Always Tweaking

Of all the things that I love doing,

gardening may just top the list.

It's an avocation that is never "finished".

There's always more to do...

even when there isn't!

There was a day in my life when I planted flowers in the 

springtime and then just watched what happened the rest of the summer.

Now, it seems, I am never finished planting.

Every time I look around, another idea sprouts in my brain...

and I am off to the nursery.

Yesterday, while looking at my shed,

I realized that it lacked a certain softness that I had envisioned for the

front porch.

What was lacking, was greenery... more greenery.

And so, I set off for the local greenhouse.

I found a pink "knock-out" rosebush for one front corner of the yard,

and a butterfly bush for the other corner.

I took an empty #10 crock and planted it with Hippo Red and Dusty Miller.

I love this red and green plant, Hypoestes phyllostachya,

mixed with the silver... it almost looks like Christmas!

I found a couple hanging plants for the shady side of the porch.

On the left (above) is Bridal veil, and on the right is tear-drop ivy.

I think they soften this space, considerably.

Needing something that tolerated a little sun for the other side of the porch,

I gave the Purple Heart spiderwort, that hangs in my house, a haircut...

then took the clippings and stuck them in a hanging basket of moist potting soil.

This is one plant that easily roots in moist soil.

The perennials in the front garden are starting to bloom and fill in nicely.

So, as it always is with me and gardening... it's a start.

And I am certain that it will continue to be an ongoing process.

A little tweak here... a little tweak there!

And if you are a gardener... you totally get what I mean!

Yesterday was another stellar day... this has, so far, been the most

beautiful summer we have ever had.

We took delivery on another load of hay.

One hundred bales... up the hay elevator (by me)

to Hubbs and Becky, who stowed it in the hayloft.

Believe me... they had the much harder job!

When we were finished, we had a large tarp

filled with bits of hay.

At snack time, I took that tarp into the dry lot, to dump our

for the equines to consume.

There was much curiosity about the tarp.

"Whassss ziss?"

"Smells like hay... doesn't look like hay."

"Ahhhhh.... there it is!  HAY!!!"

Well, somehow, we ended up here at the end of the week already.

I can't believe that Friday is here already.

There's mowing to be done around the farm.

And when that is done, who knows what manner of mischief we will find.

One thing is sure, though, we'll be back Monday to share it with you!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Get outside... take a walk if you can... listen to the birds...

check out all of the beauty that this time of year bestows upon us.

But, most of all, be safe!

And, if you go out in public... for gosh sakes... wear a mask!

I say this... because... I love you and want you and those around you to stay well!!

(Wearing a mask reduces virus transmission 6-fold and it is the best way that we

can keep our economy open.

This is not a political statement.... this is a medical statement.)

And, Moonie will tell you... it keeps flies off your face!!