Fall is Here

Well, we've been busy working in the greenhouse. I don't know if I mentioned but we woke up one morning several weeks ago to it on fire! Damaged the front wall and side and burned tables and plants down that side. Melted lots of exhaust fans (we think this is what started it) and wiring, a huge shelf melted with all my fertilizers on it, pots, etc. The saving grace was after it burned thru the gas line, it also burned thru the water line so it was spraying water as it burned. Still haven't got the gas bill! I found it about 5 am when I went out to open the chickens so it must have been dark when it was going for no one called the fire dept. and there must have been alot of dark smelly smoke. So we are going thru all the plants, digging the soil out off the floor, replacing benches, plastic, mechanics, etc. Lots of extra work at a busy time of year anyway. And alot of expense right now isn't welcome with all my medical bills and the fact I can't work right now. But still very fortunate that no one was hurt and the fire was contained in a small area and was able to be put out quickly. Farmers Market is still going and busy with jam making. Tomatoes and peppers are really coming on in the garden as are cukes and squash. Really a bumper crop of everything this year! I've done a couple of vintage shows and have a couple more this fall before the Christmas craft shows start. I think I've found my niche in these shows. I love the people, the 'junk' and everything about it. And just the creative process in making something out of old, found objects. I love it! Got in a camping trip over Labor Day weekend. That was alot of fun and glad the whole family was there. And everything worked in the RV which was a plus! I realized how much I miss the sounds and smells of campfires and how more relaxed everyone is. I even enjoy washing dishes outside in a dishpan with water heated on the cook-stove. trying to get together an end of the year plant sale. Need to reduce the inventory just in case we don't get plastic on the greenhouse this winter. Plus with my feet, I don't know about keeping the nursery business going like it is. I can't keep up with all the work that goes into it and Hubby is slowing down quickly with his own health problems. Lots of ideas to mull over this winter. Our granddaughter Jessica turned 20 years old on Saturday. That really makes me feel old! And another school year has started. And Christmas just around the corner! Where has the time gone? I'm still trying to spring clean and haven't got all the summer projects completed. My computer is still acting up and haven't budgeted for a new one. Hard to use Pinterest because of it and I am going thru withdrawals! And trying to keep my laser printer in toner for my crafts is a nightmare. So I am way behind on posting pictures of the shows, etc. I've been told Etsy will be going thru some major changes so trying to get more 'face' time on Facebook. But I get stalled when I check in on all my fun auction groups and go shopping instead of advertising my wares! I guess if I could post pics better I could sell some of my stuff on them. Just can't take all the time sitting here when I should be canning or in the garden or getting more stuff made for Market on Saturday. If only I could clone myself! Speaking of sitting here; my canner load is just about done so will sign off for now. Hope everyone is having a great summer and got to relax with family and friends this year. And be prepared. We have a frost warning coming down for tonight and tomorrow night. Get the covers out!

A Day Out

I needed some new pictures for my website. As there really isn't much gardening going on around here at the present, Dan and I decided to go to the local conservatory. It's a beautiful park and gardens on the South Hill called Manito Park. We got up there just before they opened so we started with some pictures around the grounds. It was quite cold and the ground was crunchy under our feet. In fact we stopped at the pond to look for the swans , but the pond was frozen over. I wonder where all the birds go for the winter?

Inside the greenhouses they had spring bulbs in bloom and on display.The air was scented with their fragrance. Hyacinth, daffodils, tulips were everywhere. Many other plants were also blooming. And the orchids! They were all around. All different varieties and colors.

This is such a beautiful and special place. All the different species of plants, even a small pond. Benches to sit and reflect and they even sell some of the plants! Their first tropical plant sale is in March. I can't wait!

There is a wing on the conservatory that is all cacti and succulents. It must have taken many many years to get some of those cactus that big. 

It was really great to see all these wonderful plants growing and thriving when it is still so cold and dreary outside. I need more plants in my sunroom!

Hopefully we got some pictures that we can use on the website. I love digital cameras! You can take pictures forever and still have room for more.

On the way home we stopped at a garden center and picked up a few supplies. Should have got them at the wholesaler, but oh well. I have some terrariums that need planted for an upcoming sale and was all out of charcoal and coir mix. I wanted clay pellets for the bottom layer but they are really expensive so opted for charcoal which I have used in the past. And naturally while we were there we had to look at the animals. Lots of cute bunnies and the funniest colored chicken, Apparently they put food color in its feed and it changes the color of their feathers.

Back home my chickens were happily enjoying the sun that decided to come out. They are really getting the garden all turned and fluffed up. And they have almost finished turning one of the compost piles. In fact, they have tunneled from two sides. As soon as it gets a bit warmer I need to shovel out the coop and add more fresh bedding. They actually turn the bedding and manure on the floor in their coop when they scratch around and this causes it to compost which adds warmth for them plus keeps it from smelling. and then you throw it out into your garden! It's wonderful stuff.

The artichoke seeds are planted. I have three different kinds to try this year. The bloom is almost more exciting than the fruit. You can dry them and use them in arrangements. Artichokes don't winter over here so they have to be kept in a garage or some place where they won't freeze. 

I am researching the grain quinoa. There was a very nice write up in our paper on Wednesday. It is very nutritious and can be used many ways. All parts of the plant can be used; the leaves for salads and have been likened to spinach and the seed heads are used in breads and in recipes calling for rice. They also are very colorful and would look good as an ornamental in the garden.

My little shop is starting to fill up. Betsy and I were down there Saturday with more boxes.  I can't believe all this stuff has been  in our basement. It was like Christmas seeing everything again. I almost don't want to sell anything! Alot of the stuff I'm not sure what to price so I've been researching on the internet.

Just found out my big Mother's Day sale is actually the following week. What were they thinking? I sell so many of my hanging baskets that weekend plus everything else that people want to buy for their Mothers. So now I have to arrange for a sale either at the shop or at the farm. There goes my advertising budget!

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Garden Expo 2011

Photos from Garden Expo 2010

     GARDEN EXPO – OUR BIG ANNUAL EVENT FOR THE YEAR! DATE – 14 May, 2011 – 2^nd Saturday in May
HOURS – 9am-5pm
LOCATION – 1810 N Greene St, Spokane, WA
EMAIL – gardenexpo@comcast.net
Admission is FREE with lots of free parking 
An Extraordinary Annual Event - 13th Annual Spokane Garden Expo
This year’s theme is “Gardening–That’s Entertainment!”

Hope to see alot of you. Come by my booth and say hey!