Magical Merry Makeover

Great visit with a young mama who wants to share gardening experiences with her two little ones. 

This family recently added a phenomenal porch complete with bar, 

cooking area and lots of sitting space to watch Georgia games. 

Just outside the party porch is the area above...

PERFECT for a veggie/cutting garden!

Two ideas so far :

3 "beds" on each side of pathway which lead to throne

OR

a "keyhole" design with rays of beds outlined with
 hardy sun-loving annuals


AND

We are keeping the iron "throne" that is against the brick wall with a 

path leading up to it from

 the tiny "walk up" steps in below right corner. 

The dwarf nandinas to the left will be moved to cushion the throne.

The ideal plant list includes:

strawberries

Easy Cut Flowers for kids:   zinnias cosmos sunflowers

okra

corn

tomatoes

a variety of herbs for grilling: rosemary, basil, chives, mint and parsley

INSPIRATION

One color of hardy annuals outlining garden

One or Two areas for perennial herbs

Strawberry Patch

Bean Teepee for far upper right corner

My Trip to Co County

I can't go "out of town" without stopping at a local garden store. 

This week, after a garden consult in Appling, I visited Greenbrier Nursery on Washington Road. 

What a sweet shop and nursery. 

Couldn't help but notice this...

Viburnum macrocephalum (doesn't that mean big head in Latin?)
Chinese Snowball bush or tree in this case!

Had to have a flat of  Diaschia "Romeo"
...looks more like Juliet.

 Pretty urns for arrangements & gardens, funky rubber boots, and lots of goodies inside the adorable shop.

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Instant Impact: Think Inside the Container

This guest post was written by Ashley Patterson, owner of The Art of Gardening in Augusta, GA. Ashley graces front porches and pool sides across the CSRA with her gift of container planting. We are all rushed for Masters Week here in Augusta to host one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. Ashley shares her great ideas with us.

For Instant Impact: Think Inside the Container

     When spring arrives in Augusta, it means one thing: The Masters Golf Tournament can't be far behind. Whether you're entertaining out-of-town guests or renting your home, you want to make a good first impression. So, what can you do to add curb appeal? Start by dressing up your front door and making the entrance more inviting. 

Summer container
Diamond Frost, Margarita Sweet Potato vine, Fern, Begonia

     If you're looking for instant impact, think INSIDE the container. Planted containers that complement your home's design add interest and immediate beauty. Plants near an entrance frame the door and say "welcome". When selecting containers, it's important to think of tone, texture and colors that will work best with the architectural style of your home. Remember that larger containers give you greater planting space and make a more dramatic impact than several smaller containers. In addition, larger containers hold moisture better during Augusta's long, hot summers.
     

     Boxwoods and conifers such as Lemon Cypress and Arborvitae are good options for your larger container's focal point. These shrubs are also available as topiaries. Depending on whether your entrance is shaded or sunny, you will need to under-plant with carefully chosen plants to keep the container looking fresh year- round. There are many varieties of trailing plants such as ivy and Creeping Jenny that stay green- or chartruse- yearlong. You can add color or simply white for contrast using trailing annuals such as Million Bells, Diascia or Nemesia as well as Diamond Frost. Other plants that work well for under-planting include Coleus, Angelonia, Lantana, Scaevola, Potato Vine, and Blue Daze. 


     Shade containers are magnificent with mixed textures such as a combination of ferns, Cast Iron plant, ivy and caladiums. 



Contact Info
Ashley Patterson
706.284.0306
ashley.patterson@comcast.net








Blessings from the Garden. 
ML

Supper Club Update

This is an idea from P. Allen Smith. 

Love it!

I probably don't have this many daffodils,

 but thinking about a combination of flowers for 

Supper Club

Remember though, if you are cutting your daffodils to bring inside,

 they produce a nasty sap that will kill other cut flowers.

 Best to let daffodils stand alone.

Blessings from the Garden. 

ML

Spring Forward!

Saturday and Sunday morning were work days at the farm this weekend. Sam & I loaded up a couple hundred big rocks left over from the stone fireplace, and "stacked" them in front of the cabin. 

So far, it looks like a nice border.

 Robert loaded some soil in the tractor bucket and dumped it into the newly created beds. This landscaping will make a big difference in the appearance of the cabin,

 and help with rain splashing against the foundation.

 Researching what to plant is time consuming, though.  

Any ideas?

We need deer tolerant and purposeful.  

Trying to include evergreens that can be used at FlowerCamp!

Here are a few pics from Saturday. With 3 supervisors, I finished the job!

Baby G-Mo

RCH with a snack

Creative Photography by Tambo

 

Me at Work

Next, for the list of plants then on to the back of the cabin.

 Herbs are the focus for the back side of the cabin!

Blessings from the Garden. 

ML

Check it Out!

Here is what is coming up in the next couple of months...

If you have a yearning to just plant some seeds, I'll post planting dates...

all during school time or on weekends!

Workshops, Events & Freebies

Blessings for a Beautiful Weekend in the Garden. 

ML

Garden Tote

 Spring Fever?

Eyes bigger than the back of the Suburban?

Buying every plant in sight?

Me too.

Here is a solution while shopping or taking plants to the garden.

Deiatra's Thirty One Website
Page 43 of the Spring Catalog. 
Blessings from the Spring Garden 
ML

The Incredible Edible Window Box

How perfect is this?

A completely edible window box. Just what I've been dreaming up for the shed. 

Buy one. Get one. 4 small plants in one container. 
I separated them to get more!

I added some Llama Beans to help keep moisture in the soil.

Water.

This is part of what I describe as "Purposeful Gardening". 

 Sweet violet, yellow and ivory violas, onion chives, and flat leaf parsley.

One box has Swiss Chard growing up already, so it will stay.

Incorporating plants that are useful yet 
beautiful into your landscape...or window  boxes!


Blessings from the Garden. 
ML

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a time of reflection, repentance and renewal. We are preparing for the Easter season as we pray, fast & give. When asked what I am "giving up" for Lent, I usually respond with I am not giving up, I am just going to do better--that's the positive in me. This year, I have decided to focus more on the basic needs I have: exercise, food, and spiritual. I will "sacrifice" distractions for the next 40 days.

Hellebores- Lenten Rose

This is a season when the presence of God is at its peak in the Garden. 

There are blossoms everywhere, life is sprouting from the warming ground, 

and anticipation stirs within, bringing us to the Earth.

What are your intentions this Lenten season?

Blessings from the Garden. 

ML

Supper Club Update

So many of you have sent me recipes and fabulous ideas for our March 26th Garden Party Supper Club. In case you need to catch up, read Party Time: Supper Club.

I found these Ralph Lauren Veranda Paisley green napkins at TJ Maxx in Aiken last week. 

Set of 4, need 16 more, but will look for mix and match.

Hoping the menu looks a bit like this:

Herbalicious Cocktails

Sweet pepper Appetizers

Ina Garten's recipe for Green Goddess salad dressing

Maw Maw's Scalloped Potatoes
dressed up with garlic & cayenne

I am still undecided about the main dish & dessert, but there's plenty of time. Anticipating a taste of Norma's Rosemary & Lemon cake (and recipe!).
 Just hope the weather holds up! Stay tuned. 

Blessings from the Garden . 

ML

Alone

Last night I had the place to myself so,  I sat on the computer to finish up pricing for 2 weddings in addition to ordering seeds for the farm...I also printed out this LIST for Dahlias that grow well in our heat...I will experiment with dahlias in the Home Garden this year as the soil in my raised beds is PERFECT!

Here are the lucky winners!

Envy- 10" to 12" bloom

Cherokee Beauty 10"  to 12" bloom

Hollyhill Electra- 8"to 10" bloom

CG Nordic 6"to 8" bloom, 6 feet tall

The reason I chose deeper corals and reds is because they will bloom late summer/fall. Perfect for FlowerCamp...thinking about you girls!

I also read the Dahlia Society of Georgia's instructions for growing in Georgia....Gosh, I'll have to spray. Weekly. I'll give them a shot, but I am not a fan of finicky plants.
Blessings from the Garden
ML

Fifty Birthdays

I am working on flowers for a 50th birthday party today. 

Fifty is getting closer for me, too.

How can that be? My head says I am still 35.

Actually, I feel much better at 40-something than I did in my 30's.

Is this mid-life crisis? I'll take it.

I purchased a bunch of creamy white hydrangeas, lavender tulips, green dendrobium orchids, and some willow tips yesterday. My instructions were to have a centerpiece for dining room table, small arrangements for entry way, kitchen, and one for the den area.

There is so much blooming right now, I'll throw in some forsythia, hellebores, 

and possibly a few peach blossoms I saved from pruning last week.

It's a fairyland of blooms right now in Augusta. Take advantage of the buds on the yellow forsythia, peach trees, and crab apples. Bring them inside for a welcome flush of color!

Blessings from the Garden 

ML

Party Time: Supper Club

About 3 years ago, Robert & I decided we would like to host a supper club. We chose 3 other couples as part of the "core group".  Each couple hosts the supper club dinner and has a 3 month (one quarter) time period to fulfill the commitment.

The host couple has complete reign over how the supper club party is carried out. Most of us see this as a way to invite friends we've not seen in a while or clients we want to get to know better! Robert & I will be having our supper club over in late March. I thought this would be a perfect time to have a Garden Party with herbs as the focus of the meal...

I'd love your thoughts on this and will fill you in as inspiration comes my way!

So far, this is what I have.

“The kiss of the sun for pardon

The song of the birds for mirth

One is nearer God’s heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on earth”

Dorothy Frances Gurney (1858-1932)

Blessings from the Garden. 

ML

Appetizers

Sometimes when I traipse off to speak to a group, I take a little goodie with me.




It's most important to take some "show & tell" as herbs
are so sensual! Often I'll make little tussie mussies to give as door prizes or create an herbal
appetizer for sampling by the group...

Robert ripped this recipe out of an old June 2009 issue of Southern Living magazine, and asked me to try it.
I usually have a small nibble tray ready when he comes home. This adds to our repertoire of bites...It's a gourmet cheese spread that is supposed to taste like goat cheese. I love both!






Definitely a keeper & hope you'll try with your spring herb collection...

8 ounce softened low fat cream cheese
8 ounces crumbled feta cheese (can be plain or flavored)
Combine by beating with a mixer or with a spoon.  Shape cheese mix into 2 logs, roll one 
log into coarsely ground pepper (about 2 tsp), and the other in 2 tsp of chopped dill (my favorite!). 


Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 2 to 4 hours.  Serve with crackers or crusty French bread. 
Use your imagination here. Mix the herbs in with the cream cheese mixture, roll the cheese in finely chopped nuts, use multicolored pepper, dried fruit, etc...

Enjoy!

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Home & Garden Show

The Augusta Home & Garden Show appeared to be a big hit this year!
I had a great time speaking to other homeowners and gardeners about a variety of subjects.
Even had a taste of "local" wine!

Ima Gardener & ML

Here is a picture of Sacred Heart Cultural Center's Garden mascot, Ima Gardener. We enjoyed our visit.
Mark your calendars for April 29th - May 1st for the Sacred Heart Garden Festival here in Augusta. Always a great time & wonderful garden tours.

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Farm Landscaping

The cabin has a fresh coat of stain, the lattice and foundation a deep Charleston green.
Because the dark color is near the ground, one notices the dirt splashed on the house
more than before...Also, the process of removing mold from the outside wood involved
a spray that killed the sparse existing plants AND my honeybees.

 May they rest in peace.

This gives me good reason to put in some foundation plants and share the process---

First, I measured the areas that will need plants, designed a rough sketch, then took pics of the perimeter of
the cabin. Here are my to-do's for beginning the project :

• look up deer tolerant plants on the UGA website
• come up with a list of plants 
• locate soil amendments in Burke Co/Sardis area
• use pile of gorgeous stones to line front of cabin

I'll keep you posted. 

Blessings from the Garden. 

ML