While searching for the perfect tree to plant in our front yard, I asked the garden center owner, “When is the right time to plant a tree?”
July 14, 2011 Read more
plants
Planning a youth garden camp takes time, creativity and a lot of help! I have led this particular youth camp for several years now and strive to make each one hands-on, educational and fun.
June 21, 2011 Read more
Today we were out weeding…again. I explained to our two-year-old that if it has a flower it is NOT a weed, please do not pull it! I know some weeds, like dandelions, have flowers, but the weeds we were pulling today did not have flowers.
One of my oldest, dearest, childhood friends, Tina, married a farmer and is living the farm life in western Iowa. During our youth, she spent many hours on our farm.
June 7, 2011 Read more
As you may recall in March I started tomato seeds inside. I wanted to prove to myself that I could successfully start plants from seed. I often hear master gardeners talk about their seed starting success; I guess I wanted to be just like them. Ha!! To the fault of my busy schedule the little plants remained little plants and are not nearly as large as the ones I see at the garden centers. Today, I broke down and bought big tomato plants to replace my pathetic little ones I planted two weeks ago. I guess it’s my garden ego needing nurtured. A friend from Texas posted pictures of her freshly harvested tomatoes today. Although she is in zone nine and I am in zone six, I felt my competitive spirit stirring.
May 27, 2011 Read more
I just used my last garden onion and it’s March! I did a little dance and expressed gratitude to the onion for bringing flavor to our dinner. I have failed at winter preservation in the past. This year, I finally got it right. We have enjoyed onions all winter long without shopping the produce aisle at the grocery store.
Within three weeks, conditions will be favorable for planting potatoes and peas. But I know that my garden soil needs a little TLC before I start digging.
March 8, 2011 Read more
Have you ever gone to the paint store and tried to pick the perfect color? It's challenging to say the least! Our goal was to select yellow for the girl’s bedroom.
September 1, 2010 Read more
My dear friend informed me that one of the local nurseries was having a 70% off sale on all plants. I restated, “All plants…including trees and shrubs?” She confirmed. Forget the fact is was 98 degrees, we were going shopping. I love a bargain, especially on plants.