Thanksgiving 2020, Covid Style

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it's not going to be what any of us imagined. But that's ok and what we need to do right now. We'll make it up for it next year! To be honest though, for a variety of reasons our Thanksgivings have always been small, ranging from 3-9 people … Continue reading Thanksgiving 2020, Covid Style

I Love Raspberry Season! (and yes, you need to prune them)

About five years ago, I planted two varieties of raspberries, Heritage and Caroline, both everbearing types from Burpee. (My Raspberry and Strawberry Plants are Here!) Not knowing how they spread, I now have some combo of them both, or even possibly just one that was hardier. Who knows? In any case, they have finally matured … Continue reading I Love Raspberry Season! (and yes, you need to prune them)

Spring 2020: Garden Roundup-Veggies

I've had a lot of time during this pandemic to plan and tend to this year's garden. I can't say I've minded this part, I've actually really enjoyed the time to get back to basics in the garden. Like usual, I started a number of vegetables in the house from seeds and shopped for the … Continue reading Spring 2020: Garden Roundup-Veggies

It’s Going to Be Cold Tonight!

May freeze warning, what to do?? It's almost Mother's Day and if you're somewhere in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic or Northeast, you're in for an unpleasant weather event the next couple of days. Brrr. Have we not dealt with enough this spring? Hopefully, you've learned from past mistakes and haven't planted those wonderful tender annuals and … Continue reading It’s Going to Be Cold Tonight!

Sprouts!!

When I was a teenager, growing sprouts was all the rage. Then came an e. coli problem and they went away. My mom mentioned to me a few weeks back that she was growing sprouts (mostly for her chickens but that's another story). I was a bit concerned based on my memories, but soon realized … Continue reading Sprouts!!

Milkweed for the Monarchs

In my last post, "Poster Child of Pollinators: Monarch Butterflies" I introduced you to the beautiful monarch butterflies that are a vital part of the ecosystem. They are necessary for the reproduction of almost all flowering plants and for the pollination of about one-third of our food plants. But pollinators, including monarchs, are also in danger … Continue reading Milkweed for the Monarchs

Poster Child of Pollinators: Monarch Butterflies

From the time I started this post to finally getting back to finish it, a lot has happened. Who would have imagined where we are today, outside of a fictional story. I hope this post is finding you safe and well in this time of uncharted territory. We are doing ok. As are many families, … Continue reading Poster Child of Pollinators: Monarch Butterflies

23rd Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

It’s that time of year again! The 23rd Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is this weekend, Friday, February 14, through Monday, February 19, 2020. During this weekend, volunteers from around the world count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes, on one or more days of the count and then enter their checklists … Continue reading 23rd Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

Rear Garden Refresh

Along the back fence line we had three big spruces that afforded us privacy from the rear neighbors. But age, disease, weather and water were not their friend. After one fell down and the second came perilously close to falling down, we ended taking them out April. My previous posts, "Another Tree Toppled" and "Spruce … Continue reading Rear Garden Refresh

Happy New Year 2020: A Look Back To 2019

Happy New Year's from my house to yours! 2019 was in "interesting" year at my house. The Good It had lots of excitement, like being picked as one of Burpee Home Gardens 2019 Gardeners of the Year! I tried a bunch of new plants in the garden. We took some wonderful vacations. But, most exciting … Continue reading Happy New Year 2020: A Look Back To 2019