Views from my windows...

After our storm, some of my plants are a little better (thanks to the rain!) or a little worse for the wear (thanks to the wind!). Here are some views on what's growing around our soggy, wind-blown yard.

Our favorite this time of year is our steep hill that leads to the lake, which is filled with thousands and thousands of daisies - the pride of the eco 'burban dad. All the neighborhood kids love the "Wizard of Oz" zig-zag path we keep cut through the mob of white petals and sunny yellow centers:

The littlest eco 'burban boy's bean plants, carrots and cherry tomatoes - he found some teeny, tiny green tomatoes and wants to pick them already. Patience is a virtue!

The oldest eco 'burban boy's pea plant - the only one in his science class who got his seeds to sprout, I might add! A hanging basket that apparently loves the humidity!

My herb pot - growing nicely now. And, it looks like there is plenty of sage for some yummy potatoes on the grill for Father's Day!

And, last, but certainly not least... Sunset on our lake. The perfect end to a stormy summer day!

Nifty, nifty and oh, so thrifty

I wasn't a-kiddin' in my post yesterday about having to run out to the thrift store for a pot for one of the oldest eco 'burban boys science projects. He thinks it's a green bean, but the closer I look I am wondering if it's a pea instead. Time will tell I guess and since I am new to the gardening game, it might take me awhile!

My point is, that I did make a run to the thrift store - whereas the old me would have made a run to the closest Target or Lowes. I am finding that the thrift store is not just some place you go to drop off your old pregnancy clothes or outgrown toys. You can shop there too!! I needed the pot, and I found a super cute one for under $3 with it's little attached saucer. I also needed anther glass pitcher - since all scary, chemical-laden plastic pitchers are 'auf wiedersehen'!

While perusing the glass pitchers, I saw the cutest glass cookie jar I could not resist. No, this isn't an addiction, Chile, or even an impulse buy. I have had my eye out for more glass storage containers and it had completely slipped my mind that storage for cookies usually comes in a jar shape. I had made some of green bean's infamous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies the day previous, so I snapped up this jar right away. My total bill for a glass pitcher, ceramic pot w/ saucer and glass cookie jar with lid? $11.63 Reusing perfectly good products? Priceless. What that would have cost me at Target, including gas and other random crap that I threw in my cart - I have no idea. Certainly more than $60, give or take a fiver!

Now, tell me that this "goodies" jar is just not perfect for storing organic, fair trade, local treats?!? And, yes, those are the actual cookies in the jar. I had to snap this picture quick, though.. Once my boys hit the door, it's more like 'auf wiedersehen' to the cookies!

Oh, and if someone can identify that little science project in my thrifty pot up there, I would be giddy...

To Do List - Growin' Some Green

Another item from the To-Do List is getting my hands - and those of my children - dirty planting some green edibles. I have always loved planting flowers and perennials, but living here in suburbia big gardens are a no-no. Not so much a rule per say, but between the rabbits looking for their next meal and the chemicals getting sprayed on just about every green surface around, it's just not feasible.

This year we decided to tackle some container gardening for a few veggies and herbs. My kids think produce comes from Costco in a crate, so hey, 4 pots of something growing is progress, right? Today (in the windy rain!) we planted little cherry tomato plants we found at the Farmer's Market, a pot of carrots from seed, green beans from a real bean and a small container of herbs - in actual organic soil. For the first time, give or take 55 days, we will actually eat something we grew! More pictures to come as our veggie garden *hopefully* grows to fruition!

Digger the Dalmatian

Remember when I said I had landscaping and flowers I really was proud of? Turns out Digger (a.k.a Tahoe) the 10 month old Dalmatian really thinks they're special too. Yes, Digger is a nickname for his new favorite hobby... So, I am in need of an eco-friendly way to keep this dirt happy dalmatian OUT of the dirt! Greening the dogs is one of the things on my list, but I just figured that would mean food, treats and poop-disposal... not ground treatments. Today I tried Cayenne sprinkled in the "dig-zone". LOTS of Cayenne. No luck keeping the dog way from the blue fescue grass, but my landscaping sure does smell tasty! What is an green girl to do? We don't even use chemicals to rid our lawn of the moles, grubs and various other critters, so I won't be using any of those mystery sprays you find at the local pet mega store. Any great home remedies or should I just give up and buy The Dog Whisperer Book? We certainly aren't getting rid of Digger anytime soon!

How does your garden grow?

I have always had a pretty good looking landscaping and perennial garden, but haven't taken the dive into growing actual food. Here in the 'burbs with all the bunnies, squirrels and critters that have been displaced by rapidly growing housing developments and strip malls, gardening can be a close second to warfare. Chicken wire, fencing, wire mesh and chain link - you name it, it's not keeping the furry guys out of your green beans.

So, this year as one of my challenges, I am going to attempt a few small container gardens I can keep up close and personal to my back door. I found the Sean Conway Organic veggie seeds at Target and picked up some green beans, carrots, lettuce and lavender. If I can make this work, I might spring for the tomatoes and basil too! In the next few days I plan to find some organic gardening soil and re-purpose some flower pots to become veggie pots. Pictures and more to come!