On the Road Again...

It's been a while since I've posted some 'meaty' content (no offense vegan friends).  March seemed like a dormant month -- here I was, all jacked up for the 2011 season, but the whole month was primarily grey & 35 degrees (Fahrenheit).  Don't get me wrong, I love the sound of the Robins and Cardinals singing in the morning - they just have a better outlook than I have recently!

So it became evident it was time for a "Road Trip".  My gal pals and I packed up and headed south to Kentucky again to visit my "Illinois Ex Pat" friend, with the promise of warm temps and sunny skies.  We got there just in time for... grey skies and 39 degree temps - but there were adventures to be had, with flora and fauna to be enjoyed.

Besides being one of my inspirations in gardening, my friend is also a self-proclaimed "bird nerd".  As you can see by the collage above - her backyard was a bird retreat for many.  Even with the colder weather, her gardens were at least 2 weeks ahead of anything up here in IL.  Her Hyacinth was blooming profusely and the Pasque Flower looked lovely.  The most intriguing plant just starting to bud, was her Wisteria.  To me, it unabashedly says "southern grace" and she has great aspirations for it's future growth - extending along the backyard.

The 1st annual for my friend - Million Bells, while
Pasque Flower, Wisteria, Hyacinth, Rhododendron and Clematis are up 

Of course the day of our trip home, the skies were clear and it was already 52 degrees as we were leaving in the morning.  What we couldn't have predicted was the eclectic find just down the highway....  Yard Art, as far as the eye could see!   Now yard art is certainly a personal preference - from the quaint to the exotic, but it usually stimulates conversation.

(If you haven't had a chance to stop by Along Life's Highway, you are missing a genre of entertainment you didn't know you needed!  The blog sponsors the 'Yard Art Game', where "field reporters" submit photos of yard art they come across.  [A special thanks to Rosey at Dung Hoe - who originally introduced her blog readers to this treasure.])

White River Yard Art
(the link to their website: Yard Art)

We had to stop! (Ok, I did - and made my girlfriends join me.)  I asked permission to take photos and post their contact information.  You can choose the artwork either finished or unfinished.  It's up to you and your creativity.

So, we had a blast and each walked away with a memento of the visit.  I am boisterous and bawdy (at times), but when it comes to yard art, I'm a bit timid.  This is my 1st piece of concrete yard art....

Sweet & innocent - just like me!

Next time, I think I'm going to be a bit more bold.  I'm kinda diggin' the Easter Island Head totem!  Wonder what the neighbors would say?!?  It would be quite an unique statement in the middle of my Cottage garden - don't you think!

Happy April 1st!  I won't say I'm going to miss March 2011 weather - but of course today is grey and 36 degrees, with rain.  So that's a bit "different"!  Happy Gardening......   (...come on sunshine!...)

A Little Friendly Competition.... The 2010 "Golden Manatee" Awards

A while back Rosey, from Dung Hoe, introduced her blog readers to this charming and fun website:  Along Life's Highway - The Yard Art Game.  I have become a frequent visitor and back in October even submitted a 'yard art' entry I had seen.  Low and behold, it was featured on the blog (Princess Gnome)!  (Imagine my thrill! -- and the thrill of the yard art owner, I might add)

Princess Gnome Bride - not your everyday yard art!

Well, I just found out that this little 'gem' still has a few more minutes of fame!  For the next day and half (Tuesday, 1/4/11 at 8pm ET through 1/6/11 at Midnight ET), it will be in the running - along with 24 other worthy candidates - for a "Golden Manatee" award!!   Check it out!

The 2010 Golden Manatee Awards are not to be missed!  Like the "People's Choice" - YOU can review the candidates and VOTE!  If you haven't had a chance to visit "Along Life's Highway", you really should.  The author and participants have a wonderful sense of humor and dry wit - and the yard art featured is not anything you may have seen anywhere else.  Enjoy!