Porch Perfect

10/11/2026

This wonderful family of 4 had me to come beautify the flowerbeds between their driveway and their front yard. We were able to get the perennials planted on Madison’s hillside before the rain and before the winter sets in.

Her oldest son helped us plant these beauties in a very natural arrangement that lends itself nicely to the woodland backdrop. They have had deer to destroy their previous efforts. They will be able to enjoy the views of these lush plants from the windows on the front of their home.

We planted Blue Mist Flower, Hellebores, Caesar’s Brother Iris, Astilbe, Hardy Geraniums, Vinca, and Rose of Sharon at the fence. All these plants will grow in shade and be uninteresting to the deer and then bloom in the Spring and Summer and fill in nicely. Remember, perennials sleep the 1st year, creep the 2nd year, and leap the 3rd year. More pictures to come 😁.

Just let me know if you also would enjoy🪏help 🪏in your garden🪴🪨🪻🪻🌷🌻

10/06/2026

My jewelry on display in Lenoir Grassroots Appalachia L.L.C.
458-B Harper Ave. Lenoir, NC 28645 along with other artisan items. Please visit Wed- Saturday 9-4pm

10/06/2026

More jewelry on display now at Grassroots Appalachia in Lenoir
Grassroots Appalachia L.L.C.
458-B Harper Ave. Lenoir, NC 28645

The painting, ‘Appalachian Spring’ above is by Lynn Downham. See it in person in our Art Gallery. Art, History and Craft Exhibit Demonstrates Conditions Favorable for Community Life Boo…

10/02/2026

You may remember when I helped Kristen (last Spring) get her flower beds ready for Summer parties. Well now it is time to help Madison get ready for Spring. Stay tuned to see how we transform this hillside (next weekend)...

10/02/2026

09/28/2026

I have been asked by several folks about planting now. Here is what to remember as Fall approaches....
plant bulbs 4 inches or so deep now for Spring blooms
place them pointed end up and roots down.
pick and well-drained sunny spot
compost and mulch your flower beds
plants do better in the ground than in pots so whenever possible plant them in the ground for a good result
never use self watering pots through winter
trim branches over the winter to ensure you will have the same sunny spots next year

*if you want garlic plant hard-neck garlic now for a June harvest

09/22/2026

Now that I have changed the profile/description to "porch" living, I have to introduce my very faithful companion. Every porch looks better with a hound.

09/21/2026

These mountains are so beautiful!! This Saturday was sunny and warm despite the rain in the forecast. A friend and I visited Harvest Farm on 194 very near the Mast General Store in Valle Cruis, NC. They had a large assortment of pumpkins, gourds and winter squash of about every shape and size. There are hay rides, a corn maze and a u pick flower field. It is worth a visit if you are around the Boone area.

09/13/2026

Tyler gave a great tour of all the animals at the Apple Hill Farm.
Pigs, Alpaca, Llama, Cow, Donkeys, Guardian Dogs, Pet Dogs, Goats, and Bees