Purple Beautyberry Bush

A couple of weeks ago, I was at the Morton Arboretum for the Glass Pumpkin Patch. In the parking lot, right next to the car was the most gorgeous bushes with brilliant purple berries on it. Thankfully, the Arboretum does a great job in labeling everything, and I could find the tag telling me what … Continue reading Purple Beautyberry Bush

Brrr, it’s Cold

As expected, we sunk down below freezing Tuesday night. Glad I got the last of the vegetables harvested. Surprisingly, many of the garden plants actually looked pretty good in the morning, but we'll see after 2 days of below freezing temperatures overnight. I ended up leaving the single perfect rosebud on the plant. In the … Continue reading Brrr, it’s Cold

First Frost Warning is Coming Tonight!

I feel pretty lucky that we've squeaked out an extra week or so before the first hard frost has hit the Chicago area. NOAA has issued it's first freeze watch for the area for tonight, almost a week my after the average date for my area.  We might even get some flurries! Chicago is a … Continue reading First Frost Warning is Coming Tonight!

Visiting a Glass Pumpkin Patch

This week we visited the third annual Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. There are lots of artists, each with their own signature style.  Shannon Jane Morgan, who we had the chance to speak with at the First Pumpkin Patch, comes all the way from California to headline the event and … Continue reading Visiting a Glass Pumpkin Patch

An Unwelcome Visitor

While we were out there discussing the ideas for the new raised gardens yesterday, this is what we saw in the neighbor's backyard behind me...a very healthy coyote! And while I know coyotes can jump a fence, I hope it acts as a deterent to keep him from coming in my yard! The coyote population … Continue reading An Unwelcome Visitor

To Add More Gardens or Not???

I am really in need of a new area for vegetables. For years, I've struggled with too many plants in a too small of a place. But, I also don't have a good spot for adding more vegetable gardens, either due to too much shade or existing plants in the way. So I am contemplating … Continue reading To Add More Gardens or Not???

Travel Tips: Kiawah Island Dining

In a previous post, I talked about all the wonderful things to do on Kiawah Island.  This time, I'll talk about the dining options on the island and nearby.  While Kiawah does not have as many food options as other popular islands such as Hilton Head, it has a unique array of restaurants and cafes that … Continue reading Travel Tips: Kiawah Island Dining