helping the birds

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song" ....Maya Angelou

I like to help birds in the winter and here is an easy homemade bird feeder that's fun for the whole family to create. Simply coat a pine cone with peanut butter, roll it in birdseed and hang in your yard. I provide several bird feeders in my yard, and this one is always wiped clean long before the others.

potting table

Here it is. The first completed potting table. I have always wanted a potting table, and after lots of searching have come up with a design I think is both beautiful and efficient. I employed my father-in-law to do the woodworking and I put the finishing touches of sanding and painting. My plan is to keep one for myself (of course) and have two available for purchase at my booth at Momma's Organic Market http://mommasorganicmarket.com , which starts September 19th. Come see me!

write on!

A great way to spruce up garden pots and help identify homegrown seedlings. The chalkboard layer will wipe clean with a cloth for repeated uses. This also makes a fun summer project for kids!

garden utility apron

I was feeling a bit crafty this weekend, and thought I'd give a try at making an apron for gardening purposes. Would you believe I made this apron from a tea towel? I found a great tutorial at http://calamityjanescottage.blogspot.com/ I followed her directions, but substituted 1" ribbon for the tie and loop (remember, I'm all about making it easier) and I added a metal key clasp. This apron is perfect in the garden, for vending, or crafting. Let your imagination run with it. Make one yourself, or purchase from me for only $12! Check my Etsy for further information.

unusual suspects

I love container gardening, especially here in Arizona because it allows me to move my plants around, away from the heat and direct sun if needed. I'm always looking for something different to plant in to make the arrangement a little more interesting. One find this weekend was this little red shoe shine carrier. It lent itself perfect for two favorite herbs, rosemary and parsley. As an experiment, I also planted the Peacock Echeveria in a teacup.

sacrificed

I found this very creative "bird feeder" this weekend at a garden/home shop. I'm interested to see what the birds do with it. Check back with me and find out!

contain yourself

While living in Southern California, I got addicted to succulent plants. The sea air was very kind to them and they were happy in containers on the small patio. When we made the move to Arizona, I wanted to bring the plants along. I even sacrificed leg room just to fit them all in the car. I thought they should be fine in the desert sun, right? They're water-retaining, so they require very little water to flourish. Well, while most succulents are drought resistant, you can't forget to check on them more often in desert conditions. You see, they all died. We were in the mist of a six month home renovation and my time was stretched. Checking on plants was the last thing on my mind. So, today I set out to try again with the succulents. I love container gardening, and have stuck with a few of my favorite: vintage enamelware and home-made troughs. Wish me luck!