Etsy Love - Garden Finds

First up, from my neck of the woods, a minimalist planter from andrewsreclaimed

It's about that time of year when gardeners start getting their collective acts together and figure out what they are going to plant this year. Start seeds, sketch layouts, redo layouts, pour over newly released gardening magazines, etc. So in that spirit, today's love goes out to some garden related items you can purchase via Etsy.

An adorable succulent necklace from WoodlandBelle

A packet of cheerful Gloriosa Daisy seeds from FlorentineGardens

24 lovely succulents from SucculentsGalore

Are you planning a garden this year? I had a lovely space in our last apartment, but, sadly, this time I don't. I'm going to have to wait to see where the sun goes before I can plan to grow even basic herbs. Hopefully you have a better spot!

Sunday Flowers

Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a lovely weekend. The weather here is perfect, so I've been trying to get outside and enjoy it. This pretty pink flower is from my Camellia. I love the vibrant color and that it's just starting to bloom now, unlike so many other things in the garden. It's evergreen, so it looks good all year round.

This shot is of a Snapdragon I treated myself to in order to add some fall color. The flower shape is so unique!
What's happening in your garden now that it's fall? Are you overwhelmed with squashes? Planting cool season crops like lettuce, broccoli, and beets? (I did!)

Sunday Flowers

After seeing my garden post earlier this week, Official Taster expressed his disappointment. Apparently, there should be more close up shots. So, Happy Sunday and enjoy the flowers!

Come back next Sunday for more!

Welcome To My Garden

I know, I know. I said I was back. baa-aaack even. And then I wasn't.

But here I am! Between moving and a wonderful wedding and school starting and whatnot, things here have been rather hectic. If you're a fan on facebook, you'll know that I was working on my garden the other day and promised pictures soon. These are them!

The two little raised beds hold tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil, lavender, and rosemary. You can't see it in the pictures, but I also have a hill of pumpkin seeds sewn, and a couple of sunflowers. The marigolds are not just cheerful; they're also a natural pest deterrent. In the next few weeks, I'll be planting some cool season crops, including spinach, lettuces, and sweet peas.

My little (dwarf) orange tree survived the move with all of the green oranges intact, so I'm looking forward to some fresh-off-the-tree citrus this winter. Official Taster and I also acquired a Passion Vine, and I'm hoping a few of it's blooms will turn into passion fruit for us to taste. I'll try to get a shot of it's unique flowers to show you.
It's still a work in progress (what garden isn't?), so I'll periodically post updates. I think it's looking pretty good, especially if you consider it started as a blank, and very dusty, slate.
Japanese Maples are my favorite tree, so I was super excited when Official Taster bought me one to plant in our new home. I hope that whoever lives here next appreciates it!

One of the things I love about living in Southern California is hummingbirds! I see them every day zipping about, visiting flowers, trees, and feeders. Usually I know they're around because I can hear their wings. Once in a while, one of the little guys actually sits and drinks. I always sort of hold my breath and try not to scare them away. I'm glad I was able to actually get photos!





While I was investigating the Mandevillas, hunting for the perfect shot, I came across this little moth hiding from the sun inside a blossom.
I have a few more photos from the garden for you in my next post, so stay tuned!

Pesto! Pesto! Pesto!

I hope you have an abundance of herbs right about now. It's that time of year, and so I put my basil to their most delicious use - pesto! It's very easy to make, freezable, and a great reminder of summer in February. I froze mine in an ice cube tray. That way, I can enjoy it in the exact portion I need. It didn't come out as cleanly as I wanted, so next time I'll try spraying the tray with cooking spray. Pine nuts are pretty pricey, so you can substitute walnuts or cashews. I hear spinach is good for you, so I added a couple handfuls. I can't taste, smell, or see a difference from other batches of pesto I've made. If you don't want to use spinach, though, just use more basil. Looking for a dairy free version? Just omit the cheese.

If you're anything like me, after you scrape the bowl clean with a spoon, you'll rip up a piece of bread to get the last drops.

Pesto
4 oz Romano or Parmesan cheese, cut into 1 inch pieces
3-4 garlic cloves
2 C tightly packed fresh basil leaves
2/3 C fresh baby spinach
1/3 C pine nuts
3/4 tsp salt
1/3 C olive oil

Using the metal blade of your food processor or blender, chop cheese and garlic. Add remaining ingredients, except olive oil, and process until combined, about 8 pulses. With the machine running, pour oil through feed tube. Process until combined. Scrape bowl and continue processing until smooth.

Thoughts on Plants

I came across this meditation on gardening the other day, thanks to Botany Photo of the Day, and I thought I would share with you. The folks in British Columbia post lovely photos of all sorts of pretty, interesting, or important plants, and talk a little bit about each one.

I know some of you out there in the world have gardens of one sort or another, and I thought the essay did a nice job of putting words to feelings. I'm not a pathologist, and I certainly don't have to deal with those stresses, but my plants certainly make me feel better. You?

These unscented white flowers are blooming on my Bower Vine (Pandorea jasminoides).

Side note:
Don't forget to vote! Friday is Giveaway Day!

Garden Tour

The other weekend, there was an Artists' Studio and Garden Tour in Encinitas, CA. It was run by Off Track Gallery, and they combined some lovely gardens with art on display for sale. It's the only garden tour I've heard of around here that combines art and flowers.

One of the nicest things about the tour was that it was two days, so you could sleep in, take your time, and save half for the Sunday when you got tired.

There were nine homes, and while a couple were really boring yards, and clearly on the tour only because artists lived there, the others had some really beautiful gardens.

The last one we visited was incredible! The family who lives there has transformed their 2 acre lot over the past 15 years and filled every corner with plants. They even had a sunflower painted golf cart to get around!

There were numerous seating areas, a rose garden, orchard, vegetable garden, koi pond, aviary, and several drought tolerant areas. I imagine eating dinner out there on a warm summer evening is just about perfect.



I love the succulent chandelier they have hanging in one of their created nooks.



There's even a spot for seedlings and cuttings. I have no idea where they would even put new plants, but if I can always find room on the balcony for more, I'm sure they manage.