in bloom

My garden is still blooming nicely in spots. The miniature roses always bring a smile to my face. They are like a nice surprise when they rebloom. They are like a little glimpse of sunshine when the night falls faster for Autumn.

Yellow and fuscia bring a nice contrast to the green leaves.

The colors are lovely too. Aren't they

I am very thankful for my garden.

queen of the garden

 The Queen of the Garden has bloomed. She is well over six feet tall. Her leaves are the size of large dinner plates. The other sunflowers have also begun to open their faces toward the sun in full bloom and adoration. You can't help but smile when you see them. I notice many passers-by admiring them and giving them their attention.

The sunflower symbolizes the sun itself. That makes sense, doesn't it? Sunflowers convey warmth and happiness, adoration and longevity.

She is quite a lovely sight to see.

garden tour

 Every year I create a garden in an attempt to beautify my surroundings and produce some edible produce. As every seasoned gardener knows....it's a trial and error process. 

Here is a glimpse of a few of the better looking spots around the front of my home.

From left to right:

TOP ROW

1.a bundle of herbs replanted from an herb bowl my brother gifted me last year: chives, marjoram, rosemary mint and some parsely that has run it's season.

2. vibrant orange flowers planted from seeds from my neighbor's garden.

3.potential tomatoes. I have 3 tomatoe plants this year and these are under my kitchen window, which happens to produce the lushest garden this year.

MIDDLE ROW

1. mums, returning blooms from last year.

2. one of my 4 beds on the opposite side of my house. Lots of marigolds, basil, tomato, bell pepper and sunflowers in this bed.

3. 3 different roses in a large pot next to my porch. The tiny one on the left is my favorite because of it's variegated red and orange coloring.

BOTTOM ROW

1. baby's breathe, I love their sweet fragrance that is especially strong in the evening.

2. zinnias just starting to bloom. These were replanted from small pots my kiddos planted and gifted to me on Mother's Day.

Having a garden, of any sort is a lovely addition to any home, no matter how large or small.

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. 
Songs of Solomon 2:12

bouquet of Loveliness

It was a gift giving occasion but my flowers were not in bloom yet...what to do? what to do?  I did have several small bushes of herbs growing.  I looked up their meaning and began to gather them together.  I incorporated their meaning into a written blessing on the back side of a homemade piece of paper.  I attached the small bouquet of the appropriate herbs across the front with ribbon.  It was unique, sincere and felt just right.

This is also another way to be frugal.  Many times, regular flowers may not yet be in bloom but herbs can be used with or with out their flowers. Herb fragrances can't be beat either plus the recipient can enjoy them longer if they use them when they cook.

Here is a list of herbs and their meanings to get you started.

MEANING OF HERBS

• Basil = Love
• Bay = Fame
• Chamomile = Wisdom
• Chervil = Serenity
• Chives = Usefulness
• Dill = Good cheer, Survival
• Fennel= Grief, Endurance
• Lavender = Devotion
• Marjoram = Joy
• Mint= Refreshment
• Parsley = Merriment
• Rosemary = Remembrance
• Sage = Wisdom
• Santolina = Virtue
• Savory = Interest
• Scented Geranium = Happiness
• Sweet Woodruff = Humility
• Tansy = Hostility
• 
  
  Tarragon=Permanence
• 
  
  Thyme = Daring

HOW TO:
~Gather your herbs cutting near the bottom of the bush.  Longer stems are best because you can always trim them to fit your bouquet later. 
~You can arrange them loosely and wild or more decoratively.  Think basic shapes like an upside down triangle, arranging the tallest ones in the center OR you can lay them flat and 'layer' them, with the tallest ones in the back layering shorter ones in front.  You could also simply bunch them together.
~Use a bit of string, wire or rubber band to hold the bunch together at the stems.
~For a decorative touch, wrap a piece of ribbon around the stems to cover the rubber band or wire.  You can use a few ribbons to add color or twine for a more natural look. You can also use butcher or parchment paper to wrap around like a traditional bouquet and wrap ribbon around the outside to hold it together.  You can attach the ribbon farther down the stems and present them upside down for a *hanging bouquet*, as well.
~Include a simple tag to the ribbon listing the meanings of the herbs used and a special blessing incorporating their meanings.