Tuesday, April 24, 2012

My Salad Bowl


Hello, Sweet Friends! Life has been busy around here, and part of what is keeping me busy is Spring!  I've recently been working in the back garden, so I thought I would show you a little bit of the outdoor nesting that's been going on around here.
Above, is what I call my "salad bowl".  It's full of all kinds of yummy heirloom lettuces.  It's nice to be able to pick a fresh salad for dinner.  There really is a difference in flavor with fresh lettuce.  This lettuce has been really easy to grow, and with it hanging I haven't had to worry much about slugs and snails.  Love. That.
 
Recently I've been picking up plants here and there to get my vegetables, herbs, and flowers going again.  I found a few of my herbs and tomato plants at a garden club plant sale at McKinley Park in East Sacramento.  I love going to garden club sales.  You never know what you're going to find.   
One of my basil plants is called "Goddess Basil".  I got a kick out of the name, so I couldn't resist bringing it home.  Apparently it has a fairly spicy flavor and is considered a gourmet basil.  I wonder if it's the basil often used for "Green Goddess Dressing" ?  I love how there are so many types of basil to choose from.  Check out this fun basil list-- I was shocked at just how many types there are!

I also picked up some low growing plants to refresh my fairy garden.  Winter was not kind to my fairy garden this year, so I'm excited to re-plant and re-fresh my tiny garden.  I think the fairies will be very happy with my choices.  The gnomes, however...
This is just a little peek at my potting bench.  It's just a teaser because I want to make a new skirt for it before I reveal the whole thing.  I've had this potting bench for several years now and although it's very simple, I love it.
Okay, so I love a good Buddha in a garden.  Is this not the sweetest face on this Buddha?!  I know, this is not exactly vintage/cottage style decor for my garden, but I adore him.  I picked up the little aqua pot with succulents at Trader Joe's last year.  I love Trader Joe's for little things like that.  They make great gifts.  This was, uh, a gift for myself.
Soooo... what do you do with a dead tree?  You hang bells and chimes on it!!  Can I call this repurposing and recycling?
This vintage water tank stand has been repurposed into a plant stand with a galvanized bucket and some flowers.  I love repurposing vintage items in the garden.
I love the columbine and ranunculus flowers.  The fluffy white ranunculus flowers remind me of Hagrid's fluffy head.  Oh, that is Hagrid's fluffy head!
I hope that you are all enjoying spring.  I'll be back soon to share more of the back garden.  I've been very busy-- this is just the tip of the iceberg, friends!

Hugs,


6 comments:

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

Hi Jill,
You have been a busy girl!! I love your salad bowl! What a great idea! And that sweet little Buddha just belongs in that spot. Can't wait to see more! xoxo Debbie

Kathi said...

Love all of the additions to your garden. That columbine is gorgeous!
I really NEED to get outside and freshen up too!
Thanks for sharing your photos. I'm inspired!

suzitee said...

Ranunculas rank up there with my favourite flowers...they are so delicate and beautiful! Your garden looks like a gorgeous place to spend your time, and is full of detail and whimsy. I love it, and can't wait to see more :) The salad bowl is a GREAT idea BTW...we have so much trouble with snails in our garden, and this is the perfect solution...thank you for sharing!

Lisa said...

Your pictures look wonderful, Jill! I can see us sitting on that patio having a salad this summer!! {fingers crossed} I love rannuculus too, they're so pretty, they're especially gorgeous with those columbine! I think I'm ready to make a little fairy garden of my own, you know what that means, shopping trip! I need your expert advise! oxo~L

Claudia said...

I may have to steal the idea of planting your salad bowl and hanging it. Inspired! Your garden looks so lovely - the potting bench, the herbs, the fairy garden. Ah, Spring!

xo
Claudia

Becky said...

Wish I could live in your fairy garden! So much loveliness! Can't wait to see more.