Charles Wesley

Over time, I have sent these comforting words to many friends. Today, I am reflecting on them myself. Maybe they will be a blessing to you also.

I feel a strong immortal hope,
which bears my mournful spirit up
beneath its mountain load;
redeemed from death, and grief and pain,
I soon shall find my friend again
within the arms of God.

Pass a few fleeting moments more
and death the blessing shall restore
which death has snatch away;
for me thou wilt the summons send,
and give me back my parted friend
in that eternal day.

~Charles Wesley (If  Death My Friend And Me Divide)

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Planning your Flower/Shrub Garden – Notebook

Are you interested in flower gardening and do not know where to begin? Well, I was where you are and a gardening notebook is what gave me the most momentum. I still use it today.

Several years ago, my husband and I took a landscape course and by the end of it we had a 10 year plan for our yard. This has come together quite nicely. As for the flower/shrub gardening, I was a little overwhelmed by placement, height, color, tolerance, perennial, annual…..  Then I came across a good gardening book specifically for my area. What I liked about the book was a chapter about recording information and ideas in a notebook. I started my notebook some time ago, and although it is in pretty rough shape I can not replace it. It is just a simple school type book. My husband gave me a store bought gardening journal, but I have not used it yet. Using a notebook keeps me organized and helps to bring my ideas to fruition. When I get an idea, I write it down within the category of spring, summer or fall.  My ideas come to me all year – therefore I keep track of them in my notebook.  I also record information like: new plants; placements; successes; and failures. I record information specific to a plant like a rose bush; lily; or iris. I diarize when to plant seeds such as sweet peas & marigolds. I even take photos on occasion.

I enjoy attending the yearly garden show in my area in early spring.  This event is so inexpensive and has tremendous value. Workshops run all day for the one fee of 12.00. My husband and I love to spend the entire day at the show. He helps me by taking notes- when I poke him. After the show, I rewrite the notes into my garden notebook.  If you are able, attend a garden show put on by your local horticultural society.

Over time, you will gain gardening knowledge from: other gardeners; books; websites; magazines; shows; trial and error.  Begin taking baby steps today – start a gardening notebook.

Take snapshots and write notes

Keeping track of where you plant will help when things start popping up

Spring and Fall Log &  Mid – Season Evaluation

Your drawings may look like this when it is a cold fall day and you are moving stuff around.

2009 Notes from various sources

You may like this type of Journal

This is one of the many pages inside

Ladies, I hope I have inspired you today to get gardening. Have a great week. Linda

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Floor Sanitizer

Just over a year ago, I bought a floor steamer/sanitizer mop.  I have to say, this is one of the best home purchases I’ve made.   For about 18 months now, I have been cleaning my floors (linoleum and hardwood) with water only. The very first time I used the steamer/sanitizer; my youngest daughter came in the house and said ‘wow, the floors look great mom’. In the beginning, I found it difficult to push the mop back and forth. The pads  seemed to grip the floor.  In time, and after about 4 uses, the pads were not so dirty and the mop was far easier to push – because the build up of residue was finally removed. Since using this steamer/sanitizer, I wash my floors less often as they stay cleaner longer. Ladies, consider making the switch to a floor steamer/ sanitizer. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but you will save money by not buying floor cleaners  and your will save time by cleaning your floors less often. Have a great day. Linda

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Card/Note Writing

Ladies, I can not stress enough how important card writing is.  Writing a card is a very simple way to cheer up another person’s day (or week, or month).  I love to send cards.  I send greeting of all kinds, but I like to send a note ‘just because’ I am thinking of a certain person that day. You may feel a little uncomfortable, but I promise that you will make someone’s day a little brighter.  Just think of the last time you received an unexpected card and how wonderful it felt. One of my girlfriends makes the most beautiful detailed cards, I am so happy to receive these now and then. Why not bless someone’s life today, send a card.

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Not Your Grandmothers Gardening Apron

Ladies, when I saw this gardening apron in the book You Grow Girl, I thought I would give it a try. I enjoyed searching for the fabric – the selections are endless.   I picked up the decorative fabric (a printed tablecloth) in a thrift store for 1.00.  I also picked up ‘burlap like’ fabric for the lining – another 1.00.  I was able to make four aprons – 1 for myself and 3 for gifts. I used different ties on each as you can see in the photos. (For the decorative fabric you could use retro fabric with big bold prints).

Here is how I made the gardening apron:

Cut 2 pieces of fabric 16” X 20” each.  One of decorative fabric and one of lining fabric.

Sew the two pieces right side together. (I used a small zig zag in order not to seam finish).

Leave a small opening to turn to right side.  Trim corners.

Turn to right side. Press. (Make sure corners are square – not rounded)

Stitch ¼ “ along top edge (20” side).

Fold right side up over lining and leave about 2 “of lining showing at the top. Press.

Sew sides together 1/4 “seam. Press. (You have formed a big pocket)

Mark 2 – 5” pockets and 2 – 3 ½ pockets – or wherever dimensions you prefer.

Sew these down to form individual pockets.

Sew about 2 yards (I used 1 ½ meters) of ribbon (or make from decorative fabric) on top edge to make the tie. Press.

Why not give this a try. It is fun, quick and easy. Use your creativity. Linda

Two of the aprons are made completely from reused materials. With the other two aprons,  I bought the tie material as I was not able to find ties at the time.

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