New Family Members

I know I don't talk about the aquarium much and there isn't much reason to. Since we first set it up in January, we've lost no fish, no snails, replaced nothing, the plants have grown. We started it with three bunches of plants, ten fish and four snails, one round one and three pointed ones. I was more interested in watching the aquarium today than the TV. In it I saw three bunches of plants, one not doing so well, ten fish, all healthy and let's see, three round snails and over a dozen pointed ones. What am I going to do with all these snails!!!!!

My energy level is still riding on pretty low, but at least I've seemed to stop getting worse. I can't say I'm any better, but I'm not worse either. It's been a long time since I've been this sick. I'm not happy.

Bob's doing better. His finger is healing nicely and so far it doesn't look infected. This is something we have to watch closely. Since he has an exposed break, it is possible infection could set into the bone. The doctor is very concerned about this. He had initially given Bob antibiotics to help prevent this but he had a violent reaction to the drug and was immediately taken off of it. Now we're doing this the old fashioned way. He puts neosporin on his thumb twice a day and keeps it wrapped. So far, we're good. No sign of infection. Not to much pain either. He has an appointment Thursday with the doctor and I'm thinking every week until the doctor is satified that the thumb is pretty well healed.

Latest Health News

I finally broke down and went to the doctor this morning. This virus I've been fighting isn't getting any better; as a matter of fact, it's gotten much, much worse. My voice is totally gone, even my hair hurts and I feel like death warmed over. This virus is a cold with complications according to the doctor.

It's a beautiful day today and I'd love to be out there working on the garden. Alas, I can barely stand and have become depressed as well. Furthermore, it appears that my Comcast or Internet Explorer is doing funny things to the email I'm sending out. I was wondering why I have recieved only 1 message the entire weekend.

I'm just not a happy camper.

A Pretty Spot to Read

I can only wish for a place like this in my own garden some day. A spot where I could be comfortable just to sit outside and read.

I am longing for warmer weather and lots of sunshine to beat this cold out of me.

Not such a good day

I left work early the other night because I wasn't feeling so good. It seems that a nasty bug is trying to take hold but isn't quite there yet. I'm not feeling much better today either.

Then yesterday morning, after a full night's sleep, I was feeling fairly good but still not quite energetic, so I sat to look for a picture I'd seen in one of the magazines I had laying around. I couldn't find that but noticed that Shalimar was looking over the empty side of the cuddle chair. I've always enjoyed her attentions when I'm sitting up like that. After a bit she started mewing so I looked over the edge of the chair to see she had a claw caught in the string edges of the rug at my feet. Then I realized she was really caught. I crawled off the chair to help her. She was more than just caught but actually impailed with no means of escape. She had her leg twisted all around to the point of it snapping. I grabbed her and twisted her body to match her leg and tried to untangle the string. That wasn't working so I tried to undo the knot. That wouldn't work either because she kept pulling on it. Her mews turned into screams and hisses and she again twisted her leg almost backward trying to escape. Once again I grabbed her and twisted her body to match her leg and she bit at me, not actually biting me but letting me know she was in pain. I couldn't help it but I started to cry too as I pulled up the rug and scratched her jowls to comfort her some and take the pressure off her leg. I couldn't seem to get her undone. She would quiet and as soon as I would stop, she would start pulling again, screaming again and hissing again. I kept trying to unknot the string and suddenly, she was free. Before I left her go, I check her paw and noticed that the entire claw was missing. It had been ripped off, down to the quick but the quick stayed in tact. The claw didn't bleed. She limped on it for some time, but seems fine now, but the claw is still missing. I will watch her for a few days to make sure the paw doesn't become infected. By afternoon she seemed to have completely forgotten the experience and I found her sleeping on the cuddle chair where I normally sit.

Last evening, Husband called me to tell me he was going to the hospital, stating that he had gotten his hand caught in the newspaper's press. Now, mind you, this is more than serious as this machine can remove limbs without hesitation. There was only one serious accident at the newspaper that I can recall in the past 27 years; a young man got the sleeve of his shirt hooked on a pin at one of the rollers by accident and before he could hit the stop switch the press had rolled his entire hand into it through two rollers that were for one sheet of paper. The newspaper directors called in a team of doctors from one of the best medical facilities in the country to try and save this boy's hand and wrist. They did what they could and this young man was on medical leave for two years going through some very painful surgeries and therapy to try and save his hand and wrist.

As far as my husband's injury. It was nasty but he won't loose his thumb. I think recovery will be quite a while and the doctor even told him that. Today we spent the day at the company's doctor. He was impressed that Husband went right to the hospital and had it looked at immediately. It made his job easier. The doctor's biggest concern was infection since he has an open fracture. The final assessment by the doctor was that Husband would live. However, this doctor wants to see him again next week to check on that hand and will most likely see him every week until it's healed.

I'm still not feeling all that well. The nasty virus is still trying to get a foothold. I'm still trying to keep it at bay.

A Gardening Symposium

Monday is the first day of spring. With this, I will now start to get busy. Today was a garden symposium that is sponsored by local nurseries, businesses and internet businesses (mostly stationed in PA). It is put on by the horticulture branch of Penn State University. I had found out about this last year but to late to go. So, this year, I sent my money and went.

Having never been there before, we really didn't know what to expect. We were surprised to see the volume of people that attended, some of which had been attending for 14 years. It took us close to a half hour to get to the continental breakfast buffet table.

We got there to start the day with breakfast. Coffee and donuts and pastry. We also received a packet of catalogs, magazines and information, all of which had some great news and instruction. There were five speakers all from more local areas and all associated with Penn State, Longwood Gardens and the University of Delaware. All were master gardeners and authorities in their fields. We listened to talks about vegetable gardens, native plants and decorative gardening. Then we stopped for a lunch of chicken breast, salad, vegies and red rolly potatoes. It was very pleasant and topped with some of the most delicious desserts. After the lunch break it was back to the speeches. This time we heard about height in the garden and another talk about designing gardens.

I have to admit it was great fun. We met a number of people who were simply wonderful as are most gardeners I've ever met. We got some really great ideas to try and I especially liked the last talk about designing. After all, I am an artist and already know how these things go. It was also nice to hear someone offer encouragement when things don't seem to be coming along quite as quickly as we think it should. The symposium was over about 4 pm. I didn't win any of the door prizes. There were some there that I would loved to have -- three Peace roses and a redbud had really caught my eye. I did come home with two very lovely lettuce plants that need to be planted soon in the garden so I can start eating them.

Afterward, before we left, I filled out a paper telling the chairwoman about our experience today. I mentioned some ideas of types of gardening that I would like to hear about in the future, told her what I thought of today's symposium and am looking forward to attending many more of these. It was quite the wonderful day. Now, to go rest in front of the fireplace and read the Horticulture magazine and the Garden Gate magazine and check out what plants Plants Delights has on special. I ordered from Bluestone Perennials this year, but not Plants Delight; at least not yet.

A Pretty Plant

As I look through my gardening books I keep running across the Japanese varigated willow. In each case it is reported that this bush has three seasons of interest. I have three of these plants and in my opinion, this discription isn't exactly accurate. I think this bush has four seasons of interest.

This plant starts very early such as mid March or about the same time as the forsythia. In spring, the plant starts out with the varigated leaves and new growth of a varigated pink hue. It stands out among other green or even still brown shrubs. The pink is most prominate in the early spring but the new growth will continue to be this color though it will slow down as the weather gets warmer. The plant holds it's color until the frost takes the leaves away. This is when nurseries tell you that the plant looses interest.

In my opinion, this is not the case. As you can see in this picture, the Japanese varigated willow is the large red twig bush in the foreground. When the sun is shinning, it will shine through these twigs making them glow a brilliant bright red and is the winter interest. The base of the twigs, especially the older ones are bright yellow.

This past weekend it was time to prune and shape these three lovelies in my garden. I hated to do it because I would cut off most of the beautiful red. But it had to be done or the plants will not have the summer interest that I want them to have. These plants are tough and hardy and like a severe prunning each year or they will lose their varigation and lovely pink color. They need to be seriously shaped as well or will become unruly. I find they want to become unruly even when they are heavily prunned and shaped. I prune them along with the butterfly bushes and the vitex. The butterfly bushes are ready to start now, but the vitex will not be ready for another two months, at least. Both the butterfly bushes and vitex will not bloom if not heavily prunned.

This is just my opinion and the way things are working in my garden.

Next Year's Project

Here we are, still putting together the project for this year - the patio and today we were out looking at next year's project. Well you know how it is. As we finish this year's project we need to look forward to next year and start planning for the next major project.

We had decided that next year we will begin to tackle the hill behind the house. We've already started this with a couple of flower beds last year, but after the patio goes in it will be time for the water feature.

Today we went to the Garden Expo in Harrisburg. The theme for today was the water garden and wow, did they have some really beautiful ones! We found about four that would/could possibly be an idea for the one we will design for our garden, a water fall coming down the hill to a small pond - or not. This one has a butterfly pond at the base of the waterfall. I liked it even though it wouldn't support fish. We have a run off at the base of hill and a pond just might flood out every time it rains. This one could have a run off area so the pump isn't to stressed. It will still draw the butterflies and toad to the little puddles around the stones. It is also a natural scene and even though my patio will finish out somewhat formal, the little rill wil soften that formality. Rustic is not on the menu though Husband would be totally happy that way.

This second pond would be the water feature of my choice. Now this, I really like just the way it is. It is just formal enough without being to formal. The pond at the bottom could be kept a little more shallow if necessary and trail off to the water easement that follows the property to the road.

Husband will have a problem, I'm sure, when I tell him I want the work hired out. This is going to be more than we can handle, I'm sure but he will still argue that it is to expensive to have it done. I will plant the plants and arrange the design but some of those boulders are heavy and the digging for the pumps could be tedious and discouraging. Knowing Husband, he won't ask for help either except for me. I keep thinking that to get it done right without cutting corners it would be nice to have a little help. The water feature will skirt around the patio in spots and once the trees grow in, it will make the patio the perfect spot to relax.

We went to the expo rather late in the day because we wanted to stay for the auction later on. The hulticulture society usually purchases plants each year for this event and then will auction them off at the end of the show. The money then goes to a nonprofit organization. The plants were being sold in carts. If you buy one, you but the entire cart. We bought one cart that had on it four boxes of tulips, daffodils, crocus and grape hyacinth and I believe there are several odds and ends in one of the boxes. There was also a lovely white lilac too. But more on that another day.

In the Garden

It is time for me to get dressed and head outside. It's in the 50s here bright and early at 9:00 am and the garden awaits. I just wanted to leave this first...

Yesterday I was out for awhile and cut down the grasses. It's time to do this you know. Today it will be the butterfly bushes. I'm also thinking of pruning the forsythia and pussy willow and bring cutting inside to force. I'm also seeing the forsythia's buds are pushing away from the stems and the stems are getting a yellow/greenish hue; a sure sign that spring is here.

I had a window open and the patio door this morning to let the fresh air in. To keep the house warm, I burned the fireplace. It is so enjoyable to be able to run the fireplace with the windows open. It kept the conversation pit warm and relaxing while the rest of the house cooled off some and aired out. The noises of the spring birds filled the house and made the atosmphere even more relaxing. Most of the birds are back now. The red-winged blackbirds are definitely here; the bluebirds and the small songbirds. I've seen robbins as well, though I don't get many of them on my property. The trees aren't mature enough yet.

The Peace Rose.

If I bring forsythia in and it roots, I should be able to pot it up and sell baby plants at my rose society's booth at the herb festival in April. I also have some OGR roses, Bayse's Purple, that needs dug and potted up. I doubt very much that the rose society will let those go. Everyone will want one. I have four or five new plants that need homes.

In an inspection done yesterday, I'm afraid I lost three roses, two of which will break my heart. They are Peace (heartbreaker), Playboy (heartbreaker) and Forgotten Dreams (I'm not sure what I thought of this one). Both Peace and Playboy are strong roses and should easily take the winters here. But, in this garden, I've not had the same results as I did in the Browning Road garden. I have hardpan here and many of the roses are not starting out well. It will be a few more years until I can build this soil into something more plant friendly. The weeds love it though.

Mister Lincoln.

I have a lot of transplanting to do this year, so I'll add a few more to the list. Where Forgotten Dreams is/was, I have Mister Lincoln who is far to large for in front of my fountain. A more perfect spot would be to hide the part of the deck that was designed for the hottub. There Mister Lincoln and Touch of Class can grow to their full 7 to 8 feet and fill in the entire area. For where the Peace rose is, I have a pretty sport of this historic rose called Chicago Peace. It is the same colors only backwards, expressing the salmon pink mostly with the yellow highlights. It waits in the garden for a permanent home. I will get another Peace for the garden because of it's history more than anything else. There is a reason the Peace rose has become the most well known rose in the world.

To replace Mister Lincoln in front of the fountain, I have a lovely smaller rose of darker red called Taboo. This small rose has struggled the past couple of years, but is feeling the effects of the Mills Magic Mix fertilizer I feed. It more than doubled it's size and I'm much more comfortable transplanting it now.

Playboy.

Even though I have 2 Lavagluts and a Little Darling that need homes and will do well where Playboy is now, I just might have to replace this one. I've been promising myself that I will take cuttings of these grafted roses ASAP and haven't started it yet. Own-root roses do so much better for me once I can get them started. I think this year will be the exodus for this project. I go out today to get 2 qt. peat pots from a local nursery to start them in. I've also seen some interesting ways to try starting them in a catalog I recieved yesterday and I just may try this. It looks interesting.

There is a lot of transplanting I want to do this spring. A new large flowerbed going in will be the start of it. I'll be moving a Quince that will get to large for the area it's in and I have a lovely small polyanthan rose that will do wonderfully there. It is a strong little rose, is already own-root and will be perfect with the larger OGR roses I have already there. It will also add much needed color to the bed as it blooms all season whereas all the other plants have a spring blooming cycle.

These are just some thoughts on this early morning. It's to beautiful to be inside right now.

The New Trees

My new dogwood trees acquired at the Mid-Atlantic Garden Show last weekend. They are very young trees so I plan on keeping them in a pot until they are large enough to survive the garden. By that time I should even have a place for them.

I have the combination of patio stones we will be using to make our patio. The decorative stones are the ones we are pouring. We have 10 of them so far and need 16. The little moonface will go on a pileaster either under or above a built in light. There are two of these. I'm not sure I like the antiquing and may have to change that. I think it looks a bit to orange. We'll see. We will use one of the 24"x24" tiles for the top of the pileaster and I want to get on French Country style bowl urn to sit on top of that. It should be pretty when I'm finished with it. Oh, I did find a place that has urns in the style I'm looking for.

It's official now. Spring has sprung. My home lies beneath a main migratory lane for all kinds of geese, ducks and swans. Go here -> http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/21227. This story is about the main hotel for migratory birds. It is only minutes from my home. It isn't unusual for me to see huge flocks of geese and swans, sometime thousands of indiviuals strong fly overhead in the early mornings. I guess this is something you have to experience for yourself. Most people don't believe me when I tell them this.

Did I ever tell you the story about how I put Bratley out one morning. He ran off the deck and right into the middle of a gaggle of Canadian geese who happened to be hoofing their way through my property to the frog pond beyond. That's when I decided that the dog had a serious problem with his eyesight. How on earth can you miss those animals? Of course, with his short little legs, he was probably looking between theirs. BTW, that gander was a gander I wouldn't want to contend with. That boy was BIG!!! He was looking me square in the eye. I was glad when he decided it was time to take the girls and hurry off to the frog pond.

March

March. The contrary month. The saying goes "In like a lion, out like a lamb." Yep. I guess you can say that March entered this year like a lion. All winter has been quite warm. March comes in with the usually gusts of winds the rawness of winter, the dryness of August and just plain down miserable. Even the little Juncos have huddled among the thick branches of the forsythia trying to escape the wind.

March is also the beginning of spring and right now, all the landscapers are putting on shows to encourage people to depart with their income tax money and ward off the cabin fever by displaying their wares and designs in preparation for the spring. It's the month I solicit my cards for summer and join the masses to view the displays put on by the landscaping companies.

All this actually began last weekend when we went to the PA Home Show in Harrisburg. This weekend was the Philadelphia Flower Show in Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic Garden Show in York. I worked at my job this past Saturday, a rare event, and also worked the club stand at the Mid-Atlantic Garden Show yesterday so I missed the Philadelphia Flower Show this weekend. Well, you can't have everything. Next Sunday is the Garden Expo in Harrisburg which we are planning to attend, then a week full of appointments until the Penn State Symposium in Lancaster, Saturday the 18th. Then Sunday the 19th is the Spring Home Show, again in Lancaster. Early April is the Herb and Garden Show (I don't have a date on this yet) and it is another one I'll probably be working. Then, April 22nd I have a presentation on how to photograph roses and plants in the garden. I'd say I'm a little busy.

To top it off, the weatherman is forecasting that the temps are to reach into the 70s by weekend which means I must make it a point to get outside and start prepping for the spring. All my winter pruning needs done, the grasses need cut down. Some old flowers need pulled or cut and Husband wants to start working on the patio, getting it ready for the sand bed. We also need to order the plain pavers we're not pouring.

Yes, this month's calendar is getting marked up, but I still have this week, the third week and the fourth week to work outside and get stuff done around the house, prepare for soliciting my cards and just all around getting stuff done. This pace should keep up until about the middle of June. Once we've finished with the patio the calendar should lighten up. But there is also my perennial that will be enlarged this spring, again. It should soon be finished and expand the entire width of our back yard. Then there is also the big rose garden we're planning on making. We have the grass killer ready ready to start these projects . There's not much grass there since the beetle grubs destroyed that spot last year.

While at the Garden Show yesterday, I took some time off watching the stand to shop a little. I can never go to this without purchases. I bought two white dogwood trees for $2.50 each and an obelisk for another large pot. I have one obelisk that was given to me a number of years ago, but never used it. This year I ordered two passion flowers for pots and plan on using the two oblisks I now have for them to climb on. The two dogwood trees will be potted in large pots for a couple of years or until they are ready for a spot in the garden. I also got info on a place in York that sells antique urns and fountains for my patio. Some of this stuff is breathtaking and I'm looking for a matching set of French Country urns. We stumbled across a beautiful firepit with seating at a local Home Depot that I might consider getting. It's the nicest one I've seen so far and is exactly what we want.

It's definitely a busy month but I can handle it. I like being busy.