April Garden Talk

Well, here at the beach this month, it was ALLLL about the lawn, folks! The warm weather is here to stay (except, it's supposed to get down in the 40's tonight -*shiver*), and the Mister has mowed the yard twice already. Remember, if you have St. Augustine grass, it should remain about 2 - 3 1/2" long (Bahia should be about 3-4"); grass mowed too low will have a shorter root system, and therefore more easily damaged during dry weather and, being weaker, will more likely have weed problems.

And, whether you used sod, plugs, or seedlings, this was the month to repair dead or damaged areas of the lawn. Remember to keep it well-watered if the weather by you has been dry. If you're establishing a new lawn, water frequently, but lightly, for the first two weeks. Then, gradually decrease the frequency and increase the length of irrigation.

IF the weather is dry, water your lawn with 1/2 in. of water, no more than twice a week. Water ONLY when the blades fold, and water early in the morning before temperatures rise. If the blades fold in the afternoon, water the next morning.

Recycling your grass clippings back into the lawn. Grass clipping won't cause thatch to build up if only 1/3 of the grass top is removed when mowing. Besides, removing the clippings carries off any fertilizer that is used on the lawn. Remember, too, that almost ALL yard waste can be used as mulch or compost.

Now is also the time to divide any fall flowering bulbs or perennials that are overcrowded. Some fruits & veggies to plant in your garden this month; cantaloupe, cucumbers, eggplant, tomatoes, turnips and watermelon. Some pretty annuals for the month; coleus, dusty miller, hollyhocks, impatiens, daisies, marigolds, periwinkles, salvia, and verbenas.


Happy Planting!!

March Garden Talk

WoW! Here we are at the tail-end of March already, and our little cottage garden is nowhere near the shape it should be in! Well, I *did* get out at de-weed my fruit trees, and fertilized them all just yesterday; as that task should have been completed last month, we're adhering to the motto of "better late than never". We tried a new product this season - "Sta-Green" fertilizer for citrus, fruit & nut trees. My fig tree produces ample fruit every year, but in the two years we've had them, not one of my citrus trees have bared fruit. We shall see if perhaps a direct delivery of nutrients will change that.

If you have St. Augustine grass (like we do), now is also the time to begin fertilizing your lawn, as well, which should be done four times a year (March, May, July and September). This is assuming that you've already raked all the dead grass & leaves into the compost pile. Again, tho, here at the cottage...well, we're a bit behind schedule on that front!

If you have palm trees, now's the time to fertilize them, as well, begining in March, and continuing every two months through September.

Heavy pruning of hedges should be done this month. To encourage bushy growth, prune just prior to the bud swell. To slow growth, prune just after bud swell, and after the leaves have fully expanded. Any cold-weather damaged plants should be pruned AFTER new growth appears (if you prune too soon, you can nremove too much and it will take longer for the plant to recover).

Do you have poinsettias from the holiday season, still? Now, until early-April is the best time to get those incorporated into your landscape. Cut them back to about 12" of ground-level, and pinch back the new growth every four weeks until September; Plant away from any lighting that will be on at night. Fertilize every month from May until September.

And, if you've turned your beds at least two weeks in advance (again...I've dropped the ball on this one, but, I'll get to it before the month is out, I guarantee!!), now is the time to start planting those tender annuals and vegetables!! Some of the veggies to plant this month: snap beans, lima beans, carrots, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, potatoes, summer squash,and tomatoes. Some favorite annuals to plant: begonias, coleus, dahlias, geranuims, impatiens, daisies, marigolds, salvia, periwinkles, and zinnias.


Happy Gardening!!

Fruits of Labor (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Today is Tuesday! And, that means, time for a tackle;



This week, my tackle is an easy one, but one that should have been completed last month! Today, warm weather permitting, I am going to de-weed under my fruit trees (orange, lemon, lime and fig) and get them fertilized for the coming warm weather. We've purchased "Sta-Green" fertilizer spikes, which are supposed to feed continuously for six months. My fig tree is already sprouting buds (its one of the few plants in the yard that actuallly looses its foliage in the winter, here), so its definately time for feeding!

Perhaps I will get my veggie garden turned and tilled this week, too...another yard job that has been put off long enough - time to tackle it!!

So...what are *YOU* tackling this week? Be sure to check out 5 minutes for mom, and see what everyone is working on this week; always a good source of inspiration....

pantry reorganized/restocked

Well...I actually *did* clean out the pantry, recently - see!:

(sorry about the crappy pics, but get used to them! - the new camera isn't compatible with this useless piece of ...older model computer of ours!)

Anyway...that is, I am ashamed to admit, all food that I had to throw away, as some of those cans were dated 2006!! But, now I have alll the soups with the soups, and all the spices with the spices, jars over there, and boxes over here, and everybody is happier for it!! Now, my pantry looks more like this:



I realize its hard to tell, but it really *does* look much better in there!(Much more efficient now, too, I must say!)

February Garden Talk

It was a beautiful weekend here at the beach, and we took the opportunity to transplant our camillia bushes to the southwest side of the property. All transplanting here should be done by mid-Feb., so the plants have enough of a root system established by spring to absorb the water demanded by the top of the plant.

Now is also the time for my most dreaded of all yardwork: raking. Its time to put all the leaves and grass clippings in a pile, ready for compost and/or yard-waste pick up. (With 15 mature water oaks on the property, trust me, we have enough leaves for both!!)


Begin preparation for the spring garden this month, as well; spade/till the area at least two weeks before planting seeds in order for grass and weeds to have time to decompose. Vegetables that can be planted this month include brocolli, cabbage, lettuce, potatoes, radishes and turnips. Annuals to plant; baby's breath, dusty miller, daisies, petunias, snapdragons.

Stuffed Shelves (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Well, I've put it off since before the holidays - thus, making it just *that* much worse - and now it is NECCESSARY for this Tackle-it Tuesday project to be a clean out of the kitchen pantry...
(I'm kind of glad that I only can share B4 photos with this sad little phone cam! Plus, I live in somewhat of a 'cave', so the pics are a bit dark)




Plus, that's really only two of the five shelves that need an overhaul..As you can see, things are just stuffed in there any-'ol-where one could find room. I gotta do this, this week, as we have nowhere left to "stuff". I hope to have some "after" pics sometime tommorrow, if all goes well - wish me luck!

What do *you* have to TACKLE this week?

The camellias are in bloom

These well-lived evergreen shrubs, often blooming in the cooler temperatures - usually between October and March - are the ONLY things bringing any color to my garden today.

Blooms on camellias usually range from pure white to dark red and everything in between, and are well suited to the partial shade conditions here on the property. We currently have two bushes, of different verieties; ‘Polar Ice’, pictured here, which produces 3" flowers, and will eventually grow to about 6-8 ft. tall (if I'm lucky!) and I believe, 'Pink Perfection’, which produces bright pink blooms with a yellow center. It, however, bloomed earlier in the fall, and is adding only its dark green, glossy leaves to the winter landscape.

Camellias are best transplanted from November to February so the roots can become established before the summer heat. Plants should be spaced at least 5 ft. apart, and at the same depth as they are in the container. I guess you know what *I'll* be working on in the garden, this upcoming month!

Balancing Act (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Well, it's Tuesday, and the tackle for today is: the paperwork drill; time to balance the 'ol checkbook, pay some bills...

There was a small snafu at the bank regarding the Mr's payroll deposit last week, but it seems that's all been corrected now, so I need to adjust the records on our end...

Obviously, I hope to accomplish some other tasks today, as well, like tidying up the kitchen, making the bed...maybe sweep these floors and clean the bathroom... (aww, who am I kiddin'?! I'm on my second pot of coffee and I'm not even dressed yet!....)

So...What are *you* tackling this week? Be sure to stop over at 5 minutes for mom to see what every one is accomplishing - maybe just the motivation you need to complete that task you've been putting off!


~May all YOUR tackles be productive ones! ~

Some Garden Talk

Well, the new year is upon us, and the weather is here, folks! We've been experiencing above average temps here at the beach, after a week of cold nights and light freezes and now it looks as if this weekend will offer some early yard-working opportunities.

It's time for us to plant those spring flowering bulbs (if you live here in N.Fl./ S.Ga., you should have had them chilled in the fridge for the past 8 weeks) and transplant any plants you want moved for the upcoming spring. Now is also the time to plant your balled and burlap-wrapped plants and trees. Remember that water is the difference between a successful transplant and a failed one; make sure to keep the plant moist, but not wet. And, don't prune them, except to remove dead or diseased areas. In fact, you should avoid pruning any spring-blooming plants, such as azaleas or redbuds, and only prune dormant shade and fruit trees. I don't grow roses, but I'm told that they can be pruned in late January, as well.

Some of the annuals that can be planted now are carnations, delphiniums, foxgloves, pansies, petunias, and snapdragons.
If you want to plant peppers and tomatoes in March, you should plant your seeds indoors, now, as it takes 4 to 5 weeks to grow small transplants. Veggies to plant now include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, mustard, potatoes, radishes and turnips.

Start This, Finish That (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Well, its my first Tackle-it Tuesday of the new year, and all I am tackling this week is a hodge-podge of odds-and-ends that I've neglected to complete before now! I still have yet to get myself back into any semblence of a routine so, with that in mind, my tackling plans for the day are as follows;

~ Finish up the laundry that wasn't completed yesterday (towels, sheets, etc.)
~ Take all potted porch/yard plants back outside (we had freezing temps thru the prev. week, but it seems the sunshine has returned to the beach)
~ containerize/freeze the remaining chili from Sunday nite. (As I said - it was *cold* outside!)
~ Clean off the sideboard in the dining room (our 'hot-spot')
~ Place a Snapfish order (pics to complete kitchen calendar)
~ change the kitty litter (ugh!)

...And, I think that will be enough to occupy my time, while I try to decide on what to make for dinner tonight...what will you be tackling today? Be sure to check out 5 Minutes for Mom, and join the fun - go on; ya know ya want to!

Curbing a cough (WFMW)

Lately, I’ve been battling a sore throat, a remnant of that lingering cold I’d been dealing with. I’m not much for taking meds, so I tend to lean towards more natural remedies, or something that is easily accessible.

With that in mind, I’ve found that taking a teaspoon of honey just before bed can help ease the discomfort of a sore throat, and suppress that urge to cough (and cough, and cough.). Dissolving 1 Tblsp. Honey and 1 Tblsp. Lemon juice in warm water and sipping that, can also help to suppress a cough from a cold. Plus, its good FOR you, as honey is composed primarily of carbohydrates and water, but it also contains a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. (Just remember, honey should NOT be given to children under 2 years of age)

Hey – it works for me!

(What works for *you*??)

piled high (Tackle-it Tuesday)

This week's Tackle-it Tuesday is an easy yet dreaded one for me: Laundry.
This is one of my least favorite chores around the house, and having been 'under the weather' for(ever) weeks, I had let it get a bit out of control. So...today is the day for catching up with it, and since its a beautiful 78 degrees outside, the clothes are getting line dried in December!! (Gotta luv winter in Florida!) No photos this week because (1) I am *not* posting pics of my dirty laundry, and (2) even if I *would*, I can't, as I'm still having camera difficulties...maybe next time.

Thanks for droppin' in - now, go Tackle something!!

WFMW: "What do I fix?" edition

This week, Shannon over at Rocks In My Dryer has a themed edition for Works-for-me Wednesday, and has asked everyone to contribute their quick-and-easy, go-to meals that they keep on hand ...

Well, since that pretty much is the definition of my day-to-day cooking - quick, easy, tasty - I wanted to share a few of my favorites ;



Oven-baked pork chops

4 pork chops
1 envelope onion soup mix
1/3 c. bread crumbs
1 egg

Combine soup mix & bread crumbs in a shallow dish
Dip chops, first into the egg, then into crumb mixture
Place on cookie sheet; bake @ 400* for 20 minutes

Easy Enchiladas

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. chopped onions
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes & chilis
shredded cheddar cheese
tortillas (6)

Brown ground beef & onions; drain
Add soup and Ro-Tel; heat until hot (5 min??)
Spoon meat mixture into tortillas & roll; place in baking dish
Top with remaining meat mixture & cheese
Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes @ 350*

Swiss Chicken

3-4 pcs. boneless/skinless chicken
1 can of cream of mushroom soup (can use cream of chicken or cream of brocolli)
1/2 c. milk (I sometimes instead add a can of Ro-Tel, but omit the milk - this gives it more of a "kick")
3-4 slices of swiss cheese
1/2 c. bread crumbs

Place chicken pieces in baking dish
Mix milk & soup and pour over chicken
Place cheese slices over the top (be sure cheese covers entire dish); sprinkle with bread crumbs
Bake at 350* for 45-50 minutes.

Spicy Shrimp

1 tblsp. butter
1 lb. shrimp (peeled/deveined)
1/4 c. green peppers, chopped
1/4 c. green onions, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
cayenne pepper, to taste
paprika, to taste

(serve over rice)

Heat butter in skillet; add pepper & onion and cook until tender.
Add shrimp and cook 5 minutes more (until shrimp is pink/cooked)
Add soup, water (as soup dictates) and cayenne pepper & heat through.
Top with paprika.




mmmm....or, you could do what we will here in paradise tonite, and just throw a couple steaks, some zucchini and tomatoes on the grill, and call THAT dinner!!

So....what do *you* fix?? Hop on over to Rocks In My Dryer and share it there!

Easy Holiday Favorites (WFMW)

Okay, so tommorrow's the big feasting day (Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!) so for *my* works-for-me Wednesday post, I want to share an oh-so-easy recipe for cranberry sauce. Well...its not so much a *recipe* as it is *instructions* ...but, I promise, if you try this once, you will never want cranberries-in-a-can ever again!!

(Grandma's homemade cranberry sauce)
First, rinse your cranberries; remove any that are bruised or rotten.
Pour the cranberries in a pot, and add 1 cup of sugar for every bag of berries (I usually do 2 bags: 1 3/4 c. sugar, but I like mine a bit tart)
Add just enough water to cover the berries, then simmer on stovetop until berries "pop" (about 40 minutes??) *this is a good time to "taste", and add more sugar, if desired, just be sure it all disolves.; remove from heat and "mash" with a potato-masher (leave it 'chucky' tho; you don't want "jelly") and allow to cool; berries will thicken.
Add 1 cup chopped walnuts (or not!) and one can mandarin oranges, drained. (again, you can omit these as well, but I highly recommend them.). Transfer to bowl, Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Oh....and one more of my favorite quick-and-easy and oh! So good! holiday favorites:

(Grandma's Sunshine Salad)
Combine 1 med. size can of (drained) pineapple chunks, 2 small cans (drained) mandarin orange slices,1/2 jar (5oz.) maraschino cherries (drained & halved), 2 cups mini marshmellows, 1/2 cup crushed walnuts, 1/2 cup shredded coconut and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate several hours before serving.

mmmm...these recipes "work for me"; go on over to Rocks in my Dryer for lots of other great ideas & tips...see what works for YOU!!

Have a great holiday weekend, everyone!!

...Or, not (Tackle-it Tuesday)

Man! I feel like such a slacker!! Here it is, only my second week of participation, and already I'm "behind" (ahh...such is my life) This week's "tackle" was supposed to be my kitchen pantry, but I've been feeling so crappy all week, I didn't feel up to taking that project on....

I'm lucky that my tackles included doing supper dishes, and making the bed. Until I shake this cold, I'm afraid that's all the effort I'm willing to expend.
Rest assured, tho, the pantry's day-of-reckoning is on the near horizon...maybe this week?

So...what are *you* tackling this week?

Be sure to stop by 5 minutes for mom, and see what all the other TTer's are tackling, too!!

May all your tackles be productive ones.....

Still tackling...

Wanna see my new plasticware storage drawer? :

(cut me some slack on the pic; its from the phone, remember?!)

Stand-by; I believe next week's "Tackle-it Tuesday" will be all about the kitchen pantry...

Jumping in! (Tackle-It-Tuesday)

I've been reading 5 Minutes for Mom's "Tackle-it Tuesday" for quite some time, and with the new year upon us (Blessed Samhain to you all!), I thought this would be a good time to jump on in & participate my own self! I'm hoping that by posting 'regular' updates here I can generate the added motivation that I need to get'er done. So, without further adeiu;




My first tackle, while rather small, was my kitchen catch-all drawers - well, ALL (7) of my kitchen drawers, really, but that was the worst of them. I also removed all of our plasticware from the pantry shelf (I was tired of them all falling on my head when I went to retrieve one!)and put that all in the bottom drawer, which is *much* better!!

(before)

(after)
I DO have before/after pics, but unfortunately, I will have to add them here later today, as they are on my cell phone (remember, Murphy-mouth ate my camera? Well, we have replaced it, however the USB cord wasn't included, so I've had to order one from the manufacturer) and right now, I don't have the minutes to download them!...If it ain't one thing, its another, huh?! (pics added 11/07)

ANYWAY.....We also (finally!!) purchased new hardware for the kitchen cabinets as well - and the pantry door - which I plan to "tackle" today, and I will post those pics, too. (I DID, in fact, add the new pulls in the kitchen, but I can't get a pic to show them at all! Maybe another time)

...In the meantime, I hope all *YOUR* tackles are productive!

An uncracked stovetop

We finally replaced our flattop range! We had been living with ours having a huge crack straight through one of the burners (how that crack GOT there is a story I'll forego here, as I try not to say mean & nasty things about the mister when he's not around for me to rage on in person!), because trying to replace just the glass top was almost just as expensive as relacing the whole kit-and-kabootle...so, the cheap thrifty sort of folks that we are, we drug our feet procrastinated shopped around until we found a good deal...

Not only did we get a flattop range, but we also replaced our top-freezer fridge with a side-by-side. As you can see, (BTW, pls excuse the photo image, as Murphy jaws-of-steel ATE our digital, so the only 'camera' I have currently is my phone!)
The stove is black and the fridge is white, so they don't neccessarily "match", but that really doesn't bother me, so I'm okay with that.
Now, the thing is to get the fridge from the dining room into the kitchen, where it belongs!

A touch of color

The only thing currently 'blooming' in our yard

WFMW: Backwards Edition

This week, they're doin' things a little different at Rocks In My Dryer, and today's Works for Me Wednesday is giving the participants a chance to ask "what works for YOU?", in hopes that we can perhaps get some solutions for our own pesky little problems around the house.

So...my first question posed to all of you is: Where do you store your bread??

I have a rather small galley kitchen, which gives me very little cabinet and counterspace, so a breadbox takes up too much prime real estate, and I don't like to store my bread in the fridge, because...well, because I don't like cold, hard bread. Currently, the breadbox is stored in the pantry, but again, the space it takes could be better utilized for canned & dry goods. So, tell me; Where do you keep *your* bread??

Another conundrum here in paradise: Where do you keep the pet supplies, specifically, leads, toys and treats? The leads currently hang from a hook next to the kitchen door (where we take them outside), and that's acceptable for me, but what about the balls, and bones, and socks, and stuff?? What's the best way to keep them accessible to the hounds, but not strung all over every floor in the house? Is that even possible, or am I a dreamer?? What about treats?? How and where do you store them?

Please do leave me any comments, tips, or distractions that address these problems for you...and while you're at it, why not post a question of your own...who knows? You just might get a solution!!