I left my strawberries outside, but it poured and they were overwatered. No big deal, I thought, I can just put them outside in the sun. Did that work? No! It didn't! So I had to eventually get rid of ALL four of my strawberry plants. Gardening can be so frustrating sometimes. Oh well, at least they went to the compost, so they'll still be useful for the other garden plants.
We're working on a garden plot right now, a 20'x7' (I think). The soil (native soil) is so fertile! It has so many worms! Johannian already put some potatoes in part of the space we currently have cleared. They sprouted, but then a frost came along, and the little ones died. The potatoes are sending up more shoots though. I wish all plants were as hardy as potatoes, don't you?
The apple tree is blossoming like crazy right now. Johannian buried some fish guts around the tree from some crappie and bluegill he caught about a week ago. That should be good fertilizer. Last year, we only got three fruit, but they dropped off before they could ripen. The grasshoppers completely destroyed it last year, and I thought for sure it was a goner. But it's come back this year, and we've cleared all the weeds around it, which has helped immensely so far. Crossing my fingers for some fruit this year! 
To end the post, here are some pretty wildflowers that have been blooming over here. They're so pretty! 
(My son took the photos.)
It's difficult today to find subjects where we can all unite. But I think we can all agree on gardening. One would be hard pressed to debate the beauty of a field of poppies, the majesty of a single bloom such as the bloom of a Japanese Camellia 'Pink Perfection', or the warm feelings of constancy we get every fall when we see a local pumpkin patch. The feeling of the warm sun on your skin as you sit on your garden bench reading a good book while surrounded by amazing life is nothing short of wonderful. I don't think even the most citified individual could raise his nose to such a scene. I believe in this we are united.
But a garden such as this doesn't just happen. I think we can all agree that it takes work, and that it is good work for both mind and body. Many various statistics site that gardening relieves stress and brings great joy and peace to the mind. There is a great sense of accomplishment when you see your first blooms, taste the first juicy tomatoes of the season, or when you eliminate those pesky pests that are destroying your most prized roses. How about the joy it brings others? I for one enjoy very much when friends and family gather and make fond memories in such idyllic places. What about the calm and peace of gardening? Sometimes we need to just get away from it all and spend some quiet time with our thoughts. We can think clearly when we remove ourselves from the hectic and wearisome world. I believe we can all be united in this.
Then there are the amazing physical benefits of gardening. Even if you are in a city with a garden on top of your roof (there are some really cool ones), you will benefit from the fresh air flow. So much more if you live on the outskirts of the big cities and get out to work in your garden regularly. Oxygen helps blood flow. Blood flow helps remove toxins from the body. There are even some studies that oxygen helps with weight loss. Also, gardening is good for joint and muscle health. It may not seem like it at times when we get up after a long weeding session and feel it in our knees, etc. Even so, it is very good for working multiple muscles at a time, which also helps to keep our joints lubricated. I think we all want to be healthy and be able to take hikes or go on a bike ride (or whatever you fancy) with family or friends as long as we possibly can. On this I doubt many will not unite.
So gardening is a wonderful way to unite. Even if you don't have a garden, try to get to know someone who does, take part in a community garden, or take up container gardening. All are very satisfying. This is a good way to unite in a world that wants us all to be enemies or on one side or another. Because we have this one thing in common, I am pleased that here on this garden site we do not have to fight, we can let go of strife, and give what some in the world feel is impossible to give, forgiveness. We can all treat each other with respect and care, knowing we are united in a time honored tradition and life long pursuit. I raise my glass to all my fellow gardeners and gardener want-a-bees and say cheers friend!
Yes I am. However, being from California and moving to South Dakota, I thought I would see more rain/snow fall and therefore making it less stressful to sow. Yet we have seen mostly beautifully clear weather. Now some may say this is good and I should just enjoy it while I can. But I can't seem to do so. This beautiful weather only reminds me of a calm before a storm and the fact that we now have a well.
True the well is super deep and, so I've been told, should not have a problem with supply. But I have never had a well. What if, what if, what if? How much water should we use? Do I cut back and sow less? How should I know? I'm from California! We would automatically cut back and start a sea of succulents. You know, a sort of desert paradise with a rather small selection of fruits and veggies. I mean really...how much water is left?
Breathe in, breathe out. Ok, all better. Seriously though. How much water IS left? Is it ok to sow happily without a care in the world? To sow or not to sow. That is the question. Should I feel guilty every time I hear water being used? Yikes! The anxiety of it all.
Oh don't worry. I will sow, and do so happily. I just need to be extra watchful of where and why. Don't leave the water running while doing the dishes. Wash the car less. Use drip systems on timers and lots of mulch! Yes, I think I can sow and be excited about it. But I can also sow knowing I am sowing efficiently and wisely.
I know I'm probably overreacting, I just get anxieties whenever I use what is too much water in my mind. I've been told by the neighbors that they've never had their wells dry up, and some of them use tons of water for their livestock and ranches. We don't even have any livestock yet! So I know I'm fine. But there's always the what if's, and I want to be sure. Besides, it never hurts to be careful with how much water you use!
Happy gardening and stay safe! 
Well, it's that time of year, and it's been (about) eight months since I last posted a blog entry. My DIL, son and two grandchildren are coming over on the 23rd. So excited! We've got a lot planned. For the past few years, we've held a desert contest where the kids in the family choose a recipe (or make one themselves) and the three judges (Me, my husband, and eldest son) choose which one's the best. If they choose a recipe online or in a book, they have to memorize tin and can't just follow it from the printed recipe. It's just a fun little thing we do, and we always enjoy it.
We had gotten a winter storm, almost a foot of snow about five days ago. It should have melted, but it didn't because we mainly had overcast days with no sun. I can't get out and do things with the snow there, so I've been waiting for it to go away. Guess what happened and what is happening? That's right. It's snowing. Just as the snow was finally starting to really melt. And now we're supposed to get more inches of snow. Of course it had to happen now. 
But at least we're getting a real December. The first week and halfway through the second we were getting 70 degree weather. In December! Then, it suddenly switched and now we're getting -2, -3, -4, etc weather, with a bunch of snow. Coming from CA, the son, DIL & co are going to really be happy if it snows. Sledding is a favorite among my children, because for the first years (even more for my teenagers) they had never experienced snow. They're happy for this snow, but I'm not.
Gardening went well, I got a few potatoes in at around September. Our gardening schedule in this part of SD is really tight. Basically, if you miss a single week at the end of May when your growing season starts, you're done for the year. Ok, maybe a slight exaggeration, but you get the picture. I'm planning on doing some dahlias and foliage plants such as hostas and coleus, but it'll be a challenge. I can imagine it'll take me a few years to really become accustomed to the growing climate. Over in CA I never really had a gardening schedule. I kind of just planted plants when I wanted, and kept up with the succulents and cacti. Well, no more. It's not too bad though, since a lot of our neighbors are experts at gardening so they've given us some tips and I have no doubt will help us more.
My second youngest, @Johannian, wants to plant irises just simply because he wants to hybridize them. He thinks it would be so much fun, and I do to, I'll just let him do that for now. Don't get me wrong, I like irises, they just aren't my favorite flowers. I like dahlias more. Although the one NoID that bloomed a couple months ago was quite pretty. Here are some pictures posted by my son:
Happy Valentine's Day!
Well, so far it's been a great start to the day. Got my Valentine's Day decorations set up, and I'm happy with the way they turned out. I make all my decorations with my Cricut, and the Cricut app, which are great for anybody who likes crafts. I can make so many things with my Cricut. Here are a couple pictures:
For gardening, I haven't been able to do much because of the weather. For 8 days now the snow has stayed, with temperatures almost always below 0 but if not no higher than 2 degrees. I would start doing my seeds indoors, but I don't know what to do yet because I really need to get fences set up around the gardens, and I obviously can't do that in the snow. I'm starting to get anxious, because March is drawing nearer and nearer, and I don't want to miss another year of fruit/veggie gardening. I still could do my sunflower seeds, which is good, because I'm pretty sure the deer leave them alone.
Hope you all have a great day, and happy gardening!
