Prairie Garden

Meyer Lemon Upside Down Cake

2012-01-16T19:14:00.000-06:00

My cousin in Los Angeles is so lucky.

He has a meyer lemon tree and an avocado tree.

Apparently it’s harvest time in Southern California

because he sent a few samples to my mother.

It’s amazing to imagine harvesting in January

when I look out my window to the snowy scene.

Mom was kind enough to share some with me

and we made a Meyer Lemon Almond Cake.

It was good. I did think it tasted even better

with a jar of the strawberry lavender jam I canned last summer.

Yum.

Summer on our First Snow Fall

2012-01-13T07:11:00.001-06:00

As beautiful as it is on our first real snow fall,

I need to have a peek at summer.

Here is a gold and red helenium.

It's one of my favorite flowers

(yes, that list is a long one).

Seed Pods

2012-01-10T11:00:00.002-06:00

I'm beginning to take inventory of my seeds

and creating a shopping list.

I had set these zinnias aside so they could dry out well.

I’d say mission accomplished.

Above is what they look like in full bloom.

They are so bright, I had to blink a few times when I opened up the picture.

It’s amazing how quickly we become accustomed to our bleak winter colors

and in the summer we almost take the vibrant color for granted.

Embroidery

2012-01-09T11:00:00.003-06:00

One of my newest adventures is embroidery.

This pattern is taking a bit of practice.
I’ve used some over dyed floss found

on a recent trip to Hilton Head Island.

They fit an amazing amount in a tiny little store.

Dreaming up some things I'd like to do with embroidery...

And the winner is....

2012-01-08T13:09:00.001-06:00

Thank you everyone for the welcome back to blogging.

I decided to draw a second name for the heart pouch.

I hope you all stop back for a visit and share your stories.

Someone mentioned that on Sundays

I seem to post a photo of food.

Not to dissapoint J above is my breakfast.

A few months ago I moved to a practically vegan diet and minimal oil.

I’m trying to keep the fat intake to nuts only.

After getting over the initial shock I’ve found I actually prefer it.

(That's shocking in itself!)

For breakfast today I sautéed kale

(substituting Pacific brand vegetable stock for the oil),

a rare treat of potatoes

(also sautéed in the vegetable stock, no clue how they ended up that color)

and a poached egg.

I don’t normally have eggs in the house but

they came in my Fresh Picks organic delivery this week.

They are from Hedge Row Farm, an Amish Farm, and are wonderful.

Hope you are having a fun and relaxing weekend

and I’ll be back tomorrow!

It's a GIVEAWAY

2012-01-05T00:10:00.007-06:00

Doing my first give away!

Above you will find a streamlined bracelet

and you can expect to see a few more like this soon.

Simple, modern, yet rustic at the same time.

Stay tuned with this blog for updates.

How To Win:

Just comment below with contact information
(your blog can be your contact information if you like)

and I will do a drawing on Saturday (January 7) at midnight central time.

Winner will be announced on Sunday.

I’ll be including the heart pouch as well.
Oh, and the cat is not included. :-)

Putting Away Christmas

2012-01-04T10:18:00.002-06:00

There is always a bit of melancholy

when taking down Christmas decorations.

Especially ornaments as each one has a specific memory

of when you acquired it or who gave it to you.

Packing them away is like saying good bye to old friends.

Clearing Away the Old, Preparing for the NEW

2012-01-02T14:26:00.005-06:00

Today I’ve been busy clearing off shelves
for a few items that will be showing up in my store soon.

And stay tuned, I’m planning a give-a-way this week….

I hope the holidays have been fun and memorable

and the weather is being kind.
Anyone in Michigan has to be settling for a long snow show.
Hope it's more fun than painful!

Trivia: Edamame

2011-09-26T11:48:00.005-05:00

Learned a little about edamame. The Japanese name literally means "twig bean" (eda = "twig" + mame= "bean") and refers to young soybeans.

They are actually soybeans, before they are fully ripe.

As far as nutrients go, edamame and all preparations of soybeans are rich in carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients, particularly folic acid, manganese and vitamin K (table).^[3]

For some reason I have never made edamame.

I love it, but I’ve never made it.

Until now that is. It’s so easy.

Place pods in a bowl.

Add a ¼ cup of water.

Cook in microwave (or steam on stove) for 4-6 minutes.

Drain and sprinkle lightly with salt.

So good.

In restaurants I have never noticed the little “hairs” on the pod.

Fascinating.

Asters

2011-09-24T09:14:00.004-05:00

Last year my Dad had dug up some stray asters, a friendly bird deposited in the garden. He kept one for himself and gave me 7 seedlings. By the time I had planted them, in various spots in the garden, they looked quite sad

and I didn't hold out a lot of hope for their survival.

All summer I had this enormous plant (4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide)
growing in the middle of my garden. I can’t tell you how many times
I considered digging it up, worried it was a weed.
Well about two weeks ago it bloomed and I discovered
it was one of the asters.
It's completely caked with blooms.

Thanks Dad!

Yellow Watermelon

2011-09-23T10:20:00.001-05:00

My first yellow watermelon.

It tasted like spun sugar.

A tip I learned is if you will be storing a partial watermelon

keep it on the rind.

Of course I read this after I cut it off the rind….

live and learn…

Tomatoes: canning a bit of summer

2011-09-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

I’ve finally reached that stage where the tomatoes are just too many to eat. I’ve canned a few tomato sauces and plum tomatoes. It's shocking how many tomatoes it takes to fill a jar. I’m looking forward to opening a jar in the winter when summer is a faint memory.

I’m also having fun making labels for my jars….

Zinnia: flower to seed

2011-09-12T11:59:00.002-05:00

Thumbelina Zinnia

I’m always fascinated at how the zinnias

evolve from a nice button, to a conical shape, then to seed.

Saw a bird (sparrow? chickadee?)

feasting on the seed head this morning.

I love knowing I planted something

that makes another creatures life a bit easier.

Baby Bok Choy, Shitake Mushrooms and Celery

2011-09-11T12:05:00.025-05:00

This spring I began ordering organic vegatables from Fresh Picks.

Each week I receive an assortment of

fruit and vegetables from nearby farms.

So fresh, so good and wish I had started it sooner.

I just made the above stir fry of

baby bok choy (from Harmony Valley),

shitake mushrooms (from River Valley Ranch)

and celery.

The recipe is from Whole Foods website.

What a find!

Honey Bee Weekend

2011-09-10T19:54:00.000-05:00

Meadow Lake

The Morton Arboretum is having

a Honey Bee Weekend

showcasing their hives with educational hikes to the hives

and through the gardens that provide the bees with pollen and nectar.

It was a perfect day to learn about the bees

and soak in a bit of nature.

Batiks on a Line

2011-09-03T09:44:00.004-05:00

Starting a project

that I hope will use many of the batiks I’ve been collecting.

It was too hot to play in the garden

but it was a perfect day to dry

the freshly washed linens on the line.

You also get a glimpse of my jungle.

The mosquitoes have been so aggressive

I haven’t been spending the time I should

weeding and cutting back.

Ah well…there are worse things.

Strawberry Lavender Jam

2011-09-02T10:13:00.002-05:00

The recipe is from Liana Krissoff's Canning for a New Generation.

For me it is more of a sauce than a jam,

and thus all the better to put over ice cream.

Sad strawberry season is over that I can’t make more.

It will be first on the list of next year strawberry preserving.

It's amazing.

September Calendar

2011-09-01T12:17:00.005-05:00

rubeckia

Here is a computer screen background for September.

Included are a few reminders for gardening in zones 4-6.

To upload the image

1 - click on the above image

2 - right click

3 - choose "set as background"

Monarch

2011-08-31T11:24:00.004-05:00

The Monarchs have finally arrived.

They must be on their migration from Canada to Mexico.

As many live for years,

I often wonder if I am seeing the same

Monachs each year…

TRIVIA: Chelone glabra – Turtlehead

2011-08-30T11:59:00.008-05:00

from left to right: Dwarf Butterfly Bush, my new solar light (works great) and Pink Turtlehead

This late summer bloomer is great.

Turtlehead has dark green leaves which create a nice contrast to

neighboring silver leaves and lime green leaves.

It’s also a part sun/part shade plant

which makes it easier to position in the garden.

The plant is called turtlehead because

when looking at the bud from the side
it resembles a turtles head, how clever.

The opening is perfect for bumble bees to fit in.

If I can get a shot of that with my camera I’ll be sure to share it later.

Trivia
from Door County’s Wildflowers A Field Guide for the Curious

Early settlers called Turtlehead “Balmony”

because they made an ointment with the leaves

that relieved itching /skin irritations.

Native Americans apparently brewed it

into a bitter tea as a tonic and a laxative.
Not sure I'll be trying that anytime soon.

Sunday Breakfast: Omelet and Morrocan Saute

2011-08-28T09:36:00.000-05:00

It’s an incredibly beautiful and mild Sunday morning

and decided to make a real breakfast.

I had a cheese omelet

with left over Moroccan inspired sauté of

zucchini, onions, tomatoes with cinnamon, cumin and a few cashews.

When I made it for dinner I served over couscous

with a dollop of plain yogurt.

I would have put a bit of yogurt on this morning…but I forgot.

It was early….:-)

Mexican Torch Sunflower

2011-08-25T11:59:00.004-05:00

Mexican Sunflower is an annual I tried to grow in my garden for several years with no success. Family and friends, who I gave seedlings to each year, adored it as it grew beautifully for them. As a result I continued to start it by seed and keep a few for myself, just in case it would take. Well, last year it did! This year I planted it in the same exact spot and once again success!

The Mexican Sunflower grows to a mammoth 5-6 feet and just full of blooms. The stems are soft and feel almost like satin. Definitely recommend you pursue it for your garden.

Canning : Lavender

2011-08-24T12:01:00.005-05:00

For years I’ve wanted to use lavender

in baking/ cooking but I’ve never done it.

I think I was worried I would use the wrong type of lavender.

This summer I took the plunge

and used my hidecote lavender as flavoring

for a strawberry sauce and blueberry jam.

Really good.

The Strawberry Lavender jam

is from Canning for a New Generation

one of my favorite new books.

Next year I’ll have to make many more jars,

it's that good.

Sweet Alyssum

2011-08-23T12:01:00.006-05:00

Tucked in amongst the alyssum are

chives (top), thyme (right) and canterbury bell are the larger leaves (left).

This is the time of year I appreciate the flowers

that bloom steadily all summer.

Alyssum is turning into one of my favorite annuals.

It starts blooming in the spring

and won’t stop until frost appears.

And if that wasn’t enough,

it’s drought tolerant.

Zucchini Bread

2011-08-22T11:59:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I met my parents for breakfast and I brought them few items from the garden. My zucchini’s are growing to massive sizes, seemingly overnight. It means time to start trying zucchini bread recipes. So I got up early and made two loaves, one for my parents and one for me.

Couldn’t decide if chocolate chips would be good or not so I put chips on one side only. The plain side is actually better and the recipe, let’s say I don’t think I need to look further. This recipe is fantastic. We were sampling it before we even made it into the restaurant.

purple

2011-08-19T12:01:00.005-05:00

Love my new windows phone.

Decided to go with a purple theme this week.

Clockwise from top:

a felted case I made for the phone,

embroidery floss I keep meaning to use in a project,

one of my pansy gift tags,

and my phone.

Sunflowers in Surprising Places

2011-08-17T12:01:00.001-05:00

My neighbor is excellent at spring seed starting in pots.

Once they are an inch or so tall

she transfers them to the garden.

Often she leaves a few in the pot as well

and in this case she got a surprise.

She had thought she had moved

all the sunflowers to the garden however ….

She missed one!

It’s a good thing,

sunflowers are very difficult to transplant.

Japanese Anenome

2011-08-16T12:01:00.005-05:00

The perfect plant for shade or part sun.

This plant loves to stay moist.

I discovered this when I rerouted my sump pump drain pipe.

This plant grew from 2 feet tall and wide
to 4 feet in the span of one year.

Happy accidents!

New Knitting Project

2011-08-15T12:01:00.001-05:00

Starting a new knitting project and

found a beautiful yarn from the Idea Studio.

Sunday Harvest

2011-08-14T18:38:00.002-05:00

Sunday seems like a day to slow down a bit and make something new.

Today I made Zucchini Basil Muffins with Parmesan Cheese.

A mellow recipe found in Bernard Clayton Complete Bread cookbook.

Served with a perfect August salad from the garden.

Simply tomato, cucumber, calamata olives, and feta

with a red wine vinaigrette.

I spiked the vinaigrette with a bit of oregano.

Are you able to recognize oregano

from the plethora of herbs in the garden?

Laruelapalooza has an herb growing in her garden

that she was told was Greek oregano from her grandmother’s garden.

It’s not the oregano we are used to seeing.

Swing by her blog

and see if you can confirm what type of herb it is.

Irresistable Blend Butterfly Weed

2011-08-12T22:53:00.002-05:00

I’ve been trying to grow this "Irresistable Blend" Butterfly Weed for the last three years.

This year I decided to stop trying and as fate would have it, here it is.

How, I’m not sure.

I’m just grateful.

No idea what the insect is, they sure seem happy as well.

Hydrangea Update

2011-08-11T11:09:00.001-05:00

Well, I wrote about how happy I was that my Blue Nikko finally bloomed,

who has lived in manyhomes – rarely mine in the last 10-15 years.

I was ignoring the fact that It looked like a lace top hydrangea.

I wondered…but decided I had forgotten what it looked like prior to full bloom.

It would seem my blue nikko stayed in someone else’s garden.

I hope it’s growing and blooming in its home.

For me, I’m choosing to look at the positive and feel rather lucky

as lace top hydrangeas are my favorite

and I’m thrilled to have it in my garden.

Lantana - Citrus

2011-08-10T12:01:00.002-05:00

Lantana is one of my favorite annuals.
It blooms all summer and then has berries in the fall.

They are perennials in the tropics and

actually grow into large shrubs.

I would love to see that!

Swallowtail butterflies love lantana and
hoping I can catch one with my camera soon.

Zeolights

2011-08-09T13:19:00.000-05:00

Part of the calendula family and

considered edible, the petals are used as a garnish on salads.

Calendula petals are often used in ointments and soap making,

both for scent and its soothing properties.

Folklore has it that a tonic made with these petals

with help you see fairies…

may be worth giving it a try.

Lavender for Cooking

2011-08-07T23:24:00.002-05:00

For years I’ve been fascinated with the idea

of cooking and baking with lavender.

Did some research and learned my Hidecote Lavender

is one of the best for cooking so I took the plunge.

I’ve been harvesting the buds and

Will share some of culinary adventures with you soon.

blackberries

2011-08-05T12:01:00.001-05:00

Berries are always good.

cucumber salad

2011-08-04T12:03:00.005-05:00

Japanese Cucumbers are my favorite
and they are finally ripening...fast and furiously.

And love to serve them simply:
1 cucumber
1 T. vinegar
1 t. sugar
1/2 t. kosher salt
1 T. fresh dill, chopped

Sungolds

2011-08-03T12:01:00.003-05:00

Tomato season is upon us.

I plant these sungolds every year.

I just love how the color graduates down the line,

revealing when they are ripe.

Favorite way to prepare them:

Rinse cherry tomatoes.

Place in a bowl, a container with a lid is even better.

Sprinkle kosher salt over top.

Toss and let the water remaining from the rinsing

melt the salt into a salt water glaze.

Heavenly!

Knitting Journals - special order

2011-08-02T12:01:00.004-05:00

Here is a montage of the knitting journals

I just finished for

Jessica Knits /
Hooked on You, LLC

August Calendar

2011-08-01T00:01:00.003-05:00

As I was weeding last week

and looking at my tall Shasta daisy flopping over

I realized I had hoped to remind myself to stake them in the spring.

How to remember next year?

Geninne creates wonderful computer screen backgrounds each month and

shares them with her bloggers.

It occurred to me I should simply do

the same sort of calendar with some of my garden reminders.

If you live in zone 4-6 you may find the reminders helpful

and feel free to click on this link

to save the image in high resolution to your desktop.

I think I’ll keep Geninne’s at work

and my garden calendar at home.

Happy Birthday Katie!

2011-07-31T09:39:00.000-05:00

Sunday Breakfast - Blueberry Pancakes

2011-07-24T09:59:00.004-05:00

Blueberry season is upon us.

I have several pounds of blueberries

and what to do with them all?

Decided to be decadent on this stormy Sunday morning
and make blueberry pancakes.

Oddly, I don’t think I’ve ever made blueberry pancakes before.

Always been a purist when it comes to pancakes.

They were quite good…

and filling…

I think I need to go lay down for awhile…

Blue Nikko has found a home

2011-07-22T12:01:00.002-05:00

My hydrangea has finally bloomed.

About 15 years ago,

this was the first “real” plant I purchased

when I finally had an apartment patio.

I was so excited to have plants I ignored common sense

which said to buy only annuals for my potted garden.

Where to over winter my new shrub? My parents of course.

We have both moved many times since then

and my hydrangea has over wintered at my parents homes,

temporary homes, family friends gardens…

this hydrangea has seen allot of mileage!

When I finally moved into my little bungalow 5 years ago

I was so happy to welcome it back into my life permanently.

Unfortunately I first planted it in too much sunshine or too dry soil

and it kept falling over.

I have moved it every year for the last 4 years

to see if would do better in the next new spot.

Last year I planted in the shade of my front garden

and babied it for the first year looking at its stubby little branches

mourning the fact that it just was not likely to make it.

This spring it seemed to have healthy leaves and behold,

the first blooms it’s had in 5 years.

A true testament to its hardiness.

Never mind it’s a Blue Nikko Hydrangea

and not a speck of blue on the bloom.

Its pure white petals are a joy to behold.

Welcome home!

Self Seeders: Dill and Day Lily

2011-07-20T12:01:00.002-05:00

My neighbor is one of the best gardeners at nurturing self seeders.

I’m trying to develop the knack, but I also need to develop her discipline.

She is very good about digging up overly aggressive seeders in less desirable areas.

I’m always so proud that they have made it I have a tendency to let it run wild.

Here is my dill, running rampant in the garden.

I have to admit that I’m just fine with it weaving its way through my garden.

It such a nice contrast to the other leaves and clearly I have enough for any dish I may be preparing.

dragonfly

2011-07-19T12:01:00.002-05:00

one of my favorite ornaments...

I do like dragonflies...

Hooked On You, LLC dba Jessica Knits

2011-07-18T21:25:00.007-05:00

Deep into project mode.

A wonderful yarn shop in Scottsdale AZ,

Hooked on You, LLC dba Jessica Knits,

will be carrying my knitting journals.

Here is a sampling of some of the covers
I am sewing for the shop this week.

i just love a parade

2011-07-12T07:18:00.002-05:00

I just love these vases from Clay Bay Pottery in Sister Bay Wisconsin.

Choosing flowers to create the hat is a joy.

This one has Antiquity Cosmos, Bee Balm, Drumstick Alliums and Spearmint.

She makes me feel as though she is off to watch a parade.

have a wonderful day

2011-07-09T09:23:00.002-05:00

Been having a problem posting to my blog this last month

and now it's fixed!

About 2 weeks ago I took a fun "day trip"
to Sawyer Michigan.
These market photos are from the
Sawyer Nursury.
When I saw this sign placest amongst the fresh fruit and vegetables, it just made me smile.
Blogging issues resolved and
with it being a beatiful sunny day
here in Chicago
I think I have to go outside
and play in the dirt
to celebrate :-)

Happy weekend everyone
it is a wonderful day!

Tip: Vidalia Onion Storage

2011-07-07T19:05:00.000-05:00

Vidalia onions have been known to spoil more quickly if in direct contact with one another.
To solve this problem I am using some old hose that my mother gave me.
You simply drop one in and tie a knot just above it,
drop another in and tie a knot and so on.

This way they have good air circulation and no contact.

When you want an onion

you simply snip it off just below the knot for the onion above it.

The question I’m begging to ask…did my mother really wear green hose at one time?
Gotta love the 80’s!

Pansies still in bloom

2011-06-13T12:01:00.003-05:00

Can’t quite believe the pansies are still in bloom.
One of my favorite flowers and wish they would stay all summer.
Bit of Folklore:
If you pick pansies with morning dew it will cause it to rain.
May have to try that one out sometime...

Mallow Hollyhock

2011-05-20T12:01:00.000-05:00

My friends next door came home with a new plant.
Just love it!

Me and My Shadow

2011-05-19T12:01:00.000-05:00

Summer Snowflake and well, I thought it was a tulip but it’s more like a daffodil…what is it?

I normally work very hard to avoid a shadow when taking photos.
Something about these flowers and their shadow amused me.

TIP: Lilacs

2011-05-18T12:01:00.000-05:00

Don’t you just love this hammer?
My Dad gave it to me when I moved into my first place.
I hope to never need to replace it.

Lilacs last for far too short a time,
both on the shrub and especially in the vase.
To make them last longer hammer the stem so it splits
And you will get several more days in the vase.

The smell is simply amazing.
I have to admit I carry these blooms to each room to go to
so the smell permeates the room.

Seedlings: Hardening Off

2011-05-17T07:46:00.005-05:00

This year has been the best year of hardening off yet.
No casualties, no singed leaves, perfection.
Except, spring just won’t fully arrive!
Last night we were in the 30’s as well as the night before.
I was so worried about the tomatoes and cucumbers
I chose to bring them inside the house
as I was concerned even the garage wouldn't be warm enough.
Here’s hoping I can begin planting my annuals this weekend.
My bottle seedlings (right) did quite well!
(link to original post)
The tomatoes didn’t seem to take but the perennials grew at a similar pace
as they would outdoors.
Definitely worth trying again as it freed up a lot of space in the basement.
So many plants, so little space…

Sunday Brunch and The Vadalia Onion

2011-05-15T12:13:00.007-05:00

One of the many things we love about the weekends
is we eat when we want,
not when we are expected to.
Free of the established schedules of the weekday
I tend not to eat before 10am.
Well, what typically happens is I begin thinking about what I want to eat around 10 and really eat around 11 / 11:30 am.
A perfect time for brunch and likely how brunch originated, from similar minded souls.

Yesterday on our way to breakfast (yes, really brunch)
we did a quick detour when we saw Shriners selling bags of Vidalia onions.
Those poor guys were out in some unseasonably cold weather,
a very windy and rainy 40 degree day.
I was thrilled to obtain the first Vadalias of the year.
This morning I decided to sauté one and stir it into some tiny french lentils.
I was going to top it with a poached egg but
where did my poacher go I wonder…?
Ah well, I had enough to eat with some strawberries and sliced ciabatta from Trader Joes
with a bit of camembert we picked up at the Marion Street Cheese Market in Oak Park.
The cheese maker and owner of Alemer Cheese Company, from Mankato Minnesota ,
was providing samples and it was an easy sell.
It’s so good!

Tulips at Sunrise

2011-05-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

My neighbor planted a plethora of tulip bulbs last year.
There is something about this bloom.
Just love the way the yellow fades into the rosy red.

Pretty in Pink ....ranunculus

2011-05-09T12:01:00.002-05:00

Ranunculus is one of my favorite flowers.
I rarely plant them in the garden or planters as they don’t last long in the spring
and I tend to shop for longevity.
Something I’ve discovered this year is they start the day in a tight bud
and slowly open with the sun.
This one is such a pretty pink.

Pulmaria

2011-05-08T21:16:00.002-05:00

My Pulmaria is in full bloom.
I do love these little flowers.
The blue is so intense and as the bloom matures it turns into a deep violet pink.

Grass Wars

2011-05-02T18:11:00.004-05:00

Spurge - EUPHORBIA X MARTINII 'ASCOT RAINBOW'

As I have mentioned previously grass seems to love residing in my garden beds.
It is a constant battle.
This year I’ve come to the reluctant realization
I can’t continue to protect my existing plants
and my wonderful soil when battling the grass war. *
As a result there have been several casualties
in the plant retention department
and replacements are on the on the way.
This euphorbia is one of the replacements.
I bought it mainly for the beautiful foliage
but the blooms are rather interesting
and certainly offer variety to spring flowers found in the garden.

*While I am trying to maintain some tough love during grass removal I am still trying protecting my fantastic earthworms whenever possible. I’m sure I am a source of amusement to my neighbors as I coax (manually and verbally) the worms out of each clump of grassy dirt.

tea and scones

2011-04-29T09:44:00.007-05:00

Spring always seems to require more outdoor clean up than I am prepared for. And we’ve had so much rain this April I haven’t had the opportunity to spend as much time in the garden as is needed. Worrying about the state of my garden I looked at the forecast for the week and the only sunny and shower free day seemed to be Friday. Luckily I was able to take the day off from work and it happened to coincide with the royal wedding. Now, I didn’t get up in the wee hours like some, but I didn’t hit the snooze button either.

While the newlyweds were taking pictures inside the castle I made some scones. Years ago one of our favorite family breakfast spots in Milwaukee, the Oakland Café, shared their scone recipe with us. We had to promise never to share it (and we never have). We’ve loved that recipe but it makes about 8 dozen scones. Let’s face it, that recipe only came out at holidays when we had large gatherings. They have been a treat and always an adventure of time, ingredients and, well, calories. Off and on I’ve tried breaking down the recipe into just enough for a few scones. Each attempt has been okay but they never tasted quite right or had that dreamy flakey texture. In honor of the Britain’s historical event I thought I’d give it another go and I am thrilled to say I have finally met with success!

Congratulations to Kate and William and thank you for giving me an excuse to try again…

Oh, and PS…the sun is indeed shining…it’s going to be a beautiful day. Cheers!

the artichoke

2011-04-26T19:28:00.003-05:00

I’ve always liked the look of an artichoke.
Reminds me a bit of a flower blossom.
Haven’t figured out how to cook it properly, regardless of how easy it’s supposed to be.
But I haven’t given up yet…

Side Note: apparently one of the highest rated vegetables as a antioxidant

...if consuming the entire artichoke that is.

Spring Flowers

2011-04-25T11:22:00.007-05:00

Clockwise starting from upper left
Virginia Blue Bells, Daffodils (unknown variety), Grape Hyacinth,
Indiana Trillium, Trillium (unknown variety), Dad’s Favorite Daffodil (unknown variety)
and Cinnamon Fern.

A peek into my parents garden this spring.
We always have a great time touring their garden.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T18:55:00.004-05:00

I was given a sampling of each of the daffodils found in my parents garden
and an Easter basket.

Sometimes it's great not to have to be a grown up...
A great day!

Covers, covers, covers….

2011-04-21T21:28:00.003-05:00

Been busy this week with many special orders
and working on getting a few
more garden journal covers
up and available for Mother’s Day.

See one you like?

Lady’s Mantle Dew Drops

2011-04-20T12:01:00.003-05:00

I’ve heard it said that the dew collected in a Lady’s Mantle leaf

is a token or blessing from Mother Nature.

Dab a drop on your forhead for luck.

Me…I don’t want to disturb all that perfection

and prefer to simply stare.

The dew drops look like sparkling jewels in the morning light.

April Showers, snow showers that is...

2011-04-18T12:01:00.001-05:00

rranunculus, stock, creeping jenny

It would appear Mother Nature decided one more snow shower was in order.

Should I have purchased those spring annuals?…hmm, only time will tell.

ranunculus, linaria, pansy

and grass....that pesky grass..... lettuce, mustard greens, alyssum, and….something new… Another experiment of larkspur peat pots outside

and a few scabiosa seedlings I recieved from a friend.

This is when I really wished I had made a bouquet of all my lovely daffodils.

Perhaps they will perk back up?

planning this summer via photos of last

2011-04-17T10:29:00.005-05:00

Another view of the garden last summer.

I'm busy planning where my seedlings will go and found looking at photographs of the previous year are often a great way to see where there were "holes" and where I may fing the perfect compliment to a new addition.

Always a project in progress, such as the flagstone path leading to the seating area

and the extension of a concrete slab via pea gravel....I just love pea gravel.

Oak Park Conservatory Plant Sale

2011-04-13T12:30:00.001-05:00

love the combination of the moss roses (lime green above), coral bells (deep purple) and jacobs ladder(striated lime and green) just above the coral bells. One of the big parts of being a Master Gardener is volunteering your time. One of the side benefits of helping the community is getting to know other people that have a passion for gardening. We all learn from one another, bounce ideas of landscaping, seed starting, etc. I’m very lucky to be part of a group of wonderful people that help prepare for a plant sale at the Oak Park Conservatory each spring. Our group helps coax seedlings to the impressive plants you would buy. The above photo depicts some of the plants that have made to the great outdoors as they continue to grow in preparation of the plant sale. Most of my groups time is spent in the green houses and work rooms transplanting seedlings, cutting, pruning plants, enjoying the smell of fresh dirt and laughing. The countdown has begun for the plant sale. Will we see you there?

Faerie Queen Foxgloves

2011-04-12T12:30:00.006-05:00

this years batch of foxgloves...

they are coming along nicely..

Foxgloves are magical and this foxglove is magnificient. I can almost see tinkerbell hiding in one of these blooms. Perhaps that’s why Renee’s Garden calls these Apricot Faerie Queen. My friend Mary Ann planted several of my seedlings and she clearly planted them in the perfect spot. They were in their glory last year at almost 5 feet tall. Wow!

Down the Rabbit Hole

2011-04-11T21:06:00.020-05:00

Here is a drawing I just love by Donna McKenzie of corelladesign

She has several versions of this wonderful rabbit. Do swing by her shop and check it out.

Like every good gardener I’ve been busy clearing out last years debris. Often cursing myself for not taking more down and out in the fall. I also have a dreadful problem with grass in my planting beds. It just won’t go away (any advice is welcome).

Well, one of my freshly cleared areas has had a visitor. A momma bunny is making a nest. Rather worried about her and her babies (still to come) as I don’t think she has chosen her spot wisely. Not only had I intended to plant there (note the past tense), it’s not all that well protected and there are many predators in the neighborhood. Feral cats make my backyard part of their daily tours, raccoons prowl the night ensuring I don't dawdle on the way to my door. And there is a wonderfully rambunctious dog next door.

I’m hopeful she is wiser than I give her credit for and survives to see her rabbits leave the nest. Who needs the country when all you have do is look out your own window?

Okay, I still want the country...but this will have to do...

dreams of summer

2011-04-07T21:40:00.003-05:00

I was just sifting through photos of last summers garden. Somehow at the time I kept waiting for something more. Now, at this time of year, the lushness of the garden seems almost like a dream.

before and after: balloon flower

2011-04-05T21:55:00.007-05:00

It’s so hard to control myself in the spring. Plants seem to beckon to me. To take photos of my new gift tags I gave myself permission to purchase some plants. One being this beautiful miniature balloon flower….who’s latin name is escaping me. It would appear my furry child also finds it appealing. Each evening, regardless of where I try to hide it from her, she finds it and gives it a hair cut. I don’t believe it’s toxic, which is good. I placed the plant on the bed to take the "after" photo and by the time I got back with my camera my little friend had saddled up to it. Awww….maaaaaan...

here’s hoping the roots survive so it has a chance to make to the great outdoors.

texture

2011-04-04T22:49:00.008-05:00

Love texture. Don’t even need to touch it to love it. The more imperfect the better. I simply let my eyes travel over the ripples and crevasses. It’s as if worlds exist in the spaces in between. I’ve been acquiring cover papers loaded with texture.

I’ve offered the blue in my shop and

I’m trying to decide

if I should use a colored thread on the spine this time. This coral is begging to be sewn.

Looking at it close up,

I believe it may be destined for a knitting journal.

All those fibers,

what would be more perfect?

Tourist for a Day: Hyde Park Oriental Institute and Robie House

2011-04-03T23:04:00.007-05:00

Love having people in from out of town

and get to experience Chicago as a tourist.

So many wonderful places to go, so little time. Oriental Institute

Note how huge these stone reliefs are...

decided to include the photographer

so you could get a little perspective.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House

Succulent Drama

2011-04-01T09:40:00.003-05:00

Found this succulent at a contemporary country style home store

in New Buffalo Michigan.

It’s drama was a magnet for all that walked by it.

Germination – Leaders of the Pack

2011-03-31T11:14:00.003-05:00

Mexican Sunflower, Catch Fly, Painted Daisy (a new one I’m trying)

All happen to be from Botanical Interests

Here are a few favorite annuals I’ve started from seed

that are leading the pack in germination.

I’ll have to start dividing soon!

Bon Voyage

2011-03-28T22:16:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite things is sending a journal

to someone in another country.

It makes me feel as though the world is one big neighborhood.

This book is headed to Lille France.

Merci Emilie! Lately I’ve begun sealing my packages with a paper posy.

Recycle / ReUse and the crocheted dishcloth

2011-03-24T19:59:00.007-05:00

I’ve recently decided the dishcloth makes the best sense

from a recycle/ reuse standpoint.

I finally tried a crocheted dishcloth given to me as a gift….

years…

and years ago.

We won’t go into why I hadn’t used it

(because there really is no good reason)

but I realized the texture of the crochet actually seemed to clean my dishes better!

AND the dishcloth seems to actually reach

the bottom of my tea mugs.

So, naturally I decided I had to learn how to make my own.

I bought my eco cotton,

my crochet hook

and I watched UTube.

I tried a row, started the next row and….

started over.

I tried a row, started the next row and….

decided to knit it :-)

I think knitting takes quite a bit longer but hey,

stick to what you know.

Now, I’m not giving up on crocheting,

I’ll just try it another day.

thistles

2011-03-23T23:01:00.006-05:00

Looking through some of my pics from last year
and ran across this thistle.

It was growing near my entry
and I found the leaves so amazing (at least a foot long)

I didn’t have the heart to take it out.
However once the thistles actually formed
and I had to detangle myself from the 7 foot plant
every day I decided it had to come down.

Such an amazing plant.
Apparently some are actually edible,
not that I’d wrestle with it on the off chance it tasted good!

bistro plates

2011-03-22T18:41:00.001-05:00

I had my parents over for Brunch
this last weekend

(Happy Birthday Dad!!)
and rediscovered these wonderful plates.

Hand painted in Italy and

perfect for egg dishes.

I’m toying with keeping them upstairs
so I can use them more often.
However my old cast iron sink likes to take prisoners.
I have chipped many a plate in that sink.

Ah, may-be I should risk it for a few weeks anyway.

knitted mittens for spring

2011-03-21T22:41:00.005-05:00

Finally finished my first pair of fingerless mittens…
if that’s what you’d call them.
Roomy, comfy and just in time….for
well... spring!

I must say, had a laugh
when I glanced at my coffee table
while knitting the last few stitches and saw
my garden journal.
I had pulled it out
to record my yellow crocus that has just begun to bloom.
Notice a color theme?
It does appear I am drawn to these hues…
Believe me when I say it was not planned.

Happy Spring!
…and now I have mittens just in case
we get one of those infamous
spring snow storms.

March in Chicago...you just never know...

Seed (finally) Starting

2011-03-07T19:19:00.010-06:00

I’m always trying some new methods of growing seeds.

Keep hearing how easy it is to grow seeds (perennial seeds only)
in plastic bottles outside.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
Recording the results in my garden journal…
my memory is not worth testing :-)

I’m trying out Feverfew, Chamomile, Clary Sage,
Italian Aromatic Sage and
a Canadian Columbine I traded for
at the Lurie Garden Seed Exchange a few weeks ago.

Hmm, maybe I should have removed the labels…?

PS. I was not a fan of the egg carton method and will not be trying it again.

Apparently you have to keep them quite moist and transplant early…

My little seedlings stretched and tore from the paper cartons (ouch!) and

last years crop was disappointing.

Perhaps that’s why I find myself procrastinating this year….

Memories of Spring

2011-01-30T11:15:00.004-06:00

It is a dreary winter day
here in Chicago…
I find it reassuring to look at
beautiful memory of last spring.
My nemesia….

Cooking: Cranberry Almond Upside Down Cake

2011-01-17T17:22:00.008-06:00

Upside Down Cranberry Almond Cake
from Rustic Fruit Desserts

This cake is so tender.
Perfect for a brunch.
I made it a few weekends ago
when cranberries were still in the stores.
I tried making this yesterday with wild blueberries.
Sounds like a good idea right?
…almonds, blueberries….yum!
Well it is good but it never fully cooked.
Those blueberries release allot more juice than the cranberries!

Was going to bring cake to my neighbors

as a thank you for habitually continuing to shovel down the side walk

from thier home to my home..so kind!

(They know I hate to shovel snow.)
But it doesn't look like my blueberry version will be leaving my home
…ah well…
at least they didn’t know it was coming
and have to suffer any disappointment.

Have you had a cooking mishap recently?

Pinks and Reds are blooming...

2011-01-10T19:02:00.003-06:00

Getting ready to add a few more

pink and red journals

in time for Valentine’s Day….

Here is a dramatic cherry blossom

that makes me think of Geisha’s…

click on the photo for a closer look!

happy new year!

2011-01-01T13:33:00.013-06:00

2011 journal, Grandma's hot cocoa (with chuncks of chocolate floating on top)

and a beaded pen from....santa claus

This morning I began my 2011 journal.

January 1st continues to be the traditional day to set goals and resolutions.

It is also, for me, a day to put away the old year to help me start fresh for the new.

As I was sorting through papers for recycling

I ran across an Evolving Your Spirit Issue Forty Three / November 2010

I had picked up at Whole Foods.

I had not read it and as I a flipped through the pages

I found the below Native American story.

It seemed to be a great mantra to kicking off the year.
Image from TheNaturalWorld

One evening

an old Cherokee father was teaching his grandson about life.

He said, “My son, there is a battle going inside of each of us

between two wolves.

One is Evil.

It represents anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret,

greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority,

lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good.

It represents joy, peace, love, hope, serenity,

humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity,

truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute

and then asked his grandfather:

“Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied,

“The one you feed.”

Image from TheNaturalWorld

Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

Decorate Yourself for Winter

2010-12-24T14:07:00.008-06:00

Coldgull Pin from AnnaRubyKing

One of the wonderful things about winter weather,

and the parade of jackets and coats,

is I rediscover broaches and pins.

For me a coat without a pin is like Christmas without cookies…

it’s not necessary but it sure does make it better :=)

Here is a collection of some of my favorites:

(top to bottom, left to right)
Rustic Hammered Copper Tree
Silver Sleigh from the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art (thanks to my parents!)
Grandma P's Christmas Tree, Little Bird from AnnaRubyKing ,Recycled Optical Lens Jewelry
Grandma T’s Broach, Heart felt Wish List, Grandma T’s Broach

I love my mementos from my grandmothers…not only are they beautiful but I love glancing down feeling close to them throughout the day.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend…
may you all have lots of cookies!

Winter Decorations

2010-12-14T19:26:00.003-06:00

(the gazebo was a gift from my wondeful parents and

the winter tree was something I picked up

at the Popcorn Art Festival in Valpoaiso Indiana a year ago.

I wish I had the artist's information so I could share it with you!)

I am absolutely the type of person who loves the idea of having seasonal accessories.

Pillows, bed & bath linens, accent pieces around the home..you name it …love it.

What I ultimately discovered is I am also the type of person that

is awful about putting them away at the end of the holiday season.

I was the person you would visit in February

and still see garlands and lights above my windows

(hopefully waiting till you got home to roll your eyes!).

Alas, I’ve learned that if I’m going to put out a decorations

they have to be minimal,

be pertinent for more than a few weeks

and be easy to put away.

Above is an example of one of my few winter decorations.

I’ve discovered it brings me the same joy

as a home full of ornaments, pine and bows.

Looking at this picture I have to ask the question...

do you know when the last time I had my coffee table cleared off as it is now?

No?

....neither do I.

To be Added this Week

2010-12-13T19:55:00.008-06:00

Here are a few items I will be listing in my etsy store this week.
As I list them I will include a link to the listing.

Clockwise from top left:
Green Florentine Garden Journal, Budapest Floral Garden Journal,

Refreshing Yellow Knitting Journal, Chocolate Covered Strawberries Knitting Journal,

Lavender Fleur de Lea Garden Journal, Coral Stripe Journal

Helping?

You know,

I just don’t think she is taking her job responsibilities seriously….

December in Chicago

2010-12-12T08:13:00.009-06:00

Marianne's garden setting...so lovely..

Art & Craft Shows are complete for the season.
I’ve made about as many journals and bracelets

that I will before Christmas for my online store

(I will be listing the newest items throughout the week).
And I will be spending a Sunday doing

what “normal people” do on a weekend,

cleaning, reading, drinking tea (lots of tea!)

and watching a beautiful snow fall.

Here a few pics from my garden

and my neighbor Marianne’s beautiful garden.

Happy December in Chicago everyone!

images of my backyard...not necessarily wonderful photos...but the snowfall itself is wonderful

Ah beads…

2010-12-07T19:50:00.004-06:00

Finding the right bead for a journal can take weeks, sometimes months. When I have a successful combination all of the beads for that particular cover get set aside for that one journal.

In April/May one of my suppliers shared the news that the bead for the Silver Lotus on Celadon was discontinued. I quickly bought every bead left and began carrying a paper sample with me everywhere. I scoured my regular suppliers for an alternative, I searched the web for more options. Nothing was right.

Within a few days of my selling my last journal one of my customers, Amy, messaged me asking if I had any more. I explained my dilemma. Within 24 hours Amy suggested a bead I used on my geometric journal. Good eye Amy, I love the combination. Who would have thought the answer was right under my nose all along!

You will be finding this journal in my store within the next few days but I want Amy to get hers (along with a few gifts with purchase) first.

I think I’m even sleeping better now that concern is off my to do list. Ho, ho, ho!

Stop by and say hello!

2010-12-03T17:49:00.009-06:00

I love my etsy store so much that I rarely do art and craft shows. This year I’ve been asked to take part in two Holiday exhibits. One at the Oak Park Conservatory, where I do the majority of my Master Gardener volunteering, and the other at my favorite grocery store, Whole Foods. Mmm, surrounded by plants one week and fantastic food the next…now that’s the life!

To browse through my journals, jewelry and art prints in person at:

Sunday, December 6th 10am-4pm
Oak Park Conservatory
615 Garfield Street
Oak Park IL 60304

Saturday, December 11th 1pm-4pm
Whole Foods - South Loop
1101 S. Canal Street
Chicago, IL 60607

One of the nice things that occurs when I am able to exhibit in person is I can offer a few items that don’t make a lot of sense to offer in my etsy store due to the cost of packaging and shipping. One of those items are what I call travelers. They are a little notebook, the size of a Blackberry, thin (20 pages, front and back) and perfect for notes to yourself or keeping your log ins and passwords safe and hidden away.

Also new, in honor of these shows I will be including note cards of select images from my Prairie Garden Studio. You can also find them in my studio for mail order.

Hope I see you at one of the holiday shows!

Thanksgiving on the Beach

2010-11-28T12:06:00.008-06:00

Had a wonderfully relaxing Thanksgiving on

Hilton Head Island South Carolina.
After decades of spending Thanksgiving on snow watch and

mourning the end of summer, this was an amazing experience.

It was fantastic to take an early morning and sunset walk on the beach,

each and every day.

Here a few shots of sunset on Thanksgiving.

Couldn't resist including this photo of two walkers and their dogs.

No, they are not professional dog walkers...all 6 dogs are theirs.

What a handful! :-)

feeling the chill

2010-10-20T13:03:00.001-05:00

It’s beginning to become cool outside
and inside…
Apparently my laptop generates allot of heat as
someone has decided it’s good place to get warm!

Lurie Garden in the Fall

2010-10-18T23:04:00.008-05:00

This weekend I took a garden tour
of Lurie Garden in the heart of Millennium Park.

It’s an unusual public garden
in that it does not attempt for a manicured look
but a pure prairie style
of gardening and maintenance.

Something new....copper lotus knitting journal

2010-10-14T12:12:00.004-05:00

I wanted to share with you the latest knitting journal I’ve made.
I adore this cover paper and have been so looking forward to using it.
Elegant and feels like preparing for Halloween....

What I learned …

2010-10-10T10:57:00.006-05:00

Just got back from a wonderful and relaxing week in

Door County Wisconsin.
I was thrilled to find a bead shop (IZDORA in Egg Harbor) that offered classes.

I learned bead weaving which it quite challenging and fun

….when you get the hang of it. Can’t wait to try the next one!

What did you learn on your summer, or fall!, vacation?

Mexican Sunflower

2010-10-01T12:08:00.002-05:00

Mexican Sunflowers
I finally had two seedlings take.

I've grown them by seed in the basement for several years

and watched friends and family plant them and love them.

In my garden they had never fully rooted.

It’s finally my turn!

Tea and Donuts

2010-09-25T09:35:00.006-05:00

Amazingly I’m not a big fan of donuts.

But when they are freshly made and the scent fills the

early morning crisp fall breeze

at a farmers market…who can resist?

30 seconds in the microwave and I have admit, they are amazing.

It seems everyone is looking for a treat this morning.

Something new…knitting journal w/ Coptic Stitch spine

2010-09-23T07:21:00.002-05:00

I’m combining my Knitting Journal with the Coptic Stitch spine binding.
Take a look and keep an eye out for new covers to come.
Do let me know if you would like to special order a specific cover.