Tuesday, June 17, 2008

And this would be...

...my latest distraction.

Now, let me warn you. As far as obsessions go, I've been known to go completely overboard in two areas--crafting and gardening. It is not beyond me to scare strangers because of my excitement unintentionally. I do realize this...My husband and I have spent the better part of 3 weeks working on installing a pond in our backyard. It is 720 gallons of heaven!! The only drawback (next to having to haul each and every one of those stones by hand) is that the sound of running water does make you want to go to the bathroom until you get used to the trickle of the waterfall--ha!
Last year we installed a patio, and did most of the landscaping. This year, we finished the backyard off with the addition of the pond. Well, at least for now. Next year's project--an outdoor fireplace--is now in the designing phase. (Just don't mention that to my hubs, okay? Give his back some time to recover...)

Now, you have to know us to understand that this is a big deal. Chris and I are not do-it-yourselfers. We call people and pay them to fix stuff--he was raised by a single mom and really has no idea how to do basic repairs inside the house. Not a big deal--he's got mad financial skills and makes up for things in different areas. But landscaping is something he and I learned together. When we got married in our first house, the yard was a mess. We studied and learned about plants and design and really got into it. Some people golf together, some people bowl...we garden. That was one spectacular garden, and I cried like a baby when we moved from that place.

So much so that I still refer to it all the time (which drives him nuts--"it's not your garden anymore, we moved 5 years ago!" blah blah blah...) Ah, those were the days before children!! We had time to bond and share and create our home, work on our relationship and all that other stuff...

We had TIME then. ha!

Now, 12 years into gardening together, we still love it. We talk in shorthand. We step back, tweak every little detail, make it exactly ours. We love the satisfaction it has brought to our lives and to our home. The outside is really his domain. My husband takes such pride in it too--and he's often spotted in the neighbor's yards helping out others when he can. Yes, he's already agreed to help someone install their own pond in a few weeks in fact...

So really, if you're thinking of getting one, DO IT. It really was surprisingly easy and very affordable (and if I can do it, a monkey can!). The possibilities are endless!

When his grandma died two years ago, I was asked what I wanted to keep of hers. I asked for her peonies. Chris used to mow her lawn as a teenager, and he remembered those always being there in the springtime. I love that they were in full bloom this year for the first time, in the perfect spot.
I love that we get gift cards to landscaping places, and that people buy us cool garden gadgets. I love eating dinner out on the patio every night we can as a family. We build fires and burn marshmallows over a fire here. Our kids catch fireflies and praying mantus' here. We have friends and neighbors over a lot to entertain, and we have found ourselves living out here now.

Like everything, it is always a work in progress...
And while this miniature rose garden (above) isn't the one I had in my first garden, it will be. I am a freak--no exaggeration here--over miniature roses. I have a collection of the tiniest vases and make small little arrangements all summer long with those beauties!! They make my heart skip a beat.

I know it isn't anything spectacular to people who live in more mild climates to have incredible yards and landscapes. I also know there are a lot of people who have way more amazing yards and houses--so I apologize if this comes off as over-the-top, sincerely. I also don't mean to scare people away by my excitement or passion either. I just find such gratification in it.

These plants and flowers seem to rest my soul. They really do. They speak to me, and I talk right back to them (figuratively here, folks. I haven't completely lost my mind...yet...) It is a slice of heaven on earth, and nurturing them and coaxing their growth somehow seems so personal to me. I feel privileged to have them here with us--almost a bit guilty for having them all to myself.

So, what does it for you? Besides the obvious on this blog--scrapbooking and family--what is it that fulfills you in ways you didn't know were possible? I want to know. And what is it that makes you love it the way you do??

Whatever it is, I hope you know what it is. And I hope you have access to it and enjoy it and love it as much and as often as possible!!

Good night!

19 comments:

Linda F. said...

OH, Trish! This is all so beautiful. I started to garden in earnest about 15 years ago when I was in the process of cancer recovery. I still think of it as my healing garden. My isn't landscaped. It's just full of green and color (some of which are weeds...) and smells. And lots of faeries and statuary! It's very wild and "cottagy". But that's me. I garden like I scrap. A little shabby! LOL! This year I've had to get my husband involve for the first time, because I'm not really physically able to work like I used to be. And that breaks my heart that I can't get out every day and do something!
You and your husband have built something really special!
PS...check my blog. I'm in the process of uploading a mini-album ala WIP!

The Momster said...

I just love this post! You are always so enlightening and so open about sharing things that you are so passionate about. Your garden is wonderful - I would love to see more pictures.

As for the fountain,kudos to you both. But I agree, first thought was "Oh I'd have to potty!".

Thank you for being you :)Excitement and all...

Ady said...

Wow Trish, your yard looks amazing. Kuddos to you and your hubby for creating something so beautiful together (besides your children) LOL... I love to see a beautiful garden but I do not garden!!! It's funny because my husband owns a plant nursery and he hates to garden too... We hire his staff to do the work... Shame on us.

Vanessa, Florida, USA said...

Love your garden, Trish! It is really beautiful and seems so inspiring. If I had a backyard this pretty I would be out there every day, too! I have a decent size yard with a pool, but we have never put much effort in fixing it up (we only worked on the inside of our home) and that's something we've always talked about doing... maybe one day! I'd love to have a nicely landscaped front and backyard to entertain! Enjoy it! You both did a great job! :-) HUGS!!!

Jana Eubank said...

Beautiful! I am completely jealous! Gardening and landscaping are things I really wish I had a natural talent for. I hope to learn more as the years go by. I love the way you describe things . . . like I'm almost there to enjoy it with you! ;)

Katherine said...

Absolutely LOVELY! I have always wanted to add a fountain to our yard but with a trampoline that just barely fits between the patio cover and the tree, which sits in between the swingset and the trampoline, there just isn't any space right now. Some day that swingset will go but right now it is in use almost every day. With the climate here, I have a hard time getting plants I used to grow in Southern California to grow. That doesn't stop me from trying, though! Love this hobby!

Great job on a beautiful yard! You deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Janet said...

Trish, your garden space is amazing! The pond is just delightful, and it's so neat that you and your husband share this interest. Living in the Midwest as we do, gardening can be a challenge with the temperature and weather extremes! But you're doing a wonderful job overcoming all of thoe challenges to build a beautiful outdoor living area!

Valerie said...

Oh Trish! It is beautiful! I think I have to hire you NOW to do the outside as well as the inside! HA! I love everything about it from the potted flowers to the TIPPY TIP of the fountain! BRAVO!

jamie said...

I have always said that we women are every day attempting to return to the garden of eden, and that's why we like things beautiful. Your yard is a little piece of that. And you respond to it just as you should, with awe and wonder.
My husband and daughter are the gardners here. Frustrating for us displaced Californians as spring arrives so very late here in CO. But we love to live outdoors this time of year. There is such a freedom and newness that overcomes one to be out where it is warm and inviting.
And I have several 'things' that speak to me. I am glad to find someone like you who loves the scrapbooking thing as much as I do.
Thanks Trish.

Libby said...

Thanks, Trish, for sharing a more personal side of you. We are on THIS side of the blog and it's so nice to learn more about you. As we walk through life our priorities change as well as the things that drive us. Used to be that I scoffed at women who stayed home, who scrapbooked and lived for their children. Now that I have my own family and have the opportunity to stay home, I wouldn't have it any other way! Such a gift we give as women, to create, nurture, work tirelessly for those that we love. And we do it with grace and pleasure. Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! Your gardens are beautiful! I never thought I'd want a pond, but now I think I do! LOL I'd love to see more! I'm always looking for ideas even if I never get around to using them!

Anonymous said...

BEAUTIFUL landscaping Trish!!! As you know, my DH does this for a living - particularly patios and ponds. Of course, that means it's hard to get him to do it here, LOL. We have a beautiful patio wtih fire pit and walkways, but someday I will have a waterfall too!! Congrats to you and your DH for doing this on your own - that is fabulous, something to take such pride in!!!!! If you ever need any questions answered (like when you're doing the fireplace) be sure to send me an email! DH should be able to help!

Sherry said...

I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that I love your blog for so many reasons - but one of the big reasons is because of posts like todays. This may be a place for great scrapbooking and craft ideas, but you also put your life out there on the page. It is extremely inspiring to see your passion. You present it so simply that it makes me feel like I might be able to do it too! Thanks so much for sharing...I look forward to it daily.

Valerie said...

Okay, so I had to add another comment. PSSST! ALL OF YOU LADIES OUT THERE: Trish is actually as creative, sweet, genuine, kind and compassionate in real life as she appears to be in her blog! Just thought you may want to know! (Although I am sure none of you are shocked!)

pickmepam said...

i, too, have a comment...i have heard trish talking to her garden! LOL!!! seriously now, i think anyone can tell how much gardening means to you, trish. you typed A LOT! that in and of itself tells me how important it is to you.
we, too, love gardening. it's coming along, and i keep telling tim i want a water feature, he just laughs and says a flat, "no". just wait until he goes out of town for a few days! shhh... don't tell him that!

Unknown said...

Oh this is sooo beautiful!!!! And I am so jealous! You took fanastic pictures too!

Gina said...

That is just gorgeous Trish! I love the pond. That is amazing that you and DH built that together! Good job, guys. And your flower gardens are beautiful. What a wonderful little haven you've made in your yard.

Jewel said...

Trish, you did an amazing job! I just love your water feature. I bet it is so relaxing to sit and listen to it while taking in your lawn and garden. Thanks for sharing your passion.

Nicole said...

trish your garden and foutain are beautiful. we just bought our first home last summer and i am "attempting" to garden a bit. i have a few pots of petunia's that i'm hoping i can keep alive all summer. we will see how it goes. great job though! i would love to have a yard like that to enjoy :)