I like receiving fresh flowers just as much as the next person but then they die a few short days later and you are left with an empty vase. How about for Mother’s Day this year you give Mom some flowers that will last longer than into next week.
How about these darling tissue paper poppies by Little Miss Craft. They seem super easy to make and there are several flowers to choose from. You can use tissue paper or felt/fabric to make these. Place them in a vase or create a wrist or pinned corsage to present to Mom.
Why not give that someone special in your life a plantable greeting card this year. Transform scrap paper into a pretty card that will sprout wildflowers when planted. What a fun and green gift.
Recently we have been talking about planting our own fruits and vegetables in the backyard. Unfortunately we don’t have much space so we thought we would have to give up on that. Then I came across this peach of an article and hope is once again restored. With just a couple of wooden boards and a handful of screws, you can quickly construct a raised bed like the one shown here and it doesn’t take up a lot of space. It provides about 8 square feet of planting area — enough room to grow a variety of vegetables and flowers without being overwhelming. The portable frame lets you skip the hard digging (you simply fill it with good-quality soil), and it tends to warm up faster than the ground.
Now that I have got my little garden I need to know what to plant when. That is when this Gardening Guide, courtesy of the UC Master Gardeners, comes in handy…..that is if you live in the Sacramento region.
The 2010 Gardening Guide and Calendar suggests what to do in the garden each month, including what to plant, watering information, maintenance tasks, and dealing with pests and diseases, based on University of California-approved information. The calendar pages have space to write appointments and can be used as a journal to record gardening activities (like what, when and where the user has planted something, or when the aphids arrive in the spring).
Not looking for such a big project? Looking for something that is portable, that you can actually bring to someone without the use of a moving van? How about a nice potted herb garden. The lucky recipient can keep these in their windowsill or in a nice sunny spot in their yard. Doesn’t take up a lot of space and is always a welcome addition to any meal. Paint or decoupage a ceramic pot and you will have a gift that any mother would be thrilled to receive.
Now all we need are some garden markers so we know what we have growing where.
I came across these cute garden markers you can make yourself at Craft Jr. and they give you a free pattern download. How cool is that. Sticks from your yard, glass pebbles (found at any craft store) and glue and you’ve got yourself these great stakes.
If you are really feeling crafty then give these garden markers a whirl. LOVE IT! These spiffy markers are made with weatherproof polymer clay, stamps, paint and wire. These are guaranteed to impress!
And while we are on the subject of backyards I will leave you with these last two ideas! Both for the birds…literally. Happy gardening!
The recyclable backyard bird feeder is found here. And the too cute not to make birdbath wreath is found here.
xoxo, Sonja
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