Halley 24/7: In the Garden

Halley 24/7: In the Garden: I have been so lucky this year. I moved to New Mexico In september 2010 and starting this spring had the chance to plant and tend a wonder...

In the Garden

 I have been so lucky this year. I moved to New Mexico In september 2010 and starting this spring had the chance to plant and tend a wonderful garden. I am growing wildflowers, dahlia's, marigold's, strawberries, chrysanthemum's,  radishes, carrot's, four different types of tomatoes, morning glories, sage, mint, thyme, two types of oregano, portulaca, Santa Fe grande peppers, orange Bell peppers, three different rose bushes, butterfly bushes, an azalea, cilantro, and too much Basil to use!

    The sun in Santa Fe is so strong and hot that at times I almost lost some of my precious plants, and lack of rain has caused me to water more than I ever had to in Northern California. However, the garden looks lovely and is thriving. There is nothing nicer than sitting in the backyard admiring the colorful flowers and foliage; breathing in the deep scents of tomato, herbs and soil; listening to the humming of bees and chirps of crickets; and watching the many birds bathing in the ceramic bath. 

  

I like the "chaos" of wildflowers thrown in with other plants and bordered by rocks.

   Two of the tomato plants have grown so big that we have had to use the skeleton's from a couple of banana chairs to support the branches and bulging tomatoes. At times we have had to give away bags of basil, and I have had quite the task of deadheading all of the flowering plants in the front and back yards.    Still, I have rejoiced in the resulting beauty and comfort the garden has brought to the house.

Teddy " The Fastest Pug in the West" Bette's four year old black Pug. 

Laani our three year old lab.

  


   I especially love the way the morning glories have twisted themselves around the dead tree that is topped by a birdhouse Bette bought in Mill Valley. Both Teddy and Laani enjoy lying in the grass, sniffing at (and peeing on) our ever growing plants, and chasing after the birds that playfully fly just above their reach.

 

     Yesterday as I sat in the back yard admiring the result of hard work and money well spent I spied what at first seemed to be a very odd tomato leaf on one of the largest plants. As I neared the plant I realized that what I was actually looking at was the largest caterpillar I have ever seen. A little research on the internet revealed that what I had munching on my plant was a Hornworm. This insect is actually a moth that pupates in the ground during the winter months. I quickly snapped a few photos and then had Nic remove the Hornworm to a location far away from my precious plants. Mr. Hornworm had already nibbled several leafs on the plant down to nubs, and was hard to remove from the plant because of his strong grasp on the branch. I hope that Mr. hornworm stays away from my garden, since they are known to eat whole plants!

Mr. Hornworm looking like a leaf.

We have so many Santa Fe Grande peppers we don't know what to do with them.

    As the weather begins to get cooler, and we are visited my more rain and lightning, I know I will miss the colorful garden that I have worked so hard to maintain once winter hits. I hope I can use the colder months to come up with more ideas for the garden and devise new strategies for protecting my plants from harsh sunlight, hungry insects and the lifted legs of playful pets. As for now, I will enjoy the products of my labors, savour the sweetness of the waning summer sun, and delight in the perfect tranquility that only a garden can bring. Anyone want some basil?

Taking the first step

         I begin this blog wondering where to start and how to move forward. As with most decisions I have found myself pondering my motivations and desires for writing here and how to best convey myself.  So I have just decided to leap in. I feel like i have been through so much in my 28 years on this small blue marble spinning in the huge universe. While I know I am small, and one voice in the cacophony of man it seems as good a time as any to throw my voice in and watch is swirl. I wish I could say that all of my blogs will blow your socks off, however as a realist I must admit that life is not always the exciting action/romance filled journey promoted in film, television and literature. Let me just say that if you are not a fan of film, fashion, craft, music or real life experience you may find my blog to be a waste of time. I love lists and may include them here from time to time. They will include topics ranging from useful knitting books to great places to shop for reasonably priced yet fashionable wardrobe items. If you have any suggestion or are looking for additional info on anything I write I hope you will comment. Please consider coming with me on this blogging journey, together we can explore what makes our world worth living in, as well as the way we overcome adversity through good old human strength, determination, and cozy socks Like These.