Finally! Photos are looking better

I have had quite a hard time lately getting my photos just right. It seems they were blurry, or badly lit and it didn't matter how I tried, I couldn't make them look any better. I Finally got frustrated the other day and took them outside. The right light makes all the difference in the world.
These pictures are a few of the things I have been talking about and working on. Hope you like them.








I will be listing all of these in my Etsy Shop over the next few days.
Have a great Weekend.

Thursday's Thoughts

“The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the whole wide world's joy.”

Henry Ward Beecher

Be a Hero! Rescue an animal from a shelter.

I have been window shopping again! Actually I spent a great day with my Mom and we did some real shopping after a great lunch at our favorite mexican restaurant, but now it is virtual window shopping. I am looking at all kinds of things today and pets are on my mind .I have been incredibly busy this week and I have missed my 4 legged friends. Would you like to shop too?
I think this is so cute! I assure you my little dachshund would not see the humor in it, but who could resist a cute little wiener dog in a blue cap?
I also believe that any self respecting cat ( especially mine) forced to wear this adorable cap would plot a cruel revenge to be taken during the wee hours of the morning whilst I was unaware.
This is an issue that is near and dear to my heart. All of my animals are rescues and I believe I would adopt them all ( I tried once when my hubby worked for the animal shelter) if I could. I haven't met many dogs, cats, or birds that I haven't liked. Much to my family's dismay, I have even loved the ugly ones.


If you aren't in a position to adopt a four legged furry or even a fine feathered friend, you can still help. Here is a site that does all it can to help shelter animals. Check it out when you get a chance. If you will go there and click on their button, they will donate food to shelters for animals waiting for homes. You can't buy love, but at the animal shelters, it is always up for adoption.
Have a great night.

"We can judge the heart of a man, by his treatment of an animal."
Immanuel Kant

I should be in the Garden but...

There are so many things to do this time of year in the Garden, but I have yet to begin. I can find all kinds of excuses, (i.e it's too hot to breathe outside, the bugs are so bad and I hate being bitten, I will do the cuttings tomorrow etc.)
July is the best time of year to make cuttings and propagate new plants. By this time, the new spring growth has toughened up a little and there is still plenty of warmth to help the cuttings get off to a good start.
One of the best ideas I have come across for doing a lot of cuttings in a small space is called a Forsythe Pot. I don't have a clue who came up with this method, but it is incredible. Some claim it is almost foolproof.
The way to construct it is simple. I use a large 10-14 inch pot and fill it to within about an inch of the top with a very light propagating mixture. Some use plain vermiculite, others regular potting soil, but you really need something that is well aerated and lightweight. Next, use a small ( 4-6") terra cotta clay pot that hasn't been glazed in any way. Place a cork in the drainage hole of the small pot and settle it in the center of the larger pot. Keep the small pot full of water and stick the cuttings between the two pots. The water will seep through the sides of the small pot and maintain the moisture level of your rooting medium. Make sure to leave enough space between your cuttings to allow good airflow and then set the whole system in a shady spot where you can keep an eye on it and make sure the inner pot is full of water. Depending on the plant type you are propagating, you should have rooted plants within 6-8 weeks. I have been successful rooting Camellia, Azalea, Althea, Bottlebrush and a host of other plants this way as well.
Here is a tutorial I found that you may also find helpful.
I'm off to cut some chocolate vines and banana shrub and maybe some brugmansia too. If i get too hot, I'll come back inside and make some earrings I have been thinking about.
Happy Rooting.