Behind My Garden Gate

Update

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:20:00 +0000

There isn't much going on in the garden at the moment. We have had gorgeous weather but it isn't expected to last for long. I am busy taking down all my Christmas decorations and working on projects inside the house (mostly reorganizing things). It won't be long though when it will be time to get out into the garden and see what survived 2011. I am hoping and praying that 2012 is a much better year for gardening.
Until Next Time
Debbie

Textures of Namibia

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:46:00 +0000

I thought I would share a closeup view of Namibia with you.

I am not certain what kind of tree this was but it was interesting.

This is what was left of a tree we found at a Namibian rest stop which consisted of a cement table and a trash can.

I know, another tree, but I really liked it.

I was told that this tree is well over 1000 years old. Pretty awesome I thought.

This is a weaver bird nest in what I believe is an acacia tree.

a little butterfly that landed on a dry piece of grass.

My first feather in Africa.

These were the only wildflowers that I remember seeing bloom even though it was springtime. This was a great surprise to me that there were not more.

Palm Tree with a thatched roof in the background. The local people make money by carving on these little nuts from the palm tree and selling them to the tourists.

another palm tree

We saw a lot of razor wire around the houses and compounds.

Thatched roofs were a common site in Namibia

This was one of the windows in our hotel room. We could see just a bit of a beautiful bougainvillea when we peaked out.

African Trees

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:43:00 +0000

While I was in Africa I was very intrigued by the beautiful and numerous trees. They came in a large range of colors, sizes, and shapes.

This was one of my favorites. It is a flamboya tree

Another favorite was the jacaranda tree

Look at the pretty pomegranates growing on this large shrub.

I have no idea what kind of tree this one is but I liked it.

Not to sure what this one is either. Do any of you know? There was a game going on underneath it that I accidentally walked across. They were playing with the seeds from this tree.

I felt so bad for walking across it. Hopefully I didn't mess up their game.

I was told that these are fever trees.

Here is another that I do not know.

I think I was told that these are acacia trees. I had always wanted to see an acacia tree because they are in the bible. In fact, that is what the Ark of the covenant was made of. In Namibia they were abundant. They reminded me of the mesquite trees here in Texas only they had yellow flowers when in bloom. I guess I better go for now and get some Christmas decorating done. I have tangled lights, and glitter dust, and piles of Christmas greenery all over my house.

I will be back soon with some more pictures from beautiful Namibia soon. In the meantime be sure to go enter into my giveaway that is going on over at my Gloryfeathers, Starlight, & Roses Blog. You can find it Here

Until Next Time

Debbie

Behind A Garden Gate In South Africa

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:42:00 +0000

It was my first morning in Johannesburg, South Africa and I could hear the most glorious birdsong outside our room. I leaped out of bed and dressed as quickly as I could because it was now daylight and I wanted to see the beautiful garden that I had caught glimpses of the night before.

The garden did not disappoint me.

This is the first thing I saw as I stepped from our beautiful room.

Oh what beauty there was in every direction that I looked

I must confess that I had a bit of garden envy as I realized how very many varieties they were able to grow year round

Things that we had to bring in for the winter months were growing everywhere.

I began taking pictures as quickly as I could. I didn't want to miss a single thing.

The owner had told us that her garden was filled with native varieties. It was also filled with beautiful garden art.

The textures and colors were beautiful

I especially enjoyed the little surprises that awaited us everywhere.

As well as the garden rooms that took you from one delightful place to another. I think it would be very difficult to become bored with this garden.

It had delights that thrilled the senses even in the night time hours. The shapes, the smells, the sounds, the textures, the colors, and even the creatures that visited the garden were all delightful.

I have to confess also that I couldn't wait till morning. I snuck out of my room in the night and enjoyed that garden under the starlight. A shy kitty joined me as I delighted in the beauty around me.

I know I was being a bit naughty but I just couldn't resist such beauty.

Having a garden so close to me without being in it is like putting cheese in front of a mouse. It is just irresistible. I don't regret my night time adventure one bit. In fact I think I would do it all again. If you would like to visit this garden too you can book a room with Bit O' Bush Here

Until Next Time

Debbie

Someday Very Soon

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:53:00 +0000

It is me again. I just wanted to let you know that I am still here. I have finally started doing a few little chores in the garden...not much...but a few. I pulled my pond pump and cleaned it out a couple of times and the pond is clearing up nicely. I have discovered that I prefer to use salt and a little blue color to keep the algae down. It is more natural and seems to really work well. I am sorry I haven't had much to say lately...I just seem to be in a quiet phase. I have been spending much quiet time with the Lord lately. I am preparing to go on a mission trip and there has been much in my heart that needed to be dealt with. I hope to have many pictures and stories to share with you when I return. In the meantime I hope you will all know how very much I love you and look forward to being back to blogging very soon.
Until Next Time
Debbie

The Days Are Passing By

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 19:22:00 +0000

The days are really passing by lately. We have finally got a break in the heat at least. It has been in the heavenly 80's and 90's lately. The evenings have been downright cold with 60's. It sounds so funny even as I write it. It is funny how a summer of averages of 112 and 113 will change your perspective. I know it has been a while since I posted but I am not going to apologize simply because sometimes life just happens along and I don't have much to say. My poor garden has suffered this summer. I have bushes that despite me watering them they are not looking good at all. I have dead flowers that really need to be pulled out and I probably should be out there cutting back those dead looking boxwood and holly bushes. Maybe they still have some life in them...it is just such a nice day and I just don't seem to have the want to that I need to get me out there today...I know it will be very busy soon for me but I just feel like enjoying the day with rest. How long have I looked out the window or passed by the garden on my way to feed my critters and longed for nicer weather so I could work out there without getting heatstroke and yet here I am inside when the weather finally broke...Do you ever do things like that?
Until Next Time
Debbie

Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 03:02:00 +0000

I thought I would share a bit of the garden pictures I took at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial State Park near Eagle's Nest, New Mexico

Our visit here was one of the highlights of our trip to New Mexico.

Stepping into the garden was like taking a deep breath of fresh air. It was so calm and peaceful.

The trees were an important part of this garden.

I also enjoyed the way the rocks were used in this garden.

They made lovely alpine borders and were beautiful in and around the little pond.

I hope you enjoyed it too.

Until Next Time

Debbie

Wildflowers in New Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:23:00 +0000

My dear hubby and I decided to escape the heat of Texas for a few days. We took a little trip over to the Mountains of New Mexico. We stayed in Red River, New Mexico. It was wonderful!

It was so nice there. It was like Springtime in Texas (only it was New Mexico).

I had a great time snapping pictures of all the beautiful flowers that were everywhere.

There were so many colors and textures and sizes that I was like a little kid in a candy store.

I especially enjoyed the wildflowers. (They look better in the enlarged version of the picture)

Our spring in Texas was so short that we didn't get our fill of the beautiful spring weather or flowers this year so, it was an especially nice time for me.

I saw many flowers that I recognized but there were lots that I didn't. Some were similar to Texas Wildflowers.

In Texas this year, we don't have too many flowers because of the heat. It is soooooo hot this year that the land is burning and to make things worse we are having terrible drought.

I don't usually feel this way, but this year, I am longing for winter to come back. I have always enjoyed every season but lately we have had a little too much summer. Somehow things must have got mixed up because I think this is supposed to be how summer is in the Desert.

I am thankful though, because it forced us to go a little farther out of our usual comfort zone of travel.

We enjoyed New Mexico so very much that we are already planning our next trip.

We were shocked at the effect of the altitude though. We had been to Colorado a couple years ago and had no ill effects. Not so in the Mountains of New Mexico. Just a one block walk would have us breathing like we had run a foot race. Thankfully it got better after the first couple of days.

I hope you enjoyed my wildflower pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. I know some of them are pretty common wildflowers but, I just enjoy them so very much.

Until Next Time

Debbie

No Gardening This Year

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 01:38:00 +0000

Source: sunset.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Thank you to all of you who have left comments while I have been taking a break. My neck is much better. I have to admit that there hasn't been much gardening this year at my house or even in my town. We have been in a terrible drought this year (about 14 inches low on rain if I understood right). The land is parched and many many things have died. Even established trees are struggling this year. To make things worse we have also been having unusual wind (for here) and record breaking temperatures. You know it is hot when people are excited when a cool front comes through and it is only 105 degrees. It has been as hot as 120 and believe me when I say that is HOT! I am usually an avid gardener but this year I don't even want to step outside. It has really been hard on my poor critters too. My poor chickens were dropping like flies until I started spraying them down each day with water. They don't like it too much but it saves their lives. I have lost so many plants that I have lost count. It is taking lots of water to keep what lives alive. I am thankful for the ones that have survived. In the meantime, I have been enjoying the gardens of others in other places on the internet. They inspire me, teach me, and amaze me. I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the beautiful places I have been. Check them out here.

Texas Wildfires!

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 05:53:00 +0000

Taken from: Reporter News

Please pray for my beloved state of Texas! There is a huge wildfire burning uncontrolled near my hometown and the winds are howling. There are many other fires raging out of control all across our beautiful state. The firefighters are growing weary and running out of resources. Much devastation!

If you have a Facebook page you can view more stunning photos by photographer, Robin Bradley here, and some here, more here, and here!

Taking a Rest

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 20:40:00 +0000

I am taking a little blogging break due to the disc problems in my neck. Hopefully I will be healed up and blogging again soon.

Time To Confess

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:35:00 +0000

I know I have confessed about things before but I have another confession to make. I have kind of a bad attitude right now. The picture above looks like me right now...because I am pouting. Since my last post I have been having a bit of trouble with my neck...they think it may be a bulging disc...that means I can't go outside to play...something about giving it time to heal they said...all those pretty seed packets and garden gloves...5 great big new pots to get out there and pretty weather too...I try to not let myself get down about most things...I really do think it is better to keep a good attitude but this one got to me a bit...I even let myself get a teeny tiny bit blue. I have trees just waiting to be planted...they said I could plant 1 a day...that is like telling the rabbit to only take 1 bite of carrot a day...the trees still wait. I just couldn't trust myself to stop. It is especially hard on my physical therapy days because I leave feeling so much better that I want to get busy and get something done before it feels bad again. It is getting very very hard to be a good girl. But I will try to be a good girl. Maybe they will let me go out and play soon. In the mean time I will try not to be a bear.

Until next time

Debbie

Can a Gardener Have Too Many Pots?

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 23:55:00 +0000

I have been wondering...

Can a gardener have too many pots?

I see so many pretty ones that it is really hard to choose.

I can think of so many places where some like these would be just right.

How gorgeous would a nice boxwood topiary look in one of these?

Wouldn't some pretty pink petunias look sweet overflowing out of these? I could also tuck in some white periwinkles with hot pink eyes and maybe some ivy with them too.

These would make a nice home for some bright red geraniums. I could add some white plumbago for height and some variegated ivy to trail down the sides and then it would be patriotic.

I can see some of these made into small water gardens or even used as a fountain. I can almost hear the splash of water sounds it would make...mmmmm...nice!

My garden wouldn't be complete unless I had at least one pot with a bright yellow esparanza growing out of it. Oh these blue pots would make a beautiful contrast to the yellow.

My driveway looks great with big terracotta pots filled with orange butterfly weed, hot pink portulaca, and some orange purslane and maybe even a few hot pink periwinkles.

These pots would do perfectly for that job

And while I am looking in that direction, I wonder...if I can talk my dear hubby into a windmill like that out behind the chicken coop? Wouldn't it look beautiful towering over a nice vegetable patch? And of course it would need a nice picket fence to keep the bunnies out.

Ooooooooooo these would look lovely with some sedums in them.

I have been thinking of planting a big pot of herbs. That big one would be perfect. I could put the little ones around it with even more herbs!

These come in such bright pretty colors. I think I need one of each color at least.

I am wondering if maybe I have too many choices. There are so many beautiful pots that it becomes hard to pick. I guess I will have to let my checkbook tell me which ones and how many...sigh...

"I have an idea," she says suddenly to her hubby," we can go without groceries this month! We can finally lose that extra weight. The chickens are laying now and...

Oh...you mean you don't want to eat eggs all month? Well, that isn't very considerate of you... after all, can a gardener have too many pots?"

It's Planting Time Here in Texas

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:19:00 +0000

Can you guess what I have in this box? It is something really special to me.

It is where I have been keeping my seeds.

It is time to start planting here in Texas.

I have always stuck mainly to flowers but this year I plan to try my hand at vegetables. It has been many years since I have tried growing vegetables so I am a bit nervous. Flowers seem so easy compared to vegetables.

The last time I tried vegetables was about 17 years ago. We had just moved to a new area. It was even a new planting zone. I dreamed of corn on the cob, okra, pumpkins, and cucumbers.

I was not prepared for the new soil type or the higher temperatures. To make matters worse we had a terrible drought that year. My poor vegetable garden was a failure that year. I haven't tried vegetables since that year for one reason or another. Every good gardener knows that to be a good gardener requires trying over and over again until you succeed.

I always tell others that the secret to being a good gardener is never giving up. Good gardeners will tend to a plant even though it looks dead. They experiment with different plants in different areas of their gardens. Sometimes it is just a matter of finding the right spot for each plant. I decided it was time that I try vegetables once again. Maybe I will actually get that beautiful picket fence vegetable garden that I have always dreamed of. I'm not sure if I will plant all these seeds. We will have to see what the year brings this year. I sure hope it brings some juicy corn, okra, pumpkins, and cucumbers.

I am prepared to face the soil, the high temperatures, and I hope and pray we do not have another drought. I guess, I have talked about it enough. It is time to get out there and get my garden ready to plant because it is planting time here in Texas.

Until Next Time

Debbie

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The Blessed Nest Spring Fling

Have I Been Bad?

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:52:00 +0000

Tell me what you think. Have I been bad?

I went to visit San Antonio and I always go to Target and Ross in every city I visit (I know, my friends say I need my head examined). Look what I found in their Target. It all came from the $1 bins too!

They had these super cute plant pokes!

And these too!

Best of all they had my favorite garden gloves for $1 each! I am not sure if it was Spring fever or what but I bought nearly every pair they had. I felt a bit guilty so I left 2 or 3 pair for someone else. Just in case you have seen them and wondered if they are any good, let me assure you they are great. I had 3 pair last year and I washed them often and they are still going strong. They only came in green last year but this year, I was thrilled to find them in lime, hot pink, electric blue, and bright orange.

I am going to town tomorrow and you know what? I think that if I find them at my local Target I might just buy all those too.

Until Next Time

Debbie

Looking For Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:45:00 +0000

I decided it was time to stop whining...

and get out into my yard and find something beautiful.

It is amazing what you find when you begin to look with an expectant heart

All these same beautiful things were escaping my notice before...

but now look at what I see.

There are beautiful pictures everywhere!

It wasn't the scenes that changed but instead it was my heart and then my perspective.

The same thing can happen to you too. It can happen no matter what the situation. We just have to sometimes look for it.

I am so glad I didn't miss this beautiful play of textures...

or these beautiful remains of flowers past...

or how Mama can balance...

or this beautiful delicate feather, dropped there just for me to find...

and best of all...look at the heart God made just for me! I first saw the puddle and thought, "Oh no, another water leak" but on closer inspection, I found a drip, drip, dripping faucet that made my heart leap for joy especially when I saw the heart! Imagine His smile as he drew this out in the mud just for me. He's like that you know. He likes to give us little love notes. If you aren't so sure about it then just try it. Go out looking for beauty and blessing with an expectant heart. The possibilities are limitless and God's goodness is abundant. I promise He won't let you down. He has hidden a little love note just for you. Go on, it is OK. It isn't hidden from you but hidden For you. Go find your note. I would be so blessed to hear about yours.

Until Next Time

Debbie

I Need Some Color

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 23:20:00 +0000

We have had so many gray days lately that my spirit just needs to break out.

I need some color!

I need hot pink, and purple and lime green, bright yellow, red, and yes even bright orange!

Does it ever hit you like that?

It hits me every year. That is usually when I get busy with a project of some sort.

But watch out because...

It won't be long before the anticipated day arrives!

You know that one I am talking about don't you?

That day when spring fever hits!

It always hits me hard! Before I know it I am up to my neck in plants, and garden jobs, and new ideas for this spot or that one.

But in the mean time, I will dream and plan and wait...

Until the season turns and smiles again with sunshine, flowers blooming, and birds singing.

Until Next Time

Debbie

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 22:59:00 +0000

What a difference from this time last week! We have spent most of the winter hearing about how everyone has snow everywhere. All the time, we were having one of the mildest winters that I can remember in a very long while. We finally got snow!

We also got some of the coldest weather I have seen down this way in all the 14 years I have lived in this part of Texas. These temperatures take me back to the years when I lived in the Panhandle of Texas. Thanks to the Lord we didn't get wind quite like they have up there. I am really enjoying the snow despite the cold temperatures.

I did have quite a day though, before it blew in. Remember those "sweet" chickens that I posted about last week? I have been keeping chickens for about 7 years now. I have had to move them over the years many times. I have become quite good at chicken chasing and catching. I have discovered that butterfly nets make really great tools to catch those chickens gently. I know it must be a funny picture you are imagining. It gets funnier...

I have this really great area that is part of my aviary. I call it the hallway. It really saves my birds when one accidentally gets out of the pen. It keeps the chasing down to a minimum and I recommend one for anyone keeping birds. I like to shoo the chickens out into the hallway and then use the gates from the pens to help confine them to a smaller space for catching.

Everything was going as usual when I finally got around to catching all my youngest chickens. I got a few new breeds this last year. They are only about 7 months old so this was a new happening for them as adults. I have only 3 roosters and all 3 are gentle sweeties so no problems from them (that is usually where the problems will arise). The problem arose from those really "gentle", "sweet" hens. (Remember I have been catching chickens for 7 years.) I have them all cornered and I am gently moving in with my hot pink butterfly net when suddenly one of my white hens flew up right into my face.

I came out of that battle with a few scratches on my face and blood on my sleeve. I prevailed though. I am so thankful that God answered my prayer for help that day! Those young chickens were scared and wild! I know it was God helping me because I was catching them with my net and then with one chicken going wild in my hands, I would pin another with my leg. I bet it must have been quite a sight!

They are all moved now to a much better place to be in winter storms. They are all back to being their sweet gentle selves. I do have to confess though...I did consider for just a moment how good they would taste in a nice chicken casserole, or soup, or even fried chicken, but I quickly shook it off and remembered..."We don't eat our pets."

I hope you are having a great winter!

Until next time

Debbie

What a Beautiful Day

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:32:00 +0000

It is such a beautiful day today. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the critters are playing. Even the birds are singing.

It is so warm and gorgeous today that it could almost fool you...

It might make you think that winter is almost over.

It is in the 70's today. It is Texas but that is not normal for this time of year.

It has been an odd year this winter because we really haven't had a winter.

We haven't had snow and very little rain.

It seems even more odd when I see all the reports of the snow every where else.

I hear we have some cold weather coming in a couple of days. I sure do hope it snows. I would even be thankful for a nice earth quenching rain.

I will be thankful for whatever comes.

Until Next Time

Debbie

Christmas Blessing

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 04:00:00 +0000

I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

May God bless you and your family in everything you set your hand to do above and beyond all you can ask or imagine.

Until Next Time

Debbie

A Spot of Color

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:22:00 +0000

There are only a couple of things blooming in my garden right now. The weather has become too cold for most things here in this part of Texas.

A little pot of English daisy's.

When I saw it down at Feed Barn I just couldn't resist them.

Aren't they sweet?

I also have a pot of these little johnny jump ups. they are one of my favorite flowers. Both of these little pots are on my front step. It is so nice to step out and see a beautiful spot of color during the long winter months. They are so easy to care for too. I only need to give them a bit of water from time to time and if it looks like it may get too cold for them (which is rare here), then I can just pick them up and bring them in till it warms again. That is one of the benefits of living in Texas. I do hope we get some snow soon though. Sigh....... it has been pretty warm lately for this time of year. Maybe for Christmas...

Many blessings and a very Merry Christmas to you!

Until Next Time

Debbie

Leaves Are Free Fertilizer!

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:48:00 +0000

In my last post I shared with you how much work the leaves can be around my place. It isn't because I rake them off the lawn or the flower beds.

In fact I leave them on my flower beds because they really help to mulch and insulate my beds over the colder winter months. This helps to save a few of my more tender perennials. Next Spring I will then go out into the beds with some gloves on and crunch those leaves up into smaller bits.

I sweep and rake the leaves off my sidewalks onto my grass because those leaves are free fertilizer! I know most homeowners rake them up and bag them and send them off to the dumps but they are missing out on a really great resource. I even tell the neighbors to dump the leaves over in my yard or even take them out on the back of my property and just dump them in a pile. So far, no one has taken me up on it. I will run over them right in place with my mulching mower. I may have to do this several times but it only takes a little time and this crunches them into bits that really can't be seen too much. I then fertilize my yard with some dried molasses and this will get the microbial action going in my dirt. I only use traditional store bought fertilizer once a year because it can cause a build up of salts in your soil which is why some lawns will peak out and then not look so pretty. The traditional fertilizers feed the plant. My way, feeds the soil which then feeds the plant. I am always having people ask me how I get my lawn so green and this is how. I only water once a week during the summer and I water deeply about 1 hour in each spot. This has been a fool proof way that has rewarded me with beautiful green grass.

Now back to those leaves...they cause me lots of work because they love to land on my driveway. I will have to sweep and scoop them up several times over the season (especially since my son has gone off to college and can't help me out as much). Sometimes it seems like I will never catch up with the leaves falling.

Right now this pile isn't so bad but it can really get huge when we have a bit of wind.

We have only just begun too. Look at all those leaves still to go!

And even more over on this one! I wish they would just fall straight down but the wind will come and blow them right onto the driveway! Oh well, at least I am saving a bit of money on winter mulch and fertilizer.

Until Next Time

Debbie

Acorns Everywhere & How I Deal With Them

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:02:00 +0000

My gardening year is winding down now. It is almost time to put those beds to sleep for the winter. I almost have all the critters winter places ready for them to be tucked in. I washed down the windows one more time hoping the spiders are done spinning their webs.

I do have a bit of a mess though. I have acorns everywhere. This has been a really great year for them. They are coming down so fast some days I think there may be hail outside when I hear them thunk against the roof.

They can really make a mess everywhere. They can also be quite dangerous for older folks. They call acorns and pecans "hip breakers" at the hospital. Older folks are always coming in injured from falls caused by tripping on acorns or pecans.

I guess I could fuss about the trees making such a mess everywhere. Soon they will be dropping their leaves everywhere too making an even larger mess but ...

I just can not argue with this beauty. They give me so much pleasure. They shade my home in the hot days of summer and then in Autumn they reward me with this!

Even though the neighbor's trees will drop their leaves and the wind will blow them down our driveway like there is a vacuum drawing them that way ...

Even though much time and effort will be spent sweeping and raking those leaves I just cannot find it in myself to complain because I have learned to rake them onto the lawn and run over them with my mulching lawn mower for free fertilizer!

My heart sings every time I see this view.

And even though those trees cost me quite a bit in labor and sweat and even sore muscles. I wouldn't have one tree cut down because they give such gorgeous displays that thrill my soul. This is like getting to live in the most beautiful Monet painting don't you think?

And besides, I have figured out that if I call a couple of deer hunters they are glad to come rake and sweep those darn acorns up for me because they like to feed the deer with them. I have learned to work smarter and not harder in a few areas.

Tips For Moving Plants Inside

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:30:00 +0000

I have the same dilemma every year. I have only so much room and yet so many pots of plants and flowers so I have to decide which ones to bring in at the end of the year. I walk through the yard and along my driveway deciding what will be saved and what will not. Will it be the geraniums this year? Maybe it will be the Australian fern. Every year when the temperatures start dipping into the low 40's I have to make the decision.

Some pots are very easy to leave behind because they are full of annuals that are inexpensive and easy to replace. Sometimes there are some that are a little more difficult. My ivy geraniums never do well for me when I bring them inside. I've tried several years and I just have not got the right atmosphere for them during the winter months. It is such a shame because they do so well for me outside. I can't resist buying at least one every year because they are so pretty. Should I give it a try again this year? Maybe one of you have a way I haven't tried and I can save it this year. Maybe some day I will get that greenhouse that I have always dreamed of but in the meantime I have learned a few tips that seem to help make the transition as easy as possible.

My bougainvillea all come inside. They do really well for me over the winter months. I let some go dormant in the garage and some come into the bright sunny dining room where they happily bloom all winter long for me.

When I move them in I follow a process that seems to work well for me. I first move them into my garage which is not a huge amount of light. It gets them out of the killing frost until I have time to deal with them properly. The lower light conditions will cause them to drop a few leaves which doesn't hurt a thing. Some will drop all of their leaves and in that case I will let that one go dormant and move it to a warmer spot in the garage to sleep for the winter. I do not water much at all during this time. I might water it 1 or 2 times a month at the most. I also do not add any fertilizer unless the plant has been blooming then I will as soon as the bloom falters. Before I let them go to sleep completely, I will give the plant and pot a really good soaking. I spray the plant down with a good blast of water to wash away any spider mites or other critters that might be clinging on. I also use an insecticidal soap (homemade or store bought is great). While it is in the garage I watch closely to see if there is anything eating the leaves or any signs of ants or other critter activity. I don't want to move any of those things into my home.

If I see anything then I treat the plant for those things. I try to stay organic if at all possible. So far that seems to be the method that works best.

There are a few bougainvillea that I will move into the house after my big Christmas party in the first part of December. I need the space for now and don't want my guests to be caught on their thorns. In the meantime they will rest in the garage. They will happily rebound as soon as I move them into the brighter light. I have already moved my two ficus trees inside and a rubber plant and some others that will not catch at my guests. I don't have too many problems with moving them. I had a ficus once that objected even if I moved it in the same room. It would pout and drop every leaf nearly but it always bounced back. This tree didn't seem to miss a beat. I re potted one of them and it is pouting a bit. I just continue on like it never dropped a leaf and soon it is back with the program.

If my garage is going to get lower than 40 degrees for any length of time then I will plug in a little heater to help keep the plants from freezing. They can take a bit of that type of temperature but not sustained. If there are any dead spots then I cut back any dead or diseased portions. I also add pine cones to the top of the soil to keep my cats from using them as a litter box. I try to find the kind of pine cones that are a little more sharp in their poke if I can. I have even used the cinnamon smelling ones and they do just fine. No adverse effects and they smell really nice for a week or so. I never place anything in direct light from the sun because light coming through that window will burn those leaves. I may work them towards that if they need direct light but I always move them in that direction slowly. I like to place containers of water around (Hidden in back) to add some humidity to the air. You can also put rocks in the water tray and set the plant on top of the rocks to keep their roots out of the water. This will allow drainage, and then keep that tray full of water so the water can evaporate and humidify the air but be wary of mold. Most plants prefer humidity rather than lots of watering. I like to mist my plants a bit during the winter as well with some water. This keeps them from getting too dusty and gives them another source of humidity. You can use those leaf shining products but I like to use as little chemical as possible. We used them at the flower shop and the plants did fine. I just don't know what the effects of that spray is on me so I figure better safe than sorry. Hope this helps you decide to bring some of those pants inside for the winter.

Until Next Time

Debbie

Birds and Fowl in The Garden

noreply@blogger.com (texasdaisey) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 06:24:00 +0000

I thought I would share a few quick shots from my garden this week. Here in Texas the weather is a bit bipolar. One day it will be cool enough for a sweater and the next it will be warm enough to turn on the air conditioning. That is okay because I am enjoying every bit of our beautiful weather lately. They sky is so blue and it makes me happy.

My mums have burst forth into bloom and they are beautiful. It is usually about this time that I am wishing I had planted more fall colored flowers. I am thinking I need to add more oranges and reds. Maybe some day I can get my fall display to be as beautiful as the Springtime. It is so important to plan out your garden and coordinate your colors and bloom times. I have always been one to just plop things down and hope for the best but a friend of mine convinced me of how useful it is to put it on paper first. It helps you plan the heights, colors, bloom times, and space out to be the very best it can be.

Planning it out will also help you keep from wasting money on flowers that really do not suit your garden. It is so easy to get distracted by all the beautiful plants at the garden center. I must admit that I tend to be a collector of plants. I have to be very careful or I will have plants that do not suit my garden at all. Planning it out on paper helps me stay focused.

It is nearly time to move all my chickens to a warmer place. I like to put them all together for winter so they can help to keep each other warm. It will be quite a day getting them moved. It is quite comical to see me chasing chickens with my butterfly net. Yes, I use a butterfly net to scoop them up. It is the best way I have found to catch them.

These hens can be quite quick when they want to be.

This is Sophie and Sullie. My daughter bought them for me for Christmas. They are pink dove. They are not really truly pink. I think it is more of a pinkish tan color. But they are called pink dove. I love the cooing sound they make in the evening. They are such a sweet pair. sometimes they will let me hold them.

I haven't thought of any good names for these two yet. Do you have any good names? I have so many critters that sometimes it gets tough to come up with names. The blue parakeet is a boy and the green one is a girl. Hmmmmmm? I would love to hear your ideas. Well, I had better go for now. I have tons of things to get done before winter comes.

Until Next Time

Debbie