I found garden bricks idea while reading The Glamorous Housewife and thought “Hmmm . . . now there’s an idea!” This little DIY combines my two loves: my garden and reading novels, a little non-kitschy whimsy.
“Ferris Wheel” Collection for Spring 2013
The “Ferris Wheel” collection for Shabby Apple Pre-Spring 2013 is simply divine for vintage lovers.
The following are some highlights:
The blue racer skirt with the leopard top–this little number is coming home with me.
The other is the merry-go-round skirt with a simple tee–elegant and simple.
April Black Friday “Home Depot: B1G1 on Seeds” this weekend only!
In the past few months, I have noticed this bizarre attempt at advertising: a new Black Friday seemingly every month. Do these companies simply not understand the definition of “Black Friday”? Or, is this a not-so-clever marketing attempt to get the masses to big box stores and push more of their unneeded junk?
Regardless of the company rationale, I headed to Home Depot today for the helpful Early Spring April 5 Black Friday sales: B1G1 seed packes, started vegetables 5 for $10, and Miracle Gro topsoil 4 for $10.
After finding this seed-starting chart on veggieharvest.com, I should be able to being planting soon despite the unseasonably cold temperatures.
So here is what I got: organic seeds at 99 cents a pack!
And, I could not help but take a few photos of the lovely plants.
And, the lovely buttercups.
At long last… Spring (maybe)
After winter overstayed its welcome with daily temperatures ten degrees cooler than average, we had our first taste of Spring on a fine Good Friday. To my delight, my first bud of awakening appeared in the form of a crocus.
The snowdrops I planted two years ago, alas, never bloomed, so I am doubly excited for my little ones.
Up come my 2013 sprouts
After a seemingly never-ending winter, I found the lovely sprouts peaking through the ground this afternoon. Only a mere two weeks ago, I had a school snow day, thinking Spring was weeks away, but these little hyacinths give me hope. Despite the continuing snow, Spring may not be “in the air” but “in the ground”.
Note the photo was taken in 17 degree temps, minus wind chill. Oh, Spring, where art thou?
Can I enjoy Autumn?
I am still planting bulbs and raking leaves, but this came in the mail today.
Daffodils in November
Our Midwest 9 degrees cooler than average October followed by a few balmy weekends has confused my poor daffodils.
Back, I say! Get back in the ground! I should be anticipating your March-April arrival, not clearing you out with the autumn leaves.
Last Rose of the Year
Amid the autumn leaf clean-up, I find the last vestige of summer.
Colors of Autumn
Each autumn, I get to look out on this gorgeous tree in my neighbor’s yard. I’ve never seen a tree so amazing this time of year.
Rooftop Gardening Done Right
Atop Elgin Community College’s first floor rooftops, I found these lovely (and quite large) student-led gardens just outside the new Humanities lunchroom. Apparently, the horticulture students maintain the plantings, and the culinary students use the produce in their cuisine. What a lovely idea!
And, of course, it is a serene view when I am scarfing my Lean Cuisine between classes.
Confessions from a Novice Gardener 