Growing your veggies

When I was in college I took a furniture making class and my dream project was to make a large coffee table with a center removable insert that you could plant a garden directly into along with a series of vases that you could actually see the growing process. When I came across this fun mini planter for root vegetables the ideas all came flooding back and the desire to design came back with a vengeance. This tabletop planter is perfect for little ones {and grown folks too} to see how things grow. There is just something about seeing the seeds take shape and transform into food right before your eyes. Nothing is funner then being able to pick your own food, I currently have 7 plots in a community garden just to get the fresh foods I desire...just yesterday I plucked a handful of mustard greens to saute up. Yum!

image via hearth song

A beautiful garden inspired wedding

My heart skipped a beat when I stumbled upon this gorgeous botanical wedding. Bride and groom Josi and Jamess celebrated their nuptials in some serious floral style thanks to the creative minds at Fleur de Cordeur, the mix of garden blooms, fruit and veggies set a beautiful stage for a magical evening. There is something so beautiful and pure about single stems in clear glass that is not only charming and romantic but totally practical for those who want to create major bang for your buck.

images via we love pictures, flowers by fleur de cordeur

Urban gardeners

Over the weekend the husband and I became urban farmers. We missed having our hands in the dirt and reaping the benefits of growing your own food, and after a bit of research and a slew of phone calls, we came across our new home away from home, Brooks park. With incredible views, ample space and friendly gardeners we couldn't resist and got a few plots. Luckily they had a few plants already growing too! Of course the very next day we had planted starters and seeds of broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, spinach, swiss chard, kale, turnips and 3 different kinds of onions. Can't wait to see what grows, this climate is not only new to us but is completely unpredictable.

photo via mobile web dude

They are growing!

On Friday I went out to my parents house where we had planted 5 different tomato plants a few months ago and my oh my have they grown.  I planted 2 varieties of 'low acidic' tomatoes and so far so good on my tummy. I made Happy Herbivore's mock tuna salad and threw in a few of those yellow pear shaped ones...there really is no better flavor then homegrown tomatoes. Have you grown anything this year? Our garden has gone a bit awry but at least the tomatoes and artichokes are still growing strong. Growing up one of my all time favorite late summer snack was a tomato sandwich, but they had to be homegrown otherwise it just didn't taste the same. A few slices of tomatoes on a thin layer of mayo {or veganaise in my case} and a little salt and pepper, guys, you have to try it. And speaking of trying things out, I whipped up a batch of these fried green tomatoes for the husband and I. These were quite tasty, I ended up leaving these marinating in the beer a little long and the flavor was a bit strong but still very good. They disappeared just as fast as they were made!

photo by our designed life

Nicely done Ikea

Just when I think I can finally rid my entire house of Ikea furniture, here they are giving us these adorably cute plant pots to make me change my mind.  With this move the husband and I have been trying to change our fresh out of college look and graduate to 'adult' pieces, but their price tags keep us browsing a few of the essentials... like that drawer that no one will see inside the closet.  This hanging and standing planter however would be perfect for our new giant window.

photos via ikea

Photo of the day, The first harvest

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Today is my husbands birthday, and what a way to celebrate with our very first harvest from the garden!  He dug up our bunching onions which smell simply amazing!  Can't wait to spruce up dishes with these guys.

Photo of the day, Growing potatoes

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My darling about to graduate high school cousin, asked, with all sincerity, "How do you know where to dig up the potatoes since they grow underground."

Well here you go, dear cousin, growing potato plants.  I think the spud is a russet potato and the plant is a red potato.   

Photo of the day, Worms up in here

Worms up in here

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Today the husband and I dug up 3 new garden beds and seemed to disrupt a ton of worms.  Hope they like their new bed, under compost and hay.

Photo of the day, Frosty

Frosty

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Planted some beautiful radicchio plants yesterday and woke up to quite a bit of frost this morning.  Hope they make it, these are going to look awesome growing.

In the garden

For the last month or so, the husband and I have spent countless hours prepping our new garden and yesterday it finally started to look like, well, an actual garden.  My parents have a 1/4 acre yard and for as long as I can remember my Mom has always wanted something done, yet never found the time to landscape.  When we moved back, we were given permission to plant till our hands fall off, as long as we take care of it.  Yesterday my husband and Dad set up a rain barrel for irrigation that way when we move out of the back house it is still taken care of.  The goal is to get a new place where we can still drive (or hopefully take BART) out to the garden on the weekend.

Anyway, we have been growing everything from heirloom seeds but picked up a few organic onions and romanesco broccoli that went straight in the ground.  In our greenhouse, we have tons of sprout-lings growing.  So far we have cauliflower, swiss chard, celery, peppers, artichokes, raspberries, blackberries, red cabbage, radishes, carrots, lettuces, spinach and a bunch of different flowers.  Whew, no wonder I'm tired.  But everyone loves it so far, including my parents dog who likes to follow us around on the rock and walk back and forth over the bridge.

Do you garden?

Photo of the day, Been gardening

Been gardening

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Spent almost all day digging, tying, planting and stomping in mud.  Even planted a few old plants that made it through the move from Venice to Northern CA.  All in all, a successful gardening day.  

Happy Weekend

Happy Friday.  This week thankfully went by fast, and even though I thought I was getting sick, I slept it off!  Go me.  And to end the week, I wanted to share a little something for the girly girl.  How gorgeous is this!!  I love adding chandeliers, it creates instant romanticism and whimsy.  Don't you just want to curl up under there with a good book and a cup of coffee.  Ahhhh.  Happy weekend friends.

photo via turquoise, tulips and bliss

Modern baroque

Now I am not usually one to even want to drop serious cash on items for outdoors, but how fun are these Queen of Love indoor/outdoor chairs from Hipster home!  Made from recycled polyethylene and with a design reminiscent of the Louis XV, Italian designers Graziano Moro and Rinatto Pigati have created a modern take on the famous baroque style.  A pair of these babies out in the garden would be fabulous, and there are several fun colors to chose from, all perfect for indoor or outdoor use. Plus, they are the perfect size to snuggle up in.  Oh how I wish I had 2k for a pair!

photos via hipster home

Shop Terrain

Every so often I stop on over at Terrain and play the 'if I could get anything' game.  If you're not familiar with Terrain, then go check them out!  Their shop is filled with all things nature inspired, Terrain has lovely furniture for your home and garden as well as a slew of tabletop goodies with a fun touch.  I just love that apple bottle opener!  With a touch of rustic chic, there are literally pages filled with items you never knew you needed.

Apple bottle opener

Boston bread mold  How fun would this be with a few garden herbs!

Boulder mug

Mushroom salt and pepper shakers

Chalkboard jam pot

photos via terrain 

In the garden

Just wanted to quickly stop by, seems I have a million and one things to get done before Palm Springs this weekend, the husband and I are celebrating our 1st year married already!  How was everyones extended weekend?  Ours was spent buying a bike, riding said bike all over town, and gardening.  Lots and lots of gardening.   I snapped a quick shot of our handiwork, was hoping for some sun, but alas, mother nature is picky.  Its still a work in progress and there are still a few things that must be done... like what do we do with that old window pane?  Ideas?

Anyway, with blog posts and invoices to write, laundry to fold, dishes to be washed and a dog that is pouting to go outside in the mud (seriously, have you seen a dog pout!?), today is going to be a long day.

Dwell on design part 2

I was super excited to see Wallter at Dwell on design, and I wasn't the only one, their spaces were packed!  I was only able to get one shot without another person, but it was worth the elbowing to get a peek.  I simply loved their powder coated aluminum planters, they are super modern and just fun to look at.  Plus they come ready to mount to the wall, hang or even on posts for outdoors.  The posts are my favorite.  Wallter also has a variety of goodies for your home, including lovely comforters, wooden paint-able wall decor and even fabric.

photo by monica at dwell on design 2010

I can't wait for these outdoor post planters to become available!

What a fun take on a traditional lighting medallion.

I absolutely love this organic shape and color!

photos via wallter

Photo of the day

"Fresh berries"

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Its almost summer and we got our first berry!  There are a few clumps still in the green stage, hopefully this isn't our only bug free beauty.

Photo of the day

"Playing in dirt"

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We spent the entire day out in the garden, making a new one.  Our last planters decided to give up on us and had to be replaced.  Moved all our sand, dirt and plants.  As soon as the new transplants get perky again, I'll snap a pick at the new planters.

Fantastic Eco friendly birdhouses

Now that the garden is growing, I have had my eye out for some fun and eco friendly bird houses, and I think I may have found a fun option!  These 'nests', designed by Ronel Jordaan and available through Sprout home, make for a warm and fuzzy home for your winged visitors.  Each nest is made from 100% wool and is created using soaps and dyes that are biodegradable, creating grey water that is then used to water an organic garden.  Amazing.  

photos via sprout home

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"Things are growing"

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Our garden is starting to come alive.