Robin in Maple TreeMarch 23, 2011
I posted earlier about spotting the first robin of the season. For those who don't know, here in beautiful Ontario, Canada where we experience winter complete with cold temperatures, ice and snow the robins migrate to warmer locations for the winter. I can't say as I blame them which is one reason we have joined the snowbird crowd with our vacation home in
Finally the First Photogenic Robin of 2011
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Seeds and Plants - Which Should You Buy
One classic gardening dilemma involves the amount of time work and money involved in getting plant stock. I don't know about you, but I always want everything. If the big thing this year is fingerling eggplant, I'm there. If a chubby and adorable round zucchini is the cover model for a seed catalog, I'm checking my planting budget to work it in. If the local nursery has a big, healthy catnip
Winter is Hanging On
It is officially spring here but no one told Mother Nature. We still have snow on the ground, icicles hanging from the eves and despite the beautiful sunshine the temperatures remain quite cold. Winter is refusing to release it's chilly grip in our little corner of the world. I'm sitting here sipping a lovely cup of hot tea pondering whether to start a couple of trays of seeds today. My
Growing Herbs from Seed
I'm planting seeds this weekend -- corralling them from the garage, office drawers and the freezer. I'm watching the mail for a few new additions, too. It's sooo exciting!
If you're starting seeds this year, give them plenty of room to sprout. This is one of my many failings. I want lots of plants and always crowd my seeds, making it harder to transplant seedlings later. Don't make the
How to Start an Herb Garden - More Tips
If this is your first season growing herbs, learning how to start an herb garden is simple. You really just need three things: good light, soil that drains well and a reliable watering schedule.
If your yard or garden is a mess, or almost nonexistent, there are also some handy cheats.
Tips for Starting an Herb Garden
You can plant a raised bed to circumvent tough soil preparation work.
Starting an Herb Garden
My last post was getting long so this is a two parter. If you missed the previous information on starting an herb garden, you can find it here: Your First Herb Garden
When you install an herb garden in your landscape, these things are important:
If you're buying plants as opposed to seeds, larger is typically better. The one exception is if the roots are so crowded that they're dangling out
Your First Herb Garden
I planted my first herb garden (with mom's help) when the wooden rake handle was still taller than I was. My brother built a mock wishing well out of wood slats that year, and the base was recessed so we could plant annuals in the depression. My herbs would have worked great in that modified planter, but I could barely see over the top, so a slightly raised bed ended up being my first herb garden
The colors of England in Spring
How is Spring where you are? I am told that Chicago is going to be 70 this weekend! All the great sweaters (the British call them 'jumpers'....why?!) I bought on sale may have to wait.
Gatherings from a walk or small bloomers from your own garden make for charming arrangements. Bottles, big tin, fabric scrap, napkins, could all be lovely table setting for an informal gathering.
The smaller the container the better for the dainty flowers of spring. I do not have an image, as it was long long ago when i had a ladies lunch. At each place setting was an egg; top broken off and flowers as above with each egg bearing the guests name. The real trick was in getting them to stand up; good old plumbers putty, will not harm the table and a small piece holds it upright.
Talk about charming........even the woodland mushrooms are whimiscal
To achieve a natural look, dedicate a portion of your lawn and choose very early blooming species. Come fall, casually toss small handfuls of bulbs, plant where they lie. By the time you need to do the first mowing, the bulbs will be finished ready to sleep until next year.
Snowdrops. If you can find these bulbs, plant now for next spring.
Fritillaries' A magical bulb for light woodland settings. See the checkerboard pattern?
I need to become vegetarian
A walk through the residential area and what do i find? Yes.....more doors! All in brilliant colors. Could you ever be so brave? Personally loving it, well most, and if you have shutters bring the color thru-out the facade.
I instantly thought of the lovely Elizabeth at the Pretty Pink Tulips blog.
Named; Fairly Lynch....??
LOVE this color!
You know who i am thinking about.....I hear he is very nearby
Intense golden yellow lichen enlivens gray stone
Mosses and lichens have two requirements to thrive; a moist climate and good, clean air.
Hedgehogs, the quintessential spring animal of England
NOTE: I was excited to leave the distractions of home and work behind. One bit I was certain of was the ability to write more blog posts and visiting others. Best laid plans went awry; forgetting that a rural environment has sporadic internet capabilities.......oh well.....
Have a happy week!
Tonight I am treating my hosts to dinner and a concert in the 13th century Abbey; Bach chamber music on medieval instruments. Can't wait!
Debra
Bedroom for babies: Start designing for your little star!!
Babies are so special, designing their rooms is a delight and a lot of fun. Think of all the colors and themes and happy decor ideas, there are so many choices and something to suit your budget.
The room centers around the crib and should have comfortable furniture (when nursing and putting them to sleep), peaceful atmosphere as well as lot of sunlight. The colors can be bold with strong lines, or have a soothing dreamy look. Get inspired by these designs and find your perfect theme, make their room the most charming beautiful place for your little one.
The themes and designs here are just the few to help your imagination. Keep working on your personal favorite, it may be the colors or some painting that you like. There is no end to creativity, so get inspired.
The room centers around the crib and should have comfortable furniture (when nursing and putting them to sleep), peaceful atmosphere as well as lot of sunlight. The colors can be bold with strong lines, or have a soothing dreamy look. Get inspired by these designs and find your perfect theme, make their room the most charming beautiful place for your little one.
Lovely bedroom design for your baby,it is sunny, cheerful and fun! Love the colors here..Fab !
Beautiful retro design for your little one, the quirkiness, flowery settee and the adorable horse. I am smitten :)
Colors to brighten up your life! The design is so fun and stylish, very bright, just right to catch little one's eye. Orange is a beautiful color choice.
Stylish and elegant. A baby's room should be comfortable and welcoming. The color and design is unique and looks lovely with the dark wood crib.
This theme is such a stunner. The little detailing in accents and decoration is so thoughtful. Specially love the shells & fishes hanging on the window. My favourite theme for baby's room of the lot !!
Let your imagination take over. This design is so dreamy, the pastels and pink flamingos. A surprise theme but so stunning in execution. Love the pompom rug and toffee cushion too.
This is a theme for the cowboy fans !! Brilliant detailing and am surprised how good the blue and hide design look together. If you were looking for a west America theme, this is the perfect one :)
The themes and designs here are just the few to help your imagination. Keep working on your personal favorite, it may be the colors or some painting that you like. There is no end to creativity, so get inspired.
First Robin of 2011
Yesterday afternoon I spotted the first robin of the season! I quickly grabbed the camera just in time to see him take flight so didn't get a picture. This is a good sign that spring is almost here!
Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
Don't Just Plant a Garden -- Make a Memory
Your kids are watching where you spend your time, whether it looks that way or not. Between play dates and after school activities, teach them about working with their hands in the open air by showing them how to garden. Show them that food doesn't just magically appear in the grocery store.
In twenty years, what are they more likely to remember, an afternoon in front of a video screen -- or a
Home Remedies for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are nasty, and they seem to be everywhere. I've published some herbal spray solution recipes that will help discourage bedbugs from biting. There are also some maintenance solutions that will help control light infestations.
Bed Bugs Natural Remedies
A heavy infestation of bed bugs will almost always require chemical treatment, either with an over-the-counter pesticide spray or with
Unique Dresser & Chest of drawers designs !
Choosing the right furniture can be a great addition to any room. The aesthetics , design and storage space are key factors in finding the perfect dresser or chest of drawers for your room. Hallways can have additional storage by addition of a stylish chest of drawers.
An important factor when choosing the style and size is the space available, it can be narrow and tall or larger. Try to determine what you might be storing in it to select the right depth and height of drawers. There are many ways to design and decorate them, here are some of my best picks to inspire you !!
An important factor when choosing the style and size is the space available, it can be narrow and tall or larger. Try to determine what you might be storing in it to select the right depth and height of drawers. There are many ways to design and decorate them, here are some of my best picks to inspire you !!
I love how terrific the blue and straw look together. Absolutely perfect for a beach house, or add a beachy feel to your home. Specially like the cute bird figure.
Decoupage is a great way to reinvent vintage furniture. How lovely do these tables look together. Boho gypsy look for an interesting look. I am so taken by the colors here.
This dresser is so interesting, the beautiful slim drawers. The color is perfect for rustic cottage look. This is so vintage and pretty.
How about a makeover for your old dresser. Try this super cool design for your teens room, writing, stamps and hearts, vintage postcard theme for the traveler in you. My favourite makeover !!
This is such a classy design for any mid-century inspiration. The makeover is completed with many grains of wood laminate, an interesting way to upcycle old dresser. Such a delight !
Yet another easy design for your dresser. This is perfect for a kid's room, easy to do and lovely pop of color. This is a great way to redo in any color combination of your choice. My diy pick.
This dresser is such an exceptional design. Unique and strangely interesting. Not an easy makeover, but will surely be a conversation starter :-)
This is a vintage dresser which has been given a new look with lovely stenciled design. The knobs are such a beauty. The whole look is so stylish and modern.
A Minor Glitch in My Spring Garden Plans
I started using the square foot gardening method two houses ago when we lived in an urban setting. Out last house was on the edge of a small village where I had the largest square foot garden complete with greenhouse. This house is technically rural but the street is more like semi-rural. Since the house has not sold yet, I'm moving ahead with my plans to add at least one more large raised bed
Stopping by a Stone Angel
Submitted on a lazy Sunday afternoon, a few of my favorite gardening quotes. If you adjusted your clocks forward last night, enjoy the extra hours of sunshine. I know I will:
"Rosemary only grows where the mistress is master." -Anonymous
"Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years." - Anonymous
"Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration." - Lou
Tarragon Mustard Recipe
This simple tarragon mustard makes a tasty dipping sauce for shrimp or fresh vegetables. It also tastes good in chicken salad and potato salad. It's a delicious accompaniment to broiled, fatty fish like salmon too.
Tarragon Mustard Recipe
3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 Tsp. Red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. Finely chopped, fresh tarragon
3/4 C. Mayonnaise (low fat okay)
1/4 C Sour cream (fat free okay)
1/2
How to Make Tarragon Tea
Tarragon tea (French tarragon) is mild and can be relaxing and de-stressing after a difficult day. It can help you sleep. It can also relieve gas, indigestion and may help cure hiccups. It's easy to make, and if you keep a tarragon plant or two on your deck, in your garden or even indoors on a sunny windowsill, you'll have a regular supply of fresh leaves. Be sure to use tarragon fresh, once
Mustard Chicken Tarragon Recipe
The mustard and hint of sugar in this dish makes a tangy sauce that's a perfect foil for chicken breasts. This recipe is baked, so it's naturally low in calories too.
Mustard Chicken Tarragon Recipe
If you're tired of the same old chicken helper or shake and bake for dinner, this recipe will wake up your taste buds.
4 boneless chicken breasts (half breasts about 6 ounces each)
3 Tbs. Dijon
What's a Good Tarragon Substitute?
Dried tarragon doesn't have the flavor or medicinal punch of fresh, so it's always best to freeze fresh leaves at the end of summer. If you've run out of your hoarded stock of fresh frozen tarragon long about February, what should you do? If a favorite chicken or egg recipe calls for tarragon, there is a cheat that can get you through till your plants start sprouting in July.
No, don't try
Medicinal Uses for Tarragon
Tarragon is easy to grow in the garden and has a number of medical uses. The methyl chavicol (estragole) in tarragon doesn't agree with everyone, though, and you shouldn't use tarragon oil or tarragon aromatherapy if you're pregnant. Tarragon used in cooking or in a relaxing tea can promote a sense of wellbeing and help treat:
Stress
Anxiety
Hiccups
Gas
Shock
Indigestion
Loss of appetite
Tarragon
How to Grow Tarragon
Tarragon is one of a core group of go-to herbs that never lets me down. It has a unique flavor that's subtle but distinctive. With a faint hint of licorice -- less than fennel but more than basil -- it's refreshing without being overpowering. It keeps the same old fish, chicken and egg dishes from becoming too repetitive. It adds flavor notes to mustard, buttermilk, mayo and vinegar, so it can
Kid's bedroom wall designs !
I love the wonderful way wall designs can transform any room. It is an amazing effect and can uplift the whole look of the room. There are a lot of options available, choose from wallpaper, decals or if you like get inspired and create your own designs. Stencils and paint is all you might need, a lovely way to create your own pattern and use your creativity.
Here is a collection of designs for kids bedroom walls. The designs are fun and stylish and even with simple furniture the whole look is expensive and very beautiful. Girls and boys, get your kids a lovely bedroom, get inspired :)
Here is a collection of designs for kids bedroom walls. The designs are fun and stylish and even with simple furniture the whole look is expensive and very beautiful. Girls and boys, get your kids a lovely bedroom, get inspired :)
Love the Blue teddy bear, sailboat nautical theme. The design is cute and really soft and pretty.
Almost retro ! Hello Kitty in all the bright colors. Very girly beautiful theme for your darling !
An eccentric and adorable farm inspired wall design. Paint your own whimsical animals. Soo FUN !
Pale pink, pretty and stylish motifs of Hello Kitty. The color scheme is cool and dream like.
Beautiful blue with fun cartoons from 'Cars', love the contrast of striped and motifs. Very Unique.
Bring the outdoor indoor with this garden themed wall design. Red is so energetic and has a happy feel to it.
A beautiful shade of green for those who like unique and sober. Lovely contrast with oatmeal. The forever fav theme of balls for boys.
Barbie has such a fan following. Give your little one a beautiful surprise, lovely purple and pink combination is perfect for your doll.
Love the ingenious of this idea. It can be hand painted, and is fun and functional. I would love to try this for sure ! My fav :D
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