I love flowers. I often think that I should have been a florist. You don’t have to be a “professional” however to enjoy and display the flowers and natural elements growing in your yard and garden. Not only do I grow flowers for bouquets, I also use my herbs in those displays as well. Oftentimes, I make an all herb bouquet to enjoy. I want to show you how easyRead More →
As the temperatures are heating up so is the abundance of produce from the garden. How do we deal with the overflow of cucumbers, tomatoes and the never-ending zucchini? I want to share a few suggestions with you for dealing with this feast of bounty that you are growing. As frustrating as it can seem I would say first and foremost… “Be Grateful”. What a wonderful blessing your bounty is. Read More →
You spent a relaxing day at the park, hiking the hills or working in your backyard only to find that you have become a tick feast. Ticks are definitely not something that we want on ourselves, our kids or pets. My husband and I have recreational property in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Washington and we are frequently exposed to these pesky creatures. I want to share a few suggestionsRead More →
One of my favorite early morning activities is to walk through my garden. The plants are still moist from the night air and the fragrance floating on the breeze is heavenly. As I walk past my herb bed I like to run my hands over the various plants to help release even more of those wonderful smells. Herbs add so much value to your garden. All sorts of bees andRead More →
My husband and I made it through the snowiest and seemingly ‘longest’ winter on record in our part of Eastern Washington without getting any major illnesses. Now as the weather is starting to warm, the spring flowers are blooming and it’s time to work in the yard…I have come down with a cold. Unbelievable. One of the things that I like to prepare when anyone is sick with a cold,Read More →
I have wonderful friends who are always sharing great ideas. Last summer one of those friends shared that she was growing a salad bowl. She was not filling a salad bowl with greens instead she was growing her salad in a bowl. A huge outdoor metal bowl to be exact. Spinach, kale and a variety of lettuces filled her bowl. The nice thing about growing your greens in bowls isRead More →
The gifting season is almost here…Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduation and Weddings. It seems like the gift list is never ending and I’m always trying to come up with fun and unique ideas for gifts. I enjoy giving gifts from my garden although not every gift that I give is garden related. I do try whenever possible to slip in a garden inspired idea from bouquets to meals. However, early springRead More →
Rhubarb is one of my favorite spring garden plants. It is a perennial that comes up each year like clockwork. Those little shoots that begin poking out of the ground early in the season will be a wonderful addition to your spring meals. It is easy to grow and it is so wonderful to see those plants bursting with fresh green leaves when nothing else is growing in your garden. Read More →
There is still a chill in the air, in the early morning hours of a new spring day. However, there is also the promise of the days to come as the first birds of the season begin to call out. The early crocus and daffodils begin to poke out of the ground. The changing of winter into spring is a slow but steady process. Spring tip toes into this wonderfulRead More →
Don’t you love the idea of a retreat? Oh to leave the stress and concerns of life, even for a short while. Just to breathe again and find the little things that will bring a smile to your face. This blog was born out of my desire for a break, a retreat away from the stresses of life. Pinecone Cottage is my place to get away from it all. IRead More →