tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86588710720142948072011-10-28T00:04:25.239-05:00"He who plants a garden, plants happiness." -ProverbMelissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.comBlogger1621100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-91664748586540866962011-03-26T15:59:00.004-05:002011-03-27T18:55:47.101-05:00

It might be cold and rainy, but I'm still able to get a few things accomplished. Planted my Bee Balm and my strawberries! Hoping to transplant the Bee Balm somewhere out front for the hummingbirds. As far as the strawberries go, this is my first experience. We'll see how it goes!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-63439346576059146732011-03-26T09:44:00.005-05:002011-03-27T19:23:21.991-05:00

Several of the summer bulbs have started to sprout - two cannas and seven gladiolus! I finally have a good spot picked out for these tall guys. After they get a little bigger, I hope to transplant 'em into a new bed by the workshop. The lilies behind the garage are growing like weeds! At first, I was disappointed because I had hoped to relocate them. But after seeing how quickly they are

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-14999654752535339592011-03-26T09:41:00.004-05:002011-03-26T23:59:12.842-05:00

Before and After: Last fall, I bought four small mums and planted them in a pot. They lasted until early winter when they turned brown and died. Imagine my surprise when I saw green in late February! There wasn't much, but I cut away all the dead and repotted it. A month later and the growth has tripled! After the threat of frost has passed, I will likely plant it directly into the ground. I'm

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-33480711619547158252011-03-20T17:02:00.002-05:002011-03-21T11:54:35.837-05:00

The tulips are shooting up like weeds! Haven't taken the time to count, but looks like most of the bulbs have come up! Several are already producing buds and I can see traces of red on a few!! Won't be long before they start to bloom!!! The dutch iris look to have made it through the winter! What a relief!!! I was worried when they popped up last November and looked so puny in the cold.

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-55501397750916029862011-03-20T16:43:00.019-05:002011-03-21T00:34:25.059-05:00

Thank goodness we weren't gone long! Came back to find several of my hyacinths wilted and fallen over due to lack of water. Apparently Mother Nature decided to skip Spring and head right into 80+ degree Summer! Fortunately, after a good soak and a bit of staking... they look beautiful again! And their scent is intoxicating!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-69590944261567078642011-03-20T15:49:00.002-05:002011-03-21T11:57:47.534-05:00

The daffodils are coming along quite nicely! 40/40 and so far... most of them have bloomed. There are still about a dozen or so to go! I'm happy to see that my mix is more than just the plain yellow. I now have six white... and actually three that are a much lighter yellow with a darker middle. Still regret following the spacing guidelines. Think they would have looked much nicer in a

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-1260886312308121312011-03-20T15:45:00.000-05:002011-03-21T00:20:48.888-05:00

Upon our return from a long weekend in Marietta, Georgia... I immediately noticed our Magnolia tree was blooming! While a young tree, it is still a sight to see! And certainly one of my favorite things in our front yard!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-24963167734917953512011-03-18T09:53:00.001-05:002011-03-21T23:23:16.981-05:00

I'm a little sad to be away from home this weekend, missing all the beautiful gardening weather. However, I'm absolutely DELIGHTED to find Bluebirds in my mother-in-law's backyard in Marietta, Georgia! She has at least one pair, if not two. And watching them, I completely understand why people adore them so! I'm going to do everything I can to try and bring them into my own yard!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-84377294135975320072011-03-17T23:32:00.000-05:002011-03-21T23:40:59.249-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-88221547360149146802011-03-16T17:52:00.000-05:002011-03-21T23:39:13.096-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-16722535365548470322011-03-09T17:50:00.004-06:002011-03-21T23:27:53.833-05:00

Wow! I can't believe it! We have flowers!!! Makes me incredibly happy to see all our hard work from last fall start to pay off! Honestly, I didn't expect much from the crocus and I'm not much for the color purple... but I am loving these little guys!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-22360938828528435552011-03-09T17:34:00.000-06:002011-03-21T23:34:24.562-05:00

Finally... my first daffodil!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-41794599528068839582011-03-08T09:27:00.000-06:002011-03-21T23:30:43.347-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-77302749270268340192011-03-06T16:46:00.001-06:002011-03-21T12:22:08.910-05:00

Josh & I worked on the new feeding station. Played around with different combinations and placements. Finally got an idea of how I wanted everything. We have to buy more parts, but it's a start. After everything is said and done, I think it'll be great!!! (A big thank you to Mr. David Lindquist and his Cary BirdCam Blog for inspiration!)

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-60979252776666557192011-03-06T12:35:00.000-06:002011-03-06T19:21:10.150-06:00

It appears the new Satellite feeder is a hit! Took awhile for the birds to figure out. They kept fluttering around trying to find a seed port. Since there's just one and the globe spins around so easily, it does make it a bit difficult. However, this is for the best! One small bird (think chickadee, titmouse or finch) at a time; no starlings or black/brown birds pigging out! Might be the best

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-3521842111310822512011-03-06T10:05:00.001-06:002011-03-21T12:23:37.605-05:00

Look! I have colored buds!! Any day now!!! I can't wait to start seeing flowers!!!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-52329080905116130712011-03-05T11:50:00.002-06:002011-03-19T23:53:10.315-05:00

It's a very rainy day! We're actually under a flash flood warning, but the birds don't realize that. They are everywhere - on the feeders, in the trees, on the ground, even hopping all over the deck! I managed to catch these little guys taking cover.

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-4771523926864420412011-02-26T16:09:00.007-06:002011-03-19T23:51:23.377-05:00

After all this time, I FINALLY got a clear shot of my favorite little bird... the Carolina Chickadee.

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-8838916311565095212011-01-30T17:26:00.002-06:002011-03-19T23:53:23.382-05:00

Thanks to my BirdCam, I spotted my first Purple Finch!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-1836624598709064552011-01-30T14:07:00.007-06:002011-03-19T23:47:31.848-05:00

This weekend, I did my first gardening of 2011! Cleaned up most the leaves in the front bed. Not only are the Crocus coming up, but I noticed the Daffodils are, too!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-32129035988677779462011-01-29T18:39:00.000-06:002011-01-30T22:14:47.950-06:00

  Finally got around to staining the birdhouse I "built"!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-10136648853009635862011-01-26T13:59:00.004-06:002011-03-19T23:53:32.670-05:00

The one thing I've noticed about snow is it tends to bring out A LOT of birds. And they go into this food frenzy. Makes it easier to get pictures! I absolutely love the way this male House Finch's red stands out in a sea of white!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-29366099064948854642011-01-23T16:17:00.003-06:002011-03-19T23:57:04.324-05:00

I was completely surprised to see some of my tulips already popping up! Here's to hoping it's the start of a beautiful tulip bed! About week or so ago, I noticed last year's Hyacinth is starting to emerge. Since this poor pot sits outside in the screened porch, I moved it into the greenhouse enclosure and wrapped an towel around it. Hopefully, they'll make it through the freezing temps!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-17178385418481357522011-01-22T16:25:00.002-06:002011-03-20T00:00:31.478-05:00

Cute little Sparrow sitting on the fence!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-1101024156293493292011-01-22T13:47:00.003-06:002011-01-29T00:14:31.989-06:00

I finally bought the Mounting Arm for my Wingscapes BirdCam! I'm hoping this will allow me to get better close-ups of the birds at my various feeders. It wasn't until after the fact that I realized it can be mounted three different ways. This is definitely a plus! I can attach it to my shepherds hook, mount it on a wooden post or around a tree with a ratchet strap. Thankfully, the husband had a

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-35689678559887509302011-01-22T13:22:00.003-06:002011-03-19T23:51:52.387-05:00

One of my little chickadees on the feeder right in front of me. I love how these guys aren't the least bit intimidated by me!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-66846348071032175732011-01-21T09:05:00.002-06:002011-01-29T00:15:34.652-06:00

Just when the final traces of last week's snow disappeared, we get hit with another 2 inches! The temperatures are in the low 20s and there's ice all over the roads. So once again, the husband and I are enjoying a snow day from the comfort of our home. I feel as if this little guy is begging to come in from the cold. Then again, he may just be trying to tell me to get out there and feed him.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-37756667765676019992011-01-19T13:01:00.003-06:002011-01-29T00:16:41.808-06:00

Thanks to the squirrels, I'm at my wits end! Even though they have their own feeders and food, they still like to raid the bird feeders! I honestly wouldn't mind it if 1.) they didn't completely pig out and 2.) they didn't damage the feeders. Unfortunately, they do both! I've heard safflower seeds are an an excellent replacement as squirrels general dislike the taste. I've held off on trying

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-51043939995394853412011-01-19T10:12:00.001-06:002011-01-29T00:17:30.868-06:00

I had been eyeing squirrel baffles for awhile now. Unfortunately, all the good ones are $30 or more! While reading the reviews on the Aspects 182 Super Dome, a fellow suggested going to the Tractor Supply Company. (Hence last weekend's shopping trip!) Sure enough, I picked one up for $8! I had considered getting two, but wanted to make sure they'd work first. And guess what... I went back

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-71249814614618225522011-01-16T14:39:00.002-06:002011-01-29T00:18:38.881-06:00

A little over a year ago, I bought this cute little snowman feeder from LTD Commodities. For whatever reason, I've just now started putting it to good use! After filling the hat's brim with mixed seed, the birds have started visiting! They seem to really love it! Too bad its going into storage come Spring!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-78591974120185193732011-01-15T17:09:00.002-06:002011-01-29T00:19:14.332-06:00

The husband and I went shopping today! As a reward for sticking with my resolution, I treated myself to a new feeder! This big guy holds 5lbs and has feeding ports that can be easily changed by rotating the inside seed ring. Thought the J-perch would be good for the Blue Jays since they seem to have trouble eating at the other feeders. And since suet has been so popular, I picked up another

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-50814518491418415172011-01-10T15:22:00.006-06:002011-03-19T23:54:38.267-05:00

Another visit from the beautiful Cooper's Hawk! Almost always in that same spot. Almost always around the 1 o'clock hour. Creatures of habit, I guess!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-84532523520735737562011-01-10T13:37:00.003-06:002011-03-19T23:59:47.262-05:00

All this snow has brought out the birds! They're hopping all over the ground and feeders! Couldn't help but laugh at this little Dark-Eyed Junco. It's very easy to confuse his skinny little legs as one of the limbs hanging off the willow tree behind him!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-36318053330960442612011-01-10T09:35:00.002-06:002011-01-29T00:22:45.104-06:00

What an absolutely beautiful sight to wake up to! This is by far the most snow I've seen since living in Tennessee! (Makes me feel like I'm back home in Indiana!) Our area measured in at almost 4 inches with another 2-3 predicted for tonight and tomorrow! Thank goodness the husband and I are able to enjoy it from the safety and warmth of our home!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-79659076207251254942011-01-09T13:09:00.002-06:002011-03-20T00:00:59.843-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-46924881362534888712011-01-08T16:19:00.003-06:002011-01-29T00:24:59.750-06:00

When I first bought the Perky Pet Window Wild Bird Feeder, I was worried about it staying up. I've had it for a few months now and have yet to have it fall. Of course, it's only held a cup of food and one or two little birds. But today, I found out it can also hold a 5lb pig squirrel!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-26240580769124212992011-01-06T17:44:00.000-06:002011-01-29T00:29:40.657-06:00

The sky was this beautiful pinkish orange on the drive home from work. Of course, by the time I got home and grabbed a camera it was mostly too late. Still a pretty sky!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-15054559751845384072011-01-05T11:44:00.000-06:002011-01-29T00:37:28.049-06:00

My new Perky Pet feeders arrived!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-7903299126805253182011-01-02T14:08:00.003-06:002011-03-27T18:50:34.146-05:00

I was finally quick enough to get a shot of the hawk I keep seeing!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-31827203467424698892010-12-12T19:44:00.002-06:002011-03-19T23:53:46.200-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like... winter!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-44316625587352366222010-11-12T18:20:00.000-06:002011-01-30T21:58:45.650-06:00

It's official! My backyard is now a Certified Wildlife Habitat thanks to the Nation Wildlife Federation! That's a fancy way of saying I provide food, water, cover, and a place to raise young!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-84927083189961142012010-11-10T16:34:00.001-06:002011-01-30T21:53:05.461-06:00

Finally broke down and bought the squirrels two feeders! Also bought them "critter food"and corn cobs. Hopefully, this will keep them off the bird feeders!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-90957130357561765742010-10-31T16:30:00.003-05:002011-03-19T23:47:52.947-05:00

This weekend, the husband and I managed to get the front bed cleaned up, planted and mulched! We trimmed up the bushes, chopped the monkey grass and got all the Crocus and Dutch Iris planted. The front hasn't looked this good since we moved in!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-17178619575772496972010-10-26T23:12:00.001-05:002011-03-19T23:46:14.178-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-52727581789080830112010-10-22T14:16:00.001-05:002011-01-30T21:29:15.143-06:00

  After a day and a half, our new fence is finished! It turned out great; better than I imagined! And Bella finally has an entire yard to run around again.

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-74163367460036967492010-10-18T12:47:00.002-05:002011-01-30T20:40:41.066-06:00

The only thing I miss about our old house is the fenced in backyard. Well... no more! Today, the guys from Clean Cut Fence Company showed up to install our new fence!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-81500133299730103832010-06-15T21:49:00.000-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.898-05:00

Ahhh... nothing quite like a Texas sky. A picture-esque dead tree on some farm road in Texas. Somewhere in Mississippi... disaster strikes!Thank goodness for Wal-mart... and duct tape!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-23053313010469548262010-06-14T17:47:00.002-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.642-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-73666747488745376942010-06-14T17:47:00.001-05:002010-10-22T00:07:52.584-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-72788528818958828452010-06-13T21:37:00.002-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.852-05:00

My aunt's petunias in Dallas. One of the many evil-looking crows in my grandparents' yard. They had giant snails... everywhere!Huge toad! Everything IS bigger in Texas!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-78056347598661431602010-06-13T21:37:00.001-05:002010-10-22T00:10:18.362-05:00

My aunt's petunias in Dallas. One of the many evil-looking crows in my grandparents' yard. They had giant snails... everywhere! Huge toad! Everything IS bigger in Texas!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-62218882134791382602010-06-06T23:49:00.002-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.788-05:00

A lake somewhere in Alabama.One of my sister's lilies in Mississippi.A sunset in Texas.

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-50244852074562597682010-06-06T23:49:00.001-05:002010-10-21T15:51:38.052-05:00

On the way down to Texas, we stopped at my sister's new place in Mississippi. This was the only lily she had in bloom. Really liked the color combination, so I had to get a picture. Unfortunately, it was so hot outside that my camera lens kept fogging up! It clearly distorted the picture, but for the better... I think. The flower almost looks as if it's glowing!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-31397973125774366022010-05-27T18:26:00.002-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.661-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-9536331793748375602010-05-27T18:26:00.001-05:002011-03-28T11:17:34.228-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-5780743837922707752010-05-26T17:37:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.776-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-1608218378115152972010-05-26T17:37:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.775-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-33751540277707733522010-05-26T10:51:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.680-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-55992245840286359852010-05-26T10:51:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.777-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-62712200751309626562010-05-25T14:07:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.792-05:00

Being my first real year of gardening, I know I'm going to make mistakes. But that doesn't make me feel any better when I fail. Nearing the end of my third month, I have little to show of my hard work. By far my biggest disappointment? The lamp post flower bed. The tulips lasted less than three weeks and the petunias never did anything. It's far to early in the season for a bed to look like a

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-3555495519015811162010-05-25T14:07:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.779-05:00

Being my first real year of gardening, I know I'm going to make mistakes. But that doesn't make me feel any better when I fail. Nearing the end of my third month, I have little to show of my hard work. By far my biggest disappointment? The lamp post flower bed. The tulips lasted less than three weeks and the petunias never did anything. It's far to early in the season for a bed to look like a

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-86726125043225126212010-05-24T21:02:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.929-05:00

At Lowe's, I found this 'Red-Vein' Fittonia plant clearanced for 50¢. The soil was dry, but its leaves still looked healthy. While looking for a small pot, a sales associate suggested buying one of the other clearanced (ie: dead) plants - just for the pot. Brilliant! Found a complementing fushia pot for another 50¢. For a whopping $1, I now have a lovely new indoor plant!Also found this 'Dark

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-71118111603007339732010-05-24T21:02:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.780-05:00

At Lowe's, I found this 'Red-Vein' Fittonia plant clearanced for 50¢. The soil was dry, but its leaves still looked healthy. While looking for a small pot, a sales associate suggested buying one of the other clearanced (ie: dead) plants - just for the pot. Brilliant! Found a complementing fushia pot for another 50¢. For a whopping $1, I now have a lovely new indoor plant!Also found this 'Dark

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-78914090993129640672010-05-24T18:27:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.878-05:00

(Thistle)(Daisies)Our backyard goes out a good bit. I like walking down there from time to time because you never know what you're going to find. Usually, a good bit of wild flowers... but every now and again there's a surprise - like this little guy!At first, I thought it was dead like the squirrel we found yesterday. Got so upset! Thankfully... it was just a scared baby! Not sure if it had

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-8476185577648430132010-05-24T18:27:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.781-05:00

(Thistle)(Daisies)Our backyard goes out a good bit. I like walking down there from time to time because you never know what you're going to find. Usually, a good bit of wild flowers... but every now and again there's a surprise - like this little guy!At first, I thought it was dead like the squirrel we found yesterday. Got so upset! Thankfully... it was just a scared baby! Not sure if it had

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-5046900344292635952010-05-20T17:27:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.739-05:00

Alyssum (Maritima) Baby's Breath (Gypsophila) Toadflax (Linaria)Remember that Roll Out Flower mat? Still nothing like what was pictured on the packaging. But they're finally starting to look like something other than weeds! Lots of pretty tiny flowers! Hoping the rest will start to bloom soon!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-10350709580616445922010-05-20T17:27:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.784-05:00

Alyssum (Maritima) Baby's Breath (Gypsophila) Toadflax (Linaria)Remember that Roll Out Flower mat? Still nothing like what was pictured on the packaging. But they're finally starting to look like something other than weeds! Lots of pretty tiny flowers! Hoping the rest will start to bloom soon!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-19589269834891041782010-05-18T19:37:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.632-05:00

Bought a new planter for the front stoop. Think it works better because it's taller. Plus, it matches the color of the brick! Planted three red/white "Duet" dahlias. Of all the bulbs we bought, these are the ones I'm looking forward to the most!!!I adored my Astra African Daisies! If only they had lasted a little longer! Decided to move them to a smaller container. Wondering if I can keep them

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-24684257060895784042010-05-18T19:37:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.786-05:00

Bought a new planter for the front stoop. Think it works better because it's taller. Plus, it matches the color of the brick! Planted three red/white "Duet" dahlias. Of all the bulbs we bought, these are the ones I'm looking forward to the most!!!I adored my Astra African Daisies! If only they had lasted a little longer! Decided to move them to a smaller container. Wondering if I can keep them

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-55461241912679847502010-05-17T18:32:00.002-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.765-05:00

Finally broke down and bought another hummingbird feeder (left)! Think it pairs nicely with my old one. And because they're not as messy, I've decided to keep them in the window tree out front! This means the other feeders had to be moved elsewhere! So... the three tall ones are now hanging in the willow tree. And the short one is hanging off to the side on the sheppard's hook! Hoping to get

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-36359976434795336622010-05-17T18:32:00.001-05:002010-10-21T17:28:29.121-05:00

Finally broke down and bought another hummingbird feeder (left)! Think it pairs nicely with my old one. And because they're not as messy, I've decided to keep them in the window tree out front! This means the other feeders had to be moved elsewhere! So... the three tall ones are now hanging in the willow tree. And the short one is hanging off to the side on the sheppard's hook! Hoping to get

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-83063479191172181872010-05-16T15:17:00.002-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.912-05:00

This weekend, our deck was overtaken by some rambunctious squirrels! I saw at least six of them running amuck! Even had one sneak up to my window to peek in and say hi. (Too bad my camera was downstairs at the time!)And... think what you want... but CLEARLY this helpful guy is giving his friend the heimlich maneuver. Who knew squirrels could choke on bird seed?!?!?

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-69147318864759829812010-05-16T15:17:00.001-05:002011-03-28T11:19:02.746-05:00

This weekend, our deck was overtaken by some rambunctious squirrels! I saw at least six of them running amuck! Even had one sneak up to my window to peek in and say hi. (Too bad my camera was downstairs at the time!) And... think what you want... but CLEARLY this helpful guy is giving his friend the heimlich maneuver. Who knew squirrels could choke on bird seed?!?!?

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-51745258178879476532010-05-09T16:16:00.002-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.750-05:00

Yesterday, I cleaned up the bed behind the garage and made some progress on planting all those bulbs! Had planned a mix of red, yellow and orange cannas... but all the bulbs were clearly rotted. (Guess that's what you get for buying end-of-season clearanced bulbs, huh?) Changed the game plan and planted Asiatic lilies - "Mixed" and a few "Black Out". I'm really disappointed about the cannas

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-87882645609536755482010-05-09T16:16:00.001-05:002010-10-22T00:11:19.779-05:00

Yesterday, I cleaned up the bed behind the garage and made some progress on planting all those bulbs! Had planned a mix of red, yellow and orange cannas... but all the bulbs were clearly rotted. (Guess that's what you get for buying end-of-season clearanced bulbs, huh?) Changed the game plan and planted Asiatic lilies - "Mixed" and a few "Black Out". I'm really disappointed about the cannas

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-82598084986121819382010-05-07T19:04:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.903-05:00

This little guy made my day! My first set of Dahlias - the pink Lucky Number variety - are starting to sprout! It's only been two weeks since I've potted them! A little hard to see in the shade, but Josh got the garden fence installed last night! All that's left is to frame out the bottom, shorten the posts and build a new gate! While I was out back, I stumbled upon some wild daisies! Waaay back

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-31085535642857555602010-05-07T19:04:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.794-05:00

This little guy made my day! My first set of Dahlias - the pink Lucky Number variety - are starting to sprout! It's only been two weeks since I've potted them! A little hard to see in the shade, but Josh got the garden fence installed last night! All that's left is to frame out the bottom, shorten the posts and build a new gate! While I was out back, I stumbled upon some wild daisies! Waaay back

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-68725736109824563392010-05-06T19:23:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.837-05:00

As you can tell, the rhodos are my favorite things to photograph right now. Still can't get over how pretty they are! Love my lilies, too even though I'm not a huge fan of orange. Just wish the yellows would have stuck around a little longer. The contrast in color would have been perfect!Also, I'm currently working on trimming up our evergreens and bushes. Was quite surprised to discover these

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-35061032477970262102010-05-06T19:23:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.796-05:00

As you can tell, the rhodos are my favorite things to photograph right now. Still can't get over how pretty they are! Love my lilies, too even though I'm not a huge fan of orange. Just wish the yellows would have stuck around a little longer. The contrast in color would have been perfect!Also, I'm currently working on trimming up our evergreens and bushes. Was quite surprised to discover these

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-73295370543168239042010-05-05T08:55:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.861-05:00

Somehow, these beauties managed to survive the nasty storms this past weekend.

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-57620668105011588372010-05-05T08:55:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.797-05:00

Somehow, these beauties managed to survive the nasty storms this past weekend.

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-38127856662320281342010-05-01T19:25:00.001-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.705-05:00

Between the bulbs I recently bought at Wal-mart and the bulbs Josh just bought at Home Depot, I have A LOT of planting to do! Dahlias, lilies, cannas, freesias and ranunculus!!! Will hopefully have lots of pretty blooms this summer!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-570584644237831832010-05-01T19:25:00.000-05:002010-10-21T15:26:09.799-05:00

Between the bulbs I recently bought at Wal-mart and the bulbs Josh just bought at Home Depot, I have A LOT of planting to do! Dahlias, lilies, cannas, freesias and ranunculus!!! Will hopefully have lots of pretty blooms this summer!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-69799333945617676822010-04-30T18:54:00.000-05:002011-03-30T19:08:01.013-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-82295817135610554672010-04-30T09:42:00.000-05:002011-03-30T19:06:13.197-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-90154928181943359292010-04-30T09:35:00.001-05:002011-03-30T18:51:30.053-05:00

Finally!!! The "Tiny Dino" Asiatic lilies are blooming!!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-4705371685998760622010-04-30T09:28:00.000-05:002011-03-30T19:02:19.143-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-72793033932203196112010-04-29T21:39:00.000-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.856-05:00

I'm jealous! The office has beautiful rose bushes. They're over forty years old! Roses are definitely on my to do list. We have the perfect place for them, too. Hopefully next year!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-61917310450004557632010-04-29T16:32:00.000-05:002011-03-30T18:59:43.983-05:00

I'm jealous! The office has beautiful rose bushes. They're over forty years old! Roses are definitely on my to do list. We have the perfect place for them, too. Hopefully next year!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-3316010164813145682010-04-28T19:35:00.000-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.668-05:00

Just finished planting the first batch of dahlias. Very excited about these because they're a beautiful shade of pink!!! Going to have to be patient as they're supposed to be late bloomers.

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-38262490739776234812010-04-28T18:27:00.000-05:002011-03-30T18:42:51.819-05:00

Thank goodness!!! I'm relieved to see the rhododendrons starting to bloom, even after all that pruning! Can't wait until they're in full swing. I don't think of myself as a fan of purple, but these flowers are gorgeous!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-33973573052693470462010-04-28T18:22:00.000-05:002011-03-30T18:53:05.505-05:00

Just finished planting the first batch of dahlias. Very excited about these because they're a beautiful shade of pink!!! Going to have to be patient as they're supposed to be late bloomers.

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-34377046707419831102010-04-27T14:17:00.000-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.684-05:00

Finally!!! The "Tiny Dino" Asiatic lilies are starting to bloom!!!! And... what a surprise! We have a few cannas growing on the left side of the garage! Guess it was a good thing that I hadn't gotten around to cleaning up the beds. I'm going to let them grow, as I really love the way they look. In fact, I'm hoping to plant more!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-28945629718152212342010-04-27T10:21:00.003-05:002011-03-30T18:51:04.701-05:00

What a surprise! We have a few cannas growing on the left side of the garage! Guess it was a good thing I hadn't gotten around to cleaning up the beds. I'm going to let them grow, as I really love the way they look. In fact, I'm hoping to plant more!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-22876162673083403672010-04-27T09:17:00.005-05:002011-03-30T18:40:32.410-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-56804551964205422932010-04-26T19:25:00.000-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.768-05:00

Thank goodness!!! I'm relieved to see the rhododendrons starting to bloom, even after all that pruning! Can't wait until they're in full swing. I don't think of myself as a fan of purple, but these flowers are gorgeous!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-86513536443651505732010-04-26T17:50:00.005-05:002011-03-30T18:37:54.158-05:00

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-64147482206742237062010-04-25T15:31:00.000-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.801-05:00

Finally finished up the flowerbed around the mailbox. I should have done it immediately after planting, but got sidetracked! The soil looked horrible, so I added topsoil before mulching. Looks much better now! Am happy to see the orange lilies are closer to blooming - any day now! Just wished my poor yellow ones could have hung around a little longer!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-38606920446881665322010-04-25T14:34:00.000-05:002011-03-30T18:19:03.790-05:00

Finally finished up the flowerbed around the mailbox. I should have done it immediately after planting, but got sidetracked! The soil looked horrible, so I added topsoil before mulching. Looks much better now! Am happy to see the orange lilies are closer to blooming - any day now! Just wished my poor yellow ones could have hung around a little longer!!!

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8658871072014294807.post-79561997780611523332010-04-21T19:32:00.000-05:002011-10-25T15:47:21.884-05:00

BEFOREAFTERIt took two days which killed my back and fingers, but I finally pulled and dug up all the monkey grass on the side of the house!!! The grass was overgrown and browning in spots. Neither Josh or I were fans, so it all had to go! It looks a little bare now, but I'm eventually going to plant some azaleas inbetween the two rhododendrons. Those two small bushes will likely be transplanted

Melissa (Shaigirl)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14149849878263598995noreply@blogger.com0