Month: July 2011

Mojito Monday!

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It is SO hard to find date night when you live with someone (whether it be boyfriend, husband, girlfriend, wife – whatever).  Chris and I have started a summer tradition that I sense will last for a long time.  Mojito Monday.  Why Monday?  It is the roughest day of the week, so give yourself something to look forward to. We have a back deck where we can sit together and have our cocktail while enjoying the garden (when the weather is nice).  When the weather is not so nice, we can sit out on the front porch.  Really, who cares where you are sitting if you have a yummy mojito in your hands? We have mint growing specifically for this purpose.  We really added some zing when we picked chocolate mint up at Rosaly’s. Recipe by bartender Chris Summer Mojito ingredients per drink -1/2 of a lime -a healthy handful of washed mint – 2 tablespoons of sugar (I highly recommend an organic, unbleached sugar) -2 oz. of Captain Morgan Lime Bite rum -1 cup to 1 …

I have found heaven: Rosaly’s Garden

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It has been a completely psychotic few weeks.  If I were to be granted one wish, I think I’d wish for life to slow down just a wee bit. I’ve been trying to convince Chris that I could be a great stay-at-home kitty mom, but I don’t think he’s buying it.  It is the most intense time in garden land and I haven’t written in over a week! When I was little, I wanted to be an author. Though that dream still lingers somewhere in my subconscious, I have a new dream.  When I grow up, I want to own my own vegetable farm.  I can imagine picking fresh veggies and herbs on Saturday mornings and working my stand at a farmers market, selling beautiful organic tomatoes, celery root, string beans, and more.  I can also sell herbs (both potted and cut) and gorgeous summer bouquets.  Not the overly-flashy types of flowers you’d see in a flower store.  I mean the true summertime flowers like zinnias, dahlias, amaranthus, loosestrife, black-eyed susans, sunflowers (I could keep going…calendula, Queen …

and I shall have some peace there

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And I Shall Have Some Peace There: Trading in the Fast Lane for My Own Dirt Road by Margaret Roach My rating: 4 of 5 stars As someone working in the corporate sector in the world who spends her days longing to be in her garden, this was an absolute must-read for me. Here you have successful Margaret Roach with the job that many women/people would die to have–at Martha Stewart Living–who found a way to let all of the pressures go to live in a secluded place with a very slow pace…just to be one with nature. This story isn’t gardening 101 or any form of a self-help manual, but rather a story that belongs to the author. Her story and her journey of leaving the high-powered position at Martha Stewart and taking a huge risk and a huge gamble (something everyone would fear and second-guess to no end) is inspirational to say the least. She asks herself time and time again, “Who am I if I am not mroach@marthastewart.com?” At first she is overwhelmed …

leaning string bean trellis

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All of a sudden, I saw the numbers going up–quickly–on my blog readership.  I realized that tons of people were searching for things like “cucumber trellis” and “twine trellis for pickles” and things like that.  It was rapidly becoming my most popular post in terms of random Web searches.  I called the man responsible for that post (dad-the handiest of the handymen) and told him.  He didn’t say much, but I could tell that he was proud. I also realized I still haven’t posted our (ha – I say “our”) green bean trellis how-to, which is working out quite nicely I might add.  But…if I find the bug who is treating my bean leaves like a free all-you-can-eat-buffet, he or she is going down. If you are just getting around to planting your green beans, or the seeds have sprouted and the plants are looking for a place to grow on, we’ve…um…my dad has just the thing for you. This trellis is meant to be placed in a spot where it can lean against something.  …

UK trip: London, Brighton, and Lewes

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Just arrived home yesterday from a business trip to the UK.  Normally, I grumble when work travel comes up.  But…going to England and hanging out with utterly cool people is a far cry from a typical work trip. I had a really great time! A few observations.  First, I wanted to stuff every garden I had the opportunity to see in my suitcase to take home with me.  English gardens are inspirational and have a beauty all their own, taking on characteristics of both formal and cottage-style. Next, though England seems like the antithesis of vegetarianism (just try a proper English breakfast or look up blood pudding and you’ll know what I mean), I was surprised to find that it wasn’t that hard to find vegetarian food.  Plus (as you’ll read below), there are great veggie restaurants. Last, English people have a better balance than we do in the US.  I’m sure I’m oversimplifying, but it all of my experiences traveling to the UK, this statement seems to have some truth. They take lunch breaks.  They leave work …