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| Part of my Garden |
You know, guys, I've grown gardens for years, but I'm finding out that growing a garden in the mountains is a whole different animal than growing one in the Piedmont. This is our third garden. The first one just grew, no major issues or obstacles. That experience fooled me. Last year was the worst garden I've ever had. I think some of it was our fault...we planted too early, the soil wasn't right, and the growing season just wasn't conducive to a good garden. Nobody around here had a good one, but I think ours was bad in spades! This year it looked like the stars would align to get some good stuff (and it still might). We amended the soil, didn't plant too early, and have taken great good care of the fledgling plants. However, the weather and other nature have conspired to make things hard. The tomatoes got blight (a result of wet weather) that affected all 22 plants, and I had to nurse them along. They look okay now, but the weather is still wet and cool. That, my friends, results in blossom drop. I have beautiful plants that bloom prolifically, but then the blooms fall off before they set the fruit. There's only one thing to do about that...wait for the weather to right itself. I did notice two grape tomatoes forming on that plant today, so maybe the worst is over. And then there is the wildlife. I decided (erroneously it turns out) to plant seeds rather than starting the cuke and squash plants. Well, did you know that chipmunks and squirrels like the seeds? They teamed up to devoid my garden of EVERY seed. So, having no other recourse, I started seeds. Even after I planted the little plants, they dug around them to find the seed. Geez!!! I think I finally have some plants that have lost their appeal to those little critters. But the big deal was the bear who took it upon himself to tromp through the garden. Luckily, he did little damage, but I'm sure that was just luck. In addition to taking on the garden, he tore a bird feeder down and devoured the seed, got into the garbage building and distributed garbage all over the yard, rearranged the contents of the fire pit, and dragged garbage cans full of grass and bird seed down the hill. And he didn't even tear open the bags and eat them! Right now the garden looks good (except for the okra and cantalope...people tell me they don't grow well here). In Charlotte, all I did was plant and pick. Gardening up here is a lot more work!
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| Bear Tracks |
Our youngest granddaughter, Avery, turned four a couple weeks ago. I don't see her very often and when I talk to her she sounds so grown up. They will be here at the end of the month for a bit of time. I can hardly wait!
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| Avery turns 4!!! |
Her sister, Gracie, had really long and pretty hair. She had it cut yesterday to give it to Locks of Love...a thoughtful, caring gift to a child who has lost her hair. I know that was Shanna's idea, but it warms my heart to know that she is passing on the willingness to give from the heart to the girls.
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| Gracie's Locks of Love |
Nothing else new up here. The sun is out today and though there is a 50% chance of thunderstorms, it has been nice to stand in the warmth and brightness. Hope it helps my garden. Love to all of you.
Another pretty sight from the ridge.
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| Rhododendron |
