tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8226139669883533312024-03-14T01:16:10.766-07:00Pretty Little GardenMy adventures in a Zone 9 Southern California garden.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-12172676546107531522009-06-22T21:08:00.000-07:002009-06-22T21:17:29.073-07:00Guest editor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm92-vMYkXzydyCBrvPn-_kLlzQMhqQZQyG2k9Aqb0_InDZRLRPK_u-88m6GRX9Dx0aM4r_Va2AnqD1QKfvg9UAGWtW8BWlACalPm7OWGUIJWmER1AULiZ9eUtaWx9ugpYmikNgpacgno/s1600-h/P6220040.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350371983890279426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm92-vMYkXzydyCBrvPn-_kLlzQMhqQZQyG2k9Aqb0_InDZRLRPK_u-88m6GRX9Dx0aM4r_Va2AnqD1QKfvg9UAGWtW8BWlACalPm7OWGUIJWmER1AULiZ9eUtaWx9ugpYmikNgpacgno/s320/P6220040.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Nikki and the kids took a road trip with friends this week, so it's my turn to post something. Unfortunately for you, the reader, it's like getting a brick of cheddar cheese when you were expecting warm brie. Or getting a 150cc scooter when you were hoping for the new 1,300cc Honda Fury. You get the idea. Nikki is the one who researches, finds, plants, and feeds everything growing at our house. She's well versed on pH levels, hours of sunlight required, and zones. I mow the lawn. Occasionally I'll put some weed and feed out there, but that's about it. Here's my contribution to the picture gallery - the edge of the lawn along the front curb. Based on the detail, I apparently need to sharpen the edger blade.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My wife is very special and I'm not sure how I convinced her to marry me, but I'm glad she agreed. I think I can safely say we'll all be happy when she gets back home next week.</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-23451825333222279072009-06-05T13:23:00.000-07:002009-06-05T13:37:14.530-07:00Chicken Update<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-9XYwD5ySRPZeeCAFsLcBxl3-CSglaKJl1AnaMRCpDqysd5olgXhFxlQETPHNPalNBB-N0EHBa_uPJa9DES9vmUUootW3ZJd4Q9OhiJLHYeTNBjWHit57KW818DPiRvZAERczA0v-j0/s1600-h/Big+chicks.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343943250013286722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-9XYwD5ySRPZeeCAFsLcBxl3-CSglaKJl1AnaMRCpDqysd5olgXhFxlQETPHNPalNBB-N0EHBa_uPJa9DES9vmUUootW3ZJd4Q9OhiJLHYeTNBjWHit57KW818DPiRvZAERczA0v-j0/s320/Big+chicks.JPG" border="0" /></a>Wow, are the chicks getting big! They will be four weeks old tomorrow and they are definitely not little chicks anymore. Here they are sitting on my husband's arm.<br /></div><div align="center">Henrietta's close up<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343943945785623618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YzfC6CMUA6b7J02cf37sZkcbJFKLSOUp8c1s9Yt_ArDSQOvrwmXLa4a8z8qIvcdRqyUvfZtQOlKn_DYorfk9q-OiNKbxiqLWIfiCdYJs1G0pH8P3igFot5iEwnk_EO-PE9uHHNa0JAc/s320/Henrietta.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />Daisy's close up<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343942778254553858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64O0pUqYkX5rqnC57LWBuIoVa3ZuQ-__Zw3D_IlDXd-PX5tI5WXrnDRAbrsWD6MsFYhFyOCxsDdHge1zIBq9iuXrhqk7eogFb8rf4oPr7kdeuNqihki9J7Rhc8p4Njg53UeRk-y0IpME/s320/Daisy.JPG" border="0" /></p><div align="center">The chicks and their favorite activity...sneaking into the garden and nestling into the dust by the tomato plants. They are half asleep in this picture and totally soaking up the warm sun.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343944484183286242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ztvfj6ynyQnbGZA-Z_hKJvV3vNfD5jC__gzdBUn1c5045nYcm6S6yPvB02ULoF1O0odG_Ovz3silTBj5c7PPnqi9ddG2ZpmaTVqMV04IrPDTYjRSpA_PVunzzmLZit7b6ynTXidqhD4/s320/Sleepy+chicks.JPG" border="0" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-67411177795471893082009-05-29T22:14:00.000-07:002009-05-29T22:28:47.144-07:00The happy ending...<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBFFrHDIVPXqITA6XP3kJQ7GnBsvHoGR9tQVd-aObByMpeReIg5NdqOACan4QZ-uxaSHiIevR-UDZcclaufYWegt-iO2d0_vsPMXNBELsXMrNa9AK1zjp_dJOMXm1H9rukPhf3naHwjs/s1600-h/DSC05520.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341482957707289394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBFFrHDIVPXqITA6XP3kJQ7GnBsvHoGR9tQVd-aObByMpeReIg5NdqOACan4QZ-uxaSHiIevR-UDZcclaufYWegt-iO2d0_vsPMXNBELsXMrNa9AK1zjp_dJOMXm1H9rukPhf3naHwjs/s320/DSC05520.JPG" border="0" /></a>After much weeding and sweating the garden is looking lovelier than ever. We got all of the weeds out, my husband rearranged the sprinkler system and added a new line, and veggies are growing. Ahhhhh. We still may lay down weed paper and then cover it with bark so that things look a little nicer, but I really am relieved that it is looking so good for now. All those nights of weeding have resulted in a nice little garden spot for us...and just as things are starting to bloom, too! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341482322004287474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VqJfyf3Yem55WAocckCXBSp5knDa_1QW094kw8Fso-oRAc6YL3IEl179ZZVavcm2yzlTPzKcs1Awv9BLDF_mCf_HECPedlcb40nYrlxeKg4s5FpLgNOKbHpw7sUtJwtfZT6rVfCvz6U/s320/grape+trellis.JPG" border="0" />I intended to share a picture of my Mother's Day gift a while ago. Here it is in the middle of the garden -a beautiful new trellis for the Thompson Seedless grape! I've always loved these and I'm so pleased that I now have one of my own. I've been inspired to really plan out the garden next year, and it is going to be centered on this grape vine. I'll plant rows of veggies and herbs in a star burst pattern with the trellis at the center. I really want the garden to look like something next year...whether it is a pattern of boxes or circles or whatever. The tomatoes, as enormous as they get, won't be able to participate in the pattern, but I'm thinking I can use them in the corners to anchor the natural square shape of the garden. So many fun things to consider!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341484184282435522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LuXlnFr_D_JFI7nRE2H47lqAVm8jEX0rN7pFDQse3PJcKdUuy2k2UW58bDrd3irbpofEBCTzi5qnqC0R9d3Jq14EB2wGMLlstbiG36nBoiut5OxuMPRNeYFiqgrfWVPZrMB0rlatjG8/s320/Noah+in+the+backyard.JPG" border="0" />I'm rushing to get a few things read this morning and commented on because my darling son Noah asked me this morning if it is a cleaning day or a shopping day or a school day...all no. So he said, "Mommy, can it be a play with Noah day?" I'm limiting myself to all computer work and showering during Sesame Street and then the rest of the day will be with the kids. Hope you are having a great play with your kids day, too!</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-18304837569570554082009-05-28T14:40:00.000-07:002009-05-28T14:56:04.419-07:00Where has Nikki been?Weeding, that's where. Remember when I posted about my <a href="http://prettylittlegarden.blogspot.com/2009/03/truth-about-weed-paper-and-little-kids.html">love for weed paper</a>? Well, phooey, says I. A few weeks ago, I walked into the garden and noticed the distinct feeling of walking on pillows. Pillows? My husband and I pulled back the weed paper and and found this...<br /><p align="center">BEFORE pulling back the paper<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340994033861996674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOzNQJkPACgUmbwvxBshAcQ4SnlP1585LU-L9pi7YSeQoI1-iX8yzO1BCUDQ7Y8TuxqGn17aA3VCUxsarhFQ4p4JyrUukcqj-jYY3LGzx3o5cVvVZerDyKfX1kZRJ3gPlKEUWl0mqSas/s320/DSC05223.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><div align="center">After pulling back the paper<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340994728233017586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLEz-9232kjdKtXdKrhKL-avXvcpmJajzMzxqinRaK1wCYWTR9jEig-rV27f4tpYJauHFHtn3uozGjBQdhWXSITNO2q4gevEpagmVH2EbyopG9-Tn2CIDrNiUQ43Gv_IWOZ2J72Gnfi4/s320/DSC05225.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">More of the weedy interlopers<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340996256837489650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1oUh62Nf_wLlBQK72kYFOuGj_cc3jLyMpfOCjTSaf55F2g_wEejQXRWM5sjvS-00aFsfk8pj3_NySvkzSSxgN3uL_jFg4n67q3kJNd5YIChqJmeFCO7mus_eInJsupLypWXw3tOxDgU/s320/DSC05224.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="left">For the next few weeks, our precious evening hour with light went to weeding the garden. You know the hour I'm talking about...the one from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. That hour when the kids are in bed and there is still just enough light left to do something outside. So rather than enjoy it and pick some veggies, we spent it elbow deep in wretched weeds.</p><div>The pictures aren't really doing it justice. I was too disgusted with the whole thing to take enough pictures, but you get the idea. Our 20 x 20 foot garden was truly carpeted with weeds wherever there was weed paper. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Of course there is a happy ending. But you'll have to tune in tomorrow for that story...</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-55155379204604990512009-05-28T07:48:00.000-07:002009-05-28T07:51:29.663-07:00Look who did our pictures...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8rQXUuEOfQ48goCLLzRObFeX1GnDpk6CjC6Ny1mx5ISENs0K2W_5Kxw4OqMkhe184BdZ88YxdEUwUSFMKErk6oWQKpFNImgdtNDSxnNvK4eHAxwg5-aartBE_zTDHLGbBNtSr9VRckQ/s1600-h/Black+and+white+kids.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340887480312878466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8rQXUuEOfQ48goCLLzRObFeX1GnDpk6CjC6Ny1mx5ISENs0K2W_5Kxw4OqMkhe184BdZ88YxdEUwUSFMKErk6oWQKpFNImgdtNDSxnNvK4eHAxwg5-aartBE_zTDHLGbBNtSr9VRckQ/s320/Black+and+white+kids.jpg" border="0" /></a>My sweet friend Adrea took the chick pictures of the kids that I posted and I totally forgot to include a link to her blog where she publishes all of her work. You have to check it out! Her pictures are so great and I love that I get to have her around to take my kids' pictures. Adrea can be found at <a href="http://brightwatersphotography.blogspot.com/">Bright Waters Photography</a> and right now it is totally plastered with my little darlings. Have a great day!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-62547331020722205972009-05-26T13:56:00.000-07:002009-05-26T14:06:21.305-07:00The chicks are growing!<div align="left"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-18476NTLMLRWZs4Avh7qwBU4s2_aYSsE_pv4lJ_Ps-UAd1aFzpSmQfnvsYQan9Vwf8eNnsnP_0SfrzSxthjZoAUKfzt2dTUp-7AmJ_LQQfmAaYpFCZUvK6NerbQfxhfr8R-bUiDqUM/s1600-h/Noah+and+Sarah+kissing+the+chicks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340240267142276466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-18476NTLMLRWZs4Avh7qwBU4s2_aYSsE_pv4lJ_Ps-UAd1aFzpSmQfnvsYQan9Vwf8eNnsnP_0SfrzSxthjZoAUKfzt2dTUp-7AmJ_LQQfmAaYpFCZUvK6NerbQfxhfr8R-bUiDqUM/s320/Noah+and+Sarah+kissing+the+chicks.jpg" border="0" /></a>Oh, the little chicks aren't so little anymore. Their fuzz has turned into feathers and they are now big enough to live in the coop! The kids have been loving having them to play with and the chicks seem to be just as in love with the kids. We still haven't totally figured out the composting thing, but all in good time. Daisy and Henrietta will be with us for a long time, so we'll figure it all out eventually.<br /><br /></div><div align="center">Noah with Henrietta and Daisy<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340240543654175714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd7Qxcydtu85KOMW2TKUoImUauxR8y54yS2NwYXXSInVvqaCk63iax7PQp1F3HdJA5Pu9IZxE0hyphenhyphenUz6tBMQCVbkhSkM6RpHW78gKtGqblbbg-vHAMwqqn1tsljyMEqKDrPwIyUJKfMnc/s320/Noah+with+the+chicks.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Sarah with Henrietta</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340240868276976178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EJ4bKptfLnGZvyy5QTWAZzQxtMhCnwu-6JzyfR087yRuL3sdj7QE3GL79MWadHsAvV4An8p6yNOm13dB0ykeyX2-xqspHIe15QnbNdePY6DQuk7-lv5CSxI9nuTN1vzADTrpjpot_p4/s320/Sarah+with+Henrietta.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Me with Daisy and Henrietta<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340241199536851074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPF9m_lqUenr6BybkPk111_q8MXoE6Vs2d_WmVaciEuOIAc0JRBxpTviWrBpmEnNOb7jteQVElUoW4vf_ZImWQgZc22TYo_COKqE1k6qUC3CDnQoldw8c0q8xfMhchMimP3lb10Homjg/s320/Mommy+with+the+chicks.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-79316713914979716662009-05-15T21:01:00.000-07:002009-05-15T21:43:51.251-07:00May Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bRmBVHjL0OoA5CgZiCybZesCKgzZR3DWhm_qBrWDRvsZzW2mfVxYqbp_KmfFWnKcyhkGwtu9_iSR_7y36AMUonuGT1IS8ntKvykvUfKNwkEgdubkh9loUQzgSSbvEPS9jpKOlsQiZ1A/s1600-h/Eggplant+flower.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336268250691339746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bRmBVHjL0OoA5CgZiCybZesCKgzZR3DWhm_qBrWDRvsZzW2mfVxYqbp_KmfFWnKcyhkGwtu9_iSR_7y36AMUonuGT1IS8ntKvykvUfKNwkEgdubkh9loUQzgSSbvEPS9jpKOlsQiZ1A/s320/Eggplant+flower.JPG" border="0" /></a>I haven't posted much lately because of a weed situation in the garden that I'll be going into more detail about soon. Weeds - the scourge of the garden! But my son and I went around the yard today taking some pictures to share what we have blooming today. Thank you to <span style="color:#993399;"><a href="http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com/2009/05/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-may-2009.html">May Dreams Gardens</a></span> for hosting this! Things are really starting to grow quickly in the vegetable garden so many of the pictures are edibles...I can't wait for summer salads!<br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">First up is the lovely purple flower of an eggplant<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Our first beefsteak tomato<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336270149713004162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSOUAxmLxMu6mWcZpULbKQZQkN4Yn0238vii3CCEcd7LSHeb912NfiOlza58x05hXs6w6piSpsFeRsCISun7HiaFO6BytLvWNEqZvSCeAnnlW7eqfOm2fdmeQdFY7u0H34Vt-hjlsIe4/s320/Beefsteak+tomato.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div align="center">Yellow Pear tomato blooms<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336270750358142722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjSEM18COpvDr3PpM7dD-t8Kx6LxKqweBDbkvO8SnGbsfITLVhIa1Wc4a49lNElokz5-Lqx0wW4EZIxJFN5x4sK2TGhXB02IAQrc7pGKxvTBaTG9xOPCJmtIy_c8jVLXlo3BKtFZgCxM/s320/yellow+pear+tomato.JPG" border="0" /> Pumpkin Blossoms<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336271518609739298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK5_cFFS0NOU-yBBy3-xTgZ0gVy5lLVd-UvkVTUyZNTLAGm3QBsuHs2fdsUc3vK1nUxHVsDnOKGrDp5yFRMZQZBkgqC099SY9V4HyO08Ls6KPeyJbuSuZknIyJNxzuAthFkx1-dvIzu8/s320/pumpkin+flowers.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Cucumber blossoms...</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336273359906957762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizocnFbj_NrPT0PqUzNwIp5fuem-MAIDHaXaIo2xIBID8lJyYTqGJ88BdYhBLhhu5U3INEYMTefADDamX3qedilagDb19ZUcpsaxb__w9EIB2WX6ZISKVHax-SYbFiUwRLcWbJCXD2ZZM/s320/Cucumber+flower.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">and our first cucumber<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336272268042913714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJybWhnSP5yMk0IttKC2RIb1oast7mR4Wl5mPngF3bNEkTtM3z5t2eghrqongp6aiQzsLBWg9kRz-iGgiJJ2Uu3Nt0NpYgqbCgErmcJOcdFV_zsYyXZEoSneuVUE2UMU2eQE_eUuI4Gc/s320/First+cucumber.JPG" border="0" /> </div><br /><p align="center">Strawberry flower<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336273926545810146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpJh6hr2XSULOJD6UGzI9qdqY8P-KW4lCP8ujcyVqDiCN6ETrgCKjGK5Oc7NlVpPTJJrPYJlYayxm2TFmafveBQtJH0YAezAukoQGV1VvRCUx58KoD4_6LaO-LkUkcjUZRltgI-TxoOU/s320/Strawberry+flower.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The nasturtiums are blooming, which I was so happy to see. I expected them not to do much since they are in very fertile soil, having just been given a dose of manure and worm gold at the beginning of the year. Looking forward to adding these to salads!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336274640041485810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlCQHRmUk5PRf4dDEQNiPggXrNXgkEQasfFcXoUk5o3pDv0CzEnsdKzIJUXNrNjB4UTY_nvCfJlSHSQ_sLLBJwCjzKn_6jGC-phmvepn54gLEiIBssZgDd9u605Zt33expuHdCW2kly4/s320/nasturtium.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The zucchini has the prettiest blossoms right now<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336275603052901394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0RqyfUv6AcNlwl9bgsNID1rX79CHeLLYBqO807FcXPy20-KdBv1k6K_ZCqhTqW3ZVB-pgThEcVxPUs3lMDxgFbgjbnNIbYY-_CpMChXMJ_hA_2FIzgBSj6epVrzlBdBxm37wntr_Obc/s320/Zucchinni+blossom.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Scarlet runner bean flowers<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336276065772931426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippFK6rHKofy0NtpiH4ShV9wWK_3zkFRs2Xag2aE0T9HYN7YpR6diw1rOeo3q7ly-glVSoYOZaDWORA0Z0puLSOxpgzTDJ5xdv15hyWA7Gh8glHUV1CK3Y-LaOAr__mDzri0TX6Wk_DR0/s320/Scarlet+Runner+beans.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">And finally - a bee we found on a growing strawberry - yay bees!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336276860655132882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO15ym-mepqeFuVYu0grOe9ucwHaUXvncg7u2DV49m88vlJZ46rWcvRyvjv_kLtsZCF1Qnl6IzrtKrGiIt4n34I7x5W_n_ZjiPxZnsxzHK4gkTvdeUi1wY7YzzBx3br5SSCNERjG66hSI/s320/Bee+on+strawberries.JPG" border="0" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-1644364326346311762009-05-08T07:36:00.000-07:002009-05-08T07:52:14.506-07:00Temporary chick housing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr78qkzVQNIbMKJCIugrHC_C6tAkGgqvyMFhP7u1m4FvNNSAoQoxjB1WTkSwjET7NfPU1iTvzvWHNFfmdepXbxvNgiBEQ7usr1uo86KaEG3-chahBtECjxTRKrTSS76Gl9CQ13gg6Id50/s1600-h/Chick+Coop.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333465074139656594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr78qkzVQNIbMKJCIugrHC_C6tAkGgqvyMFhP7u1m4FvNNSAoQoxjB1WTkSwjET7NfPU1iTvzvWHNFfmdepXbxvNgiBEQ7usr1uo86KaEG3-chahBtECjxTRKrTSS76Gl9CQ13gg6Id50/s320/Chick+Coop.JPG" border="0" /></a>For the next 4 weeks, the chicks will be living in an orange box in the garage where we can keep the area heated evenly. They need it to be 90 degrees in there!<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKR7be9aISgkZNzElYvmtt-YgtP3Z-4iRUIhIP40YqbIWF6xg2aHM8P4vSdUD9KLA3kk5dLOJTqN0nxwJE_52MPSXnOuFgNt0FRCbxaW8MbmMLaPBlUWvTldarCLyGiDy2qmd5XVcokE/s1600-h/Inside+the+temp+coop.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333463050985531602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKR7be9aISgkZNzElYvmtt-YgtP3Z-4iRUIhIP40YqbIWF6xg2aHM8P4vSdUD9KLA3kk5dLOJTqN0nxwJE_52MPSXnOuFgNt0FRCbxaW8MbmMLaPBlUWvTldarCLyGiDy2qmd5XVcokE/s320/Inside+the+temp+coop.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Of course, an ordinary box isn't good enough for our babies, so my husband created the luxury edition for Daisy and Henrietta. We lined the bottom with newspaper shred, gave them fresh water and food from feeders, and Rob even built a roost (a stick for perching) for them! He used an old wood scrap and even sanded it down for their tender little feet. The lid is a mitred wood frame with chicken wire covering it. We were a little concerned about animals somehow finding their way in to the garage, so we felt it best to keep them covered up. The heat lamp is an inexpensive one from Home Depot fitted with a clamp and a 60 watt bulb. Toasty!</div></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkIL6JMqftDAqIBnE-HoPi1gI9iQZqkHpf1sYmQDfrvktnrTY5migvLYowFnZDxtPSjDbR47Frs5xWXs64_ZWZR6VDrPc_9psQi55ovR3HHCFbKi6MyTAK5mRf1iTwyh8dFHQJu9J5eI/s1600-h/DSC04938.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333464439192490914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkIL6JMqftDAqIBnE-HoPi1gI9iQZqkHpf1sYmQDfrvktnrTY5migvLYowFnZDxtPSjDbR47Frs5xWXs64_ZWZR6VDrPc_9psQi55ovR3HHCFbKi6MyTAK5mRf1iTwyh8dFHQJu9J5eI/s320/DSC04938.JPG" border="0" /></a>The chicks had their first experience playing in the grass last night, which they seemed to love. They stayed pretty close to the kids and even snuggled up to Noah a little bit. We picked out some friendly birds.</div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">(Please ignore the plants in the background that I haven't planted yet - oops).</span></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-34601357994598020532009-05-07T14:48:00.000-07:002009-05-07T15:26:33.428-07:00Daisy and Henrietta the chicks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2bgSJmBS2bFWrzpl9G2gKSReR8kWqsWR0jtE0q-2qEX5MyAiLQDoJfjUcUpSwPUUpjhZXlzGEtDQ20eFJB6BV3-FbyqCCKsBURLXSXFDpB6gno75CjRheMcFAAlBkC7MOqyxVDaK9gM/s1600-h/Side+by+Side.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333202988636001522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2bgSJmBS2bFWrzpl9G2gKSReR8kWqsWR0jtE0q-2qEX5MyAiLQDoJfjUcUpSwPUUpjhZXlzGEtDQ20eFJB6BV3-FbyqCCKsBURLXSXFDpB6gno75CjRheMcFAAlBkC7MOqyxVDaK9gM/s320/Side+by+Side.JPG" border="0" /></a>Yes, it is true. We have two new little chicks at our house! They are so fuzzy and fluffy and sweet and we just adore them.<br /><div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Henrietta is on the left and Daisy is on the right.<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333203775437263106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXmWYIQ0huMMPHQ4fKRQqxHZKGwzNzntCNTmhsuTujEKdAsEm1FYd33ZIEhAhbOARTxGG-SttJ7sbl5jOMQu7xWrofdnpOOoTCMMs3Wyho4BQk7cD5JQDOjSPGEyl5QBYtk-TX6Cy2SE/s320/Noah+and+Daisy.JPG" border="0" />Daisy is a Buff Orpington.<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333204258263373586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl1cS95Z6zOgvjRM7S1RnzesDiXrUKDbpoCQrZzeavcvlIU9i6E2XSJnuQYrKXjZAzGrsk-ZYYiZkWIz5qAtWgdwDe0-oNR0jpDu7VR1f9zbd6CSRZiPZ_-uaLDkm-Qb1ERPQVTp8HKM/s320/Noah+and+Henrietta.JPG" border="0" />Henrietta is a Rhode Island Red.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333206578669609074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoO9fARplbeG1-FK7tlajtp6aNb99SRuNPYh_z9YppiaZEQY4Nscz0390PXPdebrv5XFfEID3uQNQ33jPR1G-X-VtnzgXXUyO9rWPtzuTZXm-OZAs9OkFuNHL6Rl4Q0UPrQyhhS33tSWU/s320/Noah,+Sarah+and+the+chicks.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Sarah cried and screamed all the way home from the feed store where we bought them because she thought we were leaving them there. The kids LOVE the chicken. Noah likes to sit outside and "chicksit" them so that they won't be alone. Adorable.</div></div><div></div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333207286479158226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaSSdrE3AF_KuAnaPfFoaLQDxHWPqXWaTcN8nsJ9q2adRqgOkQQ8rK65f6PgqSPAxUnFSRiHcOUD_hja8TI65W9hS-zfgXPAs-3EHB1reu6JpyEt_zcOLD7ZKjQ-fcM3BZ4iRwBPWEIs/s320/Ooooh,+chicks!.JPG" border="0" />Oooh, chickens!<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333210578079500466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElIjsvcLWGQCSfSA9v4r4Rwf3YAnZQ8VGlXhRP7FFxPPGW9Ru_STc8Kgh6ePgRtoiFWEhDhgO3R1yWE1WyI9LUpAUU_hzTFCmj22p489kr110qamYi5_DAm3LAyV6HjKjJafJpBa0hUE/s320/The+Chicken+Coop.JPG" border="0" /> <div>My dear husband built a coop for them, which is now situated comfortably behind the shed in a spot that will stay cool in the summer. I am planning to plant some yummy things that chickens like to eat in their little run - things like lettuces, sorrel, chives, and hosta are some of the things I've heard they like to eat. Of course, they'll scratch and wreck their plants, which is fine as long as they leave mine alone.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>For now they are in the garage in a box covered with chicken wire with a heat lamp attached. They'll live in the garage for about 4 weeks or so until they are ready to move into the shed.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Oh, the adventure we have started!</div></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-18599270948263987222009-05-04T05:07:00.000-07:002009-05-04T21:39:31.517-07:00LA Garden Show purchasesSo here they are - all of my wonderful new plants from the show!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331939924980058178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxH76UEE9jYWE0azvsEAPEM3uLe-R9w_95NeRk5w9wyQ-36nFaFD5yRIWU_h5o3TlK_ZR37I2l7rbZx0wTX3fJUAPAG_bDRnqBoJ7T0p_mN0_KfcjW5iusEItypZW0jrt1R6bMeWwWu7o/s320/Passion+flower.JPG" border="0" />First is the Lavender Lady Passion Flower vine (Passiflora x Amethyst). The gorgeous flowers were totally irresistible. I knew my husband would love how unusual they are, so it was an easy choice. I will be planting this either in the veggie garden on a trellis or in a pot to grow on a trellis on the shed.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331940466245191826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RBDvrjAq-37KE0-tQD3u4UrQbqGiBpkfwdAUrG4adEU1rM5k2F2uyF209L0bCUN8zoGYZU4esP1GClw8SPmkeagO6LmeQI0N1LadBW09RA8momKsUt6uvieUSBFrQ_5kBhoU862UOhI/s320/Stevia.JPG" border="0" />I've wanted Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) ever since reading about it in <a href="http://www.california-gardener.com/"><em>California Gardener Magazine</em></a><em>. </em>It was tough to find, but an herb booth at the show had tons of hard-to-find plants, and I was so happy to bring one home! This is the newest fad in sweeteners and the leaves taste like candy. I'm planning to dry it to add to tea mixes. Unfortunately I broke a stem of it during planting, so I'm hoping it survives.</div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331941672118499122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFCmSWsPqSJoZ8jwCn4sqn7CNXb_60Y7Y2_i2i6Kz-zdbBxZHFFlcbV99-0QU2lJWgnsO3LKBXktHg-RuiMgrTVIlkHXNBg1BZM1fGJQMpqA2-tCNXem8RzoHZ9V77ezQVPsq1x2TZI4/s320/Thompson+grape+tendril.JPG" border="0" />I bought a Thompson Seedless grape vine (Vitis vinifera), for which my sweet husband is going to build a trellis. I can't wait to be able to pick my own grapes from the backyard!</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331942207206758178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4EZU_SZrKZEtN6MtwLuQYRvWPOTcIV9xTHD8ImPnWVYC9oyEWNK_WwapmCuPIa9KfcCqiIr5Ja9Bip4agt9v27n_wkYgxf5m-CviuVKD3XufDnLpkOYRG34vJySKv0Au3xtCqK7hxHI/s320/New+butterfly+bush.JPG" border="0" /> This new Petite Plum Dwarf Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii nanhoensis 'Monum') will probably go into the veggie garden. I have another possible location for it among some roses, but with our long growing season, I'm afraid it might get too large for that space, even though it is a dwarf variety.<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331942918295023954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7z18UgetnEBMaFRAuBTpyGI_aXx6HJ6TIpwkN_GdH9dWNz1NlZH0QqxJHavUODDi4Z8DX2qJzTXY0R4eCSt4LS13i3zdjuReBqUX4xZG_dEVcvTQlLBt6Xs_Nuj1V0jQ49yEvwSF_JM/s320/scented+geranium.JPG" border="0" /> I've been wanting to add scented geranium to the herb garden area and this one had such sweet little flowers. It is Peacock Scented (Pelargonium cv.). Things are starting to get pretty crowded in there, so I might have to keep it cut back, but I just couldn't resist.<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331943520911193266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe0HKVL2_25JLjYjuZBzIx3-ApTweOiRd1gESMuBCvvsq90U4hQAwCRV7P2aQ_2cTbby2DQ6QpwS5x7aqCkxRYtVTpoDGD1hUd3nMH2nSCTgrHXtie47ewFYOaq_VUsU1mmK44hU067g/s320/Lemon+Verbena.JPG" border="0" />This lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) may end up in the front yard planter as part of a bee and butterfly garden that I'm starting to create, but I haven't decided yet. It will be a big part of the tea-making process and I love to run my hands through it for the fabulous fragrance.<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331944569850507618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYUCenq-kHEo5eGTZ6cRRirjQyy1StICVv_0jyUdPdf0DipkLdyahwW1FnJAsUYhzAU9hS-VDbCoCJynXBmUJA3UZsd3W50ILYCth88RRyETK7zdiQcsZI-TPPPmJAZdUVAW15dCBaLE/s320/Lime+thyme.JPG" border="0" />Lime Thyme will be heading into the veggie garden and is such a lovely color. I saw this plant first at <a href="http://emersonplants.blogspot.com/2009/04/payin-bills-what-fun.html"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Plant Life</span></a>, a blog I've enjoyed visiting.<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331945942829520642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQ4DL9RvtW0t05UiDwsYup3iyfwSrVPQFWvymi9YZsquIb8rfZAvME_nQXEF53QJBW7AKXN3Rp5r2s13wrkOj-Ri1v_kf5FOhJ3u3y4XMonB5a59cvt8lwg3jsDubnIrOpCJBCkImM2g/s320/Bay.JPG" border="0" />Perhaps you know that I'm not exactly the most successful potted plant gardener. I am too lazy about watering to keep potted plants alive. However, I seem to fall prey to pots every year and this year I chose this beautiful Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) plant as my first victim. I really hope to keep it watered, especially since Bay can be cut into a topiary and I'm planning to make a short little ball out of it. The leaves can be picked in the morning and placed under a weight. By dinnertime, they leaves are dry and ready to be used in recipes!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331947043064474706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaotFexVKKzDLvOgAVf85r3zeLMlDAp_eP-RHsKIX-Tay8NyTQHQnVi1jKKxKBHz3lJY3ZPzBhyphenhyphenWadfiy2Tjk6jiqZHbk4d6zy1f9E26IHT-dx43RAw1QDGG2hyw5vkVufCrG6L37bRsw/s320/Camellia+Senensis.JPG" border="0" />And finally, the plant about which I am most excited. Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) is the tea plant! I had been planning to order a plant online, but there was a tea exhibit at the show and the Arboretum's booth was selling the plant. I was surprised to find out that the tea plant is in the camellia family, which makes it perfect for my partially shaded Heuchera garden where I already have three azaleas and a camellia japonica growing. The great thing about that mixture is that Camellias and Azaleas are both acid loving, so they should live together fairly harmoniously.</div><div> </div><div>Although not pictured, I also got 6 Casablanca Lily bulbs in the ground and I hope to see them bloom by late summer. Whew! For not planning on buying much, I sure came home with plenty...hooray!</div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-46044827578179939212009-05-03T21:49:00.000-07:002009-05-03T22:07:34.390-07:00Making Chamomile TeaI made chamomile tea today and it was so easy! Here's how I did it.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331827316916255682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NpxyG96UNlIqL95EApe6LjNyRZBRgYl5c5USJKyvFjIRaemKqViK1QLqfW54lagAfJf31IWw4GtVxkzcX9RhaF2UGTnOVXWnjxVDTxw_3pcA0lIkVrLKtwxQFVnfLUmCY4flCkPhxE0/s320/Chamomile.JPG" border="0" />I started with our lovely chamomile plant that bloomed beautifully this year.<br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331828331951353474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QK9-91UsakJhJOlBpILI2GS-l7UCNpxNuQ3XgO8R_hjpq-3lJOId6QE4h6odC4A0ijpKOqMI96h7eVTJijnU7Q7HFbzwDkIh9WAErTXt9DyRlosI83ICEl1lbOk2i-4S7fRDbXbSx7o/s320/DSC04857.JPG" border="0" />I cut it back to about 8 or 10 inches tall and then bundled the bouquet and hung it to dry.<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331828823373732898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_p8uYBkY4V33JnJu6w754KAT6zfDbuUm3Zgi4qotj3rA9uk-gky3mQi6CuwsuiC-aNjFlC8MR8YQUDEioBcn3dWHYRBpi2otC1HZ9NIx7oHQcUvZZMYR_ytIhwF5JwpoRwBmJWo83Qc/s320/Dried+camomille.JPG" border="0" />After about a week, I clipped off the dried flowers from the stems.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331829244012170338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCY6I_f0JiabWn4lcfyNXeVaQJCjnwoLfqA1SJyFE13KobiUtrw0TTW5iXR0nu3PFeGi6dQkeBbecKVmfj7ib_13Thqr5jYLt_MLWgk0Xf3jQAnv8rcPCorURUZFxT9d9K4MqdrIseBI/s320/Separating+the+sticks.JPG" border="0" />I had to separate the stems out one by one, which leads me to think that it might be easier next time to bundle them more evenly so that I can cut straight across and have less stems to pick out. <div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331829723085723474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHD_Qpx8B4RY2RS_aDr6MuBZVkWVvMD6cyvrasEPMZy50CvlGd30jszH0cXTqZFdTRZRf860LIfxSMTI0cUp10tgagEsGLgtoKNJxxUy4mdNjsdaMKWsYUaNtdP6j0L4QzH_97wMbhCs/s320/Finished+camomille.JPG" border="0" />Ta da! Tea in a container. A teaspoon per cup is enough for a medium-strength tea. I'm sincerely hoping for another harvest this year, but with my love of chamomile tea, I think I'll need to plant a few more plants next year. Once I try the straight tea, I'm going to try adding some of the other dried herbs to create a fun blend. More on that another day!</div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-78554767257499055782009-05-02T22:37:00.000-07:002009-05-02T22:48:22.114-07:00The garden show wagon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVdhKEI7g05GTZWui85XeZihXdNkB015wydhrMYSAIIpqeEXsTu_H9mHNQtPXYDJ3dF1IL7oyY6qf9kszEtFz6Zfgfs1w2aXCDB_JVn94DCF5kXeMUj7yRrdywQ48bw-bnIHi56s-1hc/s1600-h/Planting+wagon.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331468305893899026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVdhKEI7g05GTZWui85XeZihXdNkB015wydhrMYSAIIpqeEXsTu_H9mHNQtPXYDJ3dF1IL7oyY6qf9kszEtFz6Zfgfs1w2aXCDB_JVn94DCF5kXeMUj7yRrdywQ48bw-bnIHi56s-1hc/s320/Planting+wagon.JPG" border="0" /></a>What trip to a garden show would be complete without a wagon full of goodies to bring home and plant? I'm so excited about all of them and some of them even made it into the ground on Saturday evening. Over the next few days, I'll post about what I planted and where. There are a few things that I've been waiting to find - hooray! The fact that I only came home with 9 plants and 6 bulbs is an accomplishment. The entire show was filled with all sorts of things that I would have loved to take home.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-89251151451247580342009-05-02T08:50:00.000-07:002009-05-02T17:26:13.543-07:00LA Garden Show at the Arboretum!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijorZ4-NPoiygr92I9kPXyHoBNkQ4kyrl-WoLPZsaBEjdNIIZzpjo7AuaHqk43H959T-oZeCVgMNB3PrfdfwZ_DaBlirl7Z9IvWjv55gyF5ObuD7ef_jtxNASNnwrnRGFC3rHbCnmcGvo/s1600-h/LAgardenshow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331257653746494258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 92px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijorZ4-NPoiygr92I9kPXyHoBNkQ4kyrl-WoLPZsaBEjdNIIZzpjo7AuaHqk43H959T-oZeCVgMNB3PrfdfwZ_DaBlirl7Z9IvWjv55gyF5ObuD7ef_jtxNASNnwrnRGFC3rHbCnmcGvo/s320/LAgardenshow.jpg" border="0" /></a> I can hardly contain myself. I've read over the list of speakers, drooled over the list of vendors, and started dreaming about the compost bin that I'll be starting. Today is the day! The <a href="http://www.lagardenshow.com/"><span style="color:#6600cc;">LA Garden Show is at the Arboretum</span></a><span style="color:#6600cc;">,</span> which is SO close to my house. At lunchtime, I'll be heading over to a lecture from Nicholas Staddon, Director, New Plant Introductions, Monrovia Growers. His topic is vegetable gardening and he'll be introducing new plants as well as discussing beautifying the veggie garden - such a needed topic for me, <a href="http://prettylittlegarden.blogspot.com/2009/03/garden-is-finally-planted.html"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I assure you!</span></a> Next, I'll be going to a a Rosalind Creasy lecture. She is a photographer and author, and her book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Edible-Landscaping-Resource-Saving/dp/0871562782/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241280451&sr=8-1"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Complete Book of Edible Landscaping</span></a></em> is on my Amazon list! I really was thrilled to see that she was on the list of speakers and I can't wait to see her. I hope to have lots of fun things to share after my excursion today. I'll try to start blogging about it on Monday after I take it all in and get some photographs. Have a great Saturday!<br /><br />UPDATE! I just returned and have I got a wagon-full of goodies to share with you! I've taken some pictures and will show you all of my new plants. For now I have to run off to see if I can find a new trellis...Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-56779447184128494852009-04-30T16:24:00.000-07:002009-04-30T16:46:38.571-07:00Trailing Verbena<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUhpa1Hj96fHvguwGALsZGBV59NqOd-mTY9aA3hVzsRGD71l47Fg1X3bU2R9l9I3-AWB_Vh0xVgXlG3CCADBnhqtbBoYZzhmkTTdge0zdY1MNII3LecLCTvvYQjEWWk1dHri3KF1jXy8/s1600-h/verbena.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330633952521212738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUhpa1Hj96fHvguwGALsZGBV59NqOd-mTY9aA3hVzsRGD71l47Fg1X3bU2R9l9I3-AWB_Vh0xVgXlG3CCADBnhqtbBoYZzhmkTTdge0zdY1MNII3LecLCTvvYQjEWWk1dHri3KF1jXy8/s320/verbena.JPG" border="0" /></a>Look what I planted today! Aztec light pink and white trailing verbena.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330634499785232098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt4x-i2QBrdY1Mj8LJ7q66wl5agcRG0UXBFe5lCWFEUSl4wrzgNeCKtNW_wRzgi6bVM6IyvKxHME2p_8WGGyWxc1iZIKqQIPZp18FM0wsO_LiaDoQQ7bPsFkQ3yZjGA5vb6GUj8qHBzQ/s320/trailing+verbena.JPG" border="0" />I planted it in front of the new butterfly bush to give that spot a little color while the bush grows. I'm not a big fan of annuals, but I couldn't say no to these.<br /><br /><br />I feel like I am planting something all the time...I didn't realized how few plants we had and how much I've already planted! I nearly bought a mandevilla vine today, too, but resisted. I am still thinking about covering the other side of <a href="http://prettylittlegarden.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-new-and-improved-shed.html"><span style="color:#6600cc;">our icky shed</span></a>, but haven't quite figured out what to do yet since whatever it is will have to be in a pot and will therefore be in great peril in my hands.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-37815579740595817002009-04-28T09:37:00.000-07:002009-04-28T09:52:37.899-07:00Loving Tracy's Pretty Posts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCeSgNz2erwYmG4NOMJk_uMnSolvyF8xDsEnfCQCxwIZnlD7pm01b0qvq3NFNSypSD0k5e59DPrURtT58eOb9W9LWMWwzpsiXRDckBnzmY20cvgEal8NCY1j-I4bRW-RxEY1ONi96QRk/s1600-h/Roses2+Jan+03.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329786107333900866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCeSgNz2erwYmG4NOMJk_uMnSolvyF8xDsEnfCQCxwIZnlD7pm01b0qvq3NFNSypSD0k5e59DPrURtT58eOb9W9LWMWwzpsiXRDckBnzmY20cvgEal8NCY1j-I4bRW-RxEY1ONi96QRk/s320/Roses2+Jan+03.jpg" border="0" /></a>My sweet friend Tracy is celebrating her 100th post! If you haven't checked out <a href="http://lovingprettythings.blogspot.com/2009/04/100.html">Pretty Little Things </a>yet, you are missing out. She is such a doll and has an incredible sense of style. She has the sort of home that you walk into and are constantly surprised by little touches - perfect bookshelves, lovely cloches, a precisely ordered hutch filled with incredible dishes. Then she finds time to make delicious dishes for her family and post her recipes. Amazing. It is fun to follow her ideas on her blog and so easy to be inspired by her chic style! Of course, in addition to her decorating and cooking, I love her garden. What's not to love? It is filled with David Austen Roses, a hedge of lavender that is swoon-worthy, trees and flowers all around - it is just so Tracy. Thanks for all you do, Tracy...you are a treasure!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-38219563452260379972009-04-26T20:28:00.000-07:002009-04-26T20:52:58.659-07:00The garden then and now<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7KFq4NCfzAtCg8cLLmGO6jf6vD_S_W_O0Vta15bfus1RfNF5Nd3ZMM0BCacdL7faScAGHuxu0j_PW6jW0OTk8jNpCzOz6Yahwt2g4tK0eYFaTYJpqiqSTZrzlnbga0YZLFxVJhyv63Y/s1600-h/The+herb+garden+growing.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329210005179577218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7KFq4NCfzAtCg8cLLmGO6jf6vD_S_W_O0Vta15bfus1RfNF5Nd3ZMM0BCacdL7faScAGHuxu0j_PW6jW0OTk8jNpCzOz6Yahwt2g4tK0eYFaTYJpqiqSTZrzlnbga0YZLFxVJhyv63Y/s320/The+herb+garden+growing.JPG" border="0" /></a>It is always so nice to see progress, isn't it? I thought it might be nice to see how things have changed around here. <div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329211785717708450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQlmwGBJz1A3IBFl6xU7J9X4pTmHfJIIcPnuHzhE2vQv8tvqr8ILu9EQ3vp2Ivfc_6zCFhRKw-Fdz0ik_LSVCZeAJYl2brfB0uYB4xalhpGTKO9k7VjTimg7orRsPEkrnMjz3bYJ_8qA/s320/Herb+garden.JPG" border="0" /> <p>First up is the herb garden. What a sad little thing that started out as! First just holes cut out in the weed paper and now totally uncovered and beginning to take shape with some bricks. I still need to dig out a leveled trench for the bricks and place them permanently, but what a change, right? We have Sorrel, dill, nasturtiums, lavender, fennel, rosemary, basil, carnations, chamomile, thyme, lemon balm, sage, chives, tarragon, and bachelor's button growing here now.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329211222589426594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6juPZ56NFmlNmw6jNiQ0-kR_627RG2eW2zGLNb7UWcFdQVe1ekexWQQz2xQFlzMoP34iXaaUYhNtzIQCp8ie5gJ4w5afDjsge2L7jDqoLNUDfifcRmhp7H7aC2z_oemO8_VDuAKkS_g/s320/Planted+garden.JPG" border="0" />Next up is the basic view of the garden. Here it is shortly after planting on March 21st, looking quite small and bare. Then, pow! <p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329212810596330610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b_OBxBLmmpqJajhpBz3VZEn5zoWdHv2JOGIxUDeZ98zK2gJxtWJVSYC6gmpXbjq5j6o3ZIXYvHUjk9xjyx8ue0oX7COXt8CMR4F28G-ueHVm0gTh6rkHsE2qISoge324Gm_0Bcv7D48/s320/The+growing+garden+4-26.JPG" border="0" />Just over a month has passed and things are really getting taller. The Sunflowers are halfway up the garden wall, the scarlet runner beans have reached the second string of the bean teepee, and the tomatoes are past the third rung of their cages. I have already had to rearrange the tomatoes in their cages several times due to their eager growth. I hope your gardens are growing, too, and loving the warm spring weather!</div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-78172206628058357922009-04-23T15:17:00.000-07:002009-04-23T15:53:02.101-07:00An Anniversary Tree<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFHCEHgpDkOlto81vem14hixXVS9509OkSfAmyz8yvNyOFAEqAtw5Ehq95zI_Q1WrKP6YLcWfFMZ7z0-VIjqDHSyL4HgrnkbTdNDiqoaq1Iwg9sIPN5cPd8bAm7BtAKQ1734shQW6vQA/s1600-h/Tabebuia+Caraiba.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328023321569905058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFHCEHgpDkOlto81vem14hixXVS9509OkSfAmyz8yvNyOFAEqAtw5Ehq95zI_Q1WrKP6YLcWfFMZ7z0-VIjqDHSyL4HgrnkbTdNDiqoaq1Iwg9sIPN5cPd8bAm7BtAKQ1734shQW6vQA/s320/Tabebuia+Caraiba.JPG" border="0" /></a>On the 21st, my husband and I celebrated 8 years of marriage, hooray! Gardening is something we've found that we really enjoy together and so I thought it was fitting that the planting of our new tree happen at anniversary time. We planted a Tabebuia Caraiba (Yellow trumpet flower) tree, which is the most beautiful tree in the world. The bright golden blooms are always the first signs of spring while nothing else is blooming yet here in SoCal.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328016852377810450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOlpTX2_ao1eC_gNrzsYmFLxjU6L0_4HX06nPPUE1mvu7i4xiZSac396chNtrIA_h7Dko_m7rFSMmi0gGKKpFJTYx3Nb97JpDJdAwqe8a7E7WEtFvu_QToZFZ111gbLP7gR9mbadZXHo/s320/Tree+planter.JPG" border="0" /> My sweet husband dug out a hole from our St. Augustine grass for the tree and then dug out (using a pick axe!) an even bigger hole for my new little garden around the base of the tree.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU3T_Jos9HjjSbDgaD7RSPrVx_yBuK4DybksQCfd9IXUAD1c88HKEaLJGiedqkzhsK5Y3MJ1nDD-_3HaLNS_rRu9JjAsIKVJA1UrTibaeszyKRm2fMCZHbt8CGwY91hw0S39tfyXoq9o/s1600-h/Delphinium.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328022166568500674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU3T_Jos9HjjSbDgaD7RSPrVx_yBuK4DybksQCfd9IXUAD1c88HKEaLJGiedqkzhsK5Y3MJ1nDD-_3HaLNS_rRu9JjAsIKVJA1UrTibaeszyKRm2fMCZHbt8CGwY91hw0S39tfyXoq9o/s320/Delphinium.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328019614546857634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iTOMqUoENzDFh8PV0gwbJux8_UNtThDhC0Zj6Ga26_K9ihDXeNARuniA-wARco2d644_lXZV9U6m0zKFJx0rf4eN7HDr2Qvgs_VnGgZYYnjHa7IsqDgvDUTkIH5dYIph93jV3TY0AbA/s320/Planter.JPG" border="0" />I have now planted Allysum on the outer ring and Delphinium grandiflora (a perennial) around the inner ring. Now I'm just waiting to figure out what the perfect yellow flower is to plant amongst the others. Rudabeckia Indian summer might be the one, but we'll have to see. I don't feel like I'm in too much of a hurry right now. <div></div><br /><a href="http://www.figsandginger.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328022697036118946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 106px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z_0GqSe4jXxxFBURBGAEQ6qr2rIzrYopK8F4LtO21VYhijiV3v6wDn19XJRh6hRu_uyCeMFG7XHXY3Te6YXXe-KtJd4uezHZ7CPNwBNiY9kRoQwNlemI56Tmz-nDX5u3OULt0kOhp4U/s320/figsandginger.bmp" border="0" /></a>For those of you who might be thinking of planting a tree, you should check out the great giveaway from the eco-friendly sterling jewelry company <a href="http://www.figsandginger.com/">Figs and Ginger</a>. If you plant a tree between April 13th and May 6th, take a picture and send it in for a free pair of earrings or a tie tack!</div></div></div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-4068336016603846262009-04-22T16:07:00.000-07:002009-04-22T16:55:50.230-07:00Happy Earth Day - Plant something for the bees!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WjW_kTsARI96NZrIIVUtT4XyFy8qtsPorZ3pB4AeNosF-qBMM99EadI8me8albGaGQ6rRbfBVMqkM83IFzWTtbTeUQUWqc5r3QO_or9iIsT5pPCCT2R0y8_AVWiCFTPYJI1ZTEJQTyk/s1600-h/BOMRUF_richhatfield.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327667620161704114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WjW_kTsARI96NZrIIVUtT4XyFy8qtsPorZ3pB4AeNosF-qBMM99EadI8me8albGaGQ6rRbfBVMqkM83IFzWTtbTeUQUWqc5r3QO_or9iIsT5pPCCT2R0y8_AVWiCFTPYJI1ZTEJQTyk/s320/BOMRUF_richhatfield.jpg" border="0" /></a>So I've come to the conclusion that there just isn't one plant we can all plant together. Not only do we have different climates and surroundings to consider, there is also style and color. However, there is one thing that can bring our gardens together...bees! Did you know that we can help the bee population by planting flowers that they enjoy? Bees are disappearing and we can encourage them to thrive and continue pollinating many of our food sources by simply planting a few things that they love. Bees pollinate ONE THIRD of the world's food resources (check out <a href="http://www.helpthehoneybees.com/">this great website </a>for more info - yay Haagen-Dazs!) and so planting a few flowers for them is surely a great way to celebrate Earth Day. Here are my top three choices for bee attracting perennials...plant one today or sometime this week! Take a picture and post it on your blog and then leave a comment here. For everyone that participates (with these or other bee plants), I will send a packet of Sunflower seeds for you to plant in your garden this year...another fun plant that bees love!<br /><div></div><br /><div>Nikki's top bee-friendly plants:</div><br /><div>1. <a href="http://www.floridata.com/ref/R/rudb_hir.cfm">Rudbeckia hirta </a>- Indian Summer. A beautiful yellow with black center that looks like a daisy</div><br /><div>2. <a href="http://www.floridata.com/ref/E/ech_pur.cfm">Echinacea purpurea </a>- Purple Coneflower. A pinkish-purple flower, also looks like a daisy </div><br /><div>3. Herbs! Lavender, rosemary, and thyme</div><div><em></em> </div><div><em><a href="http://www.greatsunflower.org/"><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo by Rich Hatfield at </span></a><a href="http://www.greatsunflower.org/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://www.greatsunflower.org/</span></a></em></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-31590217441384305532009-04-19T14:30:00.001-07:002009-04-19T14:44:29.752-07:00Earth Day Planting Invitation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMxur7oQg1P8dl11_fB74KO-JOce3j2G1ZXoq6kZxXw8bKlMXlJGv1mhXHkn6NNC5TTXNegP63ccrWnDAFUrLzr4TQrX5oD6j8hflEvaiobgMsBH3EBiL7bwdulcjpD15BjySBh-rHv0/s1600-h/earthday_logo.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326521416156608514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMxur7oQg1P8dl11_fB74KO-JOce3j2G1ZXoq6kZxXw8bKlMXlJGv1mhXHkn6NNC5TTXNegP63ccrWnDAFUrLzr4TQrX5oD6j8hflEvaiobgMsBH3EBiL7bwdulcjpD15BjySBh-rHv0/s320/earthday_logo.gif" border="0" /></a>I have so enjoyed planting this Spring, and it has been greatly enhanced by getting to blog about it and see all of your plants, too. I was thinking this morning of what I want to plant on Earth Day and that it might be fun for several of us to plant the same thing and share our pictures. What do you think? Something small, and it would need to be able to live across different zones. I'm going to take a trip to the nursery to see what I come up with, but leave a comment if you have an idea!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-45602860202170064032009-04-18T21:27:00.000-07:002009-04-18T21:41:35.598-07:00An invitation to butterflies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nKR-Pw0rDcu54UEBvMuj0uqEmS-0As-GBdfLpxA2LL4Aa-pqmH0i4IK33xlLzr_WEcFqlPcsonaEBdceMYK3e-wy_f8k7CW2N9YTQIXU5AvbrF1ovPKvX4ufUzffG9J7EfWHRLE8VgM/s1600-h/Noah's+striped+butterfly.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326256146016906626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nKR-Pw0rDcu54UEBvMuj0uqEmS-0As-GBdfLpxA2LL4Aa-pqmH0i4IK33xlLzr_WEcFqlPcsonaEBdceMYK3e-wy_f8k7CW2N9YTQIXU5AvbrF1ovPKvX4ufUzffG9J7EfWHRLE8VgM/s320/Noah's+striped+butterfly.JPG" border="0" /></a>I took the kids to visit their grandparents in the desert this week and while we were there we went to a zoo that had a beautiful butterfly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pavilion</span>. It was so fun to watch the kids watch the butterflies! Some of them landed right on the kids, who were in love with each one. That sealed the deal on my decision to plant some butterfly attracting flowers, and today I went to the nursery to find some new plants. I came home with two perennials, and they are so perfect.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326256664326632402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP5IpZ5ZesxTq9XCDPg8VZMJz_BUPNj7f2HF8qgtqYpDoa_nEsyypKDXtYRJeM6o1JME6wPQlu8x2jBbp7Rm9ugSwW7etEdR-eerm_EbSC22rZicMjBIA45nFoVY94sCCnecAChR1a3s/s320/Scabiosa+Columbaria.JPG" border="0" /><br />The first is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Scabiosa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Columbaria</span>, commonly called pincushion flower. I love the delicate blue, which works perfectly with the soft yellows and pinks of the front bed. It is already flowering now, and should flower through the fall, hooray!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326257252741307426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4D1reUx_QZqizK8MR6Zz34BPaYe2HoheDFApT5SxERs3OoHiAfLAbPf34KCQ35XjbyqZbex-mNfL2giw5dX_b7sazBsxR_i7Zyw_H7yavZ2RWM2xcObCiZrUOvH21BkmeeDvIN3GlDCA/s320/Buddleia+davidii+Pink+Delight.JPG" border="0" /> The second is Butterfly Bush (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Buddleia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">davidii</span>), which has pink to purple flowers and has a lovely scent. I realize it doesn't look like much now, but it is a fast grower (reportedly) and can get up to 7' tall and 3-4' wide! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Oooh</span>, I hope it does - it is planted right under my son's window and he will love it if he can see butterflies landing on it!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-83961767372558008612009-04-17T22:14:00.000-07:002009-04-17T22:44:44.493-07:00Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day<div align="left">I am so sad that I missed posting these on actual bloom day (the 15th), which is a wonderful thing started by <a href="http://maydreamsgardens.blogspot.com/2009/04/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-april-2009.html">May Dreams Gardens</a>. Here are some pictures of what is blooming right now...I love seeing everyone's pictures!<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325897452657639634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eXAR72pIUKT0oHC3GTItOLzUZRvIGL6O8D_PweI1VMvMl2SNA05SJ35dVWo8m4A0NmX9nhmJ1Hw_eHo9wtemeQ5XmBvMDlvqpGMpgQoZ5VhvKuPmx5Lgv5513Wmj7fplvD19Un3nbpw/s320/Chamomile.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Chamomile in the herb garden<br /><br /></p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325898053912494818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLq3JyBmDd-IKC0wS78627pPtJLDQjIcmdzvpGyKVWTSmmXUJZiMuVskiGy2pqO0-pLT5vSC1AvX6UAqqnim-6cdVvlzF4epVOm0y46GRz4gwHcz7nmAtP_DxtfKUpDfcrv0R-mo70ss/s320/DSC03872.JPG" border="0" />Strawberries in my son's strawberry patch. He really carefully weeds this and picks out the slugs with his bare hands. He is only 4 and he loves to garden with me!</p><br /><p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325898761705851490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkibHkgntBFw-81KpyvVxNJWpnGpk9BbWNulqOyA9iqYq1mvWAmTKP5JQGIqb5t9OewqWOS_HFzffxMofTHmjjeO5aXx9oV7RYNvV30Af09VvSINZj3EdO1GAXZQhItNvGuQpSngaHuI/s320/Thyme.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Thyme in the herb garden</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325899433674835138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmJW3_ORQw7vvoYgffEFve-DYJwZ6TH5u9ljKBMKAbDxyDHT3p9vorN1XEFbKdDTw30CfESkWJoH9FI6O4uOPwup6dkvthsCP2A5Alw3nNd0yEs3UnOdzSYFCmZjP2Y2zLOmA0LAWVhc/s320/DSC03888.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center">David Austen Golden Celebration Rose is still in the first round of blooms</p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325900099981591810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGcMTboxuI37Qi-ROExatvOa5TdlW4SitmWNNM9AAFbdEzzqTXgcN1Ty2Cd_uBb5scug3TKILRA3JkBNQBg7u2MCm5sSLKluCl0gPFPO1dS0YgnXZ36eMDKS8EEQQN5Io1lf0V4u_J5I/s320/DSC03930.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">This lovely peach tree doesn't belong to us, but it is planted on the back wall of the garden and hangs over quite a bit. We enjoy the Spring blooms tremendously, so I feel justified in adding it to the list of blooms.</p><br /><br /><p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325901604855173842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBmJZaGycA4u42f6N6Qk2mxGarS-GPGBSh17GJUSIijPzHutNHJodgyXZqz_biXQ3KgffsjHPDQ0kSnAYjfdBzxm5vj7qxO_gsSwDzqvllbW4mifRIQaI5nHtZKq6fmeMPuL3fIsPFSM/s320/DSC04239.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Oranges are just forming on the Satsumi dwarf orange tree<br /></p><p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325902313060169426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmbYWxYMwjRbxDCOsDjqRLkNH9dIXgpgXgQ9IEbffGsbupbMqU6SenlLegMh6ZX17zXWQyqZ9YPeso1t9ztEPpmUbPiM98F3yVRbWwRsSm2Y7gpxHgi4ZrXn9psagf2j03ejY7grF4ZQ/s320/Heuchera+Key+Lime.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Huechera Key Lime in my mostly shady Huechera garden</p>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-53781580027018620002009-04-14T08:15:00.000-07:002009-04-14T08:25:10.952-07:00Yesterday's Garden Salad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GaQzG_7RJKZCWxrLMlsXZ88SgES_lcs5sPWMcrPKcrt7S6vMofjbBUK23bMi_Z_aSXNY-TiZUkBxVQQWHcSXMM7dMj9GN6XUGp2nLS0NoUcU7hekEODoXq3H2zg4eqh39ryd0NetOlc/s1600-h/Garden+Salad.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324566563623330562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GaQzG_7RJKZCWxrLMlsXZ88SgES_lcs5sPWMcrPKcrt7S6vMofjbBUK23bMi_Z_aSXNY-TiZUkBxVQQWHcSXMM7dMj9GN6XUGp2nLS0NoUcU7hekEODoXq3H2zg4eqh39ryd0NetOlc/s320/Garden+Salad.JPG" border="0" /></a>I finally got my salad ready in time for a late dinner, but it was worth the wait! Just being in the garden in the cool of the evening cutting my own food for dinner was so pleasant. Represented here are oak leaf lettuce, romaine, arugula, sorrel, thyme, chives, sage, basil, dill, carnations, and a pansy. The flowers that look like daisies are Chamomile flowers, and they weren't part of the salad, but are now hanging in the kitchen to dry so that I can make some tea. <br /><br />I washed everything and picked out the older, tougher lettuces and tossed them. After a really good wash, I spun them in the salad spinner to dry and set them aside. I washed and finely chopped all of the herbs and put them in a bowl. To the bowl I added some olive oil, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">balsamic</span> vinegar, the juice of one lemon, and salt and pepper. After whisking, I tossed it with the lettuce and then added chopped pansies and carnations to the top along with an avocado given to me by a neighbor. Yum!!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-29587098655144581332009-04-13T09:12:00.000-07:002009-04-13T09:20:45.309-07:00The lettuce row is growing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso8vlmeMYFTHBF3xRYlqIS9xwnl4-8OAp2b98QGas_aIB0dcFsKiCSpAGt0MzabtnlzV8IXZVQNst7l1SGRNH-QFBqR9Tn0aUa6nkA2RWJkxtrWe-E2bY688g_ng8VxxGcVBrFJxxA1c/s1600-h/Lettuce+row.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324210877483192722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso8vlmeMYFTHBF3xRYlqIS9xwnl4-8OAp2b98QGas_aIB0dcFsKiCSpAGt0MzabtnlzV8IXZVQNst7l1SGRNH-QFBqR9Tn0aUa6nkA2RWJkxtrWe-E2bY688g_ng8VxxGcVBrFJxxA1c/s320/Lettuce+row.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is my first year planting lettuce and I'm so excited about the potential results! We have some Oak Leaf, Arugula, and other salad greens (not specifically listed on the six-pack tag) growing in a little row with carrot seeds planted in between everything. I planted the starts on March 21st and the second picture was taken on April 8th. I think I'll harvest today for a lunch salad...yum! I'm hoping the weather stays a little on the cool/overcast side for a few more weeks so that I can harvest again before things heat up and the lettuce bolts. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CyFEoFatHrc43URP4bBWu6dA0NZL5SVAbwqYy2OgK3D4PbPK4QucBmHqZV6YdM_oKvnSmS-noB7em4zwZZ5oKHy7Bc3QeF2KwWVg44OHoeb4AYo38kNP0hRYJLTJxw60L6mu4ZaYPcc/s1600-h/Lettuce+two+weeks+later.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324211460938281250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CyFEoFatHrc43URP4bBWu6dA0NZL5SVAbwqYy2OgK3D4PbPK4QucBmHqZV6YdM_oKvnSmS-noB7em4zwZZ5oKHy7Bc3QeF2KwWVg44OHoeb4AYo38kNP0hRYJLTJxw60L6mu4ZaYPcc/s320/Lettuce+two+weeks+later.JPG" border="0" /></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-25483617827126679482009-04-09T13:44:00.001-07:002009-04-09T14:47:38.941-07:00Echevaria<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuIZ9XflHZMT_3O90Cm__6MWJtAeSFhyxeADqbCqJUcAXCPGnylvRUwR1y8uqosXQPTkEdr_cfMakm2vvrIXNvTzYbzsjcIs5LTEUM7SqgVuPdewOLgWX7uGHd4-DQggLttUmX23QcqE/s1600-h/Echevaria.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322796141593427186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuIZ9XflHZMT_3O90Cm__6MWJtAeSFhyxeADqbCqJUcAXCPGnylvRUwR1y8uqosXQPTkEdr_cfMakm2vvrIXNvTzYbzsjcIs5LTEUM7SqgVuPdewOLgWX7uGHd4-DQggLttUmX23QcqE/s320/Echevaria.JPG" border="0" /></a>I was minding my own business at Trader Joe's when this sweet little thing jumped right into my cart. I had no idea that succulents wanted to live at my house! Now, it is a widely known fact that I cannot keep anything in a pot alive. Not a hanging basket, planter, or urn has lasted at my house, largely do to my lazy watering. Doesn't that mean an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Echevaria</span> succulent is perfect for me? I have an adorable little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">froggy</span> planter that has always needed a little succulent something, and I finally found it. The label says to leave it indoors until the blooms fade and then take it outside, but if anyone has any experience with this plant they'd like to share, I'll take it! I know it spreads, hence the common name "hen and chicks," since smaller plants emerge around the base of the larger plant. Does this mean it won't do well in a little statue pot?Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822613966988353331.post-82190379787438373022009-04-09T13:34:00.000-07:002009-04-09T13:41:25.512-07:00Noah's pictures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmcseda_oTf4i-2SiHqEn-knFAju5AuqqW8BiCPIuV0_JKkSjkU-7ilJgbHGEfoYJFuLB9gI7gW4uDYjvU0xKpNUOJlJg5nVYINNu6Yuipw17mnrcRNqzshxUJkgH8CdCwN85Y7cHl7U/s1600-h/Noah's+ladybug.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322794372092015714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmcseda_oTf4i-2SiHqEn-knFAju5AuqqW8BiCPIuV0_JKkSjkU-7ilJgbHGEfoYJFuLB9gI7gW4uDYjvU0xKpNUOJlJg5nVYINNu6Yuipw17mnrcRNqzshxUJkgH8CdCwN85Y7cHl7U/s320/Noah's+ladybug.JPG" border="0" /></a>Noah (my four year old) and I were checking out the veggie garden today and he decided that the ladybugs needed to be photographed. He got two great shots, one on the lemon balm and one on the white fence. The contrast of the lemon balm picture is so nice, and I'm so pleased that he loves using the camera! He really is careful with it, so I enjoy letting him explore photography with a real camera. Perhaps I have a budding artist on my hands!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZztTy-ktc-TeuI5ZtFRNCs66gJE0gQyIQbPx7CAXw_cdDqrYyOQto_ju9IErTq9MFJa5cmA_PRNy2xPNvMADrEkqGmoPggUxyi5aXT_yRsOVIB9BP0RB2cDKRr6OVgWtwRj9J1dmRkI/s1600-h/DSC04259.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322793799040121394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZztTy-ktc-TeuI5ZtFRNCs66gJE0gQyIQbPx7CAXw_cdDqrYyOQto_ju9IErTq9MFJa5cmA_PRNy2xPNvMADrEkqGmoPggUxyi5aXT_yRsOVIB9BP0RB2cDKRr6OVgWtwRj9J1dmRkI/s320/DSC04259.JPG" border="0" /></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384393611312501319noreply@blogger.com1