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© 2021 Colleen Miko. Copyright applies to images and articles appearing on this blog page. You may use the content for personal, non-commercial purposes provided that you cite the source and retain all copyright notices contained on or in the content.
Author Archives: Colleen Miko
The Other Foxgloves
Yellow Foxglove (Digitalis lutea) is a hummingbird magnet! I know, it surprised me, too. After all, aren’t hummingbird plants supposed to be red? Turns out, that any tubular shaped flower with sweet nectar can appeal to hummingbirds. I frequently see … Continue reading
Homemade Hose Guides
I have an open, ground-level bed in my vegetable garden, where I rotate corn with other crops, and it needs protection from the sweeping and crushing effects of the watering hose. I had been using rebar scraps for that purpose–crude … Continue reading
Posted in Design Inspiration, Make It
Tagged DIY hose guard, DIY hose guide, hose guards, hose guide, using pvc pipe scraps
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Vegetable Garden Pest Prevention
In my edible garden, floating row cover (also known by brand names like Reemay or Agribon) is my go-to pest control method. It’s helpful to control a variety of pests from birds, to carrot rust fly, imported cabbage moth, and … Continue reading
Miniature Champagne Bouquet
Is there anything cuter than a miniaturized version of something? When I opened my Christmas present from my niece Sarah and discovered the tiny bottle of prosecco, it elicited the same response I have to kittens. I knew the adorable … Continue reading
Inspiration Rocks!
Since our shelter at home orders began, our peaceful and appealing neighborhood road has seen more walkers and joggers than ever. I frequently walk to the beach for good exercise, but I also find it meditative. A stroll quiets the … Continue reading
Posted in Design Inspiration, Make It
Tagged easy garden art, mantra rocks, painted inspriration rocks, painted rocks
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Perfume Bottle Bouquet of Gold Lace Primrose
Could there be a cooler looking flower? I remember when I first saw Gold Lace Primrose (Primula x polyantha ‘Mahogany Sunrise’), I was smitten with the combination of deepest, velvety red with bright gold. I associate these rich, warm colors … Continue reading
Posted in Make It, Plant Fix, Viva Verde
Tagged Gold Lace Primrose, Hardy primrose, homemade bouquets, mini-bouquet, perfume bottle bouquet, Primula x polyantha 'Mahogany Sunrise', Repurposed perfume bottle, reuse perfume bottles, Shade perennial, spring blooming perennials, unusual cut flowers
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Winter Hazel: Carefree Charm
The thicket of Corylopsis (Winter hazel) glows and beckons from the distant corner of my yard. Being the first of the plants in that spot to wake, and before their leaves even unfurl, the hundreds of delicate and dangling yellow … Continue reading
Shelter in the Garden
Anytime I feel worried, distracted or stressed out, the garden is my refuge. As my husband and I shelter at home, we, like many of you, have found solace outdoors and in observing the creatures with whom we share our … Continue reading
Posted in Nature
Tagged garden gratitude, gardening as self-care, gardening for stress relief
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Peas: Sweet & Snappy
It’s time to plant peas–we’re a few weeks from average last frost date (April 15th in Kitsap County). Last year I grew snow peas (a favorite from my childhood); this year I’ve chosen sugar snap. And because I love fragrant … Continue reading
Posted in Vegetable Gardening
Tagged planting peas, problems with peas, snap peas, snow peas, sweet peas
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Bees, Please!
Savvy gardeners are learning how important bees and other pollinators are to a healthy and abundant garden. A healthy garden is a balanced eco-system with plentiful habitat for beneficial insects. We can say “Bees, Please!” by limiting our pesticide use, … Continue reading