do I have a particular passion for purple. I like it, though, and certainly enjoy it in the garden. Strolling amidst the various beds and blooms this morning, I somberly concluded that the gardener is equally to blame with the weather if certain plants aren't looking their best. Yet most of our plants are well-chosen and finally well-placed and they are tough enough to bloom despite the heat, humidity, and negligent gardener (for shame).<br />
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First, the bluebells:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cHnOCJabO7OpJ3SSGE_7RboGL8Nl4AFLtvyRufUAcH6ySQqWwS2PHNngf9vBeO6xI1e3PaEvREqMU_MaqqpqjKNrqViFZ_LGVh4ZgffzeFuNcPOcb19XQEgJ9bMZ5cRITMdl2ia9_0U/s1600/garden+8-6-21913+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cHnOCJabO7OpJ3SSGE_7RboGL8Nl4AFLtvyRufUAcH6ySQqWwS2PHNngf9vBeO6xI1e3PaEvREqMU_MaqqpqjKNrqViFZ_LGVh4ZgffzeFuNcPOcb19XQEgJ9bMZ5cRITMdl2ia9_0U/s320/garden+8-6-21913+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then the ruellia:<br />
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Next verbena:<br />
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Duranta:<br />
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The salvia begins its comeback from a severe trimming:</div>
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And finally, Angelonia:</div>
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I feel that it's very appropriate to wish everyone a wonderfully purple week, a week that's wise, creative, magical, magnificent, with as much passion as you wish for! Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-32528186460386268952013-08-06T09:14:00.001-07:002013-08-06T09:14:09.773-07:00Hunkering Down in High Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi, Everyone! <br />
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Do you remember me? I hope so and I also hope that you've been having a great summer. It's been a hot, hectic season for me so far with a lot of joy as well as a fair dose of stress. Isn't that life? I didn't mean to disappear so suddenly. I've missed reading my favorite blogs and writing about my garden. As for my garden, aside from dashing out to the orchard or for some herbs now and then, I've hardly seen it! At dawn and dusk, the mosquitoes would gladly take a gardener as a meal. I haven't been home much in the middle of the day, but if I were, I would have to garden in spurts. We finally had our annual midsummer breakdown and hired some workers one weekend to help us tidy things up. For now, everything is mulched and more or less weeded. But it's such a sauna out there; even our hardiest summer bloomers aren't thrilled. They are, however, persistent. That's the beauty of drought-resistant, heat-loving plants.<br />
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salvia </div>
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lantana</div>
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I am eager to learn news of other gardens, the weather, the challenges, the home runs. As for me, it's the time of year that I prefer to do most of my gardening from the proverbial armchair. Just as gardeners in cold climates have a little more time to dream in deep winter, those of us in hot climates sometimes find it a relief to take a breather in high summer. At least, I do!</div>
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<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-73723050540361967342013-06-22T23:28:00.001-07:002013-06-23T07:59:22.159-07:00An Online Gardening Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday, I enjoyed a peaceful few hours tidying up the North Garden. I removed countless spent blooms, pulled a few weeds, and organized my small potting shed. Today, I thought I would spend the greater part of the day in the garden. I was so excited; I had grand, ambitious plans for my day's work. But after an hour or so of dealing with the elements, I changed my mind! I simply was not in the mood for heat, humidity, and bugs.<br />
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It was fine. I had another sort of gardening work to do! I have been enjoying a short, online gardening course even though I started late and have been behind ever since. Perhaps you've heard of "My Garden School", founded by Elspeth Briscoe and Duncan Heather. Horticultural courses are offered by many different experts, covering topics as diverse as organic gardening, garden design, natural beekeeping, and pond and lake construction, to name a few. From what I've seen, most or all of the courses are four weeks long and every week there is a video and accompanying notes that can be downloaded and printed out, assignments, and one on one dialogue with the teachers.<br />
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In a previous blog, I mentioned wanting to learn more about gardening history. I thought I could teach myself and so I could, but what an immense topic! Finally, I thought I should look online for some sort of course outline to give me an idea of how to go about it. I was happily surprised to stumble upon Toby Musgrave's "Garden History Matters" website (<a href="http://www.gardenhistorymatters.com/">http://www.gardenhistorymatters.com/</a>) and astonished to find that he was teaching an online class about garden history. What a grand coincidence and so far, it's been a grand experience, too. Professor Musgrave, who has authored several gardening books, provides an interesting, succinct trip through the ages, examining and explaining the history of gardening, how it developed, different gardening styles, and more. I am afraid that I've been a rather difficult student, always asking questions, but he's answered them swiftly and thoroughly. I've learned a great deal. As I mentioned, it's a vast subject, but Professor Musgrave has broken it down very neatly.<br />
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There are other benefits to My Garden School. For one thing, once an online class has been published, it can be accessed at the student's convenience; the video can be watched again and again. Students have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field; these experts also contribute to a blog. Another plus is the staff; I've found everyone to be kind and helpful. Here I was, in the U.S., wanting to sign up for a class that's managed in the UK and had already started. But they made it easy; their correspondence was prompt and very pleasant. I love it! <br />
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So if you feel like treating yourself to a convenient gardening class from an expert, you might want to check out My Garden School: <a href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/">http://www.my-garden-school.com/</a>. If you are interested in garden history, Toby Musgrave's class is not to be missed.<br />
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Tomorrow, I suppose I will have to go outside and do some actual hands-on gardening. We have some nice blooms, but there's a lot of work waiting, too!<br />
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Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-63556536871471006322013-06-18T05:20:00.000-07:002013-06-18T05:20:36.853-07:00A Mowing Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This egret decided to check out our pool. You do not see the pool because that image would involve the Waterfall Bed, which is unfortunate material for a blog post of its own. To put it mildly, it is a work in progress.</div>
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I hope that everyone had a nice weekend and that all of the dads out there enjoyed a happy Father's Day. My husband went on a fishing expedition and, since he was returning on Father's Day, I thought it would be nice if I mowed the yard for a change. Now that we're well into June, it has to be done weekly for best results and it had already been a week and a half. Usually, around mid-July, when it gets really hot and hectic, we give up and pay someone to do it for us. But we hold out for as long as we can. </div>
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But I hadn't operated the mower in over a year, at least. The last time I tried, I think I got stranded in a trench. Sunday, I couldn't even remember how to start it. I sat on the thing for fifteen minutes before I finally figured out what to do. I thought I could finish the front in about an hour, maybe less, but an hour later, I was still in the middle of the front lawn. The zero-turn mower was moving so slowly. Could it be the height at which I set the blades? But they weren't that low. Perhaps it was because the grass was still damp. I chugged along. </div>
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Finally, as the sun rose high and the humidity set in, I took a water break. The mercury was edging up to the mid 90's. As I climbed back onto the mower, I noticed a long-forgotten lever: speed. Of course! I zoomed off, then, at a hazardous pace, really, considering my morning so far. But I was in a hurry; I had to go over the grass twice to take care of the thatch.</div>
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I had originally planned to mow only the front lawn and the gardens on each side of the house. But then I looked at the orchard. What if my husband wanted to go check things out? Should he have to wade through the tall grass? Tall grass can be dangerous, especially in a field. I should mow the orchard. </div>
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It seemed silly, then, to leave the path towards the burnpile high with weeds and grasses. So I mowed that, too. I must admit that I sighed as I realized how silly it would look if I left half the field unmowed. So I took care of the rest. I ran out of petrol once and had to run all the way back to the garage to fetch more; that heavy, plastic jug rode on the mower for its trip back to the house.</div>
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I am glad that I mowed the whole thing. I don't like doing things by half. It was interesting, too, and sort of scary -- an adventure. I don't really know how my husband navigates large rose bushes, fig trees, and other bushy areas. At one point, roses caught my shirt without my realizing it. It was only when I felt thorns in my shoulder that I realized a small rose branch was attached to me! I'm still surprised that the branch gave instead of my shirt. As for the fig trees, I tried ducking under them and of course got slapped in the face. In the front I noticed poison ivy growing up a pecan tree and into the grass.</div>
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But I also saw flowers. The Mexican hat was blooming itself out at the back of the field. I noticed a coral vine had spread from the back of the next property to our fence,, which made me happy. I saw that the figs were looking great before I closed my eyes. </div>
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At least I avoided capsizing the lawn mower (I avoided the trenches altogether). What's really important was that my husband, who works very hard all of the time, was surprised and relieved that it was done and, according to him, well done. That last part was really appreciated.</div>
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<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-20331377061500619572013-06-10T12:58:00.000-07:002013-06-10T15:39:24.532-07:00The North Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you have names for different sections in your garden? Some designations are essential and obvious, such as the vegetable garden or patch, the front hedge, the cutting garden. I have lots of names for different sections of our four acres. It makes things feel more intimate and a little bit easier. The North Garden is my favorite. When we first moved in, there was only grass. First we separated it from the front with a rose hedge and arbor. Then we created beds. We made lots of mistakes the first few years, but we are finally getting past them. <br />
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I like the North Garden because it is easily accessed from our back patio and because of its location. There is only one tree and it's along the fence line, but being on the north side of the house does mean that it has its shady spots. I remember how surprised I was when I first realized that people living in milder or colder climates than ours seek southern exposure. In our climate, the south side of a home receives the sun's sizzling, unrelenting glare all day. Thanks, but no thanks (although our South Garden is lush by midsummer).<br />
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Even my small vegetable patch appreciates a little shade from the harsh afternoon sun. <br />
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The orchard is in the distance. We have had a hard time with the orchard. The first year we moved in, we spent a great deal of time, money, and surely our sons' goodwill filling the field with one or two of every fruit tree the county extension recommended. What we learned was that a citrus tree that might do well in a protected backyard would freeze to death in an open field, no matter the recommendation. We lost approximately twenty citrus trees. So now the orchard hosts grapes, which my husband hopes to expand upon eventually, and brambles, pomegranates, pears, jujubes, figs, and Mexican plums. These are tough trees, for even though we installed an irrigation system, it's hard to irrigate the caverns that form in the clay during a drought. Our peaches did not survive last summer. On the other hand, we planted lemon trees in protected areas closer to the house and they are thriving. We will probably do the same with peaches next year. As for the fig trees, the generous amount of rain so far this year has done wonders.<br />
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Many of our friends have asked us what were we thinking to move out of town, so far outside the city. Some have even laughed at us; from what they've observed, we are hardly farmers. But those who have seen the tranquility of our surroundings tease us no more. </div>
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<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-3863416008545490702013-06-05T17:50:00.000-07:002013-06-05T17:50:03.146-07:00Be Still<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9udNLrXRglAKoJsbGQqbzwQHTwZRqYkna9fxU6YLcj4-bf0qe1t5Bvhi6xZk52bf4PQd5t8SCLA2CQ7Nkwc_jXQsybugb1C_ZP_6SGlfEBbDVr0934h1yZAwMfgdFNX83jlQ9-vQ2hA/s1600/May+2013+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9udNLrXRglAKoJsbGQqbzwQHTwZRqYkna9fxU6YLcj4-bf0qe1t5Bvhi6xZk52bf4PQd5t8SCLA2CQ7Nkwc_jXQsybugb1C_ZP_6SGlfEBbDVr0934h1yZAwMfgdFNX83jlQ9-vQ2hA/s320/May+2013+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sometimes as gardeners, we work ourselves up to an anxiety attack, working so very hard for just a certain look, struggling with a certain aspect of our garden or plantings. Yet it's often something small or unexpected, something that we had little or nothing to do with, that arouses a feeling of awe.</div>
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Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666301710374702911.post-56330323199189639942013-05-21T21:27:00.000-07:002013-05-21T21:27:49.089-07:00Ready, Set. . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Summer's nigh upon us! Here in our subtropical climate, many flowers are already well in bloom. But some take a little longer than others, like this Lily of the Nile. <br />
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And the daisies are getting ready to explode.<br />
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For me, Spring has been sprinting! Life has been a lovely round of celebrations: baby showers, bridal showers, graduations, First Communion. It occurs to me that all of these occasions are laden with anticipation, much like Spring. But even as we look forward to the good that's yet to come, it's nice to take time to enjoy today, rather like this little fellow.<br />
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<br />Anastasia Abboudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461842616822341008noreply@blogger.com5