This morning, another needed bag of planter soil prompted a trip to Lancaster, South Carolina. First stop: Goodwill–but I deemed any items I might like as “too expensive.” Then to Home Depot for soil. Later: Christian Services Thrift Shop. Nothing for me there either. However, near the dumpster, with a pile of trash (mattresses, etc.), I spotted a chair to use as a plant stand.  I hadn’t been home ten minutes until the soaking-wet upholstered cushion was off the chair and I was testing for the right size planter for the seat (from my previously purchased selection).  The third (of four) Sweet Potato Vine was quickly transplanted.

Extremely hard rain drove me indoors for about an hour.  During a lull, I inserted a Coco liner in a wrought-metal hanging basket and prepared planter soil.  Petunias were still being transplanted (from small nursery containers) when a clap of thunder and a cloud-burst forced me indoors again.  “Third times a charm” (so they say) and I finished that task before the now continuing rain (4:45).  Honestly, I’m quite wet as I sit here preparing this message.  Feels good on a hot humid 80 degree day!!  ~~  Gratefully, the fourth Sweet Potato Vine should be my last transplant.  It’s a relief to have that project behind me.  IMHO, the newly transplanted are blessed to have plenty of fresh soil and a healthy rain!!

Planter soil the only major expense today.

If Mother Nature doesn’t water our plants, I water my next-door neighbor’s Gardenia bush.  I love to pick Gardenia blooms and have them in the apartment.  They smell gorgeous!!  ~~ The first two Clematis blooms on the plant designed to climb on a handrail in my front yard.  ~~ Flowers, flowers, everywhere!!  I love them!!

Footnote at 8:00 PM: The rain stopped and I went outdoors to clean up after earlier planting, and put things away. I discovered the first Phlox, and first Bonfire Salvia. (Although when I went on-line for a link, I began to question whether I have Phlox–due to large variety. And I learned Hummingbirds are not attracted to Bonfire Salvia.) In my backyard, there are lots of Scarlet Runner Beans and I can’t imagine how they went from bloom to five-&-one-half inches almost overnight.