Garden 2015

Our garden has been neglected for the past 2 summers.  We were just a little busy caring for a baby.  (On a side note, can you believe that this will be our 3rd summer with J Man?)  Anyhoo...last night we prepped our garden and planted eight tomato plants.  I think that we are sure to get at least one tomato.  (fingers crossed)  We still need to pick up a zucchini plant or two.  Olivia is bound and determined to make a lot of zucchini bread this summer.  

Planting a garden is the exception to the idea.."Many hands make light work."  

Popsicles equal a job well done or a momma's way of finishing the planting without loosing all her brown hair?  I will let you decide.

Grandpa let us pick all of the strawberries in his small strawberry patch. 

 They were delightfully delicious.

I was quickly reminded of another day years ago when we picked a few strawberries.  

I was determined to mimic this precious shot.

This is the closest that I came.  Ha!

Boy he sure has grown up!

Grandpa's Garden

We helped grandpa with his garden on Saturday. 

 We did some tilling, weeding, hoeing, and planting. 

 We love honoring our parents in front of our children.

I can taste home-grown tomatoes even as I write.

Grandma also sent us home with a bouquet of dogwood and lilacs.  

Garden Show

My mother-in-law invited me to a Herb and Garden Show in Mt. Vernon, IL on Saturday.

We waged the bitter cold and had a wonderful time.

I quickly realized that I shop for completely different items than the normal person.

Brenda and Jill purchased a variety of plants and A LOT of cheese from an Amish gentleman.

I purchased novelty items.  

This is not to say that I am not a gardener.  

In fact, I love nothing more than getting my hands dirty and growing something healthy or beautiful.  

I just found it difficult to think about my gardens in the middle of February.  

Yes...I am always late getting my plants into the ground.

What did I buy?  Keep reading.  *wink

I bought this hideous pair of ceramic owls for 50 cents.  

These gourds caught my eye.  I have a sign that reads, "GOURDS" that I decorate with in the fall. 

I believe that this was $5 well spent.

I have always wanted a collection of vintage Valentines.  

I love the colors and illustrations.  

The $10 price tag on a collection of 10 was a bargain for me.

Thanks ladies for a memorable day! 

The doorbell rang.

This is what I saw when the door opened.

(Don't worry. You weren't left unattended. I was watching from the front window.)

I am really going to miss my day lily bouquets when the summer blooms fade.

Olivia,

You watched closely as I rinsed out the strawberry milk jug, and emphatically proclaimed,

"I can use that!"

With a smile, I handed over the jug and proceeded downstairs to the never-ending pile of laundry.

When I made it upstairs, you were armed with this purple bag and a desire to go outside.

I didn't ask any questions, quickly grabbed the camera, and followed you.

You are such a thoughtful, nurturing little girl. You were worried that the plants in our garden were thirsty.

(Notice the boots!) I pray that you always have such a large, caring heart.

Not to mention, a resourceful mind!

Our First Vegetable Garden

I decided to incorporate a family garden into our summer learning adventure...not to mention my love for fresh vegetables.

Dad constructed a 5X5 raised bed, and we created a lasagna garden.

We then separated the space into 1X1 squares.

We planted tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, green peppers, squash, zucchini, and lettuce.

I love your gardening outfit O!

It was a true test of my patience to garden with the two of you, but I am all about creating specials memories.

It helped me overlook the smashed plants, muddy feet, crazy digging, and arguments over who gets to do what.

I only hope that something grows and produces fruit (preferably the tomatoes)!

Thanks for gardening with me!