Comments on: The Grand Tour

By: Cold Climate Gardening: Fifth Anniversary Interview | Cold Climate Gardening

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:07:51 +0000

[...] expanded the garden since I started blogging. Instead, I’ve come to realize that I started more garden than I can take care of.It’s been a continuing challenge to find a balance between my ambitions and what I can [...]

By: Spring madness: Search and rescue | Cold Climate Gardening

Spring madness: Search and rescue | Cold Climate Gardening — Wed, 09 May 2007 02:28:14 +0000

[...] was just two years ago that it finally started to dawn on me that I was in over my head. Something more drastic than [...]

By: The Nature Nut

The Nature Nut — Tue, 03 May 2005 15:08:41 +0000

Came across your site as part of my “Next Blog” rounds – a new morning routine I’ve recently adopted (since finding Blogger) last week.

I like the description “Grand Tour” … I have a silly routine of doing rounds in my garden every single day (except winter), and sometimes even twice a day this time of year.

As soon as I’m dressed, I grab my coffee in the morning, and head out. I too (like another commenter) have a set route, so I can see every one of my plants.

Sometimes, I think my hubby and neighbours think I’m crazy (especially since it’s usually 6:15AM during the week), when I’m out there rain or shine.

But I just can’t resist seeing every single new leaf unfolding, every shoot reaching up out of the ground …. an obsession you can probably understand.

Nice to know there are more of me out there … smile. Also thanks for the ‘techie’ note on RSS feeds … gotta figure that out, also Blog Rolls ????

Bye

By: Kathy Purdy

Kathy Purdy — Wed, 27 Apr 2005 14:59:01 +0000

Those dogs are chihuahuas?

I don’t find it snobbish to know and use the botanical names of plants. To me what’s snobbish is asserting that there is only one proper way to garden, whether you’re talking about formal vs. informal, rock garden vs. pile of rocks, or Italian terra cotta vs. concrete.

Gardening has to fit your life, whether you’re rich or poor, healthy or not so fit, filling your days with gardening or squeezing it in between numerous commitments. And I would put myself as belonging to the second of each of those pairs.

By: Jenn

Jenn — Tue, 26 Apr 2005 23:56:06 +0000

“So not the gardening snobs I have been finding at other sites.”

Heee! I can be. When I’m not out on the front porch with a beer in my hand, yelling at my monstrous pair of Chihuahuas: “DO YER POOP!”

*giggle*

I can be quite starched and proper, other times, point at a plant and give you its botanical name and growing conditions… quite the snob, if that’s what you prefer.

We are a pretty human bunch, ’round these parts. Weeds and pets, plants and garden pests, it’s all in a day’s post.

By: Sandi

Sandi — Tue, 26 Apr 2005 12:29:06 +0000

I have been enjoying the comments I have read here. So not the gardening snobs I have been finding at other sites. I never thought there were others out there doing a ‘grand tour’ like me. I don’t bring a clip board but make mental notes of weeding and moving of plants. Which I usually forget once I get back inside. I love summer when I can get up early and walk barefoot around my beds and note (with some satisfaction) the different plants that are blooming, the areas that look really good. These early moring walks do not see the weeds, they are meant to restore my soul, to prepare me for the day. The weeds will be there later, but early mornings are for daydreams and joy of living.

By: Kathy Purdy

Kathy Purdy — Sun, 24 Apr 2005 20:51:50 +0000

The clipboard is definitely optional. I only carry it when I plan on writing about my observations when I’m done. Most of the time it’s a cup of tea that accompanies me, as well as a child or two.

By: Judi Singleton

Judi Singleton — Sun, 24 Apr 2005 19:49:08 +0000

I have about half of one side weeded. I just made a grand tour and if I just didn’t tackle a small portion of my garden of weedin each day I would be overwhelmed. I am impressed for those who have a clipboard in hand. I just weed a bit everyday. Judi Singleton

By: Kathy Purdy

Kathy Purdy — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 17:50:22 +0000

Don, you don’t fool me one bit. I know you put your time in weeding–I can tell by the photos you put up on your site.

Bill, some plants are the better for being mowed. Be brave and do it.

ggg, I guess I should count my blessings. I’ve read articles where they claim it is easier to maintain a garden than a lawn, but that’s only if you’re the type who thinks a lawn needs to be weeded, fertilized and watered–which neither we nor (thank goodness!) our neighbors find necessary. And the fact is, a horticultural ignoramus can mow a lawn, but you wouldn’t want him or her weeding the beds and borders. So the choices are pull the weeds, ignore the weeds, or sow it back to lawn. I remind myself it’s a labor of love and not mandatory. Excellence is optional as well, but always desired.

By: Don

Don — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 03:51:04 +0000

I usually have a can of Bud Lite in my hand on MY grand tour, so no clipboard, no job list. That’s the nice thing about gardening in the woods; you can just pretend like the weeds are part of the natural flora.
Don