Jill's Thoughts

Just some random thoughts and ideas that come to me while enjoying (and working!) in my own garden. PLUS, I’ll share some of my own vacation pictures from great gardens we’ve visited. I promise you won’t be stuck for hours and hours watching my vacation pix! (Check out Wordless Wednesday.)

Forcing Hyacinth Bulbs Brings A Hint Of Spring To Indoor Gardens

If your long range weather forecast is like ours, you better bundle up and plan on another 15-20″ of snow before spring arrives.  Time to start forcing hyacinth bulbs and creating a beautiful spring-like garden indoors!

When you get hyacinths to bloom indoors before their normal bloom time it’s called “forcing” the bulbs to grow.   They really are so easy and they make wonderful gifts. 

You know how anxious people are to see the first jolt of spring color after a long, grey, cold winter!  (Especially if Phil sees his shadow today!)  You’re sure to see smiles when you give hyacinth bulbs and vases as hostess gifts, or birthday gifts, or even Valentine’s Day…

Go Back To Sleep Daffodils!

Look what I found peeking out as the snow melted this week.  Just a couple of warm days and these daffodils think it’s time to wake up!   But single digit temps predicted this weekend may suddenly send them back to sleepy time!

It’s not uncommon for daffodils and even tulips to be tricked into showing themselves during warmer days in early or mid-March around here.  And I usually don’t even worry about them  because warmer Spring days are just around the corner by then. 

But January is too early!  We still have the whole month of February to get through!  I guess the 24″ of…

Snow Blanketed Perennial Beds

Finally!  After surviving the holiday fun and frenzy, a sinus infection, and more than 20″ of snow, things are just now getting back to normal!    It seems like forever since I’ve written anything.  It’s good to be back. 

Here in the Midwest it’s been very cold.  Almost frigid, in fact.  We didn’t break any records but I think some nights dipped as low as minus 9 or 10.  Now that’s cold!  Even Millie gets her business done in a hurry so she can get back inside where it’s warm! 

We’ve had more snow already this year than we’ve had in the last 5-7…

Easy Secrets To Make A Bow For Beautiful Gift Wrapping

Deciding what wrapping paper to use for the Christmas or birthday presents is a serious decision for some people I know.  Maybe all the gifts will follow a theme this year or maybe all the wrapping paper will be solid colors.  But don’t forget the final accessory … the bows!  Knowing how to make a bow that perfectly fits the paper you’ve chosen turns those Christmas presents under the tree into elegant additions to your holiday decorations.

Don’t you love to give something that’s just perfect for your gift recipient?  Just a little creativity helps you make the outside of the box…

Hilton Head Island Is Still In Bloom

What a wonderful getaway I enjoyed last week during my short business trip to Hilton Head Island.  My client is wonderful, the conference was great, and the Westin-Hilton Head Resort was gorgeous.  Some of the flowers were still in bloom and the ocean waves were mesmerizing – a welcome sound for this flat lander!

Of course, I packed my camera so I could share a few flower and beach pictures with you.  Here are a few of my favorites (hope you like the background music).

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Surprise! Look What’s Hidden In The Dirt!

Remember this picture of my ornamental sweet potato vine gone wild this summer?  This truly has become one of my favorite plants to add to a mixed container.  I love the lime green color and the fast-growing, healthy vine that cascades down and around the container.  However, I had no idea what was happening in the dirt in this pot!

This past Saturday I was deep into the normal fall chores of pulling my worn out annuals from all the deck containers.  The previous frosts had already taken care of the beautiful green vines but when I began to pull out the roots…

Wordless Wednesday

My New Favorite Recipe For Butternut Squash

Despite the cool temperatures, we had so much fun at a church party last Saturday afternoon hosted by our Sunday School teacher at his farm in the country. It was great to be out in the woods on a fall day and of course, everyone enjoyed the potluck dinner - especially Donna’s new recipe for butternut squash!  It was soooo delicious! 

Donna used the squash she grew in her own garden this year.  Butternut squash grows on a vine and has a sweet, nutty taste similar to pumpkin.  Of course, all kinds of different squash and gourds are available during the fall harvest season…

Is It Time To Bring Your Garden Indoors?

I don’t enjoy this part.  Dropping temperatures are signaling it’s time to get plants ready to move indoors for the winter.  I know it has to be done but this means the season is almost over.   And I know the plants don’t like it anymore than I do!  (However, my schefflera seems to adjust pretty well inside after its summer vacation in the backyard!)

Getting Ready To Move

It’s a good idea to start the process well before a surprise frost sneaks in.  And besides, the plants aren’t real keen on change so they need time to adjust!  They make a better transition to the different temperature…

The Monarch Butterfly Migration Is Here!

This afternoon when I saw several spots of orange flitting in and out of the purple asters in my backyard, I knew the monarch butterfly migration was in full force.  Their distinctive orange and black features seem to glow in the fall sunshine.

Every time I see a monarch in the fall I remember one of my earliest assignments in my high school Earth Science class.  One day our teacher took us outside and lined us up about 15′ apart along one of the school drive ways that ran east to west on the property.  Our assignment:  count the monarch butterflies that flew in the space to our right.  …

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