It’s been a cold rainy mix of snow here in New England for the past few days. I saw some daffodil bulbs poking through the ground this morning but I think they are just confused. Go back to sleep flowers, it’s not time.

For some reason I’ve been thinking a lot about Echinacea and how I would like to sneak a few into the sunny spots of my garden. I love the ruffled edges of the Pink Poodle and the unusual color combo of Green Envy. Hmm which two will I pick? I wish I could fit them all but my garden is small.

Did you happen to see that great diy hypertufa pot article in the recent Martha Stewart Living? The instructions are online too. I love the texture. I can’t wait to try making a few this summer.

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‘Regal Red’ Lady Fern
Double Rose Peony Poppy Seeds
Early April at Snug Harbor Farm

I’m tired of winter. I can’t wait to start working on my garden again this spring. My newest plant obsession: ATHYRIUM NIPONICUM ‘Regal Red’ Lady Fern. Isn’t it gorgeous? “Handsome and ruffled, this intensely hued deciduous selection of Japanese Painted Fern has dark violet red interiors contrasted by bright silver edges making each leaflet distinct and creating an overall tapestry effect”. Purchase through Klehm’s Song Sparrow.

p.s. I got the double poppy peony seeds in the mail. It says to scatter them in the snow? Should I wait or do it now?

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Double Rose Peony Poppy Seeds
Ropes Mansion Gardens Salem, Ma
Shopping for Perennials

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.

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Sowing Tomato Seeds
We Have Tomatoes in Late September
Tomatoes In Side Garden

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.

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Fall Garden Projects: Transplanting Shrubs
House Renovation: Field Stone Foundation Rebuild

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.

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.

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.

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?

It’s Fall and we’re getting back to work on the house renovation. We needed a little break. Honestly, it’s really hard after a long day/week of work to spend all your free time hammering and scraping. We spent the summer enjoying the ocean and taking a few trips to Maine. We’re feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle some projects that need to get finished before the cold weather comes.

This morning, I transplanted my hydrangeas to the back side of the house. Fall and Spring are a great time to transplant shrubs and plants. My hydrangeas just haven’t seemed happy in the front garden for months. They had it rough this Spring/Summer with all rain and the slugs going to town on their leaves. I’m going to replace the hydrangeas with Boxwoods. What about Red Sprite Winterberry Shrubs instead? I love that the red berries appear in the fall and last through the winter. Check out more ideas from readers in the comment section above.

Once I finish removing the hydrangeas I want to raise the cobblestones. When Greg and I first put in the cobblestones I thought they would be better flush to the sidewalk. Turns out, I don’t. Leaves and dirt blow into the garden constantly. Having the cobblestones raised a little bit let’s me sweep a cleaner line and keep the garden from getting too gunky.

p.s. this weekend is Marblehead’s Fall Festival. I can’t wait for hot cider and pumpkin sconces from Foodie’s Feast. Find out more: marbleheadchamber.org.

A few weeks ago I was feeling better down about my tomatoes. My plants were really healthy and big but all the tomatoes were still green. I was afraid they wouldn’t have time to ripen before the frost. Thanks to everyone who left comments and suggestions on my blog post. I trimmed back all the unnecessary leaves and branches. The plants look a little homely but the trick seems to be working. I collected a whole bowl of tomatoes on Sunday. I still have a lot more tomatoes on the vines but the next few days are suppose to warm. I would love to can a few jars so I can savor their goodness in the middle of winter. Do you know a good recipe? Above and below my tomatoes from my first harvest.