Last Call for April Showers

It's the last day of April and it seems like the month has flown by.  As the weather gets warmer and we get an occasional sunny day, it seems like there is suddenly so much to do. This last weekend we finally got the white vinyl fence and railing cleaned, I can now plant something against the trellises. I've got some peas ready and need to find the clematis for the other trellis.
My nasturtium seeds are up and I've replaced the planters on the upper deck with new liners and have started planting lobelia, lettuce and spinach.


After checking out the weed patch, I mean the garden plot, I decided to call the guy who rototills at the community garden. He was very nice and tilled the plot on Sunday even though our weather was turning rainy and he could have waited a week. He also has a garden plot and gave me helpful advice on compost, lime and fertilizer to use. I'll be meeting my garden partner there tomorrow to finalize our plans.

But most importantly, today is my mom's birthday. I heard her oohing and ahhing over this pink tulip while I was in her yard with her recently.  The thing is my mom is the rare individual who can appreciate almost any flower (just not magnolias). She will pick flowers and make a bouquet that will last until the last blossom has bloomed. From my childhood I remember that she always had nasturtiums, in recent years it's been sweet peas, this year she has managed to discover an array of purple petunias. She can appreciate all of them as they are.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Plant Name Association

In a previous post I mentioned that my mom had starts of  lilly of the valley from a neighbor who had since passed away. A few starts now cover several square feet along the front porch.

In her backyard is a bird bath that another friend gave to my mom when she moved to Arizona.

Then there's the bachelor buttons which have relocated themselves from the original plant left by a friend of mine when she moved north.

It's interesting to me to see which plants have lasted over the years and to have unique reminders of people scattered around the garden.

I recently signed up for 'Garden Photo of the Day', it comes from Martha Tate's blog of the same name. If you'd like to get it in your e-mail each day just go to her blog at http://www.gardenphotooftheday.com/ and on the right side there's a space to sign up by e-mail. I haven't been reading her posts for long, but I do enjoy her stories behind the plants.

Trip to Cascade Greenhouse

Over the years my mom and I have done a lot of shopping at local nurseries. Today we went back to Cascade Greenhouse in Vancouver, WA.  I haven't been there in awhile, not since moving  east of town a few years ago. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this nursery seemed larger, with more greenhouse space than before. 

Greenhouse at Cascade Nursery

I tried to focus on vegetables while mom found more dark purple petunias. One of the benefits of shopping at a nursery is that the staff have plant knowledge.  I asked about the variety of corn that's best for a newbie and was told by an employee to look for shorter duration of growing season, which would result in shorter corn stalks. She also mentioned to plant in groups not a single row in order to pollinate.

Veggies at Cascade Greenhouse

I found the Hubbard Squash that my friend had recommended and now realize that I didn't get the pumpkin plant I had found. I also got a pony pack of red lettuce and spinach for the planters on the upper deck.

Coleus at Cascade Greenhouse

We had seen some beautiful hanging baskets with dark coleus plants and found a huge selection of them in the last greenhouse. So many it was hard to choose, the clerk pointed out two that were trailing, in the back they had a sign about stinky coleus that kept critters away.

Mystery vine at Cascade Greenhouse.

I saw a lot of plants I'd like to buy, including several vines, but this one caught my eye.  It looks like a Black-eyed Susan vine but in a coral color.  If you know this plant please let me know by leaving a comment or e-mail.

Cascade Greenhouse is located at 2201 NE 112th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684

Call 360-892-9494 for hours and info

Healthy Snack, both Gluten and Sugar Free

In earlier posts I've mentioned that I try to eat a gluten free* diet.  In the last few months I've tried to cut back on sugar as well. I share recipes in the blog now and then, especially when I find something worth sharing (easy to make).

In my April 4th post I shared a photo of an apricot bar that I'd made from a recipe I found in a magazine. It was easy and tasted good and made a good alternative to a sugary treat.

While I haven't taken photos of these bars, I do have the photo from the blog post at In The Little Red House. I found this on Pinterest and you can find the link to it on my new 'Gluten free / Sugar Free' board. To go to my Pinterest boards scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the red button.

Sweet and Salty Bars from In The Little Red House blog
found on Pinterest

In The Little Red House is a blog written by Sheena Jibson, she has an entire page for recipes. If you're not interested in this recipe I still encourage you to check out her blog.  This recipe appealed to me because it looks good and is simple to make. Find the Sweet and Salty Bars posted on her blog on March 21, 2012.

I've tried it 3 times now with variations on the amount of dates or a mix of dates & prunes. Her recipe is not exact, which I like, and you can play with nuts, seeds or fruits you'd like to try. I've added coconut and prunes because we had them on hand. These bars are sweet and filling and don't require a lot of preparation or baking. I store mine in the freezer to keep them firm.

* I eat a gluten free diet due to wheat sensitivity/allergy, I'm not recommending this to anyone who eats a gluten free diet for a medical condition such as Celiac sprue.  If you'd like more info on gluten free foods from a Registered Dietician who has Celiac, see my sister's site Balanced Body Nutrition.

Could Have Bought a Pony Pack...

Last Friday I had made a blog post ahead of time because I knew I was going to tour Chapman's Greenhouse that afternoon. I also knew that The Finder and Grimm would be on that evening (yes that's lame) but if I put it off it would be too late or not happen at all. 


Then that post disappeared.  I tried every way I knew how to find it, but while the title and post were there the content was blank.


I have to admit that it was not all that interesting, it was about my first seed planting of nasturtiums.  I want this blog to be a journal of what I did and when with gardening. Maybe years from now I will look back at my struggles to grow a radish and find it somehow amusing.


What I'll do is skip the "step-by-step" and just do what I find a little anoying on other blogs - post a series of photos with no captions.

On April 19th I started a tray of seeds:

I'll let you know how it grows...

Permission to Plant

My aquasav coconut husk liners arrived today. I tried to find the size and type of replacement liner in stores and just couldn't so I ordered these from Garden Supply Co. I can now remove the pansies and replace the liners in the planters and start planting. 


As I mentioned before, I bought the current coconut liners without measuring or thinking about water retention.  What I learned was that by not having the extra plastic lining I had to water constantly once it got hot.  So I'm looking forward to a little more room and less watering.

When Your Hard Work Pays Off

Recently, I was at my parents house on a sunny afternoon, the first chance I'd had to really look at their yard this year. Spring at their house is always colorful and I can say I had a hand in that. Over 15 years ago I started working in their yard adding bulbs and a transplanting bulbs to new places. Those flowers continue to bloom and it's nice to look at them and see the lasting result of my efforts. Of course over time they've spread and naturalized and look better than I'd ever imagined.

Garden Plan version 2.0

March 1st was the lottery for garden plots at my community garden. I entered and waited with anticipation to hear if I'd get a plot. During the wait I looked up info, created boards on Pinterest, and came up with a plan for the garden. 


March was unusually wet this year and I can honestly say that I haven't been back to look at my plot since the orientation. I'll be sharing the garden with a friend, but we have yet to get together and review a plan, her schedule is hectic, hopefully we will meet this week.


Then there is the whole issue of rototilling. We can borrow my dad's rototiller, but have to borrow a truck as well. At orientation we were told that one of the plot owners does rototilling for a price. I've gone back and forth on this, the scheduling or the time driving the rototiller back and forth. At one time I was thinking we would do it by hand. This is a year round plot, so I can get it again next year if I choose. I decided it's best to start out with everything to our advantage and till the plot, in the easiest way possible.


Where does this lead? I finally sat down and looked at my concept plan and made some edits.

I think this plan is simple for us to till, plant, work in and water. I widened the paths and kept a border around the edges so our plants aren't trampled, and made some space in the center to leave tools or hoses. Funny thing is, without intending to I created a plan with the letter H, my last initial and her first. I'm sure this will change more, but we can use it to fine tune our planting plans.

Chapman's Greenhouse Tour

Friday, I was invited to join my mom's group of friends from church to tour Chapman's Greenhouse in Vancouver, WA. It's really a series of greenhouses, and is a family run business that is celebrating their 30th anniversary. They showed us where they seed, grow, and sell a variety of plants. 

Begonias at Chapman's Greenhouse

Since we are coming up on Mother's Day, every greenhouse was packed with annuals, hanging baskets, and vegetables. All the plants looked healthy and color was everywhere you turned. My mom and I each bought a flat of plants, and she chose a beautiful hanging basket of dark purple calibrachoa (million bells). 

Annuals and baskets at Chapman's Greenhouse

I got some pepper plants for the garden plot and a variegated maize plant to try at home up against that white fence.

Maize plant from Chapman's Greenhouse

I'll come back later for a couple of tomato plants for the garden plot. One of the women in the group listed some varieties to try, I'll have to follow up on those names.

Tomato plants at Chapman's Greenhouse

Mom brought a photo of a vine snapdragon that she'd clipped out of a magazine years ago. They not only recognized it (Asarina scandens) but had some started in hanging baskets and individual pots. When we go back in a week or two she can get one of those baskets and I can get a black-eyed susan vine when the weather might be a little bit warmer.


Chapman Greenhouse is located at 14002 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98662
For hours and location take a look at their website:
 http://www.chapmansgreenhouseandnursery.com/ 

Lost But Not Forgotten

Seems my initiation into blogging has finally led to something I can't correct - a lost blog.
Last night I typed up a blog and inserted photos thinking I'd have it ready to post after Grimm, but now I can't find it. While I've managed to lose it, I am able to redo it,  just not tonight.  I am a morning person who doesn't think too clearly at night, which may be how I lost the blog in the first place.


In the meantime, we have a weekend forecast in the 70's, desperately needed by those of us in the northwest who really can't take one more gray rainy day. Finally got news from the community garden manager that the beginner's class (offered to us by the Master Gardner's program) is delayed. I've been reading and looking online and just yesterday read that the rows should be planted north to south for best sun exposure. Really need that class before planting.

A Plant by Any Other Name

Last week I wrote about finding a lily of the valley plant coming up in just about the worst part of the yard. In that post I showed a photo of it coming up next to the fencing under the deck. 


I was at my parent's house last weekend and pointed out the lily of the valley growing next to their porch. Those were the plants I got my starts from, except those plants had solid leaves and new buds.  

So yesterday I was out back and notice the plant I'd put in the blog was unfurling. I realized that it was not lily of the valley, but a variegated hosta. 

I pulled the clay pots away from the fence and discovered that the lily of the valley were coming up in an even worse part of my yard - under the deck and behind the fencing. They are in the upper right of this photo, just behind the fence.

Here you can see their solid leaves and little buds. That pretty much resolves the dilemma of transplanting the lily of the valley, since I can't get behind the fence and those plants spread with underground runners. Someday they may emerge on the other side of the fence.


The hosta may get moved where it has some space to grow. Was there a reason for planting them there in the first place? They need shade and this corner seemed the best place at the time.

Aquasav Liners for Window Boxes

Back in February I still didn't know if I had a plot at the community garden, so I was planning for extra containers at home while also planning a vegetable garden.  Once I got the plot, the idea for additional window boxes got moved to last place on my list. I wanted the self-watering types that I'd seen in the Gardener's Supply Co. catalog.  I'd still like them, but I don't have the need for additional garden space and I'm going to be putting money into plants and materials for the garden plot.


I had also done some window shopping, making a list of all the containers that needed replacement coconut husk liners. This year I wanted the liners with the additional plastic liner inside to help retain water.  I managed to find replacements for 3 hanging baskets, but could not find them for the window box planters on the deck. After looking at 4-5 stores I finally decided to order them from Gardener's Supply Company online. 

Aquasav replacement window box liners 

I have 2 containers on the deck railing, once I get these liners I can start buying some salad veggies to go with my lettuce.  We had a salad with fresh lettuce this week and it will be nice to add some spinach, and maybe a radish or two.

Last Frost Date

I like finding new blogs, no matter the topic, but I'm especially interested in garden blogs. I also think I've established that I like all things Pinterest. Today I found a new blog through someone who was nice enough to share the links from her board called 'Blogs I Read'.


The blog is called The Soil Toil  and they had a recent post about the last frost dates.  She posted a link to Victory Seeds' page that let's you find your first and last frost dates by state. I posted a link to this on my Facebook page earlier.


Vancouver, WA lists 5/14 as last frost and 10/6 as first.  This is a little later than I've read in other places, but coincides with the rule of thumb I was told for planting here - wait until Mother's Day.

Salvage Herb Garden

On my way to Monticello Antique Marketplace Friday, I had one item in mind that I'd seen there on my last trip. It was a wire basket about 3 feet long. When I first saw it I didn't have any idea how to use it so I waited. 


I'd been seeing some photos online showing terra cotta pots lined up in a similar basket . On my March 3rd post I shared a couple of photos from my Pinterest board 'Container'. This one is closest to my own project:

from Apartmenttherapy.com

When I got a few herbs for Easter I decided to use some empty terra cotta pots, but really wanted them grouped together. I found the basket at Monticello, then bought some pot liners at the nursery and got them planted this morning.

A lavender plant in front of the basket with pots

Kabrina supervising the planting

Finished herb planter

I'm pleased with how it turned out, they are all grouped together and I can easily lift the basket and move them.  The wire basket was labeled as an old ice cream rack, and there were a few others with various wear. Which means I could go back, a friend suggested another great idea for using these baskets as planters. This lines up along the railing and is perfect for limited space.

Friday the 13th is My Lucky Day

Today I went to  Monticello Antique Marketplace for the spring show. My sister and I spent about 3 hours there, we went up and down every aisle and then back tracked into the Salvage Garden for my one 'big' purchase, something I'd seen there last time and now had a use for. It involves an idea that I liked and had posted earlier, I'll share a photo once it's set up.

Almost 2 years ago I read The Revolutionary Yardscape, by Mathew Levesque. To put it simply, he takes junk that would have gone into landfills and has created some very creative landscape features. He stressed that the point of recycling or repurposing is to re-use, so never buy 'old junk'  (my words) that you don't have a use for. That hit home with me, and when I shop for antiques / junk I ask myself 'what will I use it for?'  I told my sister today that if I hadn't read that I'd probably be broke and have a huge mountain of stuff piled in the garage.

I also came home with several postcards advertising upcoming events:

Theses include opening of the Seasonal Cottage by the Rustic Girls, Junk Fest by Plucky Maidens, Wren's Nest Spring Fair, Faire de Rue, and Camas Vintage Street Fair by Roost Reimagined. I have never attended these and certainly can't go to all of them, but will aim to attend at least one, just to see something new.

Veggie Shopping List

Back in February, I had narrowed down the plant selection for veggie gardening this year. I decided I'd better go back to it now and use it as I start shopping at nurseries. My post was on February 28th, Veggies that Made the Cut.  I was basing choices on the book I'd been reading, Sugar Snaps and Strawberries, as well as what we liked to eat.

I started with the 10 easiest to grow from the book:
beans, lettuce, peas, radishes, summer squash, and tomatoes, (beets were voted out). I've planted a hanging basket with lettuce, and bought some peas and an 'Early Girl' tomato.
The last three were 'maybes', since I wasn't sure about cooking them: chard, herbs, and potatoes.

I can now say no chard, I've tried cooking it 3 times and I can't seem to get it right, maybe next year. The easter bunny brought me a basket with herbs, so I'm going grow them here close to the kitchen in a container on our upper deck. Last, potatoes, the discussion at the garden orientation made it sound like they might not be so easy.  If I've got extra room I'll try them, but they are still 'maybes'.

In my original post I added some shade plants:
strawberries, kale and spinach. I've started strawberries in a hanging basket, but kale is out, same reason as chard. I've bought some spinach and am thinking of additional salad veggies on the upper deck - easy to get to from the kitchen. Also cleaner than grown in the ground.

My boyfriend had added to the list:
peppers, corn, and carrots. Peppers and corn we'll try at the garden. I've bought some carrots and I'm toying with growing them here in a container, yes because I saw it on Pinterest and it made carrots look cool.

My friend had added:
acorn squash, hubbard squash, and yams. Yams were eliminated at the garden orientation, most agreed it's too cool here. But the community garden plot has plenty of room for squash, so I may try both.

Since making this list I've also had a winter squash recommended. There's also the vegetable certain to be the favorite - pumpkins. My friend recommended one with sugar or pie in the name, and I love the miniatures for decorating.

I can take this list with me shopping, but I think it still needs some varities added. I'll go through notes and try to get those in so I can look for better container sizes and any specifically recommended. If anyone has a variety they like please leave a comment.

Transplant or Make the Most of It?

Lilly of the Valley

Yesterday when I was in the back yard, I noticed these plants coming up and just shook my head. These are Lilly of the Valley plants that I transplanted from my mom's yard.  She got starts from her neighbor who had a very nice garden, even along the side of her house, where these plants grew among stepping stones.She passed away and the new neighbors have added an addition and paved over that side yard.

So here I have the most dainty of flowers growing in my back yard in the one 'ugly spot'. I planted them there before I moved here and we've since added fencing to keep the dog out from under the porch.  (She of course wants nothing to do with that tiny yard with no lawn.) 

They are actually growing in front of the gate portion of the fence. My first thought was to move them.  But after mentioning the 'ugly spot', I'm thinking maybe that spot could use some help. The gate could be adjusted and the fencing could be used for a climbing annual or maybe a tall fern to go with them. Something to think about it...

Ready to Begin

The two seed packets I'm willing to try - sunflower and nasturtium.

I'll consider radishes only if I'm unable to find them at the nursery.

My beginnings of a vegetable garden. I'll have to check that I'm sticking to my list of easy vegetables. These are staying on the back porch until it warms up a little.

The community garden will have basic veggies, too large to grow here. The containers here at home will be for salads and combination planting of vegetables and flowers.

A Few Favorites

Right now we are waiting for drier, warmer weather in order to start working at the community garden. In March we had record rainfall here while other parts of the country had summer-like heat. We are also waiting to hear when the master gardener's will be having a class for "beginner" gardeners.  


It's an in between time when you've got all sorts of ideas, but it's not practical to start yet.  So I keep reading my garden books and keep looking at Pinterest for information and cool ideas. Some of the people I follow are master gardeners, bloggers, ranch owners, etc. They provide a lot of info through their blogs or websites.


Since I'm not focusing on plants I thought I'd share some items from my board 'Products I Love'. You can see all my Pinterest boards by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on the red button on the right. Leave me a comment or link to your Pinterest boards.

Cobalt glass flower from Etsy

ornate doors from vampirica.tumblr.com

shade sail in blue from yardlovertimes.com

votive candle holders from shelterness.com

Happy Easter

Not only did the Easter bunny keep in mind that I'm trying to cut sugar, he knew that I've been talking about ranunculus and was thinking of starting an herb garden.

My easter basket included bright yellow ranunculus, lavendar, sage, a gluten-free fruit treat and the cute gnome stake. 

The basket came with glass pyrex containers with flowers holding sugar free cookies.

Thank You Easter Bunny.

Monticello's Home & Garden Show Starts Today

Today is the first day of the Home & Garden show at Monticello Antique Marketplace in Portland, OR.  It's one of my favorite places, and in February I shared some photos from a trip there. It is where I found the old gate that became our new trellis. 


They posted over 30 photos of the displays on their Facebook page: 
http://www.facebook.com/MonticelloAntiqueMarketplace


I am planning to go next week with my sister, but when I saw the photos on Facebook I was wishing I could teleport myself right  there.  The store is full of small booths with vendors who specialize in antiques and decor items.  In the back they have The Salvage Garden. Normally, the area contains vintage garden items, but during a show they have dozens of guest vendors who set up displays.


The place is huge, but they also have their own cafe where you can stop for a snack,  lunch, or a coffee.


If you are in Portland the next month go check it out, this show lasts until May 28th. They are located at 8600 SE Stark ST., Portland OR 97216.

Daisies

 Before my move here to the townhouse I was living in a house in the woods. This photo shows my "front yard" an area that we had leveled and created the biggest mud hole ever while doing construction.

I can say that I did have a hand in this, I spread grass seed and did some watering. The daisies grew more profuse each year, Mother Nature's attempt to compensate for our puny efforts.  

Easy Apricot Bar

Here's an easy recipe I found in the April issue of Whole Living. The picture looked good and the recipe was short enough for me to try it.


Chocolate-Apricot Nut Bar.
1 1/2 cups dried apricots
1/2 cup raw almonds, toasted
2 tbsp. unsweetened coconut, shredded, toasted
Coarse salt (I left this out)
1/2 oz dark chocolate, melted


Chop apricots, almonds, coconut in food processor. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and press mixture into bottom of the pan. Drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle with more coconut. Leave in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm then cut into bars.
Can be stored in an airtight container up to 5 days, ours didn't make it that long.
For instructions and nutritional info, see page 62 Whole Living April 2012 issue.


Here's how mine turned out:

It is Veronica (common name Speedwell)

Georgia Blue Speedwell (Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue')

In February (2/26/12) I noticed that this plant was starting to flower. I'd left it planted in a hanging basket container with coconut husk lining. I figured it was a goner, but despite being left above ground all winter, it is now blooming profusely. At the time I couldn't recall the name, but today I managed to find the plant tags I'd saved from last summer and was able to identify it.

My goal this year is to start the habit of photographing the plant and the plant tag  when I first bring them home, so I can file them in a more organized way and hopefully find a name when I need one.

Hanging Lettuce Basket

Today was sunny and warm, one of a few perfect days here in the northwest. I finally got out on the back deck to pot a couple of hanging baskets. In earlier posts I had been making shopping lists, specifically for liners for my hanging baskets. I had done some 'window' shopping and finally found the liners I was looking for at Home Depot with the "aqua liner" inside. On one of those shopping trips I decided to get some lettuce and a few other veggies that looked good.  A plus with the upper deck is that my lower porch is covered and sheltered enough to store plants before planting them.

Lettuce Basket 

One advantage to lettuce in a container is that it is clean when you pick. Last year I tried to mix up veggies with flowers, but with one early basket of lettuce, I can easily replace the whole thing when it warms up,  maybe with some summer flowers. In the background is another basket that I started with a couple of strawberry plants from last year. This one should get some additional flowers in a month or so.

April Rules

I've got notes from the community garden orientation and think this is the best place for them. Plus, my friend who'll be sharing the garden can read them while she drives up and down I-5.


We had several forms and rules mailed to us after the lottery.  At the orientation the garden manager added some more rules and a few planting tips during Q&A.


Rules:

• The community garden shares space with gardens for a food bank, master gardener, and juvenile programs.  We were told not to roam outside our garden space. Wednesday and Saturdays are work parties (good luck finding parking then).
• The Washington State Extension office has just moved into the main building. We are not to park in reserved spaces, visitor only. We are also not to use the restrooms in the building, but an outhouse (no can do).
• All gardens are accessed through a gate, we have a code to use for the small gate, last out make sure it's locked.
• Since there isn't any real vehicular access, wagons and wheelbarrow will be available.
• No dogs or any pets in garden area.
• Garden plots share hose spigots, a shed has some tools available.
• No pesticides, no weeds running amuk, warnings will be issued
• Organic fertilizer only
• No straw or hay, can use cardboard for weed prevention
• No mint or raspberry plants

Because this is the first year they've offered year-round plots, we are responsible for tilling.

She said that one of the gardeners will do tilling - for a price. (looking into this)

The plots are full-sun and heavy clay soil, that needs nitrogen. Lots of talk about adding lime to the soil, I've never tried this.

Mulch with compost, shredded paper, etc. around roots.  She suggested we keep a compost pile on the plot. (after seeing the other plots, I think we should set aside some room to leave some tools, etc.)

Master gardener's are supposed to be offering a class to beginners and one on late-summer planting (geared towards a year-round plot). (I've e-mailed her about this too).

Mother's Day is the annual plant sale for the Master Gardner program. 

No yams, not long enough hot season here.  Try a mound rather than trench for potatoes, in June.

Whew