Hot Pots For Cool Spaces

Retro Bullet Planters by Hip Haven

Shop Grounded $144.99

16 inch Jardiniere Pots by Bauer Pottery Company

Shop more colors Bauer Potter Co. $220

White Ceramic Midori Planters

Shop Sprout Home $20.65 small $64.00 Large

22″ Aqua Oil Jar

Shop various sizes & colors Bauer Pottery $132-$550

Faux Cement Planters

Shop Smith & Hawken $69 small $119 Lg

Herb Salt Recipe From The Garden

There are many culinary uses for herbs, whether dried or fresh. One of my fellow bloggers from Austrailia has a great recipe for Herb Salt. Trudi uses the salt for salad dressings, soup stock, or anything she deems appropriate. Her favorite herbs for the recipe are Celery Leaves, Parsley, Summer Savory, and Tarragon. Basically, any herb at her disposal. To add some color interest to her salt, Trudi mixes in a little Chilli Powder, Calendula and Borage Flowers.

IMPORTANT: Remove all moisture from you herbs

Modern Pots For Urban Dwellers

Here’s a modern twist to the traditional window box from designer Michael Hilgers. This is a great way to add color and greenery to spaces that, well, have no space. The polyethylene pots are water-resistant and can rest on any railing up to 60mm thick. Read more on Container Garden Design.

Design Within Reach sale $60

Bee Thoughtful

Where have all the bees gone? Many farmers have managed regional problems for years, but now we are faced with bees disappearing in droves across the nation. The benefits of bees go way beyond the honey they produce. In the agriculture world, bees play an invaluable role in pollinating many of the fruits and vegetables we eat every day.

In a New York Times article, Cornell University estimated that bees pollinate up to $14 billion worth of seeds a year. According to Entrepreneur.com, honey bees are responsible for pollinating over 90 varieties of fruits and vegetables worldwide, especially blueberries and apples. Just think about how many bites of food we eat every day that depend on the pollination of bees.

There are many different theories as to why the bees are disappearing at such alarming rates, ranging from synthetic pesticides, poor nutrition, cold weather, mite infestations, diseases, or just pure exhaustion. Whether you are an avid gardener or just a consumer who likes to eat, we can all do our part to support local bee colonies. Here is some food for thought:

• Eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides, especially when bees and other pollinators are hard at work. The residue left on plants, even when dry, can harm beneficial insects. Many pest and disease problems can be eliminated by improving soil quality and water practices. Prevention is the key to achieving a natural garden!

• Choose spring and summer plants that pollinators love. Many of these plants are drought tolerant once established through regular watering during the first season. Some of my favorites include:

  • Achillea (common yarrow)
  • Lavender
  • Nepeta (catmint)
  • Penstemon
  • Salvia (sage)
  • Echinacea (coneflower)

  For a complete plant list, click Urban Bee Project. Please consult a local nursery to be sure the plants are not considered invasive in your area. Choosing native plants is a sure way to have a successful, low-maintenance, yet beautiful garden.

Bee Thankful!