A while back, I talked about our "yard renovation." I keep waiting for the"light to be right" or for the everything to be put in its place and "photo-worthy." But this morning as I was sitting at the table on the patio I decided, " Forget it. I'm taking photos right now, bad lighting and all." So here goes.
This is the Widdi Woods area when we first moved in, three years ago. You couldn't see the fence it was so overgrown.
And now....
Three years of purging overgrowth, new dry river bed paths, crushed granite, cedar mulch, plantings and a new fence.
This is another "before" shot.
And the same corner today.
We built the treehouse last summer. This year, we added the pea gravel.
Here are a couple of in-progress/before shots of the patio area.
And the now the new patio.... large poured surface and a sidewalk out to the front fence. We tore out the falling-down gazebo and trellis wall thing-y.
We rebuilt the planter around the crabapple tree, added large river rock, re-routed sprinkers out away from the house.
Between the patio and the fence, we had a cement retaining wall poured and added rock around the edge.
This is the view of the other side of the yard, standing on the edge of the patio. When we moved in, this was all grass. Over the last two years, we created the large planter and my container gardens. We were planning a gravel path around the garden, but the cement looks much more finished.
On the right side of the path is this dry river bed with fire pit. The fence is also new (and waiting to be stained.)
All my transplanting and cultivating in now in full bloom.
We brought in nearly 24 tons of rock and loads of cedar mulch. Our yard is quite large and the rock and mulch seemed to have "brought in" the borders, making the planted areas more manageable. Everything feels manicured and clean.
This project was a windfall of blessing--a gift of the highest regard. We LOVE our new space. We eat almost all meals out here and I tend to do all my computer work perched under the crabapple tree.
We already hosted quite a few dinners on the patio. I can't wait for my summer's end garden party.
We've had quite a bit going on here the last few weeks (apart from Easter). My parents visited for a week at Easter and I helped plan decorations for a major school event. We also painted our house, built a new fence, and had a new retaining wall and patio and sidewalk poured...Things have been a bit hectic. But the yard is looking fabulous and I can't wait to share pictures.
But first....Easter. Did you have a fabulous, meaningful Easter? I hope so. I'm going to post your Hill of Calvary photos soon. Promise.
I've decided that Christmas isn't the only holiday worthy of "baking cookies." I've been stuck on this cookie recipe (I use almond instead of orange extract). It works wonderfully for sugar cookies. And, did you know that you can make your own colored sugar?! I'm not sure why it took me so many years to realize that you don't have to buy colored sugar in tiny bottles in the cake mix aisle. Just put some sugar in a zip lock, add a few drops of food coloring and shake. Seriously?! This amazing discovery has changed my cookie making forever. Instead of icing dripping everywhere, we are going to have SUGAR in all colors.
And on to....hot cross buns. A couple of years ago, I made a double batch of buns to deliver to friends on Good Friday. It was festive and fun, but the buns were pretty dense and dry. So this year, I started early making test batches in March... My favorite recipe is the Pioneer Woman's version.
And now on to the yard...Here are my children working hard dismantling the crumbling stone patio. They seriously worked for two hours straight helping Matt and I haul rock to the driveway. This is one situation that I am in total support of child labor.
Our family was blessed with a wonderful gift that made this backyard transformation possible. I can't wait to take some "after" pictures to show you.
See that little garden shed on the side of the house? Gone.
See that peeling paint? Now a beautiful yellow.
Uneven patio? Clean (soon to be stained) poured cement.
Did I mention the fence? Whenever a big wind blew, we would hold our breath praying it wouldn't fall down. Now it's a sturdy new thing, with picket fencing up in the Widdi Woods. Sigh.
I never knew the joy that new cement and fencing could bring. I can't wait for this summer's garden party.
Hello, Red Door and Black Shutters! You make me oh-so-very-happy.
Here in Colorado, the landscape is still brown and bare. When I first moved here and gardeners told me that it wasn't safe to plant annuals and gardens until Mother's Day, I thought they were kidding. They were not. We have been known to get a quick snow shower on Easter and beyond. Sure, the days in-between might be warm and sunny, but one quick freeze and fragile seedlings are gonners.
Yet, there are some signs of spring emerging. Bulbs. Until Colorado, this former-California-girl never knew the joy of discovering bulbs sprouting in the bleak winter garden. A sign of new life, the hope of spring.
While my daffodils and tulips now have tufts of green bursting from the soil, the true "opening act" of the spring performance is called "crocus."
I found these in the yard yesterday. A welcome sign that green lawn (still in its tawny winter slumber) and more colorful blooms are just around the corner.
Then from my heart will young petals diverge, As rays of the sun from their focus; I from the darkness of earth shall emerge, A happy and beautiful Crocus!
Many, perhaps, from so simple a flower, This little lesson may borrow, Patient today, through its gloomiest hour, We come out the brighter tomorrow.
Creating your own Hill of Calvary is a meaningful Easter activity that will teach the true meaning of the holiday. This grass garden features the hill where Jesus was hung on the cross and a small tomb where he was buried and rose again. It makes a very symbolic centerpiece for your Easter table and its an incredible teaching tool for your little sprout.
Note: It's best to start your Hill of Calvary at least 2 weeks before Easter.
Supplies:
Potting Soil or Jiffy Mix--I do suggest picking up a bag of this. Wal-Mart carries it and it is super cheap. It is used to start seeds and has a good "mulchy" consistency that holds moisture well.
Gravel
A few small rocks
10-inch terra cotta dish
4-inch terra cotta pot
4-inch terra cotta dish
Wheatberries for the grass--make sure they are organic and untreated. I got this big bag for under 2 bucks at Vitamin Cottage.
A good spray bottle
Sticks (for crosses)
Hot glue gun
Raffia or twine
Step 1: Lay the 4 inch pot on its side in the 10 inch dish. Use smallish rocks to hold the pot in place.
Step 2: Pour in a small layer of gravel for drainage.
Step 3: Make mud! The best way to apply the soil/dirt is by first making mud in a separate container. Just put your soil and water in a bucket of some sort and mix it up. Your kids will love the mud pie batter.
Step 4: Take handfuls of the mud and pack it all around the pot and in the dish. You will want to create a nice rounded hill.
Step 5: Spread a thick layer of seed over the ENTIRE soil area. You may have to kind of push it into the soil a bit on the steep sides. This is very important: Don't be stingy with the seed. If you want nice, dense grass, the seed needs to completely cover the surface of the soil. (Don't just sprinkle it.)
Step 6: Cover seed with a very thin layer of your mud mixture.
Step 7: Bring your dish garden inside and put it in warm sunlight. I put mine on a metal TV tray next to our sliding door. Having it up off the ground is a good idea when you have little tots running around. Remember, the terra cotta is porous so it's going to leak some moisture. Don't just set it on your coffee table! Put a tray, plate, etc. underneath it.
Step 8: WATER! For the first 3-4 days you will need to spray and water your hill three times per day. So if you are heading out for the weekend, wait to do this project until you get home. Before the seeds take root, the soil will run off pretty easily...(think erosion) so at first you will mainly need to rely on using a spray bottle to irrigate...
Once the grass takes root and matures, you'll be able to slowly drizzle water on it, without losing your hill. Now that my hill is fully mature, I stick it in the sink, turn the water on VERY low and then use my little sprayer hose to water.
Also note that when the seed first starts to grow, it will actually "push up" some of the soil as seen here. Check out the crack above. Just drizzle water, spray and gently press the soil back down. You don't want it to dry out and just fall off.
Step 9: Watch it grow! Within 2 days you will probably see small white roots shooting out.
Step 10: Make three crosses out of collected sticks. I used hot glue to hold them in place and then wrapped raffia around to secure it and hide glue. Note that the grass will grow faster and higher than you think. Make your crosses a little bit "jumbo" sized because they will need to be nestled down in the grass and yet, you still want to be able to see them.
Where is Jesus?
He has risen! He has risen, INDEED!
---------------------------------
Lessons from the Hill of Calvary:
As you work on creating the project, watering, etc. talk about the Easter story with your child. This is whole Mustard Seed thing in action--planting God's truth--while you are literally planting.
Anne and I had a particularly good conversation as we made the crosses. She wondered why there were three crosses instead of just one for Jesus. We got to talk about how there where two other men who died on the hill with Jesus, but they had actually done some bad things. Jesus was pure and did nothing wrong. He died on the cross for OUR sins.
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21
Other questions followed:
Anne: "Why he didn't just get down? I would have helped him get down."
Me: "Well, he did it just for us. He knew what we couldn't be with him because of OUR sin, so he died on the cross for OUR sin."
Good, profound truth happens when you are gardening.
As I was clearing the flower beds out last night, I realized I never posted about my garden party that I held at the end of the summer for the moms at my church. This one was the "2nd annual."
Despite the complete downpour an hour before the party, 40 plus women still came. As soon as the rain stopped, my neighbors split the sopping tablecloths and put them in their dryers. Ladies arrived early and we mopped everything up that we could. The rain held off for the rest of the evening.
This is a really fun women's event if you are looking for ideas. I'm going give some "TIPS" for those of you who might want to pin this post for the future.
#1 Do not arrange a speaker or formal program. This event is about women relaxing and socializing. Don't worry--it won't be quiet--ever. Women love to talk--especially when they are kid-free.
#2 Set out extra platters, display pieces and serving utensils. (See more about guests bringing food below.)
#3 Separate salty & savory dishes from the sweet dishes. A table for each.
Check out these amazing "garden-themed" cake pops my friend Karen made for the occasion!
#4 Get this versatile cupcake/cake-pop display from The Cupcake Tower. I've used it for SO many special occasions. Plus I love the two sweet sisters who started this biz.
#5 The hostess provides the drinks, the guests bring a salty or sweet dish to share. This takes a lot of stress out preparations for the hostess. Plus, it's a chance to let others bring their favorite recipes.
#6 Usually, guests bring more sweet dishes versus savory. So you might want to specifically ask some ladies to bring savory so you have a balance.
#7 Encourage guests to bring friends! This a a great way to introduce new women to your group.
#8 Hold the event towards the end of the summer when your garden is super full and beautiful. In Colorado, that means the end of August. We use this event to kick-off our fall women's events. It's a time for the women to get back together after the summer break and reconnect.
#8 Use "what ya got" to decorate. This is my mantra. Reuse and rearrange. I used some little paper flags I made earlier in the year and stuck them in potted plants. I displayed books with gardening pictures and arranged watering cans.
#9 Think about your garden/yard at the BEGINNING of the summer. Begin planting, arranging pots and "work up" to the event so that before the event, you are just tidying things up, not planting and pruning.
#10 Have a few women come early to help with last-minute details. The hostess doesn't have to do it all--and shouldn't even try! Ask a few friends to come early to finish setting up, mix drinks, greet guests.
My friend Karen (above, right) even came over a couple days before to help "prep" my yard. Our kids played while we moved yard furniture, hung bunting, moved toys. Remember, many hands makes light work.
#11 Guests will ask, "Is there something in particular I can bring?" or "Can I help you somehow?" Make a list of some ideas so when the question is asked you can say, "Yes, can you being in charge of manning the drink station the night-of?" Or ask someone to stay until the end of the event to help "tear down."
#12 Things don't have to matchy-matchy. Borrow things from friends and arrange things in clusters. Mix vintage linens and event fabric yardage as table cloths.
#13 Use candles to illuminate your garden or in this instance my "mini forest," which we have named the Widdi Woods.
#14 Cover fences or partition off areas with vintage quilts.
#15 Twinkle lights make the event "special." There is just something about the warm glow of lights on a summer evening. So many women commented that the lights made the evening feel "magical." It's worth your time to put them up.
Now some of you may be saying, I can't host 40 women in my yard. You don't have to! You can just have four of your girlfriends over for a small party. The point of the party is to enjoy the last of summer, spend time with one another and to bless your guests.
My friend Paula once told me that "a guest who feels prepared for, feels cared for." Many women commented that they felt so special that someone went to all the trouble of hanging lights and decorating. In age where we barely have time to grab coffee with a friend, an event like this surely is "special."
Any questions about garden parties? Throw 'em at me in the comments section. I'd love to help.
This one is a Martha recipe. The curry gives the soup a warm zing. It's a good to eat on those nights when fall is approaching--warm sunny days, but cooler evenings when the sun goes down.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 5 cups)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 box (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
In a large heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high; add squash and onion. Cook until onion is soft, about 6 minutes. Add corn and curry powder; cook until curry is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add broth and simmer until squash is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from stove. Using an immersion hand blender, pulse until the soup until smooth. Return to heat and stir in cream; heat through over medium-low (do not boil).
TIPS:
Use fresh corn from your garden, instead of frozen.
Serve with crisp back crumbles on top.
Freeze it--I'm gonna try this, so I'll report back. It would be nice to pull this out the freezer come winter.
Gotta a lotta of basil? Make some pesto! Pine nuts are kind of pricey these days, but you can use walnuts and it's just as delicious. Use a food processor or emulsion blender.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
3 medium sized garlic cloves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Combine basil, nuts, garlic and cheese. Blend a bit, scrape down sides. Repeat until it's all pulverized. Then add your olive oil and process again. Add salt and pepper. Serve with pasta or baked potatoes.
TIPS:
Store it in the jar for a couple of weeks. This makes it easy to make small "lunchable" batches. Just spoon a bit onto warm pasta and mix it up.
It can be frozen, but don't add the Parmesan cheese. It can do funky things when frozen. Add the cheese right before you use it.
We've been enjoying it with cherry tomatoes and grilled chicken.
Okay, so this one is a killer. I'm not sure where I picked this one up, but it is a winner every time. Cold watermelon is refreshing on a hot summer night, but the honey, lime and mint makes this over-the-top. And, no, we can't grow watermelons very well in Colorado gardens. But I do have a surplus of mint.
Ingredients:
Watermelon, chilled, cut into large chunks
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup lime juice
(So basically a 1:1 ratio of honey and lime, you can make more or less)
Handful of fresh mint, chopped
Mix honey and lime together in a small cup or bowl. Arrange your watermelon on a tray or bowl. Sprinkle mint on top. Drizzle on top of the watermelon. Whoa-la.
To make it extra pretty, I sometimes add edible flower petals--blue bachelor buttons.
While, we didn't grow any zucchini this summer. We had a couple of friends who did. So we've received several lovely (and quite large) squashes. I spend some time grating on the patio the other afternoon. The result was spiced zucchini bread. Yum. This is my all-time-favorite recipe.
Note: You can also grate and freeze the zuchinni for later.
Over the next week or so, I'll be sharing some of my favorite "fresh-from-the-garden" recipes. Some are from the archives, some are new...but all are delicious. So go pick some squash or kindly ask a neighbor for their surplus tomatoes and get cooking.
Ingredients
2 zucchini
1 egg white
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Vegetable cooking spray
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425°. Cut zucchini into 3-inch sticks. Whisk an egg white in a small bowl, and add milk. Combine Parmesan and seasoned breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Dip zucchini sticks into egg mixture, and then roll in breadcrumb mixture. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray, and place zucchini on sheet. Then, spray the tops of the fies with cooking spray to help crisp them. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. Recipe Source
MY TIPS:
Spray LOTS of cooking spray on the pan before.
Sprinkle coarse salt on top.
Serve with ranch dressing.
Also, I tried yellow squash the other night and it was just as good.
