It’s now past 10 at night; sheep have been de-wormed, water trough filled for horses, supper prepared, eaten and kitchen cleaned and we’ve tossed a couple of games of horseshoes. We played until it was too dark to see the poles so we were simply pitching toward the pit. I’ve not pitched shoes in, probably, thirty years but didn’t do too badly; I threw one ringer, a leaner and a bunch of one pointers. The first game, girls against boys, girls lost by many points. The second game, again girls against boys, we lost by one point. Not too bad especially when you consider the good-natured bantering going on, quite loudly. (huge smile!)
There are more than forty tomatoes planted, onions, scallions, garlic, radishes, red cabbage, beans and more corn. The middle, seemingly unplanted garden section, is planted with sweet corn. I have more beans, flowers and other things to plant but the season is running out on me.
Garden Tips:
~I don’t have as many cut flowers planted as I’d wanted but there’s always next year. For drying flowers, I don’t use silica gel as it’s rather expensive. An even mixture of borax and cornmeal works just fine and it’s much less expensive.
~Double plant – my corn and beans are planted together both to save space and to give the beans a pole. The beans fix the nitrogen in the soil, giving the corn a boost.
~The gourds are planted alongside the fence, again to give them a pole.
~Tomatoes are staked to make it easier to pick the fruit plus it prevents blight.
~Marigolds are planted next to the tomatoes as an aid in preventing bugs. Marigolds don’t have a pleasant odor and bugs stay away.
~It’s just about time to decide what to plant as cold weather crops. Brussels sprouts, parsnips and kale all taste better after being nipped by frost.
~When it’s time to leave the garden, I have a wash station set up at the outdoor spiget. A nylon scrubbie and soap keeps hands clean while an old toothbrush serves to scrub my nails.
My days begin around dawn although, sometimes, I sleep in. Today I slept in until almost 7 but had to go to town and that’s always a time eater. It’s impossible for me to get to town, do errands and home again in under three hours; today it was four hours. Lately, I’ve been waving at my studio in passing (wry smile) but life is good and, since complaining takes time away from being happy, I try to keep the carping to a bare minimum.
The dogs are crashed out on the floor, long fed up with not being in bed, so I’ll take my cue from them and say good-night.
God bless us everyone!
Blessings ~ clear, sweet water for the horses ~ de-wormed sheep ~ horse shoes ~ garden ~ flowers ~ vegetables ~ teapots ~ sleep ~
Oh I just love this post and your photos are so beautiful! Many Hugs and have a wonderful day! ♥ Kerrie
Sandra – what a beautiful garden – so green and lush – you are blessed with your talents for making things grow!
The little vase of flowers is a beautiful photo – once again – a simple picture that defies words.
I hope all is well for your both – and that you are getting some good rest~~
Vicki
Your garden is FANTASTIC! I would love to just sit by it a while 🙂
Actually I would love to just come visit you!
Thank you for a lovely, lovely post. One filled with the normal goings on of life. That is why it is special….
Blessings!
xo, misha
Love the teapot vase. And thank you for all your great suggestions!
God Bless you for gracing my day whenever I have the chance to visit.
I do understand the "go to town" factor. No matter how hard I try it is never under 2 hours. And the town 10 miles south of our small valley is not that large!
Now you have given me what has been brewing thrift store fever. My dear sweet MIL was the most awesome thrift store shopper and kept our children in clothes for years. I miss her so!
Sandra~ you are an absolute font of wisdom and useful information! And I simply don't know how you can do all that you do with the hours you keep! I just don't seem to be able to keep up with the weeds in my (little,compared to yours!)garden! Gracious, girl ~ I need to pray harder for you to be strengthened daily by The Almighty!
I'm going to do just that, right now!
LOVE the teapot and beautiful flowers along with the tips on keeping them nice.
You're a busy lady, but I so enjoy reading what you've been doing. I don't think (well I know) I couldn't keep up with you!!
your garden is wonderful – I DO wish I were a good gardener – I used to be a good gardener but somewhere I lost the skillz – perhaps when I moved from the desert (anything would grow beautifully in that sandy soil as long as you watered and mulched it!) Sounds like a very good day – thanks for the blessing I needed that !right back atcha
The teapot/flowerpot is beautiful, the garden looks amazing, the gardening tips are most welcomed and the thought of a game of horseshoes made me smile!
Wonderful post, Miss Sandra!
Thanks for the tips on cut flowers. Always struggled to keep them looking nice. Now I can do better.
Hope your having a good week.
Your garden looks wonderful! Mine is doing so poorly that I'm about to pull it all out this weekend and maybe start over with something or other. Maybe, just maybe I'll post something on my blog after I work out there this weekend – have to get out there early though – after it hits 85 or 90 can't take the heat!
Your garden is beautiful, I hope you reap all for this winter, I have put up all my veggies and fruits for winter, and it will be such a blessing, hugs my friend
I know it is a lot of work but it is so lovely. Not to mention, being able to reap the rewards of your labors. What a sweet dog.
Interesting about the winter crops – so when do you harvest them?
I had nice rows until my watermelon decided to take off. Now it's rambling all over the garden, lol.
I stink at horseshoes. Once in awhile I'll get a good throw in. Your dog is cute.
Hi Sandra, That little teapot brings a smile to my face with the perky floral arrangement!
I enjoyed reading your post about your daily life :o)!
I like your teapot and it looks fantastic with the flowers! And crushed aspirin to the water? :o))) I've never heard such a thing! But I always learn something new from you…♥ :o)!
Your vegetable garden looks great!
And your dogs are my favorites…thanks for sharing these photos!!!
Hello Sandra and Dave:
What a delightful post and one which touches on so many very goodly topics although, as you may imagine, the 'worming' of sheep is not something with which we have to over concern ourselves here in central Budapest!!
But the tips about keeping flowers could not be more helpful as our track record here is very poor. Possibly it is the heat [all this week around mid 30C] but we can never seem to make fresh flowers, which we do so like to have, last more than a day or two at best. We shall certainly follow your suggestions.
As for your vegetables, they look so very well cared for and ordered. How wonderful to be able to eat so much of your own home grown produce.
" The dogs are crashed out on the floor, long fed up with not being in bed, so I'll take my cue from them and say good-night.
God bless us everyone!
Blessings ~ clear, sweet water for the horses ~ de-wormed sheep ~ horse shoes ~ garden ~ flowers ~ vegetables ~ teapots ~ sleep ~ "
YES!!!!
Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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You've got a wonderful garden! Thanks for all the garden tips.