Fall Chores

And a

Fragrant Surprise

Saturday I spent hours clearing a portion of one of our backyard beds. One of the downfalls to getting pass-along plants from others is that there may be unwanted weeds or grasses tangled in their roots. 

Amidst the Daylilies, Iris and the Japanese Iris I found I had a tenacious Bermuda grass weed. 

how to cut back Iris

I pulled each one up, cut back their 

leaves and cleared their roots. I was amazed at how many there actually were in that small spot. I did not replace them  in that same spot – My husband wanted a Crape Myrtle near the back door and I had purchased two red Knock Out Roses. 

I am in the process of transplanting them to another bed. Each bed is going to get a makeover – I am trying not to think too hard on this daunting task, but I am looking forward to the end result. It gives me a chance to check on the health of each plant and to amend the soil.

While sitting on the side patio cutting back the Iris my neighbor stopped by. We chatted about odds and ends – he’s a very good gardener and knowleable about antique furniture.

I had run across a problem in my dining table restoration and he gave me some good advice. I’ll share more with you soon.

Then my other neighbor came by wanting to know if I’d seen his orange Tea Olive. I had not so we strolled over. Oh my! This bush is spectacular! And the fragrance.  Last year I shared with you the amazing fragrance coming from another neighbor’s garden.

 I was dismayed a couple of months ago to find them cutting this magnificent bush completely down. I thought that I would not have the pleasure of smelling the Tea Olive again.

I had forgotten about my other neighbor’s orange Tea Olive.

I am in Heaven!

He plucked off a branch for me to take home and the fragrance fills my family room.

It is wonderful to have the blessing to have a garden – it is good for the body and the soul. It is also good to share with Kindred Spirits this passion and to be generous with one’s garden blessings.

Today I am celebrating the blessings of gardens – with the good and the bad that come with it and the blessing of good neighbors.

I love to sit back with a cup of tea and to review the day - count my blessings and dream of tomorrow. 


I am sharing this post with these Delightsome Blog Parties:


The House in the Roses' Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Lady Katherine's Tea Time Tuesday

The Plumed Pen's Tea for Two

Rose Chintz Tea Time Tuesday

Martha's Favorite Teacup Tuesday

A Breath of Fresh Air's

and Silken Purse's

Teapot and Tea Things

Artful Affirmations Teacup Tuesday

Sweetology's Tea Time Tuesday

Miss Spencer's Teacup Thursday

Categories: garden chores , orange tea olive , tea