May 13, 2015

link love.

I finally have the time to surf/read for pleasure again. Here’s what I’ve been finding interesting these days:

I mean, why not? As a gal that used to love getting all dressed up for work, I must admit I’ve been tiring of it as of late. The time and energy it takes to find ANOTHER fabulous outfit to show off can be exhausting. This article def has me re-thinking my wardrobe.

A good, local garden blog with tons of inspiration and isn’t all uber complicated. She’s my edible landscape inspiration!

Wow, wow, wow. Jimmy Carter. Such a powerful and thoughtful message about religion.

The inside joke of biscuits during my rec softball games have me obsessing about baking some. I think this recipe will do.

May 10, 2015

therapy.

Garden, Homegrown, Lettuce, Organic, Pacific Northwest

Organic gardening, Seattle, Lettuce, Lavender, Crimson Clover

Oh golly, things are starting to look real nice-like out back. Most days, I come home after work and throw on my super sexy gardening overalls plus my ole crocs and it’s out to the garden I go! No matter how tired or lazy I’m feeling, my energy level immediately picks up and 2 hours later, I’ve spruced up another section of the yard. I swear, gardening is therapy to me. And it’s free.

Stella usually comes and hangs out while I’m out there. That dog has to sniff every weed and blade of grass I touch and it’s funny watching her be so curious. Bees are doing their thing – pollinating our berries and happily bobbing on the lavender stems. Birds are singing all sorts of songs….you’d think we were living out in the country! Then a 747 lands on Boeing Field and you realize that you are living smack in the middle of a city 🙂 Ahhh, such is the joy of urban farming!

May 8, 2015

testing…1,2,3.

Garden, Homegrown, Organic, Pacific Northwest, Soil Testing

Soil testing in Seattle - cultivatedrambler.com

You guys. Totally nerding out over here! This confusing pic above are the results of my soil test that I took about 4 weeks ago. As a King County resident, you have access to 5 free basic soil tests for properties you either own or rent. It’s a great way to see what’s going on down below before you start planting your flower or veggie garden. My COG class instructor said it’s great to do this in the fall and again in the spring so you know what sorts of fertilizer to add.

I always though having to add fertilizer to your soil was B-A-D ie. soil is totally natural and you shouldn’t add anything but water to it. Ummmm, yeah. That’s totally wrong! (Though adding non-organic chemically processed fertilizer is still bad, so don’t do that!) Growing plants all season long can strip your soil of all sorts of nutrients so it’s wise to continually monitor it so you can add the right stuff and keep your dirt healthy. Who would have known?! My mind was totally blown the day we learned that. Sheesh.

Since I’ve discovered all of this soil stuff, I’ve seen really healthy soil and let me tell you, it’s a thing of true beauty. I have total soil envy now and vow to get mine looking like that one day. A girl can dream, right?

May 5, 2015

so this happened.

Centerpieces, Events, Fundraising, Luncheon

I’m baaaacccckk! Did you miss me and all of my silly garden talk? Hell, I missed sharing it 🙂 Hoping to get a post or two up in the next few days! I know you all are just DYING to know how my peas are doing or how my first attempt at potatoes is working out so far.

Threw a lil event last Thursday – the annual Community of Caring Luncheon for JFS – that had been taking up a lot of my time. You know, just 1,150 of our closest peeps getting together and giving uber generously to help support our agency and the clients we serve. I spend about half the year fully focused on this event and all of that hard work comes and goes in 90 minutes. It’s kind of sad really. You bust your ass, stress out over every last guest name, put it all together then bam, it’s over.

I must admit, I go through a mild funk afterwards. But give me a week and it’ll be business as usual again. Good thing I’ve got a summer full of gardening and camping to look forward to – oh and that tiny trip to Europe. Woot!

Fundraiser Luncheon, Inexpensive Centerpieces, Donation - cultivatedrambler.com

Centerpieces on point.

Seattle Sheraton Grand Ballroom, Fundraiser Luncheon - cultivatedrambler.com

1,150 of our closest friends joined us for lunch.

Breaking last year’s record like it ain’t no thang.

Seattle Sheraton Grand Ballroom, Fundraiser

One hour later and it’s like nothing happened. Sigh.

March 31, 2015

an update.

Garden, Homegrown, Organic, Pacific Northwest, Straw Bale Gardening

Pacific Northwest Organic Gardening, 2015 Plan, Crop Rotation - cultivatedrambler.com

Because I know you guys are just as excited as I am about what’s in my garden this year 🙂 Here’s the final game plan for growing season 2015. The large square is the main bed and the three beige beds are the straw bales. I am also experimenting with a small section on the patio but it’s becoming more of a slug feeding station vs. a garden at this point. (more…)