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No slugs allowed!

Five ways to prevent slugs in your garden

Remove hiding spots: Slugs love to hide in dark and damp places during the day, so removing potential hiding spots can help reduce their numbers. Clean up garden debris, such as fallen leaves, and remove any unnecessary items, such as pots or rocks, that can provide a moist and sheltered environment.
Encourage natural predators: Encouraging natural predators like birds, frogs, and toads to your garden can help control the slug population. You can create a habitat for these creatures by providing water sources and shelter, such as birdhouses or frog habitats.
Use physical barriers: Creating physical barriers around your plants can help prevent slugs from reaching them. You can use materials like copper tape, eggshells, or sandpaper around the base of your plants to create a rough surface that slugs will avoid.
Avoid overwatering: Slugs thrive in damp environments, so avoid overwatering your garden. Water your plants deeply but less frequently, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again. This will create a less favorable environment for slugs.
Use natural deterrents: There are many natural deterrents that can help keep slugs away from your garden. Some examples include diatomaceous earth, which can be sprinkled around plants to create a barrier that slugs will avoid, or using a garlic spray or a solution of water and vinegar to repel them.

Growing edible perennials

Edible perennials are a great way to incorporate sustainable and low-maintenance food sources into your landscape. Here are four edible perennials you can consider planting:

Asparagus: Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that produces tender green spears in the spring. It is a hardy plant that can last for decades and can be grown in a variety of climates. Plant asparagus crowns in a sunny, well-drained area in early spring.
Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that produces tart, red stalks that are often used in pies and other baked goods. It is a hardy plant that can last for many years, and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Rhubarb is typically planted in the fall or early spring.
Artichokes: Artichokes are a perennial vegetable that produce large, edible flower buds. They are native to the Mediterranean region, but can be grown in a variety of climates. Artichokes prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and can be planted in the spring or fall.
Blueberries: Blueberries are a perennial fruit that produce delicious, antioxidant-rich berries. They are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soils, as long as they are well-draining and acidic. Blueberries prefer full sun and can be planted in the spring or fall.

Don’t waste eggshells!

Here are five ways to use eggshells in your garden this gardening season….

As a natural fertilizer: Crushed eggshells are a great source of calcium, which is essential for healthy plant growth. Simply crush the eggshells into small pieces and sprinkle them around the base of your plants to provide a slow-release source of calcium.
Pest control: Sprinkling crushed eggshells around the base of your plants can also deter pests like slugs, snails, and cutworms. The sharp edges of the eggshells will irritate the soft bodies of these pests and keep them away from your plants.
Seed starters: You can also use eggshells as a natural container for starting seeds. Simply crack the top off the egg, empty the contents, and rinse out the eggshell. Then, fill the eggshell with soil and plant your seed inside. Once the seed has germinated, you can transplant the entire eggshell into your garden.
Composting: Eggshells are also a great addition to your compost pile. They break down quickly and add valuable calcium and other minerals to your compost.
Soil amendment: Crushed eggshells can also be added directly to your garden soil to improve drainage and provide calcium and other nutrients to your plants. Simply mix the crushed eggshells into the top layer of soil around your plants.

Propagating Lavender from cuttings

Propagating lavender from cuttings is a popular and effective way to create new plants. Here are the steps to do so:

Choose a healthy lavender plant: Look for a plant that is healthy and free from disease or pests. Select a stem that is new growth, but not too soft, and has no flower buds.

Prepare the cutting: Cut a 4-6 inch stem from the plant just below a node (the point where a leaf meets the stem). Strip off the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem. Apply rooting hormone: Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder or gel. This will help the cutting develop roots faster.Plant the cutting: Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and create a hole in the center. Insert the stem cutting into the hole and firm the soil around it.

Water the cutting: Water the cutting gently but thoroughly, and place the pot in a bright, warm location but out of direct sunlight. Monitor the cutting: Keep the soil evenly moist and mist the cutting with water daily to maintain high humidity around the cutting. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to develop new growth and roots. Transplant the cutting: Once the cutting has developed roots, it is ready to be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground outdoors.

With proper care, your lavender cutting should grow into a healthy new plant that will provide you with fragrant flowers and leaves for years to come.

Maximalist

A maximalist is a person who embraces an excessive, opulent style and applies it to their home decor. The maximalist aesthetic is characterized by an abundance of patterns, textures, colors, and ornamentation.

So how to decorate your home as a maximalist, consider the following tips:

Embrace bold colors: Use a wide range of bright and bold colors, and don’t be afraid to mix and match.
Mix and match patterns: Combine different patterns, such as florals, stripes, and geometrics, in the same room for a bold look.
Layer textures: Use different textures, such as velvet, silk, and fur, to add depth and interest to your spaces.
Add statement pieces: Invest in eye-catching furniture, lighting fixtures, and accessories, such as chandeliers, ornate mirrors, and statement artwork.
Don’t be afraid of clutter: A maximalist home is not afraid of clutter and displays a collection of eclectic items, such as books, vases, and collectibles.

Remember, the key to maximalist decor is to have fun and not be afraid to make a statement. If you are like me and love plants & your style is a maximalist you can take these tips to design with house plants

Choose plants that fit your light conditions: Make sure you choose plants that are well-suited for the amount of light available in the room.

Group plants together: Grouping plants together can create a lush, tropical feel and add visual interest to a space.

Consider height: Mixing up the height of plants adds dimension to a room, creating visual interest and depth.

Use plants to divide spaces: Large, tall plants can be used as room dividers to add greenery and create separate spaces within a room.

Hang plants: Hanging plants is a great way to add greenery to a space while freeing up floor space. Choose pots and containers that complement your décor: Consider the size, shape, and color of pots when selecting containers for your plants.

You can find fun decorative pieces and planters for your home or office at thrift shops, estate sales, and unique décor on Etsy. Our shop focuses on unique animal planters that can be the social spot light in your space.