Galvanized container filled with lettuce.

Ready, Set, Go!  The planting season is on us.  Well, the early planting season is beginning in my part of the world.  It is still way to early to plant things like tomatoes and peppers outside.  However, there are a number of early season crops to plant now. Some plants like the warming days with chilly nights.  We are still dropping into the lower 30’s with frost most nights.  SoRead More →

A wheelbarrow on pathway in the garden.

Have you been planning your flower and vegetable garden for the season?  There are still weeks left before the actual growing season begins for many of us.  However, there are plenty of chores that can be done now to begin to get your garden ready for planting.  Gardening really involves so many activities during the year.  Here are some of the things that you might want to do to getRead More →

Lilacs and grass

Do you want to have an awesome garden this year?  If your answer is yes than now is the time to start mentally planning for the garden season.  Although it’s too early to be working the soil, it’s not too early to plan.  So if you are relatively new to gardening, how do you go about planning for the gardening season?  You can plan your garden in three easy steps. Read More →

Daffodils in Bloom in the House

I don’t know if I have mentioned this before but I am a procrastinator with a capital P!!!!  How about you?  Do you struggle with this disease too?  If you can name it, I have put it off.  So today I’m confessing that I still have not planted those paperwhite bulbs that I told you about.  I am going to plant them now.  I know that they are ready andRead More →

What’s a gardener to do when it’s __________________ outside?  You fill in the blank…cold, wet, snowy, icy, windy, dark.  Take your pick of any of these adjectives.  This time of the year it is just too miserable to be outside working in our gardens.  As I sit in my house lamenting the fact that I am not able to get outside, I have been thinking about the indoor gardening activitiesRead More →

The weather in the Northwest has suddenly turned cool.  Thoughts of sweaters, blankets and fires are suddenly filling my mind.  I truly love the autumn season and look forward to the crispness in the air and the brightly colored leaves.  As we anticipate this new season we have much to look forward to.  However, before you plop down in front of that fire there are some annual chores that needRead More →

Herb Bouquet

I love flowers.  I often think that I should have been a florist.  You don’t have to be a “professional” however to enjoy and display the flowers and natural elements growing in your yard and garden.  Not only do I grow flowers for bouquets, I also use my herbs in those displays as well.  Oftentimes, I make an all herb bouquet to enjoy. I want to show you how easyRead More →

Market Tray

As the temperatures are heating up so is the abundance of produce from the garden.  How do we deal with the overflow of cucumbers, tomatoes and the never-ending zucchini?  I want to share a few suggestions with you for dealing with this feast of bounty that you are growing. As frustrating as it can seem I would say first and foremost… “Be Grateful”.  What a wonderful blessing your bounty is. Read More →

How to avoid ticks when hiking the hills.

You spent a relaxing day at the park, hiking the hills or working in your backyard only to find that you have become a tick feast.  Ticks are definitely not something that we want on ourselves, our kids or pets.  My husband and I have recreational property in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Washington and we are frequently exposed to these pesky creatures.  I want to share a few suggestionsRead More →

Herbs growing indoors in pots

One of my favorite early morning activities is to walk through my garden.  The plants are still moist from the night air and the fragrance floating on the breeze is heavenly.  As I walk past my herb bed I like to run my hands over the various plants to help release even more of those wonderful smells.  Herbs add so much value to your garden.  All sorts of bees andRead More →