Mother Earth News Fair (with Update!)

I attended the Mother Earth News Fair yesterday in Belton, Texas. Oh. My. Goodness. It was amazing! The Expo center was packed full of vendors, exhibits, workshops (some with hands-on demonstrations), and people! Not just inside, but outside as well! Because it was a brisk coldness with steady winds kind of day, I didn’t explore the outside vendors. Going between two buildings was enough “fun” out in the cold!

I did make it to one presentation I had preplanned on attending. At least part of it before getting the text: we’re hungry.

I didn’t get a chance to see even half of the fair. Only a passing glance down the aisles as I searched for one specific booth in order to pick up literature, information missed in the presentation.

It was time to go.

After only 2 hours.

I started to stay on - by myself - since two vehicles were available. I made the choice to leave, to spend time with family. But then I literally cried and kicked myself the almost 85 miles back home. Since I had a “weekend” pass to get back inside I should have turned around and gone back. But the special time to spend with Momma exploring the fair, something we had talked about and looked forward to for weeks, was gone. It really never was there.

UPDATE: I decided to go back today! By myself! 
I had a FABULOUS time!

I made the one workshop I wanted to attend with Shawna Coronado and got to stay for her entire presentation! At many booths I collected free samples for the chickens and the garden! I also bought a half pound of WORMS!!! Those red wigglers from Texas Worm Farm to start worm farming!!! Oh, and I had the sweet gentle man Mr. Clyde explain to me how to use his "garden slider" ... which I also bought!

And, DaddyKirbs Farm was there yesterday and today, filming! Bummer, I missed seeing him and his lovely wife both days! For those who would like to see what the Fair looked like...although I've yet to watch it, this is what Blake captured yesterday and shared via YouTube video is here!

Oh, and I bought some Cotton seeds! I can't wait to get them planted!

A Living Process

I’ve wanted a Labyrinth for years, and happened to walk my first one ever this past Tuesday morning while Bud was undergoing Carotid Endartarectomy. Located on the grounds of Seton Williamson, Roundrock, Texas, I’m thankful the hospital provides such a lovely place that brought me a bit of peace and settled my soul while waiting.

I’m taking a break from reading about planning and designing a garden. Rather, I’m doing research on creating a Labyrinth. I would like to include one in the West Yard Project. My sister recently suggested planting various herbs and plants to make the design, incorporate the “garden” within the Labyrinth - two for one!

When I saw this one, I thought, YES! This is what Sister was talking about!!

http://www.anetnovakdesign.com/beforeafter.html

With the experience fresh on my mind, I know I cannot have one as big as Seton’s, big enough for an individual using a wheelchair. I just don’t have the space within the yard. I can (and will), however, make the paths wide enough for a walker!

I’m wondering, does the Labyrinth have to be symmetrical? I’ve found on Pinterest hundreds of examples and 99.9% are a circle symmetrical. But does it have to be that way? As long as the path takes one to the center circle then back out again the same way, would it work?

From what I’ve read, the attributes of a Labyrinth are:
   to have a one path in and the same path out,
   a center circle,
   and at least one switch back.

Done.

I am going to make it work...

After setting the center circle with concrete curved blocks, I used extension cords and a bit of rope to “map” out the path. I have plenty of irises to transplant what will edge most of the path, at least on one side. The rest of the “blank” spaces will be filled with herbs and perennials. As I  plant the irises, I will measure the path’s width along the way. I have a bit of wiggle room.

It’s a work in progress... it will be a living, growing, entity for my spiritual path.

It's Time

Months before the dinos arrived, I read everything I could about raising chickens. I continue to read and learn. The latest book I have on the subject is Lisa Steele’s fabulous new book: 101 Chicken Keeping Hacks. It’s been a fabulous read!

Anyway, I am doing the same process for gardening. This winter, before getting my fingernails really dirty, I’m learning all I can about the different recommended garden practices. By reading the various library ebooks, I’m learning the language. I’m learning what questions to ask. I’m learning more about...

Permaculture Gardening
Square Foot Gardening
Biointensive Gardening
Sustainable Gardening
Ecosystems

Never before have I paid attention.

It’s time.

Finally - Eventually

Yesterday afternoon I checked out more gardening e-books from the library! I’m ready, the Kindle is ready, bring on the next two weeks of “quiet time” while Bud recuperates from surgery!

Knowing She Shed #2 was on its way (finally!), I got this extra book because of the eventual plans I have percolating in my mind! Greenhouses & Garden Sheds

I purposely picked out the plainest shed I could find! I have ideas for the outside bare walls!

Besides, for now - and the future - I needed/wanted all the floor space possible inside. No fancy porch for this shed. Today, I will construct steps out of cinder blocks, but in the spring I hope to create a nice wide wooden steps with a handrail, maybe even a ramp.

I’ve already decided - if/when we get a “Greenhouse” per se, it will be this one from Graceland Portable Buildings of Lampasas (Facebook page).

It’s where we've purchased our She Sheds and have been very pleased with their quality construction and delivery/setup. After checking out Home Depot and Lowe’s prices for materials, I know we could not make one for the same cost, not to mention the time involved. There are just too many other projects on our “to-do” lists anyway!

In the meantime, I plan on extending the outside of #2...

Momma is coming out for a visit today. I hope to describe my vision to her, then she sketch it out for me to see! I’m blessed she’s a fabulous artist!

Library Books Due!!!

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Cheap-Green-Thumb-Thrifty-Resources/dp/1603424415/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2R1ZARSPSD0E&keywords=dirt+cheap+green+thumb&qid=1547904559&sprefix=the+dirt+cheap+green+thum%2Caps%2C409&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Edible-Front-Yard-Grow-More-Beautiful/dp/1604691999/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Edible+Front+Yard&qid=1547904679&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Eco-yards-Simple-Steps-Earth-Friendly-Landscapes/dp/086571682X/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=eco-yards&qid=1547904780&sr=8-3

Only a few remain:

The DIRT CHEAP GREEN THUMB, 400 Thrifty Tips for Saving Money, Time, and Resources as You Garden, by Rhonda Massingham Hart, 2009, Storey Publishing.

The Edible Front Yard, Creating Curb Appeal with Fruits, Flowers, Vegetables, and Herbs, by Ivette Soler, 2011, Timber Press.

and

Eco-yards, Simple steps to earth-friendly landscapes, by Laureen Rama, 2011, New Society Publishers.

I don’t have the time to finish and write a proper review before Tuesday. I’ve done sample readings through each and know I want to read them closer - in the future. I’m not sure if the library will let me check them out back-to-back, but I’ll see! Otherwise, I’ll give others a chance to read, then try again.

Library Book - A Review

The Artful Garden, Creative Inspiration for Landscape Design, by James van Sweden and Tom Christopher, 2011, Random House, New York.

https://www.amazon.com/Artful-Garden-Creative-Inspiration-Landscape/dp/1400063892/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+artful+garden&qid=1547743480&sr=8-1

“All gardening is landscape painting.” - Alexander Pope

Until this book, I never thought how planning the garden design could (should) be linked to -

artists of all mediums,
the choreography of music and dance,
a weaver of texture, and
even a mystery writer and the structure of the novel itself.

The author “artfully” explains this in an amazing way that only after I read the book and let it absorbed a bit, did I truly understand his message.

Simply because of the living nature of a garden, he shares a great point to remember in its planning:

A garden is constructed in four dimensions.
As well as length, width, and height, there is also time.

I HIGHLY recommend this book for a totally different perspective and approach to designing a garden! In fact, I’ve ordered it as a keeper - a fabulous reference book. And, it is something I want to study deeper, even after the West Yard Project is fully underway.

P.S. I just saw his statement on Amazon that is worth sharing here and sums it up very nicely:

“I want to put the mystery back into the heart of garden design, where it needs to be. It’s what lures you in through the gate, keeps you moving through the landscape, and fills you with excitement along the way. The sense of mystery is what turns a mere display of plants, paths, and ornaments into an adventure.”                          
—James van Sweden

Perfect Timing!

Almost immediately after finishing a library book that left me feeling sad, I stumbled upon a very timely article that lifted my spirits: Gardening could be the hobby that helps you live to 100!

I explored further about the Blue Zones lifestyle. And, learned more about Power 9.

I’m feeling positive and hopeful again! I can do this!

Oh, and I carefully picked from the remaining library books I have checked out (all due back January 22nd) what appears to be a charming, helpful, fun book! Stay tuned!

Library Book - A Review

https://www.amazon.com/Gardening-Lifetime-Garden-Wiser-Older/dp/1604692669/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547510053&sr=8-1&keywords=gardening+for+a+lifetime

Gardening for a Lifetime: How to Garden Wiser as You Grow Older, by Sydney Eddison, 2010, Timber Press, Inc.

This book was not what I thought. A very well written book over a period of time, however, the author takes the reader through how she downsized her garden, especially after her husband’s death. It has left me sad inside. I’m sure it will take me a while to shake off this feeling.

But, because of reading through it, I know not to ever plant daylilies. (It’s on the “toxic” to chickens list anyway.)

In her last chapter she quotes Violinist Itzhak Perlman: “You know, sometimes it is the artist’s task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left.”

Then adds in her own words:

Making the most of what you have left is also the older gardener’s task. How beautiful can you make your garden with the resources you still have at your command?

With me starting what I’m calling the West Yard Project at 65 6/12 years young, I will take her “gleanings” i.e. lessons learned to heart that she offered at the end of each chapter. And, I totally agree with her suggestion about making to-do lists for the garden’s maintenance and care needs.

If I were not so committed to doing this garden after all these years of wanting, this book would have certainly caused me to take a step back and ask myself, Really?

Library Book - A Review

https://www.amazon.com/001-Old-Time-Household-Hints-Timeless/dp/1616081759/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547507042&sr=8-1&keywords=1001+old-time+household+hints

1,001 Old-Time Household Hints: Timeless Bits of Household Wisdom for Today's Home and Garden by the Editors of Yankee Magazine, 2011, Skyhorse Publishing

I love reading through books like this. It reminds me of listening to my grandmothers, and my Daddy. I envision what their life was like before all the power tools and conveniences modern day brings. I appreciate the editors who scoured the old books and complied tidbits from the “Greatest Generation” and before, some written as far back as the 1700's!

I never planned on reading it word-for-word, just scan through until something caught my eye.
Oh. My....

I stopped cold at the Window Washer’s Secret! I hate washing windows because they never ever are sparkling the first time around. I do use a squeegee and it helps, but-

This trick, from Short Cuts to Better Housekeeping (1949), was a duh moment for me... on inside of the window use horizontal strokes and on the outside use vertical strokes. That way, I can tell whether the dried streaks are on the inside or outside! How simple is that!?! And, a good point, a modern day window washer, Kim Carpenter, recommends washing windows in the evening, the shade, or on a cloudy day as the sun can cause the glass to dry too quickly.

Then, as a reminder because I’ve done this before - use automobile chrome polish and a cotton rag (such as a T-shirt) to clean/shine chrome or nickel plating fixtures around the sinks!

Oh, and I never thought of using a soft-bristled toothbrush, sprayed with furniture polish, to dust into small cracks, nooks, and corners of furniture!

I hate to throw away an old garden hose! From either the book 380 Things to Make for Farm and Home (1941) or 500 More Things to Make for Farm and Home (1944) a couple of ideas caught my attention...

    To prevent bruising the bottom of your foot when you use a shovel, pad the top edge of the blade with a short length of hose. Cut the hose to the appropriate length to slip over the top of the shovel blade, on the side where you normally push with your foot.
   
    Pad the wire handle of a pail with hose. Most buckets now come with a plastic sleeve around the wire, but these break and sometimes are difficult to grip easily.

Of course, in Part Three... An Old-Time Gardener’s Guide... I paid closer attention to what they shared.

I won’t go into detail what they relayed from The Expert Gardener (1640), the directives as to what and when to plant by the moon. A good rule of thumb for me to remember however: “

When the moon is waxing, plant crops that bear above the ground; when the moon is waning, plant root crops.

Okay, I’m just going to copy verbatim the In Sync with the Stars...

Zodiac signs fall into four categories:
    water (Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio)
    earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn)
    air (Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra)
    fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius)

    Plant leafy and aboveground crops when the moon passes through the water signs;
    plant root crops as it moves through the earth signs

    When the moon is in the air and fire signs, don’t plant.
    Instead, spend your time weeding and harvesting.

    A couple of exceptions to the rules:
         You can plant herbs in Libra, and the fire signs are considered good for sowing see crops such as grains and beans (for drying).

Oh, and in Grow Comfrey for Your Compost they write “a healing herb cultivated as far back as 400 B.C.” (emphasis mine!) It must be something worthwhile indeed!

Sage advice from Grandpa Harper (Harry Harper, Eden, New York, perennial gardener from the 1940s until 1965):

... think about things from the plant’s point of view and to notice their needs.

I never thought to even consider: heed growth warning of perennials! This is a good thing as I don’t want any of one thing to take over. I know I must take precautions with the comfrey, but I have the perfect spot planned - far far away from the “regular” garden.

Several times while scanning the pages of this book on the kindle, I would come across a word or phrase that would catch my attention. Stumpery is a good example! I had no clue there was a name (and has been done since the 1800s) that I did last year when we cut down “Mr. Mesquite” and simply left some huge logs in the rosemary bed where they dropped! Now I know what to call this area, it’s a Stumpery!

A fun read (scan through) indeed!

 

Library Book - A Review

Oh My Goodness

Handmade for the Garden: 75 Ingenious Ways to Enhance Your Outdoor Space with DIY Tools, Pots, Supports, Embellishments, and More, by Susan Guagliumi, published in 2014 by Stewart, Tabori & Chang.

The day I checked out 12 ebooks from the library, this book wasn’t immediately available so I placed it on hold. It was only a few days later I received notification it was loaned out to me! Honestly, at first glance I thought it was going to be all about “Yard Art” - I love creating yard art - but it’s so much more!

It is a fun informative book with nice photos and illustrations! I’m a visual learner, making this aspect a great feature. She shares what has worked for her, and what didn’t (and the why),  when it comes to making functional garden tools, supplies, and treatments for and in the garden.

I never thought about making my own seed tape!
I never thought about creating a “mini” hothouse!
I never thought about simply anchoring milk jugs when using them as a cloches!
I never thought about how easy a Hoop House could be to make!
I never thought about making a dibble!

And all the above (and more) is in just the first chapter!

She’s just started!

Although potted (container) plants take more watering, I loved the fabric pot concept, and the wall pockets, and will have to make some! I’m thrilled I saved all the burlap...

Seriously, who would have thought about making a plant container/pot out of a soaker hose? BRILLIANT!

Right now, I will just make a note her Chapter 3 is about Mosaics. Although beautiful, I just don’t have the time this year. This book will be my go-to if/when time permits.

Now, Chapter 4 is on Cement & Hypertufa! I’d never heard of hypertufa until this book... gardening has a whole other language I’m slowly learning! I’ve never bought any pots other than terra cotta. I know, I’ve lived a sheltered life. No, not really, just never have gotten this “deep” into gardening before!

I’m excited about working with cement and creating it and hypertufa projects! She even recommends doing a web search for “... ideas, recipes, and inspiration.” But then her explanation how to cast leaves is perfect for the upcoming Fairie Garden, not to mention her Fairy house itself!!!

So, mental note to self... this is the go-to chapter for tips, supplies, techniques!

I know with our high winds I’m going to need various supports in the garden. I like the natural look and Chapter 5, Standing Tall, has clever ways/materials for single supports, tripods, and tuteurs.

I’m excited about the same type of suggestions and instructions she gives in Chapter 6, Rustic Trellises, Fences, Arbors & Box Supports. We may not have white cedar or willow she talks about, but our neighbor has a lot of the invasive bamboo I’m certain he’ll be happy to part with!

Off-Season, Chapter 7's Project & Planning is a good reminder to keep good records of what went where.

I’m most grateful Momma kept a journal of sorts about her rose garden! The actual plant markers were lost on some, but I remembered seeing the garden diagram in one of her favorite garden book. When I went to dig up her roses in Dallas when we sold the house, to bring them here, to The Sprott Country Gardens, I was forever grateful to find that special book! I was able to identify which ones were which!  

I need to do the same.

She talks about time-saving tools. I’m already looking around (here and off property) of what I can repurpose to use in the garden. I am training my eye to see things outside the box.

Oh, but then in this final chapter, it was the clincher, the last straw that made me go over to Amazon and purchase this book: creating markers. It’s an Oh My Goodness how clever this is and that is ...

The money I will save utilizing materials I never considered using as plant markers (and I HAVE on hand) just paid for this (used) book! 

Yes. Basically all the different suggestions shown in the book are probably on Pinterest. If I even thought of them to look up, but I get much too distracted by other things and cannot keep focused! I’d rather have a reference book in hand.

I was also impressed by the thorough list of websites “Sources for Supplies” she provided at the end of the book. It too is divided into convenient sections -

cement/hypertufa and mosaic
fabric, cord, and paper goods
metal and wire
natural materials
paint, stencils, and stamps
miscellaneous tools and supplies

She also offers a nice list of Recommended Reading!

Thank You!

Yes. This is a keeper.


NOTE TO SELF: Find the roll of 1" wide heavyweight copper originally purchased for making custom cookie cutters and repurpose its purpose to engrave for plant markers! It’s somewhere around here, I know it is!