Peace Labyrinth

Yesterday we posted the "entrance" to the "Pueblo Peace Garden" so today we wanted to show you the wonderful labyrinth.  A lot of work was put into this garden and when you are down there in the quiet, taking in nature, it really is a peaceful place. Great job to the founders!

Pure Charm

Isn't the walkway up to this week's front door enchanting?  They even have a sculpture from a local artist, who we have had the pleasure of meeting and will be posting about him soon. This wonderful garden is seen on Orman Ave.

(Green)House of Earl

This covered greenhouse, found on Washington St. on the edge of the Mesa Junction neighborhood, is dug 4 ft. into the ground and keeps plants warm in winter and cool in the summer!

On one of our recent marathon morning walks we met a most interesting gentleman named Earl and his lady, Virginia. Upon passing their home, Virginia inquired with us if we were here for the
"Plant Sale". Well naturally my ears perked us as I exclaimed "Plant Sale? Why of course!". Virginia led us from the front of her house to the side where she and Earl had long tables set up towards the back of the driveway, with pots and pots of plants. But what normally would have kept me ogling for minutes on end quickly became an obstacle for me to get to something that totally amazed me. The length of the backyard was a continuous greenhouse! It was actually 3 or 4 butted up right against each other, with no covers on so you could see the seedlings directly in them, with yet another house off to the side with the cover on!  I had to gasp as my mind took this all in. I am strictly an amateur gardener, but to me I had unwittingly stepped into a back yard I could only wish for! I understand most people's ideas of a dream back yard include grandiose views or swimming pools, but give me a greenhouse any day!  Clearly these people know what they are doing!

Not only does Earl grow all of his plants from seeds, he's like a plant scientist! He creates "Worm Tea", which can be sprayed on plants or throughout the yard, to help vitalize the soil and make things grow better. He also makes sort of like a soil with worm casings to improve soil conditions. I know what you are thinking, but worms are great for your garden! I believe its Oregon State University he is working on tests with, and significant improvement has been shown. We definitely want to give his lawn spray service a try sometime soon.

So, you never know who you are going to meet when you are out for a morning walk! We thank you Earl and Virginia for giving us the tour!  The plant sale is every weekend and you are welcome to stop by. Check in with us tomorrow for more info!

Early Arugula and Butter

Arugula and butter lettuce curls. Lettuce flourishes in a spring garden. This is the perfect time to start your spring potager.

I know keeping my garden seeds in one big basket tends to mix things, however, I was surprised when my salad greens sprouted right next to our tulips! I noticed little curls coming right at the stem of the tulips that were a different color and shape than your normal weed, so I decided watch it and see what it might be. A few other tulips developed red arugula shaped leaves, so curiously I kept watching and watering. Before you know it we had a whole salad in our tulip bed! These crispy leaves did better than the lettuce box I planted in the actual potager. They flourished in the sun of a south facing bed, and we were treated to a garden fresh salad for dinner last night.

Pluck a few handfuls of greens, wash well, add wedges of Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomatoes, onion slices and drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and a tiny dollop of blue cheese and there yo have it!