Liliums in my garden this year

aug. 22, 2013
ottawa, ontario, canada

each year my lilium blooms
the japanese bettle attacks
geraniums decimate them - that you geranium genes

and here are my blooms, planning on adding some more bulbs next year, but darn...no more space.

Cherry Tomato: Brown Berry

august 22, 2013 
ottawa ontario canada

I did not start this tomato from seeds, this heirloom seedling was given to me.
I neglected this one for sure, tuck between one of my pots in the corner.

I was surprise to see fruits and it is very sweet. It is an heirloom variety i was told.
It is called brown berry. Maybe because it is nicely brownish.

For taste - i like the sweetness of this one. I love Tims French Vanilla - so i really like sweet fruits.

Luffa, Giant Zucchini or Cuccuza Squash

August 22 , 2013
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

This season has been challenging for me. I am not a stay at home mom anymore - I work and keep working out of the house, into clients garden pulling weeds, and all weeds. I will come home very tired, and barely have energy to tend for my jungle garden.

This year - I am also very blessed with friends. They gave me seeds and more seeds.

Karen K gave me luffa seeds.

Matt M. from USA gave me some Cuccuzza seeds to try.

And of course i have random zucchini seeds from neighbors. So these plant grow in my front yard, and reaches 15 feet - around 13 feet circumference too. One big fat zucchini and I have no idea if i wait long enough it will like Cuccuzza, or Luffa



I did cook it today - it is young and tender. Maybe young luffa?
Maybe young Cuccuza?

I added slivers of dried fish, ginger, young pods of scarlet runner beans, vietnamese coriander, parsely, green perilla, orange mint, chives, basil, pea leaves, philippine spinach, cucurbits flowers - picked like 30 of them, garlic and onions.

The City Jungle: Bare Fence to Strangling Vines

august 9, 2013
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

I know seasons change so fast, and I am all for change. I like the change, I like the variety of plants in my backyard. I looked at how bare it was in May and now, i cannot walk straight without knocking a pot of eggplant, or beans, or step on the squash.

So, here are some photos to show you how the bare fence become a jungle.

Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo) White Scallop

ottawa ontario canada
august 5, 2013

This is one of those seeds that I notice at the seed rack towards late June. I said...oh, I really do like summer squash, but I might not have space for it. I bought it anyways, and I planted it outside my backyard gate.

And I thought - it never did flourish but it did. I saw 3 fruits today, and I am extremely happy.
life's little surprise....

Karlina played with them - or sorting them according to her. Harvested Aug. 13, 2012.
The rest of the vine looks like it has been attacked with mildew.

Tips to Improving Your Patio Space Without Busting the Budget

Tips to Improving Your Patio Space Without Busting the Budget

After months and years in the elements, your garden furniture and other landscaping features looks tired and worn out. A rusty grill, faded or peeling garden furniture, overgrown plants, weeds, or worn out awnings may make your patio be an afterthought, rather than a summertime centerpiece and outdoor living space where your loved ones can gather. With a little hard work plus some strategic spending on replacements, your patio could become a summertime extension to your dwelling.

1. Create and Outdoor Kitchen:
A grill may be either a pricey investment or something cheap and replaceable. Some people might want to replace their grill every several years. However, a greater quality grill with a fitted cover lasts your family for years and help function as the centerpiece associated with an outdoor kitchen. Addition of the mini-fridge somewhere outdoors that is not exposed to the sun and rain, can help you have always cold drinks available for your family or guests. Adding flu water sink attached to an outdoor faucet can create a space where one can cook yet still entertain your friends and relatives while being outside. Keep an accumulation of kitchen ware outside, plastic dishes and glasses, rustproof, inexpensive flatware, even some knives (ceramic strengthens to the elements better) along with a cutting board, and you can be a culinary genius while still doing the standard "grilling".

2. Refurbish Your Patio Furniture
After a couple years being left out, even the nicest patio furniture can start looking faded and worn-out. If you have metal furniture, a coat of spray paint are able to do wonders. You may also change to a modern day, trendy color. Add fot it some matching replacement cushions coming from a discount store and you can have a completely new patio set. Match a replacement canopy for gazebo o as well as a couple of matching patio umbrellas, such as the ones you can choose from at TheLAShop and you can have a coordinated set that breathes new life in your patio.

3. Get more Plants
Switching your landscaping to plants sprouting up may take worksome work, but replacing your overgrown plants and faded mulch may give your patio a professional look that produce it appear to be you are spending hundreds on a professional landscaper. You should pick plants that are good for the stipulations in your area, i.e. don't pick tropical plants if you live in a dry climate. You would also like plants which will thrive within the sunlight conditions where these are being planted. Re-mulching yearly and putting down edging around a garden can help separate space and develop a fresh look.

4. Lighting
Revamping your backyard lighting can help you have enjoyable evenings outside for hardly any investment. Strategically spaced Tiki torches with citronella oil can help keep bugs away, just like citronella candles. Use rope lighting around your gazebo or seating space to create soft lighting. Finally, you can find solar rechargeable LED lights that will require no wiring or batteries, which you'll simply stick on your lawn around your outdoor living space to give soft, inviting lighting.