Pamela Phipps

This is a homemade water feature with an interesting metal stand, a deeper plastic saucer as the birdbath, a plastic tub submerged in the ground filled with water and a pump with the hose attached through a hole in the saucer.  Attach electricity and voila!

It’s a grey and rainy night here on Cape Cod.   And see how the chartreuse of the potato vine and the Japanese forest grass really is brilliant in the evening.

Reminds me of my mom’s advice to always wear bright clothing on a grey day.

Over the years I have struggled with my small hand tools and have misplaced several.  I have tried to wear a holster and an apron, but find that the tools fall out because I’m bending over so often.

I tend to use these three regularly: pruners, scissors and a flat three-fingered weeder (for getting under the weed).

Today, I improvised using the tool belt I never wore.  I found a weeding bucket of the right size and lengthened the belt to fit around it.  Voila! And why did it take me so long to come upon this idea?

If you have any great ways to keep your tools handy, feel free to share.   I just feel miserable when I’ve lost a good tool!

I remember when I first became acquainted with lavendula ‘Provence’.  I was in Provincetown for the annual Secret Garden Tour, two years ago.  I enjoyed this lavender so much that I stopped on the way home and was able to find three 4inch pots of it.

When I mentionned my find to C.L., she advised me that, though they are more hardy in PTown, they might not survive my cooler location.  A bit deterred (but what the heck, I already had bought them) I planted them.  Sometimes, we just have to take a chance. And this July 4th they are really strutting their stuff.

 Who knows what will happen next year, but for now, I am quite pleased.  Now if I could only find the purple irises that homeowner had planted with his Provence!  So remember, You Can Grow That—-even if it’s for just a little while.

I especially enjoy this part of the garden design process.  I search for stock that I would buy for myself, my intention being to really please my new client.  He may not know the difference but I am satisfied.  And that energy is sure to be obvious.

I gather them all together and—sigh.   Look how pretty!  Wish I could duplicate it in my own yard.  Maybe some time.

  Selections were on sturdiness, reliability and easy care.  Plus, the gardens will be gorgeous.  Oh well, I only get to admire them for one more day.  Like playing Dress Up.   Then off to their new home.