Whether you say crocuses or croci, they’re looking lovely in Chicagoland. They’re just plain cheerful. The beginning of our gardens! Today, I spent about five hours adding compost, outlining a new bed or two, and trying my hand at growing poppies again. I’ve not had any luck with poppy seeds. Fingers crossed this year. I [...]
This winter is so long and drawn out this year. Getting 6 inches of snow on Tuesday didn’t help. Luckily it is time for the Chicago flower and garden show! You’ve got until March 17th to go… go… go, you’ll be a happier individual for it. The streams, ponds, and beds of tulips were magical. [...]
Nothing can make the winter seem longer than sitting in my house, sick, achy, constantly blowing my nose, and slipping in and out of consciousness. Lucky for me, the Select seed catalog arrived. It’s perfect for looking at a few moments and laying aside. Perhaps that’s why I’ve got visions of meadows in my head [...]
My herbs are gigantic, so any idea I read or see concerning herbs sticks in my head. Latest and greatest is from 1,001 Ingenious Gardening Ideas, (page 204 if you’ve got the book). Harvest herbs of rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, and chive. Make sure all the herbs you harvest are between 5-8 inches in length. [...]
When people have shade in their yard, they either don’t realize that shade is less than 4 hours of sun, or they’re bummed. Consider it a blessing. When it’s mid summer and 90-something degrees, you’ll be lounging and happy. There are so many great ways to add color and unique foliage to a shade container. [...]
As the weather warms, I dream of being outside all the time. With a full sun yard, it’s a struggle to make a comfortable shaded seating area. This trellis and bench project from The Family Handyman offers hope. With a cost range $500 or below and “simple” rating, it looks like something I can tackle.
Oh my are the chickens everywhere in East Austin! I would wake up in the morning to their chuckles. It seems Austin has embraced the backyard chicken and celebrates it with the Funky Chicken Coop Tour in early April. The benefits of chickens: great addition to your garden ecosystem local protein no need to worry [...]
Christmas is just around the corner. Besides your tree and wreaths, you can add a little nature in your holiday spirit with bark, pine cones, and ornaments made of natural fibers.
These are so beautiful, I had to share. With instructions from Ordinary Life Magic, add these ice lanterns to your holiday decor! Collect bits of nature, freeze them in a container, add a smaller container to make the candle’s spot, and keep in the the cold out of doors. Would be a nice substitution for [...]
After clearing out much of my garden this weekend, I decided to get creative with the seed packet making.I had some old construction paper and stamps….voila….personalized singing dog and cat seed packets. Perfect for snapdragon, cosmos, globe amaranth, and zinnia seed!