tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43209003713665381872023-11-16T07:58:20.564-08:00Green and ChewyWelcome to One Dog's efforts to go green, while dragging his family behind him.Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-3595998011187620562011-07-30T18:30:00.000-07:002011-07-30T19:11:31.167-07:00Armageddon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-TMIi4cMqVPG0YwVf-ruHMeDVTwclb1nkm2bTIp43sExl-D-fQ42HDniVRIZC_wbvC8guMIaTPHVoCCGkF9lf7DD8760X0VoImB319vwyoBi9NxQpmKCpwp1pG_MStsTlcDTOaKT854/s1600/wasp1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635330292044201890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-TMIi4cMqVPG0YwVf-ruHMeDVTwclb1nkm2bTIp43sExl-D-fQ42HDniVRIZC_wbvC8guMIaTPHVoCCGkF9lf7DD8760X0VoImB319vwyoBi9NxQpmKCpwp1pG_MStsTlcDTOaKT854/s320/wasp1.jpg" /></a><br />Bloodshed....death...destruction....thousands dead......pre-emptive strike<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudMm71wUpfXhyphenhyphenvifUhTCLrm23g-cGLxg4VBD3VPfph1opEMpNFkZWXBgMlLYUUWveKXh50rSaL9tRu5evGCtIznDeEI3z17-6PmDH9KJAR3R4v16S0JG1LWTE5ZG_G_6yeRzNbu-qzv4/s1600/nest1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635329926138124594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudMm71wUpfXhyphenhyphenvifUhTCLrm23g-cGLxg4VBD3VPfph1opEMpNFkZWXBgMlLYUUWveKXh50rSaL9tRu5evGCtIznDeEI3z17-6PmDH9KJAR3R4v16S0JG1LWTE5ZG_G_6yeRzNbu-qzv4/s320/nest1.jpg" /></a> The proverbial pistols at twilight....<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80mmm8CAKp7R3TYZqJlf0WRAFr_QQHtSdWpsyBzdnyobJNStgWZ6Xh0o55p8Gtbc__NgXzLWKj6da8KbdJ37PhPN0-M-boRbZBxGiI0DtuND050e7geJtHvysXKI5MrECz0WVka4ugQ8/s1600/wasp2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635329918038293650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80mmm8CAKp7R3TYZqJlf0WRAFr_QQHtSdWpsyBzdnyobJNStgWZ6Xh0o55p8Gtbc__NgXzLWKj6da8KbdJ37PhPN0-M-boRbZBxGiI0DtuND050e7geJtHvysXKI5MrECz0WVka4ugQ8/s320/wasp2.jpg" /></a> It's my fault for planting so many tasty things and even providing bathing water in the bird bath. Still, I did warn them about nesting in the garage, and randomly buzzing me. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Paper wasps, hornets, muddaubers, carpenter bees, sweat bees.....I hate them all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbq2oOXqWkp0F_89AvX-yAQ2u_NRAOxh7oXHjEXiC5dwoN3B9dZMTwzxSX5GN-viJbV4zPVBVGX9Wxqnd8fazqL_osRXqTBwt_WQxP64DUDafRNX24wF2lDRSsW_HhG-X1aav3Jw0x20/s1600/nest2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 164px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635329920467701586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbq2oOXqWkp0F_89AvX-yAQ2u_NRAOxh7oXHjEXiC5dwoN3B9dZMTwzxSX5GN-viJbV4zPVBVGX9Wxqnd8fazqL_osRXqTBwt_WQxP64DUDafRNX24wF2lDRSsW_HhG-X1aav3Jw0x20/s320/nest2.jpg" /></a> Particularily the two baseball size nests out in the garage. Meaning the two nests that were attacked this evening with two full cans of 20-foot-spray, and then conclusively wiped out with three foggers, because dying wasps release a pheromone that alerts their buddies, and we can't risk a sneak attack tomorrow morning.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I leave nothing to chance.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXr9Nr9PrWZpaCk4VOMjnz7OYgxlJEfIjCinXX_CKKMRoCgRRjzqKtileGn3VJ2KMt6q2SoLODAM3eD-vnhpf5l8a24O-cZuX0HZPMtd3uk671HNFXgeb4hGNDtXmNFzSsEWlszJPxvg/s1600/wasp3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635329917372784018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXr9Nr9PrWZpaCk4VOMjnz7OYgxlJEfIjCinXX_CKKMRoCgRRjzqKtileGn3VJ2KMt6q2SoLODAM3eD-vnhpf5l8a24O-cZuX0HZPMtd3uk671HNFXgeb4hGNDtXmNFzSsEWlszJPxvg/s320/wasp3.jpg" /></a><br />Yippee ki-yay, m*therf**ker!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-44917115399789897592011-07-12T14:03:00.000-07:002011-07-12T14:40:02.835-07:00Lost Motivation Marries Total Disaster...The Sequel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxugTvvvYFQS6oEg9B4Pvf96fhQvRVoJIo4Nc6gHgw4Mi8H7nORO1rR2gtv9frz39UdkNqJZh9nV3rOFHd-7yNBrLI4nLZzFNKPmZCaCfy9sdsm3JCfgFh-IZqeCsyxxumCU-I7UGsDsk/s1600/DSCF0183.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628577847650463874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxugTvvvYFQS6oEg9B4Pvf96fhQvRVoJIo4Nc6gHgw4Mi8H7nORO1rR2gtv9frz39UdkNqJZh9nV3rOFHd-7yNBrLI4nLZzFNKPmZCaCfy9sdsm3JCfgFh-IZqeCsyxxumCU-I7UGsDsk/s320/DSCF0183.jpg" /></a> <br /><p></p>I am reminded this is suppose to be a gardening blog. Unfortunately, I have lost all motivation in the face of a second summer of unprecedented heat. Funny how 107 degrees will do melt any amount of resolve.<br /><br />So today we have photos of lovely flowers which in fact <em>did</em> exist at some point this spring in my garden - but I will not commit to saying they are still out there. Or, at least, they are not out there and alive.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGtnx26J7x9GEov_PlE1MwdbUQ3qcrKVgjIGxflDodb_GPn5OMNFwVRLGfQTVyq5AG800yY0au68pIRVQhZRA3GydkMQvAncFDGk3UoxIVk9wtTVoZR12b-QCn_Zc0VRhGMh1UAaLtAs/s1600/DSCF0209.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 295px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628577854758273810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGtnx26J7x9GEov_PlE1MwdbUQ3qcrKVgjIGxflDodb_GPn5OMNFwVRLGfQTVyq5AG800yY0au68pIRVQhZRA3GydkMQvAncFDGk3UoxIVk9wtTVoZR12b-QCn_Zc0VRhGMh1UAaLtAs/s320/DSCF0209.jpg" /></a> </p>The wire grass has taken over all the spots it did <em>not</em> take over last year ( when I was busy killing it in the garden itself). I made the mistake of not covering the entire yard with black plastic and nuking it afterwards. So now the wire grass has consumed the blueberry and strawberry patch. Meanwhile the volunteer potatoes have come up, but haven't amounted to much besides some beautiful greenery.<br /><br />This year even the gourd plants are lagging behind (and it's <em>never</em> too hot or dry for gourds), leaving me with the possibility that there will be no Swan Neck gourds, no Nest Egg gourds, no Dipper gourds.<br /><br /><br />There are a few tomatoes and pepper plants out there -occasionally I wave at them from the upstairs window and remind them they are on their own -it's too hot to even deal with them. They seem depressed.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXXtav66mFobBwEO3WeV-X7yfZwfmhlJbqGxzNI0v23827jddwu6jF6JfygGajRAslQ_SmQ6_qz1A6We0xhYuPh7Q4JQcVV7thubj4xY4-vTVWDFM3Nyp4iZbvTjICcYAZsJiEXDpAvg/s1600/DSCF0197.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628577854081071458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXXtav66mFobBwEO3WeV-X7yfZwfmhlJbqGxzNI0v23827jddwu6jF6JfygGajRAslQ_SmQ6_qz1A6We0xhYuPh7Q4JQcVV7thubj4xY4-vTVWDFM3Nyp4iZbvTjICcYAZsJiEXDpAvg/s320/DSCF0197.jpg" /></a> Wild hollyhocks have overtaken the rosebed, along with a particularily vicious thorned locust tree. On a more positive note, the fig tree is growing at breakneck speed, and I have no idea why, since I rescued it from the dead plant bin at Lowe's two years ago, planted it and then forgot exactly where I put it, much less to water it.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdagRc_Ewx000k1NFZGn4kIzoXw6Mtk72LIKx3xVnQcOsA0hdRokWDWmcWqzhYrio4025lnon88Rh4I7juUTlDcDmJeSaRxEimKecK9WEzxNkJa3hhe3coNFVAI_GGuZcKXmTbOPiI_5E/s1600/DSCF0212.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628577856095995858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdagRc_Ewx000k1NFZGn4kIzoXw6Mtk72LIKx3xVnQcOsA0hdRokWDWmcWqzhYrio4025lnon88Rh4I7juUTlDcDmJeSaRxEimKecK9WEzxNkJa3hhe3coNFVAI_GGuZcKXmTbOPiI_5E/s320/DSCF0212.jpg" /></a> </p>Meanwhile, I do have tomatoes, green peppers, jalapenos, sage, calendula, oregano, and a million different kinds of basil growing in containers up by the house, near the water barrels and a bit of shade. <br /><br />It's just too freaking hot.<br /><br />We did have these...<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b0G8OnlVq_TFDpd2mak6_rJoCNa3XYRLzUxYQqL9k7l0W2bpIAbSEc5K_RGDYJzopGgrQHVTJk81aP_0XOtd8LNS96z18xMEsVrDalwlQ9ORt6tgfH3FaXgri05C1tzjBwLorNc-eNk/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628577856475572146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b0G8OnlVq_TFDpd2mak6_rJoCNa3XYRLzUxYQqL9k7l0W2bpIAbSEc5K_RGDYJzopGgrQHVTJk81aP_0XOtd8LNS96z18xMEsVrDalwlQ9ORt6tgfH3FaXgri05C1tzjBwLorNc-eNk/s320/IMG_2124.JPG" /></a> Fine, so they aren't mine. Wire grass ate my strawberry plants. These came from my mom's, She's having her own garden issues this year. Peaches didn't set, corn isn't filling out, lettuce is bolting much too soon - see? It's not just me.</p><br /><p>Happily, blueberry season opened today, but I am forcing myself to wait until Thursday when it will be a cold frosty 87 degrees.</p><br /><p>All I have to deal with there are the emus.</p>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-25900438908324096932011-05-25T10:26:00.000-07:002011-05-25T13:22:31.187-07:00Calendula Harvest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7hGMhUD1sh-00btBgQXOyxcNBZnmnLZHKipjyASvm0FPeLfbpIfjmm-k_zL23tNEoVOXyE21DNy0hmxk4BTUfu2ThP_E9yDDf_XijKeYfDabXGS9SjqXr-YRv0ne-skc7MjmCcTRbZQ/s1600/cal1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610707598693797426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7hGMhUD1sh-00btBgQXOyxcNBZnmnLZHKipjyASvm0FPeLfbpIfjmm-k_zL23tNEoVOXyE21DNy0hmxk4BTUfu2ThP_E9yDDf_XijKeYfDabXGS9SjqXr-YRv0ne-skc7MjmCcTRbZQ/s320/cal1.jpg" /></a>This is my first year growing my own calendula - usually I just buy the petals for my salve. But seeing as how many people regard it as a weed, how hard can it be to grow?
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8YTZWsiChtZo0f1MqVTUUcJoubPSaAfo8aD1fhIdeEwgu_zikNOE7Re7a4R_SS04e99ec50bOVBY54WWdbX5UGzrUjxd3d9lR2F0AKTgXneHsfnarI0Hv-chmfh1Nj0QiRE_a5PAhJ4/s1600/cal2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610707142897882498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8YTZWsiChtZo0f1MqVTUUcJoubPSaAfo8aD1fhIdeEwgu_zikNOE7Re7a4R_SS04e99ec50bOVBY54WWdbX5UGzrUjxd3d9lR2F0AKTgXneHsfnarI0Hv-chmfh1Nj0QiRE_a5PAhJ4/s320/cal2.jpg" /></a>It's a sort of tallish, spindley plant, with one big flowerhead on each spindle. It's also known as pot marigold (some of my readers (you know who you are) will be disappointed, as it is neither pot nor a proper marigold). </div>
<br />The official name calendula is <em>Calendula officinalis,</em> and it is not related to the common marigold, but instead to the daisy or chrysanthemum.
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<br /><div>But, just like pot, it is edible - you can actually pick those petals and add them to soups or mashed potatoes (along with garlic) to give them a beautiful golden color. The flavor is similar to pumpkin or squash. A handful of petals goes a long way in rice, carrot cake, chicken and dumplings or cream of mushroom soup.
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5rQxvpdTurmL1sVYTx7YZDDwJ-lBdi5ESnRLySoxXT6YmAr7pl5jIHvY_KK4AD8q7v-5EyXmRZky_xZwDBGbkfdj1MQ9k6-yhj9bGpX-a5AVGpOO_06_Vyx2YtCg651j7gF3l2XMXts/s1600/cal3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 295px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610707140443576866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5rQxvpdTurmL1sVYTx7YZDDwJ-lBdi5ESnRLySoxXT6YmAr7pl5jIHvY_KK4AD8q7v-5EyXmRZky_xZwDBGbkfdj1MQ9k6-yhj9bGpX-a5AVGpOO_06_Vyx2YtCg651j7gF3l2XMXts/s320/cal3.jpg" /></a> Calendula can be directly seeded with the mature plants growing from 8" to 18" tall. Don't be afraid to cut the flowerheads, as this only encourages more budding. If flowerheads are left, it will self-seed, but generally doesn't become a nuisance. Calendula (the name just rolls off my tongue) is an annual, or a very short-lived perennial.
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h1rmiaqXfOX205zdhDzKH6RAC72kn_HRBk0L280e5v4LVeCCmkRlVGg_4KwlnPlbHEDs8lr2wtVp-4SM0-c56oBh7HgyS-TXr3TnWHAnhUDQQPLOB8hWKg46T9bKpuXdSi2hBbrisRE/s1600/cal4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610707133417663250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h1rmiaqXfOX205zdhDzKH6RAC72kn_HRBk0L280e5v4LVeCCmkRlVGg_4KwlnPlbHEDs8lr2wtVp-4SM0-c56oBh7HgyS-TXr3TnWHAnhUDQQPLOB8hWKg46T9bKpuXdSi2hBbrisRE/s320/cal4.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div>Petals can be used fresh or dried (NOTE: Dry the entire flowerhead, but only use the petals themselves in your recipes). Harvest in the late morning, after the dew has dried. To dry the petals for later use, spread the flowerheads in a thin layer in a dry shady spot, until they reach a thin papery consistency. Store in an airtight glass container.
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialrp789imT-FhvdspG8qwl1MyNghxzpq62AN9yiWDK4gDZ9WpCPT5yRikhMkerABOkiclsfNerpxqeXAMUHAT86akxK4eHUqnJeKZFIrwMiwGEgLFAeyKEUoPvBUjB8weT_MkmOz7xs0/s1600/cal5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610707126300472002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialrp789imT-FhvdspG8qwl1MyNghxzpq62AN9yiWDK4gDZ9WpCPT5yRikhMkerABOkiclsfNerpxqeXAMUHAT86akxK4eHUqnJeKZFIrwMiwGEgLFAeyKEUoPvBUjB8weT_MkmOz7xs0/s320/cal5.jpg" /></a> Those of you who know me in real life understand that cooking is not my forte -I'd just as soon order out - so my calendula is destined for my herbal salves.</div>
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<br /><div>Calendula is loaded with carotenoids which means it's great for healing damaged skin and regenerating skin cells. Think gardening hands, diaper rash, dry skin, skinned knees, burns, etc. Out of all the recipes I found on the net, not one includes rosemary - but mine does, for several reasons: while calendula is an anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic, I like to err on the side of cauion by including a double dose of antiseptic - and rosemary is the best. This way, while the calendula is rebuilding skin cells, the rosemary is cleansing the wound.
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<br /><em>Calendula Salve
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<br />2-3 cups Calendula Petals </em></div>
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<br /><div><em>1 cup of rosemary needles</em></div>
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<br /><div><em>Olive Oil (also antibacterial)</em></div>
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<br /><div><em>2 oz. Beeswax (slice into chips so it melts easily)
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<br /><div><em>For those who prefer scented salves, add several drops Rose or Lavender Oil </em></div>
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<br /><div><em>To make your salve creamier add 1 oz. Lanolin or 1/2 oz. Glycerin </em></div>
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<br /><div><em>* Recipe can be proportionately increased if you need larger quantities *
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<br /><div>To start, put calendula petals and rosemary needles into glass container, cover in olive oil. Cap tightly and let sit for two weeks.</div>
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<br /><div>After letting the petals and needles soak for two weeks, pour through a strainer into a small crock pot ($10 at the big box store). This removes the plant matter, leaving only the infused oil.</div>
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<br /><div>With the crock pot on the highest setting, slice the beeswax into slivers and small chips. Stir as it melts. If you choose to add lanolin or glycerin or essential oils for fragrance, do it now.</div>
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<br /><div>After the beeswax has melted, test the consistency of the mixture by putting a small amount in a milk cap, or a bottle cap,and then setting in the freezer - this will harden it within a few minutes and you can try it to see if it's creamy enough. To make it creamier add a little extra olive oil *or* lanolin *or* glycerin (for the love of god do not add all three, or it will never solidify again). </div>
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<br /><div>Run a second "creaminess" test if needed, and while it's hardening in the freezer, get your containers ready. Over the years I have discovered that while I have many beautiful large glass jars, the best salve containers are the tiny glass ones that are shallow and can be thrown in my purse and handed out to friends. </div>
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<br /><div>When pouring the salve into the containers BE CAREFUL. This mixture is HOT. When the containers are full, cap tightly and set in the frig or freezer to cool.</div>
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<br /><div>That's it. All the benefits of calendula are now yours.
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8B2d1S8ju5Zg69M-rcDaEDCkqg6HQ4S_d2Ks_43Bbz_xzCNRwbJeOkkty-iSJS1Sia_y0QWrMPvxJ7JPRh-CC3YhJ7utO31WjIUyM0oGGYJq1KEydsDlVHbk3pw0-4gV6UPOo73WIFE/s1600/cal6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610707120676641298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8B2d1S8ju5Zg69M-rcDaEDCkqg6HQ4S_d2Ks_43Bbz_xzCNRwbJeOkkty-iSJS1Sia_y0QWrMPvxJ7JPRh-CC3YhJ7utO31WjIUyM0oGGYJq1KEydsDlVHbk3pw0-4gV6UPOo73WIFE/s320/cal6.jpg" /></a> <em>For more salvemaking info, with photos, here's <a href="http://greenandchewy.blogspot.com/search/label/Making%20Salve">a previous post from last year's comfrey salve session.</a></em></div></div></div></div>
<br />Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-6690692620485099292011-05-23T15:07:00.001-07:002011-05-23T16:17:37.636-07:00Finally Coming in From the Garden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxVDe3LlKeHDZmPdU5_1P6sQXJuoK5eZR5NJh7ysyY5yyzkeZoIaYj4nh0CsO4UxGG7a5a21qHEMo_04pvUGA2NGSEuX6fbuzvK0Xai5C8OlOr4WeCrf5XoEPuUyaR3P3K-Pg0S-R5zs/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037910924573922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxVDe3LlKeHDZmPdU5_1P6sQXJuoK5eZR5NJh7ysyY5yyzkeZoIaYj4nh0CsO4UxGG7a5a21qHEMo_04pvUGA2NGSEuX6fbuzvK0Xai5C8OlOr4WeCrf5XoEPuUyaR3P3K-Pg0S-R5zs/s320/IMG_2127.JPG" /></a>Another summer in the garden starts .... and it starts late, thanks to massive disorganization on my part, major life changes at home, and generally too much to do in too little time....just like everyone else reading this.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylF5sQ7oaKgJsLzOCmDEQ8FwvM83XQAnsOr2Q58VW-MUmz7YzIueh_8Rj1iIxjbqaD7K4NYMKpNsGCPOuvc0cs6dSSQeWEi_OdwXVbKT_ertbM9s-V2tfA7HmBgykTIxD7bf_762YC70/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037900631888050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylF5sQ7oaKgJsLzOCmDEQ8FwvM83XQAnsOr2Q58VW-MUmz7YzIueh_8Rj1iIxjbqaD7K4NYMKpNsGCPOuvc0cs6dSSQeWEi_OdwXVbKT_ertbM9s-V2tfA7HmBgykTIxD7bf_762YC70/s320/IMG_2128.JPG" /></a> Took two days to get all the seedlings potted, waterplants moved out of the greenhouse, hanging plants hung, and seeds spread.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtJyW2S-vizD0NXROMDYhPFj4OmcSsoNfk_qb3mPFGYSVtto5D6OEqpdFh0lgZeIOc7ZO2g6x-lKlSnjTC6Xp7_g0lZEoyhS_2mi4vAg8jRkHfcql4tBRgyGBmUc5I5V-qoAP9moTpR0/s1600/IMG_2129.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037647952290690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtJyW2S-vizD0NXROMDYhPFj4OmcSsoNfk_qb3mPFGYSVtto5D6OEqpdFh0lgZeIOc7ZO2g6x-lKlSnjTC6Xp7_g0lZEoyhS_2mi4vAg8jRkHfcql4tBRgyGBmUc5I5V-qoAP9moTpR0/s320/IMG_2129.JPG" /></a> This year I have calendula - the flower petals go in my comfrey salve (but can be eaten fresh too).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8IgezIBhRDLoXNB588D5KCNBUTSnY3qEmw2vB_lB9n7E1JNU-N3GzOtTwh-MxXu0jJnVnI-Fsq98G2Q6_rNYSxFhwVZenj-6v8_BK-0vlmMzwA42RcljaNqK6vBJK_4-7A0dX76s0LA/s1600/IMG_2130.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037636204895026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8IgezIBhRDLoXNB588D5KCNBUTSnY3qEmw2vB_lB9n7E1JNU-N3GzOtTwh-MxXu0jJnVnI-Fsq98G2Q6_rNYSxFhwVZenj-6v8_BK-0vlmMzwA42RcljaNqK6vBJK_4-7A0dX76s0LA/s320/IMG_2130.JPG" /></a> Lime Basil is added to the basil collection this year...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAygSge63heAVmdYwIvjW0vAwRwkyjH8VZKkr4glOkVneelgoYJwUdN4hUjn_wvNGiExwDaXiqsDNPxEAvGcQhNiyUV47sxr7Bqfl4bcPfWjYKDX2Js8jCpfpneFOiKKgBFSPPwe1gTA/s1600/IMG_2132.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037618524975506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAygSge63heAVmdYwIvjW0vAwRwkyjH8VZKkr4glOkVneelgoYJwUdN4hUjn_wvNGiExwDaXiqsDNPxEAvGcQhNiyUV47sxr7Bqfl4bcPfWjYKDX2Js8jCpfpneFOiKKgBFSPPwe1gTA/s320/IMG_2132.JPG" /></a><br />Along with the Boxwood Basil and Greek Basil..<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwbA_v3kQDIIgMGOHZJG10YrgogLJKGS7RYlb5DMtGGTORbbSLd2dK806uvPb6ZiU6rtrhcJH8w_FrH0OPsNFidbV2lwI6p1KbDSy_1DgtrfuJBTKk1lA1v5HU6CNWfArk70cDQR4Gfw/s1600/IMG_2141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037371974060434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwbA_v3kQDIIgMGOHZJG10YrgogLJKGS7RYlb5DMtGGTORbbSLd2dK806uvPb6ZiU6rtrhcJH8w_FrH0OPsNFidbV2lwI6p1KbDSy_1DgtrfuJBTKk1lA1v5HU6CNWfArk70cDQR4Gfw/s320/IMG_2141.JPG" /></a> And the Magic Michael Basil with the fuzzy fragrant purple tops.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqe3daeV4CQW94B7CzTNyBFCpxT4WUDM0kZd2xnEf8WFyIYtofDxZQ-04kMDIhhCLZfn2OiYKXl0V3NdRnk-lrPAolUS5bfLjhwSZSBuoklaT8PijGabFNxSGj9RBqJApWcFxm3qMtcc/s1600/IMG_2131.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037630071525922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqe3daeV4CQW94B7CzTNyBFCpxT4WUDM0kZd2xnEf8WFyIYtofDxZQ-04kMDIhhCLZfn2OiYKXl0V3NdRnk-lrPAolUS5bfLjhwSZSBuoklaT8PijGabFNxSGj9RBqJApWcFxm3qMtcc/s320/IMG_2131.JPG" /></a> Nessie was suppose to have her own water garden this year - that's not going to happen, so instead she's guarding pots of sage, rosemary and jalapeno peppers. I use the jalapeno peppers to make non-toxic insect spray for the vegetable plants later in the summer.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFQRjh-XCMQSjGTiNgMe7L_0xHFsG4JRP2gNjWznd6wGnPG2WNhEQVtvGF0lKe2IB75BxUXAMwwm6VjDZy0pxYfE_6vZdsnXtoqp-io8evcmqI2fAspoeW9G0omew_eW6g33IA1LJUH4/s1600/IMG_2133.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037611500936962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFQRjh-XCMQSjGTiNgMe7L_0xHFsG4JRP2gNjWznd6wGnPG2WNhEQVtvGF0lKe2IB75BxUXAMwwm6VjDZy0pxYfE_6vZdsnXtoqp-io8evcmqI2fAspoeW9G0omew_eW6g33IA1LJUH4/s320/IMG_2133.JPG" /></a> The larger pots of sage and rosemary are thriving, but the sage I wintered over (the red pot)got very spindlely last month and had to be cut back - it lasted all winter, and produced enough leaves to keep me in sage rinse from October to March. Now that its outside I've cut it way down, and new sprouts are already coming out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2vTgDPzWxZpROn9nuKfopchcVVc3hp_2AOqXlwd1hXRoiRfMcaF_2Moh1VX-yWyY6GDKCaOr1kJBEmknQVJOpXfFvHdEus0jUneqMvj9JMlHeqe8ofAdJNdHYoYmpw_b1P1fVdnLX48/s1600/IMG_2134.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037414236573058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2vTgDPzWxZpROn9nuKfopchcVVc3hp_2AOqXlwd1hXRoiRfMcaF_2Moh1VX-yWyY6GDKCaOr1kJBEmknQVJOpXfFvHdEus0jUneqMvj9JMlHeqe8ofAdJNdHYoYmpw_b1P1fVdnLX48/s320/IMG_2134.JPG" /></a> Right next to the Magic Michael Basil are the tomatos, two plants to a large pot with several pots. And in spite of my plans, I ended up planting two rows of tomatos and peppers out in the yard gardens - along with a large area of ground covering gourds (noticed today the gourds are up - dipper, nest egg, and apple gourds).<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9LK4_gRpcp0zFP5PX3bowqm5d0_VfnDrRRaNYjYM1b1-aB4azF10PZeLSa0Y42OfftHuwEGnATwZ9-GdrUwFxpDErSnxZJ8Up1AlHaVSw4qlJLnmSMNHmTU2rh0qwv_UP90vGw_IIGM/s1600/IMG_2138.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037401229143506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9LK4_gRpcp0zFP5PX3bowqm5d0_VfnDrRRaNYjYM1b1-aB4azF10PZeLSa0Y42OfftHuwEGnATwZ9-GdrUwFxpDErSnxZJ8Up1AlHaVSw4qlJLnmSMNHmTU2rh0qwv_UP90vGw_IIGM/s320/IMG_2138.JPG" /></a> Remember when I bought these last fall? Finally got them together, and as of this week planted. They were meant to go inside over the winter, and this next year will do just that. But the trial run this summer is outdoors, and includes tomatoes planted upside down..<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSnJy90SNPa8rRIIqs9fV3d8OeNelpc-d7DF15umJXiUZTtgt51D-QFdkbI9gVO1WYoSvXgHtMBun5ygGZZjbu1MXAoaNeW48Qq3KQTi13AWE7p-Ug3V-UPxG4OZ8erpjZNUsID8ksxI/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037390414978434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSnJy90SNPa8rRIIqs9fV3d8OeNelpc-d7DF15umJXiUZTtgt51D-QFdkbI9gVO1WYoSvXgHtMBun5ygGZZjbu1MXAoaNeW48Qq3KQTi13AWE7p-Ug3V-UPxG4OZ8erpjZNUsID8ksxI/s320/IMG_2139.JPG" /></a> Top trays have green peppers, rosemary, and blue sage. Since this was taken, the top trays have been mulched with straw to keep moisture close to the roots.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Bbf3KM24ZwPGeCxmCZpfWCyDT-EGdo_G4ApcU6ZeIxnI7gJrS5YS46KyCqznDeYUHBVlaufWSHFShsg-CMPc0kssGMfr-FQ8uyO2IXKyssLi4KjuQhkAucA5BzknKXE2MnpTMXQI_kQ/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037378592456114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Bbf3KM24ZwPGeCxmCZpfWCyDT-EGdo_G4ApcU6ZeIxnI7gJrS5YS46KyCqznDeYUHBVlaufWSHFShsg-CMPc0kssGMfr-FQ8uyO2IXKyssLi4KjuQhkAucA5BzknKXE2MnpTMXQI_kQ/s320/IMG_2140.JPG" /></a> These were the recommended plants, but I'm wondering exactly how the watering will accomodate the water-thirsty tomatos and peppers as well as the sage and rosemary that prefer drier soil.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz84TXLohp59DQLURGIgVpC_Yw34udTjTpsljUoB7EvUBbrvL6dcy99HBtrOpaxiXZ4wABzO-jrrr2_v-L2Nq4yr8eHJKEOIv2Y-fYM8U8qwNVeVZrjaUX8UieEfyEjbp6a_hkx78I6wk/s1600/IMG_2142.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037097944084962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz84TXLohp59DQLURGIgVpC_Yw34udTjTpsljUoB7EvUBbrvL6dcy99HBtrOpaxiXZ4wABzO-jrrr2_v-L2Nq4yr8eHJKEOIv2Y-fYM8U8qwNVeVZrjaUX8UieEfyEjbp6a_hkx78I6wk/s320/IMG_2142.JPG" /></a> My ancient oregano plant is popping back out - wasn't really sure it would make it again this year.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pNxANXVX4dIWux-aTJedYkoDR6YRlqsG8PtjDJ8HVGPsH5c7cE2vuSb5K_TVN8efucaMIxMnQuOHBTIRt5x2uo-8EZv-DiDh0gKWu1LyZ7S6ZrxBsmei1R8gAa_HQtUL8NeLlCt1y-o/s1600/IMG_2143.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037087231311410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pNxANXVX4dIWux-aTJedYkoDR6YRlqsG8PtjDJ8HVGPsH5c7cE2vuSb5K_TVN8efucaMIxMnQuOHBTIRt5x2uo-8EZv-DiDh0gKWu1LyZ7S6ZrxBsmei1R8gAa_HQtUL8NeLlCt1y-o/s320/IMG_2143.JPG" /></a> This is my fourth year lavender - it winters over in the greenhouse and usually blooms a second time in February.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6eDASr7vrJ5TvNRQzdLj5rDfM9TrPZ2ZSc_3b8dc2yclkNXSwjkU_R56PPBYfVekJzvSUWzQM3tGabOZn8_6pEUISalK1_61FdkX1C5IlBii9_w7BV4qAUzdV_kFTKxQfSF1nXzebMA/s1600/IMG_2144.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037081259140514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6eDASr7vrJ5TvNRQzdLj5rDfM9TrPZ2ZSc_3b8dc2yclkNXSwjkU_R56PPBYfVekJzvSUWzQM3tGabOZn8_6pEUISalK1_61FdkX1C5IlBii9_w7BV4qAUzdV_kFTKxQfSF1nXzebMA/s320/IMG_2144.JPG" /></a> More sage, more oregano, more rosemary.... I use large amounts of each of these in homemade Italian Seasoning, sage rinse, and comfrey/rosemary salve (rosemary is an antibiotic).<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJls3c4lvtKpE07Z_dtk4-b55DUldoM3fFdzJMIythLP8FMmplr7Z3eZj5Y-0gIpvHf8rxHDiBfUXL0pSdvV-p1sJEvkEeVrFq4e8dPRlf2v84N_DXe7xsdBbR-Jhr9-aDSrbYonL7Z94/s1600/IMG_2145.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 207px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037082924089058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJls3c4lvtKpE07Z_dtk4-b55DUldoM3fFdzJMIythLP8FMmplr7Z3eZj5Y-0gIpvHf8rxHDiBfUXL0pSdvV-p1sJEvkEeVrFq4e8dPRlf2v84N_DXe7xsdBbR-Jhr9-aDSrbYonL7Z94/s320/IMG_2145.JPG" /></a> At the very top of the Swing Garden, next to the spiral evergreens, is the Monarda Jacob Cline, probably the Monarda variety with the biggest blooms. This plant will be approximately three feet tall, covered with large red flowers and the butterflies that love them.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYgE9K-TUOIFF0Jp1TfJrxYg-IYEZ2RiRBJr21ykafIU_zA51tskSplRzAzRSsvrzONSF5LIQydzwoIqvZIci8Al96N-04JrF8VjuOG9nS7DULaKT3IbiRtlgMoymZA_hB24JuQDR1ok/s1600/IMG_2145B.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610037055147020242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYgE9K-TUOIFF0Jp1TfJrxYg-IYEZ2RiRBJr21ykafIU_zA51tskSplRzAzRSsvrzONSF5LIQydzwoIqvZIci8Al96N-04JrF8VjuOG9nS7DULaKT3IbiRtlgMoymZA_hB24JuQDR1ok/s320/IMG_2145B.JPG" /></a> While I was straightening out the Swing Garden, Boss showed up and decided I had it under control. He actually lives three houses and a field down, with Miss Joyce the Librarian, but has adopted our house as his summer home. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Nothing fazes Boss - not even our noisy barking dogs.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-53950464938111211492011-03-18T19:05:00.000-07:002011-03-18T19:31:39.780-07:00Dismal Experiment Turned Amazing Success<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUc73Dhm0Rn7DwpCuwfEbU2mZSqDSZZG1nm-_qhWMdHsbk2XzYuMsv95KA18Fyy88EQtwhj9Q_0GHkIa5-gasDsg4hHkXeBjnzGeYINDkr640bOF6DdR7r-j8OVp8CYiWiARFUHFBaXc/s1600/1bale1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585606773998022530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUc73Dhm0Rn7DwpCuwfEbU2mZSqDSZZG1nm-_qhWMdHsbk2XzYuMsv95KA18Fyy88EQtwhj9Q_0GHkIa5-gasDsg4hHkXeBjnzGeYINDkr640bOF6DdR7r-j8OVp8CYiWiARFUHFBaXc/s320/1bale1.jpg" /></a><br />Remember last summer's experiment with hay bale gardening? Remember the sad results (i.e. plants that started out healthy, then within a couple weeks turned sikcly and died)?<br /><br />Huge discovery as to the reason for that: I bought my hay bales at a commercial provider (a home improvement store that starts with L) not knowing that the growers that supply them automatically spray herbicide on their product, to curb weed growth. Unfortunately that also curbs the growth of desired plants.<br /><br />So as quickly as I planted young healthy plants, the herbicide did its job and began killing them.<br /><br />Fast forward to last fall, and when my least favorite garden chore (fall cleanup) came due, I blew it off. There are no words for how much I *hate* fall cleanup.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNKoTycDhvrYY4gHsXoqUTKgUf8flXM4zA6cTq83GED8geAUfW8kd2-5xu1B1KmWvcHYwr2yzmAXX68ThjEXuu4kiKnPtOtTOfZ_cuXcUNS9MHiVpo51yHn5WItk-ywGhyU7sR50clI0/s1600/1bale2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585606768626209426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNKoTycDhvrYY4gHsXoqUTKgUf8flXM4zA6cTq83GED8geAUfW8kd2-5xu1B1KmWvcHYwr2yzmAXX68ThjEXuu4kiKnPtOtTOfZ_cuXcUNS9MHiVpo51yHn5WItk-ywGhyU7sR50clI0/s320/1bale2.jpg" /></a>Sadly, when one blows off fall cleanup, it merely becomes spring cleanup. Therefore this afternoon, I discovered these decomposing hay bales. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUtDT2-kVYxZL8SvnJb202Rp0I2vis9zFGUk8WSIezpm8ZIGwijTI45Z8Pi4c8raqHJW8EafPsubGTIm4SY45EsaH2Byi3ZvhfBCLXNcifDDdk2QZyha-tFEx1KCmDrGkiZF7_bvdJXk/s1600/1bale3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585606764710523378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUtDT2-kVYxZL8SvnJb202Rp0I2vis9zFGUk8WSIezpm8ZIGwijTI45Z8Pi4c8raqHJW8EafPsubGTIm4SY45EsaH2Byi3ZvhfBCLXNcifDDdk2QZyha-tFEx1KCmDrGkiZF7_bvdJXk/s320/1bale3.jpg" /></a></p><p>They were hidden behind all this.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF60s8IUvtK1RmM9OcoBP5ffAvlniev0NHMzXE2QorP5Ss0L5jmPu6v7I3UTzAeQyrmtDVxQVCyDOnZhwo7eMegfn0_qUPnRxiKs3IFO-LVdzzhZYSHdh8IQC7ajVCUsiY4G6Bb6S2WGU/s1600/1bale4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585606761395277874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF60s8IUvtK1RmM9OcoBP5ffAvlniev0NHMzXE2QorP5Ss0L5jmPu6v7I3UTzAeQyrmtDVxQVCyDOnZhwo7eMegfn0_qUPnRxiKs3IFO-LVdzzhZYSHdh8IQC7ajVCUsiY4G6Bb6S2WGU/s320/1bale4.jpg" /></a>And this. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwSo27-Yje4Y4xIhgvsDEAHeuzp4Loj1grYjuxBXkSF_mAJhJD0C5z4IZuiCLnwRVqqe7N28il2oVhOKg-rWT4ExADhNWgWxTQAfd4APSIyyiHPxg3fzSeHQKc-m0_rD-NVZTAk9wwlM/s1600/1bale5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585606751753620258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwSo27-Yje4Y4xIhgvsDEAHeuzp4Loj1grYjuxBXkSF_mAJhJD0C5z4IZuiCLnwRVqqe7N28il2oVhOKg-rWT4ExADhNWgWxTQAfd4APSIyyiHPxg3fzSeHQKc-m0_rD-NVZTAk9wwlM/s320/1bale5.jpg" /></a>A couple hours later, most of the weeds had been piled up on the plastic, and then rolled into a giant weed taco, and hauled away. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8qnjsOUsmwppsMY-UIonRne9wiOtn-Myf3v1RatQIGf6PxbTHkD5gOo7x21oFzJErUw2lKdEjD3JqG2VcUj_doEu5Sx3Ztek9Y_CVjd85mCpmBtZbDBic0wDa7adGbuVMTbzxThQtlo/s1600/1bale6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585606595411730562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8qnjsOUsmwppsMY-UIonRne9wiOtn-Myf3v1RatQIGf6PxbTHkD5gOo7x21oFzJErUw2lKdEjD3JqG2VcUj_doEu5Sx3Ztek9Y_CVjd85mCpmBtZbDBic0wDa7adGbuVMTbzxThQtlo/s320/1bale6.jpg" /></a>Meanwhile, the hay bales have wintered over, the herbicide has disappated, and now they have become some of the finest organic material around. Rich, moist, decomposing- home to earthworms, etc. Perfect for spreading out over the garden. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvHEgC-buYa17Q3iZ4UlXQjFr3DOl-m7rB2r3RbqCn3eDTPb-WltSn-0KOwUYZibG3JNlEERwBlB2uZKDp0UO_U_1NF26RWi2tAziRQRC90O9rQDSBphZuZiEmH4HNHMlZI4BjcmR70c/s1600/1bale7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585606584175296706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvHEgC-buYa17Q3iZ4UlXQjFr3DOl-m7rB2r3RbqCn3eDTPb-WltSn-0KOwUYZibG3JNlEERwBlB2uZKDp0UO_U_1NF26RWi2tAziRQRC90O9rQDSBphZuZiEmH4HNHMlZI4BjcmR70c/s320/1bale7.jpg" /></a>Couldn't have planned it better if I'd tried. </p><p>The name of this year's game plan is budget. In order to conserve water, I'm pulling the veggie crops up into containers close to the house and the rain barrels. This should eliminate most of the need for extra watering. The large beds out in the yard (like the one above) are going to be herbs - basil, lavender, comfrey, oregano, sage - and gourds. All of those do very well with minimal water even in Virginia's heat (worsening every year thanks to global warming-no, don't send me "there-is-no-global-warming" emails). Blooming herbs also attract bees, which will encourage pollination for the veggie crops.</p><p>As of today, that's the plan.</p>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-36082834566360246482011-01-13T11:36:00.001-08:002011-01-13T12:11:24.891-08:00D.C. Tour<em>Courtesy of the U.S. Botanical Gardens..my new favorite place in D.C.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypN94S7w8mMyplVj-w76NzPyrPRNDhBsFt-2fM9dTEisfeTDaNzJ1wANJ0YpiI_n8fKmjP2NFPeVm-oqY6ehsuyfko1YgvcEFCXbFxZCN3g18kHQ1VBW9i_CqD63Zp-s8g7lpMnvr_mY/s1600/1botgar1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561759076576780514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypN94S7w8mMyplVj-w76NzPyrPRNDhBsFt-2fM9dTEisfeTDaNzJ1wANJ0YpiI_n8fKmjP2NFPeVm-oqY6ehsuyfko1YgvcEFCXbFxZCN3g18kHQ1VBW9i_CqD63Zp-s8g7lpMnvr_mY/s320/1botgar1.jpg" /></a>Beginning at the White House....</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoPEcJUo7TwW55022WgoFvqbXg2G4G4pWRTxH-wWLk0KeYzskSlOSmKCkx5OI2x3A6FbVHeLpetcNbt0l6I2y-Esr3eftL3zE0f8-UhvGLPgqCK2B6WHD_EbmOJHJ8q5fh1wu_4yQYow/s1600/1botgar2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561758809284706882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoPEcJUo7TwW55022WgoFvqbXg2G4G4pWRTxH-wWLk0KeYzskSlOSmKCkx5OI2x3A6FbVHeLpetcNbt0l6I2y-Esr3eftL3zE0f8-UhvGLPgqCK2B6WHD_EbmOJHJ8q5fh1wu_4yQYow/s320/1botgar2.jpg" /></a> complete with Sasha and Melia's playset.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeoAOZAZMGqNZEbKP2jo_WSNF2nx8niTnHLM6QRxRPpxsD7UhC3nvNePOpHICgfOMNVs_a2CBJlXCEyPiZvBzUtIX1ZxfzLVfkUCwPIeEHAKN9_toWVJ3T6EhOn4HQlXnGFiNUYuze8s/s1600/1botgar3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561758799152320866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeoAOZAZMGqNZEbKP2jo_WSNF2nx8niTnHLM6QRxRPpxsD7UhC3nvNePOpHICgfOMNVs_a2CBJlXCEyPiZvBzUtIX1ZxfzLVfkUCwPIeEHAKN9_toWVJ3T6EhOn4HQlXnGFiNUYuze8s/s320/1botgar3.jpg" /></a> Continuing to the eastern end of the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument (didn't get tickets to this one either)...</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsMtmDPWXl8C_yGgbJXRc4M09or7wkaJBFDpvXRMjPfob373NVTOEqm6BWCW7LXIRznKvyXdJSPlbTXeqvQbDgneJ7A1dYMwXQIIXVZOcMfnlDGtrRfsjBBEp6xozZZ8R1aPxo3HFPbc/s1600/1botgar4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561758798671319842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsMtmDPWXl8C_yGgbJXRc4M09or7wkaJBFDpvXRMjPfob373NVTOEqm6BWCW7LXIRznKvyXdJSPlbTXeqvQbDgneJ7A1dYMwXQIIXVZOcMfnlDGtrRfsjBBEp6xozZZ8R1aPxo3HFPbc/s320/1botgar4.jpg" /></a> and at the other end, the Lincoln Memorial..</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyg6rWVhgjVg0Myh6E87WCyxxNuGQIJ_PFnXcodeJ6Y3NBHg_eylBy77pzAnJpE8Mr7iDmJ1YQ8Lf9lhsfIlHmmKTv6lywQXW069ZzsFwgvs5xqEaRHhMU27V2UrTUew6HCsMI1-3C2g/s1600/1botgar5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561758794142911202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyg6rWVhgjVg0Myh6E87WCyxxNuGQIJ_PFnXcodeJ6Y3NBHg_eylBy77pzAnJpE8Mr7iDmJ1YQ8Lf9lhsfIlHmmKTv6lywQXW069ZzsFwgvs5xqEaRHhMU27V2UrTUew6HCsMI1-3C2g/s320/1botgar5.jpg" /></a> with the Big Guy lounging inside. Gift shop is just to the right.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaNfARDuicyicIBu8IOdHJqrD1cjeHgaBJv775wVjHJxGvMfVw9DTGXYRKXIcTfDid0DI2SNpzjCWptp9vhrlYNgSYhnawgOTkDfvVx6tj5evcjivuOQUFaKFlGP5x7KT548zNGvjEWc/s1600/1botgar6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561758787009792354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaNfARDuicyicIBu8IOdHJqrD1cjeHgaBJv775wVjHJxGvMfVw9DTGXYRKXIcTfDid0DI2SNpzjCWptp9vhrlYNgSYhnawgOTkDfvVx6tj5evcjivuOQUFaKFlGP5x7KT548zNGvjEWc/s320/1botgar6.jpg" /></a> Thomas Jefferson has his memorial over in the ferns, right where FDR requested, so he could see it from the Oval Office.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYvUajHHQMKxxN3BlU0nduOfkfoOMKnqYfkZHAWEgqLlXfyxvrItws9FA5pDBjx1KfOv6Cf9iN1OuRb_WADZTSKWuICqJIb8CD-yQHCuMtjKxdqI6NkwO9c96jA5YsgWBWl4pXDURSng/s1600/1botgar7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561757628632297010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYvUajHHQMKxxN3BlU0nduOfkfoOMKnqYfkZHAWEgqLlXfyxvrItws9FA5pDBjx1KfOv6Cf9iN1OuRb_WADZTSKWuICqJIb8CD-yQHCuMtjKxdqI6NkwO9c96jA5YsgWBWl4pXDURSng/s320/1botgar7.jpg" /></a> He stands inside, bearing a startling resemblance to the T.J. bobblehead my DD brought home.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8TRzi56w5LM_TTg_hyphenhyphenAewUI1oqLKZSziLWKhOmB2XTnr1R5dB-aj3aO9E1rsGwtrDnfgiE7RQMv8cT03_GfTD1YylGeyLmtYSj_fErZX2IQCWTe3EQtEG7SdY9z4HI2m8hflJM0EeZE/s1600/1botgar8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561757623083962610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8TRzi56w5LM_TTg_hyphenhyphenAewUI1oqLKZSziLWKhOmB2XTnr1R5dB-aj3aO9E1rsGwtrDnfgiE7RQMv8cT03_GfTD1YylGeyLmtYSj_fErZX2IQCWTe3EQtEG7SdY9z4HI2m8hflJM0EeZE/s320/1botgar8.jpg" /></a> Note the amazing detail on the pediment - you can see all five men, gathered to write the first draft of the Declaration of Independence: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, T.J. himself, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWENgEXU_tr9LeGWclCCtTuztn9k2kA70HqicGhfO53wl1tEBkQf-nJm9x7cSnPv-A7pnvVQFGWvXwwMX_yNC38WlGiBwp492pnuZIUQ87WHB7WEVyV_KJ62Udl3KHn-dWbQyE6GpOT7Q/s1600/1botgar9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561757613579120690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWENgEXU_tr9LeGWclCCtTuztn9k2kA70HqicGhfO53wl1tEBkQf-nJm9x7cSnPv-A7pnvVQFGWvXwwMX_yNC38WlGiBwp492pnuZIUQ87WHB7WEVyV_KJ62Udl3KHn-dWbQyE6GpOT7Q/s320/1botgar9.jpg" /></a> At the other end of the National Mall, there's the Botanical Gardens itself, with hundreds of tiny glass panes over the orchid gardens, the desert and of course, Hawaii.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSV-BSdXPRtBGBi8lpuHvP9xgD1XNnOMy05k9EQ4JliQLs4tAD9PnWbpa0fHii58LXw1o-h2WJavbbKm03zk79prLfXXSD_TB4FWHTXJ6ysT-aGXcOT6xBnVlWYBMDADcMPBVDoIQzmnY/s1600/1botgar10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561757612244463186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSV-BSdXPRtBGBi8lpuHvP9xgD1XNnOMy05k9EQ4JliQLs4tAD9PnWbpa0fHii58LXw1o-h2WJavbbKm03zk79prLfXXSD_TB4FWHTXJ6ysT-aGXcOT6xBnVlWYBMDADcMPBVDoIQzmnY/s320/1botgar10.jpg" /></a> Just one block east of the Gardens stands the Capitol.</p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDmUDV_fCoVqCIO9LXPZpXjc1H-Ws5XI3XTMaFlbUE40ufE7TZnC8BNi5XhaseozDrPAQX3Fqi0ulo6I9L3Jwtx8PAGHPQ3An-XAa2omGehHNuL9zY5teyPtOx_modPx70wamBB44X3k/s1600/1botgar11.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561757607969169106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDmUDV_fCoVqCIO9LXPZpXjc1H-Ws5XI3XTMaFlbUE40ufE7TZnC8BNi5XhaseozDrPAQX3Fqi0ulo6I9L3Jwtx8PAGHPQ3An-XAa2omGehHNuL9zY5teyPtOx_modPx70wamBB44X3k/s320/1botgar11.jpg" /></a> And another block east, the Supreme Court. </p><p>The real buildings don't have giant poinsettias surrounding them, and they aren't created using thousands of tiny bits of wood, sticks, nuts, bark, and oyster shell, like these.</p><p>But they're pretty impressive in their own way.</p>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-14946366638572790952011-01-01T20:26:00.000-08:002011-01-01T20:38:29.382-08:00Happy New Year!<em>From the U.S. Botanical Gardens in Washington D.C...... </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>a little bit of spring for the new year...</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7b7RAcprjpw90d5JrGv24x07tINTj-KbOW3OzqNROEN5z8IIkrIXv3nd3LvREJd-r7cSyOsPsH5OAzV1U-ujxuHIAKZtZI18_AHXGkiDdUTADHzrX0RYzEVQHhES1DaowXqg6r2FUso/s1600/Picture+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 273px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557442456033716162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7b7RAcprjpw90d5JrGv24x07tINTj-KbOW3OzqNROEN5z8IIkrIXv3nd3LvREJd-r7cSyOsPsH5OAzV1U-ujxuHIAKZtZI18_AHXGkiDdUTADHzrX0RYzEVQHhES1DaowXqg6r2FUso/s320/Picture+003.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfGwjHQQ6sJFjLqtjtwAm1mVd8SxMz27VQ7uusso0Z5NRlF0dBZ6V9wRkPUqYw5K14e7A26AhBwiFm6eTsdYTkj0KVEInK06HM9a2wGmL2ZW8d_139H7iMUITwO2SR5tzSsHNqp8ksOY/s1600/Picture+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557442451653410098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfGwjHQQ6sJFjLqtjtwAm1mVd8SxMz27VQ7uusso0Z5NRlF0dBZ6V9wRkPUqYw5K14e7A26AhBwiFm6eTsdYTkj0KVEInK06HM9a2wGmL2ZW8d_139H7iMUITwO2SR5tzSsHNqp8ksOY/s320/Picture+005.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVz_RsMmKogNQCjATbFXZaetY8Ynp7-O-PpWj3HkrgKS9X2Jhp-9aYYV1lwGsyQUM0SuLGQcQ2W0KThcYPcbLIeJDqWsIex4ZeVJ09pMYSFJnoQqs51J59tgY_rHFFWe1aJq2x9IhBiE/s1600/Picture+013.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557441603516121218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVz_RsMmKogNQCjATbFXZaetY8Ynp7-O-PpWj3HkrgKS9X2Jhp-9aYYV1lwGsyQUM0SuLGQcQ2W0KThcYPcbLIeJDqWsIex4ZeVJ09pMYSFJnoQqs51J59tgY_rHFFWe1aJq2x9IhBiE/s320/Picture+013.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0smSl4GDPg7N6kbo14f803fQJmXXMrukgZDGO7CVh3arIYsycwB_wTcjGSs0qQeF-ODN0kueL94f8uauV8E9uOs-xtRXslG0BkF3toW6_koqFPvNgvvXFejOCewJKWsKo3I2pFOOr2zE/s1600/Picture+068.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557441598079870850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0smSl4GDPg7N6kbo14f803fQJmXXMrukgZDGO7CVh3arIYsycwB_wTcjGSs0qQeF-ODN0kueL94f8uauV8E9uOs-xtRXslG0BkF3toW6_koqFPvNgvvXFejOCewJKWsKo3I2pFOOr2zE/s320/Picture+068.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8beu3QiUk3ssnK7k6xn-C-0rm5cu6fTS6uYckXNC1vJNCVcOb-GQ6MiIhocDvukmcdSeCK8zeLnxmBYfs2olAFpIzY10tHV6YhcbymgDDI1nQUNoUl3zH8dYXHLBetKTvIB_z5lBMoxA/s1600/Picture+069.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557441592519367602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8beu3QiUk3ssnK7k6xn-C-0rm5cu6fTS6uYckXNC1vJNCVcOb-GQ6MiIhocDvukmcdSeCK8zeLnxmBYfs2olAFpIzY10tHV6YhcbymgDDI1nQUNoUl3zH8dYXHLBetKTvIB_z5lBMoxA/s320/Picture+069.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnB3fAZPHH-fchvdpKYCF9CagdKnVf5U7sR04_4kc4zA9PJXk4JKzdGG-OhiKd2gINnQ-DCtCkLHpXVOXAExe-CZZTf0dpSvwYiNG6PU3bGMMoT3vDyJujETjDoiDr15RmqIGYJMFI9M/s1600/Picture+070.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557441591602404018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnB3fAZPHH-fchvdpKYCF9CagdKnVf5U7sR04_4kc4zA9PJXk4JKzdGG-OhiKd2gINnQ-DCtCkLHpXVOXAExe-CZZTf0dpSvwYiNG6PU3bGMMoT3vDyJujETjDoiDr15RmqIGYJMFI9M/s320/Picture+070.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR51SL5SK8-YhVfCOn1bfHXf6IyhcGJJMY8ywFODSy1gxEq_-_uoYgLVwqQqe0Bgh93biaAgnl0pqECYaz8F_KiCXRVNwbUHl2CTUYtkLrNzsP7wSFzRDUS4nrS9D0xgXBgOsPUHMjcM/s1600/Picture+071.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557441586062310050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR51SL5SK8-YhVfCOn1bfHXf6IyhcGJJMY8ywFODSy1gxEq_-_uoYgLVwqQqe0Bgh93biaAgnl0pqECYaz8F_KiCXRVNwbUHl2CTUYtkLrNzsP7wSFzRDUS4nrS9D0xgXBgOsPUHMjcM/s320/Picture+071.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div><em>It won't be long now.</em>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-80568610798547881822010-11-23T18:07:00.000-08:002010-11-23T18:37:17.767-08:00Tucked In<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zLqZKqU06MzxUblvfWd_32_X3yELJPcGxX4Y0BQtfWXDC3UEA25p4ZV9ktAVtUzRQ3Dsit_5Fofz8Z-iQv7e-08JQH_1Zlwx_b4IuD_r9AGVDGNq9O1YV-jlbBqukW_iHW_l1LH9hOY/s1600/g1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 205px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542936219250156690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zLqZKqU06MzxUblvfWd_32_X3yELJPcGxX4Y0BQtfWXDC3UEA25p4ZV9ktAVtUzRQ3Dsit_5Fofz8Z-iQv7e-08JQH_1Zlwx_b4IuD_r9AGVDGNq9O1YV-jlbBqukW_iHW_l1LH9hOY/s320/g1.jpg" /></a> Out past the new bed of comfrey (which is doing very, very well and will be bigger and thicker next spring)...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYuVwlvHuSWRFcyhMfBJk2J7cICnStGNdGgwYTC6NFWeaWYX35aSO2AVnlo1Xy1v7NigdQjUJrY1UaKDdIDE_8yuXGiclDf8uP8eBkCx25CSYULOHinUaHeydk0X2kHqPQLa3Bn87fLg/s1600/g2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542936163493116482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYuVwlvHuSWRFcyhMfBJk2J7cICnStGNdGgwYTC6NFWeaWYX35aSO2AVnlo1Xy1v7NigdQjUJrY1UaKDdIDE_8yuXGiclDf8uP8eBkCx25CSYULOHinUaHeydk0X2kHqPQLa3Bn87fLg/s320/g2.jpg" /></a> And past the closed and drained water lines (where the fresh mint is still growing)....<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBrNc9lvSpIQY5zYjgyhgxYv9i9P-2Mb5GJS_wUbnbcXlCLn8_fjClV07JlpKOWHeVnZ2VedU0437gQxsoWo0e9yyLWsBPk1iJfv9Ld7XhfIbHO8OVHCzA5onxUU12b_XVyl7bpO3crI/s1600/g3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542936073873603394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBrNc9lvSpIQY5zYjgyhgxYv9i9P-2Mb5GJS_wUbnbcXlCLn8_fjClV07JlpKOWHeVnZ2VedU0437gQxsoWo0e9yyLWsBPk1iJfv9Ld7XhfIbHO8OVHCzA5onxUU12b_XVyl7bpO3crI/s320/g3.jpg" /></a> There lies the winter greenhouse door....<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1Awn3sQM802_vIDLcnVTzxL1Yd0fg2nkA7LRlO1ObH5kaAj0Vhsm47z4tmmDfp3Ue4N0ooklYzPdzPI6xp5XmGZsvEfwt20-PCoZhMci0YzV7-Ka9dTErT4AAEmJ67rfF0P6VJvf2gk/s1600/g5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542934920524089154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1Awn3sQM802_vIDLcnVTzxL1Yd0fg2nkA7LRlO1ObH5kaAj0Vhsm47z4tmmDfp3Ue4N0ooklYzPdzPI6xp5XmGZsvEfwt20-PCoZhMci0YzV7-Ka9dTErT4AAEmJ67rfF0P6VJvf2gk/s320/g5.jpg" /></a> Where the temp is still 110 at 2 pm, and the chosen ones have come inside to winter over.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXzPGORZIxsyuLBGohCFGl7Iey9b9OxvfAaklwpbTAOJ8Xh0FlccwXCx9nU6cEqO-r-6QLg9BSbp6Y74HiOOKAQwgV7G_htvkIRUVvgGAhMdQJpECzoMK1mMFpFgMtBnt8m8yX-qo2qk/s1600/g8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542933860433233042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXzPGORZIxsyuLBGohCFGl7Iey9b9OxvfAaklwpbTAOJ8Xh0FlccwXCx9nU6cEqO-r-6QLg9BSbp6Y74HiOOKAQwgV7G_htvkIRUVvgGAhMdQJpECzoMK1mMFpFgMtBnt8m8yX-qo2qk/s320/g8.jpg" /></a> Tansy, salvia, lavender, the sedum that I was suppose to get planted this fall...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-vT0cgaluoD7cGxnrCcn7aAdCdoaMB3U8mtAMC7pifkgJXcleGpZxL4ya2oJQOmVFcx5x8Aimpglc15qD9wb0U-UQqXALn9M0Sv72_FCsMJtZWX_Z3rcyalpqa1cbR_3vahVxEjQUmI/s1600/g9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542933688291085186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-vT0cgaluoD7cGxnrCcn7aAdCdoaMB3U8mtAMC7pifkgJXcleGpZxL4ya2oJQOmVFcx5x8Aimpglc15qD9wb0U-UQqXALn9M0Sv72_FCsMJtZWX_Z3rcyalpqa1cbR_3vahVxEjQUmI/s320/g9.jpg" /></a> Scottish heather, oregano, rosemary and the plants from the water gardens...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmys_QRlHNhRwedqa8UxaWQXszsMnbNh7esqr4FQC_QLa2TaWNvrvbAlbAq97UH8E4h4NoRj7l3LBWn1RW2dW0o7IhDuxajGMrFUEZdY8JxhhXnYM9dBev2dEePv9e9zNkBtNFZT8qKNs/s1600/g9B.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542933237040499474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmys_QRlHNhRwedqa8UxaWQXszsMnbNh7esqr4FQC_QLa2TaWNvrvbAlbAq97UH8E4h4NoRj7l3LBWn1RW2dW0o7IhDuxajGMrFUEZdY8JxhhXnYM9dBev2dEePv9e9zNkBtNFZT8qKNs/s320/g9B.jpg" /></a> Just waiting for this, which is coming soon enough...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvicERI1NJFDQocrb8G_814lkTuSvdsGOz2TQ9018AwHrYc8H3hzqXw7JnPyqZwQ7Qh3ZK7iICnSLArn2zEtKdoomfwQzgLoBQcpuDjGxFjtujjeXlp0CWpsc6XaxKhRI6kLGxoXG35o/s1600/g9C.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542933232159540162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvicERI1NJFDQocrb8G_814lkTuSvdsGOz2TQ9018AwHrYc8H3hzqXw7JnPyqZwQ7Qh3ZK7iICnSLArn2zEtKdoomfwQzgLoBQcpuDjGxFjtujjeXlp0CWpsc6XaxKhRI6kLGxoXG35o/s320/g9C.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><em>Little greenhouse on the frozen tundra.</em>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-21376152083840506472010-11-19T16:30:00.000-08:002010-11-19T16:41:06.406-08:00Help a Damsel in Dis Dress....Some of my readers are also followers of New Old School by Damsel in Dis Dress - due to a move to a new platform, you may have noticed your feed to her blog has disappeared.<br /><br />Being that her blog is one of my personal favorites, I missed it immediately (well, immediately for me anyways) and she has just helped me straighten out the feed for it.<br /><br />You can go here and just follow the instructions under subscribe:<br /><br /><a href="http://damselindisdress.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/feed-me/">http://damselindisdress.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/feed-me/</a><br /><br />or just connect to the latest post and then follow from there:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mynewoldschool.com/2010/11/17/review-tomorrows-harvest/">http://www.mynewoldschool.com/2010/11/17/review-tomorrows-harvest/</a><br /><br />Get thee hence and find the Damsel....Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-90099184000807257102010-11-07T09:57:00.000-08:002010-11-07T10:30:58.139-08:00Tiding Me Over To Spring<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC53bSVKG5-H-N-e_2YklmGnw9k9VCjsXlCI12G6PNUJGWYiQEDr3b7rDTAT6Jb9LkKiBTx8nrGE9E0Oqf4_KP4HVpTOqMH6PWxwMoBQ1L7C-DiJDEJ__UiS79RdgzDnrPlLmISFgsgPc/s1600/1porch1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536868753427582546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC53bSVKG5-H-N-e_2YklmGnw9k9VCjsXlCI12G6PNUJGWYiQEDr3b7rDTAT6Jb9LkKiBTx8nrGE9E0Oqf4_KP4HVpTOqMH6PWxwMoBQ1L7C-DiJDEJ__UiS79RdgzDnrPlLmISFgsgPc/s320/1porch1.jpg" /></a> I have spoken to the cats, and they are willing to re-visit the idea of having potted plants inside.Specifically, ones they will refrain from eating down to the ground, as they did during the Great 2005 Boston Fern Incident.<br /><br />So this is now the view from my office window. There's a suspended shop light with plant bulbs, big saucers under the plants, and we'll see how it goes.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcu9dtFhRqqc24-pNKJS2ufNI4AKqj3IVpoKSKp8ICIZrT0m8Hfrr7VV8V0nwapaSouDdoMaucAnN6poIRGHTTp4sRcDGEklNKZcg6rC0bg9guOPfdI5Y8b4KSRskIsHXKm_AZRYQkkfU/s1600/1porch2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536868747944403250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcu9dtFhRqqc24-pNKJS2ufNI4AKqj3IVpoKSKp8ICIZrT0m8Hfrr7VV8V0nwapaSouDdoMaucAnN6poIRGHTTp4sRcDGEklNKZcg6rC0bg9guOPfdI5Y8b4KSRskIsHXKm_AZRYQkkfU/s320/1porch2.jpg" /></a> At the moment, I've brought in the two year old Mandeville (the tall one), Cuban oregano (front right), and the sage bush (front left), so I'll have fresh rinse all winter, and have that lovely aroma in my office.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOddMpXHxvWb8kZbNwfFM_ziV8EWcq6SCeLliE5AaQmkdXJhWuv81YEokOKdBjabXIudwRsXCBsFTFp9azeVopyWzgb-9oUw3rMC6BmIvd2hhQHv5rlDmXFcCKfs_jUidxs132b8_DRE/s1600/1porch3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536868748365863058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOddMpXHxvWb8kZbNwfFM_ziV8EWcq6SCeLliE5AaQmkdXJhWuv81YEokOKdBjabXIudwRsXCBsFTFp9azeVopyWzgb-9oUw3rMC6BmIvd2hhQHv5rlDmXFcCKfs_jUidxs132b8_DRE/s320/1porch3.jpg" /></a> Also rescued this poor recuperating hanging coleus - you can't tell it, but it's on its way back. In it's prime, this was three-foot in diameter, and hung almost three feet down, covered with heart-shaped leaves, all dark red with a light green border. I owe it a second life. </div><br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGlhwW6VAQmazhiPXSgYqX2jrT0xqJBhboFKf3OAo119A5vXLtgp4x72lE-aYmLOF4UaNS0qVlhCmb-l6u4RHKyq4wcYyynVF0hNKg6xQE38KLl6_LhA3C7ef62RyngQjvyGTE89w00A/s1600/1porch5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536875391877132578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGlhwW6VAQmazhiPXSgYqX2jrT0xqJBhboFKf3OAo119A5vXLtgp4x72lE-aYmLOF4UaNS0qVlhCmb-l6u4RHKyq4wcYyynVF0hNKg6xQE38KLl6_LhA3C7ef62RyngQjvyGTE89w00A/s320/1porch5.jpg" /></a>I've hung the Boston Ferns in the livingroom. They are placed away from anything remotely resembling a climbing apparatus.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZltvCmBrG3G6omXeBRVoJBShIevs1wmfFB4wzcP0tVV-ho_r2ILjN8vJ-RD1y2WwQHGZS6-5kp7hyphenhyphenCFLvAk-hW_g2FIGrJCiBvb-K0dO_97BuI7uuGmQhiHDgicB5RHNtaPde9wdY1iU/s1600/1cati.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 189px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536876387319185618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZltvCmBrG3G6omXeBRVoJBShIevs1wmfFB4wzcP0tVV-ho_r2ILjN8vJ-RD1y2WwQHGZS6-5kp7hyphenhyphenCFLvAk-hW_g2FIGrJCiBvb-K0dO_97BuI7uuGmQhiHDgicB5RHNtaPde9wdY1iU/s320/1cati.jpg" /></a> Not that I don't trust the cats. <div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidwYaEi8aiIIP9NGYqE7zyJ-YmW5EzSzGYFzCR6-JtkIqihaagtIj7ogz1uBf2Y_ygmi35i372B_Li4ChcaVzzafFc_HBVdDvKd2bPUkX26yNJE6WXpfXmEKxjn1rZEAcew4B9f3MVmg/s1600/1porch4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536868745201422130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidwYaEi8aiIIP9NGYqE7zyJ-YmW5EzSzGYFzCR6-JtkIqihaagtIj7ogz1uBf2Y_ygmi35i372B_Li4ChcaVzzafFc_HBVdDvKd2bPUkX26yNJE6WXpfXmEKxjn1rZEAcew4B9f3MVmg/s320/1porch4.jpg" /></a>Best of all is the wicker stored on the front porch till spring - the epitome of "Southern". All it needs is the sound of the screen porch door, and a glass of ice tea.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>That should get me over the winter...</div></div></div>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-5490023388068902832010-10-29T19:41:00.000-07:002010-10-29T20:05:11.069-07:00Mildly Magikal and Somewhat Disappointing Bloody Dock<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqll_pB2hvhnXkRpLPtyctfUsglG3NPvtwOE0U3Hsm8Oau0M0uhRfSHRARHNNGWW1lLD53yAb_42iPAYwuiK-PCYA5v46fHt0ldm83fW9l0TY8ehT27ljDLeeCuRbCkAkfxZsJ4toldJI/s1600/1bloodydock.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533664594517072290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqll_pB2hvhnXkRpLPtyctfUsglG3NPvtwOE0U3Hsm8Oau0M0uhRfSHRARHNNGWW1lLD53yAb_42iPAYwuiK-PCYA5v46fHt0ldm83fW9l0TY8ehT27ljDLeeCuRbCkAkfxZsJ4toldJI/s320/1bloodydock.jpg" /></a> I mean really.<br /><br />With name like Bloody Dock, I expected high magic of the Dumbledore level.<br /><br />Perhaps re-animation powers that produces shuffling zombies?<br /><br />Maybe the secret ingredient for incantations that allow the user to pass through the veil between the worlds?<br /><br />Apparently my imagination is better than that of the ages, because even its name couldn't save Bloody Dock from being considered a <em>weed</em> (not the fun kind, just a stupid weed). <br /><br />It is associated with healing, fertility and money (I should mention here that I personally have <em>never</em> noticed <em>any</em> connection between fertility and having money).<br /><br />The seeds can be used as incense to draw money to the user, or to gain employment (on second thought perhaps this little weed is one of the great well-kept secrets), <em>or</em>, the leaves can be tied to the left arm to help with conception.<br /><br />This particular little plant loves a wet environment, but will tolerate a dryer planting out in the garden. It thrives sitting directly in water, which is the reason I have it sitting in my fountains.<br /><br />Just keep those leaves well away from my left arm.Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-84472489630235051952010-10-23T18:26:00.000-07:002010-10-23T19:06:30.402-07:00Wolfsbane.... Magickal *and* Poisonous<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB1Zd7XjVmt5vpMSn3v0WO3uy5N9zakLk0F_1Z9iu5vAqPnb5_U1qd0KIYreRWsfTwrGBmgzrhNmxr2AQUPlcbzZC6cjlt7I04GPcIsH9O75GnsLib_EtHWUb72Lqf9vOk7-YbS_aM18/s1600/1wolfC.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531419016936954034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB1Zd7XjVmt5vpMSn3v0WO3uy5N9zakLk0F_1Z9iu5vAqPnb5_U1qd0KIYreRWsfTwrGBmgzrhNmxr2AQUPlcbzZC6cjlt7I04GPcIsH9O75GnsLib_EtHWUb72Lqf9vOk7-YbS_aM18/s320/1wolfC.jpg" /></a> During this Samhain season, with its full harvest moon, you may run across the occasional werewolf.<br /><br />If you should choose to run <em>with</em> the werewolves, read no further.<br /><br />But if you have need of a antidote to lycanthropy, or a protective spell to guard against their nibbles, wolfsbane will suffice.<br /><br /><br />The ancient Roman physician Dioscorides referred to wolfsbane as lycotonum. Today it is also known as monkshood or aconite. It belongs to the buttercup family, and there are over 250 varieties. The flowers can be blue, purple, pink or white and it grows profusely across the northern hemisphere, particularily in Europe (probably in little remote east European villages, at night and in fog, right next to gypsy women that warn of werewolves...).<br /><br />Aconite was (is?) known as "the quintessential plant of the occult". It was acknowledged to induce the lycanthropic condition (i.e. the wolfman transformation). Mixed with belladonna, a witch might even create a flying ointment.<br /><br />At the same time, it was said to be the only antidote that reverses the condition, or outright kills a werewolf.<br /><br />Fact: The seeds, leaves and roots contain aconitine, a deadly poison that slows the heart rate, decreases blood pressure and creates a numbing pain. It is extremely dangerous if ingested or even with skin contact if there are small cuts. (So don't do it.)<br /><br />During the 1500-1600's Europe was gripped with a plague of <a href="http://365daysinmoonshinecapitol.blogspot.com/">werewolves</a>. Humans accused of being werewolves were hunted down with arrows dipped in acontine, while traps baited with meat laced with the poison. If the acontine didn't kill them, burning at the stake usually did.<br /><br />A brief recap: <br /><br />Wolfsbane is beautiful, easy to grow, and really, really poisonous.<br /><br />Wolfsbane kills werewolves.<br /><br />But really, why would you want to? Seriously, what'd werewolves ever do to you? Leave 'em alone...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bRV6uD5inhOob9UX4t6DLDl0qLkOXYp6ngWn01no3teDz5XAmTGc9qGs9BqsycObd-R5EhbMsRV0IyYOjhzimYSgwxbWzfbJnsE2WV8SE-mSkybhBxGlqaf9OAzTo7wss1tup6V-szM/s1600/1wolfs-baneA.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531418795456107426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bRV6uD5inhOob9UX4t6DLDl0qLkOXYp6ngWn01no3teDz5XAmTGc9qGs9BqsycObd-R5EhbMsRV0IyYOjhzimYSgwxbWzfbJnsE2WV8SE-mSkybhBxGlqaf9OAzTo7wss1tup6V-szM/s320/1wolfs-baneA.jpg" /></a></div>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-3609245722605526962010-10-20T19:24:00.000-07:002010-10-20T20:13:42.490-07:00Magick Thyme<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtal5fRWlhxpnOnqq_vVkc7rnsp9nZe8g0Qt1NPhGQWcoBooaHRjriaXUsSSLE7VKttVto8A1CIWEamfNoNY7yRlNk8YQ2-uqCIUM7KJmNf8ueIUdE1bTgjJOYML-uKCjVM6GyvgzbnA/s1600/1fairyC.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530325038793588418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtal5fRWlhxpnOnqq_vVkc7rnsp9nZe8g0Qt1NPhGQWcoBooaHRjriaXUsSSLE7VKttVto8A1CIWEamfNoNY7yRlNk8YQ2-uqCIUM7KJmNf8ueIUdE1bTgjJOYML-uKCjVM6GyvgzbnA/s320/1fairyC.JPG" /></a> And the reason we have fairies in our garden is because I planted three different varieties of thyme...including elfin thyme (so you'd think we'd have elves instead of fairies, but, not so much). Rumor has it fairies <em>love</em> thyme. Recipes with thyme even claim to enable people to see fairies.<br /><br />Will Shakespeare believed the thyme and fairy connection: "I know a bank where the wild thyme blows." (Said by Oberon, the king of the fairies in <em>A Midsummer Night's Dream</em>, referring to the bed of thyme where Titania (the fairy queen) sleeps.)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdz2jg3IR3nVkSQljGhKOCDhw0AGESm1R2r6vPwf_DKFI1HuncJYi1EJ3C4HLCs4q8KsByIoUvbj8yRqGwt6Jh7CP6fchwk-qyql1YFiCTn_mq4m2SSn-BrqmKZK7Ci6XOOOqeLOxZ0-0/s1600/1thymeA.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530322415482792386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdz2jg3IR3nVkSQljGhKOCDhw0AGESm1R2r6vPwf_DKFI1HuncJYi1EJ3C4HLCs4q8KsByIoUvbj8yRqGwt6Jh7CP6fchwk-qyql1YFiCTn_mq4m2SSn-BrqmKZK7Ci6XOOOqeLOxZ0-0/s320/1thymeA.jpg" /></a><br />All thyme is magical as far as I'm concerned - the ancient Druids used it to ward off depression and erase negative energy. The Egyptians used it in mummification, and during the Middle Ages it was placed in coffins to ease the passage of the soul to the next world.<br /><br />My own ancestors - the Scottish Highlanders -believed thyme gave them courage.<br /><br />For your own fairy visions, or courage, thyme can be burned as incense or sprinkled in a bath.<br /><br />Or you can just gargle with Listerine (the active ingredient is thyme-also known as thymol).<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530322415517542210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd-M56e4CxnslQOEVNvBrwal2Hiaev3N02Me_3A9AR85uPHgajpRDGyiEC1ExvypoGveVYEdjvoagpOY1ZWP_knhzpIVguWPzJayYBcoJZie3qBJM4UQDCS4QT59QL2_zcYVDs_f-dmg/s320/1thymeB.jpg" />Best of all, especially during this Halloween season, thyme can be tucked into pillows where it will guard against nightmares. </p><p>Remember, you can go in the basement, let the weird guy in with the hockey mask (or fangs/cape, or chainsaw), go off to summer camp, and break open that Egyptian tomb, as long as you have a sprig of thyme. Ultimate protection, it is.</p>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-81274769958950802742010-10-18T13:32:00.000-07:002010-10-18T14:11:54.003-07:00Lavender and Magick<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYDJ4GEccZyNPf3JbTxAKesOnB_FACDX9orrbpZDCQ66ybGYaDFCai59JQRNIevC9XMLHJUqOGY6RLsOtOpMZe2rX0i96LMIr6Qk3S2nCrnSGbl6HwREN85d75Oa3LtZD6eEiqhGy-us/s1600/1lavenderA.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529488193678756898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYDJ4GEccZyNPf3JbTxAKesOnB_FACDX9orrbpZDCQ66ybGYaDFCai59JQRNIevC9XMLHJUqOGY6RLsOtOpMZe2rX0i96LMIr6Qk3S2nCrnSGbl6HwREN85d75Oa3LtZD6eEiqhGy-us/s320/1lavenderA.jpg" /></a>I grow a lot of lavender, partly for the fragrance, and partly because it's such an unusual plant. Sometimes it appears dusty gray, turning bright green when a misty rain falls. Sometimes it looks almost dead, but after a heavy rain the plants pop back as if they've always been green and bushy.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgys5LZS8leG-agW7-ORFbl972nonjoJAJmOeE9_9bc0cENmnpj_EA7OToXZ6SXkca1EBSsJcF9Qyvk8z8p2gDi4nzYQRf0qYZWDiNafQ7lSie_PcBoFklbLz2SoqJKtX18u5Z6A6UpEbE/s1600/1lavenderC.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529490505006985122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgys5LZS8leG-agW7-ORFbl972nonjoJAJmOeE9_9bc0cENmnpj_EA7OToXZ6SXkca1EBSsJcF9Qyvk8z8p2gDi4nzYQRf0qYZWDiNafQ7lSie_PcBoFklbLz2SoqJKtX18u5Z6A6UpEbE/s320/1lavenderC.jpg" /></a> And the flowers! Flowering lavender is one of the most incredible plants for a garden of any size - the depth of color against the bright green spires, flowers waving in a summer breeze, and the fragrance is overpowering but not cloying.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHVa_rKCdinspw4sFlPqn50kTGp6w4NRd9Pu-8sNFCDiXsgXP-z1A-mxKYSIaKmk6XEE0yckuAP679i3Sd1Hvw_pBaY6SyimpVSdM_q0hSvVUHu0uB0pRPS8ouNmtth_NXYVQKaFmIjQ/s1600/1lavenderB.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529490487700736578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHVa_rKCdinspw4sFlPqn50kTGp6w4NRd9Pu-8sNFCDiXsgXP-z1A-mxKYSIaKmk6XEE0yckuAP679i3Sd1Hvw_pBaY6SyimpVSdM_q0hSvVUHu0uB0pRPS8ouNmtth_NXYVQKaFmIjQ/s320/1lavenderB.jpg" /></a>But what of magick? Lavender has been used for thousands of years for its calming sleep-inducing qualities. Those who practice magick use it for love spells and rituals (as well as for spells to attract money, proving that love and money can go hand in hand although not in my personal experience).<br /><br />For the ghost hunters among us, try carrying a tiny sachet of lavender (it's known to attract spirits or....other entities).<br /><br />A few drops of lavender essential oil can be sprayed on sheets or pillows before bed to induce a peaceful night's sleep. Put a few sprigs under running bath water for a relaxing bath, or add a few drops of essential oil directly to the water.<br /><br />Dried stalks or flowers can both be burnt to cleanse the air (especially good idea for the dead of winter, if you've thought ahead and dried some of your summer crop).<br /><br />A relaxing lavender tea can be made from dried or fresh flowers (said to promote a peaceful feeling, good health and longevity).<br /><br />If nothing else, the perfume from the flowers is intoxicating, the plants are drought resistent and lavender makes the bees deliriously happy (and slightly drunk).Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-42634009066987294632010-10-16T14:52:00.000-07:002010-10-17T09:08:19.433-07:00Rosemary is magick too ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4l4aQbSPwbY0vFqkTaithxJOJVteV7W0w9hlGJpJwFcd-3VZWY1acN01VrofOWT6W8TTj2WIpCsPFkAQf-l9OP6_IjxhSJVZj-Vf9g6Ox1C7IFkWdWLpETfIPpgukIOXpMyG1sgyO6U/s1600/1rosemaryB.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528765842284644914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4l4aQbSPwbY0vFqkTaithxJOJVteV7W0w9hlGJpJwFcd-3VZWY1acN01VrofOWT6W8TTj2WIpCsPFkAQf-l9OP6_IjxhSJVZj-Vf9g6Ox1C7IFkWdWLpETfIPpgukIOXpMyG1sgyO6U/s320/1rosemaryB.jpg" /></a> Most of rosemary's special magick comes from its ability to cleanse and purify. Burn it to clean both the air and the negative energy from your home. Wash your hand in rosemary water before applying healing salves or lotions. Add rosemary to your bathwater to refresh your skin.<br /><br />In ancient classical times rosemary was known to grow on Mount Olympus as the flower of the gods. Its powers of protection can extend to food (add it to bread, tomatoes, butter or drink rosemary tea), and health (I always add rosemary essential oil to shampoo, conditioner and lotions).<br /><br />It certainly doesn't hurt that rosemary is incredibly easy to grow, drought tolerant, and is a wonderful fragrant addition to your garden.<br /><br />Probably one of my most favorite of all the herbs, and that alone makes it magickal.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeliw2uuQ7AQBynDz-LXiajautATGyjv30RJOC8qrcYqYJmqje73QnBzxAzz0mTzcESIgrY8qq6i7iychHkOGciacp2YabPA2w33E0pzB-2XU2tA6MWrgkDynTrtdfPamfDhh33iwOjI/s1600/1rosemaryA.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528765835773716818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeliw2uuQ7AQBynDz-LXiajautATGyjv30RJOC8qrcYqYJmqje73QnBzxAzz0mTzcESIgrY8qq6i7iychHkOGciacp2YabPA2w33E0pzB-2XU2tA6MWrgkDynTrtdfPamfDhh33iwOjI/s320/1rosemaryA.jpg" /></a></div>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-35255610282169877142010-10-13T19:32:00.000-07:002010-10-13T19:48:04.810-07:00Yep, oregano is magick too<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxv8j8nRzCsttOHDNtt5iZjwy3FSlfEW1WKKDd4gon3jR6LOc5_WAbq7BmLoznD82l6H6Fe_TPDoIxi3HYyQd_z5TFP1cPbXN1yku4HNICwOi0aAWBEPHVjHBPhujy-BctsbmYo_lniIg/s1600/1oregano.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527724745165862594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxv8j8nRzCsttOHDNtt5iZjwy3FSlfEW1WKKDd4gon3jR6LOc5_WAbq7BmLoznD82l6H6Fe_TPDoIxi3HYyQd_z5TFP1cPbXN1yku4HNICwOi0aAWBEPHVjHBPhujy-BctsbmYo_lniIg/s320/1oregano.jpg" /></a><br />Oregano is the patron saint of sheer happiness. Burn it for tranquility, good luck, health or protection. It's sortof the love and peace herb. Probably could have used it back in the day.<br /><br />Oregano also comes in handy for dealing with that hurt that comes from letting go of someone you love. I'll have to remember that.<br /><br />Now the question is almost "what plant ISN'T magical?"Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-88178901824417903462010-10-11T19:08:00.000-07:002010-10-11T19:38:35.919-07:00Magick Basil<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScyqddNeitZ1YCS8_SxGrt6bHSQoYYi7J5RNZwR3rOLOwO95YPcksgIUCGOfYpfptB2eKiMll-2QNVLgeJLK0tMwMrVftiZG2MpUeOBw75jx1HHZMHEO0DM-uIqmAJhDHUpOCGplgyIk/s1600/1basilA_2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526976506182631106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScyqddNeitZ1YCS8_SxGrt6bHSQoYYi7J5RNZwR3rOLOwO95YPcksgIUCGOfYpfptB2eKiMll-2QNVLgeJLK0tMwMrVftiZG2MpUeOBw75jx1HHZMHEO0DM-uIqmAJhDHUpOCGplgyIk/s320/1basilA_2.jpg" /></a> The garden magick continues. Seems almost every plant out there (probably including the weeds) has some power attributed to it.<br /><br />I love basil, and I plant a lot of it. So I guess my garden is full of some potent magic, particularily since basil appears to be one of the strongest harbringers of wealth and love.Hmm. Mine may need more fertilizer.<br /><br />Oddly enough, basil is also associated with <em>Erzulie</em>, who, besides being the patron saint of New Orleans, is also the name of three Voodun goddess' representing love, art and sex. One of the three Erzulie, Dantor, is a fierce protector of women, offering protection and possibilites beyond imagination. She is also considered a protector of men who love, honor and respect women. I'm enchanted that my favorite herb is associated with my favorite city, and far be it from me to disrespect the voodun loas.<br /><br />Legend says placing basil leaves in the four corners of a room guarantees protection for the occupants. Carrying basil in your pocket gives luck in gambling. Basil oil used in room diffusers promotes tranquility. And finally, basil leaves laid on your computer will keep it working.<br /><br />So I have mint leaves tucked in my cabinets for the mice, and basil leaves strewn across my computer.<br /><br />And I have no mice in my kitchen and my computer works just fine, thank you very much.Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-8800479135620002302010-10-08T08:48:00.000-07:002010-10-08T19:03:36.877-07:00Magick Comfrey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhA1ELtdPwpg8ZSwCZzJwJWTZhptq8lmgyCV8qgX5PqqAehyMfPtAAQYFMzQkATxE98QGgXvpR3KEB1pdpOtKkb_wkeOWif5ng2mQod_wc3NR2tMoI3-Rl1Pcx18oOVHLNQKOaZBDTO0A/s1600/1comfrey.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525705080909758690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhA1ELtdPwpg8ZSwCZzJwJWTZhptq8lmgyCV8qgX5PqqAehyMfPtAAQYFMzQkATxE98QGgXvpR3KEB1pdpOtKkb_wkeOWif5ng2mQod_wc3NR2tMoI3-Rl1Pcx18oOVHLNQKOaZBDTO0A/s320/1comfrey.jpg" /></a> Comfrey has been my new favorite herb for the last couple years. Initially I found the leaves would make a rich, low-cost<a href="http://greenandchewy.blogspot.com/search/label/Comfrey"> fertilizer </a>simply being left in a pail of water for several days. It got even better when I found out the huge leaves can be picked off and just laid around the base of plants (especially onions), and while decomposing, give off all sorts of rich nutrients.<br /><br />Then I made <a href="http://greenandchewy.blogspot.com/search/label/Comfrey">comfrey salve</a>, since the roots and leaves contain allantoin, a natural chemical that encourages cell reproduction and makes for some fast healing wounds.<br /><br />I even discovered that at one time it was believed that a comfrey bath would repair the hymen, thereby creating born-again virgins. This has to be a useless endeavor if there ever was one.<br /><br />NOW....I find comfrey has it's own magickal attributes as well.<br /><br />Historically comfrey leaves were burned to help with concentration and divination, as well as to help the practitioner let go of unhealthy relationships or as an additional boost to love spells (very versatile characteristics there: letting go and bringing forth all at the same time).<br /><br />Comfrey was (and is still) used in protective spells for travelers, and for guarding against theft.<br /><br />And finally (of interest to a particular friend of mine who frequents casinos), there is an obscure mention of wrapping money in comfrey leaves for several days before gambling, as it will keep the money flowing in, versus out.<br /><br />I'll settle for decent fertilizer and compost, but it's nice to know I have options.Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-63596791220731960842010-10-04T17:33:00.000-07:002010-10-04T18:01:52.476-07:00Magick Sage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-PCbDhsj298l4r2OWHzMJtIiurcyDZh04kU3Yoa10XwRRT1V_LPtbATXTc1K7Ffrcu2i4xCBsohPfymjNwf2ii7-PV218UGKRI3_6TuE-UlIPF2ASh-wFjoqknpIPsIbhMWJDwht_pY/s1600/1sageC.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524353808464887730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-PCbDhsj298l4r2OWHzMJtIiurcyDZh04kU3Yoa10XwRRT1V_LPtbATXTc1K7Ffrcu2i4xCBsohPfymjNwf2ii7-PV218UGKRI3_6TuE-UlIPF2ASh-wFjoqknpIPsIbhMWJDwht_pY/s320/1sageC.jpg" /></a> Since this is Halloween month, it seems only natural to mention that many of the everyday herbs in my garden historically have had magick powers attributed to them.<br /><br />The ancient Druids believed sage could be used to raise the dead (see <a href="http://365daysinmoonshinecapitol.blogspot.com/">here</a> for more on zombies). Not likely I'd want to do that anytime soon, results being uncontrollable and all.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGPWG5x1maOvw1RpdO7QM30zHVwa41Br1E1IYfbk_6yosDz-8IWV9_FjM-xCBjJs2goR9lF4jv_16rGYE75UDU9uF4oiDA0QEiUCDlOowfoeIfYSosd1EQblKJSFvPIqMHAhbRq2088A/s1600/1sageB.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524353801000191570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGPWG5x1maOvw1RpdO7QM30zHVwa41Br1E1IYfbk_6yosDz-8IWV9_FjM-xCBjJs2goR9lF4jv_16rGYE75UDU9uF4oiDA0QEiUCDlOowfoeIfYSosd1EQblKJSFvPIqMHAhbRq2088A/s320/1sageB.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Druids also believed that a healthy crop of sage indicated a home where the wife ruled the household. Evidently husbands would prune the plants back just to show they weren't henpecked. My husband knows better.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOscBHMJMbyNPTJgWB2FOjtbSM8CyZv4_DaiMhQbFlBWEir66JKM-EKcULou6MNQk1xWa7BhKWMsNHccsKAo_gu2-33kS_KbYZjjqr1ZY3wuvK5RM2qE6tgE_zNkkmAymLJBlpD8VaRnk/s1600/1sageA.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524353796530660002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOscBHMJMbyNPTJgWB2FOjtbSM8CyZv4_DaiMhQbFlBWEir66JKM-EKcULou6MNQk1xWa7BhKWMsNHccsKAo_gu2-33kS_KbYZjjqr1ZY3wuvK5RM2qE6tgE_zNkkmAymLJBlpD8VaRnk/s320/1sageA.jpg" /></a><br />Sage is credited with granting wisdom, psychic awareness, long life and wealth. But, by far, its most potent aspect is wisdom and learning ("sage advice").</div><div> </div><div><br>At our house, sage is dried and burnt to clear the air, while a sage rinse keeps my hair healthy.</div><div> </div><div><br>Sage is easy to grow. Just make sure your husband doesn't use the weed whacker on it. Plays havoc with the psychic energy.</div></div>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-55702821107601302162010-10-01T08:40:00.000-07:002010-10-01T08:54:06.875-07:00Renaissance of Peppers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtA3YxZfIToQIJTNercO4RPawJxV82o5s6qLGHndTUeLi6mrAsXX98C22PI1PCiEIDTY7r0ejO6L-_hUFoYKcPrYPL1oZbrQel2uiorPZRoEm8D2_5XE89ZSVt3_lOTU35w_K-BpeBt4/s1600/1pepperC.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523103396321436658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtA3YxZfIToQIJTNercO4RPawJxV82o5s6qLGHndTUeLi6mrAsXX98C22PI1PCiEIDTY7r0ejO6L-_hUFoYKcPrYPL1oZbrQel2uiorPZRoEm8D2_5XE89ZSVt3_lOTU35w_K-BpeBt4/s320/1pepperC.jpg" /></a> The last of the summer's peppers, looking for all the world like a painting by an old world master displaying the play between light and shadow, the synchronicity of curve and line, and the deep vivid rich colors.<br /><br />And me smiling like Mona Lisa, 'cause they taste so good.<br /><br /><br />**The indoor-winter-growing-of-tomatos-project is about to begin, updates shortly.Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-58449225548052813232010-09-11T10:07:00.000-07:002010-09-12T20:24:36.090-07:00Turmeric. And Why.<span style="font-size:78%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkUzkP2l6K0p7NJR0X8cKyWIyDd6VYbj_HP99AttFlPujznWoMK5Zu-jCqHgQgTh5sVgfIt-BaKGgWMq5TWG0jtW5z68gVhUXNSYqwwTXBxusc6FlVAuX8qwpyZIRJDsPljsMqteuumg/s1600/turA.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515707065498327378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkUzkP2l6K0p7NJR0X8cKyWIyDd6VYbj_HP99AttFlPujznWoMK5Zu-jCqHgQgTh5sVgfIt-BaKGgWMq5TWG0jtW5z68gVhUXNSYqwwTXBxusc6FlVAuX8qwpyZIRJDsPljsMqteuumg/s320/turA.jpg" /></a> I've never been a big fan of makeup. I think the last time I actually owned any was my freshman year of college, when some hippie company put out blush that came in a little clay pot with a brush - loved the little clay pot, but years later, it was still full of blush.
<br />
<br />I just could never stand putting the stuff on my face. I can barely stand putting lotion on my skin. Makes me feel like I'm suffocating.
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<br />Now you know that, you know how great <em>turmeric</em> has to be for me to recommend it.
<br />
<br />It's not a brand name - just a spice (actually a ground root, and if you really want to grow and grind it yourself, be my guest, but I just went to <a href="http://www.wellofcourse.net/page/page/1908318.htm">The Well</a> and bought mine).
<br />
<br />Cost is minimal -about $1 an ounce. So much cheaper than high buck products with none of the poisons that go into them.
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyGdOJUOpnr5SMQpfsJqAjGxVP2uo7v95nUvpGFjMHj4cys2gpPq0qIekd4dVFtPzIQJ2eaIk65qYOEfThJ-o3O8HknisUlEv20TGUcPx_haxhfKYs37bEufFA_ChG1teuvdFZK_T7w0/s1600/turC.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515707045829911762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyGdOJUOpnr5SMQpfsJqAjGxVP2uo7v95nUvpGFjMHj4cys2gpPq0qIekd4dVFtPzIQJ2eaIk65qYOEfThJ-o3O8HknisUlEv20TGUcPx_haxhfKYs37bEufFA_ChG1teuvdFZK_T7w0/s320/turC.jpg" /></a>
<br />What do I use it for? What wouldn't I use it for? Especially since turmeric ..... <div></div><div></div>
<br /><em>Is natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent for disinfecting cuts and burns.
<br />
<br />Might prevent melanoma and even kill existing melanoma cells.</em></div><div>
<br /><em>Is a very potent natural anti-inflammatory that works just as well as anti-inflammatory drugs but without side effects.
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<br />Is a natural painkiller.
<br /></em>
<br /><em>Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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<br />Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. </em></div><em><div>
<br /></em></div><em>Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
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<br />Helps in the treatment of psoriasis, dry skin, and other inflammatory skin conditions. *</em> <div></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br />If that isn't enough, it's also a natural antivenin for King Cobra snake bites *and* a home remedy for sunburn (it's the active ingredient in most commmercial sunscreens).</span></div><div></span></div>
<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpDeRLI5MTN5bG6YFMxObYpiQ9rYFqxbOocjz8dnC237_5K0EcNOMiHJCFUXJE7lTsdmMuQCFm9KsCxPekyo2Ah-B-tvv_HONeU8LigE02_Z3uO4wA3y50gdw9XwheX8m9qdVGe-oD9Q/s1600/turD.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 273px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515707029069325458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpDeRLI5MTN5bG6YFMxObYpiQ9rYFqxbOocjz8dnC237_5K0EcNOMiHJCFUXJE7lTsdmMuQCFm9KsCxPekyo2Ah-B-tvv_HONeU8LigE02_Z3uO4wA3y50gdw9XwheX8m9qdVGe-oD9Q/s320/turD.jpg" /></a> But what do I use it for? Well even though I don't use makeup or face cream or any of that, I still prefer that my skin not look like a weathered old prune. So I fill one of my empty Italian seasoning shakers with turmeric, and sprinkle it onto a generic face wipe**, then use like soap on my face (neck,arms,hands,etc). Then rinse.
<br />
<br />Try it. Trust me - it'll blow you away how amazing your skin feels and looks.
<br />
<br />Turns out turmeric is loaded with anti-oxidants that will do your skin a thousand times more good than any amounts of expensive face creams or creepy botox - and without tiny needles, never mind the incredibly cheap $$ factor.
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<br />**You can use a washcloth, but turmeric is *BRIGHT YELLOW* and I'd preferred it didn't stain the wash cloths. Your face will be bright yellow when you wash with it, but that comes right off with the rinse. I rinse with cold water just because I've always used ice cold water, but I don't think it makes a difference.
<br />
<br />Turmeric can also made into a tea or used as a spice or food additive, but before you orally consume any amount of it, go <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-turmeric.html">here</a> and read about possible side effects of oral use (not many, abut there are some meds it interacts with).
<br />
<br />Meanwhile, I bought a soap making kit, and I'm planning on making turmeric soap. Update to follow.
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<br /><em>*information gathered from EAT THIS - HEALTH DIARIES</em> </span>
<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></SPAN, <p><span style="font-size:78%;"><p></p>
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<br /></span></span>
<br />Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-90999394850060737792010-09-02T08:13:00.000-07:002010-09-02T08:39:22.729-07:00Dispersant?Now I know what kills morning glories....<br /><br />Found this a day or so after the last heavy rain - not on all the leaves but sporadically. Pretty much like....hmmm.....just like it had randomly come down in...oh, THE RAIN maybe?<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6EcBZo_YwfKf-t1_vOq6or8q_oop6lRhLh-YNqVDAmi9cVVxWLTx1FZSv2imTHRo06o6Fnbd1fvCHb_B7gd5IA8sXbHz6ZpsRr60pxjSYnlg_2ywzFtNffXfE8SMva3kG574gXCZ-50/s1600/1dis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512334805358055810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6EcBZo_YwfKf-t1_vOq6or8q_oop6lRhLh-YNqVDAmi9cVVxWLTx1FZSv2imTHRo06o6Fnbd1fvCHb_B7gd5IA8sXbHz6ZpsRr60pxjSYnlg_2ywzFtNffXfE8SMva3kG574gXCZ-50/s320/1dis.jpg" /></a> This is normal after the first light frost.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFd2DxW8yO7SiUM3aYre7U7CEtT6bUASMglobs1b6JfhUSe8ouFdvcsEckg8KGwRgT76ff0IqMFZlAQS_pU-8WLDS6plgZ7GIRSrwiHTinu8mpJwOrWWiBh0e37P0Ts5G8VE3r4jqbbI/s1600/2dis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512334798595093810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFd2DxW8yO7SiUM3aYre7U7CEtT6bUASMglobs1b6JfhUSe8ouFdvcsEckg8KGwRgT76ff0IqMFZlAQS_pU-8WLDS6plgZ7GIRSrwiHTinu8mpJwOrWWiBh0e37P0Ts5G8VE3r4jqbbI/s320/2dis.jpg" /></a> But this was August, and this is Virginia, and our daytime temps are in the upper 90s, meaning nighttime temps are in the mid-80's.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sF99ZH05Fbe4CnuMfcVfdDT0HJuUSs4UZ-ZndE-CRf-65PkPeF1v5ZQLD4epMkl-3nwxmI2dPEfLy4yOTReTHOEFJBxQHZbUiguNxOlhOwsThPiQUe20oAWgCXkpfumucKGMdiSLRw0/s1600/3dis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512334726540234674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sF99ZH05Fbe4CnuMfcVfdDT0HJuUSs4UZ-ZndE-CRf-65PkPeF1v5ZQLD4epMkl-3nwxmI2dPEfLy4yOTReTHOEFJBxQHZbUiguNxOlhOwsThPiQUe20oAWgCXkpfumucKGMdiSLRw0/s320/3dis.jpg" /></a> No frost here. Trust me. Not even in front of the air conditioner.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiua2f1vMzXih5L09XRm9DFwcLxIGhPFJcbCKLhyphenhyphenCrEpg267B7nkj_2XA6zOQSmP0np9RtvlfkRm-74KW29Q5fUOW6LATcG0iT4j7UYTY-ODRquPd3POQ0K3ep5Af7_ASo3qIYgoThh_zc/s1600/4dis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512334716441369090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiua2f1vMzXih5L09XRm9DFwcLxIGhPFJcbCKLhyphenhyphenCrEpg267B7nkj_2XA6zOQSmP0np9RtvlfkRm-74KW29Q5fUOW6LATcG0iT4j7UYTY-ODRquPd3POQ0K3ep5Af7_ASo3qIYgoThh_zc/s320/4dis.jpg" /></a> Without any scientific proof, I'm voting dispersant, carried in water picked up from the poor mistreated Gulf of Mexico. My other choice would be acid rain, which may or may not be better.<br /><br />And, yes, other plants have the same symptoms, but the morning glories make it through *<em>anything</em>* - nothing fazes these guys. Except apparently dispersant. Or acid rain. Morning glories are the proverbial canary-in-the-mine.</div><div></div><div><br />Thanks, BP. Like I can't screw my garden up enough on my own.</div><div></div><div><br />Now I'm kindof glad we have no tomato crop coming in, because I wouldn't be eating them.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3qSfuAZk6A0wNMhNFf-a8QgGA36_j9Y9SXDYkLto-VFMbDhBI4KL7tYVzPShhlt_nPbmdv-YK9O8tdRaiY6LvcbfDL7x4NyGGomF4ZtdchBd5izkOrt4HaAMaWN2UVtSMApmgpdnrU0/s1600/5dis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512334710462084626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3qSfuAZk6A0wNMhNFf-a8QgGA36_j9Y9SXDYkLto-VFMbDhBI4KL7tYVzPShhlt_nPbmdv-YK9O8tdRaiY6LvcbfDL7x4NyGGomF4ZtdchBd5izkOrt4HaAMaWN2UVtSMApmgpdnrU0/s320/5dis.jpg" /></a> On the bright side (for me), a drastic turn of events for some close friends (waving to Deb) meant they relocated their outside furniture and various garden implements to our house.</div><div></div><div><br>So now the Swing Garden will have the appropriately comfy southern white wicker furniture, just as soon as I get the 20 backed-up projects cleared out and make space for it. We'll give it a good home till you need it back.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwM7DlOAgdhM8026b24OkOzDVaD9kR0XsNcXCMh10U0IEqLxlQTijCU55oKdT9U8Na2QPJvnsK6zQ2_YSRP_G1S1QuYQ9nX7VIPb0s8JajGYoOsS3zvoWqjv5g_4atP-eOg9XSzKN6fI/s1600/6dis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512334706272533266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwM7DlOAgdhM8026b24OkOzDVaD9kR0XsNcXCMh10U0IEqLxlQTijCU55oKdT9U8Na2QPJvnsK6zQ2_YSRP_G1S1QuYQ9nX7VIPb0s8JajGYoOsS3zvoWqjv5g_4atP-eOg9XSzKN6fI/s320/6dis.jpg" /></a> Shepherd Girl and Buddha came with the wicker furniture - they aren't happy about the dispersant either. Or possibly their new home. Or both.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lzPylYl3cDrbA5VEcs-bLceaTFAaR3FwQJBSx5qKgp4STYnsOhqhfeXQcay70JW7EUBR9yaTKruuSIg6WPeyOBljvOHM_tbo6yZzXs8QsKWPytt0KQmCkHE_M9K60YELxghmCM6su-A/s1600/7dis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512334701154616818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lzPylYl3cDrbA5VEcs-bLceaTFAaR3FwQJBSx5qKgp4STYnsOhqhfeXQcay70JW7EUBR9yaTKruuSIg6WPeyOBljvOHM_tbo6yZzXs8QsKWPytt0KQmCkHE_M9K60YELxghmCM6su-A/s320/7dis.jpg" /></a> As always The Angel is hopeful, even though she's been tag-teamed with the pagan Gnome (she is at our house after all, complete with Fairies in the garden...).</div><div></div><div><br />Wait till she gets a load of Halloween at our house.</div></div></div></div></div>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-43846680430229698442010-08-10T17:08:00.000-07:002010-08-10T17:24:30.950-07:00Experiment #2<em>And hopefully this one will turn out better than the excruciatingly painful straw bales....</em><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7Np9HwHP62O7K8eiZUA-5q7e884_EzCbRB0e4glgohyYyKwewMAeEhKAYzIBMuJfmXQz-A9F5WNJ6x5ZNBBVFLHRKVwqAElBF2X0jBW3iTckexlcGQd2K144rnJZdOOcSDVaSm85Fro/s1600/upgar1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503937941870902226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7Np9HwHP62O7K8eiZUA-5q7e884_EzCbRB0e4glgohyYyKwewMAeEhKAYzIBMuJfmXQz-A9F5WNJ6x5ZNBBVFLHRKVwqAElBF2X0jBW3iTckexlcGQd2K144rnJZdOOcSDVaSm85Fro/s320/upgar1.jpg" /></a> Last week our local evil-that-is-walmart had these upside gardens in the clearance section, marked down from $40 to $15. For $40 I wouldn't try one, but for $15 - hell, I'll try two.</p><p>I have plans to grow cherry tomatoes, sage and basil over the fall and winter, in my office, right over there next to the HP All-in-One. The first idea was potted plants set on a gravel base inside one of our 20 gallon aquariums.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTHnJxb2_UGxZyVjpzHoOfMwAShwnfDS2SeMKFI7QfjMzMQhK2rmzN8XRS-UQMo3qjckCCz1pmDA__58cuz6rsI21U3P_TNRcTj4EzsyeIxFJwrxHq917il0iE1ZGwGsntA5hoH2byzU/s1600/upgar2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 159px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503937870603790562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTHnJxb2_UGxZyVjpzHoOfMwAShwnfDS2SeMKFI7QfjMzMQhK2rmzN8XRS-UQMo3qjckCCz1pmDA__58cuz6rsI21U3P_TNRcTj4EzsyeIxFJwrxHq917il0iE1ZGwGsntA5hoH2byzU/s320/upgar2.jpg" /></a> Then I saw these.<br /><br />How perfect!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNemLOCPvEzdtSf_SG0DQNpVHB48quz3L1etQH61QEl9yFesKzSKQHt5H3mzW0Ld56OoXkOvxlFLvyaIOZPpcYHvWfoPbS4UkPVGciYnfyMm_4LdkQaDhlP1yWkb0JI1LmflRXNYS3ZOU/s1600/upgar3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503937865222366130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNemLOCPvEzdtSf_SG0DQNpVHB48quz3L1etQH61QEl9yFesKzSKQHt5H3mzW0Ld56OoXkOvxlFLvyaIOZPpcYHvWfoPbS4UkPVGciYnfyMm_4LdkQaDhlP1yWkb0JI1LmflRXNYS3ZOU/s320/upgar3.jpg" /></a> Easy assembly. Or at least not too bad. Here's the base and the top piece.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8EPyW7cImFyoG4KAiww6CR2XVG0nwdzap3MAG1WdXVQn95LID_Poo9t-WZkWo04Mv-AndVoLx-heWOx_0gQnVyLu9H_3ZAKHmnvGwhBRRyidcLdqK5itXCLTrWpILzdJEh79B_KilOU/s1600/upgar4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503937854988742050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8EPyW7cImFyoG4KAiww6CR2XVG0nwdzap3MAG1WdXVQn95LID_Poo9t-WZkWo04Mv-AndVoLx-heWOx_0gQnVyLu9H_3ZAKHmnvGwhBRRyidcLdqK5itXCLTrWpILzdJEh79B_KilOU/s320/upgar4.jpg" /></a> And the various leg pieces and connectors. (They're sitting on top of two rolling plant caddies I'm adding to the idea, so I can move them when necessary.)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ6_oHR_eyRzKqGRgabEOHXpshDtDOlIQfrbk-_5Atkm-48lwKN0ZoEf1jajR74ZOutj_fV4ZblhPYdcKZqKsBJzP_Sb2ZsbmN19Ol5DOAQ8Va7Rf1906qUT8K6illa0xVT-kWnfYO_I/s1600/upgar5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 236px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503937852839328258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ6_oHR_eyRzKqGRgabEOHXpshDtDOlIQfrbk-_5Atkm-48lwKN0ZoEf1jajR74ZOutj_fV4ZblhPYdcKZqKsBJzP_Sb2ZsbmN19Ol5DOAQ8Va7Rf1906qUT8K6illa0xVT-kWnfYO_I/s320/upgar5.jpg" /></a> The legs -if you end up doing this, use a rubber mallet or a block of wood to connect the pieces tightly.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mbmmKtAnHEYUQzZHsDHmFW-nDirpFbBzkOrsMKgP0bnDGyl4s2yNUD9QKfPN0SmdsS9Jfpng0lFGUH_f1VBLBWlvyZ2t1DvkDe6bP8CYdjwtoZfijm9pkyYKFo8M7d81hc0cKfuVphg/s1600/upgar9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503937837279070754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mbmmKtAnHEYUQzZHsDHmFW-nDirpFbBzkOrsMKgP0bnDGyl4s2yNUD9QKfPN0SmdsS9Jfpng0lFGUH_f1VBLBWlvyZ2t1DvkDe6bP8CYdjwtoZfijm9pkyYKFo8M7d81hc0cKfuVphg/s320/upgar9.jpg" /></a> Voila!</div><div> </div><div><br>All I need to do is add 30 lbs of sand to each base once they are in place in the office, add potting soil to the top, then in a month or so, plant two tomato seedlings in each one (hanging down of course) and seed the top of one with basil, and the other with sage.</div><div> </div><div><br>I'll be back in September with the update.</div></div></div>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-90173012085693319522010-08-01T18:44:00.000-07:002010-08-01T19:20:03.560-07:00Morning Glories Should Be Good For Something<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK0_ip1zuX-TMFSiAZ6JRfmAKjSBsBumS79rDKL7QPKBduFmOYT4aT6RsZ4oG9-M_woO0elVM3vUBPyltsl84c8CohDkaMmUOBJrX3O3RkfaCzDXwIYEoPN-ILvZOPqg5LhmujEkwuJ4/s1600/mygar1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500624032914999650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK0_ip1zuX-TMFSiAZ6JRfmAKjSBsBumS79rDKL7QPKBduFmOYT4aT6RsZ4oG9-M_woO0elVM3vUBPyltsl84c8CohDkaMmUOBJrX3O3RkfaCzDXwIYEoPN-ILvZOPqg5LhmujEkwuJ4/s320/mygar1.jpg" /></a> The path to my garden. It's in there somewhere.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SLh6WjDflvBMnbzBnVfaVwfXiyK1aF9cJv7uFMr0ra5Jm9jUR9ov3wlyloFrq3fmZBaqEtWMBfzTI9hfTklm3GDSCp6C9WLR4Es5tY8paWZZqIRb2lWfWNdJcnABDr2MHRkDtk-W5Jo/s1600/mygar2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623957180846562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SLh6WjDflvBMnbzBnVfaVwfXiyK1aF9cJv7uFMr0ra5Jm9jUR9ov3wlyloFrq3fmZBaqEtWMBfzTI9hfTklm3GDSCp6C9WLR4Es5tY8paWZZqIRb2lWfWNdJcnABDr2MHRkDtk-W5Jo/s320/mygar2.jpg" /></a> The cukes I planted 2 months ago. They should be long winding vines by now, loaded with cucumbers.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzzRXfHXXPom0m8WiXXgoqdEyryT8Tui5VAUnZBxjC4FINtx-HG4zmHS0Xy26C25hrobKJZgqnPsUHB30AOOgGVkHB3yjRmBide0sQRhufVb0aYLhk9oQuIa5FJVLB7HCz575L3JS3Lc/s1600/mygar3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623952582980898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzzRXfHXXPom0m8WiXXgoqdEyryT8Tui5VAUnZBxjC4FINtx-HG4zmHS0Xy26C25hrobKJZgqnPsUHB30AOOgGVkHB3yjRmBide0sQRhufVb0aYLhk9oQuIa5FJVLB7HCz575L3JS3Lc/s320/mygar3.jpg" /></a> The blueberry patch, after a month of drought and 2 torrential rains. I cannot even begin to think about where to start.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5_kMMbwczratpGbsEpCEvFApSg8Vk6sOEY5VnbarzwuyDb9AaPmwj4eHvdSDOWZJWBB8NUAu8KfpWUNbMnf4EXM3k15zBJkrhjpcouFNo54Q6NxTeCG2uyKU3ucIBEF1OypcxoRnVnA/s1600/mygar4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623948690320162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5_kMMbwczratpGbsEpCEvFApSg8Vk6sOEY5VnbarzwuyDb9AaPmwj4eHvdSDOWZJWBB8NUAu8KfpWUNbMnf4EXM3k15zBJkrhjpcouFNo54Q6NxTeCG2uyKU3ucIBEF1OypcxoRnVnA/s320/mygar4.jpg" /></a> Straw bales - totally not working. Almost the entire tomato crop was planted in these.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtHJFOvVGKmzpqeSQwQbmFBFdr1SsyYZ9hz7iWfopxoNX13HEsANe8xRn3WnUE64c8UGZZgEMMvsqaBrXTxXenI1kDEAwb2B3pgUeHFfMRniDd2LVgyC7SgIx4dMP-agbfTNv7HU2ukg/s1600/mygar5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623943552265778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtHJFOvVGKmzpqeSQwQbmFBFdr1SsyYZ9hz7iWfopxoNX13HEsANe8xRn3WnUE64c8UGZZgEMMvsqaBrXTxXenI1kDEAwb2B3pgUeHFfMRniDd2LVgyC7SgIx4dMP-agbfTNv7HU2ukg/s320/mygar5.jpg" /></a> Butternut squash. Vine is dead, leaving this little mutant.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4Mn_Mix0nraOtoa0Zq99Du-lQqkBtyEcOLZhvCaRse1ZS5pTRTFsRxMksjNDk_BEaX8tkgu36P2GChnH5ZHJYam-lGPFu5ReislmPkYK_MtyqG5qhFnk0WVAHATuSlhkiaK_x8yXwcg/s1600/mygar6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623939122485730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4Mn_Mix0nraOtoa0Zq99Du-lQqkBtyEcOLZhvCaRse1ZS5pTRTFsRxMksjNDk_BEaX8tkgu36P2GChnH5ZHJYam-lGPFu5ReislmPkYK_MtyqG5qhFnk0WVAHATuSlhkiaK_x8yXwcg/s320/mygar6.jpg" /></a> One cherry tomato plant in the straw bales has fruit, although every single one is split from too much rain at once. Note the healthy flowers that are climbing up the tomatoes.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0TJ2Bmk_YyD2GYpKJRwZeS9IRgkVdkrNdO5qRFBAbY5K0ssj37RAaMPfOh9U4fM5k4lS9taUp_CUVm0lYlbUqDndIQVu1LhrybaRncaw9MeKoJ5IA6nJbMoFoeosIb_uONYxK1je1Tc/s1600/mygar7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623657406892850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0TJ2Bmk_YyD2GYpKJRwZeS9IRgkVdkrNdO5qRFBAbY5K0ssj37RAaMPfOh9U4fM5k4lS9taUp_CUVm0lYlbUqDndIQVu1LhrybaRncaw9MeKoJ5IA6nJbMoFoeosIb_uONYxK1je1Tc/s320/mygar7.jpg" /></a> There are several healthy gourds. Not a bumper crop, but a few.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB18jcN2xjvpBl-ieHhozJuVr7OuSCUCPfMmWmGk77wShlG3XpkRFedlbsGbx23fLge87sNzo7zrksCwOqvuI5BEB1FGH0il0w7j9ZEPE2gRtfsZj-X4Hw5nrj1Sn4Z7drmp8C46AKm8Y/s1600/mygar8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623651336273106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB18jcN2xjvpBl-ieHhozJuVr7OuSCUCPfMmWmGk77wShlG3XpkRFedlbsGbx23fLge87sNzo7zrksCwOqvuI5BEB1FGH0il0w7j9ZEPE2gRtfsZj-X4Hw5nrj1Sn4Z7drmp8C46AKm8Y/s320/mygar8.jpg" /></a> This is this year's bumper crop. Anyone who knows me well knows this is my favorite flower. Roses can come and go, but a morning glory is breathtaking.<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvgz4mp5zEppqM16rrffuApMRGQlBLWYGaX7If_-QcNttkr44wdYCMefc4KvobWD_9xjRJDY3fy39m2eWsgO9JBjzLcz0toPi72OerlBsgOLRvnYfewiKw8PbDTxa1urOzh8c-NpXgKo/s1600/mygar9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623650150258834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvgz4mp5zEppqM16rrffuApMRGQlBLWYGaX7If_-QcNttkr44wdYCMefc4KvobWD_9xjRJDY3fy39m2eWsgO9JBjzLcz0toPi72OerlBsgOLRvnYfewiKw8PbDTxa1urOzh8c-NpXgKo/s320/mygar9.jpg" /></a> Plus they're easy to grow, don't care about water, propagate themselves, and are next to impossible to kill.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYVW0P_f1IN-g3FCjGbsgfPr2DOh6IZ27YRY9VOwVnKFymVzHU8LBQk7HXGYuZyRBBN7X6EKh0AsRM04lON31YNPXSGP-4F2zV3pXlqPBJ5pL0BJa4_i4EhRdeHFy2C7NCycRmbP0c5A/s1600/mygar10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623642819870514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYVW0P_f1IN-g3FCjGbsgfPr2DOh6IZ27YRY9VOwVnKFymVzHU8LBQk7HXGYuZyRBBN7X6EKh0AsRM04lON31YNPXSGP-4F2zV3pXlqPBJ5pL0BJa4_i4EhRdeHFy2C7NCycRmbP0c5A/s320/mygar10.jpg" /></a> </div><div>They also cross-breed, resulting in all sort of color combinations.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p48U7oXXyXmO5DPSdW7RM-xKPHrJfvQ-3XdAyqPyO7m4BOjDgUnfIm3XTFbPJQcG2rofRzjzJfW8IgkEB1P1B9ct-5j5TUwhh5Wpf9sLanO4wXosBSWQRg6LANSL2a2sXkJri0HNpBg/s1600/mygar11.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623639246046690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p48U7oXXyXmO5DPSdW7RM-xKPHrJfvQ-3XdAyqPyO7m4BOjDgUnfIm3XTFbPJQcG2rofRzjzJfW8IgkEB1P1B9ct-5j5TUwhh5Wpf9sLanO4wXosBSWQRg6LANSL2a2sXkJri0HNpBg/s320/mygar11.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div>Cloudy days bring out walls of blossoms.<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHan8AYbzr268IFnPssrcrMEG-czXHZIz2Rw8tNb2AMuyDHL1liRazzQ1N27J8plKMhDO4afbHvj0jE46-d_G5C5ez-_Sn3fKUAxaI5zvOGJESRVGwkHnJTvuknNGU5EzNwjE9ClIDFI/s1600/mygar12.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623308473604530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHan8AYbzr268IFnPssrcrMEG-czXHZIz2Rw8tNb2AMuyDHL1liRazzQ1N27J8plKMhDO4afbHvj0jE46-d_G5C5ez-_Sn3fKUAxaI5zvOGJESRVGwkHnJTvuknNGU5EzNwjE9ClIDFI/s320/mygar12.jpg" /></a> </div><div>Deep jewel tone colors show up on both flowers and leaves...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiWMBQYnzlgtqZ94CDaEYZeEiQRIWDoYNErRLqvOXRV-BRtgSY3jhN-ydxVuJn7bFgt9zahyOtd-9TTs41KksgMQKOrTvIyExnxbFWXCVtdJF3v8mhM9H3S_RhYsM2o0bntwkqWIL-XI/s1600/mygar13.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623298574735586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiWMBQYnzlgtqZ94CDaEYZeEiQRIWDoYNErRLqvOXRV-BRtgSY3jhN-ydxVuJn7bFgt9zahyOtd-9TTs41KksgMQKOrTvIyExnxbFWXCVtdJF3v8mhM9H3S_RhYsM2o0bntwkqWIL-XI/s320/mygar13.jpg" /></a> </div><div>This vine had both pink and purple blossoms -I've never seen that before.<br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeHaXXElX4eft1FVY534LqRcg8eU3XoRsYKsSYP-lJznFxM1Cn0vZMgkKvkd-SzlCb-C3OoGpkLAXhW0QDgPkZ1dbdLCj48XwPwIpgWU_kuLNco2nNw0zEkmgs8GxHE2P3f3FYrBpWGw/s1600/mygar14.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623296509844850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeHaXXElX4eft1FVY534LqRcg8eU3XoRsYKsSYP-lJznFxM1Cn0vZMgkKvkd-SzlCb-C3OoGpkLAXhW0QDgPkZ1dbdLCj48XwPwIpgWU_kuLNco2nNw0zEkmgs8GxHE2P3f3FYrBpWGw/s320/mygar14.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div>Sometimes the colors reverse to white with a star.<br /></div><div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIRvexVhfp767buEGtDN0ZForVWEJ6JB_yhY7asPFo1cjg8J9DX88S1GuFyzF-FXsnqOW_yLJbKFzY-porKN7FEvLzGnZiutwVrF5DM9_DYsPCISUbitT8CHLNShk8SrHbltUrqRVD1k/s1600/mygar15.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623290466351346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIRvexVhfp767buEGtDN0ZForVWEJ6JB_yhY7asPFo1cjg8J9DX88S1GuFyzF-FXsnqOW_yLJbKFzY-porKN7FEvLzGnZiutwVrF5DM9_DYsPCISUbitT8CHLNShk8SrHbltUrqRVD1k/s320/mygar15.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div>And sometimes they blend and produce two colors on one blossom -with a glow from inside.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqflPhHEIjFfi_pCDy9tOZoHU1pgmZPhp0XOmRikD4cIrG7ZZqIlErnM7SnMlkX5CrjxuRFpIzWogW0-A6oJgtnrbfE6tfhdXueBs8T061EEf_z_OlazSJ7zojwe9c9UlzqiWTjwLXDXc/s1600/mygar16.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500623288809216482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqflPhHEIjFfi_pCDy9tOZoHU1pgmZPhp0XOmRikD4cIrG7ZZqIlErnM7SnMlkX5CrjxuRFpIzWogW0-A6oJgtnrbfE6tfhdXueBs8T061EEf_z_OlazSJ7zojwe9c9UlzqiWTjwLXDXc/s320/mygar16.jpg" /></a> </div><div>But usually a morning glory is just it's usual intense breathaking beautiful self. </div><div> </div><div><br>Now if I could just find some way to harvest and eat them.<br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320900371366538187.post-25234096167640791562010-07-14T12:38:00.001-07:002010-07-14T13:03:17.517-07:00In the Midnight Garden of Nothin' Growin'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FD_1zdXy7cTvsLgL-3AHtkf0xGmffZGpk8dXOFE8DkjcZns1TZtA-4q6GFQ1TRwmL6iQLOK9AQe1uWTn8d9EUcHuOl9xGrU0OvwJRqKNkM6pN84A9NIKFXo0SZu-fegdR9-WUmI5SrI/s1600/1mintom2010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493849696507503986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FD_1zdXy7cTvsLgL-3AHtkf0xGmffZGpk8dXOFE8DkjcZns1TZtA-4q6GFQ1TRwmL6iQLOK9AQe1uWTn8d9EUcHuOl9xGrU0OvwJRqKNkM6pN84A9NIKFXo0SZu-fegdR9-WUmI5SrI/s320/1mintom2010.jpg" /></a><br />What do you do when your garden is a complete and abject totally dismal failure?<br /><br />You harvest the only two things growing: cherry tomatoes and armloads of mint.<br /><br />And beg your parents for fresh veggies.<br /><br />And, instead of wasting water on the sad, sad remains of wasted delinquent plants - you regroup and start planning the fall garden, which will lay the groundwork for the garden next spring.<br /><br />A quick rehash: my normal garden site was inundated with the Evil Wiregrass. This spring, that site was covered with black plastic to bake out the said Evil. Meanwhile I decided to try straw bale gardening as a temporary solution. <br /><br />The good news: none of the plants in the straw bales has been eaten by the various bunnies, deer, groundhogs, or neighborhood dogs. <br /><br />The bad news: it's because the plants are either dying or dead, and not even the groundhogs will touch them.<br /><br />There comes a time when every gardener should be smart enough to throw in the trowel, and give it up. This would be that time for me.<br /><br />Straw bale gardening works for a lot of people. Didn't work for me. <br /><br />Global warming works for a lot of people. Isn't working for me. What should be a May/June growing season has accelerated into a late April/May growing season, followed by two months of searing hot temps. Spare me the "global warming is a myth" emails - I am permanently entrenched in the camp of your opposition, having seen the evidence for my own eyes, for more than a few years.<br /><br />Even the mint is two months ahead of itself, which considering the lack of rain, is pretty much unexplainable.<br /><br />The one bright spot is that the cherry tomatoes are all container grown, and are as sweet as they can be. <br /><br />What's coming out of all this is a decision to cut back on the backyard garden next year and pull the veggies in close to the house, in containers. The big growing space out back is going to be replanted with large herb beds - plants that do well in heat without extra watering (herb is simply code for "weed" after all). <br /><br />And gourds. That's the third crop that's doing well this summer - the gourds are deliriously happy out there - they *LOVE* the black plastic. <br /><br />So let me know if you need any birdhouses, dippers, or carved out bowls. I'll have plenty to go around.Carole and Chewyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08911203901810934752noreply@blogger.com2