tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26228669403984578152024-02-07T19:31:19.562-08:00Northern Indiana ~ Backyard GardeningWelcome to my Northern Indiana Garden! Here you can read my garden journal, see beautiful photos from my flower gardens and my vegetable garden, and hopefully read some helpful information about gardening!
Thank you for visiting! ~ Garden Girl JoUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-52922790299552273472016-04-04T07:52:00.000-07:002016-04-04T07:55:08.528-07:00Gardening in the WoodsIt's been a long while since I posted. 3 years ago we had a home gutted and rebuilt. It's a very special place for us. It is the kind of place I dreamt of and prayed for. I am incredibly thankful. It's a 3 1/2 acre wooded haven. Wild turkey frequent the yard and we see deer pass through often. I love it. It has the quiet country feel to it but it is actually within somewhat of a neighborhood.
I love all the wildlife but they have indeed changed my gardening! The neighbors said they gave up on gardening as the deer and turkey were relentless in getting the food. So, sadly I had pretty much given up on the idea of gardening here without even trying. In recent months my oldest daughter has expressed how much she wishes we had a garden. I decided the least I could do was give it a try! So, this blog will be revived and I will journal our first attempt at having a garden on this property. It won't be the nice fenced in garden we had in the past, there won't likely be nice raised garden beds like we had before. I'll be starting from scratch, investing what little I can until we see if indeed the plants can survive the wildlife!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-40400460152835439932011-04-14T19:18:00.000-07:002011-04-14T19:18:31.300-07:00Introducing: Angela's Garden<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dZzF1gWHZjVAYBGlplvp_820dvkrpr6H50sVTTjhGZhMEx6WMHP4vtFSVKQNhJu6oeDgF9EO1TJnmf90FZqJvYw5t5O9dxTJPFDqO2LXUPf6DTHMAn9QjuwopeQHV1mPPG92uVTxY2A/s1600/brim+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dZzF1gWHZjVAYBGlplvp_820dvkrpr6H50sVTTjhGZhMEx6WMHP4vtFSVKQNhJu6oeDgF9EO1TJnmf90FZqJvYw5t5O9dxTJPFDqO2LXUPf6DTHMAn9QjuwopeQHV1mPPG92uVTxY2A/s320/brim+hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />
<div></div>I am very pleased to get to share a newly discovered gardening store with you: <a href="http://www.angelas-garden.com/">Angela's Garden</a>!<br />
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The goal of Angela's Garden is "to create a line of gardening gloves and accessories that are highly- functional and almost as beautiful as the gardens themselves." After viewing the extensive line of beautiful gardening gloves and accessories and having the great pleasure of receiving some of the products from the <a href="https://www.angelas-garden.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=19&Itemid=7">Green Garden Collection</a>, I firmly believe they have achieved that goal!<br />
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The variety of gloves is extensive - from <a href="https://www.angelas-garden.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=1&Itemid=7">everyday </a>gloves to <a href="https://www.angelas-garden.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=18&Itemid=7">heavy duty gloves</a> and something in between. Each type of quality constructed gloves not only serves it's purpose but comes in an array of beautiful colors or patterns.<br />
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But don't stop with the gloves - Angela's Garden has beautiful and practical brim hats (which I personally think would also work great for a day at the beach!), durable and stylish Garden Tote Bags (which are cute enough to be used as an every day bag too!) <a href="https://www.angelas-garden.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=6&Itemid=7">Gardening Aprons</a>, & knee pads. You will also find some great gardening accessories for the young gardeners in your family! The <a href="https://www.angelas-garden.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=10&Itemid=7">Kids Collection</a> is simply adorable!<br />
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Stop in and check out all the products at <a href="http://www.angelas-garden.com/">Angela's Garden</a> today! You will be glad you did!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrsq5yB4J9y33hEUfIknpnz7ctMyzVU5icwtUKsPMR3RYujx9bTBQmBwN-F19As2fOYC9NXaKnQAjfl3EF2oauPbLHWp9qn2iXhJnrTioJMjhuVKvPaDd4yDA49oNJ-D_kC7petO5Q7M/s1600/fabric+glove+angelas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrsq5yB4J9y33hEUfIknpnz7ctMyzVU5icwtUKsPMR3RYujx9bTBQmBwN-F19As2fOYC9NXaKnQAjfl3EF2oauPbLHWp9qn2iXhJnrTioJMjhuVKvPaDd4yDA49oNJ-D_kC7petO5Q7M/s320/fabric+glove+angelas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-4571985516048937382011-04-06T13:48:00.000-07:002011-04-09T07:27:52.091-07:00New Garden Season under way!I must say I am so excited that Spring is here! Somehow I never cease to be flooded with excitement over a new gardening season.<br />
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Although it has been quite cold here in Northern Indiana my garden preparations have been underway.<br />
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Last year I planted way too many strawberry plants and they were overtaking my fenced in garden area and the areas beyond! Never underestimate the determination of strawberry plants! :) After giving it some thought I realized it really would have made much more sense to have planted the strawberries in my raised garden bed and left the vegetables to the fenced in areas! The raised garden bed would better contain the strawberries and the fenced in area would be much more protected from all the critters that love to nibble at my veggies. So one afternoon/evening this week my young daughters and I spent 3 hours making this transition. <br />
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First came adding compost to the raised garden bed soil along with some peat moss. We dug, tilled, and mixed it in the first few inches of soil real well. Hopefully that will make a difference in retaining moisture as we've found the raised bed to get more dried out. Next came digging up some 50 strawberry plants and transplanting them into the bed. My daughters took great delight in helping dig the holes. I'd dig up the plants and they'd rush over and get them and carefully plant them into their new area. After removing over 50 strawberry plants (after planting only 18 to start with - shows how much they spread out!) there were still tons of them left. So, we dug and dug, and pulled and pulled until we got the soil as free of them as we could. The extras went into the compost bin and will break down and feed the garden in another year or two! So, it really is not a waste. We were quite worn out but I am happy to say it's looking pretty good!<br />
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I've already got my vegetable planting plans under way. I'm going to attempt sweet corn for the first time (just a tiny row), then my usual tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, greenbeans, spinach, radishes, and peas. Maybe some peppers later in the summer.<br />
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I am happy that a new garden season is here!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSlk2PEfQW8z3pzaraK5MPaK_DSGZyZ7o7suwqiefWef4xBECKeJ4UNOhOHR9jkNogFyk81nyQle2USxJdBenZyFVpyfmYXscOTfqLQDV97KcTzJbLtAPafNLnymrU4gVTs-koNKpKLQ/s1600/April+2011+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSlk2PEfQW8z3pzaraK5MPaK_DSGZyZ7o7suwqiefWef4xBECKeJ4UNOhOHR9jkNogFyk81nyQle2USxJdBenZyFVpyfmYXscOTfqLQDV97KcTzJbLtAPafNLnymrU4gVTs-koNKpKLQ/s400/April+2011+031.JPG" /></a></div>My oldest and youngest daughters helping dig out strawberry plant roots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSfIdv19MMt6bgEacqIIqEdN7BH2wVxhEaWaQ3RbMt7K6R3mEncldtfr8jqAZ-c_WMJu8SoMZF4Sk6UbBxZqDDTXr__zWJv3sKYItNZ9S0J-e4VDIwO27gP5MMe6NrxIVEdNDS6WBd-A/s1600/April+2011+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSfIdv19MMt6bgEacqIIqEdN7BH2wVxhEaWaQ3RbMt7K6R3mEncldtfr8jqAZ-c_WMJu8SoMZF4Sk6UbBxZqDDTXr__zWJv3sKYItNZ9S0J-e4VDIwO27gP5MMe6NrxIVEdNDS6WBd-A/s400/April+2011+032.JPG" /></a></div>My oldest daughter with all the transplanted "Sequoia" Strawberry plants.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-38347413195616159472010-11-30T10:13:00.000-08:002010-11-30T10:37:34.764-08:00Enjoy this season...Awww... gone are those spring days in Indiana when the first birds come to visit the <a href="http://www.backyardchirper.com/birding-757.html">bird bath </a>and we joyfully welcome them. Gone are the days of filling up the <a href="http://www.backyardchirper.com/birding-1129.html ">hummingbird feeder </a>and excitedly watching as those tiny creatures come and flit about in such an amazing manner.<br /><br />Now I sit indoors sipping some coffee as the cold is settling in Northern Indiana. The most I see of nature is a <a href="http://www.backyardchirper.com/birding-760.html">wooden birdhouse</a> hanging down the side of my kitchen cupboard with some artificial trailing ivy and a lifeless yellow bird resting there! I really need to get outside and fill up my <a href="http://www.backyardchirper.com/birding-758.html">bird feeders </a>so I'm not staring at a styrafoam bird! LOL)<br /><br />Although I look forward to the days when I can begin a new year of gardening, welcome back the spring flowers & birds, and enjoy the warmth of the sun - there is much to enjoy now. Each season of the year and of life has its special joys and blessings!<br /><br />Today I am enjoying a warm home filled with the colors of Christmas. I love this time of year. The excitement the children have, the lights all aglow, the warmth of candles. It's a beautiful time. Foremost it's the celebration of my Savoir and His birth. Christmas is a reminder of God's love for us - that HE cared enough for us to send HIS son into this world of sin that we might have the opportunity to be redeemed. That is most wondorous blessing.<br /><br />Enjoy this Merry Christmas season while it is here! Spring and the new gardening season will come soon enough.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-25458778709037227092010-06-17T10:58:00.001-07:002010-06-17T11:07:53.410-07:00My Garden 2010Well, I haven't posted here in awhile but not for lack of enjoying Gardening.<br />My garden is doing well - now. It didn't start out so well. Mostly due to that I just get so anxious for gardening season that I tend to plant seeds outdoors too early. That was the case this year. Some of the seeds didn't come up and some that did the plants got damaged by frost. It's shaping up now though and looking pretty healthy. I will miss that spinach that didn't come up and the peas that some hungry rabbits wiped out. But in there place I somehow ended up with at least 6 tomato plants when I intended to plant 2. No complaints just not sure how that happened! I must have dumped some seeds I didn't know about. So, this year we shall have green beans (pole & bush varieties), zucchini, tomatoes, green peppers, and okra. We also harvested a decent amount of strawberries earlier this month.<br /><br />The most excitement centered around a dwarf apple tree that began growing apples for the first time!! In May it had probably 25 apples growing on it and our whole family was thrilled about this first. Well, sadly when we came back from vacation there were only a handful left on the tree. While we were gone there were some high winds with some storms and apparently that got the best of those little apples. :( Oh well, we are happy to see the little thing working to grow some fruit!<br /><br />That's the updates for now on the gardening front.<br />Happy Gardening 2010!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-25616090904235579932009-09-07T10:23:00.000-07:002009-09-09T10:29:10.772-07:00My Garden in review 2009As my garden season comes to an end I look back on the success of the season:<br /><br /><strong>What had the best harvest:</strong> My Roma Tomato Plants & My Golden Jubilee Tomato Plants.<br />I enjoyed eating them fresh and trying out making my own salsa.<br /><br />Close 2nd: My Green Beans.<br /><br /><strong>What didn't do that great</strong>: Once again Zucchini just doesn't seem to be too happy with me! Grew a couple and that's about it.<br /><br /><strong>What I bought too much of:</strong> Strawberry plants! They are taking over. I do hope to benefit from a large crop next year for some delicious homemade strawberry pies! :)<br /><br /><strong>This years first</strong>: Growing Green Peppers. I will do that again.<br /><br /><strong>My hopes for next year</strong>: Many more blueberries!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-79391821371361505442009-07-01T11:27:00.000-07:002009-07-01T11:32:57.762-07:00This years Tomato PlantsThis year I am growing two varieties of Tomato Plants: <br />Roma and Golden Jubilee <br /><br />The photos below are of a Roma Tomato plant.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_Lhkb9IDo3KY-Ws9ZCfzQrBHXaTIABDfDNOE8Q6_nR-SugF5uiCnl1waj4K5kRjHANjvh58o9FJOny6H1rvqhtsmtJqpZbQZiHWdOLY9lUHwmoAUh4itcoPHdkdQGDWIjmkarGdeVXA/s1600-h/Roma+Tomatoes.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_Lhkb9IDo3KY-Ws9ZCfzQrBHXaTIABDfDNOE8Q6_nR-SugF5uiCnl1waj4K5kRjHANjvh58o9FJOny6H1rvqhtsmtJqpZbQZiHWdOLY9lUHwmoAUh4itcoPHdkdQGDWIjmkarGdeVXA/s320/Roma+Tomatoes.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353561112085896770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBVAOZSiNNEj8AtdRfvd2_sf2sZDfIFmdcP5r1mrbIUcd8rhl7a9MR-C9a4brzdbnaiAv8f-rtbm7gDpGQU_ru0NE41r0obPoM5uG68rIG5h9usYU4vMrDeDkiQEOq74HPZd92KCsK1c/s1600-h/Roma+Tomato+Plant.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBVAOZSiNNEj8AtdRfvd2_sf2sZDfIFmdcP5r1mrbIUcd8rhl7a9MR-C9a4brzdbnaiAv8f-rtbm7gDpGQU_ru0NE41r0obPoM5uG68rIG5h9usYU4vMrDeDkiQEOq74HPZd92KCsK1c/s320/Roma+Tomato+Plant.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353560692907518450" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-38210169480596153832009-07-01T11:16:00.000-07:002009-07-01T11:27:30.983-07:00Why I love my raised garden bed...This year is the first year for me to use the raised garden bed my husband made me last fall. I love it. I definitely prefer it over my regular fenced in garden. <br />I find it is much easier to maintain as you don't have to bend down as far. I have found that I can fit a lot of things in this garden bed/box using what I call the shoulder planting method (basically planting all the plants closer together). I like this method as weeds just aren't that prevalent. There isn't much room for them to grow amidst the lush vegetation! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fMSnTdPjKSAIjbCavulHZnd3g5DqJ59Y-rH4fO4hsZZC2strrDxUZoor0pIqR7k47KF_Jfkhwc3CTXgJ3XweLW710VoEn730B0IPTQi8eLKeAwKeie-96pTuO7_emymvAK6IMQPNPf4/s1600-h/garden+bed+June+09.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fMSnTdPjKSAIjbCavulHZnd3g5DqJ59Y-rH4fO4hsZZC2strrDxUZoor0pIqR7k47KF_Jfkhwc3CTXgJ3XweLW710VoEn730B0IPTQi8eLKeAwKeie-96pTuO7_emymvAK6IMQPNPf4/s320/garden+bed+June+09.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353559853775268466" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-54847457472803513252009-05-26T08:48:00.000-07:002009-05-27T17:08:03.087-07:00Ethel Gloves - the gardening glove for a lady!For any gardening ladies out there in need of a beautiful, quality pair of gardening gloves I highly recommend <a href="http://www.ethelgloves.com">Ethel Gloves.</a> I recently was introduced to them and I was so pleased from the moment I saw the beauty of the website. The same attention to beauty and detail carried through to the impressive presentation of them in the packaging, to how comfortable and well made they were in trying them out. They really are a glove with lady like appeal!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt75UYWREDZExNIkSVM1POYi5rFnOSh_bvSmP2puaAMBSuJXxX0d3UTZrWnxbmyzOwe45MWd7zSN1Upw9j8ZqsMEJctMgGBLzalUL7I4Otlzai9kSqzpEDDF3ZyPdi6Yz6GEFb-p7mPeI/s1600-h/Ethel+Gloves.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt75UYWREDZExNIkSVM1POYi5rFnOSh_bvSmP2puaAMBSuJXxX0d3UTZrWnxbmyzOwe45MWd7zSN1Upw9j8ZqsMEJctMgGBLzalUL7I4Otlzai9kSqzpEDDF3ZyPdi6Yz6GEFb-p7mPeI/s320/Ethel+Gloves.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340163394579497026" /></a><br />I personally chose the <a href="http://www.ethelgloves.com/#/gloves/signature/">signature</a> style because I knew the darker color would not show dirt as quickly. However, there are various colors and designs to fit all <a href="http://www.ethelgloves.com/#/gloves/jubilee/">styles</a>. <br /><br />"Ethel Gloves are defined by fashion, function and protection. Durable and tough, yet refined AND machine washable for easy care."<br />A worthwhile purchase for yourself or a nice gift for a gardening friend!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGTLAScQltB5BClM1tZI6jAHm2XfCL7wsEJy-bzmfmJpy21R8pn_3UYJe_sZYey_jvR_BQm_WXKxqQCbe4CIksGzif9mnt7sI3bzd8Jh_qh3MWIsgdNKM8AaUi67VfzF66sxBnClZ1DU/s1600-h/Ethel+Gloves+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGTLAScQltB5BClM1tZI6jAHm2XfCL7wsEJy-bzmfmJpy21R8pn_3UYJe_sZYey_jvR_BQm_WXKxqQCbe4CIksGzif9mnt7sI3bzd8Jh_qh3MWIsgdNKM8AaUi67VfzF66sxBnClZ1DU/s320/Ethel+Gloves+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340163732300774098" /></a><br /><br />DISCOUNT**For my blog readers enter the the code "INDIANA10" when making a purchase from Ethel Gloves and you will receive a discount! ~ Good through Friday, June 26th, 2009.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-23350681271107514012009-05-26T08:31:00.000-07:002009-05-26T08:47:21.402-07:00Radishes first crop of the season.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHq-V2h5cEfTAykSIIZ6SEeQcbQJay6CkYfaYik7gJphyphenhyphenqooPqAxE-XDyG46LNWfbwvLQRSU_4d42f7rtUCZ4hQO5gStY-RUUP9NQhSiPUm3AinByIkEn12a8PR5xwZ5nBV_xqZlg0gU/s1600-h/Radishes++May+09.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHq-V2h5cEfTAykSIIZ6SEeQcbQJay6CkYfaYik7gJphyphenhyphenqooPqAxE-XDyG46LNWfbwvLQRSU_4d42f7rtUCZ4hQO5gStY-RUUP9NQhSiPUm3AinByIkEn12a8PR5xwZ5nBV_xqZlg0gU/s320/Radishes++May+09.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340158495695808114" /></a>I always enjoy planting radishes. They take up little space and usually only require 22 days from planting the seeds until harvest! For those of us who are short on patience this is a rewarding plant to grow!<br /><br />This year I planted Cherry Belle radishes and French Breakfast radishes. Over the weekend I got to pick the first planting of them.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M2kU62pR8xMSvwUhiOXAoAfl9DDZqRkTYdNkyq8-0I9N-7HeUrTju8TLQVU4VBPoxiMDWst5jLMvWOiKmoncAI4YQ0_XAM24zetoIXHHH4Ik_uoR43rSCuKr46zMsgDLIupip_xZrqM/s1600-h/Cherry+Belle+Radishes.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M2kU62pR8xMSvwUhiOXAoAfl9DDZqRkTYdNkyq8-0I9N-7HeUrTju8TLQVU4VBPoxiMDWst5jLMvWOiKmoncAI4YQ0_XAM24zetoIXHHH4Ik_uoR43rSCuKr46zMsgDLIupip_xZrqM/s320/Cherry+Belle+Radishes.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340158295162282754" /></a>The photo is of my Cherry Belle radishes. They can be planted in stone free soil in early spring to early summer and again in late summer for a fall crop. The Cherry Belle are very bright red and add excellent color to any garden salad.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-42900809396470126852009-05-06T18:53:00.000-07:002009-05-06T19:10:14.036-07:00Flowering Trees in the LandscapeWith Spring weather coming a bit early in Northern Indiana it seems all our flowering trees are more showy this year! I find myself looking out the window and walking all about our landscape often to take in the beauty of the season!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6GobCE3JxyFmTUzLkAfrYJidSygLcX9Z0Di7ah1_ngwwgvgc7i4jLg8q7PTaI6LYBq1rigfo4VoefIdVrP2j1Bzj8gf4ZGdqCxexI4bXASc_aSfokSoctSqSdx0fX3nup0yBsgSNGMY/s1600-h/Bradford+Pear+Tree.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6GobCE3JxyFmTUzLkAfrYJidSygLcX9Z0Di7ah1_ngwwgvgc7i4jLg8q7PTaI6LYBq1rigfo4VoefIdVrP2j1Bzj8gf4ZGdqCxexI4bXASc_aSfokSoctSqSdx0fX3nup0yBsgSNGMY/s320/Bradford+Pear+Tree.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332895087367965602" /></a><br />A Bradford Pear Tree in our front yard<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKHW57878XHISMDFuAJIESWoCqeLQT3vMPu5f8wMlpE4LwQym8ktuyqAfVr7rTNZ3hu9rm-uBxsjRPAdaoMP6zzbEzbIzpzyqOilRmwDFIS5-8q73BbM9tsjhtxE1jq13j64pepcj6r0/s1600-h/Cherry+Tree+blooming+May+09.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKHW57878XHISMDFuAJIESWoCqeLQT3vMPu5f8wMlpE4LwQym8ktuyqAfVr7rTNZ3hu9rm-uBxsjRPAdaoMP6zzbEzbIzpzyqOilRmwDFIS5-8q73BbM9tsjhtxE1jq13j64pepcj6r0/s320/Cherry+Tree+blooming+May+09.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332895742929281938" /></a> <br />Our Cherry Tree blooming for the first time!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7Fm1WathagS5j1YoiTuL31NzXeIAhHhOE5qYD7_jjnlTLdKjiGk2WfvefSc7XXepU-4IAC5Yp-FH4YG1d48EK6EJzUFSUpc2D9K5HGKccbvccV_nwoi5VIO3mGTAqefuMiNZ1DGA55I/s1600-h/garden+and+flowers+May+09+009.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7Fm1WathagS5j1YoiTuL31NzXeIAhHhOE5qYD7_jjnlTLdKjiGk2WfvefSc7XXepU-4IAC5Yp-FH4YG1d48EK6EJzUFSUpc2D9K5HGKccbvccV_nwoi5VIO3mGTAqefuMiNZ1DGA55I/s320/garden+and+flowers+May+09+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332896348034936626" /></a><br />An Eastern Redbud in our back landscape<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK11R0rahigiFPuV9LP6rLjbDqFCN2qGaVlYnKihGM28FHSR0P3DS6zggbCB21lniTV6uEwXBeGXRggz4LdyUIWtEuxKlmfcuRQThn2WURPHg4cl8LsgQZLdTrw6DHIdkmKMETUYls2E/s1600-h/garden+and+flowers+May+09+010.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK11R0rahigiFPuV9LP6rLjbDqFCN2qGaVlYnKihGM28FHSR0P3DS6zggbCB21lniTV6uEwXBeGXRggz4LdyUIWtEuxKlmfcuRQThn2WURPHg4cl8LsgQZLdTrw6DHIdkmKMETUYls2E/s320/garden+and+flowers+May+09+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332897178368019266" /></a><br />A Purple Leaf Plum next to the garden<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv6VUyEJ_3-CcLACSJS8ux1VThnAckR_a-yTX9LVetG2idJvuTzzwNLskU0h5dqjv6jWvm9d1SvAZiOiSHO3le0_p5BcCVKMNyGSEJ9I1_iLZ08W98NvN4hyphenhyphensiJLVMhHPVVp-7qPoy2w/s1600-h/Plum.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv6VUyEJ_3-CcLACSJS8ux1VThnAckR_a-yTX9LVetG2idJvuTzzwNLskU0h5dqjv6jWvm9d1SvAZiOiSHO3le0_p5BcCVKMNyGSEJ9I1_iLZ08W98NvN4hyphenhyphensiJLVMhHPVVp-7qPoy2w/s320/Plum.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332898440004820130" /></a><br />A close up of the Purple Leaf PlumUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-31790241067074677882009-05-06T18:27:00.001-07:002009-05-06T18:50:44.282-07:00Annual Flowers have been planted for the year!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23SOZRhz-AzBUg5hGGFjTfjn6NB9VyfG1j3JRkUlv2lvIHgBV5BQQ0FiJMGQnflWi7mqyyekXaRuhIbc1fnuljWG6-jvOuHOxh0-PqZS9DQVJgmAphVE_J6K6yJcRSRuxJO7NYYWoAH8/s1600-h/marigolds+celosia+red+salvia.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23SOZRhz-AzBUg5hGGFjTfjn6NB9VyfG1j3JRkUlv2lvIHgBV5BQQ0FiJMGQnflWi7mqyyekXaRuhIbc1fnuljWG6-jvOuHOxh0-PqZS9DQVJgmAphVE_J6K6yJcRSRuxJO7NYYWoAH8/s320/marigolds+celosia+red+salvia.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332888990547026450" /></a><br />This week I was so happy to get all my annual flowers planted! Three years ago my husband and I started the tradition that my Mother's day gift would be the pleasure of buying and planting annual flowers. I love being outside and I would much rather have money to pick out and plant flowers outdoors (that I can enjoy all summer) than have a vase of flowers that dies in a week!<br /><br />So, I am already enjoying my Mother's Day gift! :) This week I enjoyed planting Marigolds, Salvia, Celosia, & Begonias in my various flower pots & planters. I especially love the warm & sunny color combination of the orange Marigolds, Red Salvia, & the bright yellow Celosia!<br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiStRrYoWsM2XFB8BHCa8JcUr0Rw8OWi2AYpmyblcVA2UuBJwXh-M0UzIgRCJn7MQq2yfScFhBrqvmzdxmjZzMQlpELWnDhlArYlGI6P9WXoK92Hbwn86s27cf1rEhAWiVSQTRZx6_uo/s1600-h/Celosia.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiStRrYoWsM2XFB8BHCa8JcUr0Rw8OWi2AYpmyblcVA2UuBJwXh-M0UzIgRCJn7MQq2yfScFhBrqvmzdxmjZzMQlpELWnDhlArYlGI6P9WXoK92Hbwn86s27cf1rEhAWiVSQTRZx6_uo/s400/Celosia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332890425605513202" /></a></center><br />Featured in the photo I took (above) is the Celosia. This flower is new to me. Isn't it beautiful? It has unusually bright shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, or purple. The Celosia requires full sun. Plants range in height from 1 - 3 feet (depending on variety)and make excellent dried flowers.<br /><br />Happy Mother's Day to me! (Thanks Honey!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-91632834601435516722009-05-06T17:30:00.000-07:002009-05-06T18:18:27.978-07:00A new item for my landscape! (update)Awww... Spring is here! I am so enjoying the 60 & 70 degree weather that has finally arrived the last couple days in Northern Indiana! I realize how much I have missed being outdoors enjoying my yard, landscape and gardens!
<br />
<br />I've been making all my outdoor garden & landscape plans for the season.
<br />Last summer I was on a hunt for a trellis or planter of some sort to put between some <a href="http://www.teakwickerandmore.com/Patio-Furniture-C10412.html">outdoor furniture</a> I have in front of my home. The space was just begging for something! We have a lot of mature landscape in front of our home. However, there was one bush that had outgrown the space and we sadly had to remove it. In it's place I sat two chairs for my husband and I to enjoy sitting out in on nice summer evenings. However, the area looked quite bare without the large shrub that had occupied the area. I am so happy to have found just the right item to place in that empty space that was begging for something! I will soon be receiving the <a href="http://www.teakwickerandmore.com/SDM-21271-YD1010.html">planter</a> pictured below from <a href="http://www.teakwickerandmore.com">Teak, Wicker & More.</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mMSw4gRQ44LOU0FVhft3WjtUsMtzhdpfPTTy0p1YMkSWO6bGvHdB55lrUgw3Fl0xZZSrpug8X51O5EwREc21MKsKQSABh0ItPAL8kxVM6o5vKGtFNshsTCfjMH0JFK-b8Bt9LARS-is/s1600-h/arched+planter.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mMSw4gRQ44LOU0FVhft3WjtUsMtzhdpfPTTy0p1YMkSWO6bGvHdB55lrUgw3Fl0xZZSrpug8X51O5EwREc21MKsKQSABh0ItPAL8kxVM6o5vKGtFNshsTCfjMH0JFK-b8Bt9LARS-is/s400/arched+planter.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325722964337687330" /></a> It is 36" tall and 32" wide and will fit the space quite well. I look forward to receiving it and planting some flowers in it!
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<br />May 6th - UPDATE
<br />Review of the planter from Teak, Wicker, and More:<center>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEvrgQkeQPdSo08gpuQ9v3OvM7N2av7HtBfYicc0vdWotf97XKw_5PeTiQJtUJ2XMFu4AfvqwuW1FNxVb0ZYnAQzFyPy9UoMessovjDPnLV7fivpqn10a0QFEksy-eq_jykVjp6GAkHo/s1600-h/teak,+wicker+and+more+planter.JPG"><img style=; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 336px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEvrgQkeQPdSo08gpuQ9v3OvM7N2av7HtBfYicc0vdWotf97XKw_5PeTiQJtUJ2XMFu4AfvqwuW1FNxVb0ZYnAQzFyPy9UoMessovjDPnLV7fivpqn10a0QFEksy-eq_jykVjp6GAkHo/s400/teak,+wicker+and+more+planter.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332882681360352578" /></a></center>
<br />I was happy to receive the planter this week! It was so easy to assemble - no tools were required! I had it together in less than 5 minutes. It holds 80 pounds of soil and once the soil was in place I found it to be very sturdy. I was happy to get some Marigolds, Salvia, and Celosia planted in it yesterday. Right now they are a bit short in the planter but over the summer they should fill it out quite well. Next year I may consider planting a Clematis or a miniature Rose bush in it to take better advantage of the trellis! Great product.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-78937267344418401632009-04-04T08:08:00.001-07:002009-04-04T08:21:59.722-07:00Time to plant tomato seeds indoors!Now is a great time to get tomato seeds started indoors! This morning my daughters and I planted Roma tomato seeds in one pot and Jubilee Tomato seeds in two pots. We will transplant them out into the raised garden bed in mid May.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrJozjEshC8OIMm7sR3XHnxTSn9gD8LKVZcU2rck-nMJSGRlcWZ_P2RIjk8WhTb_YTOZn4knudZdheJKJffsiVC4TwPCHLfQXPzW2458xDsyxZHaYDq7PBDxujcTGHuwelfA060JAxyI/s1600-h/roma+tomato.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrJozjEshC8OIMm7sR3XHnxTSn9gD8LKVZcU2rck-nMJSGRlcWZ_P2RIjk8WhTb_YTOZn4knudZdheJKJffsiVC4TwPCHLfQXPzW2458xDsyxZHaYDq7PBDxujcTGHuwelfA060JAxyI/s320/roma+tomato.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320853626904599618" /></a><br />TOMATO, ROMA VFN <br />"A heavy-yielding variety used for preserves, solid-pack canning, tomato paste and puree. Very little juice and of mild flavor. Determinate, large plants have good leaf cover. Disease resistant."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmYHoOP-L6aUJihN9Kal5mWAE54CQlAokCTH4YVWEFTd5BUtZLObz-5kHsn3xe_aSGMeQlS900hy-k4tX8HmPCl5OiYFjRGcknvxrbiwp0BAd7LKvK0IU5pLJohhtv69WS4TEkQ79JtA/s1600-h/Jubilee+tomato.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmYHoOP-L6aUJihN9Kal5mWAE54CQlAokCTH4YVWEFTd5BUtZLObz-5kHsn3xe_aSGMeQlS900hy-k4tX8HmPCl5OiYFjRGcknvxrbiwp0BAd7LKvK0IU5pLJohhtv69WS4TEkQ79JtA/s320/Jubilee+tomato.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320853978362532594" /></a>TOMATO, JUBILEE <br />"An All-American Selection! Golden-orange fruits have a mild, non-acid flavor. They are large, globular and smooth with a meaty thick-walled interior. Few seeds. High in vitamins A and C. Indeterminate."Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-61797450375179596412009-03-29T11:15:00.001-07:002009-03-30T10:06:45.595-07:00Anxiously awaiting gardening season 2009!<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOtiAmY7L3G7uCDPevaBuagqzv_iJThOQ6JX6iiTuFfbCtAhu_rND_llwrmPRA_Orf3fe1D6n9GEGj8CBykoZNOaZR1sxuAS1oBdQlSq0p2pyaarCF0WRxwPU1w0M4QfYO1M91JUFJN4/s1600-h/red+water+can+garden+clipart.gif"><img style="; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOtiAmY7L3G7uCDPevaBuagqzv_iJThOQ6JX6iiTuFfbCtAhu_rND_llwrmPRA_Orf3fe1D6n9GEGj8CBykoZNOaZR1sxuAS1oBdQlSq0p2pyaarCF0WRxwPU1w0M4QfYO1M91JUFJN4/s320/red+water+can+garden+clipart.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319027834395220434" /></a></center><br />I am so excited that gardening season will soon be upon me! So excited that even though it is still cold and somewhat bleak here in Northern Indiana (snowing!) I already have my garden soil loosened up and my tomato cages in place! :) I just couldn't wait.<br /><br />What I am planting this year:<br /><br />Dwarf Apple tree<br />(2) High Bush Blueberry bushes<br />Spinach<br />Lettuce<br />Peas<br />3 Tomato Plants<br />More strawberries<br />Zucchini<br />Potatoes<br />Sweet Potatoes<br />Green Beans (bush variety and pole variety)<br />Okra<br />Maybe a couple pepper plantsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-3797445653379643682008-10-15T15:38:00.001-07:002008-10-15T15:49:13.553-07:00My new Raised Garden Bed...My husband recently completed my raised garden bed! (Thanks honey!) He did such a great job. I am so pleased with it. I can't wait to plant in it next spring.<br /><br />PROJECT Begins: (at the very back of our yard)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8Cif-_Ob5H-lV7Z1Rb6ytfuxkzL8WUUtwFH7IM-vYPRXrL1rrabacblFp9fd2oZ797tsXxPIyZuSX_yImc6up7AXqX3pQsEvxqu3edbW6YwYRAx21sEAma8B9zH2zsFN5rDBEjwlV4k/s1600-h/garden+bed+Allie+Party+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8Cif-_Ob5H-lV7Z1Rb6ytfuxkzL8WUUtwFH7IM-vYPRXrL1rrabacblFp9fd2oZ797tsXxPIyZuSX_yImc6up7AXqX3pQsEvxqu3edbW6YwYRAx21sEAma8B9zH2zsFN5rDBEjwlV4k/s320/garden+bed+Allie+Party+013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257515517797450882" /></a><br /><br />AFTER Completed: (just awaiting more soil)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gOU6lfxdFWkBcuQFlbCmoUGYimqjSfvqQkdhBJxmPi7eDkvTOruydDPllPWC_9SgVL4jmHsv8SPPgpzbG8E3paeDGJxrewFzTeZfPgG31fi7ZVUvhJOexKRGUmQI3q85TFtiLJc0g3E/s1600-h/garden+bed+Allie+Party+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gOU6lfxdFWkBcuQFlbCmoUGYimqjSfvqQkdhBJxmPi7eDkvTOruydDPllPWC_9SgVL4jmHsv8SPPgpzbG8E3paeDGJxrewFzTeZfPgG31fi7ZVUvhJOexKRGUmQI3q85TFtiLJc0g3E/s320/garden+bed+Allie+Party+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257515159762132626" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-74404346921498927462008-10-13T08:13:00.000-07:002008-10-15T13:27:05.744-07:00Craft with the Kids - Milk jug bird feederI just came across a very simple method for making a bird feeder with children. An adult or older child is needed for doing the cutting into the milk carton but younger children could also help by rinsing out the milk jug, helping poke the sticks in the holes for the perches & helping put the bird seed in.<br /><br />You likely have the needed supplies for this project right now in your home & garage!<br />Click below for link with directions and illustration:<br /><a href="http://www.rosebudm.com/bluebird/mjug.htm">Milk Jug bird feeder</a><br />I'm going to make one today with my daughters.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-37516637631361090972008-10-09T07:12:00.000-07:002008-10-09T07:21:45.872-07:00Growing Apple Trees in Indiana<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H5cpjPj_qGLy9B2GMx-lu4a5tmw62FUhV05g6CTldtQTxk1YSywgk33oCiSCQijTY1j96yWU6WVXimJUHPQooEJySGBlOKgGs9iHEDN7AJabQuHMnogtoa2Lcnkg9I7djT1z6WbiBNY/s1600-h/apple+tree+clip+art.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H5cpjPj_qGLy9B2GMx-lu4a5tmw62FUhV05g6CTldtQTxk1YSywgk33oCiSCQijTY1j96yWU6WVXimJUHPQooEJySGBlOKgGs9iHEDN7AJabQuHMnogtoa2Lcnkg9I7djT1z6WbiBNY/s320/apple+tree+clip+art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255159109586424626" /></a> Now is the time of year for planting apple trees! We are on the hunt for the perfect apple tree for our yard. In doing research today I came across some very helpful links related to apple trees in Indiana (see links below). I also learned that crabapple trees can cross polinate apple trees! (Yeah! We already have a Sargent Crabapple Tree in our yard.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.indianalivinggreen.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=1&ed=1">How to grow pest free-organic apples</a><br /><a href="http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/ho-174.pdf"><br />Pollination of Fruit Trees</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/ho-165.pdf">Apple Tree Cultivars information for Indiana</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-6222355162854178812008-10-08T05:40:00.000-07:002008-10-13T19:00:29.963-07:00Starting a compost pileI am starting my own compost pile. If you don't already have a garden compost pile or bin I found the following link to be very helpful:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/environmentalservices/rubbishrecyclinglitter/compostips.asp">Compost Tips</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3130770-10444222"><br /><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-3130770-10444222" width="125" height="250" alt="ComposT-Twin with Free Activator" border="0"/></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-73977765680681661842008-10-01T15:14:00.000-07:002008-10-01T15:20:49.867-07:00New project: Making a raised garden bedI am excited to soon be adding a raised garden bed for next year!<br />My husband is going to be adding some much needed drainage pipe to our yard and we came up with a productive use for the extra soil!<br /><br />We are going use landscape timbers to make a raised garden bed in the area where our girl's playset use to sit. After we have constructed the raised garden bed we can then dump the extra soil right in!<br />The following is good video on making a raised garden bed.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mPrMvItUIuQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mPrMvItUIuQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-83933485534509221202008-09-25T10:23:00.000-07:002008-09-25T10:54:26.388-07:00Today in the spotlight: Lucky BambooThis week my husband gave me a Lucky Bamboo plant that he received at a business luncheon. Isn't this neat?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7hetwoX_hQLdqTC75WbgIRPbDHSZHDZuG5TmR4puJQBAkBbiI8f0kVr6nYF8rheEgHj_L2xQ36kYK9xP5q5Jj25lfIjOxaKQdK0XR5o4yV0zB5GVYnYeEZsZ_VndAWki3RIG5XFA-OA/s1600-h/bamboo+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7hetwoX_hQLdqTC75WbgIRPbDHSZHDZuG5TmR4puJQBAkBbiI8f0kVr6nYF8rheEgHj_L2xQ36kYK9xP5q5Jj25lfIjOxaKQdK0XR5o4yV0zB5GVYnYeEZsZ_VndAWki3RIG5XFA-OA/s320/bamboo+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250012950995569442" /></a><br /><br />The Lucky Bamboo plant (Dracaena Sanderiana)is not a member of the bamboo family as you'd likely assume. It is actually a member of the Lily family.<br />It is a very unique and easy to care for plant. There is some debate over how they are best kept. Some people think they are best kept in soil where many others treat them as a hydroponic plant; meaning grown in water without soil. With the hydroponic method you simply put the Lucky bamboo in a water filled decorative container with pebbles or decorative stones to keep the plant upright.<br />The one I received (shown above) has water and pebbles in the container. I plan to grow it this way unless it proves to not flourish.<br /><br />My research shows the plant to be easy to care for as long as some thought is given to the water source. It is recommended that spring water be used as tap water may have chlorine or flouride in it that can be harmful to the plant. If you do use tap water it is recommended that you set the water to be used out for 24 hours before using. The water should be changed weekly. It does best in filtered (not direct) sun light.<br /><br />Interestingly, the Chinese value Lucky Bamboo in their practice of Feng Shui; the ancient science of bringing natural elements of water, fire, earth, wood and metal into balance within the environment. I do not practice Feng Shui. I simply find the plant and particularly the way this one has been arranged to be fascinating!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-91809610899525032512008-09-18T11:50:00.001-07:002008-09-18T12:00:26.280-07:00Highlights - My 2008 Indiana Garden in reviewThings are slowing down in the garden. :( Yes, it seems another gardening season is quickly nearing a close. My only crop yet to harvest are my cantaloupe. I have 3 that are looking good and hopefully will mature in the next 2 weeks.<br /><br /><strong>Highlights of this years gardening experiences:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Most abundant crop:</strong> My green beans, by far.<br /><strong>Most loved by my daughters:</strong> the strawberries (planting more next year)<br /><strong>What didn't do as well as I'd hoped:</strong> my zucchini & container garden<br /><strong>Easiest and most fascinating:</strong> growing potatoes for the first time (will do again!)<br /><strong>What I learned:</strong> I will plant everything in the garden bed rather than using containers. Although my sweet potatoes and cherry tomatoes did grow in their containers. The sweet potatoes did not have enough room to grow to a large size and the tomatoes were yummy but didn't flourish as well as they have in the garden in the past.<br /><strong>What I plan to plant next year: </strong><br />Green beans, more stawberry plants, more okra, idaho potatoes & sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes & roma tomatoes, zucchini, peas, blueberry bushes, spinach, lettuce, & possibly cantaloupe.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-16897629736474381612008-09-11T10:04:00.000-07:002008-09-11T10:10:14.464-07:00This week in my Indiana garden . . .Believe it or not I am still picking green beans! I've been surprised by the extended harvest I have had. They have been very productive!<br /><br />This week I finally got to pick my first zucchini! For some reason the first zucchini to appear stopped growing when only a couple inches long and then would begin to rot! :( I am happy that they seem to happily growing now.<br /><br />My oldest daughter loved having fried zucchini for the first time last year! Despite that I only had one zucchini this week I treated us to a little fried zucchini!! :) Even better than I rememebered! <br /><br />Below are the directions I follow:<br /><br />Wash and peel 2 small or 1 large (8 + inch) Squash.<br />Slice thin (if slices are thick it will be mushy). <br />Mix 1 C. Flour 1 tsp salt & 1 tsp pepper in a brown paper bag (or divide between 2 small paper bags)<br />Drop a couple slices at a time into flour mixture and shake to coat. Continue adding a couple at a time until all slices <br />Are in bag(s). Put the bag in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.<br />Heat canola oil in large skillet. Place a few slices of coated squash in the skillet at a time (don’t overlap). When the bottom side of each slice is golden brown flip over & brown other side. Set slices onto paper towel lined plates. Allow extra oil to absorb. Sprinkle with salt and serve. <br />*Takes some time to fry but very good!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-43918250512547162622008-09-04T21:11:00.000-07:002008-09-04T21:28:54.445-07:00Popcorn OkraThis week I was happy to have 6 okra pods ready for picking (keep in mind I have one small row of okra). I picked them and anxiously tried out the directions given by a helpful gardener from the "Helpful Gardener Forum"! (To read more about Clemson Spineless Okra and the details of this recipe <a href="http://indianagardening.blogspot.com/2008/08/today-in-spotlight-okra.html">CLICK HERE</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6I8Zybm0gVtM7YZGeQnhm5p9vvtYYKUy-RmR_woMQbBk1iFtKri1lZ9hhH0UAd1t7eJhI0z6PdexAc0MgnfaItS_oc4WZDomXbd8NaxMv0OyDyERu5LRtTtUc6RVVXbhjH5u0JKpCyx4/s1600-h/September+08+006.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6I8Zybm0gVtM7YZGeQnhm5p9vvtYYKUy-RmR_woMQbBk1iFtKri1lZ9hhH0UAd1t7eJhI0z6PdexAc0MgnfaItS_oc4WZDomXbd8NaxMv0OyDyERu5LRtTtUc6RVVXbhjH5u0JKpCyx4/s320/September+08+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242386745470887522" /></a><br />Washed, removed top, & chopped okra<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJMDqBvJZN2_GxYOAEQ4i86W0teCicNra2AtxUft2xJStY-M9n0k4jBiPWy8FpIS1DCWL66G02hrl0aKnsGza0CsgWzV-FFRizniL2jMlLbH0v7W4Qa4LoPrkhTRP0mbP0Zu7NQuBrcw/s1600-h/September+08+008.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJMDqBvJZN2_GxYOAEQ4i86W0teCicNra2AtxUft2xJStY-M9n0k4jBiPWy8FpIS1DCWL66G02hrl0aKnsGza0CsgWzV-FFRizniL2jMlLbH0v7W4Qa4LoPrkhTRP0mbP0Zu7NQuBrcw/s320/September+08+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242386401141262514" /></a><br />Added oil to pan, added salt & pepper, and began to heat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOfJlNLTS2AOOcT3vAi7Ej0RQ7opKGwS40PdcUbzMOwl0n8_K1r8HkH4vj4c61krilpia9ZIT7D2sChhw4H_952NE6ajwQtAqnOgs3r32qVm80TB5nWDxAkhiA3Q2BOIlpYtjFVE6sF4/s1600-h/September+08+009.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOfJlNLTS2AOOcT3vAi7Ej0RQ7opKGwS40PdcUbzMOwl0n8_K1r8HkH4vj4c61krilpia9ZIT7D2sChhw4H_952NE6ajwQtAqnOgs3r32qVm80TB5nWDxAkhiA3Q2BOIlpYtjFVE6sF4/s320/September+08+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242385956538930994" /></a><br />Continued stirring & heating until blackened just right!<br /><br />This was a very tasty treat! It really does heat down to a lot less, (as you can see in the photos). This only made a tiny bowl for teasing me! But, it was worth it and has inspired me to grow many more okra plants next year!<br />DELICIOUS!<a href="http://indianagardening.blogspot.com/2008/08/today-in-spotlight-okra.html"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622866940398457815.post-35264559561355694602008-09-04T20:55:00.000-07:002008-09-04T21:10:16.147-07:00This week in my Indiana garden . . . a SNAKE!This week in my garden after checking on my cantaloupe plant I turned around to walk towards my Okra and what was before me; a snake! Uhhgh! I was out of there so fast! I still haven't recovered. I do NOT like snakes one bit!! This was the first time I have ever encountered one in my garden and I can't say I'd ever even thought of the possibility before. Now I'm on the lookout everytime I enter!!<br /><br />I'm not sure what I'm so afraid of. To my knowledge we don't have any poisonous snakes around here. It was either a Eastern Garter Snake or a Eastern Ribbon Snake, I believe. (info on these two snakes <a href="http://www.gartersnake.info/articles/001690_telling_garter_snake.phtml">click here</a>) It was about 2 1/2 feet long; not a tiny baby, mind you!<br /><br />When I tried to contemplate my fear of these evil things I was reminded of the following passage: Genesis 3:14-15 "And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And <strong>I will put enmity between thee and the woman,</strong> and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." KJVUnknownnoreply@blogger.com