Today started off sunny but is looking a bit overcast now. Not much to do with my plants now. However it is a good time for birdwatching which is part of the reason I love gardening(attracting birds and butterflies). As I was preparing my lunch today I stood and looked out the kitchen window while waiting for lunch to cook. Was a nice view. Two huge bluejays were in the yard. A squirrel was running about preparing for winter. A red headed woodpecker landed on the deck while I was watching the bluejays and squirrel. It was so pretty. I do enjoy watching nature.

Today was a pretty day. It was sunny pretty much all day and not too hot nor too cold. I moved the Catmint from the bed that I'm doing away with. Also dug up some honeysuckle vine and moved it around by the garage. Will see how that turns out.

Where flowers bloom so does hope.
- Lady Bird Johnson

I have almost finished moving the plants from the bed along the 2nd drive. Today I dug up the "Red Hot Poker" plant and divided it. I replanted the main plant at the south corner of the front flower bed. Amazingly, the plant had 4 other "clumps", each of which I potted into its own container until I can find homes for them. I also moved the Bee Balm and the Purple vine(can't recall what it is called). All that's left to move are the canna bulbs(move in closer to the utility pole) and the catmint. I had almost forgotten about it.

Today I began work on moving the plants from the side bed into the flowerbeds along the front of the house. My first move was to try to make room for the plants. I began by cutting back a hedge at the corner of the house which won't die no matter how much I beg it. Then I raked thru some of the bed...will have to weed it by hand though tomorrow. Next I thinned out he Black-Eyed Susan. In the process...I divided out the plant and wound up with about 25 plants I had to find containers for. I know....making more work for myself...but I just couldn't throw them away. Next I dug up the Elephant Ear and put the largest portion in the flower bed along the main drive. A smaller portion broke in two and will make two more plants. I was stunned when I dug up the peonies. Had not expected them to be as large as they were. When I planted them, they were about the size of an index finger. Both of the bases of the plants I dug up were about a foot in diameter. Amazing!! They have only been there for one season. I divided off some of them so I would not have to dig such a huge hole and planted them in the flowerbed which runs by the sidewalk. I was able to locate the Pink Glad. Bulbs also and move them. Tomorrow I will be moving the Red Hot Poker. I have no idea what their root system is like but I need to divide it as well. Will probably put it at the south corner of the flower bed near where the hedge bush keeps rearing its head. I hope that tomorrow will be as pretty as today was. It was just so beautiful.

Well, I feel like I have accomplished alot today as far as the getting the yard and flowerbeds ready for winter weather. I pulled(or cut to ground level) all of the canna's that were in the flowerbeds. Wore gloves but still managed to have sore hands. I'm sure the briars were to blame. I'm exhausted but I feel better having taken care of that. Right now...my plans are to do away with the flower bed that runs along the 2nd drive. I think this will work out well for several reasons.

1. I will be able to move all the plants in them to the beds along the front and side of the house. They are perennials and this will keep Jeremy from having to spend money on flowers next yr.

2. It will make mowing easier come spring.

3. Less space that needs watered and less work maintaining.

4. Because it's my idea :-)

Monday & Tuesday of this week are supposed to be nice days so hopefully if all goes well I can get out and work on moving the plants then.

"There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling." ~Mirabel Osler