A few weeks ago, our neighbor texted us to see if we were interested in starting some grape vines as he had extra. My husband, full of wisdom and realizing we were about a week away from having our third child, looked at me and said, “I was about to text him back and tell him no ‘cause we’re not, right?… I mean, you’re 9 months pregnant and we said we’re taking a …
A few weeks ago, I received a new seed catalog from one of my favorite gardening companies. I was standing in the kitchen sorting through the mail when I first laid eyes on it. The moment I picked it up, a rush of excitement filled the air. My mind suddenly transformed into an unending Pinterest board full of ideas for …
I recently read a story written by Pat Barrett entitled, “The parable of the peach tree.” It bears repeating:
“In a grove of peach trees, there was a sapling. Whether the sun was shining or the rain was falling, the sapling was happy. Every year during harvest, the farmer who tended the grove would walk from tree to tree with a …
A few years ago, Brenda told me about a free service offered at our local agricultural extension office. If you take them a few cups of soil, they will test it and offer recommendations to improve it. To be honest, I’ve hesitated doing it. For some reason, I’ve envisioned being told: “Your soil is so bad. I mean… really bad. …
Not long ago, I was chatting with a friend about her garden. She had started a small one a few years before. The garden had produced a wonderful crop that first year. She couldn’t believe how easy it had been! But her joy gradually dwindled, turning into frustration as the seasons passed: “I don’t know what happened! It seemed like …
I’m using this post as a public service announcement to gardeners everywhere. Every year, by mid-March we see a problem of epidemic proportions. It’s called “The Gardening Itch.” Imagine this scenario for a moment: You’ve been dreaming and planning your garden for weeks. You know what you’re going to plant, where it will be planted, and have narrowed down the …
For those of us in our part of the world, we find ourselves in the “Heart of Winter.” The frigid air at first light is enough to cause the skin to scream, pleading with your body to return to the house. My friends back home always laugh and tell me how lucky we are “in the South” not …
With Christmas just days away, I wanted to take a moment and invite you to pause. I know, I know. I can hear the voices in your mind as I write this: “Are you kidding? Do you know how much I have yet to do?” Despite the never ending lists and obligations, I hear the Lord calling to His bride …
There are days I find myself wishing that things came easy. Let’s face it, in a perfect world, our Pinterest dinner would always turn out exactly as the picture. The food would always arrive to the table on time and without complaint. In fact, it would be exactly what everyone wanted… every time. The family would savor every bite and fall over …
I love trees. I especially love them in the fall. There are many mornings I find myself sipping coffee and gazing out the window as the autumn breezes blow the leaves into the air. If I sit long enough, a smile will come to my face along with countless memories from my childhood. I remember that one kid …