The race is on! Every year, I start to start seedlings and buy plants from various plant sales and trips to the nursery in anticipation of finally reaching that magical "last frost date" when I can finally start planting. Until then, the seedlings grow in self watering containers to reduce my ability to let them dry out (See … Continue reading The Race is On!
Coffee Grounds-What to do With Them?
I was getting coffee and picking up my bakery bread order last weekend at the local coffee shop. Next to the register was this bag of coffee grounds, just inviting me to take it home for the garden. While we're not huge coffee drinkers, we drink enough that there are a few handfuls of grounds headed … Continue reading Coffee Grounds-What to do With Them?
Girl’s Weekend in Asheville, NC
I was recently lucky to travel to Asheville, NC with two wonderful girlfriends that I've known since elementary school. We saw the sites, ate great food and relaxed. Here's some of the things we did on this fabulous girl's weekend to this great city. Thursday Once we arrived, me coming from Greenville Spartanburg Airport and … Continue reading Girl’s Weekend in Asheville, NC
Visiting the Morton Arboretum Annual Plant Sale
For me, the yearly Morton Arboretum Arbor Day Plant Sale is like sending a kid into a candy store. So many wonderful plants to pick from, some special ones that can be pre-ordered by members, and others that everyone can just go and select. Many of my best plants have come from there. Back in early February, still in the … Continue reading Visiting the Morton Arboretum Annual Plant Sale
My New Raised Beds-Soil
As I wrote in yesterday's post (My New Raised Beds-Construction), our new raised beds were finished. Next up, filling them with the right mix of soil and compost. First though, we had to get the grass out and the existing soil turned over. I know our grass has quite a bit of thatch, so it … Continue reading My New Raised Beds-Soil
My New Raised Beds-Construction
It took a couple of weeks because of the weather and finding the time, but the new raised vegetable beds are finally finished! We had scoped out a site last fall that got a reasonable amount of sun and wouldn't interfere too much with existing beds, drainage, play space for the kids, etc. Getting full … Continue reading My New Raised Beds-Construction
Creeping Thyme Problems
When we first redid the landscape along the back of the house, we included a small stone walkway to get to the spigot. It was a full sun location, and needed to take some light foot traffic. We settled on Creeping Thyme. I thought it was no maintenance, but over the years it become more … Continue reading Creeping Thyme Problems
The Seedlings are in the House, Literally!
Just when we all thought we had turned the corner to spring, Mother Nature decided she doesn't want to let go of winter quite yet. Temperatures dropped down into the mid 20's and we got about 1.5 inches of snow, although it didn't really stick to any pavement type surfaces. Because of the freezing temperatures, … Continue reading The Seedlings are in the House, Literally!
Spring Sedums
This winter was a particularly harsh one, so as new growth is starting I'm excited to see what has survived. Over the last few years, I've planted a number of sedums in hot dry areas that other plants have not fared well in. I also have almost too many Sedum "Autumn Joy" around the yard. … Continue reading Spring Sedums
Starting My Seeds Indoors
This weekend I finally had time to get my seeds and seed starting materials out to get them started indoors. I usually try and plant vegetables like cucumbers and summer squash that I have trouble finding in stores, but I buy my tomatoes and pepper plants from a local nursery who has a great selection. … Continue reading Starting My Seeds Indoors