Begonia, Stones & Feda

Hi Everybody~~
I'm grateful, humbled by your kind words. You all went above and beyond with your encouragement. My heartfelt thanks to each and everyone of you for indulging my publishing pipe dream. You're seriously awesome!

In keeping with tradition, I present my pink preamble: This begonia was a July freebie--a right time, right place, acquisition. With my nervy goal to snub the Zones, it came indoors during December's Plant Cruelty stint [a nasty stunt]. Lacking the foresight and common sense so critical to successful gardening endeavors, with what turned out to be a temporary rising of the mercury, Begonia was relegated to the outdoor covered deck area where it could huddle safely with its more impervious compatriots. Wrong. Let's just say Begonia is black mush right about now.

The above and below photos are opposite sides of a nearby street. The wall above was built a few years ago using that now ubiquitous cottage stone or whatever it's called. The below photo is a more naturalistic wall, still under construction. Do you have a preference?

I think the cottage stone has its place and successfully tidies the area as intendid. However, the bold defiance, the fearless intrepidity of this developer is admirable. Yesterday shrubs and ground covers were planted. By mid-summer they'll be spilling over and softening the craggy edges.

But don't let my assessment influence your opinion. Do you prefer one method over the other?

Finally, Freda B. Me has been a part of my [tacky] garden art repertoire for going on three years. With the seasonal disrobing of Rosa 'William Baffin' winter is her time to shine. Don't tell anybody but my kids think she's creepy. Do you think she's creepy?

Thank you Jodi--I forgot to Title This Post. There, Titled. :)

Thanks to all of you honest folks willing to confess both your aversion to and necessity for the dreaded tarps. A few days ago I took the long way home, in hot pursuit of those infamous blighted cloaks. Typically I don't give attention to such things so it was quite a surprise to see, 8 within a span of ten minutes. And a Toyota Tundra I had "mistaken" for a tarp given its neon blue shell.

However, all kidding aside, a twinge of guilt has plagued me since viewing footage of Haiti and realizing that many Haitians would be thrilled to own a tarp. It's all a matter of perspective, isn't it?

A few weeks ago, Hubby and I drove to Home Depot. Naturally it took a mere nanosecond upon entering for both of us to beeline to our preferred destinations. Do you and your spouse ever do this? I bet you can't guess where I went. The outside garden area was pathetically devoid of enticements. Not even a scattering of Perlite on the cement. Houseplants, however, were aplenty. Spotting these succulents prompted reaching for my camera, conveniently tucked away in my purse for just such instances.

Cool, aren't they?

Please indulge me as I venture off-topic for a sec.
Change "guy" to "gal" and sadly, in a few more years this might be me.

Having this possibly absurd idea of getting my work published, I subscribe to
Guide to Literary Agents, a blog written by editor, Chuck Sambuchino who skillfully bridges the gap between hopeful writers and the esoteric world of publishing. Always an interesting read.