Four years ago we built a patio and pergola in our backyard to act as the central gathering space in the garden. It’s time for an update on those projects and to share some lessons learned. What comes to mind first is finishing the patio in 97 degree heat. Wish I could go back in time to say “Damn girl, take it easy! Finish it
Archives for 2012
It Takes a Village
We feel honored that our homestead is going to be featured in Country Gardens magazine! They are doing a story on our homesteading journey for an upcoming issue and had a lovely photo shoot in the garden with us yesterday. It was challenging to get the garden “picture perfect” while juggling baby Juniper, so it was time to call in help from some friends. Prior
Battling Aphids
Aphids suck – literally. These pesky garden pests will poke their mouths into your beloved plants and suck out their liquid. It weakens the plant and reduces your harvest – not to mention the unsightly appearance a massive, black mound of aphids can be on your plants. What can be done on the organic homestead to remedy the problem? The answer: lots! To prevent aphids
Apricot Tart
Apricots are little fruit jewels of the home orchard. They only last a day or two once picked, which is why you rarely see either apricots (or figs) fresh in the store. Their sweet, delicate flavor earned them a spot in our garden in the hopes that we could enjoy these treasures at their height of ripeness. Unfortunately, in the Pacific NW it is really
Planting Fall & Winter Crops
It is difficult to think about fall and winter crops when the tomatoes are just starting to ripen on the vine. Alas, that is the life of an urban farmer – always looking ahead to the coming season. It’s time to start plugging seeds in here and there to make sure we have good food to harvest through winter. There are some tricks to working
4th of July
It’s a family tradition on my husband’s side for everyone to gather together for the 4th of July in Oklahoma. We squeeze into the log cabin on the banks of Lake Eufala for some major relaxation. The post oak and pecan forest shade us from the 100+ degree heat while we sip iced tea. We have one mandatory task prior to arriving at the cabin:
How to Hard Boil Fresh Eggs
Four ducks and three chickens makes for a constantly full egg basket. We use them in baked goods or cook them into savory frittatas, scrambles and tortillas. Hard-boiling the eggs is one method we often don’t use though. Fresh eggs will stick to the shells once boiled. When you go to peel the shell, the whites peel off as well. It wastes eggs and makes
Backyard for Entertaining
We all dream of having the garden where you can do it all: relax and retreat, entertain friends, grow some veggies, and the list goes on. But it’s a real challenge to do it all in one small urban lot. The garden I am sharing with you is a great example of how a well-planned space can accomplish your long must-have list. It sure doesn’t
June in Review
June was the first month that I finally felt like our homestead was back in full swing after being away for a couple years. With Juniper clinging in my arms, we would walk the garden to harvest and tend our little slice of heaven. Several delicious veggies filled our plates at mealtime including kale, chard, spinach, lettuces, and piles and piles of artichokes. When Jay
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