I created the center island two years ago, and doubled its size this Spring. I am probably going to eat into the grass about 3' a year until it's gone in 3-5 years. If there is space and money in my wallet down the road I'd like to do a smallish waterfall cascading amongst rocks and conifers similar to that amazing one posted by Dave from... Chicago? Man that was amazing.

Spring is getting closer and closer. Will be 74 tomorrow! It does not mean we are out of the woods yet, though "green stuff" is getting bigger and richer. Every day there is something new poking thru the soil, and I feel like a kid discovering a new treat. Daffs are gorgeous, hyacinths, crocuses, freshness, birds, - I love it all! Possibility and promise of spring is in everything. Of course there is also a possibility of hard frost till April 15th (like last year). Being an optimist as I am, I choose to enjoy this moment.

I planted so many containers of bulbs, and have been debating with myself over how best to overwinter them in our crazy weather (in the garage, out of the garage, what to do when it's -5, what to do when it's 70 with 30 or 40 pots of various sizes). Some were coming up so much and were in unglazed ceramic pots, I went ahead and took them in to work where they'll get lots of sun inside and I can enjoy them. Those are a small container of botanical mini tulips, small container anemone st. brigid and one bowl of hyacinths and crocuses, which is growing like crazy -- with one crocus this morning, and another should be blooming tomorrow! Otherwise, outside in containers I have some crocuses about an inch high and several anemones seem to be coming up with green shoots several inches high, with ends that look like parsley (I think I read after planting that these should be spring planted bulbs?) I am just hoping for the best with my bulbs in containers - our weather swings so much and all I've heard is how the roots burst in the cold, and bulbs rot with the freeze/thaw cycle and this is my first time planting any bulbs and I got a little carried away. I have been trying to keep track of when I planted what, so hopefully that will tell me what works & what doesn't. Knowing what I have learned after the fact, I'm aiming for something around 50% success and I'll be reasonably satisfied. Best of luck to everyone's bulbs!

Yes, we love pics here! Patty, did you ever get your camera, I don't think I have ever seen any pictures from you..we'd love to see your Valentine party setting.. Jay, that is sweet of you. I don't have much Beleek, a few pieces. My sister has tons of it. I told her to do a table with her Beleek china so I can use her as a guest poster on my blog..the way Susan does. It is such beautiful china..I hope she does it..I will have to go the 90 min to photograph it though, she doesn't know how...:( Spud is fine..I think..he was not up for Cmas..I think he is safe in his bin ...He will be coming out soon though..right after Valentine's day. For the new people who never met Spud..He is my errant bunny who had to be sent to rehab after this incident..It must be 3 years ago, right, Ladies? He has been on the wagon since..and is looking forward to seeing you gals again..:)