I love Spring! The days are getting longer. The sunshine feels warmer. Everywhere I look I am surrounded by life. It's a time of newness and rebirth. I feel re-energized and alive being outside. Today, I took some time to appreciate and capture what early Spring looks like in my garden. Enjoy! Dormant plants awaken. My … Continue reading Spring Awakening
Musings
Spring Soil Amendments
Here is what I'm working on in my garden now - spring soil amendments! It's been fairly warm in Fresno (mid 70s). My roses are blooming, trees are budding, and I can comfortably wear a t-shirt outside. So, although we are weeks away from the Spring Equinox, let's just say Spring has sprung here in … Continue reading Spring Soil Amendments
The Lifecycle of a Sunflower
I can't think of anything quite as fascinating to watch grow as sunflowers. From seed to flower and back to seed again, the entire life cycle of this summer flower is not only beautiful but also serves many important purposes. As a gardener, I love sunflowers because they are easy to grow, attract beneficial insects, … Continue reading The Lifecycle of a Sunflower
Easy Chicken Tomatillo Tacos
What's "Taco Tuesday" without a post about tacos!?! I've had tacos on the brain quite a bit lately due to my 4 year old's new favorite book Dragon's Love Tacos. I think we've read this story about 100 times and every time we do it makes me want a taco. Anyways, this week I found myself … Continue reading Easy Chicken Tomatillo Tacos
5 Things I Learned Growing Corn
This year I found myself with extra room in the garden to plant whatever my heart desired. I've always wanted to try my hand at growing corn, but never had the space or the right seeds. Corn is one of the most commonly grown GMO crops in our country, which makes finding truly GMO-free seeds … Continue reading 5 Things I Learned Growing Corn
Summer Garden Insects
It's about time I wrote a post about one of my favorite things to photograph in the garden - insects. Yes, flowers are beautiful and vegetables colorful... but insects tend to make a particularly interesting photo. Although they can be hard to photograph, because they are on a micro scale and move, if you get … Continue reading Summer Garden Insects
Strawberry Tree Jam
December is here and so is the season of homemade jams and jellies! I normally spend a fair amount of this month over a hot stove, coaxing marmalade into jelling, and cursing as I burn myself on my canning equipment. (If you are a fellow canner, you will understand my plight.) Anyhoo - This month I decided … Continue reading Strawberry Tree Jam
To Rake or Not to Rake? – The Benefits of Leaf Litter
Every Fall, nature adorns our trees and shrubs with festive color. The changing scenery practically invokes feelings of warmth and a desire to drink hot apple cider. Or in my case, visit a pumpkin patch - where this year I found an awesome old tractor... Once the color-glory is over and the leaves begin to blanket the ground, it … Continue reading To Rake or Not to Rake? – The Benefits of Leaf Litter