tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265802262012-01-31T05:48:06.862-08:00Welcome, please take the time to stroll around our garden,<br> look at the daisies, marvel at the lilies, smell the roses,<br> delight in the tiny forget-me-nots and say a prayer to Mary.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.comBlogger681100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-56890176332179402672011-06-28T13:19:00.000-07:002011-06-28T13:24:42.787-07:00

Photo taken June 28, 2011 I planted four 'Blue Note' Scabiosas in the garden, interspersing them with yellow Marigolds. Marian Name: Our Lady's Pincushion Botanical Name: Dwarf Pincushion Flower 'Blue Note' Description: Large flowering and floriferous bloomer produces clear blue button flowers that are great cut. Light: Full sun Soil: Well drained soil. Height: 8-10"

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-88071625167158961722011-06-10T05:19:00.000-07:002011-06-28T13:23:26.669-07:00

 Our Lady of Lourdes Garden Bed June 10, 2011  Photo taken by Theresa June 24, 2011 

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-23037095443007783952011-06-09T13:57:00.000-07:002011-06-09T13:57:08.321-07:00

The children planted these lupines from seed last year. We purchased dwarf lupine seeds; however, the lupines have grown to 4 feet tall. Religious Name: St. Mark's Plant

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-71312372114881038852011-06-09T11:40:00.000-07:002011-06-09T11:40:23.092-07:00

Salvia nemorosa 'Marcus' When I saw Salvia nemorosa 'Marcus' (Dwarf Meadow Sage), I thought it might look good in front of my Angel Daisies. Time will tell if I was right. Angel Daisies and Salvia nemorosa ' Marcus' Description: This dwarf salvia produces compact spikes of richly colored blooms that are excellent in fresh or died cut arrangements. Great for mass planting the perennial

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-67136609358870967232011-06-09T11:20:00.000-07:002011-06-09T11:43:02.678-07:00

Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' When I saw this Geranium at Fred Meyer, I knew that I wanted to add it to our garden. Brendan and Theresa (my shopping companions) agreed that it would look good and it is now planted in our front garden bed. Marian Name: Madonna's Pins Botanical Name: Geranium sanguinem 'Max frei' Common Name: Cranesbill 'Max frei' Description: Vibrant magenta flowers on

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-77038977382886256722011-06-09T06:31:00.000-07:002011-06-09T14:02:24.095-07:00

I received three of these healthy looking plants from Bluestone Perennials. I was excited to see them arrive looking very healthy and green. Height: Short 12-16" / Plant 12" apart Bloom Time: Early Summer to Late Summer Sun-Shade: Full Sun to Mostly Sunny Zones: 3-9 Get Your Zone Soil Condition: Normal, Acidic Flower Color / Accent: White / White Description: Pure white balloon pods pop open

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-86959225094916152011-06-09T06:18:00.000-07:002011-06-09T06:22:57.472-07:00

I wouldn't have dreamed of adding bronze flowers to my garden, but this mammoth mum was included in a grab bag that I received from Spring Hill Nursery. The color should complement fall and so I planted it in a sunny location that the plant seems to like. Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum morifolium Height: 36-42" Space: 5' Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-25811001774015308332011-06-08T21:34:00.000-07:002011-06-08T21:34:51.184-07:00

"The sign of a great gardener isn't a green thumb.It is brown knees." I read this somewhere as I was looking for information on a plant and couldn't help but think, "How true." It has stuck in my mind and so I thought I should share.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-57315816445905212832011-06-07T06:39:00.000-07:002011-07-11T10:45:12.359-07:00

Theresa was happy to plant three of these flowers in her Our Lady of Grace Mary Garden. They arrived from Bluestone Perennials looking a little bedraggled with a lot of brown and yellow leaves around their bases, but they also had a few buds and a couple of spent flowers. They should like their new location and perk up soon. Photo taken July11, 2011 Religious Name: Trinity Flower Height:

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-46734803727803684952011-06-07T06:36:00.000-07:002011-06-07T06:43:00.172-07:00

I ordered Red Riding Hood Phlox from Bluestone Perennials because of its color and fragrance. I was disappointed to find that one of the plants was broken and many of the leaves were yellowed and/or spotted. Hopefully, they survive. Height: Medium 20" / Plant 18" apart Bloom Time: Summer to Early Fall Sun-Shade: Full Sun Zones: 4-8 Get Your Zone Soil Condition: Normal, Clay, Acidic, Sandy

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-48423442973408015742011-06-07T06:23:00.000-07:002011-06-07T06:37:03.692-07:00

We purchased these pretty flowers to spill over the edge of some rocks that surround our evergreen azalea. Each year, I plant white alyssum and blue lobelia around the base of this area. It is my hope that the Bavarian blue campanulas will look pretty spilling over the rocks above and will complement the red, white, and blue below. The three Bavarian Blue Campanulas came from Bluestone

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-54089310018947040922011-06-07T05:49:00.000-07:002011-07-21T08:13:45.672-07:00

Photo taken July 18, 2011 Geranium 'Rozanne' arrived from Bluestone Perennials looking somewhat sparse with a lot of yellow leaves and a very dry pot. I don't think that it benefited from spending the weekend at the UPS facility. However, I do think that this geranium likes its new location in our garden. In just a few days, it has started getting some new leaves. Hopefully, it will continue

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-48336821720680329502011-06-02T06:54:00.000-07:002011-06-07T06:55:29.303-07:00

I received this as part of the grab bag that I ordered from Spring Hill Nursery. I never would have ordered ornamental grass, but it should look interesting in the garden come winter. I have planted it in front of our 'Sarah Bernhardt' Peony. Botanical Name: Festuca glauca 'Select' Height: 8-10" Space: 10-12" Sun Exposure: Full Sun http://springhillnursery.com/select-blue-festuca-/p/68580/

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-23573599845299786322011-05-31T12:00:00.000-07:002011-06-19T18:53:10.002-07:00

When I received four Josee Reblooming Lilacs in a grab bag from Spring Hill Nursery, my first thought was, "Oh, I really like these!" My second thought was, "Where can we plant these? I have no place for them." My husband and children suggested that I plant one on the front corner of the house where my blueberry plant was located. Thus I dug up the blueberry and replanted it in a temporary

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-14873438144302954092011-05-28T21:53:00.000-07:002011-06-07T06:56:52.248-07:00

I really like blanket flowers and was therefore very happy to see that four Arizona Sun Gaillardias were included in a grab bag that I received from Spring Hill Nursery. Marian Name: Mary's Face Botanical Name: Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Sun' Form: Herbaceous perennialPruning: Remove spent flowers. Sun Exposure: Full Sun Height/Habit: 8 - 10" Spread: 10 - 12" Spacing: 12 - 15"http://

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-21511469420165612472011-05-27T21:42:00.000-07:002011-06-08T21:26:57.944-07:00

Two weeks ago, we ordered a couple of grab bags from Spring Hill Nursery. The first grab bag arrived today and I am very pleased with it. The grab bag included the following healthy looking plants:  1 Blue Festuca 1 Dicentra Burning Hearts 1 Mammoth Mum Bronze Daisy 3 Red Freedom Hedge Roses 4 Arizona Sun Gaillardias 4 Josee Reblooming Lilacs We still need to decide where we will plant the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-15016743437372576832011-05-27T06:08:00.000-07:002011-06-19T18:55:58.257-07:00

We planted these three healthy looking plants in front of one of our fir trees. I am anxious to see them flower. Height: Short 8" / Plant 10" apart Bloom Time: Summer to Fall Sun-Shade: Mostly Sunny to Full Shade Zones: 5-8 Get Your Zone Soil Condition: Normal, Sandy, Acidic Flower Color / Accent: White / Purple Description: Clump forming Violetta does not spread. Enticing vanilla

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-24335707127004979642011-05-25T06:18:00.000-07:002011-05-31T11:09:26.971-07:00

This flower also came from Spring Hill Nursery. It is currently very small, but I am looking forward to seeing it bloom this year. Description: Sweet Fragrance Smells Like a Rose! Rose-red petals create a romantic display in your garden in mid to late summer. Flower heads up to 4" across encircle a large, deep red cone center. Bright color as well as the sweet rose-like fragrance make it a

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-92227680923686753142011-05-25T06:02:00.001-07:002011-07-01T21:41:16.712-07:00

Photo taken June 28, 2011 Although I purchased this plant from Spring Hill Nursery, I prefer the information that Bluestone Perennials provides about this plant. I also like the fact that the latter company sells this plant in groups of three for a reasonable price. Thus, I am referencing both companies below. Spring Hill Nursery's Butterfly Blue Scabiosa arrived looking very healthy and the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-57760817241316198952011-05-25T06:02:00.000-07:002011-05-31T11:11:38.963-07:00

Once again, this plant came from Spring Hill Nursery. It arrived with only two very tiny leaves. Religious Name: Golden Jerusalem (http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/resources/m_garden/MG-PA-SM-AN-Plan.html) Botanical Name: Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa Description: Keeps Blooming Until Frost! Multitudes of large, golden, daisy-like flowers with glistening black centers start blooming in midsummer

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-55022918369392110732011-05-25T05:59:00.000-07:002011-05-27T22:46:03.411-07:00

We purchased two Belladonna Delphiniums (or Larkspurs) from Spring Hill Nursery. We planted them in Our Lady of Lourdes' garden bed. I was impressed with how good the roots looked when I planted them and am happy to say that both plants have leaves (one is larger than the other). I am looking forward to seeing the flowers. I have to admit that we bought this particular delphinium because of its

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-89169032731438492112011-05-23T10:05:00.000-07:002011-05-31T17:09:55.485-07:00

Photo taken May 31, 2011 We added the 'Sarah Bernhardt' Peony to our collection of flowers last week. I planted it in Our Lady of Lourdes' garden bed next to some Daylilies and a Dwarf Lupine Minarette (started from seed). I am looking forward to seeing the first flower bloom. Marian Name: Mary's Rose Description: Hardy perennials with beautiful pink blooms in mid-spring. Full sun or shade,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-62543615430396487712011-05-18T06:45:00.000-07:002011-05-25T05:54:30.663-07:00

Last year, we added Erysismum Walfrasun to one of our garden beds after purchasing it on clearance at Fred Meyer for $2.50. I thought that I had found a great location for it. However, when I saw the leaves remain green all winter and how large it was getting, I decided that I had a better location for the Wallflower. I decided that it would look better where everyone can see it. I really like

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-33810652902261734172011-05-14T14:35:00.000-07:002011-05-23T13:08:38.500-07:00

On Thursday, we planted two Double Knock Out Roses (Rosa Radtko PP#16202, CPBR#3104). We will most likely be buying a third Double Knock Out Rose to make a full hedge. Marian Name: Mary's Rose Description: From the same cross that produced the original Knock Out, The Double Knock Out Rose represents the next generation in the family of the The Knock Out Roses. The full double flowers look just

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-5642642838653242252011-05-11T10:35:00.000-07:002011-05-11T10:35:36.466-07:00

We brought home a Combination Apple tree in February and planted it next to our Friar Plum tree. Description: Three or more different apple varieties on one tree. Enjoy various fruits throughout the harvest season. An apple orchard that takes very little space. Self-pollinating. Varieties on the tree that we purchased: Early Fuji Apple, Honey Crisp, Liberty, Red Gravenstein, and Morning Mist or

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-61234855431941542532011-05-10T10:29:00.000-07:002011-05-14T14:39:37.370-07:00

In February 2008, we bought a Friar Plum tree from Costco. Each spring, it produces beautiful white blossoms, but we have not gotten any fruit from it yet. During the last two years, we constantly saw black ants with blossoms climbing down the tree. This year, as soon as Brendan saw ants ascending the tree, he applied some sort of tape around the base. The tape worked in preventing the ants from

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-10546297884319217172011-05-07T16:54:00.000-07:002011-05-09T13:24:47.353-07:00

Yesterday, we purchased a Pink Weeping Cherry (Prunus subhirtella) tree from Costco. It was the last tree and some of the leaves were turning brown, but hopefully it will thrive after receiving a little TLC. The tree replaces four fir trees that blew over in a big storm a few years ago. Description: Flowering tree with light pink to rose-pink blooms. Highly ornamental tree prized for its graceful

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-59764089110769321892011-04-28T14:57:00.000-07:002011-05-25T05:55:02.559-07:00

Today, we purchased an Evergreen Azalea (Hino Crimson) at Costco. I planted it in full sun, knowing that azaleas tend to do better with some shade (filtered sunlight). However, another shopper insisted that she has azaleas in full sun locations that thrive. I will be watching this plant carefully and will move it to the backyard if need be. Hardy to USDA Zone: 5 Description: Hardy evergreen

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-13137011466185648262011-04-28T14:19:00.000-07:002011-04-28T14:19:40.654-07:00

Today, we planted some Phlox Europa and Phlox Picasso in a couple of our garden beds. Hopefully, they grow.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-23171555677233730912011-04-26T21:34:00.000-07:002011-04-26T21:34:21.780-07:00

I always forget to prune my hydrangeas in a timely manner. Ed Hume gives the following tip about pruning these plants: Varieties that bloom after June should be pruned during the winter. I recommend Mid-February as the ideal time to prune them. Cutting off flowers for drying, is also an excellent way to keep plants within bounds. Avoid severe pruning, as it often results in the development of

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-50775893267704226292011-04-15T15:00:00.000-07:002011-06-03T06:11:48.161-07:00

I have decided to be a little unconventional and plant a blueberry in our front yard. We purchased a Bluegold Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluegold'). The following information was included with the plant: Description: Large clusters of sky blue berries are very easy to pick. Bright orange and scarlet leaves fall leaves with distinctive yellow winter wood. Its compact habit makes a great

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-11577634954150506562011-04-12T06:39:00.000-07:002011-05-29T19:25:07.096-07:00

Despite the rain, we have been planting seeds. Last fall, we gathered some seeds from our flower garden. A couple of weeks ago we scattered these seeds in one of our garden beds, along with a packet of Children's Flower Garden Mixture and Cosmos ("St. Michael's flower") seeds. Vegetable (broccoli, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, and zucchini), blue lobelia, white lobelia, dahlia ("Churchyard flower")

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-74469263191674580002011-04-11T07:05:00.000-07:002011-05-18T06:54:46.049-07:00

Last year, we attempted to grow tomatoes and and zucchini in our backyard. We were able to pick a few tomatoes before a branch, from a neighbor's tree that was being cut down, fell and crushed our plants. Unfortunately, the squirrels and slugs got to all of our zucchini before we could pick any of them. Therefore, this year, we decided to make a mini, round vegetable garden.  Three of the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-18109428347938782792011-04-07T20:17:00.000-07:002011-05-25T05:55:44.460-07:00

Last year, we replaced three large shrubs with three Arborvitae Hertz Midget (Thuja Occidentalis). Hardiness: -50 Overwintering: Apply mulch. Mature Size: 36" x 36" Space: 36" Habit: Rounded Fertilize: Use all-purpose Feature: Low maintenance Water: Daily Note to self: Add photo

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-72743098123969560932010-09-08T15:03:00.000-07:002011-05-05T13:06:02.481-07:00

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-42678614878849966672010-06-30T06:12:00.000-07:002011-04-05T12:37:12.293-07:00

A Photo of Our Lady of Lourdes Garden Bed Planter with Dahlias, Alyssum, and Million Bells

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-6092551890392519712010-06-29T12:43:00.000-07:002011-05-02T20:24:05.883-07:00

As my husband set up the sprinkler yesterday morning, we saw a hummingbird flying around. It hovered over the sprinkler a couple of times, taking a little shower, and darted from place to place.  Hopefully, we can get a photo one of these days.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-74463001737050310902010-06-24T18:54:00.000-07:002010-06-24T19:03:48.215-07:00

Tiger Swallowtail Brendan and Theresa came running inside today, urging me to come and see the swallowtail butterfly in our backyard. Several of the other children and I quickly went outside and were rewarded for doing so.  The butterfly remained resting on the rhododendron for a couple of minutes.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-79575342431902560712010-06-11T10:45:00.000-07:002011-06-25T18:46:49.602-07:00

We have added Blanketflower 'Burgundy' (Gaillardia Grandiflora), Blanket Flower (Gaillardia 'Goblin') and a third Gaillardia (I can't find the tag, but I think that it was Arizona Sun) to one of our front garden beds. Marian Name: Virgin's Face Blanket Flower 'Burgundy' (Gaillardia Grandiflora) Description: Perennial. Large daisylike flowers bloom June to August and attract butterflies to the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-47142061385093730102010-05-25T07:31:00.000-07:002011-05-02T20:21:44.158-07:00

We have been seeing some unfamiliar birds in our yard.  Usually, we have Robins, Hummingbirds, Northern Flickers, Stellar Jays, Crows, Sparrows, and Starlings flying and hopping around.  This spring, we have also seen a Yellow Hummingbird, an Eastern Towhee, and some other birds that we still need to identify.  In the interim, some of us are wondering what the Eastern Towhees are doing this far

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-35012801518272108302010-05-17T06:19:00.000-07:002011-05-25T05:56:35.527-07:00

As we drove home from Ascension Thursday Mass, Theresa asked, "Can I buy some marigolds for Mary?" I liked the idea of honoring our Blessed Mother on the day that her Divine Son ascended into Heaven, so I readily complied. We stopped by the local garden center and Theresa chose Taishan Yellow Marigolds and 'Bonanza Bee' Marigolds (French).  When we arrived home, she planted the flowers with a

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-50464451420114834012010-04-13T14:59:00.000-07:002011-05-25T05:56:56.069-07:00

I have always liked our bleeding hearts ("Mary's Heart"), but Patrick and Theresa's conversation made me like them even more.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-82702714087777269242010-04-13T14:42:00.000-07:002011-05-25T06:00:43.190-07:00

Now that I have shared our newly planted flowers, it is time for me to share some of our well-established plants and flowers.  I always enjoy seeing this plant blossom.  I have wondered what this plant with its soft pink flowers is for several years.  Thanks to Caroline on 4Real, I learned that it is a pink flowering almond.  It is one of my favorite springtime plants.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-67875134196416234472010-04-11T19:33:00.000-07:002010-06-16T08:28:09.263-07:00

On Saturday, we took advantage of Fred Meyer's garden sale and bought three planters to take the place of our old broken terra cottas.  The store had a buy 2 get 1 free deal and the employees were filling the containers with Black Gold gardening soil and purchased plants.  I am hoping to get a fourth planter on sale at some point. We planted the same flowers in each container.  In the center, we

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-32064745010083009052010-03-30T13:17:00.000-07:002011-05-01T16:48:43.089-07:00

After hearing Theresa tell Patrick about bleeding hearts, I decided that I better prepare our garden for Easter.  I usually start my plants from seed in February, but this year we had too much happening to do so.  My father-in-law visited on Friday of Passion Week and gave us a little money, giving me an opportunity to buy some flowers and seeds that were on sale.  I enjoyed visiting the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-33371352452968031422008-04-25T14:41:00.000-07:002010-04-11T05:59:39.246-07:00

My goal this week has been to try and fill our 96-gallon-yard-waste container with weeds. I am 3/4 of the way there.Once all of the weeds have been pulled or maybe as a little reprieve from pulling the weeds, I plan to clean our statue of Our Lady of Grace. I scattered a few forget-me-not seeds in front of Mary today and I am hoping that they grow. Last fall, we had a couple of trees cut down

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-59927476678208563342007-07-28T10:01:00.000-07:002007-07-28T10:30:09.082-07:00

As we were moving a toddler's play structure from the lawn, we found a sparrow's nest and egg underneath the slide. Unfortunately, the egg was most likely abandoned, as the one end of the egg is an odd brown color.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-64008686659541404742007-07-24T12:22:00.000-07:002007-07-24T12:25:56.200-07:00

Each year, the Northern Flicker population in Our Lady's Garden seems to increase.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-6499395690921212852007-06-10T20:04:00.000-07:002011-05-25T05:57:42.950-07:00

The snapdragons are blooming. Our snapdragons planted themselves several years ago, or rather they mysteriously appeared one year. I really like them for their varied and bright colors. My children enjoy the flowers because they snap. My little ones can't help plucking the blooms and playing with them. Despite the fact that numerous flowers have been picked, an abundance of snapdragons remain.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-34641860887492456342007-04-20T06:02:00.000-07:002007-04-19T22:08:44.128-07:00

We have a little garden,A garden of our own,And every day we water thereThe seeds that we have sown.We love our little garden,And tend it with such care,You will not find a faded leafOr blighted blossom there.Beatrix Potter, Cecily Parsley's Nursery Rhymes, pp. 28-30Painting ~ The Flopsy Bunnies, copyright © Frederick Warne

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-13749246374278684572007-04-14T16:41:00.000-07:002007-04-15T20:24:34.335-07:00

We have not forgotten about Our Lady's Garden. In fact, we have been spending more time in the garden than we usually do due to December's windstorm that felled some trees in the garden. We have been putting debris in our yardwaste container each week and the children have been playing on the two large tree trunks, the dirt, and the roots that surfaced when the trees fell. Our little ones have

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-33051450831760066972007-04-08T21:15:00.000-07:002007-06-01T21:18:55.473-07:00

"On the third day the friends of Christ coming at daybreak to the place found the grave empty and the stone rolled away. In varying ways they realized the new wonder; but even they hardly realized that the world had died in the night. What they were looking at was the first day of a new creation with a new heaven and a new earth; and in a semblance of the gardener God walked again in the garden,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1154463605658728132006-08-01T13:14:00.000-07:002007-04-06T11:10:10.317-07:00

Actually, this is a crow. It is one of many birds that we have visit our Lady's garden. The birds usually remain at a distance when we are outside. When I saw this bird hopping around, as the children played, I was a little surprised. My surprise changed to amusement when I saw how the children, or one of my children, had attracted this crow ~ with his unfinished lunch.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1149026623578185702006-05-30T15:03:00.000-07:002006-06-26T22:58:00.173-07:00

We spent the weekend at the ocean and came back to some beautiful flowers in Our Lady's Garden. As we drove up, we noticed St. Mark's Plants (our lupines) were in full bloom.St. Mark's Plant (Lupines)Walking to our front door, we noticed one of Our Lady's Roses had produced a double blossom.Our Lady's Rose (Red Rose)In the back yard, we found that our Impatiens were flourishing.Impatiens: Double

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1147805489306237022006-05-16T11:40:00.000-07:002006-05-19T22:44:06.336-07:00

On Saturday, I decided to spend a little time weeding in Our Lady's Garden. Since then, I have learned a valuable lesson. With Patrick standing near me, I pulled some Blackberry bushes, some Dandelions, some unnamed weeds and Herb Robert. The latter was spreading everywhere and had a noticeably unpleasant odor. I was happy to be able to accomplish this small amount of weeding.Yesterday,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1147306342287747242006-05-10T17:03:00.000-07:002011-05-25T05:58:15.813-07:00

Two of our seven rhododendrons (also known as St. John's Mayflower) are starting to bloom. My son was excited about their blooming because, as he observed, "Bees love these flowers and they make honey from them." He then went on to say, "The bees make honey in a little house. The people take the honey from the bees' little house and keep filling their jars with it. When their jars are full,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1146861391818903632006-05-05T13:23:00.000-07:002011-05-27T22:46:03.411-07:00

This beautiful plant (whose religious name is Mary's heart) was flowering when we first looked at our house. A year later, I read about the bleeding heart in Karen Andreola's A Charlotte Mason Companion. My children delight in the little heart-shaped flowers. In the spring and early summer, Brendan plucks a little heart everytime he goes out the front door. He has been doing this for the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1146510446398963752006-05-01T11:56:00.000-07:002007-04-15T18:09:22.380-07:00

Yesterday, after Mass, one of my friend's shared with me an idea from Fr. Corapi. Marlene told me that when someone asks us to pray for them or when we say we will pray for someone, we should go right away and place the prayer request in the garden of Our Lady's Immaculate Heart. Then whenever you think of it, you can request that the prayers you have placed in the garden of Mary's Immaculate

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1146463578368311662006-05-01T06:45:00.000-07:002006-05-01T06:52:58.613-07:00

Saturday, it rained all day. Sunday was beautiful! Did we garden? Oh no...WE PLAYED!

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1146138595786186592006-04-28T15:19:00.000-07:002006-05-27T20:18:14.640-07:00

We planted these on Wedneday, April 26.Care Notes: Full Sun, Water lightly

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1146233046107012692006-04-28T07:00:00.000-07:002011-05-25T06:01:23.274-07:00

We planted these on Wednesday, April 26. Care Notes: Shade, Water regularly

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1146146949728507522006-04-27T07:02:00.000-07:002006-04-27T21:42:18.563-07:00

This morning, I started to read Sharon Lovejoy's Trowel & Error: Over 700 Tips, Remedies & Shortcuts for the Gardener. Towards the beginning of the book, I came across the following:Don't be afraid to break the rules about what to use for garden tools.I chuckled to myself, as I reminisced about my mom's lamentations regarding her kitchen belongings. My dad (the man who taught me so much about

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1146141526647669482006-04-27T05:36:00.000-07:002007-04-15T18:09:22.381-07:00

Little Herb Robert, Bright and small, Peeps from the bank Or the old stone wall. Little Herb Robert, His leaf turns red; He's wild geranium, So it is said. Thank you, Dawn (By Sun and Candlelight), for making me aware of the above poem from Cicely Mary Barker's The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1146074003090672842006-04-26T10:52:00.000-07:002011-05-25T06:01:52.928-07:00

A few days ago my children and I discovered these unknown plants growing near our back fence and in a nearby flower pot. The purple flowers look so delicate and I am inclined to leave them where they are, but first I would like to know whether they are a weed or a wildflower. Does anyone know what they are? Update: Our unknown flower has been identified by Dawn (please see comments) as Herb

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1145753863220110222006-04-22T17:54:00.000-07:002007-04-15T18:09:22.382-07:00

My nieces' new dog explores a flower pot.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1145650490947925932006-04-21T13:12:00.000-07:002006-04-29T14:14:46.886-07:00

Here is a picture of our flower picker.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1145623048050532702006-04-21T05:22:00.000-07:002006-04-22T13:15:06.203-07:00

On Wednesday, I decided to spend some time in our backyard rearranging the landscape which has looked a little strange, since we had two big fir trees cut down last fall. My children were all excited about helping me, except for my youngest. He systematically picked our little fig tree and every flower he could find in our garden. He would pick a flower; I would admonish him. He would help us

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26580226.post-1145534137125092602006-04-19T20:55:00.000-07:002007-04-15T18:08:03.313-07:00

There is something about the outdoors that beckons to my children year round. Whenever they are outside, they marvel at God's creations. They bring me worms, beetles, caterpillars, roly polys (a.k.a wood louse), pseudo-scorpions and whatever else they find. They notice the "little bells" on the hyacinths, the first tiny forget-me-nots, the cherry tree blossoms, the rose buds, the lupines, the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12409884162620456941noreply@blogger.com1