Showing posts with label Friday Find. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friday Find. Show all posts

Friday, June 06, 2014

Friday Find: Moss Graffiti

Good artwork takes time, skill and careful preparation. However, you don't have to be an artist to find enjoyment in the sheer simplicity that is moss graffiti. Bound to one color and texture it's much easier to create a great looking piece of art than slaving over a canvas with a myriad of colors, paints and methods to choose from. 
 
And the best part? Most, if not all of the ingredients needed to create moss paint are free or already in your kitchen! No need for expensive materials, just moss, water, sugar, and beer or buttermilk. You will however, need a blender. Preferably your own, as most likely if you borrow your friend or neighbor's, they will not be too keen on you mixing moss in their blender!
 
Moss prefers to be in areas with low lighting and high moisture. So a dry area with lots of sun may not be ideal for you to try this. That aside, let's begin!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Friday Find: Four Simple Tips for Growing Perfect Blueberries

There’s nothing like fresh-picked berries to add to a morning smoothie, fruit salad or evening dessert. For foodies and families wanting to grow their own blueberries, picking which variety and growing them doesn’t have to be hard.

We asked Amelie Brazelton Aust, a berry expert and second generation owner at Fall Creek Farm & Nursery, about the secrets to blueberry success. “While I know a lot about the blueberry business, I do not have a green thumb like the rest of my family. However, blueberries are relatively simple and even I have great success with my blueberry plants at my home,” says Aust. “Simply follow these four simple tips to help your bushes flourish with berries season after season.”

Friday, March 15, 2013

GMG's Friday Find: Lucky Bamboo for St. Patty's Day!

Costa Farms
What's a cool, lucky plant to give on St. Patty's Day besides the shamrock?...the Lucky Bamboo

Interestingly, Lucky Bamboo is actually not a bamboo at all, but rather a Dracaena! It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and is the primary plant recommended for improving Feng Shui and for creating spaces where you feel safe and more energized to meet the demands of today's high-pressured world. They are very eye-catching and come with an ancient Chinese tradition-- the number of stalks represent distinct meanings and bring specific fortune. 


Costa Farms
Two Stalks – This commonly represents love, good luck or both.
Three Stalks – This is meant to bring happiness, wealth, and a long life.
Five Stalks – This helps with five areas in life; Spiritual, Mental, Emotional, Physical, Intuitive.
Six Stalks – This is a good gift for prosperity and good luck financially.
Seven Stalks – This is commonly given to help with good health physically and mentally.
Eight Stalks – This lucky bamboo plant is meant to give a gift of fertility.
Nine Stalks – This is a general good luck – and a very beautiful plant!
Ten Stalks – This is given to symbolize peace and contentment for a person.
Twenty One Stalks – This is the ultimate expression of good luck and fortune that you can give someone. In addition, it is quite beautiful while still being an easy to maintain houseplant.

So, definitely heed these meanings and give your recipient the gift most appropriate.You can find these Lucky Bamboo at home improvement retailers nationwide. For more information and care instructions, head to Costa Farms.com.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 
~Peggy
Garden Media Group

Friday, August 24, 2012

GMG's Friday Find: A Pond in a Box!

If you covet the serenity and beauty of your neighbor’s koi pond but don’t have the space or finances to install one, this idea from Lowe’s Creative Ideas may be the answer to your envy. And if you're a wizard with a circular saw, 4 easy steps can bring you the beauty of a deck-top water feature in little time.



Fill the garden compartment with potting mix and your choice of plants. You can add accessories like ornamental rocks or a floating gazing ball...and don't forget the little fish! For instructions on how to put together your Pond In A Box click here!

~Peggy
Garden Media Group

Friday, June 22, 2012

GMG's Friday Find: Tulipomania - The Musical about Flower Power!

Today's Friday Find is definitely for those in or visiting the Philadelphia area. It is a show that I would love to see and have been hearing great things about. Who doesn't want to see a musical about real Flower Power...
Before we had the subprime mortgage crisis, Holland had the Tulip bulb bubble. Six strangers in an Amsterdam hash bar recall this seedy story of love, money, and power. From the writer and composer of Café Puttanesca and Baby Case comes a new musical that gets high off our financial lows.



The Critical Acclaim...

The show explores the - very - dark side of obsession and greed, including the pain it causes not just to family fortunes but to families. On the light side, it sure was fun to hear the cast singing lines like "Never underestimate the power of a flower!" Amen!
–Philadelphia Inquirer [Read More]

"Tulipomania has a wonderful cast that sings Michael Ogborn’s innovative score so beautifully. Make the trip to see this bloomingly good new musical.”
–DC Metro Theater Arts [Read More]

"A damned entertaining new musical…glorious and memorable”
–CultureMob [Read More]

"“Very smart and savvy theater people have put this production together. It boasts great music, a knowledgeable and experienced director, first-rate singers, and an A-list design team.”
–CurtainUp

"On the day of the musical’s first preview, Facebook shares sold for $32, and they were just below $29 by the time the orchestra began the overture on opening night. You’ll pay more for a ticket to Tulipomania, and you’ll get your money’s worth.”
–Broad Street Review [Read More]


Book, Music and Lyrics by MICHAEL OGBORN
Directed by TERRENCE J. NOLEN
On the F. Otto Haas Stage
May 24 - July 1, 2012

Run Time
95 minutes (no intermission)

For tickets, call 215.922.1122
Single Tickets 
$29-$45
Groups of 10+
$15-$30

Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Recommended for 9th grade and older.

Enjoy!
-Karen
Garden Media

Friday, June 15, 2012

GMG's Friday Find: Plant up!

Today's Friday Find is perfect for anyone lacking the space they want to display all their plants. When you have no more horizontal space...go up! There is now The Flower Chain!


The flower chain is a 5 foot tall hanger for 6 commonly sized plant pots. Using the included s-hooks, a screw eye and swivel (allowing for 360˙ rotation), or some other type of hook, it hangs in a variety of locations, including the porch, balcony, patio, large window, kitchen, lobby, restaurant, or anywhere else. It is sewn together out of thick polypropylene strapping, and is very strong and durable.

It holds the pots in loops which are sized so pots will securely sit in, but not fall through them. There are 2 sizes with either 12 inch loops (accommodates 4.5 in round or 3.5 in square pots) or 14 inch loops (accommodates 5 in round or 4 in square pots). These are very standard sizes, and are readily available with a wide variety of plants growing in them at most nurseries and garden centers. 
Cost: $16


Here's how you use The Flower Chain!


You could really create some very unique visuals with unique plants! Have you used this product? Let me know! Post a picture.

-Karen
Garden Media Group

Friday, June 08, 2012

GMG's Friday Find: A Pot for your thoughts...

Today's Friday Find is delightful, insightful and useful.

From their website...
PHILOSOPOTS® are whimsical flower pots, hand 'quoted' in dozens of different colors and embellishments--just the thing to brighten up your kitchen or deck! They can hold flowers, kitchen utensils, or dog treats. Each has a unique quote that ranges in category from gardening, children, teachers, dogs, humor, family and friendship and more! There is one just right for you! PHILOSOPOTS® make a great gift, one for your mother, sister, teacher, father..and don't forget Aunt Betty! There is a PHILOSOPOT for every season...every occasion. Shipped FREIGHT FREE anywhere in the USA (except Alaska and Hawaii.)

Check out these styles...many more on their website!
 "Plant more flowers than you pick."
 "Earth laughs in flowers."
"A diamond is a chunk of coal that did good under pressure."

These Philosopots are available in 6" pots for $28.00.

They also have pots for holidays, teachers gifts and will do custom orders! What 'philosophy' would you like to see written on a pot?

-Karen



Friday, June 01, 2012

GMG's Friday Find: To Label or not to Label?

Today's Friday Find is from a 'find' I discovered in my very own landscape. A very old plant label...probably been there about 25 years revealed itself while my husband was trimming the bushes in our front yard. I was shocked to see that it had held up pretty well and turned out to be very helpful in educating us about the plant he was feverishly cutting back.

Well, it got me thinking about different ways that we can identify our plants not only for our own lack of recall but for anyone who might inquire. So I searched and these are the few I thought were cute and worthy of mentioning...
I though this was brilliant. You can use a 'natural' stone and write the names of your plants on them or stencil it on. The stones can be of any size and I bet you can find some great stones already in your yard or on a good nature walk! Definitely a fun project...great for all you creative people out there! Buy these Stone Plant Labels here...

I thought these were just cute enough without being intrusive in the landscape. Simple but charming. Buy these Herb & Vegetable Hanging Labels here...
And I couldn't resist these spoons. I found them on Etsy and I could sure see myself using these! Buy these Antique Spoon Herb Markers here...

How do you mark your plants in the garden and landscape?

-Karen
Garden Media Group

Friday, May 18, 2012

GMG's Friday Find: Ain't that Swell!

This week's Friday Find is going to keep all of us well-hydrated and very cool! Yesterday after work I got into my car after it had been closed up tight all day and found my water bottle had heated my water to very nice temperature...if I wanted to thaw ice. I was not looking for warm water but for a nice cool drink. That is how today's Friday find happened...


The description from their website...
The water bottle, re-imagined. Re-engineered. With a stylist. A bulky camping canteen no longer, now a sleek, portable hydration vessel. Not only providing liquids on the go, also a gleaming fashion accessory. All this while saving the planet from plastic waste and providing clean water to those in need.

S’well bottles are elegant and useful. Portable and chic. Double walled, insulated construction allows beverages stay hot for 12 hours or cold for 24. Constructed of the highest quality stainless steel (18/8 food grade), these bottles are non leaching, toxin free, virtually unbreakable, yet lightweight, with a wide mouth to allow for easy cleaning, adding ice cubes and most of all, enjoyable drinking.

Every bottle is non-toxic, non-leaching and BPA free. Plus 10% of sales go to WaterAid, which helps build safe, sustainable water sources for people in Asia and Africa.

This is definitely a great gift for any gardener who spends long hours in the hot sun and is need of a cool one!

-Karen
Garden Media Group       

Friday, May 11, 2012

GMG's Friday Find: One potato, Two potato...

Today I found a VERY simple way to grow potatoes! In something we all already own...a trash bag. Check out this very easy 5-step process (which includes harvesting) to great home grown goodness.

Step 1: Prepare the Seed Potatoes

About a week before planting, place seed potatoes in a warm spot. When the sprouts that form are about 1/4" to 1/2" long, the potatoes are almost ready to plant. Cut large seed potatoes into chunks about 2" wide. Each piece should have at least two sprouts. After cutting the seed potatoes, let them sit at room temperature for two or three days.

Step 2: Prepare the Bag

Use a pair of scissors to cut several drainage holes in the bottom of a 30-gallon black plastic trash bag. Roll down the sides of the bag and fill about one-third of the way up with potting soil. Place the bag in an area of the garden that receives full sun.

Step 3: Plant the Potatoes

Dust the seed potatoes with agricultural sulfur to protect against fungal diseases. Plant the seed potatoes by burying them, eyes pointed up, about 2" deep in the soil. Water well.

Step 4: Add More Soil

When the potato plants get about 6" to 8" tall, it is time to add more soil and straw to the bag. Add enough soil so that just the top few leaves poke through the dirt. As the potato plants grow, continue to unroll the bag and add more soil. Keep the potatoes well watered but not soggy.

Step 5: Harvest the Potatoes

One clue that the potatoes are almost ready to harvest is that the leaves will yellow and the foliage will die back. At this point stop watering and leave the potatoes alone for two or three weeks so that their skins toughen up. To harvest, slit open the side of the bag to release the potatoes.
How easy is that? I'm definitely trying this DIY project! Have any of you ever done this? How did it work out for you? Let me know.

-Karen
Garden Media Group

Friday, May 04, 2012

GMG's Friday Find: A Swiss Army Garden Knife?

Today's find was found in Good Housekeeping magazine (May 2012 Issue.) It was part of their Total Time Savers suggestions (which you should all take a look at) and I just knew it had to be our Friday Find! I also included the product video below!

Leonard Deluxe Stainless Steel Soil Knife
This is the product description directly from their website:

Based upon many customer suggestions and professional feedback, we created our deluxe soil knife, the next evolution. This deluxe stainless steel soil knife is also made in Maniago, Italy and also backed by our "no questions asked" LIFETIME WARRANTY, but it's even better!

Use it to: divide plants, plant bulbs, flowers and herbs, dig out weeds, remove rocks, cut through roots, plant in pots, clean out cracks, cut twine and ties, and for so much more! New features include:
  • Larger Diameter Hook Opening: Hangs neatly on your peg rack for a tidy shed or work bench.
  • Thumb-Rest Handle: A thumb rest at the base, a wider safety guard, and a more comfortable grip for all-day digging, and so you can push into the soil with more control.
  • Twine Cutting Notch: Cut twine and plant ties as you go, without having to switch tools.
  • Depth Markings on Blade: Inch markings on the Swedish stainless steel blade will ensure your plants and bulbs are planted at just the right depth.
  • Extended Dual Cut Serrated Edge: Now an even sharper and longer cutting stroke and sharper serrations for easier cutting of roots and swift division of perennials and grasses.

Don't think that these improvements mean we've skimped anywhere else: this deluxe soil knife is still manufactured from the highest quality, rust-resistant Swedish stainless steel as the classic. The blade is engineered to withstand over 300 lbs of pressure, for a lifetime of use. The 6-inch stainless steel blade has a tapered slicing edge, plus a sharp, deeply serrated side made for fast root cutting.

Comfortable one-piece molded composite handle offers a more rounded grip and molded thumb rest. Blade is 1.75 inches wide, 11.75 inches overall length. Sheath sold separately. Ship wt .5 lbs.
Cost: $19.99.



Another great tool to make your gardening chores a little easier.

-Karen
Garden Media Group

Friday, April 13, 2012

GMG's Friday Find: Fabulous Floral Furniture

This week is all about bringing the flowers indoors and never having to worry about them wilting. We all have an appreciation of the beauty they provide us outdoors but their life is limited once we put them in a vase.

The Floral Art Home Collection by Jennifer McGarigle is aiming to change the way we use flowers in our furnishings. Her line ranges from furniture, vases, art & accessories. There is a product for every taste.
 
At Floral Art we're surrounded everyday by the allure and beauty of fresh flowers. It's an experience that's inspired our signature aesthetic, clean, modern lines infused with imagination and elegance. Now, Floral Art Home brings this compelling sensibility to a new line of home furnishings -- the Floral Art Home Collection by Jennifer McGarigle. With the essence of nature reflected in each piece, we hope the Floral Art Home Collection enhances your everyday life with the radiance and enchantment that surrounds us in ours.

Check out the short video below about Jennifer and her inspiration!


How gorgeous are those chairs! You can get one in almost every flower!

-Karen
Garden Media Group

Friday, March 30, 2012

GMG's Friday Find - Don't forget the Forsythia!

This week's Friday Find is on a more personal note. I was reading an article by Kevin Sharkey in Martha Stewart's Living Magazine (March issue) and realized I have exactly what Kevin wants...a long hedge of forsythia...except mine run the perimeter of my backyard and not along the driveway. A slight difference. 
After reading Kevin's story about how to use forsythia in decorating your indoors, I got up, went out back and took in the beauty of my forsythia. I would normally see the yellow flowers and mention it to my husband that they had bloomed but I never really went out back to experienced their beauty. This is definitely their time to shine! And do they shine! With the sun beaming down on them it is almost hard to look directly at them.
I just took these pictures...hopefully you will enjoy the view as much as I do...  
 
Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks Kevin for opening my eyes to even more ways to enjoy them! (Kevin's article has some great ideas and tips on how to bring the forsythia indoors and enjoy them even more!)

Do you have some amazing forsythia growing in your yard? If you do, you should read Kevin's article here...

-Karen
GMG

Friday, March 02, 2012

GMG's Friday Find - Don't just Plant...PLAN!

So this week's Friday Find is all about planning! I decided to expand our veggie garden from last year and knew I needed a plan...so I started looking for anything that could help me organize all my hopes and dreams in one place...and this very cool and incredibly useful tool found its way to me!

Vegetable Garden Planner from Mother Earth News!

FYI, it is now available for the iPad!

I've included a video that explains how to use the planner...it is SOOOOO easy!


Description of the Veggie Garden Planner from the Mother Earth News Website...

...As each crop is added, the app automatically spaces the plants and calculates how many you can fit into the area you specify. The Grow Planner is flexible, too, enabling you to add plants in traditional rows, blocks, raised beds or using the square-foot gardening method, whatever the size or shape of your beds. And with the flexibility and mobility of the iPad, you can plan or add notes about your crops while out in the garden or while relaxing at home.

Grow Planner uses an extensive database of over 140 plants and nearly 5,000 weather stations across the United States and Canada to calculate recommended planting times for your ZIP code. Link it to an online account and you can receive planting reminders for your own crops delivered by email twice a month.

With the Grow Planner app, you can browse catalogs from several major seed suppliers, add your own varieties and even customize the spacing and planting dates for each crop. The app includes information on how to grow each vegetable, fruit and herb. It also provides bonus gardening content from MOTHER EARTH NEWS, including information on garden pest control, maximizing your harvest, designing your garden with permanent beds and paths, controlling weeds, and more. At the touch of a button you can quickly share plans with friends and family by email or on popular social networks...

So...your choice...will you just plant and hope for the best or PLAN and reap the benefits!

-Karen
GMG

Friday, February 24, 2012

GMG's Friday Find - Living on the LEDGE!

Today's Friday Find is such a great idea and IDEAL if you like to entertain in your garden or just have a private wine & cheese break from the day!
The LEDGE
Even the websites name is great... ILoveTheLedge.com

Description from their website... 
The LEDGE is a beautifully handcrafted, wrought iron table that easily attaches to pots, urns and even wine barrels. It’s the perfect pairing of function and beauty! Constructed from handcrafted, powder-coated wrought iron, our Siena and Malibu models of The LEDGE include UV-rated acrylic glass, while the petite Capri model features a laser-cut wrought iron shelf and does not require a glass top.


The LEDGE is the progressive dinner, wine tasting and outdoor entertaining creation of Fresno, California resident Sharon Duncan.

“I noticed during gatherings that people were holding their wine glasses and struggling to balance their appetizer plates, and that the need for more table space was apparent. I got tired of renting pub tables, cloths and centerpieces, then I realized I could make use of the beautiful pots I had on my patio, so I created The LEDGE! Now I can enjoy my morning coffee on the patio or host a dinner party, and The LEDGE is always in place. It is the most beautiful end table I’ve ever had and I can’t do without it!”

The LEDGE has excellent appeal because it’s as functional as it is versatile. It’s available in three styles and can be used casually or made up to be chic and elegant. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, relaxing in your garden or entertaining on a larger scale, The LEDGE is a natural fit with your outdoor ambiance.
 

This is a great gift idea! I have got to get one of these! (Hint, Hint!)

-Karen
GMG  

Friday, January 13, 2012

GMG's Friday Find!

I came across a very cool product for the very FIRST GMG Friday Find!
Edible Flowers Garden Bon Bons (I love the Bon Bons part!) by
Moulton!
These garden truffles are for planting - not for eating!

From the Moulton website...Seed balls are a centuries-old planting technique. The compost provides nutrients to the seeds and the clay holds it together and protects against insects. Find a sunny spot, toss into the garden or indoor container, add water and watch them grow!
 
Not to mention they come beautifully packaged. This Edible Flowers selection pictured above contains anise hyssop, calendula, nasturtiums and violas.

Garden Bon Bon descriptions:

Round Red Clay Truffle - Viola 'Helen Mount'/Viola tricolor. Heirloom purple, yellow and white blossoms. For garnishes, candying and salads. 5"-7" tall.
Red Clay Truffle rolled in cinnamon - Calendula/Calendula officinalis. Bright orange heirloom flowers. Teas, salads and soups. Peppery. 12"24"tall.
Red Clay Brownie Square - Anise Hyssop/Agastache foeniculum. Licorice-mint flavor. Blue flowers and leaves for teas, salads and garnishes. 24"-36" Tall.
White Clay Truffle - Nasturtium/Tropaeolum majus. Peppery red, orange and yellow flowers for salads, soups and garnish. 14"16" tall.

A great gift for your favorite gardener...Valentine's Day is coming up...But don't forget the REAL chocolate too! (And please don't get them confused!)

-Karen
GMG