This past week we have received over two and half inches of rain which has resulted in many shrubs drooping from water. Seems the balance of water for a landscape is a never ending concern. Too little or too much can both have a significant effect on the performance of both shrubs and perennials. I am always pleased when I see plants that can adapt to the conditions given wet or dry along with hot or cold. Thus survival tis result of adapting to environment in which placed.

My grandfather who was a farmer in Iowa once told me when I was young that we must live with the weather not to fight nor complain about the weather. Wise words which I try to live by the best I can in this ever changing environment.

Thus we must just try to retain balance on our landscape and in our life!

Today as I am planning for a garden party at our home I was reminded of effect lighting can have on a landscape.

I just hung a light over our table on our deck. The light is a soft yellow bug light that has a warm feeling as one sits to eat or chat.

This week I will be hanging party lights with cans and xmas lights... just remember that down lighting or up lighting can really highlight a landscape. The spot light that I installed to shine on the waterfall at our pond creates a mystical mood.

So keep in mind that lighting is a real bonus to any landscape feature!

The mystery to lost Koi was revealed two days ago as I was weeding and cleaning garden behind pond. Within less than ten feet a dark furry critter scampered by me into the raspberry patch. I was not sure so I looked it up in my wildlife book and on google. To my surprise it was American Mink. Since they can dive to depth of sixteen feet my poor Koi had little chance of survival.

My gardens are planted with design in mind to create a very Natural setting, and thus we attract quite the variety of wildlife. As we enjoy the interaction of life within the gardens we must remember that birds and animals live by instincts.

May you enjoy the beauty of Nature within your own gardens!!

Today I built two stone benches at a firepit lakeside. They were built to compliment a arbor and outdoor room with shrubs, perennials, and mulched path just completed. As I was finishing the mortar on benches I was once again reminded of how well different textures compliment each other.

When designing a garden never forget the importance of texture as you blend the leaves of a plant with wood and stone. A natural blend is much more pleasing to a person's eye than boring repetition.

Somehow there is more serenity to a garden or park when it is more near natural than straight lines and sterile. May you find serenity in your own gardens, for if built with spirit in mind they can be also a health benefit for mind, body, and soul.