Category Archives: Gardening

HEART’S DESIRE

Posted on July 27, 2013 by snowbirdredux

I just took in my first two teensy Juliet grape tomatoes and cut two smallish heads of broccoli. T.M. has been picking the basil – Sweet, Marseille and  Cardinal. It’s been a long season of waiting and watching for gardeners … Continue reading →

Posted in favorite things, food, Gardening, minnesota life | Leave a comment

BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS

Posted on July 19, 2013 by snowbirdredux

  We went through the Minnesota cold, snow and sleet with barely a whimper. No Problem. But bring on the mosquitos and humidity and we’re suddenly dreaming fondly of salty breezes wafting off the Pacific Ocean. Please.       … Continue reading →

Posted in favorite things, Gardening, insecticides, minnesota life, mosquitos and ticks, WEATHER | Leave a comment

BEE-WARE

Posted on June 1, 2013 by snowbirdredux

When we lived on the west coast we rarely had a lawn. Let’s face it – water is next to gold in California, grass is incredibly thirsty, and anyway, I would always opt for vegetables and perennial beds given the … Continue reading →

Posted in bees, food, Gardening, Master Gardeners, minnesota life, Wild Life | 1 Comment

BOSSY PANTS II

Posted on March 16, 2013 by snowbirdredux

When I was 7, 8 10, thereabouts, I was the one in the gang to write, cast, direct and star in the neighborhood productions. We had different venues. The Burgess yard was perfect for western dramas. Their dad, a frustrated … Continue reading →

Posted in COMMUNITY, education, favorite things, food, Gardening, HEALTH, IMAGINATION, minnesota life | 3 Comments

FOOD FIGHT

Posted on March 4, 2013 by snowbirdredux

When I was still in high school, an enormous event happened in a neighboring community. Disneyland opened. Relatives from the far northern prairies now had another grand reason to visit, other than soaking up the California sunshine, and my family … Continue reading →

Posted in education, favorite things, food, Gardening, HEALTH, Master Gardeners, minnesota life | 1 Comment

THANKS FOR CARING

Posted on January 30, 2013 by snowbirdredux

QUESTION: “Find a vine with attractive fall color that attracts wildlife, grows in full sun, tolerates urban conditions and has a fast growth rate. Then describe how that vine grows upward – with twining stems, with thorns, with twining petioles, … Continue reading →

Posted in education, favorite things, Gardening, Master Gardeners, minnesota life | 1 Comment

THE LIFE OF BOTANY

Posted on January 19, 2013 by snowbirdredux

I’m looking at this big fat tome that arrived from the University of Minnesota Extension, Master Gardener Core Class, straightening out the tabs which became scrunched in the mailing bag and wondering if Trees and Shrubs, Soils, Weed Management, even … Continue reading →

Posted in favorite things, food, Gardening, introspection | Leave a comment

CORE COURSE

Posted on January 12, 2013 by snowbirdredux

I have nearly completed the first week of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Core Course. Whew! In California in 1994 it seemed easier. Or maybe my brain was a lot younger. I just took the first of 15 … Continue reading →

Posted in COMMUNITY, favorite things, Gardening, introspection, minnesota life, politics | 1 Comment

A BLANK SLATE

Posted on December 31, 2012 by snowbirdredux

2012 was our first full year as residents of our new state and we filled it up, among other things, with wonder at hoarfrost and tornado skies and ice fishing and Minnesota Nice. I wouldn’t say we’re “old hands” now, … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, Family, favorite things, Gardening, global warming, introspection, minnesota life, SNOW | 4 Comments

WHAT WAS I THINKING!

Posted on October 29, 2012 by snowbirdredux

  I have a positive/negative trait that lifts me up or gets me in trouble as the case may be. I always think I can do more than possible. I am inherently enthusiastic so that I sign up for jobs, … Continue reading →

Posted in favorite things, Gardening, IMAGINATION, mythology, writing | 1 Comment