Showing posts with label Gardening. Show all posts

Friday, June 9, 2023

Crazy Easy Patio Planter DIY! (It's a Super Affordable Upcycle, too!)

I love filling planters with flowers and scattering them around my patio this time of year - something about it makes it feel like a cozy decorated living room.

I position them in little clusters by the wicker chairs that surround our firepit, on the little outdoor table next to our patio swing, on the back steps - basically anywhere someone might notice them or relax for a while.

I had a bunch of them on my patio table where we sometimes have meals until recently, too. While I loved how they looked, it was a little tricky to have several of them there during meal times or when it got a bit windy. So I whipped up a cute little solution this week, and if you want a wildly fast, easy, and affordable patio DIY to tackle this weekend: I've got you.

Plus - you get to go thrifting so, wins all around.

First, do some shopping.

But this is the fun part. You'll need to make two stops, unless you've already got one or the other on hand! The first is a nursery or home improvement store - you'll need potting soil, and either some flowers or seed packets. And the second is a thrift store or garage sales, where you'll look for an old bundt pan with a center hole wide enough to fit your patio table's umbrella through it. I found several options when I went looking, and ended up deciding on one that I had no question would work size-wise, wasn't going to break (it's metal), and was reasonably affordable.

Here's mine:

Mine is obviously very simple, but you can use one that has more details or not - totally up to you!

Next, fill it with potting soil.

If you're using already bloomed flowers (like packs of annuals), fill the pan about halfway. If you're using seeds, fill it almost to the top.

I used flowers, so here's mine filled about halfway:

Now it's time to plant!

Go wild here - add in whatever you want to see growing on your table! I went with flowers simply because I'm too impatient to wait on the seeds in something that would just look like a cake pan full of dirt sitting on my table (haha), but use anything you like! Plant it like you would anything else - give everything their home, and add more soil where it's needed after everything is in place.

And finally, arrange it in its new home!

Give your new pretties some water, then center the opening of the bundt pan over the space where the umbrella slides through. Then carefully put your umbrella in place, going right through the center of your new planter! This was a bit tricky...it was hard to not crush any petals!

And that's it!

So cute, right?

So, you might be wondering - what about drainage?

And to that I say.....I do not know. lol You could drill some holes in the bottom of your pan (as long as it's not ceramic), but then it would drain dirty water all over your patio table every time you water. I'm honestly just crossing my fingers that these flowers don't mind long enough to last for a hot minute. And if they hate it? Well, then, maybe I'll get more. I'll let you know how this works out in the long run, haha.

Let me know if you try it, and show me how yours turns out if you do!

Here's a pin to remember this super simple project later on:

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

My Suburban Homestead: Welcome to The Crooked Apple

It's been quite a while since I've shared any details about The Crooked Apple. Such a long while, that you probably have no clue what I'm even talking about! So grab a cup of coffee, and settle into the history and beauty of our sweet suburban homestead: The Crooked Apple.

I wish I knew the actual history of our land - and I do have our deed, obviously, with some wildly aged records in it. While I could probably do some heavy digging, I didn't have time to before this post. (That will be fun to revisit!) But the house and the land as it exists today, were born in 1953. A decade before either of my parents.

Our history here didn't begin until 2010 - almost 60 years later.

We had just moved back with our toddler from Charlotte, NY to the Buffalo area and wanted to sneak our way into our dream school district in an starter home. This would be our second home - the one we knew our kids would spend their childhood years in, and we assumed we'd upgrade in a few years' time. I had my heart set on a specific elementary where I'd done field work while I was in school to be a teacher, and I was absolutely determined to have my kids attend school there someday (spoiler alert: my kids do not go there, haha).

When a house that was located on the same street as the school came up in our multiple searches, we always passed it up because of its kitchen. That's a story for another day, and something that we've since renovated, but we nearly skipped this place over entirely because of that.

One afternoon, we were touring another house that was for sale, and Matt suggested that we swing by and check this one out since we were close. I was hesitant, but they were having an open house and I did like the location, so I agreed. The kitchen was as horrible as we feared, but the view out the back door - well, it took our breath away!

There, right in the middle of a busy suburb, was a personal rural escape. We had our very own acre covered in trees and nature - it was gorgeous, and we immediately wanted our kids to grow up in such a beautiful environment. We put our offer on the place, deciding that you can fix a kitchen but you can't fix the size of your yard, and it felt like everything fell into place perfectly. (Except, you know, thanks to weird zoning lines my kids ended up in a different school than I'd thought, but it was for the better!)

Our first summer here, in 2010, we fit this house so well. It's gotten a bit tight with two extra kids and a dog, but I'm learning that it's kind of wonderful, actually. It forces us to simplify, be closer together, and spend more time outdoors, which are all things we value. It gets tough in the winter (and phew, don't get me started on what it was like during the pandemic and schooling at home!), but with all of this land and nature at our disposal, the warmer months are nothing short of magical.

Upon moving in, I was instantly desperate for gardens. It was too late in the season that year, so I decided to do some research to be prepared for the following year.

I started with a very old gardening book that I wish I could remember the name of now! I'd found it at the library and despite efforts to find it again, I've never been able to. This particular book had some really great quotes and tips from "the old days" that I've stored away through the years. One of the first tips was to find a prominent feature on your property to name your homestead after so people would recognize it. Our hilariously crooked apple tree was the obvious answer!

This little apple tree is a source of laughter for us (why is it SO crooked?!), but we really love it! It makes our property kind of quirky, and because of the way it leans, it's at a perfect height for little ones to climb and pick apples to eat (and they do every summer! at least until the bees move in and take ownership of the apples themselves), and also for all of the deer in our area to walk up and snack on it. There have been many sleepy mornings where we sit with our cup of coffee and watch the deer have their breakfast at the apple tree - usually full families with babies in tow. They've even appeared while we're in the back having an evening fire, and we love to sit and watch and take pictures.

The beauty on our property is limitless, and with each season I am once again in awe. There are so many times when I just sit among all of the beauty and thank whatever was in the stars that allowed us to end up here. Don't you just feel so at home when you're surrounded by trees, breeze, and singing birds?

But I haven't always been so wild about this place. And every January-March, I tend to get a little claustrophobic in our tight quarters. So we've gone through a lot of phases.

That old book I mentioned? It also had a quote about how loving on a smaller home is more fruitful and cozy than any large home could ever be. When I'd read it, I carried that around like a badge of honor. But as my kids grew into their elementary years and we were introduced to the types of homes their friends lived in - well, it was easy to feel inferior and embarrassed. I can't tell you how hard I worked to come to terms with this tiny little place, and vacillated between that and straight up hating it.

There are times when I am so, so frustrated with the lack of space and ease. We've tried to move several times, always into a kid-filled development with sidewalks and chatty neighbors, but it was never really what we wanted. We wanted it for the kids (still kind of do), but with all of them being tweens and teens at this point, it seems like a waste of time. In another 5-10 years, as they each fly the coop, a place like this is where Matt and I will want to be.

I can't say with any level of determination that my most recent change of heart is going to stick because that's just not the type of person I am. But, lately, I have a renewed passion for our home and a strong desire to turn it into an adorable cottage snuggled into a sweet suburban homestead.

Living more simply and intentionally brings me a lot of satisfaction and happiness. It's not the only thing I want to do, and I can't say it's what I want to do forever. Sipping on something tropical under some breezy palm trees certainly sounds satisfying, too. But reminding myself of the way I looked at this place when we first made it ours does a lot for my heart.

And, you know, maybe with steady practice and habits, I'll learn how to love this place more even when it isn't "amazing backyard season". As I check on my gardens, watch seeds sprout leaves, familiarize myself with the birds and wildlife that visit us day after day - I'm learning about the long-game. The things you can do in fall and winter and early spring that all lend themselves to a fruitful summer and fill your soul with contentment and beauty in the moment. That, in the end, is my goal.

Speaking specifically about the gardens on The Crooked Apple, they've had some big improvements this year.

We carved out a small kitchen herb garden and built a raised bed back in 2011 (with this guide), added a second in 2012, and rebuilt them with fresh wood just last year, in 2022.

This year, we moved our beds to a new location, and added two half-sized beds - one for a tea herb garden, one for cut flowers. We planted glass gem corn in the dirt left behind by the old beds, as well as some moonflowers and young rose of sharon shoots. The old herb garden still churns on, and we have little lovely pots of flowers scattered all over the yard.

The goal is to find some fencing to put around all of the raised beds, add a gate, create walkways between the beds inside the fence, and landscape around the outside of it. Kind of like this, but with raised beds of mostly veggies and herbs inside:

(source - not my photo!)

Gorgeous, right? Someday!!! Someday soon, I hope.

Lately, my feet are always dirty and there's often soil under my finger nails.....and I couldn't be happier. Maybe that's gross...Matt certainly picks on me for it. He'll say, "your feet are dirty again!" and I'll say, "Farm Girl Summer!" haha

We're not quite to farm status...not even micro-farm. But maybe someday.

Anyway, I have so much more to share about our homestead over time, but I wanted to start with documenting the history and evolution of our sweet Crooked Apple. Before I go, though, here's a few more photos of its beauty from over the years, including the gorgeous blooms from the apple tree itself:

Come back and visit us soon! :)

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

The Allure of Lilacs: A Blossoming Journey into the Enchanting World of Lilacs

In gardens around the globe, there exists a flower that transcends time - captivating hearts with its delicate petals and intoxicating scent.

This is the lilac - a beloved bloom that has bewitched generations with its ethereal beauty and nostalgic allure. They won me over as a child, and have had a hold on my heart ever since! From taking home fluffy blooms from my Great-Grandma's house, to one of my best friends bringing me bunches of lilacs to scent our locker with in high school, to growing my own lilac bush in my yard as an adult, lilacs have brought me so much happiness over the years.

But you know what I've never done before? Researched them. Beyond their beauty and smell, I've never dug into the incredible details of all things lilac, and realized I should remedy that ASAP!

Embark on a fragrant journey through the origins, history, symbolism, and wonders of these enchanting blossoms with me! (And I'll show you allll the lilac spam from this year's yield!)

Origins and History

Lilacs, with their captivating beauty and intoxicating fragrance, trace their origins back to the ancient lands of Persia (modern-day Iran) and surrounding regions. From there, they began a journey - spreading their beauty and fragrance across continents and captivating the hearts of people worldwide.

Lilacs found their way from Persia to the gardens and courtyards of ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, who appreciated their beauty and even incorporated them into their culture. The Greeks associated lilacs with the nymph Syringa, and the name "syringa" eventually became a botanical name for lilacs.

In the 16th century, lilacs made their way to Europe, brought by Ottoman Turks who gifted the plants to European diplomats. Lilacs quickly gained popularity in the royal courts and gardens, particularly in France, where they became a symbol of love and beauty during the reign of King Louis XV. I just started reading a book about Floriography, so this was super interesting to learn!

Symbolism and Sentiment

Lilacs have long been associated with love and romance. They symbolize the passion and intensity of deep love, making them popular in wedding bouquets and romantic gestures. In the language of flowers (Floriography!), lilacs convey the message of love and affection.

The delicate, colorful blooms of lilacs are often associated with elegance and charm, as well as youth and innocence. The tender blooms and their sweet scent evoke a sense of purity and childlike wonder. They can represent the simplicity and joy of youth, reminding us to embrace our inner child and find happiness in the small pleasures of life.

Lilacs Today

Lilacs have specific growing requirements and are typically cultivated in regions with the right climate and soil conditions. Lilacs thrive in areas with distinct seasons, including cold winters and mild summers. Must be why you can find them all over Buffalo!

Lilacs are widely cultivated and appreciated in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and certain regions of Australia. They can be found in gardens, parks, and landscapes where the climate supports their growth.

In North America, lilacs are particularly popular and can be found in various states and provinces. The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is well-adapted to the climate of the northern United States and Canada. In Europe, lilacs have a long-standing presence, with countries like France, England, and the Netherlands known for their vibrant displays of lilac blooms during the spring season. Lilacs are also cultivated in parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, where they hold cultural significance and are celebrated during festivals.

That Scent!

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time describing the scent of lilacs. It's so unique! There's almost a musky-ness to them, while also being bright and fresh. It's so intoxicating!

I tried to google some ways to describe the scent of lilacs, and what I found was: sweet and floral, with delicate notes of jasmine, honeysuckle, and a hint of spice.

And this: "Lilac has a facet reminiscent of lily of the valley and another of mimosa. It is reminiscent of pastel. Lilac is powdery, soft, creamy, cosmetic, romantic, almondy and green." (source)

Powdery, soft, creamy, romantic. Yes x4.

Cultivating Lilac Magic

I am no gardening expert, and when it comes to my lilacs...I honestly don't do much other than give them some water if it hasn't rained in a long time and wait for blooms to arrive in May. However, there are some things about growing lilacs that could potentially give you maximum lilac happiness.

Lilacs thrive in full sun, so it's advised that you choose a location in your yard that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Weirdly, though, I've had 3 lilac plants on my lot, and the only one that survived (and is thriving!) is one that is actually in partial shade. It gets plenty of sunlight, but shares real estate with a huge maple that sometimes creates a shady environment for it - though usually after peek blooming season.

And apparently - you're supposed to prune lilacs immediately after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer. Oops. I hate the process of pruning - it feels so destructive and dangerous! But the advice I found is to remove spent flowers by cutting just above the first set of leaves beneath the flower cluster. Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant and encourages better flowering, so...guess I'll try it this year!

Blooming Bouquets

Similar to hydrangeas, lilacs don't like to hang out long once they're cut and put in a vase. But I did a little googling and found a few random tips for making them last a bit longer. First, cut your blooms early or late in the day - they are the most hydrated at this point and will have the best chance at survival. Then, wherever you place your bouquet, keep it away from fruit! This is such a strange tip, but certain fruits like apples, bananas, and melons produce a gas called ethylene and lilacs are sensitive to it. Being exposed to it will make them wilt! Who knew!! And finally, you can mist them with a spray bottle to make them happier. They apparently enjoy a little extra humidity.

Beyond the Vase: Lilacs Everywhere!

This is actually new to me - the most I've done with lilacs is bury my nose in them and stick them in a vase. But more and more (probably just because of the content I've been seeking lately), I see people using lilacs in all sorts of ways!

Did you know that lilacs are edible? I didn't. And...I'm weirdly afraid to try them? LOL I love them so much that I don't want to ruin in it by tasting them and not liking it or something. I know, I'm difficult. But people make all sorts of recipes with lilacs - sugar, simple syrups, cakes, teas, cocktails.

It's probably no surprise that you can make all sorts of fragrances and bath products with lilacs, but there's that, too. Things like sugar scrubs, simmer pots, potpourri, and bath bombs would all be amazing with lilacs in them!

There's endless ways to be creative with them, too. Beyond bouquets, you can press them to make art with, create a natural dye or water-color-like paint to paint with, glue them onto projects, or even use the blooms as a stamp or paint brush. And not to state the obvious, but a framed print of a lilac photo you took will never be ugly...just saying!

As we wrap up our lilac-scented journey, I'd love to know your associations with lilacs! Do they ignite memories for you, too? Do you grow your own? Have you ever done something unique or culinary with them??

For me, the beauty, the scent, the symbolism, and the joy of watching lilacs emerge each spring reminds me to embrace the magic that resides in the simplest moments. They encourage me to be intentional and thoughtful just by existing!