the REcycled garden...

A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.

 ~Gertrude Jekyll

Every year, at spring time, (or when the apple blossoms are in full glorious bloom, here is Michigan), a dear friend and I make our yearly pilgrimage to a local garden nursery for our stash of flowers and veggies. This trek always seems to fall right around my birthday and it usually falls right on or around the first day that this nursery opens for the year; promising us the bestest and brightest selection of our choosing. With camera's in hand and smiles on our faces, we head out for a fun days journey.

Right now as I stare out at the freshly fallen snow it is a bit hard to ponder a garden. But, I know that spring, and in turn summer, are right around the icy corner...so I better start getting my thinking cap on and my green-thumb a workin'.

Usually about this time I get to starting a few seeds indoors. Last year I planted WAY too many tomatoes...so note to self for this planting year! I didn't have enough beans or peppers, though..so "check" those on the list of to-add's.

I am always on the hunt for new ways to get the garden going. I hate spending money each year on those plastic seed trays that wind up breaking at a moments notice. Plus, being the thrifty gal I am, I am always in search of a free/cheaper method for the task. After doing some web-searching, I have found some nifty ways to get those garden seeds going in some rather crafty ways, at that.

Reduce -Reuse - Recycle

From the Desperate Gardener, here is a great way to reuse and repurpose a lot of items that would otherwise be sent out with the garbage. Here is a creative way for planting your seedlings using ordinary plastic bottles.

With all the toilet paper we use it is nice to finally find a way to reuse the empty rolls for a worthwhile project! I found this idea at Pickle Bums. Start saving those rolls (which won't take long in my house!)

Another garbage dump filler that can be repurposed is newspaper. At Cottage Hill I was taught how I can take ordinary newspaper and create pots for my seeds. Brilliant!

A simple thing as an egg shell can be given a new use as a container for seeds. Living Naturally in Louisiana gave me an egg-cellent idea with their egg shell seedlings! Love this!

After the eggs are gone use the container to plant in. Urban Farm Online found this great way to recycle that egg container in a fun simple way.

At Family Fun, I got this great idea for an indoor mini-greenhouse; using a used pop bottle.

Finally, at Cut Out and Keep, I saw a creative way to make garden markers for all the lovely plants you will have.

for the birds

Bird Seed WreathA while ago I saw a project that was perfect for our outdoor feathery friends. An ice wreath made with bird seed. Here is how my daughters and I just made ours.







First, you will need to find some sort of container to make the wreath in. We used a bundt pan. Make sure the container can withstand frozen material inside!







We took some cooking oil and with a paper towel, wiped the entire inside of the pan. This helps the ice mold, when completed, slip out without any fuss.


Next you need to decide which type of seed to use. We had sunflower seeds on hand, so that is what we used.

Take some seed and pour into the pan. We used a couple of scoopfuls.

Then you take some water and fill the mold up. I think a half full or less works best. The thicker it is, the longer it takes to chill up.

We then took our creation outside. We set it in the snow and left if to set. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Check to make sure it is rock hard before taking it out of the mold, or else all the seed with pour out... we made this mistake at first!

When all frozen, bring it inside.

Turn it upside down to release from mold.

We used some red string and attached it securely to the wreath. Find a nice spot outside to hang it and wait for the birds to find their new winter treat!

a time to plant

With spring just a skip away, my thoughts are turning to the earth. My garden, to be more exact. I have been getting a steady stream of gardening catalogs in the mail, which perk up my ears! I thought I would share some of my favorite sites for all things gardening. What are yours?

Seed Savers ~ The largest, non-governmental seed bank in the United States!!

Seeds of Change ~ 100% organic flower, veggie, and herb seeds.

Johnny's Selected Seeds

Green People ~ A WONDERFUL resource for all things gardening, including GMO-free and organic!