For Dragonflies And Me

The daffodils, forsythias & magnolias are all in full bloom~ it is absolutely magnificent! It is about 9Pm right now and the rain just started coming down~ it sounds like a calm and steady straight down rain.  Evan, Ryan & I got several things planted in the raised beds & the kitchen garden today and this rain is such a blessing for all those little seeds and soon to be us :-) ! Ryan wanted to pick his teacher a bouquet with the daffodils for tomorrow, he is so sweet.  He loves to make bouquets and plant things.  We were planting beets in a few of the raised beds after school today and all of a sudden he was gone.  I called after him and he was getting ready to till up the spot he had worked in last summer.  "Too wet yet" I told him.  Raised beds are different then regular gardens, they dry out quite a bit quicker and you can get lots more stuff in them faster. One more reason why I am all about raised beds!  We all love those first spring bouquets and they never seem to last long enough.  You can add some vase life to them with a really simple homemade 'Flower Fresh' fresh recipe~ all ingredients you are sure to have right in your own home!

*Homemade "Flower Fresh"
Put 1/2 tsp. of regular household bleach and 1 tsp. sugar to every 1 cup of room temperature water.  Change water every 5-7 days.
If you snip just a 1/4 inch off the bottom of the stems each day, this will also help.
You will be able to keep your bouquets looking nice for about 2-3 weeks.  

*More Garden Tips
There are so many things that I have read & picked up over the years that it seems I could write on & on about this stuff forever... so here are a few more tried & true tips! Have fun...
*If you have trouble with flies coming in the house, try putting a potted Basil on the step or porch by each of your doors and if you have a window ledge outside you kitchen window or any other put a few there. Not are they only helpful here, just think how easy it will be to make Brushetta or Pesto now.... oh now that is sooo yummy!
*If you have shrubs or trees that need pruned in the spring, lay a tarp under the area to be pruned; then when you are done, simply fold up the tarp and dispose of in your compost or burn pile... easy as pie!
*It is seed planting time and some of those seeds are soo tiny! Lettuce & carrot to mention just a couple.  Try using a large holed salt or sugar shaker~ simply put your seed in it and then shake them out in your prepared row!  So easy!
*Weeding can be a trying experience even for the gardener who loves to garden. If at all possible, weed after a rain, everything comes out easier.
*Mulching is a time & back saver!  If you know a farmer that has cows, horses or sheep they will have hay & straw.  Bales often pop open and there is always loose straw around.  Ask if you clean up the loose straw & hay if you can have it.  I lay newspaper down my isles in the garden and even in the raised beds between the rows, and then cover with straw.  Some people will say then you will be planting the seeds~ it's green manure!  Plus I rather deal with the very minimal seeding as opposed to the hours of hoeing, tilling and hand weeding!   I will be touching more on mulching & it's importance in coming posts!

*Simple Cuttings are very easy to do. Here are instructions on how to start your own Rose & Forsythia. 
~ For a new rose bush all you need to do is cut a stem with a full bloom rose on it.  Stick the stem into the ground.  Leave a few of the leaves at the top with the bloom.  Water the ground thoroughly and put a clear glass jar over it- like a mason jar- if you have a 2 quart jar that would be best, but a 1 quart works well too- and anchor it into the ground by twisting it until the jar is in the ground up to its shoulder; place a rock on it.  Keep the soil watered around jar every day until frost.  don't remove the jar until next spring.  You will then have a new rose bush growing!  I have tried this and it worked~ I got 2 out of 6 new roses.
~ Forsythia is super easy too!  If you have a friend with a bush you are all set~ I am sure she/he will let you have a start.  Forsythia branches will tend to 'bend' down and when the tips meet the ground they root on their own!  Go to the shrub and you will see gobs of branches that appear to be separate bushes, but in actuality they are branches rooted down.  All you need to do is cut the branch from the actual mother plant and carefully dig up the 'rooted branch'.  Put in a bucket of water with the flower fresh in it and transplant into the location you have for it at home! Presto~ your own forsythia!

Mini Farmers Market Pizza's

These nifty little pizza's are so much fun for the children because you can let each one of them create their very own masterpiece!  Not to mention they can put whatever toppings they like best. Here is one way, but be creative and have a yummy fun time!

6 Pita Rounds
1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
1 cup fresh Spinach from Garden Gate Farm, washed & snipped into bite size pieces
1 medium Red Onion from Garden Gate Farm, chopped 
2 Roma Tomatoes from Willowridge farm, sliced thinly with seeds removed
2 cups mixed shredded cheese from Grassfields Organic cheese- choose two types for a more interesting flavor
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/2 cup fresh Parsley from Garden Gate Farm, snipped

1.  Place pita rounds on an ungreased baking sheet and spread each with 1/4 cup of pizza sauce.
2. Top with cheese; put tomato, spinach & onions on top.
3. Drizzle 1/2 tsp. oil over each pizza; sprinkle 1 tsp. parsley over each;
4. Sprinkle lightly with Parmesan cheese over each.
5. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly!

Happy Day,
Jean

"Gardening is a joy when one's time is managed to enjoy it!" Jean Smith.

Well it is finally Spring, I can hardly believe the calendar.  I am so excited with this weather and all that we've got accomplished outdoors the last two weeks. I am getting ready to transplant some scallions, lettuces, chard and spinach seedlings into the raised beds; I am also going to get radishes and more greens seeded this week. For the next few weeks I will focus on giving some practical Garden Tips to help you get your growing season started~ and of course I will continue to give you loads of other fun ideas to do and lot's of yummy recipes! I hope you are all enjoying my blog as much as I am!

Tomorrow I am having a Sisters Day at my house.  What is a Sisters Day you wonder~ well in brief it is when you and a group of friends or relatives decide to have a special day of being together & doing something you all enjoy .  The ideas and group of people to include are both endless!  Here are some Sisters Day themes as well as groups!
*Themes or activities can include but are certainly not limited to~ Card making, scrap booking, canning & preserving, dinner/meal swap, crafty day, sewing or quilting day.  You can even just have your group over and let everyone do what they want.  Tomorrow when all my 'sister's' come we are going to do yard work & finish cleaning up the rest of the flower beds, do some transplanting and one of my 'mother in the Lord' is coming to do the mending that I just cannot bear to do! The other one is too far away to be here, and my heart aches that she won't be with us. We will have one every month and each 'sister' whose turn it is gets to choose what we all do at her house.  If you are thinking that seems pretty good, it gets better. They are all going to bring a dish to pass for lunch that we will all share and to top it off they will each bring in a dish for my families supper! Yeah, isn't that great?
*Groups you may be involved with: Obviously if you have sister's &/or cousins you are especially fond of :-) ~ and of course you can include your mom, mother & sister in laws, grandma & special aunts too.  If there is a lively group in your work place that you enjoy spending time with have one with your co-workers.  Do you belong to a M.O.P.'s, homeschooling, Brownies or Girl Scouts, Master Gardeners or any other group? I am sure you could think of several of the other group members you may have fun with!
Whatever theme or group of friends you decide on you will surely have a great time so let your imaginations soar!

Helpful Garden Tips!
*If you are like me you just can't bear to wear gardening gloves.  I love the way the dirt feels on my fingers and it's warmth is to good to pass up. Besides who can get a good hold on those nasty roots with gloves on.  So before you go outside to work in the dirt, push your finger nails into a bar of soap.  Then when you get back in just wash up and no dirt in the nails!
*If you have earwigs, place several sheets of rolled up newspaper secured with rubber bands where you are seeing infestations.  Leave it there over night and then in the morning, simply pick up the rolled newspaper and put in a garbage bag, tie tightly.  They love to hide in cool, dark & damp places.
*To control slugs and snails simply spread bran around the bases of the plants where you are noticing them. They do not like bran and this will be a natural way to be rid of the slimy suckers!
*I am a list maker!  What I like to do is to walk around the yard and any other areas that I know there is work to be done and make a list of what needs to be done~ these work well for 'Honey-do' lists as well!  Then you can visually look at each thing to do and as it gets accomplished you have the thrill of scratching that job off and it is one less thing to do!  It also helps for folks like me who forget it as quickly as I think of it ;-) !
*Timing is everything!  I for one have many gardens and they take time to work in and get the job done, especially in the spring when all the weeds are trying to take a strong hold before the perennials can get a fair chance!  Spread your work out~ give yourself fifteen to thirty minutes in the morning and then again in the evening to work at weeding.  This way you can easily stay on top of the work instead of trying to do the whole lot in a day once a week.  
 

If you are fortunate enough to have a kitchen garden you can easily throw together these yummy & quick sandwiches for a little picnic, special luncheon or a leisurely lunch that is sure to become a family favorite! 

Cucumber 'Herb Garden' Sandwiches

1- 8 oz. package of Cream Cheese, softened
2 tsp. mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh* herbs, finely chopped such as: chives, thyme, parsley and basil
8 slices Old World bread, sliced
2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced thin

1.  Combine first 4 ingredients and blend until thoroughly mixed. 
2.  Spread on bread; then layer cucumbers on bread about 2 slices thick.  Close sandwiches and serve cool.
This is so refreshing on a hot summer day!
*To interchange dry herbs for fresh cut the amount to 1/4 cup scant~ but I recommend using fresh!

Happy Day,
Jean

Here is a concise breakdown of what our CSA Winter and Pantry Shares offer.[Read More]

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous." Aristotle

It's still winter, can you believe it?  We were sitting on the front porch last evening watching the lightning and listening to the thunder claps & rain.  I had been working in my flower beds & cleaning up the yard running around all day bare foot! I can handle this kind of winter any day of the week.  I planted some Rhubarb Chard & Golden Chard today in the raised beds in the front garden.  They will be able to handle a frost and even a bit of snow~ although I will cover them if we get some of the white stuff. About 4 years ago we had a snow storm on Easter, after all we live in Michigan and anything can happen.  But today I was bare foot and that's all that I care about. 

But on to the topic at hand~ planting.  What can you get away with planting right now you ask. Well there are a few things that will tolerate light frosts and even a light snow. So if you want to live life with some adventure here are a few things you can go ahead and try if you have a garden site that the soil is 'fit' to plant in. By fit I mean that it is not too wet. To check your soil, take a hand full of soil and squeeze it into a ball. If it doesn't hold it's shape then it is dry enough, if it stays in a wad then it is too wet, wait a bit longer.  
Here are some things you can plant right now:
*Spinach, Chard, Scallions, Peas, Radishes, Lettuces such as May Queen, Butter Crunch, Merriville de'Four Seasons, Green or Red Deer Tongue, Lolla Rosa to give you a few ideas.  
As I mentioned above, if we do happen to get some serious snow, than you might want to cover your seedlings.  Most of these things will tolerate and even taste better with a bit of snow & frost, the worst that will happen is the tips will get burned looking and a bit ugly. That is easy enough to snip off before you cook it though.  Also, please remember I live in the Thumb of Michigan, so these are tips for folks who live in similar climates.

If you are serious about wanting to have early spring garden stuff or even would like to experiment with the cold winter months, than look into building a Cold Frame.  The best book out there for this type of info is Eliot Coleman's "Four-Season Harvest". There are many styles to choose from starting with a simple straw bale structure to an elaborate glass pained wooden structure with hinges. The following information is adapted from Four Season Harvest.
*There are two parts to a cold frame- the sides & top.  "The sides can be made of almost any material- boards, concrete blocks, bales of hay, logs...." according to Coleman. He recommends boards, but they all work.
*The tops need to be for the light! You can use old storm windows, wooden frames with plastic sheeting adhered to it or anything that will cover the top and be translucent enough to let the light shine in.
*"Traditional home garden cold frames measure 4 to 6 feet front to back and are 8 to 12 feet long.  They are laid out with the long dimension running east to west. the frame should be just tall enough to clear the crops you plan to grow.  In the standard design, the back walls 12 inches height and the front wall 8 inches high, so that there is a slight slope to the south," according to Coleman.
*The tops can be hinged or just set on. But either way I would personally recommend putting weights on each of the four corners to prevent them from flying off in high winds. 
These are just a few basic steps in building your own cold frame. Again to get greater detail & design drawings refer to Coleman's book or Google it!

Who says onions are just for salad & burgers?  Try this delicious savory onion & cheddar pie!
Cheddar & Onion Pie

2 Cups crackers crushed, Club crackers are very good
1/2 cup butter, melted
2  each red & yellow onions from Garden Gate, sliced thin
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp. Creole Seasoning mix
2 eggs from Garden Gate, beaten
1 cup Cheddar Cheese , shredded

1.  Combine cracker crumbs with butter; set aside one cup.  Press remaining crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9" deep dish pie plate.
2. Saute onions in oil until transparent and tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Spread drained onions over crust.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and seasoning; without bringing to a boil, cook until heated through.  Turn off heat; stir in eggs and cheese.  Continue to stir until cheese melts.  Spoon over onions; top with reserved crumb mixture.
5. Bake at 325 degrees for about 40-45 minutes- until eggs are set. 

Happy Day,
Jean

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson

Today was magnificent! The sun was shining and the warmth it gave was strength for the soul.  We worked outside all day~ Neil cleaned out the very messy garage; Taylor washed all the windows in & out; I got flower & raised beds cleaned up with some help, my front porch swept & tidied up and my potting shed all cleaned out~ that was a job.  It seems every fall when 'stuff' is getting picked up and put away, it all goes into 'my' shed!  Kyle was helping me and he very innocently say's, "You do this every spring mom." I'm like, no kidding!  But that's OK, I love getting in there and finding all the 'clearance' garden stuff I stashed away last fall in anticipation for the next summer. After school Kyle and Ethan were outside with Evan helping him fill his bird feeders~ they are so sweet to their baby brother! It paid off, Evan's boo~jays were there shortly after.  As I was meandering through the flower beds and cleaning, of course I am thinking what needs to be replaced, added and thinned out.  Gardening is a job, but when it is your passion it is so worth while.  Today is going to be the last for ideas on Garden Themes, so I thought we would end with a few I was saving for last. 

Many people think flowers are just for looking at, cutting for arrangements or giving as gifts~ have you ever thought about eating some?  Edible flower's are much more common in the many gardening magazines the last few years. I love to include pansies and nasturtiums in my salads, they don't just add beauty but they really are yummy~ Nasturtiums add a 'peppery' flavor. Here are a more edibles, try planting them in your kitchen garden, in pots or in your veggie garden. Especially nasturtiums, they should go with your tomato plants!
*All herbs of course, scented geraniums, viola, violets, pansies, nasturtiums, dandelion petals & leafs, hibiscus, johnny jump ups, rose petals, snapdragons, day lily and calendula petals.  There are many more and if you are interested in finding more out on edible plants, a good book is, "Edible Wild Plants~ A North American Field Guide, by Thomas S. Elias & Peter A. Dikeman.   As with all plants, be sure to read about them before ingesting because some need to be had in moderation and some do not go well with certain medications.

*Tea Gardens are always fun simply because of what you can plan with them, who doesn't love a Tea Party? Creating a Tea Garden is very special, it is beautiful and practical.  Here are some easy to grow plants that make superb teas and blends.
*Lemon Balm, Raspberry leaves, Mints including but not limited to: Spearmint, Pineapple, Apple, Balsam, Orange, Peppermint; Sage, Rose & Chamomile.  This is a very small list but some of the most common to give you a start.

*Beautiful Ice Cubes~ If you are having some friends over or are planning any type of party here is a very easy yet elegant idea to spruce up your beverages. First boil enough water to fill 4 ice cube trays. After the water is boiled pour into ice cube trays and drop in 2 Johnny Jump Up's or Viola's into each insert. Freeze. Pop out when ready to use and hear the 'ahhs'. The boiling of water makes it so the water is crystal clear.

We don't always need meat on our sandwiches, despite what my husband thinks :-) !  Some days you just want it light & simple. Here are two yummy treats that are sure to please!

Farm Fresh eggs are a farmer's market delight, especially when you get them from The Garden Gate!
Egg Salad on Sour Dough

4 eggs from Garden Gate, hard boiled, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup red onion from Garden Gate, finely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise, divided
1 tsp Matt's Mix Seasoning
1/2 stick butter, softened
1 loaf of Sour Dough Bread from Fostoria Bread Factory

1.  Using a fork, mash eggs, stir in onion, seasoning and 1/2 the mayo.
2. Cut the loaf in slices, about 8 will do.  Cut the crust* off.  Spread the butter evenly on 4 of the slices and the remaining mayo on the other 4 slices. 
3.  Spoon on egg mixture evenly between 4 slices; top with other.

What to do with radishes other than throw them on a salad or dip in salt and crunch!  Radishes have more uses than that. Here is a fun treat to change things up.  Serve with your favorite soup and a fresh fruit salad, Superb!
Spicy Radish Sandwiches

10 radishes from Garden Gate, washed, trimmed and thinly slice
4 Tbsp. butter, softened
3 Tbsp. fresh chives from Garden Gate, chopped and divided
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed
3/4 tsp. fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1/4 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. each salt & pepper
1 baguette , sliced 1/4 inch thick

1. Mix butter, 2 Tbsp. of the chives, sesame seed, ginger and oil in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. 
2. Spread mixture over one side of each baguette slice.  Top with radishes, overlapping slightly.  Sprinkle with remaining chives.
Yum!

Happy Day,
Jean

Hello all,

Couple things off topic of my 'or Dragonflies & Me' blog posts.

First, we are terribly excited to annouce that we have joined forces with The Henry Ford Museum with a signature sausage. We will only be creating this one of a kind, Jalepeno Cheddar for the museum and villages restaurants.  It is simply superb with a subtle hint of Jalepeno, not overpowering the other secret ingredients.  Head over to the museum to see the wonderful Titanic exhibit and be sure to grab a bite.

CSA Starts soon.

We only have about 3 shares left.  CSA will start in Farmington and Ferndale on Saturday, May 5th, 2012 and for Bay City Monday, May 7th at our members home- pickup for Bay City is from 1pm to 2pm. More details for that to follow.

Reminder also that the 28th of April is our last day for The Old Winery Market and I am thrilled to done with the management end of the market for a few months.  We are so excited to start the regular season at The Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market on Saturday, May 5th. The market theme will be Cinco Demayo of the 5th. We have got lots of great activities planned! Be sure to stop by and see what May's Sausage of the month is.

See you there,

Jean

*Old Fashioned Cottage Garden are my favorite. All of my gardens are Cottage type simply because I love the natural way they feel and look, not all fuss & pomp, just calm and relaxing.  I think that is why I love them, most often life is not any of these and I can escape to the garden's and simply be there.  There are certain flowers that speak specifically in a cottage garden~ Hollyhocks, Delphiniums, Foxglove, Bleeding Heart, Climbing Roses, Peony, Phlox, and of course one of my personal favorites, Lupine's.  We use to have a childrens story book called, The Lupine Lady. I don't know the author any longer, but I use to love to read it to the children, it was just a happy book!  My garden's incorporate picket fences, old wooden posts, arbors and a pergola.  This picture is of my front arbor and fence with a Sweet Autumn Clematis growing on it just starting to bloom.  These are one of my favorite climbers.  They are breathtaking and car stopping when in full bloom, around the end of August.  Country Garden's magazine is jammed  packed with beautiful garden idea's for creating Cottage Gardens.  If you haven't picked up a copy yet, be forewarned, once you start you'll be a life long subscriber!

*Here is a fun project if you are a Bible reader or even if you are not.  Plant a Bible Garden- the following plants can be found at the listed verses in the King James Version.  Try having a trivia game using the following plants & see who knows where these plants can be found. See who the Bible scholars are!
Rose of Sharon-  Song of Solomon 2.1            Roots- Job 30.4
Rue- Luke 11.42                                                 Saffron- Song of Solomon 4.14
Hyssop- Hebrews 9.19                                     Mint- Mathew 23.23
Anise- Mathew 23.23
 
*Living Wreaths~ As most of you know we are Farmer's Market vendors.  At a market I use to participate in there was a vendor that created the most beautiful Living Wreaths.  I gathered the following tips from Country Gardens magazine, Early Spring Issue 2009, Vol. 18, No.1 on how to market them.  They are fairly simple and inexpensive to make on your own, and if properly cared for will last you all summer long.  You will need a few supplies- here is a brief outline of material's & how to!
*First gather your supplies~ At least a 16" metal wreath form or Grape Vine wreath with pocket, 16oz. bag of Sphagnum moss, small bag organic potting mix,  about 12-18 plants- choose one or two varieties; when choosing your plants decide if this wreath is going to be in the sun or shade- this will make a big difference on your selections, green florist wire.
*Choose your plants:
~Shady plants that work well are impatiens, ivy, button ferns or tuberous begonias.
~Sunny plants that work well are pansies, petunias or herbs.  A mixture of Thyme's, viola's and a variegated spearmint is just stunning, not to mention smells scrumptious.
*Step 1:  Soak moss well in bucket (about 10 minutes) of water and then drain.  It should be damp & pliable.  Attach a short length of doubled wire to the back of the wreath form, so it will be easy to hang.  Place three or four such lengths, evenly spaced, on the back of the wreath so that it can be turned to keep it growing evenly.
*Step 2:  Line the form with the moss, with the green mossy side facing out, like fitting rolled out dough in a pie pan.  Overlap pieces of moss and patch as you go.
Step 3:  Make sure the moss overlaps both upper edges of the form or grape vine basket by a couple of inches.  Fill the form about 3/4 full with the potting mix.
Step 4:  Arrange the plants on top of the soil. When you are happy with your design, take the plants out of their pots and plant them.
Step 5:  Give the wreath a full look by planting the sides as well.  Poke holes through the moss in three or four places around the sides of the form, and carefully insert a plant in each hole. 
Step 6:  Tuck the overlapping edges of the moss over the top, around the crowns of the plants.  The moss holds the plants in place until their roots have taken grip.  It also helps keep the soil from drying out and falling out when watered.
Step 7:  Secure on end of the florists wire to the back of the wreath form.  Wrap wire around the front and back, moving in a spiral all the way around.  Cut the wire and twist the end onto the form.
This is a beautiful gift as well, and homemade with love can't be more special!

Some people are afraid of Greens simply because they have never been exposed to them, they sound too different or they are just not a real 'go getter' with new foods.  Then there are those that dive at the market table when the greens are spread before them.  What constitutes the name 'greens' other than the obvious~ lettuces the curious one asks.  Well greens include kale, chard, spinach, mustard's, arugula, endive to name the most common.  Usually a 'salad mix' of greens includes many of the above combined together to make a yummy salad.  Most often when cooked alone these things are steamed or wilted.  But there are so many other options!  Here is a really yummy recipe, remember that you can interchange any of the above for the 'green' in the ingredients!

Soft Boiled Eggs in a 'Green' Nest

1 Bunch of Chard, Kale or Spinach from Garden Gate, stems & ribs discarded
1 1/2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/4 tsp Red Pepper flakes
1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
4 Eggs from Garden Gate

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Chop your greens into bite size pieces and toss in the oil and seasoning to coat evenly. Spread evenly in the bottom of a 10"x10" glass baking dish and bake for about 30-40 minutes, till crisp.  Remove from oven and divide into 2 bowls and create a 'nest' with a hole in the center.
2. While greens are baking, bring a 2 quart pot of water to a rolling boil and gently lower eggs into water, turn off heat and cover.  Let eggs sit in water for 6 1/2 minutes for soft boiled eggs.
3. Transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water and let sit for about 1/2 minute.  Working carefully and quickly, peel eggs, and place in center of nests.  Season with Matt's Mix and serve immediately.

Happy Day,
Jean

Each Spring my children get pretty enthusiastic about planting 'their' own garden plots.  Ryan, my soon to be 10year old is always right there ready to get going.  Last year he gathered several old bricks he discovered and made small 'raised' beds.  He dug around to loosen the dirt and proceeded to plant his tomato plants along side basil, nasturtiums & marigolds.  He has learned the art of Companion Planting like a true gardener!  Taylor & Kyle are usually in competition as to who's garden shall yield the greatest bounty and there-by collect the most funds from dad 'n' mom! The problem most often is that the thrill doesn't always last through till the harvest~ before the harvest is weeding & tending~ not such glamorous tasks as the planting!  But they are learning and I believe will someday have beautiful flower & veggie gardens for me to walk through!

But in the meantime here are a few more Garden Themes to dream about & work toward!
The first is a lovely *Children's Garden~  Sunflower Houses~  A good friend of mine has a really neat book calledRoots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots by Sharon Lovejoy.  It is a book all about different children's garden theme's.  One that struck us most was a sunflower house. It is so fun & incredibly simple~ first find the perfect spot, a sunny corner in the far back of your veggie garden works well~ or in a flower bed if you have room~ figure about a 6'x6' area.  You will need the Giant Grey Stripe or Mammoth Sunflower's or even better a combo of both.  Using a stick for a marker, draw out the area in the dirt, any shape you want will do~ round, diamond, square, whatever~ then plant the seeds according to package directions.  Be sure to leave enough of an opening for an entrance.  Once the seeds start to sprout reseed where any didn't germinate so you have a complete 'wall'.  After your sunflowers are about six inches high plant Morning Glory seeds at the base of some of the sunflowers~ about every six would be good.  To make a roof over your hide away, take twine and go around the tops of the sunflowers to make criss~cross sections for the morning glories to climb over.  Once your sunflowers and morning glories are full grown it will be the perfect spot for picnics, story time or playing house.  Your children will love it!
other stuff for the Children to plant.... Children love to plant and if you give them something fun to grow it can even be more special! Let them plant some decorative gourds.  There are more varieties than you can shake a stick at including Swan, Bottle, Snake, Apple and even a Dinosaur Gourd.  Let them page the seed catalogs with you and have them pick what interests them.  There are books that teach the art of Gourdology which can be found at your local library.  The garden project can at harvest time become a craft project!  

Are you a crafty type of person?  Why not try growing your own Wreath Garden.  With the cost of materials these days, a package of seeds will go a long way in the savings department. Try growing these easy plants and who knows you might even be able to start a little business with your craft!
*Flowers that work well for Wreath's include~ boxwood, sweet annie, yarrow, bay, statice, artemisias and gomphrena. 

*Ditch Garden~ Do you have a ditch in front or alongside your home that just screams 'do something with me'? It is always an eye soar and you just don't really have the time to tend another garden? You want something but would like a maintainence free space that looks good without a lot of effort? I did, so last year I attacked the ditch that runs along the road in the front of our yard. My ditch is often fairly wet so my choice was a day lily patch. Here are two very quick & simple solutions if you have a similar dilemma. First & foremost determine how often and to what degree the area is wet.  This will determine if you do a Wild Flower or Day Lily Garden.  Next, if tilling is a possibility rotor~till up the section to be seeded/planted.  If the area is not tillable due to moisture you will need to do a Day Lily garden.  If this is the solution, dig holes about every two feet and plant a clump of day lilies.  They can handle the early spring moisture and tolerate the dry & hot summer days that hit Michigan. If the area is not overly moist and tilling is an option,  simply scatter Wild Flower seeds in it. After a couple years you will have a breathtaking, car slowing garden that will never be an eye soar again.  Which ever you decide will best fit your space, be sure to check planting directions/requirements before you put all the work into it.  

What are Butterfly Kisses you ask? These have been shared in my gardens for many years by me & all my children.  They are the sweetest way to give that little person in your life a 'special' kiss & I love you.  So here are step by step instructions for those who are interested!
*First, find one or more of your favorite children.
*Next, stand them close to you and get down to their level~ face to face!
*Getting right up close in their face, put your eye up against their eye and blink as quickly as you can!  Be sure to tell the child to do the same!  The child will of course giggle and ask for tons more and of course you will gladly oblige!
That's a Butterfly Kiss, and of course they are most fun in a garden!

Who says Apple Pie is just for desert?  This yummy Apple Pie will surprise the ones you love around the table, give it a try!

Apple 'Breakfast' Pie

1 beaten Egg, from Garden Gate
1/4 cup oil
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cup Pancake Mix from Taylor's Bake Shoppe
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. Vanilla Sugar                                                                                    2 Granny Smith apples cored & wedged
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
2 Tbsp. butter
Add about 1/2 cup nuts is you would like!
Top it with some Whipped Cream or Ice Cream~ Yummy!

1.  Beat the egg, oil & milk together and then add Pancake mix, 1/2 cup of sugar and nuts if using.  Beat until smooth, but don't over beat.
2. Pour into a greased 10" pie plate. 
3. Arrange the apples evenly over batter.  Combine the 2 Tbsp. of sugar with cinnamon & nutmeg; sprinkle over the apples.  Dot with butter.
4.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 30- 35 minutes or until apples when poked feel tender.  Serve warm with your choice of topping.

Happy Day,
Jean

"To own a bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds, and watch the renewal of life... this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do."  Charles Dudley Warner

Gardens are such a joy and can be an inspiration to others.  When one walks through a garden they should be welcomed by a warm, fuzzy feeling that grabs hold of them to the point of not wanting to leave.  Quiet, rest and peacefulness ought to be the theme of every garden, and it can be accomplished simply by making it a small reflection of who you are.   When your friends are there it should be a time of not just visiting, but sharing secrets of both joy and sadness; a place where memories are in the making.  A garden says so much about it's creator~ favorite plants, colors, garden style~ mine is all cottage!  My hope is that these writings will stimulate that new, hopeful gardener to dive into a new project or inspire the one that has it 'all' to do something new.  Gardening is meant to be a joy, so be joyful & garden!
 
As I mentioned in the previous entry I am going to discuss for a few days some different Garden Themes. 
Many people are moved by Shakespeare's writings and find his work quite fascinating. Some may have even heard of a Shakespeare Garden Theme.  This garden represents plants that have been mentioned in many of his writings.  As you will notice, many of the plants listed are herbs, and therefore an Herb Garden would be a great way to incorporate this into your yard!  Remember, as with all gardens consider your area, drainage, available sunlight or lack of, and the plants growing habits.  As always, I suggest drawing it out and planning before you start~ this always saves a lot of disappointment.

*Mustard          *Strawberry
*Parsley          *Calendula
*Bay                *Carnation
*Burnet            *Columbine
*Savory           *Flax 
*Thyme            *Pink Rose
*Marjoram       *Hyssop
*Lavender        *Johnny Jump Ups
*Lemon Balm   *Myrtle
*Chamomile      *Flax
*Rosemary      *Mint

A few other Garden Themes are....
*Friendship Garden~  This is one of my favorites, and it is so easy to get started!  First make a list of some of your best friends and think about their garden's and what they have to offer in the line of perennials.  After you decide on your garden location, size and have it prepared for planting, you can begin asking your friends for starts of the plants you want to 'remember' them by.  They will be so tickled that they mean that much to you, they will gladly give you a 'baby'.  But be careful, you may get a whole group ready to start 'Plant Swapping' and garden making~ now wouldn't that be terrible ;-) !
*Sittin' Garden~  This garden is for quiet times.  At our other home I had a special spot where I could look over the garden and watch the birds, bee's and just relax.  I took two tree stumps and a wooden slab board; I then laid the board across the two stumps for a very rustic bench. You can use whatever suits your fancy & taste for your quiet spot.  Take a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa and just enjoy the moment. 

Herbed Mushroom Omelets
Try this yummy treat with of course Garden Gates awesome eggs!

6 eggs beaten  from Garden Gate
1 Tbsp. fresh Parsley from Garden Gate
1/4 tsp. of each dried Oregano & Thyme
1/4 tsp.  seasoning salt
2 Tbsp. butter, divided
1 1/2 cup Portabello Mushrooms

1. Whisk together eggs & seasonings and set aside.
2. Melt 1/2 the butter in skillet over medium heat and add sliced mushrooms; saute until tender~ about 5-10 minutes. Remove from skillet, set aside.
3. Melt rest of butter in skillet over low heat; pour in half the egg mixture. Stir the eggs slightly, without scrambling. When almost cooked, spoon the mushrooms in and fold over. 
*If you would like to add cheese try some from Grassfields Organic Cheeses!

Happy Day,
Jean

I don't think it is any big surprise when I say that being in the garden is very special for me.  All my life we had a garden and it just is part of who I am.  The wonders of nature in the garden are by far too many to number.  I often say how special it is for me to be in the garden with my children, the experiences that I am able to share with them is priceless.  When they see their first woolly bear caterpillar, or pill bug or even better the first Praying Mantis, now that is a wonder for sure!  The garden is a special place for so many things, so what about hosting a birthday party~ not just for an adult but also a child.  Here are some 'Child' Friendly Garden Birthday Party idea's & tips...
*Help your child make home made garden themed Invitations.  How about a standard 4 x 5 1/2 piece of card stock.  Pick up those wonderful 10 for $1 seed packs and put the seed pack on the front for the 'picture'. 
*The Menu!  Let your child have fun! Depending on the age of the child let them help create the menu!  A very cute 'Sandwich' idea is to start with sub buns for your sandwich.  Cut each section about 4" and make as you want.  Set the sandwiches up down the center of the table in a wiggly way to look like a caterpillar. Even cuter, put chocholate cookie crumbs under it to make it appear as though it is crawling through the dirt~ too cute! You can use any color licorice to lay on the table slightly under the sections to represent the 'many' legs; using toothpicks, put round gummies or black olives for two eyes. Two stick pretzels can be the antenna's; use any other soft candies on toothpicks to poke along the tops of the sandwiches to represent 'polka-dot' backs.  The ideas are endless, use your imagination.
*Watermelons aren't just yummy, they can be beautiful centerpieces as well.  Most of us have seen how melons can be cut to represent a handled basket, hollowed out and then filled with a beautiful & delicious fruit salad.   The long oval shaped melons work best.
*Punch is the funnest drink for a party! Try making 'real' lemonade!  It is very simple- use 3 parts water to 1 part lemon juice, add 1 cup of sugar for every 4 cups of liquid! Cut lemon's & limes in slices and let them swirl around to make it extra special.  If you have a 'color' theme to your party, add a few drops of food coloring to make your lemonade your color!  You can use any large container to hold your punch!  Use jelly jars for your glasses with umbrella straws!
*Of course the Cake, or how about Cupcakes!  How much more fun, then these can actually turn into a Game!  Have a cupcake decorating activity!  Let each guest decorate their own cupcakes- so much more special!
*Party Games~ how about 'Pin the Bumblebee on the Daisy', play a game of bingo with flower pictures~ use small rubber stamps or stickers that would fit on a 1" square and use for your Bingo instead of letters!  How about a Scavenger hunt looking for all Garden stuff! 
*Posy Pots!  here is a great favor!  Here is what you will need!
Organic Potting mix, 1 Quart Zip Lock baggies, Sunflower or Marigold seeds, pretty card stock , tulle, raffia, and a small clay pot.  Fill the baggie with enough potting mix to fill the pot then place filled bag inside the pot. Take the card stock and make a small packet to put 2-3 seeds in, seal. Place seed packet on top of dirt bag in pot.  Gather tulle around the outside of the pot, and tie with raffia.  Cut out a 4" x 4" piece of card stock for a gift tag and using a rubber stamp or sticker of the type of flower seed you chose, place it on the square, punch a hole in the corner, write planting instructions on back and attach to raffia bow. Such fun for everyone!

Many people often wonder what they can do with Round Stead other than stew meat, here is a great way to make a typically tough piece of meat great!

Pepper Steak

2 lbs. beef round steak sliced into 1/2 inch strips from Garden Gate
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 garlic gloves, pressed and divided
2 green pepper, cut into thin strips
1 large Portabello mushroom                                                                                           2 medium onions coarsely chopped from Garden Gate
2 tsp Seasoning Salt
1 cup beef broth
1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp curry powder                                                                                     Chicken broth as needed

1.  In a skillet over medium heat, brown steak strips with oil and half the garlic.
2. Add peppers and onions; cook until tender.  Stir in mushrooms, Matt's Mix and remaining garlic.  Stir in beef broth.  Reduce heat to low an simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Sprinkle with curry powder and continue simmering one hour.
4. Add chicken broth as needed to prevent sticking and over browning.

Happy Day,
Jean

I love to watch Kyle our oldest son take his little brother Evan's hand to go fill the bird feeders.  It is so sweet and special!  Kyle has always been my bird feeder and now Evan is too.  We love to watch the boo-jays come to the giant sunflowers we planted for their fall 'fare' and see the finches devour the thistle seed in the ditch, then slowly change their bright summer yellow feathers for the drab brownish garb for winter.  Birds provide such a wealth of entertainment not to mention relaxation.

Here are few 'Bird' Friendly ideas for both enthusiasts and wannabe's!
*Don't throw your hair away- or your pets for that matter!  After you comb your hair or the pets, put the wads out in bushes or low branches of some trees.  Watch and see as your feathered friends will take them to add to their next.  Other things you can help them with is the lint from your dryers & scraps of yarn. It is so neat when you look up in the tree and see some of your red yarn up high in a nest!
*We always include a row of giant sunflowers at the one end of our small veggie garden.  It's not just beautiful but it provides so much food for the birds in the fall.  If you don't have a veggie garden plant them next to your kitchen window or some other visible spot so you can watch!
* Egg shells are loaded with calcium and birds need it to make strong egg shells. Rinse and crumble them up and scatter around under your bird feeders or on top of evergreen shrubs.  If you have chickens by chance add to their feed, you're eggs will be much stronger and if you have little hands gathering, a bit less likely to 'crack' on the way up to the house :-) !
*Give a bird a break and free rent.  The entertainment they provide will be worth the work! Put bird houses out in trees and other locations.  You can get all kinds of info on what types of houses attract certain birds.  If you want Blue Birds, start reading and preparing now!  What a special treat to have a pair of these!
*Super easy bird feeders are right in your kitchen and yard!  Here are a couple simple ones to make and are great fun for children to help with!  First gather some pine cones, fill all the cracks with smooth peanut butter then roll in bird feed of your chose.  Tie a bright piece of yarn around the center and hang where you will be able to enjoy.  Another easy one is to take some corn syrup and mix loose bird seed into it until it is moldable and not drippy, gooey.  You can roll flat & cut with cookie cutters into shapes or just make balls.  Add a string then let dry.  Hang, watch & enjoy!
*Keep a journal!  I use to keep a journal of all the birds that would gather at my bird feeders.  Just the first time.  You can make it really special by using photo's you have taken or found or water colors of those birds and adding them in along with the sitings. 

I am all about a Pretty Porch!  I absolutely love to decorate my porch, (see photo's) and make it as welcoming as possible.  Last year I painted the ceiling a sky blue and that added such charm!  I have two rocking chairs on it, one for me and one for Neil.  I love to sit out their in the early morning before everyone else gets up and do my devotions with a cup of coffee.  I get to 'hear' the whizzing of the humming birds wing's, the buzzing bumble bee and the wood pecker tap tapping in the tree.  I love the morning sounds on the porch, but the evening ones are equally interesting~ the swooping of the bats wings as they slide out from the chimney and pass by us very closely, the peepers in the pond across the road, the crackling wood in the fire pit we are all sitting around and the shrill scream of the Screech Owl in the woods.  There are a few other 'sounds' around, like the laughter of busy boys, the vroom vroom of the tractors hauling my pea stone away from the patio area, the 'crack' of the ball hitting the baseball bat from the boys playing, the girly scream of the big sister as the 'flying bat' swoops a bit too low.... so you have to listen closely for the evening sounds!
A porch in my opinion has to say, 'Come set awhile'!  So now is the time to start preparing!  Go ahead & start shopping around at all the local thrift shops for 'porch' worthy items!
*Neat old chairs that will be a welcome seat for a pretty potted plant, bird houses.
*An Old window that you can hang on the wall and swag some grape vines over top.
*A neat old table that you can set potted plants on or use as a quaint little breakfast table.
*Rocking chairs of course!
The ideas are limitless, use your imagination and let your porch be beautiful!

Try these yummy & easy open faced sandwiches!
Market Square Open Faced Baguettes!

3 tbsp butter                                                                                  1 tsp. dried Basil from A Pinch of Spice & More
1 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms from Willowridge Farm                    1/2 tsp. dried Garlic from A Pinch of Spice
1 cup thinly sliced Zucchini from Willowridge Farm                    1/4 tsp. each Salt & Pepper from James Creek Sutlery
2 Tomatoes sliced from Springbrook Gardens                            4 Baguettes, sliced from Golden Wheat
1/2 cup sliced and separated Red Onion from Garden Gate         1 Cup shredded Cheese from Grassfields

1.  Melt butter in skillet over medium heat.  Stir in all ingredients except baguettes, cheese and tomatoes.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies are crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. 
2.  Arrange baguettes on an ungreased baking sheet.  Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese over each half and bake at 375 degrees for about 5 minutes or until lightly toasted and cheese is melted.  Remove from oven; top each with one slice tomato.  Spoon on veggie mix; top with remaining cheese. Continue baking 4 to 5 minutes longer, or until cheese is melted.  Yummy!

Happy day,
Jean
 

 

Starting Seeds in doors is very easy and extremely rewarding!  All you need is a few everyday household items~
*If you buy organic baby lettuce, greens or spinach than you will have access to those handy clear plastic containers with lids.  These are perfect for seed starting.  Be sure to poke several drainage holes on the bottom of the container.
*Fill your container about 2/3 way full with a good organic potting mix. Plant your seeds as package describes.  Be sure to follow planting dates on packet. Water accordingly.
*Put the lid on, which will give a greenhouse effect.  You will not have to water due to the condensation that will be created.
*Put in a sunny window and wait until seeds start to sprout- see seed packet instructions.
*Once the seeds start to germinate, remove lid and water according to packet instructions.
Another easy but more extravagant way is to set your flats on a table and hang lights on 's' hooks with light chains from the ceiling  in a warm basement or other room.  The lights must be no more than 3 to 6 inches from the top of the flat (or the plants once they start growing), so be sure to make your light set up adjustable.  Plain old florescent shop lights work best for starting seeds, or you can even purchase 'grow lights' from greenhouse supply companies or seed catalogs. 
*You can go to any big box retailer and purchase really slick 'seed starting' kits.  Follow instructions on kit.... and enjoy!
Transplant outdoors following packet instructions.

Easy fertilizer~ to give your house plants an extra boost, add 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt and 1 teaspoon of fish emulsion plant fertilizer to 1/2 gallon of water, then stand back and watch'er grow!  Extra fertilizer water can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months.

Humane Critter Deterrent~ I know we all have a pet that we love & cherish, but we also have flower beds we work very hard to keep beautiful and when that pet trompples the new shoots of that cherished peony or knocks down the Heirloom tomato plant loaded with green tomatoes, things can get a bit frustrating.  So here are a few 'humane' ways to deter our beloved cats & dogs from our beloved gardens.  This will also deter rabbits, squirrels and ground hogs- not so beloved.
~Sprinkle a mixture of 3 parts Cayenne Pepper and 1 part ground Citrus peelings. Sprinkle liberally around perimeters of beds and directly around specific areas that you want to keep Fido & Kitty out of.  Reapply weekly or after the surface soil dries after a rain.~
You want Toads!  They eat literally thousands of insects a week and they are the best friend of any organic gardener!  If you have a pond- (no fish they eat toad eggs) or an area you don't mind un-mowed and natural; there is no need to throw away broken clay pots, these make lovely toad houses and look too cute hidden among flowers.  These are all perfect toad hiding places. Toads have enormous appetites and faithfully feed on grasshoppers, cutworms, slugs, flies and most of the bad bugs that drive all of us gardeners crazy.  It is crucial you use NO pesticides as they are easily absorbed through the toad's skin.  Be sure to educate your children on good toad behavior- no smooshing!

Try some yummy muffins for breakfast or snack, these are a winner!
Peanut Butter Muffins

1 cup Whole Wheat flour from Garden Gate                                                                1/3 cup Applesauce
1 cup Oatmeal                                                                                                                        1 1/2 cups milk
1 Tbsp. baking soda                                                                                                          1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

1.  Whisk together flour, oats, baking soda and salt.  Add peanut butter and applesauce; beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth. 
2. Stir in milk and honey. 
3.  Spoon batter into paper lined or greased muffin cups, filling about 2/3 full.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from center.
Cool in pan for about 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
makes about 1 1/2 dozen.

Happy day,
Jean

"He who plants a garden plants happiness." Old Chinese proverb.

Who doesn't love to get flowers, a special card or a 'just because' gift?  I know it always brings a smile to my face, that's for sure.  Here are a few novel ideas I have picked up along the way and have done myself.  Have fun and remember there is no pressure in gardening, only smiles.

A Gardening Gift Exchange is a great way to start the Spring season off! Here's a few tips on how to host & organize one.
*Make your Invitations!  This sounds harder than it is.  If you don't have any idea books on scrap booking or card making try the library and they are sure to have several that you can borrow. 
*Ask each of your guests to bring a small wrapped gift that is related to gardening.
*When your guests arrive have each one draw a numbered slip of paper (1 through however many guests you have invited) out of a clay planter that you have prepared ahead of time.
*Have each guest sit with the gift they brought.  The guest who pulled number one chooses a gift from someone.  The person who chose number two gets to choose another unopened gift OR take the one the previous person chose. 
It keeps going until everyone has had a chance to choose a wrapped or opened gift.  When the party is over, each guest will leave with a little gift... and a little inspiration for her own garden!

Of course no Party is complete without a tastefully done Luncheon, so here are some ideas on how to create a welcoming and cheerful event....
The Food~
*Try cutting softened butter into shapes using cookie cutters.
*Using a honey dew or cantaloupe melon, cut in half, hollow out and fill with your favorite ice cream.  Make homemade ice cream- it is super easy! 
*Deviled eggs look even yummier with fresh chives tied into bows and placed on top of them.  Use the chive blossom's to set on the bow.
*For extra special dinner buns- combine in 1 stick melted butter your favorite herb such as rosemary or thyme.  Dip the roll into butter mixture and bake.
*A special punch bowl will hold Raspberry Lemon tea with lemon, lime & orange peel spirals combined with ice cubes containing mock orange or orange blossoms. 
*Of course mini sandwiches- see Parsley Bacon Canape below! 
Set the Tables with something that will make them go 'ahhh'~
*Use pretty floral sheets or plain white that drape to the floor with quilts laid diagonally over for table clothes.
*Use 3 clay pots of the same size to hold forks, spoons and knives in.  Tie a piece of raffia around the rim with a bow to make it even cutter.
*Use baskets  lined with floral napkins to hold napkins & breads.
*Mason jars make the cutest drinking vessels, especially if they are blue! Not to mention flower vases and candle holders.
*A hodge podge of old plates & platters are a great way to serve your sandwiches, cheese & crackers & appetizers.
*Use an old galvanized wash tub filled to the top with ice and put bottled water, juice or pop in for guests.
*An old pickle crock thoroughly cleaned makes a spectacular punch bowl.
*Print the menu out on card stock and lay over each guests plate. 

Parsley Bacon Canape
Of course use Garden Gates awesome bacon for this special treat...

1 cup fresh chopped Parsley from Garden Gate                                            1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 pound Garden Gate Bacon, fried, drained and crumbled                             1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise                                                                                      1 loaf Old World Bread
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1. Combine chopped parsley, bacon, mayo & Worcestershire to spreading consistency. 
2. Mix garlic powder into butter.
3. Roll the bread with a rolling pin slightly.  Spread bread with garlic butter mixture.  Spread parsley mixture over the butter.
4.  Roll the slices up and wrap in waxed paper and twist ends.  Freeze.  to serve, unwrap and slice 5 per roll.  Thaw.
Yields about 10 dozen.

Happy day,
Jean

When we purchased our farm the home had been abandoned for over a year and to say the least it was a 'fixer' upper.  Although as we walked through it I could imagine what I could make it to be, and so the long road of fixing is still in progress.  That's o.k. though because I enjoy making things look like 'me'. We moved in the first of March almost five years ago and I had the garden's to be on paper before you could bat an eye.  The veggie garden and flower beds would be first priority and then planning some hard scaping. Each year we have added new elements and I can always envision more beds and dreams. 

Remembrance Trees or plants are a beautiful and potentially long lasting treasured gift.  Neil's mom had purchased for each of the six children a 'remembrance' tree in memory of their father after he passed away.  Unfortunately our beautiful Emerald Luster Maple tree was left at our previous home.  She had wanted something for our new home and got us several much needed shrubs.  This is such a wonderful idea that can be remembered for generations.  

Wedding Showers can be so fun and especially with the right theme.  If you are planning on hosting one, even in the dreary months of winter, make it a Garden Theme.  Here are a few cute ideas to get you started!
*Invitations- You can create the cutest invitations with all the graphics, rubber stamps and stickers out there today.  Especially if you have one of those nifty die cutting machines! 
*Have everyone bring their favorite Recipe on a card that you send them with the invitation (then they are all the same size & coordinate).  Put them in a cute Terra cotta pot as each guest arrives; have the bride-to-be pull 2 or 3 of the cards and whoever's name is on them, they win a door prize- give them a potted plant.  The recipes then can be put in a book or box for the bride-to-be and will be a long lasting treasured memory. 
*Place Setting Name Tags- use 10 for $1.00 seed packets- simply use address labels with a cute font and garden graphic to print each guests name on and then put on the front of seed packet to cover the company name, but not flower.  Have just one of a certain seed and use that for another door prize winner.
*Door Prizes- pairs of garden gloves, hand tools- trowels, shovels, scratcher's; garden stationary, seed packets, potted flowers or any other garden themed gift you can come up with.  
*Menu- You can change names of recipe's to feature the theme.  For example, 'Berry Blossom Salad'- use edible flowers (if available) like pansies & nasturtiums. Rhubarb Punch or Garden Spiral Pasta Salad are a few more.  Use your imagination!
 
A wonderful Wedding Gift for the happy couple to be is a Picnic Basket.  Be sure to fill it with two of everything- linen napkins, place mats, plates, cups, flatware and pretty glasses.  Don't forget to include a table cloth, candles & candle sticks and some of the couples favorite treats.  
Another special gift is a small Planter of Cooking Herbs such as Basil, Parsley, Sage, Thyme, Oregano and Rosemary.  Make it even more special by including a book on Herb Gardening and an Herb Cookbook. 

Try this yummy meal using Garden Gates Italian Sausage and let your tastes soar....
Three Cheese Herb Pasta Bake

3 Tbsp. butter                                                                                                                        1 tsp each- basil, dill & oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced                                                                                                       2 Tbsp. fresh parsley from Garden Gate    
1/4 cup Whole Wheat flour, from Garden Gate                                                           1/2 tsp. Pink Himalayan Salt
1 tsp. mustard from                                                                                                           1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
3 cup milk                                                                                                                        16oz. package ofRigatoni, cooked
1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese from                                                                              1 pound Italian Sausage from Garden Gate
1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1.  Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.  Add garlic; saute one minute.  Whisk in flour & mustard.  Pour in milk; continue to whisk until smooth.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Reduce heat and simmer one minute. 
2.  Combine cheeses;  reserve 3/4 cup and set aside.  Add remaining cheese to sauce, a little at a time, stirring until cheese melts.  Add herbs and seasonings. 
3.  Toss pasta with sauce; sprinkle with reserved cheese.  Spoon into a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan.  Bake uncovered, at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.  Uncover and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Happy Day,
Jean

I love to give gifts, especially gifts for or from the garden!  There is something special in a wild flower bouquet just because.... or a small start from a perennial plant for a special friend.  I have several perennials in my gardens that are from friends and each time I venture through I think of them, and I do believe this is the point. Each Spring most local stores have the 10 for $1.00 seed packs, I like to stock up on them and include in gift baskets, birthday cards or any other little garden type gift.  Store them in an air tight container and keep in the freezer, it will add to their longevity.

Have you ever had or been a Secret Pal?  I have been on both the receiving and giving end, it is so much fun!  Here are a few tips on how to be one!
*First pick someone who you think could really use some cheering up or someone you think it would just be really fun to surprise.
*Decide how long you want to do it- 3months, 6 months, the longest should be a year.
*Decide on a theme- this makes it easier when deciding on gifts. Once you decide on the person, that should make the theme easier because you will more than likely know what they like. Make a list with the twelve gifts you want to give fitting each one to the month.  
*Premake your monthly cards- I used the pictures out of one of those mini calenders you can get for a buck or two, cut the pictures down to fit on a piece of card stock- 4"x6" works really well- also they are already themed to the months!  I glue the picture down for the front of the card and then write or stamp what I want in each one, put it with the envelope and you're ready to roll every month.  
*Watch at thrift stores for gifts- you would be shocked what you can find.  Typically most of the bigger thrift shops have a section that is jam packed with Brand New items, still in the wrappers with price tags!  
*You can even preplan you gift 'container'. Choose if you want to go with simple yet cute gift bags- which can also be picked up at thrift stores- or cute baskets or even nesting boxes.  The options are endless.
.... so choose that special person and gift away, after all, 'it is better to give then to receive'...

Here is a really yummy Quiche for a special brunch you may be planning or just a really special breakfast...
"Michigan Winter Farmer's Market Quiche"
1 deep dish pie shell                                                                                                                2 cups  Organic Monterrey Cheese (or similar), shredded
1 pound Garden Gate Hot Italian Sausage                                                                         1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
3 Garden Gate eggs, slightly                                                                                                1/2 tsp each Pink Himalayan Salt and Black Pepper
1 3/4 cup Milk                                                    
1/2 cup sour cream                                                                                                         Lettuce, shredded          

1.  Prebake unpricked pie crust on a preheated cookie sheet in a 450 degree oven for about 5-6 minutes.  Reduce temperature to 325 degrees.  
2.  Remove casing from sausage, brown in skillet, breaking up the meat until crumbly and cook thoroughly.  Drain well.
3. In a bowl combine eggs, milk, cooked sausage, cheese and peppers.  Turn into partially baked pastry shell. Bake at 325 degrees on the preheated cookie sheet for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from center.  Let stand about 10 minutes to set before serving.
Serve topped with sour cream, salsa and shredded lettuce for a super yummy treat!  Enjoy
Happy Day,
Jean

to see more about us go to our farms website at

www.thegardengatefarm.com