Friday, February 11, 2011

There is light at the end of the Frozen Tundra Tunnel! Temps will be creeping up from well below zero yesterday to the 50's by this time next week! Hooray! I am sure Old Man Winter isn't done with us yet... but Spring is near! With temps that warm I am hopeful to open a few windows (even if only for a short time) and let some fresh air into the house!

I am in the beginning stages of planning my veggie garden for 2011! We are going to add a couple of raised beds this year as well as build a nice organized compost area. I found a great article in the November 2010 issue of Better Homes & Gardens about composting. I loved the photo of the compost bin made from shipping pallets! We have access to as many pallets as we would like, so I have plans for how and where the compost area will be! (Jim's thrilled) I will post pics later this spring when we have it all put together.

I will use the raised beds for onions, carrots, parsnips,shallots etc! Potatoes, Brussels sprouts, peppers, tomatoes, turnips, beets are already in the plans for the main garden area. I am going to tidy up and organize my herb garden this year. And I have also found articles about incorporating Swiss Chard etc in the flower gardens, so I plan to do that as well! Can you tell it's been a long, long, cold winter? *grin*

I plan on doing a lot of canning, preserving and freezing this year as well. Nothing better than preserving fresh veggies and fruits! My pantry will hopefully be overflowing with summer's bounty!



Next weekend I am attending a container gardening seminar at our local feed and seed store that is just around the corner from our home! I can't wait! Should be a lot of fun!



I am dreaming of spring and all the promises that come with the season. Easter will soon be here and

we will celebrate as a family Christ's glorious resurrection! I long to see buds on the trees ready to burst forth in color. I can visual the garden full of bounty that the Lord will provide. I can imagine lovely evenings enjoying food with good friends on the back patio. I can imagine early mornings with my coffee and the paper or quiet time out there as well.



I am sure you are all looking forward to spring as well! Do you have any special plans? Are you veggie gardening this year? I'd love to hear what your plans are!



Until then... I can look out my window and dream...



Deck from my window... today

Last Summer

Onions in June 2010

8 comments:

Paula said...

All that gardening and preserving would earn you a supersuit, except you don't meet the minimum kids requirement. :P

It's 44 degrees RIGHT NOW here in eastern Nebraska... happy dance! We were at -9 a couple of days ago.

Smelling Coffee said...

I think of you often, Kristen. I was invited to be in the "Garden Club" here in our small southern town. It's serious business here! I know NOTHING about the things you talked about in this post, but joined the Garden Club anyway - just to meet people and make new friends. At our meetings, I often think of my gardening buddies who would really enjoy the fellowship of likeminded diggers and planters... too bad I'm just in it for the fun! :) Maybe between you and the GC, I'll learn a few things this spring!

Jennifer

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

A "container gardening seminar"? Really? Have at it girlfriend:)

We're beginning to thaw over here as well. In the high 60's today; just finished a nice, but slow walk outdoors. And while I won't be planting my own garden outdoors this year, I'm anticipating the garden of new sprouts springing forth on my head and in my heart.

Resurrection blooms... may they come in abundance for both of us this Spring.

peace~elaine

Christine said...

I am anxious for Spring time and already have some seeds growing indoors right now.

Kathy Schwanke said...

Lovely photos. I haven't begun to dream of gardening yet. But we are looking forward to 50 and sunny tomorrow. !!!!

Angela Baylis said...

Hi, Kristen!
Just wanted to stop by to send my love! I was looking back at some old blog posts and found your very first comment! You were SO sweet and you still are. I hope to meet you face to face one day soon--perhaps for a bike ride!

Have a great Monday!
Angie xoxo

Angela Baylis said...

Come back to blog land, Kristen! I miss you! xoxoxo
Angie

Anonymous said...

I love your deck, it has such a homey vibe and I love those chairs! And that dog of yours! So precious =) If you're looking for anything else to spruce up the backyard you should visit The Sportsman's Guide. Their Lawn & Patio section has so much fun stuff. My husband & I picked up a hammock, some solar lights, and an outdoor fireplace! I love spending nights out there now it has such a lovely atmosphere. I hope this helps =) good luck!