I love North Carolina more than there are apple trees in one seed. Which means, it’s endless. As far back as my memory will take me, I’ve come to these mountains to celebrate the beauty in every season. You can see from the picture above that The Smoky Mountains are named appropriately. I’ve rarely seen [...]

I’ve been working hard over the last year since we moved. The beds have good composted soil and beneficial microorganisms. There is a good worm ratio and it’s all organic. The bees and butterflies are in heaven. I had imagined more beds being complete and more plant material in by this point but when you [...]

I’m growing Agusta Blue Skies nierembergia by Proven Winners this year and love it. It needs to be kept moist until it is established and then can be kept on the dry side. It’s a low growing plant and looks good in pots, borders, and rock gardens. The above picture was taken in my garden.

I love Cleome but not everyone does. It’s a reseed nightmare if you hate it. I don’t mind pulling out what I don’t want. It’s wispy and fun don’t you think. If you don’t like growing it then just leave the growing to me. I can handle it. There are hollyhocks growing with them but [...]

Just look at how they carry on together. They need to get a room don’t you think. In the Spring, I paired Victoria Blue Slavia and Coreopsis “Sweet Dreams” together on a hunch they would make a lovely couple. I looked out my kitchen window today and the light seemed just right for picture taking. [...]

I grew my Malva sylvestris Zebrina from seed this year. I couldn’t be more pleased with it. My seeds came from Thompson and Morgan. It will grow to 3 feet tall and bloom all summer. This is one plant I recommend for beginner gardeners because it is so easy. Sure is pretty and gives a [...]

Summer is here and so begins my search for the best flip flops on the market. Found some I’m nuts about so I need to know if any of you have tried them. The company is called Havaianas. Really cute sandals! The claim is they don’t smell and the bands won’t stretch out like less [...]

I worked all day yesterday to recover the front porch cushions and make throw pillows to match. I bartered for this chicken fabric long time ago. I made the containers for the front of a fabric store and she gave me some pretty fabric in return. I want to paint the pots yellow. We are [...]

I have so many pictures from my visit to the Sunshine Lavender Farm that I thought I’d post some of the best. Hope you enjoy. That’s Tom Heggie above and he was painting the barn where the lavender was drying. I saw Tom giving a few pointers to the sweet lady painting with him. Tom [...]

Annie Baggett has a beautiful lavender farm in Hillsborough, North Carolina. I visited there this past Saturday for their 2009 open house. Annie had a dream that she would own a farm like this one day and she has made that dream a reality. The Sunshine Lavender Farm is making a positive difference in their [...]

The Sunshine Lavender Farm in Hillsborough, North Carolina had an open house this weekend. The weather was perfect except for that humidity we are dealt on hot summer days. We try to ignore it best we can. The sky was ultra blue and a few wispy clouds offered some welcome shade ever so often. And the [...]

A quaint little place called The Azalea Garden Inn is located in Blowing Rock, NC. The owners work tirelessly on their gardens so that visitors enjoy their stay at the inn. I love this place. It’s chock full of personality. Lots of pots laid on their sides, paths to explore, interesting sayings, and window boxes [...]

My Coconut Lime Coneflower is pretty no matter the stage of flower development. I’ve got so many unique coneflowers this year. They give you outstanding flower power. I have some in the front and back. I bought several new perennials today and will be working outside in the high heat and humidity. If my bikini [...]

Last night we had a freak storm in our town. Here is a short clip I did on the damage. So sorry I’ve not been around much. I am finished with the commercial I was doing but there are still changes it seems. All part of the process I suppose. I’ll be around to see [...]

Ornamental Oregano  grows to about a 12″. Smells wonderful but is not edible. Propagate  by dividing the rootball.  Grow in full sun to part shade. It’s sitting by my swing so I can give it a nudge every now and then if I need a wiff.

Scaevola and Diamond Frost Euphorbia I love Diamond Frost Euphorbia but it will take over the upper part of the pot. That’s why I pair it with Scaevola. They go pefectly with each other and live well together. Both need a big pot as their roots grow quite large. They are heavy feeders. I feed [...]

Supertunia® Raspberry Blast by Proven Winners is planted with Lavender Cotton. I planted the Raspberry Blast in a separate container so it can be put back in this big pot with something else when the LC is spent. Lavender Cotton is an evergreen in my zone 7 garden. When it finishes blooming, I’ll plant it [...]

Sometimes you meet people who are just over talented in the best sort of way and that is just how Roberta comes across. She has two beautiful websites about decorating and inspiring others to do the same. Please click on this presentation so you can get a better look and read about Roberta. Hope you [...]

If you have one million seventy-five thousand dollars, you can own this painted brick traditional southern home. It looks old but is brand new. I appreciate that the new trend is to look old. I want to see this sort of thing repeated in all price range neighborhoods. There is something so welcoming and inviting [...]

Here is a link to my examiner site. I report on how flies are being used to lower the red ant population. It’s gory and the video is worth the watch. Fascinating. Charlotte History Examiner Put down the fly swatter for red ant control