Daffodils

Daffodils are one of the most rewarding bulb plants.  They are early to rise in spring and last many weeks. Daffodils originated in Spain & Portugal. There are over 25,000 varieties.  They come in yellow, orange, white, peach and pink. Every part of a daffodil is poisonous.

Over 2,500,000 are grown in New York each spring!

Tulips

The best part of spring is the lovely show the tulips put on.
They just have a way of brightening every yard or garden. Although many people
believe tulips originated in Holland, they are actually native
to Central Asia.  Now most bulb flowers are developed, produced,
and exported from Holland.

Blue Hydrangea

I just keep taking photos of my beautiful Hydrangeas.  Every year I buy some and they never last in our high mountain desert climate. But how can anyone resist their beauty?

Most Hydrangeas are hardy in zones 5-9.  

All hydrangeas will bloom and grow well in morning sun and afternoon shade. This is especially true of the most commonly grown hydrangeas, the macrophyllas.  They love well drained and non-clay soil. 

Prairie Fire

I've been waiting for my Prairie Fire Crab Apple Tree to bloom for weeks.
This is my favorite spring tree!

Prairie Fire
Zones: 4-9
Height: 15-20'
Spread: 15-20'
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Color: Intense pinkish red.
Foliage: New leaves emerge purple and turn reddish-green as they mature.
Blooms: Spring 5-7 days later than many crabs.
Fruit: Glossy dark red 1/2" fruit are persistent

HOMEMADE TIKI TORCH

Today I made this YARD TORCH out of only 6 items.
There are only a few steps to follow.

First you must find a bottle.  Then go to your local hardware store and buy the following:

*1/2" X 3/8" copper coupling

*copper cap to fit

*tiki refill cord

*tiki fuel

*teflon tape

Wrap teflon tape around bigger side of copper coupling until it will fit snuggly into the top of your bottle.  Don't tap it down in yet. Fill your bottle with tiki fuel. Thread tiki cord through coupler.  Then tap teflon wrapped end into bottle.  Turn upside for a few seconds to soak tiki cord. Light & Enjoy. That's it!  So simple!  I figured you could make this project for around $5-$15 dollars depending on what bottle you used. 

Basket of Gold

I took this photo of a plant we call 'Basket of Gold'

(Aurinia saxatilis 'Compacta') at my parents' house.

This vigorous spreading plant produces dense clusters of tiny intense yellow flowers in early spring. Stunning at the edge of beds or borders or let them cascade over rocks or walls. Prefers part shade where summers are hot. Easy to grow. Winter hardy to zone 3.

Weekend Getaway

I didn't do much gardening or planting this weekend.
I was too sore from laying sod. We decided to go camping
at the lake and get some rest.  I made stew and forgot
bowls so we ate from 'BLUE SOLO CUPS'.

What a beautiful backdrop for a lovely dinner by the lake.
Recipe for Easy Camping Stew-6 cups of water4 tsp. of beef granules1 pound stew meat
3 large potatoes cut into cubes
1/2 head of cabbage
Cook in crock pot until meat and potatoes are tender. Then add:
Can of corn
Can of green beans
Can of carrots
Salt & Pepper

Cook for about one more hour- Enjoy!

My Husband's Idea of a Flower Pot.

After laying so much sod yesterday we chilled out on our back porch with some refreshing beverages.
This is the way my husband GARDENS! 

Before & After 

10 people + 10,000 sq feet of sod + 6 hours of hard labor = Beautiful Yard!

Yesterday my sister got 2 semi-trucks full of sod.
Our family pulled together and worked so hard to lay it all in just 6 hours.

We all make a wonderful team!

Can you believe what a difference grass can make?  

So........ I went to the local greenhouse today with my mom.
Only one of our favorite places on earth.  It is so tempting to plant
right now because it has been such a warm spring.  But I know better.
I have had plants freeze on the 4th of July where I live.

I think this is what heaven looks like.

Hydrangeas are one of my favorite plants.  We can't winter them in our climate.  
I still by 2 or 3 every year because I can't resist their beauty.
 And..... yes I bought 2 today.  I will not be putting them outside
anytime soon.

Ahhhhh....... Gerberas. What a way to brighten anyone's day!

Just like Sunshine!

More BEAUTY.

Today was a great day.  Even though it was a bit overcast & chilly,
 the greenhouse was warm and lovely. I am so grateful for all this beautiful day. 

I bought this "TILE" of Sedum yesterday.
It's normally used for ground cover.
I'm going to put it in my pots that are in full sun.
It needs very little water.  

Look at all the different kinds.  So Pretty!

Hopefully my pot will look like this one day!
I will keep you posted on the results.

My Super Cute Front Porch :)

 

I just completed the look of my super cute front porch.
The potted Primrose came from Lowe's for only $5.97!

If you are like me and too excited to wait for planting season-
Look for cool weather annuals to brighten things up.
Pansies & Primrose are perfect examples.

Good Morning!

Oh Deer!

I have been trying for days to get the perfect pictures 

of the deer in our back yard. 

I guess these will have to do for now.

 I think I might have to get up a little earlier and 

be a little sneakier! 

 Spring!

I love taking pictures outside.  

I recently realized I am much better at photographing flowers than people!