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Category Archives: Gardening
I grew up loving the movie Gone with the Wind. I named my pet bunny after the character, Ashley. I quoted the lines constantly and I read the book over and over again. It’s in those pages that I was first introduced to the herb, lemon verbena. In the book, Ellen O’Hara (Scarlett O’Hara’s mother) loved the fragrance of this herb. And Scarlett always remembered her mother by this scent. As an adult with my own herb garden, lemon verbena … continued…
Now is a good time to start thinking ahead for summer produce. The best option is to grow your own but if that isn’t possible or if you don’t have the space to grow everything then start checking out local resources. Eating produce seasonally and locally is so much better for your health and your community. The produce at the grocery store has traveled an average of 1,500 miles to reach you. That means it could have been picked too … continued…
It’s April and many of you aren’t even thinking about hummingbirds. In fact, your gardens probably aren’t up and growing yet. But while our spring thoughts are just beginning, hummingbirds are already migrating north and will be arriving at your house any day. But, let me back up and start with the basics. I live in the Midwest, so Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are the species I see. (Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are beautiful with a metallic type of green on their backs and … continued…
Every year I like to start a few of my plants from seeds; it’s rewarding, it gives me a jump on the season and my kids think it’s cool to watch the little plants grow. But, one thing it can be; is expensive. Yes. I know lots of people talk about seed starting being inexpensive. But, once you buy the pots (sometimes in varying sizes), soil, seeds, lights and other odds and ends, you can rack up quite a bill. … continued…
Did your favorite blog post make this list? If not, please share the link in the comments section below. Top New Recipes: 1. Laura’s Lean Beef One Skillet Meal http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/blog/lauras-lean-beef-one-skillet-meal/ 2. Slow cooker Italian Beef With Porcini Mushrooms http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/blog/slow-cooker-italian-beef/ 3. Oktoberfest Laura’s Lean Beef Beer Stew http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/blog/oktoberfest-lauras-lean-beef-beer-stew/ 4. Hobo “Stew” http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/blog/hobo-stew/ 5. Baked Cheeseburgers http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/blog/lauras-lean-beef-baked-cheeseburger/ 6. Spaghetti and Meatball “Muffins” http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/blog/lauras-lean-beef-spaghetti-and-meatball-muffins/ 7. Cottage Pie with Sweet Potato Topping http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/blog/cottage-pie-with-sweet-potato-topping/ 8. Triple Decker Meatloaf http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/blog/triple-decker-meatloaf/ 9. Fat Tuesday Jambalaya http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/blog/fat-tuesday-jambalaya/ … continued…
Whenever I think of Thanksgiving, I think of Sage, the classic Thanksgiving turkey seasoning. This is probably the homiest of the herbs. Its warm aroma is comforting and classic. In fact, you can crush a few leaves and boil them in water on your stove to let the fragrance drift through your house before holiday guests arrive. Culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) is the plant that’s familiar to most. Culinary sage has gray-green leaves and purple flowers that are beautiful in … continued…
Now that summer’s heating up, my herb garden is in full swing. Some herbs have already flowered and others are just starting to bloom. Many of my herbs have grown so big that it’s time for them to have a generous haircut; others just need to have a light trimming. My kids love to help me trim my herbs; after all there are so many great smells and tastes, it’s an irresistible task. We usually trim my herbs in the … continued…
I confess; I love herbs! There’s nothing I like better than to sit in my herb garden and smell all my wonderful plants. For me, herbs provide pleasure and practicality. I can use them in my kitchen, for crafting and to attract wildlife like hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow. They’re not fussy and usually you can just plant them and let Mother Nature take care of the rest. It’s best to try … continued…