Garden Blog Year in Review, Part One

There have been some really good years that I dreaded to see end and a few others that I have been glad to see go. 2008 has been an interesting and somewhat difficult year for me. There have been many wonderful things that have happened but also a lot of heartaches, disappointments and scary times. Most of the disappointments were with other people and all I could do was sit back and watch people that I love and care about hurt. Some people I know have lost just about everything this year; marriages have ended, people have lost jobs, some have lost their homes, and many have had health issues.

The tough economic times gave us a personal blow when my husband lost his job and even though he found another one soon after, it is still in the same industry. One that is really struggling right now and the fear of another job loss is always there.



Because of all of this, there were times when I was really feeling down and had difficulty blogging. I have wanted my blog to be a happy place for me and others. A place of refuge from controversy or problems. Others have told me how their days are brightened when they visit; that is my goal and it makes me very happy to hear it.

The down times affected my energy level and there wasn't as much gardening done this year. Not only that, but in May, after 21 years of being home, I got a part time job. That cut into my gardening time as well as the blogging time, as I adjusted to working outside the home and keeping up with a large house and the garden.

I don't really like sharing a lot of personal stuff on my blog, but I couldn't help thinking back and reflecting on these things as well.




Now for the more positive side of 2008! In January I started on our Home Owner's Association and was elected Vice-President. One of my immediate goals was to change the interpretation of a rule in our Covenant Restrictions regarding the planting of any perennial over 18 inches. I posted (or rather, I ranted) about this in January. I am most pleased to report that as I pressed this issue, nothing in writing could be found to show where this silly rule came from, and we all agreed that there was no way to enforce it. So, there is no longer a requirement to have things over 18 inches approved by the Architectural Committee, and even better, backyards are pretty much free from planting restrictions. Victory was sweet!



I tried outdoor winter sowing for the first time.



I was definitely more successful with my indoor system than with the outside winter sowing.



I even over-wintered four gerbera daisies which gave me beautiful blooms all winter.


In February, Jodi from Bloomingwriter, had us do a "Where in the World" post to tell about our communities. I enjoyed telling about our lovely town of Noblesville.


In March I went to the Indianapolis Patio and Garden show.


By March I am so ready for spring and this show is like a one day spring vacation for me.



I did a lot of bird watching through the winter months,



and was thrilled to see a bluebird checking out the bird house. I had a problem with house sparrows and the bluebirds wisely chose not to nest here after fighting for days with the sparrows over the house.



In April we had three ducks that were frequent visitors to the patio for the bird seed.



After a dismal spring in 2007, I was delighted that the weather cooperated and the blooms on the trees were spectacular.

I started my new job the first part of May.



Also, during the month of May I visited the Butterfly Exhibit at White River Gardens



and the zoo.


It was during the month of May that I found "George" in the Milkweed container,



and I had lilacs for the very first time.

Well, it is long past mid-night of the new year, and this post is long enough already. I'll finish part two hopefully tomorrow.

Happy New Year!