tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43698541774933253622024-03-12T21:16:11.191-05:00Go Away, I'm Gardening!A Focus On Native and Adapted Plants for Central TexasAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572136733330325375noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4369854177493325362.post-51311498384197497112017-01-05T19:06:00.004-06:002017-01-08T14:43:26.657-06:00A New Beginning <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This time of year is the time for change to make things better. It designates a new beginning to create things anew. Rejuvenation brings a breath of fresh air in which you can look a the world with a new set of eyes. Our homes in which we spend a lot of time should be a place we love to hang out and spend time with friends and family. A sanctuary that brings joy and peace. I read a quote once...Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful. This time of year is a good time to take charge and make your space beautiful and create a surrounding that makes you happy. January is a great time to plan a design with all the plants you love.<br />
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We recently moved and I am ready to start planning a backyard we will enjoy. We left behind a beautiful backyard I spent many hours making our oasis to get away and relax. I left it behind with sadness but in hopes the family which moved in will enjoy it as much as we did.<br />
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Now I am ready to begin designing our new backyard. It is exciting to completely start over and think of all the possibilities in which I can create. This time I will have shade to deal with and a new list of plants which I am excited to finally have the opportunity. The yard is much smaller than our previous one. At this stage I think small is a good thing. Less maintenance is important to us.<br />
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One thing I have learned over the years is to plant what you love and get rid of the plants that you don't. It sounds pretty simple...but sometimes we hang on to a plant because it's thriving in a certain area. However, it makes such a difference to be surrounded by the plants you love. So, if you don't like it...get rid of it! Why live with a mediocre backyard? Plan something beautiful full of the colors and plants you love.<br />
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One important point to remember is even though you love a certain plant doesn't mean it loves Austin. It is smart to design a landscape with native and adapted plants which will thrive in our climate and soil. Rather than waste money with temporary beauty...it's better to have a landscape which will last and thrive for years to come.<br />
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Another important point is to find someone to design a plan for you who is knowledgeable about the plants in your area. Have them send you links or provide photos of the plants. It's important that you actually see them before they go into the ground. Drive by and look at the different plant combinations you like. Ask to see projects they have done in the past. Look for reviews on line and ask neighbors who have a landscape that you admire. You can get as involved as you want to in the process.<br />
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A lot goes into creating a landscape you will love for many years. It is a process which will continue to change with time. When you stop noticing its beauty means it's time to make some changes and spice it up a bit. January is a great time to start planning and preparing.<br />
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So here's to a new year full of beauty and surrounding ourselves with beautiful places we can create for ourselves and others.<br />
Cheers!<br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572136733330325375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4369854177493325362.post-65644671154278416512017-01-04T09:48:00.000-06:002017-01-08T09:09:31.016-06:00Dad's Tomatoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Plants can often remind us of people we love. When I see a tomato plant I instantly think of my dad. I always buy a tomato plant with high hopes that I will successfully grow delicious tomatoes just like my dad's.<br />
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It always starts out great and I am always optimistic that this year is going to be different. However, something always happens along the way. I could go on and on with reasons why they didn't produce. I often have trouble with bugs or too much or not enough water. I don't know something always happens and I never get to enjoy my own home grown tomatoes.</div>
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My dad grew the best tomatoes that I have ever tasted. Growing up in Oklahoma, I watched my dad work in his garden and he would frequently carry in the house a huge Tupperware bowl full of tomatoes, egg plant, banana peppers, squash and the best sweet onions. Occasionally, I would help him water or gather up vegetables to take into the house. I didn't do a lot of helping just some watching and his love of gardening was evident to me. I guess a child can learn a lot just by watching and seeing what inspires the people we love. It may also spark the desire to find their own passions.</div>
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Well, I may not be able to grow tomatoes like my dad, but I think he inspired me to fully enjoy being outside, digging in the dirt and seeing the rewards of my work. Also, whenever we eat tomatoes at my house....I can guarantee someone will say...<em>It's just not as good as Papa's.</em></div>
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<em>To the memory of my dad</em><br />
<i>I love you forever</i></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572136733330325375noreply@blogger.com