Rain!

We received about 3/4 to 1" of rain yesterday. What a blessing. The rain barrels were low and the plants were thirsty. No matter how much city water I use, a welcomed rain does so much better. Mulch is essential in the hot August sun. Sifted compost is my best choice.

When we face intense times as a Christian, is nice to have a little insulation from the trials and challenges of the day. A good friend sure meets that requirement. I look forward to Tuesdays and Wednesdays when I meet with two great friends. They keep me focused on the goals God has me looking at. They challenge me in spiritual disciplines and they give me the reality check of being a forgiven person.

I hope your garden got some rain, but more importantly I hope you enjoy the refreshment of friends. Thanks Tom & Matt.

It's Hot Out There!

We made it to August without the brutal heat of 2009. The 100 degree weather is here and our plants are thirsty. "Why not just let them go and save what you can?" I don't because I know the fall is coming and this can be one of the best time for tender plants. They will look better as the temperatures drop as we get to mid-September. Persevere.

I learned this hot summer that tender plants like impatients will do best on the north side of the house. The diffe

rence is incredible.

One of my favorite plants this year is sold as 'Sweet Potato" vine. It doesn't make potatoes, but it has nice foliage- light green. These plants do good for trailing and ground cover applications. The runners will grow rapidly and can be arranged to cover areas, especially in groundcover usages. It also serves as a great mulch/shade for larger areas. There are several varieties, colors and leaf patterns available. Next spring, try this great plant for shade or sun.

A Good Day in The Garden is Better Than a Bottle of Medicine

Memorial Day is to remember those who have died is service to our country. It's one of those days where you go about your day thinking about and giving thanks for those whose shed blood bought our freedom- our freedom to be responsible. Thanks to the families whose members paid for us to be able to have a place to worship as God directs and to have a lifestyle where we can act responsibly, especially in serving others.

We spent the day in the yard. How therapeutic! We spent our "copay" and bought a few plants. Some tomato plants, seeds and a little work made for a great day. We ate our meals outside and it was glorious. I know there are those in our military who eat every meal outside. Thanks!

Time To Dig Potatoes!

The potatoes have been in the ground since February and it's time for harvest. Our friend Josh helped dig (his first time to dig potatoes.) The harvest was smaller than last year, but the treasure hunt was still as great as always.

NOTE: My little friend Caleb helped do a test dig a couple of weeks ago to see if they were geting ready.

The time was right. Other friends from Santa Fe, Texas brought us some fresh squash, zucchini and South Carolina green beans. We had a feast for supper. Baked salmon patties, and right out of the garden veggies are impossible to beat. Did I mention potatoes? The meal was as colorful as it was tasteful.

I am always amazed at the joy a little dirt and some

friends bring to our lives. We'll plant more tomato plants and squash where the potatoes were.

The quarter inch rain Saturday filled all the rainbarrels and the reserve cans. We should be great for another week.

Beautiful Friends in a Beautiful Place

Finally, we have our new neighbors. About 30 friends gathered in the backyard on Thursday to welcome the Houser Family. What a wonderful addition to the community. (I really believe we get the best neighbors each time a new family arrives.)

It is always nice to gather as friends. You can move everything to a new home except friends. Houser Family, our desire is to be the friends you need as you begin this new chapter in your life.

Your Anderson Mill Friends!

Sam & Ruth Garden

It has been a tremendous day. Dad & I went to a new Farmer's Market in Cedar Park (Cedar Park Farms to Market). I found just the right plants in great condition for Jan's Mother's Day present. We found out yesterday that Steve & Karen are having a little girl in October, Ruth Jan. Today. I made the Sam & Ruth Garden. After trimming the boxwoods, I tilled in some choice compost (home made and FREE.) Several buckets full make the soil easier to work with. The organic stuff will do the plants good. I cleaned up the area before planting. I spaced the plants and added some cuttings of begonias for a great looking mix. A good watering after the planting and we're finished- The Sam & Ruth Garden. We'll see how the cuttings do that were directly planted in the area. Happy Mother's Day, Jan!

Rain Collection

Yea for the winter rains. The rain barrels are full and the reserves are full also.With water costs soaring and watering restrictions in place, it is imperative that we collect as much free water as we can. When our new roof and gutter was installed during 2009, I had the gutter folks place the downspouts over the barrels so they look good and function great.

This water is used mainly for potted plants and fertilizing the garden. There's not enough pressure or capacity to water the lawn, though there are systems available that can do this. When times get tougher, we recycle inside water: sink, food preparation water, unused coffee and open bottled water.

Psalm 68:9
You shed abroad a plentiful rain, O God; You confirmed Your inheritance when it was parched.