BASIL BECKY: What is blooming today? January 15th 2012

Here is what I have blooming today!

January 15th 2011

"The Bad Ones"

Ok...there are a few, well maybe more than a few plants that noone should plant, or give away or even mention. This is where I will briefly warn you about them. I hate to pull out any plant, but these guys should never have been planted and never ever should be passed on to anyone but a person you do not like.

#1 HOPS
I spent a good hour today pulling this vine off my butterfly bushes. The problem is that this plant has small hairs that grap you and cause burns. I went out to eat Sunday night looking like someone had beaten me with a skin eating lash!

#2 HORSETAILS
I know this is one of the oldest herbs!! Mentioned in the Bible, used in Shaker Town Ky to sweep, dries nicely for arrangements but this plant wears out its welcome very very quickly. I keep moving it to a new place thinking it will behave nicely in its designated spot. Well I give up...I am facing the task of pulling a 100 horsetail out of the Cottage Garden, hoping to stop its marching invasion of the Potager Garden!!!

Why I am writing this Blog....

My life has always been interwoven with people,plants and pets. My roots were firmly planted by my Mom and Dad in a pot of love and fertile soil. From this secure spot we were all nutured, and encouraged to explore and grow in any direction we desired, making for a family of six strong, interesting and very different adults.

My love of gardening, started at a very young age and became stronger with each passing year. Throughout the years, my life has taken many turns: up, down and even sideways, but the one constant has been my love for Nature. Sadness, happiness, joy, desperation, were all put to rest or enjoyed while my hands were in the earth. The Garden has given me focus, strenght, and a direction for defining my life.

I have always wanted to write and tell stories about the adventures gardening has "dug" me through,of course, the animals in my life,family,friends and foes all need to be woven in to this journey as well.

My desire is that all who read this blog and enjoy the pictures, recipes, advice, and banter will turn to Nature to experience life.

I hope that you will choose to follow me , thank you for coming to my Blog!