Projects

Hello Folks ~ It is a gray and very windy morning here in s.e. FL. This is the third 'windy' day in a row. Rain has fallen all around, but not on Plum Cottage Gardens. We had some chilly weather come down into our area again and it's been wonderful. 

I've been working on various projects and have more to do in the next couple of weeks. Plus I am dealing with letting go of part of the past and will share that later, I have to wait for 'the rest of the story', before sharing.

I usually work 2-3 hours outside, depending on what I do. That's when my body starts telling me 'ok, you've done enough for now'.

I've been working on the 'secret garden'. There was a shrub that was getting too big in the front and I realized I'd better dig it up as it was probably growing down into the septic field areas. Plus, there was a wild petunia vine that spreads like crazy and is so hard to pull up, but eventually one can make forward progress. The picture below was taken 10-17-19.

 

These next photos are from  02-06-20

 .There is still more work to do in the secret garden, all in good time.

In the next two weeks, I've got to clear an area between my barn and the neighbors to the west of me. I found out the other day that they are selling their place. YIKES! I've been saving money to replace the falling down privacy fencing and had gone over to tell them I would be doing it soon. Well, soon has turned into the 21st. I put out an SOS to the 'Eat and Go' men's group that help people with projects at our church. 5-6 of them will be here to do the work. (It is so hard to ask for help, but, that is what this men's ministry is all about. I pray God's blessings on them.)

This area has really become overgrown, one thing is a native passion vine. I've not really been back there to check things out since last Sept when getting the plywood out to cover windows because of Hurricane Dorian. This 'back 40' with barn, and the storage building were my dear husband's domain, what he took care of.  Plus there is his workshop and the area surrounding it. Sometimes it is so dang overwhelming I can hardly stand it. That's when I cry out to Jesus to be my strength, to give me energy, to fill my heart with gladness instead of sadness. I have much to be thankful for.

 This is the passion vine, you can see a flower at the bottom of photo, it is covering a couple of thryalis shrubs that have the yellow flowers.

Ashamedly, I have to admit I do get jealous of those who still have husbands, who have an income, so that projects get done, money not being an object. Shame on me. Lately, I've been watching you tube videos about people and how they live around the world, and I am rich compared to how they are living, which makes me feel thankful for the life God has blessed me with.

Now I'll share pics from front patio area where I have put the two Don Juan climbing roses. They don't get as much sun as they will get shortly, but seem to be doing ok, new growth. I need to dead head the spent blooms.

Before below. There is still more tweaking to be done in this area, as time goes on.

 

  I had to take out the old cement bases plants had been sitting on because the rose pots are two large. The bases are stacked up in the secret garden area waiting for me to figure out what to do with them.

 

 

 This is looking out my window this morning. This statue is 'the weeping woman'. We bought it many, many years ago at a local flea market for $10.

In needleworking news, here are more crocheted cross covered rocks.

 

And here is a sweet surprise. A friend from church gave me a lamp that had been her mothers. She knew I loved roses and thought I would like it, as she's not really a rose person, like I am. It fits right into FlowerLady's eclectic look.

Ok, I think that is it. Enough of an overload for you. So, if you don't see me in the next couple of weeks, you'll know why.

Let us keep focused on God, call out to Him in prayer for our needs, for the needs of our country, and the whole world. Let us be thankful, forgiving, encouraging, patient and kind. God bless and keep you all, and may we all be drawn closer to Him.

FlowerLady