Via simply succulents:  The large turtle is part of their topiary garden critter collection. The 22" long moss filled frame is planted with a variety of hardy succulents. All the plants are very well rooted in the moss and will continue to fill out the shell of the turtle, usually in only one season. They use only hardy perennial succulents, so your turtle will live for many years and is very easy to care for. Place your turtle in an area that will recieve at least a half day to a full day of sun. Water turtle when the moss becomes dry. Occasionally totally submerge your turtle in a tub of water and soak for 10 minutes. In cold areas of the country turtles can be brought indoors for the winter and placed in a sunny location. They can also be left in the garden and covered with a thick layer of leaves. It may be helpful to place a branch over the leaves to hold them in place for the winter. Remove the leaves in the spring. Their turtles are a great conversation piece. 

A Windy Day Brings Music To My Ears..

The sound of a wind chime on a windy day brings a sense of calmness to my soul.

Frost Protection..

With the upcoming freeze warning for Phoenix over the next 3 days, it is important to cover your frost tender plants. If you are not sure if your plant is frost sensitive, cover it.
You can use many materials to cover and protect your plants. Burlap, sheets, table linens and frost cloth. You can purchase frost cloth at any of your local nurseries.
Do Not Use plastic. It can actually burn your plants.

 I gathered my smaller containers together and then covered them.

I used burlap and a tablecloth on these containers.

 These newly planted trees are covered as close to the ground as possible to protect the trunks also.

When covering your plants, make sure that as much of the plant, if not the entire plant is covered for the best results. Watering your plants well before the freeze will give them a greater chance of not freezing. This helps your plants actually stay a bit warmer and they are not stressed from being dehydrated.
If your plants do get some frost damage, wait until there are no more possibilities of a frost to occur before you trim out the damaged part of the plant. The damaged part will help protect the young and tender part of the plant. If you trim too soon you take the chance of that new growth getting damaged if it freezes again. I know it is hard to wait, but be patient.

Blog Awards

I am very excited to have been chosen as the featured blog on the GardeningBenches UK Blog Awards.

A bench offers a relaxing spot to enjoy your garden.

My tortoise bench sits under a fig tree. In the summer it is fully shaded by the tree.
 

Bring Spring Indoors..

 Tired of the dreary days of  winter?   Add some flowers for a burst of spring.

I love watching the Iris buds open. They last a good week in fresh water and bright location.

A simple way to display your favorite tulips. 

Put that old crock to good use. I put two vases inside the crock and filled them with Stargazer Lilies, Snapdragons, twigs and Hydrangeas.  You can smell the Lilies as soon as you enter the house. 

Welcome Spring!!

Celebrate The Season!

 Happy Holidays to you and yours.. May the coming year bless us with good health, happiness and peace on earth...

Garden Sculpture

 The geometric shapes of this garden sculpture seem Wright influenced. It reminded me of the rug that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for my Grandfather's house, David S. Wright.