Hello, Neighbor!

A couple of days ago, while doing a search for garden blogs belonging to people in my community, I stumbled onto a real gem. I was the delighted to find a very special blog called, http://peaceofcrestview.blogspot.com/ This blog captures the life and spirit of our wonderful neighborhood. The pictures are beautiful and captivating.

We live in a neighborhood called, Crestview. It is often referred to as, Crestview/Brentwood. Brentwood and Crestview seem to blend together. Our neighborhood is colorful, eclectic, and - generally speaking - one of the friendliest places on the planet. It is a bit of a surreal Beaver Cleaver kind of experience, if Beaver lived in a neighborhood of nostalgic old hippies, hipsters, and hippie-come-latelys. It didn't take us long, upon our arrival here, to figure out that Christmas/holiday lights left out year-round are affectionately called, party lights. Austin, Texas is rife with quirky; kitschy little neighborhoods such as ours, but each little pocket of charm has it's own unique qualities. I find myself often taking the long way home - just to bask in the charm of our neighborhood. It is a mixed bag, really. One can find manicured little homes with neatly trimmed yards - undoubtedly many of them occupied by long-time residents. I often wonder what the geriatric crowd thinks about their arty and free-spirited neighbors. I guess they should be used to it all by now. Some houses look less loved than others. Perhaps some people, such as the elderly widow on our street, just don't have the energy or the money to keep up appearances anymore. Most of the houses in our neighborhood are maintained like little jewels. Many are arty, and a few are on the outer borders of bizarre. Where else can a person find three little pigs in a carnival ride seat proudly displayed in a front yard? Just for good measure, the pigs are lighted for night viewing. It makes me smile every time I see those pigs, and dozens of other free- spirited displays! One thing the houses seem to have in common is that they are occupied by people who genuinely love this community. They love their homes. They love living here, and they love their neighbors. No place is perfection, of course. It is just that our place is warm and inviting, and as nostalgic as dinner at Grandma's house on Sunday afternoons in the memories of our childhoods. Crestview even comes complete with a little strip shopping center. It is peaceful and uncomplicated. On any given day, baby strollers, bikes, trikes, and dogs are parked along the shopping center walkways. The vibe is casual and easy. I love Crestview, and I am proud to call it home.

I will soon be posting our garden pictures!

Are you ready to ROCK?

An inexpensive way to frame a new raised garden bed? Free Rocks! (More on where to get them later.) We made three trips to the cemetery today to gather rocks. No, not headstones . . . just rocks! The new tomatoes gave us an excuse to add another bed in the corner of the garden area. Just thought of another reason to run to Natural Gardener in the morning - six more bags of soil, and maybe a little compost, and maybe I will take a stroll by the herbs while I'm there. Is there something like an AA for gardening addicts? . . . perhaps a ten step program? I am in serious need of a manicure and a pedicure if I am going to conceal my close relationship with dirt. Umm, meant to say soil. That's right, real gardeners say soil, not dirt! Can't wait for tomorrow's trip to the farmer's market at The Triangle. Fresh green eggs! Also have to pick up some fabulous Round Rock Honey.

A Few of My Favourite Things!

Am I out of my mind? Somehow, I managed to wag home six more tomato plants! Yesterday I made a trip to Natural Gardener. Natural Gardener isn't exactly in my neighborhood. Nice that I am so very good at finding reasons I simply must go (some would refer to my special talent of rationalizing). I didn't have to look far for yesterday's reason. One of my poor cantaloupe plants was seriously under attack. I pinched off one of its sad little leaves, threw on my flip flops, and headed south on Mopac to the gardening center of my dreams. I really don't like going anywhere to shop during weekends. I am not a gal who functions well in crowds. Even when business is bustling, the wonderful staff at Natural Gardener somehow provides an enjoyable and relaxing shopping experience. I never feel like an insignificant shopper, and I always manage to learn a few things from the fantastic staff. Such great product knowledge! Where do they find those people? A trip to Natural Gardener is life as it should be. Tomato plants were on sale yesterday. I scooped up six of those 29 cent little gems! Forget that I now have to add another raised bed just to accommodate their girth! Good thing I remembered to bring some of my empty soil bags. Remembering my ailing cantaloupe plant, I stopped by the information desk. They referred to it as my "can't-a-loupe" plant. Cute. They directed me to something wonderful and organic to kill the offending aphids. Cold root beer and an air-conditioned ride home topped off my day.