Sunday, June 10, 2012

Growing Herbs : An article from Gardener's Supply

 Click on the link below for some helpful information!

Growing Herbs : Gardener's Supply

I have been growing herbs for about 30 years.  In pots, in the ground, in raised beds.  My first inspiration was from the book Herbs by Emily Tolley and Chris Mead.  I still love that book! 
 

A photo from my 2010 potted herb garden.  Alas, my poor frog planter is now in pieces, thanks to a Missouri wind storm this spring.

I still prefer to grow my culinary herbs in pots, preferably on the deck.  Since our downsizing move this year, I have a much smaller deck, so I am resorting to perching 30"  planters right on the railing.  More herbs are growing in large pots in the back yard.  I am looking forward to making some basil pesto this week, and using the cilantro in soup.

June of 2011...the dill is at its peak!

Friday, June 8, 2012

Pots with a Personal Touch: Hypertufa - Martha Stewart Gardening

Pots with a Personal Touch: Hypertufa - Martha Stewart Gardenin

I made my first Hypertufa pot with my gardening club.  It's fun and not too difficult.  Click on the article above to learn how!

  My first Hypertufa pot, made with a shoe box as a mold.


Two videos that may help.....

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Spring Sweets: How to Candy Flowers

Spring Sweets: How to Candy Flowers

Another great article from The Herb Companion!  I love using edible flowers and herbs in salads and as a great garnish.  Violets and rose petals are my favorites.  The main problem is making sure they were grown without pesticides.
I have been visiting a lot of garden centers in our area lately and we have some great ones.  There is Hilltop Farm and Cedar Lane within 25 miles, and if you want a little drive, I love Vintage Hill north of Boonville, MO.  There is also Springwater Greenhouse in Marshall, MO.  
The last time I was at Hilltop, I photographed several flowers and played with the images in Photoshop.  I love to do that, and often use them later in my digital collages and other artwork.  Here are a few I did this week...







The last photo, yellow zinnias, has the Orton Effect, for all of you Photoshop fans. 

Well, I am off to plant the last bunch of herbs and flowers that I bought.  Happy Gardening!