Garden/Theresa St/2010

That is the file name and location of my pictures on my computer for my garden here in the North Country. I can start a NEW folder for yet another year. This will be my third ... though my first year began in October of 2008 - not much of a start. I hope to add many more years at this location and actually see my garden mature.

So, Happy New Year! That means it's time to start planning my "spring strategy" or "plan of attack." The season can be short so I must be ready to go at the first sign of Spring.

I received a wonderful book for Christmas entitled "Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love" by Julie Moir Messervy. It is very inspiring and enlightening. I will be using it to refine my plans and really think about how I want to enjoy my garden space - and not just what other plants are on "my list" that I can fit here or there for the birds and the bees. I want to be able to sit in my garden (eternally in the making) and enjoy those birds and bees that I have been working so hard to attract!

So, here is a previous overall plan for my small plot that I worked out initially. It is geared toward creating a habitat for wildlife. I have followed it pretty closely but always end up changing a few things here and there and on the fly when digging in the garden.

I marked "feeding stations" and "water sources." Numbered a variety of plants chosen for their wildlife value. "Starred" the neighboring mature trees. "RB" means rain barrel - something I've yet to set up. Well, I move the bird feeders around a lot. And I had to purchase different types of feeders because of some of the aggressive birds here in this village like Starlings and House Sparrows that I never had in the Maine woods in such numbers. I move my bird baths when plants grow taller or bushier. I may have thought that shrub was a good choice but then I'll learn of a better option. I love old fashioned lilacs and really want one - not the best wildlife choice - but can't I have both in my garden? ... A plan is a good place to start but not necessarily what you (I) will end up with.

So, now I am thinking in terms of the "woodland border" section - which will eventually partially shade the "butterfly garden." But the "butterfly garden" can gradually move to the "nice driveway" section in full sun and I can build a new partially shaded perennial border where the butterfly garden border was - and what will that be? And then there is the "wet prairie" section ... and now I am thinking about incorporating "views" and "private retreats." Where will I sit and paint my garden? Where will I sit to enjoy an evening cocktail and watch the birds?

So I definitely need a PLAN OF ATTACK come spring. And think I'll start with digging around in the potager, specifically the (future) rhubarb patch.

Merry Christmas My Egg Noggin' Bloggin' Friends

Every year I make my Christmas cards. I am sending you my egg noggin' bloggin' friends, an electronic version.

Hope you find time away from the rush 

to enjoy the spirit of Christmas 

and "CHILL."

Single Serving Egg Nog

3/4 cup whole milk

1 egg, well beaten

2 ounces your favorite CHILLed liquor (rum, bourbon, brandy, cognac, kahlua ...)

1 rounded tsp confectioners (powdered) sugar or other sweetener

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Ground nutmeg

In a small bowl beat the egg. Add the milk, liquor, sugar and vanilla. Whisk until well combined. Pour into a CHILLed glass and sprinkle with nutmeg. Then enjoy and CHILL yourself for awhile.

After the rush, I certainly owe some of you a much needed visit. That puppy Mojo is also keeping me busy! I do find myself already longing for the garden and I am certainly planning new beds and plants to try in my head - no visions of sugar plums here! I really can't wait to get back at it. Enjoy your holiday everyone.

Bloom Day: December, 2009

There certainly is not an abundance of blooms around here. The 50 mile an hour winds that brought in Winter blew most away, among a few other things. But inside, cozy and warm, a few have decided to peek through.

A traditional Poinsettia.

An African Violet.

I have four. Two are in bloom, and two are not.

The one above belonged to my husband's grandmother. I spotted it during her funeral "party." I unashamedly asked for it. I had lost my own grandmother's violets during my move to Colorado. This way, I still have a violet from one of our grandmothers. It is special to see it happy and blooming.

But the biggest bloom here in my garden right now is PUPPY LOVE! I am proud to introduce you to Mojo, my newest friend and lucky charm. He has a "taste" for plants, but I am confident he will learn the difference between edible and admirable. He will be a great gardening companion.

Bloom day is hosted (and created by) Carol at May Dreams Gardens.