Summer Dresses

Here are the matching mother-daughter dresses I made for my sister-in-law Ayme and niece Keaton! Hopefully they had a great time on their Mississippi River trip!

What to Get For The Zombie-Loving Gardener Who Has Everything

I have the greatest friends. Truly, truly, truly. Today is my birthday and I received a very unexpected gift from the incomparable Alysha & Cory. My very own, personal Garden Zombie. It's basically the zombie lover's answer to garden gnomes and gazing balls.





I've named him "Bill." Bill's purpose in the undead life is to counterbalance the scary people down the block who have a giant cross in their front yard. As long as I've got Bill watching over my marigolds and lilies, I have no doubt they'll flourish. He's f-ing *loaded* with organic matter, after all.

Next time you're in the neighborhood, c'mon over and say Hi to Bill!

The Garden In July

We just returned from a week-long trip to Minnesota where the weather was absolutely beautiful. Highs barely in the 80s, cool evenings - a dream! Now we've returned to the amazing humidity of North Carolina in July. Thankfully, we're in the midst of a rainy spell. At least the plants can enjoy it - and maybe they get a laugh out of my afro-like hair.



The lilies have begun to bloom! They make a lovely addition in July - thank you, previous house owners, for planting them!


Thank you for the cannas, too!


The "sink" flower garden - it's a jungle in there! We need to do something about the lamb's ears before they devour everything in their path.


Our hen has its first chick!


Marigolds are totally rockin'.


Butterfly bush in bloom.


The zinnias are unstoppable. To think I almost didn't buy them, and now they're easily my favorite flower (and most prolific AND longest lasting) of the summer.


The dahlias are making a triumphant comeback after being eaten by deer early in the season.


We had some unwelcome visitors while we were away - deer tracks right in the flower bed! Not uncommon, unfortunately. We might have to put some fencing back up as they're eating the tomatoes (something they didn't do last year) as well as the beans.


Carmen peppers (sweet peppers). Trying to let them go red on the vine.


Yep - I think the cucumber trellis was a good idea.


Cherokee purple heirloom tomato


Bring on the juliet tomatoes!! We just got a dehydrator, so my sundried tomato dream will now become a reality.


Our backyard is home to some amazing mushrooms. Check this guy out!

The Backwaits In Action!

Here are some shots from our recent performances at CCB Plaza and Mark & Sandi's wedding reception. Coming soon to the YouTubes! Cheers!!

CCB Plaza - with The Midnight Gladness band and The Dry Heathens!!
Thanks to Reese & Justin for the pics - you guys rock!









Mark & Sandi's Wedding
(I promise - we'll play "Cruel Summer" next time!)