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Accidental gardener
You’ve heard of the “Accidental Tourist”? Well, I’m more of an accidental gardener. The plants that I pay more for, that I put a lot of thought and care into, are the ones most likely to NOT survive. At least it seems that way. My husband and I have been trying to get a rose garden going and some plants do well while others wither and die, never making it to season two. Then there are the plants that I buy at the end of the season, from roadside nurseries or the “leftover” pile at Menards. These include discounted plants that even the stores don’t think are going to last…
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A to Z Challenge: “O”ld Country Roses china pattern
I’ve always loved roses – the real kind that bloom from spring into fall and can be cut and put in a vase for continued, indoor enjoyment. My husband and I have a small rose garden at our house and those plants are fed, watered and babied long into the winter. One of my favorite china patterns is Old Country Roses by Royal Albert. You can almost smell the sweet clusters of English roses in the pattern. The colors are so vibrant and beautiful! Many patterns come and go but this china pattern remains one of the most popular patterns of all time. I used to travel a lot with…
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Providence and roses
“As Providence would have it” is a phrase that’s common where I work. You see, I work for a group of Catholic nuns (they prefer the term women religious). I’ve always believed in the Providence of God although I didn’t use that terminology when I was younger. One of my favorite verses is “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) I believe this with all my heart but some days it’s hard to hold on to, physically. I’m surrounded, daily, by strong, incredible women of faith but I…
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First flower bouquet
If this season’s “preview” of flowers is any indication, it’s going to be a wonderful spring and summer around the Weidenbenner house. Our roses are off to a healthy, robust start. The reddish coral one that you see is from our Bernie Weidenbenner bush that he brought up to our house in 2010 in memory of my mom. The white blossom is from a rose bush that my mom purchased for us (it happens to be our largest bush at this point). The purple bud is from a bush that we purchased last year and the irises are from bulbs planted by the past owner of our house (pre-2005). Joe…
