Flowers (annual and perennial)

Early Flowering Bulbs

This is pics of very early flowering bulbs in the flower bed. Should have taken pics of them before the cold and snow when they were blooming full force.

These flowers are scilla siberica, jumbo crocus, and snow (star) crocus which are planted 3-4 inches deep with at least a dozen bulbs in an area.

Jumbo crocus

Because scilla and crocus bloom so early, it’s a good bulb for planting beneath trees, around shrubs or in flower beds. For a natural look, dig up a small area, toss in a few bulbs and cover them up. For a longer bloom time in the area, mix with other bulbs like daffodils and tulips.

Star (snow) crocus

Let the early flowering bulb leaves yellow and dry up in place. One good thing on early bulbs is that they are done before you start planting. Just place a wooden stake or twig where the bulbs were so you do not dig them up when plant other plants.

Scilla
Easter

Social Distancing can make us Forget

During this time of social distancing can make us forget the importance of celebrating holidays such as Easter. Studies do show that celebrating the holidays gives us more energy and less stress. So, celebrating Easter now may be more important than ever!

Since Easter is a social celebration, maybe if we show that our family can bring the spirit of the holiday outside, it may give other people some enjoyment. So even if we must isolate ourselves, it does not mean our celebration have to stop.

Home Improvement

Baseboard Molding

Baseboard molding (or moulding) is the board that goes where the floor and wall meet. The baseboard goes around the room, giving the room a straight-line look. They were called mop boards, protecting the wall from mop hits. Now, I guess they could be called vacuum boards. You can buy baseboards at hardware stores, lumber yards, or online. They come in many styles and colors usually being 4 to 5 inches tall and less than an inch in depth.

Baseboard molding

Crown molding is placed where the wall meets the ceiling. This along with the baseboard molding provides continuity to the whole room. The crown and baseboard molding should be of similar type and color.

Crown molding

A chair real is a molding strip placed a foot above the baseboard protecting the wall from chair damage. Often the area between the chair and baseboard molding is painted or design with a different color than the rest of the wall.

Chair rail

A picture rail is installed about 2 feet below the ceiling. The rail is used to hang décor without damaging the wall.

Picture rail

Wainscoting is the use of 2 to 3-foot panels placed above the baseboard giving the room a different texture. The use started with Queen Ann style homes with traditional wood. Using the right wainscoting can give the room a different height illusion whether taller or shorter.

Wainscoting