Soapsmith's Garden Journal ~ Soapsmith's Blog

Soapsmith's Blog
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Shenandoah Trip

Published: 10-08-2012 02:47pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends,I took a short trip to see my son's new home in Virginia.  I missed the peak autumn colors except for the highest elevations, but the mountains are always magnificent.  These photos speak for themselves.  Shenandoah National Park, skyline drive, natural bridge, some from Pennsylvania I 70 and Tom's gorgeous property which backs up along the Appalachian Trail. Thanks for visiting, enjoy autumn!Bonnie... » Read More

Spring Garden Lilacs in Bloom

Published: 05-03-2012 06:24pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends,     Primavera, the promise of May flowers after a dry month of April have resulted in blooms that are not as spectacular as usual but still a welcome sight.   I want to share my garden with you! Traditional Pennsylvania heirloom lilacs permeate the air with their enticing bouquet.  When I open the bay windows to the great room, their fragrance fills the house with spring. The spring flowering bulbs and perennials are always a welcome harbinger of the coming season.  Daffodils, my grandmother's favorite pansies, bleeding heart and naturalized violets take turns to delight the senses. ... » Read More

White Bridge Farm & Barn

Published: 03-01-2012 09:56pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends,The old barns and out buildings at my son's farm abound in rustic charm.  Their years of service are reflected in the weathered condition.  These large hooks along the roofline have a beautiful oxidization.The spring light creates an interesting pattern of light and shadow, my herb garden harvest drying on the rafters.Bleached by the sun, the siding sets the backdrop for the remnants of last years vines.  Soon they will green up with fresh spring growth.Vintage chicken coops, close up and full shot, raised to avoid any rising of the Juniata River which borders this section of the farm.The white washed fencing encircles the front ... » Read More

September Garden Surpises

Published: 02-06-2012 07:54am
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello Friends, I love garden surprises.  Look at the beauties I discovered this week.    When I left for the office in the morning I was greeted with the bright lemon yellow blooms on one of my cactus.  What a lovely, sunny treat. Earlier this month I noticed tomato leaves peeking around the back deck behind the grill.  When I looked over the banister, lo and behold there is a huge Roma Tomato volunteer loaded with 67 tomatoes. It managed to thrive in the 6 inch gap between the deck railing and the garden fencing spilling out between the links. It is one healthy, vigorous plant. Here is the gap betwee... » Read More

Hydrangeas

Published: 11-09-2011 02:03pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello Friends, The hydrangeas in my garden are in full bloom.  They do wilt in this current heat wave, but their glorious flower heads return to their proud stance each evening with a refreshing drink. This spectacular blue was started 10 years ago from an Easter potted flower gift from my sons. This variety, Endless Summer, was a Mother's Day gift and graces the bed near the front deck, it blooms all season with assorted colors.  It has only been established for two summers so it is just a baby but it blooms wonderfully.   The flower heads are smaller than my traditional plants, still showy. The hydrangea originat... » Read More

Phlox in Bloom

Published: 11-09-2011 02:01pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends, We finally have a break in the rainy weather with a glorious sunny May day in Pennsylvania. The native phlox are in full bloom in the woodlands surrounding my home. I recall fishing with my Dad as a child.  I would pick huge boquets to carry home to my Mom. She would show me how to pluck off a blossom and taste the nectar, so sweet. The back pond at the farm on White Bridge along the banks of the Juniata river abounds with spring splendor with wild flowers, turtles and frogs galore. The waterfowl consider the farm, its ponds and rivers home.  The place is teeming with families of ducks and geese. ... » Read More

Garden of Herbs

Published: 11-09-2011 02:00pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends, The Herb Woman (author unknown) She harvests yards and countryside And hangs the dried snippets tied or braided, their aromas reeling from the rafters of her ceiling - Fennel, bergamot and yarrow Plucked to song of thrush or sparrow, Coriander, mustard, squill Bay and basil, anise and dill, Catnip, sage and elderflowers. Blessed in potent thunder showers, Witch hazel leaves and cherry bark Frilled with snows of winter's dark. So she listens - gives advice Dispensing freely - herbs and spice My garden is abundant with herbal delights.  I grow culinary herbs as well as medicinal herbs.  I utilize m... » Read More

Early Autumn Garden Journal

Published: 11-09-2011 01:57pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends, The garden is transitioning into autumn splendor. This sugar maple is resplendent in crimson, russet and oranges. The mums and asters are showing their colors while the impatiens are still in full bloom, I hate to see them go.  The nights are getting cooler so it won't be long until I lose them. The mums will last through November into Thanksgiving.   The burning bush live up to their moniker and the holly sets their berries preparing for holiday decorating. Enjoy the glories of the season! Thanks for visiting, Bonnie ... » Read More

Soapsmith's Promise of Spring Garden

Published: 11-09-2011 01:56pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends,     Today's post will feature the promise of spring in my budding garden.  It is so thrilling to watch the early beauties forcing their way through the once snow covered ground.  So fresh, so lovely.       I want to share my garden with you! Heirloom lilacs permeate the air with their enticing bouquet.  When I open the bay windows to the great room, their fragrance fills the house with delight. The spring flowering bulbs and perennials are always a welcome harbinger of the coming season.  Daffodils, my grandmother's favorite pansies, bleeding heart and naturalized violets. ... » Read More

Soapsmith's Garden Journal July

Published: 11-09-2011 01:55pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends, July, time for the summer flowers to bring their glory in a spectacular show.  A new addition in this year's front garden is the flame daisy perennial.  It certainly is bright and shows a lot of promise.  We will see how it winters through the cold Pennsylvania winter. Endless Summer Hydrangea in its second year is a pretty little accent near the lower front deck. The floral themed containers are at their peak with annuals and herbs. Million Bells, fire zinnias, laguna, super bells, verbena and marguerites Geraniums, wave petunias, super and million bells,... » Read More

Garden Vegetables from Soapsmith's Garden

Published: 11-09-2011 01:55pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends, The summer heat is on and the vegetables are loving it.  There is nothing better than a homegrown tomato.  Tangy, sweet and yummy! Heirloom tomatoes, celebrity, container bush, better boy and early girls. My Dad was a fantastic tomato grower. He always had the biggest tomatoes and loved to brag about them. I always had the earliest ripe fruit.  Every year around the 4th of July I got bragging rights.  For 3 summers in a row, I was hospitalized while battling cancer. My Dad would have to take over watering duties for my container gardens. I remember h... » Read More

Glorious Allegheny Mountains

Published: 11-09-2011 01:55pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends, Autumnal splendor abounds in the beloved mountains that surround my home here in Central Pennsylvania.  Sugar Run Saw Mill Road  Chimney Rocks is a local landmark that legend holds served as a Native American lookout. Chimney Rock Sentinel View from the rocks, overlooking Hollidaysburg   Last week I had a speaking engagement in Pittsburgh, the ride over on interstate 99 is spectacular, here are a few pics of the scenic Laurel Highlands, Chestnut  and  Cresson ridge.   Locke Mountain view from the farm      I 99 overlook ... » Read More

Lavender!

Published: 11-09-2011 01:54pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
    Hello friends,   “The blue hues of lavender inspire a poet’s voice, an artist’s hand and a gardener’s eye…”     It is lavender time.  This beloved herb abounds in my garden, its sweet, spicy, herbal aroma wafting through the air.  Lavender invites the honey bees to partake of its nectar and begs to be harvested.    I find the lavender to be one of my favorite herbs. It thrives with little care; whatever sun and rain nature provides is always perfect. Cultivation is so simple, cut it back in the fall and wait for the new spring growth.  Thanks to the volunteer sprouts, each yea... » Read More

Lillies and more

Published: 11-09-2011 12:54pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello friends, What's blooming this week... The day lilies take center stage in this first week of June.  Deep sultry burgundy, pretty pastel pink, sunny yellow...what a show! The coral bells are abloom in perky peachy pink. A perennial favorite, the graceful astilbe in shocking hot pink brightens a shady spot. And a peek at coming attractions - lovely lavender - I can't wait! Thanks for visiting, Bonnie ... » Read More

Rhododendrons Soapsmith's Garden Journal

Published: 11-09-2011 12:53pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
  Hello Friends, The rhododendrens are stealing the spotlight this week in my garden.  The lilacs and spring flowering bulbs are spent, the azaleas are waning, but Miss Rhody takes center stage. Pink, purple and white - each a striking beauty! The wild phlox are in bloom along the Juniata River, Hollidaysburg, Pa. I remember fishing with my Dad as these graced the banks of his favorite fishing holes.  We would pick the flowers to bring home to my Mom.  If you pick off the blossoms and sip on the end you get a sweet little treat. Barn hitch hooks along the side pond at White Bridge Road Farm... » Read More

Soapsmith's Mid Spring Garden Journal

Published: 11-09-2011 12:53pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
My Garden Progresses Hello friends, Today's post will show the slow greening of my garden. The azaleas flash their brillance along the flagstone path. The unfurling of the hosta,  two weeks new growth  from my last blog post: A victorian garden classic, the hydrangea, hinting at its future glory: Mother nature must love green, so many hues in the primavera garden.  The tender yew, blue star juniper, forest green mugho pine in candle, chartreuse sedum, red green coral bells, delicate boxwood new growth, bright spri... » Read More
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