companion gardening

Today I want to share the new philosophy we are doing this year for our garden. Its called companion gardening. The idea behind it is that plants have different properties that help or hurt each other. They make good ‘companions’ for growing. For example marigolds: The workhorse of pest deterrents; keeps soil free of nematodes; discourages many insects.

So we are inter-mixing our plants in the garden and applying this. Not only do I like how it looks but I think it will be better all the way around for the plants as they can ‘help’ each other. As we experiment with this plan this year I hope to learn more and figure out how to plan and inter-mix my veggies to make it look even better next year!

Here are some websites you can check out for more information:

http://www.seedsofchange.com/enewsletter/issue_55/companion_planting.aspx

http://www.ghorganics.com/page2.html

One garden in the ground

Earlier last week...(before it rained for days on end)


John dug up our tomato/vines garden
Hopefully we can plant this garden this week

Today we worked in the 'grape' garden

John removed dead wood from the grapes as they have not been taken care of in a long time and really need some help.
Then we weeded and loosened the soil
Then we planted the peppers, flowers, herbs, and onions
Look at the roots on that baby!
Then we mulched with newspaper and wood chips on top
Tah-dah! Our garden is good to go. Now we just have to wait till it produces some food. (hopefully in another month or so as I saw the peppers have buds on them!)

weekend weekend weekend

I Love a good weekend and it seems like we've got one of those on our hands!
We started off on a date last night going to see Angel and Demons. A OK movie not great. I'd recommend it- but not till it comes out on DVD 3 stars.
This morning we headed off to the farmers market and got more herbs for the garden and some rhubarb so I can make one of my yummy treats! I love farmers markets! they are so much fun to walk around and see all the crafts and food. Iowa City has really great downtown one so I'm a bit spoiled.
For lunch we where are Darin's graduation party. He received his masters in Social Work. Best of luck to him as he searches for a job.
We are now working on unpacking and hoping for some nice warmer weather and dryness so we can plant our garden. We have a LOT of work to do in the next month!
Well, better get back to it!
K

two years of wedded bliss

John and I celebrated two years of marriage today. We had planned to keep it simple this year and just went out to eat at Vito's on the pedmall in Iowa city. However with the rain we are saving it till later this week so we can eat outside. In stead we hyvee picnicked on our deck and watched a movie.
Our 'gift' to each other this year was our new home which does have cotton. (we are following the yearly gift guidelines). We where surprised by john's parents by a gift left our our deck. A beautiful yellow rose bush and a certificate to get two more. The perfect gift especially with all the history behind it!

Silent Day

Best move to date

I have to give a huge thank you to all who helped us move: Ryan, Darin, Renee, Zac, Scott, Theresa, John's dad, and John's grandma. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Our move was so painless today that I'm glad I spent all the time fussing and working. We started off last night getting the moving truck after work. John and I had set up the old place so that everything was in a box with a number and color (color for what room of the new house and number as to what was in it). Total time our move took 4 hours with an hour lunch break before we unloaded. Everything is in its correct room and all we have to do is unpack. Amazing. Could not have happened with out our friends and family.

I know feel like I can move and not have it make me want to pull my hair out. It makes me feel so good to know I can do it; I can put my mind to anything and get it done with help and love.

K

ready to be done

So moving plans are coming along just like we had laid out ahead of time, so in a sense it working out really well. However I've forgotten how much work this is!

Tomorrow night we'll be taking a break and heading to Renee and Darin's house for dinner. It will be a much welcomed break!
K
PS today on the way to work I spotted the Oscar Myer wiener mobile in coralville just sitting in a parking lot. We turned around and now have a picture with it :) i'll post this at a later date when i have the capabity again

Office triva challange

A lot can happen in one day

Today we bought a house.
Today I also lost my job.
I need a massage!

silent (sun) day cross over event

John and I went to visit Lynne in Pella this weekend. Not only has it been to long with out getting to see her but I've always wanted to see the Pella Tulips in bloom. We had an amazing time. Thanks to Lynne for showing us the sites! Here are some highlight (ok lots of highlights!) since most of Lynnes pictures ended up being of johna and me and mine of lynne... we are having a Silent Sunday crossover event. This is a true crossover event and not lame-o like when Grey's and Private practice did it! Check out Lynne's pictures here.