The Hokey Pokey

I have some news to share, information that has been waiting for a long time, waiting for things to fall into place before the big reveal. In April I purchased a house in the Charlottsville, Virginia area, specifically Scottsville. A downsizing of property but an upgrade on a house. There will be photographs, stages of interior and exterior improvements, with nothing moving fast, but a steady uphill climb. 

This small house in Aldie has been my home for 44 years, which gives a person plenty of time to clutter up their space. Of my 400 garden books, I might be down to 200. There have been months of self-denial about most personal items, but that will have to change.

A big part of this equation was the connection (acting manager) at the art gallery in Occoquan, but the good news is simply a reduction in my space and a step down from management. There are numerous art galleries in Charlottsville, so the process has begun to jury into one of these.

The property is wide open for garden plans and time has been spent botanizing the area to see what grows naturally.  The pH is 5 to 6.5 and we have been taking dump truck loads of compost to help build vegetable gardens. And a hint to those of you that need compost - now is the time to let me know, we have lots!

I cry and laugh at the sign above the door to the equipment shed which simply reads "Rock Hell". Part of me is fine with the concept of acid loving natives that require very little top soil, but I'm sure the reality will be another story. The good news, there are naturally occurring natives like kalmia (mountain laurel), Rhexia virginica (Virginia Meadow Beauty), and Ilex verticillata (winterberry holly). In addition, the local bird calls have been amazing and the stars at night are mind blowing. 

It's a step back to how things used to be in this part of Loudoun County. We used to live in the "Boonies", and so it is again in this southern end of Charlottsville. 

In preparation for the move, I am also finishing up some medical stuff; there isn't an option to keep my current insurance. Three days ago I had cataract surgery and can now see for miles and miles. The experience was amazing, maybe more like a miracle actually!

The grandkids will be an hour away, close enough to visit during school activities. I will also be closer to some friends and a sister, which is all good for growing old.

My hopes are to post lots of photographs as I enter a phase with lots of challenges. Down the road a mile are 2 gardeners. I suspect they might be close to my age, (some may say old lady) and it's funny how a garden can date you, but I have every intention of knocking on their doors and introducing myself. If they are cantankerous women of the same age (ish), we will be the best of friends. 

Comments

[Joy Llewallyn]

How exciting! Be on the lookout for my exhusband. He now lives there, somewhere. One day I will get to Monticello!

[Christina Wren]

How wonderful Karen. I am so envious! Best of everything. Big hug.

[Sylvia Thomason]

To all the old ladies who age in the gardens of their dreams, a toast to rain, good soil and pollinators in abundance.
Karen, Charlottesville's gain, hope our paths cross once again in the near future.

[Cathy Blowerrs]

Sounds like a wonderful change is coming. I moved to be closer to my first grand daugher and also had cataract surgery which allowed me to ditch the glasses I had worn for 50 years! It was amazing! I'm a little envious of your garden plans, given I now live in a condo with only a small balcony. I have, however, become an avid indoor gardener where my monstera thrives under skylights. I am where I should be.

[Karen A Rexrode]

I'm happy you know where you should be. It's a struggle to figure that out. But you and your monstera, living the good life. Take care Cathy.

[Karen A Rexrode]

Thank-you all for your comments. I feel relieved to finally share what's been going on. Reach out to me if you are in the area, please.

[Jeanann]

So happy for you guys! There is nobody that deserves this more than you. I will be in touch about that topsoil/compost soon. Lots to catch up on! Enjoy your new home ❤️

[Karen A Rexrode]

Well, I can hardly wait to see you. I love your garden photos. It looks like heaven.

[India Mitchell]

Beautiful flowers!!!