Sunday, August 28, 2011

Tending My Garden


My tiny backyard greenhouse is still a work in progress, but since I did promise you a day visit, come on in and I'll show you what I've been working on.  I wanted the floor to be covered in mussel shells, so I continue to collect and lug bucketfuls back here from the shore.




I still have lots more trips to make.  And yes, that is a tiny watermelon you see growing right there in that tray.  



Notice my toolbox (that I've been using for a cordial caddy for now) that got a little French makeover.  I found the free vintage clip art for this project from Karen over at the The Graphics Fairy and have been a little addicted to her site ever since.  I used Mod Podge to apply it as a transfer onto the toolbox.  Karen shows you how to do this, plus tons of other crafts over there. 


Here's an old galvanized ash bucket I am using to hold my potting soil.  I decided a little bee mascot would jazz it up a bit. 



Karen over at The Graphics Fairy had posted this beautiful vintage golden bee image that I knew would be perfect as soon as I first saw it.  I tell you, her site is addictive. 


Outside my greenhouse, most all of my herbs that I planted from seeds are now flowering.  That's my dill you see in the foreground. 



My cilantro and swiss chard are in a state of beautiful chaos too. 




Time to bring some inside for a cool bath before enjoying.  




I figure if we're going to have a salad, I might as well make a pie for us to eat.  (Feel free to use my logic on this.)



The blackberries I used to make this pie were courtesy of a backyard harvest gathered by Henri. I just hope Irene doesn't harvest the next batch.  To all my friends in the path of Irene, I pray she passes quickly and goes a little easy on us all! 

20 comments:

Suz said...

Love the graphics Lili!! Your life is picture perfect. Stay safe, we are waiting here for the effects Irene tomorrow. Purrfection is stripped down and ready. Hoping the mooring stays strong. Will be thinking of you and Henry. :)

Samantha said...

The greenhouse is just LOVELY. The idea for mussel shells on the floor..fantastic.

Debi said...

I'm so jealous of your greenhouse. I'm sure you have so much fun in there. I did see the little watermelon. I was only able to harvest just one (1) also, but it was yummy. We survived Irene; hope she will be gentle on you. Debi

Teri said...

Lili, it's beautiful. And I love your logic too! LOL

jennyfreckles said...

Only you could turn a greenhouse into a work of art and so quickly. The shells must make a lovely crunch when you walk on them. I do hope you don't see any bad effects from Irene. Stay safe!

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Oh that greenhouse - so much more than a greenhouse - I love the light - and the graphics and the tool caddy and how very creative you are. I can almost feel the shells beneath my feet. Hope the hurricane leaves you peacefully.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Oh - and the pie logic sounds perfectly plausible to me! I think I need to make a bumbleberry pie - blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Anonymous said...

Sweet summery photos and how I enjoy browsing her sight from time to time also... I mean who doesn't adore a great bee image!

Country Girl said...

Your garden is lovely and your little greenhouse is sweet. Enjoying what you're doing in there to make it comfy.

Heather Baird said...

May I please live in your green house? It is so lovely!

Robin Larkspur said...

Adorable watermelon!! Mod Podge is a gift from the gods if you ask me. I love decoupage, and really like the graphics you used for your garden tools. I envy your greenhouse; I must have one!! Enjoy!

Mickey (Michel) Johnson said...

a green house to make us all green with envy! i love it all! xo.

Crown of Beauty said...

Dear Lili
I have thought of and prayed for you with the coming of Irene, and now she's gone, I hope you were kept safe through it all.

The backyard greenhouse is lovely, from what I see of the pictures. The toolbox now serving as cordial caddy and so beautiful made over with the French touch is just the kind of thing I would love to have. I have an old wooden toolbox lying around somewhere.

I love cilantro on my tomato salad!

Your little sunflowers look beautiful.

And the zucchini and the pie...

Everything on this post was such a delight.

Question: do you have a heat pump to warm your greenhouse during the winter season?

Love
Lidj

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Well first of all-that watermelon you're growing is a heartbreaker. I LOVE HER! Good going Lili.

Love the mussels on the floor of your sweet greenhouse. Love the coal hod with soil...love it all and have CILANTRO ENVY! Arriving so late curtailed my gardening, which may be good since the salt spray killed everything (or damaged it) in our front yard.

Glad you enjoyed the "Just SO Maine" wedding shots. Don't you love the mermaid? Yep, you better keep Henri...he is adorable.

Love,

S

Privet and Holly said...

What a sweet
peek at your
special little
garden spot. I
love to decoupage
and need to try
some of these
projects!
xx Suzanne

Polly said...

ohmigoodness Lili! What a sweet little retreat! LOVE the shells on the floor! And that tool caddy is cute! And the bee, love that! You are so creative!!

Polly

Rain said...

Your logic is perfect Lili!!!!! Love the greenhouse-especially the floor! I am having dill envy.........we didnt plant any....not knowing we'd be going crazy making pickles all of a sudden this year! next year......~~Rain

Rebecca Lewis said...

Hi Lili ~ I Love Your greenhouse with the mussel shells and all your accents. I have been enamored with Karen's site too since discovering it a couple of years ago ~ she always has such neat things.
Hope all is going well ~ Rebecca

Vicki Boster said...

Hi Lili- by now Itene has come and gone-- I hope you and Henri fared well--

Your special greenhouse is wonderful- it's like a little cottage for planting fairies! I love your special touches here and there-- and your herb garden is to die for. The photos are all beautiful- and that pie- oh my goodness!! It's a beauty!!

seanymph said...

I understand your logic.....your already in the kitchen making things for dinner so why not make dessert too lol. Im going to have to make a blackberry pie soon. I managed to get 14c. in the freezer from a friends patch. And now my own are just starting to turn and ripen.