I get a sense of satisfaction when I recycle unique things into serviceable items.  The “dog fence” became a trellis.  (Well, it will be a trellis when Sweet Peas climb on it next Spring and Summer.)  Yesterday I was able to use the unused threaded pipe, from the dog fence, as an extension between the two A-frame plant hangers.  Furthermore, the actual plant “hangers” were salvaged from last years totally worn out Topsy-Turvy upside-down planters.  See the identical on the new Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato planter.  ~~  Remember, I recycled baby-bed-springs for another trellis?!  ~~  So you see I’m not limited to rescued plants, or remodeled satellite dishes.  I save coffee grounds from my office (for the garden).

It was a cloudy day, with a modest half-inch of rain.  The temperature reached 70 degrees.  (Tomorrow: only 60 degrees–with abundant rain.) It was pleasant in the yard this afternoon as I sprinkled grass seed and covered it with planter soil (the last of the seed).  It is a mystery to me why I didn’t plant the area near the Bluebird house when I planted grass seed directly outside my patio doors. There’s an old saying “Too soon old, too late smart.”

No, but my project was bigger than my stamina!!  

I spent hours in the backyard because exceptionally nice–unseasonable–weather.  High of seventy-three degrees yesterday (Saturday) and seventy-five degrees today!!  I added several more home-made “air bottom” to several planters.  I rearranged, and leveled, planters.  I went to a compost pile here at Waxhaw Creek Apartments, and filled pails with compost.  Then compost into the bottom of planters.  In the Spring, I’ll finish filling with organic planter soil and add plants or seeds.  ~~  I cleaned clutter away from the area behind the storage room.  ~~  The A-frame galvanized pipe gizmo was for advertising signs when I sold health items at fairs and/or flea markets.  Now I have pails, with rescued plants, hanging from the A-frames.  I put them in the front yard because **obviously** no place for them in the backyard!!  ~~  I almost named this blog: SPCP.  That stands for Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Plants.  So many of my plants were discarded by other residents.  The gardener brings them to me so I can nurse them back to health or, at my discretion, toss them over the embankment into the woods.  Speaking of “woods”: See my view from the patio, or inside the apartment.  ~~  I was in bed at seven o’clock last night because exhausted, and aches and pains!!  (I can’t go to bed early tonight because I want to watch Downton Abbey on TV!!)

I failed to mention that (yesterday) I dumped rocks out of the bottom of previously used planters.  I spent hours (yes, hours) washing rocks!!  They were scattered on the patio and I hosed away the excess planter soil around them.  They are now stored for some future project, or for eventual give-away.  (I plan to have a “yard, ‘yard’ sale” this Spring to eliminate the excess stuff!!) Subsequent to filling the bottom of planters with rocks (for drainage), I learned it is preferable to have an air space at the bottom of planters. Remember, being a backyard gardener is quite new to me.  I spent over forty years on the desert of Southern California.  ~~  My faithful electric drill got a workout drilling holes in plastic snack trays, plastic bowls, etc.  ~~ Remember my satellite dish squirrel baffles?  One needed repair!!  (Those adorable but destructive squirrels!!)

For all my good intentions, I goofed!! I bought two Christmas Cactus from the mark downs (at Lowe’s) for $1.00 each.  They were in tiny little planters, bone dry, and looking neglected.  Within hours, I transplanted them into pots from my huge collection, in planter soil I already possessed.  I soaked the soil; I soaked the roots of the Christmas Cactus.  I put them outside on my patio.  Then–and only then–I decided to go to the Internet and research Christmas Cactus.  I had done everything wrong!!  The planter soil should have been mixed with sand; there should have been far less water!!  Definitely no direct sunlight!!  See the pink, and green, bowl??  The base of each is full of small rocks so moisture, and humidity, from below the cactus.  (Eventually I may obtain shallow dishes for a base [as suggested on the Internet] but I already had these [from Goodwill, for another garden project] so used them.) Now my newest garden acquisitions are at the kitchen window and I will protect them from direct sunlight.  They may not survive but I’ll give them tender loving care in hopes they reward me with flowers next November and December.

ELEVEN DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Posted on Emilie Parker Memorial Facebook Page

 Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy; they didn’t know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
“Where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“This is heaven.” declared a small boy. “We’re spending Christmas at God’s House.”
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy that only heaven can bring.
Those children all flew into the arms of their King.
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”
“May this country be delivered from the hands of fools”
“I’m taking back My nation. I’m taking back My schools!”
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“Come now My children, let Me show you around.”
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran,
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
“in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”

Comment (by Lorraine):  This is such a beautiful tribute to the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut.  A recently received e-mail message that I want to share with you.

I love to search for “just the right clip art”

(have you noticed?)!!

The weather might prevent me from working outside but it didn’t keep me from working on a garden project.  Believe it or not, the only cost was the brass 4-port manifold and hose repair kit (totaling $21.91). I’ve had the Christmas tree stand for many months; the blue garden hose is (was) a travel trailer essential (but I have another one). Likewise, I’ve had the 2×4’s for years!!  Less than twenty-one hours ago, I didn’t know how I was going to attach the manifold but I had some tentative ideas.  ~~ In the bitter cold, in the middle of the night, I checked the area behind the storage room (where I’ve stored miscellaneous for “that future project”) and “yes” I still had a Christmas tree stand.  In my minds-eye I thought about shopping for a short 4×4 at Lowe’s. Likewise, in the bitter cold, in the middle of the night, I checked the storage room and “yes” I had two 2×4’s.  This morning I secured the two 2×4’s, and attached the manifold.  This afternoon I cut the hose and attached new fittings on each bare end.  ~~  Why am I doing this?  In the Spring I want to hang a “mister” in the area of the Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato plants and the container garden.  I have my eye on an attractive garden fountain (for the birds and squirrels, LOL) but haven’t succumbed to the expense yet.  So I need a hose connection (and electric connection) for the garden fountain.  Furthermore, the “mister” will need a connection.  And I need the fifty foot hose so I can fill the galvanized tub (at the edge of the woods) with water for the deer (and other critters).  The fifty footer will also water the Honeysuckle, Sweet Peas, and Cypress Vine.  ~~  I had all the bolts, screws, etc., etc., from my private little hardware store.

I believe the weatherman said “twenty-one degrees” last night.  I’ve been covering the Honeysuckle, Phlox, and Salvia with commercial covers called Guard & Fleece.  I bring in the hanging baskets with Petunias.  We have bright sunshine right now (2:30 PM) but it is still too cold (for me) to work in the yard.  It will be equally as cold tonight and tomorrow.  The weather didn’t stop me from working for the garden.

I went shopping yesterday.  I was almost out of groceries!!  At Goodwill, I made a remarkable purchase.  For $1.99, I purchased this attractive wrought-iron end table.  The glass top is missing **BUT** I don’t mind!!  Another “planter stand”!!  Remember, I paid $5. or $6. for the rusty old wrought-iron chair?  This stand hasn’t a blemish on it!! Yesterday, at Tuesday Morning (discount retail store) something very similar–with a glass top–was $100.  (Maybe I should keep the stand indoors??)  At this moment I encourage you to envision the stand with the several elevation of planters (picture above; specifically on the right with yet to be determined planter).  ~~  I believe I mentioned in an earlier blog that I could not (would not) allow myself to pay $12. to $20. for a simple wrought-iron planter stand at Garden Ridge, Lowe’s or Home Depot.  With patience, I have acquired satisfactory stands from Goodwill.  For the record: I think I am finished purchasing planters for the back, and front, yards.  (Time to save those surplus dollars to pay the extra taxes that will be imposed from the “financial cliff” we’ll experience in less than two days.)

Postscript, 6:00 PM: “How can I modify the wrought-iron stand??”  I was wrapped up in a blanket watching a PBS program–but was considering options.  Without spending a penny, I created another “black” item that is compatible with the container garden theme I envisioned.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them so you can see… in greater detail.

Remember the old saying: “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again”? I kept “trying” until the planter stand looks the way I want!!  “Yes, I already had the chrome rack.”   I have numerous planters but uncertain which one I’ll use.

FYI: Actually prepared Dec. 31st, 11:00 AM.  ~~  Now you have seen the hall just inside the front door.  The best I could do on very cold Winter days.