Winter Daydreams

Tired of looking out and seeing snow, snow and more snow?  Longing for the lush colors and textures of Spring/Summer?  Then why not join me in a bit of Winter daydreaming.  Let's close our eyes and indulge our senses in the beauty of gardens past.....

Wild Cherokee Rose in full bloom (can't you almost smell its delicious tea-like fragrance?)

In reality my raised beds lay dormant, hidden in a frozen blanket.

But in my mind's eye, I see them alive and thriving in their full glory.  Bursting with....

...Tender Sweet Peas and Spinach,

...Lettuces ready for the salad bowl,

...Potatoes and Onions.

When I open my eyes I see nothing but blinding white.  

But if I close them back quickly I can still see....

 ...the glorious brilliant colors of the Sunrise Petunia,

 .... the mouth watering redness of the ripe raspberries,

... and the soft velvety petals of my yellow climbing rose.

Now, isn't that better? 

Hold on... warmer, lovelier days are just around the bend. ~Rhonda

Marching Towards Spring

Spring has been slow to arrive here. I took this picture one year ago today.... much less blooms so far this year.But progress is being made~ the old fencing is down.

My unbelievably darling Husband helped me convert an old chicken coop into a greenhouse:-) Want to take a peek inside?

Melons galore!! I can hardly wait to enjoy the sweet, juicy fruits of their vines.

And the Golden Zucchini are growing like weeds in their warm little corner of the world... soon they will be planted in the ground and able to spread themselves out to their liking.

Soon.... very soon:-)

You got anything blooming/growing in your neck of the woods?

~Rhonda

Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate

As I wait ~semi-patiently~ for the arrival of my seed order and warmer weather, I have been searching around for garden fencing ideas. I am expanding the garden this year and I want to create a space that is both functional and appealing.

Here are some ideas so far....

This one is very appealing, but wouldn't do much to keep the rabbits out of my lettuce or the chickens out of my berries.

This one is strong on function, but much like mine is not so very appealing. But do you know what IS appealing in this photo, the health and vigor of those plants! If your garden is producing like this, who cares what the fence looks like!?

This one has both function and a certain appeal... but I think it is not really my style. A bit too confined perhaps.

Hmmmm, what do we have here? This one really speaks to me. I believe the search may be over. What do you think? If you would like to know more about this spectacular garden, you can check it out at this Country Living article~ Connecticut Kitchen Garden

~Rhonda

Winter's Dream

While we have had a great deal of fun in the snow....

Some of us more than others:-)

It's that time of year when I start wishing for warmth and the opportunity to dig in the dirt~

But with many more winter days still to come, I will have to console myself with reading and dreaming about this year's garden.

Of course when Mother Nature throws us a few teaser days, like today... 60's and sunshine, that just happen to coincide with my off days, I'll be running out the door as soon as the first rays hit the sky.

Hope your Monday is Sunny~Rhonda

Southland in the Springtime

Welcome Springtime!!! I have been anticipating your arrival for months.

With the opening of the new blooms. I have gotten the hankering to bring that freshness inside, so..... I'm bringing out the buckets and the brushes. I'm opening up the windows and the doors. I'm scouring every nook and cranny. Clearing away the clutter and chasing out the drab of winter.


I'm washing and hanging out the Spring linens.....

While Sadie supervises from the sunny window.

And when I'm finished~

I'm going outside until fall:-)

Care to join me?

Happy Spring !~Rhonda

Morning Wonder

It rained here on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. On Monday night a dense fog covered everything, but by yesterday morning, the clouds had rolled out and the sun shone brightly in crystal clear blue skies. Everything was covered in tiny water drops left over from the four days of moisture. Mother Nature was putting on her own water works show and just like any good blogger worth their salt.... I grabbed my camera, and set out to capture the sights to share them with you~

The Bradford Pear washed white as snow.

Rain drops clinging to the blueberry blossoms.

I love the way the sun reflects on the edge of this bloom.

My miniature pink lemon tree is oh, so grateful to be outside. It does not care for over-wintering in the basement. It has threatened to up-root its self and join its sibling in Central Florida at Aunt Kara and Uncle Jeli's.


The daffodils resemble underwater plant life.

Prickly, hairy strawberry leaves.



Wild rose water.

Freshly washed lettuce.

A gossamer Spider abode. Don't freak out on me CJ, it's only the web;-)

Even the weeds appear regal wearing their dew drop gowns.

The rain was such a blessing and we welcomed every drop, but I was glad to see the sun return today because .....

obviously, some of us have been cooped up inside for much too long!

Outdoors

I'll be outdoors today if anyone should wonder where I am.....

Planting~

Building a greenhouse~

Working in the new rose garden~

Minding Animals~

And reveling in the glorious warm weather we are having~

I hope you all enjoy your day~Rhonda

Seed to Seed

Like so many others, it seems my thoughts have turned to the anticipation of warmer days of Spring and the opportunity it offers to get out and get in the garden. There have been moments when cabin fever has threatened to overwhelm me but I have tried to take advantage and make the most of the down time. It has offered me the opportunity to really get out and evaluate my soil and the lay of my land. This winter I have put more effort in planning for Spring planting than I have in any winter before. I have come up with more concrete goals and devised the steps I need to take to make those plans work.

You may have noticed this little button in my side bar~~

It is a growing challenge that is being hosted by One Green Generation. The rules are simple:

1. Plant at least one new crop from seed, grow it organically, and save the seed to plant next year.

2. Check in here when I post Seed To Seed or Growing Challenge posts (more or less once/week). Or if you have your own blog*, you can write about your gardening there instead – or in addition. The point of #2 is to learn from one another, inspire one another, and build our growing community. So please share questions, thoughts, and discoveries as they come up.

3. Sign up in the comments!

So I'll keep you up to date on the progress at least once a week.

See this little grassy hillside? I know it doesn't look like much now, but I have big plans for this little spot.......

BIG plans! ~Rhonda