Search Results for: blog from seeds to trees

International Entrees

Instead of making the same ol’ boring meatloaf for dinner this week, consider spanning the globe for a taste of a different world. Occassionally it pays to cook outside of your comfort zone. You can span the globe without ever leaving your kitchen by whipping up the following fabulous recipes with international flair: THAI CHICKEN CURRY Ingredients: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste mixed with 3 tablespoons water 3 stalks lemon grass (white portion only), finely minced 2-inch piece ginger, grated 2 cloves garlic, mashed 2 chicken breasts, cut in very thin strips 1 cup thinly … Continue reading →

From Seeds to Trees

We’re familiar with the parable of the sower, who went out into the field and cast his seeds. Some went onto rocky ground, some went onto shallow ground, and some sank into deep, rich soil. The seeds were all identical – they all contained the same life element within them. The difference between whether they sprang forth or withered away – indeed, if they sprouted at all – was found in the place where they landed. The seed is symbolic of the Gospel of Christ. Missionaries are out there right now, spreading that seed far and wide. We help to … Continue reading →

Another Citizen Loses a Garden Due to City Codes

During World War II, the government pushed Victory Gardens – gardens planted in public areas and residencies to help feed people during the war efforts.  Today, it seems that many gardeners are seeing the wrath of the government when it comes to residential gardens Not long ago, I told you about the plight of the Helvengstons, a couple in Orlando who have been told by local government to dig up their front yard vegetable garden. Doing a little research, I found that there are several citizens who have been asked to get rid of their gardens – or worse Denise … Continue reading →

Savor the Season

Fall is officially here… and so are my allergies. Still, I don’t think designing layouts featuring photos of my puffy eyes, runny nose, and used Kleenex is appropriate for an autumn-themed scrapbook. Fall is one of the most gorgeous seasons of the year with its spectacularly colored leaves, fresh apples and blaze orange pumpkins. There are so many ways you can savor the natural treasures featured during this wonderful time of year in a mini or traditional sized scrapbook. Consider drying apple slices and spraying them with varnish to decorate your album cover. Or, take a stroll through a local … Continue reading →

The Forest Garden

Some of us have vast, open expanses to play with in our gardens. These expanses are sunny, and the soil is good for vegetables. Others? Well, if you’re like me and you live in the Pacific Northwest, rain is more common than sunshine, and forests dominate the landscape. This is lovely for walking, but it can be much more challenging if you like to grow the traditional sun-loving vegetable crops. What’s a gardener to do? Whether you have one big tree in your garden or you live in the middle of a forest, you can grow food. Forests are naturally … Continue reading →

More Summer Cash Savers

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but you can certainly save some cash this summer by taking advantage of Mother Nature’s goodness. Don’t let soaring food prices put a damper on your seasonal fun; rather, consider growing your own fruits and vegetables in order to preserve your family’s household budget. You might be surprised by how a little farming can yield big savings for the average American family. According to the Wall Street Journal, for every $1 you spend on green bean seeds, you have the ability to grow an average of $75 worth of produce. In addition, for every $1 … Continue reading →

Creating Your Rain Garden

If you’ve decided to create a rain garden to channel moisture in your garden, here’s how to find a place for that unique garden. Plant a rain garden in a place where a drain might be located. If there is a wet area at the end of a parking lot, flatten the curb and allow water to flow onto marsh plants. Locate a rain garden underneath a drain pipe next to a house in an area where one might place a small drain. Work with the lay of the land to choose an area that is a problem area for … Continue reading →

Plants to Avoid When You Have Kids At Home

I love plants. I think that they’re the most fabulous things for cleaning up your indoor air and making a lovely environment in your living room, kitchen, bathroom, or other space. However, I also have a smallish child, and other smallish children visit my home on a regular basis. While I don’t think that they’re prone to eating random plant leaves any more, it’s always good to know what I have in my home so that I can make sure that no one ingests something that would make them sick. What house plants should you avoid when you have a … Continue reading →

Fall Science: Combing Through Compost

It’s almost fall, which means that the season of quiet recycling is upon us. Why do I get so excited about this season? I love the fact that there is a time when plants and animals start to go to sleep and when plants prepare for the winter by sending many of their parts for recycling. When the deciduous trees drop their leaves, that’s a boon for many soil-dwelling animals that rely on leaves for food and homes. You can explore the plants’ recycling process at any time of the year by combing through finished or almost-finished compost. Gross! Yuck! … Continue reading →

More Ideas for Family Bonding

Obviously, organizing a rummage sale is not the only way to strengthen the parent-child bond. In fact, up until yesterday, I wouldn’t have even considered it as an option. However, it just goes to prove that you don’t have to take an expensive vacation or take off an entire week from work in order to make special memories with your son or daughter. If you are looking for easy and affordable ways to connect with your children during the Memorial Day weekend, consider these fun activities: DIY Chia Head: Hand out a Styrofoam or plastic cup to each of your … Continue reading →