Second Nature

There was a cute write up about May’s garden theme at my local nursery, so I had to share it! Enjoy!

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

The National Wildlife Federation, based in Reston, VA, has declared May as “Garden for Wildlife Month.” From bird watchers to butterfly lovers, many of us want our gardens to be a haven not just for flora, but also for local fauna. Here are a few tips to make your home garden more hospitable to wildlife:

• Do not use chemicals. Pesticides, herbicides, inorganic fertilizers, etc. should be banned from your garden.

• Reduce your turfgrass lawn. Create dense shrub and perennial borders for birds and other creatures to make a home in.

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I totally love new kitchen gadgets. This really cool stainless steel compost bin would be perfect for anyone’s kitchen. For $22.50 this is a great deal!

Made of sleek stainless steel, this durable, modern Natural Home kitchen compost bin is a handsome addition to any kitchen countertop. 6.75 inches round and 8.5 inches tall, this bin holds exactly 1.3 gallons and includes a filter that lasts up to six months.

The editors at Natural Home & Garden have selected this and other stainless steel kitchen products because they are durable, safe and environmentally friendly. Stainless steel does not leach chemicals and is 55 percent recycled. The grade of the stainless steel used is 18.8.

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

You know that really neat garden tool you misplaced? Or the kid toys that disappeared? Maybe it wasn’t your fault, but a pesky thief. I really liked this article from Treehugger. It further confirmed my need for neat and tidy cleanup after working or playing outdoors.

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

It’s not pretty but it’s a sad fact: gardens are a source of rich pickings for thieves. It used to be just garden gnomes were stolen but now it’s precious plants, garden tools, and children’s toys. Not so surprisingly, thefts jump when the clocks go forward.

What to Do?

l. Lock up and put away your things

The obvious answer is the one that’s not for lazy people. At the end of a sunny or hard working day in the garden put away tools, hide or cover bulky items (the barbecue), put up a good fence and get a good lock on the shed.

2. Change your plantings

This is more interesting and challenging. There are all kinds of shrubs and trees that have spines, thorns and prickly leaves. Although they will take some time to grow, they should deter even the most determined burglar. The nice thing is that bugs and birds like the plants too.

The English police have published a list of plants that will scare off thieves the natural way.

Now that I am planting my garden here in the lovely VA, I am looking into new uses for all of the plants that go into my yard. Thankfully I am starting from scratch so that makes the job a bit easier.  I found this article online on Treehugger and am so excited to read more about edible flowers and all of the different things I can make. My top five favorite ideas are included below. Watch out kitchen, here I come!

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

The culinary use of flowers dates back thousands of years to the Chinese, Greek and Romans. Many cultures use flowers in their traditional cooking — think of squash blossoms in Italian food and rose petals in Indian food. Adding flowers to your food can be a nice way to add color, flavor and a little whimsy. Some are spicy, and some herbacious, while others are floral and fragrant. The range is surprising.

It’s not uncommon to see flower petals used in salads, teas, and as garnish for desserts, but they inspire creative uses as well — roll spicy ones (like chive blossoms) into handmade pasta dough, incorporate floral ones into homemade ice cream, pickle flower buds (like nasturtium) to make ersatz capers, use them to make a floral simple syrup for use in lemonade or cocktails.

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Spring came early here in Warrenton, Virginia.  Now I wake up dreading the hot, humid days, knowing that very soon all of the bugs will be out and eating not only me, but my plants. I dislike pests. I dislike bug bites. I have started researching “green” methods for eliminating these pests and was introduced to companion planting by my darling hubby (what a great man!).

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

http://jaymecarleton.com

Here is a cool little blog post that was sent to me:

by Lifehacker

Companion planting is a natural way to enhance your garden, control pests, and attract beneficial insects (like butterflies). By arranging “friendly” or synergistic plants near each other, you can keep bugs at bay and possibly avoid having to use pesticides.

There a great many plant combinations you can try for companion planting. Basil and tomatoes are great not just in an Italian dish, but planted together in the garden. Basil is said to improve both the growth and flavor of tomatoes and repel flies and mosquitoes. (Some plants are also best not grown together, like basil and rue or sage, however.)

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I just received this amazing Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender (Model CSB-77) from my husband. Most people would probably think this is the lamest gift in the world (right up there with buying the wife cleaning supplies), but I think this is fantastic!

I have been thinking about making baby food and didn’t want to get in to it because of the “mess” and “hassle” I associated with the process. But no, making baby food is the easiest thing in the world now that I have this puppy. This hand blender has a whisk and chopper attachments, a mixing cup and tons of power. This is hands down 5 stars! In fact, that is what I said for my Amazon review.

I’ve now found that my baby food projects are fun, easy and take very little time. Now I can help feed my little guy nutritious, home made, organic meals. I know where the produce comes from and I know that there are no added nasty ingredients or preservatives.

I love, love, love this and can’t wait to share some baby food recipes and stories with you!

Jayme

Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

http://jaymecarleton.com