Another Dream Come True!

I recently reflected on the dream job I've been doing

for almost a year.

My self-proclaimed job title is "garden fairy",

as I am not a professionally trained gardener,

and it just seems to fit better.

 Thankfully, that assignment is still in place,

and the folks for whom I am working seem pleased with my efforts.

What a blessing they have been in my life,

in so many ways.

I started an additional job last week.

This new appointment takes place at another private home,

with someone I met through a volunteer activity.

The initial goals are to tidy up the gardens for spring planting,
(thus keeping my job title firmly in place),
and to organize the tool shed,
a secondary skill I adore polishing.

Progress has already been made,

and I'm hoping that the goals I have set for myself

can be accomplished before the harshest of weather descends.

God got me these gigs, that goes without saying.

I've learned that the more I learn to trust and let go,

the better things turn out.

I just needed to get out of my own way. 

 This blog was started many years ago

with the intention of creating, sharing, and teaching.

The name "Maple Hill 101" just came to me,

as things sometimes do without effort. 

As I sat quietly while on my lunch break at this most recent job,

it occurred to me that I was surrounded by maple trees.

It was all the assurance I needed to confirm

that God has a plan for me.

I either trust Him, or I don't.

It's almost overwhelming to think about the depth of gratitude in my heart.

I could just weep when I think of how privileged I feel

to be able to do a job that is so fulfilling, so intrinsically rewarding,

and with full knowledge that it is an instrument of service to others.

I can't seem to decide which fills my heart more,

that God is using me to help others,

or that I get paid to do what I love.

I guess it doesn't really matter,

because when you figure out what you are meant to do,

everything is right with the world.

It is my most heartfelt prayer

that others are able to live their dreams, 

as I am doing now. 

I urge you to sit back and just listen.

Even if you're a late bloomer like me,
it can happen.

Be Blissed!

"My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions,
but in the fewness of my wants."
~Joseph Brotherton

Garden Friday

It's Garden Friday and fall is finally here!

Yesterday's temperatures were right around 50 degrees most of the day.

The conditions were ripe for getting a few things done outside.

My workbench is turning out to be so conducive to completing tasks.

With poor germination in the hugelkultur bed,

I decided to start some lettuce seedlings in cell packs.

It was surprising to see how fast they came up!

These will remain uncovered now so that they can drink up the sunshine,

and within a few weeks they should be ready to transplant to the bed.

The varieties sown here are (from left to right),

Freckles, Red Salad Bowl, Green Oakleaf, Loose Leaf Blend,

Vates (Kale), and Buttercrunch. 

The Red Sails lettuce hasn't yet germinated, 

nor have most of the cabbages,

so they will remain under cover until they pop up.

Last week, we showed you how we planted our garlic.

Well, I'm thrilled to say that it is responding well to the cooler temps.

 It is already popping up in the raised beds.

It will continue to grow until about frost time,

and then will go dormant until springtime,

when it will take off like a rocket!

The shallots, planted on the same day,

have thus far not shown themselves.

 We are getting tithonia blossoms in the raised beds,

which adds a welcome touch of color to the garden.

These have become one of my favorite blooms

and are fantastic to cut to bring into the house.

lilies in summer

 A few months back, I told you about my dream job.

Every week, I can't wait to go to work

and spend time with L & R.

What a blessing to work for such generous folks,

knowing that I can be of service and pursue my passion.

With the onset of autumn, 

it was the perfect time to dig up the lilies around the pool.

This was part of the haul,

and all of these were given away to some very fortunate gardeners.

(One of the perks of this job is getting to tool around on Gertrude the Gator.)

Ginger was loaded up so I could distribute them.

Every person who received a stash was so grateful

and communicated how rich they felt being given such a gift.

That's how I feel each week when I pull in to work.

Speaking of which...

By the time Michael came through our area,

he was merely a tropical storm.

Nonetheless, he had no trouble toppling this massive oak tree.

 Thankfully, no one was hurt,

and the tree fell away from the house.

Look at the cavernous hole left by the root ball.

 The driveway is inaccessible,

so the owners are having to take a slight detour to get to the street.

Now the dilemma is finding a tree cutting company 

that is not swamped with work to come and take care of this mammoth tree.

It is perilous work and considering the size of this monster,

it will take considerable time to do the job right.

Another silver lining, 

the lovely blue metal butterfly bench in the front yard was unharmed.

With the weather ushering in cooler temperatures,

it's all I can do to get my indoor chores completed.

Time spent outside is preferable,

and my energy is limitless.

Ha-llow Fall!

What took ya so long?

Dreams Come True

A few months ago,

someone answered an ad I placed on a local social media site.

The ad simply stated that I was looking for opportunities 

to help neighbors with yard work or organizing projects.

Funny thing is, that I advertised only in my immediate neighborhood,

so I could still be close enough to home.

A neighbor called me and we worked together on a couple of projects.

She was kind enough to write up a complimentary review

and another referral came from that.

Since February, I've been blessed to work for the most wonderful couple.

They have allowed me to care for their property,

tending flower beds, filling numerous bird feeders,
even taking care of their beloved fur babies.

This is my workplace.

What a dream!

 Many of the plants have been established for some time.

Look at these amazing hydrangea bushes and hostas.

We've been astounded to witness so many different colors on the bush to the right.

Everything from white, to yellow, to pink and lavender.

 This beautyberry is enormous and starting to fill out with buds.

Soon, it will be covered in magenta berries for the birds to enjoy.

 With eight acres to explore,

around every corner is something new to discover.

 This fig tree was severely pruned just weeks ago,

and yet has come back gangbusters.

It has found its happy place.

Numerous perennials return each year,

with some surprises thrown in.

This recently popped up in one of the front beds.

The coneflowers and bee balm have had many visitors this season.

clematis

What a thrill to pull up each week

to observe what new beauty awaits.

These lilies recently started blooming.

We will be dividing them after they finish providing their show.

 I have learned so much from this gardener.

She has abundant experience and knowledge

and has been patient with me as I learn and grow.

This is truly a dream job.

Blessings come when you least expect it.

Just stay open.