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Every summer, I like to gather up a hearty handful of garden photos, to share in one long post. Today happens to be that very day. A day to share insights and tales, and pretty things too...
As you have heard one too many times, I love to garden. However, I am by no means a professional, or super fantastical gardener (I know many of you are). Like everything else in my life, I was drawn to gardening (at 19) and tried it by blindly jumping in. This goes for almost everything else in my life as well. If I am intrigued by something, I jump in.
I have to admit, I don't take classes for anything I have ever tried (hardheaded). I get anxious in a classroom. I don't know how I ever got through college sometimes. Although I did enjoy many of my classes, come to think of it.
One thing I do enjoy is reading books.
So, whenever I have been interested in something that I know nothing of, I try it, and then pick up some books to assist me along the way. But I am mostly a "wing it" kinda girl.
Concocting and inventing along the way, sometimes making my life more difficult.
The thing about gardening is that, over the years, I have planted many different seeds, and over the years, the seeds which have chosen to grow, are the ones I usually stick with...
(front yard below)
I decided to create this post, after receiving different e-mail questions about which seeds grow best, if container gardening works, how much water seeds need, etc.etc.
Of course, I live in the desert, and different climates make a world of difference in the garden.
Here in Southern Arizona it is hot in summer (over 100+ almost all summer). However, where I live is a very different climate from say Phoenix, or even Northern Arizona. Northern Arizona is much much cooler, and Phoenix is much hotter.
Here there is little rain, until monsoon season comes (now), and a snap of winter rains. (autumn and winter are wonderful here (little to no snow), but it does get into freezing temps sometimes in winter)
The summer sun is more than hot, but we do have a lot of huge shade trees.
The flowers that do the best for me, year after year are cosmos, marigolds, roses, hibiscus, black eyed susans, coreopsis, verbena, snapdragons, sunflowers, yarrow, morning glories, nasturtium, dahlias, a handful of assorted wild flowers, and last but not least, the ever kind zinnia.
The zinnias have been incredible this year.
I planted Stover brand zinnia seeds, both Lilliput and California Giants Mixed. Both in the ground, and in pots.
The results have been rather jaw-dropping.
Small tree like zinnia bushes (3-4 ft), that keep giving and giving and giving. So, as you can imagine, I highly recommend trying zinnias.
They like to be watered everyday, and every time you cut a bloom, a handful of others turn up to take their place.
When I lived at the city house, I tried to plant zinnias from small store bought plants. They never worked. Oh and, believe it or not, at the city house I had a beautiful ficus tree, and ferns, all of which freeze just 30 minutes away at the country house due to different elevation.
Anyhow, this year I planted a ton of zinnia seeds...
The color assortment has been amazing, with even some giant two toned zinnias...
The bees, hummingbirds and butterflies stop by for rests on the zinnias all day...
The thing is this...
When you find seeds that like to grow in your garden, you can then start delving into all the different kinds of flowers within that one kind.
Also, I tried a test.
I planted seeds in all of my pots this year.
I pulled out all the pots I had, in every different size.
All my pots are concrete or clay, and the seeds did wonderfully in pots. Something I didn't really expect, as I have always been an "in ground planter." But, because of the gophers and the bunnies, and the lizards, I tried pots.
It was a huge hit.
So, I hope you are inspired to plant in pots (if you don't already)...
It can be as rewarding as planting in ground.
Such a great thing to learn this year.
This year, my hibiscus is in ground. But at the city house, the hibiscus grows beautifully in a giant clay pot that is about 3 ft. tall, and 3 ft. in diameter at the opening.
The zinnias are doing excellent in the ridiculously hot sun all day.
I am really impressed by their resilience.
The lilliput zinnias below, burst up through our orange tree.
So many colors!
The other thing I have learned, is to plant seeds that I harvest each year. Last year I had 4 ft. tall marigolds and cosmos, so I made sure to harvest seeds.
This year I planted those harvested seeds, and got some amazing tall beautiful flowers. This is especially true of the cosmos and marigolds.
When I harvested the seeds last year, I mixed them all together, and I put them in an airtight glass jar. Then, I simply planted the seeds in spring.
The large white cosmos are from last year's harvested seeds.
I also have a huge respect for self seeding flowers...
You never know what you are going to get from last year. The best thing I ever did was plant a cottage seed mix in 2009. It has been the gift that keeps on giving. With evening primrose galore, and coreopsis, and more...
The original cosmos came from store bought seeds, however, these below are also from my own harvested seeds.
Now, here is the fun thing. Since cosmos do so well here, I decided to try different kinds of cosmos. In spring I planted Rose Bon Bon cosmos seeds, from Select Seeds. They are beautiful with a triple ruffle. Right now they are blooming all over the garden. They are super tall, and ever so pretty...
Such a delightful addition.
As for growing in pots...
I personally, overfilled (not good) some of my pots with seeds. I had a seed mixture of my own seeds, and plunked them in all of my pots. I also threw in a few seeds I bought. I thought the birds would get some of them, but they really didn't.
(my home-office courtyard below)
Very full.
The good thing is that, all of the sunflowers below have already bloomed, and I got to put them in vases. There are giant sunflowers still around the garden (in ground). But these small to mid sized sunflowers worked great in vases. And, now that they are gone, the cosmos, calendula, bachelor's buttons, and hearts n'flowers that were also growing in the pots, are doing great...
The point is, pots work.
Oh and, I don't believe that some people can't grow anything. You just have to find the right plants/seeds for you, your climate, and figure out how to care for them best.
Before you know it, you'll have all sorts of goodies growing like crazy.
Pretty pretty!
So, pots are good.
I am now a huge planting in containers advocate.
Go for it!
A burst of color in pots is such a lovely treat...
I have had this very ivy growing in this pot for 7+ years, and it is going great. It is just a matter of making sure your plants get water, that they are pruned if need be, and that you check for bugs. Also, do research on the type of fertilizer your plants might need...
The reward is excellent.
Somehow, a yarrow seed got in one of my pots last year, and gifted me a nice little yarrow bush. From that bush last year, through wind and birds, yarrow has been dispersed all over my garden. It is pretty to look at. And, the pot it gifted itself in last year, was self seeded, and now bursting this year...
Planting seeds in pots is one of my new fave things. Oh and, I even tested some pumpkin seeds in pots. They are growing beautifully. I will take a photo and show you. For those of you in apartments, wanting to grow pumpkins? It is totally possible if you have a little patio.
(front yard below)
Pretty...
Mood enhancing...
Color bursts...
A true gift from nature...
With the power to lift the spirit, even when you feel gloomy.
I found a way to pull myself out of a bout of sadness at 19 years of age, by discovering the garden (and that I loved it). Playing with seeds and dirt keeps my brain healthy.
I keep gloomy feelings at bay by finding things that work for me. Like gardening, painting, playing piano & not having cable (and my beloved furry children). We all have things that will work for us. Finding them is the secret key ;)
Yes, I am having an epiphany. The garden keeps me sane.
Thank you garden!
;)
This is my favorite singing in the garden song. It is Mister's favorite song too (not really), teehee!
The tune is called Weep You no More Sad Fountains, and I listen to it daily as performed by the Crouch End Festival Chorus (it's on iTunes). If you can get your hands on it, it is quite lovely.
With that, I must say, see you soooooon!
Love, V
ps: Bracelet winners, selected by random number generator are.....
Soooo, after my Part I post of crafting yarn bracelets, I sort of felt bad (inherent guilt, I know). Why you ask? Because well, I know not everyone has 5,000 empty tape rolls. So, this morning I stole one of Mister Lovee's cereal boxes, and tested an idea...
As I was cutting up a box, I was marveling at how many bracelets you could really get out of one box. Depending on your size, you could probably have about 10. Isn't that fantastic?
Cut out cereal box strips to your desired width. Then, trim to fit whatever size wrist you would like, and wind some strong tape (I prefer packing tape, but masking will work too) around your seam. (overlap your seam a little bit)
I suggest using the inside matte cardboard side of your box, as your outside bracelet, rather than the glossy printed on side.
I suspected that if you started with a base of yarn wound around the cardboard, you would have a fairly sturdy bracelet to work with. It worked!
Of course, it isn't as firm as the tape rolls. But, in some curious way, I have to admit, I like the cereal boxes better, because they have this feel when you are done, of being mostly textile. Which I love.
Easy as pie.
And now, you don't have to scour the earth for empty tape rolls ;)
I have made two with this new base method so far...
Yes, I am addicted.
You knew I would spiral, didn't you?
;)
I decided to use up some scraps of ribbon and fabric that I had this time around...
Mister Lovee is crazy about these.
He can't believe that I am going to give these two away...
In fact...
You might get to own one...
Aren't these fun?
No glue, no mess.
Use up all your craft scraps, and...
You get something extra pretty and fun, and original too!
As for these two, leave me a howdy in the comment section, and I will choose two names in a couple of days, to gift these to. First name drawn will choose whichever one they want...
A little Friday fun. I will pick two names in a couple of days.
Also, do share if you make one. I can't wait to see. If you'd like, I'll share your creation here.
pss: I have had Bizarre Love Triangle in my head all summer. Teenage memories (thank goodness that the remaining members of Joy Division created New Order, as their songs were a huge part of my teens). In fact, Charlotte Martin does a beautiful cover of "Bizarre Love Triangle" that I listen to all the time. I picked it up on iTunes.
My evenings have been filled with yarn, and ribbons and fabric pieces these days. Crocheting, weaving, listening to audiobooks. All the yarn and fabric bits, combined with me always wearing my empty packing tape rolls when I am working on orders, led me to come up with an idea.
A simple, fun and pretty idea, that I had to share with you...
I am sure that if your are crafty, and/or crochet or knit, you might have that little bit of yarn left, that is too small of an amount to do anything much with. In fact, I have 1 and 2 yard pieces of some of my favorite yarn. Not enough to make a scarf, but just enough to roll into a little ball and save.
As I was packaging orders this week, and wearing an empty roll of packing tape, I thought, I should wrap these empty tape rolls with all those pretty yarns and fabrics I have leftover, and make bracelets. So, I painted a few empty tape rolls with one messy coat of acrylic paint...
As soon as they dried, I started wrapping them.
I instantly felt an addiction coming on...
Of course, once I got started, I wanted to use lots of different textile loves. I thought this was just perfect due to no glue, no mess, easy and yay.
A great crafty gift too. Holiday summer making. Something I always want to do, and don't.
I figured out that wrapping each bracelet in 24 inch increments works really well. So, I cut a piece of about 24" yarn, tied it to the roll, leaving a first end, and then wrapped the yarn around. I did this until I had about a 2" end left, and then tied that end to my first end. I repeated that until I had wrapped the whole roll.
I left the ties on the outside, which made tassels in a way. I liked it, especially since I planned on tying all sorts of yarn to the bracelet once my initial wrapping was complete.
As soon as I wrapped the whole bracelet in teal yarn, I took bits of other fave yarns, and tied them wherever I wanted. I didn't want a uniform look. I wanted a sort of mermaid seaweed look...
Easy, and so fun!
It's almost too fun, I am so hooked now it isn't even funny.
I think, making usable things, with recycled materials no less, is beyond fulfilling. Especially when you make something you can gift or wear yourself.
I decided to make a super soft red one. I was going to make it sort of gypsy. I still want to sew little coins and bits and baubles to it.
Super soft.
Yummy!
I wrapped other colors and textures of yarn around it. It is so cozy to wear too.
Like I said, I can't wait to sew all sorts of baubles on to the red one. I think that will look super fun, don't you?
As I was winding yarn around the red bracelet, I felt a Marie Antoinette inspired piece coming on. With lace and such...
I am making another one with fabric strips. Seriously though, you will get hooked on this if you try it. It is way fun. Imagine all the things you can add to these? The ideas are endless...
As I was in a mind explosion of thoughts, I had the best idea yet, for me at least.
You see, I have bunches of brooches that I rarely wear, but love. I have some really special antique ones, that I sometimes pin on a necklace or charm bracelet. Since, we can't always wear a coat or sweater in Arizona.
However, the bestest thing about these bracelets is that, since you have wrapped them with yarn or fabric, you now have a place to attach your brooches onto.
I would put in a tiny needle & thread stitch or two, just so your brooch doesn't open and get lost. But other than that, I think this has hooked me even more...
I pulled out my favorite antique brooches, and I thnk that they worked really lovely on these...
I didn't even intend to make bracelets that went perfectly with brooches I had. It just worked out that way. These are some of my favorite brooches, that I would never part with, and always want to use more...
And now I will. Do you have brooches you would like to use this way as well?
I am really excited.
I am inspired to make some of these, of course, not using my very beloved brooches, but other trinkets and treasures, for Christmas gifts.
I can't wait to wear this one...
The other thing I like, is to push my bracelets up high on my arm. And these work in that manner also.
I am really looking forward to making more of these with all of my extra yarn and ribbons. And plus, getting to wear my brooches to boot. That makes me extra happy.
I have been evening crocheting a lot lately (before bed), listening to really good audiobooks that I purchase on Itunes, and feeling the spirit of the holiday season urging me to make some gifts now, so that the season doesn't slap me in the face, in the height of it.
The thing is, I am one of those people that loves to be in the moment of the season I am in. I get a smidge annoyed when I see all the Christmas items in the shops in August. Yet, as I get older, time goes faster, and I suppose I should try to get organized during these hot summer days. Plus, being in the art/retail/wholesale world, you almost have to be prepared for autumn in May. In fact, I had an autumn inspired deadline 2 months ago, and a holiday/winter inspired deadline this month. And, I did enjoy it.
But, what really shocks me is that it is the end of July.
Can you believe it?
I decided a while back to just succumb to age and time, and all that. But, it still goes by shockingly fast. Doesn't it?
I just love grabbing a great big wooden bowl, and heading out to the garden to collect edibles. It is super fun + fulfilling. I am constantly amazed at the colors and flavors that nature produces. There is so much in life, that is so easy to take for granted, until you are somehow involved in the making of it...
The pumpkins, tomatoes, fresno chilies, jalapenos, and cucumbers in this photo above (oh and some of the basil), are growing in a vegetable garden in the front yard, under a big huge mesquite tree, where my swing hangs.
However...
The beautiful lettuce comes from a special place, way out back, in my garden...
Protected and safe...
A place you will often find me, working away, covered in dirt...
My enclosed vegetable garden...
It is getting so lush and full. The second my eyes open, I look out my window, where I see this garden, and Baby's grave. It's the first thing I must look at every morning. I swing out of bed, and whip open my curtains...
Wait, actually, these days while I am in deep slumber, Miles comes to my door, howls and scratches (bad, but he is so cute, what can I do?) at my door (then I look out my window). I sleepily scramble to my door, letting him in, and we crawl under my covers for a couple more minutes. He rolls on his back, and makes growly happy noises. I hug him tight. Matty comes in through the studio, jumps on us both for a second, and takes off. Miles Stays.
As for the enclosed garden...
Everyone is planted too close, but they seem to be okay with it, as they are all so happy...
You see, it all began in April. I decided to make an enclosed garden, way out back by the giant apricot tree. Where decades ago, the previous owners had an asparagus patch.
I had already planted some corn and such, in block rows. Then the rabbits came and ate it all. And the birds pulled up all of my other sprouts.
So, I was more determined to have an enclosed space.
We had this perfect area (still out back by the apricot tree), where we kept compost soil for 10+ years (we compost everyday). I asked Mister Lovee if he thought it would be a good idea for me to put in a vegetable garden there. He said yes, and so I bought waffle wire (it's called carpenters cloth), dug up the soil a couple of feet down, put down the wire, and started to put the soil back.
Then, Mister Lovee saw all the hard work I was doing, and he got involved. Pretty soon, it became this huge project, he put in a door, and a chicken wire roof & walls (6 ft tall in the center). I was thrilled!
I planted a vine in front, and painted a sign post white, for a vegetable garden sign I was painting. Then Mister put the sign post in the ground for me.
(photo of the enclosed garden in progress below)
Needless to say...
I was extra happy with the outcome. I was now able to grow vegetables, without losing them all to critters. (Well, I did lose all my onions to gophers, as they found a way in underground, through a tiny space that had no waffle wire, but everything else was safe.)
The summer romaine lettuce has grown big and huge, and we have enough lettuce to have salad three times a day all summer. (although we have to eat it sooner than that)
We LOVE salads, and are really enjoying the lettuce.
I bring some in everyday, and make a great big bowl of goodness...
The sweet corn is getting mighty tall.
I didn't intend to grow corn inside, it just turned out that way after the rabbits kept eating the sprouts.
It just started to tassel, and now I am biting my nails, hoping the silks turn up soon. (the tassels pollinate the silks, creating the corn)
I grew cucumbers for the first time this year. I planted the seeds a hair too early before spring, as we had one more freeze right before spring, and the cucumber sprouts froze a bit. But they came back stronger than ever, and are gifting some rustically precious cucumbers...
Miles will eat almost anything. Well, maybe anything actually. Matty is very picky, and doesn't eat very much. Unless it is meaty. He loves meat.
Miles begs for grapefruit, and odd things like that.
He thinks this bowl of goodness is his dinner ;)
Mmmm, freshness....
My grandpa will eat those fresno chilies without a flinch. But then again, he loves the worms at the bottom of the tequila bottles and things like that too. He is tough.
The basil is sweet and tender, and...
I have made 8 jars of pesto this summer already. I have eaten so much of it, I am going to start growing leaves out of my ears. I gifted some to our friend Dick. He loves my cooking (or at least he acts like it). This makes him a very enjoyable guest, as I love getting him to eat things I make. (he said the carrot cake from Mister's birthday was beyond sinful and outrageously delicious. Don't you love feeding people like that? I do.)
Miam miam...
Since you know I am garden addicted, I was almost afraid to share my secret vegetable garden. But, now you know. The secret's out.
I can't wait to see what other treats show their faces, as there is much more growing in there...
I am...
Oh so very content.
And, a tinge tired :)
Don't tell anyone though, and I'll give you a tiny punkin'...
(If I could only learn how to nap, darn -snaps fingers-)
There is a massive storm hitting. I have been trying to post all day, but my Internet has been off and on.
(eeeeks, rain water being pushed under my office door by the wind, must run)
Today I had a face slap moment. I realized (whilst in the height of watering), that I am so immersed in the keeping green alive and all other chores of summer, that summer just might have passed me by, if I hadn't caught myself. Phew!
Everyday, I do my garden chores (as you have heard ten million times by now). As of now, there are ten areas I water and check. It's a lot. It is hot. You might have wondered, why does she do this??? Doesn't she have anything else to do?
Why yes'm, I sure do. Gulp gulp.
But the thing is, I can't help myself. I am sort of addicted in this odd way.
I just love the garden. It is out of my control. I HAVE to do it (this thing called gardening). Something about an itch in my soul, or one of those insane things that make us do the things we do.
Everyday I put on one of my hats.
No hat, no me outside.
(I have two faves)
Then I double up on crisp cotton Eileen West's, and off I go...
Not the most proper wardrobe, I suppose.
But, I do add one of Mister Lovee's shirts to go out to the mailbox, or to greet a guest. I don't go farther than that in said attire. No worries. (Oh wait, I do run down the street to my neighbor's cottage from time to time)
If a close friend comes over, I hand her a thin crisp cotton gown of mine, to throw on. One of my friends questioned my attire from time to time, until she came over to play in the garden, and I let her put one on.
Then she kept saying, oh oh, this is great. This is great! It's so great!
Keeps you cool, and is pretty too!
Yes I know.
I am no fool.
Well, at least not when it comes to avoiding heat stroke.
click.
On days when I am feeling extra wilty (after to do list), I hide out here.
I fear, my shenanigans continue from season to season..
Have you ever had a bath or shower in the garden?
With birds flying around you, and leaves glistening in the sun?
I dunno, but somehow the soap and shampoo makes it curiously different from a swimming pool.
It is mighty glorious.
Trust me.
I told Lovee that, being out there with the birds and the music, and the whole bit, is sort of borderline almost ridiculously too good. So good that, it's silly good.
I make sure to have my dandy lil' radio with me, tuned to 690 a.m.
Nothing like vintage tunes, while bathing in the garden.
The last time I was in there, I was overjoyed with this and this.
Splash splash!
And fresh treats too!
Golden sun...
Baths for everyone!
Tomatoes, parsley, chives, basil, peppers, chilies, pumpkins, cucumbers, evening primrose and a volunteer black eyed susan...
Ripening up...
So many tomato vines this year, all planted from tiny seeds.
Tomato delights, here we come.
(I have grown to love tomatoes, by growing them in my garden. I still don't like wooly warm restaurant tomatoes. They freak me out.)
Can't wait to start collecting.
Although, I must confess. I ate lots of little cherry tomatoes straight off the vine over the last month, and then devoured a huge red ripe one, with Mister Lovee, under the moon light...
I don't know about other gardeners, but for me, there comes a point where I start to feel a tinge overwhelmed, when the days get way hot and long. And then, when the veggies and fruits and flowers start to show up, all of those feelings pass. Then, you are so happy you forged on...
(Are you growing anything? Are you addicted too?)
We're all happy.
Waving to you madly, from our desert jungle!!!
Love, Vanessa
and Matty
and Miles
and the birds
and the bees
and Lovee too.
ps: You have to see this kitchen in a cupboard link, that my sis sent me. (something is wrong with the link off and on, but here are the photos by Culshaw Bell) By the by, here is an updated link to the company that carries these, right here.
pss: Funny tale-
Every morning I have to delete spammers that have left comments in my blog posts. Sometimes they choose blog posts that are years old to post comments at, and sometimes, they are really funny (but mostly just annoying).
So, today, I received this one on a Paper Garland Tutorial blog post...
" I will always care about the content of your hair. Thank you!"
(Left by some drug company)
Hahahaheheheee!
I can't get over it.
It is so funny.
Why, I love to carry around possums and lady bugs and nests and baby turtles in my hair. What are the contents of your hair these days?? Pray tell? I myself, will always care about the content of YOUR hair too, dear friends! hahaheheee!
