Friday, June 13, 2008

Just a Few Tips




I was asked the other day if I felt gardening was worth the pain. My answer to that is "You can bet your booty!" I find it not only a good form of exercise but it is very relaxing. But only if I "behave" myself.


Due to a fall from scaffolding, I am presently waiting for new knees and shin bones! Won't I be fancy!!! But I have found that I am unable to do many things that I could before. So...I have become a very imaginative gardener. Weeding is a toughie but with the use of a foam pillow and knee pads, I do just fine thank you! I am unable to reach quite as far as I used too and with the price of some long handled hand tools, I resorted to "coming up" with a few helpful ideas. For the long stretch, when I am on my knees, I use a pair of tongs. Salad for the just out of reach and BBQ for the ones that you have to grunt at. It is trial and error on the amount of wrist twist needed to pull them but that comes in time. And if I just can't seem to get a good grip, I just lob the top off. I figure no leaves, no photosynthesis and thus...no weed. I could be wrong but hey...it works for me...so far!


One of my biggest problems is getting up after kneeling. For that I have old canes or walking sticks placed in various areas throughout the yard. At first I thought they looked rather goofy but after planting a climber or vine...it looks rather nice. And they don't stand out like a sore thumb. I also have a very sturdy hoe that goes with me everywhere. It works great for "climbing your way up to a standing position." Take my advice, don't use a telescopic tool....they can collapse and you end up doing a face plant in the dirt! Yes...I am experienced in a few of those.


And above all...remember that it will all get done. Eventually! My biggest set back is remembering to set myself limits. There is always tomorrow. There is no rush...no need to harm myself. And with the "always tomorrow" attitude, I always know I have a valid reason for mucking about in the dirt. And isn't that the main reason we garden? Yes to produce some beautiful flowers/plants but also to be allowed to revert back to our childhoods and play in the dirt! Have a wonderful gardening day!!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

June 7, 2008


The ferns are finally coming into their own. These are native ferns, found in the forest near me. Though they don't get as large as tame ferns, they are very pretty. After planting, it can take up to 3 yrs before they really come up fully.

This year I was hoping to gather a few more native plants but I have found on my outings that they are just not in a great abundance this year. We still haven't had rain yet. Maybe today. Hmm...I believe we have been saying that for nearly 3 wks now. But...due to the dry conditions, the native forest plants will have a hard enough time as it is, let alone trying to recover from some crazy lady digging up part of them. So...they will sit...undisturbed. At least till we have a really good rain.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

The Ticks are Moving!!


Yesterday, after I finished cutting the grass, I found a tick on me. I really hate those things! But the thing is, it is very strange for ticks to be so far north! And as they say, where there is one, there is more. I have been checking on the net for a good way to get rid of them and I am afraid to say the only solution seems to be some kind of pesticide. I dislike using pesticides as there is always a "fallout" from them. If anyone can offer a natural and safe solution, please let me know.
Here is a picture of my "finished product"...the ratty old love seat I scavenged. The flowers have not filled out yet but when they do I am sure it will look rather pretty. At least I hope it does! Either way, it is a good start to expanding my flower beds and creating a garden in the lower level of my backyard. It is something that won't be done overnight, but at least it will keep me out of trouble!!! LOL