tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305043662024-02-19T07:25:55.148-08:00Garden DogsStories of the trials, tribulations, and the joys of sharing a garden with two energetic Miniature Pinscher dogs.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-58219921082697508602016-01-23T18:52:00.000-08:002016-01-23T18:52:04.088-08:00Winter Tasks For The Lower-Maintenance Garden & Landscape<div class="MsoNormal">
One key part of growing and maintaining a lower maintenance
landscape is to focus on preventing problems the whole year round. Late January
into February is a key time for controlling weeds and pests like slugs, the
longer days and warming temperatures signal the pests to wake up and get busy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weeds:</b> In my own garden I have noticed some weeds starting
to flower – flowers now equal seeds later. I need to weed them out before they
spread all over. The key point here is I noticed them, it is important to get
outside in the winter and evaluate the situation.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tYeM4CdqZTTu79M4VmQ2KCehdHcqVAS6a2KQcSr7fEQWC0DHZ8wvhws9q1LZA_4MFnMv687jH1BhiQgySJj28ezkk215fqRiL6uaeFUGUJlwmL0Ra2w_JBgHgxVt1pmwTlTXzA/s1600/Bittercress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tYeM4CdqZTTu79M4VmQ2KCehdHcqVAS6a2KQcSr7fEQWC0DHZ8wvhws9q1LZA_4MFnMv687jH1BhiQgySJj28ezkk215fqRiL6uaeFUGUJlwmL0Ra2w_JBgHgxVt1pmwTlTXzA/s320/Bittercress.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bittercress and other weeds in the path of my blueberry patch. If I only have limited time to weed , I would concentrate on pulling the bittercress. Blooming or ready to set seed weeds should get immediate attention.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Slugs and snails:</b> If one is going to bait for slugs, now is
the time to start it. Over-wintering slugs and snails are waking up and getting
ready to start their new families, the more you can catch or kill with bait now
the fewer there will be to lay eggs; if you reduce the population now, you will
probably use less bait over the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Yellow jackets/hornets:</b> While hornets are great predators of
many garden pests (they will carry off and eat cabbage worms!) they have a
nasty sting if you disturb their nests (often in the ground). Setting out
baited traps in late January to catch the queens before a big nest is built, can
reduce the summer hornet population. Link: <a href="http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7450.html" target="_blank">Information on hornets on the University of California's IPM site</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOR00tQDJEM/VqQ7Rpp43mI/AAAAAAAABSs/y0yjexIryQM/s1600/Quince.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOR00tQDJEM/VqQ7Rpp43mI/AAAAAAAABSs/y0yjexIryQM/s320/Quince.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quince, summer 2015, in my "mini front yard orchard" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Diseases:</b> Cleaning up dead and damaged plant can help reduce
over-wintering diseases and other problems. In the organic garden it is really
important to keep things clean as there are limited organic chemicals to fix
problems once they start. I have cleaned up all of the fallen leaves in my mini
orchard and veggie gardens and will put down a fresh layer of clean mulch (bark
dust or commercially made compost) to hopefully bury/smother any over
wintering diseases.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Keep notes:</b> When you notice a pest emerging in the garden
make a note on next years calendar to remind you to check on it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq433o_5vYOVO0I4dA225LEpHkXWs2VypWercdX_Jrs_R-QbDymHXOkL-ODv1VRvUlzdWYcf1PI1OKcgYfcowCAykZCJxT28oLjE8kAcopmigv3h7eAKFdG2K-c7zcxScRN6szeA/s1600/Bobcat_Barberry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq433o_5vYOVO0I4dA225LEpHkXWs2VypWercdX_Jrs_R-QbDymHXOkL-ODv1VRvUlzdWYcf1PI1OKcgYfcowCAykZCJxT28oLjE8kAcopmigv3h7eAKFdG2K-c7zcxScRN6szeA/s320/Bobcat_Barberry.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While winter is a great time to catch up on napping on the sofa, time spent tending the garden in winter will allow more time for napping in the sun on the patio in summer! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My plan is to keep up on the little tasks so they don’t
become huge chores and spend my time enjoying my plants and flowers. Spending
10 minutes each day pulling a few little weeds and hand picking pests is
preferable to having to spend an entire weekend weeding. “A stitch in time saves nine!”</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-81231577574833255452014-09-20T09:58:00.000-07:002014-09-20T09:58:47.080-07:00Late Season Tomato Growing Tips<div class="MsoNormal">
This year has been awesome for tomato growing! Early warm
weather, late warm weather and limited rains have promoted huge fruit set and
very limited diseases in my garden - all of that is about to change. Heavy rain
is forecast for next week; in my garden it is officially time to move into fall
and winter gardening mode.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the past several weeks I have trimmed new growth,
removed small fruit, watered deeply once or twice a week, and watched for
diseases. This evening I plan to pick any cracked fruit to ripen inside, remove
all fruit that won’t mature before the first week in October. The night before
the heavy rain is forecast I’ll pick any fruit that has started to color to
ripen inside. How late I leave the plants in the garden will depend on the
weather and the health of the plants. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fXf5828u6deNAUGRU_8rA3yzZ-zZkbLCh_5w9Y72Awk5bP4X5EPAa-Gqe2VilDrF1niI5jFgAag6fbZEdgNqO8C1EBjIjxLW0g-RnYFusF0_zIggHtYqLgnGSpquc1J4xzY3wA/s1600/End_of_2012_Tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fXf5828u6deNAUGRU_8rA3yzZ-zZkbLCh_5w9Y72Awk5bP4X5EPAa-Gqe2VilDrF1niI5jFgAag6fbZEdgNqO8C1EBjIjxLW0g-RnYFusF0_zIggHtYqLgnGSpquc1J4xzY3wA/s1600/End_of_2012_Tomatoes.jpg" height="240" title="Green Tomatoes" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green tomatoes harvested from The Campbell Community Garden, October 11, 2012. At least 3/4 of these ripened in my garage. We were able to donate ripe tomatoes to the food pantry for Thanksgiving dinner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most years I have had excellent results with ripening green
tomatoes in my garage. Two years ago we picked six boxes of green tomatoes and
most all ripened (we had tomatoes for Thanksgiving!) Last year September was
wet and cool, disease set into the plants and nearly all of the tomatoes rotted
from blight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How I ripen tomatoes indoors:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Pick mature fruit (mature tomatoes have turned from deep
green to whitish and have well-formed seeds inside).</li>
<li>Near ripe tomatoes are spread out one tomato deep in card
bard boxes and left in my garage to finish up.</li>
<li>Green tomatoes are wrapped individually in newspaper and
layered tow or three deep in card board boxes; a couple of times a week I
inspect them and move riper tomatoes to the top of each box, any damaged fruit
is tossed.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighAT-pn_IxyDjPtPik19zcQRQvHXUPwEvqeHXiWSsrzWjq5-PV0boGcYXLpDizMVtl5jlTBq0Bs0oarkUHgxD3WWl0l_qAlpJhTa63x7X82jBXC6P1nFrI15nNRrZvkaZcQn6aA/s1600/Canned_toms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Gardensmith's homegrown canned tomatoes" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighAT-pn_IxyDjPtPik19zcQRQvHXUPwEvqeHXiWSsrzWjq5-PV0boGcYXLpDizMVtl5jlTBq0Bs0oarkUHgxD3WWl0l_qAlpJhTa63x7X82jBXC6P1nFrI15nNRrZvkaZcQn6aA/s1600/Canned_toms.jpg" height="240" title="Home canned tomatoes" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canned tomatoes: So far this year I have canned 46 pints of tomatoes...29 to go to meet my goal of 75 jars!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While it isn't completely over yet, I declare the 2014
tomato harvest a bountiful success!</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-59083868474382074412014-03-25T20:54:00.002-07:002014-03-25T20:54:56.637-07:00Planting PotatoesWhy grow potatoes?<br />
<ul>
<li>They are easy to grow, other than the first several weeks of growing, they don't need a thing other than watering until harvest time.</li>
<li>Fresh, good quality, affordable, organically grown potatoes at the grocery store can be hard to find. </li>
<li>Selection at the grocery store is often limited to the standard varieties, like russet, red, and Yukon gold.</li>
<li>Freshly dug potatoes have GREAT flavor!</li>
</ul>
<div>
Potatoes fit right into my garden plan of growing: what we like to eat, what is best grown organically, what may be hard to find in the store. This year we are growing Kenebec, French Fingerling, and German Butterball. We purchased the potatoes from <a href="http://concentratesnw.com/" target="_blank">Concentrates</a>; do not use regular grocery-store potatoes, they may have been treated with a chemical to keep them from sprouting. We have them planted in our home garden (in big tree pots) and in our community garden plot (in the ground).</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoLwlWu6LkPRzl815uxplaZXbknLtnxKI3iZGgiivprH5hBa-6LkX9lpYym2CbaD3AujpuM7Rd_WPM7HB88mVh52AN-hxuJpo3unihuuZYfKl_yqkx42AuWum-Dt2CL20Vc-wDA/s1600/Potatoes_cut_for_planting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoLwlWu6LkPRzl815uxplaZXbknLtnxKI3iZGgiivprH5hBa-6LkX9lpYym2CbaD3AujpuM7Rd_WPM7HB88mVh52AN-hxuJpo3unihuuZYfKl_yqkx42AuWum-Dt2CL20Vc-wDA/s1600/Potatoes_cut_for_planting.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">French Fingerling Potatoes, cut up for planting, we made sure each section had 2 or 3 growing eyes and left the cut pieces out to dry for a few days before planting.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Potatoes should be planted in early spring, a few weeks before the last frost. They are planted shallowly to start with and soil is mounded over them as they grow- this produces more potatoes than just planting and forgetting them. As the potato plants grow up through the soil cover the stems and lower leaves with soil eventually ending up with the soil around the plants "hilled up" a few inches higher than the surrounding ground.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtTkiaaIXcQa9wKpJca-VNAt0zKw2H3RhYoB-AGjbgbvzBgYZpRQK4JeL1vSVEqjONoHnE1uDHGetO41aM7M9x-77-T0P67mAmTnuPMBcjiqBUTWv8gIQP5jGGGtzjT7szhuiKg/s1600/Planted_potatoes_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtTkiaaIXcQa9wKpJca-VNAt0zKw2H3RhYoB-AGjbgbvzBgYZpRQK4JeL1vSVEqjONoHnE1uDHGetO41aM7M9x-77-T0P67mAmTnuPMBcjiqBUTWv8gIQP5jGGGtzjT7szhuiKg/s1600/Planted_potatoes_2014.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">We dug a deep hole in one of our community garden beds and covered the potato pieces with a few inches of soil, as they start to grow we will fill in with more soil, just keeping a few inches of green above ground.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Flowering potato plants signal that actual potatoes are forming. When the plants yellow and die back, that signals it's time to harvest.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjpgukOJHbafwJz6vg_RPQp-9153L_55SESjmQPXDvyGVk96ImrKC5QPTPRWq_CXs7mZ00H_GgW9Qk6kCgPI6wL3q8FN49s66KCisJ_HYeDJvP_OeM70tKBaqOk9KEW_tube2Fw/s1600/2013_Potato_Harvest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjpgukOJHbafwJz6vg_RPQp-9153L_55SESjmQPXDvyGVk96ImrKC5QPTPRWq_CXs7mZ00H_GgW9Qk6kCgPI6wL3q8FN49s66KCisJ_HYeDJvP_OeM70tKBaqOk9KEW_tube2Fw/s1600/2013_Potato_Harvest.JPG" height="189" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">These are the potatoes harvested from our community garden plot last fall. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Here is a video from Garden Time TV on how to plant potatoes:</div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RlaFMazgCfM?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-40012808585477925462013-09-08T08:39:00.001-07:002013-09-08T08:39:17.483-07:00Cool Season GardeningThe planting and harvesting doesn't take a break for winter in my gardens. Now is the time to really get serious about planting crops to harvest in fall, winter, and early spring. I have cabbage and Brussels sprouts planted in pots waiting for the summer crops to be pulled, and peas were planted in the space opened up after the garlic and shallot harvest. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIW7jAdVgwg75f2jiY0vBQTVM_vksPd6L27lYd7G0Cs2J2ARJ3gBATEOUOkY2zNg0bErfaS0YDPvW1HsuF_Ot6XIgUOveRKywE_Dut-Ax8Zm0LxJqmzwKuFIseKHuqXulxco3QvA/s1600/Broc_Feb_12_12_w.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIW7jAdVgwg75f2jiY0vBQTVM_vksPd6L27lYd7G0Cs2J2ARJ3gBATEOUOkY2zNg0bErfaS0YDPvW1HsuF_Ot6XIgUOveRKywE_Dut-Ax8Zm0LxJqmzwKuFIseKHuqXulxco3QvA/s320/Broc_Feb_12_12_w.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprouting broccoli, great because once you harvest the main head, little heads will sprout out below, plus the leaves are tasty too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the winter garden is not as productive as the summer garden, winter gardening has it's rewards, one of which is limited pressure from pests; other than slugs/snails, most pests slow way down or are gone during the winter.<br />
<br />
Success and harvest time of the winter garden depends on the weather; if your plants just seem to be sitting there doing nothing, don't worry, they are growing roots and getting ready to take off as soon as the weather warms just a little.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TEFU8bdxCUM/TTsp3N244SI/AAAAAAAABKY/u4BAngscxyg/s1600/Pea+Starts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TEFU8bdxCUM/TTsp3N244SI/AAAAAAAABKY/u4BAngscxyg/s320/Pea+Starts.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascadia peas, started in pots, waiting transplant. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This winter I will be growing garlic and shallots, peas, lettuce, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, herbs, beets, chard, leeks, radish, sprouting broccoli, and arugula. If the weather cooperates, I'll quite a harvest. If you want to start a winter garden, here are a few tips, with a list of links at the end of this post.<br />
<ul>
<li>Clean up summer debris, especially fall fruit and leaves of any diseased plants.</li>
<li>Add compost</li>
<li>Plant cool weather seeds-- radish, lettuce, arugula, beets, mustard greens; keep in mind that seeds may take longer to sprout in cool weather.</li>
<li>Plant cool weather transplants --Kale, cabbage, Chard, peas, etc.</li>
<li>Plant Garlic and shallots in mid to late October, they will be ready for harvest in July, so place them accordingly.</li>
<li>Control Slugs -- hand pick, beer traps, or iron phosphate bait.</li>
<li>Soil Test -- check pH yearly, do a complete soil test when building a new garden, or whenever things just are not growing well.</li>
<li>Mulch or cover crop all bare soil. Bare soil can be compacted or eroded by winter rains, and bare soil is the perfect place for weeds to grow.</li>
</ul>
<br />Clackamas County Mater Gardeners 10 minute University Handouts: <a href="http://www.cmastergardeners.org/10-Minute%20University/10minUhandouts.html">http://www.cmastergardeners.org/10-Minute%20University/10minUhandouts.html</a> <br />Building a cloche: <a href="http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/19908/ec1627-e.pdf">http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/19908/ec1627-e.pdf</a><br /> Oregon Tilth’s Toolshed: <a href="http://tilth.org/education-research/organic-education-center/the-toolshed">http://tilth.org/education-research/organic-education-center/the-toolshed</a> Links to factsheets, resources, and a good planting calendar for our area. <br />
<br /><br /><br /><br /> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-36494478010812787382013-08-14T14:00:00.000-07:002013-08-14T14:00:29.845-07:00Gardening into the futureMost all of my landscape design clients want sustainable or "green" features in their landscapes; native plants are often requested, as are water saving features. For the past 18 months, I've had the pleasure of working with a client who sees sustainability way beyond a few native plants and low water usage. <br />
<br />
The design process started right after she purchased the house. We evaluated the site to see what features we should keep and what features needed to be protected from the extensive remodel she was about to undertake. Plants to save or protected and materials for re-use were noted, and a master site plan for circulation and hardscape features was drafted. We planned out construction phases to work with the budget, remodeling schedule, and planting seasons.<br />
<br />
The first phase was transplanting plants, removing weeds and undesirable plants, rough grading of the site, and mud control.<br />
<br />
The second phase was installing raised beds for a spring vegetable garden.<br />
<br />
The third phase was installing the hardscape elements and planting key plants for privacy and screening.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQqDos6OJRk/UgvsxYwf25I/AAAAAAAABQU/tmU-3NUl0BQ/s1600/G_F_Patio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQqDos6OJRk/UgvsxYwf25I/AAAAAAAABQU/tmU-3NUl0BQ/s1600/G_F_Patio.JPG" height="225" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view from the front door and living room. The floor of the seating area is built of concrete slabs salvaged from the original front porch. Arbutus and Pacific Wax Myrtle were planted to eventually screen the view to and from the street. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The fourth phase was planting a few areas close to the house that could be used for summer entertaining and relaxing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo1OiTEzY7M/UgvqWoLvaLI/AAAAAAAABPo/gYqah-4qf_M/s1600/G_Solar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo1OiTEzY7M/UgvqWoLvaLI/AAAAAAAABPo/gYqah-4qf_M/s1600/G_Solar.JPG" height="194" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plants in this bed are visible from the kitchen and master bedroom. A crape myrtle was chosen to provide year round interest and some shade for the patio while not shading the solar panels on the roof.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yplinBP0pRo/UgvqWYgrIaI/AAAAAAAABP4/BonRQZAtVWU/s1600/G_Shade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yplinBP0pRo/UgvqWYgrIaI/AAAAAAAABP4/BonRQZAtVWU/s1600/G_Shade.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shady seating area was created under an existing Dawn Redwood. The rocks framing the area are from the original steps up from the patio. The fence is juniper, it will last for many, many years with no need for chemical preservatives.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The fifth phase will come this fall, it will include planting perennial plants and more small woody plants. An arbor and shed will be constructed as the budget allows.<br />
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-63468756659823362492013-06-16T19:47:00.001-07:002013-06-16T19:47:34.407-07:00Planting Tomatoes<br />
This year we are growing 9 tomato plants, 3 in our home garden and 6 in our plot at the <a href="http://www.campbellgarden.org/" target="_blank">Campbell Community Garden</a>. Two varieties that are new to us, Dejena Lee's Golden Girl, and San Marzano Redorta, plus our tried and true Better Boy, Sioux, and German Giant (which had huge fruit last year). The weather has been nearly perfect for getting an early start, some years I wait to get my warm weather plants into the ground until the end of June or even early July, but not this year; we planted the first week of June!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQ6VptfVkr9_PDygC1RAKxruS98JzENJIVbV32KZou-3ecQAz2f9J44AXqlfFpxcYSxe2w2BQMATdyd3oOK2jOR8qBmVmpDnoRb0TkDpZHfLGcZZTUQSBxAchMJzq4AZ23ZNsIA/s1600/Toms_June_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" cya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQ6VptfVkr9_PDygC1RAKxruS98JzENJIVbV32KZou-3ecQAz2f9J44AXqlfFpxcYSxe2w2BQMATdyd3oOK2jOR8qBmVmpDnoRb0TkDpZHfLGcZZTUQSBxAchMJzq4AZ23ZNsIA/s1600/Toms_June_2013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Sioux, German Giant, and Better Boy tomatoes; you can see the peas fenced off to protect them from the dogs in the background.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">As part of my community garden project, I've been working with </span><a href="http://www.strawbalefilms.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Straw Bale Films</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> to produce video segments on gardening. You can see my tomato planting technique and the tomatoes in my Community Garden plot below:</span></div>
<div align="left">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7nZ8crBULA0?rel=0" width="500"></iframe>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-92204711886733321022012-06-01T09:51:00.001-07:002012-06-01T09:51:35.905-07:00Spring Garden<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-9OfeutRQQ/T8jxyzZdMeI/AAAAAAAABNc/-e9OQbVoQvA/s1600/Berry_in_Spring_garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-9OfeutRQQ/T8jxyzZdMeI/AAAAAAAABNc/-e9OQbVoQvA/s400/Berry_in_Spring_garden.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Barberry amongst the Rave On Heuchera, White Peony, and Geranium Renardii</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While I have been focusing on the edible gardens, the ornamental beds have done quite nicely on their own! Although the damp spring and mild winter are perfect for the weeds, a little pulling every trip through the garden is making the upkeep manageable. The lawn, well that is a different story :)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-69929184271277081052012-05-28T22:07:00.000-07:002012-05-28T22:07:26.088-07:00Changing of the GardenBuilding a good garden takes several years. One must spend time amending the soil with compost and other goodies, adjusting PH, etc. Getting to know the micro climates of a site takes time as well. And the bank of dormant weed seeds (brought to life by tilling, fertilizing, and watering) need to be exhausted.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXHrNri6jXQtn8GHISfA2GFsDffdASyI7oeMTjC0i8AalTw0y2TE_o7PDR6qpqG71kX-NR2SvqwsKebOh4UrqjIu0EILAAJSTK7D1XF4JcYPqIHk1yLhGx44wOsZr4hsN5CLdiA/s1600/Dads_Raised_Bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXHrNri6jXQtn8GHISfA2GFsDffdASyI7oeMTjC0i8AalTw0y2TE_o7PDR6qpqG71kX-NR2SvqwsKebOh4UrqjIu0EILAAJSTK7D1XF4JcYPqIHk1yLhGx44wOsZr4hsN5CLdiA/s200/Dads_Raised_Bed.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">My Father's new garden bed,</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> he can sit in a chair</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">to water and pick strawberries</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I rented a 10 x 22 foot garden plot for my Father in the park across the street from his apartment for the past 5 years; over those years I built some great soil! My Father's health has deteriorated, and his ability to help in the garden has become very unreliable. Last year the Man of the House and I tended the garden while my Father recuperated from a neck fracture; this year we just don't have the time to drive across town to weed and water, but although I told my father many times that I'm not able to help as much as in years past, he would say "I can take care of it!" Well, two weeks ago he fell and broke his hip. He is recovering from a partial hip replacement and is doing much better, however I did the painful thing of telling him I gave up the big plot and moved him to a 3 foot by 6 foot raised planting box in the same garden...that hasn't gone over very well. He says there won't be enough room to grow his vegetables, but really all he eats are a few fresh tomatoes, sugar peas, and strawberries; most everything else I grew in his garden ended up on my table, in my freezer, or given to his neighbors. He (and his neighbors) won't do with out, because:</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
I spent the past year planning a NEW community garden, just over a block away from my house! The 11,000 square foot garden has space for 15+ blueberry bushes, a long row of rhubarb, and 4,000 square feet of planting beds divided up amongst 32 plots, plus room for a shed and work tables. My own plot is 10 x 21, and with it so close to home, I expect to double the yield of the "old" garden.<br />
<br />
Community gardening has taught me a lot, especially that the "community" part is almost better than the "gardening" part. I'm getting to know my neighbors, many of whom I have lived only a few blocks from for years but never met before starting this project; those strangers are becoming my friends.<br />
<br />
Sharing produce with my Fathers neighbors, influenced my decision to plan 4 of the plots in the new garden as donation beds, where the gardeners (my neighbors!) will work together to grow produce for our neighbors in need. Gardeners with a glut of stuff to harvest can donate produce from their individual plots as well.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCNgSaS1bqo/T8RYcOPUA2I/AAAAAAAABNQ/lcGu5l308rM/s1600/Under_Construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCNgSaS1bqo/T8RYcOPUA2I/AAAAAAAABNQ/lcGu5l308rM/s320/Under_Construction.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">Campbell Community Garden, under construction! We start planting on June 1st!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Getting this new garden into shape is going to be a lot of hard work, but it will be well worth it! Follow our progress here: <a href="http://www.campbellgarden.org/" target="_blank">http://www.campbellgarden.org/</a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-66883143765705899052012-03-11T14:03:00.003-07:002013-09-08T08:19:22.324-07:00Nip It In The Bud: early season slug & snail controlI try to avoid using pesticides in our garden, even organic pesticides (they are often chemicals after all). However when I decide that a problem warrants the use of a chemical control, I want it to be as effective as possible in the smallest dose. Using garden pesticides frugally is not only better for the environment, it is better for the pocketbook.<br />
<br />
The biggest pest in our garden is snails; I have been battling them for the twelve years I've tended my Milwaukie garden. I've learned to not be squeamish about squishing them with my garden shoes, and have worked to keep the ground around the more susceptible plants, like hosta, free of fallen leaves and other slug and snail hiding places. According to the University of California's Integrated Pest Management Online website: <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">"All land slugs and snails are hermaphrodites, so all have the potential to lay eggs. Adult brown garden snails lay an average of 80 spherical, pearly white eggs at a time into a hole in the soil. They can lay eggs up to 6 times a year, and it takes about 2 years for snails to mature." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdrtDdUkjLk/T10Ja6tIu6I/AAAAAAAABM8/G8WcRv96Ayw/s1600/Snail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdrtDdUkjLk/T10Ja6tIu6I/AAAAAAAABM8/G8WcRv96Ayw/s320/Snail.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yikes! That is why I need to use slug bait in addition to my squishing! The bait I prefer to use is one based on Iron Phosphate, it is reasonably safe for pets, and can be used in vegetable gardens. If you choose to use a <span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Metaldehyde based bait use extreme caution, it is poisonous to dogs and children; and baits containing <span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">carbaryl can kill earthworms and other beneficial organisms. Whatever bait you choose to use, read the package thoroughly and follow the directions! Proper timing of the application is important, baiting in the late winter and early spring will kill off a lot of slugs and snails before they have a chance to reproduce! I start spreading bait as soon as the first spring bulbs bloom and continue baiting every two weeks until late May; after that I only apply bait if I see fresh damage. Read more about slug control here:</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7427.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How to manage pests, Slugs and Snails</span></a></div>
</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-44535465892385755132012-02-15T14:27:00.000-08:002012-02-15T14:27:54.371-08:00The First Harvest of 2012!The winter garden is plugging along. In past years I covered our home veg beds with plastic, this kept them warmer but the poor air circulation contributed to disease problems, so this year I covered the beds with <a href="http://www.agribon.com/en/" target="_blank">Agribon row cover</a>. The Agribon allows light, water, and air to pass through, but protects the plants from wind and keeps them a few degrees warmer than if they were uncovered. This year has been a lot milder than the past few, so I can't make a real fair comparison to the performance of the plastic to Agribon, however, I do see a few advantages to the Agribon:<br />
<ul><li>Noise: the Agribon row cover is quiet in the wind. The plastic made a huge racket on windy nights, the neighbors never complained, but I did worry about keeping them awake.</li>
<li>Heat: I haven't had to open the fabric up on warm sunny days (or remember to re-cover them by nightfall)</li>
<li>Moisture: Although this winter has been pretty dry, the beds have done just fine on their own, not too wet and not too dry; just right. I did water them once last month with fish fertilizer.</li>
</ul> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Both the plastic and the Agribon have one other un-advertised benefit: they keep the dogs out! Last night the dogs were out in the garden when I went out to pick greens for the Man of the Houses Valentine's dinner, as soon as Barberry heard the metal mixing bowl hit the gravel by the beds, he was right by my side anticipating the first harvest of 2012!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GUxll6kL6hqoSFLxlFRf7z9KCiZ93tTSeskqLc54WAd2vmwd_MknRPHhjCpIIPaHUL5DqmIjdgw-eFG8I_d0GP9XZ4oIPdxr4q8pgzq5MPxz-jr24BLw0_9X_q_c6t8ONIutkg/s1600/Harvest_2_14_12w.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GUxll6kL6hqoSFLxlFRf7z9KCiZ93tTSeskqLc54WAd2vmwd_MknRPHhjCpIIPaHUL5DqmIjdgw-eFG8I_d0GP9XZ4oIPdxr4q8pgzq5MPxz-jr24BLw0_9X_q_c6t8ONIutkg/s320/Harvest_2_14_12w.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuscan Blue Rosemary, Giant Winter Spinach, Lacinato Kale<br />
and Bright Lights Chard</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I picked rosemary to add to whole wheat dried tomato bread, and greens to braise with Oregon Albacore Tuna. I'll pick the broccoli in a few days; it has decent sized center heads and lots of small side heads to pick later.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6D2e9fHa29u9uLrZY95xMCJbl8hKHqpvYWi29Xpy7DE6dw0a-HaK7gpJ8gNfDn1f-y8gTwDAgISkH7YjHlld03rWee5LcJ4PD7S-F9_cK7LDAQM7a0GX1N-eZcJWnOQAc1bIGg/s1600/Kale_Feb_12_12w.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6D2e9fHa29u9uLrZY95xMCJbl8hKHqpvYWi29Xpy7DE6dw0a-HaK7gpJ8gNfDn1f-y8gTwDAgISkH7YjHlld03rWee5LcJ4PD7S-F9_cK7LDAQM7a0GX1N-eZcJWnOQAc1bIGg/s320/Kale_Feb_12_12w.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Winter Spinach & Lacinato Kale</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIW7jAdVgwg75f2jiY0vBQTVM_vksPd6L27lYd7G0Cs2J2ARJ3gBATEOUOkY2zNg0bErfaS0YDPvW1HsuF_Ot6XIgUOveRKywE_Dut-Ax8Zm0LxJqmzwKuFIseKHuqXulxco3QvA/s1600/Broc_Feb_12_12_w.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIW7jAdVgwg75f2jiY0vBQTVM_vksPd6L27lYd7G0Cs2J2ARJ3gBATEOUOkY2zNg0bErfaS0YDPvW1HsuF_Ot6XIgUOveRKywE_Dut-Ax8Zm0LxJqmzwKuFIseKHuqXulxco3QvA/s320/Broc_Feb_12_12_w.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Broccoli, variety unknown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-84771627160139194192011-10-22T20:25:00.000-07:002011-10-22T20:25:32.682-07:00Tomatoes! Tomatoes! Tomatoes!The tomatoes just won't stop this year! In past years I have had to bring in the entire vines and hang them up in the garage to try to get them to all ripen, or loose them all to late blight like I did last year; but this year they are ripening enough outside that I can pick them when orange and they ripen fully within a few days on the counter. I'm picking them a little before ripe Since it has been raining a lot, I want to reduce the chance of the ripening fruit cracking and splitting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57xQ6JC6bY5z354zNcitKrpjO_d7ukF_Hg5JG3cuYDIrSIA3dpxYccOgo3BGXi8nzHzeuj8p0iSGGT2iuv33gS5xyReEURmZVkvMhvuT1EQO2kr0SExBdfQyTRVUzXgbjO5MGww/s1600/Canned_toms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57xQ6JC6bY5z354zNcitKrpjO_d7ukF_Hg5JG3cuYDIrSIA3dpxYccOgo3BGXi8nzHzeuj8p0iSGGT2iuv33gS5xyReEURmZVkvMhvuT1EQO2kr0SExBdfQyTRVUzXgbjO5MGww/s320/Canned_toms.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: small;"><strong>Pints of crushed tomatoes</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Although I have a lot of tomato preserving yet to do, I'm keeping up. One trick I've mastered over the years is to use multiple preserving techniques; if all I did with the tomatoes was can them, I'd be way past burned out by now! This year I have canned over 30 pints of crushed tomatoes, dried several bags worth in the dehydrator, and frozen many containers of oven roasted tomatoes.<br />
<br />
Oven Roasting tomatoes is very easy, and it concentrates the tomato flavor, making them seem somehow more tomatoey when pulled from the deep freeze in winter.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Oven Roasted Tomato Recipe/Technique</span></strong><br />
<br />
Tomatoes, washed, trimmed of any bad parts, and cut into halves or quarters depending on size.<br />
Olive oil<br />
Kosher Salt<br />
<br />
Coat a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil, arrange tomatoes skin-side down on sheet. Sprinkle with a small amount of Kosher salt (as the water from the tomatoes evaporates in the oven the salt will concentrate, so go easy on it), and drizzle with more olive oil.<br />
<br />
Place in a 300 degree oven for a few hours, until the tomatoes have shrunk and have a few brown/caramelized spots. Let cool and store in freezer containers.<br />
<br />
We use the roasted tomatoes for quick sauces, or toppings for fish. On busy nights I make a meal out of polenta (made in big batches and frozen), kale (blanched and frozen) sauteed with garlic, and the roasted tomatoes; all I need to do is to remember to pull them out of the freezer in time to defrost.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-athp4mqebMs/TqOH6DHFpRI/AAAAAAAABLw/WICH96q0p54/s1600/Roasted_Toms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-athp4mqebMs/TqOH6DHFpRI/AAAAAAAABLw/WICH96q0p54/s320/Roasted_Toms.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: small;">Roasted tomatoes, almost done, they need about another half hour in the oven.</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-70508885194872313802011-10-03T12:36:00.000-07:002011-10-03T12:36:43.960-07:002011 Vegetable Garden Review <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjkegFSFuAHBwl6DA8bVRiaflBjQzc-EtlfQB07Eq_QgEGbCVJKDhcqCZRx9-wFZgRGI1e-SU3pYIFbZBGmx6A5EQubbtjk3LrCTcR6Sazml8jNGLTTztUuJFnweGtIQljaNbbQ/s1600/May_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjkegFSFuAHBwl6DA8bVRiaflBjQzc-EtlfQB07Eq_QgEGbCVJKDhcqCZRx9-wFZgRGI1e-SU3pYIFbZBGmx6A5EQubbtjk3LrCTcR6Sazml8jNGLTTztUuJFnweGtIQljaNbbQ/s320/May_2011.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;">Onions, Garlic, Strawberries, Mustard Greens, Peas, Oregano, and Chives</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX_35Y4sfROYJW_Aud804SjepqSaHFqcBl-ff4XE2-MfL3uP_fOrvfqrTOEXDLlpWxZW6zUzF5LKEGF5qAc9ZVNUUfCKSI0ImBX9ffKaB13zqIVo1Hy8PgIHSj_GPWgIIAfvPKw/s1600/Leeks_Peas_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX_35Y4sfROYJW_Aud804SjepqSaHFqcBl-ff4XE2-MfL3uP_fOrvfqrTOEXDLlpWxZW6zUzF5LKEGF5qAc9ZVNUUfCKSI0ImBX9ffKaB13zqIVo1Hy8PgIHSj_GPWgIIAfvPKw/s200/Leeks_Peas_.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-size: small;">Lancelot Leek and Cascadia Peas</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At my father's community garden last fall I planted kale, garlic, onions and some assorted greens for growing though winter. The kale grew fabulously, we were able to freeze enough to get us through next spring, with more still to harvest. The onions and garlic didn't do so well, <a href="http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r584101211.html">they all got rust</a>, the onions bolted and flowered, and the garlic heads, while edible, were tiny (a huge pain to peel for cooking). In early spring we planted leeks for the first time, thankfully planting them away from the garlic and onions; they were worthwhile to grow, we used them though the summer for soups and sautes. The peas got off to a slow start, but they did very well in our agonizingly long cool spring; I did over-plant though...16 feet worth of row at the community garden and another 6 feet at home! We gave away a lot of peas to my fathers neighbors.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My father spent the spring and summer in and out of the hospital and nursing facilities; when he made his first hospital trip, the man of the house and I, had to make a tough decision...do we keep the community plot and drive all the way across town to tend it several times a week? Knowing that last year my father wasn't able to make it to the garden to water as often as it really needed it, we seriously considered giving up on it. But, in the end we decided that we had spent 4 years getting the garden just perfect, and we didn't want to miss out on all of the produce that garden gives us. We planted things that we thought could go without water for several days, and things that didn't loose quality if not picked daily (no beans, no cucumbers!). Thanks in part to the cool weather, the summer crops did great. We harvested a lot of tomatillos, RIPE tomatoes, and we expect to pick ripe watermelons in the next week or so. Keeping the plot going through he summer was worth the drive across town.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-qblI5n2dw/TooGKWcaijI/AAAAAAAABLU/eXgnu9hm7C8/s1600/Trellised_Wat_Mel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-qblI5n2dw/TooGKWcaijI/AAAAAAAABLU/eXgnu9hm7C8/s320/Trellised_Wat_Mel.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;">Beans and JB Watermelon growing on a trellis at home.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our home garden did great. The tomatoes did well, ripening just behind those in the community garden, as did the eggplants. We grew Romano beans and bush cucumbers, both prolific and healthy. The melons planted at home are a little smaller than those in the community garden, but we expect them to ripen soon. We also planted potatoes for the first time, they were a success.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Here is my list of the best growers/tasters this year:</strong></div> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9JH7wO39Js/TooGRxmOxxI/AAAAAAAABLc/QduNdrhZCn0/s1600/Earl_Faux_Tom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9JH7wO39Js/TooGRxmOxxI/AAAAAAAABLc/QduNdrhZCn0/s200/Earl_Faux_Tom.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;">Earl Faux</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tomatoes: Earls Faux (deep pink beefsteak, very meaty), Sioux (the first to ripen! Nice tangy taste), and Crnkovic Yugoslavian (Nice flavor, very prolific, and produced the biggest fruit of the year...1 3/4 pounds)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mellon: JB Watermelon, haven't tasted it yet, but it has lots of good-sized fruit.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Eggplant: Millionaire (very prolific, not bitter even when large) Fairy Tale (small lavender, very pretty and delicious).</div></div>Kale: Lacinato/Dinosaur/Tuscan Kale I just can't get enough of this green!<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now the last hard gardening task of the season will be to break the news to my Father that we won't have the big community plot next year. The garden has been a good pull to get him out of his apartment, so we will rent him a small 4 x 6 foot raised bed to plant and hope he will be well enough in the spring to make the walk there to tend it.</div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-60870291461576825932011-02-14T14:45:00.000-08:002011-02-14T14:45:25.968-08:00Happy Valentine's Day<span style="font-size: large;">"Roses are red,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Violets are blue;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But they don't get around</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Like the dandelions do"</span><br />
~Slim Acres<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7j97fZSTiR-lNgpNBanRqEKf4yG1hVlbTzwX7t6mdms65gKksA5qnKlcETQTr3XyVcZ3QWQm2DjApcjfkvPVeACF2NHYRGdxaGYFn3VOCm4DLn5vQE_QKbpkxhVvEvsgY07gAA/s1600/Copy+of+Dandelions+%2526+Clover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7j97fZSTiR-lNgpNBanRqEKf4yG1hVlbTzwX7t6mdms65gKksA5qnKlcETQTr3XyVcZ3QWQm2DjApcjfkvPVeACF2NHYRGdxaGYFn3VOCm4DLn5vQE_QKbpkxhVvEvsgY07gAA/s400/Copy+of+Dandelions+%2526+Clover.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: small;"><strong>A field of dandelions and clover...a honey bee's delight!</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-33372170715407090222011-01-22T19:00:00.000-08:002011-01-22T19:00:53.382-08:00Lesons Learned: The 2010 Gardening Year In Review<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtSx3xrwKrn36YKqCOWU8U2AFaSVlXuHZqTV0x1CW6cJpKqZ-NUZIafQT-VMX_8POojtbp1johze84Xpv5MPjUcGYYYb-Dt6bXFCxecuzJ-CHpiEykD_7jV0J6kNbOW_A5C_OwA/s1600/Pea+Starts.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtSx3xrwKrn36YKqCOWU8U2AFaSVlXuHZqTV0x1CW6cJpKqZ-NUZIafQT-VMX_8POojtbp1johze84Xpv5MPjUcGYYYb-Dt6bXFCxecuzJ-CHpiEykD_7jV0J6kNbOW_A5C_OwA/s200/Pea+Starts.png" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: small;">Pea Seedlings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm always learning and evolving as a gardener, and it seems like the garden improves every year as my knowledge expands. 2009 was such a great <a href="http://gardendogs.blogspot.com/2010/03/vegetable-garden-re-cap-0809-into-2010.html">year in my garden</a>; I had high hopes for 2010! Well, as they say "Don't count your chickens before they hatch!"</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Community Garden Plot at McCoy Park:</strong></div>The year started off pretty well, it was a wet spring, but we completed all of the soil prep in the fall, so we didn't need to wait for dry weather to plant. Most of the winter crops survived, the lacinato kale did especially well, and the garlic and onions survived the winter wet. I started peas in cell pack in late January, and planted them out in late February; they did great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TTspuCei19I/AAAAAAAABKU/rW9SsRH1AHw/s1600/3_5_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TTspuCei19I/AAAAAAAABKU/rW9SsRH1AHw/s320/3_5_10.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">March 5, 2010</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The weather never really warmed up...but in anticipation of summer like weather, I pulled out the kale to make room for tomatoes in late June. If I knew what the summer was going to be like, I would have left the kale in and not planted tomatoes!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNDm77f9kp-BTC_ZdI4bm-_rdTv0Poj_1DLwkJnDhwZBW8Jv0lHu0w6l2kXYcqLSFTtJl6cUpNDC1bMU_a7haMsfEfBA4qbJ3_ZV4x5aGRN9zaN-cxbSalZzJC7eUGUx_hEW4gw/s1600/Garden_5_16_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNDm77f9kp-BTC_ZdI4bm-_rdTv0Poj_1DLwkJnDhwZBW8Jv0lHu0w6l2kXYcqLSFTtJl6cUpNDC1bMU_a7haMsfEfBA4qbJ3_ZV4x5aGRN9zaN-cxbSalZzJC7eUGUx_hEW4gw/s320/Garden_5_16_10.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">May 16, 2010</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">By mid-September we still hadn't picked a ripe tomato, not even a cherry tomato. We picked a few eggplant, the beans were vining, but not flowering. The cucumbers were producing, but they were bitter. The only thing doing well was the tomatillos.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxZU8_PTqu94SrLFZ2xXpDDY656u4NFgjaAHUq164P-1yx5L7HQwO2dWYV5afOy_N7mGAIuS4XCfZRfLA5MO6jvWLvspJxe5Y2fve8Y2qBNBaypUpCE6qEdaQVpRk-0Pife83yg/s1600/August+28+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxZU8_PTqu94SrLFZ2xXpDDY656u4NFgjaAHUq164P-1yx5L7HQwO2dWYV5afOy_N7mGAIuS4XCfZRfLA5MO6jvWLvspJxe5Y2fve8Y2qBNBaypUpCE6qEdaQVpRk-0Pife83yg/s320/August+28+10.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">August 28, 2010</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At the end of September we began to get tomatoes! But it wasn't long before it became clear that we had a problem: <a href="http://ipmnet.org/plant-disease/disease.cfm?RecordID=1084"target="_blank">LATE BLIGHT</a>! I have never had trouble with tomato diseases; I'm pretty good about rotating crops, and keeping things clean; but the cool wet summer didn't give our tomato's a chance. We harvested enough to can about a dozen pints of crushed tomatoes, and roasted some in the oven for freezing; but I ended up having to toss most of the fruit as it rotted before ripening.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-eObixUJi4J27SIBlCdjVYLQKtFoNaPpLwIXtMEJnIXYEWl7ccQrWH5h88w0HBj6FdyVuGoKpTvUZ6Y3StxzuUXC83ZOam_4P_OGKC85s90sY40pOmdb6g3pOigJfGoWnX9SnA/s1600/Oct_20_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-eObixUJi4J27SIBlCdjVYLQKtFoNaPpLwIXtMEJnIXYEWl7ccQrWH5h88w0HBj6FdyVuGoKpTvUZ6Y3StxzuUXC83ZOam_4P_OGKC85s90sY40pOmdb6g3pOigJfGoWnX9SnA/s320/Oct_20_2010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">October 20, 2010</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Home Garden</strong></div>Our home vegetable beds are used year round; I cover them with plastic in the winter so we can grow lettuce and herbs despite the cold. One problem with our intensive gardening has been a build up of <a href="http://ipm.illinois.edu/diseases/series900/rpd942/index.html"target="_blank">gray- mold</a>; so we decided to start fresh with new soil in our raised beds. We moved all of the old soil out into a shrub bed where we wanted to amend the soil before planting olive trees.<br />
<br />
When it came time to buy new soil, I was busy and honestly a little lazy. Instead of buying the soil mix with the organic compost as I had originally planed, I bought soil from a place close to home. And when faced with the option of buying organic compost and regular top soil and mixing them together my self - verses buying a pre-mixed scoop of a soil blend with regular (not organic) compost, I whimped out and chose the mix. I knew better...I had a knot in my gut after buying it...but I filled the beds with it anyway.<br />
<br />
The veggies in the raised beds failed to thrive. At first I blamed it on the weather; but then it became clear: The compost in the mix was contaminated with <a href="http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/soilmgmt/Clopyralid.htm">clopyralid</a>, a broad leaf herbicide for lawns. Our entire home vegetable garden was a failure. (I will put up a post with more info next month)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U8_O_PbwS8bp8y_dFK3YVbQqRMKFn-bW4PnqAPojTNEa68g0RYNWsnQ6yuTttgTe8ChAUmKrRFJC4pt79eiOxvuZ6P4Cbsshd440FE1G2vcIrRWC9QpKY2MGgJ2lcPMtszn1bw/s1600/Distorted+bean+folliage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U8_O_PbwS8bp8y_dFK3YVbQqRMKFn-bW4PnqAPojTNEa68g0RYNWsnQ6yuTttgTe8ChAUmKrRFJC4pt79eiOxvuZ6P4Cbsshd440FE1G2vcIrRWC9QpKY2MGgJ2lcPMtszn1bw/s320/Distorted+bean+folliage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Distorted Bean Foliage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We did get a decent harvest of blueberries, they weren't as sweet as I'd like them, but we have a lot in the freezer to add to cereal and to make pies with. The new olive trees grew well; however we had a hard freeze just before thanksgiving that hit them hard...we will just have to wait to see what spring 2011 brings.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-82627606626891151762010-11-29T15:47:00.000-08:002010-11-29T15:47:03.220-08:00Hardware for Gardeners, on Cyber Monday!Today I got to have a cup of coffee with Jana of <a href="http://www.360yardware.com/">www.360yardware.com/</a> . I've talked with Jana on the phone and by email when preparing gate hardware specifications for clients gates, but before today I haven't gotten the chance to meet her in person. I probably took up too much of her time, but it was great to spend time talking with someone who is as passionate about good quality hardware as I am...yes, I'm a garden-nerd :) <br />
360 Yardware is an Internet based business specializing in high quality exterior hardware, from gate latches to house numbers and mailboxes. I am impressed by the quality and breadth of their selection; so much more than one can find in the garden center or big box hardware store. <br />
<br />
On their website it says: <em><strong>"The smallest little thing can make a huge difference in how your entry looks".</strong></em> I agree! A nice doorbell or door knocker, and house numbers can really transform ones entry. The details at the front door are things that guests to our homes will see up close and personal, while waiting to be greeted.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="140" src="http://www.shop.360yardware.com/images/NUMBLACKweb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-size: small;">I have my eyes on these </span></strong><a href="http://www.shop.360yardware.com/Bungalow-Style-House-Numbers-Letters-Satin-Black-8-0308BL.htm"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-size: small;">Satin Black Bungalow Style house numbers</span></strong></a><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-size: small;"> for my own entry!</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>While most of us don't have the budget to go top of the line for our entire landscaping/curb appeal projects, gate hardware is another place worthy of a splurge. If you have ever had a gate latch that sticks, or is locked by a padlock that takes two hands to open, you know how nice it <em>would</em> be to have a well made easy to open gate latch. 360 Yardware has latches, locks, and hinges for gates of all sizes; and they have the expertise to help pick out the best product for each situation. Check out their <a href="http://www.360yardware.com/gate_latches.htm" target="_blank">information tips on gate latches</a>. <br />
<br />
If you want to shop online (after all today is "Cyber Monday"), but also want to support a local (Portland) business, check out <a href="http://www.shop.360yardware.com/Sales-Closeouts_c77.htm" target="-blank">360 Yardware's specials!</a> They have some significant markdowns on some very nice hardware. It would be nice to put up some new house numbers when hanging a wreath on the front door. And while you may not be thinking much about gates in the winter...come spring an easy opening gate would be a very good thing!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-57216979752585787732010-11-20T12:36:00.000-08:002010-11-20T12:36:38.999-08:00RIP, our beloved Electric RangeRest in peace, our beloved Electric Range. Last night I did it in, I used up the last of our ranges life…I was making the final batch of tomatillo salsa from the end of the garden veggies to go along with butternut squash and black bean enchiladas. The stove top was down to just the two little burners. 10 years of canning tomatoes, making beer, and cooking huge pots of soups and sauces for the freezer had take their toll on the cheap rental house quality range our house came with. <br />
<br />
Our whole kitchen is in need of a re-do…we have vowed to not put any money into fixing it up until we are ready to do a serious remodel; convert to natural gas, and bump the wall of the kitchen and dining area out to make room for larger countertops and cupboards, and a more formal dining area. But now, the range has given out, I may need to spend some money so we can cook our families Thanksgiving dinner (only 5 days away!).<br />
<br />
The light in the oven still works…last night I dreamed about putting in a higher wattage bulb and finding an <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Bake-35230-Oven/dp/B001DI4VN0?ie=UTF8&tag=Thegarde-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Easy-Bake oven</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=Thegarde-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001DI4VN0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> recipe for turkey, but then I woke up. For the past several months I’ve kept my eyes open when driving around for a free sign on a range along the street, all I’ve seen are washers and dryers. Today I’ll need to start a serious search. I called the <a href="http://rebuildingcenter.org/">rebuilding center</a>, they don’t have any in stock; I’m searching Craig’s List, and will scout out used appliance shops…my budget is $50, I don’t care about looks, I’ll welcome any working range into my kitchen, avocado green, harvest gold, even pink is fine with me!<br />
<br />
I had to “bake” the enchiladas in the microwave; after resetting the circuit breaker twice all that would work was the light in the oven. But they still were pretty good, and the Tomatillo Salsa turned out great, done just before the range shut off for good. Tomatillos were the hit of this year dismal growing season. I made 3 or 4 big batches of salsa all tucked away in the freezer. Here is a rough recipe, adjust the ingredients to suit your taste:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><strong>Tomatillo Salsa</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(makes about 10 cups)</span><br />
<br />
2 yellow onion, coarsely chopped<br />
6 cloves garlic, peeled<br />
3 tablespoons vegetable oil<br />
<br />
1 gallon Tomatillos, husked, washed, cut in half<br />
3 dried Chile Pasilla-Ancho pods*<br />
3 or 4 roasted Jalapeno or Serrano peppers** (optional)<br />
2 teaspoon Kosher Salt<br />
<br />
1 bunch fresh Cilantro, big stems removed<br />
<br />
Toast the chile pods in a large pot, for a minute or two until softened, de-seed and de-stem the chiles and set aside.<br />
<br />
Sauté onions and garlic in the vegetable oil in the large pot until they begin to brown.<br />
Add tomatillos, chiles, salt, and roasted peppers to the pot. Cook over medium heat until the tomatillos are soft and juicy, about 25 minutes. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TOgvZmdEYAI/AAAAAAAABJ4/C7cFV5KRQ1c/s1600/Tomatillo+Salsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TOgvZmdEYAI/AAAAAAAABJ4/C7cFV5KRQ1c/s200/Tomatillo+Salsa.jpg" width="200" /></a>Puree the salsa with the cilantro in small batches in a blender. Return to pot and check seasoning. Add more salt if needed. The salsa should be tart, if it is too tart, add a teaspoon or two of brown sugar.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cool and store in the fridge for short term use; freezes well. This is a nice sauce for veggie enchiladas, grilled chicken, and a good dip for corn chips. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>*</strong>Chile Pasilla-Ancho pods are in the Hispanic foods section of big grocery stores.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>*</strong>Roasted Jalapeno or Serrano peppers: I often roast extra peppers when we have the charcoal grill fired up, and freeze them for use later. </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-48436080161645992352010-09-22T11:48:00.000-07:002010-09-22T12:02:48.075-07:00Farewell Summer 2010<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyF_LKZsSv27SfQRiS2OGhTcbZ2eHG8DOBQ0srVzGPFTpu6OoAihVjfnGMTVhvhcf9B7EMKDttaSTz531p4mOTgYBs9GkNakDyj2iwyA1N-9sSr1SIenpILTx1BZZQVmeFLnn4w/s1600/2010_Green_Toms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyF_LKZsSv27SfQRiS2OGhTcbZ2eHG8DOBQ0srVzGPFTpu6OoAihVjfnGMTVhvhcf9B7EMKDttaSTz531p4mOTgYBs9GkNakDyj2iwyA1N-9sSr1SIenpILTx1BZZQVmeFLnn4w/s400/2010_Green_Toms.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>2010, year of the Green Tomato</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Our Community Garden Plot, September 18th</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Summer, you are officially over at 8:09 this evening…it’s about time! Summer, you let me down, I know I usually complain about your hot spells, the seemingly endless hand watering needed to keep my potted gardens looking fresh, and our homes lack of AC. But record rain falls, record low high temperatures…Summer, this year, the only good to come from you was a bumper crop of snap peas! No thanks for the GREEN tomatoes.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPfROjdlFGAR_oK_CV-Y99td7bobAIkm_XvCEz_v1_T-hBi2bxo6fPHiIFf5DWCzb9ZlZduQ9fxtWNvzQAravLHAOiAdHPlDBoN7jndRzd_dQBpQS3o8JoOb3QllTrIO5fwCLdw/s1600/2010_CG_Harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPfROjdlFGAR_oK_CV-Y99td7bobAIkm_XvCEz_v1_T-hBi2bxo6fPHiIFf5DWCzb9ZlZduQ9fxtWNvzQAravLHAOiAdHPlDBoN7jndRzd_dQBpQS3o8JoOb3QllTrIO5fwCLdw/s320/2010_CG_Harvest.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>OK, I can't say only bad things about Summer, 2010...I have picked a few ripe-ish tomatoes, eggplant, our first handful of green beans, plus lots of cucumbers & tomatillos.</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-5132286578367529632010-09-18T11:38:00.000-07:002010-09-18T11:38:21.546-07:00Summer VacationBetween lots of rain and lots of work, it feels like we missed summer. It is September 17th and I have only picked a handful of ripe tomatoes...at least we finally got to take our summer vacation!<br />
<br />
The Man of the House managed to secure a three day weekend; we planned to go camping no mater the weather. The forecast started out for low 70's and showers, then it was bumped up to 80's and sun! It actually was upper 60's and dry the first night, but solid rain the second. Thankfully The man of the House has a thing for firewood...he kept us nice and warm.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TJUEklCV1aI/AAAAAAAABJU/qVquHtB4ClU/s1600/Assorted+duff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TJUEklCV1aI/AAAAAAAABJU/qVquHtB4ClU/s320/Assorted+duff.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;">The rain deposited a fresh layer of duff on the forest floor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our usual campsite was waiting for us and we had most of the campground to ourselves. We didn't see any deer this trip, but did see horses, bunnies, and chipmunks. Of course I took lots of dog photos... but I think I'll share a vintage camping photo instead:<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMnpNAm7Fpf5-qiwqRBDGQKL4J23FK9OJWrcpvfm45YhXE8PJz1KmJFhxt8z-R2-jFHmqyc6cF6HNHdIthCJEmhf6lJotTob7-mtWi45CP5EAVoHl-ZU2lEOmVtncM2aw6bg6yw/s1600/Grandpa+%26+Sarah+Camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMnpNAm7Fpf5-qiwqRBDGQKL4J23FK9OJWrcpvfm45YhXE8PJz1KmJFhxt8z-R2-jFHmqyc6cF6HNHdIthCJEmhf6lJotTob7-mtWi45CP5EAVoHl-ZU2lEOmVtncM2aw6bg6yw/s320/Grandpa+%26+Sarah+Camping.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Grandpa Storrs helping Sarah with the air mattress at Beverly Beach Campground...1980? </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Grandpa passed away a little over a week ago; he lived a great 95 years. Grandpa was a major fixture in my life. One of my fondest memories is of Grandpa, my sister and I, picking red huckleberries in Shelton and making them into a little pie...the pie wasn't especially good, but I remember the pride I felt having a Grandpa who would take us on a hike in the woods, find berries, and then help us make pies.<br />
<br />
The Man of the House and I didn't pick any berries on this camping trip...too wet to think about picking, but we did see some in the woods. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZBHsx2nHDusHu6kmNsYrvCWdOdUbCucF94JFd8n2l3HxyfxOoqqsK1VybNeTH6o6L4F1aC0l2pbC3sss_Qj0II-f5KeqJL7F1fpMrRldMMQTCECZxowXLW6gO6xlG72pYvWZUg/s1600/Oregon+Grape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZBHsx2nHDusHu6kmNsYrvCWdOdUbCucF94JFd8n2l3HxyfxOoqqsK1VybNeTH6o6L4F1aC0l2pbC3sss_Qj0II-f5KeqJL7F1fpMrRldMMQTCECZxowXLW6gO6xlG72pYvWZUg/s400/Oregon+Grape.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Oregon Grape</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><em>Mahonia aquafolium</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TJQp-40m3mI/AAAAAAAABIM/wsvU8sE6WGU/s1600/RoseHip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TJQp-40m3mI/AAAAAAAABIM/wsvU8sE6WGU/s400/RoseHip.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Rose Hip</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TJQqDWZ4PwI/AAAAAAAABIc/jWqVa6VQn8A/s1600/Salal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TJQqDWZ4PwI/AAAAAAAABIc/jWqVa6VQn8A/s320/Salal.JPG" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Salal</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #741b47;">Gaultheria shallon</span></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was over a year since our last camping trip to McIver Park...sometime over the past year they installed a new boat dock above the dam. It looks like a nice place for catching some fish. </div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrJEDutvYPf-CwdjICjwSSSEE4xiVzFAaSOQUTYG-wPg2MdWWEwyWS7CASrI2tRJlHJCtoU8eilpcdEdV0yoSgMR7Ujy5bQdGHRSvk0AmW2Oy9YZEOBEbHZFJioqCpzWlub7q4g/s1600/Boat+Dock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrJEDutvYPf-CwdjICjwSSSEE4xiVzFAaSOQUTYG-wPg2MdWWEwyWS7CASrI2tRJlHJCtoU8eilpcdEdV0yoSgMR7Ujy5bQdGHRSvk0AmW2Oy9YZEOBEbHZFJioqCpzWlub7q4g/s320/Boat+Dock.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Barberry, and Basil with the Man of the House, Fall 2010 on the new McIver Park Boat Ramp</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrck1yQdCYyJEvVIm2Rj-m14SuKGU4rqxLnkvo2XdvYywYpLJmOtw5dL908ykNgSFxHhrNnKNSGiu5iU50EvVrNMWS3CKcwwyqzwjDiTCp5HlPHR0v9C9h30QcF6H5VtpcyQkkaA/s1600/Barberry_1st_camping+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrck1yQdCYyJEvVIm2Rj-m14SuKGU4rqxLnkvo2XdvYywYpLJmOtw5dL908ykNgSFxHhrNnKNSGiu5iU50EvVrNMWS3CKcwwyqzwjDiTCp5HlPHR0v9C9h30QcF6H5VtpcyQkkaA/s320/Barberry_1st_camping+trip.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;">This photo was taken in about the same spot as the photo above...on Barberry's first camping trip in 2005...Berry was just 6 months old.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JX9hEg40nOMVdSEYkEFlQEMONWbmuJwCgQ2KGK2Ku4cE_0tBk6qmHH4nOrWzht7E6rH7KPHFwvoHlbeaD6IdvT3zp0HoXWV8z26dDN7jh8Ly_z3_kIuZiaioUPYcRqh322tF0g/s1600/Reflections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JX9hEg40nOMVdSEYkEFlQEMONWbmuJwCgQ2KGK2Ku4cE_0tBk6qmHH4nOrWzht7E6rH7KPHFwvoHlbeaD6IdvT3zp0HoXWV8z26dDN7jh8Ly_z3_kIuZiaioUPYcRqh322tF0g/s400/Reflections.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Reflections in the Clackamas River</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Back at home now, we just need one sunny day to get the tent dried out!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-73850821974184944782010-08-29T09:26:00.000-07:002010-08-29T09:26:38.483-07:00Whats that?Once again the garden delayed dinner. I ran out to pick some herbs and noticed a pot of eggplant was really dry...while giving it a quick drink I saw a really cool mass of something on the underside of a leaf. It looked like bug hatching's and eggs; but was it a good bug or a bad bug? Not wanting to leave a big mass of "bad" bugs int he garden, I was tempted to squish them straight away, but what if they are "good" bugs? I snapped a photo and went straight to Google.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrExJ9As6AaZ9277jENcB0_XFTfb9t1bps8rcjJpmKLRn3m7nrSASVU4mNFrSTNXvGy0F5CaKk1iL1yD3sYv1fcL1fNHHcsqy-O-vFOFtyOU7TOdu_cjm2aI28xwh1XmtWjO0mmA/s1600/Harlequin+Stink+Bug+Hatchlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrExJ9As6AaZ9277jENcB0_XFTfb9t1bps8rcjJpmKLRn3m7nrSASVU4mNFrSTNXvGy0F5CaKk1iL1yD3sYv1fcL1fNHHcsqy-O-vFOFtyOU7TOdu_cjm2aI28xwh1XmtWjO0mmA/s400/Harlequin+Stink+Bug+Hatchlings.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>About an hour later I think I figured out what they are, Stink Bugs, I found a photo on The <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/557" target="_blank">Bug Guide</a> Website that looks like a match to my critters, however the match is Harlequin Stink Bugs, and my garden doesn't fall within their range. While most stink bugs are pests (they cut and suck out plant juices) there are a few that are pest predators. I decided to give them the big squish. UC Davis has a guide to <a href="http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/PESTS/harlequinbug.html" target="_blank">managing stink bugs</a> in the garden; generally hand picking is the recommended method.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-44136410281257607432010-08-15T20:14:00.000-07:002010-08-15T20:14:01.329-07:00August Heat WaveThe garden is doing well despite the heat wave; the Man of the House spent the day before it got hot hauling the sprinkler and hose around, giving everything a deep soak. I have gone out in the morning and evening to give the pots a deep drink. <span style="color: purple;"><strong>Here are a few tips for helping your plants through a hot spell:</strong></span><br />
<ul><li>Move pots to a location where the pot its self is shade to keep the soil cooler.</li>
<li>Don't let the pot get entirely dry, once the soil is dry, it is a lot harder to re-moisten it.</li>
<li>If your pots do dry all the way out, water them slowly, or top the soil with ice cubes which will slowly melt and soak into the soil. Or soak the whole pot in a tub of water for an hour or so (but don't drown it!). Once you think the soil is moist, stick your finger in and make sure it isn't dry in the center.</li>
<li>If a plant looks wilty at the height of the heat, and watering doesn't help, check back on it in the evening or early morning...if it has perked up, then it is OK. Hydrangeas really wilt when it is hot (like me!)</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKj7z6ney8mnYYA3yXpQ2haPQHtM9WEGEIcFiSlmG1NGAe4nPQSTVyORYSFHV9CBU2Q33-yTYnUiiq62z4iG8_Dcz2ARbNzshNXTHVXAeT2wyWh94ZWOzz0WJrwwQPbAvX6vLIw/s1600/Sun+Tanning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKj7z6ney8mnYYA3yXpQ2haPQHtM9WEGEIcFiSlmG1NGAe4nPQSTVyORYSFHV9CBU2Q33-yTYnUiiq62z4iG8_Dcz2ARbNzshNXTHVXAeT2wyWh94ZWOzz0WJrwwQPbAvX6vLIw/s320/Sun+Tanning.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><strong>Berry and Basil get their sunbathing in before it gets too hot!</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpKBoNAOGt-WUAJmrVOVWIx7GH4g_V5ZK9By0_q-VZPAw8qjQOmZlTE9vrDl3IkdI5LiFT-00AhyphenhyphenpSwU2w-uPqlXShqVtfZUIqUOMfvBQzjByBo4K09KE6yTh-KvpZ6JrcB2xpg/s1600/Basil's+cool+spot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpKBoNAOGt-WUAJmrVOVWIx7GH4g_V5ZK9By0_q-VZPAw8qjQOmZlTE9vrDl3IkdI5LiFT-00AhyphenhyphenpSwU2w-uPqlXShqVtfZUIqUOMfvBQzjByBo4K09KE6yTh-KvpZ6JrcB2xpg/s320/Basil's+cool+spot.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Basil's cool spot, under the living room chair</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've never lived in a home with air conditioning, so I've learned a few ways to keep the house cool...we vent out the hot air at night with a box fan blowing out and shut the place up tight with closed drapes by mid-morning. Last fall I bought an <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Techniche-Standard-Cooling-Sport-Vest/dp/B000X7QT6O?ie=UTF8&tag=Thegarde-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">evaporative cooling vest</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=Thegarde-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000X7QT6O" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>...it really works. The vest is filled with a water holding polymer...kinda like Soil Moist that you can use in potted plants (BTW: I don't use Soil Moist in my pots). The vest gets soaked in water, gently rung out, and then it will slowly release moisture for several hours. It doesn't really feel wet, just cool. It really does keep me cool as long as there is a breeze (out doors, open car window, ceiling fan). <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cool-K-9-Evaporative-Cooling-Reflective/dp/B000PJYO9O?ie=UTF8&tag=Thegarde-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">They make them for dogs too</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=Thegarde-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000PJYO9O" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />, but Berry and Basil don't really mind the heat.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8877_tNmeO-eDVly3oOZmiR48DzIYDFLVl-jetpjrvv7TayAd3A0YwFjm5gSprDVcu694fYwwMsLZSIlusdbf1teoavwNuvgExGJWpOCkV_sHYIgCLkkcM_gYl_v9aMpDQQb1w/s1600/cool_vest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8877_tNmeO-eDVly3oOZmiR48DzIYDFLVl-jetpjrvv7TayAd3A0YwFjm5gSprDVcu694fYwwMsLZSIlusdbf1teoavwNuvgExGJWpOCkV_sHYIgCLkkcM_gYl_v9aMpDQQb1w/s320/cool_vest.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Soaking of the cooling vest</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span>I do hope some good will come out of this scorching weather...ripe tomatoes! </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-58589459932468709492010-07-08T13:54:00.000-07:002010-07-08T13:54:45.948-07:00Garden-Nerd?How do you know when you’ve progressed from being a gardener to being a garden-nerd? Painting your garden furniture to match a Coleus is a pretty good indication!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TDY2zD2DxVI/AAAAAAAABG0/c8oeg8v4pEY/s1600/Chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TDY2zD2DxVI/AAAAAAAABG0/c8oeg8v4pEY/s400/Chair.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Rust-oleum Fern Green Gloss Enamel and a Rose Kong Coleus</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I have a dark corner in the garden I have on the ANLD garden tour this Saturday and needed something to cheer it up. Bright pink and green should do the trick. <a href="http://www.portlandtribune.com/features/story.php?story_id=127793111511969200" target="_blank">Here is a link</a> to an article about the garden…you may recognize it from <a href="http://gardendogs.blogspot.com/2010/02/where-have-we-been.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-80120667281118191512010-07-07T11:59:00.000-07:002010-07-07T11:59:24.051-07:00DetailsI’m volunteering with a group of people on developing a plan for the South Downtown area of <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Milwaukie</span>. I recently visited one of Portland’s newest parks, <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=7036594297026935931&q=director+park+portland&hl=en&gl=us">Director Park</a>, to help familiarize myself with the concept of public plazas. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qNHeBwCUF7BipFidAIHgKHlzdOFtqTHst-XAOKMPQ76mocf9uWyPq9_r1O5xLLHUJBRB9OjN5eu0ga8gUIIBXwjiPuO2fEn2gn-c1cmaIkJYqLvr1M7a-IY2q-IYYgyzY6LHUA/s1600/Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qNHeBwCUF7BipFidAIHgKHlzdOFtqTHst-XAOKMPQ76mocf9uWyPq9_r1O5xLLHUJBRB9OjN5eu0ga8gUIIBXwjiPuO2fEn2gn-c1cmaIkJYqLvr1M7a-IY2q-IYYgyzY6LHUA/s320/Street.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In my Landscape Design business, I always stress the importance of paying attention to the details, especially in smaller gardens where every little spot counts. WOW, the architects and designers who worked on the Director Park project certainly paid attention to the details! The space is not only gorgeous, it is also flexible. The adjoining roads are festival streets with no curbs; they can be blocked off with bollards to expand the park all the way to the building edges for big events, while allowing vehicle access to the buildings on non-event days. The use of one paving material, granite bricks, makes the space look larger. These design elements could be used in a home landscape…a driveway or RV parking pad could be located adjacent to a patio, with movable planters or screens to hide the vehicles when parked, and moved away when the whole area is needed for entertaining.<br />
<br />
While there are a lot of “green” elements in the design…I question the use of the Gobi granite pavers…44,000 square feet of them. They are beautiful and should be durable and long lasting, but the fuel used to transport them from CHINA…was that worth it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TDTJDKjxZmI/AAAAAAAABGI/ZuwnqJvkyH4/s1600/Planter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TDTJDKjxZmI/AAAAAAAABGI/ZuwnqJvkyH4/s320/Planter.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The glass roof drains via rain cables into a storm water planter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQdh-mbXM6gFFZnHr9AAx7n-1KgbcIsQJ4MZCLtMOSe6myAsHCZZ31G1wMnSZwxpDKnZbkVxPq9XJFw4hO8bQVqH7uLXloLu4iQe7k4P3KM9783V2fXwOtC6_1RlKcBZz1K3NXA/s1600/Paving+Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQdh-mbXM6gFFZnHr9AAx7n-1KgbcIsQJ4MZCLtMOSe6myAsHCZZ31G1wMnSZwxpDKnZbkVxPq9XJFw4hO8bQVqH7uLXloLu4iQe7k4P3KM9783V2fXwOtC6_1RlKcBZz1K3NXA/s320/Paving+Detail.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lots of handwork went into creating the finishing details.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNblI57RhXBOf_6fwdcsq77NRXq1ISTzs5ZC6WY7CwKEfsHASKwhWBuTtJNjkJj6SEt7pRKROde4iMIYh3vnDrf2c7nr5P8hRyb8TFPeTWDm_v3TSpmU3Qf7lVLiv2F5qs8ZR7TA/s1600/Tree+Grate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNblI57RhXBOf_6fwdcsq77NRXq1ISTzs5ZC6WY7CwKEfsHASKwhWBuTtJNjkJj6SEt7pRKROde4iMIYh3vnDrf2c7nr5P8hRyb8TFPeTWDm_v3TSpmU3Qf7lVLiv2F5qs8ZR7TA/s320/Tree+Grate.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tree grates are made of granite too! I would have specified renting <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">porta</span> potties in brown or tan only...the blue just doesn't do it for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TDTJKRD_tVI/AAAAAAAABGY/c33t6s28bdg/s1600/Stormwater+Planter+%26+Bike+Racks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TDTJKRD_tVI/AAAAAAAABGY/c33t6s28bdg/s320/Stormwater+Planter+%26+Bike+Racks.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another storm water planter...with granite curbs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TDTJGJO3fUI/AAAAAAAABGQ/XtwjmF1THsQ/s1600/Seating+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TDTJGJO3fUI/AAAAAAAABGQ/XtwjmF1THsQ/s320/Seating+Area.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seating area with iron wood benches and movable tables.</div><br />
There are some interesting photos of the plaza, and the under ground parking structure, being built in this document (page 29 to 39) <a href="http://ocapa.net/uploads/Parking__2010.pdf">http://<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ocapa</span>.net/uploads/Parking__2010.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">pdf</span></a> <br />
<br />
Portland’s website has a FAQ page about Director Park: <a href="http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=52460">http://www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">portlandonline</span>.com/parks/index.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">cfm</span>?c=52460</a> <br />
<br />
I don't think the style of Director Park would work in Downtown <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Milwaukie</span>; I think <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Milwaukie</span> needs something softer and more organic. I do hope the plan<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ers</span> for our new plaza, pay close attention to the details.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-69646436253862774382010-06-15T14:35:00.000-07:002010-06-15T14:35:50.248-07:00June 15th in our gardenThis morning I looked in my sock drawer and did a happy dance when I saw that my fluffy purple socks were clean...It is June 15th; I shouldn't be excited about warm socks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcGxUjLzX5rJtG82_VD2j2zHPHNvA0EQ1YG5vou5y43OEqw_agZNhMUB7upDOc4oULjPl9wegTwQhTfrQ2B2gWhbTTGy5ICMgLLT9077d4PXA_ggi7C1iTWgLfO7XLZvIK6Ljyw/s1600/Berry+%26+Basi+June.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcGxUjLzX5rJtG82_VD2j2zHPHNvA0EQ1YG5vou5y43OEqw_agZNhMUB7upDOc4oULjPl9wegTwQhTfrQ2B2gWhbTTGy5ICMgLLT9077d4PXA_ggi7C1iTWgLfO7XLZvIK6Ljyw/s320/Berry+%26+Basi+June.JPG" /></a></div>Berry and Basil wonder when they will be able to sunbathe on the patio...<br />
I wonder when I can plant my peppers...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCZ4O7kgALXEwdWHgq6J-WzAYFXe1nynrnhgXn6klwDAzp2zHh1V1K8qNeVvPfd7I_BIKXLpY3-K_6tqxA79Wd49AVn4CpF_bqOzvu9IIwpSBv_hDwMJ5KFiiNTUF6u1_2eFWZQ/s1600/Peper&Hail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCZ4O7kgALXEwdWHgq6J-WzAYFXe1nynrnhgXn6klwDAzp2zHh1V1K8qNeVvPfd7I_BIKXLpY3-K_6tqxA79Wd49AVn4CpF_bqOzvu9IIwpSBv_hDwMJ5KFiiNTUF6u1_2eFWZQ/s320/Peper&Hail.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><strong>Yes, that is HAIL in the pots.</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>WHY? Because this is what the weather is like in the garden:<br />
<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/T9oW6kJrxPg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/T9oW6kJrxPg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-63566715031971685962010-06-14T17:05:00.000-07:002010-06-14T17:05:41.200-07:00First Taste of SummerWe finally got a break from the rain! Saturday was the first 80+ degree day since last September…and it was dry! Somehow, the man of the house managed to gather up the will power to go out and mow the lawn after getting home from his 10 hour day at the restaurant. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TBbAqkeyx6I/AAAAAAAABFI/s5fjcWoDEEw/s1600/Mowing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/TBbAqkeyx6I/AAAAAAAABFI/s5fjcWoDEEw/s320/Mowing.jpg" /></a></div><br />
That feat deserved a treat! I found the first of the local (if you count Washington as local!) cherries at the Oregon City Farmers Market, so I decided to make a Smith House Collins for the Man of the House…a real taste of summer. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWqUtTCtsDBhvDPCOJGiJYh9O_z3TKRp2CGBQnJhEHhdvsws3uRP9avmgWA-hzsvE1g7c-xBJTv0lAR3S-V8OUekmbJ-HnrB1Ex6we0zM34xG2hPBgwU3lRJjdxdH9cC-itG56w/s1600/SHC+Ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWqUtTCtsDBhvDPCOJGiJYh9O_z3TKRp2CGBQnJhEHhdvsws3uRP9avmgWA-hzsvE1g7c-xBJTv0lAR3S-V8OUekmbJ-HnrB1Ex6we0zM34xG2hPBgwU3lRJjdxdH9cC-itG56w/s320/SHC+Ingredients.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Smith House Collins</span></strong><br />
(Yield: one 10 ounce cocktail)<br />
<br />
Pit two fresh Bing (or other) cherries, leaving the stem on one. Put the pitted, stemless cherry in the bottom of a 10 oz Collins glass, press it with a spoon to release its juice, add ice to fill the glass.<br />
<br />
Combine in a cocktail shaker:<br />
1 ½ oz Aviation Gin<br />
¾ oz fresh squeezed lemon juice <br />
½ oz simple syrup (1 part water to 1 part cane sugar)<br />
Add ice<br />
Shake until cold.<br />
<br />
Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass. Top with soda water and garnish with the remaining cherry.<br />
Note: I used a lemon from our garden…lemons can vary in sweetness, so adjust the simple syrup as necessary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcjfWai4Ki9jFcfXbgBWlvEinpdp7BNze4wMCRTHhN9sB_bNCRX5gvWi5nNiyG18BgBDGJXpMfH-Ds0Lqhxzwr7L0xY85IpmsqUTzdSpS0WfiYwm9lfAkwFaCAM3Z2AfeERUACA/s1600/SHC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcjfWai4Ki9jFcfXbgBWlvEinpdp7BNze4wMCRTHhN9sB_bNCRX5gvWi5nNiyG18BgBDGJXpMfH-Ds0Lqhxzwr7L0xY85IpmsqUTzdSpS0WfiYwm9lfAkwFaCAM3Z2AfeERUACA/s320/SHC.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47;">The Smith House Collins</span></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaoyGgJ76COvNtD1vw3Cj9XsOZDh6VS5EqEMIoIvXKOA97Trb4KVcaSyW3iKYPJ6bUW2Ph2s7EyERb5-3cRAeUNKdAKEjznXDrwT1Wki28bPolOexLTWOwp_EUTWHIH10ZvdN6A/s1600/Basil+%26SHC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaoyGgJ76COvNtD1vw3Cj9XsOZDh6VS5EqEMIoIvXKOA97Trb4KVcaSyW3iKYPJ6bUW2Ph2s7EyERb5-3cRAeUNKdAKEjznXDrwT1Wki28bPolOexLTWOwp_EUTWHIH10ZvdN6A/s320/Basil+%26SHC.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>The Cocktail Hour is Basil's favorite time of day!</strong></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30504366.post-69750456763977062722010-05-18T19:55:00.000-07:002010-05-18T19:55:37.148-07:00Spring in our garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think our garden is at it's peak in mid May...this year everything is a week or two later...but there is still a lot of color in the garden right now. I think too often people focus on flowers for color and miss out on the color foliage contributes to the garden. The contrast between mature growth and new growth on conifers is one of my favorite spring sights...it just looks so fresh!</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJIlnk_4EeKafzs_jgSr8ITReHgS6SbE94OXQ6XW_GVVedtkB2X8xYglg7kJ3BlN_jrPEnYUWqml54i7dNZB8OaS4aZG-aCW8scA67j2uQgIRr3lQO2vzD2o8KNYzkvlpbCP0mg/s1600/Oak+Leaf+Hyd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJIlnk_4EeKafzs_jgSr8ITReHgS6SbE94OXQ6XW_GVVedtkB2X8xYglg7kJ3BlN_jrPEnYUWqml54i7dNZB8OaS4aZG-aCW8scA67j2uQgIRr3lQO2vzD2o8KNYzkvlpbCP0mg/s400/Oak+Leaf+Hyd.JPG" width="300" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Oak Leaf Hydrangea with Granny Louise Cedar</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3JVweU-e7IY-84_HMSTYjPiMiwIo7aanPNrvf8J6T3NvLOEV1v_SSq3q-_EjGMuWqGGTJ6QhhhsrA4-4RYAF6RQwBSLSPCDh8gF_nHLaa7_HAuxeJLGocb7hZs5U65R-oPmWOw/s1600/Rhody+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3JVweU-e7IY-84_HMSTYjPiMiwIo7aanPNrvf8J6T3NvLOEV1v_SSq3q-_EjGMuWqGGTJ6QhhhsrA4-4RYAF6RQwBSLSPCDh8gF_nHLaa7_HAuxeJLGocb7hZs5U65R-oPmWOw/s320/Rhody+1.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong>Rhododendron, <span style="background-color: white;">Hosta</span>, and Japanese Forest Grass</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlvN2tKg79f83wfWrdMUODNaU8bzlPnoCw1qGGs0bh6h8VJNkg5HTWJP31mdL75sZIb6iz0uRniEBFfTAkBb8wqMzHjipw6-E6mDPJDhH3hjSXbf9Xvf8mW5i2xQHGkeoq88CLw/s1600/Rhody+Bloom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlvN2tKg79f83wfWrdMUODNaU8bzlPnoCw1qGGs0bh6h8VJNkg5HTWJP31mdL75sZIb6iz0uRniEBFfTAkBb8wqMzHjipw6-E6mDPJDhH3hjSXbf9Xvf8mW5i2xQHGkeoq88CLw/s320/Rhody+Bloom.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong>Rhododendron...purple with ORANGE spots!</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUaCzU6lfhGCFeAy8MWLigkqNZHr48Fe83FkBFYnO16wNH9PxZHaut_BloBtX8Lw4Xi6LeG_EGmnlF7Ad97VqI4C9O-F8TQlPD7PE5Q8ZACc-49ClziVCcnTxDN0LsfbynDX_BQ/s1600/Spring+Green.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUaCzU6lfhGCFeAy8MWLigkqNZHr48Fe83FkBFYnO16wNH9PxZHaut_BloBtX8Lw4Xi6LeG_EGmnlF7Ad97VqI4C9O-F8TQlPD7PE5Q8ZACc-49ClziVCcnTxDN0LsfbynDX_BQ/s320/Spring+Green.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong>Daylily foliage, golden oregano, peony foliage, and new growth on the hemlock</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/S_NOfOHpCLI/AAAAAAAABE8/9b2q4mvJvCE/s1600/White+Clematis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3IuUwlvPRE/S_NOfOHpCLI/AAAAAAAABE8/9b2q4mvJvCE/s320/White+Clematis.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong>White Clematis</strong></span></div><br />
We finally had a day off on the same day the weather decided to be nice! It was well past time to weed. It is amazing how much one can accomplish in just a couple of hours weeding...while the garden if far from weed-free, it sure looks a lot better now.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09863262844827078018noreply@blogger.com0