Wednesday, September 9, 2009

From THIS to...





THIS!!!!! How 'bout that???? We have a new flowerbed !!!! My Sweetie has been working on this for several months ---bit by bit, block by block , and bag of dirt by bag of dirt. I'm so proud of him. Didn't he do a great job?????







Here's another view. George had been complaining about having to mow that ditch --which was steep in places. SO---I suggested that he build a flowerbed in that area. At first, he said NO---but after thinking about it, he decided to go for it. It has been a pretty big undertaking --compared to other flowerbeds in our yard. We do have a larger flowerbed along the side of the house --but it was more level than this one. (Sometime I'll show you the before's and after's of all of the things we have done in our yard since moving here in 2003.)







We took this picture from the garage --looking toward the street. George has already decided what we will put in that new flowerbed. Of course, we will have roses---but we'll also have some irises, daylilies and lilies. As I've said many times, we don't have much sun in our yard---so we've had to be creative when it comes to adding flowers which do well in full sun. That's why we have so many roses in pots along our driveway. They need SUN. So---we are excited to have another sunny flowerbed.







Here's one more view of the new flowerbed. Just think---next spring, we'll be showing you some pretty flowers from this bed!!!!









This is a picture of one of the beautiful dogwood trees in our yard. Autumn is REALLY coming now--since their colors are so pretty.









After a few months of almost no hummingbirds here, we now have quite a few. Most of them are the Ruby-throated ones. George took this picture through the glass door this week.









We have four feeders in our yard ----two in the back and two in the front. These hummers still fight over them!!!!! Too Cute!







Here's two of our September rose blossoms. This one is BRIGADOON. See the little critter on this one????







This beauty is called SWEETNESS.


Thanks to all for your wonderful comments on my "Asylum" blog yesterday. I'm glad to find out that I'm not the ONLY one who does dumb things... Maybe we all will end up in the asylum TOGETHER. ha ha


Hugs,

P.S. Thanks to JUDY for helping me learn how to make my pictures larger!!!! Yeah Rah! Check out Judy's gorgeous blog!
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64 comments:

  1. Cedar ...September 9, 2009 at 5:25 AM

    That looks like a LOT of hard work for you and George to build that. I hope being so close to the shoulder of the road doesn't damage it. It will look lovely when filled with blooms!

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  2. Deb Murphree/Alabama PoliticsSeptember 9, 2009 at 5:29 AM

    Now Now, send George my way...I could use a little flower power in my yard LOL...that is GREAT WORK...and a lot of inspirational endeavors by George ...tell him I said he's certainly got the talent. And your birdies and flowers...G O R G E O U S!!!!!!!!!!

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  3. JayneSeptember 9, 2009 at 5:46 AM

    Now THAT was some work! Yea for George! It will be a beautiful area come spring. :c)

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  4. KellySeptember 9, 2009 at 6:02 AM

    Wow! That bed is nice and big. I can't wait to see it with flowers, and with all the new, rich topsoil, they should love it. I think your neighbors will love it too...looks like it took a lot of work!! and yeah! for the hummers. Our three little hummers are still here. I'm waiting for them to leave. Every day I wonder if it will be the last, but they seem content so far!

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  5. Diane AZSeptember 9, 2009 at 6:04 AM

    Wow, wonderful new flowerbed, George did a great job. Looking forward to seeing the flowers in it next spring! Glad to see that hummingbirds are visiting your feeders again.

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  6. DarlaSeptember 9, 2009 at 6:16 AM

    I WANT ONE!!!! Send George to Florida for about a month!!!!

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  7. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2009 at 6:20 AM

    It's always so much fun to plan for another flower bed! This will be a beautiful addition to your yard. I love the hummers and roses photos.

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  8. BethSeptember 9, 2009 at 6:45 AM

    Wow, George did a great job on that new flowerbed. I can't wait to see what y'all plant there, Betsy. As a gardener myself, I know that there aren't many things more exciting than seeing a big empty space full of good soil waiting like an blank artist's canvas for me to "paint" it with flowers!

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  9. diane bSeptember 9, 2009 at 7:07 AM

    Oooh, George has done a great job. That brick wall must have been hard to construct. Looking forward to seeing the flowers in Spring. The birds are cute and the flowers gorgeous.

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  10. CherrySeptember 9, 2009 at 7:09 AM

    hi Betsy! i'm lovin' your Joyful Reflections! 'will be back for more. ;)

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  11. Arkansas PattiSeptember 9, 2009 at 7:12 AM

    George could hire out with no problem. Awesome work. Wondering a bit if the drainage water will back up in your yard with the culvert blocked. I could live with that to have such a beautiful bed.
    My hummer herd is mostly gone. I leave the feeders up for those just passing through. Miss them but don't miss making three quarts of nectar a day.

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  12. Janice KSeptember 9, 2009 at 7:16 AM

    When I saw your new flower bed, I said "Oh, Wow!" That was indeed lots of hours of hard work. I will be anxious to see how it looks next year...

    By the way, what is the secret to makeing our blog pictures larger? Are there instructions someplace that we can refer to?

    Thanks!!

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  13. ConnieSeptember 9, 2009 at 7:26 AM

    George does great work. Is he for rent?

    Your photo's look great.

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  14. Ruth's Photo BlogSeptember 9, 2009 at 7:28 AM

    I will be waiting all winter to see the new flower garden in spring,should be a beauty.
    Blessings,Ruth

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  15. Roses and LilacsSeptember 9, 2009 at 7:29 AM

    Hi Betsy, love the new flowerbed. I especially like the wall. I'm thinking of all the trailing plants you can grow over the edge;) Hubby did a great job.
    Marnie

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  16. SusieSeptember 9, 2009 at 7:35 AM

    So Betsy what are you going to plant in your new bed?

    We only have one hummer feeder and they have been fighting over it non-stop. So much fun to watch!

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  17. PeggySeptember 9, 2009 at 7:41 AM

    Wow! George did a great job on that flower bed. You two have done a lot of beautiful work in your yard.

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  18. KarinSeptember 9, 2009 at 7:47 AM

    Any which way you look at it - that flower bed is gorgeous! George did a fantastic job. Love the pattern and look forward to next spring's photos! Bless you for sharing your life with us!

    God's and George's roses are stunning!

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  19. Pat - ArkansasSeptember 9, 2009 at 7:57 AM

    Beautiful work, George! I can only imagine all the hard labor that went into creating that wall! The results are lovely, and I look forward to seeing the bed filled with beautiful flowers.

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  20. SunnySeptember 9, 2009 at 8:04 AM

    What a great job George did! It must have been a lot of hard work because of the ditch. I love the wall. Be sure to post pictures when it's planted.
    Sunny :)

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  21. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2009 at 8:40 AM

    Very nice Very nice! A while back I captured a hummingbird in flight & I keep forgetting to post it. I'm gonna have to do that

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  22. Busy Bee SuzSeptember 9, 2009 at 8:43 AM

    I just love this flowerbed. IT looks so perfect and professionally made. That George, he sure is a good one. A real KEEPER in my book!

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  23. SnapSeptember 9, 2009 at 9:14 AM

    Wow! Does George rent out? He'd be traveling all over the country with his talents! Beautiful photos as always!

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  24. TesSeptember 9, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    Hello Betsy, two thumbs up to you and George for that awesome work you guys did! Love the hummingbird and "Sweetness" is beautiful -that shade is rare, I would love to have one in my garden! :)

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  25. DianeSeptember 9, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    Congratulations to George for the big project done. Your yard has so many pretty, colorful things going on. Gorgeous roses, sweet charming hummingbirds. Pretty blog.

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  26. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2009 at 9:52 AM

    whoo hoo! great transformation :)

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  27. SmilingSallySeptember 9, 2009 at 10:12 AM

    That is a beauty. I love the look of the stacked blocks.

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  28. Small City ScenesSeptember 9, 2009 at 11:07 AM

    I think George has done a Wonderful job on the flowerbed and you both should be proud. I can hardly wait 'til next year to see all the blooms there.

    Love the little hummer--he is in deep thought I think.

    Lovely roses.

    MB

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  29. JenSeptember 9, 2009 at 11:20 AM

    I'm sure your new flower bed will do great; you guys sure have a way with the blooms.
    Great idea Betsy and way to go to George! :D

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  30. LeedraSeptember 9, 2009 at 11:23 AM

    You said most are Ruby Throated. If you have anything else get a photograph and get it documented. Hummingbirds are moving out of their areas more, but we are only suppose to have Ruby Throats in the area.

    George has done a WONDERFUL job on the flowerbed. Hope you are good to your man! :)

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  31. UnknownSeptember 9, 2009 at 11:57 AM

    Looks you created your own GreatWall.....LOL
    Looks great,and I can't wait to see pictures of the flowers next spring!

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  32. Deborah GodinSeptember 9, 2009 at 11:59 AM

    That's a very impressive flower bed! *applause* Can't wait to see it next year!

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  33. TSeptember 9, 2009 at 1:27 PM

    way to go George! Quite an undertaking and it looks great....

    And Betsy, the planting opportunities are mind boggling!

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  34. CherylSeptember 9, 2009 at 1:32 PM

    What an undertaking and what great results! Won't it be fun to plant the new garden and eagerly await for it to bloom in the spring. I haven't had hummingbirds for awhile here, they must be passing through your neighborhood from here!

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  35. DarlaSeptember 9, 2009 at 2:31 PM

    Dang it Betsy...George said his 'honey do' list is too long for him to come to Florida for a month...What in the world you got him doing now? HA HA..

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  36. A Brit in TennesseeSeptember 9, 2009 at 2:51 PM

    Wow, a rose-grower and a builder !
    You hit the jackpot when you found George ...lol
    That is a fantastic looking wall, and I can only imagine the hours he has spent working on it.
    Kudos to you George...oh and I think you won the jackpot also, when Betsy came into your life !!

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  37. JanieSeptember 9, 2009 at 2:53 PM

    The new flower bed looks like an amazing engineering feat. Kudos to George for making it happen! The bed looks great and I'm sure will be home to a lot of beauty next spring.
    Great hummingbird photos!

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  38. EG CameraGirlSeptember 9, 2009 at 2:53 PM

    George did a great job. Very neat and tidy!

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  39. NCmountainwomanSeptember 9, 2009 at 3:42 PM

    Well, Betsy...after yesterday I'm glad to see that you really do still have your wits about you!!! Great flower bed and quite a job hauling all that stuff.

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  40. JudySeptember 9, 2009 at 3:48 PM

    Hi Betsy, That flower bed is just great. You have a very talented man there. I bet you all can't wait to start filling it with flowers. I love the way he slanted the stones. Be sure and post it again when you get it all filled up.

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  41. TinaSeptember 9, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    Wow Betsy that is some job...a great BIG job!! We built something similar and just transporting all those pavers to build our garden wall...we went thru two pairs of gloves. We used 158 blocks and 2 scoops of dirt and mulch this past spring..Good for George..I bet he found muscles he forgot he had..I know we did.
    Tell him it looks great...and he deserves a big round of applause!! whistle whistle...stomp stomp!!
    Can't wait to see your new garden and all its new plants in the spring!!

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  42. storytellerSeptember 9, 2009 at 5:17 PM

    Wow! Give that man a high 5 from me for this marvelous transformation. How kewl to have room for more roses, irises, lilies and the like. Love the hummingbird photos and the BEAUTIFUL roses too. Thanks for the visit to Happily Retired Gal. I'm playing catch up in the Blogosphere this afternoon after attending my Power Point class this morning and later I'll watch TENNIS ;--)
    Hugs and blessings,

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  43. pennySeptember 9, 2009 at 5:59 PM

    George sure is a handy guy to have around. That is a wonderful wall he built, now to can plant some hens and chicks in the cracks of the wall.
    Thanks for stopping by Betsy.

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  44. Rambling WoodsSeptember 9, 2009 at 6:20 PM

    I LOVE that....George is the best Betsy...it is beautiful....Michelle

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  45. JoySeptember 9, 2009 at 6:24 PM

    That bed looks amazing and Wow George. Great job on it. That looks like a pile of work. I know it was. I can't wait to see the eye candy he puts in it for all of us.
    Great pictures of the hummingbird. I've never gotten one of them just sitting perched before.
    ♥
    Joy

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  46. JoySeptember 9, 2009 at 6:56 PM

    Betsy, Also, I love this new layout. Can you share the code to get this wide screen look. I went to Judy's and love her blog too, but didn't see instructions.
    Thanks, Joy

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  47. RoseSeptember 9, 2009 at 6:56 PM

    I have done told George, I can't wait to see the flower bed next year! It is going to be beautiful!

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  48. Tammie LeeSeptember 9, 2009 at 7:04 PM

    This is an amazing flowerbed! A bit of art I would say. It will be gorgeous all planted and colorful! Love that last rose, sweetness indeed!

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  49. RASeptember 9, 2009 at 7:18 PM

    Wow, George did a really great job! Now you have another wonderful place for your beautiful, beautiful flowers. I can't wait to see them blossom, like these beauties here :). Have a great day. Hugs and love.

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  50. GeneaDivaSeptember 9, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    Oh Betsy,

    It's just beautiful. George did a great job! Like everyone else, I can't wait to see your pics as this bed is filled with beautiful plants and flowers.

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  51. marmeeSeptember 9, 2009 at 10:10 PM

    betsy,

    i want to know how to make my pictures bigger. can you email the
    instructions....rosebudn6@aol.com.
    love the new bed...what are you going to plant in it>? i am sure that was a huge job...i am sure you will both be happy with it...especially since george won't have to mow it.
    happy september...love those dogwoods.

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  52. KirigalpoththaSeptember 9, 2009 at 10:25 PM

    That looks quite a lot of work..Nice new addition to the garden :)

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  53. UnknownSeptember 9, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    That looks great ... and its only a beginning. Can't wait to see the same photo at a later date ... with flowers!

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  54. JoSeptember 10, 2009 at 1:49 AM

    What a wonderful job your sweetie has done. I love your hummingbird feeder and the birds on it. We have two kinds of Sunbirds in our garden back in Sout Africa. My darling husband made special sunbird feeders but to date we've not seen any bird drinking there. Betsy, I have never seen anyone who gets so many comments. You are a loving and lovable person and we ALL love you dearly. (((Hugs))) Jo

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  55. JoSeptember 10, 2009 at 1:49 AM

    What a wonderful job your sweetie has done. I love your hummingbird feeder and the birds on it. We have two kinds of Sunbirds in our garden back in Sout Africa. My darling husband made special sunbird feeders but to date we've not seen any bird drinking there. Betsy, I have never seen anyone who gets so many comments. You are a loving and lovable person and we ALL love you dearly. (((Hugs))) Jo

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  56. SquirrelQueenSeptember 10, 2009 at 2:35 AM

    Betsy, that is the most awesome new flower bed. George does fantastic work .... can I borrow him for a week or two. I've been reworking an ivy bed all day so now I am way behind on blogging.

    The photos look great, don't you just love the larger size. It is so much better.

    Hugs,
    Judy

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  57. This Is My Blog - fishing guySeptember 10, 2009 at 7:44 AM

    Betsy: That should be a great flower bed next year.

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  58. AnonymousSeptember 10, 2009 at 8:35 AM

    Great stone wall George, you must be very patient!

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  59. BeckySeptember 10, 2009 at 9:12 AM

    It looks great! Your pics are pretty as well.
    Our hummer are going strong also.

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  60. Clara....in TNSeptember 10, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    The flower bed really looks great. You don't hire him out do you? LOL Just kidding! I have so many things that need to be done, and can't do them like I once did! I cannot wait to see it next year! Have fun filling it!

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  61. Clara....in TNSeptember 10, 2009 at 4:15 PM

    Will you tell me how to make the pictures bigger? I have looked everywhere for a setting. I know how to make my header picture different sizes but not the pictures in the post. I always click on large when I post....what else can you do?

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  62. MarySeptember 10, 2009 at 10:21 PM

    Those roses are stunning!

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  63. CookieSeptember 10, 2009 at 10:45 PM

    I love before and after pics! Great job! You guys are hired to start my yard. Can you come by next week please? ;)

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  64. ConnieSeptember 13, 2009 at 6:26 PM

    What a great idea to put a flower bed there so George wouldn't have to mow that steep ditch. He did a wonderful job on it too. :D

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