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I am Sandra - faithful steward. listener. shepherd. dream believer. hard worker. collects brass bells, boots. Jesus follower. contented. star gazer. homemaker. farmer. prayer warrior. country woman. reader. traveler. writer. homebody. living life large.

Friday, April 15, 2011

April Spring...and Snow!

 ~ spring sights ~
How's it going with you? Are you in full bloom spring or, like us, getting ready for yet another April snow storm? Oh, more than likely, the April snow storm won't amount to much but the cold temps, high winds and pelleting snow will make it seem like a lot. My bulb garden will take a pounding but, hopefully, still be standing after the storm.
~ garden in late afternoon sunlight ~
The garden has been plowed, now disced and ready for the next step. Everything in preparation for the seeds that are soon to be sown in the greenhouse. Weather permitting, seeds will be sown this weekend and include vegetables, herbs and flowers. Blueberry bushes are ready to be put into the garden but after the ground has been given a good taste of coffee grounds and peat moss. Blueberry bushes need acidic soil and coffee grounds and peat moss are the quickest way to attain that goal.
 ~ Daniel, planting a sour red cherry tree ~
The garden lot is large enough for both garden and orchard so Daniel planted an apple tree, peach tree, a sour red cherry and a sweet black cherry tree for me. I'm taking the Virginia Master Gardner workshops and learning a lot...mainly what I've already done wrong...wry sigh...as well as what other folks have done to kill some of their plants, trees, shrubs, bushes, etc. Is it wrong of me to actually like hearing those sad tales? I can't help it; it makes me feel good knowing others have made the exact same mistakes as I and are still gardening. I think the VA Tech website is outdated but it still gives you a good idea of the program. If there are similar programs in your area, please do consider taking the classes and becoming a Master Gardner. It seems to me, these type programs are taking the place of the "ole timers" who used to pass along such information to folks who wanted to garden. Those "ole timers" are few and far between so now such information is gleaned from our agriculture colleges and universities. The International Master Gardner Conference is being held in Charleston, WV in October and promises to be a good learning experience.
~ plowed garden in late afternoon sun ~
Sam and Sadie are good helpers because they stay close yet out of the way while I'm working outside.
 ~ tag! ~
Recently I took a tree grafting class, courtesy of the Master Gardner program, and grafted half dozen apple trees and three pear trees. They are sitting in the cool, dark basement waiting for autumn and planting time. All the apple grafts are heritage apples and will be a welcome addition to my orchard.

Blessings ~ heritage apple trees ~ grafting ~ gardens ~ pear trees ~ blueberry bushes ~ flowers ~

Happy Spring,
Sandra

16 comments:

  1. LOVE the pic of the fur babies frolicking about!

    Love,
    LuLu~*xoxo

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  2. The dogs in full play mode is priceless - I also enjoy hearing of others challenges in gardening - I used to think I was a good gardener - now I think I was a fortunate in my location gardener - and I've moved since that time! Good to think of spring - we are full on spring moving toward summer (drought conditions) the orchard sounds so wonderful

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  3. We are having spring like temps between the sunshine and storms,I guess you could say it is officially spring! Blessings jane

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  4. Gosh you are so busy I am tired just reading about your projects! :) No snow here but am looking forward to a few cool (in the 70's instead of 80's) days. I am dreading the heat and humidity but trying to think positive about summer. Have a very blessed weekend. Keeping you two in my prayers.

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  5. All the snow is finally melted here. YAY... Now I am waiting for the ground to dry up so I can work in the yard. Good luck with your Master Gardener Course. I have always wanted to take it but just havent had the time and you have to donate so much of your time to other gardens and I would be too tired to work in mine, lol... I wish I had done it when I was younger because you learn so much.

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  6. Those pups are so darn cute! Sounds like the fresh air is doing everyone a tad good. But, my goodness~don't over-extend yourself :) I got tired just reading about all your doings!
    Thank goodness for Daniel! He is a blessing, isn't he!
    I just read your email! I will be back at ya this weekend.
    In the meantime, know you are loved and prayed for!
    xo, misha

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  7. It sounds like you are having fun, Sandra. This is so good. My sis.in.law is a Master Gardener. I love visiting her home.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  8. We have had ONE beautiful spring day. Thats it. Its also windy here and rainy and cold and miserable. We bared the wind yesterday and also put two sweet cherry trees in the ground. I tried planting some potatoes and onions but the wind was a force to be reckoned with. Here's looking forward to Nice spring days.

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  9. Anonymous11:50 PM EDT

    Such lovely pictures Sandra- I thought of your blog as we drove through Washington state the other day and noticed all the sheered sheep on the hillside.

    What a beautiful life God has blessed you with!

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  10. Such enchanting images and that view!! Never get over it! It is still freezing here in Kansas city.

    Come over and enter my very Fashionable Giveaway!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  11. All the best with the orchard. :)

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  12. I woke up to snow and felt a bit discouraged. It didn't cover the roads but only cars, roofs and grass. I sure hope it melts today. There is more in the forecast. This is the one thing I dislike most about living in the frozen tudra. I don't really get Spring.Your garden looks good and ready.

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  13. My favorite photo is when Sam and Sadie play together! It's so cheerful :o) I can imagine how they can help you...:o)))!

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  14. I do hope your bulb garden survives the storms. My tulips took a hammering in Tennessee and there's only a couple left. Shame when they look so pretty. Fingers crossed!

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  15. I keep saying every year that I will take the course.......well at least we will be attending the plant sale next week....wink wink!!!

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  16. I'm on the list for our Master Gardener program. It's always full well in advance so I made sure to get on the roster for the next one. I'm excited about it! I'm sure I'll be just like you said and find out I'm doing a lot of stuff wrong :)

    Have a beautiful week,
    Jules

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