December came with some very cold and then warm days which lured me out to the garden center where I managed to blow all my money on holly, dogwood and crape myrtle. I managed to plant them on a warm day and now I have something to look at . I have to totally change my way of thinking about planting. Here a shallow bowl-shaped hole is recommended as is planting high .
Near the driveway entrance I started my wildlife garden with a bird feeder, bird house and bath . I love to watch the bluebirds, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Woodpeckers and Wrens .
This month's renovation project was a tear off of the old porch and a new one built of cedar. We also had a cedar shed installed for extra storage and a workshop since we don't have a garage.
I have continued spreading the huge mound of mulch from over 30 trees taken down . The rain doesn't soak into the ground here and forms puddles and run off everywhere, so the mulch will help slow it down and eventually improve the soil's drainage. I need to bring in loads of top soil and compost and plant the bare spaces so that rain water will be absorbed better. I'm also planning to buy a garden tiller/cultivator since the soil is difficult to dig and I need to work in some compost and manure to improve drainage and absorption.
Christmas has arrived and with it Lea's grandparents from Ireland. She is 5 now and loves to entertain them with made up stories and Christmas songs. This Christmas the weather hasn't been as warm as Christmases past when they arrived for their visit. I do believe they brought the rain from Ireland with them.
Soon December will come to an end and the New Year will begin. I hope that 2014 will bring much joy to our Sweet Home and Garden Carolina.
