tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17695171468144620652024-02-20T14:44:11.897-06:00Gardening AlabamaI am a wife, Mom to two precocious tots and a Certified Master Gardener. Gardening is my therapy and one of my greatest joys. I make mistakes of course, but do my best to learn from them and move forward with as much grace as muddy jeans will allow. Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-55946743001646281822017-01-06T09:56:00.000-06:002017-01-06T09:56:00.992-06:00Container Gardening in WinterI am not an active winter gardener. There is nothing I dislike more than spending time outside in below freezing temperatures. That said, I enjoy fresh, winter greens. See my dilemma?<br />
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This season, I think I've figured out a way to cheat the system. Rather than utilizing my raised beds in the side yard, full of delightful compost no less, I planted Swiss chard, broccoli and spinach in pots on the back patio. The plan is to reach out my back door and snip whatever I desire, then retreat into the warmth of my home in 10 seconds flat.<br />
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The Swiss chard has done remarkably well. I've harvested gallon bags worth for the last few weeks. All from a medium-sized strawberry planter that had been sitting empty for years.<br />
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The broccoli is now filling out. Little florets are appearing on healthy stalks. I'm so excited!<br />
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These are planted in two large plastic pots; the black ones that are readily available at big box garden centers. I suspect the broccoli plant roots will quickly outgrow the pots, but they were the largest I had on hand.</div>
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The spinach has not fared as well, hence no picture. I planted them in small, unglazed terra cotta pots which I suspect is part of the problem. (The only thing I have successfully grown in terra cotta pots are succulents.) Unglazed terra cotta dries out quickly and is just too high maintenance in my opinion. It is unlikely that I will repot them but I know better for next year. </div>
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How does your winter garden grow?</div>
Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-59888548327706922942016-12-01T13:17:00.001-06:002016-12-01T13:17:35.142-06:00Bird of Paradise Update Part DeuxIf you read <a href="http://gardeningalabama.blogspot.com/search/label/tropical%20plants#!/2016/10/bird-of-paradise-update.html" target="_blank">this</a> post and <a href="http://gardeningalabama.blogspot.com/search/label/tropical%20plants#!/2016/08/updates.html" target="_blank">this</a> one, you'll know that I'm trying to revive a gifted Bird of Paradise plant. I've managed to get new shoots to open but the planter still looked a little bare. I had a few young philodendron plants that I didn't know what to do with, so on a whim, I added them to the base.<br />
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Much better don't you think? It's my hope that the Bird of Paradise will continue to improve and the philodendron will fill out and spill over 360 degrees.<br />
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I'm also playing around with filters on my camera. Kinda liking the subdued colors and antique effect on this one.<br />
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Anyone, stay tuned for more updates!Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-78351287803727442882016-11-30T14:31:00.001-06:002016-11-30T14:32:41.214-06:00Mini Succulent GardenI have several variety of succulents in pots around the yard and had more than a few leaves drop while cleaning up. I didn't want to toss them so I thought I'd create a mini planter for my desk at work. <br />
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The succulent in the center already had a good root system so that one is actually buried in the potting mix. As for the others, I simply arranged the succulent leaves as I wanted on top of the soil. As the leaves broke down, they gave way to new plants which will be rooted in the potting mix.<br />
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I already had the pot, which is lined with pebbles at the bottom to help with drainage. (It is temporarily resting on the charger, which is awaiting a Christmas makeover.)<br />
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Even though I used good quality potting mix and plan to fertilize when required, it will take a few months for these to grow in. They have a nice, sunny perch near a window and will be most delightful to look at. Can't hardly wait!Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-76812268180277279372016-10-31T13:48:00.001-05:002016-10-31T13:48:47.053-05:00Bird of Paradise UpdateIf you read <a href="http://gardeningalabama.blogspot.com/2016/08/updates.html" target="_blank">this</a> post back in August, then you know that while my Bird of Paradise has been putting out new shoots, the leaves were not unfurling. After some research, I discovered that the plant was not getting sufficient sunlight in my entry and was temporarily relocated to the back porch. Now that evening temperatures have cooled off, we had to move it back inside, this time in the kitchen. With two new shoots!<br />
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Every day I would inspect with bated breath but to my pleasant surprise, both leaves opened completely. Now, I am not sure if this is due to the massive amounts of sunlight the plant received on my south-facing back porch for over two months or the filtered sunlight it receives in my kitchen. Only new shoots will determine that. But in the meantime, I am enjoying a moment of bliss, having saved this soon-to-be gorgeous plant. Now, for it to bloom...<br />
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Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-45018594923089347752016-09-26T12:39:00.000-05:002016-09-26T12:39:24.358-05:00There's Good News and Bad NewsI've not done a great job this summer photo journaling my garden. Sometimes life happens and blogging is on the lower end of the totem pole. So when I had a few minutes this past weekend, I thought I'd snap these quick photos to share with you.<br />
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I have had an abundance of bell peppers and hot banana peppers this summer. And my bushes are still yielding in spite of the lingering heat and my lack of attention.<br />
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Earlier in the year, I had the bright idea to plant a pumpkin vine to have a pumpkin-lined front porch for the cost of a pack of seeds. This is what I had in mind:<br />
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My pumpkin vine was lush and green and spread like wildfire. There was blossoms galore. I just knew my pumpkin-lined was going to happen this year. But in spite of the blossoms and tiny, little pumpkins on the vine, there was one sole-survivor:<br />
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I don't even know what I'm going to do with it yet. So for now its my lone fall decoration on the kitchen counter.<br />
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Anyway, that's what I've been up to. What's happening in your garden?<br />
Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-45588256618985621312016-09-02T12:39:00.000-05:002016-09-02T12:40:38.829-05:00Zinnia Bug PowerEvery year I plant zinnias for Blinky. We love the vibrant colors and the assortment of butterflies and moth they attract. <br />
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There are patches all over our yard. But the one I get to enjoy most is in my compost. (Where do you plant the bajillionth seedling pack when you've run out of space everywhere else?) Today, I spotted these beauties:<br />
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In the first three photos, I believe these are monarchs because they lack the black markings on the hindwings of the Viceroy and the white spots of the Queen. But you decide <a href="http://blog.nwf.org/2015/03/quiz-will-these-monarch-look-alikes-fool-you/" target="_blank">here</a>. The final picture is of a daytime moth. I am working on identifying it. (If you look really closely, you'll see a pesky little caterpillar, hence all the holes in my leaves.)</div>
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Other species visit the zinnias at night. I've seen hummingbird moths and a few others I haven't yet been able to identify. I'm working on that too.</div>
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Hope you guys have a great holiday weekend!</div>
Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-44004960612048138122016-08-24T12:12:00.000-05:002016-08-24T12:12:08.614-05:00Pumpkins Finally!!!Last fall I planted a pumpkin vine in the hope that I would have a beautiful fall display on my front porch. The vine did well and did in fact produce pumpkins, however I planted it too late in the season and the frost killed the vine and the pumpkins before they had a chance to mature.<br />
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Fast forward to this summer. I planted my vine in late June. I have had a gorgeous, healthy, blossom-laden vine for months, but no pumpkins. I'd all but given up on it when I spotted this beauty:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTSIzHk6CbCgSi3OOduyPZqtcxLtrpTGy629jp01KSoc7c4EwOptD9iJU1Ui83GsmmbAJAAZS0MbMw8kny29kM2hYJY8F-FDTBXopit1KF_iXfbttzyTnSZcBU17FWn9eeRuACPz1Wxxc/s1600/IMG_3717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTSIzHk6CbCgSi3OOduyPZqtcxLtrpTGy629jp01KSoc7c4EwOptD9iJU1Ui83GsmmbAJAAZS0MbMw8kny29kM2hYJY8F-FDTBXopit1KF_iXfbttzyTnSZcBU17FWn9eeRuACPz1Wxxc/s320/IMG_3717.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's the only one I've noticed but I'm hoping under all that foliage are a few more. Hopefully they will have another eight weeks to mature and I can start decorating away!<br />
Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-52157518757019649192016-08-23T14:02:00.000-05:002016-09-02T12:41:27.052-05:00UpdatesIt's been raining and hot here in the southeast, a combination which makes gardening next to impossible. After a very full day (nay, weekend), I finally ventured outside around 6pm while the DH and kids were happily watching a movie in the air-conditioned house. <br />
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First task was watering all the potted plants with <a href="http://gardeningalabama.blogspot.com/2012/05/found-water.html" target="_blank">found water</a> from the HVAC unit. Five gallons later, I began repotting several plants that had been forced to wait on me for far too long. I also did a little cleanup in the veggie garden area, mainly trimming vines and a little weeding. Finally, I ended the evening transplanting a volunteer crape myrtle that sprung up near my fire hydrant. (God really does have a sense of humor as he saw fit to multiply a tree that I have unsuccessfully tried to for years.)<br />
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There's one change inside, being the absence of a 50lb bird of paradise plant in my entryway. I was gifted it by a co-worker a few months ago and have been trying to nurse it back to health. I repotted it and tried to make it work in the entryway, but alas the lighting was not right. After little to no success in coaching new leaf growth, I did a little research and learned that these plants are best left outdoors when the weather is warm enough. The DH was kind enough to transfer it to the patio, which I hope will be just the fix I need.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsueEDRz1AD2eYiJ0yUAVcAS3dRBxwrxej9JSP8ymoHIAiU87gOHAjGuAps3K1w1U6EaDo-lPjzI2Dc7Tnp9IN9E9XXK3FMFLkP8lVEFH_f29BnvQDyb3FLziZabGo8RHBx0yU9_2RNuVk/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsueEDRz1AD2eYiJ0yUAVcAS3dRBxwrxej9JSP8ymoHIAiU87gOHAjGuAps3K1w1U6EaDo-lPjzI2Dc7Tnp9IN9E9XXK3FMFLkP8lVEFH_f29BnvQDyb3FLziZabGo8RHBx0yU9_2RNuVk/s320/IMG_3714.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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As I type this, I notice it's raining outside my office window. Again. But as I think about <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/16/us/louisiana-flooding-by-the-numbers/" target="_blank">southern Louisiana's devastation</a>, this is nothing to complain about. It will dry up and I will once again find a small window in which to tend to my garden.Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-63485157698138512692016-07-28T12:42:00.002-05:002016-07-28T12:42:58.315-05:00They'rrrrrrre Baaaaaaack!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remember not long ago when the DH accidentally edged my <a href="http://gardeningalabama.blogspot.com/2016/04/crape-myrtle-flower-bed-expansion.html" target="_blank">bridal wreath spirea</a>? Well thankfully the roots survived and my little fighter is making a comeback. Yay!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQgSZX1ksngPBYyqkAPnvD7DnWofQJjFcO1kRN8ujRvjmALuO9LNChYD1_VbqmXHbW58CBq520QMoo14JZH7DmCI8HOeN3mv_oHh9FVBUSC8GkYD_eCMH9EY0nmhPrOPEXv8g0776ZJ9W/s1600/IMG_3540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQgSZX1ksngPBYyqkAPnvD7DnWofQJjFcO1kRN8ujRvjmALuO9LNChYD1_VbqmXHbW58CBq520QMoo14JZH7DmCI8HOeN3mv_oHh9FVBUSC8GkYD_eCMH9EY0nmhPrOPEXv8g0776ZJ9W/s320/IMG_3540.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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If I seem a little too excited, its because it took forever for me to find two of these bushes. They are old-fashioned plants and not easy to come by in big box nurseries (at least in my area). So I'm eagerly anticipating mature shrubs that will just be awash in white blooms. This is a setback for sure, but it could have been worse. </div>
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From now on, and much to the DH's chagrin, I'll be supervising the edging. You know, just in case he gets trigger happy again.</div>
Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-12254043320434259382016-07-15T10:17:00.001-05:002016-07-15T10:17:10.003-05:00Zinnia-ManiaAren't they pretty?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1FDS_c07aKhTPnG7bauWh-gwd5jjdi32bayOJS8Du6nataIOuhyphenhyphenXrd34YAWlKrtTUiDrJC7PXdFFY8vj-CjMCI2lLIoY2FJPTkiwVLEGx2YwogYCC5WE5sy1TImF2AQxTHP2cyTQrd7M/s1600/IMG_3500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1FDS_c07aKhTPnG7bauWh-gwd5jjdi32bayOJS8Du6nataIOuhyphenhyphenXrd34YAWlKrtTUiDrJC7PXdFFY8vj-CjMCI2lLIoY2FJPTkiwVLEGx2YwogYCC5WE5sy1TImF2AQxTHP2cyTQrd7M/s640/IMG_3500.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-59005089359111540102016-07-06T12:45:00.000-05:002016-07-28T12:36:16.148-05:00Angry Emoji FaceThe face you make when your husband "accidentally' weed eats your <a href="http://gardeningalabama.blogspot.com/2016/04/crape-myrtle-flower-bed-expansion.html" target="_blank">newly planted bridal wreath spirea</a> shrub:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpHPqzu2ayOW_UQ5dr1zquvwE_YjZxOnfgAao2woa4Hx3Tc2-HY0Yekya_O6djjhDNH2wbgkIwntc6x3ckbOaRpAbq5787gG9fR5Ae3Da5Fag4uUCdP7UCXc2_Fc6-lzkHPKXWdO0YilS/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpHPqzu2ayOW_UQ5dr1zquvwE_YjZxOnfgAao2woa4Hx3Tc2-HY0Yekya_O6djjhDNH2wbgkIwntc6x3ckbOaRpAbq5787gG9fR5Ae3Da5Fag4uUCdP7UCXc2_Fc6-lzkHPKXWdO0YilS/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-69023591974161343642016-06-29T10:29:00.003-05:002016-06-29T10:29:58.065-05:00The Fruit of My Labor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAKdswr2wHh6spJWouufngEmfv1JftYHv1XH-q0Q0RtPNYodfSwz-PZt9V1qOUCqc0WwCEFt4A1vnxr4kTHw2Xzpvf_6IP3ks1ud2fTDd1qkZ030bP-O3DIXZohwFSgjE_zdJF__Ulx4b/s1600/IMG_3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAKdswr2wHh6spJWouufngEmfv1JftYHv1XH-q0Q0RtPNYodfSwz-PZt9V1qOUCqc0WwCEFt4A1vnxr4kTHw2Xzpvf_6IP3ks1ud2fTDd1qkZ030bP-O3DIXZohwFSgjE_zdJF__Ulx4b/s320/IMG_3387.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-56999515272169993392016-06-08T11:36:00.000-05:002016-06-08T11:36:15.031-05:00Hydrangea-ManiaWhen we bought our home ten years ago, it was a brand new house built on land used for grazing animals. The developers leveled every tree in sight. This means I have zero shade while I wait for the trees I planted to mature. [Cue video about grass growing.] There is however one tiny area on the north side that receives partial shade from our house's shadow. In went the hydrangeas!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8X4MlBXn7uwp90w7ER1IJyR0mv8183h4DjVg9HrqCnWjrg1p8658Cgupsb4qwtKe99RaQcSiNFJpF3FTngg_-QOicOeVywSseqfW1JSn22d1Kz26zDnR-J6BNwgpcKnQ41Ho6oOxLw_I/s1600/IMG_3205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8X4MlBXn7uwp90w7ER1IJyR0mv8183h4DjVg9HrqCnWjrg1p8658Cgupsb4qwtKe99RaQcSiNFJpF3FTngg_-QOicOeVywSseqfW1JSn22d1Kz26zDnR-J6BNwgpcKnQ41Ho6oOxLw_I/s400/IMG_3205.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Can you tell pink is my favorite?!?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bwCowNKnu71KIUnJ5ooJ-HAOO7ck51a3ln6ZnlIyIU_3_LRBmIMR2r_nIB7rcsEAKzOtKYAVsUevkYwJcWuXrio62G91aFqo7OjIvlc4sQgJQZzuBpHBG2jC0QK1v2TsgaJjmifz9wBK/s1600/IMG_3204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bwCowNKnu71KIUnJ5ooJ-HAOO7ck51a3ln6ZnlIyIU_3_LRBmIMR2r_nIB7rcsEAKzOtKYAVsUevkYwJcWuXrio62G91aFqo7OjIvlc4sQgJQZzuBpHBG2jC0QK1v2TsgaJjmifz9wBK/s320/IMG_3204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I just adore these circular blooms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA14O0hQg3A7NpiV-uaHS70onHZPB1huydeAVhJ8e0q_VpV19zQwfW3vahwi-YhGKH7pG3igR5M6H8d-SuIUMLjw3Ef7oZOEN18acvQBRTEAAz4F9Cb-c1ePlJW6l-aMx-957VX8HyJDN/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA14O0hQg3A7NpiV-uaHS70onHZPB1huydeAVhJ8e0q_VpV19zQwfW3vahwi-YhGKH7pG3igR5M6H8d-SuIUMLjw3Ef7oZOEN18acvQBRTEAAz4F9Cb-c1ePlJW6l-aMx-957VX8HyJDN/s320/IMG_3203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I would love to have a grouping elsewhere on my property but for now these will have to do. Although I hear limelight hydrangeas do well in full sun. Something to think about.</div>
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Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-24823362268812106772016-05-27T11:17:00.000-05:002016-05-27T11:18:58.041-05:00Fresh Spinach SaladSo you know from previous posts that I am growing a wealth of spinach. The kids won't eat it outright but I am finding creative ways to incorporate it into their diets. I've added it to spaghetti and smoothies with much success. Recently, I came across <a href="http://www.eatscootercakes.com/2015/01/spinach-chocolate-chip-muffins.html?showComment=1464203165385#c8067039865745596565" target="_blank">this</a> recipe for Spinach Chocolate Chip Muffins that I'm eager to try.<br />
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As for me, I like it fresh in a salad. I made this last night:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglLA3Oe8VSFRu0YbSpCqHyAIJCX-XwKrw6qcC6NYI_ZBqh4mEbqAza4giALiIovpQ_vvaLEW9KqnRVCNpMucPkPCA_RjhAnGy7iHTtIv9kzdVePfSFfYd9giIjjaUJrVc9X0TcCE1P5xR/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglLA3Oe8VSFRu0YbSpCqHyAIJCX-XwKrw6qcC6NYI_ZBqh4mEbqAza4giALiIovpQ_vvaLEW9KqnRVCNpMucPkPCA_RjhAnGy7iHTtIv9kzdVePfSFfYd9giIjjaUJrVc9X0TcCE1P5xR/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's the recipe:<br />
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3 handfuls of freshly chopped spinach<br />
1 large tomato, diced<br />
1/4 onion, dices<br />
1 small jalapeno, cut as finely as possible<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon<br />
chill and serve<br />
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I love the acidity of the lemon juice with the earthiness of the spinach.<br />
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Let me know what you think.<br />
<br />Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-53584766173761580812016-05-20T13:05:00.001-05:002016-05-20T13:05:15.527-05:00MayIt's been a good month for gardening. We've had healthy amounts of rain and its not prohibitively hot which means I've been able to weed everything.<br />
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My veggie garden is coming along nicely. To my pleasant surprise, I have a peach tree, two Idaho potato plants and several watermelon vines (the latter will be transplanted or given away) growing in my compost. Other than Blinky uprooting and subsequently killing one of my marigold plants; my main preventative measure in my tomato and pepper bed; I could not be more pleased with this section.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZQHlrwY9umk375FvltzVxn3MDVlIW5FAIFUZimC_4hKBq0oma58YIWhPngpqJGFtLipvBMs5lem0rU23XekrMZtXMVTcDbUEvRK00tPcRA6AI_dqP-g9fgmvPuykRicrNBYl23ldGIhL/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZQHlrwY9umk375FvltzVxn3MDVlIW5FAIFUZimC_4hKBq0oma58YIWhPngpqJGFtLipvBMs5lem0rU23XekrMZtXMVTcDbUEvRK00tPcRA6AI_dqP-g9fgmvPuykRicrNBYl23ldGIhL/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Occasionally I have to run the sprinkler for the veggie garden and found it amusing that the water created a line of demarcation in the grass. Can you see it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfX0r4ZrUhbdND9boXuguzvlRtJDJxvSczr2pjOU8SU02rGQSiAK_PRiZbWZU3TfWGEhPmB-nu84_Ycn13Wmu3h4KdYNqm_c6ez04I2RG3HHjpuDVCqf7INGsyEzmEShgrEYmVvSycK-kE/s1600/FullSizeRender2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfX0r4ZrUhbdND9boXuguzvlRtJDJxvSczr2pjOU8SU02rGQSiAK_PRiZbWZU3TfWGEhPmB-nu84_Ycn13Wmu3h4KdYNqm_c6ez04I2RG3HHjpuDVCqf7INGsyEzmEShgrEYmVvSycK-kE/s320/FullSizeRender2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBzz-LjD7y9zBux8_yWVJwt4IBRuB02g17V2ZVccc0J7hbSSJKZo0gx5ybWNEM8yWwoQgYmYMmsi19E3aoHOhyVNVGw8JTZPVK7mNWip5oX784iAj7WGtbr8Cra1rI0EVSkEE5l2neZGJ/s1600/FullSizeRender3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBzz-LjD7y9zBux8_yWVJwt4IBRuB02g17V2ZVccc0J7hbSSJKZo0gx5ybWNEM8yWwoQgYmYMmsi19E3aoHOhyVNVGw8JTZPVK7mNWip5oX784iAj7WGtbr8Cra1rI0EVSkEE5l2neZGJ/s320/FullSizeRender3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While letting the dog out at lunch, I noticed my hydrangeas are starting to bloom. Aren't they beautiful? They are a pink hybrid, but one is starting to adopt a purple tinge. While also beautiful, I prefer pink. Will have to get a soil test and amend according.<br />
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Finally, a butterfly bush bloom to kick start your weekend:</div>
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How does your garden grow?Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-47950890988986720652016-04-25T10:40:00.000-05:002016-04-25T10:41:32.822-05:00Crape Myrtle Flower Bed ExpansionLast weekend, the DH was kind enough to dig the holes for my Crape Myrtle flower bed expansion. [Try saying that five times!] On either side, I placed two Encore azaleas with a bridal wreath spirea in between. Here's what it looks like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGX1uGCj5Nhel3B8uOJ5wK-NTHU6nzAfm1bXGl038dqNtX8spDiyeLlBZ4nXOVWdMfRkeB9-FTmmVKFWMEUsAiNy0w0QWdm8b8NDj9rAbUNhfBtG_4LTvV_Mdb3mndZLfFDOKxzs0VlPap/s1600/DSCN6557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGX1uGCj5Nhel3B8uOJ5wK-NTHU6nzAfm1bXGl038dqNtX8spDiyeLlBZ4nXOVWdMfRkeB9-FTmmVKFWMEUsAiNy0w0QWdm8b8NDj9rAbUNhfBtG_4LTvV_Mdb3mndZLfFDOKxzs0VlPap/s320/DSCN6557.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iNVhNzE-QXNTQg3SymdncBCXBdqgOEzdmdRX3UBiPMe9SKLF4rWL_J69i8ZWVdOwF8Il2OyoQ0KfD9a_ih0moTTirvgYuMDrJZ4jMop-B5iyrkd8fTDU_Dbsu6QNy14lzY-tl_xBWHdk/s1600/DSCN6556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iNVhNzE-QXNTQg3SymdncBCXBdqgOEzdmdRX3UBiPMe9SKLF4rWL_J69i8ZWVdOwF8Il2OyoQ0KfD9a_ih0moTTirvgYuMDrJZ4jMop-B5iyrkd8fTDU_Dbsu6QNy14lzY-tl_xBWHdk/s320/DSCN6556.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Of course I backfilled with good potting soil (i.e. rich in nutrients), combined with the original topsoil. Because the DH dug the holes the depth of the pot, I had tons of red, clay dirt leftover.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9R9RztGu6fBfZn6-YSxjQ_dF_2iaih3U44by4aqGr52LHLRxCisadmo30guoYWHisaX6xuW1nA3hMzdHlAQlahrZ2tJEt8-hTFJoGOnVePExZMiJZ8IziUh7G-_RWI2OP-TqkHtPiBDe/s1600/DSCN6558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9R9RztGu6fBfZn6-YSxjQ_dF_2iaih3U44by4aqGr52LHLRxCisadmo30guoYWHisaX6xuW1nA3hMzdHlAQlahrZ2tJEt8-hTFJoGOnVePExZMiJZ8IziUh7G-_RWI2OP-TqkHtPiBDe/s320/DSCN6558.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We're waiting on the cover of night to empty the dirt-filled wagon in the vacant lot across the street. I kid you not.</div>
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Still to do:</div>
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Dig up grass around the expansion.</div>
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Add some type of border. (The plastic border held up fairly well for the first few years, however it has gotten brittle and breaks when it comes into contact with the mower or edger. We priced having a stone edging installed but that was waaaaayyy over our budget and an over-investment for our area. We're currently looking into metal edging.)</div>
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Mulch</div>
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It's quite an undertaking as we're at the ball fields <strong>FIVE</strong> nights a week! But in the interest of cost, I'm determined to do this myself. I would like to have it completed before June when the grandparents start their summer treks. Wish me luck!</div>
Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-51401610365240251492016-04-19T08:24:00.000-05:002016-04-19T08:24:31.260-05:00Amaryllis and Veggie Garden PicsSunday was pretty sunny, so I was able to snap a few shots for you.<br />
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Flanking my maple tree:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZok0yuoalgKiuH_xqYNxVh5S-wAFrOOiGkIhqDWMdGlPCBKNXu1rY_yBCsi_Zg5B0gn-KOaE0YatSiJqrKL_FoXv9uDVYil2NDEPh84kHXMDAmmvgKPPWKLFCVVUng4acS1-tJ_GTy5-L/s1600/DSCN6532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZok0yuoalgKiuH_xqYNxVh5S-wAFrOOiGkIhqDWMdGlPCBKNXu1rY_yBCsi_Zg5B0gn-KOaE0YatSiJqrKL_FoXv9uDVYil2NDEPh84kHXMDAmmvgKPPWKLFCVVUng4acS1-tJ_GTy5-L/s320/DSCN6532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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By the HVAC unit:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbVgUitp0hIBDks0H4RE-UixMg3suiojNzTMGBCLC6Q5TzPNlrk4oODWhcN-a-LGBx9x1b6gLdN3bCeFk41SxHZIomz1YQOj2VpdGRuzVf6H8lThGjc9D5pG9EzpbUdsBoxkVPAFyUNNp/s1600/DSCN6542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbVgUitp0hIBDks0H4RE-UixMg3suiojNzTMGBCLC6Q5TzPNlrk4oODWhcN-a-LGBx9x1b6gLdN3bCeFk41SxHZIomz1YQOj2VpdGRuzVf6H8lThGjc9D5pG9EzpbUdsBoxkVPAFyUNNp/s320/DSCN6542.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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By the mailbox:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGhD1SrCe77X7LW_Q_zu6DEQ_Z0o04sUglhREwCOt3RySJZ1GbYinyvT-4Pqzz-T8-wm4tcP-1rgCMWzrN8ENwb-8lbZsLoaWa23ELOs3CoIRCYN2iVH1SfMfqs2XKcqcLhYw2ahmOOZo/s1600/DSCN6541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGhD1SrCe77X7LW_Q_zu6DEQ_Z0o04sUglhREwCOt3RySJZ1GbYinyvT-4Pqzz-T8-wm4tcP-1rgCMWzrN8ENwb-8lbZsLoaWa23ELOs3CoIRCYN2iVH1SfMfqs2XKcqcLhYw2ahmOOZo/s320/DSCN6541.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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In the backyard near the vegetable garden:</div>
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Still waiting to bloom in the backyard:</div>
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And finally the vegetable garden:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFF0d-NHHFc8yApKn2WrTa1-SqWS9jQ2jcViiwmcAcsuldItqT9iOm16gd991wmixwA_xQjGlJIiNG6raF3uTMYAKZFQ6ow6ZIZCBZYUrxGAJAIUY-oMBMGJth09OCx5zPBCRuRYV9kuo/s1600/DSCN6543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFF0d-NHHFc8yApKn2WrTa1-SqWS9jQ2jcViiwmcAcsuldItqT9iOm16gd991wmixwA_xQjGlJIiNG6raF3uTMYAKZFQ6ow6ZIZCBZYUrxGAJAIUY-oMBMGJth09OCx5zPBCRuRYV9kuo/s320/DSCN6543.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blueberry bushes are in the back left bed. Spinach is in one half of the front left bed. I am going to add some peas or beans in the other half, which will help shade the spinach when the weather gets really hot. If you look really closely, the white poles against the house are my bean trellises. The DH made them for me out of PVC and they work really well.</div>
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My new compost pile is in the back right bed, and tomatoes and peppers are in the front right bed.</div>
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The flat in the walkway is filled with sunflower and zinnia seedlings for the kids. Not sure where I am going to transplant them yet. </div>
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Over in the corner there is a blueberry bush, two young Crape Myrtles, two century plants and a garlic bulb all of which need transplanting or new homes.</div>
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So much to do and so little time (especially spending most nights at the ball fields), but I'm getting there. </div>
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Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-6324089144157341972016-04-15T12:59:00.000-05:002016-04-15T13:00:35.784-05:00Updates Finally!!!My amaryllis are in bloom and I have been waiting a week to photograph them but the rain won't let me. In fact, I'm afraid the blooms will start to fade long before I have a sunny opportunity to capture them. Bummer.<br />
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In other news, I have decided to enlarge the crape myrtle flower bed in the front yard with the azalea bushes that I wrote about in <a href="http://gardeningalabama.blogspot.com/2016/01/encore-azaleas.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. I even purchased two bridal wreath spireas to add to it. I just love their cascading look and think the texture and color will compliment my bed nicely. Mine are very young, but here's a picture of a mature one:<br />
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<a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/bridal-wreath-spirea-white-flowers-florist-barbara-griffin.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/bridal-wreath-spirea-white-flowers-florist-barbara-griffin.html" border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-J2PjN3tL3t8PmmzMaISLY-WVn8KqKa8PfCp-PqZz9gksZYPynMf-h_Jxm7l5mQk-zIZqqOnwlJrDvWF1KPD_PMfSjWtwB0rD13bkUS2M8ilTXs-SVsguR3k2cglVC-cl5sFRUpmQMF1/s320/bridal-wreath-spirea-white-flowers-florist-barbara-griffin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also, the hummingbird feeders are out. I've purchased a new, wooden bird feeder, even bought a large bag of bird seed, but I still need to get it hung. Baby steps.<br />
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But perhaps the best news of all is that my veggie garden is in! In fact, it was installed a few weeks ago, I just haven't gotten around to writing about it. Yet. It has benefitted greatly from the rain and the kids and I are looking forward to watching it grow. <br />
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Sadly, no bird nests that we've noticed around the yard. Even the bluebirds that have nested in one of my backyard birdhouses for years have gone MIA. {<em>Sigh}</em> Maybe next year.<br />
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What's going on in your neck of the woods?Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-14534124239640213422016-03-17T10:49:00.003-05:002016-03-17T10:49:52.767-05:00My Favorite Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Blooming daffodils means its officially spring and this chick couldn't be happier!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9XGs1DlzV3O5ePZnnZUNZ5BpXv0hcaJxXOQ2E51Yn78A678JzNVBJ1COucgQd8G_9BUcbTade7DxSmDDxlKQT61ebvcfoqZDXvJrs0PSI3nSdXAqlHF8Fm-8PiohgnZuqKBp9CoDAlTI/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9XGs1DlzV3O5ePZnnZUNZ5BpXv0hcaJxXOQ2E51Yn78A678JzNVBJ1COucgQd8G_9BUcbTade7DxSmDDxlKQT61ebvcfoqZDXvJrs0PSI3nSdXAqlHF8Fm-8PiohgnZuqKBp9CoDAlTI/s320/IMG_2717.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-60723769337860627512016-03-16T13:48:00.001-05:002016-03-16T13:48:41.003-05:00I'm not crazy! This is all part of my master plan!!For all the times people looked at me like I'm a crazy bag lady for toting home:<br />
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<li>seaweed from the beach</li>
<li>coffee grinds from work</li>
<li>anyone's dead potted plants</li>
<li>rabbit poop</li>
<li>chicken manure</li>
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THIS. IS. WHY.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTfUK2wL4NRPI-PLDlxnwa_ueV-QkK1brQfUHnM1w7TrELmnaENFHu6HPHrJCOUht3bD_cwci8_C0OhA0MHs-fKzUUwPunHpGUDgQMiWyF3Ytss56HxU3QxtsY4CUyH0mU3R01BWHjRoq/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTfUK2wL4NRPI-PLDlxnwa_ueV-QkK1brQfUHnM1w7TrELmnaENFHu6HPHrJCOUht3bD_cwci8_C0OhA0MHs-fKzUUwPunHpGUDgQMiWyF3Ytss56HxU3QxtsY4CUyH0mU3R01BWHjRoq/s400/IMG_2715.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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No matter how much you spend on fancy potting mixes at your big box store, nothing beats home grown, mineral rich, dark and lovely compost. My veggies will thank me later.</div>
Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-90563713934973909082016-01-29T09:45:00.000-06:002016-01-29T09:45:00.878-06:00Here Comes the Sun![In my best Chicken Little voice] The sun is out! The sun is out!!! Can you tell I'm excited? It's fixin' to be a great weekend!<br />
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Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-17444618517921217442016-01-26T19:35:00.000-06:002016-04-15T13:00:54.922-05:00Encore AzaleasA few months ago I was gifted five small Encore Azalea bushes from a colleague who were not going to use them. Total score! They're since been sitting on my driveway as I'm debating where to plant them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDxBsz-f_-p5hzULroEyvjE7hSyY6Y-opym6ObdxrAFuATkTOrdCBQURXEfoupF7ppsFbe2Rwv3J_7qdtTm8WZrdBqPZfvO9ORt56hT7o5jAZhqNb5gFCQ4EiG3cQMASkrvJzCjHsPzyA/s1600/DSCN6185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDxBsz-f_-p5hzULroEyvjE7hSyY6Y-opym6ObdxrAFuATkTOrdCBQURXEfoupF7ppsFbe2Rwv3J_7qdtTm8WZrdBqPZfvO9ORt56hT7o5jAZhqNb5gFCQ4EiG3cQMASkrvJzCjHsPzyA/s320/DSCN6185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My first thought was to create a new flowerbed in the backyard, just outside my kitchen's bay window. However that would use up a lot of the flat, usable space which Stinky uses to play ball.<br />
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My next thought (and probably what will happen) was to expand the front island that houses the kids' Crape Myrtle trees. There is a stunted Encore Azalea there already that needs to be spaced a little further from the trees' roots so that it can prosper. That would make six, which would enable me to create a nice little azalea ring around the island with three in front and three in back.<br />
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It's much too cold now to work on any of this so it will be a few weeks before my plan is set in motion. Still, makes for an exciting, albeit hard-working spring.Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-36396317661450694022015-12-28T14:19:00.001-06:002016-01-29T09:45:20.578-06:00Water BubbleHi there! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!<br />
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We've had days and days of rain. I think the final count was 7-10" last week. While letting the dog out Friday afternoon, I noticed a large circular swell in our backyard. When I stepped on it, the darned thing jiggled like a waterbed. I had no idea what was going on. The DH suspected that the water running off the steep slope in our backyard was just too much for that area to handle, resulting in trapped water under the sod.<br />
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I posted a video on my Facebook page which garnered all sorts of comments from busted water pipe to sinkhole. Geez! When we woke up Saturday morning, two more had formed. Against my better judgment, and armed with information from You Tube, the DH took a pick axe to the areas, releasing the water and having way too much fun jumping around on them. The areas are flat now even though the ground is still soggy, and we are expecting more rain this week. Ugh!<br />
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The <a href="http://www.weather.com/forecast/national/news/winter-storm-goliath-forecast-snow-blizzard" target="_blank">winter storm system</a> that has been moving through is no joke. I won't get into a debate about <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/globalwarming/index.html" target="_blank">climate change</a>, but something is not right. Water bubbles shouldn't just pop up in your backyard. What do you think?Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-74397282104282182582015-12-10T12:57:00.000-06:002015-12-10T12:57:00.164-06:00ProgressI've wanted to replace this hillside flower bed with a tree for months now but the task seemed so daunting that it was placed permanently on the back burner. Then to my pleasant surprise, the DH spent a few hours last weekend helping me dig out the overgrown flowers and border. Here is my new blank slate:<br />
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If you squint just right, you can see trees on either side. The trees have already lost their leaves so it looks a little drab, but the idea is to have a line of trees uninterrupted.</div>
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Still thinking I would love a saucer magnolia in this area, but am open to an eastern redbud or flowering pear. Oh the possibilities!<br />
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Before (during spring):<br />
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Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769517146814462065.post-63564409004275988582015-12-08T12:55:00.000-06:002015-12-08T12:55:32.864-06:00El Niño HumorSo I've been dying to post this image from Pinterest for weeks but had been waiting for consistently cooler weather:<br />
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But since it looks like that's not going to happen this winter (thanks <a href="http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/" target="_blank">El Niño</a>), I figured I'd post it anyway for a good laugh. </div>
Life with Stinky and Blinkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247956728070489944noreply@blogger.com0