Getting The New Plants Planted
Yesterday was about getting the new plants planted that I bought from Stringer Nursery last Friday. They either went into containers or right into the soil.
All but one plant was planted somewhere. This particular one was a bit out of sight under other plants on the patio and I missed it.
But I saw it this morning when I was out taking photos, so I planted that one today.
The Perennials:
Like the Shasta Daisies above, the perennials will need to go into much larger pots or be planted into the ground.
I planted each pot of daisies in two separate pots that wae just about the right size now, but won’t be large enough as they grow.
I did the same thing with the Veronica plants.
The Path I Want From My Patio To The Sidewalk:
Yesterday the neighbor who told me he’d build the path to the sidewalk for me decided he didn’t have time to do it.
I’d like it done before I have surgery so I have a path to my patio and sliding glass doors when I’m using a scooter while recovering.
This morning my housekeeper, Maria came. And her husband came with her to help her because the guy who lives above me now wants her to clean his apartment.
Maria’s husband does a lot of work on houses as well as landscaping. So he is going to check the costs for materials and give me a bid on doing the path.
I told him I also wanted some of the bricks straightened (there are tree roots under them pushing them up) because I’ve tripped over them.)
What I Planted In The Pots:
The bigger green pot above ended up getting some of the plants I still had left after filling the other pots.
Some of the plants will have to be planted someplace else. But I’d used all my potting soil and was worn out, so that will happen a bit later.
I had to put more soil in the Japanese Maple pot because the squirrels were digging in it.
Then I added rocks I picked up in the yard to cover the soil, so hopefully, those little stinkers will leave it alone.
The herbs in the pot on the other side of the water feature are growing quickly. Some of those plants may need to be replanted elsewhere too.
I planted “the mystery plant” in the upper yard close to the huge rock, near the hosta plants that I planted in the ground there.
Discussion About Yesterday’s Post:
Now for the discussion about the post I wrote yesterday.
I try to avoid writing about the current news cycle these days. But yesterday was Memorial Day.
As I don’t have loved ones nearby in cemeteries to visit, I thought that memorializing the victims of the shooting in Uvalde last week would be appropriate.
I should know by now that writing about this type of thing tends to cause problems. I used tidbits of news stories that came up when I Googled “Uvalde shooting”.
Sometimes I feel like I can’t win. A few months ago several people got upset because I had not written about Ukraine. And that of course is news. So I’d been avoiding the topic.
Some readers get upset when they feel that politics are involved.
If you think I should stay completely away from the current news cycle, then say so. Yes, it’s my blog. But you are my readers.
Comments?
Lately, I had been coming back after publishing a post to respond to comments. But really, I wanted the comments to be your forum for “communicating” to one another.
Some bloggers respond to comments; some don’t.
Is it important to you that I try to respond to as many comments as I can find the time for? If it doesn’t matter to you, I will take that time to research other posts and take photos.
Because I publish a post every day, some days I’m hard-pressed to get it all done. My work is not over when I finish a post.
I have many other things I must do before I publish it. You need to write the post so that someone without sight will know what’s in the photos.
There are details for Pinterest I need to add so someone searching there might find my photos. Thus my blog.
I do what I think I need to do for SEO purposes: Search Engine Optimization. But I’m still learning as I go.
There are no hard and fast rules, and these things change on a somewhat regular basis.
Algorithms, Google & Social Media:
Algorithms on Google and social media change all the time.
Where you might score higher in one post, the next day will be totally different. Which affects how much money you make.
The definitive size of photos changes as well. So I’m not done when I’ve taken photos for that day.
Google’s search engine helps to bring people to a blog. If you rank high enough, then you’ll rank higher in search engine results.
These days you need inbound links and outbound links within your content. In other words, inbound links point to similar posts I’ve written before. Outbound links link to high-quality content outside my blog.
This is why you see some words that are obviously links, as they are a different color than the rest of the content. And you see sub-headings breaking up the content too.
You are also encouraged not to have sentences that start with the same word.
So I go back and look to see if I’ve done that. I have a plug-in that tells me if I’ve written too many sentences that start with the same word. If I find that, I fix it by using different words.
Ads:
The ads are where I make money. If an ad loads, then I get paid for it.
A blogger is very much encouraged to write about topics that people are searching for on Google.
This helps you rank higher, which means more clicks to your blog.
I don’t have much use for social media except for Pinterest. Many bloggers make a lot more money because they use other types of social media to gain readers.
Frankly, by posting every day, I just don’t have the time for all that.
It takes me at least twice as long these days to get all of these things done before I publish a post. This is why I’m publishing a post later in the day than I used to.
Because getting all this done takes time. After I hit publish, I arrange for my email company to send the posts out if you subscribe to my blog via the form.
The patio is looking lovely! It must give you great pleasure to look at it, and see what you’ve accomplished,
You’ve always kept your blog “real” by writing exactly what is on your mind. My vote is for you to keep doing that.
I think you should continue to do just as you have been. It would seem rather odd to me for you not to comment on current events, Especially such noteworthy news as the war in the Ukraine & the horrible shooting in Texas. It’s not as though you write about such serious topics every day. To me not to mention it would be like ignoring it & that is not something we should do. On a side note I love to hear about your pets & your enjoyment with your gardening & decorating. So happy that you found your current apartment. It is just lovely!!
Love your little garden … it looks so inviting. You surely have a gardener’s heart.
Even though we don’t agree on most political things I have been enjoying your blog for a good number of years now and intend to continue to do so. Just because we have a difference of opinion with someone over a particular subject does not mean that we cannot enjoy their company and appreciate their ideas in other areas. As a society I think we’ve become way too “touchy” and “sensitive” if anyone disagrees with us.
So glad you’re willing to put in all the hours to prepare your blog. It’s an oasis in the hot and difficult world that we live in at the present time.
Your backyard space looks very relaxing. I love the shade. I could use a little more.
I never mind a bit when you dip your toes into current events and lets face it, one does tend to “dip their toes” these days, so easy to offend those who have nothing better to look for, save being offended. Dialogue between those who comment is refreshing, however, I do agree that it should be done with respect and civility, virtues that are more and more sadly lacking. What I really do appreciate Brenda, is the fact you are open to allowing others to express their views, unlike one particular blog I follow where she constantly stands behind the fact it is her blog and she controls all, right down to deleting and censoring and even warning one to go away, don’t even think about posting anything that is in opposition to her views. This will always light my ire. Regardless of time, expense etc. that one puts into their blog, they should always be aware that the moment they hit “publish”, they do open themselves to differing opinions etc. and should not take them personally and should never delete or censor unless the person commenting is being downright nasty. I see nothing wrong for a blog host to post on occasion about events etc. that affect them so keenly, It helps us all to hopefully better understand one another and perhaps open us up to sincerely consider others views, maybe even remold our own. So many years of following you and still appreciate you and your sharing your world.
Maybe just stick to happy and fun things here. We can get all the other stuff elsewhere~
As the others have said, your blog, so do what you want. I just skip over what I don’t want to read.
Your garden is awesome!
I’m pretty happy about the gardening I’ve done this first year here.
Brenda,
You posted nothing wrong. I like to read authentic blogs. That means some days great pics and pretty things to look at, other days the harsh realities of life. Don’t let some old grumps on the internet change you. I like your blog the way it is, including the not so pretty stuff. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Well, we can’t escape the bad things, but I will try to keep what you read upbeat and entertaining!
Brenda, this is your blog and you write about whatever is on your mind. I read you every day and if the subject is something I’m not interested in I’ll skip it and come back the following day. I would never think to criticize you about something you have written. You make me smile.
Totally agree!
Oh, what a kind thing to say! Thank you!
I write out of love, not out of anger.
I read your blog almost everyday and do enjoy it Brenda. I know socially and politically we are probably at opposite ends but that is absolutely ok. I’ve cried with you when you’ve lost beloved pets and was so happy for you when you found the perfect place to live. Pets and gardening are a huge, huge part of my life and those are two things where we find a happy common ground. I do enjoy a good argument. I do try to always to be respectful when I comment. Thanks for bringing your blog to us everyday!
Kelley – you said just what I would have said in my comment. We do have a lot of common ground or we wouldn’t have a heart to care and share our feelings with Brenda, agree or disagree. I have read Brenda’s blog since her days in Texas so been there through a lot of changes.
Respectful is the key word. And I so appreciate it!
Did you have many squirrels at your former apartment? If you have pecan trees in your complex, don’t be surprised if you find pecan tree seedlings growing in your container plants. We have lots of squirrels and love them and I’m constantly pulling up all the little seedlings they’ve planted. They’re so entertaining!
There were some squirrels there. But not nearly as many as here! Of course, this complex has residents who are nature-inclined.
Brenda, like many others have stated, I look forward to reading your posts everyday! And I love that you take the time to respond to our comments! It does feel more personal that way. Like a real conversation among friends. I want you to know how very much I appreciate all your efforts! However, I didn’t realize just how big of a time commitment it is for you to do that. I mean, obviously, it’s going to take time, but I didn’t realize all the other things you still have to do, after you post. I feel bad, causing you to put that much more effort into something you clearly already put a lot of effort into. I am sorry to burden you with that extra bit of work. If it is too much for you, and you feel overwhelmed, or just tired and needing a moment to yourself, then please take that time for you. You deserve it, and we all want you to be as happy as you make us. Respond when you can, but if you need a break, take one. As for what you chose to write on your blog, I know it’s your intent to make everyone happy. Unfortunately, you can’t please everyone, as the saying goes. But it is your blog, and if your heart feels strongly about a certain subject, and you want to share how you feel, and express your feelings, then you should feel free to do so. Those types of topics don’t come up all the time, but when they do, you should be able to write about them in a safe environment, without worrying about being hurt. Readers, please be kind when considering your choice of words, and please try to give Brenda the respect and kindness she deserves, and always tries to show us. Why would you choose to hurt her with an unkind comment? We don’t always have to agree on everything, but we should be able to be respectful to each other. We all have feelings, and nobody likes getting them hurt. If you feel like you need to write a strongly worded reply, I just ask that you take a few minutes before responding. Give yourself a moment to calm down and ask yourself, how would I want someone to respond to me? Remember… just breath. You can write with a much clearer head when you take that moment before responding. I hope you all have a wonderful evening!
PS- Brenda, that 4th picture you posted… that pathway is beautiful!!!!! I love it. Can we please see a few more pictures from different perspectives? I think someone asked you one time, if you cam take a picture with a wide angle view. Is that possible? I’d like to see that too.
I’m not sure which one you mean: the sidewalk or stone path between apartments. Hopefully soon I’ll have my own path!
Your comment is so delightfully thoughtful! And as for the work I do, I love this blog. I love communicating with all of you. Someone once said: If you enjoy what you do, it isn’t really work. Or something to that effect.
Laura, Thank you for this reminder. I owe Brenda an apology for my knee jerk reaction. I too love this blog and don’t plan to ever give it up. Brenda is an amazing writer, but a more amazing person who does truly care.
Brenda, If you see this. I am sorry. Sandra
Thank you Sandra!
So many beautiful plants on your patio! You’ve found your stride and made it your happy place. WooHoo!!
First, I want to say I truly enjoy when you respond to comments but I also know it can be very time consuming. So do what works for you.
The content of your daily posts are your decision however I can see that you want/need to please your audience. I wish I had some sage advice for you but alas I do not.
I believe I’ve been reading your blog since you first moved to Tulsa and I enjoy every little/big thing you write about.
Just do you, Brenda!
I don’t just aim to make money with this blog, though that income certainly helps me live in a nicer place. More than anything else, I don’t want to offend anyone. And if you’re not happy, I’m not happy.
I have absolutely no judgement on what anyone writes. The blog is you and your choices. I like it, so I read it ..for years. But I never think “ why did she write or not write something? “
I was an elementary teacher, and I know the fear and danger.
I hope you will continue to write what you want to, when you can!
Elementary school teachers, well all teachers, don’t make enough money to risk their lives.
It’s a labor of love. Sometimes I don’t comment until the next morning because I watch TV and read at night. Come morning I’m right back in gear. I feel so bad for those teachers out there. Teachers were once revered. Now they can barely pay the bills and risk getting shot.
Hi Brenda, I value your opinion in gardening, so please tell me how are you going to deadhead Shasta Daisies? At base or next set of leaves? Thanks
I think last time I cut them at the next set of leaves.
However I just had to Google it.
Fine Gardening explains that you should deadhead the top, or terminal, flower head first. Snip off the flower stem just above the next lateral flower stem. If no lateral flower exists below the top flower, deadhead just above the next set of leaves to encourage branching growth.
I’m totally fine with your occasional political or current events posts. But maybe that’s because we share the same viewpoint.
I’m always amazed that you are able to get blog posts out every day. I have 2 pet blogs and am only able to get 1 post out a week for each. But then I also watch my disabled grandson and do pet sitting so those things take up a lot of time too.
You have more jobs than I do!
I understand wanting to tailor your posts to appeal to readers, because you rely upon this as income. But at the end of the day, this is your blog. Write on any subject you choose. If a particular post doesn’t appeal to me, I don’t read it (that doesn’t happen very often). It sounds like an unending uphill battle.
The experts say to search for what is trending. And then to write about some aspect of that in order to rank.
I guess since you blog to make money you need to blog about things your audience wants. That is who reads your blog and sees the ads. So I guess it boils down to if you want to make income from your blog you have to please your audience so they continue to come back and see the ads so you make money. I blog for fun and decorating not to make money so I feel free to keep my blog light and fun. I leave the social media stuff with negative and sad news to the TV. I want people to read my blog for fun not to get information on world events and voice their opinions. I guess now you have to research what your audience wants since this is your income maker. Good luck.
I blogged for a few years before I monetized. But to live here especially, I have to have more income than social security alone. You are married and he has an income, so it’s much different for you.
Write what you want to, friend! Your world, your thoughts, your words. If some don’t like it, they can move on ~
Everyone says to ignore the negative comments. Hard to do for me.
I love your blog and read it everyday. With a few exceptions, usually at night in my bed from my tablet. Love your decorating and topics of posts. Don’t change a thing please.
Thanks a bunch, Lucy! I love your name, by the way.
I love when you stick to decorating, your beautiful patio and letting us know what’s going on your precious kitty. So much negative on tv, and it nice to come here to know what you are doing next in your yard and apartment and not have to deal with news topics. I think we learn so much from you in the way of gardening and decorating. Please keep it that way.
Sometimes I’m at a loss about what to write every single day. My life is quite boring. But I’ll keep keeping on!
When u correspond back to my comments it puts a smile on my face Brenda!
It’s your blog and freedom of speech to write what u want on it!
Have a fantastic week everyone and do at least one thing for yourself that makes u happy!
Well, your nice comment put a smile on my face.
I don’t read your blog because you write what I want…I read your blog because it is interesting. If I am not interested in your post on a certain day & just move on knowing there will be another interesting post tomorrow. Hang in there!
And that’s as it should be. I go to blogs I like and if I don’t like what they’re writing about, or it’s yet another sponsored post, I move on to the next.
I love it when you respond to our comments…so do not stop..I read everything but can do without the news because someone always gets upset..but I just move on and wait for the next blog…I am addicted and do not miss a day as I sit here bare footed with dirty fingernails from planting yet another pot which is a old copper cooker..found some cool plants today…a lovely vine with tiny flowers called humming birds lunch..and a lemon verbena geranium that smells like lemon..oh the joy we get from new discoveries…thank you for what you do…keep on planting💕
Oh, I now remember that I once had a lemon verbena geranium! I haven’t seen one in years.
Loving you patio – look at all the beauty you have created! I so hope that Maria’s husband can do the work for you timely and within your budget.
And about your blog – I, like most of us I think, have no idea of the complexity and care it takes to produce. We simply enjoy it and look forward to it. That you blog every day is amazing! If you comment on our comments, that is the icing on the cake. But totally understandable if that is simply too much.
Regarding yesterday, I can only say keep on keeping on. I like all aspects of this blog. Just hoping we all can be civil to one another in our various opinions. If the subject matter isn’t to one’s taste, come back another day.
Mary from PA
Well, I can’t please everyone, but I will stick to the normal topics.
Brenda, freedom to write what one wants is a freedom worth defending. However, you should not be surprised at the diversity of opinion. After all, to me at least, a great lot of how a person thinks and feels has a lot to do with what life has thrown at them, or handed them. And as always, there are those who feel any strong opinion is an attack on them personally…even though I at least have never seen anyone here in person. No reason to take personally what is not meant personally. My mom used to say, “if the shoe fits, wear it; otherwise, ignore it”. There are tons of people out there writing, or giving youtube and news reports, beating some subjects to death. I certainly do not come here to read such…though I defend your right and everyone’s right to speak their viewpoint. It would be nice if we could not take so much offense at what people say or write. At least not in a personal way. Yet still feel free to express our view too. But saying this, I do enjoy your gardening, your neighbor reports, your other subjects…a place to get away from sorrow and stress for a time…a place where you sometimes share your life story…and what you think because of it. I feel those blog entries are your greatest ones.
Thank you for your input. Much appreciated.
Your post did not offend me at all and I think you were presenting facts. Our country has so many problems and everyone has different opinions and views. I try to keep my opinions to myself but I think we have to find a way to protect our precious children. I don’t care which side of the politics isle you are on. Somebody please do something!
Mary B in Texas
Guess I will leave the writing about these events to someone else. Always seems to turn out ambiguous one way or another.
I thought your post yesterday was very well written and informative. I do not know your history but you either you were or could be a journalist. What I find disturbing is when people take others peoples point of view has a personal attack on them. It is not an attack on them! Sharing ones point of view and ideas is called learning.
Stay Safe,
Kaye
I used to write feature articles for newspapers and my degree is in journalism.
Don’t change what you write. I for one check it out everyday. Some days the content doesn’t interest me. So, I just move on. It’s your blog and you write what you want. About the squirrel digging in your flower pots. I have been using white pepper sprinkled on the dirt. It doesn’t hurt the plants or birds. But, squirrels don’t like the taste or smell. I have used it for years. My husband feeds the squirrels, so we have plenty of them around here too. Keep up the good work!!
Ah, I haven’t heard of that tip concerning squirrels!
You are free to express your comments. I read your blog daily, and look forward to it. I, like everyone else, had a choice to read it through, or if they don’t like the subject of that day, to close it and move on. When reading the comments, if I don’t like how negative and nasty they are I just skip over them. The world is in a very bad place right now, I don’t need to read mean things. Don’t change a thing. People have a choice to read your blog one day and not the next. Be kind to each other. Thanks for listening.
It’s just easier to keep it light. But then, as I mentioned, someone will sometimes get upset that I wrote about decorating and not the atrocities going on in this world.
Your patio garden is looking so beautiful! So many textures and colors that make it unique. It takes maintenance, which can mean overwork. Please pace yourself. With the heat of summer upon us, just being outside is exhausting! I’m trying to get my small container rearranged for a final time. Just watering will be miserable in the coming heat. But watching things grow is worth it.
I keep a gallon jug of water on the patio to water with.
Brenda,
This is your blog… to thine own self be true. 😊
My two cents… When visiting your blog, readers should be as respectful of you & your blog (content, photos, etc.) as they would be visiting you in your living room or on your patio. Real life can be neat & tidy/messy, happy/sad, peaceful/horrifying, etc. I appreciate your acknowledgement of life in all its iterations, and that you share from your heart as well as your head.
Some bloggers respond to reader comments, some respond only on occasion, some never respond to reader comments, and some encourage conversations between readers. Those who encourage conversations between readers are generally very clear in their expectations of everyone… civility at all times because we should be able to agree to disagree and express opposing viewpoints without resorting to ugliness and name-calling.
All that to say, I agree with Emma and Annette.
Be yourself, be Brenda.
Well thank you. I appreciate that more than you know.
I agree with Emma! You know, we are so tired of being bombarded with sad news but sometimes it helps if you share your feelings and get it off your shoulders. Most of us have strong opinions and no two people have the same life experiences. I usually don’t get into heated conversations with others over politics or other subjects. I never, ever thought this wonderful country and the world for that matter would be like it is now. Sad to say but I think we will never be like Leave it to Beaver or Andy Griffith safe and carefree again. It is your blog and you should write what you feel. And by the way, I never knew all the behind the scenes work you had to do to get your blog out in a day. If something doesn’t interest me I keep going. I am not an avid reader so I just read it and go about my day. People are stressed, agitated, sad and angry but we do have to share ideas and find a solution to this mess. Your apartment, yard and neighborhood is adorable. Have you ever grown a tomato plant? Have a good day everyone.
Sometimes I grow tomato plants. I didn’t know if I’d have enough sun here, so I didn’t plant any this year.
I love coming here every day to see what you’re up to, and I enjoy checking back to see if you’ve replied to my comment. Those transactions make our friendship even closer and warmer…even though we’ll never meet in person! (And with awareness of the monetary value of blog visits, that’s an extra click each day!)
I don’t mind reading your reflections on current news events. You offer a place for regular people like me to share my thoughts. What startles me sometimes is the viciousness with which a few dissenters respond. That spoils it for the rest of us. Why can’t it be a learning experience instead? Find out the opinions of others and reflect on the reasons for them. State your own in polite dissent. Consider the words of President Lincoln: “The best way to defeat your enemy is to make him your friend.”
I agree with everything you said Joyce! I also go back to see if Brenda responded to my comment. I love the fact that she takes the time and is interested in how we comment to her blog! It makes you feel close to Brenda like she is a special friend!
Love what Lincoln said!
Loving your patio, Brenda. I can’t believe it is looking so full and lush this quickly. So happy to hear you have somebody to fix the uneven part of your patio, to make it safer for you, and also, for your Green Thumb!!! Awesome…
P.S. I always enjoy reading your comments on your blog, no matter the subject. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
I hope I can get these things fixed so it’s safer to walk on.
I don’t comment very often but I read your posts every day! Don’t change! I look forward to reading your opinions also.
When in journalism school, they would say: Don’t state your own opinions. I’ve tried not to do that. But sometimes it’s hard.
Brenda , please don’t be afraid to state your opinions. It’s your blog to express to your friends here that something is troubling you, something you might want to share to help get it off your mind, but either way, you should say to us whatever you feel as it makes you the genuine person you are. To me honesty and complete transparency make the best blogs and comments to read! I love your comments you add onto your readers comments as they seem to say it’s what you are thinking at the time and nothing wrong with that.
Lincoln also said: You can please some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but never all the people all the time. 💌
I agree with Emma, don’t change. If somebody doesn’t like it they can move on. Come back another day. Our world is so complex now and very scary. And granted the shooting situation in the states is abhorrent. I feel frustrated about life now. And you have offered us a forum to voice that. I do appreciate you for that.
I had no idea posting involved so many steps. Sounds like an education all by itself.
The patio looks awesome!!
It is absolutely an education in itself!
Brenda,
Read your post is my pleasure of the day ; don’t change !
Amitiés from France
Thank you Emma from France!