Gardening is a very hands-on activity. A recent event brought back some of my own memories and underlined this fact. You might have read on the blog that I have let my good friend develop a garden plot here on my property. If not, the short … [Read more...] about Garden Advice: Keep A Close Watch
Everyday Happenings
Characteristics Of A Gardener
We aren't born gardeners, though many of us are born into a gardening tradition. I was thinking over some of the lessons of a garden, and realized if one pursues growing things as an avocation or a career there are certain qualities developed over … [Read more...] about Characteristics Of A Gardener
When Is Garden Knowledge “Extensive”?
Thomas Jefferson wrote to Charles Wilson Peale in a letter of August 20, 1811, "...tho’ an old man, I am but a young gardener.” It is an observation I often think upon. I always feel I am in the apprentice stage, but recently I came upon an … [Read more...] about When Is Garden Knowledge “Extensive”?
Threats Of Winter, But Spring-Like
This "winter" we had some threats that it would become its usual blustery self, but it turned out to be just wind. When it threatened winter I took a short video- but that was the last of it. Every other "snowfall" has immediately … [Read more...] about Threats Of Winter, But Spring-Like
Chickenhawk Attack!
Yes, things have gotten exciting around here, and not in a good way. Yesterday I was working on my blogs, when the distressed squawking of my poor Bantams got my slow, old body coming to the rescue. Just in time to see a really large hawk front, … [Read more...] about Chickenhawk Attack!
Looking Back: The Renter’s Garden
I've been thinking back over my "garden career" and waxing nostalgic. Thought of recording some of the evolution of past experiences in gardening. For me, the gardens and the entire viewpoint of it have slowly changed over time. At its peak, my … [Read more...] about Looking Back: The Renter’s Garden
Thought of Raising Peafowl?
You can raise your own peacock - Facts about these beautiful and useful birds That's right, Peacocks! Or peahens, actually.... Breeds available are the Indian or Blue Peafowl, Pavo cristatus, or the Javan or Green Peafowl, Pavo muticus. The … [Read more...] about Thought of Raising Peafowl?
Unusual Becomes The Usual
September or August Revisited? As we rolled into September, the weather switched seasons. Now it feel like the dog days of summer with 90 degree temperatures, sticky 100% humidity and thunderstorms. It is never what you expect, is it? Well, … [Read more...] about Unusual Becomes The Usual
It Is More Than Normal
Whether it has been hot, cool, or rainy (and Ohio has been very rainy), what you can say about the weather so far this summer is that it is more than normal. When you get a little more than normal of anything... you sort of get concerned about the … [Read more...] about It Is More Than Normal
My Rural Life
My husband and I bought and started homesteading this place in the mid 1980's. I had no skills, and plenty of dreams. I never managed to have that flock of sheep I envisioned, but instead raised a flock of children. That became my main crop. We … [Read more...] about My Rural Life