Garden Blessings!

Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

My apologies for not writing a post yesterday; We were 'heavy duty' into gardening! The hours evaporated; and eventhough we enjoyed the day, we were relieved to see our bed! LOL!

To recap yesterday - Alan made and brought my coffee to me in bed. It was a gorgeous sunny morning at 60 degrees Fahrenheit; even at 6:45 am! Put on my mum's beautiful apricot coloured dressing gown and my beige 'summer' slippers ( a la Costco again!). Could have sworn that I smelled my Mum's wonderful perfume, as soon as I donned on the 'special' dressing gown. Enjoyed my morning 'elixir', as well as viewing various splendid rhodos from our bedroom window!

After a bit, went downstairs and watched the Vision Channel. On 'Hour of Power', Dr. Robert Schuller's guest (www.hourofpower.org), Michael Guillen, is 'right on', when he shares about a 'giving glow'. Recommend you tap into his invaluable insights.

Joyce Meyer and her guest, Dr. Clinton, on 'Enjoying Everyday Life', are excellent as well. Also the transforming story of a woman whose life wonderfully changed; and for those of you who wish a bittidz of an uplift, please tune into Joyce (www.joycemeyer.org) for further tidbitz encouragement.

Charles Price on 'Living Truth', is sharing: "What makes a true and effective Disciple of Jesus Christ?" Basically, a good soldier, who has endurance; a good athelete, who has discipline; and a good farmer, who has patience. Charles was referring to Paul who was trying to help Timothy. 2 Timothy 2 in his walk with Christ. Luke 8 is a parable about the sowing of the seed (Word of God). Once again, a good tid thought to check into his website - www.livingtruth.ca.

After our breakfast / brunch, I enthusiastically put on my 'grubs' (holes in clothing!). Brought back memories of my Dad's favourite jacket, which had continual patches sewn on the elbows! Used to drive my Mum nuts. However, I can relate to his sentiment. Also, my Dad loved to be in the garden; he had a 'Green Thumb.' If you wish, you can refer to my posts of April 30/07, 08/ & 09 for a bit of background. He used to tell me, that one always feels and thinks better when one 'putters' in the garden. Mehinks now, I have a tid more of an understanding of why he was 'extra' calm and relaxed, after he spent time, tending to his garden.

Gardening is so peaceful; working with our hands and at the same time, 'Praising Him In ALL Things' and being hugely thankful for our Blessings. We are grateful, appreciative, joyful, and have the Faith and the Trust to Rely totally upon Him, knowing He will Provide, as 'He IS the Way, the Truth, and the Light'. We were outdoors til almost dusk. We watched a couple of good movies; and it was a refreshing way to wrap up a productive day in the garden. We were glad for the holiday Monday!

This morning was overcast; and we were glad we did most of the planting yesterday. We ended up going back today, to our favourite Nursery / Produce Farm; and selected a few more plants to add to our two hanging baskets (ie Orange Trailing Mimulus and Fuchsia Begonia); as well as tidbit veggie herbs of Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme. Also, at another spot, found Marjoram, Parsley, Dill, Boston lettuce, AND Brocoli! That will be a new experience with the Brocoli, which you may already know, is very healthy for one's diet! The Sweet Basil we brought home with us on Saturday, is indoors; as methinks it is a tid too soon for it to be outdoors. We also have some Tarragon; and I have replanted it; so hopefully it will continue to thrive well. Interestingly enough, there was NO Tarragon to be found at the little places we went to on Saturday and today. Maybe it is a bit too early in the season?

We also bought two 30 pound bags of soil. We had planned to go to a designated spot, whereby one can shovel the soil themselves; as it is much cheaper, as well as receiving the benefit of a good bittid mix of soil nutrients (ie mushroom manures). However, apart from Alan's shoulder bothering him, it started to pour with rain. 'Best laid plans of mice and men', methinks! We look forward to shoveling the bags another time; as we have decided to simply ('Keeping it simple!) add that soil to the already existing leaves and soil. We have a compost we use all the time; however, why rake up all these tid leaves, when it may be best to let them mulch with the 'new' soil?

We transplanted a couple of our rhodos into larger plastic pots, despite the rain. We prefer utilizing the plastic containers, as they withstand winter temperatures better than the pottery clay pots (eventhough they are lovely looking). However, the plastic planters (terracotta coloured) are quite 'real' looking and they work well! Alan also (yesterday), took a small dead tree out, to create a corner space for one of the larger rhodos; and the rhodos appear to have taken on a new bloom, methinks!

It is now pouring with rain; so the timing was just right for us to call it a day.

You can see the three photo images, along with descriptions of both the Orange Trailing Mimulus (Monkey Flower) and the Fuchsia Begonia. We have enjoyed Fuchsia, although, not of this variety; and have never planted the Mimulus, which comes in different colours. The larger picture of the Mimulus shows the 'monkey' flowers when growing wild; however, thought you might appreciate their intricate beauty.

Tidbit - Orange Trailing Mimulus: " Ht. 8" (20 cm); Space 9" (23 cm). Part Shade. Lots of bright orange blooms cover compact spreading plants. A superbe choice for beds, pots, hanging baskets. Plant in moist fertile soil". I like the vibrant colour; and adding two colourful geraniums, white Bacopa, and the Fuchsia Begonia, the hanging baskets should be attractive and offer very easy TLC.

Bittid - Fuchsia Begonia (Begonia Fuchsioides). "Splendid mass of glossy green leaves on burgundy stems with drooping clusters of rose pink flowers". The combination of Fuchsia & Begonia sound intriguing; and with the combination of the Orange Trailing Mimulus, the two geraniums, and white Bacopa; again, an appealing mixture.

Am now going to call it a night, as we have a full day tomorrow. Here is wishing you Peace and a good night's rest.

Good Night and God Bless.