Food and Shelter

My most popular birdhouse

"Our Task Must Be To Free
     Ourselves. By Widening Our
  Circle Of Compassion To
     Embrace All Living Creatures,
  And The Whole Of Nature ...
     And Its Beauty."
                               -Albert Einstein

Sparrows having a bath

   I love birds. I am amazed by their beauty, by their ability to glide effortlessly through the sky, and by the fact that they can build complex nests with only a beak.
  One of my favorite things about having a garden is the birds it attracts and I work hard at trying to do so.

Small birdbath

  Water is a great way to bring birds to your yard. Besides drinking water, birds need water to keep their feathers clean and as a place to cool off in the heat of the day. Be it a birdbath or a simple clay plate, birds will love it. Use your imagination when looking for a container, the options are endless as long as they are clean and shallow.
     Make sure that your vessel is not to deep but deep enough for them to have a good splash.

Stone drinking vessel

  Early morning, while you're out dead heading your flowers is a great time to put clean water in your birdbath or what ever vessels you are using.
  It is not enough to hope that the rain or sprinkler will fill it, it is important that you check to make sure it is staying fresh and clean.

Copper drinking vessel

  It is also important to place them in an area that has some protection and a place to dry off after a bath. Trees are of course the easiest solution but are not always an option for everyone.    A small shrub or tall plants work well or a covered area in your yard  would also work well.

  Food of course is another way to attract birds to your yard.  The same applies to food as water, Clean, Fresh and Protected.
  If you have a Hummingbird feeder, change the feed and wash out your container every couple of days. You can make up a simple syrup and keep it in the fridge for several weeks.
  The same applies to your dry food, check it every couple of days to see if it needs filling or changing.

Green birdhouse

Goldfinch having a feed

  Think of the birds that are in your area and put out food that appeals to them. You can also try to bring new birds to your yard by placing out food that they like. I have been doing that with Hummingbirds and am still hopeful that one of these days they will pay me a visit. If you are consistent with your food they will know it is there and come to rely on it.

  Then there is Shelter. Birds need a place to nest so try to provide a couple of bird houses.
  Not all birds use a house. I've had Mourning Doves nest in my hanging baskets and on top of my arbor. I've had Robins in a small decorative planter by my front door.
 If nothing else they add character to your garden and hopefully, if you're lucky they will become occupied.

Coconut Birdhouse

  I seem to have luck with two houses that are on free standing poles. It could be the fact that it is hard for other animals to get access to them but I used to have one on my fence that was occupied every year so I'm not sure what the appeal is. I just buy a variety of houses and hope for the best.
 So if you want to attract wildlife to your yard remember to provide water, food and shelter. They give us the pleasure of their company so it is our job to protect while they are there.

Basking in the sun.

  Flowers of course are a great attraction for all wildlife so don't forget about that when you are choosing your plants. Some birds love thistles, Hummingbirds love color, scent. Rabbits I think like them all.
  As you can see by the picture of this Rabbit he is feeling quite content after feeding off my flowers and is now basking in the warmth of the sun. I think he feels safe.
  All creatures great and small.

Happy Gardening!

Reap what you Sow!

Simple Syrups

      Step into the garden,
     lift your face to the sun
              and Breath.
   It will help you remember
      all that is beautiful and 
          right in the world


                      
                                        
                                                
                                                      
                                             
                                                     
                                                         

Lavender drying

  A few weeks back I started to dry my Lavender. I took a cookie tray, lined it with a piece of parchment paper and laid out the Lavender. I then put it in my laundry room where it is cool and dry.

  Once dried I removed the flowers and started to think about what I  might  do with it. I have in previous years made Lavender cupcakes, (the Lavender is in the icing) and I have made Lavender sugar cookies. Both very tasty but I was looking to try something new.

Dried Lavender flowers

  I had read about flavored honey's and thought this would be fun to try. I took two cups of Ontario Honey and placed it in the top of a double boiler, then I added 6 tablespoons of dried Lavender flowers, gave it a stir and let it simmer over the water for approximately a half hour. Then I let it cool and strained it into jars. I filled 4 half pint jars. 

 You can warm it longer and you can add more flowers, it all depends how strong of a Lavender flavor you want.  I have to tell you I was so pleased with the result.

 Now one thing is for sure, you either like the taste of Lavender or not. I for one love the floral taste of Lavender and Roses so I love, love, love this honey. It is perfect over crumpets, tea biscuits, fruit, ice cream etc. Let your imagination be your guide. 

Lavender Honey

  The next thing I decided to try was making Simple Syrups. I had read about them and seen them in many recipes, especially in cocktails. 

  I ended up making three different kinds. The first one was with Pineapple Sage leaves, the second with Anise Hyssop leaves and the third with Lemon Balm.

Anise Hyssop

  Making these is exactly as the name implies, simple. Take one cup of sugar, one cup of water and place in a medium pot, bring the mixture to a soft boil and stir until sugar has dissolved.  

    Add a handful of whatever leaves you are using (approx. 25) and bring the mixture back to a boil. You can turn the mixture off at this point and leave it steep for about a half hour. I turned mine down to low and let it simmer for about fifteen minutes and then turned it off letting it sit for another half hour. Again it all depends on the strength of flavor you are looking for. 

   The flavor of these syrups is amazing. If you like licorice, Anise Hyssop is for you.

 This is one of my new favorite plants. Not only is it a late bloomer which in my books is a definite plus, it attracts Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds also a plus and it has an amazing licorice flavor. You can use the leaves and flowers for various baked goods, syrups or whatever else you can think of. Does it get any better than this?

  I have tried the Anise Hyssop syrup and the Lemon Balm syrup over cut strawberries and it is delicious. On the week-end I made Pavlovas. I used strawberries marinated in the Lemon Balm syrup over whipped cream in the Pavlova. It was nice and fresh, just a hint of lemon.

Lemon Balm

  I saw a recipe for a Gin Martini using the Pineapple Sage syrup, it would also pair nicely with Vodka. You could use them in iced tea or over ice creams. You could try using Mint, Lavender or even Rosemary. It is so simple to make and herbs are abundant so have some fun playing with flavor. Refrigerate the syrups once made and they will keep for about two weeks.

  The other thing I decided to make was Nasturtium Vinegar. I have made this before and it is so pretty and easy I just had to make it again. 

Nasturtium Vinegar

Nasturtium

  You can eat both the flowers and leaves of the Nasturtium plant which has a nice peppery taste. Think of adding them to a salad and then making a dressing using your Nasturtium vinegar, or slice some tomatoes and add some Nasturtium flowers a little cheese such as goats or feta and then drizzle with some Nasturtium vinegar and oil. The possibilities are endless.
 I  have also in recent years made flavored butters and oils which I hope to do again this year. The butters are so versatile and easy not to mention pretty and can be frozen which is a bonus. They can be sweet or savory and you can use them in cooking or just as a butter for various delicacies.  
  Another thing I would like to try is flavored salts and sugars. Those are easy to do, just add dried herbs or flowers to the sugar or salt, cover them and let them sit for a few weeks. You can then use them as is or grind to incorporate the herbs. I made the mistake of not drying the flowers and believe me it dosen't work, so be patient and dry, dry, dry.
  So if you have herbs in your garden go out and clip some and play in the kitchen, don't be afraid to experiment with flavor.  If you don't have herbs maybe it's time to give them a try, there easy and fun to grow. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and whatever you decide to do, have fun.

Happy Gardening!
                                      

Bringing the outside in

Peach Rose

Pink Rose

              

                     Believe in beauty.
                            Let its Magic heal your soul.


 I don't know if you are like me but I used to hesitate to cut my flowers and bring them in. I'm not sure what the reasoning behind that was, maybe I was thinking it would leave a noticeable hole in the flowerbed or take away from the overall look of the garden.

Hyacinth and Daffodils

Coneflowers

The only time I didn't mind was in the Spring. Bringing spring flowers inside is like freshening the house, getting rid of that winter staleness.
 Hyacinth is one of my favorite spring blooms. It's scent wakes up the sense's with the promise of summer close behind.
  Lily of the Valley is  another favorite of mine, I love their fragrance and their delicate little bell like blossoms. I have a round white vase that I got from my mother and it works perfectly with the Lily of the Valley, the stark contrast of the green against the white is beautiful.

  I like to place flower filled vases in areas that I tend to be in most often like the kitchen, hallway, bathroom or dining room.

Coneflower

 In the kitchen I place them on the window sill and try to make sure it is a flower with a lovely fragrance, that way when the sun shines in it will heat the flower releasing it's scent. It just makes it that much more lovely to have inside.
 One of the Roses I bought this year has the most powerful scent that just by bringing one rose into the kitchen, it can add fragrance to the whole floor of the house.

Dried Rose buds

 I also dried some of my rose buds this year. My Rose tree was overgrown and I needed to cut it back so instead of throwing away the buds I decided to dry them. They have a wonderful peppery scent and I have placed them around the base of my candle holder.
 Hopefully when the flame is lit the heat will stimulate the roses and emit it's scent.

 Coneflowers are another great flower to bring in. I have planted about ten different varieties so now I have plenty to bring in. The nice thing about Coneflowers is that they last a long time and stand up nice and straight.
 Some flowers do not have a very strong stem so think about the container you are going to put them in or pair them with a another flower that will give it support.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea do not stand up well in a tall vase, they are top heavy and need support. The best way is to cut them short so that it's head rests on the lip of the vase. You can do the same with Peonies, just remember to give them a good shake before bringing them in so you don't have ants everywhere.
 Don't forget about fall cuttings. Some of the fall flowers we may not think about are Sedum which make a beautiful Thanksgiving centre piece as do Oat Grass. They dry beautifully and  last a long time. Think of flowers in your garden that dry naturally, they will be a good one to bring in.
 
 So don't hesitate to bring your flowers in, just plant more flowers so you don't feel like you are stripping the bed.
 When you think of it, having flowers in your home that you grew yourself is a lovely reward for all your hard work. It brightens our home, our senses and our spirits.

Happy Gardening!

Going to Pot!

Herb planter

                                       "Just living in not enough....

                                              One must have sunshine,

                                                      freedom and a little FLOWER. "

                                                                                 - Hans Christian Anderson

                                                           

Back fence basket

       Be it big or small, there is always room in a garden for a potted plant. Even if your space is so tiny that you can't put in a garden there is usually room by your front door for a pot or urn.

Front entry Urn

 You can hang them, attach them to your fence or window sill and if your lucky enough to have a deck, sit one on the deck.
   Planters are like a very small garden and allow you to experiment a little more than you might in a larger garden.  It is a fun and easy way to get creative.    

 There are so many different options out there today so if you are thinking of adding planters to your garden find something that reflects your style and the style of your garden.
 As I mentioned before it is like decorating your living room, let it accent and highlight what you have. Think about where it will be, will it be in sun or shade, then buy the appropriate plants for that area.

 Unlike in the garden where you might try a plant in an area that it is not really meant for, with pots it's best to get it right the first time round. Pots have much less space than the garden, therefore  drying out much faster. So being in the right spot is important otherwise it could become frustrating and expensive.

 For years I was trying to grow flowers in planters on my deck with very little success. I have very little shade and none in the deck area.
 Last year I went to Centro garden in Burlington for a 'Planters' class and discovered Succulents. I never would have thought of them for my garden but given the heat on the deck it makes perfect sense. I did up three pots of different sizes. I wasn't really sure of what I was buying except that I knew I wanted different textures and colors and I wanted some trailers.

Succulents on the deck

Succulents on the deck

  I was pleasantly surprised by the number of different colors they came in and even more surprised when some of them  bloomed. I am amazed at how beautiful they really are and the number of varieties to choose from.
 They require little water and lots of sun so keep them in mind for any hot spot in your garden.
 They are also great for small planters like the shoes in my picture below because they do not require a lot of room for roots.

Succulent potted shoes

Just remember when putting together your planter to add some height as well as a trailer. Trailers are especially important for wall/fence planters and for urns. Unless your planter is a work of art it is not what you want to be the focal point.

Side fence basket

Potted head

 Think of your space and what you are trying to achieve with your planter. Are you trying to add texture or character to an otherwise dull area, or are you trying to cover up or detract from something.
  Do you want a great burst of color or just something soft. You can go with one color and one style of plant like the one on my fence, or go with one color but several plants in that tone.

 You can fill a planter with herbs if you are looking to plants herbs but don't have much room in the garden. Some people like to plant their herbs in a planter close to the kitchen so they can just clip and cook without going to far.


 Whatever it is you decide just try and make it flow with the rest of the garden so it is a welcome addition, not something that stands out like a sore thumb.
  Just remember, it's your garden so have fun and be creative. Enjoy the process.

Happy Gardening!

                      

Entwined among the vines

            Be like the flower.....
                         turn your face to the sun.

Morning Glory

  Vines are a great addition to any garden.  Pergolas, Obelisks, Trellises and walls all work well in a large or small area. They add color and texture without taking up a lot of ground space. They can add privacy or cover up ugly walls and fences.  For me it was an old stove pipe which I covered up with the fast growing Chocolate Vine. It has a beautiful chocolate colored flower in the spring and then just takes off growing vigorously for the rest of the season.

Chocolate Vine

 My Climbing Rose is up against a shed and even though it is not an ugly wall it's stark white facade looked like a blank canvas waiting to be painted. The rose and trellis give it character, drawing your eye up and away from the stark white wall, you notice the rose not the wall. This rose has a wonderful scent and makes a great cut flower which in my opinion is an added bonus.

Climbing Rose

Pinot Noir Grape Vine

Two years ago I bought a 'Pinot Noir' grape vine. I liked the idea of trying to grow grapes.
 This year it's has grown too big for the space and unfortunately I don't have another space to put it. Grape vines need a strong support which I don't have. The leaves are so big and the vine was growing so fast, it was taking over. I have since dug it up and will give it to my nephew who lives in the country. A much better place for it.
 So keep that in mind if you decide to try and grow grapes, they need space and strength. Other vines that need a strong support are Wisteria, which I think is one of the most beautiful vines as well as the Trumpet Vine.
 Good sense has kept me from buying the Wisteria but I was given the Trumpet vine as a gift so I needed to give it a try. It is  an amazing vine with so many blooms and vibrant color and is a great plant for luring Hummingbirds to your garden. I had it for several years but be warned that it will pop up all through you garden. Mine was coming up in my grass and my neighbors yard, precariously close to their pool.
 One of my sister's tried it on her fence but eventually like mine it was coming up everywhere and she ended up taking it out. I wish I had the space for both of those vines but live and learn. Know your space.

Clematis

 There are plenty of other vines to choose from, annual or perennial, blooming or not. 

 Ivies are great for covering a large space and are beautiful in the fall when their leaves turn many shades of red. Hydrangea is another vine that is great for large areas and adds a bit of subtle white to it's large green leaved body. 

 If you are looking for a fast growing annual, Morning Glory always adds a great punch of color as does the Black Eyed Susan.



Other annuals that add a great punch of color are the Bouganvilla and Mandavilla, they are tropical plants and love the sun so make sure you have a hot spot for them. You can grow them in a planter with an obelisk which is a nice addition to any small space or deck.

 I love the smell of the Jasmine vine and might have to try that one day. I have also tried the Honeysuckle vine but it seems to attract aphids so I gave up on that one. I may try it again though since it is also a Hummingbird magnet and has such an abundance of blooms and color, it will be worth it.

 The Clematis of course is always a great choice, there are so many different ones to choose from and they also bloom at different times so you can have a succession of color all through the season. As you know from one of my previous blogs one of my favorites is the 'Sweet Autumn' Clematis. Blooming late summer early fall with so many tiny white scented flowers, you can't ask for a better fall display.

'Sweet Autumn' Clematis

So don't forget about the vertical spaces in your garden. Paint those empty canvases with flowers using every little space of garden possible. Don't be afraid to try something new and if it dosen't work, pass it on to someone else to try.

Happy Gardening!!

 

Garden Sculpture

                                                What does your garden say about you?

Top of Obelisk

A garden is an extension of your home, so like your home decor your garden reflects who you are. Our style of gardening speaks volumes of our personality. Do you like a more controlled, formal garden or are you more of an English country/cottage style gardener. Or maybe you like the calm, relaxed style of an Asian inspired garden. Whatever your style is it reflects you so don't forget to dress up your garden with the things you love the same way you would your living room or bedroom.

Garden snail

If we are lucky, we get to spend a good part of our summer in our yards so why not make it a place you really enjoy, surrounded by the things that bring us pleasure and complement our flowers. We spend many hours trying to make the garden a welcoming, beautiful space. Flowers of every style and colour grace our gardens so dress it up the same way you do a party dress, with little accessories to bring out the best of the outfit.

Bird Feeder

I for one love sculpture for the garden, be it a birdhouse, a wall plaque or an obelisk. Every item we add, adds character.

Bird feeder

 I seem to find things when least expected so keep your eyes open, you never know when you will find that perfect piece of sculpture, a unique item that you can visualize tucked among your plants. When I'm on holidays I am always looking for something different, that great item to bring back home. This year I was lucky enough to find two great pieces. One was an iron acorn and the other a handmade bird feeder in the shape of a leaf. The feeder will oxidize with age which will give it great character over the years.

Garden Fair

 I usually put all of my accents out in the spring, that way when the flowers start to bloom they are nicely tucked among the foliage, peeking out here and there giving us little surprises.

Garden Fairy

 So don't worry if they become partially hidden, the idea is to make it look as though it belongs there, almost like it just sprung up with the flowers. If you are using obelisk's, try to place them over the flowers or in front of ones that might need support as they grow.

 There is also a point when it is too much, we don't want the accents to take away from the main attraction. If you find something you love but don't have room, rotate your items put one away for a year or two, then bring it back. It will be like seeing an old friend and will renew your garden without having to spend a dime.
  I also find that there will always be things we get tired of. If that is the case put it to the side of the road along with your shared plants and let it add life to someone else's garden. It's a great way to not feel bad about getting rid of things and with bring happiness to someone else.
  Just remember it's your garden, what ever your gardening style, it's your work of art. There is no wrong or right, if you like it and it works for you then by all means do it.
 Work, relax and enjoy!

Zen Garden Pagoda

 Happy Gardening!

The Brilliant Lily

                                                   'Nature has a brilliance greater
                                                              than anything we
                                                                   can imagine'

Day Lily

As we all know the heat this week has been unbearable and yet there is a small part of it that I enjoy and I do mean small.
In the early morning when you go outside and the heat is just starting to settle in and the stillness of the air is broken only by the occasional bird or the cicadas singing, this is the small part that I enjoy.
It reminds me of summer days gone by and of movies like 'The Man in the Moon' and 'Now and Then', when you just want to spend the day in a watering hole of laying in the shade of a large tree. Of course who am I kidding, today for me it is in the air conditioned comfort of my home. But I do love those early mornings. It is at that time that I go out to deadhead my flowers.
 Anyone who has Lilies knows that you need to remove the dead flowers every day.  Sadly as beautiful as they are, they have a very short life span.
  I know that some people like to leave the dead flowers to fall on their own but quoting something I once read, 'seedpods which should be clipped from the plants are like a sink full of dirty dishes', I agree. It takes only a few minutes a day to go through the garden and remove any dead flowers and the reward will be like looking at a freshly made bed.

Elegant Candy

Mort's Magic

There are a multitude of Lilies to choose from and I have many different types, about thirteen if I counted right. Some are early bloomers and some late but all are beautiful. I love how they stand majestic and tall and seem to withstand the wind and rain much better than some plants. They require very little care other than the daily dead heading and the reward in growing them is worth it.
I usually try to plant the taller ones in the background of my beds so that when they have finished blooming the leaves are hidden by other plants. If they are late bloomers or a shorter lily I plant them near the front. Either way they really make a statement in the garden and multiply quite quickly so that you can divide them and plant them in other areas of the garden or share them with friends.

Chicken Salad in 'Lily bowl'

Lilies may also be used as a vessel for food once the stamens are removed.
I saw this chicken salad in a 'lily bowl' in a magazine years ago and thought it was so pretty. You could also use it for any cream cheese type spread or dip, just make sure that your flowers have not been sprayed with anything and give them a rinse before using.
 Ice cream or fruit salad would also work. Use your imagination and enjoy the fruits of your labor in every way possible.

 If you don't have lilies in your garden give them a try, you will be well rewarded. Just don't forget to deadhead them and then sit back and enjoy their beauty.

  Happy Gardening!