Monday, April 25, 2022

How Does Your Garden Grow?

 


"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree:  As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near." ~Matthew 24:32


Because our house is surrounded by trees, we can't grow a traditional garden.  But we take great delight every spring in planting shade-tolerant plants on our deck.

There are three perennials that stick with us through the winter, and are flourishing once again.  The sedum is staging a slow but sure comeback.


The Creeping Jenny is as feisty as ever!



And the hydrangea's back and better than ever.  Can you see the small flower buds forming?


We're not sure if this basil plant will last through the summer; it does need more sunlight than our deck affords.  Danny picks it up on a recent trip to Publix because it was on sale, and he has a soft spot for herbs.  We'll keep our fingers crossed!


Just this week, we visit our neighborhood Pike's Nursery and pick up these beauties.



They are different varieties of New Guinea Impatiens.  We had one last spring, and its continuous plethora of blooms could not be beat.  Our hope is that these flowers will be just as lush and fruitful as their predecessor was.

Seeing our deck all "decked" out gives me such peace in the moment and faith that the long summer ahead will be one of beauty and precious memories, especially with our Virginia coming here in the month of June.


What will you be planting this spring?


Amen!

38 comments:

  1. Wonderful plants. You are so skilful. I am not so good with plants. The weather over here is still a little cold in the evening.

    I bet you're looking forward to June and Virginia's visit.

    God bless.

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  2. i think that is spelled wrong. It is impatience because that is what I have when it comes to plants. :) I'm so out of it I don't even know there are shade tolerant plants vs "I need plenty of sunshine" plants. Doesn't really matter though. You and Danny do!! And I do hope you rest up well before June. She will tire you out (as grandchildren are supposed to do). As for planting? Nada.

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    1. Great play on words, Bill! I get my love for planting things from my Dad. He was a career botanist, and his gardens were always the best. And yes, I do need to figure out how to get more rest before Virginia lands here; it's such a long recovery.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. I planted new hydrangeas in the front garden, and it's just about time to consider what we'll do in the garden outside the kitchen window. Zinnias, most likely.

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    1. Thanks for letting us know what you'll be planting this spring, Glynn. I do love hydrangeas. Might consider getting another one to go with the plant we already have.
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Like your grandchildren, I'm praying they grow tall and strong, with great roots. :-) God's blessings Ms. Martha.

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  5. I posted a comment here this morning. It showed as a comment. Now it's gone.

    God bless.

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    1. That's strange, Victor. However, coming here to respond, I've noticed my format has changed; that could be why your original comment never showed up - a victim of the transformation? Probably.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  6. Yours are beautiful, Martha ... I believe they feel the love. Unfortunately, we've not planted anything this year, but will be enjoying that which Pastor Janet and Andy are tending in their lot next door. Soon they're going to put us to shame.

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    1. It's always fun to have neighbors with a green thumb, Myra - you can enjoy it just fine without having to put in the effort! I'm so enjoying the color and variety.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Dearest Martha Jane,
    What actually IS a traditional garden?
    We too have lots of trees but there is a variety of things.
    Georgia just happens to be a very lush and green state, full of trees; the lungs of the earth!
    Sure, we know that you are quite full of Virginia but that is not a Virginia creeper but a Creeping Jenny... 😉
    You sure would NOT want to pamper any Virginia Creeper like that, here you see what it is: https://www.roundup.com/en-us/library/specific-weeds/what-virginia-creeper-and-how-do-i-control-it
    Enjoy whatever is blooming next, this is still one of the best garden seasons.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. Thanks for the correction, Mariette. I don't know how I had it in my head that this was anything else but the Creeping Jenny. Georgia certainly does have a wide variety of flora and fauna; just depends on the place in the state where you live as to what will thrive in your environs.
      Love and blessings!

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    2. Martha Jane, but you still did not correct it...
      Pieter and my background is horticulture and we grew up with growing things; so we quite well understand. 😏

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    3. I did correct it in the comments. I'm just going to let it go for now. Thanks!

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    4. 🤔 Thought you having published books, and obviously having proof read and edited before uploading them, knew how to correct your writing...

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    5. Not for me Martha Jane but for your own author's ranking.

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  8. I am really behind planting this Spring, but Spring is really behind anyways. I have some sunflower seeds and veggie seeds. I love garden tomatoes. Herbs would be a fun thing.
    I have spearmint but that crazy stuff is taking over everything. It's great though but it has an indestructible root system :)

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    1. That's what I miss the most about my dad's garden - the homegrown tomatoes! Never a disappointment as are the store-bought ones. I'm sure you'll get around to your garden as soon as the temperatures moderate. Here in the south, we get an early start.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. I need to get some Virginia Creeper. I want some feisty plants down by our lake. I've never tried growing a hydrangea but I should give it a go. Maybe I'll get to Lowe's or Home Depot this weekend and buy a few new things!

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    1. The hydrangea from last year came from Home Depot, I do believe, and has done quite well. I think in the southern climate, they do quite well, Lisa. Note that Mariette above corrected me regarding the plant I called Virginia Creeper - it is Creeping Jenny! As I told her, I don't know how I missed that.
      Love and blessings!

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  10. I don't know if I will be planting much...maybe a pot of this or that in the Secret Memorial Garden. My green thumb isn't very green anymore and I just don't keep up with watering like I should. I love your plants, and I hope they will thrive. It's so nice to see color against the green!! Oh, Virginia is coming in June to stay with you? How wonderful!!! I know you will both enjoy that immensely. I am so happy for you. (and for Virginia!) I enjoyed seeing your green things coming back to life. It's exciting. Have a blessed week.

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    1. Yes, we can't wait to see Virginia in June, Pam! Glad you enjoyed seeing the plants, too. We will be keeping a close watch on them to make sure they thrive this season.
      Love and blessings!

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  11. THIS---is my love also, Martha. Had a shade garden at a past home and loved it. One of my favorites were the hostea. They are perennials and get larger every year AND can be divided. WIN-WIN!
    Blessings!

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    1. We will definitely have to look for some hosteas for next year, Lulu. It definitely sounds like a win-win!
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Lovely pots full of beauty! I hope the basil lasts the summer for you! I am so excited for you to have your sweet Virginia for an entire month!! How nice for you and for her! xo

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    1. Thanks, Terri! Yes, spending several weeks with Virginia is sure to be the highlight of my summer.
      Love and blessings!

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  13. Your hydrangea has flower buds already? Our bushes just started putting out leaves! During these chillier days of early spring we've enjoyed pansies on our deck. This is the first year we've brought that variety home. As the temps warm up, we'll probably have to replace them with blooms that can withstand the heat. The joy of colorful flowers is such a welcome sight after the dreary days of winter!

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    1. Pansies are a wonderful choice for winter flowers, Nancy. I've planted them before and love how bright and vibrant they stay through the cold months. And as for "blooming" early, we've had spring-like temperatures for over a month here in GA; that's why the hydrangea is already off to the races.
      Love and blessings!

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  14. Beautiful flowers! I hope they bring you many hours of happiness. Blessings and hugs

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  15. Bom dia, Martha
    Lindas flores, desejo um dia abençoado. Bjs querida.

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  16. I love seeing living things grow and flourish, Martha. It always reminds me that the Author of life loves to distribute it in more ways than we can imagine. Thanks for sharing some of the beauty that adorns the world around you, and for the encouraging messages that new life always brings.

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    1. I'm glad that you, too, enjoy the beauty of growing things, Ron. It does a heart good to observe and appreciate God's creativity in all His works.
      Love and blessings!

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  17. I like how you have worked around the shade in your home. I am just now planning the yard and hopefully the two bushes we planted last summer made it through winter, One looks good; the other I am not sure yet. I'll be planting some geraniums, tomatoes and green peppers for sure,

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    1. Sounds like you have some great plans for your garden, Jean! I sure wish we could grow tomatoes, but they need so much sun. Let me know if your bushes are successful, too.
      Love and blessings!

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. . . Good Tidings of Great Joy . . .

  . . . Good tidings of great joy . . . ~Luke 2:10 Pictured above are my daughter, Sarah, son-in-law, John, and their three girls, Virginia,...