The last time I was at my Mom's house, I came across these old gardening tools that had belonged to my grandmother. She had bought them with intentions of creating a flower garden, but it never came to pass. You see, I come from a family of botanically challenged folk. We like the beauty of plants and the idea of a garden, but we didn't inherit the quintessential green thumb.

However, several years ago I took it upon myself to immerse myself into the world of plants, flowers, and gardens. I read gardening books and interviewed accomplished gardeners including my mother-in-law. Through trial and error, I learned what worked well for me and my little flower bed. Now gardening is a pastime that, for me, relieves stress and yields joy. Another plus is that it burns a lot of calories.

Cheers to all,
Julie

Absolutely beautiful set. Great colors, the mixture of dirt is wonderful. FCMFotoguy · 2008-04-05: 20:14

Beautiful tools - love the colour japarker · 2008-04-05: 20:45

wow ... I am not alone as far as being botanically challenged.. I am glad you overcame that and I will too . love this beautiful set and your words :) ????? · 2008-04-05: 20:57

Great set! ccrowe13 · 2008-04-05: 21:25

very colorful shots. I like the fallen blossoms. CJLata · 2008-04-05: 23:55

love your narrative today! excellent photos as well. i think that you're doing your family proud by making your garden thrive! my fav is #4. great post jules ^_^ BreezyOnTheEyes · 2008-04-06: 01:52

great shots :-) ronin53 · 2008-04-06: 02:41

I definitely agree with you there, discovering my own (partially) green thumb this year. Those tools look a delight to use :) aurian · 2008-04-06: 05:07

very nice my friend ... vterezia · 2008-04-06: 10:59

Great colors, and great post! Makes me want to go plant something! ScubaLiz · 2008-04-06: 14:40

Oh, what a cute set of tools and cute pics too! They are so colorful. Glad you took the plunge to learn about gardening! Yes, it is a stress reliever! oldbabe · 2008-04-06: 19:03

Very nice set. Isn't gardening great? ncshutterbug · 2008-04-06: 19:12

You and the kids helped me plant my first flowers. :) I love the tools! mamacita · 2008-04-06: 20:06

beautiful colors and shots !!! ????? · 2008-04-06: 23:23

Wow! The colors! Again, such a great eye you have! LotoFoto · 2008-04-07: 00:34

Fabulous colour. As always you are just so creative! That cherry tree does create lovely bokeh :-) Anjie · 2008-04-07: 07:21

Yeah, these are really bright and colorful. Love the vintage tools! You'll have to share some of your tips with me...I have caught the gardening bug, too. :) PaperWings · 2008-04-07: 12:43

those look like fun tools to work with cause they're so colorful! ????? · 2008-04-07: 14:33

great shots. Oldbabe is giving me lessons. Queen911 · 2008-04-07: 19:24

Lovely set. It's so much fun to see and hear about everyone planning for SPRING! TheCrazyCroat · 2008-04-08: 21:35

fantastic. how bright and cheery :D ????? · 2008-04-08: 21:56

Gardening is like cooking and chemistry, mix it up and see what happens ! I love my garden it is a peaceful place ! cd catdad · 2009-07-12: 14:23

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