We all know that gardens need bees for pollination but so many other garden insects will find their way into a garden too. Just provide them with flowers and leaves, and they will seem to find us! There is nothing like wandering around in my garden and seeing the wildlife in the form of insects…
Mmmm mmmm – one of my favorite dishes – a stuffed portobello mushroom recipe. It’s a great side dish and a staple of vegetarian diets. Portobello mushrooms have a rich earthy taste that is described as umami. They have a large cap perfect for stuffing. This recipe features another healthy vegetarian staple – kale and…
It’s time for a shed makeover. My garden shed is definitely in need of some decor. I see so many garden sheds that are as sweet as can be. Some are tiny, some are huge and all seem to have character. I have one of the “huge without character” types. My husband and his friend…
What is better than an idea for a creative planter? Why, many creative garden planters, of course! I recently asked some of my gardening friends to share their creative planter and container ideas and they did not disappoint. Their ideas are a cascade of fun and will add a great look to any garden setting….
I love creative gardening ideas. This cowboy boot planter is would make a great table accent. This metal cowboy boot is gorgeous all by itself, but the star shaped cut outs on the side of the boot make it the perfect container for a whole host of succulents. Creative succulent planters come in all sorts…
I love gardening signs of all types. They add a touch of whimsy to any garden setting and give you an idea of the personality of the gardener too. Just about any saying can be made into a garden sign. All you need, really, is a piece of wood, some paint and a paint brush…
I have always loved cats, to the point where I even purchased a set of Lenox spice jars called “Cats of Distinction.” Anyone who looks on eBay, Ruby Lane, or other sites that sell vintage items will see old kitchen items that you may have used at some point being offered for sale. Today, I…
This snickerdoodle bread recipe is moist and tasty with a rich flavor that is perfect for an afternoon snack. Anyone who is a fan of cinnamon sugar on toast loves snickerdoodle recipes. This delicious bread combines the taste of the well known cookie into a melt in your mouth bread recipe. It is popular with…
It is never too early to consider how you will deal with storing garden vegetables that you have at the end of the season. The growing season still has time to go and many of us are in the middle of the vegetable gardening season. Very few homes have the perfect storage conditions for fresh produce. …
We had visitors from the UK recently and spent a day at the North Carolina Zoo, in Ashville, NC. The zoo is divided into two parts – North America and African animals. We spent our time at the African animal exhibits since we all wanted to see the large wild animals not on our continent….
It didn’t take long before I changed my mind about one of my favorite critters because of the squirrel damage in my vegetable garden – all caused in a couple of days. To make matters worse they started digging up and eating all my tulips last year! I am an animal lover. I don’t like…
Readers of my blog will know that my project for this year (and the next two) is my test garden. I have a model that I am emulating from Garden Gate and will grow shade, semi shade and full sun plants in it to write articles about for my blog. Read about the beginning here….
Dieffenbachia is one of those stately looking indoor plants with very large leaves that are variegated. It is fairly easy to grow, and makes a great addition to your collection of indoor plants. Most people grow dieffenbachia for their eye catching leaves. The plant has a tropical look and various varieties can be striped, spotted…
This recipe for garlic chicken is great for those days when you just don’t want to spend time in the kitchen. The chicken bakes with a sweet glaze that is tinged with just a touch of thyme and a hint of licorice flavor that comes from using fresh tarragon. I used fresh herbs for this recipe. I…
This focaccia chicken sandwich reminds me a little bit of Italy. It combines fresh mozzarella cheese with roasted red peppers, avocado, and a creamy basil pesto. Avocado and tomato slices add more nutritious goodness to the sandwich. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries and a fresh dill pickle and you will think you…
One of my favorite meal choices when we go to our favorite Mexican restaurant is Chori Pollo. The delicious dish has layers of cooked chicken with chorizo sausage and caramelized onions, all topped with cheese for one tasty meal. This is the prefect dish to serve for Cinco de Mayo! Chorizo is a Spanish pork…
The Raleigh Rose Garden is a place that you should visit if you are ever in Raleigh, North Carolina. Raleigh’s little Theater has a wonderful rose garden behind it. I discovered it year’s ago when my daughter performed in a play there as a middle schooler. It has a splendid array of roses of all…
This Greek omelette makes a great breakfast or brunch recipe. This is a Greek style country omelet, which means that it’s a hearty omelet, just packed with vegetables and cheese, and makes a filling main dish or big start to your day. Artichokes and feta cheese are popular choices for recipes used in Greek cooking….
This recipe for Easy Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian recipe. It is rich and creamy and full of homegrown freshness from the eggplants that are ready in my garden. My garden is producing like mad at the moment, so I had fresh tomatoes coming out of my ears. (the squirrels decided that I had…
Oozing the cheesy goodness, these stuffed chicken rolls are easy enough for a busy week night, but have a look that makes them perfect for a special dinner. The recipe uses reduced fat Monterrey Jack cheese, spinach, and cilantro. These remind me of one of my favorite restaurant offerings – chicken cordon bleu (except they…
If you love the taste of coffee desserts, you will love these mocha cream puffs. Their mocha flavor is lovely and the texture takes this dessert to a new level. The cream puffs have a crisp top and bottom puff just brimming with delicious mocha cream that has been lightened up a bit. These delicious…
These roasted rosemary carrots have a lovely sweet flavor. They will be a nice addition to your Thanksgiving menu. They make a great side dish for your favorite protein and I also love to add roasted carrots to salads for a warm autumn lunch choice. Roasting any vegetable brings out its lovely sweetness and these…
Two of my favorite recipes in one dish – orange rosemary chicken and garlic mashed potatoes – what more could one ask for? Well, making it a skinny recipe might help too, and I have done just that! The chicken breasts are beautifully flavored with oranges and rosemary, and the potatoes are smooth and creamy…
These delicious stuffed mushrooms would make a great side vegetable or a party appetizer. Use white button mushrooms that hold up well to fillings. Mushrooms are one of my favorite vegetables to use for small bites to start a party. The cap of a mushroom is the perfect place to add all sorts of ingredients…
Roasted Pork loin is so delicious when combined with any type of fruit. This recipe, which uses plums, also adds a mint sauce for extra taste and flavor. Pork loin is very low in fat and perfect for those on an eating plan to lose weight. Some even call pork loin the other white meat….
These grilled pork chops are sure to become one of your favorite barbecue recipes. They are moist and delicious and the garlic rub gives them a very savory taste. Bone in pork chops gives this recipe an extra burst of flavor. And when you add a herb garlic rub to the mix, you have a…