Capture the (Kodak) Moment

I'm going to stray from giving you gardening tips for just a minute... well, not entirely.

While we are busy pouring thru the seed catalogs that are showing up in our mailbox, and planning our gardens for this growing season, nature is quietly going about its business. The occasional warm day brings out bugs and critters that would otherwise still be hunkered down for the winter; morning fog settles in and then lifts just at sunrise giving the earth a glorious shimmering display of yellow, orange and blue reflections off of frost-kissed plants...

I love taking pictures. I have this little point-and-shoot camera that looks like hell (it has been around the world with me) but - up until recently - took the most amazing pictures. When I bought it 5 years ago it wasn't the biggest or best, but I was perfect for me since I pack my camera with me everywhere I go. Most of the pictures on my blog and all of the pictures in my 2 calendars were taken with this little camera. None of my photos are "photoshopped" - I don't have the software and wouldn't know how to use it anyway.

It's been a few years and I don't know where I heard, saw, or read this, but I someone said their goal was to take at least 1 picture every day. What a novel idea - I really wanted to follow thru with this and create something amazing... then life happens and good intentions are followed by "maybe tomorrow". While I don't take a-picture-a-day, I have my moments where I am surgically attached to my camera for days then won't touch it for a week.

If you know The Wade Creek House here in Estacada, Oregon you probably have seen the postcards they use for promotions; it is also The Wade Creek House blog banner. I staged and took that photo - which also happens to be the cover for the 2012 Garden Calendar. Yes, I am bragging, but damn, it is a great photo! See?!?!?!

I am really proud of that picture and it amazes me every time I look at it. There are other photos I have taken over the years (with my 'lil camera) that I really love. Let me share a few with you...

Please note these pictures are my personal property and under copyright.

My friend Sharon is a professional photographer and does take the most amazing photos (her camera is WAY bigger); she has also had a pretty amazing opportunity present itself. Her work has been installed at the Clackamas County Services Building (4th Floor).
      "... and even tho they are mine, and so familiar to me, the photo's impress me as I watch the elevator doors open to the hallway they hang in."

 ** Check out Sharon's blog: oregonshar.blogspot.com. She also has a wordpress blog - check out more photos and info about her professional photo services.

I invite you to take a-picture-a-day... you never know when or where your own masterpiece will show up!

PEAS OUT!

~GP

Fresh out of the garden - in Winter!

If I have learned anything about gardening over the course of my life, it's that you can always shift the odds in your favour by taking a bit of extra time & care into harvesing something from your garden every month of the year. Whether it's the first springs greens of the year or the sweet crunch of summer corn you don't need to kill your self in order to have fresh produce on your table - a la garden.

(Setting the scene:)
January 8th, 2012   6.48am

freshly harvested Pontiac Red & Yukon Gold

I wake up to find the earth frosted in a blanket of white as the fog that was hovering last night has now rests peacefully as a shimering cloak; the day welcomes me to a clear chilly 28 degree morning. Raised beds lay dormant under a blanket of straw - there are no signs that anything was planted here...  The day warms slightly, though enough for me to grab my pitchfork and push aside some of the straw that protects buried treasures of red & gold (of the Pontiac & Yukon type!)

Well protected, and planted in well-drained soil (mine are planted in raised beds rich with compost) potatoes can be left & harvested fresh thru the winter; roast with fresh sage & rosemary and enjoy!

And remember... fresh from the garden includes those sage, rosemary and other biennnial or perennial herbs you have growing in your yard!

** in case you're wondering, those are leeks planted in the raised bed, and the green "carpet" is corn salad (mache) that reseeded into my garden paths.

PEAS OUT!
~GP

The GardenPurl Toy Box

Last January, I got wildly inspired and produced a garden calendar and filled it full of gardening tips, ideas, and photos I'd taken. As a member of The Wade Creek House here in Estacada, I included the events and workshops held at the shop and made a few copies available for sale to the public.



Back by popular demand, The Wade Creek House 2012 Garden Calendar has been available at The Wade Creek House since November. Don't have yours yet? It's not too late - there are still a few calendars available for sale at The Wade Creek House. 503.630.7556 Call to reserve or stop by to pick up yours today!  $15.95

I added a new TAB on my blog "Gotta Have That!"
It is the GardenPurl Toy Box and will have various & sundry items for purchase. Check it out as must-have items will be added periodically.
You can also send me a message (click on the Lady Bug) with a request to purchase. All transactions are made through PayPal and items are shipped out within 48hours Monday-
Friday.

Thanks for supporting small-scale business!
Peas Out!
~GP