In the Garden

Spring is here, and with it the garden chores that come with it. We have been cleaning up and sprucing garden areas while deciding what to improve, change, or add to the garden. As the garden continues to mature, it looks better, that is, taking into consideration that there was nothing on this property, mostly weeds and an overgrown mess when we started. If you would like to see where we started, you can visit older posts under the category of fixing an old farmhouse or restoring a farmhouse. Little by little, we have been shaping this place, one project at a time, on a small budget. Although there is much more we want to do, the rhythm continues at a slower pace for us because we are doing the projects ourselves. It has been rewarding, and it makes us appreciate the place more, and even, the challenging process. Some areas have been more challenging than other areas, but we have taken our time and enjoy it, no instant magic here. Each year, we add a few new plants to the garden, mostly perennials that will continue to thrive and multiply with the goal of adding color and variety to this once barren and abandoned garden.

Here are photos of two new projects, and a few of how the garden looks today, as it has matured and change over the years, and of course, and old reference picture for the new reader.

A very large, recycled metal bin will serve as a planter for a variety of colorful flowers from seeds.
This recycled garden rack and flowerpots adorn the front porch adding color. It looks happy.
My husband handcrafted this house number sign that lights up at night using solar lamps. It sits at the entrance. I love it! He included my favorites, crows and horses. I think he did a great job.

For those who are new to this blog, here is a picture of what the derelict and abandoned property looked like.

The front porch, a scary before. We had a vision for this place.

A few photos of how the garden looks now. It continues to evolve. Over the next few weeks, the garden will be in full bloom, my favorite time.

We are working on developing a few areas in the garden, and improving other areas, such as the faerie garden, which is mostly a shade area, thus plantings are a challenge, including shade loving Hostas. Also, we are developing an area by the front entrance, and a smaller garden at the back, both shaded areas, which I will share on a future blog post. Hope you enjoyed the photos.

‘Tis the Season

It is the season to look up, down, and all around. No matter where we look, there is something to be seen. From meteor showers to leaves on the ground, critters looking for shelter, or the bright moon, to planets that look like bright stars; all of it is beautiful. There is also the unusual, the unexpected, like a spring flower coming up in the garden in the cold weather, or the late red rose that doesn’t wither after a frost. All of it, although simple, is wondrous.

A majestic morning moon peeking through the leafless branches.
That very bright star on a very dark night.
The same star (I think it is planet Jupiter) zoomed in.
The ground covered in leaves (for the third time).

Nature is ready to take a rest, but it is still whispering its wonders, and displaying its magic.

Garden Friends

It is always lovely to spot a few friends in the garden.

I have not seen these birds before, but they are adorable. The tail’s color is my favorite shade of blue.

The deer are always visiting.

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 NIV

Unexpected Beauty

Sometimes, beauty takes you by surprise and makes you gasp and smile. I took the first two pictures this morning: something unexpected but delightful.

The sun had come up and it illuminated this tree at a perfect angle because it looked as if the raindrops were dangling and glistening like tinsel. A magical sight from my favorite chair. I had to run and grab the camera before it was over. This oak tree is on my closest neighbor’s property. It keeps its dry leaves until the spring. What a lovely sight.
This is just the reflection of a drop of water that is on the outer side of the window glass. As I was going down the stairs, I noticed what I thought were shards of glass on the window. As I got closer and attempted to grab them, I realized it was just a reflection. I thought these were beautiful to look at, and I had never noticed them before. I went downstairs quickly and grabbed the camera once more. What a treat. I know, the window needs cleaning on the outside, but it is winter.
I took this picture the other day. The garden has gone to sleep, and we have had temperatures on and off in the 20s at night and even hit 6 degrees one time, but this plant refuses to go to sleep and keeps flowering. It is the only one in the garden that is still offering its colorful beauty, that is, besides the forsythia plant next door that always blooms in December. A lovely sight.
Every winter, I look forward to seeing this Forsythia bloom in December. So far, this plant seems to prefer winter blooms and not blooming in the spring. For the past four years, I have noticed her early blooms and enjoy it.

Hope you enjoy these pictures.

A Few Visitors

December and January have not been as cold and I have been observing more birds than usual around here, so I take it as a sign that it will be a mild winter. The forsythia is in full bloom, all covered in yellow flowers that did not shriveled with the frost and ice we had or the light snow that never stuck on the ground. The rose bush still has some buds and even a few flowers. Temperatures at night have been in the mid 20s and during the day in the 40s and 50s, with the occasional 30s in the mix. Not bad at all. The birds have been a very welcomed sight that has help me cope with all the sadness and craziness that is going around in our country. My faith has been an anchor, but watching these little ones go on and about with their day and routine has been a pleasure. Nature, as always, has given more than expected, and I have tried to find beauty in everything that surrounds me. I will share a few images with you, and I hope that these bring you joy as well.

The magic of an icy day. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Golden sunsets (Photo by M.A.D.)
The glow of a beautiful moon (Photo by M.A.D.)
The colors of a brand new day (Photo by M.A.D.)
The beauty of a chimney on a cold day (Photo by M.A.D.)
An old light post in the early hours (Photo by M.A.D.)
A gorgeous December moon (Photo by M.A.D.)
A kitty cat sunbathing (Photo by M.A.D.)
Our latest visitor in the early hours (Photo by M.A.D.)
Nothing says December and January like a beautiful Cardinal (Photo by M.A.D.)
The gorgeous orange of a Robin Photo by M.A.D.)
The cutest of them all. Noticed the green grass? Another sign of a mild winter? (Photo by M.A.D.)
Another cutie (Photo by M.A.D.)
A delicious meal for this little one (Photo by M.A.D.)
Ornamental grass seeds are yummy too (Photo by M.A.D.)
An unexpected punch of color (Photo by M.A.D.)
The word adorable (Photo by M.A.D.)
Taking a break from wood pecking (Photo by M.A.D.)
Can you find me? (Photo By M.A.D.)
Wearing a petticoat (Photo by M.A.D.)
Without words (Photo by M.A.D.)
First time seeing this one around (Photo by M.A.D.)
Unexpected (Photo by M.A.D)
These berries are favored by many birds (Photo by M.A.D.)
Blending with nature (Photo by M.A.D.)
The beginning of another day (Photo by M.A.D.)

I hope you enjoyed these, and that looking at them brought you a bit of joy. The hand of God is everywhere if we care to look.