Saturday, May 23, 2009

Thursday, May 21, 2009

So Very Handy!

I can't explain how much I love these people. They bring me joy every day. Sometimes a long story spoken so fast I can barely keep up, sometimes a playful scare, sometimes a loud laugh aimed right at the fact I just hit the tree while swinging on our rope swing, sometimes helping me in the garden, and always a bright smile that could light up all of Good Hope. I love you Josh, Coley, and Makayla!! I am certainly not a perfect sister, but I sure am a proud one!




Josh, why won't you let me take your picture? ;)

Friday, May 15, 2009

More Herbs?

Yep. I done run out of room. So what did I do? Made more. :)

I was overwhelmed with mints and such, and I have already put several in the main garden, so I decided I needed a plot just for perennials and medicinal herbs. This is the result----





Maybe I'm enjoying myself a little too much now that I graduated....? Nah.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Drying Herbs---Oven Method

I had so much Oregano, I had to do something. :)

I figured I'd share how I dried some using our oven. Later this year I am going to try the dehydrator and the traditional air drying, but this was so very easy. Quick too.

First, early on a clear morning, pick your herbs. I gathered a few small baskets full.


Next, take your herbs and place them in a single layer on a dish. I used mainly cookie sheets. Turn your oven on its lowest setting, and place the herbs inside, leaving the oven door ajar.


After an hour or so, check on them to see how dry they are. You may have to turn them, and you may end up having to leave them in the oven for a few hours. Mine took about three. When you touch them, they should crumble. You will know they are ready when this occurs. Once they are done, you're ready to bottle 'em up. you can use glass containers or Ziploc bags, but whatever you choose must be airtight. I used glass containers.


So there ya go, a quick, easy way to put up those extra herbs.

Monday, May 11, 2009

It's gittin' there.

Strawberry Plant

Bitties

Me and Mak (look how big that blame Oregano plant done got.)

Partners in Crime
(mostly organic, raw, healthy, herbal, nutritional stuff--don't worry.)
It's such a blessing to have your Mama as your best friend!
Collards

Herbs

Bitty Beets

Bitty Borage

Yarrow
Norwegian Jaerhon

Red Broiler (doomed, bless his heart) and Jaerhon

Golden Spangled Wyandotte

Buff Orpington

" Jest git that thing away from us."