Givin' It Up

This weekend we spent a bit of time tidying up the garden.

As our move is now on the horizon,

the time had come to pare down our multitude of plants.

 I put an ad on Craig's List for free plants.

Along with needing to reduce the number of things growing out there,

I'm an ambassador for natives and Florida-friendly gardens.

 This African Iris was given to a young man 

who is helping his momma start her own plant shop.  

I advised him that this plant is easily divided 

and will give her at least 12 new plants.

He also took a couple of shoots from the butterfly vine.

This variety is difficult to find and is a very easy grower.

Once the pineapples shown here (the two large spiky plants) are finished fruiting,

they may also be given away.

I never thought these would get so large 

and they don't fit the space anymore.

The pallet was for a mobile lettuce garden,

but it won't end up being used now,

so I'll see if I can find anyone who needs one.

The sod here in the backyard has come back pretty well,

so we won't have to do anything to the lawn.

The curves made all the difference in the way the garden felt.

We enjoy watching the birds daily at the bird bath.

The HOA here does not allow bird baths.

Know why?

They attract birds.

Yeah. That's what the manual says. I kid you not.

 It's a good feeling to know that critters large and small 
feel comfortable here and call it home.

I hope it continues.

This sweet thing has popped up 

throughout the front and back gardens.

It has delicate pink flowers.

This is one of the freebies for those who don't need things ID'd.

The sweet potato vine is doing well 

since being transplanted last week.

Soon the teepee will be covered with tender, lavender blooms.

There are a few pops of color here and there.

 Anything that can bloom in this heat and humidity

is appreciated.

crape myrtle

agapanthus

The 30+ black swallowtails that were brought home 

from Farm School this weekend were also posted to Craig's List.

I thought it would be a great learning project 

for kids out of school for the summer.

I got a few takers.

We had some this tiny...

to medium-sized...

to almost ready to form their cocoon.

I think this would be a great jumping off point for Maple Hill.

We could provide local kids 

with the opportunity to host caterpillars

by supplying the plants, seeds and cats 

to start their own habitat at home.

Sounds like a plan... 

We are sad that Jean is not hosting "Bloomin' Tuesday" any longer.

We have met some wonderful gardeners through her link-up.

I am considering starting a hop of my own.

It's a treat to hear what other gardeners are doing

in other parts of the country.

Stay tuned if you're interested in joining me 

on a garden or homestead blog hop.

***Update:  The Maple Hill hop is featured each Tuesday.
Hope you'll join us with your outdoor posts!

Enjoy this day and all of its gifts.












backyard farming connection hop






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Begins Wednesday, July 24th.
See ya there!