True confession time! My life has been a bit crazy and stressful for the last few years and growing a garden was just not part of the plan. Sometimes we have to pivot and change when life throws us curveballs don’t we?
I haven’t liked the idea of being unprepared for an emergency. I have missed canning and knowing that I could feed my family no matter what because my shelves were filled with my own canned goods.
I was inspired by a friend of mine in New York! I have never met Herrick and Marlene in person but have known them for some time. He’s an amazing inventor and writer – I encourage you to visit his blog. He wrote about a new kind of gardening he is trying and we are going to do the same this year – you’ll see more about that in another post coming soon.
This inspired me to get busy in the green house starting some seed. Oh dear! I found so many things in dis-repair. My little happy place had become very sad indeed. It was filled with cardboard – our plan to fight the Bermuda Grass that has taken over our garden area. The 20 year old doors were in poor shape, the screen along the sides needed to be replaced…so much to do. But, we were determined to spend a day (or three!) cleaning it up! What’s the first course of action? Move the temporary fence so the cattle can clean up the grass and weeds so you can get in the door!
Irish Dexter Cattle
Once inside – oh my the mess! Virginia Creeper and other weeds had taken over on the right side. Cardboard was everywhere. The used doors we had installed over 20 years ago were shot. Pots and flats were scattered everywhere! But we were determined to do this!
Years of neglect
We got busy moving out all the trash, pulling weeds and “uninstalling” all the cardboard! Elijah and I worked a good part of the day – it wasn’t hard…well…except for that Virginia Creeper – that stuff is tenacious! But, since this is an organic farm we just pulled it all and put it on the fire we built for the cardboard.
Although we found a huge mess (The Bad) – we also found some hidden treasures (The Good)! Evidently a praying mantis or two found its way into the greenhouse to lay some egg cases on the Virginia Creeper.
Praying Mantis Egg Case
Under a piece of cardboard against an end wall we found a nest…
Hidden nest!
They hadn’t been there long…I float tested those eggs and everyone of them was fine! By the end of the day most of the cardboard was gone, the benches were repaired, new doors ordered so we can keep the chickens out and new screen ordered for the side walls to keep cats, coons, possums, chickens and wasps and other bugs out! { Hhmmm….Why do the wasps like my greenhouse so much she wonders!}
There’s a bit left to do in this picture – I’ll post an updated one soon – all the flats and pots have been sorted, some given away and some tossed. The “Ugly” part – well…I was moving to fast to take a picture when we found the lizards, spiders and skinks…oh my!
Next job? Mixing our potting soil so we can get some seeds planted – but I will save that for another post and I’ll share my recipe then for that potting mix! SO much cheaper that store bought!
Happy planting!
Can’t wait to see how and what you plant!! I have planted basil, oregano, 3 different mints, including chocolate (can’t wait to see what I can do with that) English thyme, rosemary and lavender…all in pots🤷♀️Hope they do well…ears open for your potting soil mixture…our dirt here is mostly clay😫I also planted tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers 😀🙏
Hi Pam! I LOVE chocolate mint! It’s amazing in a glass of sweet tea – sweetened with organic stevia of course! I’ve grown that too! I’m mixing potting soil this afternoon so a post will go up soon with pictures and explanations 🙂 Sounds like you have a lovely garden going on!
You are such an inspiration. Makes me anxiously await your potting soil mix to start my own
Hi Debbie! As soon as the weather breaks, I’ll be taking some pics on the hows and whys of making your own mix. Right now we are deluged with rain…again! Been a very wet spring!
Is there somewhere I can purchase candles and soap from you ?
Hi Mollie! You will be able to purchase soap right here in just about 2 weeks! We are working on the website, loading soap information and more right now. I don’t sell candles! I recommend beeswax with safe cotton wicks – not lead. I moved away from candles some time ago – just too expensive. Now I have a diffuser in every room and diffuse essential oils – not only do they smell great but they help support my health, emotions and stress/sleep issues! Be careful – lots of people say they are 100% pure but very few companies are and you definitely don’t want to be using synthetics or oils laced with pesticides, herbicides – definitely not good for your health!
Blessings,
Cheri
Do u have recipes for using oils in your diffusers…your favorites?
Hi again!
I have a ton of diffuser recipes – after 20 years I’ve accumulated more than I need LOL! My favorites? ON Guard for immune support, Breathe for respiratory support and for those days I’m longing to be at the beach…equal part of Ylang Ylang and Green Mandarin! Don’t know why but it smells just like the beach to me! Of course, I’m using dōTERRA oils and can’t speak to other companies because of the synthetics they contain. Just not healthy imho!
Stay safe and well!
Cheri
Where can I order some of your products, especially interested for pain & moisturizers? I loved watching your segment on Texas Country Reporter!
Hi Karen! I’m so glad you enjoyed the show! We are working on loading the soaps into our shopping page right now! Once that is up you will be able to see what is available at this time. Each month that page will change and you will find some new varieties along with the most popular regulars. The page will appear here on this website in a week or two – closer to the time when the soaps are available! I’m also making soap like crazy 🙂 I have several soaps that will be available with moisturizing properties…True Spanish Castille, Gentle Petals, Tangerine Moisturizer, Avocado Dilly Bar…like I said I’m making it like crazy! If you’d like to be notified personally when my soaps are available, please send your contact information to themommyherbalist@gmail.com or you can keep your eye out on the blog where all new things are announced in advance! If you are interested in learning about using herbs and essential oils to support you while you are experiencing discomfort or to support your health….please ask to be placed on my newsletter that goes out at the beginning of every month – it’s full of recipes, tips, DIYs and of course news about my soaps, salves and other things! If you’d like to talk more about those things personally, just email me and we can set up a time to have a chat on the phone!
Thankful for TCR on RFD TV for introducing you to me. A new follower
Judy Strope
Fayetteville TN
Welcome Judy! Another Tennessee neighbor!! Glad you enjoyed the show.
Would love to receive your monthly newsletter.
Hello! I’ve added you to my list – it goes out early next week! Blessings!