Hello Willis
Thanks for adding me as a friend. Your property looks great!
Rose

Willis, Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you, it has been busy around here. As for having a sycamore tree, it is a blessing, and a curse, which is why I refuse to plant any other leafy trees, although I did plant a Crepe Myrtle in the front side yard, we'll see how that goes. By as beautiful as sycamores are, here is what you would in store for: Spring, the leaves give off a yellowish/gold powder; then in later spring, the bark peels off (of course so do crepe myrtles shed their bark); then in the fall, after the tree puts on these big seed balls, they begin falling off the tree along with triplet leaves. This type of tree is very brittle, which means that it looses branches in high winds, and just because, and because the tree is so dense, even the smallest branches hit the ground with a vengence, and overall, it is just one of the messiest trees one could have, other than a maple tree, whose whirlybird seeds I fight constantly from a neighbors maple tree. I would love him to cut it down, as it is a nusance, I have to be very diligent, I have to pull up little maple trees alllllllll over the yards. So maple trees if they live away from me, other people have to clean their leaves, only then can I enjoy thier little shade, and beautiful fall colors. Speaking about leaves...as I said, the tree is about 90 ft. high, and 126 years-old. The leaves are mostly over 12 inches across, and 8-12 inches tall, and continue to fall way into winter, which is problematic, because the City stops emptying the dumpsters for garden debris by the end of November. However, I left St. Louis for many years, and of all the trees, it was the sycamore that I missed the most. When I was a child, there were sycamores lining all the streets of the residential areas, so I fell in love with them then. I had become very worried about all the rumors that we were losing all the honey bees. I had some of the huge lower branches cut off a couple of years ago, and the branches were hollow. This past spring I noticed that we have a hive of honey bees that have taken up residence in our tree. Although in the spring I become very sad for the bees, as they just work themselves so hard that so many of them die on my patio, that I make it a point to check out the patio every evening, so that I can give them a quick end. They just buzz, walk around in circles unable to fly...it's heartbreaking! But the rest of the time, I enjoy watching them come and go. So far, so good, have not gotten stung yet. I have a fountain just before you would go from the side yard to the back yard, and very close to the tree. The bees enjoy getting their drinks, and are very polite around the fountains as I fill them. I suppose, because I save their fuzzy lives when they fall into the drink, may have something to do with their consideration-:) At any rate, I have my own little pollonators, right here on the premises, so I feel rather blessed. Well, now you know all there is about a sycamore tree, oh I forgot, when we first moved in, we had to replace the then 122 year-old ceramic sewer pipe from the house to the alley, because of that sycamore tree, as tall as it is, I suppose you can imagine how wide (long) the root lines are. They probably traverse into each of my neighbor's yards. They are a river tree, and they love a lot of water. If the tree was smaller than it is, I would really be worried to have covered the base as I have. I hope you have enjoyed my visit. How is your putting the garden to sleep going for you? Patricia

Willis, You have a lovely home and garden area. Like the tractor, and know it comes in handy for your big garden. Great looking gords, darling grandchildren, I especially love the photo of the "toddler's tumble in the garden", that was amazingly cute, and gave me a happy chuckle. Thanks for sharing. I also notice that you have roses. Do you know the types, and what zone are you in? Patricia

Hmmm, a concrete pool will make a reat pond. And a large one to boot. You be able to could keep some really nice Koi in that size pool. You will have to put pictures up here when you finish. Then we can "swap" fish pond stories and info too.

Thanks for inviting me to be your friend :-) So you use to own a farm...? Neat. I always wanted to live on one, but the closest I will come is the soybean field behind our house. At least I get a front row seat to watch them plow, plant and combine each year. :-) I would love to ride in the combine...:-) I noticed your pciture of the AC tractor. My husband worked for Allis Chalmers until they closed their doors in 1987..after 21 yrs there with them. And he use to be so proud of theat company...just the beginning of bad things to come for the whole country. :-(

Thanks for the invite to be friends. Years ago I had a cut flower garden and sold flowers at a market on Saturday mornings with some friends. Now, I just go around the nursery where I work and cut flowers for the vase on my desk. I look forward to the day when I have more time for my gardens at home.

Yes, retirement does seem to add to the enjoyment of gardening. I retired, 10 years ago and don't miss work or the commute at all. I'd much rather be in the garden. By the way, I love the barn/shed/garage in your photo. Did you build it? I assume that was the window from which you took that lovely photo. I've been trying to get my husband to build a shop/garage, but he hasn't done it yet.

Good Willis.. Please keep me posted..

Is the area sunny?? Check to see from tree people to verify..
maybe you can get tips