WREATHMAKER

I like Halloween to be fun..no tombstones, witches, ghouls, or ghosts. ...And the carved pumpkins should look cheerful. The little kids who came by tonight smiled ...no terror!

Some years we have had a killing frost by this date, but today these gardens are stunning. Photos just don't do it justice! The groundskeepers were still busy watering, trimming, and replacing worn sod. I have never seen such fine edging!

Garden flowers

Cooler days of fall often intensify the colors of our annuals, even though many have begun to produce seeds instead of flowers. I am still enjoying this arrangement in two planters,  I plant a mandevilla vine  each year especially in memory of my Mom, who so admired  that plant. I am loving succulents, and they seem to suit their terra cotta pots. Hoping that we have a late frost!

In my younger years I disliked petunias and preferred that my Mom planted pansies, stocks, or phlox. Fast forward to today, and you will find petunias of many different types in my garden. One of my favorites is "starry night". The flowers vary on the same plant, and are vivid shades from white to deep purple...truly a wonder in hybridizing! Each morning I head first to the petunia pots to see these lovely blooms... I hope you all are enjoying your summer days!

For the last ten years our family has gathered on the first day of the new year to celebrate cultures of different countries. This year our theme was Scandinavian. We went to the internet to find recipes ...everyone contributed a dish or two. Our daughter hosted. The menu was posted on the blackboard... Mason jar hand crafted lanterns were part of the table setting  Dansk china held some of the main dishes.... We had a lovely feast, and great family conversation. A wonderful start to 2017. I hope you are all enjoying God's blessings in  the fresh New Year!