Spring Garden

I was out slug hunting this morning and thought it about time I made a post. I have been so busy preparing the garden for summer and trying to stay ahead of the game I haven't made time for any new postings. Last year slugs were very destructive in the garden. Before I knew it my hostas, day lilies and irises were unsightly. So I started the slug hunt :). Every morning...sometimes every other morning, I'd get up at the crack of dawn and set out with clippers and a pail of ammonia with water, walk around picking the little darlings off my plants and popping them into the ammonia mixture...YUCK!!! I think I would collect about 30 or more slugs each day. I think it was worth it cuz I went out yesterday and today and found only 3 slugs in two days. Wow, for once I did something right! PRAISE GOD! Anyway, the slug hunt didn't take long so I went for the camera in hopes of finding a few good pictures to post. It was very windy and most pictures came out blurry, but here are a few with some additions to the new garden. The purple and white tulips were there last year (given to me by my cousins Tim and Brenda), but the red "lily chic" tulips in the next picture are new this year.

Here is a close-up of the sand pool I have added which consists of authentic ocean sand and shells collected from our many Myrtle Beach trips and my trip to Florida with my cousin Dolores in February 2005. We found ourselves obsessed with picking up shells. You just can't stop. It is like finding Treasure! :). The sand pool idea was born during a visit with my cousin Barbara. She had large clam shells scattered in her garden, with the inside facing up to catch rain water. She did not have a sand pool but seeing the shells in her garden gave me the idea of finally doing something with all the shells I've collected over the years. Last year 2006, I collected bags of sand to bring home for this very purpose. A friend of mine asked why I went through all the trouble and said I could have just bought a bag of sand for a few dollars. Well yes, this is true but it wouldn't be authentic sand now would it? It means more when you put your heart into it.

And finally a picture of my prized Red Bud. I put this in a few years ago. Well, that's about it for now. Until next time...Peace to all of you.