I grow lots of my seasonal herbs and veggies from seed, which means I always have too many seedlings for the area I've reserved for them. I give some away, but there always seem to be more -- and more -- and more than I plan for.
Instead of throwing the extras on the compost pile like any reasonable person, I try to squeeze them in here and there, putting them in pots, arranging them in
Notes from the Garden
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How to Make Fried Zucchini Cakes with Herbs
One of my success stories in the garden is definitely squash. When I manage to save my crop from the ravages of squash bugs, vine borers, and powdery mildew, I'm ready to celebrate. I fry the blossoms for an incredibly tasty appetizer and grate young, tender zucchini into cakes, cupcakes and wonderful fried patties that are a little like a crab cakes -- without the crab. That may sound bland,
Cleaning Flower Pots - and Decorating Them Too
I'm a big advocate of variety in plant pots. I've used ceramic mixing bowls (that I drilled holes in with a special drill bit -- a big thumbs up for Ms. Fixit), watering cans, bulk kitty litter containers, buckets, window boxes, bulk plastic plant pots tinted to look like terra cotta, actual terra cotta pots, wooden barrels, glass bottles.
Once, I even used a roasting pan. It might sound as
How to Make Sun Tea With Fresh Herbs (or tea bags)
I'm all for beverages that make themselves -- while I do something else. Sun tea is like that. It's also very nice to make something right in the garden. I used to have a neighbor who put a huge glass jar filled with fresh herbs for sun tea in her driveway -- that's where she had the best direct sunlight. It sat there during long summer afternoons. That evening her sun brewed tea would end up in
What is Borage and How Do You Grow It
Borage has been used for herbal healing since at least Roman times. Recently, you may have read about its effectiveness in treating the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It's an interesting herb with a lot going for it -- but there's some controversy associated with it too.
What is Borage?
Borage is most often sold as a concentrated oil to treat arthritis (and also as a source
The 5 senses of Summer
Every season is evocative in it's own right, I love to celebrate them all. Each has seasonal traditions, memories and always the potential for new ideas, enticing all five senses.
The color turquoise conveys, to me.........summer
A stunning chandelier in our Chicago shop
sounds.......
secrets
the pitched clank on the metal mast......whipping of the sails
the lapping of waves and distant sea gulls
My dear friend Marsha Engle, has been on a life changing journey, she is losing her hearing. What a devastating diagnosis in adulthood. Marsha, a local Geneva, Il. woman, whose hearing loss is nearly complete, remembers her favorite sounds. One can gauge this loss and appreciate our "gifts" with her newly published book. Stunning photography by Bill Huber.
smell........
For a client in a farm-like setting I installed a big square of lavender, a bit larger than a king sized sheet. In the summer sun she could and did dry her sheets on the lavender, sun baking the essential oils into the weave of fabric
Suntan lotion and the scent of salt
freshly laundered clothes
Heirloom plant; Nicotiana 'sylsvestris'. This old fashioned plant is pollinated by moths, not bees. By evening the evocative scent of jasmine fills the garden. Plant under a window
The Lily 'casa blanca', it too releases the scent of jasmine in the daylight hours.
freshly mown lawn......how about a patch of freshly mown chamomile lawn?
Antique or heirloom roses are the scent queens of the garden. Some varieties can be detected a half block away. (damask)
I am crazy for this line of candles we represent; NEST.......and the best is Bamboo
taste..........
Summer on a bun........fresh garden sliced tomatoes, just picked basil, real mozzarella........on a great bread, drizzled with virgin olive oil and sea salt
The grill, usually a man loves to take over, just fine with me!
here are two corn on the cob suggestions, keep husks intact
- sprinkle with chili powder (best you can find), sea salt and drizzle with lime when served
-spread the cob thickly with peanut butter, seal with husks, that is it, no butter, no salt.......great flavor (really!) and better for you, really! No surprise that children also love this!
A drink I have to come to love, compliments of my friend Eddie Ross.
Fresca soda, vodka and lime.....delish!
Just picked juicy cantaloupe with prosciutto...yum!
the winner of the peony giveaway is Mary Casey.........need your address Mary!
Have a splendid week!
debra
How to Make Dill Pickles from Scratch
It's easy to make dill pickles -- and it's fun too.
The dill in my garden is up to my knees and ready to harvest. Actually, I'm lucky it hasn't bolted. It's in dappled light by a ruined wooden post in the garden, so it's happy to list sideways in the breeze, leaning into the shade in a filigree of delicate leaves.
I use dill every year to make salads and pickles. It's also wonderful on
My Fathers
My first father impacted my early years and left a deep mark on who I am today. He left us when I was twelve and sister eight, in a skiing accident. He was 36. Lucky me! I had this amazing man in my formative years and I wanted to be just like him. I believe he is looking down with approval.
He brought to my life and being;
a deep love for animals
the importance of being kind
my adventurous side; when he took me to an air show at 10, I pronounced that I would be a skydiver when I grew up. He assured me I would like that, and I did. When he took me to a water park and told me to jump from the diving tower, I did. Going all the way to the top, (of course that is not what he meant) where only the older boys were, I jumped, no, I belly flopped but Dad was there, to grab me. Scold me? NO, i think that smile he was trying to hide meant something else
a love of sports
a fondness for grits and a love of the south, you see Dad was born in Kentucky, his family hailed from Mississippi. Legend has it they were plantation owners... not confirmed. His aunt, my great aunt Fairybelle, real name, epitomized "southern bell" and adored my father, I was mesmerized by her elegant style.
a deep love of traveling and wandering
creativity. He was always building things and I was the helper. Of course my favorite was our playhouse
a 'can do' spirit, despite the odds. And as a girl of the 60's, he said you can be anything you want when you grow up, a most unusual concept then. "If you want something badly enough, it's yours!"
my love of gardening. When he built two raised beds, gave one to each of us, and took us to the store to buy whatever seeds we wanted. Oh the element of surprise that summer brought to me!
embrace risk, take a chance
Dad was wise beyond his years and I loved him deeply
My second father came in my teen years and I was too cool for this man; he was too earnest in receiving our trust and love, too intellectual (nerd) for this Catholic school party girl. My friends and I made fun of his ways.
Then I grew up and this dear man, Bob, became my father, in the truest sense. He left us this past February, I believe he is looking down saying "Now, now my girls (he had sons) I love you with all my heart, all will be fine.......please take care of your Mom for me."
He brought to my life and being;
another intense love and respect for animals
a deep understanding of history. Bob was a WWII vet. His beloved family farm in Pennsylvania is still in the family and the deed was signed by William Penn.
never talk behind anyones back that cannot be there to defend themselves
choose kindness, always
never be timid in telling those around you how much you love them, appreciate them, thank them.....
commitments made are unbreakable, a person's honor is his being
what constitutes a true gentleman, a loving husband, father, and the pure measure of a good man
Bob was very wise in his years and I loved him deeply.
Today I choose to celebrate gratitude, lucky me, for I had TWO great Fathers in my life
Love to all on this special day,
Debra
Inspiration : 4th Of July decor!
4th of July is coming soon. The long weekend means having friends over, waiting for the parade and staying up night to watch the fireworks. The day is special and there are a lot of ideas and crafty stuff floating around. Hosting a picnic or a barbecue, having loved ones over, give them a surprise and do something special. There are lots of ideas here which are easy and fun!
The colors for the day are Blue and Red. Most of the ideas here are from Martha Stewart's. Check out some really cool holiday ideas at her site. The simple flags, buntings and paper lanterns are easy crafty for kids and you. Get into the spirit of the occasion and decorate the frills and flags.
Try out some of these craft ideas, make a little effort and you will love the compliments and admiration. Kids specially love holidays and crafts are a good way to keep them occupied. Build memories they will cherish forever!
The colors for the day are Blue and Red. Most of the ideas here are from Martha Stewart's. Check out some really cool holiday ideas at her site. The simple flags, buntings and paper lanterns are easy crafty for kids and you. Get into the spirit of the occasion and decorate the frills and flags.
Super cute red & blue garland for July 4th. Folded fans put up as bunting to ring in the festive air.
Such an inviting gazebo decorated for the July 4th celebration. Imagine spending summer afternoon here and then watching the fireworks at night. I love it!
Excited kids waiting for the Independence day celebration? Imagine how cool this would look! Picture your kids squealing with delight yet :)
Super easy and pretty stars fluttering in the wind. How cute is that! check out Martha Stewart for instructions.
Paper lanterns on a garland. Pretty decoration to hang over the garden for a festive look. Super darling!
Really darling holiday wreath. Fold lots of paper stars and pinning them together on a round base.
Yummy treats on a hot summer afternoon. Beautiful tricolor Popsicle for the special July 4th holiday.
Blue and red prevail!! The fans are functional as well as decorative. Try it as a fun party favor.
Another good idea for table setting. Recycle and reuse. Fold a pretty cap/crown and decorate with red and blue :-)
Fireworks in the night on 4th oh July is known. How about fireworks on the lunch table too! Pretty cool huh?
Table setting for the occasion. Simple stars theme with blue and red details. Super pretty 4th of July.
Easy peasy impressive centerpieces. Colored sand in wine glasses make super stylish votive holders. Love!
Drinks so inviting after a day out watching parade or spending time barbecuing outside. Love the sparkling colors!!
July 4th, beautiful picnic inspiration. Red, blue, and the beautiful setting. Awesome idea for day out.
Try out some of these craft ideas, make a little effort and you will love the compliments and admiration. Kids specially love holidays and crafts are a good way to keep them occupied. Build memories they will cherish forever!
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