Monday, June 27, 2016

Garden Party: Who I Am As A Gardener

June garden party light  colors
To get a picture of who I am as a gardener,
I live in deep South Texas in the Rio Grande Valley,
about 13 miles from the Mexico border.
Virgen de Guadalupe
I grew up on a ranch about 80 miles from where I live now, and how I garden
is because of my mother and watching her in her yard of about 2 acres.
My mother worked hard in her garden, all with a smile and sense of satisfaction on her face.
When she had the opportunity to have someone help her in the garden,
she taught me that I needed to work with them and not instead of them.
She taught me about the importance of watering and finding just the right balance.
She accepted that there were going to be times in the year living on a ranch when there just wasn’t much
you could do to make things look better.
She also taught me that sometimes, if your schedule permits, it’s a good idea to stay home in your gown all
day working around the house.
That is one of my favorite lessons.
There was another gardener in the family though-
the kind who does things on a larger scale.
IMG_0993I was greatly influenced by my father too and his love of big projects.
He farmed as many as 4000 acres throughout his farming life,
and in his 80’s he
was farming 640 acres of grain on his farm El Perdido.

He also grew zinnias and we had lots of discussions about
the ‘right’ way to do that.
I miss those talks.
DSC00493He’s telling me how to do it better in this picture.
I have referred to my style of gardening, as a result of these wonderful influences,
as
Rancho Landscaping. Garden Party 2016 Chair

Rancho means ranch of course, but it goes further than that in my thinking and heart.

Rancho landscaping means that there are times when I am working so hard in my yard that
I can barely walk at the end of the day, and I am smiling- just like my mother.

It means that I have made mistakes and planted things in all the wrong places.
It also means that they (my plants) seem to know I care, and they grow anyway bumping and twisting into
whatever I planted too close to them.
Patio Lights
Rancho landscaping means things aren’t perfectly manicured, but in the early evening, at the end of a long
day of gardening , there is no better place to sit and have an iced cold drink.

The area where I live is Zone 9 and what that translates to
is heat, inconsistent rain (until this year), and a reliance on native plants.


There are special treasures in my garden that I just can’t do without.


Here are a few:

Talavera
P1000076
Garden Party 2016 Fern
IMG_2378
FountainsDSC00010
DSC07374
Lights
DSC07404
My tomatoes and zinnias are struggling right now, but they are
really trying.
I love that about gardening, and that is who I am as a gardener.

29 comments:

Stacey said...

"and they grow anyway bumping and twisting into
whatever I planted too close to them."

Love, love, love. I wish we lived closer together.

Decor To Adore said...

So very wonderful. I love your Mary statuary. I see a bit of your sweet father in you.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Being born to the way of the farming life is a blessed gift.
You learn about life through the soil and the sacrifices made for the land and one another.
Such a beautiful reflective journey.
J.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Your garden is stunning and the tree with the lights on is to die for!! Thanks so much for hosting each month!!
My former blog, Debbie-Dabble was hacked through my Face Book Debbie-Dabble Page. I created a new blog, Debbie-Dabble Blog and I invite you to please follow me on my new blog.

www.debbie-dabbleblog.blogspot.com

Hugs,
Deb

Art and Sand said...

You live deep in the south of Texas and I loved the part about accepting that there were times when not much could be done with the garden. We are deep in a drought so keeping our garden lush and green is difficult.

I loved this post because it was so personal.

Unknown said...

We struggle every year with our rancho landscaping but it's oh-so worth it when the struggles pay off and we have a smile on our face when we see what we have accomplished. Your garden is a true Eden and one of the most beautiful places I know.

Daniela said...

I'm feeling in awe after having watched these photographs of your garden, my dearest Laura, and I'm so sorry for not to have been able to prepare a post to link up here, at your so lovely garden party of this month ... I'm so very busy and overwhelmed, lately, I must seriously think about an interlude, alas !

Sending blessings of joy on the remainder of your week,
with all my love

xox Dany

Daniela said...

Hoping not to bore to you, I thought to share a post which isn't new to you, but it's the only way I have to participate !

Thank you for your patience !

Much love

Dany

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Loved hearing about your gardening mentors and seeing those lovely photos!

Rita C at Panoply said...

I love this Laura. You certainly learned from two of the best. Rancho landscaping, fitting. Wear it like a crown!

Pam Richardson said...

Laura, I love this so much and seeing that you learned from your wonderful parents! Wonderful lessons to pass on! Blessings, Pam @ Everyday Living

Jeanie said...

I can't tell you how much I loved this post, Laura. One sees a lot of gardens, all lovely in their own way (as is yours). But to learn of the stories behind the gardener, the philosophy, this history, and how this love is passed from one generation to another is indeed a very special gift. Lovely.

prince snow farm said...

My goodness I am in love with your gardens! I have always wondered if I could translate my love for gardening to another zone,and after seeing what you have done, I know I sure could try! I adore your design elements, but in particular, the colorful pottery pieces, and the lights on the tree have drawn me right in. Think I'll join you for that cold drink!

Creations By Cindy said...

Laura, you had very good teachers for sure. I love reading how your parent's influenced you so much. And at that looks of things...YOU LEARNED WELL! Everything is so pretty. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Theresa said...

Beautiful and decorative garden! Have a blessed day dear Laura, HUGS!

Unknown said...

Gardening gives a lot of happiness. Seeing the plants grow gives lot of happiness. The plants are very good and it creates a good atmosphere and brings in good vibrations. HP Service Centers in Chennai

said...

You have a wonderfull garden with a lot of decorative elements in it. Thank you for sharing with us. Thank you for giving this linkparty for us. Marion

Pat said...

Laura,
I love the brightly hued pottery you use within your Garden,dear friend!
The bright colors blended with Mother Nature's green are truly stunning!
Who would have thought a 3 1/2 hour drive further into the Prairie
would have made such a difference in what one could plant and it survive?
"Mr. Ed" (our Master Gardener) and I are still struggling with plantings.
We have the dry, arid, high heat here, also!
Thank you for sharing your Rancho Gardening!
Fondly,
Pat

Deepa S said...

Growing plants are more good than having pets. To see the plants grow and blossom is an experience which no one can define. Good work and keep posting more. Videocon Service Centers in Chennai

Ganesh Kumar said...

I love gardening. The joy of witnessing the flowers blossom and the growth of the plants is simply the best. Canon Printer Service Centers in Chennai

Unknown said...

Gardening has to be the best hobby which gives us peace of mind. It brings positive vibrations in its surrounding. I have 6 different plants at my house and very happy about it. Windows Mosquito Nets Shops in Chennai

Deepa S said...


Gardening helps in connecting to the nature and will benefit you in many ways. Once you get into gardening and then you will realize how happy it makes us. Videocon service centers in Chennai

Chandran C said...

This is the best hobby in the world. Even growing plants which gives no fruits and vegetables gives you very much joy. Godrej Service Center

Madhubala said...

The best thing about growing plants is that it creates good atmosphere. Try siting under a tree and relaxing, that is the best feeling one can get. Shop Name Board Makers in Chennai

Rajesh said...

Who gives you good pure oxygen, shade, fruits and flowers? Plants are just great. I like reading the blogs on growing and benefits of plants. Even watching images of the plants gives a sense of peace to our mind. Keep posting more. Even Question Signal

Raji said...

Gardening gives very much joy. It is a feeling which can't be explained when we see the plants grow. Beautiful post. Keep posting more. Dell Laptop Service Centers in Chennai

Unknown said...

Gardening is the best hobby in the world. It gives lot of happiness to watch the plant grow. I have my own small garden in the backyard. Thank you for the article.

Unknown said...

Gardening is the best thing one can do. Some people don't go on vacations because they have to water the plant. Such is the connection between the people and plants. Thanks for the article.

RK Cart said...

Mosquito net doors and windows

 

design + development by kelly christine studio