Here you can see signs of Spring around our place.  It's as if the flowers don't really care that it's only February.  Each year I take it as my cue  to put my thinking cap on and begin planning.  This is the time of year I begin thinking about landscaping and gardening projects.  Right now I have several large beds that I've been working on over a few years to fill.  I plant small trees and shrubs in them.  The flowering kind of course.  Is there any other kind?  To name a few that are already established would be Camelia, Crepe Myrtle, Indian Hawthorn, Azalea and Sweet Olive.  So I need to be looking over the beds and the bare areas and coming up with some ideas to fill them.  I've learned the hard way to always research the tree or shrub to see how big it will get when it's fully mature. 

My love for flowers is God given.   It all began when I was a very little girl.  Early one morning I was outside, squatting down looking closely at some beautiful flowers Mama had in the flower bed.  No, I would never make such a thing up, but as I looked on I actually witnessed a closed flower open its petals right before my very eyes.  I think I felt stunned, scared, thrilled and amazed all at once.   I  just knew at that minute, even at that young age that God was a mighty, awesome God and He'd just allowed me to witness a miracle.  It felt like for that moment it was just me, God's beautiful creation and God Himself  there.  It was really too awesome of an experience to find words great enough to explain.   Mama remembers that morning back then and even though I worried while running into the house to tell her what I'd seen that she wouldn't believe me, she did and does. 

It's time to start making a list of flowers to grow!  I love planting flowers in my flower beds!  When planting in the beds I like to plant flowers in blocks of colors instead of different colors all mixed up.  When they're planted in blocks they seem to "pop" and  the eye is just drawn to them and a much bigger impact is made, especially from a distance.  I've learned through trial and lots of error that the flowers that thrive on the front side of my house won't last a week on the back side.  And I've learned even though the plant tag reads "Full Sun" it doesn't mean I can really plant it in full sun. Most of the time part sun or partial shade will have to do because of the long, hot Summer days here in the South.  

 Even more than planting directly in the ground I enjoy container planting.  I pull out my pots and various containers and potting soil and have such fun making arrangements in them, keeping in mind where I'll be placing them as far as the sun and shade are concerned.  I think beautiful, full hanging baskets add such charm to a house.   And to think of the years I wasted by not planting herbs!  In my own defense  I  must plead ignorance to a degree on the subject of herbs.  I don't remember my mother using herbs.  For sure not fresh herbs.  I only remember her bringing out a jar of dried sage every Thanksgiving because you can't have Southern Cornbread Dressing without it.  { fyi:  click my recipe section on left for the recipe }  And I had managed just fine with the handy~dandy jar of store bought all-purpose seasoning.  But nothing takes the place of walking out the kitchen door a few feet to my containers of herbs while in the process of cooking supper and snipping some green, fresh chives, basil, dill, parsley or rosemary!  I have fallen in love with sweet basil and found that there is virtually nothing that this herb can't make taste better!   Scrambled eggs, pasta dishes of all kinds, french bread, salmon croquets,I love spreading a layer of it on a sandwich even. 

But the biggest surprise of all was how beautiful it makes my jars of home canned tomatoes turn out.  Just slide 2 or 3 large basil leaves down the side of the jar after filling with tomatoes and before pressure canning.  The bright green and red is so pretty!  Not to mention the clean, fresh taste that it gives.  The basil doesn't overpower the tomato flavor at all.  It just makes it better.    If you've never tried it, do!  You'll thank me!  { ummm...well...you'll thank an Italian lady that was on an old Martha Stewart show.}

What's not to love about this time of year that's fast approaching!!!

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February 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Kitty

Your rose is absolutly beautiful. So healthy, mine are always being attacked by something. Yeah sometimes it's really nice to live here in the south huh. LOL..........Kitty

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February 11, 2008 - Hey!

Posted by Mistypearl

I enjoyed this post so much. I remeber being a young girl, doing the same. Even then, my love for God's beautiful earth filled me with awe. It has never changed. The sights, sounds and smells of the flowers and insects thrill me to the core. When I walk into the garden, I am transported to that time, and I remeber that wonder. Isn't God good!
I love the basil idea, too, and will be adding that to a few of mine this year. The jars look beautiful!
Have a blessed day, and enjoy!
Mistypearl

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February 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by gabbie427

Your "spring flowers" are just gorgeous dear....especially that rose!!

And those green beans and tomatoes look so delicious!!!!

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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February 11, 2008 - Homesteading Carnival #37

Posted by quietcajun

I just wanted to let you know that I got your submission to the Homesteading Carnival! I will be posting it next Monday! Thanks!

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February 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by homesteadinthemaking

I know what you mean. Here in Ms. it seems like spring is fast approaching. We also, have jonquils coming up. I love Camillia's. They are probably my favorite.
Blessings,
Trixi

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February 19, 2008 - Thank you!

Posted by weluvhmscl

Thank you so much for participating in the Homestead Carnival! I love your blog and will be returning to read more!!

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