Fall is around the corner!

It won't be long before it turns cold I am afraid. Already we have had a night or two around the 1C mark. I am just hoping my cucumbers are productive. I got them in late so I guess I will just be happy with whatever size they are!

My apple trees did well this year. Well...one had more than the other but all in all I am quite satisfied. This is the third year since I put them in. Who knows...next year I might even have double the amount of this!

The Battle of the Aphids...I think they are winning.

From what I am told, I am not the only one to be suffering the "invasion". My front flower beds and the Virginia Creeper I have growing up the side of the house are filled...and I mean FILLED with aphids. If you go out the door, you hear the little critters start to move. By the time you are down the step you are waving your arms like a maniac. I am sure my neighbors across the street think I have taken up some new type of dancing to go with the music that blares out of my daughter's bedroom window. OMG...I just realized...I have turned into my mother!!! Well there could be alot worse things. She was kinda cool lady.

I have consulted various other gardeners, books and even a nursery or two. And basically they have all suggested the same thing. Liquid dish soap and oil. So today I have tried it. If anything, the oil brings out a nice sheen to the leaves, petals and even the brick of the house. When Cala the Destructor tasted a wee puddle, she snorted and barked at it...so...if nothing else, I think I have discovered a deterent to Cala and her ever digging feet and chewing face.

An Observation

I was at the lake the other day and noticed something that really has me bothered. Behind our cabin is forest preserve. And cropping up through out are delphiniums. We all know that they seed themselves on the wind. Though they are beautiful flowers, one of my favorites I might add, they are intrusive. Especially to an already fragile ecosystem. So, I feel it is necessary to remind many eager gardeners to remember. Think and plan not only your gardens, but the effects it will have on nature. I myself prefer the natural state of things at the lake...but for those that want to "beautify" try to keep it to your yard only. Ok...enough of my soap box. I hope all have a wonderful civic holiday (well at least those that celebrate the August long weekend).

What kind of tree is this??

I am hoping someone can identify this bush/tree for me. I don't know what it is but I like it. So do the birds! Some may think it is a pest as it crops up all over the yard...but I like it and so do the dogs. Great for shade!

My Gardening Style??

If I was asked what type of garden I have, or if I was to describe the placement of the flowers in my yard...I guess I would have to say "Wild". No rhymn or reason...just there! I guess one gardener's paradise is another gardener's disaster! LOL. I hope all had a wonderful Canada Day and will have a great July 4th!

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!!

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.