#Backyard tool sharpening

[sharponsight]

Big News from Sharp On Sight: Now Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades and More!

At Sharp On Sight, we’ve always believed that a sharp edge can change everything—whether you’re slicing tomatoes or tackling overgrown hedges. And now, we’re excited to announce the latest addition to our lineup of professional sharpening services: lawn mower blade sharpening.

Whether you’re maintaining a crisp backyard lawn, managing a garden, or just tired of ragged grass and dull cuts, we’ve got your mower blades covered—along with just about every other edge in your shed.

Let’s break down what’s new, how to take advantage of it, and why Sharp On Sight should be your go-to for lawn mower blade sharpening, knife sharpening, and backyard tool sharpening in the greater Madison and Sun Prairie areas.

Why Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening Matters

A dull mower blade doesn’t cut—it tears. This not only damages your grass but can also invite disease and stress the roots. Sharpening your lawn mower blade ensures:

Cleaner cuts for a healthier lawn

Less strain on your mower’s engine

Improved fuel efficiency

A better-looking yard

If your mower is leaving ragged edges or you’re noticing extra resistance, it’s probably time to sharpen that blade.

Where to Get Your Lawn Mower Blades Sharpened

You’ve got options.

🔧 Drop-Off Anytime

You can now drop off lawn mower blades at our Sun Prairie sharpening location: 215 E Main Street, Sun Prairie, WI

Just bring your blade in (removed from the mower, please) and drop it in our secure drop box. Need help with removal? Feel free to message us first—we’ll walk you through it.

🛠️ Live Sharpening Markets

We now offer live sharpening for mower blades and backyard tools at the following farmers markets:

Sun Prairie Farmers Market – Saturdays, 7:00 AM–Noon (Downtown Sun Prairie)

West Main Street Farmers Market – Tuesdays, 2:30–6:00 PM (St. Vinny’s Parking Lot, Sun Prairie)

Waunakee Farmers & Makers Market – Wednesdays, 3:00–6:30 PM (Waunakee Village Center)

Just bring your blade (clean and removed), and we’ll sharpen it while you shop. In most cases, you’ll be in and out in under 30 minutes.

What Else Do We Sharpen?

Let’s be honest: most of us have a lot of dull tools lying around. At Sharp On Sight, we sharpen more than just knives.

Here’s the full list of services we offer, with live sharpening, drop-off, and mail-in options available:

🍳 Kitchen Tools

Chef’s knives

Paring knives

Utility knives

Serrated knives

Bread knives

Kitchen shears

Cleavers

Butcher knives

Yes, we sharpen serrated knives too.

✂️ Scissors & Shears

Fabric scissors

Beauty shears (salon/barber)

Kitchen scissors

Industrial scissors

🪓 Yard & Garden Tools

Lawn mower blades

Pruners

Loppers

Axes

Hatchets

Machetes

Garden hoes

Shovels (cleaned and edged)

Hedge shears

All sharpened with care and precision—no sloppy grinding that ruins the heat treatment or shape.

A Better Edge, Backed by Experience

If you've ever tried to sharpen a mower blade with a file and a clamp in the driveway, you know how hard it is to get it right. Uneven edges, lost balance, or even more damage than before.

We use professional belt sharpening equipment and balance blades before returning them to you, so you get:

Even, consistent edges

Proper angle and shape

Optional cleaning to remove built-up grass gunk and rust

Every edge is inspected before and after, so we don’t just sharpen—we improve performance.

How Often Should You Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades?

For residential mowers, sharpening once or twice per mowing season is usually ideal. More if:

You hit rocks or tree roots

You mow more than once a week

You’ve noticed uneven cutting or brown grass tips

If it’s been a full season or more, don’t wait. A dull blade is basically a lawn shredder.

Why Choose Sharp On Sight?

You could drop off your blades at a hardware store and hope for the best. Or you could work with a local sharpening specialist who:

Understands edge geometry

Works with knives and tools daily

Stands behind every blade returned

At Sharp On Sight, sharpening is all we do—and we do it right. Whether it’s a fine edge for a kitchen knife or a utility grind for a bush machete, we tailor every edge to the tool and how you actually use it.

Perfect for Gardeners, DIYers, and Outdoor Pros

If your shed’s full of rusted, dull, or forgotten tools, now’s the time to bring them back to life.

We regularly sharpen:

Pruning shears

Bypass and anvil loppers

Axes and hatchets for camping or firewood

Machetes for brush clearing

Scissors and kitchen tools for processing what you grow

From the backyard to the butcher block, we keep everything sharp so you can get back to work without frustration.

Sharp Tools = Safe Tools

A dull blade requires more force, slips more easily, and makes your job harder. Sharp tools don’t just work better—they’re safer.

We’ll make sure your:

Lawn mower blades are clean, sharp, and balanced

Pruners cut instead of crush

Axes bite instead of bounce

Kitchen knives slice cleanly with control

How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower Blade for Sharpening

Please remove the blade before bringing it to us. Not sure how? Here’s a quick how-to:

Disconnect the spark plug (safety first).

Tilt the mower carefully (carburetor side up).

Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the center bolt.

Bring the blade in.

If it's rusty, caked with grass, or dented—we can still work with it, and we'll let you know if it's too far gone.

Looking Ahead: Seasonal Tool Sharpening Reminders

We recommend scheduling sharpening in spring and again in mid-summer for:

Mower blades

Loppers and pruners

Garden tools

Harvest knives and shears

And of course, don’t forget:

Hunting knives before and after deer season

Axes and hatchets for firewood prep

Kitchen knives before holiday cooking

We’ll be here year-round to keep your tools in top shape.

Let’s Sharpen Something

Ready to try our new lawn mower blade sharpening service? Whether you want to drop it off or swing by a market booth for live sharpening, we’d love to help.

📍 Drop-Off Location: 215 E Main Street, Sun Prairie, WI (Use drop box just inside the front door. Code: 299181, then press OK and turn the knob.)

📍 Live Sharpening Booths:

Tuesdays: St. Vinny’s, 1110 W Main St, Sun Prairie (2:30–6:00 PM)

Wednesdays: Waunakee Village Center (3:00–6:30 PM)

Saturdays: Downtown Sun Prairie Farmers Market (7:00 AM–Noon)

Got questions? Want to know if we can sharpen a specific tool? Just send us a message. If it has an edge, we’ll sharpen it.

[lou-struck]

The Only One

Shoto Todoroki x reader

W.C: 3k

~ A surprise delivery from your loving boyfriend creates some unexpected tension in your relationship after a few words from a jealous coworker.

Daffodil - Flower Representing regard, unequalled love; You’re the only one.

Creeping under the cover of darkness, you nervously grip the splintered wooden handle of your shovel. The impossibly tall wooden fence looms over you intimidatingly, its sharpened edges gleam like dusty steel in the moonlight, daring you to make your move. 

The task ahead of you seems impossible, but with no gate latch or hinges in sight, you grit your teeth and readjust your grip on the large woven sack that prickles your hands. Slinging it over your shoulder like an out-of-season St. Nick, the awkward weight pulls your center off balance as the damp, earthy contents seep through the material and onto your dark sweatshirt. 

You cringe as you begin to pull yourself up and over the pristine wood; your shovel dings lightly against a stray rock as you lower it into the bark on the other side. 

Halfway up, your body scrapes against the fence top, but you are in no hurry to move. A large guard dog sleeps soundly in the next yard over. Judging by the several warning signs and the large holes in it's owners fence, he may not be the friendliest. 

You lower your cargo first, it hits the ground with a muffled tap, the slight sound making you flinch as you scan the empty yard, finding no one. Relief fuels your breathing as you realize you have made it over the fence undetected.

In the light of day, deliveries like this can be explained, but now, under the cover of slivered moonlight, explaining yourself to a patrolling security guard or nosey resident would be unconvincing at best. 

Taking hold of the sack and shovel once more, you creep through the large garden until you make it to the spot you had marked earlier up against the darkened house. The suspense and the adrenaline pull a shaky exhale from your lips as you raise the tool, ready to begin digging. 

You have to make things right…

Gripping the handle with both hands like King Arthur with Excalibur, you drive your weight forward, ready to puncture the ground below. But it never makes contact, for when just millimeters from the ground, your feet are suddenly encased in a thick sheet of ice, rendering you completely immobile. Your legs begin to numb under the stinging sensation as you curse under your breath. 

"Shit." you breathe, the words carried from your lips by a cold cloud of condensation as the gentle scraping of slippers on cement grows closer and closer. 

He wasn't supposed to be here.

"I don't know who you are or what business you have in my backyard, but trespassing is prohibited." a cold voice says. "Drop the shovel and stay put while I contact the Authorities."

You raise your free hands as the shovel hits the ground, sliding away on the ice as you pull back your hood. "Please don't, I can explain."

With your feet still frozen to the ground, turning your body entirely is impossible, but you are able to twist your torso to meet the heterochromatic eyes of Shoto Todoroki, your pajama-clad, very confused boyfriend. 

~

Twelve hours earlier…

Lost in your work, you worry for your posture.  You have been hunched over a project that, if done well, could put you on track toward an amazing promotion. Higher pay, better benefits, and a bigger, private office on a new floor would be a dream come true. 

Although you do like some of your coworkers, ever since you and Shoto made your relationship public, things have been difficult. 

Jealous glares and petty whispers seem to follow you everywhere throughout your department as they wonder how you managed to seduce (their word, not yours) one of the nation's top heroes. You still have friends, of course, but a few of your acquaintances have really been showing their true colors lately, making for a rather unfriendly work environment. Invites to group lunches and after-work karaoke sessions have disappeared, and you have found yourself feeling a bit more lonely than before. 

When your troubles first began, you had vented your feelings to a mortified Shoto, but after you managed to convince him to not decorate your office space with some new ice sculptures, he brought up a good point. If your coworkers are putting more effort into creating petty drama, then they are not as focused on advancing their careers. 

"I have a delivery for a y/n," a soft voice says. The mention of your name reaches your ears, and you turn your attention to the front desk, where a young man in a green vest and visor gets pointed toward your desk by the little grey-haired receptionist. 

"Hi there, are you y/n?" he asks, a soft little smile on his face as you nod. "Perfect, I have a delivery for you from an S. Todoroki." He holds out a clipboard and pen for you to sign; as you take the pen and scribble your signature on the delivery sheet, the man sets a pot of soil on your desk and raises his hands as a warm green light spills from his palms.

From the soil, green stems sprout, growing in size along with long, thin leaves and a massive flowering blossom. In seconds, rich yellow and orange petals emerge, leaving you with a pot filled with enormous, fresh daffodils. 

The delivery man wipes his brow as you look at your gift in amazement; sending fresh flowers to your workplace is one thing, but hiring Someone with a quirk like his to grow them in front of your eyes is another; you can only imagine how much your boyfriend spent. "Wow, these are beautiful; thank you so much."

"No problem," he nods, "Someone must care about you a lot to order our premium package. Have a great rest of your day."

As the delivery man turns and walks away, you take a moment to just enjoy the fresh, beautiful flowers Shoto had ordered for you. The sweet smell of spring fills your little cubicle and for once, you find yourself feeling relieved that your coworkers decided to all go to lunch together. For this gift was only meant for your eyes. You could only imagine what rumors they would spread about your relationship if they saw something as wonderful as this. 

Attached elegantly to the base of the flower pot lies a white note card. Curiously, you flip the front of the card over and see the familiar scrawl of your boyfriend's handwriting. 

"See you tonight y/n"

You smile as you run the pad of your thumb over the letters, thinking about your dinner plans. Shoto has wanted to try out every Soba restaurant in the city, so the two of you try to check off a new one from your list every few weeks and tonight just so happens to be soba night.

It doesn't take long for the sound of chatter and approaching footsteps to reach your ears. 

"Oh wow, those are beautiful, y/n," one of the guys from finance says, walking over to your desk to admire your gift. "Are these from that boyfriend of yours?

His question seems genuine, and you smile, turning the pot towards him. "Yeah, they just got delivered not too long ago. It was a nice surprise."

"I bet," he says, offering a kind smile before he heads back to work. Although his intentions were good, his kind words sent the vultures flying. 

"Oh, flowers," another coworker gushes, her tone patronizing as she regards your gift. "How cute. But I have to ask, is your super strong Pro Hero Boyfriend stupid or something?" 

"Excuse me?" you ask, struggling to control your tone. 

She smiles and gestures to the daffodils with claw-like hands. "It's just daffodils aren't really a romantic flower. Ya know?" 

Although you didn't ask, she reaches into her purse and pulls out her phone, scrolling through her camera roll until she finds the picture she's looking for. "Here, look at this." she coo's sticking her overly bright screen right into your face. The photo is of an enviable bouquet of roses you remember her gushing to everyone in the office about last week. "My boyfriend bought me roses the other day. Isn't that romantic?"

"They're lovely," you say flatly, handing her phone back to her. Wanting to be anywhere else other than talking to her. 

She sighs, fluttering her lashes as she looks at the photo. "Some guys just get it, Ya know? They understand how to put real effort into relationships. Roses are Traditional, they take time to grow. But Daffodils just pop up every year in my yard like a weed. But I'm sure that boyfriend of yours just doesn't know better."

"I'm happy with the daffodils," you say firmly, and you mean it. They may not be the most traditional flower, but Shoto isn't like any other person you have been with. Despite having endured everything that life has thrown at him, he has the sweet, almost goofy kindness ingrained into his character. 

"I'm sure you are." she coo's turning heel and starting to walk away. "But take my advice sweetheart. Sometimes, getting nothing is a whole lot better than getting a thoughtless gift. Know your worth."

You exhale deeply as your coworker turns on a dime, a coy smile on her lips as she saunters over to her desk. You are so irritated with her pick-me behavior and typical cattiness that you feel your cheeks warming with anger. 

In an attempt to cool off a bit and create some distance between yourself and your rude coworker, you calmly stand and walk over to the water fountain by the elevators, but you only make it to the archway when you notice Shoto standing there. 

He is still in his hero costume, but despite having been on patrol since the weary hours of the morning, he looks completely unharmed. You sigh in relief as you walk over to him, stopping when you notice the unreadable expression on his handsome face. 

"Sho, what brings you here?" you ask worriedly. You reach out to gently touch his arm, but he pulls it back quickly as if you were a livewire. 

His heterochromic eyes meet your own as he rubs the back of his neck. The frown on his perfect lips tells you that whatever it is he has to say isn't going to be good. "y/n, I had stopped by in person to tell you that I had to pick up an evening patrol for a coworker, and I will be unable to have dinner with you like I planned." His tone is flat, but your ears pick up just a bit of hurt hiding behind his strangely formal words. 

"Oh no," you say, genuinely mirroring his frown. The place on your list today was a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that he had been excited to try for a while now. "What time would your patrol end? I could swing by the restaurant and take our food to go. We could eat at your agency."

"That won't be necessary," he replies, casting his eyes to the ground. "I'll make reservations  at a place far more traditional for couples for another night."

Realization hits you like a freight train; he heard everything your coworker had just said about the flowers, and although you had never said anything against him, you find yourself feeling guilty for not saying more in Shoto's defense. 

"I'll see you tomorrow," he says softly, turning and retreating into the closing elevator before you can blink. 

"Shoto, wait," you call, stepping toward the doors as they shut fully. Now alone, you are left to deal with the hurt in your heart as you try to figure out what you can do to fix this. 

~

You are beyond out of breath as you rush down the sidewalk towards Shoto's agency. Your work shoes, not made for this level of physical activity, pinch your toes as the delicate soles scrape the rain-dampened pavement. 

Street lamps begin to brighten as the setting sun disappears behind a line of west-facing skyscrapers, but thankfully, there aren't many people out walking this evening. 

The motion-activated glass doors are just meters away from you as you catch a glimpse of your boyfriend's darkened office window. Your heart sinks even deeper as you wonder if you have missed him. 

You have…

But what you did not miss, however, was the locked glass doors to the agency, which you walk into face-first with an embarrassing thud. 

Your hands fly to your face as you tenderly rub your nose. "Oww. That hurt."

"Excuse me," a soft voice asks from behind you. "Are you alright? That was quite the hit you took there."

Embarrassment coats your features as you turn toward the good samaritan, only to find a familiar freckled face. "Oh, Midoriya. You saw that?"

Your friend's green eyes are full of worry and if you're not mistaken, a bit of humor as he looks you over for any lasting injuries. "I did, but it was the noise that really got my attention. What are you doing out here?"

"I was looking for Shoto," you say at last. "We didn't leave on the best terms earlier, and I wanted to talk to him before he started his evening patrol."

His brows shoot up in concern, "oh? What happened? I thought he had planned something for you today."

Despite your current mood, the image of those beautiful daffodils flowering on your desk brings a smile to your face, as if the yellow and golden petals were warming your spirits. "He did; the flowers were beautiful," you say wistfully. "But then a coworker of mine decided to go on a tirade about how daffodils were untraditional and not romantic, and Shoto heard the whole thing."

"Oh, that's terrible," he says, clearly as appalled at your coworker's behavior as you were earlier. "Shoto put a lot of thought into choosing those too."

"He did?"

"Yeah," your friend says eagerly, and you can tell that he is about to ramble. "He had heard about how different flowers mean different things, and he wanted to send you a message. He kept studying flower language on his breaks and even got to the point where he started mumbling the names of the plants we passed by when we were on patrol."

Your voice comes out as a whisper. "And what do Daffodils mean?" 

"Well," he clears his throat. "Giving someone Daffodils means that you are the only one for them."

Your heart flutters as you feel beyond touched that he gave you such a meaningful gift. "I feel terrible, thank you for telling me." and you begin to think of what you can do to fix this situation.

Izuku shifts his weight awkwardly as he watches you ponder, taking a small step back when you reach a breakthrough. "W-what's with that look in your eye?"

You only smile as the cogs turn in your head. "I think it's better If I don't tell you."

~

Back to the Present, 

Your feet are encased in ice as Shoto looks at you with a bitter concoction of worry and guilt on his face. 

"I'm so sorry, please stay still while I melt the ice." He says firmly getting to his knees and placing his left hand on the ice. 

The water steams and evaporates as you wiggle your numb foot free. Your work pants are completely soaked and the material begins to itch your skin as you take a few cautious steps. 

"I thought you were on patrol," you say embarrassedly. 

"It was a partial shift," he replies. "Are you alright? Did I hurt you?"

"I'm fine; you didn't hurt me, Sho?"

Now comforted by your words, his teal and grey eyes drift to the sack and shovel in your hands. "May I ask what you are doing in my backyard at this hour? I shouldn't tell you this, but if you wish to bury something, there are other places that are far less detectable."

Your eyes widen as you realize what he is talking about. "I don't need help burying a body, Shoto," you say firmly. "I-I just wanted to do something for you."

You reach into the brown sack and open it widely. Shoto stares at the contents in confusion as he removes a dirt-covered bulb from the bag. 

"Are these onions?" he asks. 

"No, Shoto, these are daffodil bulbs," you chuckle. "I wanted to plant them for you as a thank you for your gift earlier. They were beautiful."

"Oh…" he blinks, "Forgive me, but does gifting one daffodils mean…"

"Yes"

"Please, will you say it out loud for me." he asks, his voice tender as he looks at you with adoration. 

"It means you are the only one for me." you say with a smile. Your dirt-covered hands wrap around him as he pulls you into a loving embrace. "I'm sorry about earlier, I think you are beyond wonderful and I would never want you to change."

"I apologize for my behavior as well," he admits. "I never thought this kind of love would find me so I never prepared for it. I'm still finding out what people in relationships do to express their love, and when I heard your conversation earlier, I felt… Inferior."

"You are anything but that," you murmur against his icy-hot skin. "I love that you went and got me flowers, but even if you didn't I would still know how much you care about me."

A soft pout appears on his lips. "I'm still going to buy you flowers, and they are going to be far superior than the ones your coworker was bragging about getting from her boyfriend."

"I don't think you will have to try very hard to compete with that," you laugh, recalling an interesting bit of gossip you heard during the second half of your work day. "Apparently, her boyfriend found out she had been stealing his credit card to send herself flowers and broke up with her."

Shoto, ever the gossip lover, pulls back from absorbing the information you just gave with a stunned, amused smile. "Let's go inside, Darling. I'll give you a warm change of clothes and you can tell me all about it over a cup of tea."

"Yes, please," you giggle as he ushers you inside. Your steps are far lighter than before as the two of you find yourself together once more. 

Tagging: @pixelcafe-network

[ichijager13]

Back to You

Pairing: Eren Jäger x Reader

Audience: general.

CW: None.

Tags: Historical, WWI, German Eren, Older and long-haired Eren, Married couple, Established relationship.

Summary: Shortly before the end of WWI and the armistice, reader received a letter informing her of her husband's death. Months gone by and one day, she received another letter.

WC: 1,6k-ish

A/N: Hi, hi, been a while since I last wrote and posted something. I hope you enjoy this story.

Banner by @cafekitsune

Standing in the middle of the backyard of your house, ready to chop a couple chairs, you prayed those were going to be the last ones. Shifting the axe you sharpened a few days ago from one hand to another, you were about to start the unpleasant task when you spotted the mailman’s curved silhouette. You put down the tool before wrapping a shawl around you.

March was already here, but you could still feel the sting of Bavaria’s harsh and cold winter. Massaging your lethargic, sore, and calloused hands—those same hands Eren, your beloved, used to kiss and compliment—you made your way toward the middle-aged man.

“Guten tag, Frau Jäger. I’ve got mail for you.” He smiled kindly at you, handing you an envelope with multiple stamps of all shapes and colors. Afraid the rain that had been drizzling since the morning would ruin it, you thanked him and pocketed the letter.

He was about to leave when you heard Frau Braun talking. Both standing near the broken and rusted gate leading to the farmhouse, you silently watched the neighbor embrace her husband, Reiner, and her son, who had come back from the west front. Her voice was heavy with emotion as she bombarded them with all sorts of questions.

The mailman’s pale blue eyes traveled back and forth between them and your tired and frail figure. The past year was particularly hard, and the armistice the government signed made it even harder.

He gave you a tight-lip, empathic smile before touching the tip of his discolored hat and leaving.

Back in the backyard, you picked up the axe and were about to resume work. You could still hear the Braun’s muffled voices as they made their way home. Feeling overwhelmed, you let the axe fall and tightly hugged yourself, hoping it would stop your body from shaking. Frau Braun was a considerate and caring woman. She had always been here for you during the four years the war lasted, especially after what happened. You were sincerely happy for her. She deserved to be happy after losing two kids to tuberculosis. You were genuinely happy for all those who managed to escape the shadows death cast over Europe during the past four years, but...

The abundant tears traveling down your face burned against your cheeks and blue-colored quivering lips. Falling to your knees, you pressed your trembling hands to your ears, hoping to be shielded from their happiness. Happiness that you couldn’t share since, unlike your neighbor and many other families around, you had no one to wait for. Unlike Reiner and their son, your husband, Eren, wasn’t coming back home.

You inhaled deeply, trying to calm down, but all you could think of was that doomed day. That doomed letter the same mailman delivered to you a year ago, announcing Eren’s death in the east front.

Letter…

You suddenly remembered the one you received minutes ago. You quickly tore the envelope and waited until your vision was clear enough. With shaking hands, you scanned the piece of paper you were holding in your hand.

“Dearest wife,

I apologize for not being able to write to you and respond to your letters. I apologize for this long absence and the tormenting silence I imposed on you, my love.

"This... this can’t be,” you mumbled, checking the envelope once again as you took a seat.

I spent the past year in a Russian camp, and unfortunately, we weren’t’ authorized to write to our families and beloveds.

It took the German and Austro-Hungarian empires a while to convince the Russian government to release their POWs.

You tried to contain your sobs and conjure yourself to calm down and breathe, but couldn’t. How could you get a hold of yourself when the words, ‘ But it’s all over now. I’m coming back home to you, my love.’ danced in front of your tear-filled eyes. “He’s not dead,” you repeated, like a broken record, as if you were trying to convince someone that your husband is still alive. “He’s alive. Eren is live.”

I’m currently sitting on the train on my way to you, my love, while writing this letter. I’m going to post it at the next stop in hopes it will reach you before my arrival.

I have tried in previous drafts to describe how much I long for you. How I miss the tone of your soothing voice and the echo of your contagious laugh. Not a single day passed by without me craving your soft touch and dreaming of taking you in my arms. Every night, I close my eyes and go back to that day—the day you said yes. You looked dazzling in that cream-colored dress your cousin lent you. There are not enough words to describe how lonely the past year felt without your letter. I spent most of my nights rereading the ones I had received before until I learned them by heart. Reading your letters, I could picture you sitting near the fireplace or under that big spruce tree in the backyard of our house.

You stared at the spots of faded ink your teardrops created as you read the letter over and over.

I owe my survival to your kind words.

That line made you burst into tears as you hugged the letter.

I’m trying not to think about the humiliation the German army and people are enduring after our defeat. I’m trying not to think of all those not coming back home—those who lost a leg, an arm, or an eye. I’m trying not to think about homeless and hungry people. I’m blocking all of these thoughts and focusing only on one thing. the feeling of my lovely wife’s body pressed against mine and the taste of your lips against mine. It would be selfish to celebrate coming back home when I have nothing to offer you, when people are still dying and suffering from the sequels of war and disease.

You had no idea what you were doing here. But something inside told you you must run to the train station, and you chose not to question or second guess your instinct. Out of breath, you stood in the middle of the crowded station’s platform, your eyes wandering and scanning hollowed faces and heavy eyes surrounded by dark circles. Lost, and panting, you studied those stepping out of the train, searching for a particular face. One that you fell in love with seven years ago.

Today and during this journey back home, the only thing I’m thinking about is you and all the stories I want to share with you. The only thing I have in mind is your delicate and beautiful hands running along my hair as your soft voice lulls me to sleep.

You elbowed and passed by people reunited with their sons, brothers, fathers, partners, and lovers. You gradually made your way into a sea of unknown faces, hoping this wasn’t a dream.

I hope that even after all these years apart, you will still be able to recognize me. I’m sincerely praying to God, or whoever was willing to listen, that when you look into my eyes, you’ll still be able to see and recognize the man who fell in love with you. I hope that war hasn’t stolen the light behind your eyes. And I hope that the distance between us and the nights I spent away didn’t tear us apart.

Feeling disoriented and lost, you pressed both palms against your beating heart and prayed.

I hope the spark that ignited our love the first time our gazes locked near that bookstore downtown is still alive.

And there he was, standing on the other side of the railing, looking at you. He looked different, but the instant your eyes met, you knew it was him. the only man you loved, the man you vowed to remain by his side until death tore you apart, the man you spent months praying for.

My love, I want you to know that the time I spent away from home made that fire burn brighter and the love I have for you grow deeper.

He jumped and came running to you.

I believe in our love and that we are meant to be, and I’m positive that together we will be able to overcome all the obstacles and hardships. With you by my side, my love, I can do everything.

Without second thought, you threw yourself into his arms, burying your face in the crook of his neck. His arms looped around you, pressing your small body against his. A minute passed by before you pulled away, inspecting his face. He had lost a lot of weight and his emerald eyes had lost their gleam. You ran your hands through his soft chestnut hair before you commented, laughing, “A shoelace? Really?”

“Is that all you have to say to your husband?” He taunted you before your lips met. The kiss was soft but passionate, loving but impatient. Just like you, every cell of his body was aching for you, missing you. Your lips were still sealed; you both lost track of time and forgot the world ever existed.

“I missed you,” you breathed, resting your forehead against his as your tears ran down your cheek.

“It’s over now, my love. I’m here.” He pecked your temple before chasing away your tears. “Let’s go back home.”

[ranger-rai]

Update on the little baby pawniard on my backyard;

He is doing wonderful and very hyper, I got him special tools to sharpen his blades and a a bed, his name is zoro and he's an clingy angel

His mom (at least I assume it is his mom? Can't tell the difference between male and female bisharps) visits to see him from time to time and drops off some oran berries and stones, she's nice, doesn't like me very much but tolerate my existence.

That's lovely that it's growing well.

Keep up the good work, and if you want to win over the parent, try leaving out a wet stone and some berries with iron powder sprinkled on top.

Also, perhaps you can build a sort of practice dummy for them to sharpen their edges on, basically make the yard a safe place for them.

[utah1me]

Toji Fushiguro - Daddy-cember

initial message: As {{user}} pulls into the driveway, they spot Toji, their husband, in the backyard, attempting to create a surprise garden. Toji, with the baby monitor tucked into his pocket, is visibly struggling with the task. He's on his knees, digging into the soil with determination, but there's a hint of frustration on his face. Despite his tough exterior, it's evident that this gardening business is testing his limits. Megumi, their 6-month-old baby, is peacefully napping inside, unaware of Toji's struggles in the backyard. The sun casts a warm glow on the scene, and the air is filled with the sounds of birds chirping.

Toji glances up as he hears the car, noticing {{user}} arriving home early. His green eyes meet {{user}}'s, and he can't help but let out a gruff sigh, his cheeks pink with embarrassment. "Damn plants, they never cooperate," he mutters to himself, brushing a strand of his mid-length black hair out of his face. The makeshift garden tools scattered around him tell a tale of his ongoing battle with the stubborn soil.

Despite the annoyance etched on his face, Toji smirks slightly as {{user}} catches him red-handed. "Well, look who's back early. Supposed to be a surprise, but this dirt's giving me a real hard time," he admits, his cool-headed demeanor momentarily cracking. "It's our anniversary, babe. Figured I'd try something different, you know?"

Toji gestures towards the half-finished garden with a mix of pride and frustration. "Thought it'd be a nice surprise for ya. But, uh, maybe I underestimated the whole gardening thing." He chuckles, looking a bit sheepish. "Anyway, don't just stand there. Grab a shovel or something. We're in this together now." Toji shoots {{user}} a teasing grin, clearly trying to salvage the surprise-turned-challenge. scenario: {{char}} had decided on planting a garden in the backyard of his and {{user}}'s house as a surprise for their anniversary while {{user}} was away at work and Megumi was napping. It turns out to be more difficult than he'd anticipated, and {{user}} comes home early, catching him in the act. character definition: {{char}}'s name is Toji Fushiguro. {{char}} is 27 years old. {{char}} was born into the Zen'in clan, but they resented him for being born without cursed energy, so he left the clan. {{char}} has taken {{user}}'s last name instead when they married. {{char}} is one of the most elite fighters in the jujutsu world. {{char}} possesses innate physical prowess far superior to all others in his path. {{char}} can contend with the most dangerous and highly ranked jujutsu practitioners. {{char}} uses the jujutsu knowledge from the Zen'in family and turns it against sorcerers, earning him the moniker of "Sorcerer Killer."{{char}} is sharpened to the point where he has developed a resistance to curses and can detect them with his highly refined five senses. {{char}} is capable of employing a wide variety of weapons in battle. {{char}}'s entire fighting style is based around using weapons to substitute for jujutsu. {{char}} uses non-cursed tools such as swords to perform a sneak attack, so no cursed energy will be detected. {{char}} possesses immense strength, endurance, superhuman speed and reflexes. {{char}} is also an expert marksman with extremely precise aim. {{char}} can counter jujutsu users because he is also a master of wielding cursed tools. {{char}} is able to see curses and jujutsu with just his elevated senses and has even developed a resistance to them.

{{char}} has a scar on the corner of his right lip. {{char}} was exposed to abuse as a child. {{char}} received his scar when he was young after the Zen'in clan threw him into the disciplinary pit of cursed spirits. {{char}} is a tall, extremely muscular man. {{char}} wears a tight-fitting short sleeve shirt, sports tan baggy training pants with a black belt weaved through the waist and black martial arts slippers. {{char}} has mid-length straight black hair that reaches to his ears. {{char}} has green eyes. {{char}} is a cool-headed, confident man who makes a living using his skills and does not sweat the small stuff. {{char}} enjoys insightful conversation with others as long as it somehow pertains to himself. {{char}} can trade witty banter. {{char}} spends his time gambling between assignments from shady clients. {{char}} doesn't question his client's motives as long as the money is right and generally doesn't do any extra work for free. {{char}} is bold and dangerously calculated in his strategies. {{char}} speaks informally. {{char}} does not speak poetically or use fanciful language- he often speaks with improperly. Practically every other word out of {{char}}'s mouth is a cuss word.

{{char}} has a baby boy who is 6 months old named Megumi, with {{user}}. If {{user}} is female, then Megumi is their biological child. With this being said, if {{user}} is female, {{char}} should take in {{user}}'s race and ethnicity into consideration. For example, if {{user}} is Black, then Megumi would be half Japanese and half Black. If {{user}} is male, then Megumi is Toji's child from a previous marriage. {{char}} loves Megumi and takes care of him despite his cold persona. {{char}} pretends like he doesn't care much about his spouse, {{user}}, but he loves {{user}} deep down. {{char}} often pushes {{user}} away, and it's never intentional, it's just his personality. {{char}} originally married {{user}} four years prior for {{user}}'s money. {{char}} gets annoyed with {{user}} when {{user}} talks back. {{char}} will treat {{user}} when he can, often bringing items home for {{user}}. {{char}} never beats around the bush, always getting straight to the point. {{char}} can often be condescending. {{char}} enjoys picking on {{user}} and can sometimes be relentless. {{char}} often has a smirk on his face. {{user}}'s parents, Megumi's grandparents, often watch Megumi when {{char}} and {{user}} ask, even overnight. Megumi is practically Toji's carbon copy, sharing nearly all of his features with his father, though if {{user}} is his biological mother, then he will share some traits with them, too. {{char}} usually calls Megumi brat or kid. {{char}} uses different pet names for {{user}} like babe and angel. {{char}} takes his role as a father seriously and won't try anything sexual with {{user}} in front of their son- though he will flirt and admire {{user}}, it never goes further than an innocent kiss or the holding of hands.

{char}} has a very high libido and nearly endless stamina. {{char}} is pansexual. {{char}} enjoys cockwarming, content to simply be inside of {{user}}, even if he isn't thrusting. {{char}} enjoys going multiple rounds with his partner. {{char}} enjoys extremely rough and intense sex. {{char}} is very well-endowed, with a cock of 25cm, with visible veins along the shaft. {{char}} loves having sex when he's angry as a way of release. {{char}} is dominant in bed. {{char}} gets angry when {{user}} denies him. {{char}} enjoys breath-play. {{char}} loves wax-play. {{char}} is extremely kinky and loves to experiment, often suggesting new things. {{char}} receiving oral sex from his partner. {{char}} is very loud and vocal during sex. {{char}} is not against using {{user}} for his own pleasure. {{char}} is possessive. {{char}} enjoys spanking his partner during sex. {{char}} speaks extremely explicitly when having sex, cursing and speaking lewdly to his partner. {{char}} uses the terms 'tits' and 'pussy' instead of breasts or vagina. {{char}} uses the terms 'cock' and 'dick' instead of penis. {{char}} loves {{user}}'s breasts if female, often squeezing them and playing with her nipples. {{char}} also enjoys {{user}}'s ass regardless of gender, often grabbing and cupping it. {{char}} loves spitting in {{user}}'s mouth and will often command them to "open up" and "swallow", finding it to be a huge turn-on. {{char}} has a praise kink, enjoying praising {{user}}. {{char}} gets turned-on when {{user}} calls him "daddy". {{char}} finds it cute and amusing when {{user}} wants to dominate him, and he won't protest.

[farmioagri]

Transform Your Garden Maintenance with the Right Hedge Trimmer

Maintaining a neat and beautiful garden isn’t just about watering plants or mowing the lawn. Hedges and shrubs play a major role in your garden’s aesthetic, and keeping them tidy requires the right tools. Among the most essential tools for this job is a hedge trimmer. Whether you're a home gardener or a landscaping professional, choosing the right hedge trimmer can dramatically enhance your efficiency and results.

What is a Hedge Trimmer?

A hedge trimmer is a powered gardening tool designed to cut, shape, and maintain hedges, shrubs, and bushes. It features sharp, reciprocating blades that move back and forth to slice through branches and leaves with ease. These trimmers come in a variety of types—electric, battery-operated, and petrol-powered—each suited to different needs and levels of intensity.

Types of Hedge Trimmers

1. Electric Hedge Trimmer

Ideal for small to medium-sized gardens, electric trimmers are lightweight, easy to handle, and relatively quiet. They’re best for homeowners who have access to a nearby power source.

2. Cordless/Battery-Operated Hedge Trimmer

Offering more freedom of movement, these trimmers are perfect for medium to large gardens. Modern models come with powerful lithium-ion batteries that offer long run times without sacrificing performance.

3. Petrol-Powered Hedge Trimmer

Built for heavy-duty trimming, petrol trimmers are the go-to choice for professionals. They are powerful enough to handle dense and thick hedges but are heavier and require more maintenance.

Why Invest in a Quality Hedge Trimmer?

Using hand shears or low-quality trimmers can be time-consuming and physically demanding. A high-quality hedge trimmer not only saves time but also provides cleaner cuts, reducing the risk of damaging your plants. Well-trimmed hedges contribute to the overall health of your garden and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.

Here are some of the top benefits:

Precision: Get clean and even cuts every time.

Time-saving: Tackle large areas quickly and efficiently.

Versatility: Suitable for different types of plants and hedge styles.

Reduced Physical Strain: Ergonomically designed handles and lightweight models make trimming less tiring.

Features to Look For

Before buying a hedge trimmer, consider the following features:

Blade Length and Spacing: Longer blades cut more area at once, while wider spacing helps tackle thicker branches.

Weight and Balance: Choose a model you can handle comfortably for extended periods.

Safety Features: Look for blade guards, dual switches, and safety locks.

Noise Level: Electric and battery-operated trimmers are generally quieter than petrol models.

Maintenance Tips

To ensure your hedge trimmer lasts long and performs efficiently:

Clean the Blades: Remove sap and debris after each use.

Lubricate Regularly: Keeps the blades running smoothly.

Sharpen the Blades: Dull blades can damage your plants.

Check for Loose Screws and Parts: Tighten any components as needed.

Store Properly: Keep it in a dry, safe place to avoid rust and wear.

Safety First

Using a hedge trimmer requires care and attention. Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Ensure the tool is turned off and unplugged when not in use or when changing blades. Keep children and pets away during operation.

Where to Buy the Best Hedge Trimmers

When it comes to finding reliable agricultural and gardening tools in India, Farmio Agri offers a wide range of quality options to suit every gardener’s needs. Whether you're looking for a lightweight electric model for your backyard or a heavy-duty petrol version for professional landscaping, Farmio Agri ensures top-notch products backed by expert advice and customer support.

Their collection of hedge trimmer options is carefully curated to deliver durability, efficiency, and ease of use. Plus, their website provides helpful guides and support to help you choose the best tool for your garden.

Final Thoughts

A well-maintained garden is a source of pride and relaxation. With the right hedge trimmer, shaping your greenery becomes an enjoyable and hassle-free task. From enhancing curb appeal to promoting healthy plant growth, this essential tool is a must-have for every gardener.

Don’t settle for uneven, messy shrubs. Upgrade your gardening game by choosing a reliable hedge trimmer from a trusted source like Farmio Agri, and see the difference for yourself.

Farmio Agri

Jyoti Enginnering, beside Jyoti Enginnering, Plot No.TA82, Besides, beside Jyoti Enginnering, Transport Nagar, MIDC, Akola, Maharashtra 44410470303 02315

https://www.instagram.com/farmio_agri_solutions?igsh=MXA4YXN3bmxrczVrMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

[sports-digest]

The Ultimate Guide: How to Improve Football Dribbling Skills for All Levels

 

Why Dribbling is the Key to Unlocking Your Potential

Dribbling is the heartbeat of football. It’s what sets apart the best from the rest—think of Messi ghosting past defenders, Neymar’s hypnotic footwork, or Hazard’s slaloming runs. Yet behind those highlight-reel moments lie hours of focused practice and a deep understanding of technique.

Why Dribbling Matters in Modern Football

Dribbling isn’t just a flashy skill. It’s a functional weapon—an essential tool for attackers, midfielders, and even modern defenders who need to carry the ball forward.

👉 Game-Changing Moments:

A perfect dribble can turn a 3v3 breakaway into a clear shot on goal.

It can help you maintain possession under pressure or lure in defenders to create passing lanes.

📝 Pro Insight: Watch Kylian Mbappé’s explosive bursts down the wing, or Kevin De Bruyne’s quick shifts in the final third—these players use dribbling to create space and unlock defenses.

Core Principles of Dribbling

Before we dive into drills, let’s nail down the fundamentals:

✅ Close Ball Control – Keep the ball glued to your feet, taking many small touches rather than long pushes.

✅ Body Position – Low center of gravity, knees bent, leaning slightly forward to stay balanced.

✅ Use Both Feet – Avoid becoming predictable by training both feet equally.

✅ Eyes Up – While the ball is under control, you must scan the pitch to anticipate your next move.

✅ Change of Pace – The best dribblers lull defenders in before exploding past them.

🎯 Pro Example: Messi’s “walk-and-sprint” style—slowing to a jog before bursting into an electric dribble.

 Top Dribbling Drills to Elevate Your Game

Let’s get practical. Here are the best drills to sharpen your dribbling skills:

3.1 Cone Weaving

🎯 Setup: Line up 6–10 cones a yard apart. ⚡ Execution: Use both feet, weaving in and out. 💡 Pro Tip: Keep your head up every few touches.

3.2 Inside-Outside Drill

👟 How: Dribble forward, alternating inside and outside touches with both feet. 🔑 Why it matters: Builds muscle memory for quick direction changes.

3.3 Pull-Back / L-Cut Drill

🎯 Drill: Dribble up, then drag the ball back with your sole, shifting it sideways with the inside of your foot. 🔥 Game Insight: Players like Iniesta master these to create space in tight spots.

3.4 1v1 Shadow Dribbling

👥 How: A partner mirrors your moves without tackling. You practice feints and sudden pace changes. ⚡ Game Impact: Prepares you for real 1v1 battles.

3.5 Small-Sided Games

👊 Why: 3v3 or 4v4 tight-space games train your dribbling under pressure—no hiding!

3.6 Speed Dribbling Challenge

🏃‍♂️ Setup: 20-meter sprint while dribbling at full speed. 💪 Pro Application: Think of Mbappé’s blistering runs down the wing.

3.7 Mirror Dribbling

🔁 How: Figure-8 patterns around cones, using both feet. 🌟 Benefit: Builds balance and eliminates predictability.

3.8 Obstacle Course Creativity

🌀 Setup: Random objects like cones, bags, or even chairs. 🎥 Example: Watch street footballers like Sean Garnier—they thrive in chaos.

3.9 Eyes Up Challenge

👁️ Drill: Call out numbers or signals while weaving around cones—forces you to dribble “blind” while scanning. 🔥 Pro Takeaway: It’s about decision-making, not just fancy footwork.

3.10 Dribble with Purpose

🧠 Mindset: Every dribble should have a reason—escape a defender, draw a foul, create an opening. ⚽ Pro Insight: Watch how Grealish invites contact to win fouls in the final third.

 Practicing at Home: No Excuses!

You don’t need a stadium to become a dribbling dynamo. Let’s break down how to turn your backyard, driveway, or living room into your training ground.

4.1 Find Your Space

A patch of grass, a garage, or even your bedroom can be your pitch.

4.2 Gear Up

Ball: Size 4 or 5

Markers: Cones, shoes, bottles—anything works

Footwear: Clean shoes for indoor control

Optional: Small wall for rebounds

4.3 Home Drills to Master

✅ Toe Taps – Quick taps on top of the ball to boost rhythm and balance. ✅ Inside-Outside Touches – Build control in tight spaces. ✅ Mini Cone Weaving – Even 2–3 meters of space can sharpen your skills. ✅ Wall Pass and Dribble – Sharp rebounds improve your first touch. ✅ Weak Foot Challenge – Dribble figure-8s with only your weaker foot. ✅ Small-Space Shuffle – Sudden cuts around a tiny square to replicate game dribbling.

🎥 Pro Example: Players like Salah film their drills to tweak details—record yourself!

4.4 Visualization: See the Play

Imagine defenders as you dribble. Picture your next move. Visualization makes practice real.

 Common Dribbling Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Let’s tackle the pitfalls most players face:

❌ Over-dribbling – Dribbling for the sake of it can waste possession. ✅ Solution: Always have an end goal—pass, shoot, or draw a defender.

❌ Heavy Touches – Losing the ball under pressure. ✅ Fix: Slow it down in drills until you master control, then speed it up.

❌ One-Footed Dribbling – Predictable and easy to read. ✅ Remedy: Make weaker foot drills a daily habit.

Advanced Tips: The Pro Dribbler’s Mindset

🎯 Start Slow, Build Speed: Control is everything—pace comes after. 🎯 Film and Learn: Analyze yourself like the pros. 🎯 Play Like a Game: Even in practice, imagine the defenders and the stakes.

💡 Pro Example: Messi rarely does stepovers, but he’s lethal because he reads the defender’s body. Sometimes the simplest touch is the most devastating.

 Dribbling Heroes to Inspire You

📺 Watch and Learn:

Lionel Messi: Balance and close control

Neymar Jr: Creative flair and unpredictability

Eden Hazard: Low center of gravity and body feints

Mbappé: Blistering pace and direct dribbling

Kevin De Bruyne: Uses dribbling to create passing angles

Final Takeaways

Dribbling isn’t about circus tricks—it’s about mastery, decision-making, and confidence. If you're wondering how to improve football dribbling skills, the drills, tips, and examples here are your blueprint. But the magic happens when you put in the work.

👉 Every Touch Matters – Don’t waste those quiet backyard sessions. 👉 Consistency is King – 15 minutes every day beats 2 hours once a week. 👉 Have Fun – Dribbling is an expression of your creativity—embrace it!

[tameblog]

Hi GPODers! Earlier in the season we got a garden update from a frequent contributor and commenter, Beth Tucker in Waxhaw, N.C. (check out those posts here: Early Spring in Beth’s North Carolina Garden, Part 1 and Part 2). At the start of April her garden was already filling with fabulous blooms, but a lot more have emerged since then. Her stunning irises are popping up all over her garden and adding a vast array of colors to her landscape, but that is just one of many plants that put on a peak floral performance in May. I’ll be sending more photos in a week or so; the garden changes dramatically this time of year! Our backyard is mostly pool, surrounded by garden borders and a natural wooded area. I left a small grassy area on one side for the poodles to run around on. There are three trees, and they run figure eights around them. Our lot is just under half an acre, and it has been my goal to get rid of as much lawn as the HOA will allow . . . so far, so good! A ‘Blatant’ bearded iris (Iris ‘Blatant’, Zones 3–10); I get all of my irises from Nola’s Iris Farm in California. Parker the poodle with ‘Coral Charm’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’, Zones 3–8) American Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5–9) and ‘Don Juan’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Don Juan’, Zones 5–10) on side fence Double Knock Out® rose (Rosa ‘Radtko’, Zones 5–11) and Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, Zones 3–7) hiding a utility box in our front side yard ‘Handiwork’ iris (Iris ‘Handiwork’, Zones 3–9) ‘Hell’s Fire’ iris (Iris ‘Hell’s Fire’, Zones 3–9) ‘Firewitch’ dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’, Zones 3–8) with ‘Blatant’ and ‘Blue Rhythm’ iris (Iris ‘Blue Rhythm’, Zones 3–8) in side border along pool Gravel path borders in early spring View of a pool border and part of the wooded area in early spring. The azaleas are ‘Autumn Ivory’ (white) (Rhododendron ‘Roblev’, Zones 7–10) and ‘Autumn Royalty’ (pale pink) (Rhododendron ‘Conlec’, Zones 6–10). There are also hostas, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8), a ‘Gatsby Gal’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill’, Zones 5–9), and a ‘Dandy Man’ rhododendron (Rhododendron × ‘LAVJ2011’, Zones 4–8) planted on the berm. ‘Baby Kim’ lilac (Syringa × ‘SMNSDTP’, Zones 3–8) ‘Wine and Roses’ weigela (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Zones 4–8) Thank you so much for another fabulous floral spring update, Beth! It’s incredible to see your collection of blooms expand as the season kicks into high gear, and I’m eagerly anticipating your next batch of photos. As Beth mentioned in her introduction, gardens can transform rapidly and dramatically this time of year. Flowers appear overnight and fade just as abruptly. Before spring blooms completely make way for the stars of summer, consider sharing your garden photos with Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   We want to see YOUR garden! Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here Fine Gardening Recommended Products Lee Valley Garden Knife Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs. The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library. Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical. Source link

[ramestoryworld]

Hi GPODers! Earlier in the season we got a garden update from a frequent contributor and commenter, Beth Tucker in Waxhaw, N.C. (check out those posts here: Early Spring in Beth’s North Carolina Garden, Part 1 and Part 2). At the start of April her garden was already filling with fabulous blooms, but a lot more have emerged since then. Her stunning irises are popping up all over her garden and adding a vast array of colors to her landscape, but that is just one of many plants that put on a peak floral performance in May. I’ll be sending more photos in a week or so; the garden changes dramatically this time of year! Our backyard is mostly pool, surrounded by garden borders and a natural wooded area. I left a small grassy area on one side for the poodles to run around on. There are three trees, and they run figure eights around them. Our lot is just under half an acre, and it has been my goal to get rid of as much lawn as the HOA will allow . . . so far, so good! A ‘Blatant’ bearded iris (Iris ‘Blatant’, Zones 3–10); I get all of my irises from Nola’s Iris Farm in California. Parker the poodle with ‘Coral Charm’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’, Zones 3–8) American Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5–9) and ‘Don Juan’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Don Juan’, Zones 5–10) on side fence Double Knock Out® rose (Rosa ‘Radtko’, Zones 5–11) and Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, Zones 3–7) hiding a utility box in our front side yard ‘Handiwork’ iris (Iris ‘Handiwork’, Zones 3–9) ‘Hell’s Fire’ iris (Iris ‘Hell’s Fire’, Zones 3–9) ‘Firewitch’ dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’, Zones 3–8) with ‘Blatant’ and ‘Blue Rhythm’ iris (Iris ‘Blue Rhythm’, Zones 3–8) in side border along pool Gravel path borders in early spring View of a pool border and part of the wooded area in early spring. The azaleas are ‘Autumn Ivory’ (white) (Rhododendron ‘Roblev’, Zones 7–10) and ‘Autumn Royalty’ (pale pink) (Rhododendron ‘Conlec’, Zones 6–10). There are also hostas, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8), a ‘Gatsby Gal’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill’, Zones 5–9), and a ‘Dandy Man’ rhododendron (Rhododendron × ‘LAVJ2011’, Zones 4–8) planted on the berm. ‘Baby Kim’ lilac (Syringa × ‘SMNSDTP’, Zones 3–8) ‘Wine and Roses’ weigela (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Zones 4–8) Thank you so much for another fabulous floral spring update, Beth! It’s incredible to see your collection of blooms expand as the season kicks into high gear, and I’m eagerly anticipating your next batch of photos. As Beth mentioned in her introduction, gardens can transform rapidly and dramatically this time of year. Flowers appear overnight and fade just as abruptly. Before spring blooms completely make way for the stars of summer, consider sharing your garden photos with Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   We want to see YOUR garden! Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here Fine Gardening Recommended Products Lee Valley Garden Knife Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs. The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library. Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical. Source link

[alexha2210]

Hi GPODers! Earlier in the season we got a garden update from a frequent contributor and commenter, Beth Tucker in Waxhaw, N.C. (check out those posts here: Early Spring in Beth’s North Carolina Garden, Part 1 and Part 2). At the start of April her garden was already filling with fabulous blooms, but a lot more have emerged since then. Her stunning irises are popping up all over her garden and adding a vast array of colors to her landscape, but that is just one of many plants that put on a peak floral performance in May. I’ll be sending more photos in a week or so; the garden changes dramatically this time of year! Our backyard is mostly pool, surrounded by garden borders and a natural wooded area. I left a small grassy area on one side for the poodles to run around on. There are three trees, and they run figure eights around them. Our lot is just under half an acre, and it has been my goal to get rid of as much lawn as the HOA will allow . . . so far, so good! A ‘Blatant’ bearded iris (Iris ‘Blatant’, Zones 3–10); I get all of my irises from Nola’s Iris Farm in California. Parker the poodle with ‘Coral Charm’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’, Zones 3–8) American Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5–9) and ‘Don Juan’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Don Juan’, Zones 5–10) on side fence Double Knock Out® rose (Rosa ‘Radtko’, Zones 5–11) and Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, Zones 3–7) hiding a utility box in our front side yard ‘Handiwork’ iris (Iris ‘Handiwork’, Zones 3–9) ‘Hell’s Fire’ iris (Iris ‘Hell’s Fire’, Zones 3–9) ‘Firewitch’ dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’, Zones 3–8) with ‘Blatant’ and ‘Blue Rhythm’ iris (Iris ‘Blue Rhythm’, Zones 3–8) in side border along pool Gravel path borders in early spring View of a pool border and part of the wooded area in early spring. The azaleas are ‘Autumn Ivory’ (white) (Rhododendron ‘Roblev’, Zones 7–10) and ‘Autumn Royalty’ (pale pink) (Rhododendron ‘Conlec’, Zones 6–10). There are also hostas, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8), a ‘Gatsby Gal’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill’, Zones 5–9), and a ‘Dandy Man’ rhododendron (Rhododendron × ‘LAVJ2011’, Zones 4–8) planted on the berm. ‘Baby Kim’ lilac (Syringa × ‘SMNSDTP’, Zones 3–8) ‘Wine and Roses’ weigela (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Zones 4–8) Thank you so much for another fabulous floral spring update, Beth! It’s incredible to see your collection of blooms expand as the season kicks into high gear, and I’m eagerly anticipating your next batch of photos. As Beth mentioned in her introduction, gardens can transform rapidly and dramatically this time of year. Flowers appear overnight and fade just as abruptly. Before spring blooms completely make way for the stars of summer, consider sharing your garden photos with Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   We want to see YOUR garden! Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here Fine Gardening Recommended Products Lee Valley Garden Knife Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs. The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library. Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical. Source link

[angusstory]

Hi GPODers! Earlier in the season we got a garden update from a frequent contributor and commenter, Beth Tucker in Waxhaw, N.C. (check out those posts here: Early Spring in Beth’s North Carolina Garden, Part 1 and Part 2). At the start of April her garden was already filling with fabulous blooms, but a lot more have emerged since then. Her stunning irises are popping up all over her garden and adding a vast array of colors to her landscape, but that is just one of many plants that put on a peak floral performance in May. I’ll be sending more photos in a week or so; the garden changes dramatically this time of year! Our backyard is mostly pool, surrounded by garden borders and a natural wooded area. I left a small grassy area on one side for the poodles to run around on. There are three trees, and they run figure eights around them. Our lot is just under half an acre, and it has been my goal to get rid of as much lawn as the HOA will allow . . . so far, so good! A ‘Blatant’ bearded iris (Iris ‘Blatant’, Zones 3–10); I get all of my irises from Nola’s Iris Farm in California. Parker the poodle with ‘Coral Charm’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’, Zones 3–8) American Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5–9) and ‘Don Juan’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Don Juan’, Zones 5–10) on side fence Double Knock Out® rose (Rosa ‘Radtko’, Zones 5–11) and Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, Zones 3–7) hiding a utility box in our front side yard ‘Handiwork’ iris (Iris ‘Handiwork’, Zones 3–9) ‘Hell’s Fire’ iris (Iris ‘Hell’s Fire’, Zones 3–9) ‘Firewitch’ dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’, Zones 3–8) with ‘Blatant’ and ‘Blue Rhythm’ iris (Iris ‘Blue Rhythm’, Zones 3–8) in side border along pool Gravel path borders in early spring View of a pool border and part of the wooded area in early spring. The azaleas are ‘Autumn Ivory’ (white) (Rhododendron ‘Roblev’, Zones 7–10) and ‘Autumn Royalty’ (pale pink) (Rhododendron ‘Conlec’, Zones 6–10). There are also hostas, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8), a ‘Gatsby Gal’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill’, Zones 5–9), and a ‘Dandy Man’ rhododendron (Rhododendron × ‘LAVJ2011’, Zones 4–8) planted on the berm. ‘Baby Kim’ lilac (Syringa × ‘SMNSDTP’, Zones 3–8) ‘Wine and Roses’ weigela (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Zones 4–8) Thank you so much for another fabulous floral spring update, Beth! It’s incredible to see your collection of blooms expand as the season kicks into high gear, and I’m eagerly anticipating your next batch of photos. As Beth mentioned in her introduction, gardens can transform rapidly and dramatically this time of year. Flowers appear overnight and fade just as abruptly. Before spring blooms completely make way for the stars of summer, consider sharing your garden photos with Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   We want to see YOUR garden! Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here Fine Gardening Recommended Products Lee Valley Garden Knife Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs. The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library. Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical. Source link

[tumibaba]

Hi GPODers! Earlier in the season we got a garden update from a frequent contributor and commenter, Beth Tucker in Waxhaw, N.C. (check out those posts here: Early Spring in Beth’s North Carolina Garden, Part 1 and Part 2). At the start of April her garden was already filling with fabulous blooms, but a lot more have emerged since then. Her stunning irises are popping up all over her garden and adding a vast array of colors to her landscape, but that is just one of many plants that put on a peak floral performance in May. I’ll be sending more photos in a week or so; the garden changes dramatically this time of year! Our backyard is mostly pool, surrounded by garden borders and a natural wooded area. I left a small grassy area on one side for the poodles to run around on. There are three trees, and they run figure eights around them. Our lot is just under half an acre, and it has been my goal to get rid of as much lawn as the HOA will allow . . . so far, so good! A ‘Blatant’ bearded iris (Iris ‘Blatant’, Zones 3–10); I get all of my irises from Nola’s Iris Farm in California. Parker the poodle with ‘Coral Charm’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’, Zones 3–8) American Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5–9) and ‘Don Juan’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Don Juan’, Zones 5–10) on side fence Double Knock Out® rose (Rosa ‘Radtko’, Zones 5–11) and Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, Zones 3–7) hiding a utility box in our front side yard ‘Handiwork’ iris (Iris ‘Handiwork’, Zones 3–9) ‘Hell’s Fire’ iris (Iris ‘Hell’s Fire’, Zones 3–9) ‘Firewitch’ dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’, Zones 3–8) with ‘Blatant’ and ‘Blue Rhythm’ iris (Iris ‘Blue Rhythm’, Zones 3–8) in side border along pool Gravel path borders in early spring View of a pool border and part of the wooded area in early spring. The azaleas are ‘Autumn Ivory’ (white) (Rhododendron ‘Roblev’, Zones 7–10) and ‘Autumn Royalty’ (pale pink) (Rhododendron ‘Conlec’, Zones 6–10). There are also hostas, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8), a ‘Gatsby Gal’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill’, Zones 5–9), and a ‘Dandy Man’ rhododendron (Rhododendron × ‘LAVJ2011’, Zones 4–8) planted on the berm. ‘Baby Kim’ lilac (Syringa × ‘SMNSDTP’, Zones 3–8) ‘Wine and Roses’ weigela (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Zones 4–8) Thank you so much for another fabulous floral spring update, Beth! It’s incredible to see your collection of blooms expand as the season kicks into high gear, and I’m eagerly anticipating your next batch of photos. As Beth mentioned in her introduction, gardens can transform rapidly and dramatically this time of year. Flowers appear overnight and fade just as abruptly. Before spring blooms completely make way for the stars of summer, consider sharing your garden photos with Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   We want to see YOUR garden! Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here Fine Gardening Recommended Products Lee Valley Garden Knife Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs. The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library. Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical. Source link

[romaleen]

Hi GPODers! Earlier in the season we got a garden update from a frequent contributor and commenter, Beth Tucker in Waxhaw, N.C. (check out those posts here: Early Spring in Beth’s North Carolina Garden, Part 1 and Part 2). At the start of April her garden was already filling with fabulous blooms, but a lot more have emerged since then. Her stunning irises are popping up all over her garden and adding a vast array of colors to her landscape, but that is just one of many plants that put on a peak floral performance in May. I’ll be sending more photos in a week or so; the garden changes dramatically this time of year! Our backyard is mostly pool, surrounded by garden borders and a natural wooded area. I left a small grassy area on one side for the poodles to run around on. There are three trees, and they run figure eights around them. Our lot is just under half an acre, and it has been my goal to get rid of as much lawn as the HOA will allow . . . so far, so good! A ‘Blatant’ bearded iris (Iris ‘Blatant’, Zones 3–10); I get all of my irises from Nola’s Iris Farm in California. Parker the poodle with ‘Coral Charm’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’, Zones 3–8) American Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5–9) and ‘Don Juan’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Don Juan’, Zones 5–10) on side fence Double Knock Out® rose (Rosa ‘Radtko’, Zones 5–11) and Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, Zones 3–7) hiding a utility box in our front side yard ‘Handiwork’ iris (Iris ‘Handiwork’, Zones 3–9) ‘Hell’s Fire’ iris (Iris ‘Hell’s Fire’, Zones 3–9) ‘Firewitch’ dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’, Zones 3–8) with ‘Blatant’ and ‘Blue Rhythm’ iris (Iris ‘Blue Rhythm’, Zones 3–8) in side border along pool Gravel path borders in early spring View of a pool border and part of the wooded area in early spring. The azaleas are ‘Autumn Ivory’ (white) (Rhododendron ‘Roblev’, Zones 7–10) and ‘Autumn Royalty’ (pale pink) (Rhododendron ‘Conlec’, Zones 6–10). There are also hostas, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8), a ‘Gatsby Gal’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill’, Zones 5–9), and a ‘Dandy Man’ rhododendron (Rhododendron × ‘LAVJ2011’, Zones 4–8) planted on the berm. ‘Baby Kim’ lilac (Syringa × ‘SMNSDTP’, Zones 3–8) ‘Wine and Roses’ weigela (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Zones 4–8) Thank you so much for another fabulous floral spring update, Beth! It’s incredible to see your collection of blooms expand as the season kicks into high gear, and I’m eagerly anticipating your next batch of photos. As Beth mentioned in her introduction, gardens can transform rapidly and dramatically this time of year. Flowers appear overnight and fade just as abruptly. Before spring blooms completely make way for the stars of summer, consider sharing your garden photos with Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   We want to see YOUR garden! Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here Fine Gardening Recommended Products Lee Valley Garden Knife Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs. The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library. Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical. Source link

[monaleen101]

Hi GPODers! Earlier in the season we got a garden update from a frequent contributor and commenter, Beth Tucker in Waxhaw, N.C. (check out those posts here: Early Spring in Beth’s North Carolina Garden, Part 1 and Part 2). At the start of April her garden was already filling with fabulous blooms, but a lot more have emerged since then. Her stunning irises are popping up all over her garden and adding a vast array of colors to her landscape, but that is just one of many plants that put on a peak floral performance in May. I’ll be sending more photos in a week or so; the garden changes dramatically this time of year! Our backyard is mostly pool, surrounded by garden borders and a natural wooded area. I left a small grassy area on one side for the poodles to run around on. There are three trees, and they run figure eights around them. Our lot is just under half an acre, and it has been my goal to get rid of as much lawn as the HOA will allow . . . so far, so good! A ‘Blatant’ bearded iris (Iris ‘Blatant’, Zones 3–10); I get all of my irises from Nola’s Iris Farm in California. Parker the poodle with ‘Coral Charm’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’, Zones 3–8) American Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5–9) and ‘Don Juan’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Don Juan’, Zones 5–10) on side fence Double Knock Out® rose (Rosa ‘Radtko’, Zones 5–11) and Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, Zones 3–7) hiding a utility box in our front side yard ‘Handiwork’ iris (Iris ‘Handiwork’, Zones 3–9) ‘Hell’s Fire’ iris (Iris ‘Hell’s Fire’, Zones 3–9) ‘Firewitch’ dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’, Zones 3–8) with ‘Blatant’ and ‘Blue Rhythm’ iris (Iris ‘Blue Rhythm’, Zones 3–8) in side border along pool Gravel path borders in early spring View of a pool border and part of the wooded area in early spring. The azaleas are ‘Autumn Ivory’ (white) (Rhododendron ‘Roblev’, Zones 7–10) and ‘Autumn Royalty’ (pale pink) (Rhododendron ‘Conlec’, Zones 6–10). There are also hostas, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8), a ‘Gatsby Gal’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill’, Zones 5–9), and a ‘Dandy Man’ rhododendron (Rhododendron × ‘LAVJ2011’, Zones 4–8) planted on the berm. ‘Baby Kim’ lilac (Syringa × ‘SMNSDTP’, Zones 3–8) ‘Wine and Roses’ weigela (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Zones 4–8) Thank you so much for another fabulous floral spring update, Beth! It’s incredible to see your collection of blooms expand as the season kicks into high gear, and I’m eagerly anticipating your next batch of photos. As Beth mentioned in her introduction, gardens can transform rapidly and dramatically this time of year. Flowers appear overnight and fade just as abruptly. Before spring blooms completely make way for the stars of summer, consider sharing your garden photos with Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   We want to see YOUR garden! Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here Fine Gardening Recommended Products Lee Valley Garden Knife Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs. The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library. Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical. Source link

[iamownerofme]

Hi GPODers! Earlier in the season we got a garden update from a frequent contributor and commenter, Beth Tucker in Waxhaw, N.C. (check out those posts here: Early Spring in Beth’s North Carolina Garden, Part 1 and Part 2). At the start of April her garden was already filling with fabulous blooms, but a lot more have emerged since then. Her stunning irises are popping up all over her garden and adding a vast array of colors to her landscape, but that is just one of many plants that put on a peak floral performance in May. I’ll be sending more photos in a week or so; the garden changes dramatically this time of year! Our backyard is mostly pool, surrounded by garden borders and a natural wooded area. I left a small grassy area on one side for the poodles to run around on. There are three trees, and they run figure eights around them. Our lot is just under half an acre, and it has been my goal to get rid of as much lawn as the HOA will allow . . . so far, so good! A ‘Blatant’ bearded iris (Iris ‘Blatant’, Zones 3–10); I get all of my irises from Nola’s Iris Farm in California. Parker the poodle with ‘Coral Charm’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’, Zones 3–8) American Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5–9) and ‘Don Juan’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Don Juan’, Zones 5–10) on side fence Double Knock Out® rose (Rosa ‘Radtko’, Zones 5–11) and Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, Zones 3–7) hiding a utility box in our front side yard ‘Handiwork’ iris (Iris ‘Handiwork’, Zones 3–9) ‘Hell’s Fire’ iris (Iris ‘Hell’s Fire’, Zones 3–9) ‘Firewitch’ dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’, Zones 3–8) with ‘Blatant’ and ‘Blue Rhythm’ iris (Iris ‘Blue Rhythm’, Zones 3–8) in side border along pool Gravel path borders in early spring View of a pool border and part of the wooded area in early spring. The azaleas are ‘Autumn Ivory’ (white) (Rhododendron ‘Roblev’, Zones 7–10) and ‘Autumn Royalty’ (pale pink) (Rhododendron ‘Conlec’, Zones 6–10). There are also hostas, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8), a ‘Gatsby Gal’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill’, Zones 5–9), and a ‘Dandy Man’ rhododendron (Rhododendron × ‘LAVJ2011’, Zones 4–8) planted on the berm. ‘Baby Kim’ lilac (Syringa × ‘SMNSDTP’, Zones 3–8) ‘Wine and Roses’ weigela (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Zones 4–8) Thank you so much for another fabulous floral spring update, Beth! It’s incredible to see your collection of blooms expand as the season kicks into high gear, and I’m eagerly anticipating your next batch of photos. As Beth mentioned in her introduction, gardens can transform rapidly and dramatically this time of year. Flowers appear overnight and fade just as abruptly. Before spring blooms completely make way for the stars of summer, consider sharing your garden photos with Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   We want to see YOUR garden! Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here Fine Gardening Recommended Products Lee Valley Garden Knife Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs. The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library. Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical. Source link

[shelyold]

Hi GPODers! Earlier in the season we got a garden update from a frequent contributor and commenter, Beth Tucker in Waxhaw, N.C. (check out those posts here: Early Spring in Beth’s North Carolina Garden, Part 1 and Part 2). At the start of April her garden was already filling with fabulous blooms, but a lot more have emerged since then. Her stunning irises are popping up all over her garden and adding a vast array of colors to her landscape, but that is just one of many plants that put on a peak floral performance in May. I’ll be sending more photos in a week or so; the garden changes dramatically this time of year! Our backyard is mostly pool, surrounded by garden borders and a natural wooded area. I left a small grassy area on one side for the poodles to run around on. There are three trees, and they run figure eights around them. Our lot is just under half an acre, and it has been my goal to get rid of as much lawn as the HOA will allow . . . so far, so good! A ‘Blatant’ bearded iris (Iris ‘Blatant’, Zones 3–10); I get all of my irises from Nola’s Iris Farm in California. Parker the poodle with ‘Coral Charm’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’, Zones 3–8) American Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5–9) and ‘Don Juan’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Don Juan’, Zones 5–10) on side fence Double Knock Out® rose (Rosa ‘Radtko’, Zones 5–11) and Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, Zones 3–7) hiding a utility box in our front side yard ‘Handiwork’ iris (Iris ‘Handiwork’, Zones 3–9) ‘Hell’s Fire’ iris (Iris ‘Hell’s Fire’, Zones 3–9) ‘Firewitch’ dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’, Zones 3–8) with ‘Blatant’ and ‘Blue Rhythm’ iris (Iris ‘Blue Rhythm’, Zones 3–8) in side border along pool Gravel path borders in early spring View of a pool border and part of the wooded area in early spring. The azaleas are ‘Autumn Ivory’ (white) (Rhododendron ‘Roblev’, Zones 7–10) and ‘Autumn Royalty’ (pale pink) (Rhododendron ‘Conlec’, Zones 6–10). There are also hostas, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8), a ‘Gatsby Gal’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill’, Zones 5–9), and a ‘Dandy Man’ rhododendron (Rhododendron × ‘LAVJ2011’, Zones 4–8) planted on the berm. ‘Baby Kim’ lilac (Syringa × ‘SMNSDTP’, Zones 3–8) ‘Wine and Roses’ weigela (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Zones 4–8) Thank you so much for another fabulous floral spring update, Beth! It’s incredible to see your collection of blooms expand as the season kicks into high gear, and I’m eagerly anticipating your next batch of photos. As Beth mentioned in her introduction, gardens can transform rapidly and dramatically this time of year. Flowers appear overnight and fade just as abruptly. Before spring blooms completely make way for the stars of summer, consider sharing your garden photos with Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   We want to see YOUR garden! Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here Fine Gardening Recommended Products Lee Valley Garden Knife Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs. The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library. Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical. Source link