Hurray, I cut down the hamelia paten monster, and some rose canes too. Still have more rose canes to cut, but I had done enough today and my body was saying it’s time to stop. I’m not all that tired or sore, but I was starting to drag and it was time for a shower and lunch time so I quit for the day. After lunch I took a little nap.
Here is the before:
After:
When I pulled the last of the hamelia paten off the awning I felt so happy and I could just hear Mark saying Atta Girl once again.
I plant to put purple flowering garlic vine on one side of the entry way to my shed, and blue sky vine on the other, also another flowering vine.
Before:
After:
The next photos are of the cuttings. I filled two bags as I cut up the small stuff with my hand clippers. This is all picked up by the county and turned into free mulch for residents. I’ve got another bag going and will probably have one or two more by the time I’m finished with this project. Not very interesting, but it’s all part of gardening.
These are mostly rose canes.
Look at the size of these branches. I’ve got to cut them back further than they are, I had just done enough for one morning. My hand was/is sore from clipping everything smaller into bags.
This is bougainvillea and Louis Philippe ‘Florida Cracker Rose’ that I’m going to cut way back too, and take down that little lattice arch that has collapsed. That will be next. I may put an awning there, not sure yet. Can I put up an awning by myself? Time will tell. I’ll have to see if we’ve one in our stash that will fit. I’m just not crazy going back to the area along our back fence as that mean pit bull gets crazy and slams into the fencing whenever anyone is on the border, scaring the you know what out of me and makes my heart pound like the dickens.
Ok, it’s time for me to start supper, a chicken dish of some sort, I haven’t figured it out yet.
Thanks again for all of your support at this time, and for letting me talk about Mark, my grief over losing him, and continuing on my journey without him. It is 5 weeks today.
FlowerLady Lorraine
***
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread,
places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal
and give strength to body and soul.
John Muir
26 comments:
That is a lot of hard work you are doing there. Don't over do. I know it feels good getting some of that done though. Will be nice for you to see something new growing there.
Cher Sunray Gardens
WOW, what a great job you did! It looks so much better. I like how you take before and after pictures. I really like that birdbath too.
You have both your beauty in the garden, and bread in the pantry, friends all over, who care and share, DH would be so happy, and maybe a little amazed at how we all care so much about eachother.We might never meet, we hope one day we will, but our words and thoughts sent this way mean so much.Wonderful before & after pics, a huge amount of cutting there, I call it " Hack and Slash".Take care, fond greetings from Jean.
Quite a job. When I was younger I use to like to get into something like that. It's rewarding to see the end result. Hugs.
I would agree with Sunray,don't overdo it,but I understand the need to 'do' stuff at this time.As for talking about Mark,please don't ever let anyone tell you to quit. He was a part of your life and still is,so talk all you want.
WOW! I would have needed a nap after all that work. You sure got a lot done today.
I feel scratchy and itchy just reading about cutting down rose canes. But oh, it looks so good now. I think an awning will look great there.
You have accomplished and experienced so much in 5 short weeks, my friend!
Of course, I never knew Mark, but I can't imagine that he could be ANYTHING but very, very proud of you. After all you've already accomplished on your own lately, I'm pretty sure you COULD put that awning up by yourself :)
But don't be afraid to ask for help! I'll bet you could find someone with whom to barter for some extra hands/muscle.....
Wow, your "after" pictures look great. Nice job! I did some pruning today too. I just love that kind of work--it's so satisfying.
My goodness you got a lot done, that is a lot of work :)
I would have helped you if I was closer. :)
Hope you have a good restful night.
Hugs,
Sandra
Wow, looking good! You are quite the lady my friend. :) Love, Kit
Oh well done Lorraine!
Challenges and, achievements.
Time can be a strange thing.
Hugs
x
good job Lorraine..
You make me smile
and remind me of different times.
Do not overdo - a problem I have sometimes.
Proud of you
Everything looks beautiful
wish we lived near one another...
Looks very good
What a great job! I have one of those waiting for me this spring. My Awakening rose must go to the ground....No wonder you were ready for a nap.
In your climate I imagine cutting back plants is a major part of your gardening life.
Oh my, Lorraine. You need loppers. Your poor hands must be sore. It looks great.
Feels great to complete a project like that, doesn't it!
If you can see that mean pitbull, take a spray bottle of water back with you and spray his face with it whenever he barks at you. Use the stream, not a mist. He'll learn soon enough to leave you alone. Works wonders on mine and it's a harmless way of training (since the owners don't seem to bother).
Lorraine, wow, that was quite of a pruning job. You can be indeed proud of yourself that you got that done! I like the look of the freed lollypop shaped plant (I guess it is a type of yucca) much more than the before photo! Congratulations!
Christina
I wondered where that smoke was coming from. Must have been your pruning shears. LOL! You have been busy there in your garden. Enjoy these cooler days to get things done before summer heat arrives once more. Wonderful idea. Take care and God Bless.
You really put in quite a day's work. I'm glad you decided upon a nap... don't they feel good? Enjoy your time in the garden.
Hi Lorraine,
Your yard cleanup looks great! I find that kind of work SO satisfying. I wanted to say thankyou for all your sweet and supportive comments, and that I have been thinking of you a lot. I am still stunned by the loss of your husband, and I am constantly amazed by your grace in dealing with it.
Hugs,
Liz
Always work to be done...thanks for your kind words and I pray the Lord is filling you with his peace as you have had your own hard knocks as of late... ((hugs))
I am glad you are keeping busy in your lovely garden, you have done an amazing job of pruning. It will look so wonderful in spring, and I can't wait to see the new vines you plant to put in (and also those gorgeous Louis Phillip blooms).
Gosh, FL!, five weeks! You have done so much good in those five weeks! So glad you are continuing to blog and show us your beautiful gardens! Lots of work, but it is helping you mend! Always good to get those wild vines out and under control if just for a minute! Sending cold air and positive energy your way! xxoo LVL and The Herbal Husband
Hi FL, I am so sorry to read that you lost your husband. I read back to your post in early Dec. to see what happened. My dad died of bladder cancer. Your hubby was too young, though. Hang in there. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
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