The Tolkien Coming of Age Club 2 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Ealasaide · 06-10-2005, 03:24 PM

What can I say? My parents have a logic unto themselves...

Quote:

Just glad you didn't have the saber handy that day I was on the phone!

Oh, dear, that would have been ugly indeed! No, I think would have exercised a little restraint with the ol' saber. Sometimes discretion really is the better part of valor!

peony_foxburr · 06-13-2005, 01:59 PM

My, my, it has been a long journey, though my last visit to the Barrow-downs was not as far back as I had thought...Just a bit too much going on in RL to keep up with all my hobbies.

How appropriate that much of this last page is about gardening, as that has been my primary preoccupation in the last two months. Those of you on the East Coast share my ambivalence about the month of continuous rain giving way to continuous heat and humidity...The tomato plants, however, are loving it!

Child of the 7th Age · 06-13-2005, 05:45 PM

Welcome, Peony. I don't believe we've ever met since I was not involved in the Walk to Rivendell where you often posted. But it is good to see you on this thread.

It's interesting to me how many folk who love gardening seem to be interested in Tolkien. Tolkien's love of trees and other green things certainly comes through loud and clear in his tales. Alas, I have never had a gift of a green thumb though I can appreciate this talent in others.

Child

Hilde Bracegirdle · 06-14-2005, 04:00 AM

Hello Peony! While not on technically on the east coast I do know what you mean about the humidity! Looks like this year the string beans might do just fine....

And Child , don't forget a good walk in the woods, whether to Rivendell or elsewhere. Over the weekend I found an unbelievably beautiful park that I had not known about. And I didn't even have to paint my thumb green to enjoy it!

Lalwendë · 06-14-2005, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Child of the 7th Age

It's interesting to me how many folk who love gardening seem to be interested in Tolkien. Tolkien's love of trees and other green things certainly comes through loud and clear in his tales. Alas, I have never had a gift of a green thumb though I can appreciate this talent in others.

I've always had a love of trees and wildlife, despite being from a farming background (not all farmers view these things in such a benevolent light

) and this was amplified by reading Tolkien - I didn't quite realise until he articulated what I had always felt.

I'm not so green-fingered (as we say in the UK) myself, and I do have some sad gardening failures, but I find it's a satisfying hobby, and as time-consuming or easy as you want it to be. I personally got into it as a way of alleviating depression, it provides fresh air, a chance to be creative, exercise and a sense of fulfillment. And it results in a nice place to go and sit and contemplate.

mark12_30 · 06-14-2005, 08:29 AM

The secret to being green-digited is knowing what will survive in your yard despite all odds and against all foes. I've planted many pretty things; many have died.

Now few are left-- but what's left is very tough. In my Rhode Island yard: standard New England shrubs (lilac, forsythia) as well as daffodils, bleeding hearts, feverfew, spiderwort, Rose Campion, wild campion (some would consider it a weed), "Love in a mist" (Nigella), cosmos, morning glories, four-o'clocks, and a local fall favorite, New England asters -- more pretty 'weeds'. All of these either reseed themselves or spread by their roots. No fuss neccessary.

You live in Texas, right? Find out what grows in Texas, and give it a bit of room. From that list, I'd start with blackeyed susans, beebalm, coreopsis, bachelor button, toadflax (I love toadflax!!!!!) , butterfly weed, and spiderwort. Water them when they begin to droop. Keep a half an eye on them for the main part of the summer, and then forget them. Let them go to seed. Some will survive. Some will die. Smile!!!

Next year, the survivors will spread.

Hilde Bracegirdle · 06-14-2005, 10:13 AM

And a nice thing too, is often times the scraggly stuff comes back with gusto the next year! I'd like to replant the bed under the my front windows, but haven't the heart to dig up the hardy troopers now thriving there. My daughter hasn't the same sentimental attitude though, and as a result the dish pan containing her crayfish and tadpoles boasted some very pretty daffodils.

06-13-2005, 01:59 PM	#2
peony_foxburr Haunting Spirit Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The Trollshaws/RdtoR 354 miles Posts: 91	*brushes the dust from her cloak* My, my, it has been a long journey, though my last visit to the Barrow-downs was not as far back as I had thought...Just a bit too much going on in RL to keep up with all my hobbies. How appropriate that much of this last page is about gardening, as that has been my primary preoccupation in the last two months. Those of you on the East Coast share my ambivalence about the month of continuous rain giving way to continuous heat and humidity...The tomato plants, however, are loving it! __________________ "And the ship went out into the High Sea and passed on into the West, until at last on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air and heard the sound of singing that came over the water." -The Return of the King

06-13-2005, 05:45 PM	#3
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Welcome, Peony. I don't believe we've ever met since I was not involved in the Walk to Rivendell where you often posted. But it is good to see you on this thread. It's interesting to me how many folk who love gardening seem to be interested in Tolkien. Tolkien's love of trees and other green things certainly comes through loud and clear in his tales. Alas, I have never had a gift of a green thumb though I can appreciate this talent in others. Child __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.

06-14-2005, 04:00 AM	#4
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	Hello Peony! While not on technically on the east coast I do know what you mean about the humidity! Looks like this year the string beans might do just fine.... And Child , don't forget a good walk in the woods, whether to Rivendell or elsewhere. Over the weekend I found an unbelievably beautiful park that I had not known about. And I didn't even have to paint my thumb green to enjoy it! Last edited by Hilde Bracegirdle; 06-14-2005 at 10:02 AM.

06-14-2005, 08:29 AM	#6
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	thumbs and fingers The secret to being green-digited is knowing what will survive in your yard despite all odds and against all foes. I've planted many pretty things; many have died. Now few are left-- but what's left is very tough. In my Rhode Island yard: standard New England shrubs (lilac, forsythia) as well as daffodils, bleeding hearts, feverfew, spiderwort, Rose Campion, wild campion (some would consider it a weed), "Love in a mist" (Nigella), cosmos, morning glories, four-o'clocks, and a local fall favorite, New England asters -- more pretty 'weeds'. All of these either reseed themselves or spread by their roots. No fuss neccessary. You live in Texas, right? Find out what grows in Texas, and give it a bit of room. From that list, I'd start with blackeyed susans, beebalm, coreopsis, bachelor button, toadflax (I love toadflax!!!!!) , butterfly weed, and spiderwort. Water them when they begin to droop. Keep a half an eye on them for the main part of the summer, and then forget them. Let them go to seed. Some will survive. Some will die. Smile!!! Next year, the survivors will spread. __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.

06-14-2005, 10:13 AM	#7
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	And a nice thing too, is often times the scraggly stuff comes back with gusto the next year! I'd like to replant the bed under the my front windows, but haven't the heart to dig up the hardy troopers now thriving there. My daughter hasn't the same sentimental attitude though, and as a result the dish pan containing her crayfish and tadpoles boasted some very pretty daffodils.