An artist, avid gardener and garden designer dishes the dirt on gardening in the windy city.
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WHAT APPEARS IN WINTER AND DISAPPEARS IN SPRING ?
Left : Normal skin; Right : Keratosis Pilaris
As you who follow my blog know it's about this time of the year when I'm confined indoors by the harsh Chicago winters that I come down with a malady I have dubbed the "epatoozies " which is what we Southerners use to label things when we don't know what it is. An angry red rash that resembles chicken skin appears on my neck, arms and face and no treatment that I've tried has worked to clear it up.
Last year my doctor prescribed the best medicine : Florida for the month of February. I kid you not the rash disappeared once I got out into the wonderful sunshine.
Now I can no longer call it the epatoozies because I've finally got a diagnosis : a common skin condition known as Keratosis Pilaris ( thus the label " chicken skin " ) which affects 1 in 3 people and 40-50 per cent of the world's population. So I'm not in this alone. Many have it and don't even know what it is. Thank god it's not serious ( some forms of Keratosis are precancerous ) but it's very annoying and unsightly. It's caused by an excess build up of keratin or protein in the skin and is worse in winter when confined indoors.
I'm currently treating it with a topical steriod cream prescribed by my doctor and a skin regime of exfoiliating the affected areas to get rid of the excess protein buildup. If it doesn't work I have no alternative but to wait for the Spring cure.
I've always disliked the skin on a chicken and I certainly don't like it on me.
THE BEST WINTER TOOLS FOR GARDENERS
Upper row : 5 lb. ankle weights Lower row : 5, 8 and 12 lb. hand weights
The thing I miss most in winter is gardening and the exercise it gives me without having to do a daily routine in the gym. In winter I spend 3 or more days doing a garden fitness routine to keep my muscles in shape. Very little equipment is needed for the exercises. Visit the gardenfitness.com website for the wonderful illustrated 6 week shape up program created by personal trainer Kimberly Ridout .
I'm also staying in shape by lifting my 7 week old 12-plus-pound granddaughter Lea and climbing stairs cleaning a four story house . I don't do New Year's resolutions every January 1, I have a long term plan to garden until my last breath. It's just in my genes I guess. My Aunt Nell was a hearty healthy woman who kept house until she was in her mid-90's, even taking care of her 70 year old daughter who was in poor health due to obesity. Aunt Nell gardened all her life and ate a healthy diet of mainly vegetables and very little meat.
What are you winter weary gardeners doing with your extra time ?
GARDEN BLOGGERS' MUSE DAY -JAN.1, 2009
Merry Christmas From Sweet Home and Garden Chicago
What are these people doing to me?
Merry Christmas from Sweet Home and Garden Chicago. Our mascot, Jojo the silver/black mini Schnauzer, is so confused by the newest addition to our household - Lea, our first grandchild. She seems to think its some kind of big wind up toy and has gone bonkers trying to get close enough to grab it.
AND THE WINNER IS ....
I know this is a busy time of the year with the Christmas and New Year's holiday but I did my part in playing Santa Claus thanks to MuckandStuff who was kind enough to donate a pair of their terrific garden shoes for me to giveaway.
After reading all the entries I have selected Pat at Tomatodrill who is a stay at home mother and a novice gardener in the Chicago area. She promised me all the green tomatoes from her garden. Just kidding. I enjoy encouraging gardening enthusiasm and I'm sure that a new pair of Mucks will go a long way toward that goal.
I want to thank all of you for participating and I wish you a very Merry Christmas.
LAST BELL : MIDNIGHT DEADLINE FOR GARDEN SHOE GIVEAWAY
December dreams of May
Where is everybody? Out shopping while I'm trying to give away some gorgeous and grand $50 garden clogs/shoes from MuckandStuff no doubt.
The deadline for entry is Midnight tonight . All you need to do is write a few sentences or paragraphs telling me why you want these clogs/shoes.
Whew! Giving away great stuff is harder than I thought. What's the matter with you people ?
A MOST UNUSUAL DECEMBER IN CHICAGO
Forsythia, in bloom, Chicago, December 10, 2008
It was a mild day and I snuck outside to clean up the remaining leaves but what to my eyes did appear but a most unusual sight : Forsythia in bloom. In December. In Chicago. Well I never!
The warmth of early December has long given way to temperatures more like January and a few snow and ice storms to add to the misery.
But I was cheered, even for a fleeting moment, to see the bright yellow Forsythia enjoying its last hurrah before Spring.
FREE GARDEN SHOES GIVEAWAY
Who doesn't love a good garden shoe or boot? These cool shoes above are from MuckandStuff and they've agreed to give a pair away to the winner of my contest. This is a $49.50 value, not to mention a great product.
SO, tell me in a paragraph or two why you think you deserve to be the winner. I have a funny bone so try to tickle it. There are no rules, you can grovel if you wish.
The deadline for entries is Monday, December 22, 12 midnight.
Visit their website to see a complete selection of Muck Boots and Muck Shoes and their color choices .
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day -December
Lathyrus odaratus 'Lea ' ( Sweetpea )
Carol said "no rules " when it comes to Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. We northern gardeners really have to stretch it to get through winter since nothing is blooming in the garden outdoors.
The newest flower in Sweet Garden Chicago is my little Sweetpea Lea whom as you see above seems to be enjoying the undivided attention of 4 people at her every beck and call . Grandma Carolyn is busy learning all the new stuff about what babies want and need these days. I'm amazed at how my mother managed with 4 and no frills.
In my free time I am at the easel and have started some paintings such as this white garden which I find very cheerful. Please don't say it looks like snow falling.
Then there's this one that I did 'alla prima ' or all at once. Painting loosely has a charm all its own to me. I tend to be a perfectionist and often end up overworking a piece. I have to step back and say " Stop."
'
Go visit Carol at Maydreamsgardens and see what's blooming around the world.
A Christmas Story
Far from the nearest town , our log cabin on a hill in rural Northern Alabama was nestled in a forest of evergreens -pine, cedar , holly and fir. It was home to many critters - wild turkey, guinea fowl, ducks, fox, squirrel, rabbits, possum and racoons, some of which ended up on the dinner table.
All summer long we preserved the many fruits and vegetables of our labor for the winter. The chickens gave us fresh eggs each day and fried chicken on Sundays, the cow fresh milk and the pigs bacon, sausage and smoked ham. Once a month we would travel to town to buy large sacks of cornmeal , flour, sugar and lard for our daily bread.
My two sisters and I went to church in town every Wednesday and Sunday. Younger sister Linda and I would say a special prayer every Christmas for the thing we wanted most : Snow. God please give us snow for Christmas this year. But our prayers went unanswered and we were beginning to wonder if what they taught in church was true.
I was ten and out of school for Christmas vacation. With no money to buy gifts we had to be very creative. I was sewed a sock doll for Linda , wove a bracelet for Wilma, and made handkerchiefs for Dad.
Each day I would go into the woods to get pine and holly to decorate the house. I also gathered hickory nuts, pecans, chestnuts and walnuts. We had a huge fireplace that heated the house and a crackling fire where we'd gather and read Christmas stories and the bible.
The night before Christmas Linda and I once again prayed for snow. We jumped in bed knowing full well that such a miracle would never happen.
Christmas morning we awoke to the smell of Wilma's bacon cooking as she called us to breakfast. Instead of the usual grits in the bowls on the table there was something very pure and white that looked a lot like ice cream. Linda and I both stammered in surprise : " Ice cream for Christmas ? " No, sillies, " Wilma replied, " Go look outside. "
We opened the door to a most wonderous sight. Every tree wore a sparkling dress of white . Snow ! I was beginning to think that it was something I'd only read about in books or see in movies like White Christmas that my brother took me to see.
Linda and I agreed that our first white christmas was the best we'd ever had and we were finally convinced that there was a God . It just took him longer to find us because we were way out in the country.
FIRST ON THE FIRST
Does this make my butt look big ? -Jojo the Mini-Schnauzer
Snow on Evergreens
It rained almost all day yesterday and then viola! This morning when I awoke we had several inches of the white stuff. The first snowfall of the season always makes me feel as if winter's truly arrived. I hope it'll be a short one and not so cold.
GARDEN BLOGGERS' MUSE DAY - DECEMBER 1
Winter Stores
We take from life one little share and say that this shall be a space redeemed from toil and care from tears and sadness free.
And haply death unstrings his bow and sorrow stands apart and for a little while we know the sunshine of the heart.
Existence seems a summer eve warm soft and full of peace our free unfettered feelings give the soul its full release.
A moment then it takes power to call up thoughts that throw around that charmed and hallowed hour this life's divinest glow.
But time though viewlessly it flies and slowly will not stay alike through clear and clouded skies it cleaves its silent way.
Alike the bitter cup of grief alike the draught of bliss its progress leaves but moment brief for baffled lips to kiss.
The sparking draught is dried away the hour of rest is gone and urgent voices round us say 'Ho, lingerer, hasten on !'
And has the soul then only gained from this brief time of ease a moment's rest when overstrained one hurried glimpse of peace?
No ; while the sun shone kindly o'er us and flowers bloomed round our feet while many a bud of joy before us unclosed its petals sweet.
An unseen work within was plying like honey-seeking bee From flower to flower unwearied flying labored one faculty.
Thoughtful for Winter's future sorrow its gloom and scarcity Prescient today of want tomorrow toiled quiet memory.
'Tis she that from each transient pleasure extracts a lasting good 'Tis she that finds in summer treasure to serve for winter's food.
And when youth's summer day is vanished and age brings winter's stress her stores with hoarded sweets replenished life's evening hours will bless.
-Charlotte Bronte
END OF SEASON SPECIALS
A beautiful end of season sight : Ornamental Grasses and 'Knockout' Roses
Korean Mums saved from the Freeze
The last of the tomatoes.
Time to rake the last of the leaves and make final preparations in the garden for the coming winter. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I have a lot to be thankful for this year.
The Most Beautiful Girl in The World Isn't Garbo, Isn't Dietrich
Monday's Child is fair of face .
Lea, our first grandchild, debuted today, November 17 at 8.6 lbs and 22 inches. We are all exhausted after a full day of work. I was in the delivery room when she made her appearance and I had the honor of cutting the cord.
Welcome to the world, baby girl.
GARDEN BLOGGERS' BLOOM DAY NOVEMBER
The ornamental grass and Cimicifuga are great Fall performers
Repeat-bloomer 'Bee's Jubilee ' Clematis
Sneezeweed managed to bloom for the 2nd time
Rosy sedum still going strong
'Limelight' Hydrangea is changing her colors to pink and bronze
Korean Mums will remain in bloom until the first freeze
Good old reliable Sedum
" Say goodnight, Gracie. " After tonight it may be the final farewell to the lovely blooms I've enjoyed this year.
DO NOTHING YESTERDAY; GIT'ER DONE TODAY
Carol of Maydreamsgardens declared yesterday DO NOTHING DAY in the garden. So I did nothing . The leaves were piling up, but I did nothing . Since it was a holiday I intended to observe it properly, but this doing nothing is harder than I thought.
I'm sure a lot of the neighbors passed by and cast a disapproving look at my leaf covered garden and thought I must be sick or something. They had no idea it was a holiday and that I was celebrating.
This morning I awoke refreshed and rested. The temperatures rebounded into the 50's and I shook off the holiday doldrums. I declare today, November 13, Git'er Done Day because if I don't do it today I'll probably end up with piles of snow covered leaves. I hate when that happens.
I cleaned this front bed and left a few leaves
Oakleaf Hydrangea is NOT happy with the last few frosty morns
Autumn Moon Maple still glorious in her bright pink and yellow attire.
A neighbor passed by while I was cleaning up the garden and remarked that she thought I had been sick. No I said, I've been on holiday. Holiday, what holiday ? Veteran's Day ? Do you get off for that ? No, it was Do Nothing day . Thinking I was joking she chuckled and said, imagine that, a holiday where you do absolutely nothing. Fabulous.
TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED
To my first Irish ancestor who defended the fledgling United States in the 1700's, to all my uncles and cousins who fought in WWII, to my brother and brother-in-law in the Korean war and all others who've defended our nation I give my heartfelt thanks to you this Veteran's Day.
PROOF POSITIVE THAT KNOCKOUT IS THE BEST
Rosa ' knockout '
We've had some pretty cold weather and a lot of plants have succumbed to it. The exception, however, is the Knockout Rose Shrub, pictured above. This is how it looks as of November 10 . Unbelievable.
For those not yet convinced, this is proof positive that Knockout is a real trooper in the garden. I always try to include it in any sunny location that my client may have.
I am not surprised to see them still in bloom around the Chicago area. If you don't have this rose shrub in your garden I encourage you to put it on your list.
HISTORY FROM MY FRONT PORCH
Grant Park Chicago's Frontyard
Congratulations to our new president-elect. He's in good company and the fourth president to hail from Illinois : Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Grant and Ronald Reagan. I hope he lives up to the standards set by these great men.
Over 200,000 people gathered in Grant Park last evening for a 2 million dollar victory celebration. Mother Nature was kind and provided fantastic weather for the celebration.
Does this mean we're assured of getting the Olympics in 2016?
NO COUNTRY FOR SORE LOSERS
Politics? I'm against them, especially on garden blogs. But if I hear or read of one more person threatening to leave for Canada if their candidate doesn't win ( guess which one ) I may just have to help them board the next plane with a good swift kick in the aster.
America's immigration policy is based on give me "the tired, the poor, the homeless " while Canada is " give me $800,000 and you can come as an investor, if not then wait your turn to get a job permit ( you must be a professional in 60 listed jobs ) which can take up to 2 years " And, oh, BTW the income taxes are higher there and if you believe Michael Moore's story about the health care system being superior I've got some ocean front property in Arizona that I'd like to sell you.
I don't get the attitude of most Europeans about our election. Most of them don't like us but if you elect the candidate they think we should have all will be forgiven and we'll suddenly be friends again.
With friends like that who needs enemies ? What's happened to our allies in Europe, the ones we bailed out in WWII ? As for me I'll never forget seeing and reading that " America's chickens have come home to roost " in some of their news reports the very next day after September 11. So easy to say when you're sitting on the sidelines.
I'm not promoting one candidate or the other and I've read both their books. I do recall that McCain's Father and Grandfather, both admirals in the U.S. Navy, were heroes in WWII that helped liberate many European countries but all you read in their news stories is "young, charismatic for change " versus " old man, same old stuff. " I wish that for just one day they would walk in their shoes instead of spewing unmerited rhetoric. And it's not just the European press but ours as well. The media is no longer fair and balanced, it is an opinion maker and board of elections promotions.
We are not a perfect country or people but I'd like to see just one other nation step up to the plate and do half of the good things we have for the world. I dare say there would be no takers.
Today is one of the most historical events in our election history and I am happy that so many Americans are practicing their right to vote. At the same time I would like to see more of the good old American attitude " may the best man win " and " majority rules. "
As for me when the American people elect a new president, be it McCain or Obama, I will say a pray that he will lead our great nation to the best of his ability, a daunting task that cannot be taken lightly .
MOVE OVER TINA TURNER !
Nacho Grandmother's Legs
I don't have Betty Davis Eyes but I've got Tina Turner's legs, only shorter. We're not bad for two old broads in their 60's, eh ? Tina runs uphill on her treadmill to keep those gams in shape and I walk and garden.
And yes, I shaved my legs and put on my shorts today as I ventured forth to soak up some Vitamin D in the warm Chicago sunshine. 73 lovely degrees today. We are suppose to have this weather for a few more days before the bottom falls out.
If y'all hear a big roar a few states over tomorrow evening it's Chicago going beserk, partying in Grant Park .
FALL PALETTE
Now that I've put all the gardens on my clients list to bed I can relax and enjoy the beautiful colors of Fall from my garden and others on my street. Walking about with my trusty camera I snapped shots of viburums, oakleaf hydrangea, burning bush, boston ivy, azaleas, bergenia, serviceberry, sugar maples, smokebush, balloon flowers and hosta.
I'm sure that most of you can easily identify them in my collage above.
OOPS! I'm a Blooming Muse
What the ?
It was always in the back of my mind that it was bound to happen and finally it did. With apologies to Carol at Maydreamsgardens I clicked on Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day for my Muse Day post.
I've since corrected my blooper but the original will show up on Blotanical .
GARDEN BLOGGERS' MUSE DAY -NOVEMBER 1
Autumn
Let us go and gather grapes in the vineyard for the winepress and keep the wine in old vases as the spirit keeps knowledge of the ages in eternal vessels.
Let us return to our dwelling for the wind has caused the yellow leaves to fall and shroud the withering flowers that whisper elegy to Summer.
Come home, my eternal sweetheart for the birds have made pilgrimage to warmth and lest the chilled prairies suffering pangs of solitude.
The jasmine and myrtle have no more tears. Let us retreat for the tired brook has ceased its song and the bubblesome springs are drained of their copious weeping and their cautious old hills have stored away their colorful garments.
Come, my beloved. Nature is just weary and is bidding her enthusiasm farewell with quiet and contented melody .
-Khalil Gibran
I'll Always Remember that Magic Moment
November 1, 1963
That was then.....
November 1, 2008 I dedicate this song to Simon on our 45th anniversary.
