Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings
I imagine some of us love to get our hands dirty with our gardens.
Here at Christmas in July we want to know all about what type of gardens you have,how long you have been gardening and anything else you wish to tell us that is related to the theme.
Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls says we have a large vegetable garden where we grow tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers & a variety of melons. Gardening books are absolutely invaluable to us, which is why we keep on hand many different types. We also have many flower and garden inspired items.
Round Vera Neumann Floral Tablecloth
Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeDeesigns said I am lucky enough to live on ten acres in rural Australia and we have a huge vegetable and fruit garden.
Spring/ Summer is our biggest harvest, and this year was particularly successful. I have spent the last month preserving, pickling and fermenting the rewards! This has however taken away time from managing my Etsy shop – but it has to be done while the produce is fresh!
After a big day in the kitchen I reward myself with wine!! But during the day I take the occasional coffee break and sit on the veranda and enjoy looking at the garden.
Ceramic mug and coaster set
Melissa R from missy69 states I love gardening! I wouldn’t say I am great at it, but I am always learning. I home school my children, and one of the best ways to teach them Science is to try to grow something. My daughter and I currently have a 3 Sisters Garden, that is corn, squash and beans. This is from a History lesson on the Pilgrims and Native Americans. So far so good, lol. We live in sunny Florida, so usually by March we can start the veggie garden. I have peppers every year, and tomatoes. But, this year we tried something new. Plus the all the flowering plants, to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. BTW another great Science activity is to plant host plants for butterflies. They will lay their eggs on the host plant, and then you can watch the whole metamorphosis process. Very cool! I love to paint all the beautiful things in this world, and one of them is below. An absolute favorite, the ruby-throated hummingbird.
Ruby throated hummingbird acrylic art painting
Carola Bartz from CarolaBartz says gardening is balm for my soul. I love it. When we moved in our home on a corner lot there was only lawn in front of the house. Using the sheet mulching technique I converted it to a garden that now, four years later, has become a real paradise for birds, butterflies and other critters. Unfortunately the deer like it, too, and treat it as their personal salad buffet. However, that doesn’t stop me to constantly work on it, weeding, cutting back, making space for new plants. I love every season in it. At the moment I’m working on my backyard to turn it into a similar sanctuary.
As a photographer I love to take pictures of the flowers – if there’s a little bug on the plants, even better!
Ladybug in Lavender Photo Greeting Card
Jenya from Veddma discusses this week I take the first steps to start the garden, and it’s exciting as ever, since we have a new space to shape. I have met with Gavin from Edible Landscaping Ottawa to help us figure out what is feasible to do in our space, with considerations of sustainability, cost, and aesthetics, using permaculture principles wherever possible to maximize the food-growing potential. I’ve been experimenting with various garden designs, including vertical towers and spirals over the years. Quite a bit of it is documented on my blog, here is the latest post:
fingeringzen.com/get-organized/edible-landscaping-at-our-new-place
Spring flower fine art photography gift card set
Patricia and Rebecca from northandsouthshabby states I moved into a newly built home 6 years ago. Unfortunately, the builder had stripped all the vegetation and left a pretty blank slate. I have pushed, planted and prodded little spots to come to life. Every year gets better and a little bigger. An addition of a rain barrel has helped my flowers thrive. One storm can fill the 55 gallon barrel to capacity. My trusty watering can is my constant gardening tool, bringing the sweet rainwater to thirsty flowers.
Vintage large round floral Toleware tray
Tanya Hardman from TheWoollyTangle discusses I always loved gardening from a very young age; I even had my own patch of ground at my granddad’s allotment. Although I realize now how little I actually did!
I used to be a full-time gardener in a local stately home before we had our eldest son but couldn’t return to the profession afterwards thanks to childcare restraints. I’ve settled for making my own garden, which is finally starting to look lovely after a lot of hard work. Hoping for a lot of veggies and flowers this year.
Lots of my pieces are inspired by the colours and forms of nature. The brooch featured here is an attempt to recreate the beautiful full blooms of the peony plants which are just budding up in my garden at the moment.
Hand knitted flower brooch
Desert Dabbler from DesertDabbler states gardening is a challenge here in the desert southwest but very rewarding. My lavender loves the dry sunny climate. My other favorite flowers are Yellow Bells, which are tubular flowers that grow on tall vines. We are also on the path for Monarch butterflies. To encourage them we grow desert milkweed, a very plain plant but one that butterflies love. I combined my love for butterflies and flowers in these dangle earrings. But these are Swarovski butterflies — also beautiful.
Flower and Butterfly Swarovski crystal dangle earrings
Corkycrafts from Corkycrafts says spring brings wildflower season in Texas. I love to garden and sell wildflower seeds to share the love of gardening with my clients and customers. Only during the spring/summer I sell my seeds to share the color of wildflowers across the USA.
Nasturtium flower seeds,edible flowers
Annie from DesignedbyAnneliese discusses that I have loved being in the garden and helping my dad garden from a young age. However once I moved out of home I have not had my own garden. I do have a courtyard where I love to keep plants in pots and attempt to grow herbs and vegetables. Unfortunately the possums get to the herbs, veggie leaves and strawberries before we do!
I have included this set of envelopes which feature flowers and butterflies and remind me of spring and being in the garden.
6 flower and butterfly envelopes set
Jessica and Bryan King from FeathandKee says Bryan and I both really like to grow things. Sometimes we have success, others not so much. I always get way to ambitious in the wonderful Spring weather, then when the heat of Summer hits…. I always have good luck with Okra, Zinnias, and Marigolds. This key chain was inspired by the pretty flowers of Spring and Summer.
May Flowers Reclaimed Wood Key chain
Dana Hamant from LilybeanzBowtique states my garden is a constant work in progress. We have lived here for 6 years, and each year we work on one piece and making it our own. In the past we have taken down bushes, rearranged bulbs, and started a herb garden. This year we are excited to start growing strawberries and tomatoes! Next year we will be tearing up our existing deck and building a brand new one, so that we can better enjoy our outdoor living space.
I absolutely love being outside and being a part of nature. This tutu dress is the epitome of what I love about being outside.
Green Fairy Tutu Costume
EtsyChristmasInJuly 