This summer in New Jersey has been extremely hot and with very little rain, a perfect test for how well my sub irrigation planters are working. I'm happy to report that they are working great! 

I was able to complete 2 of my beds before I went on vacation at the end of June.  I filled them with water and planted the seedlings I had started. I put all of my plants in the beds thinking I could transplant some of them into the other beds I would finish when I got back.  Unfortunately, I threw my back out and was not able to finish the other beds before I went away again at the end of July.  By the time I got back everything was way to big to transplant. As a result the beds are a little over crowded.  I had forgotten how big a zucchini plant actually got!

I did not put any more water into the beds until I came back from the shore, so that would be the beginning of August.  The temperatures have been high 80's and even into the 90's the whole summer and I have only had to put water in twice.

Needless to say, I am so happy I put these beds in and equally happy that I had my garden enclosure built.  The local ground hog has been actively trying to break in. I had one  breach while we were away in July in which he decimated the bean crop but other than that things are growing well.




So if you are able, I would highly recommend trying the sub irrigation planter.  It has made a huge difference for my in my garden.

Have a fun day!
Cynthia

I have been somewhat absent from here lately due to the fact that I have been on a non-stop shopping marathon!  This shopping extravaganza was done in preparation for getting my oldest daughter ready for college.


Needless to say, aside from generating a lot of shopping, this has also been the catalyst for a lot of reflection on my part.  


It seems inevitable that we compare our children's experiences to our own. While I have to admit that I do not have a crystal clear recollection of getting ready for college, I do seem to recall that it was not anything like what happens today. I remember having a suitcase of clothes, some sheets and towels, toiletries and some school supplies.  There were no microwaves or mini-fridges, no plastic storage options from the Container Store.  But, such is modern life. Let's face it, if we had been able to have those things, we certainly would have wanted them.

The hardest part about sending a child to college is letting them go.  I recall something my sister-in-law Ines said, "raising children is like flying a kite.  You have to let out the string a little at a time in order for the kite to soar." Your children going off to college is just that, letting out the string.

The important thing is that now my daughter is happily ensconced in a wonderful school (thankfully not to far away) where she can pursue her education and hopefully discover her true self.

To all the Freshman entering college this fall: GOOD LUCK! 

Have a fun day!
Cynthia

"To discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life." 
 Missouri Botanical Garden mission

One of the highlights of our trip to Missouri was going to the Missouri Botanical Garden.  I have used their website often when researching new plants I am interested in.  It is extremely informative and easy to use.

The Garden,  founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw.  It is the nation's oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark with a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. There are 79 acres of beautiful gardens, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, a geodesic dome conservatory, Henry Shaw's original 1850 estate home, and one of the world's largest collections of rare and endangered orchids.

Here is a small sampling of what the garden has to offer:

The garden hosts many special events, one of which will be the subject of a future post.

If you are ever in St Louis, I highly recommend a visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden.  You will not be disappointed .

Have a fun day!
Cynthia

Last week it was extremely hot.  Lucky for us it was the week we had for our almost annual trip to the beach.  Here in New Jersey we don't call it the beach, we go to "the shore." 

When you come back from "the shore" you tend to be a little beach brained and it's hard to get back to doing things. You still really want to be there. So, for this post I thought I would share a little bit of "the shore."

Have a fun day!
Cynthia