If you’re on the Sunshine Coast tomorrow night (Friday, May 10) don’t miss the Raise the Woof Comedy Night fundraiser for A Helping Paw Animal Welfare Fund at Roberts Creek Hall. . . We’ve made a bunch of tabletop terrariums to decorate the tables (and to give away) and there will be loads of door prizes and of course, lots of laughs! Plus, John’s company Landwise and our friend Barry’s company Click Homes are donating a groovy doghouse with a green roof as a prize.
May
09
Raise the Woof mini eden terrariums…
May
06
Taking cover…
It’s been unseasonably HOT around here for a few days (24C right now, at 11am… holy cow!)*
So I made these little canopies to protect the lettuce and other seedlings. As you can see, in the early morning (and late afternoon) the rows are only partially covered. But at high noon, the gauzy fabric protects them all from the sun for a few hours.
To make these, I used very lightweight cotton drapery panels, clipped at each corner to garden stakes. Super easy to set up and take down.
It’s been three days of intense heat now and so far, nothing is getting fried.
May
05
Weekend wonders…
A vintage three-gallon wine-making carboy makes a lovely vase for a stem or two in our living room. These are flowering quince blossoms…
… reminding me how sweet Sunday mornings can be.
XC
May
05
The hatching…
A week or so ago, John mentioned that he saw a few tent caterpillar nests in the garden. They looked like big cotton balls. You know, harmless (although we know better). Anyway, we both kind of forgot about them…. until I saw this squirmy mess!
Eeps! Next time, I will remove those suckers well before they hatch. There were three nests and about a thousand baby caterpillars about to descend on our apple blossoms. I caught them just in time : )
XC
Apr
15
Single trillium
We have a little trio of trilliums that arrive every spring in the forest. A few days ago, I discovered another single one, off to the side. It seems so perfect and hopeful…
Isn’t it beautiful?
XC
Apr
12
Have a sweet weekend!
Look what some lovely lady dropped off for us! (Thanks mom!) Sweet peas! Don’t they look like they’re already reaching for that funky mattress frame trellis? I’ll get them in the ground soon : )
And then I finally noticed that the kinnikinnick was blooming. Honestly, I don’t think I recognized its beauty before. Perhaps it’s the rainy day or the hot pink coupling with that fantastic chartreuse Sedum rupestre Angelina. Whatever. It’s a party in that bed!
Well then these guys showed up, tucked right in between two large stone steps. You know what they say, “Violets never solved anything.” But, boy oh boy, they sure are pretty…
Maybe I will candy them!
It’s going to be a great weekend…
Enjoy it!
XC
Apr
09
Seeds make my day, okay?
Is there anything more freaking cheerful than finding an envelope full of seeds in your mailbox when you are standing there in the rain? I don’t think so!
Thank you Renee’s Garden for the glorious gift. I will take good care of these little beauties.
Sow grateful!
XC
PS: These are the seeds I received and will be planting as trials in the garden: Dutch Red Baron beets, Gourmet Golden beets, Jewel-toned beets, Circus Circus Tri-colour carrots, Neon Glow chard, Scarlet Charlotte chard, Ruby and Emerald Duet lettuce, Merveille de 4 Saisons lettuce, Paris Market mesclun, Oregon Sugar Pod II peas, Queen of Hearts sweet peas. I can’t wait!!!!
Apr
05
Weekend wonders…
I have been taking a lot of abstract garden photos lately… I find it very relaxing… and yet, there is so much to discover.
Even in the rain, it is possible to have your own private blossom party.
Have a beautiful weekend.
XC
Mar
28
Live what you love…
Last night I was reminded why I do what I do.
I do it for love.
Last summer I spent five days with a truly amazing family on Vancouver Island, at their home, in their garden and on their sailboat, shooting their first cookbook and being totally awed by their talents and energy.
Soon, the cookbook Sea Salt: Recipes from the West Coast Galley will be released. I can tell you from first hand experience, this one is a winner: the recipes are absolutely delicious. This book will be my go-to hostess gift!
Here’s a sneak peek at some the shots we took during the shoot. You can tell by the authors kind words about my work (blushing), just how incredible Alison, Hilary and Lorna are to hang out with.
I think they get it. They do it for love too.
With gratitude,
XC
Mar
22
Happy Friday: what are you up to this weekend?
There will be lots of weed’n going on….
The weeds have gone nuts around here!
And lots of this tea going down….
It’s the brand new Buttercream tea from Butter Baked Goods. A delicious gift I received last week. It tastes just like hot butterscotch in a cup. Only better. Plus, it has saffron threads in it… just a few, but enough to make it really, really special tea.
Have a great weekend!
