Too often I hear landscapers and gardeners talk about how short-lived English lavender is as a garden plant. After growing it for almost 15 years in my home garden and visiting / interviewing a number of growers and lavender farms, I have to say that it can look gorgeous in your garden for a whole ... Read More about How Harvest English Lavender Plants for Recipes and Crafts
Stupendously Simple Wild Blackberry Jam (Low Sugar or Stevia-Sweetened)
Late summer means blackberry season! There's nothing like a plump, juicy, sun-warmed blackberry straight off the plant, but if you have too many blackberries to eat fresh, first stop and thank your lucky stars, and then make a batch of this yummy jam. You won't believe the punch of flavor in this ... Read More about Stupendously Simple Wild Blackberry Jam (Low Sugar or Stevia-Sweetened)
Calendula Summer Lotion Bars Recipe
Calendula is more than just a garden beauty; it also has a long-standing reputation as a natural anti-inflammatory skincare treatment. These lotion bars are made with grapeseed oil infused with calendula petals to give them a beautiful golden hue and all the delightful skin properties of calendula. ... Read More about Calendula Summer Lotion Bars Recipe
A Guide for Growing Figs in the Home Garden (and It’s So Worth It!)
Figs are one of my favorite fruits. Not only are they delicious, but they are also an attractive plant that adds interest to a garden. In the right climate, growing figs is fairly simple. However, in other areas they can be a bit finicky. In fact, I have a 10-year old Brown Turkey fig tree and this ... Read More about A Guide for Growing Figs in the Home Garden (and It’s So Worth It!)
A Thrifted Straw Bag Planter for Summer
This straw purse planter exudes summer beauty when filled with brightly-hued annuals that bloom tirelessly all season. Straw bags are readily and inexpensively available at thrift stores and that makes them a great option for making decorative purse planters for home decorating, summer events, and ... Read More about A Thrifted Straw Bag Planter for Summer