Sometimes it’s those little things in life that are the most important and helping my mom plant her annual flowers last week was one of those little things. She’s been having some back issues and asked me to come over and help her plant and so, of course I did. We went to Burger’s Market, a staple farmer’s market/plant center here in Marietta that has been around for 40 years, I saw on their sign. I’ve been buying plants and produce from them for a long time too.
They are an old fashioned farmers market with lots of good stuff and have been serving our area for a long time.
Lots of healthy plants ready to take home and plant.
My dad buys a lot of his vegetable plants here every spring too for his garden. Mom was on a mission to find her annual plants and she knows just what she wants.
They have lots of pretty hanging baskets. Love these petunias.
Hibiscus are a fave of mine too.
Mom checking out her tried and true annuals.
Dragon Wing begonias are the ones she likes to plant in the shade.
So this is what she brought home and it didn’t take us long to plant them. She loves to dig in the dirt and has a very green thumb.
She always plants zinnias around her mailbox.
So we got the bed cleaned out and planted 6 marigolds in there and she added mulch back to it. She will faithfully water this bed and keep them alive.
The begonias ended up in the shade by the house.
In the backyard, she’s got a bed of perennials and she adds a few annuals in there. This lily was blooming so pretty.
Knockout roses are doing well too.
Mom can still swing a mattock even at 86 and hardly slows down. I helped her as much as I could though and the ground is soft so it didn’t take much digging. This is part of life she enjoys, taking care of flowers.
They have some gorgeous oakleaf hydrangeas in the backyard. I love these too.
Dad’s garden is doing well and will no doubt bring in plenty of veggies this year. We count the days until around July 4th when the home grown tomatoes start rolling in.
Muscadine vines are thick and lush.
And I had to show dad in his favorite spot in the backyard, his swing. He spends a LOT of time in this swing every summer, his fave napping spot. I told him his fans would want to see how he’s doing, so this is for you!
Gardening and digging in the dirt is good for the soul, don’t you agree? It always makes me happy too.
I love posts about your mom and dad! It’s wonderful that you are able to spend so much time with them. Seeing their garden and flower beds reminds me so much of my grandparents.
I, too, enjoy hearing about your parents. I lost my mother 18 mos ago and the grief is never-ending. But in an odd way, it’s uplifting to see someone enjoying and appreciating their older parents. I’m just a hair younger than you–my mother was only 72–and, while it’s certainly none of my business, it’s almost painful to watch my friends take their parents for granted, having learned how quickly one can lose them…
I didn’t know what the dragonwing begonias were until I saw your picture and indentifier. I bought those on a whim at Home Depot last month, and they’ve done surprisingly well–still in their original pots, even. I love having their blooms near my back door. But I need a consult! Will you ask your mom what she recommends–mine are starting to get a tad “leggy”. Does she have any suggestions?
Enjoy your blog and your upbeat spirit!
Trim them back a little and start new ones with your cuttings It works great. I live in Fl. and that is what I do as they pretty much stay in the ground down here with protection in the winter. I really love them.
Thank you for an update on your parents, an amazing couple with many fans. It is encouraging to see the many activities they are involved in, enjoy your time with them. Like the pictures of your Mom shopping for flowers, also like picture of your Dad. Like your Mom, I love flower gardening. It would be nice if your Mom could give all your readers some gardening ideas and help. I would like to know why Petunias get leggy, should I cut them back? Today, just like everyday, I enjoyed your post and pretty pictures. I look forward to your landscaping, know it will be fantastic, like all your projects.
I don’t know what happen with name, should be Theresa
I love seeing your posts about your Mom and Dad. How blessed you are! Mine passed away when I was 6 and when I was 18. I would love to have been able to spend time with them! Zinnias remind me of my childhood. My Mom would give me zinnia seeds to plant in my great grandmother’s cast iron kettle that was on our patio. That and mint take me back to a little girl quicker than anything! oooo I bet those tomatoes of your Dad’s are fabulous!!!!
I always love seeing your mom and dad!
Yes! Gardening and digging in dirt is good for the soul! Lovely to see your parents still active and healthy.
I love seeing your mom and dad and their love for gardening. It reminds me so much of my own mom from many years ago. Love that vegetable garden as well.
God bless your mom and dad. You are so fortunate that they have each other.
It warmed my heart to read about planting flowers with your Mother. Mother’s Day was difficult for me this year, because, like Alice, my Mother passed away less than two years ago. And it bothers me when I see others failing to spend time with their parents as if they don’t appreciate them. Thank you for sharing your special parents with us.
Rhoda, loved this post; my parents passed on many years ago. Your Mom and Dad are just precious. And his vegetable garden is outstanding !! Enjoy your day!
I love seeing and reading posts about your parents. Thanks for “sharing” them with us.
Your mom and dad are like rock stars to us readers Rhoda!! I always love to see what they are up to around their home. I hope I can be blessed with their vitality when I am an octogenarian!!
Your Dad’s garden looks amazing!! Looks like you had a fun weekend with your mom, so many lovely options to choose from! 🙂
what a blessing… enjoying time with your parents in the sunshine…the garden… just beautiful!!! The flowers, and the vegetable garden is looking wonderful!!!! (So is Mom and Dad!!!) Thanks Rhoda for sharing!!!!!!
Isn’t it fun to spend time with mom? I enjoy those ‘special’ moments with mine too! It’s so nice to see your parents are in good health and able to continue their passion for gardening. I love the photo of your dad!
My 87-year-old Mom was in the hospital over Mother’s Day and we also pitched in to get her gardens in shape. It would be very hard to give up the gardens! I’m so envious that you get your first tomatoes by the 4th of July. Have you ever tried slow oven roasting them when you can’t eat them up fast enough? You can freeze them in zip lock bags and add to sauces, stews, and dips throughout the next year. The flavor is sweet and intense. I’m in Maine and the bulk of mine aren’t ready until after Labor Day. When the threat of frost sometimes looms in mid-September, I’m out in the dark like a lunatic, covering them up with blankets to keep them going. That’s if there are any left on the vine — either the chipmunks have taken a bite out of each one, or they are may have been afflicted by the dreaded “black spot” fungus, similar to the Irish Potato Famine (caused by spores in the soil with wet, cold Spring conditions). The leaves all yellow and die, and all the tomatoes are spotted and will quickly rot. Mother Nature is a very touch gal… BTW, it looked to me like you had marigolds around the front post!
Thanks, Cheryl, I haven’t tried roasting tomatoes, but my mom still cans tomatoes from the garden and I use hers in all different ways. Yes, on the marigolds, you are right! I went back and changed it.
Reminds me of Home
Love when you share time with your parents!! What a blessing 🙂
Paula
IN
I just wish I could grow ONE tomato! Your mama and daddy look great. Give them a hug and kiss, they are jewels.
I love your blog. It is now one of my favorites.
I love picking up annuals for my container pots each year. It’s so much fun to see what your parents have selected, too. As a new reader. I hadn’t seen their photos before and loved them.
Have a happy summer!