Thess Socety Blog

NEW GREENHOUSE After 6 years of using my baby greenhouse that was built from 3 old storm windows, it became apparent this year that it just wasn't big enough for my needs anymore. The biggest issue I deal with is the late spring frosts and early fall frosts that we are prone to at an elevation of 3700 ft (1125 m). What I need is a place where I can keep 2 full grown tomato plants all summer long and not have to worry about them getting killed by frost.  This new greenhouse also gives me plenty of room to store my planters in the early spring to keep them from overnight temps that could kill them. BABY GREENHOUSE Read more »

I get so tired of winter that I cannot wait until I see the snowdrops and crocuses begin to pop through the snow.  Ever since I moved into my new home, I've embraced tulips as well (mostly due to the fact that I no longer have a back yard that the deer can get into - yay me!) Here are my favourite tulips. Happy Spring! Read more »

Well 2015 was a great year even though I wasn't able to do some of the things I had planned to. 2016 began with a new addition to my family.  Meet Izzy (Isabelle) everyone!   She is approximately 3 months old and had a rocky start to her life.  She was found with her littermates discarded at the side of a road in a cardboard box.  Two of the pups had already expired in the cold and the rest had bad worms and the worst lice the vets had ever seen.  She is a bit underweight still and small for 3 months.  She's only 10 pounds!  From the look of some of the pups, there is husky or Finnish lapphund in the mix and the rest look like border collies.  Izzy is a little darling! Bear with me as I go through her first few months living here.  I won't have much time for DIY projects... That being said, I do have three big projects planned for this year.  I am definitely ripping a wider opening in the wall between the living and dining rooms - remember this was on last year's list b...

Don't you just love the early summer garden?  Our spring this year was much earlier than usual and much warmer, too.  The flowers have been GLORIOUS!  I'm so happy to see my faves blooming with such gusto. I adore iris, peonies and roses (and so many other flowers too!).  This photo-heavy post is a little peek at the fabulous blooms I enjoyed this year. ALLIUM GLOBEMASTER Read more »

We've had such an early spring this year - I LOVE it!!  I was able to get out and begin my new beds and landscape plans at the beginning of April.  I still have a long way to go, but this photo-heavy post is full of my new plants and plans! Read more »

Last fall my front landing was torn off and replaced with a gorgeous landing and deck.   Read more »

  Time for part 2 of positively deer proof plants!   As I mentioned in the last edition, what works in one part of the continent may not work elsewhere.  Hungry deer will eat almost anything and white tail deer have different tastes from mule deer.     What to do???  I'm sharing what has worked in my gardens over the last 15 years.  I've dealt with both white tail and mule deer in my community and landscaped two homes. Hopefully these selections will provide you with some plants that you can enjoy with or without a deer issue! Read more »

I know, it's a pipe dream... I live in a community where herds of deer walk the streets, sleep in my front yard and graze everything. A hungry deer will eat anything. I've had deer sample my daffodils by biting off the flower heads and spitting them out on the ground beside the bare stem.  Daffodils are supposed to be deer proof.  Um, well, that depends on the deer. That being said, I have found plants that are deer proof and that after 17 years of living in this community, have NEVER been sampled by a white tail deer.  So for those of you looking to have a pretty garden display that isn't eaten to the ground, here is my list of no-fails: Read more »