Lorraine is (figuratively speaking) the “bag lady.” You will see me carrying the red bag around with me, everywhere I go. I’m collecting plastic containers to use as “pebbles” in the bottom of the huge planters. Two advantages of “pebbles”: (1) Excellent drainage, and (2) less planter soil required. When I did the earlier project (south side of my trailer home), it took more than one $10.00 bag of planter soil in each planter. ~~ I’ve advertised my “need” during announcements (at CARE) and an email message to residents of the adjacent RV Park. I’ve had a positive response in a short time, with promises of more.

(I didn’t want to write “Houston, we have a problem” because the wrong message for search engines!!)

Look at the problem created by two inches of rain over the previous day and night.

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One of the CARE volunteers came to my rescue. It was too heavy, I couldn’t push the water off the tarp roof. ~~ Next time (if there is a next time) I’ll set up a ladder and dip out most of the water. Eventually, I’ll have another long “tie down” across the pipe frame on the inside. It would be a major task now because the plants, shelves, and table would have to be removed so we had access. ~~ During the morning, I swept leaves, cleaned and filled bird feeders, and removed covers from the plants (soaking wet covers).

Dark cloudy morning with light rain. Our weather will be warmer for several days. I’ll leave the covers over the plants until covers (sheets) are dry (no clothesline available). I was watching the temperature yesterday and during the night. Honestly, I’ve lost track of the number of plants I have–and I don’t want a single one to freeze to death.

Up and down… to check the temperature. Up and down temperatures!! When I got up at 8:10, the sun was shining and I didn’t see any frost. Remember, it was sixty-two degrees at 4:30 yesterday afternoon. Note that it was thirty-two degrees twelve hours later!!

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The weather is delightful!! Yesterday afternoon, I swept leaves, raked leaves, pulled weeds, filled bird feeders, etc. Fifty-three degrees outdoors as I write this at 10:30. Beautiful sunshine; blue sky!! ~~ Indoors, my Kalanchoe is getting prettier every day!! It amazes me that a “cutting” would stay green, and bloom.

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Back again at 3:00 PM; sixty-three degrees outdoors: Our (for the most part) mild weather is encouraging plants to grow and/or bloom. The Petunia plants were baked under Texas summer sun and I thought the plants were dead. Imagine my surprise to see these during my walk around the yard. The previously broken pieces of Christmas Cactus are doing very well and one managed to bloom!! This morning I saw a Bluebird couple checking out the bird house. Oh my, it seems too early for them to build a nest and start a family!!

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Postscript, 4:30 PM; sixty-two degrees outdoors: Premature preparations perhaps?! Houston TV meteorologist’ predicted low of 36 degrees tonight. I’m about ninety miles northeast so a bit colder. It was so pleasant as I covered the plants; it is difficult to imagine a drop of thirty degrees overnight.

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I won!!

It’s 9:30 PM and I just opened the email notification. This is awesome!!

More details about Garden Tower Project on my new blog Casual Approach Rejected Entirely.

Garden Tower 2 Giveaway – World’s Most Advanced Container Garden The 50-plant composting container garden by Garden Tower Project Congratulations. Your registered entry (Lorraine, LorraineEEdwards@gmail.com) was selected to receive: THIRD PRIZE: $100 web store discount towards a Garden Tower 2

A lot more information details followed but nothing my reader would be interested in.