The concept of a Victory Garden began during World War I and continued throughout World War II. People were urged to grow their own food, saving resources for the war effort. VictoryGardening was well received during the World War eras and recently we saw a revival of gardening that occurred during the Covid Crisis.
I personally have always enjoyed gardening. Growing flowers, herbs, and sometimes the occasional vegetable to add a dash of flavor into our lives. Fresh cut flowers are a wonderful addition to any space during the Gardening season as well as vegetables. I always hate to see the end of the garden season come to a close as colder weather approaches. Over the years, I have learned, as a gardener, I don’t enjoy weeding the garden! Ugh!!!
The Earth laughs in Flowers
Weeds, the unwanted earthy material we desire to rid our flower & vegetable gardens of, forever. Weeds can somehow creep into your garden and appear almost overnight. Weeds steal valuable water & nutrients from your growing garden. And before you know it, your once gorgeous garden is chocked full of weeds and struggling to survive amongst the weeds. It only takes a few warm days of consistent rainfall, for those weeds to take root.
Usually around late February or early March, folks begin to search for their favorite garden seeds… The dream of the new garden begins in earnest once those tiny micro seeds are planted. The ultimate test of faith and hope, growing them inside from the seed starts. Eventually, these seeds will emerge as a small green plant… Ready to transplant once the weather permits. Hmmm… No one ever dreams about growing weeds 😂?? Right?
One of my cancer doctors recently used a “gardening analogy” to describe my experience with cancer. Upon further reflection, it was a clever way to describe everything that has happened thus far, and it just clicked. It is definitely worth sharing.
Wherever Life plants you, just bloom.
Stay with me for a moment, I’m going to share a bit of background information:
1. Breast cancer is caused by damage to the DNA of a cell, a mutation.
2. When healthy cells are damaged, those same cells lose their ability to repair themselves, and can continue onto the path of Cancer.
3. Cancer cells have the ability to exhibit uncontrolled growth. They never stop dividing, and these cells don’t die out!
4. The entire process of tumor formation from cancer cells takes on average 8-10 years. This process doesn’t occur overnight.
5. It is also worth mentioning that some Breast Cancers can double in size very quickly from a span of 29 to 200 days. Some Breast cancers grow much slower, like mine. Thankfully!!!
Obviously, other factors can influence cancer, like genetics. But the knowledge that we can control a portion of our own cancer battle is empowering !!! As the saying goes, “Reap what you sow”. Taking care of your garden, can benefit your ultimate harvest….with the outcome of focusing on wellness, physical activity, and good foods can make a difference… in your overall physical health… achieving Victory!!!
Like a wildflower, grow where people thought you never could
Cancer treatment will vary depending on the key characteristics of the cancer itself, just like your garden. Each garden is unique to its surroundings, and what is cultivated in the garden space.
I have met several new medical professionals in this cancer journey. Each one of these individuals has a specific role in defeating the cancer. This is where the garden analogy comes into focus. Consider the human body as the garden as you continue to read on.
One of the first doctors I met was my Surgical Oncologist. The role of the Surgical Oncologists, using the garden analogy… She Pulls the “weed” (cancer) directly out and also the areas around the cancer “weed” (gaining clear margins) to ensure that the entire weed root system isn’t left. My cancer was fairly small, 14mm for a nasty little weed.
Next up, my Medical Oncologist. She does “weed pollen control”. My medical oncologist addresses the whole body systems to prevent “weed pollen” from spreading by using medications that can assist in fighting the cancer or help prevent a reoccurrence. I will spend many appointments with her in the future because of the medication (5 year cycle)that is recommended for me after the radiation treatments.
Pollen is the fine, yellow, powdery substance produced by plants and yes, even weeds! Spring pollen season isn’t always a pleasant experience for many who face allergies. But, pollen can play an essential role in the garden. Often plants rely on certain insects, bees, or birds to transport the pollen, while common weeds distribute their pollen by wind. My medical oncologist is trying to prevent the “weed pollen scatter”.
Bees are wonderful pollinators in the garden
I recently met my Radiation Oncologist. She is the one who used this garden analogy to describe my experience with cancer thus far. In her role in my cancer care, she targets the area around where the cancer was. In essence, radiation therapy will be the “weed killer”.
Often when you pull up weeds from the garden, especially the big, testy ones with strong roots, you might come behind with a targeted weed killer to ensure that those weeds do not come back. No one wants to do all that weeding work to find several more new weeds in your garden just a few days later!
Be a Flower… turn towards the Sun
As she continued with her explanation, Tiny microscopic cancer cells can be left behind even after surgery, the goal of radiation therapy is to kill those cancer cells that might be left behind and help prevent a reoccurrence of cancer.
As I prepare for the next phase of my cancer treatment, Radiation therapy, I find myself full of anticipation… waiting for the next major hurdle to pass. I’m scheduled to begin radiation treatment in early March.
Yet, the desire to grow my garden hasn’t waned. I realize that our personal garden is our own personal story waiting to unfold. Cancer has become a part of my storyand a part of my garden that I didn’t expect to grow. Trust me it hasn’t been “all roses and flowers in my garden”. I have found myself recently, deep in the weeds and thorns. My immune system has been weakened due to this cancer and I have fought off Covid for the last two weeks. My own mind’s timeline of healing hasn’t matched my sickness. The rate of recovery has been a bit longer than I anticipated. But I shall continue pulling through the weedy path in my garden.
Thankfully, planting a garden is a definitive expression of hope, and resilience… And our forefathers got it right… the concept of a Victory Garden. I will bloom where I have been planted and turn towards the sunshine. Facing this new path where the weeds are, and begin anew in Victory!
“Plant A Garden- Plant A Victory Garden” WWII Era Slogan
Footnote: Please say a prayer for all who are “deep in the weeds” with any type of cancer treatment. My heart is heavy for others who are battling cancer or any other serious illness. This is a battle that no one willing wants to fight but sometimes prayers can provide that strength. Those prayers are often felt at the moment they are needed… that is a victory!
A basket of potatoes, prepped and ready to cook. What’s your favorite potato 🥔 recipe???
The Morning Drive
As I started my car and headed towards work, a conversation on a morning radio show ensued about all the ways in which a potato could be made and eaten… from baked, mashed, to French fries. On that ride into work that morning to the hardware store, I was pleasantly impressed with all of the phone-in callers who were discussing their favorite ways to make their favorite potato dish.
Which, in turn, got me to thinking about the topic itself… yes, the potato is a versatile ingredient.
The humble potato… so much can be done with the potato when it comes to meal prep. Sometimes the “rut” of meal preparation can be daunting and the same old foods are seemingly always on the menu. My hope is that this “spud fest” will be an assist or inspiration to you in future meal planning or thinking about holiday cooking.
What potato dish will complement your holiday feast this year??? 🧐
A Slice of Spud History
Potatoes come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. From the traditional Russet baking potato, fingerlings, red, purple, Yukon gold, white, bite size potatoes, and sweet potatoes, just to name a few!!! Each potato variety also holds a unique starch profile… adding to the complexity and flavor of the spud. The Potato is a global staple in the diets of many cultures across the world. Potatoes are grown in most states in the US!!!
North Carolina hosts a Potato Festival each year in Elizabeth City… did you know that NC ranks FIRST in production of sweet potatoes???
The Spanish Conquistadors brought the humble potato back into Europe after their explorations into the New World. Who would have thought that the potato would ultimately end up becoming the first vegetable planted in space and also the same plant that led to a famine crisis centuries ago in Ireland???
Chunking It Down: Why the Potato??
Potatoes are nutrient dense and a high quality carbohydrate food source . The humble spud is an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and potassium. The potato has a much potassium as a medium size banana!!! Plus, they’re a good source of niacin, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and copper. The potato skin holds a whopping 55% of total iron, 34% of calcium, and 17% of zinc. While the flesh of the potato has most of the Vitamin C (30 % of daily requirement) and potassium. The potato offers a boost of energy, a good source of fiber, and a sense fullness and satisfaction from eating the “spud” may serve you well.
Ready to “Dish It Out”
Beautiful handmade dishes to serve up a scoop of your favorite potato dishes available at WCH
Ready to “slice into the world of potatoes”??? Grab a napkin to savor the flavors of the potato and let’s read about a few favorite potatoes that I came up with after that thought provoking conversation from the radio about the humble spud. Enjoy!!
“Soupy” or Stewed Potatoes
These chunks are the perfect size for soupy potatoes… you can take skin off if you prefer
Growing up I will admit my favorite way to have a potato on my plate with vegetables, was stewed or what I called “soupy” potatoes. Mom always scooped them right out of the pot placed them onto my plate before she used the potato masher and made mashed potatoes. That sweet, simple gesture was always appreciated by me. A special little gift to me each time she made potatoes. 😊Much to my dismay, my husband was unfamiliar with this “style” of potatoes! What!!! How on earth could he have never had “soupy” potatoes???? Now, we traditionally have them on New Year’s Day to accompany our pork, cooked cabbage, and black eyed peas Unfamiliar with this style of potatoes??? The Potatoes are peeled, cubed, cooked down perfectly, softened, buttered well, and seasoned with salt and pepper. “Soupy potatoes” alongside a chunk of cornbread, black-eyed peas, or fresh green beans, made the meal complete and hearty. A must try!!!
Garden Potatoes: New Potatoes
These enamel dishpans are perfect for garden chores, canning prep or many other uses!!! Stop by WCH to pick one up
As a girl growing up at home, I didn’t fully appreciate or understand why I had to help with harvesting vegetables in the garden. As a young kid, working outside never appealed to me. I would rather be inside watching my favorite cartoons or Scooby Doo episodes. But my parents insisted that we all pitch into help with the garden harvest, so my sister and I did. I can remember that Dad and Mom always did the heavy lifting in the garden (like digging out potatoes) as we were too young and maybe a bit unmotivated to do much… because our dear little hearts were still wrapped around those Saturday cartoons. But, I helped to pick fresh green beans off the vines, harvested squash, cucumbers, green peppers, and tomatoes.
Whether you need tools to dig or harvest in the garden, WCH has what you need
The garden haul of freshly dug “new potatoes” were quickly rinsed off with the water hose and carried inside. The smell of those new potatoes, mingled with dirt and earth is one smell I won’t forget. I do remember the love of the cooking of the garden feast… fresh greens beans prepared with those smallest “new potatoes” dug from the garden a true treat each summer!
The classic green garden hose is always available at WCH
Baked Potatoes: Using Russet Potatoes
In the Crock Pot…Baked potatoes in crockpot??? Try it if you haven’t done that before. Yes, save electricity by using your crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours (increase your time with the size of potato) instead of using your oven. I brush mine with olive oil, silt each side of the potato with a knife, and salt pepper and cover it and walk away for a few hours.. dinner success!
Traditional Oven Method… Preheat oven to 450. Use knife to cut slits into baking potatoes, I place mine onto my Lodge skillet and don’t wrap them in aluminum foil. Add olive oil and salt and pepper to exterior. Bake potatoes for about 1 hour. For larger baked potatoes, a bit longer baking time might be needed.
I often use my large Lodge skillet to bake my potatoes 🥔. It works really well!!Lodge skillets are always available for purchase at Wilkes County Hardware.
Side note Ok… I’ve viewed and tried the new trend of cutting baked potatoes in half and I do realize that it reduces the amount of time to bake… my take… I’m just not a fan of this method using a roasting pan. It changes the texture of your baked potatoes in the end. Want a different texture of a baked potato??? Try doing a Hasselback potato. This is another great variation.
Want to add more protein to your meal??? Serve up a baked potato with a hearty meat chili .
Chili Beans Recipe: For Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Ingredients:
1 lb. Browned ground hamburger
1 can (15.5 ounce) light red kidney beans
1 can (15.5 ounce) pinto beans
1 can (15.5 ounce) cannellini beans
2 cans (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Dash cayenne pepper
Making it…Chili Beans
1. Brown hamburger, while hamburger is cooking combine spices in a small bowl and mix well.
2. Add chili spice blend into hamburger, stir well.
3. Add beans (drain well) and tomato sauce into the chili/hamburger mixture.
4. Cook on low heat until beans have softened for at least 20-25 minutes.
5. Top baked potato with chili
Mashed Potatoes: Using Yukon Gold Potatoes
Potatoes are not a high calorie food in themselves, what WE ADD into the potato makes them a higher caloric source and less nutritional… sorry, this recipe is decadent and rich with butter, heavy cream, and cheese. This is a definite, delicious special treat when I make this side dish.
Recipe for Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:
Ingredients:
Peeled Yukon Gold potatoes -cubed (small chunks of potatoes will cook faster)
Heavy cream/or whole milk
1 stick softened unsalted butter
Salt and pepper
Cheeses: Parmesan, cheddar, Gruyère, whatever you prefer or have on hand
Making it: Mashed Potatoes
1. Begin with peeled and cubed potatoes in cold AND salted water in pot. Beginning with salted water will lock in the flavor of the salt. Cook on stovetop until potatoes are fork tender.
2. Drain potatoes after potatoes have soften in texture.
3. Cube up softened butter and add to potatoes, add black pepper potatoes to season to your liking.
4. Add a very small amount of milk or cream to begin with. You can always add more cream/milk … it is harder to take away the liquid without losing flavor!
5. Using hand mixer or stand mixer, mix the butter/milk mixture until smooth and creamy adding small amounts of milk/cream as you go.
Sometimes I’ll do a quick chop to make mixing potatoes a bit easier, especially if I’m making a bigger batch… these are a staple at WCH year round!
6. Once potatoes are creamy, add cheese (1/4 cup each) stir into potato mixture.
7. Serve immediately OR Keep potatoes warm by placing into a well buttered casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
Mashed potatoes can also be a “topping complement” to a Shepherd’s pie!!!!
Using your Potato Leftovers
My Granny never wasted a bit of food. Growing up in the Depression, she always would save the smallest amount of food from any meal. These leftovers were always used in creative ways…add ins for soups, stews, or served up at the next meal of the day. Potatoes that are leftover can be used in creative ways from making Twice Baked Potatoes, Fried Potato Cakes, to Creamy Potato Soup!
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Potato Soup
Ingredients:
Leftover Mashed potatoes.. no leftovers… 1 container of Bob Evans mashed potatoes works well
1 stick of unsalted Butter
Heavy Cream or Whole Milk
Cubed and diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)- potato skin off
Salt/pepper
See note below for extra ingredients to add as a toppings for finished soup
Making it: Potato Soup
1. Cook the cubed potatoes in well salted cold water in a large stock pot. Drain 3/4 of water once potatoes are softened.
2. Add black pepper, butter to pot. Slicing butter into small chunks will allow butter to distribute evenly into soup and melt faster. Do not stir to keep your potatoes intact.
3. Add milk or cream to pot. Filling above the potatoes. I like to do a combination of these ingredients (half/half)
4. Stir in the leftover mashed potatoes the more you have, the creaminess level will add to your soup!
5. Let soup simmer on low heat for at least 15-20 minutes.
6. Add ins… chopped crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, or serve along side with hot cornbread!
Cornbread is ready to go into the oven!!!
The Humble Potato… The Casserole Side Dish:
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the sweet potato for most. I know my dad always loves sweet potatoes for holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sweet potatoes can be baked, served up with a bit of even more sweetness with melted marshmallows on top of them, or served up as a casserole.
Not a sweet potato fan??? Well, truth being told, I’m not a fan of the sweet potato. But serve up a potato augratin in a casserole dish! I’m all in!!!
Au Gratin Potatoes are different from the scalloped potato… the main difference is that a scalloped potato is absent of cheese while Au Gratin potatoes have cream base and cheese. Need a potato dish in a hurry??? Try the option of using shredded hash browns instead with the cream, herbs and cheese layered into your Lodge skillet or casserole dish.
Recently made the layered hash browns with cheese and cream, it was delicious! Will continue to develop this recipe… so stay posted!
The Hot Dish: A Nod to Minnesota
Ever heard of this???? A Hot Dish??? Southerners may not necessarily recognize this staple but after reading about this potato dish you may want to incorporate this spud into your fall recipe lineup. According to my very good friend Barbara, who grew up Minnesota, the hot dish appears at every church potluck just like the typical potato casserole dish or infamous potato salad would be served at any Southern gathering. The traditional hot dish is topped with tater tots. Those of you who love tots, you will love this dish!!! The base of the hot dish is usually hamburger, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and cheesy. I made a few last Fall and winter. I’m a fan!
My first Hot Dish Attempt… needed more tots on top!!! The base was hamburger and mushrooms with taco seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese. It was great comfort meal food!!! A must try!!!
Easy Potato Sides
These dishes would be perfect for picnic lunch!!! Found at your local hardware store… Wilkes County Hardware
A picnic, covered dish luncheon, or cookout isn’t complete without at least one bowl of potato salad. Weeknight meals are sometimes served with the frozen varieties of the humble spud… fries, or tater tots. I love a good crisp tater tot to add to a grilled cheeseburger for a quick evening meal. My favorite way to add a bit of variety to the weekly menu selection is to do Oven Roasted potatoes, fried potatoes, or Steamed Potatoes. Fingerling, small baby red potatoes, or small new potatoes work well with this recipe below.
Steamed Potatoes
Ingredients:
1 bag of Fingerling potatoes, red, or new potatoes
4T unsalted butter
Spices: Italian seasoning, dried onion, salt, pepper to taste . Add your favorite ingredients to make this dish work for you!
Non stick Covered pot: Need lid for steaming (I use a Le Crueset casserole dish or a covered Lodge would work)
Making It: Steamed Potatoes
1. Allow butter to melt slowly in bottom of pot.
2. Add small potatoes, I do cut my potatoes in half if they are on larger size to allow for even cooking of the smaller ones.
3. Add spices. Add extra butter if potatoes are not fully saturated with butter. You do not want them to stick to bottom of pot! Add lid. Turn burner heat to a medium low.
4. Potatoes will sizzle as they steam. I shake/slide back and forth the steaming potato pot every 8-10 minutes to prevent them from sticking.
5. Allow potatoes to steam on low heat for at least 45 minutes. Smaller sizes potatoes will steam faster… open pot, use a fork to test for doneness. Fork should slide easily into done potatoes.
The Addictive Potato Chip
Ahhh the potato chip… You can’t eat just one
A little trivia tidbit… North Carolina potato growers also grow more than just the good ole sweet potato. About 70 percent of the potatoes grown in North Carolina are used in the production of potato chips!!! No wonder I love me a bag of potato chips so much!!! Leave me with a bag of potato chips and I can eat the whole bag😬. “Betcha you can’t eat just one… “ the old slogan from many years ago from Lays potato chips. Yes, I think I could eat the whole dang bag!!! Crushed Potato chips do make a wonderful topping for casseroles, and can be added as a topping for proteins like chicken or even fish! Oh, for unique twist, try Potato Chip Cookies!!! Yum!!! A Huge Thanks to Uncle David and Kimberly for sharing the recipe!!! This is always a favorite cookie shared during the Christmas holiday season but would be a nice treat anytime of the year.
Potato Chip Cookies:A Delicious Twist on the Potato
Ingredients:
1 C Butter
1/2 C Sugar
1 t Vanilla
2 C white Flour
1/2 C potato chips (Utz brand works great) crushed
1/2 C chopped pecans
Making it: Potato Chip Cookies
Preheat oven to 350. Mix and cream together butter, sugar and vanilla. Add flour, crushed potato chips and pecans. Drop by teaspoon onto a cookie sheet placing each cookie about 2 inches apart from each other. Flatten each cookie by using a glass cup, coated with sugar to enhance flavors. Bake 10-12 minutes on 350 degree oven. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
Last, but not the least “Holly Taters”
The Holly Farms poultry industry has been rooted in Wilkes since the 1950’s. In the late 1960’s, Holly Farms branched out into the restaurant industry. I can remember the good ol’ days of The Holly Farms Restaurants. We had one right in Wilkesboro which was always busy! Holly Farms Restaurant became known for two key foods… fried chicken and Holly Farms Tater Wedges. Many people have tried to replicate the potato wedges recipe, some finding success with a similar flavor profile. Below is a revised recipe for Tater Wedges that have been a staple for me. Thanks to my friend Susie for sharing her delicious recipe several years ago.
Holly Farms Tater Wedges
Ingredients:
1 c self rising flour
1 c Parmesan cheese (grated is best)
1 stick butter (unsalted)
Chicken Seasoning
Black Pepper
Freshly cut Russet potato wedges (uncooked)
Making it:
Preheat oven to 400. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut potatoes into wedges, wash well. I usually place wedges into a bowl of salted cold water while I’m prepping. Roll/toss potatoes into flour/cheese mixture. Line the tossed potato wedges onto baking sheet. Don’t crowd wedges. Use extra baking sheet if needed for even cooking. Sprinkle seasonings- chicken and black pepper. Cut butter into small chunks, dispersing along the baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes or until fork tender. Turn once during baking cycle.
So that’s it. Time to get off the “couch potato” and go make your favorite potato recipes! Hope y’all enjoyed this “mash up” about the potato.
It is so hard to believe that the Summer of 2025 is coming to an end soon! This blog post is devoted to my photography favorites from this Summer as a reminder of some of my treasured moments. I hope that you will enjoy these photos that I have complied as the Best of Summer in photographic form… a “love story” of Summer.
Life is Always Better In The Garden…
First Blooms of Summer Bursting Open Searching for the Sun Flower Tower Power!!! “Heavy Metal” ProjectThe garden tableDaisy ShowButterfly 🦋 Moment Double Butterflies 🦋
Summer Snapshots…
Blue Skies AheadSummer Hay Season Storm Clouds Rolling Darkened Storm SkyGood Day Sunshine! Sleepy Sunrise Summertime Color ShowSummer Morning Hues Clementine SkiesFresh Blackberries… it’s Sonker time! Sonker SummersHeavy Metal Object
July 4th Fireworks…
Summer Mountain Time… Wespentsome restful, quality time this summer at our friend’s cabin on Buck Mountain. I’m always amazed by the beauty that surrounds me there. I hope you enjoy these captures as much as we did.
Dimensions of A SunsetDefinitely 💕Movement of Fog at Sunset Fog Hugging the Ridge Where the Clouds Meet the Blue Ridge Sunset RaysSleepy Sunday Sunrise Hues of the Blue Ridge Glory of SunsetSerenity of the Blue RidgeGolden Hour in ProgressMeet Jethro… our newest family member Just A Peachy Little Summer!
As a kid of the 1980’s, the era of music was diverse. In that decade, I found myself driving on my own for the first time during the summer days of the late 80’s. The car radio was usually blasting favorite tunes from Hysteria, and several other popular songs from that time. As a kid of the 80’s, and as Joann Jett would say, “ILove Rock and Roll”!
I Can’t Drive 55!…
Using the music as my guide into this new blog entitled, Heavy Metal Project, I hope you will find it as an engaging and entertaining way to explore a recent gardening project that I completed earlier this Spring using repurposed materials and other supplies available from your local hardware store.
This blog post may not be what you are envisioning. So I’m going to “Jump” right into it. Sorry, Van Halen, simply couldn’t resist this one so here we go!
Photograph …
Welcome to the Jungle: Cleaning out the Garage
Our “Heavy Metal” story began a few months ago. We were cleaning up the garage a bit, and I came across a galvanized tub that I had totally forgotten about. Have you ever found something you bought and think to yourself … Why do I have this?? But in this case, the memory came back to me quickly, we had used it a few years back during a summer party as a “cooler” to hold canned drinks. The heavy metal tub had worked out well for the party but ultimately the tub had gotten placed on a shelf in the garage, totally forgotten. Ugh, decision time, how to repurpose this tub??? The “wheels” began to turn in my mind and I was “Back in Black” with an idea forged into my current to do list.
Living on A Prayer: From Idea to Action
As the garage clean out concluded, I found that I had two different size galvanized containers. I only needed one more to complete my collection. Three different tiered metal tubs would work. So, off I went with my goal in mind, and I found the third one to fit my working vision with ease inside the hardware store.
Walk This Way…
Sharp Dressed Man: Heavy Metal Lifters
Materials in hand, and two semi-willing fellas (B and Richard) to assist me with a bit of heavy lifting… I would need a large amount of potting soil hauled home. Once that was done, I would need a willing man to volunteer to drill several holes in the bottom of each metal container while I plotted out my plan for assembling the plants into the each section.
Here I Go Again…
Kickstart My Heart: Working Up A Sweat
Plant shopping was finished, and I was also ready to transplant a few perennials from other areas of my garden that needed a new home. The collection of newly found plants and my perennial transplants would find a new, Home Sweet Home in my tiered planter soon! Meanwhile, my guys worked through drilling holes into my new tiered galvanized metal planters, and the heavy metal lifting was almost complete.
Round and Round: Galvanized Tiered Planter Comes Together
Caught Up In You…
Knowing the potting soil in the middle would eventually make the top two tiers sag, I needed to install this “Sweet Child O’ Mine” correctly. Richard had a small stack of bricks left from an earlier project, so that was the best way to prevent the tiers from falling apart. The bricks were placed around the center of tub, added in potting soil, then finally the plants were added. My ultimate goal was to use mostly perennials, so the maintenance would be minimal going forward.
Hold on Loosely… well a good grip on brick required!
Rock You Like A Hurricane: Tiered Planter Completed
Bricks, soil, plants. Each of the following tiers were planted and watered in. Is it hurricane proof? Probably not, but it is a welcomed enhancement to my landscape. The overall look is a bit rustic, but I’m fine with that. It is a nice addition between our two garage doors. Morning is shaded, and my Heavy Metal tiered planter gets a bit more sunlight in the afternoon.
Sweet Emotion…
Is This Love… Galvanized Tiered Planter Review
The picture above was taken shortly after I finished this metal planter back in May. I was a little unsure how the plants would ultimately fair in the summer heat. But, I had intentionally installed perennials that were heat tolerant.
Paradise City…
The hot days have definitely increased, and would I have enough drainage holes to keep the plants healthy and growing??? Time would tell and it has. The heat of the last couple weeks has been very telling and my results are conclusive. Success!!! My plants are thriving and growing nicely. The deer have stayed away from this mix of flowers and plantsin “ The Still of the Night”.
Dream On…
Bang Your Head: Heavy Metal Dreams
My Heavy Metal Project dream is now realized and I’m ready to keep the newly planted flowers growing and well watered during the summer season. My desire is to enjoy them year after year. I hope y’all have enjoyed this lighthearted look at a fairly simple garden project that can easily be completed in a short period of time. Most of your needed materials can be found right inside your favorite hardware store! No headaches or head banging required.
Right Now…
If this blog post leaves you feeling like you need to go listen to your favorite 80’s tunes, “Turn Up the Radio”, and do it! Having a bit of musical fun while you work on your next DIY project is half the battle. Linked below are my favorite watering tips to help keep your plants happy and healthy this summer. Thank you again for reading and sharing my blog, I truly appreciate it!!!
Spring officially began on March 20th. It’s absolutely amazing to see the changes that surround our world each and everyday during the Spring season. If you blink, you could absolutely miss it! From the tiny, first buds, early flowers, greening of grass, to trees achieving full leaf maturity once again. The Earth is vibrant with the colors of Spring.
The days become longer in this season, bringing us closer to nature as we spend more time outdoors. The entire Spring process is a gradual progression of warming our outer environment all the while, warming and feeding our souls for renewal. Spring… a time of rebirth in nature and also for me. I hope you will enjoy the evolution of Spring of 2025 through my camera lens.
Floral Spring, A Peak Inside The Garden
From the earliest of blooms to the heartiest flowers beginning to emerge as the warmth begins to encompass the outdoors…
First Blooms of Spring, Forsythia Field of Color…TulipsDancing with the SunSnap!!! The colors of SpringYellow Beauty Iris Glory Double White Amaryllis in BloomPeonies are almost ready…In Full Glory…Peony Strawberries 🍓 growing Lettuce!I’m personally experimenting with growing Microgreens for the first time!!! These gems offer a BIG nutritional boost!!!When ready to harvest… Cut, rinse, and dry … store in refrigerator after drying thoroughlyCabbage growing along the Greenway
Landscape Capturesof Spring
As the early days of Spring begins… the leaves were noticeably absent, but as Spring temperatures rise, the changes begin to slowly emerge. How many slight variations can you find from beginning to end of this sequence???
Hues of Blue Cloud Action Crisp Sunrise Light Frost… the greening of grass begins Monday Sunrise… it’s the simple things Contrail Sunrise Breaking ThroughDark Clouds, April Rain Quiet April Morning Sunrise Sunset Hues and a different viewFoggy Morning in the GardenGolden SunriseThat Touch of Pink Evening Sunset
Spring Mountain Time…
A Spring trip back to Buck Mountain to watch these beautiful mountains grow into Spring, and oh my goodness… I’m in awe…
Mountain Laurel in Bloom
Cicadas…
The arrival of Cicadas in our neighborhood this year is a first. My initial, first memories of these bugs dates back to my childhood playing in my grandparents front yard listening to the consistent, noisy music of these creatures in Elkin, oblivious to their impact on the surrounding landscape.
Now, in present day, each time I go out my back door, those childhood memories come flooding back to the forefront, of those past, playful days, and now, in the process of adding new memories of cicadas in my garden.
I completed a of research about how cicadas life cycle to learn more about the impact of these creatures. My poor little dog, Cookie is so intent on hunting these critters each trip outside that it has become almost impossible for her to accomplish her “natural business”because she gets so distracted by them.
Finding Bigfoot
The legend is strong, about the wandering Sasquatch, in our foothills… Can you believe that he has been spotted at our local grocery store this Spring??? I simply couldn’t resist taking a moment to grab a quick peek for myself and a couple of pics.
Happy Springtime everyone!!! Hope it has been an adventure filled season for you as well!
Living the "hardwarelife", join us in our journey of hardware store ownership
The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 