Curb Appeal comes in many forms.

 This fresh color rendering and lovely new shutters add so much warmth to this cosy home. This homeowner did a great job with picking up color in the nandinas at the doorway as well.

 Clean lines and new colors update this ranch from ho-hum to WOW.

 The light, subtle shades on this home make it a cheerful addition to the neighborhood. The charming , arched, front door and portico catch my eye every time I pass.

Sometimes simple touches are the best. The stone work at the front porch area and the new front door and shutters have transformed this lovely home from Ranch Style to Craftsman.

Teddy Bear's Picnic

If you go down to the woods today

You're sure of a big surprise.

If you go down to the woods today

You'd better go in disguise.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was

Will gather there for certain, because

Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Ev'ry teddy bear who's been good

Is sure of a treat today.

There's lots of marvelous things to eat

And wonderful games to play.

Beneath the trees where nobody sees

They'll hide and seek as long as they please

Cause that's the way the teddy bears have their picnic.

If you go down to the woods today

You'd better not go alone.

It's lovely down in the woods today

But safer to stay at home.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was

Will gather there for certain, because

Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Picnic time for teddy bears

The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today

Watch them, catch them unawares

And see them picnic on their holiday.

See them gaily gad about

They love to play and shout;

They never have any care;

At six o'clock their mummies and daddies,

Will take them home to bed,

Because they're tired little teddy bears.

Annuals are out in full force. It is finally pretty safe to plant tender annuals.

Geraniums brighten up any landscape. Over the years plants come and go, in and out of favor and popularity. Geraniums are always a favorite. They are easy to grow here in the South.

New gardens take a LOT of work!

A lot has been going on at the Farrell's house lately. This is Grace doing one of her many jobs...weeding. Good Job Grace!

A little bit of romance.

So simple. So nice. The only rhododendron that really does OK in this area is one called 'PJM'. These rhodys are planted on the North side of the house where they get half-a-day shade. Growing rhododendrons is not for the faint-hearted.

Cherry trees are such a cheerful addition to any landscape.

The white coloration on this weeping cherry is a good contrast to the red brick and evergreens that frame it.

This sweet weeping cherry is perfect in this location.

These two 'yoshino' cherry trees welcome visitors every Spring here in Meadowlake.

Japanese Maple

 I can't imagine a nicer place to sit and have a cup of coffee. Can you?

Rick and Vangie's Japanese maples are a beautiful sight. They add color to their garden for three seasons a year.

Iris(es) need dividing if the rhizomes are below the surface of the soil.

Our hardworking HOA president, Cindy, cleans out her iris bed. She knows that allowing the rhizomes to see sunlight will bring on more blooms.

This is a good example of a healthy and beautiful iris bed on Williamsburg Road.

This iris bed is lovely as a natural focal point in front of this home on Seward Rd.

Wisteria in all it's glory.

This wisteria is blooming on Meadowlake Road. It has been a particularly good spring for wisteria. Remember to trim back after it blooms to keep it in control and to promote another showing of spectacular blossoms later in the season.

Cold Frame

It is hard to believe that a frost may still happen this late into April, but, it can. Keep a close eye on tender plantings for a few more weeks. Plants like tomatoes still need a little help against frost damage.

Wisteria is already in bloom in Meadowlake. Warmer than normal temperatures have brought on gorgeous blooms.

Lovely Lavender Azalea

This beauty belongs to Jim and Trudy on Oakvale. I would love to know the variety.

HAPPY EASTER

This hard worker was spotted helping her grandmother getting her garden ready for Easter. Good job Anna! Have a Happy Easter!

Bluebird Paradise

Meadowlake is full of beautiful birds, one of my favorites is the bluebird. It would be nice to know how many neighbors have bluebirds nesting in their gardens.If you have bluebirds, please let us know.

Garden Quiz: What is this? The blooms smell like gardenia blossoms. It is one of the first plants to bloom in Spring.

Of course, you got it. It is mahonia japonica, 'Bealei', or commonly called Oregon Grape Holly. It grows well here in part shade. The leaves are evergreen. Click on this title and see what it looks like in other seasons. You can buy this locally. I use the www.monrovia.com  site to view plants and see how to care for them.

Get your boots on baby!

Look now for the next chance to fertilize your lawn. Best results are on wet grass with 24 hours of dry weather to follow. Also, begin feeding flowering trees, shrubs and flowers with organic fertilizer.

Oil change?

We can't believe what great neighbors we have. Rick came over this morning and helped Luke change the oil in our mower. THEN, he took the blade home with him and sharpened it. Now that's a great neighbor and a friend!

Plant Swap

A year ago in April, our womens' group gathered for a plant swap. This year our plant swap is open to all neighbors who love to garden or are just learning about their outdoor space and how to cope with maintaining it. Keep checking for the Plant Swap date. It will be coming up in May.