the promise of spring flowers!

the promise of spring flowers!

by barbNo Comments
First flowers of the season say "yes! earth is awakening from her rest!" Each time my heart leaps at all the miracles which come in this time. Every year. This year my back garden has sunny daffodil faces rimming the garden edge, with some hellebores nestled in. Bowls of pansies with their sweet faces flank my front porch. I love seeing their happy spirits raised up to the sun! And my yard has so many wonderful spring plants! Including so-called "weeds" -chickweed, red and white clover, spring onions, wild violets and dandelions. These "weeds" are also edible! (daffodils and hellebores and the other flowers not so much.) Most of all, spring lifts my spirit, to remind me that all things begin anew, and beauty is so healing. I hope you enjoy the spring - hear the birds call and rejoice, inhale the delicious scent of flowers, and share the strength of trees. pansiessnow dropsspring treesyellow daffodilspurple crocushellebore bloom ...
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How to celebrate Earth Day in your backyard

How to celebrate Earth Day in your backyard

by adminNo Comments
Celebrate Earth Day 3 ways in your own backyard: plant milkweed for Monarchs, bee friendly flowers & stop using herbicides & pesticides. Monarchs and bees are disappearing at an alarming rate. Aside from beauty & honey, their role in pollination means survival of plants on our planet, and the people/animals that feed on plants. I am no Einstein (and the bee quote is questionable), but it doesn't really take a renown scientist to figure this one out. : ) Monarchs depend on milkweed to survive. This stuff appeared everywhere when I was a kid! We loved opening the pods and watching the silky strands release and carry the tiny seed on the wind. Aside from the crafts projects (and there were many), the pods had the most beautiful linings. This summer, my backyard will sport some milkweed in the flower beds as a small way to help keep the butterflies from extinction. And sadly, extinction could happen. Want to plant your own...
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Spring flowers & cats: which are toxic?

Spring flowers & cats: which are toxic?

by barbNo Comments
Last month, I brought home some beautiful star gazer lilies to take the edge off of winter. As their fragrance filled the room, my charcoal cat began munching on the leaves. I wondered: is that dangerous? Turns out it could have been fatal. Lilies, especially their leaves, have toxins that shut down feline kidneys in a matter of days. By the time symptoms begin to show, it is often too late. In Shadow's case, we rushed him and his brother to the vet. After the vet induced vomiting, the cats were given activated charcoal to coat their digestive system, and they endured three days of IVs to flush any remaining toxins through their systems and blood panels every so many hours to check their liver and kidney functions. Not the best three days of their lives to be sure, but thank heavens for Dr. Mike. By the time I got there, he'd checked with other local vets on procedures and kept...
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Gardening abundance: flowers, herbs, tomatoes

Gardening abundance: flowers, herbs, tomatoes

by barbNo Comments
Gardening unveils an abundance of great life lessons. From tilling rich soil in the spring to harvesting the final flowers and fruit, gardens yield more than the simple fruits, vegetables and flowers. A good garden teaches patience and peace. A great garden holds memories of delicious meals shared with loved ones and graced with fragrant and beautiful arrangements for months on end. From an apartment balcony to a full backyard, each garden of mine has had advice, cuttings and conversations from neighbors and friends included in its design and function.     FlowersGood summer choices for cutting and bringing indoors include colorful zinnias, dahlias (depending on location), roses, snapdragons and cosmos. Cosmos have the added advantage of being kind to those of us with allergies. I love to mix them up in bouquets and surprise a neighbor or friend to liven up their day. Another great idea: snip a few flowers before going to a friend’s cook-out. Lay them in a simple piece...
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