Flora- I see what you mean. I think for me, it means trying to include veggies that are in the story...maybe some thornless blackberries if they'll do well in my zone. Since many of the vegetables I'm using are miniatures, including carrots, cabbage, lettuces, peas, etc. I think the kids would enjoy making it more like a story book garden. Peter Rabbit is a good choice for boys and girls and it's also about a garden! I know that's probably not very authentic, but I hope it explains what I'm trying to recreate. You have to take a leap of faith, when your background looks more like Montana than the UK :) Michelle- Great picture! I agree with schoolhouse, it's a great idea for what to plant along a fence. I like the beans or the morning glories with the zinnias. Schoolhouse- I do have some small gardening tools. Thank you for helping me remember that I had them put away from last summer's clearance :) Sylvia- What a cute idea for the sign and I bet the accessories were adorable! I enjoy gardening, but I think this area and the fairy garden are my favorites, just because it's so much fun to add all the accessories. I think the kids are going to love them...I know I do (LOL) Ianna- Thanks for the tip on the marigold garlands. I will definitely look that up tonight :)

It sure sounds like a fun idea! There is nothing quite as lovely as sharing your love of gardening with the little ones and encouraging them from the beginning. If you have deer problems then the shorter fence will not slow them down at all. They hop right over it. I live in deer (and moose) country for years. When we put in our vegetable garden here in MN last year (finally!) we purchased those cheap fence posts that are sold at most big box stores usually under $2.00 each. We used the 6 foot high cattle panels for the fencing. Trust me it was effective but ugly. However, I took cedar stain and stained all the posts and the pretty little gate my husband made and used some interesting hardware. The difference in appearance was unreal! It went from ho hum to real sharp. I haven't done it yet but plan on doing special little art pieces for the posts, still not sure exactly what I want. I have done similar (utility) fencing on other properties then decorated it to look like something else entirely. My favorite was around a very large garden that over time I covered with twigs and branches. It had the look I was going for but totally utilitarian in function. You could do the same type of thing with your Peter Rabbit garden. If you trick the eyes by making them focus on what you want them to, they do not see the rest of the fence. It also gives you time to make it look like you want with stone or whatever look you want. You could use the fence as walls for planting over with vines, brambles, decorative or artistic pieces, fairy hiding spots or what ever your heart desires. When your life is full and busy as it sounds like yours is, it might be worthwhile to look at what you want to create as more of a concept plan that you can adapt and change as you need to rather then a detailed plan. I think the 'magic' of the garden for the children is having you in it with them exploring and enjoying it.

Good Friday morning all!!! Crunch,crunch, crunch......really enjoying my celery. Thanks! Thanks for the accolades! I hope I didn't jinx myself for posting it here since I have at least 10Lbs to go.... I have 4 5LB bags of sugar on my counter to remind me of how much I have lost.......... Marci, I had no idea this child was so bad that she needed intervention. Wow, sorry you have had to deal with that but I am glad it's you because she might not get the care she needs otherwise. I hope things go well and I hope you get some rest this weekend. Losing sleep over it is not good for you. Are you able to do some yoga to help you unwind in the evening? Just a few minutes of breathing exercises and a few relaxing postures may help you sleep better. Try these breathing exercises: 2-to-1 breathing This breathing pattern relaxes the body by subtly stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby inducing a state of relaxation. As you lie in bed, gently slow down the rate of exhalation until you exhale for twice as long as you inhale. You can coax a longer exhalation by contracting the abdomen slightly. Dont try to fill or empty or empty the lungs completely you are simply changing the rhythm of your breath. In the beginning it may help to count to six on the exhalation and three on the inhalation, or four on the exhalation and two on the inhalation (or any other 2-to 1 ratio you find comfortable). Focus on the smoothness and evenness of your breath, gradually eliminating any jerks and pauses. Counting Breaths Using the effortless 2-to-1 pattern described above, lie in bed and pay close attention to you breath. It should flow smoothly, evenly, and continuously. When the pattern is well established, take: * 8 breaths lying on your back * 16 breaths lying on your right side * 32 breaths lying on your left side Very few people complete this exercise. Sweet dreams! Try the 8 poses in the link below. I do the child's pose each night and it helps immensely. Raeanne, I know I can't do anything about it. Ommmmmmmmm but I want to find a comfortable place with her. I know it will all work out just the way it's supposed to! Beside, alot can happen in 9 months!! Maddie, you should try those breathing exercises and yoga poses too Sister! Night sounds very like very painful reading to me. Let us know how it is. I am glad you are writing the note.......it will help you go through the grieving process. BJ, thanks for your words of support. You sisters are all great! Besh, I know, I AM such a loser! Have you watched the Biggest Loser? IT's a great show. Today I am leaving at noon to go to the ride/drive that I host in my town of Hancock, NH for my driving club. It's going to be a splendid weekend which is great. Unfortunately, due to drought, the foliage is mediocre at best right now. Plus we haven't had a hard frost yet which is an essential ingredient to fall color. Sweet Pea will be styling as her cart is back from repair and actually looks brand new! It's much lighter than the old cart which we've had to use so she will be very happy with the lighter load. If I don't get a chance to check in again............I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend.

Wow....what an amazing list of people.... too many of them no longer with us or active here. It is nice to remember some of their names and their struggles that we shared. Thanks for the memories.