The Secret Garden – Breaking Ground

Posted on by Jean Campbell

Sunday was a glorious day.  After a week of many obligations and what seemed like never ending rain, I finally made it into the garden. The sun was shining, the temperature was perfect, and my yard helper, Melvin, was there to assist with all the heavy lifting. We got way more done than I thought possible and I didn’t destroy my already tenuous lumbar. Fatsia Japonica First, the ugly dead bush came down. It will make fabulous chimenea fodder. Then Melvin brought round the plants... Continue reading

The Secret Garden – Planning Phase

Posted on by Jean Campbell

I've got an idea for a complete transformation in this little tucked-away area. It's a mess, but there is potential! I just need to come up with a plan. Ahead, I see some relocating, repurposing, and a bit of investing. Here's What We've Got... A small, fenced area, divided by a sidewalk, with grass and plantings on either side. Left yard, sidewalk, right yard To the left are a couple of small camellias, a hydrangea, and a couple of azaleas. I've already moved these in from other... Continue reading

The Old Becomes New

Posted on by Jean Campbell

One weekend last March my friend and I visited Studio by the Tracks – Homewood, a satellite of the Irondale studio, where artists display and sell their wares. This organization sponsors artists with autism spectrum disorders, providing socialization and materials, as well as a means to earn income. Artists receive 60% of the sale of their work. The shop is a lovely little house-turned boutique that has just recently opened, and we'd learned that a three-woman pop-up show was going... Continue reading

All Work and No Play. . .

Posted on by Jean Campbell

"I saw the angel in the marble, and I carved until I set him free." Michelangelo I began teaching yoga immediately after teacher training graduation in May of 2009, and it was a gift to be able to do so. Many opportunities sprung up, and I wanted to try them all. Before I knew it, I was teaching up to five classes a week in addition to my full-time job and other side work projects. Things I loved were ignored: the puppies were often neglected, my garden was more weeds than herbs, and my house... Continue reading