May | 2013 | Gardens For Goldens

Discipulus invitus

May 29, 2013 by Ogee

Ina is our resident master gardener which means she actually got schooled in the art of cultivation, while the rest of us either learned through experience – or we fake it. She creates beautiful gardens, but always refers to a plant by its latin or botanical name. I have no idea what she is saying. Centaurea cineraria I think she believes that if she repeats the name often enough, I will eventually catch on. Physostegia virginiana I just nod. Politely. […]

Categories: Uncategorized • Tags: Botanical names, Dog Names, Dogs, gardening, Latin Names, Nature, Pets, Photography

Sunshine, Freedom, and a Little Flower

May 24, 2013 by Ogee

A perfect long weekend starts early with the afternoon off and a sneak trip to the garden. The Hummingbird Garden with Veronica, Coreopsis and Asiatic Lily in bloom…. The Cottage Garden, freshly tamed. Ina has been here! The Butterfly Garden, filling in at a rapid rate. I saw a Monarch today, but it got away! The Dahlias, making their way skyward… Maria’s Garden, a jumble of color awaiting the Sunflowers arrival… Darn bunnies burrowing beneath the blueberries… And visitors. A […]

Categories: Gardening • Tags: Butterfly Garden, Gardens, Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Nature, Pelicans, Photography

There are no words Wednesday

May 21, 2013 by Ogee

If Irises are a symbol of hope and faith, we send this field of them to the people of Oklahoma. You are in our hearts and prayers.

Categories: Uncategorized • Tags: faith, hope, Iris, Oklahoma, prayers

Rainier: The Update

May 20, 2013 by Ogee

Everyone needs a guardian angel. The first Homeward Bound volunteer that set eyes on Rainier was his. Alex, a long time volunteer, transported Rainier from the shelter to us. His story inspired so many of you – thanks in large part to the team at Freshly Pressed who spread his tale far and wide, and all of you who so kindly reblogged the story, shining a light on The True Meaning of Rescue. Rainier saw the vet; his lumps and […]

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue • Tags: dog rescue, Dogs, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Inspiring, Rainier

Guests of the garden

May 19, 2013 by Ogee

We have a lake view! The rice fields that surround Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue have been flooded with water surrounding our eight acres of rescue paradise. With the arrival of the water we have new visitors to the garden – most welcome. The birds were everywhere this weekend, squabbling over territory and even feeding on our bees. This particular creature is less welcome. I’m pretty sure he is a water snake. I’m very sure he needs to return there […]

Categories: Gardening, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue • Tags: Birds, dog rescue, Dogs, Garden, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Nature, Photography, Puppies, Water Snake

When less is more

May 19, 2013 by Ogee

You can do more damage to a plant by overfeeding than underfeeding. Like kids with candy, plants will scarf up all the food they can find – especially nitrogen and phosphorus. Over-application of plant foods – organic or not – can be deadly. Leaves turn a very dark green at first, then light green fading to yellow. The leaves struggle to keep their shape, and the stems lose their ability to bend and bounce back. Over production of flowers is […]

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue • Tags: dog rescue, Dogs, Dogs swimming, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Overweight dogs, Pets, Photography

Wordless Wednesday: Dodger

May 14, 2013 by Ogee

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue • Tags: dog rescue, Dogs, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Pets, Photography

Vignettes from the Garden: May 2013

May 13, 2013 by Ogee

“Our life is an apprenticeship to the truth that around every circle another can be drawn; that there is no end in nature, but every end is a beginning, and under every deep a lower deep opens.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ~ Anatole France

Categories: Gardening, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue • Tags: dog rescue, Dogs, Gardens, Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, Mourning doves, Nature, Photography, Puppy, Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shaping

May 12, 2013 by Ogee

When fellow gardener Maria is not showing off her magnificent sunflowers in the Memorial Garden, you will find her at home tending to her beautiful bonsai. Bonsai is the art of shaping a plant to find the miniaturized tree within. Bonsai is a long-term commitment; a labor of love to create and care for. As a living thing, they are never truly “finished” – their true shape takes form and is reinforced over time. All around us at Homeward Bound, […]

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue • Tags: Dog Adoption, dog rescue, Dog Training, Dogs, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Pets, Reactive Dogs