Memorial Day: Meaningful Traditions in the US

On Monday we will be observing Memorial Day. Memorial Day marks a special occasion in the United States, one we set aside to remember those who gave their lives in the service of the country. It’s a day full of solemn significance and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that so many of our…

Vintage Travel Luggage: A Timeless Obsession

Re-post from 2012 and a 2024 update. Just a little something for Saturday. I have a slight obsession with all things vintage and especially travel luggage. Maybe in a future post I’ll show you all the old radios and “Thermos” I’ve collected too! Over the past couple years I’ve found a few of these hard…

Daylily – Ditch Lily – Flower of the Day

Love them or despise them since they are so common along the rural roads and highways? If you’ve ever driven along the highways of Alabama (or other parts of North America), you’ve likely noticed the vibrant “ditch lilies” that seem to line the roadsides, creating a picturesque and welcoming sight. Often referred to as daylilies…

Lance-Leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis Lanceolata): A Native North American Wildflower

Lance-Leaf Coreopsis, also known as Coreopsis lanceolata, or tick seed. The Lance-Leaf Coreopsis, also known as Coreopsis lanceolata, is a charming wildflower native to North America, particularly prevalent in the eastern and southeastern regions of the United States. This perennial plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and is cherished for its vibrant beauty and resilience….

How I Built a Self-Watering Planter with Water Reservoir

So I was checking out some gardening equipment online a few months back and stumbled across one of these self-watering planters. Well not really self-watering but more of a planter with a water reservoir in the bottom so you have to water less frequently. It also has wheels for moving it around if needed. This…

Piedmont Azalea: Captivating Beauty of the Southeastern United States

The native Alabama azalea, known as the Piedmont, is a treasure close to my heart. Its enchanting presence in spring is something I always look for when I go hiking on our property. This particular variety is often found in the southeastern United States, particularly in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Each time I…

Madagascar Periwinkle in Chirunda Zambia: A Resilient Flower

Location: 16°09’06.9″S 28°48’24.8″E in a small village near Chirunda Zambia Several years ago I was on a mission trip to Zambia. Unexpectedly I found this little flower. I’m not sure exactly what it is but believe it to be a type of periwinkle, but it apparently can thrive very well in a dry climate. I…

Vibrant Peppermint and Solid Color Camellia Blooms

Be Unique in a World of Sameness Camellias are the rose of winter in our southern gardens, with their colorful bright blossoms held within deep rich green glossy foliage on a naturally rounded evergreen shrub. I was afraid we wouldn’t see blooms this year due to an extreme cold snap, but all the blooms are…

Growing Fuchsias

  Blooming vibrant magenta and purple flowers, fuchsias (Fuchsia spp.) are unrivaled hanging plants. Most fuchsias are tropical plants, however, a few varieties can take light frosts. Fuchsias are related to the plant family which includes maples and plants in the mulberry family. You can grow fuchsias as annuals or perennials, depending on your location…