Dogwood Trees

The first time I was introduced to a Dogwood Tree was in Georgia. It was Easter frame time, there was a Sponsored Drive through the towns to view the Azaleas and Dogwoods.
Dogwood Tree Story
The Dogwood Tree Blossom represents the Christ Jesus. See the Blooms, the center depicts the Crown of thorns worn. Indentations on the petals, corresponds the to nail pierced hands and feet. The brown around the petals- the blood stains.

It is also said that in the day of Christ the trees were like Large Oaks. Used to Make The crosses for Hanging, goblet for drinking Wine and many other things. After the Death of Christ,the Dogwood trees died. It wasn't til years later that the tree started to grow again and the flowers appeared. The dogwood trees have never since been able to be used for Crosses because the wood is not strong or large enough.

Dogwood come in White, Pink and Red colors . Here is some color and what is said about the Meaning of the Color.

The pink dogwood is said to be blushing for shame because of the cruel purpose which it served in the Crucifixion.
The weeping dogwood further symbolized the sorrow.
The red dogwood, called the Cherokee, bears the color to remind us of the blood shed by our Savior.

I am not sure about the truth of the Legend written. However is was used for Building thing during the time Christ walked the Earth. It can not be used today for that purpose. The trunks are not large enough.

When we moved into our home there was a Dogwood tree in the back yard. I was Thrilled to have one. It has survived a Hurricane , tornado and Strong lighten storms. Other trees have fallen, some big Oaks.
Our Dogwood tree. Blossom shown above from our tree.

Oh, That Lilac Smell!!

Since I was a small child the smell of lilac was one of my favorites. I remember going to my Grandma Graces' home and having that smell through out her yard and house. Grandpa usually Trim the Lilac trees, then brought them in the house. I can't remember how many she had. However the smell was wonderful!! As I Teenager we lived in Rochester New York. There was a park there called Highland park. It was Nicknamed Lilac Park due to the many Lilac trees. Just going to the park and getting a whiff of the Lilac was a joy. I planted a couple Dwarf Lilac Tree about two years ago. They bloom Spring through Summer. The smell is marvelous. I love having a cup of tea sitting by them. We so need to work on Smell-a-vision for blogs!! In the mean time here is some views to enjoy.
You can move your curser over the slide to see Label for each slide. You can also slow or pause them.

Preparing the Garden Bed.

One thing I have learn to do when starting a New Bed is, to invest in a good soil. Then the key is to put a type of lawn fabric down. Leave it down for one week. Watering the soil with a good fertilizer solution every day in the morning. Now the soil is prepared for Plants. You can leave the fabric in place, or remove it and use again. I found using this technique help cut down on the weeds and unwanted plants. The plants also had a good start. The soil was conditioned enough to work with. Pulling unwanted growth was easier, and I did not have to buy the costly Garden Soil.

I enjoy reading Lola's Victory Garden blog. Go Take A Look. Nice Photos and instructions.