The Seven Faces of My Garden - GBBD May

Carpenter Bee on Chive Blossom

In my garden, there are seven faces that nature provides to maintain my interest. And although many of these same faces emerge each year, they grow different and more interesting from season to season and year to year. They are the faces that make me gasp, lure me closer, and inspire me to continue gardening. These faces add beauty, texture, color, and life to my garden with gentle suggestion and bold insistence.

All the Books from The Earth Day Reading Project 2012

When I shared my selection, The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh, I did not know it would become a theme for the project. Many of the books selected were children's books. From Beatrice Potter to Lewis Carroll, there were books that inspire, entertain, and offer a subtle message. And there were other books as well. Books that I have put on my reading list. Great books that offer new perspectives and new lessons in sustainable living and appreciating nature.

My Garden Notebook - May 2012

It is May 1, and I am documenting my garden on the first of every month.


Each year is different than another just as each month is different than another. April seemed to fluctuate in temperature and weather conditions just as much as most of the months in 2012 thus far. We did have a few weeks without rain which slowed growth a bit, and I used up all of the water in the rain barrels. Finally, last week we got some much needed rain. And rain has been coming every few days since. All the plants and trees are bursting with growth as a result.

Inspiration

Inspiration comes in many forms. Sometimes it is a very small element of a bloom, such as the gentle curl of this iris.

Happy Earth Day!

Many are celebrating Earth Day today. Our earth feeds and provides for us each day, and I am very grateful. For more information on Earth Day:

The Earth Day Network

Landscaping to Deter Animal Pests - Garden Book Review

A few years ago, I found a book that discusses planting strategies for deterring animal pests, such as deer, raccoons, rabbits, and voles. Deer-Resistant Landscaping presents numerous solutions to deterring mammals in the yard and garden.

Title: Deer-Resistant Landscaping
Author:  Neil Soderstrom
Publisher: Rodale Books, 2008

Garden Gifts - April GBBD

How wonderful it is to be in the garden again. To see the plants and flowers emerging and filling in the  gaps is pure joy.

Colors emerge in jewel colors.

Wild Iris

Natural Garden Recipes for Pest and Disease Control

Earth Day is April 22, and I will be doing some posts with that theme in mind this month.

Many natural mixtures work just as effectively as chemicals in deterring pests and preventing diseases in the garden. Over the years, I have found several recipes that work very well.