Yes! Fence Me In!

 

Those of you have have visited us know that parts of the horse fence were in truly bad shape. The above section is (obviously) near the barn and shows the sad state of affairs. I had attempted to "fix" the fence by weaving together bits of chicken wire and metal poles... throw in some baling twine and you get a messy less than secure fence. A close up:

Somehow, it worked and kept Neko in. Or at least her body, as the fence is bent, spindled and mutilated because Neko was sticking her big fat neck and head over the fence to get the grass. Which we all know is greener on the other side. Anyway, this section was actually better (!!!) than other sections.

We had bought the new fencing and the posts, but Bob had been busy so we kept waiting until one unusually quiet day, Bob said, "Let's do the fence." I quickly agreed and set to work removing all that old, nasty fencing. Oh course, Robin the Good had to remain in the house while this was going on, which made her very unhappy. She spent the next few hours howling in pathetic canine accompaniment, certain she was missing all the fun.

Bob weed whacked the exposed fence line and set to work erecting new posts. I tamped the soil down after he dug the holes. Then we rolled out the new fencing.

It all looks straight and shiny and new and effortless, but it did take us the better part of the day. There's Neko in the background, wondering why she can't get her head over any more. Hahahaha! Part of the reason is that I ran a second line and a third line of electric fence along the top on fiberglass poles so that it looks like San Quentin Prison, but she can't stick her head through. And it works!! Horse foiled again!!

Better view by the large upper gate. So at least temporarily (until Neko figures out some other method to destroy the fence) everything is bright, shiny and new and secure. And thank goodness, our solar electric fence charger keeps blinking away.

I know because I touched the hot wire twice recently. Works like a charm!

They're Gonna make A Big Star Outta Me!

Hahahahhahhaha! Wouldn't that be nice? Well whether I become a big star or not, some of my artwork is going to The Spring/Break Art Show... and I'm going to go, too! This is the second time I've been selected to have my work presented so I'm doubly excited!!

I have actually had several things to blog about, but this is the most exciting(*1) thing to happen directly to me. The fair is six days of non-stop art world thrills and fun. I was exhausted after the previous trip to Spring/Break; I have no idea how many people attended but believe me it was LOTS and I was hoarse for days after, having talked to what felt like each and every attendee.

I am deeply indebted to The CAMP Galley (*2) for being soooo supportive and especially to Melanie for listening to me intone how she really should take some of her artists (ie; ME!!) to Spring/Break this year. I was like the proverbially squeaky wheel. But it worked!

Here's a link to check out some images from a previous year:

Spring/Break Art Show

Anyway, I'm still reeling form the upcoming excitement. Be still my heart!!!!

(*1) Really?!?!? More exciting than the orange menace being indicted for the millionth time?!??! Well, that was a close second...

(*2) The CAMP Gallery, or The Contemporary Art Modern Project.

Adventures in the Shade Garden

 Drat! I forgot to take a "before" picture! This area- while still looking kind of barren- was covered in poison ivy and woodland asters. Hey! I like woodland asters as much as the next native plant gardener but they were the only thing in this section of the shade border and were threatening to swamp the few little Hostas that lived there. Originally, I was going to re-do this are last summer but thanks to really hot, dry conditions (and a low well), I had to wait until this year.

Fortunately, I actually had a selection of plant material (mostly Hostas *1) from previous birthday requests and plants that were scattered throughout the other areas of my garden so after I weeded and removed rocks, I was ready to transplant.

Yup! That's one of the more sizable individuals I wrestled from the ground! I dug up various lonely Hostas, divided others and started planting. I also moved several into the newly dubbed "Hosta-pital" behind the barn. These specimens need a bit of TLC!

I had a "Little Mouse Ears" that I easily divided into three, but they're going to the far end of the shade garden, which I'm also replanting. Little Mouse Ears had resided under the Sand Cherry that half-way died this spring. Suddenly, it was full sun and the Ears needed moving. Anyway they will all have a place in the Shade Border after recovering.

Further along, I planted Caladium to distract from all the weeds and mess in an area I haven't tackled yet. I will be the first to acknowledge that shade gardening doesn't come as naturally to me as full sun gardening. Shady gardens may be cooler to work in, but I sometimes get the willies as they tend to be moister and slimier and you can't always see what you're putting your hand into. Yick. But they also tend to take care of themselves more after they're installed so less time is spent fondling slime.

Here's the terminus of the Shade Garden. The lovely gate that Bob made me for my birthday several years ago is such a nice transition to the wilder world beyond. And the giant pale green Colocasia makes a terrific statement (*2).

And you know me! Can't resist a bargain and can't have too many plants! While shopping at our local supermarket, how could I resist rescuing two Hostas (on two separate occasions) that had been reduced to 1/2 price! Ditto at the big box store where I was purchasing contact lens solution. They look so happy now. More residents for my expanding and improving Shade Garden: Yay!!

(*1) Named varieties of Hosta that I have collected were "Island Breeze", "Guacamole", "little Mouse Ears", and recently added "Minuteman", "Rain Forest Sunrise" and "Blue Angel". I already had "Sum and Substance" and "Empress Wu" and "Sagae"-(these last 3 are huge varieties!), along with any number of delightful by unidentified cultivars.

(*2) Thank you to our friend Roberta who has a real knack for raising an astonishing assortment of Elephant Ears!