Poster Child of Pollinators: Monarch Butterflies

From the time I started this post to finally getting back to finish it, a lot has happened. Who would have imagined where we are today, outside of a fictional story. I hope this post is finding you safe and well in this time of uncharted territory. We are doing ok. As are many families, … Continue reading Poster Child of Pollinators: Monarch Butterflies

Rear Garden Refresh

Along the back fence line we had three big spruces that afforded us privacy from the rear neighbors. But age, disease, weather and water were not their friend. After one fell down and the second came perilously close to falling down, we ended taking them out April. My previous posts, "Another Tree Toppled" and "Spruce … Continue reading Rear Garden Refresh

Many Hands in the Garden

It's finally starting to look like spring! The daffodils and tulips are blooming. The Star Magnolia, focus of My Magnolia Saga, is showing signs of life and trying to bloom... ...although around town they are in full bloom. And the hostas, daylillies, astilbe and peonies are all bursting out from the ground. In the house, … Continue reading Many Hands in the Garden

Finally, Planting Season is Beginning

Finally, I can stop thinking about last year's garden and start thinking about this year's. I've ordered all my seeds, (maybe) and printed out my growing resources from Botanical Interests. I've used these garden resources for years to organize my plantings, both for indoor and outdoor sowing. I thought they didn't have them this year, … Continue reading Finally, Planting Season is Beginning

Burpee Home Garden 2019 Gardeners of the Month-I’m July!

Yep, that's me! Last fall on Instagram, Burpee Home Gardens asked gardeners to enter themselves or a friend to be one of BHG's 2019 Gardeners of the Month. I shamelessly submitted my name with the following description: "I would love to be one of your featured gardeners. I may not have the most perfect garden, … Continue reading Burpee Home Garden 2019 Gardeners of the Month-I’m July!

2018 Garden Recap: Flowers

Now that the outdoor growing season has officially ended here in Chicago, I thought it was time to look back and see how things went. It was definitely a mixed year weather-wise, but for the most part everything looked pretty good all summer. Except for the weed infestation that took a while to get under control! … Continue reading 2018 Garden Recap: Flowers

Troll Hunt!

The last few summers the Morton Arboretum has had a "BIG" exhibit to bring people outdoors and celebrate nature. There's been frogs, giant bugs, giant lego statues, and life size origami. And this year, a Troll Hunt! The Trolls are the design of Danish artist Thomas Dambo. These 15- to 30-foot-tall, and one 60-foot long, sculptures … Continue reading Troll Hunt!

Weeds, Weeds, Weeds

Just when I finally got the garden under control, I go on vacation and leave it to its own devices for a few days. I came home to an explosion of weeds. Where do they come from? I think I get the Preen down early enough, but that never seems to be the case. I … Continue reading Weeds, Weeds, Weeds

Spring Into Summer

You may have noticed I took another little break from blogging.  Nothing exciting going on, just got busy with some other projects. But, my garden is in full growing mode after a tough winter and spring. Winter was long, cold and at our place in Door Co, WI, very snowy.  Spring came slow and seemed … Continue reading Spring Into Summer

Happy New Year 2018!

Happy New Year! I hope this post finds you healthy and happy. I've been on a bit of a hiatus with my writing, but hopefully the new year will get me back on track. While I was still attentive to my garden all fall, I do most of my writing in the evenings and I got … Continue reading Happy New Year 2018!