Weezer Takes a Dip

Gee-whiz its HOT!

Flowers in the Night

What Is That?

This is my latest development. I plan to use it for speedy composting. The lid clamps in place and it sits in the frame so the contents can be mixed by simply turning the barrel. My inspiration came when I was at a local garden center and saw their composting bins for sale (over $100). So I thought I would build my own for less than $20. Next step is to see if it works.

The Orchid and Ferns

This is my latest project. I planted an orchid with two ferns. the fern on the left is a rabbits foot fern, and I don't remember the other. Ferns require lots of moisture so I placed orchid moss around the whole pot. The orchid is in a pot inside of a plastic bag with orchid bark and then moss on top. I planted these about a week ago and so far all is well. I haven't picked out a permanent spot yet because I want to keep an eye on it just in case one of the ferns start to die.

Jackson Takes a Ride

Just wanted to share this photo of Jackson our Great Dane. He likes to ride in the Jeep and look out the side. Sometimes his jaws get caught in the wind and flap, which is quite funny.

The Little River, Townsend TN

Today, we took a day trip to Townsend TN, and Cades Cove. We stopped along the way to explore the banks of the Little River. As I was walking along the river I ran into a mess of beautiful butterflies, they scattered as I approached. They were feeding on something and quickly returned despite my being there. Also near by were these orange mushrooms. We were able to wade in the water which was really cold but felt good against the hot summer day.

Koi Pond Tour (Flowers)

Koi Pond Tour (Pond 2)

Pond 2

Fish or Dog? These fish have talent! Garfield, Chi Chi and the gang are friendly and like to eat from your hand. They love people and like to be petted. Chi Chi will also retrieve pebbles from the bottom and deliver them to an open hand waiting on the surface.

Koi Pond Tour (Pond 16)

Pond 16

Koi Pond Tour (Pond 15)

Pond 15

Koi Pond Tour. Favorite photo of the day!

Pond 2

This is one of my favorite photos of the day!

Koi Pond Tour (Ponds 12 & 17)

Pond 12
Pond 12

Pond 17

Pond 17

Pond 17

Here are a couple of ponds we visited today. Out of 31 total ponds we saw 11. Next year I hope to be able to visit all of the ponds. I have more photos to post (a little later).

New Clematis

How amazing is this! Today at walmart, I found this beautiful Clematis on the half price table. Its is good condition. I trimmed the dead foliage off and gave it water. I plan to let it recover for a while and the transplant it to a new container until fall. Then I will plant it where it can climb and bloom next summer.

Christmas Cactus Crisis

Yesterday as I was watering my Christmas Cactus I noticed that one of the largest branches had broken:( I trimmed the broken branch into five pieces and put it in water to root it. Once it developes new roots, I will transplant it to a new pot. It was last transplanted about 2 years ago. I hope this does not interfere with blooming in the fall.

Operation Bull Frog

The other night we found one of the large frogs stuck in the skimmer in the pond. Of course, the frog was terrified and reluctant to come up. Fortunately, for the frog this spring the original pump went out and we got a new one. This new pump has a basket around the intake so the frogs that get into the skimmer are not sucked in. Requiring lots of patients, we were finally able to corral the frog into a net and release it back into the pond.

Trash and Treasures

This morning, as I was on my way to the hospital several dead plants and containers caught my attention. As I continued on my way I begin to think about how I could use those containers in the greenhouse for starting seeds and transplants. So I wheeled around for another look! As I approached again I changed my mind and then at the last second I noticed this beautiful tall Japanese Maple sitting with the garbage to be tossed into the dump. I immediately turned around and pulled into the driveway. I went to the door of the house to ask if it was OK if I took their "trash" (ie. beautiful maple tree). As I loaded my new found treasure, some neighbors pulled up, and of course they were looking a me kinda funny. I went over and asked if the containers were trash, and they assured me it was. I explained... I don't normally do this but could use the pots in my greenhouse. I also plan to refurbish several of the containers to use on a regular basis. I guess ones trash is anther's treasure