Chronicaling the lunacy of taming three acres in Tidewater Virginia, one square foot at a time!

"Gardens... should be like lovely, well-shaped girls: all curves, secret corners, unexpected deviations, seductive surprises and then still more curves. ~H.E. Bates, A Love of Flowers


Friday, December 31, 2010

A Year in Review

January ice....


More February snow...I was ready to garden!

Finally...March planting
April...
May...a modest harvest
June...the last month before the garden turns to JUNGLELAND!
July...
August...Lantana never stops.
September...fall color starts.

October...figs a plenty!


November...still had a few beach days, denying winter will come!

December...record snow.
A satisfying year....now dreaming up the plan for next year!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas Snow!

Snow is not very common in this region and when it does snow, it is often alot of hype for accumulation that would have the kids still going to school in the North. BUT this time it was different. Predictions grew from 3 to 5 to 6 to 7 and more...funny how weather forecasting works.

The snow started at 9PM Christmas night, and at 11PM on December 26 it was still snowing lightly. My last measurement before bed was 14 7/8 inches by my trusty quilting ruler. The third largest snowfall in this area.
The birds were nuts at the feeders....we refilled three times during the day. Guess we were the only show in town.



It was the kind of snow that stuck to everything....even my husband's eyelashes :)


Morning glory vine and seed....


A day to laze around and dream of warmer hammock laying days...and things to plant in the garden.


Monday, December 13, 2010

Walkin In a Winter Wonderland

As a former Philadelphean, I laugh at myself getting so excited over this inconsequential yet newsworthy southern snowfall today. It's the first time on the past five years that I can recall 2 "snowfalls" in December. Who knows what it all means for the rest of the winter.
Not excited about the predicted 44mph wind gusts for tonight!
Sad snapdragons....

Buddha ponders the snow in stillness...
A study in contrasts...red berries, green leaves, white snow...so pretty....

Swiss chard stands up boldly to the snow and cold...

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Too Cold For Me!

Rumor of my gardening-blog demise greatly exaggerated! I suppose it boils down to ...."to everything there is a season!"

This morning, the coldest so far of this season, and by far colder than what is normally experienced this time of year... Exactly why I moved South...to get away from FREEZING in favor of a more temperate climate.

Just a few short days ago (three to be exact) I had these remnants of summer-hangers on in my garden.
There should be some prize for zinnia's in December.
Even the yellow pear tomatoes were still doing their thing in a protected southern exposure.
But then again, the birds in Pea Island loudly proclaimed with their presence, "Summer (and Fall) are over you goof!"
The upside...the White Pelicans are back!
Sigh...I sure enjoyed what was likely the last bloom on the rose til warmer temps return.