Follow
Share
Read More
Find Care & Housing
CWillie wrote:

"...gardening connects us to nature and eternity like nothing else can, finding and coaxing growth in even the most sterile seeming environments, connecting to the universal cycle of life."

That's such a beautiful, poetic and insightful observation.
(1)
Report

DD, welcome to this thread, and I hope you continue to get inspiration and pleasure from posting.

You're not off target in thinking that plants can hear us. I've read of scientific studies in which it's been observed that plants do communicate with each other to warn of insect predators. I haven't yet read of any studies supporting the theory that they can communicate with us, or at least hear us. But I do fuss over them and try to make them happy!

I think there's been and will continue to be a resurgence in growing one's own food, not only for the purity of food compared to commercial food with its chemical additives, but because of the bonds with nature that are formed.

Raising chickens also seems to be practiced on a more widespread basis. I'm surprised to read on gardening forums how knowledgeable some nonfarming folks are about the lives of chickens.
(1)
Report

I agree DDD, gardening connects us to nature and eternity like nothing else can, finding and coaxing growth in even the most sterile seeming environments, connecting to the universal cycle of life.
I am hoping to make a naturalized area at the back of my tiny town property, and today I noticed that the jacob's ladder and sweet woodruff are sending out tiny shoots and the buds are swelling on my little serviceberry tree. Changing the environment seems frustratingly slow sometimes and I envy those who just hire a landscaper to come in and do it all, but doing it myself, gradually, is the whole point of gardening.
I miss having acres of land to play with and plan for, I miss digging the beds and preparing for planting, I miss the scent of the earth and the feel if the soil between my fingers. Puttering around in flowerbeds and planters just isn't the same.
(1)
Report

Gardening is a beautiful thing. It brings me close to the wonders of God and nature. It brings you back to earth when this cold world is going crazy. I dont have now but when I do I plant vegetables. I think there is a soothing and relaxing benifit to planting something and watching it grow. I also love plants and flowerers. And I would suggest to anyone out there who is down and out and have a few bucks to purchase and amaryllis. It is fast growing you start with this ugly tubee and in one week you have a most beutiful flower. I planted and aprricot tree in my moms yard. I talked to it when I planted it and I kid you not it seems as if the plants hear you and of course feel you. Its awesome to eat somethng you grew. Its awesome to watch it grow as you nuture it. Its awesome to see God's Work. Its these kind of things that I hold on and reach out to when Im in a bad place in life. Now Garden Artist sounds like a specialist. The way things are going now we may have to resort to growing our own food and raise some chicken too.
(1)
Report

me too mina , im higher than hogans goat .
not really , ive had a fun day . im trying to get used to treating myself since theres nobody else left , and myself likes a good brat with a good whole wheat brotchen roll .
(1)
Report

OK, Cap...lol..."lighten up and smile" I can buy into....great goals....now, I have to go to bed....
(0)
Report

i thought uncharming was the objective here .
if you all cant define what you want , i certainly cant be expected to ..
just funnin with you people . i want you to lighten up and smile ..
(0)
Report

OK, Cap.....guessing you've been doing a little more than cooking brats tonight....that's cool....I understand you're hurting over Aunt Edna's recent passing....
So are many of us....because you made her so real to us, sharing your wonderful, outrageous experiences....what a great lady....how lucky to have you....

But understand....you can be "charmingly brash".....most of the time.....then you can be truly "brashly uncharming"....

Go to bed....know that I, for one, have faith in you mostly being that "charmingly brash" guy...full of wisdom ....hmmm...others, maybe, not so much....you can give that some thought tomorrow in the bright light of a pounding hangover.....
(1)
Report

my brats are at 135 f . when they reach 150 f . internal temp ill go to bed and get over myself . 20 more minutes of my crap should be the extent of it .
that aint bad in the grand scheme of things ..
(1)
Report

Sorry....I would be happy to volunteer in the Butterfly Garden or elsewhere....love that sense of community!
(0)
Report

Cwillie and GA....so agree w/your comments. I used to work for the Chicago Architecture Foundation so....have had a long time interest in spaces both interior and exterior....I have said many times that I was so very lucky to find this small place (30-35 residents) for my Mom....run by an RN not Marketing Mgr....the ALF is part of a larger 55+ IL community in SW FL. Those in the IL community do a lot of volunteer work at the ALF ....the butterfly gardener lives in IL...her parents are in ALF....

IL residents are are on the Board and make decisions re: changes, updates, etc. It is impeccably maintained. Neglected to mention that straight ahead from the garden are shuffleboard courts...beyond those is the lovely spa and pool and bathing pavilion...

To the right of the garden is a lovely huge lake w/fountain....surrounded by the IL villas....entire layout is gorgeous and was clearly given much thought from the beginning.

Am seriously thinking, as I approach retirement, that I ' d like to move into an IL place in this lovely community....if I can afford it....and having sworn to myself previously, that I would never go to FL...lol...it truly is a beautiful community...and I
(0)
Report

Isn't GladI'mHere now working at a facility that espouses similar attitudes and programs?
(0)
Report

CWillie, I too think this would be an excellent place for an elder to live. I wasn't successful in finding any place in Michigan though. But the website doesn't seem to be fully functional, so I'll keep trying. If I run across any in Ontario, I'll let you know.

The website was so enthusiastic and positive though that I even began to think of doing volunteer work there.

Map of Eden Alternative homes:
edenalt.

OMG, I just found one not too far from us!
(1)
Report

Just did some quick Googling and found a home that seems to exemplify the Eden standards.

edenalt. If the URL is truncated, google Pine Ridge Care and Rehab.

This is a synopsis from the website on the philosophy of Pine Ridge:

Elders and their caregivers spend time daily talking about their lives. (That's assuming they're still able to do so.)

Every summer a camp is hosted for the caregivers' children. The elders pack backpacks with school supplies for the children and extended family of the employees.

Veggies grown in raised beds are used in the daily meals. Residents make such delicacies as apple butter. They make and deliver cookies to the local fire department. (I think this is a wonderful idea!)

Essential oils have been used and found to be effect in increasing appetites and reduction of anxiety.

Nothing is mentioned about bingo games.
(1)
Report

GA, when I first read about Eden homes I thought Eureka!! This is the wave of the future, or at least it should be! If there was a nursing home available near me that was run with Eden principles I would not hesitate to place my mother there.
(2)
Report

Tacy, there are some garden plants that don't mind a little frost. Your onions and potatoes can go in as soon as the ground warms up a bit and is dry enough to work. Broccoli, cabbages, kale etc are all frost tolerant, as are spinach and peas and leaf lettuce. What other plants are you growing this year?
(2)
Report

Tacy, I've never known my area of Michigan to have a frost in May in several decades. The Upper Peninsula might even have frosts in June, but down in my area, May is prime time for planting.

The onion sets would probably be safe now, but I think I'd wait until this cold spell passes. It'll be easier on you too!

Mina, I think the people who own, manage and operate your mother's facility have some really progressive ideas.

Some years ago the Eden Alternative was making news; it advocated a more sensory, personable atmosphere for residents, including gardens. I haven't followed it so I don't know whether it's still in existence. Sometimes good movements like that lose out to profit motives and corporate goals.
(1)
Report

The garden at your mom's ALF sounds wonderful!! I think every hospital and nursing home should have a garden that is accessible to every resident/patient. I picture raised beds and meandering pathways that are wheelchair friendly. Scents would be as important as flowers, and some areas should be set aside to allow residents to actually plant and run their fingers through the soil and sample their veggies. Imagine nectar feeders for hummingbirds and orioles and seed feeders for other birds. Sheltered nooks to sit and rest away from the others.
Years ago I wished that there was a charity that could make that a reality everywhere. Wouldn't it be great to belong to a team that would design and maintain those kinds of natural spaces? And how good for the soul for both the builders and recipients.
(1)
Report

Just read an online article in House Beautiful entitled "Garden Benefits for Dementia Patients". A newly released study from Exeter School of Medicine in UK reviewed 17 scientific studies, concluding that there were significant benefits to dementia patients in NH's who had access to outdoor spaces (primarily reduction in anxiety and agitation, increased calming).

My immediate reaction was...DUH...you had to review 17 studies to reach this scientifically "informed" conclusion?! Then I decided well...I'm happy to see a medical school looking for anything that benefits dementia patients...plus, apparently results of this study will be used in design of new facilities and improvements to existing facilities....so...it's all good...

My own experience is purely "anecdotal". Mom's ALF has the most amazing, large butterfly garden. It's full of beautiful plants, large garden sculptures, huge wind chimes, and, yes, clouds of butterflies! Absolutely one of Mom's (and my) favorite places to hang out. One of Mom's great friends, who visits her frequently and is himself an awesome gardener, has met and befriended the butterfly gardener. She is a very accomplished professional garden designer BUT created and maintains this lovely space on a strictly no pay, voluntary basis....how cool is that?!

One of the last times I was out in the garden w/Mom, I kept pointing out to her the lovely butterflies flitting all over. For whatever reason, light, shadow, older eyesight, slow reaction time, she could never catch sight of a single butterfly. Finally, in frustration, she started laughing and said to me, "Oh....where are all these lovely butterflies? Can't you slow them down so I can see them?!"

Well...since she was laughing when she asked, I think even w/the dementia, Mom knew that was one request I was powerless to deliver for her...lol...but if I were ever to be granted some magical powers, surely that is the first gift I would bestow!
(1)
Report

I have to admit my little town garden was always a couple of weeks ahead of the big garden at my parent's farm. I was often planting hardy things like lettuce as soon as I could scratch a hole on the frozen dirt and harvesting the first tender leaves in May. I used a cold frame I cobbled together out of scrap lumber and plastic and always dreamed of having a hot bed, but I didn't have access to any fresh manure to heat it and I wasn't going to bag and haul it home from the farm in my little hatchback!
Gardening in the town where I live now is proving to be a challenge due to the evil nasty bushy tailed tree rats... I can not tell you how much I hate them! I always got along with the squirrels before now, but these demented creatures dig, gnaw and destroy everything, even plants that are supposedly poisonous to them. My neighbours gave up and sodded their garden and pulled up their raspberries. My only hope would be gardening inside a totally enclosed cage, and I just don't have the money or energy to do it right.
(1)
Report

Good points on knowing your own garden.

I've planted as early as March 5, and would have tried that this year if I'd had the energy and motivation!

We put out tomatoes and peppers and other tender plants on the Memorial Day weekend as well, and don't shelter them other than to harden them off. But the spring crops go in as soon as it appears there won't be any more snow or ice. Some of us put them in anyway and protect them with hoop houses, bales of straw, etc. You know, sometimes we gardeners get a bit crazy about planting as soon as the snow clears!

Sigghh....if only I had a conservatory and greenhouse.

One of the posters on a garden forum I visit posted a link to a UK company that provides some neat portable greenhouses. They're about the size of a piano (height and widthwise), but deeper, with individual doors that open to allow removal and insertion for a portion of the plants. It looks as though they would either sit on a patio, or in a breezeway, or some protected area.

I've been thinking about them since yesterday and wondering how I can build one.

When does your gardening season typically end? I'm wondering if SW Ontario gets lake effect weather that might extend the winter a bit longer.
(0)
Report

Gee, are you that far ahead of us in SW Ontario GA? We traditionally planted most of our garden on the May long weekend, but even then heat loving plants like tomatoes and peppers had to be sheltered. Of course the growing season is longer now than it used to be. I have found that plants started early sometimes struggle and plants started later often surpass them.
I think you have to get to know your own garden soil and micro climate... if the soil is sandy and light it will dry out and warm up earlier than heavy clay, and if your garden is sheltered you can start earlier than if it is wind swept or has a northern exposure.
(0)
Report

BTW, that's not a stupid question at all; it's a critical one which all gardeners face. Some jump the gun and plant early, only to see their little sprouts covered with snow.
(1)
Report

Tacy, most gardeners keep track of the last frost date over the years, but also monitor the weather. In SE Michigan, the last front date can be as early as the end of March but also as late as in mid May, when one year we had a notorious ice storm that knocked out power for several days.

October 15 - 17 is the first frost date by my records.

Onions could be planted now. Are you using onion sets or seeds? I would hold off a few weeks on the potatoes unless you mound them heavily, which is recommended anyway to prevent sun from reaching them. In this cold spell we're having now, I wouldn't plant anything.

I assume you're using seed potatoes, or sprouting your own?
(1)
Report

You can also google planting potatoes (or onions or whatever) in Michigan... lots of advice for your area.
(0)
Report

Tacy, just google last frost dates in Michigan, there are all kinds of maps and statistics!
(0)
Report

After researching and talking with ornamental horticulturists, I decided against corn gluten meal for wed control and went my standard pre-emergent. Bought a new 75ft hose and spray nozzle. Sprayed cobwebs off of the porch and swept the walk way. Making some progress.
(2)
Report

I understand completely. Your question raised the issue in my mind, and I thought briefly about spending what would probably be at least an hour covering up all the crocuses and squills that are in bloom, and decided that I'll just take the chance. I don't even have enough tarps or coverings for them as they're so spread out.

And sometimes a one-time spring frost doesn't even affect the plants and flowers.
(0)
Report

Sigh, I knew the answer was yes, I just didn't want to have to run around trying to cover everything. I think I'll go with overturned flower pots, good thing I hoard stuff like that lol!
(1)
Report

Sharyn, I haven't used corn gluten but remember that there was a pro and con discussion on the gardening forum I visit. It was sometime ago, but I'll see if I can find it and PM the link to you.

CWillie, how exposed are the bulbs, especially the foliage, and/or are they out in the open? I probably would cover them just to be on the safe side. Bushel baskets, empty mayonnaise jars, rose cones, empty container pots or even a "hoop house" would work, but I imagine you already have something in mind - I'm guessing you've had to do this before.

I guess it's a good thing that some of us didn't get our spring gardens all planted.
(0)
Report

Start a Discussion
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter