First, He blessed my husband and me with quadruplets. They are 23 years old now, but this photo is way too cute not to post. Sadly, both my mom and dad passed away before my children were born. I had two doctors while I was expecting. One was named Lillian and the other James. Do you want to guess what my parents’ names were? Yep, Lillian and James. God does have a sense of humor, because I know that my parents were laughing when I gave birth to quadruplets. I wasn’t the easiest child. . .
Next, God chose to plant me here, in the country, on six acres of land. I grew up in a lake community where the homes were so close together we could talk to one another from our windows. Our property was so small is could be cut with one of those push mowers that doesn’t even have a motor. Actually, scissors probably would have been fine. Gardening is not my thing - - - so I told God.
He laughed and said, “I know the plans I have for you . . .”
I told God I would do what He asked, but I could really use some help. I told Him that I would plant if He would water. He laughed at that too.
So maybe someone out there reading my blog could help me. Do you like to water? No, only kidding. This garden faces southeast. The hibiscus in the corner is doing really well, but the rest of the plants aren’t quite as happy. See that vent down low on the house? That’s the dryer vent. Plants don’t seem to care for it much.
The hibiscus is happy. Maybe a whole garden of hibiscus. See my orange snail in the window. Isn’t he cute?
The hibiscus is chock full of buds. I can’t wait until it blooms.
Even my potted plants aren’t so happy. The bear are going after the ants in the tree stump, so I may have to move this plant before it falls.
Then there is this garden. I have put a lot of sweat equity into this garden. Although it is on the east side of the house it is very shady because of all the trees. The myrtle is doing well and a couple of ferns, but that is about it. Oh, yes, the hostas were doing great also until the deer came along and ate them. There are lots of critters around here that like to eat what does seem to thrive.
Well, dear reader, do you think you can help me? Any and all advice and suggestions will be very much appreciated. 
We’ve been living here for seventeen years, and I’m hearing God say, “Maybe you better get some help.” He does have a sense of humor – doesn’t He?
Love, Terry
if u r serious I think I can give you some feedback that you can use..I will explore your site more at leisure..in a few days email me at harrisonhouse@troycable.net or jonellharrison@hotmail.com and we can have a little email conference perhaps..if you were not serious forgive my being a butinsky...btw it appears we are kindred spirits in that we are both women of faith, right? My "plate" is kinda loaded right now but don't give up..I wl chek bk byway of a post comment if we don't connect in a week or two..
ReplyDeleteJonell
Yes, I am serious! If you have suggestions I would love to hear them. And, yes, we are kindred spirits in our faith. My faith is the gift I am most grateful to God for.
DeleteLove,
Terry
Your home is beautiful! I have a very large yard as well and lots of dear. I planted some Hostas and was eagerly waiting for that first bud to open. The dear decided it was the tastiest part of the plant. I am in the process or digging up some old flower beds that at one time were in full sun. Now it is mostly in the shade so all the plants need to be replaced since the old ones have become so spindly from so much shade.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy working outside, especially early in the morning. Listening to the birds sing their praises is such a blessing.
Thank you! I agree, early in the morning is the nicest time to garden. I changed my watering time from evening to morning and I do enjoy it much more.
DeleteGood luck with your garden!
Love,
Terry
Hi Terry,
ReplyDeleteWhat part of the country do you live in? This heat wave in Maryland has brought out some flowers bigger and better than ever. But the relentless sun has "bleached" others. My soil is full of shale and clay. The secret is to amend your soil where necessary and choose your plants carefully for your climate. Choose deer-resistant plants, or plant extra for them. That's why I have 100's of hostas. They propagate so easily. I let the flowers go to seed, then strip them off and scatter them where I want them and Voila! My gardens look their best in the Spring. As for Summer when it gets this hot I have to live with my memories and wait for Fall when I usually get a rebloom of several plants in addition to the Fall bloomers like the Mums.
As for that dryer vent...perhaps you could plant a desert plant underneath it. :-)
Thanks, Cathy for the great info! I live in North Jersey. The deer do love the hostas, but perhaps if I had 100s I wouldn't notice the ones they are eating. I think that might work as they are pretty hearty plants and can survive my neglect. As for the dryer vent, you're right, I should look for a succulent. Thanks!
DeleteLove,
Terry
P.S. Have your children flown the nest now that they're graduated? I wondered if that is why you are able to turn to your garden now. That's what I did! Plus, I got a dog.
ReplyDeleteNo, all four of my children still live at home - although they are not home much. You are probably right, I am most likely looking for something to nurture.
DeleteTerry
I wrote about gardens and children here: http://cathy-morningmusings.blogspot.com/2012/05/background-music-early-morning-walk-in.html
DeleteHi Terry! You asked about the mini prayer shawls.... One of our church family lost her husband a few years ago. When she went to a memorial back in her husband's hometown - the ladies gave everyone in her family a mini prayer shawl. She brought one back to me.... I made tons of them several years ago to hand out at church.... I only recently started up again. The idea behind them is that there are times when a prayer shawl is too large or not portable. We made them for our high school graduates to take to college too... I crochet - so I just crochet a few rows of doubles, and pray while I am crocheting for the receiver to feel peace and comfort. When we make our full-sized prayer shawls we have them blessed once a month during church service and when everyone comes up for communion - we ask them to touch the shawls and bless them.... it is wonderful! I do believe that the receiver of these prayer shawls not only feel God's love and warmth, but that of all the people who love Him and them.
ReplyDeleteStacey
Thank you, Stacey. What a wonderful idea. I am about to put together a prayer basket for a dear friend. I think I will make and add a mini prayer shawl.
DeleteLove,
Terry
Hi Terry! What a cute blog post..a merry heart is good medicine, and I smiled through all of your descriptions. I'm not a gardener/lawn person either, but you have a beautiful home. And you have quads...oh the stories you have to tell! : )
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing yourself to me yesterday. I'm so glad I found your fun blog, and I'll look around some more.
Gail (from Bible Love Notes)
Hi Terry . . . Darling post . . . Quadruplets! So cute! How did you ever survive!? My girlfriend has triplet boys and I've always been in awe of her! And your house is adorable! Doesn't even need plants, looks so pretty there in the trees! But your idea of surrounding it in hibiscus is a wonderful one! Why not? They like it there and they're gorgeous. Nice to visit your blog, like coming for tea! Have a wonderful day! Susan
ReplyDeleteHi Terry...just stopping by to say thank you for your lovely comment on my last post...it is always so wonderful to hear from you. I hope that all is well with you!
ReplyDeletehugs from here...