Taken in the fall, this photo shows that a touch of white in this heath aster next to the Blushing Knockout rose makes them appear bridal worthy. In high summer, Blushing Knockout is as white as the aster, but then only the aster's blue foliage shows, and it is still a nice contrast. Heath aster reminds me of baby's breath so maybe that's why I think of weddings. A touch of white from these daisies in Texas (I don't remember their name, someone help please) and the white rain lilies soften hard granite steps. The daisies are nearly pillow-esque. A touch of white in this Grandpa Otts morning glory acts as a runway light for the humble bee to pollinate. If you want seeds, contact me, but beware, it spreads everywhere. A touch of white in the autumn clematis clinging to my old fence looks so innocent, but don't be...

If you are squeamish about animals and their wicked ways, don't read any further. When you own chickens out in the country, you are continually trying to protect them from predators. You build a safe and snug chicken house with a cover over their run to prevent loss from eagles and hawks. Your bury chicken wire and other things beneath to stop burrowing animals. What I'd forgotten was how two determined dogs can turn a morning into a nightmare. I've been watching my mother's dog for the last couple of months. He is a terror, and my dislike for him borders on being murderous. He digs up the gardens which aren't fenced. He drags things out of the garage into the yard and causes a mess. Worst for him, he reminds me of my former stepfather whom I loathe. For a tiny bit of background, Tom divorced my mother when...

Not fresh May blooms, but the tough old girls who hold on past the freeze. Other than aphids and thrips, it's easy to be a May ingenue. November girls laugh at cold temperatures and tell late fall to "bring it" with a come on flutter of their cold speckled petals and leaves. Roses, who know what it's like to suffer and come on through. Not unlike some beautiful people I've known. These are the roses which now grace the garden. After tomorrow's cold front, they will only be a memory, but still . . . I'm grateful for them now. Note to self and everyone else. If you have container plants which stay outside, but need some protection, move them in close up against the east side of your home. I've saved many plants by doing this simple thing. Also any evergreens in containers you haven't yet planted, those can...

Up and down, the weather forecast for many of a day of late. Yesterday, it was frosty out on the pumpkin. Today, pretty warm. This weekend, warmer by far. However, next week we're told we'll need to pull the sweaters out of our cedar chests and cover our cold bodies. So, while it's nice, I'll be outside today planting bulbs. Then, after a long hot shower to wash away those aches and pains, I'm taking in a movie (one Harry Potter) with Bear, NGBF, Aimee, and her daughter and son. We're going to have popcorn, candy, cokes and loads of fun watching Harry and his band attempt to defeat the evil Voldemort. Once home, I'll attempt to vanquish the evil laundry which rises beast-like from the hamper. If I'm not back in a day or two, send out the requisite search party. On another subject, what do you think of...