Herb Gardens

  Situated at the bottom of the steps on my back deck is a small herb garden.  I have had the garden for years and it has undergone a lot of transformation.  It is one of my favorite places to sit and just think.  My garden contains not only herbs, but purple iris, orange day lilies, pots of hens and chicks, and a variety of annual flowers to add color. I like whimsy in the garden, and as you can see by this picture, a lot of my junk market finds end up here.

This old tricycle was a gift from a friend and is surrounded by

thyme.  In the background you can see an old car that my son found in his yard when digging up plants.  Of course, he knew just who would want it!   Pineapple mint is overflowing by the end of the summer. An old gate provides a backdrop for the garden and is great for helping to stake large plants like iris and orange day lily. 

Plants in my garden include lavender, and lots of it. I had to remove my old lavender plants this spring because they had become woody and were splitting.  Wanting to try something new, planted Spanish Lavender and I wasn't as happy with it. You can't use the buds to dry because the flowers are feathery.   I'm not sure they will overwinter, but I plan on adding the Hidicote Lavender which does so well in my garden this spring.                                

Yarrow made it into the garden  this year as well as some small bush type dahlias from tubers.  The Russian sage planted last year has returned and is doing well.

I also added a fig bush at the corner, so you are not limited to just herbs in the garden.

Herb gardens are a great addition to your yard.  You don't have to limit yourself to just herbs if you designate a specific spot for your garden.  Herbs can also be tucked in the vegetable garden or placed in pots.  They just need a well drained, sunny spot, and you shouldn't have any trouble.

Hug Your Cat Day

HUG YOUR CAT DAY!

Both of my cats were aquired as drop offs.  Tinkerbell, (and NO, I did not name her that, she came with it)
came to us about 9 years ago.  Her owners could not keep her because they were having a baby.  My son came in with her, and all the time I was shaking my head no, I knew she would stay.  Like most cats, she has pretty much taken over, coming and going as she pleases, in and out of the house throughout the day.  5a.m. meowing at the window is not uncommon, when she has been out all night and decides it is time for me to let her in and feed her.  And yes, she is spayed.

Tom, (isn't that an original name) showed up at our back door a few months ago.  Is there a sign at my driveway that says "Drop here, they will love to feed you and let you in occasionally."  I think Tom was a house cat at some point. He doesn't hesitate to slip past when the door is open and miraculously find the recliner or bed.  He learned a valuable lesson last week.  DO NOT mess with baby chicks. Their mothers are fiercely protective. He has the hurt paw to prove it and now walks a wide circle around them when going through the yard.

I have Catnip in my garden which neither cat seems to notice.  I allow it to flower because of the color it brings to the herb garden.

Catnip (nepetalactone) has been reported to be 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. You can make your own catnip Mosquito Repellent  with the recipe below.
Thanks to Susan Wittig Alberts Book of Days for this recipe.

                                                                                                 
Catnip Mosquito Repellent
2 cups catnip, washed
2 cups almond oil

Bruise catnip and pack into a clean jar.  Cover with oil, put a lid on the jar and set in a cool, dark place for two weeks.  Shake jar lightly every day, and push herbs under the oil to avoid mold.  Strain into a clean jar, seal and refrigerate for up to 8 months.  To use, rub on exposed skin.  ( If your mosquitoes are especially ferocious, you can add other strong smelling herbs, such as rosemary, pennyroyal, basil.)

Tinkerbell and Tom Love their Catnip Kitty Cat Treats.  Make your own treats using the kit which includes recipe, cookie cutter (bird or fish) and a big bag of catnip from my garden.   Visit www.gardenchick.com/herbal-pets.html