The thrill is going, going, gone.

The thrill is gone. A final good-bye.

It's a cold rainy day today. It is actually more of a steady misty drizzle, the kind of wet fogginess that you associate with the movie "Casablanca." There are two lovers on the verge of parting. You guessed it, me and my spring/summer flowers. I look at my patchy spots of color and I bow my head to the greats that are on their way to a better home (hybernation, or death). I am comforted by the thought of the next generation that they (plants) have fathered (seeds, corms, etc.). No, this is not a final good-bye, but a see you again sometime old friend.

This is a zinnia that was a royal purple. It grew so tall. An armadillo rooted around it and knocked it over, which encouraged the plant to make massive amounts of side shouts. The one three feet tall stalk looked more like a bush as it laid on its side. Remember the glossy look is due to the rain that was falling as I took the picture.

This daisy is one of two that I planted this month. The woody stem that is to the back, left of the daisy is the trunk of a specimen forsynthia. It has been raining for four days pretty steadily. On the first day of the rains, the temp was 78 degrees. Today the temp is 50-45 degrees.

Well, with rain gear and umbrellas, my middle daughter faces the inevitable, if it is the Lord's will, momma will be at it again next year. She peeps over the fence covered in cypress vine knowing that It has really only just begun; the planning, the dreaming for next spring. Her head tilts with her own thoughts of supportive, comforting, adjectives for me, her mother. She is the greatest garden cheerleader. And my photographer, baby Guyton, will be busy clicking away. I'm sorry B.B. King, the thrill of gardening is never gone.

Every day is a good day

Today I had to rescue my daughter from a downpour of rain. I stay with her two days out of the week to attend Seminary. I was at home relaxing on the couch (o.k. I was asleep) when I received a frantic call "Come get me!"

My reply was where are you and why do I need to come and get you? She was parked outside of her apartment complex, trapped in her car as the rain mercilessly pelted her car. She was without an umbrella. It was mom to the rescue. It is not often that I can swoop in and save my adult child, so I enjoyed the comedy of the non-tragic rescue. I like being a hero. I like that my daughter still calls on me even for the funnies of life.

I wish I could have rescued my plants and grass from the scorching sun of the south. I wish I could have rescued my plants in a enviromental friendly way from the attack of the armadillo that savagely rooted through my garden actuall up rooting two roses and several asiactic lilies.

Yes, even we gardeners with all of our super growing powers are not heroes at all times. But the times that we are heroes, like when I saved my beautiflul royal purple zinnia from the initial attack of the armadillo, I smile at the comedy of the fact that my garden still needs me.

Call me gardener. Call me hero.

Life is grand?

I am pulled in so many directions lately. It has been a while since I have sat on my front steps in the early a.m. waiting on my friend the hummingbird to zoom into my yard. I miss our brief morning encounter.

I look at my flowers through my front window and they are just a shell of what they use to be. It has begun for me already. The annuals are spent and so am I. The retail stores have all of the fall and winter clothes on display reminding me that soon my perennials will be browning and collapsing for their winter's rest. I have the pictures of spring 07' vividly etched into my memory. What memories. I will forever share them with fellow gardeners.

Listen to me speaking as if it is all over. My floribunda roses will have one last hoo-rah in September and I will smile again. I will sit on my step and remember what use to be and what will be again.

I will start graduate school on Monday. Hopefully higher education will rock. Have I mentioned lately that I love my husband?

If there are any end of summer blues going on out there, hang in there.

Where to purchase my book

Hello,

My old trusty computer died on me last week and I have not been able to blog. The 100 plus weather has made me sluggish also. I am glad that some one out there is still blogging. My book can be purchased at this time at www.bbotw.com (Infinity Publishing.com). I'm waiting for reviews and comments. My first book signing is fast approaching. Keep an eye out for pictures and comments.

I let all of my plants in my pots die. Yes, it was euthanasia, but in the kindest manner. The plants were suffering more in the 102 degree weather. I struggled with the decision for days. It is not easy losing loved ones. They had a good life, a full life from Feb. - Aug. They would have wanted to be remembered the way they used to be, vibrant and strong, not limp and struggling at the end of the day.

Dorothy

Schedule Correction

Hey Guys,

I just wanted to make a correction to my upcoming schedule.

1. Sept. 8, 2007- Big Black River Festival, Saturday. Two presentations 11:30 a.m. and 1:3o p.m. West, MS. Book Signing from 8-3pm at library.

A day of tears

I came home Sunday after church to find one large brown horse trapped in my flower garden. After my handsome husband coaxed the horse out of my flower beds, the destruction was visible. The horse either trampled to death lilies or he just pulled plants out of the ground for the fun of it. Have you ever been too sad to cry? Mr. gardener was livid, while I just surveyed the damage and was thankful that there were plants still standing. I gathered myself and spent the evening consoling Mr. gardener. He was taking it so hard. They are my plants and my garden layout. I hope that he will recover soon. I've been trying to remain calm and not talk about what happened so he can move on.

The heat is taking its toll on the plants. The blooms on my roses are half of their original size. I have noticed sprinklers on during the day in many gardens. The marigolds, vinca, zinnia, and shrubbery is outstanding in Kosciusko and Ridgeland. The coleus is exceptional too this year. There are so many beautiful gardens in my area. I was on Hwy 19 going towards Philadelphia, and the yards along that stretch of highway are well manicured. Each home had its own unique and individual style. I hope that each gardener's individual style or personality shines through in their garden.

Schedule of book signings

The day is getting closer and closer for my first book signing. There is a lot of excitement and voiced anticipation around my book. I have given my manuscript to several people for review. I haven't heard anything yet.

My schedule so far:

1. Sept. 1, 2007- Big Black River Festival, Saturday. Two presentations 9:00 a.m. and 1:oo p.m. West, MS.

2. Sept.15, 2007- Kosciusko Public Library, Saturday, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Kosciusko, MS.

3. Oct. 22, 2007- Jackson-Eyers International Airport, Monday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Jackson, MS.

4. Oct. 25, 2007- Elizabeth Jones Library, Thursday, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Grenada, MS.

5. Oct. 26, 2007- Neshoba County Library, Friday, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Philadelphia, MS.

6. Nov. 14, 2007- Lowndes County Public Library (tentatively scheduled).