How does your garden grow........

May 22 and the blooms are coming !!!

Its hard to believe that last summer after a heavy rain this 20 something foot New Dawn rose was found collapsed on the ground.  The weight of the plant and the rain caused the flimsy trellis we had put  up to break into pieces.  Brian saved the day and the recovery is just wonderful.  Thanks Daddy !!

There are no plant frames tall enough for these massive peonies, you can see me running out in my jammies in the morning after a heavy rain to shake their big blooms so the branches won't break.

Oh the things we do for love.

 I would love to make the front door different, I would love to make it look like a big smile, wouldn't that  be the best !

Soon the rugosas will be blooming and scenting the entire house through out the summer.

I love my Hazel 

Spring = Hope

      I have been a gardener now for over 25 years.  When I think back to my humble beginnings, I laugh to myself, oh how little I knew, but what fun I had !!  I have had three different gardens in my lifetime, the last two were left behind in a move to a new home.  There was a certain level of separation anxiety, a sadness of leaving old friends behind.   Luckily, some of the flowers came with me as small snippets of their ancestors, these plants have a very special place in my heart.  These are plants that were blooming in my garden when my children were wiggling loose teeth, learning how to ride a bike, and posing for pictures for the senior prom.  

     My present garden is my master piece, this will be a very difficult garden to leave behind.  As my husband said the day we first planted this garden, "they're like our children now"  boy did he say a mouth full.

  

  New beginnings !!  There is so much hope when looking at a garden in spring.  It is difficult to believe that come July you will not be able to see the garden bed !  Oh and the rocks, my sweeties collection to help the water drain from the downspout.

There is a small bit of color at Dragonfly Hill right now, but soon enough we will be rolling in blooms.  

Here are two of our newest adopted children.

The greatest gift that has come to me from being a gardener is the gift of patience.  Great gardens grow in terms of years not seasons, one needs vision, and a heavy dose of patience.

This is my latest creation, now I have my herbs right outside my kitchen door and the pesky vermin won't be able to get at them (she said with fingers crossed).

Happy Spring !!!

I Had a Dream

Memories...............

All my dreams have come true, and then some.

Rudy's

                                                                  

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got. 

Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away? 
Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
 You wanna be where you can see,our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows Your name. You wanna go where people know, people are all the same,
 You wanna go where everybody knows your name.

Once upon a time there were two creative, successful and happy ladies from Colorado.  One day, after shoveling the snow off the driveway for the hundredth time in one season, they looked at each other and said, " Isn't it warmer in other places in the world ?"  So the hunt began for a sleepy little island town to have their restaurant.

Sally and Julie

Luckily for the locals on Anna Maria Island this is where they landed !  Breakfast and sandwiches , delicious cupcakes and muffins.  Oh Yes, the best pie on AMI !!!    You won't forget the feeling of complete welcome when you enter the door, if they don't know your name when you arrive, they will before you leave.  

The newest bobble head holds the shelf of distinction before it is added to the collection.

No, Rudy is not some secret male partner, it is Julie's lovely dog (pictured above) and she is a girl too !

So these lovely ladies spend their days feeding locals and vacationers alike, driving about town in there souped up golf cart, and return home to their polka dotted house each night.

 Life is Good 

Wordless Wednesday

The Pinellas Trail

Here is another gem we have found in our winter home, part of the rail trail system.  The Pinellas Trail runs from St Petersburg to Tarpon springs at least 50 miles one way.  This beautifully maintained paved bike route runs through city and rural settings.  We enjoyed a 40 mile round trip ride, followed by lunch on the water in St Petersburg, some of the coldest beer I have ever enjoyed !