Spring is coming and other thoughts

Hello there! Is anyone else dreaming of spring? In some areas of the world spring is already in full swing. Here, where I live, the first day of spring is fast approaching but the weather is far from "springy". We had another sprinkling of snow last night. That isn't keeping me from thinking of nice …

Day at the greenhouse: tropical escape

This morning my daughter, husband and I went to the local botanical gardens where there is a very large greenhouse. We love to go there in the winter because the lushness, flowers, and warm earthy scent are so rejuvenating and can't be found outdoors. Being there really does feel like stepping into a tropical paradise, …

Saving flowers

This morning I looked outside our balcony door and my flowers were drooping. We had a killing frost. Good thing I finally got around to transplanting one of my new guinea impatiens plants yesterday,  just in the nick of time! I really want to experiment and see whether the plant will winter over inside my …

How to make crate planters

Last spring I bought 6 wooden crates, sanded and painted them, and lined them with a sturdy plastic on the inside four walls. Next, the bottom of the crates were lined with burlap pieces, to keep the soil from escaping between the slats. They have looked sharp, streamlined and homey on my balcony all season. …