Quite often today, many features of specific heirloom plants have been bred right out of plants in the name of hybridisation.  In the world of agriculture, scientists are always looking to improve a particular strain or species of a plant; either by shape, color, size or some other feature deemed to be valuable.  However, in the name of improving a strain…sometimes other things are lost in the process.  What makes a particular fruit, vegetable or flower a favorite is different which is why there are so many variations available today.

If you find one that you love…think about this; will that particular strain of plant that you love be available in the future? You may want to start thinking about preserving some seeds of some of your favorites now, just like our ancestors did out of necessity.  For trees and vines there are other ways to preserve and that may involve grafting procedures…but, that is for another post in the future. 

There is a process to saving the seeds most genetically desirable to produce the plants you love.  You will need to study up a bit about the process for that particular kind of seed but most process’ include sorting through the seeds to find the plumpest, and most appealing seeds from the best plants that you have grown.  There is a different kind of drying that needs to be done for certain seeds but you want them completely dried out and free from debris so that they do not mold or mildew which would render them useless for the next planting season.

Storing your seeds is a matter for which you must put some thought into.  You will want to store them in a cool, dark place in a sealed envelope which is clearly labeled with the type of seed it is as well as the date when it was stored.

I like to think of seeds as a way of not only saving money but also of preserving seeds that will  best grown in your geographical location.  Seeds that have been harvested from plants grown in your own environment are already proven to do well.  On top of that, you understand how your plants have been grown…you can be as organic as you like.  Health is a concern too because our world is becoming filled with toxic substances that filter down into our foods and plant life.

Keeping your own seeds and starting your plants also is a great way to help the world be more green in your growing practices; instead of buying plants or seeds that are shipped across states using more fossil fuels and leaving a bigger carbon footprint than absolutely necessary.  Teaching children how to grow their own foods is an extra bonus because it gives them some control over the foods that they put into their bodies which can help them to live healthier.

There are many experts on seed saving…but one of the best is The Seed Savers Exchange.  They have officially been around since 1975.  If you are interested in learning more about them you can check out their website here:  Seed Savers Exchange .

A touch of Spring

Where I live in Michigan, winter weather gets to be a little overdrawn.  Winter seems like it is never going to end.  My way of coping is to dive into seed catalogs and gardening magazines.  It is like feasting on dessert after you have been on a starvation diet.  All of those plants with their lovely greenery and colorful blooms just lights up the soul and lifts the spirit.  Not only that, but when you are trying to buy fresh produce you quickly realize the high cost of fresh fruits and vegetables during the winter.  Cold frame gardening can help relieve the burden on your wallet if you build a couple of frames to supplement your produce needs.

I have discovered a way to try to get around that next winter.  You may find the idea of cold frame gardening interesting as well if you also live in a colder environment.  Some vegetables and herbs can be grown even in zones 5 where it gets cold and stays cold for months on end.

The summer season is relatively short for growing garden fresh produce; so anything that extends my growing period is a welcome thought.  Cold frame gardening may just be the answer.  People from baby boomer age may already be familiar with cold frame gardening but for those who are not; permit me to tell you a bit about growing produce this way.

I have not yet tried it however, I am assured from reading up on the idea that many items can be grown this way.  The idea is to use old window frames as a lid, or the top, of the box that you will construct to grow your vegetables in.  The window is positioned facing south, on a slant, on the top of the four walls of your box and attached by a heavy duty hinge.

Preparing the area where the cold frame will be placed is important.  The area must be dug out deeply into the ground.  Gravel or sand can be put on the bottom layer with composted or rich soil layered deeply over the top of the gravel/sand.  Then you need to either purchase a pre-built, manufactured cold frame or build one.  If you are going to build one you can start by considering these instructions or come up with your own design.

The back of the box of your frame should be slightly higher (18 inches x 14 inches in the front) so that snow and moisture can run off.   Now as for the width of the box, three feet seems to be what most people suggest because you want to be able to reach the plants & vegetables with ease without damaging other plants while you are reaching in to harvest them.  It might be warm in the box; but, you will be on the outside so you will want to limit your exposure to the cold temperatures by being able to get in and harvest quickly.

It is suggested that using the foundation of your home is one way to protect your cold frame from the wind and it may also provide a bit of additional warmth.  People who have greenhouses have also been known to build them on the south side of the structure to harness the warmth and protection from the wind.  If these are not possible, then you can actually insulate the walls of the cold frame with stiff styro-foam board.    When you build the cold frame there are some things to keep in mind.

* use untreated plywood (no chemicals) or use cedar lumber which lasts a long time

* put a layer of gravel deep under the soil for drainage

* in areas of extreme cold, heat tapes or pads can be put under the gravel underneath your planting soil (care must be                taken though when using electricity where you will be digging & watering  to avoid getting electrocuted.

* you will need to prop something under the window to let off steam so as to not “burn” your plants

* a hook latch and a heavy duty hinge in the back to keep the window in place during high winds

If you are interested in a visual example of a cold frame you can go here to look at this version of a cold frame: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-build-a-cold-frame-for-your-garden.html  That illustration shows clearly the idea of a cold frame and how it should work.  Of course, you can come up with your own design that works with the supplies you have.

Weather can be unpredictable and you will need to check on your growing plants daily to ensure that they aren’t getting too cold or too hot.  If you are expecting extremely cold temps you can cover your cold frame with old blankets or rugs.  However, should you choose to cover them…it is important to remember to uncover them again once the danger of the extreme weather has passed so that they can continue to get sun to grow your plants.

Now as to what types of vegetable or plants that is up to you.  But, how wonderful would it be to be able to go out and harvest a salad for your supper from your cold frame?  Or perhaps some herbs, or rutabagas, carrots, beets, cabbage…etc.  You get the idea.  Maybe some fresh garlic or onions would be fun to try to grow.

Or if you get cabin fever and are tired of looking at pure white snow everywhere you look…why not plant some lovely pansies or hardy type flower that has some color and can restore your winter worn soul to joy; just be reminding you that life is ready to burst forth once that snow melts.

Your cold frame garden could also be a great science project to include your children on.  Generations ago, our friends and relatives had to be creative to make their store houses of food last.  They couldn’t just run to the grocery store as easily as we do today.  I am for anything that helps us to be a bit more self sufficient these days and this is something that I really would like to try.  There are health benefits to doing your own gardening as well, getting up and moving is good for the body.  Gardening is emotionally satisfying; and, controlling how your vegetables or herbs have been grown is good too.  You can grow them without the use of pesticides or other chemicals which is a healthier way to grow your food.

Planting your seedlings in your cold frame in the Spring can also speed along your garden plants that you will put in your garden instead of having to wait until the commercial greenhouses open on Mother’s Day in May. The cold frame can be used to harden off your seedlings before they make the transition from the hothouse to your garden once the possibility of frost has passed in your gardening zone.

If you could build a cold frame and could plant anything your heart desires…what would it be?  Or maybe you have already tried this…write in and tell us about your experience.  We would love to hear from some of you seasoned gardeners.

       Recent weeks have seen green beans, green peppers, tomatoes, parsley, zucchini, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, pears, currants, raspberries, squash, and a slew of other items, come to maturity.   Tomorrow we will be picking apples to be turned into a variety of treats such as apple pies, and applesauce.   Yesterday, we picked 70 lbs of purple grapes.  I have washed, crushed, strained and canned grape juice and even canned some of the grapes into jelly.  The smell as the grapes heat throughly and are processed is amazing.  So much work though ….it is a bit frustrating to think about how fast this will disappear.  On the other hand, it is joyful to teach my children and watch them learn to appreciate all that goes into capturing the produce and knowing that it is something that they can do in the future for their families.

        I have to admit, it is both amusing and annoying to hear them react to the natural trespassers on the produce.  They didn’t like the bugs on the plants or hidden in the baskets of the items as they came into the house to get cleaned before being used.  I was reminded how spoiled American children are when it comes to understanding how food is planted, harvested and preserved for families across the nation.  Are all children this naive about how food ends up on their table?

       My son is probably the most involved in the process here at home.  He helped me plant the seeds, he has helped weed, fertilize, and rototill the garden and helped to harvest it as well as preserve it.  Out of all of my children…he will have the best practical knowledge of the gift of growing your own food and putting it on the table.  It is not only useful information…it may be a necessity someday!  I am thankful that I grew up in a home where we knew how to grow what we needed as a family and more importantly knew what to do with it when it was in season and ready to be preserved.  Do you freeze, can or dry any food items for your family?  When did you learn how it was done…who taught you?

         I have a suggestion…after you have abused all of your willing friends and neighbors by giving away as much extra produce that you can…why not consider donating to your local food pantry or food banks, local commission/council on aging, or department of social services?  If you can’t keep up with the canning/freezing/or giving away…please do NOT let it go to waste.  Not everyone has the room or the ability to garden.  Fresh fruits and vegetables is important for health and well-being.  Many folks are having to get a big portion of their groceries from a food stamps program, a food pantry/food bank, or a commodities program.  Getting enough food to “save up or preserve” for winter isn’t always an option. 

        Due to financial situations, many elderly who live alone, and many families, will do without having access to healthy fresh fruits and vegetables because they can’t afford to purchase it.  Giving to those who are in need is a great way to give back to your community and to share the blessings that you may have been blessed with.

         I have a great friend who goes by the name of Mother Connie on Twitter (@Motherconnie).  She started up a wonderful blog to HELP people learn how to make healthy and delicious meals; with the food items that they get from a food pantry/food stamps, or commodities program.  I would like to ask you to remember during this season of harvesting that others would love to be blessed with your extras.  Please donate to your local communities pantry or program in the name of,  The Food Stamps Cooking Club Blog.  Then leave them the information to give to their clients about how to go to her site and get some great tips/recipes.   The website address is: http://foodstampscookingclub.com/blog/ . 

          Drop in and say hi to Mother Connie; it would make her day, and her night, to know that she was able to help someone out by getting something that they didn’t know what to do with from the food pantry.  She is a fountain of knowledge and she isn’t stingy with her help!  Tell her Rainy sent you!  She will make you feel right at home.  Blessings!!!

         I had a visual picture in my head when she said that.  I had a picture in my head, of my garden.  You see, in the last week my garden has been under attack.  Some kind of a pest, sight unseen has been silently but diligently tapping into the health and well-being of my very large, healthy tomato plants.  Where just a week ago they stood tall, proud and pregnant with life precariously attached to their limbs…now they are wilting and dying a premature death.  Something toxic has entered their system and is doggedly draining the life right out of them.

          Toxic relationships will do the same thing to people with healthy minds, bodies, spirits and businesses.  You must learn how to determine when a parasite has attached itself to your life force.   When you are pouring yourself into a relationship (and getting little or nothing back in return) while being asked to help someone survive…your energy is being highjacked or stolen from you.  If you have put your own goals or well being aside, to meet the needs of another, with the best of intentions only to have that person set back and allow you to do all of the work to “help” them…you are dividing up your life force (that was meant to give fullness of life to one) to barely sustain the emotional, physical or spiritual life of two persons.   This is not healthy. 

          Learn how to dig out the roots of the weeds, in your life, that seek to steal the nurturing elements from you before they take root in the areas of your life where you are meant to thrive and produce fruit.  In doing this, you are doing right.  You see, you can not enable someone else to be a leach; and, still be  doing them a good turn.  Everyone is meant to be a healthy and productive person.  It is not selfish to want and need a fullness in your life.  To fulfill your purpose…you must care about nurturing yourself in a way that is healthy and productive.  Then and only then, can you be a gifter out of abundance…not out of sympathy and a half empty reserve of energy.   Have you evaluated your relationships lately?

       In the entrance of the yard, is the driveway.  When you first drive in, you see two very large, showy lilac bushes of a reddish grape color; and, one of a light lilac pink splash on the opposite side of the driveway.  Straight away, dead on is a very old and dilapilated arbor that had made a statement attesting to it ability to outlast anything newly purchased. 

          Oh, to be sure, the lattice work is warped here and there; a little out of alignment with it’s orginal design..but, that is alright…it has staying power.  Besides, the arbor has been integrated with the beautiful coral trumpets that push through the white, peeling slats of the lattice work and the dark, shinny green foliage of the trumpet vine itself.  Its aged vines have woven themselves throughout, until they are somewhat tree-like in their strength.  The vines are twisted and knotted like an elderly great -grandmother’s hands that have lovingly provided for her family over the years.  It has earned it’s bends and twists by being adaptable to the growing environment.

        If, I were so bold and destructive, why I could cut the lattice work and unweave it from the web of vine; but, I admire the arbor’s desire to stand there and make a statement about it’s ability to stand and deliver.   It’s a bit tilted despite it’s original, solid 4 x 4 construction, many a year ago. 

         Now, I forgot to mention the airy and pristine white of the delicate, bridal veil (white spirea) bush that stands next to the grape colored lilac bush.  As you drive around the tear drop shaped circle drive, you will pass a strand of four differing types of apple trees.  As we speak here, they are in various degrees of dressed up pink and white star shaped blossoms that flutter to the ground as the beautifully scented air mixes a smell to rival the best canned air freshener you can buy on the market. 

         At the foot of the apple trees are the day lillies of varying colors…still just sporting their dark, spiky green foliage.  They are awaiting warmer weather to dot the canvas with their showy, single and double petaled flowers.  In between this are a few scattered rose bushes that are struggling to survive the occasionally, and unpredictably waterlogged clay soil that is mixed with the rocky gravel from the driveway.  Under laying this is the emerald green myrtle ground cover with it’s beautifully, low to the ground peri-winkle star shaped flat flowers.  In a tarzan attempt to stretch to great feats of purpose is a purple wisteria that took many years to finally bloom; after almost being consumed in a fire.  It’s  drooping  grape -like cluster of flowers look lush over the homemade arbor going into the secret garden area. 

        As you enter that…there is a hugely over large honeysuckle bush that defies any attempts to keep it in line; with the limited pathway to the small wooden bride that crosses over two largely neglected man-made ponds.  They are filled with a burst of lemony yellow irises that are almost ready to appear.  Along behind that, is a beauty bush that smells like  cinnamony cloves when the weather warms it’s pretty pale pink, deep bell -like flowers that the bees can not resist buzzing.  Behind those bushes are some more lilacs…this time in the common lilac color along with a new younger white lilac that has chosen to produce some double blossoms.  Here and there I have added one of my greatest loves; that is asiatic and oriental lillies.  The oriental lillies have the strongest scent…they are clove-like in scent…and at night… they entice you to walk among them and just inhale for the joy of it!  There are some that are white- and some that are scarlet with a deeper magenta accents…they are called stargazers.  Those are the lillies that inspire a person to a sensual awakening.

        If you continue to travel on…there is a small straight row of  medium pink peonies  mixed with some crowding bishops weed with it’s tall spiky white flowers which resemble Queen Anne’s Lace but to me doesn’t quite measure up.  A green grape grows on the corner of the pagoda here.  Then, there is the campfire area where we will be spending much time this summer. 

        Crossing the driveway once again you see the main garden in the center of the teardrop driveway.  There is another small man made pond.  This one has a wooden deck built around it with a wide variety of flowers meant to produce a richer tapestry of colors and smells.  Here you will find japanese koi in the pond along with some black and some gold fish.  There are water lillies still to come…some white, some pink, one yellow.  Only the pink one smells, much to my sadness.  Surrounding this pond is another apple tree, also in full blossoms at the moment.  There is at the foot of that…some variegated hostas, sweet lilly of the valley, some bleeding hearts, more rose bushes, some ajuga with it’s deep purple, spring flowers that are low to the ground.

         Around the perimeter of the teardrop you will find a mix of perrenials and annual flowers.  There are multiple day lillies, roses, catcuses, virginia bluebells, a wild rose bush, snap dragons, moss roses, irises, tulips-some that are flaming yellow with red streaks or, as I call them…my pretty painted ladies.

          Around the waterfall, is some wild butterfly weed, some pink mallow, marigolds, dark purple clematis on a fancy metal trellis.   In a half of a blue barrel is planted some annuals , some geraniums…and what I am told is called, the American running bean-or as Thomas Jefferson  (deceased American President) once called the most beautiful bean plant ever created.  That is an unusual plant.  In the fall, it gets a deep burgundy pod (looks like an overlarge green bean pod).  During the summer, it gets a two toned flower a light pink and a darker purple petaled flower climbing up the vine.  Truly lovely to look at.

           Around the chicken coops we have planted some pear trees, some more day lillies, a current bush, some blackberries, and some rhubarb.  Turning to the right…you will see a chainlink fence that surrounds the food garden.  The fencing is a necessary evil to protect against the maurading deer and rabbits that come to feast on the bounty that is my yard.  I dont mind sharing a wee little bit…however…the stems and leaves that they leave behind …truly don’t amount to much food for the family. 

         So, I suffer the indignity of the fence and disquise it behind a wall of morning glories who are more than proud to show their pretty pantaloons of pink, white and purple as they flutter in the breeze.  As a backdrop behind the food plants, I make sure that i plant two rows of dancing sunflowers…just so that the birds are tempted to come and graze; hopefully they are gratefully distracted by the tempting sunflower morsels that they leave the garden produce alone.  Ha…it is my attempt to find a balance between the need to grow food and nurture nature.

         In my garden you will find peace, you will find artistry, you will find butterflies and hummingbirds, and a few random bees.    The garden was meant to please and to instill a desire to admire beauty.  The wind chimes tickle the ear with their different tones from a high tinkling to a throaty singing; I love them all.  Mix in the flapping of the United States flag and the Marine Corps flag as they snap in a brisk wind and you have a day to brag about.  During this Memorial weekend…it is a sense of patriotic pride that causes me to look up and remember why that flag is allowed to fly free…because our military men and women have fought for and defended this country to give us the right to live freely.  They deserve our respect and gratitude not just on this weekend…but every other day of the year for the sacrifice they have given.

          I am most thankful for my painted ladies…I can dine with them, I can sit and stare…they don’t seem to mind a bit.   I can relax in my own back yard and enjoy the freedoms earned by our miliary men and women around the globe; my own family members have served and, I am proud of them.  I try to thank members of the armed forces whenever I can.  In fact, I encourage you to send thank you cards to this non-profit project at:  http://www.make2tell2.com/ .  They deserve our thanks and our support. 

            In honor of those who serve our country daily, I will try to find an opportunity to post a picture or two of  my yard this year!   I hope that when they come home, from whatever post they have served at; that they would have a garden of peace to enjoy as well.   Please pray for our service people…they can never be thanked enough for what they go through.   Would you like to see some pictures of the painted ladies?  Or have I described them well enough?