In spring, the Bradford pear tree blooms. so pretty. However, my favorite part is when the wind blows, the petals ride the wind and they look like snowflakes. they cover everything in the immediate vicinity and, until they turn brown, look like snowflakes on the ground that aren't going to melt.



My tulips don't seem to be growing well, however, there are still other beauties to beam at.


This is the first time I've had hyacinths in my garden. planted them last fall and the fragrance is one of my favorites.

Ever since i mosaic ed this cement basket, it has been my absolute favorite project I've ever done.When i put my violas in it, the color is mesmerizing to me.

My Gracie baby. my bestest friend. she loves to be outside and get all dirty, just like me.

Well, time for a new year. A new beginning for my yard and for my gardening education. Ive got a good start on my compost bin. It might be a little silly to be so excited over dirt, but, its homemade fertilizer and I must be going green.





My fountain has never looked better. it sounds beautiful and the spray of water when the winds blow, waters my lilies and irises.

I am adding rocks and flowers a little at a time. I'm going to get another waterlily for the pond this year. maybe even some more hens and chicks.

This is my lilac tree. well, it used to be a topiary but, I cut it down to encourage a bush. I'm hoping it brings more blooms. And, by the way, lilacs are my most favorite flower there is in the whole world. I wish i could have dozens of them in my yard.

My hobby within a hobby.

I have another hobby that I enjoy with my yard, photography. I love a digital camera because you can click your finger off and edit later. I must have taken 30 shots while I was following this ladybug as she journied around my bougainvillea leaves. Not once did I peer at my view screen, just followed her and clicked. I then deleted every shot except this beauty. I have entered this photo in a couple of photo contests online and I have submitted it to 2 of my favorite gardening magazines, Backyard Living http://www.backyardlivingmagazine.com/ and Birds and Blooms http://www.birdsandblooms.com/default.aspx?r_d=y. Maybe I should also submit it to better homes and gardens, too.? http://www.bhg.com/




When I'm taking pictures of my yard, I try to show buds on my plants so I can see it before and after. It may sound silly, but, it brings me so much joy.

I also try to get every different angle I can. It gives added dimension to the shot and I can see how beautiful everything is from a bug's point of view.

I am starting to believe that my passion for gardening is turning into an obsession. But, I don't think there is any harm in that. I love the instant gratification it gives me, not to mention the tan. There are so many things about my yard that excites me. From the ground to the sky, outside in my yard is my haven. It is where i do most of my praying. Well, maybe its more like having a conversation with God. I feel so close to Him while I am working hard keeping His beautiful artwork thriving. I know it pleases Him, but the joy it brings me is overwhelming at times. When the wind blows, it feels like a kiss from above. When the leaves on the trees are blowing in the wind, it sounds like applause from heaven. When I sweat and get dirt in my mouth, I am reminded that hard work is very good for the soul.

I am apparently doing some of the right things when it comes to my roses. Yes, some have died, but the ones that have survived are beautiful and healthy. I really don't so much to them except prune like crazy and fertilize. I alternate organic matter, fish emulsion, and miracle-grow for roses.I am a big believer in that pruning often keeps them full and beautiful.

I have noticed, however, that their scent has diminished. I am researching a remedy for this.