Sow

 It is the time of the year when I begin to sow seeds for the coming season.  Discovered a different method on You Tube...they call it "winter sowing"

 

All you need are a few plastic jugs and some seed starter mix...scissors and a roll of duct tape or painter's tape (I used the latter).

You cut the jugs in half except for leaving the part where the handle is located intact.  That way you have created a hinge.   Cut a few holes in the bottom for drainage.  Place your soil mix to a depth of about 4" high and plant your seeds in the mix and water gently.  Then tape around the cut sides with your duct or painter's tape.  Put the lid back on the top and place the jugs in a sunny spot in your garden.  The video suggested that perennials should be started in January through March so they have time to germinate and harden to the cold and warmth.  Annuals and herbs you may want to start later closer to spring.  Tomatoes and peppers were not recommended for winter sowing because they need warmer temperatures to grow.  I have chosen to experiment with hollyhock, lupine, and foxglove as well as chives and basil.

  Will let you all know if this works out.  It is always fun to try something new.  Like the idea of starting seeds early but not having to find a place indoors for the containers. 

 

Well, wishing everyone a happy start to spring.  It officially arrives the 19th but today feels as if it may already be here. 

Hugs

Debbie

P.S.  Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."  2 Cor: 9:6 (NIV)

Overwhelmed

How many of you feel a wee bit overwhelmed with the return of nice weather?

Yes, it is wonderful not to have to wear a coat and boots.  Great awaking to the sound of bird song out the window.

Lovely to sip morning coffee enjoying the garden after a long winter nap.

All of these make the season of spring welcome.

However, I find myself running from task to task.  Torn between taking time to capture what is blooming...

to preparing the garden for more blooms.

Then there is the indoor chores that need finished.  Seems like when the sun starts shining and the days grow longer one seems to see how much dirt clings to nooks and crannies that have gone unnoticed during the colder months.

Ah such is life at this time of the year.  

Perhaps I need to take a lesson from these two...sit a spell and quietly accept that not everything must be done at once.  There is no reason why some things cannot wait.

 Maybe visit the swing...

"Look Up" and enjoy God's Amazing Sunrise.

Guess I found the cure for being overwhelmed.

How about you?  Do you have a cure too?  Hope you will share. 

Have a blessed week!

Hugs

Debbie

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. he restores my soul." Psalm 23:2 (NIV)

Spring Arrived

 This week spring arrived.  Abundant sunshine, warmer days and glorious blooms testify this lovely season has come for her annual visit.

  In the midst of life's happenings she appeared.

It was as if I went to sleep one night and awoke to find the daffodils in full flower shaking their heads and tossing off winter's chill.

How appropriate was her timing as we begin Holy Week.

I will leave you with one final picture that I captured one early morning as I was "looking up".   It gave me hope and may it do likewise for all of you.

 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16 (NIV)

Have a blessed week and all who are celebrating- a wonderful Easter.  Will be back in two weeks - God willing!

Hugs

Debbie

Cheer

Today I am sending a bit of cheer your way...

Spring has arrived at Harmony Hills... the forsythia is blooming...

so are the crocus...

the King Alfred daffodils and Glory of the snow...

blue squill... they volunteer everywhere...

 

and something new for me to grow... Hellebores...

even the Peach tree is budded showing color.

 

Praying you found a bit of cheer here today.

Keep faith friends.

Hugs & Prayers coming your way.

Debbie






"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."  Prov. 15:30  (NIV)

Looking

Forsythia

I went looking for spring yesterday.

This is what I found.

Forsythia starting to flower...

Daffodils and blue squill blooming

Virginia blue bells showing color...

someone singing a sweet tune

and lastly two friends basking in warm sunshine.

May each of you find some spring today.

God Bless

Debbie

He has risen!

Thursday we broke bread and shared the cup...

Friday we watched and wept...

Saturday we waited...

Sunday came and we rejoiced!

On the first day of the week very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus...
two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them...
the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here; he has risen!
Luke 24: 1 -6 (NIV) 

May all of you have a blessed Resurrection Sunday!

Hugs Debbie

The Birds are Singing Spring - Spring - Spring

The birds have been singing their spring songs.  Have any of you noticed how different they sound once the weather starts to warm?  I love to hear the birds in the mornings.  Today I think they knew the time was changing. Seemed like their chorus was even louder as the sun started to come up.

I picked some pussy willows and forsythia this afternoon to bring indoors.   Once the forsythia gets inside for a few days it should open up.   The willows are already out.


I am amazed how fast the willow bush turned into a tree.   It was just a twig when I planted it and now look - it is really large.  May have to give it a serious haircut once it is done blooming.

This is an update of my floral painting.  Darkened the background a bit but am still working with it.   I am going to set it aside for a bit and then perhaps with a fresh eye I will see what it needs.  It is so very easy to overwork watercolors. 


In the meantime I did a different version in mixed media.   It is much more illustrative.  This one I used pen and ink and watercolor with a bit of colored pencil thrown in.  Still have some finishing touches I want to do.

My hubby preferred this one and I trust his judgement.   He is always honest with me.  What a blessing he is.

Hope you enjoyed your visit today - stop back soon.   God Bless!