Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween on the Cheap

Happy Halloween!


window cardboard cut-out



Recycled soda bottles with hand drawn faces...



with orange glowing to light the path.



Snacks are ready.





Have a safe and not-too-spooky Halloween!









Thursday, October 27, 2011

Gone Batty!

Four days until Halloween
and we don't even have one pumpkin carved yet.

We found these great and easy templates for bat-making here.
All you need are scissors and construction paper.
My kind of materials list!

 













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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Upcoming Plant Sale

One of my favorite gardening events
is coming up this weekend.
I've been saving up to purchase a few more natives
for our backyard,
as well as some perennial peanut and mondo grass.
I'll post about my findings next week.
Looks like the weather is gonna be mighty fine!





Backyard Gardener's Festival

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
9:00 TO 2:00

HELD AT THE

POLK COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE CAMPUS

1702 U.S. HIGHWAY 17 & 98 SOUTH

BARTOW, FL 33830

(863) 519-8677



Seminars

9:30 - 10:15 RAIN BARRELS FOR THE HOME GARDEN 10:30 -11:15 BUTTERFLY GARDENING
11:30 -12:15 LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE PLANTS
12:30 -1:15 VEGETABLE GARDENING

Garden Problems?

VISIT OUR ASK THE EXPERTS GAZEBO TO CHAT
WITH THE IFAS/POLK COUNTY EXTENSION HORTICULTURIST, DR. DAVID SHIBLES,
AND THE POLK COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS.

Gardening Exhibits

VISIT THE EXHIBITS IN THE STUART CENTER FOR FREE GARDENING IDEAS, INFORMATION AND HAND OUTS.

Selling
BUTTERFLY PLANTS
ORCHIDS
VEGETABLE PLANTS AND HERBS
BROMELIADS AND SUCCULENTS
HOUSE PLANTS
NATIVE PLANTS
RAIN BARRELS
GARDENING BOOKS
2012 CALENDAR
MELALEUCA MULCH
...AND MUCH MORE!

ENJOY A SELF-GUIDED

GARDEN TOUR!

VISIT OUR GARDEN SHOP!

FREE PH SOIL TESTING

BRING A 1 CUP SOIL SAMPLE

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

RAIN OR SHINE
 FREE ADMISSION
 FREE PARKING
 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Pink Post

Anyone who knows me knows I am not a "pink" gal.
A tomboy from the word go.
Don't have a thing against it,
just never have been into anything too "girly".
I can, however, make an exception
in the garden.
What's not to love about a little touch of blush?










Have a wonderful bloomin' day, y'all!


Monday, October 24, 2011

Butterflies are Welcome Here

One of the goals at Maple Hill is attracting wildlife. 
We use natives and Florida-friendly plants
that can also be used by critters to foster their lives.
We try to provide a variety of plant species
that butterflies and pollinators enjoy.



This bush was all but lost last winter
when the hard freezes visited.
It's a favorite resting spot for butterflies now.




It reminds me of a cat's whiskers.







Zinnias are a staple here.
There are such an array of colors, sizes and textures
that we really can never have too many!














Milkweed is a native and a host for Monarchs and others.







The seeds spread themselves readily
when the wind blows just right.












You'll find great information here.

Enjoy all the critters in your garden!


Tuesday Garden Party Co-Hosts


Friday, October 21, 2011

Changes are in the Air...



We are mulling over a big decision. 
One that could affect our family for years to come.

As always, pros and cons must be considered.
I used to make lists on paper to help me sort things out.
As I've gotten older, it seems that I've become
even more decisive.  I don't need to see it on paper
to know what choice to make.


This decision, though, affects so many,
and I know we must weigh each factor carefully.
I've been enjoying Oprah's Life Class
these past two weeks and I know that
some of the principals discussed there
are helping me in my daily life.



I choose to live by faith, not fear,
and I know that the challenge that awaits us
is another chance for me to follow my instincts
and trust what will be.



"Faith is taking the first step,
even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

How do you go about making major life decisions?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.





Please bear with me as I am still recuperating
while coming to terms with this latest development
in our family's life.
I know it will all work out, it always does.
I hope to be back next week to regular posting.


Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!





All photos can be found on http://images.google.com






Thursday, October 20, 2011

First Legoland Visit

Last week was a preview day for Legoland passholders.
I wasn't feeling well enough to go,
but the boys had a great time.
Here are some pix from the day.




Miniland


Daytona Speedway







NASA




Driving School
(for kids only!)
Yes, that SUV is completely Legos!





We can't wait to go back as a family!

Have a wonderfully productive day!