by Heather Ford-Helgeson
The innocent
sentenced to
House arrest.
Mercury refuses to rise.
Sun peaks, even fully exposes herself,
But she mocks
(as she beckons)
Powerless against polar winds.
What to do but walk paces?
Be grateful for heated spaces.
Learning To Brave the Cold, Snowshoer Style
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
Winter's playing hide-n-seek with us here in Minnesota. One day it's 21 for the high the next it's 50. We're accustom to it but we feign offense because it makes for good complaining 'round the water cooler. Admit it or not, Mother Nature's inconsistency is part of why we live here. Weather is a game and we all like to volley guesses at any given day's highs and lows and when the snow will dump. However, we all know the inevitable outcome: cold with a chance of freezing our booties off.
Yes, winter will hit us with its subzero ferocity and we're readying for it. Stuffing carbs, cheese and meat as if its our civic duty, curling up on the couch with the lights low and the t.v. on by seven, going to bed to "read" by nine and sleeping 10 hours or more. We are Vikings to be sure, but we are also bears and we know how to hibernate.
For the approximately 18th year I am telling myself this winter, THIS WINTER, I will take up an outdoor activity. I will get out into the elements, no matter how earth shattering cold, and movemovemove. I am pushing hard this time and think I'll succeed.
Late last winter I tried show shoeing with a friend on a lake and it was exhilarating. In full disclosure here, the first 20 minutes almost killed me, but once I got used to my heart beating above 80 bpm and acclimated to the cold, I looked up and out and over the lake and it was awesome, as in awe-inspiring. Snow, sun, blue sky and the only sounds were our labored breath and the shoes through the snow.
Perhaps snowshoeing will be a form of mediation for me throughout this winter. I'm looking forward to finding out.
In this land of skiers and skateboarders, skaters and hockey players, I will snowshoe...but I'm still going to bed by 9pm.
What winter activity do you do that gets you out into the elements?
Winter's playing hide-n-seek with us here in Minnesota. One day it's 21 for the high the next it's 50. We're accustom to it but we feign offense because it makes for good complaining 'round the water cooler. Admit it or not, Mother Nature's inconsistency is part of why we live here. Weather is a game and we all like to volley guesses at any given day's highs and lows and when the snow will dump. However, we all know the inevitable outcome: cold with a chance of freezing our booties off.
Yes, winter will hit us with its subzero ferocity and we're readying for it. Stuffing carbs, cheese and meat as if its our civic duty, curling up on the couch with the lights low and the t.v. on by seven, going to bed to "read" by nine and sleeping 10 hours or more. We are Vikings to be sure, but we are also bears and we know how to hibernate.
Late last winter I tried show shoeing with a friend on a lake and it was exhilarating. In full disclosure here, the first 20 minutes almost killed me, but once I got used to my heart beating above 80 bpm and acclimated to the cold, I looked up and out and over the lake and it was awesome, as in awe-inspiring. Snow, sun, blue sky and the only sounds were our labored breath and the shoes through the snow.
Perhaps snowshoeing will be a form of mediation for me throughout this winter. I'm looking forward to finding out.
In this land of skiers and skateboarders, skaters and hockey players, I will snowshoe...but I'm still going to bed by 9pm.
What winter activity do you do that gets you out into the elements?
Natural Progression
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
Dawn crawls up in vivid pink and orange
Cool winds hold gusts of winter snap
Green gives way to red and yellow
Leaves play tag as they fall and blow.
School lends to quiet neighborhood afternoons
The sun tires faster, heading to bed early
Naked branches bend shyly in search of cover
The burning bush blushes bright as a young lover.
Frost spreads from tree tips to grass
Perennials brown and die back to rest
Sounds deepen and amplify as the temperature drops
The honking of geese incessant, lessens, stops.
Footsteps crackle and leave trails
Breath clouds, mingles and rises
Mother natures blows a cold kiss
A hush envelopes as snow falls, gathers and drifts.
Cool winds hold gusts of winter snap
Green gives way to red and yellow
Leaves play tag as they fall and blow.
School lends to quiet neighborhood afternoons
The sun tires faster, heading to bed early
Naked branches bend shyly in search of cover
The burning bush blushes bright as a young lover.
Frost spreads from tree tips to grass
Perennials brown and die back to rest
Sounds deepen and amplify as the temperature drops
The honking of geese incessant, lessens, stops.
Footsteps crackle and leave trails
Breath clouds, mingles and rises
Mother natures blows a cold kiss
A hush envelopes as snow falls, gathers and drifts.
Ode to the Blues
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
(I've got the blue-collared blues and I'm happy)
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
I have spent the last few months working hard in the great outdoors. My soft body with its desk-chair sized backside and
atrophied arms initially shook after hours of shoveling mulch into wheelbarrows and
moving it distances that appeared to elongate with each haul. Bugs
have taken good sized chunks of my tender skin. I've been attacked by raspberry and barberry bushes galore
-- my legs and arms illustrate that story with a labyrinth of scrapes and scratches. Many a
spider, including a couple the approximate size of a Smart car, have sauntered over my arms completely ignoring my screams. Once, a snake slithered out from under my hand in a rock garden and didn't even stop to see if I was indeed having a heart
attack or just overacting.
It has been awesome. I mean that, from the top of my sunburned scalp to the tips of my bruised toes.
It has been awesome. I mean that, from the top of my sunburned scalp to the tips of my bruised toes.
I quit a job I loved before this gardening adventure. I loved the work but management was the worst I've had in almost two decades. It broke my heart to leave but I had to. I had to for the sake of my health and my family. If
it weren’t for some fabulous friends I made on the job and the relationships I fostered with clients, I’m quite certain I would have lost it more than I did. And
I did lose it. I completely lost my bearings and even threw up a couple of times while at work. Many days I couldn't eat without gagging until after 5pm because I was so tense. Even when I was home my mind was still at work, trying to figure out how to fix the situation. My toddler got less and less time with me even when I was right in front of her. I've spent years with previous jobs that were difficult. I can't stand giving up and I'm a bit of a Pollyanna but within five months I had to be done. For my sake and my family's sake. The following morning after my last day I
ate a huge breakfast because I wanted to eat, for the first morning in months,
and I smiled while I ate. I came back to myself so fast I knew I had done the right thing.
So here I am in the blue-collared zone and feeling very fortunate for it. The beauty of
working with your muscles, of sweating, of starting and completing a task
within a day and feeling your day’s work in every fiber of your being is a beautiful thing. I will go back to the white-collar world
because there are parts of me that I want to utilize that I cannot in the labor
world. However, I know the value, physically and spiritually, of a hard day’s work and I will
encourage my daughter and others to not count it out as a life-long pursuit.
Working within your field of bliss is great if you can find it, but what if your bliss cannot pay the bills? Writing, singing, playing an instrument, painting, creating sculptures from old tin cans, some make a living from these things, many more cannot. But money should not be the divining rod to success, happiness and fulfillment should. Working a day in the elements, using the body instead of draining the mind, leaves enough creative energy to pursue hobbies with gusto and fortitude.
What if you want to write a novel but find your desk-job is draining your will to create? A seasonal blue-collared job may be the answer. Many pay well so you could work from early spring to late fall, set aside as much in savings as you can to get you through the winter months while you pursue your art ten-fold. Yes, it's a stretch, yes, there are many factors to consider (i.e. health care) but with some planning you may be able to make it work and then won't you be proud of you?
Blue or white, it doesn't matter, as long as there is fulfillment, contentment, dare I say even bliss, everyday. If a job takes all the color out of our lives, as mine was doing, then something has got to change. Most of us need to work and we should be grateful for our work, but we do not need to be miserable.
Blue can be the perfect color and you'll never know unless you try it on.
Working within your field of bliss is great if you can find it, but what if your bliss cannot pay the bills? Writing, singing, playing an instrument, painting, creating sculptures from old tin cans, some make a living from these things, many more cannot. But money should not be the divining rod to success, happiness and fulfillment should. Working a day in the elements, using the body instead of draining the mind, leaves enough creative energy to pursue hobbies with gusto and fortitude.
What if you want to write a novel but find your desk-job is draining your will to create? A seasonal blue-collared job may be the answer. Many pay well so you could work from early spring to late fall, set aside as much in savings as you can to get you through the winter months while you pursue your art ten-fold. Yes, it's a stretch, yes, there are many factors to consider (i.e. health care) but with some planning you may be able to make it work and then won't you be proud of you?
Blue or white, it doesn't matter, as long as there is fulfillment, contentment, dare I say even bliss, everyday. If a job takes all the color out of our lives, as mine was doing, then something has got to change. Most of us need to work and we should be grateful for our work, but we do not need to be miserable.
Blue can be the perfect color and you'll never know unless you try it on.
Medicinal Mindlessness
Laid back on plush lawn chair in permanently shaded spot hearing only gentle brushing of leaves in the wind and chirps of birds and mind following sounds and sensations as
coming in and out of consciousness with the tide of breezes as they flow over hair follicles and
nothing matters but this moment and
this moment and
this moment and
this
this
this
coming in and out of consciousness with the tide of breezes as they flow over hair follicles and
nothing matters but this moment and
this moment and
this moment and
this
this
this
Heat
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
I love the heat.
I love
the
heat.
It is in sun
that
every follicle
stands
and sways
and sings
after months
of being
pushed
squashed
layered
and
hidden
by wool
and
denim.
I expose my
skin to even
the slightest
air
wearing perhaps
less than
I should
but I cannot
help
myself
as I have
longed
for
breezes.
There is no like
to hot skin
meeting cool
water.
Nothing sticks
I am light
and free
refreshed and revived.
But the heat
waits for me,
to once again
flush my skin
stick my skirt to my legs
prickle the hairs on my neck
and leave me feeling
blissfully
spent
when,
at night,
I
slip into soft
cool
sheets
and
prepare
for
another day
of
heat.
I love the heat.
I love
the
heat.
It is in sun
that
every follicle
stands
and sways
and sings
after months
of being
pushed
squashed
layered
and
hidden
by wool
and
denim.
I expose my
skin to even
the slightest
air
wearing perhaps
less than
I should
but I cannot
help
myself
as I have
longed
for
breezes.
There is no like
to hot skin
meeting cool
water.
Nothing sticks
I am light
and free
refreshed and revived.
But the heat
waits for me,
to once again
flush my skin
stick my skirt to my legs
prickle the hairs on my neck
and leave me feeling
blissfully
spent
when,
at night,
I
slip into soft
cool
sheets
and
prepare
for
another day
of
heat.
Again Begin Again
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
A fortunate
we
who live among
seasons,
where spring arrives
to a
sold-out stadium
filled in anticipation
of its
performance.
Dappled sun through new leaves
and puddles slop over curbs
dry up
and leave mud
caked
and smelling
like
something old and new
all at once.
Birdsongs change from
caws only
to
cardinals courting
and robins
joyous in finding
fat
worms.
Grass greens within
seeming
moments
and toes
too bloom
from boots into
damp earth and
soft blades.
The sun finds
its stride
and its
heat
finally
hits
in force
and every bit
of exposed skin
tingles and
revels and
reveals
life
is
in
every
cell.
A fortunate
we
who live among
seasons,
where spring arrives
to a
sold-out stadium
filled in anticipation
of its
performance.
Dappled sun through new leaves
and puddles slop over curbs
dry up
and leave mud
caked
and smelling
like
something old and new
all at once.
Birdsongs change from
caws only
to
cardinals courting
and robins
joyous in finding
fat
worms.
Grass greens within
seeming
moments
and toes
too bloom
from boots into
damp earth and
soft blades.
The sun finds
its stride
and its
heat
finally
hits
in force
and every bit
of exposed skin
tingles and
revels and
reveals
life
is
in
every
cell.
ShowSpaces - Room to play
by Jeanette T
The black-eyed susans are in full frenzy and the sunflowers are eight feet tall and blooming but everything else is slowly fading. I am cutting more and more spent blossoms and starting to think about what plants I should leave up for winter interest. This is a needed break in the season of gardening. A chance to slow down and watch the last flowers as fall swings in and reminds us to hurry and finish our chores before the snow comes.
For this ShowSpaces post I decided to find the opposite of the last garden, which was cozy and packed full of plants. Too little space can be a frustrating problem in the city but out in the suburbs the problem becomes what to do with all that space? I thought of sharing a certain house that we have worked on for a few years that has found some creative solutions. In gardens not immediately close to the house, there are simple mass plantings that are attractive yet easy to maintain and still look good from a distance. Another key is to use plants that pair together well and help each other stand out.
The house is set back in the forest and is reached by a long driveway. At the top of the drive way is a raised garden with boulder walls and simple plantings of grass and black-eyed susans.
The black-eyed susans are in full frenzy and the sunflowers are eight feet tall and blooming but everything else is slowly fading. I am cutting more and more spent blossoms and starting to think about what plants I should leave up for winter interest. This is a needed break in the season of gardening. A chance to slow down and watch the last flowers as fall swings in and reminds us to hurry and finish our chores before the snow comes.
For this ShowSpaces post I decided to find the opposite of the last garden, which was cozy and packed full of plants. Too little space can be a frustrating problem in the city but out in the suburbs the problem becomes what to do with all that space? I thought of sharing a certain house that we have worked on for a few years that has found some creative solutions. In gardens not immediately close to the house, there are simple mass plantings that are attractive yet easy to maintain and still look good from a distance. Another key is to use plants that pair together well and help each other stand out.
The house is set back in the forest and is reached by a long driveway. At the top of the drive way is a raised garden with boulder walls and simple plantings of grass and black-eyed susans.
In the middle of the driveway is a small bed. There are several small trees for structure and it is planted so something is blooming throughout the season. Peonies are the first to bloom, then comes the clematis and fall is brought in by the sedum.
In front of the house is a beautiful perennial garden with a lot of color. To ease the transition to the stone patio, we have lined the edge with containers of bright annuals.
Coneflowers stand out beautifully against the soft foliage of the cypress tree.
The deep autumn yellow of the black-eyed susans is complemented by the warm tones of the fall blooming grass behind it. The background is a shady dark forest.
Here, mass plantings of grasses, sage and more rudbekia serve to steer the eye away from the fence surrounding the pool.
A border of hydrangea shrubs are easy to maintain and bring some lightness to the side of the house. In the fall and winter their dried blooms provide structure.
A lot of backyards run along a forest or some other wild area. Here, we gradually transition from the more formal beds surrounding the house to less structured beds running along the perimeter. A thick layer of mulch in front keeps the forest plants from spreading and low maintenance bee balm provides some height and color.
In the front yard there is a large hosta garden. Groups of large hostas give contrast to the smaller leafed hostas that line the edges. Clumps of ferns and bleeding hearts break up the mass plantings. From a distance, the forest foliage is echoed along the ground by the season long greenery.
This yard also uses containers beautifully. They help brighten up dull spots against the side of the house and bring color and softness to stone patios. The above container is placed on a south facing patio that can get very dry quickly. With that in mind, we used large containers that hold water longer, and were careful to choose plants that would do okay in hot and dry conditions.
Autumn is coming and a few accents here and there can extend the warmth and color of the beds as the rest of the flowers fade away.
Finding Hope in the Hopeless
by Tami Gallagher
 |
| Dead Dahlia |
~ My cute little tabby grass in my early spring container grew to be about four feet tall when transplanted into my sunny window box but my Kong Coleus must have been mislabeled because it isn’t so much as Kong as it is all of three inches tall.
~ I haven’t had a single ripe strawberry. The rabbits and I both think, “Oh, that will be perfect tomorrow!” but they must get up earlier than I do so now where there used to be strawberries, I just have crunchy brown leaves.
 |
| Insects! |
~ We adopted a four-month-old dog, Toby, last December and he has been wreaking havoc in all his puppy energy. He ate the cucumber plants, ran through the Hydrangea shrub destroying all the big beautiful blooms, peeled all the bark off of an Ash tree like it was a banana, broke off all the lower branches of my Japanese Lilac, and then there's all the holes... I had to give up my plan for re-designing the backyard this season.
 |
| Blossom End Rot |
~The trumpet vine I removed two years ago seems to have gathered force underground last season and decided to sprout up shoots all over my garden; I'm giving up on the battle for now, but not the war!
 | |
| Unwanted Grass in Potting Soil |
~The Mugo pines I put in last year died. OK, maybe I should have watered them more…
~The Sea Oat grass I put in last fall didn’t even make an effort to come back.
 |
| Dead Mugo Pine |
~The kids are as bad as the dog and big portions of my dianthus were sacrificed in a neighborhood game of capture the flag.
~I have aphids on my Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Japanese Beetles on my Basil, and squash bugs on my zucchini. The squash bugs on my zucchini were so bad, I had to pull all the plants out.
It was the squash bugs that sent me to adding up my garden troubles this year. With all these trials, I wondered why I keep trying.
But I know ultimately it's because I love gardens. They bring me hope; hope for the future and that I can always do better. Every season is an opportunity to grow better and brighter. Next year I will be more vigilant, I'll cover my new fall plantings better, and I'll watch for bugs more attentively.
And Toby will be the wise old age of two.
 |
| Example of what the Gallagher Gardens look like in a good year |
ShowSpaces- S. Minneapolis
by Jeanette Torkelson
It is late afternoon and as the sunlight yellows around me, I am reminded that in a few months we will be sitting in darkness at this time, our gardens blocked from view by the reflections of our lamp lit interiors. It might seem early to think of autumn but I am seeing signs of it in our flowers. The late fall blooming sedum is already flowering, leaves are starting to build up in the nooks of garden beds, and the mornings have been almost chilly.
As the oppressive heat of summer gives way to cooler nights and days, it is a good time to think about changes we want to see in our gardens. You've heard it many times, but fall really is a great time for planting and for rearranging!
To help inspire all of us, we are starting a series showcasing gardens that we maintain throughout the Twin Cities metro area. From grand poolside gardens to cozy urban patio gardens, we will share what you guys have been creating- and with the little bit of maintenance help-how it stays beautiful year round.
This is a garden we have maintained for years in South Minneapolis. Even though the owners had a very small backyard and most of it taken up with a concrete patio, we have still helped create a beautiful environment.
It is late afternoon and as the sunlight yellows around me, I am reminded that in a few months we will be sitting in darkness at this time, our gardens blocked from view by the reflections of our lamp lit interiors. It might seem early to think of autumn but I am seeing signs of it in our flowers. The late fall blooming sedum is already flowering, leaves are starting to build up in the nooks of garden beds, and the mornings have been almost chilly.
As the oppressive heat of summer gives way to cooler nights and days, it is a good time to think about changes we want to see in our gardens. You've heard it many times, but fall really is a great time for planting and for rearranging!
To help inspire all of us, we are starting a series showcasing gardens that we maintain throughout the Twin Cities metro area. From grand poolside gardens to cozy urban patio gardens, we will share what you guys have been creating- and with the little bit of maintenance help-how it stays beautiful year round.
This is a garden we have maintained for years in South Minneapolis. Even though the owners had a very small backyard and most of it taken up with a concrete patio, we have still helped create a beautiful environment.
It
is a lush space. Ferns and hosta provide leafy structure along the
walls and paths. The ground cover is allowed to creep between the plants
and grow along rocks.
The colors of the garden warm as the season progresses and even without many blooms the backyard is lovely.
One
of the key reasons this garden is successful is the diversity of
plants. The varying heights and leaf textures provides interests year
round.
The patio has sharp corners that we softened by letting the shrubs stay a little looser.
This
garden works well for this particular space but any gardener can take
away some lessons. Remember to use variety! Notice the deep red of the
hibiscus in the photo third from the bottom. It is just one bloom,
but it adds a lot to the space. It brings your eye to the farther
corner of the garden and helps the space feel a little bigger. To do
this, we did have to trim away some of the blooms from the hydrangea
tree but WAIT! Don't toss those lovely blooms out.
Ever Evolving
by Tami Gallagher
Last fall Jeanette and I were doing a
clean-up on a particularly large property. The job took about 25 hours (our average property is 4 hours.) After working about 6 hours or so, Jeanette
looks up and says with a sigh, “Wow, there’s a lot more to go.” I told her to look down and focus on
what was right in front of her. Then, ever so often, look back and see how much she had accomplished.
I was struck by a
metaphor for the grief I was then, and still am, enduring.
My brother killed himself 9 months ago, a few weeks before the weeding session mentioned above, and every day requires mental and emotional fortitude.
My brother and I were very close. I am overwhelmed at the thought of living
the rest of my life without him. However, my words to Jeanette
echo in my mind. In handling my grief I must
remember to do today’s work, feel and process the emotions that come about
today and then, ever so often, look back and appreciate how far I’ve come.
Like a garden, we should never be complete or stagnant but rather a work in progress; ever evolving. I am a
different person than I was 9 months ago. There
is a heaviness in me that may always be there in some form, but I am
not broken. In fact, I am wiser and more aware than ever the awe as well as the fragility of life.
Thank you to all my
wonderful clients and employees for the amazing support and patience you’ve had
with me over the last 9 months. I am so
blessed.
Weed Barrier: A Weed's Best Friend
We all mean to do well for our gardens.
It can be hard to make the right choice when surrounded by so much hype
from unnecessary products. There
is one product, however, that is very commonly pushed onto gardeners that is
one of the worst things you can put down.
I’m talking about weed barrier, also known as landscape fabric.
Many
of us have heard the supposed benefits about using the black plastic fabric and
some of us might have it in our gardens.
Maybe you moved into a garden that had it in, or were convinced by a
company of the usefulness. My
garden came lined with the fabric, and by the time I moved in, there was no
mulch left, just an ugly expanse of black fabric with weeds growing straight
through.
That’s
the funny thing about weed barrier. It prevents weeds for about a year, but
after that, they start popping up, as happy as ever. And they’re impossible to
get at because they have a nice barrier separating you from their roots!
Weed
barrier also interrupts the natural flow of nutrients. As plants drop leaves, and the mulch
decomposes, those nutrients go straight back into the soil. Weed barrier prevents this. In many cases, the mulch decomposes
enough that weeds start growing on top of the fabric, and eventually those
roots will break through the fabric and into the soil underneath.
It
is very difficult to move your plants around once weed barrier is put
down. Also, perennials need space
for their roots to grow and many companies don’t cut big enough holes for the
plants to grow in. I’ve rescued
many a plant that had started growing half on top of the landscaping fabric and
was struggling to reach soil and water.
The fabric also prevents water from getting down to the roots. With this hot summer, our plants need
every drop they can get.
Weed
barrier is not the prettiest material.
No matter how much mulch you put on top of it, rain, foot traffic, wind
and the slippery surface of the fabric will cause bare spots to be exposed. The dark surface of the fabric will
heat up faster than the soil and encourage the ground to dry up a little
faster.
Are
you going for a lush full cottage garden?
Often those gardens rely on plants that reseed every year, and landscape
fabric will prevent those seeds from sprouting and taking root.
Some
people use weed barrier to kill off a section of lawn or weeds. A good alternative is cardboard or
black and white newspapers underneath a layer of mulch. This does the trick of preventing light
from reaching the weeds and when you’re ready to plant in it the next year, the
papers will have decomposed nicely!
The
weed barriers are made out of non-recyclable plastic and are not
environmentally friendly.
With
a little creativity, you will never need to use weed barrier and your plants
will be much happier because of it.
These photos showcase one of our gardens and also demonstrate that even in difficult hilly and rocky areas weed barrier is not needed! Some mulch and some weeding keeps this garden looking gorgeous all year round!
How Does Your Garden Grow?
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
If you read my previous post, you'll know that I started my first vegetable garden this year; a raised bed pictured above. Though small, it is causing big changes. I absolutely love it. If I want some herbs, I go pick them. If I want a salad, I go pick from my variety of greens. Most of the tomato plants are next to the raised bed and I also planted
some corn there. The chipmunks got almost all the corn but the tomato
plants are thriving and if all goes well, my family will have a plethora of juicy ones from which to pick. Every morning I water and tend to my plants almost as lovingly as I do my two-year-old. There is no doubt I am hooked and I have already mapped out an area in my back yard of which I am going to dig up in the fall for next years LARGE vegetable garden adventure; Can. Hardly. Wait.
I am constantly on the look-out now for urban vegetable growers and I'm amazed by people's use of space. A young guy in my South Minneapolis neighborhood has turned his entire boulevard into a vegetable garden. A couple in the same area put a couple of raised beds in their side yard, mixing it in with their landscaping. There's a woman around the corner from me who has turned her front-yard into one large food-producing garden and made it beautiful to-boot and a couple of blocks from me a family has turned all the land next to their garage into a huge garden. I have seen window boxes turned into herb gardens, planters used entirely for tomatoes, planters with mixed vegetables and flowers, wheel-barrows as raised beds, large tires filled with tomato and bean plants, and one of our long-time clients had HSG transplant a bunch of her perennials that were next to her pool and then turned the whole area into a vegetable garden. These are but a few examples of great ingenuity.
Are you tending to your own produce garden? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. We love to hear about what you're growing and how it's going. You can also ask us any questions you have on any of your gardening needs.
Great growing and we will write again soon.
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| Heather's Raised Garden - early June 2012 |
I am constantly on the look-out now for urban vegetable growers and I'm amazed by people's use of space. A young guy in my South Minneapolis neighborhood has turned his entire boulevard into a vegetable garden. A couple in the same area put a couple of raised beds in their side yard, mixing it in with their landscaping. There's a woman around the corner from me who has turned her front-yard into one large food-producing garden and made it beautiful to-boot and a couple of blocks from me a family has turned all the land next to their garage into a huge garden. I have seen window boxes turned into herb gardens, planters used entirely for tomatoes, planters with mixed vegetables and flowers, wheel-barrows as raised beds, large tires filled with tomato and bean plants, and one of our long-time clients had HSG transplant a bunch of her perennials that were next to her pool and then turned the whole area into a vegetable garden. These are but a few examples of great ingenuity.Are you tending to your own produce garden? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. We love to hear about what you're growing and how it's going. You can also ask us any questions you have on any of your gardening needs.
Great growing and we will write again soon.
If You Build It...
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
Hello everyone! It is so good to be back garden blogging again and all of us at Home Sown Gardens look forward to writing for and with you this year. The winter here in Minnesota was mild and many of us are a bit apprehensive about what this may mean for our spring and summer. But we have no control anyway so better to be optimistic and enjoy every warm minute we get.
If spring is any indication, this could be a stellar year of gardening. I'm looking out my window right now and I'm amazed at the size of my hosta, peonies, tiger lilies, and my grapevine is heavy with leaves...(oh, and the grass needs some serious attention, yikes, I'll have to get on that.) Anyway, my landscaping is looking good so now I can move on to the project I've been looking forward to all winter; building raised beds for vegetables.
If you receive the Home Sown Gardens Newsletter hopefully you have read our piece on easy-to-build raised garden beds. HSG's hope is to inspire as many of you as possible to give a try at vegetable gardening this season and tell us how you do by emailing us. In fact, we urge you to share any of your gardening experiences and questions with us and periodically throughout the season we will post your findings and comments in this blog as part of a section we are calling Garden Share.
I will keep you posted on my progress and I hope you keep us posted on yours. Good gardening luck to you all and you'll hear from one of us again soon.
Hello everyone! It is so good to be back garden blogging again and all of us at Home Sown Gardens look forward to writing for and with you this year. The winter here in Minnesota was mild and many of us are a bit apprehensive about what this may mean for our spring and summer. But we have no control anyway so better to be optimistic and enjoy every warm minute we get.
If spring is any indication, this could be a stellar year of gardening. I'm looking out my window right now and I'm amazed at the size of my hosta, peonies, tiger lilies, and my grapevine is heavy with leaves...(oh, and the grass needs some serious attention, yikes, I'll have to get on that.) Anyway, my landscaping is looking good so now I can move on to the project I've been looking forward to all winter; building raised beds for vegetables.
If you receive the Home Sown Gardens Newsletter hopefully you have read our piece on easy-to-build raised garden beds. HSG's hope is to inspire as many of you as possible to give a try at vegetable gardening this season and tell us how you do by emailing us. In fact, we urge you to share any of your gardening experiences and questions with us and periodically throughout the season we will post your findings and comments in this blog as part of a section we are calling Garden Share. I will keep you posted on my progress and I hope you keep us posted on yours. Good gardening luck to you all and you'll hear from one of us again soon.
Thankful
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
I like to think that most of us remember to be thankful more than once a year, that we don't necessarily need a holiday in order to give thanks for everything and everyone we have in our lives. Never-the-less, having a whole day in which to concentrate on being thankful is not such a bad idea; a whole day to spend with family and friends, to appreciate good and comforting food, to spend time with those we don't see enough throughout the year, to remember loved ones who are no longer with us, and to give extra hugs and kisses to those that are. Regardless of what the true origin of Thanksgiving is and how we feel about it, what we do with the day now is what matters most.
Up until a few years ago, I wasn't much for traditions and holidays and such. They often felt too obligatory and seemed kind of a bore. I have grown up, though, and realized what a blessing it is to have family with whom to spend the holidays and that it is all about how we approach these days together and what we do during them. I don't want any formalities and expectations other than fun, food and family and my guess is that is how most people enjoy the holidays best; no pomp, no circumstance, just lightheartedness and celebration.
When walking into a holiday home, what makes it all complete is a cozy atmosphere with heavenly scented air, good music in the background, familiar voices and laughter. I also love it when everyone pitches in to make the food. Somebody brings the appetizers, someone else brings the wine, another makes the breads and sweet treat, others create the sides, and one or a couple take on the main course. A collaboration adds to the cohesive theme of any holiday.
If there's kids coming, the more fun for them, the better time everyone has, so I love it when there's toys, games, movies, and such about because then there's lots more laughter and squeals, which are the best ambiance to any holiday.
So, here's to you and yours. May your days be cheery and bright and may your holidays be full of everything that makes you happy, and thankful.
Best wishes to one and all.
I like to think that most of us remember to be thankful more than once a year, that we don't necessarily need a holiday in order to give thanks for everything and everyone we have in our lives. Never-the-less, having a whole day in which to concentrate on being thankful is not such a bad idea; a whole day to spend with family and friends, to appreciate good and comforting food, to spend time with those we don't see enough throughout the year, to remember loved ones who are no longer with us, and to give extra hugs and kisses to those that are. Regardless of what the true origin of Thanksgiving is and how we feel about it, what we do with the day now is what matters most.
Up until a few years ago, I wasn't much for traditions and holidays and such. They often felt too obligatory and seemed kind of a bore. I have grown up, though, and realized what a blessing it is to have family with whom to spend the holidays and that it is all about how we approach these days together and what we do during them. I don't want any formalities and expectations other than fun, food and family and my guess is that is how most people enjoy the holidays best; no pomp, no circumstance, just lightheartedness and celebration.
When walking into a holiday home, what makes it all complete is a cozy atmosphere with heavenly scented air, good music in the background, familiar voices and laughter. I also love it when everyone pitches in to make the food. Somebody brings the appetizers, someone else brings the wine, another makes the breads and sweet treat, others create the sides, and one or a couple take on the main course. A collaboration adds to the cohesive theme of any holiday.
If there's kids coming, the more fun for them, the better time everyone has, so I love it when there's toys, games, movies, and such about because then there's lots more laughter and squeals, which are the best ambiance to any holiday.
So, here's to you and yours. May your days be cheery and bright and may your holidays be full of everything that makes you happy, and thankful.
Best wishes to one and all.
As the Leaves Leave
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
My head has been buried in thought and my daughter lately and it is easy for me to go whole days with not noticing much of my surroundings. The wind, a few days ago, caught my attention, however, and when I looked up and focused on the world around me, I was shocked to see that it is beginning to look a lot like winter; rather in-congruent when it's this warm, but none-the-less, winter is coming.
Thankfully there are still some leaves hanging on and so must we. And besides, the sound of shoes crackling through leaves and the smell of them burning are triggers for memories of happy fall days of the past.
In a couple of days I'll get out in the yard to do the fall cut back of my perennials and when I'm done with that I'm going to rake leaves and I'm excited to see what my 15 month old will think of that; hopefully she'll jump on into the piles with me.
It feels good to a.) be doing a fall clean-up in November and know I won't have to wear thermal underwear and b.) to do a fall clean-up, period! I can't stand starting out in the spring with all the dead perennials and leaves all over my landscaped and garden areas. I want the snow to melt to reveal a blank canvas and as the days lengthen and the sunlight strengthens, watch mother nature create her works of art.
Happy fall, everyone, when next I write, it may be winter...but we can dare to dream for a couple more weeks of autumn.
My head has been buried in thought and my daughter lately and it is easy for me to go whole days with not noticing much of my surroundings. The wind, a few days ago, caught my attention, however, and when I looked up and focused on the world around me, I was shocked to see that it is beginning to look a lot like winter; rather in-congruent when it's this warm, but none-the-less, winter is coming.
Thankfully there are still some leaves hanging on and so must we. And besides, the sound of shoes crackling through leaves and the smell of them burning are triggers for memories of happy fall days of the past.
In a couple of days I'll get out in the yard to do the fall cut back of my perennials and when I'm done with that I'm going to rake leaves and I'm excited to see what my 15 month old will think of that; hopefully she'll jump on into the piles with me.
It feels good to a.) be doing a fall clean-up in November and know I won't have to wear thermal underwear and b.) to do a fall clean-up, period! I can't stand starting out in the spring with all the dead perennials and leaves all over my landscaped and garden areas. I want the snow to melt to reveal a blank canvas and as the days lengthen and the sunlight strengthens, watch mother nature create her works of art.
Happy fall, everyone, when next I write, it may be winter...but we can dare to dream for a couple more weeks of autumn.
Give Yourself a Break
by Heather Ford-Helgeson
Well, I bit off more than I could chew this spring and summer. I had this grand plan to revamp my yard into a landscaped paradise along with raised vegetable gardens that would feed my family well into the winter (because I was also going to make myself a small root cellar of sorts). Instead, I accomplished about 1/3 of what I wanted to do. But, so what. Really. What did I expect? I have a toddler, my first one, and I am, like everyone else I know, packed to the gills with to-do lists, responsibilities and projects. Ultimately, I should be proud I got done the little bit I did and, ultimately, I need to give myself a break...and chances are, many of you out there need to do the same thing.
I am re-writing my to-do list, re-evaluating my responsibilities and I may chuck the projects until next year. The most important thing to do is to enjoy my family and my life in general and if there are some things on my to-do list that I enjoy, I will do them. If there are important things that really must get done, I will do them. If they are not truly necessary, they're going in the LATER DUDE, column.
The fact is, a lot of us think that once we get A, B, and C done, or once we have more money, or what have you, then and only then will we be happy. But chances are, once we get our to-dos done, there will be more to-dos and if we make more money, we'll have greater expenses eating that dough up. Therefore, if we put off happiness until our untils are met, what we're really doing is putting off happiness to a time that may never come.
Destinations are great, meeting a goal is fantastic, but if we're not happy in the process, what is the point? Being realistic about the expectations we put on ourselves, then, has everything to do with our self satisfaction. So, let's be honest when we make our lists of to-dos about what is realistic to accomplish. And, let's get help when we need to. It's not so important that we do everything ourselves. If you can, hire someone to get some of those must-dos done and also look to friends, family, kids, whomever, to help as well. Anything that can wait, can wait. It's that simple.
I promise to lighten up and enjoy my life more. I hope you do the same.
Have a lovely rest of September and take care of you and yours, and have fun!
Website Comments
September 5th, 2011
Hello all and happy Labor Day! I would imagine many of you are at the state fair and it could not be a more perfect day for it. I hope you are having a great time.
Today I am celebrating by working and then I am going to clean out my basement while my husband and our daughter play and enjoy their time together. I love to organize and I love being with my family, so why not combine these two favorite activities?!
While working this morning, I've been tweaking our new website. I would greatly appreciate it if, when you have a couple of minutes, you would check it out and let me know what you think by clicking on the Contact and Comments page. Any input you can give would be great!
Thank you so much and have a lovely rest of the holiday and week.
Take care,
Heather
Hello all and happy Labor Day! I would imagine many of you are at the state fair and it could not be a more perfect day for it. I hope you are having a great time.
Today I am celebrating by working and then I am going to clean out my basement while my husband and our daughter play and enjoy their time together. I love to organize and I love being with my family, so why not combine these two favorite activities?!
While working this morning, I've been tweaking our new website. I would greatly appreciate it if, when you have a couple of minutes, you would check it out and let me know what you think by clicking on the Contact and Comments page. Any input you can give would be great!
Thank you so much and have a lovely rest of the holiday and week.
Take care,
Heather
Garden Lovers Check-it-out List for the MN State Fair
August 26th, 2011
There is so much to eat at the fair that it's hard to remember that there is also so much to learn there as well. The horticulture building at the Minnesota State Fair is a nature lover’s fun and education zone and I highly recommend you check it out while you are there.
There is so much to eat at the fair that it's hard to remember that there is also so much to learn there as well. The horticulture building at the Minnesota State Fair is a nature lover’s fun and education zone and I highly recommend you check it out while you are there.
Following is a list and dates of some things that sound interesting for the next six days. (Please see the State Fair Daily Schedule website for a full list of each day’s activities). I will post the final week’s schedule on Tuesday August 30th.
All educational classes mentioned are in the Agriculture Horticulture Building – Area C
Saturday, August 27th
- 1pm - Backyard Composting, the Easy Way: This class is taught by Larry Cipolla, a Hennepin Master Gardener and should help you get that compost bin going.
- 3pm – Growing Glorious gladiolus: The MN Gladiolus Society will be sharing all their know-how on growing these beautiful flowers.
- 4pm – Container Gardening: I can’t wait for this one! Container gardening is so much fun and the more you know, the more you can grow.
Sunday August 28th
- 10a.m. - Low-maintenance Perennial Gardening: Even those of us who love to garden appreciate a low-maintenance one and hopefully Janet Pauley, a Goodhue Master Gardener, will have some great ideas.
- 1p.m. – Fall Garden Tips and Lasagna Gardening for Spring: This just sounds so interesting.
Monday August 29th
- 1p.m. – Starting Seeds Indoors: Plants add up quickly but seeds are inexpensive and knowing how to start them properly indoors is valuable, and cost effective, knowledge.
- 2p.m. – Basic Landscape Design Principles: Jim Calkins from the MN Nursery and Landscape Association should provide easy –to-follow design basics for your yard.
- The Flower Show entitled Minnesota Enjoys is available for viewing for most of the day but for 9am to noon when it is closed for judging.
- Noon to 6pm – Kids Flower Detective: Children 12 and under get to show their smelling skills by identifying flowers from their scent. Super cool!
Tuesday, August 30th
- Noon – Pots for Christmas Cheer : Get some tips on creating festive holiday planters.
- 1pm – Ten Tips for Growing Terrific Tomatoes: Master Gardener, Kathleen Wenzel is going to help all of us grow the tastiest tomatoes.
- The flower show and kids flower detective shows mentioned above are going on today as well.
Wednesday, August 31st
- 10 am – Herbs- Growing, harvesting, and preserving: Shirley Mah Kooymen, a Hennepin county Master Gardener, leads this class. I am most excited for the preserving part, as that is the area with which I have the most difficulty.
- 11 am – Pruning in the Home Landscape: Just plain smart class to take as pruning is an art best done with knowledge and know-how.
- 3pm to 6pm - Home Sown Gardeners will be volunteering at the MNLA gardens; come find us and let’s chat!
- 3pm – See How We Do It! Master Gardeners Tell All: This should be very very interesting!
Home Sown Gardens has a new website!
August 15th, 2011
Hello all.
Just a quick note to tell you that we have a new Home Sown Garden's website! Please check it out when you have a moment and let us know what you think.
Thanks so much and have a lovely week!
Take care!
Hello all.
Just a quick note to tell you that we have a new Home Sown Garden's website! Please check it out when you have a moment and let us know what you think.
Thanks so much and have a lovely week!
Take care!
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