So its late in the Summer at Paula’s house and I took a walk around the property this morning to see how things are growing.  First stop the catfish pond, which Oprah made famous when she went fishing there with Paula.  Early in May I went a bought Lotus and Water Hyacinth for the pond.  They have exploded in the pond and the fish have loved hiding under and feeding on them.  We also go a surprise from my purchase.  Some of the plants had koi fish eggs attached to them.  They hatched and we have six eight inch koi living in the pond now.  The other fish don’t seem to mind them.  I was also at battle with the ducks early spring because they were eating my plants in the pond but the plants are now growing faster than the ducks can eat.  I did have to take out the water lilies because they almost ate them to death. I place them in the Koi pond and they have made a come back.  I think the pond just looks stunning and all the animals seem to be happy!

Aunt Peggy’s cottage just got 2 new planters for Fall.  It’s a great pop of color on her porch and she will be thrilled on her next visit to see them.

Walking thru the Citrus garden all the trees are loaded with fruit.  We have Myer Lemons, Lime, Kumquats, Satsuma’s, and Grapefruit.  The limes make the best Gin and Tonics I must say! Paula makes a killer sugarfree lemonade with the lemons every year!! We also have tons of pears and figs in that garden.

The Herb garden is out of control! We have enough basil for all of Savannah. The smell is amazing when you walk by. I think we have six different types of basil growing in the garden.  My friend Nancy McCarley has been making me amazing pesto with some of the basil.  I love it on my sandwiches for lunch or on crackers with a glass of wine.

We got two new members of the family this week too. Meet the Golden Girls, two new golden chickens. These hens have really hit the jackpot at Paula’s hen house!! They have settled in just fine.

I also have to say thanks to Live Oak Orchids of Savannah Paula has the prettiest orchids in the state!! The smell of these is just killer.  Paula and I both adore orchids and keep our homes full of them.

So late summer at Paula Deen’s is not a bad place to be to me! Every morning I spend at least 20 minutes walking the grounds and enjoying all the beauty.  So take a little time to stop and smell the roses before winter hits.