Author: Timelesslady

Married with children and grandchildren. Reader, writer, painter - maybe a bit of an artist. Gardener... Led by the Spirit.

Phavorites and Plants – Spider Plant

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This is a spider plant I have had for several years. I let the plant become potbound…this is key to the mother plant sending out shoots of plantlets, or as I call them, “babies.”

I have rooted many babies and now have other baskets of plants growing in the rafters of my basement, waiting for warmer weather to move out onto the patio.

Spider plants are more than just a pretty sight. They also are one of the top plants for filtering out impurities in the air you breathe. More information about houseplants that filter air can be found here: Houseplants That Filter the Air

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I also have more “babies” rooting in containers and vases all over the house. They add a bit of green to the rooms they are in, they root quickly, and are soon ready to pot up. I have loved spider plants for as long as I have enjoyed and collected houseplants. Happy gardening!

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Posies – Alstromeria and a Few Willow Twigs

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I put together this floral arrangement a few days before Easter. It contains only one bunch of alstromeria, some pussy willow branches, some curly willow branches and a few pieces of beautiful foliage. It is lovely, and I have enjoyed it very much. Even better…it is still going strong, and the curly willow branches have leafed out.

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Willow twigs will readily root in water or loose soil. I have used branches as trellises and had them regrow once more as they gave support to the vines. I might try to grow these and plant the resulting bushes in a back corner of the yard.

Alstromeria is one of the best flowers for long-lasting arrangements. I wonder how long I can keep this beautiful display alive.

Floral Tip: Remove the bottom leaves of the alstromeria stem. These leaves yellow and die long before the flowers are finished blooming. Your arrangement will last almost a week longer if these leaves are removed.

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Projects and Plants – Update/Geraniums, Coleus and Tomatoes

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The geranium plants I overwintered in the cold garage are growing amazingly well under lights in my basement. Several of the leaves are full-sized in only three weeks of warmer temperatures and intense light. Hooray!

Original post and how-to found here: Geraniums Reborn

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The coleus seeds I carefully sowed with a wet pencil tip have grown well, and have never experienced damping off disease.

How to sow small seeds without waste: Planting Small Seeds – Coleus

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The tomatoes I sowed in recycled juice containers have also steadily grown in my back window. I thinned them out a week ago, and was able to save a few of the extra tomato seedlings in recycled coffee cans.

Check out the original post here: Hanging Tomato Gardens

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Projects & Plants – Square Foot Garden Update

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, Projects1 Comment

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SQUARE FOOT GARDEN 

I had a lot of success last year with my square foot gardens. To conserve even more space, we have decided to build this year’s garden a bit larger than the recommended 4 x 4. It will stand in back of the two square foot gardens already in place. Yesterday, it warmed up a bit, and we headed out to pick up two bales of vermiculite, two bales of peat moss, and bags of compost, mushroom soil and aged horse manure. We also added some of my own compost to the mix. I can’t wait to water it, let it settle for a day or two, and begin to plant.

Here’s a link to the blog of Mel Bartholomew, the creator of the Square Foot Garden Method: Link to Mel Bartholomew’s Blog

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I’ve had a few of my very late planted Autumn crops over-winter. Below is a picture of the parsley I was able to use all winter.

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I’ve heard that if parsley goes to seed or develops a stalk the taste will become bitter. I’m going to leave these four plants I grew from seed in their square, and if, and until, they grow bitter tasting, they have a home in my square foot garden.

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A few brussel sprout and broccoli plants also lived through our winter. I’ll give these hardy individuals a chance to bear fruit too. Here’s a link to my Square Foot Garden of 2012: Square Foot Gardens 2012

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Perspective – The Bucket List & Fearing Not

On By TimelessladyIn PerspectiveLeave a comment

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What does a “bucket list” mean? According to WikiAnswers: “A bucket list is a list of things such as activites that you are going to do before you die.”

I don’t have a bucket list, but if I did, going to an Easter Sunrise Service at Hart’s Methodist outdoor amphitheater would be on it. Happily, I have already fulfilled this wish, and not only fulfilled it once, I’ve been to Hart’s twice for their Easter Sunrise service.

Last week I felt the presence of the Lord as the sun lit the sky and peeped over the horizon and the Elk Neck River. It is a great way to worship and rejoice that JESUS CHRIST is our risen LORD and SAVIOR. I know this for certain! HALLELUJAH!

There is much in life that is not certain. Frightening situations and the unknown confront us all, but I have this blessed assurance to hold onto, and friend, so do you:

“Fear not, for I am with you,
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

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Hart’s Methodist Church, Northeast, Maryland

Phavorites – Perfect Pinks

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Pink! Who doesn’t love it in it’s many hues? Lovely Lilies!

Artists and Crafters: Please feel free to make use of these photographs as reference for painting, projects, etc.

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Anthirrium

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Cymbidium Orchids

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Cattleya Orchid

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Hibiscus

Phavorites – Outstanding Orange

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Clivia

Artists and Crafters: Please feel free to make use of these photographs as reference for painting, projects, etc.

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Bird of Paradise

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Nasturium

Phavorites – Ravishing Reds/Anemones

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I’m devoting my ravishing red category of flowers exclusively to anemones. (Windflowers) History and Information about growing anemones can be found here: Anemone Information and Culture

Artists and Crafters: Please feel free to make use of these photographs as reference for painting, projects, etc.

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Phavorites – Glorious Greens

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites2 Comments

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Greens can be the most glorious of colors. There is something soothing to the spirit of most of mankind when the sun lights up the greens of a canopy of foliage with beams of brilliant light.

I love this description of God’s throne found in the book of Revelation: “… A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.” Revelation 4:3

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Artists and Crafters: Please feel free to make use of these photographs as reference for painting, projects, etc.

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Phavorites – Gorgeous Golds and Yellows

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites3 Comments

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T’is the season to let your senses be filled with flowers of all kinds. Artists and Crafters are welcome to use these photographic images of flowers as reference photos.

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Daffodils

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Lilies

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Orchid

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Nasturtium

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Gerbera Daisy

Perspective & Phavorites – Blue Monday

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A blue mood can sometimes take hold after the joy of a holiday. Today I am giving into the blueness and delighting in the many shades of azure I was able to enjoy in the Longwood Gardens Conservatory on Sunday. What an array of tones we found there, from the sky blue of Forget-Me-Nots and Himalayan Poppies, through the deep purple-blue of Spring Pansies. These blues lift my spirit. I hope they lift yours too!

Artists and Crafters: Please feel free to make use of these photographs as reference for painting, projects, etc.

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This beautiful blue poppy is almost spent, but in it’s last hours the petals are at their most beautiful as they become tinted with softest pink before dropping from the plant.

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I thought this bed of blue flowers was incredibly lovely, a gorgeous mix of hydrangeas, cineraria and Himalayan poppies.

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I am always  entranced by the buds of the poppies too.

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Who can resist smiling back at these joyful pansy faces?

Pressed Flowers – Time to Begin

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Although the greens in this pressed flower composition have faded into brown, it is still a good example of how well the actual flowers and leaves hold up over time. This pressed flower picture was an entry in the Philadelphia Flower Show in the early    1990’s. The Category was “City of Brotherly Love,” and the piece was supposed to portray a quilt. Considering the span of time, near twenty years, I think it has held up very well.

Most foliage and greens will age to a tan or brown over time. Many flowers, however, will retain a good bit of color. The flowers above are: delphiniums (dark blue), verbena (maroon) and lobelia (light blue.) Many other flowers will hold onto their hues. A few of these that come to mind are buttercups, purple verbena and larkspur. I’ve also had good luck with spring bulbs, although their moisture content can be a problem and they do best using a microwaved book. Many of the techniques and tips I’ve learned can be found here:

Pressed Flower Tips and Techniques

It’s time to begin pressing emerging miniature pieces of foliage and tendrils. Wildflowers will soon be blooming too. Buttercups are one of the earliest and press very well. (Pinch out the hard center first) Happy Pressing!

Purpose – Finding/Creating Sanctuary

On By TimelessladyIn Purpose3 Comments

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In previous posts I’ve stated that during my childhood I lived for two years in one of the cottages/homes built around the Pitman Methodist Camp in Pitman, New Jersey. Today I live in the town next door to Pitman, and on sunny days you can often find me riding my bike the mile or two to the center of the grove to walk within the shadow of the tabernacle.

The blue cottage above is one of the homes encircling the tabernacle. The cottages form a wheel, with twelve paths, as spokes, leading to the sanctuary. These walkways, according to the camp history, signify the twelve apostles.

I find walking on these paths conducive to inner peace and an attitude of prayer.  My spirit is uplifted as I dwell upon the fact that many souls were saved and lives committed to God upon these grounds.

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Here is another view of the home in the first photograph. You might wonder why I am posting a photo of the back of the cottage. I ask you to take notice of the white door. Behind this door is a set of stairs that lead to the basement of the home. When I was in third grade, a precious elderly lady started a club called the JOY (Jesus & Others & You) club. Children from the nearby elementary school would gather within that small space, sit on the stairs as if they were the finest pews, and sing songs of praise. Within that stairwell, this wonderful woman of God created a sanctuary of hope and joy for a handful of grade school children. I often think of her, and thank God that she did what she could, and used what she had, to bring to us a sense of our Father in Heaven.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf…” Hebrews 6:19-20 (NIV)

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)

Quirkiness -Sprouts

On By TimelessladyIn Quirkiness2 Comments

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Which category should I blog sprouts under, I wondered, as I began this post. I finally settled on “Quirkiness” because of the nature of this food source. I love sprouts of all kinds. In 2011 I purchased several packets of seeds for sprouting. Stored in the refrigerator they are still almost 100% viable. Last week I sprouted a tablespoon of the lentil mix.

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The tablespoon yielded all these lovely sprouts. I used them on top of a pasta salad and they really brightened up the look and taste of the meal.

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Sprouting is easy. Many garden and retail stores sell the lids that easily attach to an ordinary mason/canning jar.

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SPROUTING SEEDS RECIPE:

1 Tbs of sprouting seeds

Cover with water for 24 hours

Drain

Let stand upside down at an angle out of direct sunlight.

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I find the silverware cup on my dish drainer holds the jar at the perfect angle. Also by keeping it near the sink I remember to add water and drain twice a day.

Refill with water and drain two to three times a day. Do not allow the seeds and sprouts to completely dry out.

You will notice growth in a matter of a day or two. Allow it grow for 2-3 days, continuing the refilling and draining. When the sprouts have grown to a good size place in direct sunlight. They will green right up and be ready to eat in a day. If you are not going to eat all the sprouts in one sitting, please remember to refrigerate the remainder. Enjoy!

Problem-Solving – Removing the Odor of Cat Urine

On By TimelessladyIn Problem-Solving7 Comments

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This is a photo of one very scared and confused kitty-cat hiding in my basement. Hans belongs to my grandsons, but he can’t live at their home anymore. One of the boys developed an allergic reaction to cat dander. They love their cat, and didn’t want to give him up completely, so now he lives at Nanny and Papa’s house.

Through all the confusion of the move, and after Hans hid under a guest room bed for over fourteen hours, the call of nature could not be denied and an accident happened on the good rug. Oh my! The smell of cat urine filled the room. Thankfully, I caught it right away and blotted it up. I immediately cleaned the carpet with rug shampoo, but the smell lingered.

I found a remedy on the Internet. Today I followed the directions. What an amazing solution. As soon as I poured on the peroxide and dish detergent over the baking soda, the smell completely disappeared. I also added a few drops of lavender essential oil I had in the house. Now the room smells fresh once more. This recipe really worked!

Click here for cat urine odor neutralizer: Recipe for removing the smell of cat urine from a carpet.

I am hoping that Hans will soon realize there is nothing to be afraid of at our house, and the next time you see a picture of him, he will be napping on a cushion or watching birds from inside the screened in porch.

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He’s coming around a bit. Here he is sitting on the top of the basement stairs. I think soon he will begin to feel at home. I hope so!

Plant and Planting – Primroses

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Each time I gaze upon this lovely primrose, peaking right now with three stalks of bloom, something in my heart goes “Zing!” Perhaps it is the soft pink of the petals, or the glowing of the green leaves within the rays of the sun. I’m so smitten by the primrose I have decided I must attempt to grow a few from seed to blooming size.

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I’ve been having good luck with seeds purchased from a company called Swallowtail Garden seeds. Without fail, all of the seeds I have purchased from this source have quickly sprouted and are growing now beneath lights.

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Here is a link to Swallowtail Garden Seeds. I live on the other side of the country, and the seeds reached me very quickly. I was able to keep track of their progress because of the great communication and tracking number they sent me. The seeds were well-packed in a bubble envelope. I recommend this company for quality and amazing selection of seeds.

Click below to visit Swallowtail Website:

Swallowtail Garden Seeds

Project – Natural (well almost) Garden Archway

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I thought this a clever use of two unwanted trees. The rope around the trees is actually a rope of lights. A really cute way to create an archway.

Project – Kid’s Easter Project/Bunny Grass

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This is a quick, easy and inexpensive Easter Project for younger children. All you need is a piece of green construction paper, a pair of scissors, scotch tape and Easter stickers. Start by dividing construction paper into thirds. Leave one edge straight, cut the other edge in uneven, rolling curves. On the curved side cut straight snips an inch or two down from the top with the scissors. Uneven spacing is best…every now and then nip a piece off low. According to my grandson who created the grass above, “Those pieces of grass are the ones that bunnies bit off.”

When you have finished snipping, butt the pieces of grass together and tape the back sides together. Accordion fold the grass about every six inches. This helps it to stand. Add the Easter stickers to the front side. Voila! Festive bunny grass for only pennies. Heavier cardstock works too, but is not as easy to cut. Happy crafting!