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My Summer Accomplishment

September 17, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner 3 Comments

my summer accomplishments

Today marks the first day of the last week of summer 2017. If I’m being honest, my summer accomplishment is pretty much singular. I did a handful of the things on my summer bucket list, which was a carryover from last summer’s bucket list. I had grilled lobster thanks to my sister-in-law. I read several books outside my normally preferred genres. John and I “sort of” hosted a porch party for the first Razorback home game. In other words, friends came, and we hung out on the porches for a while. And, I found the small church I plan to attend, but I haven’t yet.

So no, the church one doesn’t count.

My primary summer accomplishment involves my rose bushes. Do you remember my battle with the Japanese beetles? They attacked my roses in June a few weeks before I broke my wrist. You can read about the beetle infestation HERE or just take my word for it.

I didn’t think my roses would survive. Japanese beetles skeletonize leaves and ravage buds. It’s a sad, sad thing which made me feel personally responsible and unworthy of our small plot of earth.

A midsummer’s nightmare that happened in one day’s time.

Japanese beetles eating my roses

 

roses, japanese beetles

Anyway, by now you know the story of my broken wrist and surgery which snatched my best-laid plans and resulted in a less than stellar list of summer accomplishments.

BUT.

Those roses became my summer mission.

Immediately after my accident I couldn’t weed or plant or spend more than a few minutes outside, but I managed to check on my roses. I sprayed them twice more after the first infestation including the day before my surgery (using a product recommended by Westwood Gardens). I don’t take credit for anything other than paying attention and hobbling outside to mount a one-armed attack. These pests kept returning with reinforcements. Japanese beetles are a real problem, and yes, they may come back next year.

BUT.

roses

my summer accomplishments

I get my cast off in a few days, and my roses are thriving with lush new growth and healthy, happy buds. I think, in a way, these roses preserved my sanity and helped my wrist heal. During the blur of a broken summer, I’m calling this a win.

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]Detailing my summer accomplishments on the blog today. Hint: there aren’t many LOL #mygarden [/tweetthis]

Also, for those interested in my book writing endeavors, I completed the draft of Book Two during the summer. That’s something.

Musical Pairing:
Lynn Anderson, I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You A Rose Garden

 

Filed Under: Gardening, Nature & Seasons Tagged With: garden pests, Japanese beetles, knockout roses, summer gardening

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Comments

  1. creecy33bara Tate says

    September 17, 2017 at 8:45 am

    Your roses look great. So thankful they survived this crazy summer. AND, I am also thankful you survived this crazy summer. Can’t wait to read THE BOOK!!

    Reply
  2. marthajaneorlando says

    September 18, 2017 at 7:04 am

    Yes, it looks like you’ve won the war against those nasty beetles! The roses are amazing, Talya. And I’d say finishing a draft for book 2 is an amazing accomplishment.
    Blessings!

    Reply
  3. Colene says

    September 18, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    Talya, you accomplish more in a day than many (including myself) do in a month. Your accomplishments and your attitude are commendable and your roses are gorgeous. A win, indeed!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

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