Thursday, April 12, 2012

God's way of saying...get rid of the clutter!

 A few days ago our basement flooded with several inches of water.  The culprit, a gorgeous red maple tree whose roots had grown into the drain pipe.  Here are some of the photos from our water logged adventure.

Basement spread across the backyard to dry.

More basement stuff.  This we stored in the car! 

Plastic sheets covering basement furniture and schoolwork.

Because of the moisture, several feet of drywall had to be removed.

The living room doing double duty as storage.
The bad news, it will be several weeks before our little home regains it's Jewel Box® look.  Until then we will be living with 'stuff' everywhere.  Nothing puts me in a bad mood faster than a cluttered, messy house!  My husband is at the opposite end of the spectrum, he loves to be surrounded by his 'things'.  Fishing gear, flashlights (over 30 at last count), Home Depot hardware for future household projects that somehow never happen and stacks of books that are never read.  Secretly, I am relishing the fact that some of his gear is too damaged and has to be thrown out.  And there is another silver lining, our homeowner's insurance covers everything!  The basement rebuild and all damaged contents.  Laney, your prayers are working again!

Now for my friend's gorgeous spring garden, the original topic for this post.  The bright green grasses are just now making an appearance.

Grasses along the pavers.




We have had an early spring, so the ground cover next to the River Birch is almost completely filled in.  Don't miss the papering bark on the tree trunk.






The contrast of the new grass against last year's dried growth is lovely.


Karl Foster grass showing new and old growth.

Cat mint just beginning to climb the stone path.
Contrasting plant shoots add color to the garden, even without perennial flowers that will arrive later.
'Found' stones are often at their best in the spring garden when they are the most visible and create dramatic contrast with new growth.

Gardening is a passion with me, so even in the dead of winter I like to have something growing in the house.  A few weeks ago, after passing a difficult certification exam for work, I treated myself to a creamy white orchid.  And I learned a new trick about watering orchids.  Place 3-5 ice cubes at the base of the plant once a week.  This satisfies an orchid's water needs and doesn't rot the roots. 


My poor orchid is not in it's usual spot because of the 'flood', but it is surviving beautifully and doesn't seem to mind the disruption.  The photo above does not do it justice.

Enjoy your weekend!

Genevieve

8 comments:

  1. ...oh my goodness!...my heart understands so well your heart...clutter does bother me too...and my husband would not even bat an eye at it...men are indeed different!...i am so thankful that the insurance will cover everything...God is good...all the time...and it is especially wonderful when He allows us to see His goodness...the orchid for you is so well deserved...keep your eye on that pretty spot...God made the orchid too!...i love you dear friend...hugs laney

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  2. ...ps...congratulations on passing the exam!

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  3. OH my goodness......so sorry to hear about your basement...but is sounds as though your insurance is coming through for you......what a beautiful orchid...I have always passed them up but with your tip...I might just give one a try. Good luck with your remodel....putting things back together..... Congrats on passing your exam! Good news!!!

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  4. Oh my...I have nothing to complain about that I did $3,300 worth of damage to my vehicle a week ago and I literally was just pulling out of a parking spot - the big rock didn't like me in his space:(

    Thank goodness your insurance is in place and will help ease the pain. Doesn't help in dealing with the visual clutter of it all - are you entertaining for graduation? That was the first thing I thought of.

    You deserve that special treat of the orchid - congrats on your exam.

    Think of you often and send prayers always.

    Hugs,

    june

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  5. My hubby the horticulturist advises that orchids "thrive on neglect".... I have a black thumb so I am glad to have him around to do the gardening, et.al.
    Love this site!!!!!!

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  6. My hubby the horticulturist advises that orchids "thrive on neglect".... I have a black thumb so I am glad to have him around to do the gardening, et.al.
    Love this site!!!!!!

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  7. Replies
    1. Thanks, Amelia! How nice of you to stop by!

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