First summer rose

I picked this rose today. It was too beautiful not to post.

What is a Weed?

My mom has always said, "A weed is just a plant that no one has found a use for yet." It seems reasonable enough for me. But, who decides what is useful and what is not? Who says this plant below is not as pretty or as useful as a lily or a viola? When it comes to pulling weeds, I know that I must do it to allow my vegetable garden to reach its full potential, but I hate to do it. It just seems wrong to take away all those little plants and maple tree seedlings that pop up in my garden almost on a daily basis. Maybe I should designate a small part of the garden to weeds. Don't they deserve a chance at life too?

I pulled this out this morning. It is now sitting in a teacup next to my computer screen.

Let's Make a Community Garden

I want to make something so ugly into something beautiful...
I would love to make this area into a community garden (possibly a children's community garden). This building has been an eye sore for as long as I can remember, and I couldn't be happier that someone is finally tearing it down. I looked up the property online and as far as I know, it is owned by BB&T. If anyone has any advice on how to get a community garden up and running, I'm all ears.

You can contact me at elaine_hat24@yahoo.com or leave a comment at the bottom of this post. Thanks so much.

Chick, chick, chick

Here are a few chicks at my Aunt Robin's house:

I was so excited to hear that Robin got some new baby chicks!
I just had to go visit.

I found this great website that tells you everything you need to know about raising chickens:

www.mybackyardchickenfarm.com

The Grape Arbor

This is one of our concord grape vines. It is by far the stronger of the two. According to gardengirltv.com grape vines grow 20ft/yr. I hope mine can meet this standard.



Mom and I looking proud after a job well done.


Good thing we had Dad on the job and Poppy's tools. It only took us about 45minutes to an hour to prep for the arbor, put it together and cement it into the ground.


















This seems to be the weaker vine, but it looks better and better each day.


Garden tips of the Day:

1. Find the most disease-resistant grape vines for your area. Planting not-so disease-resistant grapes can be the biggest problems gardeners have with growing successful fruit-producing vines.
2. Weed often. Keep the soil surround the vine bare or mulched.
3. Don't use too much fertilizer/compost or you will end up with all vines and no grapes.
4. Do not over water. Use this method: water everyday for one week, once a week for a month, and then once a month for the rest of the growing season (except for when the soil is dry).*

*Tip by Lon J. Rombough in The Expert Book of Garden Hints

Garden Crew, Let's Get Gardening

This is the garden crew. Starting from the left: Grandma Nance, Poppy, Dad, Mom, Sammie. Just love them to pieces. I couldn't think of a better group to spend my time with. There's only one thing missing...and that is...

The Garden Cat: MooMoo
-No matter what I am doing in the garden, MooMoo is there to supervise and protect.
Today, was the first day for actual outside garden activities. Here's the cutest Mom in the world. Her and Dad let me tear up the yard, and I love them for it.

My mom surprised me with the new beds. I couldn't believe how much work she put into this. She's the best.


This is us trying to decide where everything should go. We had to get it just right.


Cute set-up. Thanks Mom.


My Mom found this and was so tickled to put it in.


I think we're going to put some flowers in that back corner.


MooMoo


My aunt Robin gave me these hostas a few weeks ago. At that point they were only sticking about an inch out of the ground. They're going strong now.


I couldn't believe that these flowered. I cannot remember the last time they had flowers. It's been years.




Gardening Tip of the Day: The size of the garlic clove you plant affects the size you'll harvest. Garlic always tends to downsize. Save the biggest cloves for replanting.*

*Tip found in The Experts Book of Garden Hints