I have always wanted my property to be a haven for humans and wildlife alike. With so much of their natural habitat disappearing, I have felt it my responsibility, (not to mention pleasure) to provide the ingredients for critter happiness. As a result, my home is also home to all sorts of fascinating creatures, some more appreciated than others.

There are always nests of bunnies found in early spring, usually by accident, their fur-covered burrow snug and cozy, the little babies huddled together, in one of the perennial beds. Mom is usually nearby, eyeing me suspiciously, and I assure her that I won't harm her precious brood. Is there anything as sweet as a tiny, fuzzy, whiskered rabbit, with a miniature cotton ball tail.... or anything more DESTRUCTIVE to a garden? These teeny critters have appetites that belie their small size and easily eat many times their weight, of my freshly planted annuals or newly sprouted green beans. A "rabbit-proof" (and I use that term lightly) wire fence is now protecting my vegetable patch before the seeds go in. One year, they figured out they could chew through the plastic barricade and proceeded to eat every single bean blossom they could get their teeth onto. As a result, no green beans that year for canning.

The bunny in the photo is one of the current residents. Bryan, my husband, has named him/her (how can you tell?) "Nibbles", for obvious reasons. Nibbles isn't afraid of us if we keep our distance and isn't even afraid of Errol, my Maltese, much to Errol's shame. I've learned to expect some damage and also to protect the plants that they love most. We are just trying to live alongside each other in peace and harmony. As Bryan asks, "Wouldn't you want to live in a giant salad bar if you were a rabbit?"

I have been working on knitting some new pot holders and hot pads for my kitchen. My existing supply was in dire need of replenishing, so, instead of buying new ones, I decided to create my own. It's a very simple pattern of garter stitch made in spring and summer colors of cotton yarn. I can easily pick them up and knit a few rows here and there whenever I have a spare minute. I am still working on the red, white and blue ones that I wanted to get finished for the July 4Th holiday...and didn't.

The satisfaction I get from using things made by my own hands is tremendous, not to mention the tranquility I experience when doing the actual knitting. It never ceases to amaze me that you can take some yarn and two "sticks" and turn out all manner of necessaries or clothing and gifts. All you need is patience and perseverance, and the satisfaction of creating something uniquely your own will result in many delightful hours, and projects you can be proud of.

Could a person have a better little companion to share her life with? I think not! This is Errol, my Maltese I have had for eleven years. He has to be in the middle of everything I do and be everywhere I am, especially if it's outdoors and in the garden. I spend most of my time removing him from the dirt and mud in my flowerbeds where he manages to be right in the spot where I am planting or trying to remove weeds. It's a special talent of his. Errol and I have never been separated for more than a few hours at a time over the years, when he has had to have some surgeries. I'm not sure which of us had the worst separation anxiety....him or me. I'm pretty sure it was me.

He tries to keep the bunnies and squirrels out of the yard and gives them a merry chase. They will sit still and wait until he is almost on top of them before they run. I haven't got the heart to tell him that they aren't in the least frightened. He has his job of keeping the beasties out of the gardens, but his most important duty by far is being my little buddy. A job at which he most certainly excels.

I love the garden at night. Evening is my preferred time for working in my beds. The air is cooler and the light soft and diffused. The sky turns pink as the the long summer days whisper to a close. In July, I can garden until 9 pm and enjoy the sunset while watering my potted plants

and refilling the bird baths. I'm serenaded by a brilliant male cardinal, perched on the very top of my tallest pine tree, singing his goodnight song. His less colorful mate is always close by. The day quiets and a feeling of deep peace and contentment wash over me. The perfume of the flowers intensify and hang in the humid heat, as well as the earthy scent of damp soil. July in Wisconsin, is usually humid and hot, so everything gets a layer of dew as the earth slowly cools. My ever constant gardening companion, Errol, is always outdoors with me and by this time, has found every single patch of mud he can run through. His furry legs, caked to the "elbows" in muck, will have to be hosed off. He'll protest, but, it's been a successful evening chasing bunnies and birds, letting them know whose territory this is. By now, darkness has fallen and it's time to go inside. As if by magic, tiny, flickering spots of green light emerge from every corner of the flower borders and vegetable patch. The fireflies are up and about! Their syncronized symphony of light and motion is a fitting end to a day spent in the grace of a garden.

Today was our city's annual garden tour. It's one of the highlights of every summer as it gives me the opportunity to absorb other landscapes and if I am very observant, to see the personality of the gardener reflected also. Everyone was so friendly and generous.....true gardeners have charming souls.
For the past 28 years, I have been nurturing and creating my own idea of gardening paradise. I literally started with nothing, not even a single tree or blade of grass. But, it was a clean slate to do with as I pleased and am now enjoying the reward of my labors.
The months of May through September are Wisconsin's relatively short growing season. At least it's too short for me! Planting, weeding, harvesting and preserving, completely take over my spring and summer seasons. I am totally enthralled with my gardens and every growing thing. After the endless, cold winter months, I can barely contain myself and find any excuse to dig in the rich, fragrant earth. I rather feel like a flower myself, unfurling and blossoming in the warmth of the sun.
There are my perennial borders, which run the length of my backyard against the fence, my very large vegetable patch, various herbs, annuals, shrubs, trees and my tiny "orchard". The gardens enable me to live according to the rhythms of nature, the cycle of the seasons and with all the creatures that come with it. I know where I am in the grand scheme of life and I embrace every moment.

Welcome to Turnberry Croft! Make yourself at home and join me in my pursuit of creating a gentle life. A life filled with all the activities that come with living close to nature and the seasons, making and keeping a cozy, happy home and enjoying all the simple, day-to-day pleasures.
I intend to share my many interests, inspirations, ideas and reflections that make life such an amazing adventure. The best part is that you have only to look in your own back yard to experience daily miracles. They are everywhere once we learn to see.
I look forward to meeting new friends and kindred spirits; those who search for meaning, see beauty in the ordinary and yearn for a gentle life. The journey begins.