I’m so happy it’s March!! Though I celebrate the true start of spring come March 20th (the astronomical observation), at this point in the winter, I happily welcome meteorological spring today! Anything to keep my mind busy with until I can plunge my hands back into the soil. Until then, here’s a little March lore to kick off the month.
Read MoreI always loved birds, but I really only started truly watching and documenting them for the past 15 years. Over that time, I’ve been able to photograph 85 different species of birds right here on our property. But there was one bird that alluded me all these years…the Eastern Bluebird.
Read MoreRadishes have this stellar reputation of being one of the easiest veggies to grow, and they can be. But, they can also be a little bugger who never bulbs (overcrowding & weather are often factors). But I cannot fathom my garden without these cheery, cute orbs.
Read MoreWhile January seemed to take a year to get through, February is zipping past fast. A little too fast…as the season for seed starting is finally here and I probably should start washing all those seedling containers I promised myself I would wash last spring.
Read MoreThe most important piece of garden advice I can share in regard to growing peas is…grow them! Grow lots of them! Grow more than you think because suddenly you’ll find yourself eating them all right there in the garden. The probability of a pea harvest actually physically making it into the house is very low.
Read MoreHello February! This seemingly quiet month heralds the official start of seed sowing season here in zone 5b. In just a mere week, ‘tis the season to get sowin’! But until then, here’s a little lore and more to kick-off your February!
Read MoreWhy hello there! It’s me, your friendly ghosting gardener Allison. It’s been a while. I’ve missed you all and I’m looking forward to catching up. I hope you each have been well over this past year.
Read MoreBeckon birds, pollinators and all sorts of wondrous critters by creating your very own wildlife nook and watering hole. And right now is the perfect time to set up your space as the pollinators and wildlife begin to migrate back to your area. It’s easy to create and will provide endless enjoyment for both your wildlife pals and you!
Read MoreAdding a few trellises to my landscape, instantly transformed my garden from a veggie producing patch to a wondrous new world. Vertical gardening also allows me to produce a lot more vegetables, flowers, and herbs without having to add in more growing space.
Read MoreWondering how long your leftover seeds are good for? Save yourself the heartbreak of sowing your older seeds, only to wait for nothing to germinate. Break out that big ol’ basket of carry-over seeds and join me as we chat about seed viability rates.
Read MoreOver the past year, I made an effort to study and research more and more about how different cultures welcome the changing months and seasons, especially those which place Nature as their focus. So without any further ado, I happily kick off this new year, new month, with some of my favorite lore that celebrates everything January.
Read MoreWhat began on a whim one brisk February day, quickly became a most cherished activity that changed my year in all the best of ways.
Read MoreAside from resulting in healthier, more strapping plants, the milk jug method also saves you valuable growing room inside you house. It also saves you the electricity costs of needing lighting. It lets Nature take the wheel on the whole hardening off process, as well as there’s no transplant shock because the plants are acclimated to your weather and growing conditions.
In order to figure out when to begin to start your seeds, you’ll need to know your last frost date. In a nutshell, your last frost date is not a green light to go outside and plant your entire garden. All it simply is, is an estimated date that predicts the winding down of nighttime temperatures dipping below freezing level. And it is only an estimate.
Read MoreI changed my outlook and approach to these barren, frigid months. Rather than drudge through just waiting until I could finally sow that first seed, I now celebrate the slowness of the season, diving deep into the dream of what this season could bring. My favorite way to do this is in my garden planning.
Read MoreBefore we can dive into this kind of soul satisfying dreaming, we need to set the mood. I’m a huge believer in carving out a nook in your living space where you can bring together a cozy place to sit, a little table for tea (or drink of choice), a stack of gardening books/catalogs, blanket, journal, pencils, a houseplant and whatever other creature comfort you desire.
Read MoreI’ve written around five different versions of this post over the past two weeks, only to toss them all aside in favor for just sitting down here in my studio, with a good cup of tea, some quality tunes, lavender wafting through the air, and my pal Cobbs sleeping by my side…the setting is perfect for what my focus for 2022 will be…NOURISH.
Read MoreNothing brings me more joy than heading outside with an empty basket and coming back with a trove of Nature’s treasures, and come winter, that can be some slim pickings around here. That’s why I love making a big batch of this natural cleaner to ring in the new year.
Read MoreGrowing your own garlic spoils you. Once you’ve had your own garden fresh garlic, nothing store bought can ever compare. And then once you start growing it, each passing season you’ll feel the urge to plant more…and more…and more!
Read MoreLet’s talk last frost. In a nutshell, your last frost date is NOT a green light to go outside and plant your entire garden. All it simply is, is an estimated date that predicts the winding down of nighttime temperatures dipping below freezing level. And it is only an estimate. So that means that it can very well be extremely cold or even snow after that date (in fact, it snowed here as late as Mother’s Day last spring).
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