O is for Onion.  These are Welsh onion, a type of bunching onion.  They aren't Welsh.  They are perennial, so I only winter sowed them once.  Originally I grew them for the flowers, however I now use them as green onions.  Before the bud opens.  ..read more

 The Herb Garden (it's not just one area, there are two, and herbs in containers around also) is springing back to life!  I don't count last month's daffodils and grape hyacinths (which refuse to stay removed), as they are merely fillers I could happily give up.   It's hard to believe it's 12 years old this month!  I started it the spring after I moved in.   I had, and still have unused, plenty of rocks from large to small.    That is the area I call the Original Herb Garden.  Here it is now.  Please ignore the weeds. Some of the original ..read more

 N is for Nigella sativa (black cumin). It may be called black cumin, but it's not cumin.  It does have edible seeds though. You can probably tell it's related to love-in-a-mist.   That tiny little beetle in the upper left is a varied carpet beetle.  They are quite pretty. You don't want them in your house, but they are fine outdoors.  They'll eat anything organic, including wool, fur, leather, and flour indoors, and outside pollen and nectar.  One year I had dozens on my parsley.  Just be careful not to bring them indoors on your flowers or herbs ..read more

 I actually found some nice items in the Goodwill Bins a few weeks ago!  And, my total for these, plus a few other things was only $3.75!   This glamorous 1960s poodle made in Japan is in near perfect condition!  I found a cocker spaniel there last year, with damage, and I donated it to St. V. de Paul, where they sold it for $10.  These poodles go for more online ($30-$40), but this cutie's staying here! I'm still trying to identify this vintage lithograph in a 4 1/2" wooden frame, or find another like it.  Surprisingly, it's "Hand Made in Italy."  Th ..read more

 M is for Marigold ..read more

This week it's Trees and/or Leaves for Sunday Stamps. I have three. Ceylon, 1938, featuring a woman tapping a rubber tree.  Jamaica from the same year, 1938, showing "Coco Palms at Columbus Cove."  Columbus Cove is in Drax Hall.  It's described as a "hidden gem," but being a search brings up many sites stating that, it's obvious a popular beach! 1913 French Dahomey (former French colony in former French West Africa, now Benin) of a man climbing an oil palm.  Next week?  Dragons and Saints!   ..read more

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 L is for Lavender.  This shows the young winter sown plant after removal from the milk jug.  I transplanted it to a container rather than the ground to get bigger.  This is a tender perennial lavender, Origano, which is a fern-leaf type.  This one is from the 25¢ Dollar Tree seeds. It's True lavender, or common or English lavender.  It's a perennial and bloomed the first year.  The reason there are not photos of everything in the containers, or grown, is because some photos never made it to the blog, and are still on the computer I recently replaced.&n ..read more

 K is for Kale. I'm not a fan of kale, I grew it for K!  I have grown kalettes, from seed sent to me from the UK.  Fascinating plants.  Pretty purple-green.  Like tiny kales in Brussel sprout stalks.  They got covered in aphids though.   ..read more

 Skywatch Friday More pretty skies at the park.  I like the swoopy ones so much, here's a little bit closer! There was a public hearing about a week ago to discuss the plans for park improvements.  It's going to change the place a lot.  Some changes for the better.  There will be restrooms.  Picnic tables.  Drinking fountains.  All pretty much park necessities this park never had. Also planned is a dog park. Mickey and I are often the only people there.   I wonder if those additions and $1.6 million put into it will people to come?  Mic ..read more