a spoonful of sugar...

It's a catchy phrase that sticks in your head and offers some good advice. In the world of gardening "a shovelful of shit" offers similar benefit. What I'm referring to is composted cow manure-or if you are of the vegetarian/vegan persuasion mushroom compost. Compost is a "green" alternative to fertilizer. By amending your soil you increase the organic matter content, improve the physical properties of the soil, and supply some essential nutrients. Compost can also be applied to the soil surface to conserve moisture, control weeds, reduce erosion, improve appearance, and keep the soil from gaining or losing heat too rapidly. So whether you embark on your own backyard composting or buy it bagged at a garden center- compost is essential for healthy plant growth.

meet my new neighbor(s)

The other night when my husband was coming home from work he claimed to see a white goose just sitting to the right of our house. He was relieved that he wasn't hallucinating when I told him the goose was back, this time in our backyard. I named him Liberace. The name fits as he has a knack for not moving for hours on end, much like a wax figure. While trying to capture him on film, my other neighbor came over for a peek. He's a very large and illusive blue heron who is not fond of having his picture taken-hence, I wasn't able to get them both in one shot. He's the one hiding behind the lilac bush.

it's a new year...

and I promise to blog on a more regular basis. Sorry for taking the month of December off, but I had the opportunity to visit my In-laws at their home in San Miguel Mexico. While this trip involved horse-back riding in the Sierra Madre mountains (something I will NEVER do again!) it did provide me with the opportunity to view some of the most spectacular arid landscape I had ever seen. Being up 7000 feet opened up a lifestyle beyond that of prickly pear and mesquite trees. The Mexicans have a wonderful view of life and what is truly important. Family and the land take precedent and have inspired me to create more livable space outside. I vow to fully develop my courtyard and screened in porch to there full potential as well as continue to expand my landscape. It's good to experience new things.