A Favorite Quote

"If you look the right way you can see that the whole world is a garden." from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Saving Money

Grocery shopping has become an unwelcome task. I just have so many other things to do that seem more important than grocery shopping. And everything is so expensive. But did you know that even while grocery shopping, one can't get away from gardening. What does grocery shopping have to do with gardening? You might be surprised to know that you can find lots of things that have to do with gardening while grocery shopping.

I don't always shop at the same grocery store every week. My choice this week was a very large supermarket with a portico around the outside. As I approached the store, I noticed a large display of plants under the portico. Just before entering, there was a display of potting soil. It seemed like a good deal, but I really didn't want to spend the money on more potting soil this week. Inside the store there were houseplants, plant food, and small pots. I wasn't really in need of any of those things at the moment. But on the way through the check out line, something caught my eye.

Magazines! There was a large assortment of magazines in this particular supermarket. I decided to count just how many "gardening" type magazines there were and I counted 10, yes, 10! That says something about the popularity of gardening. I read somewhere in one of my magazines that gardening is the most popular hobby in the U.S. It must be true. Listen to these titles: Landscape Solutions; Outdoor Rooms; Gardening Green for Less; Backyard Solutions; Deck, Pool, and Patio; Easy Care Landscaping; Organic Gardenging; Grit Special Issue: Preserve What You Grow; Fine Gardening; and Gardening and Deck Design. Oh yes, and one more, which I decided I HAD to have: Thrifty Gardener by Birds and Blooms. I just know this $10.99 magazine will save me lots of money!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The Vanderbilt Estate

This is one of the gardens I visited while in North Carolina. Most people probably think of the Vanderbilt Estate as a mansion. Of course, it is that. But the gardens there are absolutely fabulous. Not only can you view many species of plants but they add a little fun with their whimsy in the garden. I couldn't get over this pink flamingo! I thought of my friend Cheryl when I took this picture. She loves pink flamingos! Check out the set of photos below to see the flamingo.

Pictures from Patricia

Click here to view these pictures larger

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Finally! It is nice out, the sun is shinning and there is no immediate threat of rain. We have had rain in this area of PA for weeks now. My plants are waterlogged and some just don't look too good because of it. I actually had to repot some of them into a more sandy soil.

Well, I guess I have to admit that those I repotted actually needed sandy soil anyway. But if it hadn't rained so very much, I could have postponed that job. As I look at my Aloe plant I am firmly reminded how great a difference it makes to have the correct soil for your plants. I actually had to bring that plant in on the porch to keep it from getting too much rain. It is looking quite a bit better now.

My purpose in this blog is to share with others the love of gardening and taking it one step further...a love of visiting gardens. God made the first garden and we can learn more about Him through our study of gardens and plants.  I have visited gardens from the Pottstown/Boyertown area, near home, to The Bahamas and St. Thomas. As the weeks go on I will share some photos with you of some of the gardens I have enjoyed.  I'll also share occasional devotional thoughts about knowing God better.

I'd also like to hear from you readers where some of your favorite gardens are. I'd especially like to hear about gardens you have visited in the Philadelphia and Tri-State area. (Delaware/NJ/MD)