Day:  75-degrees  |  Night:  54-degrees
The Woodbine is particularly lovely this year.  The blooms are slightly fragrant, and the bush is growing quite well.  This is its third year in the Garden.  We are quite taken with it.  

It's been a long week here in the Carondelet neighborhood of south St. Louis with many ups and downs. Isn't that what life really is?  A series of highs and lows that undulate back and forth.  A much wiser person than I once said that the lowest points in their life prepared them to enjoy the highest.  This week we have seen Grandparents Days, friends celebrating the birth of a new baby girl, the death of a dear friend, a visit with an old friend still mourning his dear wife who has only been gone one year, a wedding celebration today of two young people who couldn't be more in love, and tomorrow a family reunion with folks we haven't seen since before the pandemic.  Life is a series of ups and downs, good and bad, sad and joyful.  We need the rain to fuel the plants but know that the sun will come out to help them grow.  

A few rain showers around this morning, then a chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon.  The weather service warns of potential for severe thunderstorms.  Be ready to take shelter if you are out and about.  The winds are out of the South at 15 to 25 MPH.  Today we celebrate a wedding!  Be good and kind to yourself and others as you continue your journey.  We never know what that person we meet may be going through.  Have a Great Saturday Gardening Friends!

Day:  75-degrees  |  Night:  63-degrees
The weather today fits the occasion.  We say goodbye to our dear friend at mass this morning.  She was a master gardener, a gifted cook, an artist with flowers and the most loving person and parent.  It's hard for us to say goodbye.  Yet, for those of us who believe, this is not the end of her journey nor is it the end of ours.  We will see each other again, in the words of that old hymn, "in the sweet by and by.  We shall meet on that beautiful shore."  Amen to that!

We can expect clouds with light rain this morning.  We may even hear a rumble of thunder.  The winds are out of the SE at 10 to 20 MPH.  Be kind to yourself and be good.  Stop and appreciate a special moment today.  The world is springing forth with beauty.  Take that extra time to stop and smell the flowers.  Have a great Friday Gardening Friends!

Day:  73-degrees  |  Night:  55-degrees
What a beautiful day yesterday.  The flowers are looking so lovely around the garden.  It was the perfect day for gardening.  Not too warm with the sun shining and a light breeze.  God smiled on us a bit yesterday.  

Today we can expect rain showers at times.  Maybe even a bit of thunder.  Winds will be out of the SSE at 10 to 15 MPH.  The rain is good for the vegetables and flowers around the Garden so I won't argue.  Be good and be kind to yourself today.  Have a wonderful Thursday Gardening Friends!

Day: 73-degrees  |  Night:  40-degrees
It's going to be a beautiful, fun day for the two gardeners from South St. Louis.  First, the Iris is in bloom and quite lovely.  Second, we get to play Grandparents for the Day at our God daughter's school.  It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this young lady's life.  She is a joy to be around and has that happiness in life that we all want.  It will be a wonderful day.

The weather is going to cooperate as well.  Abundant sunshine.  Light winds.  Mild temperatures.  Who could ask for anything more?  Be good and be kind to yourself and others today as we journey around this town and world today.  Kindness does matter!  Have a fantastic Wednesday Gardening Friends!

Day:  63-degrees  |  Night:  41-degrees
It's a beautiful, if a bit chilly, Tuesday morning here in the garden.  The ferns are finally hanging on the back porch.  It's amazing how much cooler it is back there in the heat of summer because of these wonderful plants.  It's a small porch with five ferns.  Overkill?  Nope!  It's a lovely, relaxing nook on a hot summer's day.  

It's going to by a sunny day, all day today here in Carondelet.  Winds are out of the NNW at 10 to 15 MPH.  A great day to get outside and do some gardening.  Be good and kind to yourself and to anyone else you may meet on your journey today.  Have a great Tuesday Gardening Friends!

Day:  63-degrees  |  Night:  40-degrees
The Lilacs are particularly stunning right now in the Carondelet Garden.  Their aroma just fills the space with a scent directly from heaven.  It's always amazing to me how much smell is such a trigger for memories.  Lilacs were a favorite of our dear neighbor.  Her Lilac bush blooming always meant we would be receiving a small bouquet that filled our kitchen with that signature aroma.  Our neighbor, Marie, lived to be 107 years-old but her memory lives on through the smell of Lilacs blooming every Spring.  That smell will take on new meaning this year as we heard yesterday that a dear friend had passed away suddenly.  She had health issues over the years but seemed to have conquered the Cancer that had been such an evil presence.  The news is so sad.  She was a woman of faith and hope and love.  She lived her Catholic faith and was devoted to "her Lady."  She was so devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe and shared her joy and love wherever she went.  Especially her love of flowers and gardening.  She will be remembered always.

The rainy Monday will turn to cloudy Monday by this afternoon.  Winds will be out of the NW at 10-20 MPH.  Rainy Days and Mondays and the smell of Lilacs.  Memories shared and lives remembered.  It's a Monday in the Easter season.  A reminder that it isn't over, it is just beginning.  Be good and be kind to yourself and to those you meet on your journey today.  Have a wonderful Monday Gardening Friends.

Day:  73-degrees  |  Night:  52-degrees
We have been busy in the garden the last few days.  We made quite a haul during our visit to @thesummitallseasonsmarket and the garden is overflowing with beautiful plants and flowers.  It's been a joy to see the garden looking so good.  Today is a day of rest for this old gardener.  Knees and hips are telling my age this morning. 

Not a bad day for rest as the weather is turning wet today.  Scattered thunderstorms are on tap for this morning becoming more widespread this afternoon.  There is even a possibility of some severe weather.  The winds are out of the SW at 10 to 20 MPH.  Be careful if you are out and about this Sunday.  Be good and be kind to yourself and to others.  We need all the goodness and kindness we can get in this world today.  Have a wonderful Sunday Gardening Friends!

Day:  84-degrees  |  Night:  67-degrees
Our beautiful Dogwood is just starting to bloom.  It has a special place in my heart because we planted it in memory of my Dad.  We were wandering around a Home Improvement store and it was right there.  It was just one of those impulse purchases but I knew it was the right thing. It's particularly beautiful this year.  

There's a mix of clouds and sun today with some pretty strong wind gusts.  Winds are out of the South at 20 to 30 MPH.  Not great weather to try and read a newspaper on the front porch.  A beautiful day to head to a Farmers Market or just wander around.  Maybe get a little bit more weeding done.  Be good and be kind to yourself and others as you make your travels today.  Have a great Saturday Gardening Friends!

Day:  84-degrees  |  Night:  65-degrees
A bit of a shower this morning just makes everything glisten and smell a bit like heaven.  The Primrose is looking particularly happy this Friday.  We made quite the haul of herbs and some new flowers yesterday.  We worked harder than expected into the early evening hours and still have several more plants to get into the ground.  This old guy is a bit sore this morning but it's that good kind of sore that tells you things are still working.  

We will see the sun today mixed with a few clouds.  Downright warm with winds out of the South at 10 to 15 MPH.  A perfect day for gardening.  Two days in a row!  A new record for 2022.  Be good and be kind to yourself and others on your journey this day.  We all deserve a little kindness.  Happy Friday Gardening Friends!

Day:  77-degrees  |  Night:  63-degrees
The rain, rain, rain came down, down, down yesterday.  The Garden is looking quite happy.  Today looks like an entirely different creature.  Partly cloudy and much warmer.  I have to admit that my old bones are looking forward to sunshine and warmth.  This afternoon we are heading out to some greenhouses to pick up more plants.  It's a sickness, but not one I'm willing to cure!  It's always so much fun to look around and dream a bit.  We have a fairly long list of needs, wants and likes.  We'll see what we find.

As for today's weather we can expect mostly cloudy skies.  They are calling for a slight chance of rain shower with the winds out of the NE at 5 to 10 MPH.  A gentle breeze, possibly a gentle rain, and a bit of gardening.  Sounds lovely to me.  Be good and be kind to yourself as well as being kind to those you may meet on your journey today.  Have a great Thursday Gardening Friends!

Day:  55-degrees  |  Night:  54-degrees
Our Pole Beans took a very long time to germinate this year.  But here they are sticking their little heads above the ground.  Looking forward to seeing these little things grow and grow this summer.  Fresh beans from the garden.  Is there anything better?  

It's a wet, chilly start to the day here in the Carondelet Garden.  No complaints, heavenly water does wonders for Spring plants.  We can expect those showers to stick around this morning becoming a steady rain by this afternoon.  Winds are out of the SSE at 15 to 25 MPH.  Higher gusts are possible so be careful if you are out and about this afternoon.  Be good and be kind to yourself and be kind to others on your journeys today.  We could all use a bit of kindness.  Have a great day Gardening Friends!

Day:  59-degrees  |  Night:  44-degrees
We have a Frost Advisory until 9:00 a.m. this morning.  We prepared as best we could.  It didn't get to freezing here in the Carondelet Garden as predicted but we weren't about to take any chances with our beloved vegetables.  The good news is this should be the last Frost Advisory and then summer will be here before we know it.  Can't wait to get everything else in the ground.

We can expect abundant sunshine today with just a few passing afternoon clouds.  The winds will be out of the West at 5 to 10 MPH.  Hopefully, Spring is back for good!  Be kind, and good to yourself, in addition to being kind to others!  Have a great day Gardening Friends.  I'll be busy taking down all of that plastic covering everything in the Garden!  

Day:  55-degrees  |  Night:  32-degrees
FROST ADVISORY!
It stands to reason that there will be a frost advisory for tonight just as many of our veggies and flowers are starting to emerge and look healthy.  That's why they make garden cover!  Somehow it seems fitting on Tax Day!  Freezing Temps and paying taxes.  Quite the combo.  

Morning clouds will give away to a bit of afternoon sunshine.  Winds will be out of the NW at 15 to 25 MPH.  Pretty gusty so be careful as you travel about on this Monday in April.  Be kind, and be good to yourself, in addition to being good and kind to others.  Have a great Monday Gardening Friends!

Day:  52-degrees  |  Night:  38-degrees
Morning has broken! Alleluia! It's a new day and the sun is shining here in the Carondelet Garden.  Happy Easter to our friends who celebrate.  

We can expect a few rain showers this morning becoming a steady rain during the afternoon.  Winds out of the ENE at 10 to 15 MPH.  Be kind, and good to yourself, in addition to being kind and good to others.  Have a Happy Easter Gardening Friends!

Day:  59-degrees  |  Night:  39-degrees
It's Holy Saturday.  That time of waiting before the resurrection.  We've been having that feeling all winter and into early Spring here in the Carondelet Garden.  The ground warms, and the life lying just below the ground begins to return to life just like these Hostas that are now coming back into their glory.  

We can expect a mix of sun and clouds during this morning with mostly cloudy skies coming in this afternoon.  Winds will be out of the North at 10-15 MPH.  We'll be getting a few things ready in the Garden today.  Mostly mowing the small patch of lawn we have left.  We've been mowing for three weeks now.  Be well, and be kind to yourself, in addition to being kind to others.  Have a great day Gardening Friends!

Day:  63-degrees  |  Night:  43-degrees
It's Good Friday.  Lent is drawing near, and the celebration of Easter is just three short days away.  I think back and it seems to me that it almost always rains on Good Friday.  That's not a researched notion and I'm not basing it on anything other than an old man's memory.  Yet, my memory is of at least a rain shower in the afternoon as we headed to 3:00 p.m. service most years.  In my humble theology I always believed even the heavens were shedding tears.  

And so it goes this Friday.  Rain showers are possible after 12 noon.  Winds out of the SSW at 10 to 15 MPH.  We wish you a day of peace today (and everyday).  Be well, and be kind to yourself, in addition to being kind to others.  

Day:  63-degrees  |  Night:  48-degrees
Happy National Gardening Day to all of our gardening friends.  It's definitely our kind of day today.  Yesterday's storms were not nearly as bad as predicted.  We were gifted with a day of rain showers which the garden loved!  

This picture is of my Japonica.  Dr. B and I have always wanted a Camelia but thought they wouldn't grow in our 6B growing region.  Little did we know that the Japonica is a member of the Camelia family!  We are no experts in gardening.  We are still finding our way in so many things.  Who says you can't teach old dogs new tricks?  

Today is sunny with a chilly start but should warm nicely by this afternoon.  Winds will be out of the WSW at 10 to 20 MPH.  It's the perfect Gardening Day!  Get outside and enjoy this sunshine if you can.  Be kind to yourself.  Have a great day Gardening Friends!

Day:  69-degrees  |  Night:  36-degrees
Spire has been working around the Carondelet Garden for months now.  Today is the day they will be hooking up our new gas line.  We spent yesterday cleaning out the corner where the gas line should be going.  Hopefully we will soon be finished with the banging and booming from the upgrade.  It's necessary and needed so no complaints.

​That said, the weather today may stop any work anyone wants to do around South St. Louis.  Windy with strong thunderstorms, damaging winds, large hail and possible a tornado.  Winds out of the SSW at 20 to 30 MPH.  1 to 2 inches of rain is possible.  Welcome to St. Louis in the springtime.  Please be careful if you have to be out and about today.  Be kind to yourself and others on your journey.  Be safe Gardening Friends!

Day:  76-degrees  |  Night:  66-degrees
It's cloudy and mild here in the Carondelet Garden this morning and the Lilac is bursting with blooms just ready to fill the entire area with that amazing scent.  We love Lilacs in the garden.  The smell just doesn't last long enough.  It is amazing while it does hang around.  

Today is cloudy, warm, and maybe some more rain.  Possibly a thunderstorm?  Who knows?  It's St. Louis in Spring!  Bring on the frogs and locusts!  Actually, no.  No frogs or locusts please!  Winds are out of the SSE at 15 to 25 MPH.  Enjoy today as tomorrow looks a bit ominous.  Be kind to yourself today.  Enjoy the warmth and maybe stop and smell a Lilac or two.  Have a great day Gardening Friends!

Day:  58-degrees  |  44-degrees
"Rainy Days and Mondays always get me down!"  I always loved that song by the Carpenters from the 1970s.  Mondays do get a bit of a bad rap and rainy Mondays?  Even worse reputation.  We need the rain here in the garden and it's already started here in the Carondelet neighborhood of south St. Louis.  Thunder roused us from our slumber early this morning and it looks like the rain is going to hang around all day.

Thunderstorms this morning will give way to overcast skies and even more rain this afternoon.  Winds will be out of the North at 10 to 15 MPH.  Rain and roads equal slick conditions so be kind to yourself and others as you travel about today.  Have a great day Gardening Friends!

Day:  75-degrees  |  Night:  57-degrees
A beautiful, sunny Sunday morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  The Tulips are bursting out all over.  This gardener is also busting with a bit of pride over the way things are turning out this Spring.  It's so exciting to see months of planning and work producing such beauty and bounty.  There have also been a bunch of flops along the way, (like the bunch of herbs that didn't make it as seedlings that are now in the compost heap!) but we'll celebrate the success for today!

Sun mixed with clouds today with some gusty winds this afternoon out of the SSE at 20 to 30 MPH.  Enjoy this gorgeous Sunday.  Grab another cup of coffee.  We'll be sitting down with the @NYTimes and Dr. B's Coffee Music Mix on our Smart Speaker.  Be kind to yourself.  Share a little faith, have a little hope and spread a little love on your journey today.  Happy Sunday Gardening Friends!

Day:  59-degrees  |  Night:  39-degrees
It's Soccer Saturday for all of us here in the Carondelet Garden.  The Garden will be put on hold for the morning and early afternoon as we head out to SportPort and Lou Fusz Soccer for a couple of soccer games with our favorite girls.  These are moments I wouldn't miss for the world!  

It should be a great day for soccer with abundant sunshine and winds out of the WNW at 10 to 15 MPH.  The tulips are looking especially fine this morning.  It's a chilly start but that is not stopping the Doodle Dog and I from heading out the door for her morning constitutional.  Be kind to yourself today.  Hopefully you can take a break from your normal routine and do something for you.  Have a Great Day Gardening Friends!

Day:  46-degrees  |  33-degrees
Snow?  Really?  Not really.  At least, not here in Carondelet.  We did get some rain but not a significant amount.  That means the flowers and our vegetables are still doing well.  We covered them just in case.  Whew!

Today is Fish Fry Friday here in the Carondelet Garden.  That means we will be heading down the street for our fish fry fix this evening.  Hopefully the rain showers will be over by then.  The winds will be out of the WNW at 15 to 25 MPH.  Higher gusts are possible, so take it easy on your travels today. Be kind to yourself today.  It's chilly so have another cup of coffee.  Listen to some of your favorite tunes.  The smart speaker is spilling out some great classical fare this morning.  Have a great day Gardening Friends.

Day:  52-degrees  |  Night:  36-degrees
Spring has sprung all over the flower garden here in Carondelet.  It is certainly a lovely display in front of the old homestead.  Excited to see the Winter Pansies recover and the Hyacinths and Tulips are coming into full bloom this week.  Another beautiful day in South St. Louis.

The weather today is, in a word, changeable.  Partly cloudy skies will yield to mostly cloudy by this afternoon.  Winds today out of the West at 20 to 30 MPH.  Higher gusts are possible so be careful on the roads as you travel about.  It's an unofficial holiday here in St. Louis:  Saint Louis Cardinals Opening Day.  Go Cards!  Have a great day Gardening Friends!

Day:  63-degrees  |  Night:  41-degrees
The Hosta's are starting to poke their heads out of the ground here in the Carondelet Garden.  We were inspired to plant a Hosta Garden after visiting New Harmony, Indiana.  If you haven't been there I would encourage a visit.  It's an old Utopian village with remnants of buildings from the early 1800s where two different Utopian societies tried to live out their lives and principles.  There is still a sense of calm, peace and prayerfulness and they have a labyrinth which is surrounded by a beautiful Hosta garden.  

It's cloudy and damp early this morning in the garden.  The forecast calls for sunny skies by this afternoon.  The winds are out of the West at 15 to 25 MPH.  The birds are singing this morning.  It's a Wet Wednesday but the rain is welcome.  Be kind to yourself today.  We all could use a little kindness right about now.  Have a wonderful wet Wednesday Gardening Friends!