The Secret Garden

Since moving into this house, I've attempted to turn the front area into something of a hidden treasure.  A few years back I made a patio from reclaimed bricks. I planted and killed a large amount of plants but finally I've had success in a few of the rogue plants returning.  My thought for that area is that I want it to look like a treasure that someone stumbles upon..... a secret patio in the woods somewhere.  Yesterday, I finally took another step in achieving this.

Connected to this area is a war zone of about 5 foot by 12 foot.  It had some remaining ivy and the left over bricks from the patio and a few weeds.  I pulled out the ivy, moved the bricks and hit the nursery center.  Too much money later, I returned with the goods. 

At this point, I'm hoping that my secret garden grows in to what I envision in my head.  The husband is having heart failure at the amount of money I spent and truthfully I am feeling a bit bad myself.... only because of my track record.   I love the way the plants look and once they take over and fill the space, I'm going to be very happy.  Especially because everything I bought is a perennial.  My musings include not only the secret garden but a low maintenance garden too.  One I can just enjoy but not be tied to every waking moment. 

HAPPY FOURTH!

This morning as we were preparing to go to all of the picnics we were invited to this weekend, we got an awesome symbol of this land that we love.  My hubby started calling the kids to "COME LOOK".  There in our yard was a momma wild turkey and her 5 babies.  They were so cute and adorable.  My kids wanted to run out and pet them.  I used this time as a teachable moment concerning wild animals and especially wild animal mommas and their babies. 

We stepped out for a few hours and on our way home we had to stop for about 5 minutes a street over.  This time three mommas and about 10 babies made their way across the street.  Again, no words can explain how adorable and fuzzy the babies looked. 

I thought it was kind of ironic that our national mascot was going to be the wild turkey and here, on the weekend celebrating our freedom, is a momma turkey and baby turkeys in my yard.  Then a friend sent me a note saying that turkeys are a symbol of sacrifice to a cause or a symbol of a gift.  Both appropriate as I celebrate all those who have died for our freedom and those who still live with the battle scars internal and external.  Thank you to both of my brothers, Norb and Dennis, for their sacrifices and losses.  We are forever greatful to you.