A DAY IN THE COUNTRY

I've escaped the city for a few days in the country on a beautiful estate owned by my dear friend. I don't have house or garden envy, but, if I had their house and garden I'd be one happy camper. Land, they've got land -a couple of beautiful acres with an outstanding garden designed and installed by the lady of the manor.

More on this beautiful garden after I return from Shangrala.

4 IN 45

It ain't no use to grumble and complain;
It's jest as cheap and easy to rejoice,
When God sorts out the weather and sends rain,
why rain's my choice

-James Whitcomb Riley, 1849-1916

June has given us very little rain and extremely hot July-like weather. The garden is extremely dry and I have to water every other day just to keep the plants alive.

But two days ago God must have heard the prayers of many people asking for rain because the heavens opened up and we got 4 inches in 45 minutes ! The ground absorbed the rain, of course, but expressways, streets and basements were flooded in some areas. You people can stop praying now !

The rain cooled the temperatures until the next day when the steam-bath continued. Another heavy downpour in the evening. The garden is very happy.

Today is going to be a perfect June day in the 70's and I am going to get outside and enjoy it.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE PICKS THE TOP 50 FAVORITE MAGAZINES

Each year the Chicago Tribune TEMPO SECTION asks each other what periodicals they are reading and like and then they ask the readers. Or so they say.

Three of my favorites made the HOME LIFE category in yesterday's paper : Garden Gate, This Old House and Organic Gardening. Strangely missing was the magazine that I've subscribed to all my adult life, Better Homes and Gardens.

They asked the question : What magazine is in your rack ? I'm certainly going to let them know.

I just did a little research to make sure than I wasn't way off base. I wasn't. In fact, Better Homes and Gardens is the ONLY home and garden magazine in the top 10 in the U.S.A.

So, Chicago Tribune, I'm wondering exactly who you are asking about favorite magazines. Certainly not your public.

What are your favorite gardening magazines ?

SUMMER WALKS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Each morning I go for a walk and no matter which direction I choose I run into a lot of beautiful homes and gardens. Following are some of the examples :

Gorgeous Climbing Rose

Now that's what I call a front porch !

A lovely flower bed

Somebody sure loves Annabelle Hydrangea

Not only is walking good for my physical well being but the beautiful garden scenes do a lot to soothe the senses.

GARDEN BLOGGERS' MUSE DAY

My Garden Muse

Gardeners are spiritual beings and love to read inspirational poems, stories and quotations about their passion. " We come from the earth, we return to the earth, and in between we garden.... " was written by an anonymous gardener.

Or as fellow Alabamian, Booker T. Washington wrote : " No race can prosper until it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem. "

I am inspired by Carol of May Dreams Garden who created the 15th of each month as Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. My idea is to declare the first of each month as Garden Bloggers Muse Day. Beginning July 1 , I invite each garden blogger to post their favorite poems related to gardening, witty or pithy garden quotes, or their own prose on what gardening means to them. After posting inform me and I will make a list of all the participants. There are no strict rules, the intention is to have a day when we can enjoy beautiful garden poetry, prose and witticisms.

Garden Voices has generously agreed to help get the word out by including this post in their daily blog and I thank them.

I also want to thank Carol of May Dreams garden for being a good neighbor and lending her support as well.