Best Day Ever

Today’s been one of those “best day ever” kind of Saturdays. I slept until I awoke naturally. I then gave myself permission to piddle around the house before going to the gym. After an hour-long cardio session and headed back home. And then the fun began.

I love all things gardening and today there was an Urban Gardening Expo at a local agricultural center. I saw beautiful gardens produced by the Davidson County Master Gardeners’ Society. I’ve driven an access road through this agricultural center for most of my life and I never knew secret gardens were tucked behind a building I’ve passed countless times.

One of the gardens is a “bee pollen garden” a mass of vegetation planted specifically to attract honey bees and bumble bees. I told that garden’s keeper about the trouble I’ve had growing tomatoes the past few years.  I’d wondered if a bee shortage meant the blooms weren’t being pollinated. He told me bumble bees pollinate tomato plants (who knew?) and he pointed to a Mother’s Wart, a plant designed to attract them. I asked him where in the world one finds Mother’s Wart and he reached into the garden, pulled up a clump and gave it to me. Winning!

The master gardeners and others were on hand to sell plants and provide education. Ever since reading The Secret Life Of Bees I’ve wanted to start a bee colony. I met a bee keeper and she turned me on to a monthly meeting that takes place at the ag center. I plan to check it out next month.  A friend of mine wants to give me all of his bee keeping equipment as soon as I talk hubs into I’m ready to take the plunge.

I bought several herbs and tomatoes (which are sure to bear fruit thanks to my clump of Mother’s Wart) and then it was on to my next adventure.

One of the ladies in the Sunday School class I teach grows roses. I’m forever asking her questions and last Sunday she told me to stop by this week to see her gardens. Today was the day. They were stunning! She seemed to enjoy having me over and I enjoyed spending time with her. She gave me seeds for a “Lenten Rose” as well as some poppy plants. I can’t wait to get everything planted.

These photos don’t do the gardens justice. I was there at high-noon which is a photographer’s least favorite time of day. I hope you enjoy them all the same.

She also grows beautiful irises.

This blue bird box has several babies in it. Look closely and you’ll see that momma bird has a worm in her mouth. She and her hubs were making multiple trips back to the box to feed the babies. All together now, “Aww!”

And now it’s time for me to get ready for a graduation party where I’ll see a bunch of old friends and hopefully meet some new ones.

The “best day ever” continues.

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