Thyme for Herbs

Health and Beauty -- Peppermint Hair Rinse

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This is a nice rinse to follow the garlic conditioner. Peppermint always makes everything smell so fresh. This is especially good for oily hair.

10 T. chopped peppermint leaves
2 pints soft water ( rain water works well)
2 pints cider vinegar

Put the peppermint leaves in a pan; pour in water and brig slowly to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and infuse for 1 hour.
Strain the infusion and stir in the vinegar.
Pour into bottles, cover, and label.
Use about 1/2 pt. of the rinse after shampooing.

Makes 1/2 gallon

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Garlic and Oil Conditioner

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:46:00 +0000

My mother went to beauty school when she was 18 years old back in 1945. She never completed it because she met and married my father shortly after. Since he had recently returned form World War II they decided to start a family right away. I was born 11 months later. Mom was thrilled to have a girl so she could try out everything she knew about beauty. I remember her putting "hot oil treatments" on my hair which was heated castor oil, then she wrapped my head with a towel. and 15 minutes later lathered my up with a good shampoo. She always followed with a vinegar rinse. I must say I often got compliments for my shiny hair when I was about 8-10 years old, so I guess it worked. But mostly I loved that bonding time with my mother fussing over me for hours.
This conditioner recipe reminded me of that old fashioned, gentler time, Mom never used the garlic which is great for healing an itchy scalp with its antiseptic qualities.

10 large cloves of garlic, crushed
1/2 c castor oil

Stir the garlic and castor oil thoroughly, cover and infuse for two days. Strain into a bottle, cover and label.
Massage the oil into the scalp, wrap the head in a towel, and leave on for about 1 hour; shampoo with an aromatic herbal shampoo.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Steaming Facial

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Give yourself a facial with steam; it's so relaxing and is good for your skin.
Choose your favorite herbs so the scent will be enjoyable.

2 cups fresh herbs or 1 cup dried herbs ( try lavender, or peppermint)
hot water ( not boiling)

Place the herbs in a bowl, and stir well.
Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam.
Steam your face for 5 minutes.
If your skin is extra dry, massage in a little moisturizing cream after the facial.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Mint Astringent

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

After a gentle face washing with your new herbal soap in the morning, splash on some mint astringent to refresh your face and close the pours. And it smells so good!!!

2 T. chopped mint
4 T. cider vinegar
2 1/2 c. distilled water

Put the mint and vinegar in a jar with a lid; cover and infuse for seven days.
Strain out the mints leaves and pour in the distilled water. Mix well.
Pour in a clean bottle, cover with lid, and label.
Shake well before using.
Makes 2 1/2 cups

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Rose Petal Cold Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

There's no need to buy expensive night creams when you can easily make your own. Yes, there's a bit of fuss with the double boilers, but it's worth it, not only for your face but in your pocketbook as well. This mixture does not contain any herbs, but rather use roses. It might better be made in your gardening season when the rose petals are readily available, saving even more money. It's great for all skin types.

1 1/2 c. of scented rose petals
6 T. olive oil
1 1/2 T. purified beeswax
about 1 t. distilled water

Check the rose petals and discard any damaged ones.
Put the olive oil in the top of a double boiler and heat gently.
Stir in as many rose petals as the oil can take up.
Remove from heat. cover and infuse for seven days.
Strain the oil through a non-metallic strainer, pressing the petals against the sides to extract as much oil as possible .
Melt the beeswax in a bowl over simmering water, then gradually stir in the fragrant oil.
Remove from the heat and add the water, drop by drop, until the cream has the consistency you like.
Pour the cream into a clean jar; cover and label.
Makes 1/2 cup

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Lavender Cleansing Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

If you have dry skin, cleansing with a cream instead of soap is almost a must. Soap can be quite drying. This cleansing cream will make your skin glow like a new born baby's and the lavender scent will relax you. It's especially good at night and will send you off to dreamland in no time. Most supplies can be found at a health food store or online.

6 teaspoons almond oil
10 teaspoons grated white wax
3 teaspoons lavender water
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 drop oil of lavender (opt.)

Melt the oil and wax in the top of a double boiler.
Remove from heat, cool slightly; then beat in the lavender water, cider vinegar, and oil of lavender if you use it.
Pour the cream into a clean, lidded jar. DO NOT REFRIGERATE.

When ready to use, smooth the fragrant milk over your face and neck, avoiding around the eyes.
Remove with cotton balls.

Makes about 1 cup.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Gardening on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:10:00 +0000

Gardening on a Budget

Guest Post: This post was written by guest writer James Lander. Lander is a regular contributor over at couponing site, Couponing. The site provides information on couponing etiquette and frugal living advice.

Gardening is a pastime that has drawn enthusiasts for centuries from all different backgrounds that garden for all different reasons. Many people who garden find it to be a highly positive force within their lives, either financially or simply for the pleasure that it brings. Gardening has experienced a rise in popularity recently as more people not only try to avoid high produce costs by planting their own crops, but as consumers grow increasingly wary of the mass-produced food found in many grocery stores. Then again, there are the gardeners who do it just because growing their own garden is so rewarding.

· Reuse equipment (from the garden and otherwise!) - One of the easiest ways to rack up a big gardening bill is by purchasing expensive gardening tools. Most gardeners only need the basics – some shears, a hoe, a shovel – and these don't need to be brand new every season. Likewise, when you find that you do need to add something to your toolbox, look around your house first to see if you can repurpose something you already own.

· Go organic – Again, not investing in outside materials is a great way to keep costs down, and this applies to the chemicals many gardeners feel are essential as well. By not using pesticides or fertilizers, you eliminate a significant cost for small gardeners. Instead, look into natural pest control options and consider composting in place of using store-bought fertilizers.

· Limit your water consumption – Buy seeds and plants that don't need a ton of water to thrive. Watering your plants throughout the day uses more water than most gardeners realize, and can be a huge financial drain. Consider making your own soaker hose, which allows your garden to be slowly watered all day, versus sprinklers or traditional hoses that waste water and don't get better plant coverage.

· Barter for your seeds – Although many gardeners prefer to start with seedlings, it is much less expensive to buy seeds and plant them instead, so opt for this option when you can. Many gardening communities also encourage a system of bartering and trading for goods and services, which is an excellent opportunity for you to save on allover costs by offering something else of value in place of money.

· Buy in bulk – This strategy works best for experienced gardeners who know what they and their families like to eat. Getting the bulk discount rate on a flat of tomato plants is still a waste of money if no one is going to eat them; if you've got a favorite vegetable to plant, you can often get a huge discount by buying larger quantities at a plant sale or from another independent resource. Nurseries are among the most expensive outlets for plant and seed purchases; look for deals from co-ops, plant sales, and online from individual gardeners.

· Garden together – Not only is gardening with friends or a gardening community more cost-effective, it's more fun! By sharing a plot of land with friends or neighbors, you reduce the amount of materials you have to provide. In addition, being part of a community garden allows you to reap the benefits of your neighbors' success and enjoy a greater diversity of produce in your harvest.

With spring just around the corner, avid gardeners are gearing up for the new planting season, and many are looking to do it on a budget. Frugal gardeners are on the rise; while the work they do may be hard, finding ways to save are easy.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Herb Honey Soap

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I've had grand ideas before of making soap and either selling it or giving it as gifts. It was going to be my "specialty", what I was known for, until I found out how messy and dangerous it can be. This recipe is a shortcut and works, smells, and looks just as good. Plan ahead because this formula can take a few weeks to harden.

10 T. grated castile soap (olive oil based soap)
1/2 t. olive oil
2 t. clear honey
2-3 drops of essential oil, such as rosemary or lavender
cupcake papers

Put the grated soap in the top of a double boiler, or a bowl in the microwave set on low power. Melt the soap.
Stir in the olive oil, a drop or two at a time.
Stir in the honey and essential oil.
Remove from heat.
Continue to stir until mixture is well-blended.
Pout into molds such as waxpaper cupcakes papers, and leave undisturbed to harden. ( may take up to two weeks)
Unmold and wrap in waxpaper to store.

Makes 1 bar of soap.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Foaming Bath Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Who doesn't love a nice warm bath with Foaming Bath Oil. Obviously, Marilyn Monroe does!
With this simple recipe, you can make your own with your favorite scent, and it's surprisingly easy!

2 eggs
1 c. olive oil
1/2 c. corn oil
1/2 c. almond oil
2 T. clear honey
1 c. milk
1/2 c. vodka
1 T. mild soap flakes
3 drops of essential oil, of your choice

Beat together eggs, vegetable oils, and honey. Add the milk, vodka, soapflakes, and essential oils, still beating. Pout into bottle, cover, label, and store in the refrigerator.
Add one tablespoon under the faucet when the running the water for a warm, foamy bath.
Makes about 41/2 cups.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Blackberry Soft Soap

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

You might think the next few posts are either a cooking class or a craft class. Actually, I plan on passing on recipes for all things to do with your beauty products so you can make your own at home. Some will use herbs you are able to grow your self and others will be herbs form outside of your geographic area. For those you might need to take a trip to your local health food store or order online. Have fun!

1 handful of blackberry or eucalyptus leaves
2 pints of water, rainwater if possible
5 T. grated castile soap

Put the leaves in a pan, pour in the water, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to infuse for 2 hours.
Strain the infusion, discard the leaves, and return the liquid to the pan.
Bring to a boil and beat in the grated soap, beating until it has dissolved; then remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Pour into bottles, cover and label; store in the refrigerator. Use as a soft soap in your bath or as a gentle hand cleaner.
Makes about 2 pints.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Happy New Year !!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:34:00 +0000

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

The First Big Snow Fall of the Season

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The first fall of snow is not only an event but it is a magical event. You got to bed in one kind of world and wake up to find yourself in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment, then where is it to be found? J.B.Priestley

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and your Beauty Products

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:35:00 +0000

Each winter as it gets more difficult to write about gardening, I turn to my favorite backup -- herbs. In the past I have done different series about herbal folklore and medicinal uses; two years ago I wrote about all the different Christmas uses for herbs and spices and their meanings.( see my cloud in the sidebar for any of theses informative articles).
This year, or should I say next, since I will begin this series in 2012, I have decided to focus on beauty and the many natural homemade recipes I have collected. The biggest concerns for most of us at this time of year is dry skin. We're looking for anything from face creams to body lotions to help us through the dry air days, especially in areas like mine when the furnace is running full force!. Hair loss in women is another fear, especially with the trend towards fuller and thicker hair, so all natural shampoos and cream rinses can help a lot in that area. And then there is the problem of soaps, antibacterial or not? Fragrance or not?
If you are like me, you are more and more aware of the chemicals used in products. Here is an article I found about the Ten Most Dangerous Chemicals in our Beauty Products. Number one listed is Isopropyl Alcohol. I'm not a chemist or close to it, I'm just a gardener, and it has not been easy trying to convert to all-natural products. I have to admit to a slip now and then. But as I go through the winter offering you some ways to make your own products, maybe together we can change the way we've been doing things and the products we have been buying. You'll feel safer not only for yourself but also for your family. And you'll be saving money, too! So please come back after the New Year has begun and follow along. It should be interesting, and I'm sure your face, hair, and body will thank you. See you next year in 2012 -- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Orange Star and Indoor Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:08:00 +0000

On Mother's Day 2011, my daughter gave me an Orange Star (Guzmania Lingulata) similar to the one pictured above. Why am I talking about Mother's Day in December? Because I am indoor gardening, or forcing, with this plant in the middle of the Christmas rush!
A week ago I noticed, sitting on the bottom on my dark closet floor, was a pot that I had placed there after the Star Flower started to die off. I had clipped back all of the dead leaves and blooms, and sent it off to hibernate; then I completely forgot about it. While digging around for a pair of boots (no snow yet but it's bound to come any day), I noticed a tiny bit of green popping through the soil of my Orange Star pot. I knew it was struggling for light, so I promptly brought it out and gave it a good watering; then I set it in a bright window but away from direct sunlight. Sun through glass can burn your plant's tender leaves.

This is where it's at as of today's date. Now if I can remember to water it regularly, throughout the holidays, I should have Orange Star blossoms soon. I'll keep you updated as to when this momentous occasion occurs.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Silk Flower Arrangements

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:39:00 +0000

Today I'd like to introduce you to a guest writer. Robert would like to tell us all about silk flowers and how they differ from having real flowers in the home. I hope you find this article informative and thought provoking.

Silk Flowers Arrangements

High quality silk flowers make an impressive centerpiece or accessory in any room. Crystal-clear acrylic water and charming containers provide lasting beauty for years to come. Flowers are so lifelike they can almost only be determined to be fake flowers by touch. While live flowers add scent and appeal to a room or table, fake flowers require no maintenance other than occasional dusting. For seasonal displays, flowers appropriate for fall, winter and spring can be stored and used repeatedly.

Add warmth and color to even the smallest space in the house with small to medium sized silk flower arrangements with a maximum height and width of 18 inches. They're perfect for placing on end-tables, bookcases and other nooks and crannies. Many stores will offer pre-arranged displays or if a person is feeling artistic, several small flowers can be bought along with an appropriate container to create a customized arrangement.

Larger silk flowers such as sunflowers add style and sophistication to every room they may be displayed in. Generally large displays are a height and/or width over 18 inches. Dining room tables, kitchen counters or living room coffee tables could always use a bit of color and flair. Silk orchids are great for your home, the office and even as unique gifts to friends and family

Customizing your display according to season is a great idea and adds further realism to the bouquets and centerpieces. Usually daisies are recommended for spring, roses for summer or various festive arrangements can be used for specific holidays such as red, white and blue roses for the Fourth of July or red Poinsettias for Christmas.

For a couple that just bought a new home or a flower enthusiast, silk flowers make an excellent gift. They are more easily transported and there is no danger of wilting, drying or any damage like there is with real flowers. For about the same amount of money you would spend on fresh flowers, a gift of silk flowers will be admired and appreciated for many years. Most stores offer silk floral arrangements fully assembled and expertly packaged. Unlike live flowers, a picture on a website may be very different from what the recipient actually receives. Real flowers are subject to availability and due to Mother Nature, colors, size and shape cannot be guaranteed. With silk flowers, what you see will be exactly what you get. This is particularly important if purchasing flowers for a set theme or that must match precisely with certain décor.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Trees - I Beat Old Man Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:26:00 +0000

I beat Old Man Winter. I had some last minute tree planting to get in and I didn't think I would make it before the snow started to arrive. We have had some flakes, but nothing has lasted and the ground is still green.
My 10 Colorado blue spruce and two lilac bushes arrived from the Arbor Day Foundation a week or so ago and we were lucky enough to get a break in the weather. Planting day for those was a balmy 60 degrees. But where were the two maples I had ordered?
I soon realized I had put them in on a separate order about two weeks apart, so of course they would be delivered accordingly.
My 3 foot trees arrived on Monday, November 14th and of course our schedule did not permit us to plant that day or the next. Finally on Thursday my husband and I were able to get some outdoor time just when the sun burst forth. It was still windy and cold but there were no snowflakes to be seen.
After carefully placing my red maple and yellow sugar maple in the backyard, we staked them so there is no chance of hitting them in the spring with a mower. and we'll be sure to rememeber where they are. I'm very pleased with what we have accomplished this year since moving in in April to a bare yard with no landscaping. I will be especially anxious for spring to arrive. But first we have to struggle with Old Man Winter! Brrrr!

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow.

November

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

"A tingling, misty marvel

Blew hither in the night,

And now the little peach-trees

Are clasped in frozen light.

Upon the apple-branches

An icy film is caught,

With trailing threads of gossamer

In pearly patterns wrought.

The autumn sun, in wonder,

Is gayly peering through

This silver-tissued network

Across the frosty blue.

The weather-vane is fire-tipped,

The honeysuckle shows

A dazzling icy splendor,

And crystal is the rose."

- Evaleen Stein, November Morning

Planting Fall Bulbs

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:30:00 +0000

It's time to think spring? Really? Well that's the only way I can get myself outside now to plant spring bulbs. I must imagine fresh new warm balmy days with waves of beautiful color along my driveway.

Planting bulbs in the Fall is one of my least favorite things to do in the garden. I don't like to be outside in the cold wind and rain. This week I knew the weather would be changing fast and I had limited time to get the job done. On Monday I was outside in practically gale winds digging my 6 inch holes and dropping in tulip and daffodil bulbs, and then a little bone meal.

Monet's Garden - tulip mix

I've always ordered my bulbs from Breck's because they arrive at my door at just the right time. This year however my time was limited and the weather was not cooperating. I just had to muster up and not be a wimp. My nose was running and my fingers were so cold they could barely bend. But I persevered!

I planted the lovely pinks and purples for early spring blooming followed by the large giant daffodils for a mid spring bloom. The dafs are supposed to be deer resistant -- I hope they live up to the description.

Giant Daffodils

I hope you were able to find a few minutes and comfortable temperatures to get your Fall bulbs planted. You'll thank yourself next April and May!

Two New Daylilies, Mary's Baby and Gentle Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:23:00 +0000

Marys' Baby

I finally moved all of the daylilies I wanted this year from my daughter's garden to their new location in my front yard. (sorry, no picture. We accidentally left our camera outside in the rain for two days -- boo hoo) There's still plenty of room for more digging and planting next year. This year alone I planted 79 different cultivars. Whew! A big thanks goes out to my husband who was there to help catalog each one that came out of the ground. It was a huge and detailed job, making sure tags did not get mixed up and stayed with their rightful cultivar.
Also I will always but thankful to my daughter and son-in-law for housing these daylilies in their yard and caring for them for three years until I sold my house. There are not too many people, in this day and age, who can say their family is so supportive and caring.
Once the garden was planted and I saw there is room for growth, I decided to treat myself with a new daylily to "christen" the garden. Luckily for me, the weather was fantastic through most of October. My favorite daylily growers, New Every Morning Daylily, just south of the Grand Rapids area in Byron Center, Michigan, have a web site at http://www.gardeneureka.com/. So even though I have moved an hour away, I was able to go online and chose a new "baby." Her name is Mary's Baby. I sent an email out to the Veurinks first to make sure they were still digging and shipping because it was well past the annual date listed that they put a halt to all daylily activity. With temps still in the 70s, they said they would gladly ship something my way.
I couldn't believe how quickly me new prize came, but the big surprise was the "bonus" plant which New Every Morning gives as a thank you. The value of that plant is based on a percentage of what you spend. My bonus daylily was Gentle Greetings, and I must say they were very generous with the number of fans I received. It will most definitely bloom next summer.

Gentle Greetings

It will be a long winter this year, because I have something really exciting to look forward to for the first time in several years -- the blooming of my new garden. It was truly worth waiting for. I never dreamed that I would be starting a new garden all over again at my age, but it such a thrill! I'll keep you posted as soon as the leaves start to pop through the soil and new scapes appear. Maybe I'll have a new camera by then :)

The Time Has Arrived for Black Dirt

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 13:27:00 +0000

The time has finally arrived! My black dirt has been delivered. It looks good, smells good, and is friable, just as it should be.

If you don't know what friable means, it's nothing more than this: Pick up a handful of dirt. Close your fingers and squeeze. If the dirt compacts and stays together, like the start of a snowball, that's a good sign -- then gently crumble it and watch it fall. Does it go back into a loose dirt form? Another good sign, exactly what you want for your garden soil.

And that is what my excavator brought me. I'm thrilled.

This weekend with the help of friends we will spread it over the area chosen for my garden. If there is any left it will be moved to the back yard where my husband has made me a few forms so I can do some Square Foot vegetable gardening next spring. I can't wait to try that out -- I've been wanting to do it for years. I'll be documenting that also, step by step.

So all in all this is going to be a great weekend and the weather is fabulous! Tree colors are still bright and it will be a joy to be outside.

October

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

"Crispy air and azure skies,

High above, a white cloud flies,

Bright as newly fallen snow.

Oh the joy to those who know October!

Colors bright on bush and tree.

Over the weedy swamp, we see

A veil of purple and brown and gold.

Thy beauty words have never told. October!

Scolding sparrows on the lawn,

Rabbits frisking home at dawn,

Pheasants midst the sheaves of grain,

All in harmony acclaim, October!

Brown earth freshly turned by plow,

Apples shine on bended bough,

Bins o'erflowed with oats and wheat,

And satisfaction reigns complete. October!

Radiant joy is everywhere.

Spirits in tune to the spicy air,

Thrill in the glory of each day.

Life's worth living when we say, October!"

- Joseph Pullman Porter

Bird Calls

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0000

Are you interested in birds? I am. I don't know whether you would call me a birder or a bird watcher, but I enjoy watching them at the feeder and their calls are like sweet music to me. Soon they will not be quite as noisy, as most of them are beginning their migration to the south. But some of our loyal feathered friends hang around all winter. One of my favorites is the cardinal because I especially love the contrast of their red plumage against the white snow.
Recently, I came across this Bird Call Challenge at eNature.com. At this site, you can test your skill at identifying wild bird calls. I didn't too badly but was surprised at the ones I missed. Give it a try! Test your knowledge. I would love to hear how you did!

New Garden - Next Step

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:09:00 +0000

Yesterday, I took the next step in forming my new daylily garden. I dug out every weed and piece of grass I could find. Oh, my aching back! Well, I didn't do it all by myself (my husband and a neighbor pitched in after feeling sorry for me.) But I did dig about 3/4 of it alone. Not bad, huh?

As you can see the earth here is all sugar sand left behind eons ago by the glacier that formed Michigan. So even though I am about 60 miles from Lake Michigan, my yard looks like a beach under the grass, and at this time, there isn't even much of that.

Tomorrow I hope to remove some sand -- maybe down about 6 inches. We'll haul it around back and use it to fill in a low spot. Then next week I'm having some black dirt delivered to fill in my area.

After that the real fun begins -- moving my precious daylilies from my daughter's garden, where they were planted to save them due to the sale of my old house. Some of them have been away from home for over 3 years!

Well, let's hope this old body holds up. Actually, my back is quite good; it's the calf and thigh muscles that are screaming! But next spring I know when my plants start to poke through the earth, I won't remember the pain at all; there will only be joy in watching them grow, and it will all be worth it.

I never had any other desire so strong, and so like to covetousness, as that one which I have had always, that I might be master at last of a small house and a large Garden. ~Abraham Cowley, The Garden, 1666

Moving Your Plants Indoors

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:04:00 +0000

It truly is fall now. Our temps are dropping quite a bit at night. A few days ago I woke up to find the temperature was 37 degrees. I have no idea how cold it got during the night. Luckily, I had moved my plants indoors.

This fern was purchased as a small plant in May. I had it on the front porch in the shade all summer. Even though I continued to water it well and mist it regularly, it was growing quite slowly. Then I used some of the Authentic Haven Brand Manure Tea I wrote about a couple of posts back and this is what happened. I was blown away.

Thanks Annie, for the chance to try your great product!

Now that I have moved this fern inside for the winter. I'll keep it in the basement near a window until spring. I've never had much luck with indoor ferns. I know they need to be kept at no less than 50 degrees, and that usually dry indoor heat is not good. So I'll mist often and water regularly. Now I just hope my green thumb doesn't fail me. Next spring I'll let you know how moving my outdoor plants indoors worked out.

New Daylily Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:20:00 +0000

The day I've been wating for is here!!!! I've finally started my new daylily garden at the new house. Sometimes I didn't think it was ever going to happen, but after only 5 months in our new place, we have begun to carve it out.
Next step: rototill the center with a bigger machine, then bring in a load of black dirt. After that, I can start to split the daylilies that are "visiting" at my daughter's house; she gets a piece of each plant for all of her and my son-in-law's trouble.
This garden won't be nearly as large as what I've had in the past. I have plenty of room here, but I've decided to cut back a little. So the selection will be difficult. I'll only choose my favorites and the best producers.
Of course I'll need to leave some room for a few new additions to christen the new area. Hmm, maybe it will be a little bigger than I thought. A woman has a right to change her mind, doesn't she?

I'm so excited!!!!