Stupid me

[Sparkie]

I spent the last two hours in the blazing hot sun painting my deck. I was
stupid, and wanted to change the color for a variety of reasons. I chose
white, as we have redwood everything and every deck in this area is redwood.
I thought white would be a nice alternative, and maybe do a tropical type
theme, or a Italian and Spanish type thing with red Geraniums.

Now, in my head it looks wonderful, but in reality, a small amount is done,
and I am disappointed. I am not sure if it is the aching back, and having
very little done, or the fact that it really is just too much white as hubby
feared.

So, does anyone out there have a deck? And what color is predominate in
your area for decks?

[Chovhani]

I'm glad you raised this, because I'm toying with doing something white
myself! Currently we have a big fenced deck surrounding the pool at the
rear, where we entertain and have our BBQ etc, and a porch at the front. One
of my Summer 2001 projects, if I get to it (it may become a Summer 2002
project) is to link the two with a wide roofed deck/porch at the side,
completely screened in so that we can sit outside on buggy evenings. The
deck at the back is natural wood, the porch at the front has white wooden
rails etc. Where the two meet I have to make a decision! Around here you see
natural, white and green pained decks etc, and one of my friends painted
hers "country" blue (sort of blue grey). I think it all depends on the
style/material/colour/age of the house, and the furniture you'll have on it.
For example we have wood adironack chairs on the deck, but if we had white
PVC the deck itself might look too "rustic" by comparison. I don't think
painting the fllor white is a good idea, but railings and trim are another
matter. Can white and wood go together? is there some unwritten rule (by
Martha Stewart no doubt) that says you can't mix them? I don't really know
the answer, perhaps we can mull this one over together:)

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Sparkie <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message
news:9d9bdg$hb0ks$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Hervey Hill]

Well, we have a back deck, and I told my wife not to paint it white. But
did she listen to me - no ! Ha ha

We are going to return it to a cedar stain, which is what is best, and looks
the nicest, IMHO

We also have a pool deck, and my wife painted the stairs blue, which looks
real nice, because our house siding is blue - gray. So she made a good
choice in that regards. Our pool deck has texture 111 for siding, and it is
a darker blue , which looks real nice. But again , you have to choose for
yourself, and the house color must coordinate.

I believe that white gets too dirty looking, too fast. While cedar stain,
can be dirty with soil or such on it , and your eyes can not see it, because
it blends right in.

Just a few thoughts

IN Christ - Hervey
Chovhani <chov...@india.com> wrote in message
news:9d9dnn$godtb$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

I was just thinking, our garage doors are natural wood and the frame around
them is painted white, and it looks good together. I'm going shopping this
evening and I will look for one of those outdoor home dec magazines. I need
inspiration.

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Hervey Hill <shad...@email.msn.com> wrote in message
news:9d9e7j$gqdrl$1...@ID-10791.news.dfncis.de...

[Trudy Higginson]

about wood and white......indoors, many stair railings are white and wood,
wood banisters, white spindles, wood stairs.

From what I see.....wood deck and white and wood railings/banisters, trim is
cool.

Trudy

You did what you knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did
better.....Maya Angelou

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message
news:9d9dnn$godtb$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

here most decks are wood coloured with white added as chairs, planters,
decoration - if its in a high sun area like Texas & i think Utah, you may
have a severe glare problem...........

i have seen red cedar wood decks with an off white colour on the
railings..........

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the Power to Be"
A Cherokee Feast of Days
http://www.thesacredgrove.com
http://witch.drak.net/cyrascauldron

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message
news:9d9bdg$hb0ks$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Eve]

Take a look for a picture of a traditional "Cape Cod" house. I think I
recall them having weathered exteriors (shingle?) with white trim.

Our deck is stained red, in case you're taking a poll.

Eve

Chovhani <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9d9f39$gvvfh$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[PuNx]

I do and it is white, (as are most in my neighbourhood) with spruce green
caps,and it will need to be refinished again this year. Not something I am
looking forward to.

PuNx

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message
news:9d9bdg$hb0ks$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

How are you going to remove the white?

"Hervey Hill" <shad...@email.msn.com> wrote in message
news:9d9e7j$gqdrl$1...@ID-10791.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

I am, and thanks. LOL

"Eve" <eli...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:9da5bm$gs617$1...@ID-10282.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

We have all honey oak inside. The deck and fence are stained redwood (well,
the deck partial white Ü for now until I decide what to do).

And, our "pool deck" is actually square pavers kind of like tiles. Our pool
is a round watering trough--LOL, about 10 ft diameter and 4 ft. deep.

Oh boy, decisions.
"Trudy Higginson" <tru...@soonet.ca> wrote in message
news:9d9pje$hc6bi$1...@ID-42762.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

The glare was a major problem. I only painted the stairs and two sides
today so we have a clue what it will look like. I think I will try to go
back to the redwood if at all possible.

"Cyra" <cyraa...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:9da1rp$hc8nh$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

I have seen the white railings and natural wood flooring.

Alas, hubby definitely did not like it.

We had plans to put in a sun room, and hubby had ideas that it should go the
length of the house, and I pictured a smaller one going to the deck. So, he
may get his way.

I am not sure. I thought of all white and then stenciling, but then thought
I would rather spend time lounging on the deck rather than doing art work.

I don't know what is going to happen, but I certainly don't care what Martha
would like as she will never be my guest here-LOL.

Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

Oh, and the white is so much cooler than the redwood, so I might go ahead
and do it on the floor. And, our house is a Grey blue, so I do like Grey.

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message
news:9d9dnn$godtb$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Hervey Hill]

Sand paper -- slow process, but that is the only way I know how. There
might be more modern methods though, but I think you would have to rent or
buy a heat gun, or something like that.

IN Christ - Hervey

Sparkie <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dag50$gthk4$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

If you use a pressure cleaner, be careful! I guess I could get my sander
out there.

"Hervey Hill" <shad...@email.msn.com> wrote in message

news:9dagkk$h8scb$1...@ID-10791.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

first of all, you are not stupid. You made a decions that might turn out to
be wrong, but that does not make you stupid.

I prefer natural color wood, with out stain, but with water protection on
decks, for me... but white would be nice, if it went with the house.

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message
news:9d9bdg$hb0ks$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

Yes, white and wood would look nice.. :)

Meggie

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message
news:9d9dnn$godtb$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

Orbital sander:)

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Hervey Hill <shad...@email.msn.com> wrote in message
news:9dagkk$h8scb$1...@ID-10791.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

At least! Ü

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dc581$hek1f$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

right before we bought our house the landlord painted it white with a dk
blue trim - my house literally GLOWS in the bright day of summer........
can't wait to get it repainted - LOL

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the Power to Be"
A Cherokee Feast of Days
http://www.thesacredgrove.com
http://witch.drak.net/cyrascauldron
"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dagct$h96p8$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

Well, my decision has been made. I am power washing the places I already
painted white, and then going back to the redwood. Now I can concentrate on
planting my flower pots. I found the perfect flowers yesterday, and I am
excited to begin next week. (no time the rest of this week).

The deck will come out either next year or the next, and a new one, or
something else will replace it. For now, I like my deck. Ü

And white? It just doesn't work for my house or neighborhood.

"Cyra" <cyraa...@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:9dfnhl$hno8r$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

best wishes on the deck, we never really know something for sure until we
try it.....

our neighborhood is older and we have an interesting variety of colours on
houses...... everything from plain white, to a yellow-orange crayon colour,
to bright pink................

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the Power to Be"
A Cherokee Feast of Days
http://www.thesacredgrove.com
http://witch.drak.net/cyrascauldron
"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dgjve$i6jma$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

Don't get me started on flowers.........I put my veggie garden in at the
beginning of the week and since then it's been all flowers. I even dreamt of
flowers last night. I'm on a quest from several plants I can't find locally
so we will be going to a big garden centre near the city next week and I
have a list......last time we went there Martin's parents were here and we
went back with them holding trays of plants on their laps, because the back
of the van (with the back seats taken OUT!) was full:)
I also had this idea which I don't know why I never thought of it
before...putting the less hardy things in pots so I can take them indoors in
Winter, duh. No really, it hadn't occurred to me as I watched my lavender
die three years running...........

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Sparkie <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message
news:9dgjve$i6jma$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

Near here is a wooden house painted lilac and turquoise.

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Cyra <cyraa...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:9dgn55$i8rnn$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

thats an eye catcher!!

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the Power to Be"
A Cherokee Feast of Days
http://www.thesacredgrove.com
http://witch.drak.net/cyrascauldron

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dgped$hv4jt$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

You could say that....but at least it's a landmark:)

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Cyra <cyraa...@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:9dgqrj$hobam$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

Sounds weird, and yet pretty. Someone likes it and that is what matters.

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message
news:9dgped$hv4jt$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

Oh, my goodness, I dreamed of flowers last night too--pretty orangy, pinkish
begonias! I am definitely buying some and planting pots with them!

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dgpdb$i87n9$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

Obviously we BOTH have "The Bug".

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Sparkie <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dh5kk$hvhj7$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

They like it a lot. They re-paint it the same every year!

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Sparkie <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message
news:9dh5mh$htpnk$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

i have 2 Nile Lillies, and 7 <hits befuddled head on wall> something else
that my mother-in-law is going to have to plant for me..... i bought them
then this happened...... now to find others to go with them......... almost
done with the front yard..... then will be time to start the back <G>

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be"
http://www.thesacredgrove.com/

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dh63i$hn06f$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[ro告e]

well we have had 2 glorious sunny days so all the plants i bought last
weekend will need to go in pots. we did plant some out in borders and so far
the snails (poor things ... eww) have only eaten the little tasty pellets
that are just for them!

regards
rosie.... be well soon, cyra!

Cyra <cy...@mars.com> wrote in message
news:9dh6mf$hsgng$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

ty rosie :)

gloriously sunny here - 78 degrees, nice breeze - WAHHHH i wanna be outside
working <sigh>

ok, enough of that........ right now i'm searching for plants that love
sunshine & drought :)

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be"
http://www.thesacredgrove.com/

"ro§ie" <ros...@dont-spam.blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:9dh854$h79$1...@taliesin.netcom.net.uk...

[Chovhani]

I've got two bright orange lilies that arrived as "volunteers" with a small
tree a friend gave me. The tree died, now I have these two lost looking
tropical things in an otherwise totally Cottage Garden. I'm open to
suggestions as to what to team them with. I'm thinking blue.........

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Cyra <cy...@mars.com> wrote in message
news:9dh6mf$hsgng$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

blue, whites or yellows........ kinda depends on which way the orange
leans - red/orange or yellow/orange....... and what the surrounding colours
are.......

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be"
http://www.thesacredgrove.com/

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dh9ab$i8uo6$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

I want to tone it down.

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Cyra <cy...@mars.com> wrote in message

news:9dha71$i5oi8$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

Speaking of bugs, a lady bug was on my windshield the other day. I brought
it home and placed it in my garden. I hope it likes it's new home.

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dh63i$hn06f$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

I am totally overrun with them, which pleases me:)

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Sparkie <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dhddo$hsb3l$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

to tone it down, you'd need to work along the lines it leans - if its a
red/orange then a blue or purplish would work.... if its a yellow/orange
then a yellow would be what to use..........

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be"
http://www.thesacredgrove.com/

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dhdea$iai3b$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

Oh yeah. I am over run with aphids already. I need more of the little
ladies!

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dhdnb$iark1$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

Hmm, hard to remember precisely from last Summer. I think I'll go for blue:)

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Cyra <cy...@mars.com> wrote in message

news:9dhe4l$if3li$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Marylyn]

Maybe they hate it but repainting it the same color is cheaper and that's why
they do it ; )

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dh66r$hrao9$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

I hadn't thought of that:)

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Marylyn <mmo...@cncnet.com> wrote in message
news:9dhef5$idd4k$1...@ID-10249.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

I can find something very close:)

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Eve <eli...@msn.com> wrote in message
news:9dhem4$idpmf$1...@ID-10282.news.dfncis.de...
> I've lately been in love with the combo of deep blue and orange. I think
> orange lilies look nice with belladonna - but don't know if that suits
your
> climate. :)
>
> Eve
>
>
> ----------
> In article <9dhdea$iai3b$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de>, "Chovhani"

[Eve]

I've lately been in love with the combo of deep blue and orange. I think
orange lilies look nice with belladonna - but don't know if that suits your
climate. :)

Eve

----------
In article <9dhdea$iai3b$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de>, "Chovhani"
<chov...@india.com> wrote:

[Naked_Apes]

Speaking of toning down. Our house, including the deck, is gray with dark
gray trim. We are about to have it painted a darker gray and give it dark
green trim. We don't want to compete with the splendor that surrounds us. ..
Ape;)

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dhdea$iai3b$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Marylyn]

We just freed two whole bags of them in our Oak trees, one bag for each : )

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dhdnb$iark1$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

I would do the same if I lived in the middle of pines.

But, I think I now know why redwood works here. It just belongs.

"Naked_Apes" <naked...@msn.com> wrote in message
news:9dhf2s$i26pq$1...@ID-10187.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

Good idea. I have a problem, I must confess, with people who buy a builiding
lot up here and then put a suburban-style house on it. Of course that's
their tastes and their right, but it looks so out of place, palatial columns
and all among the swamp.

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Naked_Apes <naked...@msn.com> wrote in message
news:9dhf2s$i26pq$1...@ID-10187.news.dfncis.de...

[Naked_Apes]

Here, they cut down the trees, and then put up the suburban-style house. ..
Ape

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9djhrf$ie4s1$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

Do you think it's a sort of comfort thing? "I'm in the country, but not
really...I'm still safe".

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Naked_Apes <naked...@msn.com> wrote in message
news:9dkg3n$ishen$1...@ID-10187.news.dfncis.de...

[Naked_Apes]

Wouldn't most house designs follow function? Many who come to the country
aren't here to literally *live* in the country. They are just here to look
at it. .. Ape.)

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dkgte$ir52c$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

gads you guys... I have some mums I think they are in a pot, Lach knocked it
off, and managed to put it back, but it's sort of just there. I have some
pansies that need water. Then Lach insists on buying me flowers that need to
be planted instead of roses.. drives me nuts, as I always kill them.. this
time I stuck them in a bucket with some dirt and watered them. They are
still dying, but atleast I tried. <sigh> My flower bed with the 30 daffodil
bulbs I planted three years ago gave me ONE.. yes I said ONE daffodil. The
many tulip bulbs I planted the same time gave me two sickly looking ones.
The rose bush has a few pathetic leaves on it, and that's with Miracle Grow
for roses being on it a few times. The climbing blue flower thing that
blooms every year finally bought the farm this year. I don't know what
happened, it had bud on it, I noticed one day, but then the next time I
looked at it, it was all dead. Then let me tell you about this nasty
stinking ugly white flowers that all but take OVER this other flower bed.. I
can't kill it and I hate it. I am going to have Lach completely take it
out!! On the bright side, the Iris are blooming :).
I just am not green thumbed. I would love to have a lovely garden.. I enjoy
flowers.

Meggie

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dh9ab$i8uo6$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

well alot of it has been trial and error with me..... i actually feel a tad
guilty.... it took me 6 plants before i could get the roses to
survive......and we won't count the seedlings that my cat thought were a
salad bar, or the herb garden that matt spray painted, or...... <whistles>

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be"
http://www.thesacredgrove.com/

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message
news:9dl0h0$irotf$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[ro告e]

cant remember which way round it is, but the daffs & tulips are either in
too deep or not deep enough! dig 'em up and replant at the correct depth in
autumn :o).

is the blue climber wisteria? i love that! never been successful, mind. i
believe they take 5 years to produce flowers. i had one in my old house and
the year it got loads of flower buds we got a sudden frost and kaput, that
was that....

regards
rosie

nywgem <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message
news:9dl0h0$irotf$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

Thanks Rosie... When planted them, I remember measuring and making sure
they were just right.. I have a suspect that slugs or something ate the
bulbs.. I have no idea what the blue climbing thingy was :)

Meggie

"ro§ie" <ros...@dont-spam.blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message

news:9dm3tm$62i$1...@taliesin.netcom.net.uk...

[nywgem]

you know.. when I was little, my mom taught me that if you cut back growth,
you get more flowers or fruits or what ever.. so I mowed down her raspberry
patch, thinking I was doing a good thing :) I think I am still reaping that
karma :)

Meggie

"Cyra" <cy...@mars.com> wrote in message

news:9dl1jh$is5a8$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

Yes, you've got a point there.

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Naked_Apes <naked...@msn.com> wrote in message

news:9dkj6l$ib9gr$1...@ID-10187.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

I'm not sure if it's green thumbs. It MAY simply be that I'm very
well-behaved at following instructions, which actually makes me rather
boring. My recipes turn out like the picture in the book, my knitting comes
up the right size and shape when finished, my patchwork pieces always
fit....etc. I learned from early failed experimentation that the best
results come from taking each step in sequence and doing exactly what it
says:) I honestly have no skills that you don't have. And as Cyra says you
do learn as you go, so you no longer need instructions, or can overcome
them. Rhiannon scolded me today for planting the corn in rows 8" apart
instead of 12", but I've learned that you can get away with this by planting
alternately, although the rows are 8" apart the plants ARE 12" apart.

Instead of planting X X X X X
X X X X X

You plant X X X X X
X X X X

In England I had far less space and picked up quite a few tricks!

Most gardening failures are related to water (too much or too little),
insufficient preparation of the soil, and simply putting things in daft
places. When we lived in Toronto the woman opposite admired my clematis and
tried to grow one the same, but I couldn't convince her to put it at the
BACK, so it would be facing the same direction as mine. Needless to say it
never did very well and she accused me of using some fancy fertilizer, which
anyone who knows me knows I'd never do. Of course you can cheat. They said
I'd NEVER grow roses in the soil we had there, so I buried a garbage can,
filled it with soil from up North and I had the only decent roses on the
block. (BTW the best thing for roses is rabbit poop:))

Here my challenge is the short season, and they say not to bother growing
peppers, eggplant etc, but if I could do it in England, I can do it in Grey
County, it just takes a little polythene tent:)

There are some flowers that are pretty much indestructable. Pansies, Asters,
Achillea, Hollyhocks, Bergamot, Potentilla, Geums, Forget-Me-Nots, most
Dianthus etc thrive on neglect.

What is your soil like? I don't think it's you, I think we can fix this.

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

nywgem <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message
news:9dl0h0$irotf$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

Well, from reading what you just wrote I can tell you that it's 1. not
paying attention to directions.. I like to find my own way 2. soil prep 3.
Watering issues. Honestly, I want the beauty with out the work. I want it
to be easy like it is for my mom. I feel like there is sooo much to learn,
and it all overwhelms me. Maybe when I have the elder home running I will
have the time. The soil around my house is rocky and buggy., not very rich
looking at all. I have no idea how to start, even if I could follow
directions. When I do a recipe I look at it once and then go from there..
things usually end up a lot different from when I start.. which does tend to
frustrate me a lot. I can see that many times it's a character defect, but
then again, this mode of operation has served me well.
This is what I'd like to grow well. Long stemmed red roses, fragrant sweet
peas, carnations and Iris.. those are my favorite flowers :)

Meggie

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dn0u9$j18do$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

A bag of peat will help your soil no end, or you could go the whole way and
buy a bag of topsoil. If you get it in Wal-Mart it'll be less than $4.
Long-Stemmed roses ARE a challenge, they need quite a bit of attention.
Maybe save those for later. But the others are easy.

Sweet Peas like well-drained soil, so yours is fine. They need a LOT of
water, especially when first planted, but they don't like mud. My
Father-in-Law, my gardening guru, taught me how to strike that balance. You
dig deep, put some stones in, really well-worked soil, with a bit of sand in
it. Avoid clay, and sun-baked places. Sweet peas do really well in tubs and
baskets, they do like a bit of organic stuff to feed on if you can get hold
of any, you can buy no-smell manure at Wal-Mart.

Carnations are very easy. For a beginner buy them as little plants rather
than seeds, transplant them into well-drained soil again, water well until
established then forget about them unless it's very dry. Weed well around
them.

Irises need a fairly rich soil to do their best, but will survive pretty
much anywhere, again they need plenty of water. And again I would advise
buying in pots rather than as bulbs. It sounds as if you have something
bothering your bulbs. There are quite a few critters that eat bulbs
including mice. The trick in this situation is to plant in bulb baskets. The
roots can get out but the critters can't get in.

Really plants are no different to people. They need food (sunshine, plus
compost or manure), water, a comfortable temperature, and shelter. You can
get clues from where the wild version of them grows, for example plants that
come from hot dry countries don't need as much water as those from maritime
climates. Plants that come from wooded places need shade. Plants that come
from mountains can withstand frosts, etc etc. Most annuals need warmth and
lots of water. Perennials, once established, have deep roots and can
tolerate drought. Some plants don't like being moved, they need to be grown
from seed where they will stay (or use peat pots). Some plants need humidity
and heat to germinate from seed, so unless you want to mess about with
windowsill greenhouses it's probably easier to buy these as young plants.
All plants appreciate having weeds removed so they're not hogging the
available resources. If you do sow seeds, remember that the smaller the seed
the nearer the surface you plant it. Tiny seeds planted 2" down will never
come up:) Really fine seeds are best left on the surface of pre-moistened
soil. If you want a really idiot proof, fast, cheap, cheerful garden, buy a
packet of each of these: candytuft, annual aster, night-scented stock,
cosmos. Mix together, throw on the garden, drown them. I'm serious. You'll
get different heights, different shapes, different colours and it'll smell
fantastic. Water them when the soil dries out.

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

nywgem <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message
news:9dn2vr$j1gds$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

Oh Meggie, I know how you feel. I do have some luck though. Inside,
everything dies, the Cacti, even the silk plants.

Outside, I have great luck, and nothing dies, not even the plants I want to
get rid of! I have great success with pots, plants, flowers, herbs,
veggies, and fruit trees. I don't know why. I secretly think that the
plants I plant are an extension of me, that they are my little babies. They
like being outdoors as I do, and therefore, the outdoor ones thrive. The
indoor ones are "confined" and I hate to be confined in any way. So, my
plants are little "me"s.

My iris are in bloom too, and in a couple of days will be in full bloom. We
now have my secret garden fenced in, and I need to move the lily plants,and
some tulip bulbs (from Portland Oregon Ü) and a small pine. The it is
going to be fun to create this little place.

My poor little lilac I saved a few years back had one bloom this year, and
my two Maple trees that were tiny shoots from dad's have grown and one is
even housing a mother robin and eggs for the second year in a row.

I love Spring!

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dl0h0$irotf$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

My in laws mow down their raspberry patch every year and have an abundance
each year. I told my hubby not to mow mine, but this year he did, and they
are doing much better than last year--but then last year, they were new.

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dmv2f$j7jho$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

Meggie, I plant my "over winter" bulbs closer to the surface than they
recommend cause I like them early, and they always do well. If you mulch,
they stay warmer.

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dmv0h$j30q1$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

> Thanks Rosie... When planted them, I remember measuring and making sure
> they were just right.. I have a suspect that slugs or something ate the
> bulbs.. I have no idea what the blue climbing thingy was :)
>
> Meggie
>
>

> "ro告e" <ros...@dont-spam.blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message

[Sparkie]

I do nothing by the book; not cooking, not planting, not crafting, etc.

I think that is my success in cooking and gardening--I don't fret too much,
but let it fall where it may.

Good soil is essential, and definitely knowing what to plant. I plant a lot
of perennials, and pansies come up every year here despite being an annual
(even last through winter some times), so I think you need to find what
works for your zone, your climate, and your lifestyle. Now me, I don't want
to garden every day, so I do low maintenance stuff.

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dn0u9$j18do$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

Iris and Daisies are my favorite. And yellow roses! and I have a Bleeding
Heart that I just love!

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dn2vr$j1gds$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

well i'm a cross between what tickles my fancy and following
instructions.......... and i've learned that in some cases instructions
don't always help - i'm in a bit of a "spot" i'm right at a zone border on
plants, and not all nurserys use the same zone guides, etc...... i'm the
queen of the $1.84 six-pack at Home Depot on iffy plants.... that way its
not a huge loss if they don't make it for various reasons.......... another
thing i do (which is easy here because of the early spring) is start seeds
in containers outside, don't have to worry about them in the house
etc....... my main thing here is finding plants that can tolerate high heat,
drought, and tons of sun, i have very little shade areas

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be"
http://www.thesacredgrove.com/

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message
news:9dn0u9$j18do$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

i have a plant that we have no idea what it is, some type of a bulb plant -
either an iris or a lily, but the guys keep mowing the poor thing down, yet
it keeps fighting to come back....... poor thing i had it going again & my
fatherinlaw got it yesterday

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be"
http://www.thesacredgrove.com/

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dmv2f$j7jho$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

sounds like your secret garden is wonderful :))

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dndqn$j0bse$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

Well, then.. what was my mom so mad about?? :)

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dndt4$iudou$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

I think that I am going to just plow that whole bed up, add fertilizer, then
start over with other bulbs..

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dne04$jbf8i$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

> Meggie, I plant my "over winter" bulbs closer to the surface than they
> recommend cause I like them early, and they always do well. If you mulch,
> they stay warmer.
>
> "nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message
> news:9dmv0h$j30q1$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...
> > Thanks Rosie... When planted them, I remember measuring and making
sure
> > they were just right.. I have a suspect that slugs or something ate the
> > bulbs.. I have no idea what the blue climbing thingy was :)
> >
> > Meggie
> >
> >

> > "ro§ie" <ros...@dont-spam.blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message

[nywgem]

well, you've inspired me :) It's raining today.. we need rain so I can't
complain. But I think I"ll just plow this whole bed up and start over.. I
love this idea of just putting down seeds and drowning them.. maybe I'll do
that instead of fuss with bulbs.. but I do so love to watch spring flowers
come up.. My Iris's are doing well.. they were getting buggy, but I sprayed
some sort of organic thing on them and they seemed to get better. The stuff
was for tomatoes, I grabbed the wrong bottle, but still seems to do the
trick :)

Meggie

"Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

news:9dnbp5$j6i9b$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

I had a bleeding heart.. but it was in a place that would get just hot in
the afternoon, so I dug it up and moved it. It died.

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dneb3$iu7m1$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

And Ihave a lot of shade, except for one little bed that gets sun all day
and is right up against the trailer and just gets blazes.. the Iris's are
there now and they do Ok..

Meggie

"Cyra" <cy...@mars.com> wrote in message

news:9dnqlv$j16ck$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

just a note, if you have those grub worms/cut (?) worms eating tomatoes or
other veggies, a garlic water bath on the plants will make the worms leave
them alone <G>

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be"
http://www.thesacredgrove.com/

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message
news:9dom3b$j6f08$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Cyra]

i tried iris's years ago, the dogs ran them over to where they never made
it, going to 'fence' the area off & try again this winter......... one of
the dogs thinks the fence is her personal back scratcher.........

--
Cyra
"We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be"
http://www.thesacredgrove.com/

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message
news:9dom7n$ir7n9$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

It will be. Let's just say that in my mind it is. Ü

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dolpv$j1jo8$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

good idea! I would probably do the same. Don't you have those big banana
slugs? do they eat bulbs?

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9doltk$jc7hp$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

> I think that I am going to just plow that whole bed up, add fertilizer,
then
> start over with other bulbs..
>
> Meggie
>
>
> "Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message
> news:9dne04$jbf8i$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...
> > Meggie, I plant my "over winter" bulbs closer to the surface than they
> > recommend cause I like them early, and they always do well. If you
mulch,
> > they stay warmer.
> >
> > "nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message
> > news:9dmv0h$j30q1$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...
> > > Thanks Rosie... When planted them, I remember measuring and making
> sure
> > > they were just right.. I have a suspect that slugs or something ate
the
> > > bulbs.. I have no idea what the blue climbing thingy was :)
> > >
> > > Meggie
> > >
> > >

> > > "ro告e" <ros...@dont-spam.blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message

[Sparkie]

I don't know. It doesn't make sense to me to mow them down, but they do it
and it works for them. Roses do wonderful when chopped right down too. My
sister has beautiful roses, and she does this. I never can prune mine way
back like she does, and mine don't do near as well.

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dolqo$j6v1l$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

Oh great--I need to move mine this fall.

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dom4v$j6l8o$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

Do you have the bulb or tuber type Iris? I was just thinking, there are at
least two kinds. I have the Bearded iris, which is a tuber, and may be more
stable or sturdy than the bulb types.

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dom7n$ir7n9$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[ro告e]

i had huge yellow tuber iris in my pond, flag iris this sort are usually
referred to (so are the big blue ones) but i chucked them all out of one
pond last year as they were taking over and the fish had no room. i have a
tiny boggy pond also and they are still in there, which is fine as no fish
are in that pond.
i like the smaller blue iris but the flowers only last a day or two.

regards
rosie

Sparkie <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9doqfb$jdeb8$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

"Flags" are very popular in my area. My parents and grandparents, in laws,
etc. ALL called/call them flags, not Iris. I love them, as they have an
orchidy look and a nice fragrance.

Today, my thumbs are not green, they are brown. I have planted 8 pots, and
then some pansies and violas in the front. I still have a Begonia and a
Geranium to go but ran out of pots. I am going to have to 'borrow" some
from the back fence garden. That's okay though cuz we are going to work the
soil a bit more as it is not in great condition yet.

"ro告e" <ros...@dont-spam.blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message

news:9douiv$s69$1...@taliesin.netcom.net.uk...

[ro告e]

ooh i did all my pots on saturday and still have some left over ;o)

regards
rosie

Sparkie <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dpk5p$j890e$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

I think so, but I've not seen them here.

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9doq79$jd7f8$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

OH OHO HOOOO.. this house that we looked at yesterday and all of us LOVED..
and it's not big enough for a full adult care home, but big enough for
potentially three, more if we convert the garage.. anyway, it has a small
but very well fenced yard and it's got a THRIVING rose garden.. wooo hooo
:).. I am thinking if it's thriving when I get it... maybe it'll be OK :)).
I mean, I usually do well with small children :)

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9doq5r$j3rvg$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

I've never heard them called Flags.. I can see how it fits, though. I
love the fragrance.. the purple ones are my favorite :)

brown thumbs usually mean dirty green ones :).. well, unless you are working
where I do :)

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dpk5p$j890e$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

Thanks, I'll remember that..

Meggie

"Cyra" <cy...@mars.com> wrote in message

news:9domnt$jepbr$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

I did not realize that Iris's like that much water.. They do grow well..
seems even I can't kill them :)

Meggie

"ro§ie" <ros...@dont-spam.blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:9douiv$s69$1...@taliesin.netcom.net.uk...

[nywgem]

Thanks, I'll remember that..

Meggie

"Cyra" <cy...@mars.com> wrote in message
news:9domnt$jepbr$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

mine are tubers.. I did not realize that Iris's came in bulbs.. learn
something new every day :)

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9doqfb$jdeb8$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

well, I am sure you'll do it right :)

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9doqc7$jcc26$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[nywgem]

of course :)

Meggie

"Sparkie" <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9doq2f$iuc7e$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

EWWWWWWW!

I have mostly purple Iris. I do have a few yellow, and a pretty rusty
colored one, and various others like this. I would love to get more colors.
My other house had every color you can think of, and then the lady hat
bought it found more and planted hybrids.

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dvd30$a4e8$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

LOL, only with luck. I garden like I cook--a bit of this and that and a
whole lot of prayer. Ü

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dvor6$8dv1$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Sparkie]

They are smaller and dainty.

"nywgem" <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

news:9dvnqv$9t7v$1...@ID-10142.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

They move OK if you water them well after. I got mine mail order and it
survived!

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Sparkie <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message
news:9doqc7$jcc26$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

Low-maintenance is a good idea of course, but I have to fiddle and fuss over
things, don't ask me why.

Once you know what you're doing you can put the books away and experiment,
but it's important to know the basics, or things fail, and people lose
heart.

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Sparkie <spa...@somewhere.com> wrote in message

news:9dne8p$iuhej$1...@ID-58081.news.dfncis.de...
> I do nothing by the book; not cooking, not planting, not crafting, etc.
>
> I think that is my success in cooking and gardening--I don't fret too
much,
> but let it fall where it may.
>
> Good soil is essential, and definitely knowing what to plant. I plant a
lot
> of perennials, and pansies come up every year here despite being an annual
> (even last through winter some times), so I think you need to find what
> works for your zone, your climate, and your lifestyle. Now me, I don't
want
> to garden every day, so I do low maintenance stuff.

> > nywgem <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

> > > Meggie
> > >
> > > "Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

> > > news:9dh9ab$i8uo6$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...
> > > > I've got two bright orange lilies that arrived as "volunteers" with
a
> > > small
> > > > tree a friend gave me. The tree died, now I have these two lost
> looking
> > > > tropical things in an otherwise totally Cottage Garden. I'm open to
> > > > suggestions as to what to team them with. I'm thinking blue.........
> > > >

[Chovhani]

Or use toilet roll middles as guards.

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
The Complete Bushisms: http://slate.msn.com/Features/bushisms/bushisms.asp

Cyra <cy...@mars.com> wrote in message
news:9domnt$jepbr$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...

[Chovhani]

Oh that I understand. Coming to a totally new climate I was very cautious
about expensive plants until I'd got used to it.

--
Melanie
http://www.geocities.com/onionperogie
http://earthhome.tripod.com
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Cyra <cy...@mars.com> wrote in message

news:9dnqlv$j16ck$1...@ID-49111.news.dfncis.de...
> well i'm a cross between what tickles my fancy and following
> instructions.......... and i've learned that in some cases instructions
> don't always help - i'm in a bit of a "spot" i'm right at a zone border on
> plants, and not all nurserys use the same zone guides, etc...... i'm the
> queen of the $1.84 six-pack at Home Depot on iffy plants.... that way its
> not a huge loss if they don't make it for various reasons..........
another
> thing i do (which is easy here because of the early spring) is start seeds
> in containers outside, don't have to worry about them in the house
> etc....... my main thing here is finding plants that can tolerate high
heat,
> drought, and tons of sun, i have very little shade areas
>

> --
> Cyra
> "We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be"
> http://www.thesacredgrove.com/
>

> > nywgem <mjt2...@home.com> wrote in message

> > > Meggie
> > >
> > > "Chovhani" <chov...@india.com> wrote in message

> > > news:9dh9ab$i8uo6$1...@ID-10218.news.dfncis.de...
> > > > I've got two bright orange lilies that arrived as "volunteers" with
a
> > > small
> > > > tree a friend gave me. The tree died, now I have these two lost
> looking
> > > > tropical things in an otherwise totally Cottage Garden. I'm open to
> > > > suggestions as to what to team them with. I'm thinking blue.........
> > > >