Sunday Bits #74 (Arnold Palmer, Dahlias, Fabulous Greenhouses)

We have had yet another really busy week, time gets away from me as I run to appointments. It seems that, unlike when I was young, by the time I get back from my running around, I no longer have the energy to start a project after supper. Getting old really sucks sometimes, hah!

You know those inexpensive crates they usually have in front of the Rona shops? Deeper crates than the ones I used for shelving in the grandies' bedroom, the ones that are more like wooden trays. I picked up the last 4 that they had on the shelf. Am going to use them in the potting shed to hold stuff. Decided to stain them this lovely blue called 'Worn Navy' by Varathane. I love them. Yep, love them. I don't always know exactly how things will be used but when I get an idea, I am like a dog with a bone... cannot let go of it. So glad I went with this one. I think they will be super helpful for corralling plants, pots, and other bits.

We have started our bedroom renovation. I cannot even call it that, is more like a spruce up. We are not doing any major changes, just a few cosmetic changes, if you will. We had the new patio door put in over a month ago but are just now getting around to fixing the drywall, touching up the paint, adding new curtains. The wallpaper will be going up first, and then a new ceiling fan. I have my heart set on a certain one and have not yet found anything that suits, so am beginning to think a compromise is required... though not happy about it (dog/bone, you know).

With the dust from the drywall work going on, I finally remembered to order a new filter for my Blueair air purifier. Check out the difference in the old one versus the new one, eh? Holy smokes! I sure do love this machine! It makes breathing a whole lot easier, hah, as it sits beside my head in the bedroom. If you have asthma, allergies, other breathing issues, pets in your bedroom, you need one of these in your life.

What I found this week .... Gardening Bits & Tips

I've always dried my roses after enjoying them in the vase... now I want to try the same thing with dahlias (considering the fact that I have 25 of them! How to dry dahlias. What do you think of this idea? Aye or nay?

No more weeding, try no-dig gardening instead! I started with this no-dig in 2011, or thereabouts, and would never ever go back. It is so much easier and so much healthier for planet earth, too! Give it a try!

Here is a really good article about how to care for Heritage raspberries (and everbearing type).

Check out this post about how to grow celosia. They have now come out with so many beautiful varieties of celosia that it is a whole new ballgame than it used to be.

Carrots growing between the onions and beets in the far bed and in between the beets and squash in the near bed.

*As an Amazon affiliate, if you purchase an item from one of these links, I make a teeny bit of money to support my blog. It does not cost you a penny more than it would if you went to the item on your own, without my link. Huge thanks : )

How to thwart the carrot rust fly. This row cover will help a whole lot! Also, plant alyssum and/or calendula to attract beneficial insects to eat the eggs, and plant with other plants, like onions, that will disguise the scent of the carrot foliage (which is what attracts the fly to your carrots). Try not to disturb the foliage ( no thinning!) as that will help the flies find your crop.

How do you feel about mustard greens? I am kind of a fan. I like a bit of that spicy in my salads and on my tacos. Here is a how to for growing mustard, though it is dead simple to grow so you might not need it. Sow some seeds today and you'll have greens before you know it.

Here are 32 fantastic raised bed ideas. I love sooo many of these ideas! We have 3 tall raised beds that are 12' x 4' and a whole bunch of low ones, all built with wood. The fir boards are my favourites for some reason. I love the pale colour. They are also 10" tall so just needed to go one board high to build the beds as we are open to the ground below.

We just ordered this pale green enamel coated metal raised bed to go into the greenhouse. It cost a bit more than I wanted it to (always the way) but it is a bit taller and the perfect size, so we are going for it. Will be the perfect addition to the greenhouse. Isn't it lovely?

Check out this amazing London garden. Pots on the patio, potted plants on the way to the greenhouse, cosmos in planter boxes, and the cutest rustic greenhouse you ever did see.

And then all these lovely greenhouses for inspiration.

Other Bits

How to make pompom pillows. I am kinda taken with these pompoms... not sure if I want to make the pillow or just make about a zillion pompoms! This pompom maker has 4 different sizes, or even more if you like, is affordable, and looks like one of those fun projects one can sit and do in front of the boob tube (for those of us who do not know how to knit ;).

This is my favourite go to drink. Yes, it is non-alcoholic. I was making them for my workshops before I even knew they were a thing! Thought it was just a me thing ; )

Have a great week, eh?

Thinking of you, wishing you all the great things ~ Tanja