Double Rose Peony Poppy Seeds

Posted on | January 28, 2010 | 13 Comments

Last winter, I planted about 12 different heirloom tomato seeds. The process was fun but I realized my side garden doesn’t have enough sunlight for a large vegetable garden. The front has full sun but the back is filtered. How about these gorgeous Double Rose Peony Poppies? I love them. What plants and seeds are you eyeing?

p.s. I ordered the peony seeds from here: rareseeds.com.

Category: garden

Leaf Blower & Mulcher

Posted on | November 2, 2009 | 5 Comments

I’m now a real homeowner. I own a leaf blower. Last year, we racked the leaves into piles and shoved them into store bought paper bags. Greg was pretty annoyed that I bought bags that we were just going to throw away.

We did some research online and found the Toro Ultra 12 Amp Variable Speed Electric Blower/Vacuum. It can mulch leaves as well as blow leaves into piles. If you mulch your leaves you can incorporate the mix into your garden. Greg picked the Toro because it has metal blades that chop the leaves. Most mulchers have plastic versions that can cause jamming.

On Saturday, we did our first round up leaf gathering. Above a before and after shot of our driveway. I know it looks prettier with the leaves but believe me you want to get rid of the leaves as soon as possible. Leaves pile up on the sidewalks which is delightful for fall frolicing. Throw some rain into the mix and the leaves become a colorful ice rink of disaster. Besides wet leaves are a pain in the ass to rake or mulch.

Below some shots of the Toro in action. You can suck & mulch into a garbage can or use a shoulder bag. The blower is really powerful and great for cleaning out gutters too. Find out more and purchase online at amazon.com.

Greg Sucking & Mulching With Bag On Shoulder

Greg blowin leaves out of a gutter with leaf blower

Category: garden, house renovation

Bringing Herbs In For Winter

Posted on | October 13, 2009 | 11 Comments

It’s starting to get cold in Marblehead. The heat has been turned on and the down comforter pulled out for the winter. The last few nights we’ve had mild frosts. I brought in two of my herbs for the winter. This is my first time bringing in plants. We’ll see how it goes. I’m sure the rosemary (above) will be fine but my giant flat parsley plant on my kitchen table (below) probably won’t like the filtered light indoors.

Huge Parsley Plant Brought Indoors For Winter

Category: garden

Goal: Freeze Summer Vegetables

Posted on | October 2, 2009 | 6 Comments

freezing summer vegetables

I have a few goals for the fall. #1 freeze summer vegetables and #2 learn to knit a hat and gloves. My tomato crop didn’t yield as much fruit as I had anticipated. Majority of the tomatoes have ended up in blts and in caprese salad. I wanted to make a pot of tomato soup but realized I needed a food mill—one of the few kitchen tools I don’t own. I still have a bunch of green zebras and black krims out on the vines. Frost hasn’t hit here so maybe I will give them a few more days to ripen.

Last night I came across Margaret Roach’s blog—a blog that has been recommended to me a number of times but I never remembered to actual visit till I followed some links. I spent hours last night reading her archives. For any new or experienced gardener Margaret’s blog is a must read. Tons of useful information and gorgeous photos. Above is a shot of her freezer filled with tomato sauces. She has a great list of recipes for freezing pesto, winter squash, and apple sauce too. Check out her blog now: awaytogarden.com.

Category: garden

Pumpkins Above The Front Door

Posted on | October 1, 2009 | 9 Comments

I can’t believe that it’s the first of October. Fall outdoor decorations are popping up all over Marblehead. Pumpkins and mums are begin to fill empty flower pots and boxes. My favorite fall decorating idea is placing small pumpkins above the front door. So cute, right? A few of my favorites from my neighborhood above and below.

Category: garden, holiday, marblehead, on the streets

Red Sprite & Jim Dandy Winterberry Shrubs?

Posted on | September 28, 2009 | 8 Comments

My mom picked me some “Red Sprite” and “Jim Dandy” winterberry shrubs for my front garden to replace my hydrangeas. “Jim Dandy” is the male plant. Males are needed to pollinate the females. One male can pollinate at least 6 females but the male plant produces no fruit. When I saw the picture of the plant online it looked more like a holly plant—leaves and berries. But I guess the leaves fall off in early October and your left with just berries. I’m rethinking this whole winterberry idea. Maybe I should get a miniature style holly? Do they even exist? I want something that stays green throughout the winter and sturdy enough for holiday lights. I don’t want just shrubs. Maybe something with a little ornamentation…Any ideas?