Mint

 

Mint is quite easy to grow in a container.  In fact, it might even be preferable.  Mint will take over everything, so by putting it in a container you can limit it a bit and keep it under control.  The roots are quite invasive, and the plant will also send out 'feelers' to find new places to put down roots.  Choose a container based on what type of mint you have.  In the above photo, spearmint is growing tall and straight and thrives in this teacup-shaped ceramic container.  Below, chocolate mint has more tender stems than the spearmint.  Since it tends to drape over the sides of the pot, I put it in a hanging basket.  Especially in the summer, there's nothing more refreshing than being able to pluck a few leaves and brew a delicious cup of mint tea!



Capping comb

The bees are in the process of capping the comb! They are doing a wonderful job of honey production.  We probably won't have any to sell this year since they are still getting established, but next year looks promising.

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos, also called Devil's Ivy, is a houseplant that thrives on neglect.  It prefers bright indirect light, and it's probably best to water it once a week or so, but this plant will survive on less (or more) water and light.  It's perfect for anyone who wants a houseplant, but is worried about killing it, because it will pretty much tolerate anything you do to it.  It's also very easy to propagate, so once you have one, you can get more from the same plant if you would like.  The trailing vines need to be given a 'haircut' every now and then to keep them from getting out of control.  This was my first houseplant.  As you can see from the photos, which were taken one year apart, it is a very good plant for beginners!

Above: Golden Pothos when I first got it in 2012. Below: The same plant one year later, vigorous and thriving.  The leaves are bigger, and I've had to prune it a couple of times.



Strawberries!

Strawberries are probably my all-time favorite fruit.  What's not to like?  I'm not sure what variety these are, but they are probably an everbearing type since they started producing blooms and berries last month.  I purchased this hanging container of strawberry plants at my local home improvement store, and at the end of the season I can plant them in the ground and get more strawberries next year.

Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis Orchids, also called Moth Orchids or Phals, are the most tolerant orchid and also the most commonly avaliable for purchase.  Contrary to popular belief, these are quite easy to care for (I myself have six).  Don't be alarmed if it's dropping its flowers, especially in the summer-- as long as the leaves are glossy and dark green, the orchid is healthy.

Phalaenopsis orchids usually need to be watered about once a week.  Some people like to use the ice cube method, which is merely placing three ice cubes on top of the moss and letting it melt.  I have heard this works well for some people, but personally I prefer not to use this method.  Instead, I just give my orchids a quarter cup of water about every week and a half.  I also keep clear plastic liners underneath the saucers, which I sometimes fill with water to increase humidity.  Misting the roots occasionally is also a good idea.  The important thing is to avoid overwatering your orchids, as the roots like to have a lot of air.

Don't re-pot your orchid until after it is done blooming, as this may impair the bloom cycle.  Phals like a nice coarse potting mix, as this will help the roots get the air they need.  Phalanopsis orchids originate in Indonesia, where they grow on the sides of trees and get lots of air and moisture.  If your Phalaenopsis puts roots over the side of the pot, don't cut them off-- this is just the plant's way of getting more air.

If you find you need to trim your orchid, use extreme care.  Use clean tools and make sure you wash your hands.  Orchids are very susceptible to disease, so use sterilized shears or scissors, wear sterile gloves, and be careful what you cut.  If you are worried about disease, you can put a little cinnamon on a freshly made cut to help keep the plant healthy.  Refer to a professional if you have further concerns with the care of your plant.

Overall, following these steps will help keep your orchid looking beautiful for months!

 Above: four Phalaenopsis orchids in good health.  The one on the far right has dropped all of its flowers and is ready to be re-potted.  The leaves are in good condition, so it will re-bloom in the fall.


A useful link for Phalaenopsis Orchid care:
http://www.repotme.com/orchid-care/Phalaenopsis-Care.html

Holding hands.

When we took out the frame this morning, the bees didn't want to let go of each other.  It was kind of cute.

a conversation with God

I grew up in a Christian home, but I was coming back to my faith from agnosticism at the time this conversation happened.

me:  ...I just want to be in a relationship and have my love actually be returned, you know?

God:  Yeah. I totally know.

me:  Hey, wait a minute there-- I was talking about having a boyfriend.

God:  I'm better than any boyfriend.  I made you.  I know you.  And it's Me that made you to crave love, the way you are right now.

me:  So basically You are telling me that You are everything I could possibly want?

God:  Yep.

me:  Well... I don't know.  I mean, do we actually have anything in common?  I have no idea how to even have a friendship, let alone a relationship, with someone I can't see and don't have anything in common with!  I mean, this music I'm listening to now.  Alternative rock.  Do you like this?  I never hear this in church.  Church music is boring!

God:  You are aware that I invented music, right?

me:  uh, yeah...

God:  You are made in MY image.  I made humanity to enjoy music.  I delight in My creation's joy in My gift.  I gave you the ability to make music.  If you are enjoying my gift, as long as it honors Me, it could pretty much be said that I enjoy all types of music.

me:  Whoa... okay then.  What about The Lord of the Rings?  What do you think of that?

God: Well, I made J.R.R. Tolkien.  And I gave him the talents he used to make The Lord of the Rings.  I made C.S. Lewis too, in case you were going to ask me about that.

me:  um yeah... I was.  So basically You're telling me that everything I'm interested in and enjoy... You made.

God:  (laughs) Yes.

me:  Stop laughing at me.  I guess I knew that, I guess I just hadn't thought about it in those terms before... that I can't help but have common interests with You because You made me, and everything I enjoy.  That I'm made in Your image and not the other way around. (pause) You're a lot more, a lot deeper than I realized, God.  You don't fit what I thought about You at all.

God:  That's because you were putting Me in a box.  I'm bigger than the box.

me:  Wow.  That's too deep for me.  I need to think about this some more.  Let's talk later.

God:  What's the problem?

me:  (pause) ...Ummmm... I guess I'm scared.

God:  I gave you courage.  Don't be scared of Me.  It's time to stop running.  It's time to get closer.  But I want you to come to Me.

me:  Okay.  I'll come back in a bit.  I just need to process this.

God:  I'll be here.  I am always here.


(a little while later)

me:  So basically, this 'made in Your image' thing would also mean that you have a sense of humor, right?  I mean, when something ironic happens to somebody, they say "God has a sense of humor," but what they really mean is "the gods are laughing at me."  But we wouldn't enjoy humorous things unless You did, right?  Because humor couldn't exist unless You knew what it was.

God: (laughs and smiles indulgently) That's right.

me:  Stop laughing at me.  This is so weird.

God: (laughs) But it's a good weird.

me:  Yeah, it's a good weird.


(a little while later)

me:  So God... if You're bigger than the box... and You want a relationship with me... then let me ask You a big question.

God:  Yes?

me:  What exactly do You want from me?  I mean... I have talents and gifts and stuff... like writing, art, discernment, stuff like that.  But what exactly am I supposed to be doing with them?  'Cuz I don't think I am doing it now.

God:  Well, you'd have to go deeper with Me to really understand the answer.  But I want you to use those talents to tell others what you've found out about Me tonight.

me:  To get You out of the box?

God:  Yes, that's partly it.  To show others that a relationship with Me is the only thing that will fulfill them in life.  There's a lot more, and I can only show you a glimpse right now.  But I will tell you, I promise, if you seek Me.

me:  Hmmm... okay.  Thanks.


(a little while later)

me:  God, does this relationship thing mean I have to stop being myself?  I mean, people say you have to lose yourself in God.  But I like me.  I don't want to unlearn what I learned without You.  I don't want to go back to being judgmental and holier-than-thou and boring and puritanical, because being that way sucks.

God:  You know perfectly well that Christianity isn't supposed to be like that.  Some Christians you've met might be, but not all of them are.  Anyway, you're just making excuses now.

me:  Yeah, I am.  You're right.  It's just that this is weird... and hard... and scary.

God:  Only because it's new.  Courage, dear.

me:  Did You make me the combative type so that I could handle this? (weak laugh)

God:  No, I made you the COURAGEOUS type so that you wouldn't be afraid to speak the truth.  I made it so that you would get used to dealing with unpleasant situations so that you wouldn't place the opinions of the world above My own.  Because you're going to speak for Me, dear heart, and it's not going to be an easy road.

me:  My mom would say that bluntness is not a virtue.

God:  Are you going to listen to what your mom says, or to Me?

me:  (taken aback)  Well... You, I guess.  That's a weird thing for God to say-- 'don't listen to your mom.'

God:  Only because you're using it as another excuse.  Back to the box again.

me:  Yes, yes, the box.

God:  Obey your parents.  Love your parents.  But your HIGHEST calling is to Me.

me:  Oh, yeah... I knew that.  I mean, it was there as head knowledge, but I'm not really sure I understood it before.

And God smiled.