sprouting goodness

This blog tends to be about Nature and my personal gardening experiences, however, the idea of sprouting goodness can be about all sorts of things.  


I am a mother, therefore, much of my thoughts and daily activities are centered around my children.  The little people at my house are just that -- little.  However, their needs are endless and the energy they demand from me is often great. 


Some days can be overwhelming, especially those days soon after a baby is born.  This weekend I was visiting with some of my husband's family.  His Aunt was telling me about her daughter and her daughter-in-law, both with newborn babies.  The stories she shared with me sounded so familiar... Days when the house is just a mess (this seems to be the case at my place, rather than the exception!); other days when you and/or your children are still in your pajamas and your husband walks in the door, returning from work; or, when you're so incredibly sleep-deprived but you have to keep going; kids arguing and fighting; the pile of laundry which is resembling Everest more and more with each passing day; and dishes forever in the sink. And these aren't even the greatest of problems.  The children and their personal challenges are always changing.


So, here's what we came up with.  My Aunt, Grandmother, and I laughed as we shared stories and we decided that your day can be counted as a success as long as --  

The children have been fed, their diapers changed. 


That 'to do' list will always be there.  Patience is a virtue which can sometimes be defined as e.n.d.u.r.e.  Not every problem has an answer.  But on those crazy days when you're feeling overwhelmed -- if the kids' bellies are full, their diapers are dry and clean, and everyone's relatively content, then it's ok.  Not everyone has little kids, or kids for that matter, but you get the idea.  Don't sweat the small stuff.  People are much more important than things.

blueberry blossoms

The University of Florida IFAS extension offers an informative web page on growing blueberries.  All your blueberry questions can be answered here!

Allow me to give you a few tidbits of information that I've gleaned from UF's helpful website.

Did you know?  Blueberries are native to North America.  It's true.

blueberry flowers

The Florida woods and swamps contain at least eight naturally growing blueberry species.  There isn't an area in Florida that is without wild blueberries, unless the soil pH is above 6.


If you are a Florida resident -- rabbiteye and southern highbush varieties are what you want. We are growing three different rabbiteye blueberries in our yard: tifblue, powderblue, and premier.  Cross pollination is needed to maximize blueberry bearing.  You must have at least two different types of rabbiteyes or, two different southern highbush berries for cross pollination.

Our latest addition - the four small boxes (one box raspberries, the other three blueberries).  All are a bit bare right now as it is "winter."

Blueberries require and thrive on a soil pH of 4.0–5.5.  I used a simple and inexpensive tool to check the soil pH.  Manure is a no-no for blueberries as it raises the pH.  Our soil is made up of about 1/2 top soil, 1/2 peat moss.

baby blueberry

We should see some berries this Summer!  Let's see.

Happy Lovers' Day!

Lovely lavender, just in time for V Day.

A friend of mine shared a delightful recipe using rosemary.  One I've been meaning to try.  Mmm... Thank you, Katy.

The kids don't care much for these.  That's ok.  More for the adults.

 The menu: 

Lavender from the herb garden to make the table pretty.   

Rosemary Peach Lemonade

Tuscan Roasted Garlic Bread

parmesan cheese

green salad

strawberries dipped in chocolate

A special dinner with the people I  L<3VE  most. 

Pinchy

I never mean for so much time to go by between posts.  November, December, and January were all very busy work months for my husband, inevitably making them busier for me as well!  He's a good man, working so hard for our family.  We miss him so much when work calls, but always make up our time with him later -- lots of bike riding, digging in the dirt, and wrestling on the floor over the weekends.  That's what it's like with a house full of boys.

Can you count three people in this picture?

My fall garden wasn't as successful as I'd hoped it would be.  Everything began growing and then suddenly stopped.  The things that have grown appear healthy, yet they have halted progression.  Our "winter weather" has been very different this year.  Although our winters are known to be warm compared to most of the country, this year has been exceptionally warm, leaving us with maybe two nights where we briefly hit freezing.  I think my garden is confused, as my lettuce is beginning to bolt and go to seed.  I suppose there isn't much I can do about this.

Petite, new leaves are budding on some trees, as if Spring is on its way, while other trees still hold leaves of red.  And then, some are still bare -- as they should be in Winter.

Today we planted six blueberry bushes + a couple raspberry bushes.  We hope to have lots of berries this summer.  I'll post pictures of them soon.  Until then, here are some pictures from our family trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia.  It was just what we needed!  Something for everyone to enjoy.  Giant oak trees, their gnarled limbs strewn with spanish moss; beaches with driftwood trees; crabs hiding under rocks; fresh air; room to run; peace.  We like to take our kids places where we don't have to say over and over Don't touch that.  Wait. Stop. Don't.  The rules on the beach: Stay where we can see you and don't go in the water.

Otherwise kids, BE FREE!!  The little ones love the room to run and freedom to explore. They eat it up. 

This is Pinchy.