Planning your Flower/Shrub Garden - Notebook

Reblogged from Flourish:

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Are you interested in flower gardening and do not know where to begin? Well, I was where you are and a gardening notebook is what gave me the most momentum. I still use it today.

Several years ago, my husband and I took a landscape course and by the end of it we had a 10 year plan for our yard.

Read more… 367 more words

Its gardening season and I decided to repost this for anyone interested in gardening. Hope it is helpful. Have a great day. Linda

Repair and Reuse Old Things – Chair

You know it is so much fun to find an old piece of furniture and give it new life. I found 4 chairs at a thrift store for 5.00 total. The local hardware store had few paint choices but we found suitable paint. My husband lightly sanded them and I painted them (royal blue).  In about 12 hours we had great looking chairs in our weekend place. The chairs can be used around  a kitchen table; in the corner of a bedroom; or anywhere extra seating is needed.  It is so simple to refinish things. Just give it a try.

(Chair as purchased at thrift store)

(Light sanding)

(Enamel paint)

( 4th coat of paint)

Very Berry Pudding

Very Berry Pudding

I came across this recipe in the Alive magazine. It is so tasty; quick to make; and full of antioxidants.  I’m serving it to my girlfriends tonight with almond bark in a pretty cup. I’m sure they’re going to like it.

1 cup (250 ml) frozen raspberries

1 cup (250 ml) frozen blueberries

1 cup (250 ml) frozen blackberries

1 block (about 12 oz/340 g) soft tofu

2 TBSP (30 ml) coconut palm sugar or

other granulated sugar of choice

2 TBSP (30 ml) honey

2 TBSP (30 ml) cornstarch or tapioca starch

½ tsp (2 ml) cinnamon

¼ tsp (1ml) salt

1 tsp (5ml) orange zest

½ tsp (2 ml) almond extract

Combine berries, tofu, sugar, honey, starch, cinnamon, salt, orange zest, and almond extract in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Pour into individual serving dishes and refrigerate several hours before serving. Garnish with shaved dark chocolate and mint, if desired.

Serves 6.

Spring Exchange

A few years ago, as I was spring cleaning and moving around a few décor pieces, I came upon the idea of a Spring Exchange.  I sent out an email and invited a few friends to the participate in the exchange. I asked them to bring things that they were not using anymore but had trouble donating to a thrift store. I set a limit of the number of items to bring, stipulated they needed to be in good condition, and I indicated ‘no books’. I suggested things like: pictures/artwork, cushions, linens, small appliances, and accent pieces. We then got together and had an exchange. For every item donated the person could take one item. The items that remained at the end of the evening went to the thrift store or were taken back home.  This is a really good way to pass on those things that you are not using anymore and a good way to pick up a few things that you could use. Go ahead and organize this fun time with your friends. Good Luck. Linda

The Legend of the Dogwood

Legend of the Dogwood

An old and beautiful legend says that, at the time of the crucifixion,
the dogwood was comparable in size to the oak tree and other monarchs
of the forest. Because of its firmness and strength it was selected
as the timber for the cross, but to be put to such a cruel use
greatly distressed the tree. Sensing this, the crucified Jesus
in his gentle pity for the sorrow and suffering of all said to it:
“Because of your sorrow and pity for My sufferings, never again
will the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross.
Henceforth it will be slender, bent and twisted and its blossoms
will be in the form of a cross ~ two long and two short petals.
In the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be
nail prints ~ brown with rust and stained with red ~ and in the center
of the flower will be a crown of thorns,
and all who see this will remember.” Author Unknown

Happy Easter, Friends.

Easter Egg Cups

Hi Ladies,

Easter is just around the corner.  Today I was thinking about how I will decorate the table for Easter dinner.  I’ll put a small vase  of daffodils in the centre of the table.  Along with that, each guest will have an Easter Egg Cup at their place setting.  These egg cups are so simple to put together. Just put a little Easter grass in each egg cup and add a few chocolates.  Have a nice Easter.

Note:  I picked these cups up at a flea market for about 2.00 total. This is my second Easter using them as a decoration.  I just love them!

Curried Broccoli and Sweet Potato Soup

Curried Broccoli and Sweet Potato Soup

(From The Diabetes Choice Cookbook for Canadians, 2002, Pg 48)

I sure enjoy making and eating a good soup. This one is quick to make; high in fiber; and a good source of Vitamin A and C.

Ingredients

2 tsp vegetable oil

1 ½ minced garlic

1 ½ cups chopped onions

1 tsp curry powder (or more if you like)

4 cups chicken stock (I use vegetable, add more stock if too thick)

4 cups broccoli florets

3 cups peeled diced sweet potatoes

2 TBSP honey

Directions

• In a large saucepan heat oil over medium heat.
• Add garlic, onions and curry.
• Cook for 4 min or until onions are softened.
• Add vegetable stock, broccoli and sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil.
• Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 min or until vegetable are tender.
• Transfer soup to food processor or blender. Purée. Add honey and serve.

I sometimes add soft tofu just before pureeing – for extra protein. Once served, I add a little ground flax seed to my bowl.(Flax seed is high in fibre; healthy fats and antioxidants).

Brown the onion, garlic and curry.

Add Stock, Sweet Potatos and Broccoli

Puree.

Freezes well.