Crafty Goodness

DIY Tutorial - Seed Bombs

Create a batch of seed bombs for friends and gifts with this awesome tutorial by Mademoiselle Chaos

DIY Tutorial - Garden Art Leaf Sculpture

I've come across a few tutorials for these awesome little stones. This has been on my to try list for quite some time, along with some concrete planters. Hopefully, one weekend this summer I'll get a chance to try it out.

You'll need to find some pretty big leaves though. I don't think I have anything quite this big growing near me. A nature walk is in order I think.  I do have some wild rhubarb that stubbornly likes to grow in my stone path. I don't let them get that big though! ;-)

From GardenMama

Veggie Garden planting time

Last weekend, I spent three full days weeding and cleaning up my front garden. As is typical of me, I always grossly underestimate the amount of time it takes to maintain these garden projects of mine. Years ago, when we first moved in to our new home - I decided to rip up the front lawn and plant a cottage garden with a winding stone path to the backyard. The first shocker came as I went to purchase all of the plants to fill this massive garden. Let's just say it's still not completely full. I have tried (and dismally failed) planting from seed. None of my seedlings ever survive, even with a fancy grow light system.  One day I'll get the hang of it. :-)

I was a little smarter with the veggie patch. This weekend, I'll be cleaning up my very small veggie patch and planting a few heirloom tomatoes, some cucumber, peppers, and a single watermelon plant. The herbs, and lettuce will go in various pots. While I would love to have a huge veggie garden to supply us with food for at least the season - finding the time to keep it weeded/watered takes far mor time than I can give it.

I'll be sure to post some pics of the garden once I've got it done. Let's hope for a nice sunny weekend - with no rain. I'm starting to feel a little soggy with all of the rain we've had.

I love this idea for lettuce:

 

                                                             Source: planetaki.com via Marta on Pinterest

 

Or this - All in one pot!

 

                                                                    Source: sunset.com via Jenna on Pinterest

 

 

Sustainabilty and bathtub gardening

For quite some time now, my husband and I have become increasingly enamored with the idea of living a more sustainable lifestyle. Our postage stamp sized backyard prevents us from growing a large crop of vegetables. And somehow, even if chickens were allowed (which I don't think they are) - I'm sure my neighbours wouldn't be appreciative.  While we would love to pack everything up, and move to a small farm out in the country somewhere. Our current jobs need to keep us fairly close to the city.

 

I've rounded up a series of links for you today for those of you would like to make your urban/suburban tiny backyard a source of a good portion of your families veggies for the summer.

 

Mike Lieberman of Urban Organic Gardener shares how to make a self watering container system.

Earth First discusses community gardens, raised beads, and container gardening. You really can make a raised bed out of just about anything!

And some Images to inspire you...

 

 

and one more bathtub - just cuz ;-)

 

I'm now off to tame my garden - it's the first nice weekend we've had. I'll take advantage of the nice weather while I can.

Gardening Idea

I love the idea of using unusual materials/objects as garden planters. Gor the urban gardener with little green space, something like this is just perfect. You can easily find these at thrift stores and garage sales for cheap! Source - Modish