Author: Meghan Baldwin

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All I see is…green??! Ok, just kidding, I actually see a full range of colors, but this week, green is popping up everywhere.

From cabbage to shamrocks, and even the sticky notes on my desk right now are green (pure coincidence,) it was only right that we compiled a list of some pretty cool projects for Saint Patrick’s Day!

It’s a known fact* that if you like to garden, you definitely like crafts! And I personally could not miss an opportunity to bust out my hot glue gun. *an alternative fact, created by me

Let’s begin!

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Creating these beauties is way easier than you think!

All you’ll need to grab is some construction paper, scissors, stapler, glue (the hot gun variety is acceptable) and buttons for the center. That’s it! For easy-peasy folding instructions, head over to our friends at twitchetts.com

Great for a little hanging color outside, or party decorations inside if you make a bunch.

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If you can’t tell, I got jokes. And I love givin’ them away! This Saint Patrick’s Day, be the life of the party with a leprechaun-themed joke teller! Suitable for kids AND adults (depending on the joke!)

For this one, you’ll need blank paper, markers and scissors. OR, if you have access to a printer, you’ll need blank paper, a printer, and scissors – a Saint Patrick’s Joke Teller template can be found over at brendid.com!

Joe: Why shouldn’t you iron a four-leaf clover?
Bob: Tell me.
Joe: You might press your luck!

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I am not, in fact, certain we can categorize baking as an “arts & craft,” but it does take TLC (and sugar) to make AND they’re green, so added to this list it must be!

Green velvet cupcakes are a lot like (stop me if you’ve heard this one) red velvet. It’s basically chocolate cake with the help of food coloring. Very yummy and sure to entertain when it temporarily turns everyone’s mouth green! 😉 Garnish and Glaze have come up with a recipe I could eat all year (but won’t, for the sake of my waistline.) If you’re ready to splurge – dive into the green velvet cupcake!

 

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but that doesn’t mean your herb garden should go into hibernation. Full of flavor often missing from their dried counterparts, many varieties of fresh herbs are not only a quintessential part of cooking but easy-as-pie to grow indoors! Even for those of us with limited space! #apartmentdwellersunite

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There are some things to consider before you begin; method of growing (Old fashioned pots? High tech hydroponic thingamajig? Vertical planters?), location (Kitchen? Available window sill? Patio?), herb selection (Basil? Sage? Mint?), the combinations are endless, but we’ll try to cover a little bit of everything here!

[/cmsms_text][cmsms_heading type=”h5″ font_weight=”400″ font_style=”normal” text_align=”default” target=”self” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ animation_delay=”0″]Growing Method[/cmsms_heading][cmsms_text animation_delay=”0″]

Are you a gardening purist? Do you like to get your hands dirty? Are you a fan of ironically vintage décor? Then regular o’ container growing might be for you! Benefits of this method are all about the customizable care and configuring; you’re able to buy small or large containers, many or just one, in more colors and designs than you can imagine, and placement together or all over the house!

On the other hand, if you are a 21^st Century computer lover with a warm spot for herbaceous foods? Consider aquaponic, hydroponic, or aeroponic growing systems.

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While they range widely in price ($50-$1,000), they all offer some similar advantages: sleek design, set it and forget it watering & feeding options, in some cases; soilless growing medium and even light itself! Full-spectrum grow lights already installed on your system give you the freedom of placement nearly anywhere (See ya later, Sun, we’ve got electricity!)

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South-facing windows have the brightest light and most hours of sun during the short, cool winter days. Good choices for these locations are plants that come from tropical and semi-tropical climates, such as rosemary, thyme, basil, bay laurel and oregano.

East- and west-facing windows receive bright sun for about six hours in the morning or afternoon, but east windows will remain cooler. Good choices include mint, parsley, and chives, which thrive without intense light and prefer the cooler temperatures.

All containers should have drainage holes and a saucer underneath to catch water.

If you’ve got a growing system with grow lights, go crazy with your placement!

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B A S I L Basil is incredibly easy to grow. Start with a well-draining soil, place near a bright, south facing window, and water when the soil feels dry, BOOM, basil! Consider the variety when planting, as it can grow anywhere from 12 to 24 inches in height.

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M I N T Did you know there are over 600 species in the mint family? Basil is one of them! But we’ve moved on from basil, so let’s talk about Peppermint. To grow this immensely helpful sidekick in your kitchen, gather a container with a wide, but not necessarily deep container (mint roots will encircle themselves and choke the plant), potting soil with organic matter is best, and should be kept moist. Mint tolerates shade well, so an east- or west-facing window will do fine! Be careful, some variegated varieties of mint are sensitive to too much direct light.

**Please be careful with fresh peppermint leaves or peppermint oil; they should not be given to children as menthol can be dangerous for them!

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P A R S L E Y If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages? I’m not sure, I’m not a lawyer, but I can tell you the best way to grow parsley starts with love, determination, quality potting soil kept lightly moist, and a west-facing window. Betcha didn’t think it was going to be that simple!

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O R E G A N O Oregano is a must have! Anyone who tells you otherwise isn’t using it right! Like the other herbs mentioned, oregano thrives in a well-drained soil. You should water only when the soil is dry to the touch, and make sure you stick this one in a south-facing window, oregano loves lots of warm light!

These are just a few of the amazing and (super) easy herbs you can grow indoors. Find what works best for you and add amazing homegrown flavors to your life!

Happy growing,

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[cmsms_heading type=”h3″ font_weight=”bold” font_style=”italic” text_align=”default” target=”self” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ animation_delay=”0″]Plantable Seed Paper Hearts[/cmsms_heading][cmsms_text animation_delay=”0″]

Let your loved ones watch love grow with plantable seed paper hearts! This cute project recycles used materials, grows flowers, herbs or vegetables and puts smiles on the faces of those who receive them! Plantable paper is made with used paper (think newspaper or old printer paper). When the paper is planted in a pot of soil, the seeds grow and the paper composts away.

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Paper (newspaper, any color construction paper, copy paper, etc)
Warm water
Flower, herb or vegetable seeds
Food coloring (optional)
Heart or other shape cookie cutter (optional)
Mixing bowl
Kitchen blender
Mesh strainer (cheesecloth, etc)
Wax or parchment paper
Paper towels

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1. Start by cutting or tearing paper into small pieces (1-2″) and placing them into an empty bowl.
2. When all the paper has been cut, pour warm water into the bowl, enough to cover the paper. Let soak for about 2 hours.
   Now we’re ready to blend!
3. Pour the contents of the bowl into a blender and blend until your mixture resembles oatmeal (about one minute*)
   
   *Note: If you notice your paper is not blending well or is looking overly chunky, you may add additional water to the blender or may need to allow the paper to soak longer.
   Seeds, add the seeds!
   
4. After a spin in the blender, add your paper/water mixture back into the bowl and stir in your seeds. At this step, you may also stir in food coloring or other visual enhancements like dried flower petals or glitter.
5. Now, pour your mixture into mesh strainer and gently squeeze out noticeable excess moisture.**
   **Note: Do not squeeze out all excess water, you will want a malleable mixture when molding desired shape.
   Any Shape you Want!
6. Place your desired cookie cutter on a large piece of wax or parchment paper. Take spoonfuls (or handfuls) of your seed/paper/water mixture and place inside the cookie cutter. Spread the mixture as evenly and thinly as possible inside the cutter. The thicker it is, the longer it will take to dry.
7. Before removing your cutter and while using a bunched paper towel, press down and squeeze out ANY additional moisture. This will also help to flatten out your design.
8. Gently peel away the cutter/mold and repeat until you are out of mixture.
   Now the hard part.
9. WAITING. You must let your new seed paper dry, likely overnight and possibly into the next day. before they are ready.
   After your seed paper had dried, you may package them up for gifts, or get planting if you’ve made them for yourself!

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_{Photos by: Chelsea Lyon, https://snapguide.com/guides/make-seed-paper/} 

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Happy Growing!

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It is something we don’t really have to think about in South Florida, how freezing temperatures wreak havoc on gardens not located so close to the equator. Here we can keep our plants out in the sunshine year-round, but others are not so lucky. If precautions are not taken by the time the first frost hits, it can do irreparable damage to all the hard work you’ve put in to keep your garden looking its best. Fear not! If you live where winter is headed, there are plenty of options to help your garden make it through a White Christmas!

1.  Health is wealth! Ensure your plant, whether in ground or in a pot, is healthy and pest free before overwintering. When your plants go dormant, it is harder for them to fight against diseases and pests. Your plants should be fertilized, trimmed and watered regularly throughout the Spring and Summer (based on each plants particular needs) to give it the best chance of survival when it turns chilly.

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2.  Prune before you move! Too much stress can cause damage, and even kill a plant. It is ideal to complete any last maintenance on your plant a few weeks before you are ready to bring it indoors! This allows the plant to recover and harden after pruning or re-potting so it is ready for the next change – being moved inside.

3.  Don’t forget to water! The amount of water a plant needs while overwintering is significantly less than during warmer months/growing season, but your plants will still be thirsty! The amount of water varies by plant, but generally 1 inch of water per week should keep them hydrated. Be careful! There should never be sitting water – cold, wet conditions can leave plants vulnerable to disease!

4.  Mulch: The Double Threat. Mulch can be a great addition to your overwintering kit. Mulch retains moisture and traps air beneath its surface, helping your plants roots stay a little warmer. Keep an eye on the moisture levels though, we know moist conditions are ideal for disease.

5.  Need a little warmth? For nights (or days!) when the temperature drops below 30˚, it may be wise to utilize frost shield bags or even blankets to protect roots and foliage. In some cases, a small heater may be helpful to increase temperatures. Christmas lights can be placed around the roots to warm the plant as well!

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6.  Sunshine…my only sunshine… Many plants survive overwintering with limited amounts of sunlight, but this will vary based on the type of plant. If you notice dropped leaves or yellowing of the plant, this could indicate they need more light. If you have a protected space with access to more sunshine, try to relocate otherwise, you can supplement with grow lights.

When the last frost has come and gone, and you’re ready to bring these babies back outside…but…not everyone looks as great as they did going in, don’t despair and don’t give up! Sometimes, it just happens. They may even return to life with some Springtime TLC! Trim any dead or dying pieces, feed, and let Mother Nature work her magic.

Though it may sound a little complicated, overwintering can help your plants survive the toughest winter conditions, allowing you to enjoy your hard work year after year – and without having to purchase replacement plants – keeping your wallet happy too!

Good luck, and happy Fall!

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 For passionate gardeners, there’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of summer than attending to essential gardening tasks. These 8 summer gardening tips can help extend the summer season and ensure that your garden looks great year round.

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3. Keep weeds at bay

It’s much easier to control weeds by pulling them out as soon as they appear than by tugging at them later after they’ve establish a strong root system.

4. Sharpen your pruning skills

A little time spent making a few artful cuts to shape a bougainvillea bush, trellis or tree can reward you with more flowers and thicker foliage. See our tips on cutting, pruning and pinching.

5. Convert clippings into mulch

Give young plants a bit of love with a mulch made of grass clippings from your lawn. Just make sure that the clippings are free of weeds and seeds.

6. Start composting

Another use for lawn clippings is to start a compost heap. Layer the clippings with soil and leftover vegetative waste from your kitchen. After a few months of decomposition, the matter will be transformed into nutrient-rich compost.

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7. Stay on top of pest patrol

Keep on the lookout for damaging aphids. The tiny pests are easy enough to spray off with a hose if you catch them while their populations are small. Take a look at our guides to common pests and diseases!

8. Plant Summer flowers

Perennials, annuals, from seeds to liners, start planting!

You’ve no doubt earned your share of summer relaxation, so be sure to take time to sit back, breathe and take in the beautiful effects of your hard work!

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A single bee tends to at least 2,000 flowers daily, with their tiny wings beating 10,000 times per minute, carrying pollen, and dramatically assisting our food supply. All that work makes the bees thirsty, especially on a hot day.

Bees need access to safe water sources, they often risk drowning in birdbaths or being eaten at rivers and lakes among birds, fish, frogs and other wildlife. This is why they often fly around our clothes lines and may even land on us if we are in an outdoor pool on a hot day.

Kim Flottum, editor of the Bee Culture magazine, writes in her book The Backyard Beekeeper: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden: “Water is used to dissolve crystallized honey, to dilute honey when producing larval food, for evaporation cooling during warm weather, and for a cool drink on a hot day.”

“Bees know exactly where to return for the same water source. Foragers seem to seek water sources that are scented,” Flottum says.

One solution to this problem is to add marbles or pebbles to a bowl or pan and then add water. The marbles give the bees a spot to land so they don’t drown when they come to drink.

_{Source: https://www.intelligentliving.co/make-bee-waterer-help-hydrate-pollinators/}

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In honor of International Women’s Day, we asked our Lady-In-Charge, General Manager Joanna Dansby to take a few minutes out of her schedule to answer a few questions.

1.) What is the best and worst decision you’ve ever made?
“Going back to school to study accounting, but waiting 3 years to do it.”

2.) What was your dream job as a kid and why?
“Archaeologist/Anthropology, I loved how you could tell the story of a civilization by digging up the things they used.”

3.) What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
“It’s a tie between children and emotion. Both are seen as a weakness. Any woman working her way up into a leadership role has already found a way to balance these with their work life, but it is still seen as a potential distraction.”

4.) What woman inspires you and why?
“Marissa Mayer (Yahoo CEO) I was impressed with a question in an interview once, she talked about using her emotions to drive herself forward, and how she feels it is a necessary part of who she is a CEO, she felt it made her a better manager. She left Google (a behemoth) where she was very successful and went to Yahoo to turn things around. She believes in herself and took on a new challenge instead of staying where it was comfortable.”

5.) What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
“The world is changing, and technology continues to transform the way business is done. The challenge for this and future generations is to find ways to keep the world working by utilizing technology without eliminating the need for human involvement. Customer Service is a dying component in this age of technology. The next generations will need to make sure they don’t lose focus on the people who will drive their industries ahead. A little less ‘what can I get from you’, and a little more ‘what can I do for you’.”

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