Flower Garden Border

Today I spent my time working on the flower garden. I've been wanting a border around it ever since I put it in three years ago. I didn't want to go to the work of doing it until I had the garden the size I wanted. Last fall I made it a bit bigger and decided this size was perfect. 

 I loosened all of the soil with a garden fork and then planted annuals in the new part. Eventually I want to get more perenials, but I need to make a visit to Mom's and get some cuttings of things I don't have. I'll plant some bulbs in the Fall too.

 And last but not least, I had to put the fence back up so the rabbits don't eat everything.



Flowers and Spring Work

I spent several hours outside today...almost seven to be exact. This morning I went out and bought my flowers. I hit three stores, which wasn't what I was planning, but I wasn't happy with the selection at the first two. I love flowers, but it is so easy to spend a lot of money...and I haven't even started buying for the vegetable garden. Totally worth it though.

I hadn't gotten around to cleaning up my pots last fall so I had to pull out the dead ones and even a couple straggly green ones that somehow survived winter.

 I got six pots done and the space along the side of the garage. I have a problem with critters digging in my flower pots. My mom told me to put rocks in after I get the flowers planted. Works perfect. I still need to plant a few in the garden. The front landscaping was looking a bit blah so I added a new layer of mulch.

 I also got the patio set out of the shed and cleaned it all up and put the cushions on. I sure hope the summer-like weather is finally here to stay. The deck got washed and the garage swept.

 I got a new grill cover since the last one didn't make it through the winter. Another thing that didn't get done in the fall...the grill to the garage...so the cover cracked. This new one is fabric-like so it should hold up to the weather better. I also had a couple of side tables to get cleaned up.

Everything is looking good. A few more flowers and vegetables, and I'll be set. Wish I had this much ambition every day!

I even got my first sunburn of the season.  On my way to a great tan...maybe....

Fence - White Again

Another project that needed to be done was cleaning the white fence that is on one side of my deck. I honestly never thought about cleaning it until I noticed all of the mildew on it late last Fall. It looks so much better now.

Before

After

Another thing crossed off the list...I love that feeling.

Spring Flowers

The weather has finally cleared up so I was able to get out and take some pictures of my flowers.

Strawberry Pie

Strawberries have been on sale for about a dollar a pound that past few weeks, and I've really been taking advantage. I could eat a pound a day if I let myself. They aren't quite at peak sweetness, but they're still delicious. 

I sliced strawberries into a graham cracker crust and made a filling. I had to wait for the filling to cool.

 The finished pie, chilled just in time so I could eat with my supper.

Is Winter Over Yet?

I woke up to this two-inch blanket of snow this morning...by mid-afternoon it was gone. 

Hazardous Waste Recycling

Yesterday Urbandale had a household hazardous waste cleanup event.  Metro Waste Authority has these drop-off sites in 20 counties throughout the year. This is such an easy, convenient way to get rid of those items that can't go to the landfill.  The Urbandale event was held at the middle school. I just drove up and they unloaded for me. I didn't even have to get out of the car. 

I didn't have very much to get rid of. I had 6 cans of stain and varnish (some left behind by the previous owners of my house), a couple of compact fluorescent bulbs (yes, that's right, these new bulbs are not to go in the regular trash), some rechargeable battery packs from cordless phones, and some floor polish. It wasn't much, but at least I no longer have the clutter in the garage. 

While I was gathering up these items, I found some cans of latex paint that can be thrown away as well.  I've taken the lids off to let it dry, and then will be able to throw them away in my regular trash.