August is here and as I look around my garden I find the beds are out of control. A little too much heat, a little too much vacation time, a little summertime laziness and suddenly the beds are a mess. Reminds me a lot of life. So often a little unintentional neglect in relationships or circumstances can result in areas of our lives spinning out of control.

So how do we restore order in our lives? I think it's just like we do in our garden beds, by getting down on our knees, pulling out… Continue

Two weeks ago today I became a first time grandmother. It has been one of the pinnacle moments of my life. I watch the baby and hang on each new expression, new sound, and new movement he makes. Joy seems to bubble up from deep within me as I experience "grandmothering". If you're not wearing my shoes, you may think this is a bit of an overreaction. However, think about how we as gardeners feel about the new life we see in our gardens. We nurture plants and check on them regularly, getting… Continue

I've been working in the yard all week trying to spruce it up for a party this weekend. Of course the temps have been in the 90s all week, along with the humidity. It's been simply dreadful. I just keep running in and out of the air conditioning and eating fruit pops. Even so, it's still so gratifying to be a part of nature, noting the changes of the seasons, and viewing the cycle of life.



In the herb garden, the parsley is covered with swallowtail caterpillars wearing their green… Continue

By August, my garden has reached its prime and the plants begin to look fatigued from the heat and seed bearing. Even the weeds are leggy and drooping. Fortunately, God has blessed us with plenty of rain though, and today it's only in the 80's. I celebrated the weather by spending the morning "playing" in the garden, pulling weeds, putting up support fences for tired perrenials, listening to the birds, and just being grateful. I am grateful always for the big blessings, but today I am grateful… Continue

My summer break from work has finally arrived. I love teaching but having two months free of all work responsibility is just wonderful. Now I can concentrate on projects I've been saving for when I have time. I want to try making some mosaic stones and pots. I may even try to make some planters from the cement and peat moss mixture. I'll have to do some research for that though. I want to experiment with some topiary too. I need to do lots of maintenance in the garden. All this rain has made… Continue