Gaga
Gaga's Garden New Toy
Gaga's Garden New Toy

I’ve been off the grid for a little bit while moving to Illinois. The new gardens in Illinois, on 3 acres, will involve heavy equipment and my beautiful new red gardening barn including a cupola that has a weather vane and a horse on buggy proudly perched atop. Now I know which way is east. After growing up one mile off the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan 38 miles north of Chicago I’ve never been able to discern directions away from the lake. My mother and others growing up around “the lake” used the phrase with those we had had about enough of  “you can walk east until your hat floats.” I’m sure you get the point.

Gaga's Garden Little Red Gardening Barn
Gaga's Garden Little Red Gardening Barn

Now if the weather vane suddenly begins to switch direction rapidly, if weather buffs are to be believed, that can be a sign of a tornado. If I see the weather vane going haywire with it’s little horse & buggy I can grab Izzy the cat & run for cover because the Illinois house has a basement instead of 36 windows like the Plano, Texas house. Now let’s talk about discoveries. This house was built by a home builder that put in beautiful original landscaping.

Hidden Garden Before Shot
Hidden Garden Before Shot

It has been buried and completely over grown. I was not sure what was under all the over growth. So I want to thank Margie Clayman of www.margieclayman.com who was a great encouragement when she said to me in an email regarding starting all new gardens “First, I’ll bet you are looking at your garden as a blank slate – people are used to seeing your gardens all beautiful and put together, but I’ll bet there are folks like me who are wondering how to create something like that. I could see you creating something like I’ve seen with crafting …”. So here is where we began, by uncovering buried gardens that were originally here. I started doing this myself but had to have assistance. I called Mr. Bob’s Landscaping, Effingham, Illinois. Bob Davis and his crew did an amazing job. I’ve included some before and after pictures so you can see what was underneath years of over growth. His contact information is Mrbob_1967@yahoo.com. Tel: 217-848-9763. This is just the beginning. I have plots outlined for new rose beds and I’ll write about it as I go. I would like to thank everyone for all of their encouragement during this time of transition especially my wonderful family.

Landscaped garden buried under years of overgrowth after shot
Landscaped garden buried under years of overgrowth after shot

24 thoughts on “Gaga’s Garden update from Illinois”

    1. Hi Margie,
      There it is! I missed it! Your comment was there all along! Thank-you so much for your wonderful unfailing support!
      Love,
      Gaga

    1. Hi Kathy,
      These are the best toys yet! And oh how Erik loves them! They also haul the boxes I haven’t unpacked out of my way 😉
      Love,
      Gaga

    1. Hi Susan,
      Thank-you so much! Is it ever an adventure! I hope I can just get through the boxes ever getting unpacked! I really appreciate all your support and RT’s on Twitter.
      Love,
      Gaga

  6. I had no idea you were moving! What a great place to spread your roots and love on the land. Will look forward to the transformation!

    Hugs

    Laura

    1. Hi Laura,
      It was kind of quick. Hope you and John will come visit us! Please tell John Michael would love to hear from him.
      Love,
      Gaga

  7. Hi Susan,

    I love your new barn and tractor. You are going to have so much fun with your 3 acres!

    1. Dearest John,
      I would love for you and your mother to come and visit us. Please tell her you have an open invitation!
      Love,
      Gaga

  8. I am amazed at the transformation…..and you are right…you’ve only just begun…. That reminds me of a song…….

    1. Hi Wanda,
      Isn’t that a Karen Carpenter song? I guess you will have to pull it up on You Tube, lol
      Love,
      Gaga

  9. It’s looking beautiful, Suzy! You have already done lots of work. I hope you love it there.

    1. Hi Linda,
      We still have so much to do. It is a little daunting but it takes time right?! I hope you and Mary Lou will put us on your circuit!
      Love,
      Gaga

  10. Well this is weird. I totally commented on this post but my comment isn’t here. I was absolutely delighted to see this!! It’s everything I was hoping you would do!

    Now hopefully this comment STICKS! 🙂

    ((big hugs))

  11. WOWOWOW! You are such a talented woman. I miss you so much. We are awfully close in terms of proximity….let’s get together soon! xxxxxxxooooooo

    1. Hi Donna,
      Can you believe it? It’s a work in progress. Richard is the true talent: carpenter, plumber, electrician, painter, etc! We still have lots to do but I intend to keep everyone in the loop. Hope you are doing well!
      Thanks for the talented part about me!
      Love,
      Gaga

    1. Dearest June,
      I thought you called me but I did not see a message. Going to Saint Louis Botanic Gardens today, would love to talk about it with you later.
      Love,
      Gaga

  13. Love and MISSSSS YOU!!!!! So glad you are happy and enjoying your HAPPY GOLDEN YEARS!!!! You deserve it my dear friend. Love your new ride..:)

    1. Hi Stacy,
      When are you going to visit even with your Southwest Airlines flight attendant girl friends for a girls retreat? All inclusive. We have a spa down the road. This is an all inclusive invite. Wine and roses included.
      Love,
      Gaga

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