The Edible Garden

The Edible Garden

What better way to top off a Summer salad then some pretty Pansy blossoms tossed in!
Pansies are edible–but only if purchased as an edible plant–or grown yourself in a chemical free garden like mine.
Or top a plate of cupcakes with a fresh little blossom!

Dining outdoors

Dining outdoors

A table tucked under the shade of the Pine trees for a light lunch.
Tablecloth from a canvas drop cloth and some garden flowers for a vintage blue Mason jar.
Just like it reads on the jar–perfect!

Pickling Factory

Pickling Factory

The Pickle Factory is in full production.
Old family recipes have been unearthed from boxes of treasured cookbooks. The house is filled with fragrance of vinegar, fresh dill, garlic and aromatic pickling spices.
Hot jars sit resting on any counter space still available, and I smile with every pop from the lids sealing as they cool.

Garden to table

Garden to table

Since starting the gardens, now nearly 6 years ago, each growing season has brought something new to the garden.
We need Rhubarb–was this Spring!

Now made into a delicious breakfast addition to my toast.  Rhubarb-Apple Butter!

How we built our little greenhouse!

 

Last years Christmas card included a image of our little greenhouse.

When it made it’s way to our friends Jason and Tamara, the idea started.

They are now building their very own greenhouse!

My husband has been doing phone carpentry coaching, and Jason has kept us updated with progress photos.

I thought is was time to dig back and uncover the making of the greenhouse.

A collection of old windows purchased at a farm auction served as the start of the greenhouse layout.
A collection of old windows purchased at a farm auction served as the start of the greenhouse layout.  I think they call this “farm fresh”

Walls are anchored by corner posts.  Set on a bed of sand and gravel.
Walls are anchored by corner posts. Set on a bed of sand and gravel, then concrete paver blocks.  
Each window was trimmed and fit into the openings.  Priming, chalking and painting was an ongoing job.
Each window was trimmed and fit into the openings. Priming, chalking and painting was an ongoing job.

Rafters in place, it's really taking shape now!
Rafters in place, it’s really taking shape now!

I know what your thinking–are those her garden beds?  Ignore that part.

Closing up all the walls, painting in progress!
Closing up all the walls, painting in progress!  Cedar trim for the front, back and dormers of the greenhouse.

Painting completed!  and it's place in the garden all ready!  A perfect spot to sit on a bright Fall day, and anticipate Spring plantings.
Painting completed! and it’s place in the garden all ready! A perfect spot to sit on a bright Fall day, and anticipate Spring plantings.
The greenhouse benches were added to house all the trays of seedlings come Spring.
The greenhouse benches were added to hold all the trays of seedlings come Spring.

Leftover patio blocks made a nice porch for the the greenhouse.

We are proud to say that nearly all of the greenhouse was built from recycled material.

Roofing materials, screws and paint were purchased.

I hope this inspires others!

If you have wished for a greenhouse, I wish one for you!

All the best garden friends,

Stacey