We found Nessie

I have a fondness for using indoor decor outdoors in my backyard.  This week I found this adorable little creature at a yard sale.  After putting her in the garden, my family identified her as a baby Loch Ness Monster.  Little Nessie brings lots of smiles to my backyard.

Blueberries busting out all over

In the first weeks of harvesting, my blueberry crop was disappointing, the berries were small and slow to ripen.  The weather was dry and even though I was watering the shrubs, they just didn't seem to produce.

And then it rained! Last week, we received over two inches of rain over the course of 4 days. 

Suddenly, I have blueberries busting out all over.  The berries started to ripen, turning dark blue and swelling to twice the previous size.  Since the rain, I've picked more than 12 cups of berries and the bushes still have more than half their berries.

Of course, the birds may discover this bounty too . . .
 

What a difference a day makes

Rootbeer plant, yesterday

It has not been raining in my backyard.  We often hear rumbling thunder and see brightly flashing lightening but the rain always seems to fall in someone else's neighborhood.  It has been six weeks since we have had any significant rainfall and my garden is beginning to feel it

Rootbeer plant, today

Most of my garden is made up of perennials which can handle a dry spell because their root systems are deep and well-established.  The annuals have become completely dependent on my hose which I find time consuming and expensive. 

After this length of time, even the perennials are beginning to suffer.  I took photos yesterday of my sad, wilted backyard. 

Angel trumpet, yesterday

Angel trumpet, today

Turks cap, yesterday

All night long, we listened to thunder and watched lightening from afar and then, early this morning, it began to rain.  I think it was the prettiest rain I've ever seen and I'm pretty sure I heard the plants in my garden sighing with relief.  I took photos of the same plants that were wilted yesterday, they much happier this afternoon.  What a difference one day and one half an inch of rain make to my backyard. 

Turks cap, today

More for me

For the first time, I have succeeded in growing beets in my garden.  Beets are a cool weather crop so in years past I've attempted to grow them in the fall.  Beets require consistent watering which is my suspected reason for my inability to grow them during the fall season, generally dry for my backyard.

This April, I discovered a package of beet seeds that I hadn't bothered to plant in October and decided to stick them in the ground to see if they would grow in the spring.   They germinated well, and with a little mulching and some supplemental watering, they have produced some small, but delicious roots and greens.

For reasons that completely baffle me, no one in my family will even attempt to taste them.  I admit that I'm not forcing the issue, their loss just means more beets for me!

New reason to shop

While looking for the perfect birthday gift for my daughter, Karen, I came across this amazing little tote bag.  Not needing another purse or tote in my collection, I suddenly realized that this little bag would make an adorable planter.  I gave this one to Karen for her birthday, but I'll be on the lookout for a bright new tote bag for my own collection!

My Florida backyard

Most people associate Florida with sandy beaches and palm trees but for me, Florida is about live oak trees and spanish moss. 

22 feet in diameter!

My husband is from Tallahassee and we had the privilege of living in that lovely city for six years.  I adored the canopy roads on which the trees were allowed to overhang, creating a green ceiling draped with moss.  A single live oak tree can shade an entire back yard!  They live to be hundreds of years old.  I love to imagine who might have enjoyed the shade of these trees 300 years ago before the European settlers arrived.

This past weekend, Bob and I enjoyed a family reunion under the shade of two massive live oaks, draped with moss.  I loved seeing my Florida family again and rejoiced over the beauty of the trees that made our reunion comfortable even on a bright spring, Florida day.

Sunrise in my garden

Even in a busy, suburban neighborhood, I find that sunrise in my garden becomes a quiet haven of rest from the bustle and noise of daily life.  The sun spotlighting God's creation reminds me that no matter what may be happening around me, all is well with my soul.