I have tremendous Spring Fever over here on Cedar Street. Last year was my first year of attempting a Prairie Garden in the front yard and it was semi-successful? The question mark is there because we only got one letter from the city requesting that we clear it and that was at the end of the growing season. The successful adjective is there because we immediately had what seemed like thousands of native bees humming happily at the native flowers that came up. We never had that with the grass lawn and I wonder where they even came from. It was cool to see and it made me feel like a champion. It was as if I personally had corralled the bees into our yard.
This year, I’m excited to get back at that front garden again. I had tremendous success with the Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (a cleome) that’s native to the area. I bought more of that seed along with a few others to fill in the gaps. I’m only planting things I’ve had success with and things that are native to our part of the world. Gardening in the Mountain West is not easy. We have tremendous temperature extremes, winds, hail and drought. If something thrives with a minimum of effort on my part – I’m repeating it!
I love a good vintage or vintage-style bathroom. I’ll leave you to your temperature controlled jets and steam shower that’s controlled by your phone. I’ll be over here fussing with the hot water taps and wondering why the floor is so cold. Here are a few that have been catching my eye recently.
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it.”
Mary Oliver
The Colorado Nest 