Laveda D. Rockford

This post is to say thank you for following me. It is the time of year that most gardeners are able to spend time in their gardens. Here are a few photos of the flowers that I planted the past couple of years. God bless and have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. Love always, Laveda D. Rockford  © 2025 Laveda D. Rockford 

  Beautiful Flowers I have not posted in a while. I had to take a break because of everything happening in the world. Terrible people with nothing more to do than cause turmoil. Not only that, but the weather also is causing strange things to happen, bigger than before, or maybe, I just have been noticing more lately. My heart cries for all who are going through tragedies and that is why I had to rest. Rest in the Lord. I spent time on myself, and He strengthened me. You know, He says that He will do that for all of us. All you have to do is ask. Lord Jesus, strengthen me. I have been designing my flower garden this year and started digging in the lovely Missouri soil. I would imagine that my neighbors thought I was crazy last year for planting a few shrubs in the middle of my yard, but it all takes time to dig a flower garden and at the end of last summer when I purchased the shrubs at a discount, they were placed where I thought they should go. However, every gardener knows...

  CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN BLOOM: The Fall Garden Daisy As you know I have been planting a new flower garden in my backyard. In the design I have incorporated perennials with spring, summer, and fall interest. Once it is in place, the maintenance should not be difficult. Anyway, that is the goal. Chrysanthemums are in bloom in my area and at the peak of their cycle. Whether pink, white, yellow, or brown, the chrysanthemum is the autumn flower power. It not only is pleasing to the eye, but it also welcomes the cool evening air as a best friend, not withering at the sudden cold evenings like some of the other flowers. It was built for these cool nights. I have not planted the Chrysanthemums yet, but hopefully soon. I was asked if I needed to take them inside over the winter, but from personal knowledge, I know that Chrysanthemums function as perennials in my area. I am still waiting on the fence to be built and hopefully soon. It will be a neat background for my design while protectin...

  AUTUMN PLANTING Last Wednesday was my birthday and I celebrated with my Mother and Aunt Bonnie by traveling to a few garden centers and purchasing plants to use in my garden design. Today was a very strenuous day. Wearing a straw hat while temperature soared into the lower 90’s, I continued the quest that I began in the early morning hours. It was nice this morning and made digging in the garden sweet. One thing that is funny about the past few days is the rain. We have not had much rain lately and I had been concerned about the toughness of the lawn where the garden would be. Well, God came through again. While riding home from Joplin on Wednesday, it started raining. We wanted to go through Nevada and pick up a tree that was purchased but we thought better of it. I did not want a muddy mess in the vehicle, so we settled down for the night listening to the rain and watched a movie.   It rained off and on for three days which made digging up the lawn a little easier....

  THE SWELTERING DAYS OF SUMMER In summer, wildflowers thrive, making swaths of color across undisturbed fields. Fields resting for future harvests.   The coneflower is blooming yet still cautious, its petals bending down, not reaching out into the summer heat.   When seasons change, there are always adjustments to be had. For some, the season causes dormancy and rest, while others find it exactly right for shining in the sun.   One thing that I can say for sure is that it is not the end of the world. Life goes on, seasons change, and some remain the same.   Thinking of the sweltering days of summer. © 2022 Laveda D. Rockford

  I thought it would be nice to show you a selection of flowers. From Tulips in spring to Almond blooms, this video is one that you do not want to miss. It will add a little relaxation to your day. I hope you have a wonderful week! God bless! Love always, Laveda D. Rockford © 2021 Laveda D. Rockford 

JUST A BUNCH OF ROSES | Laveda D. Rockford Our weather in southern Missouri has been quite cold for spring, but the last couple of days have been bright and beautiful. We finally reached eighty degrees and it has me looking through the flower garden for blooms. Not many have bloomed but some wildflowers in the field and a few daylilies. And that is not as lush as I would like it to be. But the dependable roses and their first set of flowers are always so cute and delicate. Here are a few photos of the pink roses, plentiful with the promise of more… I am looking forward to summer and more blooms to surprise you with. I hope to finish my painting soon and when I do, I will post a photo of it like I always do. God bless and have a blessed weekend. Love ya, Laveda D. Rockford © 2021 Laveda D. Rockford

  SPRING BLOSSOMS IN MISSOURI | LAVEDA D. ROCKFORD Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. Watching the landscape turn from winter drab to a light green that then refines into a darker green on forest trees and flower bed foliage is a delight. Then flower buds spring up and the anticipation waiting to see them bloom is always there for lovers of the blooming season. It makes a person realize that every winter finally blossoms into spring, bringing with it such happiness even if it is only to look at a favorite tulip. Look at this beautiful tulip that I planted around my Grandmothers iron swing.   There is such a thing as a Flowering Almond. It reaches up from the ground with fluffy little soft, pink flowers surrounding the branches. It is an old-fashioned type that is so special to many around here. It looks especially beautiful with the Redbud blooming in the background.   Here is a photo of the Bugleweed that is showing promise of a beautiful blooming ...

This is a collection of photos that I took in 2020. When I took these photos, they made me smile. With everything going on, good or bad, this might bring a little fresh air to your world. I know that it did for me just making the video.  May God bless each of you and lead each of you as the year progresses. © 2021 Laveda D. Rockford

Autumn is a beautiful time of the year. Not too hot, not too cold. Here are a few photos that I took today.  You can see how the wind moves the ornamental grass around. We are under a no burn order because of the wind.  But the beautiful scenery in these photos will explain why. Isn’t southern Missouri beautiful? I think so.  Autumn is the perfect time to begin a new project... more about that later. I hope that you enjoyed these photos. God bless and love ya! © 2020 Laveda D. Rockford

I spent the weekend in Texas to attend a graduation. The speeches were uplifting for those young people. Many will go on to further their education and all want to make a difference in the world. Education can come in many forms.  My thoughts at a time when unrest is still ravaging our streets in America is to hold onto hope. Hope in Jesus Christ will get you through this uncertain time.  It is a time of hope for these young people. Knowing that they achieved their diploma, and it wasn’t easy for any of them. As you know, COVID-19 was the silent enemy of these young seniors. Not a normal graduation to say the least. But it was beautiful and they will never forget the year that they graduated.  I pray that each of these young people have a bright future. May God bless you and be with you always.  Because I love flowers, here are a few more photos of the flowers at the farm. With love,  Laveda D. Rockford  © 2020 Laveda D. Rockford ...

Memorial Day was officially observed in 1868 on May 30th. It became a federal holiday in honor of military personnel who sacrificed it all for our freedoms. The holiday is now observed on the last Monday of May. Many people use this holiday to observe their loved ones who have gone on before them. In my case, we place flowers on the graves of our military relatives and loved ones. Here is a photo of the place where some of my loved ones rest. Memorial Day Weekend May 2020 Though many of our military personnel survived horrific situations, I still like to remember them on this solemn day and say thank you to all military personnel who are still protecting our freedoms. It's such an honor that you have loved us enough to serve.  God bless and have a safe Memorial Day! Love, Laveda D. Rockford Pink and White Columbine At the Farm May 2020 © 2020 Laveda D. Rockford

Church was canceled today so I want to share these beautiful photos with you. Flowers are blooming again around the farm and no matter what is going on in the world, I can search out these beauties and put a smile on my face knowing that God designed these beauties for our enjoyment. Take a look at these Dianthus. The pink and white are variegated ever so delicately, making it all the more delightful. Pink and White Variegated Dianthus Pink and White Variegated Dianthus Also, it makes me happy to see these strawberry blooms surrounded with strawberries in various stages of growth. I can't wait to taste these delicious strawberries in all kinds of dishes.  Strawberries I have more photos to share but I will save them for later. I hope these photos make you smile and bring a little cheer to your life.  God bless and be safe. Love, Laveda D. Rockford © 2020 Laveda D. Rockford

It has been a very stressful time for all of us. The Coronavirus, or COVID-19, caused many unforeseen problems in families and businesses throughout the world. We, as Americans, have always joined together to do what it takes to make sure America succeeds. We softened the curve by listening and heeding the professional advice from an outstanding medical team. Now, we need not lose heart while waiting out the procedures to reopen America completely. I would love to see what I remember as the normal again, but we still have the responsibility of caring for those who are more vulnerable. My heart and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones, lost jobs, or was financially affected by this terrible virus. I continue to pray for this economic challenge. That we can successfully overcome the trying times ahead. To lighten the mood, here are a few photos of the flowers blooming around the farm. I hope you enjoy them. God bless and be safe! With love, ...

Dianthus  The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1 We don’t know exactly when King David said this, but he was chosen as King at a very young age. He began this Psalm with these words. And this is how he ends this Psalm. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! – Psalm 27:13-14 Bugleweed King David, though chosen by God, was not immune to affliction. Because God had ordained him evil came against him, buffeting him continually. If he would have taken his eyes off the LORD, he would have lost heart. What does it mean to lose heart? For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. – Romans 10:10 King David was talki...