life in and around the garden
When the search began for a rain barrel for the the greenhouse, I knew I wanted something that added character to the garden. Finding this old copper washing machine tub at a friends antique shop was the perfect piece. I couldn’t carry it out the door fast enough. A recycled base of a fire pit made the perfect stand for my rain barrel.
Recycled material, beautiful copper, and a great watering source close at hand. Makes for the perfect garden addition.
I will be busy toasting seeds and cooking pumpkin this week.
Happy November!
Gathering all the saved seeds and storing them for next Spring.
Canning jars work great for keeping seeds save and dry.
Find a cool spot to place them until planting time.
Label and date so you use the oldest seeds first.
Sometimes I’m lazy about that part!
The warming sunshine called me into the garden today.
Cold and rain has kept me indoors and garden clean up has been on hold.
Today I spent time cleaning flower and vegetable beds.
I made myself a centerpiece to enjoy for a little tea break.
A pit stop before the compost pile.
To get your copy of Country Garden’s Magazine!
I produced this story, along with Kate Carter Frederick…how to make a very easy and functional garden apron.
Country Gardens is even giving away an apron!
And so much more.
In January, while the Minnesota soil is frozen and buried in several feet of snow;
my gardening soul dreams of these delicious tomatoes.
Dramatic? Maybe, but really, it’s not just the delicious tomatoes.
It’s the process.
The seeds carefully saved and sorted.
The kitchen garden plan carefully drawn out of paper.
The day I drive to Farmer’s Seed And Nursery to chat with the workers,
and purchase my potting ingredients.
When I gather seed trays and fill them, and place those first seeds,
the temperatures are usually well below zero here when these chores occur.
I long for warm sunshine, time in the garden, ‘bring on the sweat” I say.
The house quiet and sun bursting through my windows this morning, I gathered tomatoes.
Kitties weaved through my legs, and dew dropped in my eyes as I practically crawled into the plants to reach the ripe ones.
My arms are stained with tomato stem juices and it’s a fragrance not available at department stores.
I’m a gardener.
And today I’m going to eat tomatoes.
Picked peppers today and made relish.
Lovely to see the jars all lined up on the counter.
Tomorrow the Beet is on.
Put down your tools!
It’s the Waseca Garden Club Annual Garden Walk.
Today I am one of 7 gardens that you will be available to enjoy.
Of coarse I will report back the events of the afternoon!
Wish me luck!
down to earth digs 