C. Fawley Fjeran

My grandmother used to say of certain foods, "I like it, but it doesn't like me." The same can be said of Tulips and the South. We like Tulips, but Tulips do not like us. Ideal conditions for growing Tulips include: - dry summers - cold winters - sandy soil (all Tulips dislike excessive moisture) In the South, bulbs must be pre-chilled for 12 weeks before planting; they also require shade or only morning sun. Tulips originated in southern Russian climate, which is vastly different from our hot, humid southeastern U.S. climate. If grown in the South, they are best treated as annuals. You will plant, replant, and replant. Why do this when daffodils easily flourish? If you want Tulips without inordinate time, labor, and expense, consider fresh container plantings placed in strategic locations. Or, consider a move to the U.S. western mountain regions, which comes closest to southern Russian climate. As for me and my household, we don't plan on moving north of the Mason-Di...

From the first day that I visited Casa Montano, I had my eye on the Weekly Weeder, which I remembered from Ryan Gainey's garden in Decatur. I thought, "This would make a great Christmas gift (for me)!" I'm pretty sure I made it known to the giver-of-gifts, but alas, on Christmas Day, no Weekly Weeder. No sweat--I usually receive Christmas money.   It took a couple of months before the stars lined up: husband was on board for a visit to Casa Montano, we were in our mega vehicle (with plenty of room to transport), and the Weekly Weeder was in stock.  They say, "Good things come to those who wait." In this case, if I had been gifted the Weekly Weeder in December, I would not have received the bonus that came with being the first one this year to purchase   Ryan's   Weekly Weeder. Along with the garden ornament, I received an illustrated color copy of the book written by Ryan.   For those who know of Ryan Gainey, this is a treasure--a beautiful remembrance...

"Where flowers bloom so does hope." ~ Lady Bird Johnson As the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson served as First Lady from 1963-1969. Her given name was Claudia Alta; a nursemaid once declared Claudia to be "purty as a lady bird," and the nickname stuck. Lady Bird earned two degrees (history and journalism) and authored A White House Diary, which recorded her activities during LBJ's administration. Of her accomplishments--and there were many--one that I most enjoy is her wildflower project. Think Texas Bluebonnets! Image via   https://pixabay.com/en/flags-texas-flag-us-flag-1188055/ Lady Bird started the national beautification campaign, which resulted in the Highway Beautification Act of 1965. She is also credited for initiating the planting of thousands of tulips and daffodils in DC. In 1982, Lady Bird founded the National Wildflower Research Project. On her 85th birthday, it was renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The center,...

Is anyone interested in a Victorian stroller? This one is found at Collector's Corner & The Bone Yard in Sharpsburg. It caught my eye because it's from Kennebunkport, Maine, which brings to mind a family memory. My grandfather told a story about his friend, Kenny who thought he lost a tooth while eating at a restaurant. I can barely bring myself to repeat the story, but when Kenny took said tooth to the dentist, he informed Kenny that he had no teeth m issing. Argh! As the retelling of the story goes, someone was trying to recall Kenny's last name. After a couple of guesses, my witty nephew quipped, "Bunkport?" And then the question, "Who is Kenny Bunkport?" No one I know is named Bunkport, but after George H. W. Bush took office, the tiny seaside town became a household name. I wonder, "How many peering little eyes enjoyed the view of Kennebunkport from this stroller?" [Carolyn Fjeran, reflective writer with a colloquial twist; former writ...

"It was like just before the sun goes to bed down on the bayou. There was always a million sparkles on the water." - Forrest Gump Image via  https://goo.gl/images/oPiKfh

View: Historic Christ Church, Hapeville, Georgia

Not thinking about it, the dress I chose to wear to the funeral was black and covered with small dragonfly designs. I chose to wear it because it was quick, easy, and I could sling on a black jacket to match. I sat alone during the catholic service and followed the liturgy and recitations as best as I knew how. The service was traditional and subdued; it calmed and comforted those who attended. Especially soothing was the young musician who reminded me of John Michael Talbot. After the service, a lady sitting behind me smiled and asked if I liked dragonflies. I had forgotten what I was wearing. Me: "Yes, I like dragonflies." My response was less than enthusiastic. Lady (Judy): "I have a story about dragonflies." Me: "Really?" Judy looked around and realized everyone else was exiting the sanctuary. "It's a long story." Me: "I love stories!" Judy shared the story about Valerie, Don, and dragonflies. Don passed away, and it seems at ev...

St. Patrick's Day has always been a fun celebration: green beer, green fountains, green rivers.  So much green! I claim to be Irish, although my family debate continues. Hopefully, DNA testing will someday settle the score. Three years ago on St. Patrick's Day, I went for a run in our neighborhood. Rounding the corner on my way home, I didn't see my husband's vehicle in its usual place in the driveway. A tiny red flag went up, and I wondered if my father-in-law needed help. Once inside the house, I saw THE note. Oh, wow. Which hospital? I tried calling my husband's cell phone. No answer. As soon as I hung up, he called me back to say, "I'm in the emergency room; I'm having a heart attack." Yep, that matter-of-fact news sent me scurrying in the direction Piedmont Newnan Hospital. He was settled in a comfortable bed in ER, only after parking his vehicle and walking across the parking lot to the entrance. Everything seemed under control. David didn...

"Trail Stones: Back when Indians roamed the plains and forests they would send their scouts ahead of the tribes to find the safest passage, and since they didn't have cell phones they would have to mark the trail with stones and such. The more stones stacked on top of each other the safer the trail." - Happy Trails [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald]

"All of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the  horizon instead  of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today." - Dale Carnegie [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald]

The meteorologists got it right this week: chilly, wet weather and a chance of snow. I'm not lovin' the chilly, wet part, but it brings back a delightful memory. While babysitting a young child many moons ago, we were rained in, so we opened the garage door, sat back, and enjoyed it. As we watched the big raindrops plop on the ground, he said, "Raindrops look like crowns." Yes, Lee, they do! [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald]

Look who showed up at the edge of my meadow last week. View: Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) - gifted to me approx. 16 years ago as a seedling by Master Garder, Janet Robinson (compliments of her husband, Joe.) [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald]

Stress. Everyone I know encounters stress, especially those who work in the field of social services. A meeting I attended last month opened with each participant sharing something — we diverged so far from the original suggestion that I can't recall where we started. As we circled the room, the last one shared that her mother recently gave her a stone with the word "Imagine" on it. The  stone was accompanied with a hand-written note that said, "Rubbing this stone over the years has always helped in times of stress, planning or the need to relax. Hope it works for you. Love mom." Imagine. I also have a stone with that word, given to me by my mother. Reality Orientation, rather than imagination, was utilized at the convalescent center where I worked years ago. I interacted with the residents by way of the Physical Therapy (PT) Department. We saw a range of patients: one young man with paraplegia, older patients recovering from a fall or another medical episode, a...

C.S. Lewis: "Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." Today seems a good day to begin; I know I'm old enough. Moon Bunny was purchased in Tyrone at Spoon Sister's (now closed), along with a copy of this short fable: Once Upon A Time, an old man came into the forest where a squirrel, a fox, and a rabbit lived. The old man came upon these creatures and asked for some help. He said he was tired and very hungry. So, the fox made a fire and said, this will keep you warm. The squirrel shared his freshly gathered acorns. The rabbit had nothing to give the old man. So he came close to the old man and said, "I have nothing, so, I will throw myself upon the fire so you may have a fine meal to eat." At that moment, the old man with a glimmer in his eye, turned into the Man on the Moon. He looked softly at the rabbit and said, "For your selflessness, I do not want to eat you, I want to take you home with me on the moon." This is why ...

Yesterday, I shared a post about a sad farewell. There are many in life--great and small. I've learned from experience, rather than saying, "Goodbye," it's easier to say, "Thank you for a lovely time."The following is a lightly rewritten essay, which I originally submitted in 2005: Rosalie Gage and I teamed up to do a local radio program last week with John Scott. John loves roses, and since the program was two days after Valentine’s day, John asked that we bring some information about caring for cut roses. Rosalie mentioned an interesting tip that she had learned about removing the outer petals to help promote the freshness of the flowers. We talked about giving the stems a fresh cut at a good angle, changing the water regularly, and keeping the flowers out of direct sunlight and away from drafts. I mentioned the use of Victorian Tussie Mussies, and I also brought a list of the language of flowers. Red roses, of course, mean, "I Love You"; pink ro...

"My French Country Garden" page on Facebook has daily been a bright spot. After several days without a post, I began to won der. I visited Kahnie's site and learned that after five years of posting, she' s hanging up. There are so many favorite posts, I could hardly decide which one to share. This one is a view of her home on the hill in Begerac, France. You can still access and browse the Facebook page. It's worth every minute! https://www.facebook.com/myfrenchcountrygarden/ I will desperately miss this gorgeous scenery, Kahnie's incredible eye for photography, her charming gleanings, and cut flowers. My new search: another amazing french country garden blogger. [Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald - see more posts at  https://lowtideexplorer.blogspot.com ] Photo Credit: Kahnie Perks

View: Christ Church Episcopal, St. Simons Island, Georgia

The first year the Empire State Building was completed, it was the tallest building in the world--a 102 storey skyscraper on Fifth Avenue in New York City. It remained the tallest building for nearly forty years until it gave up the title to the World Trade Center. No longer the tallest, it remains a favorite, especially by romantics. The movie, "Love Affair," filmed in 1939 and its remake in 1957, "An Affair to Remember," feature the Empire State Buildi ng. Reluctant to admit I was watching a 1993 romantic comedy on Valentine's Day, I eventually fessed up. (I won't give away the name of the movie and spoil the ending for the two moviegoers who have not yet watched it.) An endearing scene at the top of the Empire State Building reminds me of my great aunt who shared her love story: "It was love at first touch." She knew Uncle Jim was 'the one' the first time he reached over and touched her hand. I think of her every time I watch this movie...

Photo credit: Heidi J. Roemer - Caribbean

Some of the nicest people work behind deli counters. Visit one in the South, and you're likely to hear: "Hi, Darlin'!" "Wha'd ya need, Sugar?" "Will that be all, Hon?" Yes, I've heard the debate over whether or not it's polite to use anything other than titles, Sir, or Ma'am. Save it, please. If someone is sincerely trying to be nice, I'll take it as-is. There are days when it makes me feel pretty good. Lady Grantham had her standards, but that was then, and this is now. Yesterday, Evelyn took care of me at Publix. She seemed intelligent, was polite and efficient, and had a sense of humor. After filling my first two requests, she asked, "Would you like a sample of the Baby Swiss?" Me: "No, thank you." Evelyn: "I offer samples because I don't want anyone to have to shop on an empty stomach." Me: "I never have an empty stomach." Evelyn's surprised, genuine laughter immediately follow...

For those who appreciate the difference, I was raised in an evangelical rather than a liturgical church. A family trip to New York City provided my first entrance into a liturgical setting--St. Patricks Cathedral. I sat and kneeled (and sat and kneeled and...) next to my great aunt and quietly thought, WOW! Actress, Sally Fields further sparked my interest in 'high church' while I enjoyed my favorite weekly show, The Flying Nun. How much fun was that ? A tiny nun in an aerodynamic habit who could fly! Fortunately, I didn't break my arm trying. Everything I knew about Catholicism I learned from watching The Flying Nun and The Sound of Music. Later in life when I attended a liturgical service, I still knew very little--"you know, the guy in the little cap," or "the guy in the really tall hat." What I now know, I credit Bishop Epps, who frequently explains the meaning and use of many signs and symbols. Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. If you a...

Today is the last day of Black History Month. I was asked to write a recap (for another venue), which I was happy to do. I then found this image and was struck by the symbolism. It reflects something that happened perhaps 100-200 years ago. A young pliable tree probably encountered extremely high wind that caused it to bend but not break. It survived and yet the direction of the new growth was permanently changed. What we see today speaks to its history of survival, resilience, growth, and character. View: Live Oak, St. Augustine Beach, Florida

View: Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia