Seeds of Hope

Many of you have been following the battle of little Patrick Chance in his fight against Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. I spoke to my garden buddy (Patrick's grandmother), Kris, yesterday, and found out Patrick has more tumors in skull and chest.



Needless to say, the rest of day was spent thinking and praying for this young life. Kris has worked tirelessly to raise money for the Press On Fund which supports Neuroblastoma research. Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. It is believed that immature nerve cells get mixed signals and develop into blastomas(tumors) and never make it to mature normal nerve cells. The cause of Neuroblastoma is still unknown.

Click on www.pressonfund.org to see pictures of Patrick and learn more about Neuroblastoma.

Kris pleads for our prayers for Patrick and his family. She has worked so hard selling "seeds of hope", Patrick's Amaryllis bulbs & paperwhites at Christmas and driving the "Johnny Hensley and the Red Hots" concert last year. All to raise money for Childhood Cancer research.

The Great Sunflower Project '09

I participated in the Great Sunflower Project last year, and decided to do so again this year. My sunflowers at home are not quite open. The project is really about bees. Bees are critical for pollination and thus, producing fruit. The research is conducted to find out more info on bee activity in community and home gardens.

You can participate by planting your own sunflower seeds and downloading the data sheet on the "Great Sunflower Project" website. They are out of seed for 2009, but again, buy your own.

Hint for Augusta: Lowe's has already put away their seed, but Green Thumb West had some yesterday!

This is a great kid activity and may keep them busy once your sunflowers open!

see you.

ML

Virginia Lillies!

Wanted to share photos of some beautiful "home grown" Lillies from a Garden Buddy in Virginia!

Thanks Nancy!

Are you growing something this summer?

Send pics so we can share!!

see you.

ML

ANOTHER GARDEN EXPLOSION!

sunday, june 7, 2009

There is nothing like coming home after a week's vacation to see the GARDEN EXPLOSION! It's a good thing I asked a garden buddy to put some water on the garden while I was gone!

This is a blue spiderwort plant that blooms in the morning.

The okra is up and looking good. I thinned it this morning. I planted "Cajun Delight" and "Clemson Spineless".A few seeds of okra go a LLOOONNGG way! We love gumbo, cut up okra, onions, tomatoes diced, maybe some corn and butterbeans?!
Is that Gizmo in the monkey grass???

Tomatoes from Kate Lee's 'Oasis Garden' are about 3 1/2 ft tall now. Lots of blossoms, a few little toms. Had to give them a bit of a dustin' before vacation as the aphids were enjoying the plants! There are two of each of the following plants: Acme, Brandywine, and Sungold...

In the background you can see a spot of green. That is my "Topsy Turvy"tomato planter...My gardening friend, Zack:>, gave that to me for my b-day! Must be watered regularly or blossom end rot sets in...Happened to my first '09 tom, so I will watch carefully!

I love Bee Balm (Monarda)! The bees really love it and it reminds me of the cranky Queen's hat in "A Bug's Life"! (apologies for the poor quality pic!)

see you.

ML

I am SOLD on the Organic Choice Fertilizer by Miracle Gro. It definitely has chicken poop in it! The yard is a bit smelly after a rain, but, boy, it sure does the trick!