Before I start I have to say that the other day I did a post on my 2 year blog anniversary giveaway and did links to different posts and also to the different memes I do during the week. I feel just horrible that I didn’t give one to Chari at Sunday Favorites. I had her on my list but I got so confused trying to do all of the links and getting them to go where they were suppose to that she somehow fell between the cracks and didn’t get put on at all. This is a great injustice because Chari has the most beautiful blog and is the nicest person you will ever hope to meet. I know I haven’t been back much but it certainly has nothing to do with her. It was just me and I haven’t done much blogging since October when after coming down off of some horrible medication I have needed an attitude adjustment ever since. ;-) Chari you’ll forgive me please? And now - back to Sunday Favorites . . .
Chari came up with a great idea for reviving some of our old posts that have been buried in the archives - posts that someone new hasn't had a chance to read or one you may have missed - she calls it Sunday Favorites. As soon as you get to the end of my post click on the link to Chari’s Place and see what ‘blast from the past’ everyone is sharing today. This post was originally posted on February 12, 2009 . . .
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The love of gardening is a seed that once sown never dies.
- Gertrude Jekyll
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Testing Your SeedsI was reading this article in a Garden, Deck and Landscape magazine and thought it was something interesting to know and try if you have any older seeds.
Some flower species germinate happily after 20 years or more, but the average life expectancy of a seed is from one to three years. Melons have a long shelf life of seven to ten years; peas, beans, broccoli and cabbage can be safely stored for three to five years. On the other hand, many garden favorites such as onions, parsnips and corn are not reliably viable for much more than a year.
You'll never know just by looking at them so you can perform this germination test.
1 Place a double layer of damp paper towels on a countertop or table; scatter 10-20 seeds on half of the square.
2 Gently fold the paper towels in half and then in half again so you have a square one-fourth the size of the original.
3 Slip this damp square into a plastic sandwich bag, but don't seal it - the seeds inside must be able to "breathe." Then write on the bag with a waterproof marker what kind of seeds you're sprouting and the date you started them.
4 Lay the bag in a pan, box or other container and set the container in a warm out of the way location. On top of a refrigerator works well.
5 Check the seeds after a couple of days to make sure they're still moist and have begun to sprout. Remoisten the paper towel if necessary. After the required germination period for each type of seed (see package), count to see how many have sprouted. If fewer than half the seeds show signs of life, it's time to buy new ones.
Remember, some seeds must have their protective coatings scratched or scarified before they can sprout.
Now head on over to Chari's place by clicking at
Happy To Design and see what great old posts everyone will pick this week for Sunday Favorites.
The guys were busy working but how fortunate for me to catch them outside so I could ask if they would mind if I took pictures and I explained what I was doing it for. 
The other thing that had caught my eye before turning around was this brilliant Rhodie just a blooming it's heart out. 
The enclosed area was loaded with little creatures. 
And some pretty big ones too 
Look at the size of this guy next to the fountain, guess he would be life size. 
A bunch of pelicans hanging out. 
And a great old tractor to add to the decor! 
I did get to talk to the lady who came out to say hi. I told her how ironic it was that I headed out to find yard art pictures and was really excited that I happened to be on this road and find them working on this beautiful piece. You'll be happy to know that I also asked her if I could come back later to see how it's coming together and do another post. She graciously said that I could. 
One last piece they have sitting by the road as you turn into their driveway - just a little something to get you excited and wonder what you're going to see next. 
Months ago the county marked it off and started working on it. 
After a while it became evident that they were developing a wetlands area. 
Adding mulch and planting 100's of little trees or bushes of some kind. 
I think you can see them a little better in the green area here. 
Then adding piles of logs and brush. 
And filling in deeper spots to make ponds. 
I'm hoping many critters and birds make their way to this area so I can come and sit and relax and get some good pictures. 
My favorites as far as personality goes - The Gray Jays.
Juncos
A really wet junco. Isn't this adorable?
Towhee
I need help here - not sure what this one is. It looks blue but I'm sure it's gray.
A song sparrow just singing her little heart out. They are the only birds I really can recognize their song and I just love when they sing to me.
Mourning Dove - she sat here for an hour I'm sure.
Robin
Here's trouble . . .
Munchin' on some bird seed.
Inside for some suet.
Sometimes it's hilarious because she sits in it and her little feet get greasy and she slides down the pole and sometimes she even falls. Oh to be ready and videotape it.
Now she thinks she's queen of the mountain.
What's this? A twig off of the ground?
Why that little witch is eating our rose bush. She's gone before I can even get the door open to let her have it!!!
Yup that's exactly what she's eating! Busted big time . . .
And of course I love Columbines so when I saw this package that said Giants I decided I'd best get it just to see what they would turn out like. Down at the bottom of the box it says that the deer resist them. Well the deer around my yard haven't resisted any Columbines yet so this should be interesting.
And last since they were 4/$10 I decided ya just can't have too many fragrant Oriental Lilies - another one that the deer love but I'll get them all sprayed so the deer will go away.
So it looks like Bob and I are going to be very busy planting these plus all of the Glads and other bulbs I bought. If it will ever quit raining . . .
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