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A fun, inexpensive outing I do with the grandchildren is an afternoon of rip-sticking. Quality time with them is minimal as they are growing older and heading in different directions. We plan an adventure once a week. Rip-sticking is at the top of their list. Sometimes we pack a picnic lunch with healthy sandwiches and snacks or pick up a pizza on the way to a fantastic local park. They wiggle and twist their rip-sticks up and down a trail that runs alongside a creek. I walk. They always travel far beyond me but group together for safety. The perfect ending to their afternoon trailblazing is a rip-stick race to the ice cream drive-in for a refreshing treat. Outdoor fun, sunshine, and healthy exercise does wonders for them and me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can imagine my surprise when I found the drought resistant Moss Rose (Portulaca) flower growing in the cracks of my driveway. But flourishing surrounded by cement? When my Master Gardener friend, Becky, stopped in, I asked how this could be. She informed me rain, birds, and wind can carry seeds to different locations. I had already noticed several Moss Rose plants heartily growing in an area with my perennial Hens and Chicks. These annuals had been planted the previous year then tilled under after the frost.

I’ve tried very hard not to disturb or drive over the Moss Rose, and hope the flowers will continue to grow and bloom until frost.

This reminds me of God’s grace and love. He sees the beauty amid our imperfections.

 

 

 

A charming addition to your flower beds, walkways, and yard is repurposed garden art. My friend, Debbie, creates unique designs from vintage glass she finds at rummage sales and thrift shops. These layered pieces sparkle amid a backdrop of colorful annuals and perennials. Nestled among summer shades, hummingbirds and butterflies become frequent visitors. Below is Debbie’s shared design procedure.

I start with a variety of different colored textured plates, bowls, and candle holders. Then I decide which pieces look best together, beginning with the largest (minimum 3 pieces–I’ve used up to six). Once I have my pieces selected and design planned, it’s time to start assembling the flower. I apply a good even bead of E600 glue to the back of the dish and press it firmly into place. I allow 24 hours for each glued piece to set before adding another dish. Once I’ve completed gluing and curing the flower itself, I take a small vase or spice jar and adhere it to the back. This allows me to display the finished art on a garden stake.

Maybe you would like to try a hand at making your own conversation piece.

Repurposed garden art is a great gift for gardening friends, grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and sisters.

You can view and purchase Debbie’s designs at: http://bit.ly/debbiemomof4

 

Just this week, I read on Facebook that our local flower man has his gladiola stand open for business. I love to stop and purchase bouquets and then deliver to shut-ins, folks who don’t drive, and elderly neighbors. During the year, I find vases at rummage sales and when a recipient isn’t home, I leave the bouquet by the front door. When my grandchildren are available, they go with me and assist in delivering the colorful flowers. They’ll remember the smiles and hugs they receive and how important it is to think of others. A good friend of mine told me that she has delivered a single glad to each resident in her mother’s assisted living facility. And several times when purchasing bouquets I’ve bumped into a fellow who does the same. This time of year, there are plenty of on-the-side-of-the-road vegetable and flower stands along with farmers’ markets getting into full swing. Even fresh fruit and vegetables for a shut-in is a great idea. It sure feels good to bless someone, and the blessing always returns full circle. Maybe someday my grandchildren will carry on the tradition.