Wednesday, February 29, 2012

My poor plants are so confused!


Here's a shot of my itty-bitty Meyer Lemon tree
(only waist high).

It flourished the first year it was planted and gave me a whole TWO lemons!
The next year it froze but came right back again.
Last summer it suffered through the worst drought in Texas history.
Now it's blooming in February!

(shhh...don't tell it that it's not supposed to do this!
I *might* get lemons by this summer!)



Monday, February 27, 2012

My one day weekend...

I was feeling a little under the weather on Friday, Saturday I had to work, but Sunday I was "on call"...

...and they never called!


So I headed out to the garden and harvested a TON of turnip greens! After a cleaning and blanching, these beauties went into the freezer for future meals.

I also planted 80...yes 80 little onion bulbs!
I planted them among the already growing red onions I planted last summer. That way we'll have a double harvest this year!


Then I weeded the lettuce and chard beds.
This is "Bright Lights" swiss chard and it certainly lives up to it's name!

I only had one day to my weekend, but it was a very productive day so I guess Monday will be my "day of rest".

Someone please inform my children!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

A box of sticks

The boys wanted to know why I ordered a big box of sticks.
I told them they were sticks with potential!
For Valentine's Day Doug ordered me some long desired fruit trees instead of a dozen red roses...he knows me so well!



I have waited quite some time for these wonderful trees! Last year when the new septic system was installed, my fig and pear trees were killed. And I've really wanted a pollinator for my other apple tree. Now it's a new year and a new planting season and I'm like a kid on Christmas morning with my new "toys"!

My trees came from Stark Bros. which is truly an exceptional nursery. Their trees are of the highest quality and their prices and customer service cannot be beat! You MUST go check out their website and request a catalog. They make growing your own fruit,berries, and nuts dummy proof...REALLY!

Doug and Kyle planted a peach, an apple, two pear, and a fig tree the other day (with a little help from Abby!). The book that Stark Bros. sends with each order gives detailed instructions on planting, pruning, and care of your new trees.

Now if they could just help me guard these lovelies from surly teenage boys playing football in the backyard, digging dogs, BB guns, and the lawn guys...
but I don't think they make a booklet for that!


Sunday, February 12, 2012

My Pretty Valentine!

A handmade red dress for a little red headed girl.

The perfect (and free!) diaper cover pattern from MADE.

All make for the most wonderful little Valentine for us all...

and I think her brothers are pretty adorable too!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Seeds!


I just got my order of seeds in from
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company!

I will be spending my weekend starting tomato, pepper, eggplant, and a few flower variety seeds. I'm also going to try to convince Doug and the boys to help me amend the soil in our garden boxes and lay down some mulch.
Yes, I have a super-fun weekend planned....at least on my part!


Happy weekend!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Waiting for Spring...

I simply cannot wait to plant my spring garden, so to placate myself, I planted up some kitchen herbs and aloes in pots to set in my windowsill:

It's a lame substitute, but at least I'm growing SOMETHING!

Until then, I drool over my seed catalogs...

CLARIFICATION:
I'm drooling over the vegetables NOT the dude in overalls!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012