I am one of those that snoops gently around in the bushes in the spring looking for those secret nests. But, I'm not usually very successful, so one of the things I love about fall and winter is finding those hidden nests that were so painstakingly made and camouflaged so well. I am always … Continue reading Hidden Nests
Category: General
Air Plant Terrarium
As I mentioned in a previous post (Blog-Themed Christmas), in addition to my gardening and bird feeding Christmas gifts, I also received a cute little Tillandsia air plant terrarium from my daughter. She went Christmas shopping for me at a very unique garden and gift shop, Alaplash in the North Center area of Chicago. Thank … Continue reading Air Plant Terrarium
Winter Visit to the Morton Arboretum
The other day, before the polar vortex descended into the Chicago area, Steve and I went out for a walk and lunch at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. The Arboretum is a real local treasure where we can always find something interesting every time we visit. Today we walked around one of the very … Continue reading Winter Visit to the Morton Arboretum
More Grocery Store Cheer
What to do when it is dreary, cold and snowy outside and no inspiration is to be found. Plus the roads are a mess, so it's hard to get anywhere. Time for Peggy to go back to Meijer's, pick up a few staples and see what's in the flower section. … Continue reading More Grocery Store Cheer
Sub Zero Window Art (It’s Cold Out There)
As the snow finally subsided, the temperatures dropped and the winds picked up. We went to sleep with temperatures already below zero and that was to be the high for the day. We were at -18 in the morning and it hasn't become much better. So of course I had to go out and try to … Continue reading Sub Zero Window Art (It’s Cold Out There)
Snow and More Snow
The last couple of weeks we have already had what feels like, and may turn out to actually be, a whole winter's worth of weather here in Chicago. The problem is, it's only early January. I grew up in the snow belt of Buffalo, so I should be used to this. But, over the last … Continue reading Snow and More Snow
ICYMI Top Posts of 2013
In case you missed it, these are the posts that got the most views in 2013. It's a Great Day to be Red! November 2013 Whoops-Giant Zucchini August 2013 Holes in the Mountain Ash September 2013 An Unwelcome Visitor October 2013 My New Rain Boots November 2013 Pelicans in Illinois September 2013 July Garden Photos … Continue reading ICYMI Top Posts of 2013
Blog-Themed Christmas
The gifts under the tree this year from my kids definitely had a outdoor theme to it. My daughter has been one of my first blog followers, and even a photo contributor to my site, but who knew my 17 yr old boys paid attention at all? (To be honest, I may have given the … Continue reading Blog-Themed Christmas
Happy New Year
As we celebrate the New Year, I wanted to take the time to thank everyone who has supported me over the past year as I started blogging here at Stephi Gardens. So, to my family and friends who gave me the confidence to start this adventure, to my early followers who have stuck with me and … Continue reading Happy New Year
Winter Birds
I showed you my mom Peggy's bird feeders in a recent post (Peggy's Feeders). A natural follow up is to show off some of the birds that visit her in Northern Michigan in the winter. Enjoy! Junco Blue Jay Mrs. Cardinal Mr. Goldfinch Tree Sparrow Black-capped Chickadee … Continue reading Winter Birds