It's Here.....Spring at last!

I just want to tiptoe through them!

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Happy Spring. I am off on a million errands today, how about you? Did anyone do any spring cleaning...no judgement...only envy if you did.

Pink Burlap

Yesterday, I was killing time researching ideas on Pinterest, and I ran across this image from designer Angie Hranowsky

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I liked the drapes...and then I read the box....It's BURLAP! Burlap from a designer...how cool. A quick search, and I found all these colors at this store for only $4 per yard.

Pink

Black

Yellow

Orange

Avocado green

This one is called sage, but it looks slightly gray

This is the color I'm considering...it is more expensive than the others at $7 per yard.

Available Here

Remember my tips when shopping for fabric online. Is colored burlap something you would consider? What would you use it for?

Carnations?

Yes...carnations! My blogging friend, Mimi from First Come Flowers, did a post on carnations. I was completely skeptical, and thought ...I'll just stop by to say "hi"....you know how that goes. This was one of the images she used

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I know....those are carnations! Not what I remember, so I read on...I'll cut to the chase... Mimi convinced me to buy a bunch of carnations and make a simple arrangement.

Store bought carnations $5.... Bunch them all tougher, keeping the heads at the same level

Put a rubber-band close to the top of the bunch and trim the ends to the length that will fit your vase

That's it! This should last 2+ weeks...

Thanks for the great tip, Mimi! To read her entire post you can go here.

Friday's in The Garden......Roses & Starbucks

Welcome back to my series,

This was an exciting week for me because my bareroot roses arrived. I thought it would be fun to do a tutorial along with illustrated images (via Sunset). This is how they arrived

Inside all that packaging

It is best to soak them in water for a day, or so

Dig the hole...try to make a cone shape that the root structure can rest on

Because real gardens are not like the perfect illustrations...or as you see in "Martha's" yard, cut any roots that are in the way

Spread the roots out over the cone. Make sure that the graft (the bump where the branches begin) is at or above the soil level. This depends on what zone you are in and if you plan on mulching. I place mine just above the soil line.

Gently backfill the hole with soil

Notice that there is a well around the plant and the some of the roots are still showing....I'm not done yet. Time to give it a good drink of water. This will remove any airpockest that may have formed

Add more soil and gently press it around the roots

There is that graft I mentioned. Because these roses grow 3-4 feet wide, I want to plant them approximately 36" on center. That way, I will have a full lush row of white roses.

And now it is Starbucks time....not for me...for the roses. This is about 10 pounds of used coffee grinds (and some filters)....it's FREE!! Starbucks will saved used coffee grinds for you. The program is called Grounds for Gardeners.

Mine did not come in a cute package like they advertise. All the better, because I asked for an entire day's worth....Please! They saved it for me, and this is how I use it; a few shovels full around the roses

I work it into the soil

WARNING....THIS IS CAFFEINE AND CAN HARM YOUR DOG!!!! Because of this, I only use a small amount in the back yard. I use a lot in the front. Cover the plants with mulch

And wait! Happy Gardening.

Outdoor Rug Shopping

Wow, I can't believe that it has been one year since I bought this rug. I love having a rug on my front porch, and I would like to find one for my back patio. So, back to on-line shopping for an outdoor rug. What a difference a year makes....the choices have become almost overwhelming....almost.

I found new (to me) site, here. I think I am leaning toward a sisal looking rug like this

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Although, this Oriental looking rug could be interesting

Now this won't work for me...but I know how the world has gone tangerine thirsty

This is great, I'm not that brave

Have you ever purchased an outdoor rug? Do you have any suggestions?

Beach Centerpieces

What can I say...I love a simple centerpiece. In fact, the hydrangea centerpiece post that I did, is currently my most popular. Since the weather has been so fantastic, and I'm always dreaming of the day I live at the beach.....I thought I would do beach inspired centerpieces

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I'm so sorry the kids have outgrown their sandbox. I could use a few cups of it now. Is this something you would try?

On another note....my Craigslist frustrations continues. That contender table is in Pennsylvania! I'ts called "over-posting" and I should have flagged that listing.