Friday, March 30, 2012

C'mon Spring!

Spring in Western Washington is a very fickle thing. She'll tease you early on with some nice warm days so you can mow your lawn and get some yard work done. A few more nice days and you think "Wow, this is going to be a warm spring!" and you decide to plant some seeds because you just can't wait any longer. Then Spring gives an evil laugh and sends in either snow and freezing temps or a torrential downpour and gale-force winds.

Baker Creek Seeds - (gorgeous photos)


So I must content myself with organizing and re-organizing my seeds (my orders arrived weeks ago) and longingly gazing at their full grown images on the package. Then I work and rework my garden plan. Erasing, moving and replotting where every seed and start will go. I've worn holes in the paper (companion planting revision!).

Territorial Seed Co- Basil


I'm even dreaming of how I can further expand my garden, which I had just ripped out and completely reworked in the fall. The virgin beds are not yet planted (ok, that's a lie. I couldn't help it.) and I'm already trying to dig out more lawn to make room for berries and maybe some espalliered fruit trees.

grow up!


Then I think "don't go out, go up!" and start dreaming up giant towers for my beans and peas, or perhaps stringing wires all the way over to the fence to create a living arbor for the trailing nasturtiums. And let's not forget that cukes and squash can be grown vertically as well. This may or may not be a better use of my time but I sure have fun killing time on a stormy day by browsing books and websites for awesome garden ideas. 

simple garden plan


How about you? Have you been an impatient gardener and planted too early (remember Feb '11 and those 80 degree days?) or are you the opposite and don't think of planting until summer is in full swing?

Friday, January 27, 2012

Monday, August 9, 2010

What’s New and Up and Coming too

Hey Gang! I’ve been a busy, busy bee this summer. Spring and summer shows, two farmers markets each weekend as well as creating and producing new items.

Here’s a peek at what’s new!

honey bees cloth napkins

garden gnomes napkins

Cloth Napkins! Oodles of fun fabrics with more being added all the time.

For all those going back to school, or if you are just in need of something to liven up your desk – Mouse pads! You’ll find the usual fun and playful fabrics as well as some newer florals and sophisticated designs.

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oak leaves mouse pad

And last but definitely not least, my most favorite new item;

oilcloth place mats - aqua cherries

Oil cloth place mats! So retro and sweet I want to keep them all to myself! And do I spot some really swell cloth napkins in that photo? Gee, I wonder where I can get some of those too

There is so much more to show you! Chalk-cloth place mats, oil cloth table cloths, up-cycled paper envelopes and paper-wrapped pencils, more greeting cards, and sweet pin cushions.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! Also in the works – my new website and newsletter! Finally. For reals this time. Due this fall (fingers crossed).

Ta ta for now, I have more goodies to photograph!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Craft Show and Tulip Festival

It’s tulip time again and if you’ve never been, now’s the time! The weather may be grey but the tulips and daffodils are popping open like mad and the fields are aglow with color. This weekend is also our “Something Different” craft show at the Rexville Grocery pavilion.

rexville flyer

It’s Easter weekend so pack up the family and take a drive through the Skagit Valley and see the gorgeous tulips and daffs then swing by the grocery for a snack or a sandwich and come browse the crafts. See Bev’s blog, Blue Collar Dog Treats for the whole scoop and lots of pictures! She has done an excellent job and you can even find pictures and bios of the crafters.

image

Alert Tulip Visitors! Tulips are early this year! The next two weeks will be prime viewing. Daffodils are left to wither on the stem so there but tulips are topped just after full bloom. Then there is no color left at all (this is done so all the plant’s energy is sent to the bulb. While there are plenty of cut tulips to be found, the tulips in the valley are grown for the bulb). So don’t put off your visit, come soon!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

I’ve Sprouted!

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I’m so excited! My lovely little basil and tomato seeds are well on their way to deliciousness! Ever since I made my own mozzarella I’ve been dreaming about making insalata caprese. What could be tastier than fresher than fresh, home-grown ingredients?

Soon these little beauties will plump, sweet tomatoes…

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And these will be fragrant, yummy basil…

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Combine it with the nutty, delicate mozzarella, a dash of sea salt and fresh ground pepper and a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar. We put ours on a baguette slice to mop up the juices. Yummmm.

Hurry up summer!