Thursday, July 31, 2014

July Garden Happenings

At the end of each month, I've been sharing a bit of on what's been happening in the gardens.
 
 
 
 
July is always the month that the vegetable garden really starts producing. Weather plays a big part in what does well each year. The radishes for example, just were not happy with the early heat and they dried right up. And I only got two tiny green peppers. The green beans on the other hand, just went a little crazy.
 
 
The plants quickly became lush and full. We usually have good luck with green beans, more than enough to eat and plenty to share.
 
 
We plant bush beans in green and yellow.
 
 
And the first colander of beans is pretty exciting. I'm happy to eat fresh from the garden beans every night of the week.
 


 

But then they just kept coming and coming ...

 


 
and haven't stopped yet.
 
 
I just took these photos, so you can see that there are many more beans in my future!
 
 
The tomatoes aren't quite ready yet, but I've made some delicious fried green tomatoes - a wonderful summer side dish!
 
 
 
 
The gourds and the pumpkins are now taking over the bed where the peas were harvested.
 
 
Keeping the vines contained in the raised beds is pretty much impossible. Right now our goal is just to keep them out of the bed with the carrots and red beets.
 
 
And here's a little peek at what's been happening in the flower gardens. Luckily we've had plenty of overnight showers, so we haven't had to do much watering. And once established, perennials really don't require as much water as annuals - a big plus in my mind!
 
 
 
 
I'm a big fan of shade gardens. Shade provides a wonderful opportunity to play with color and texture in a completely different way. Lamb's Ear is just delightful to touch!
 
 
Astilbe provides bright pops of color.
 
 
There are just so many interesting varieties of ferns and hosta.
But I have to admit, I love hosta for the color and texture of their leaves, not for their flowers. They somehow feel "messy" to me and I often chop the flowers right off!
 

 
Coral Bells is another shade favorite.
 


And the oak leaf hydrangea has wonderful flowers and
 
 
really fabulous foliage!
 
 
So that's what's been happening in my garden this month.
Thanks so much for joining me!
 
 
I hope to see you tomorrow for our August Garden Party!
 

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Be Inspired Features and Link Party #128

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back for features and party day!
 
Elizabeth and Co.

Lots of great features to share, so let's get right to it ...

Robin from RPK Interiors shared this classic vintage buffet with a fresh new look!


No need to pass on chairs with torn cane seats. Cassie from Primitive & Proper shared her tips on how to create beautiful new upholstered seats!


Maria Elena from Our Home Away From Home created this beautiful bench for her foot of her bed!


Cassie from Lovely Weeds shared this awesome salvaged door potting table - a save from the burn pile!


This step stool makeover from Redo It Yourself Inspirations involves a skirt, a belt and a very creative mind!


Check out this beautiful DIY tufted headboard from Draven Made!


And what could be better as an after dinner treat than an Andes Mint? Well maybe an Andes Mint Cupcake from LouLou Girls!


Or maybe you're in the mood for a slice of Blueberry Cheese Pie from Run 'n Stitch - oh my goodness!

 
Thanks so much to everyone who linked up and linked back!
If you've been featured, feel free to grab a cute little button from the sidebar!

 
Elizabeth and Co.

And don't forget that you can also share your garden and outdoor related projects all month long at our July Garden Party!
 
Elizabeth and Co.


Now on to this week's party...
 
*Link up your furniture makeovers, DIY projects, home decor, crafts, recipes, thrifty finds, etc... We want to see whatever is inspiring you at the moment!
 
*A link back would be appreciated, especially if you'd like to be considered for a feature.
 
*And we'd love to have you follow along with us!

We'll be back next Tuesday with features and a brand new party!