Northern California Garden Photography Goodbye Summer

A while back, I was honored to be one of a few local artists selected, to be featured in an Art In The Garden Tour. While I was at the event, I took a few minutes to snap some pics. So thankful that I did grab my camera, you see I made a little friend along the way.  I hope these pics remind you to take time to smell the flowers, and enjoy natures beauty. 

Photography From My Flower Garden

Doesn't Summer fly by every year a bit faster? I really need to get out in my flower beds, and take more pics for you all. These I actually took early Summer, before I stayed in Reno for my breast cancer treatment. I am just getting around to looking at how they turned out. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.  

Floral Photography From Our Northern California Home

We live in the cold Sierra Mountains, where planting before June, can be very risky. Living dangerously, I have started some Spring gardening, and here is a sneak peak of some items growing in and around our home. This one is a Snapdragon flower growing in a bed in front of our living room window. My husband just repainted our home to this beautiful blue. 

Lily Love And Inspiration

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of iBulb for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you love lilies, gladiolus and irises? Bulbs are great for gifting and decorating with. They are an easy way to bring life and color to your home or special occasion. You can find beautiful ideas for  bouquets, decorating, gifting, and more at lilies. Every special occasion should be celebrated with beautiful blossoms. I know some gals that say they don't want you to get them flowers, but deep down everyone feels loved when they receive pretty bulbs. Lilies can brighten a room, and put a smile on your face. Just picture those flowers above on your vanity or night stand. They bring life, color, and texture to a room. 

If you or someone you know is getting married you must visit lilies Pinterest page for inspiration and ideas at http://pinterest.com/ibulblilies/for-weddings/. That's where I found this stunning table-scape. I love that your guests can still see each other, and  converse easily, even with the stunning flower arrangement in the center. 

Lilies make a great gift for women who want the beauty of flowers but don't want to take care of them.  Roses can sometimes feel cliché but lilies are perfect for every occasion. They are beautiful and modern, perfect for an anniversary or birthday. I hope you don't have any apologizing to do, but if so, lilies are a perfect choice for gifting. Ladies don't wait for a gift, in fact I bought myself flowers on Mother's day because they make me smile.  Treat yourself to lilies. You can purchase potted bulbs at your local grocery stores, garden centers, and flower shops. Below are more images that really inspired me:

Flowers are a great specimen for practicing your macro photography. They have so much beauty and detail to capture. 

Do you have a treasured vase from your grandmother or a new flea market find? Do it justice with beautiful lilies.

I am not sure why I love them so, maybe it's because pink is one of my favorite colors, or maybe it's because I am a Friends fan, and Rachel's favorite flower was  lilies, either way you can't go wrong with flowers. 

Gardening and The Miracle-Gro Project

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don't have much of a green thumb, nor do I particularly like gardening, however I love the look of bright flowers in my space. Trying to find out what inspires you in the garden? Feeling like it can sometimes be complicated, time intensive, etc? Miracle-Gro’s The Gro Project is here to showcase that garden projects should not be complicated! Miracle-Gro wants to simplify gardening for a whole new class of gardeners and show that it can be easy, fun and enjoyable! This is a growing movement of theirs and they WANT the passion to come out starting with you! Miracle-Gro wants you, the gardener to show your colors and wave the banner of the movement. By sharing your fun garden projects you will be helping form the movement and spreading the word with The Gro Project.

We recently planted some new flowers in our front yard flower bed, pictured above.  This was fun and easy. Of course gardening is kept simple with help from Miracle-Gro.  First we removed the plants from last year that did not survive our long Northern Cali Winter. Then we planted some flowers that we picked out at our local Walmart. We have a plastic weed barrier under our wood chips, that we had to cut through using a hand held shovel. Once planted we fed our new flowers with LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit.  

Above is a close up of one of the new flowers in our front flower bed.  If you need more gardening inspiration and helpful advise please “follow” the Miracle-Gro Pinterest page and check it out as a forum for gardeners to come together and share gardening stories. If you  share your project on the Miracle-Gro Facebook page, on your personal Pinterest board, Instagram, Google+ and more, please  include the hashtag #MiracleGroProject. Miracle-Gro online gives you access to an expansive library of articles and videos, full of expert gardening tips for beginners and professionals alike, as well as online tools to help growers solve common garden problems, and find the right products to help them keep a healthy and beautiful garden. You might enjoy using these other products from Miracle-Gro Shake’n Feed All Purpose Plant Food and Moisture Control Potting Mix. 

Fight Weeds The Green Way With Scotts Mulch

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Picture courtesy of Scotts Facebook page.

Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch is made from 100% Florida-grown Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus Mulch is a sustainable Cypress alternative, grown in Florida, for Florida! Now I know what you are thinking, I don't live in Florida, well neither do I, and that's no problem because Scotts has  sustainable gardening products for us too. Scotts Nature Scapes mulch comes in 3 different colors, and is made from natural forest products. My family is always thinking of ways we can go green and help Mother Earth. Scotts is one way we can be more green. 

Scotts Nature Scapes mulch comes in Classic Black, Sierra Red, and Deep Forest Brown. It's a no waste wood, natural forest product, that you can feel good about using. Scotts mulch helps to maintain moisture, prevent weeds, and create a groomed landscape  all year long. I think I would choose the Sierra Red since we live in the Sierra Mountains. What color do you like best?

Now back to you Floridians, Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch is the best option for your landscape because it is sustainable. It is harvested and plantation grown, so no forests were harmed. Here is something I did not know, eucalyptus is considered a renewable resource because it re-grows up to 4-times faster than Cypress!  Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch is natural, made from 100% plantation-grown Eucalyptus trees. Eucalyptus Mulch is guaranteed free from any construction, demolition, pallet, or other waste materials.  It is effective landscaping, preventing weeds naturally, while helping to conserve soil moisture, and moderate soil temperature. Yes you have heard the call to
"shop local" that is one way you can help the environment and your community at the same time. Well Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch is 100% Florida grown so you Floridians will be helping support your local economy.

Picture courtesy of Scotts Facebook page. 

Scotts recommends a three inch layer of Mulch because it will naturally help prevent weeds by blocking growth and access to sunlight. What homeowner likes weeds, we sure don't, and battle them yearly. It's time to put an end to pulling weeds every year with a thicker layer of mulch. To use simply spread mulch 3 inches deep. Keep mulch several inches from tree trunks and house foundations or other wood structures. Apply mulch around trees, shrubs, flowers or vegetables after seeds have germinated and plants have developed. Don't use mulch before seeds have germinated, around underdeveloped plants, and within several inches of house foundations or other wood surfaces. A 2 cu. ft. bag will cover 12 square feet of bedding area with a 2 inch layer, or an 8 square foot bedding area, with a 3 inch layer, which will give you even more weed protection.  

New flowers in our garden.

Your list of gardening supplies should include plants, tools, plant food, green waist trash can, and Scotts Nature Scapes mulch or Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch. Using Mulch is an easy way to beautify your landscaping for many years to come. Thank you Scotts for making an earth friendly product. 

Giveaway and Review for Miracle-Gro Expand 'n Gro

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

You hopefully have all had a chance to use Miracle-Gro for your house plants, outdoor plants or garden.  I know we rely on it each year to help nourish our plants, and get the most out of our garden.  Now there is a new Miracle-Gro product out called Expand ‘n Gro™ .  Today you all have a chance to win a FREE sample size of Expand ‘n Gro™!

My favorite thing about Expand ‘n Gro™ is that it feeds my plants for up to 6 months!  I have as most of us do a lot of responsibilities in life, and one less thing to worry about for 6 months is a beautiful thing.   It's fun to use too, since it will expand up to 3 times in size when mixed with water. I don't have a green thumb but my house plants are already looking perkier thanks to Expand ‘n Gro™. 

Studies show that you will grow 3Xs more flowers or vegetables using Expand ‘n Gro™ compared to native soil.  It also improves soil for multiple years.  The all natural fibers hold up to 50% more water then basic planting soil, saving you time spent watering.  Expand ‘n Gro™ is a great product to use to get your gardens prepped and ready for the Spring and Summer seasons.  I hope you will all give it a try.  For more information check out this great YouTube video below:

Don't forget to comment on this blog post for a chance to win a Free sample size of Expand ‘n Gro™. This giveaway will end in 10 days, and  is open to US residents only.  A winner will be selected and notified by the sponsor. Please visit expandngro.com for in-store availability.

Win a Yard Makeover Worth $5,000 with Just One Picture!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done. for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you all had a chance to check out "Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done." yet?  Bulbs can really improve the look of your home, inside and out. They also make a lovely gift.  I never realized what a limitless variety of bulbs there are to chose from.  You will definitely want to visit www.digdropdone.com to learn more.  I just love that silly Evelyn over at digdropdone.com.  She has some great tips and videos to help you out with your gardening. 

You can find so much inspiration at digdropdone.com.  I love the idea of using an old rain boot as a planter.

Right now digdropdone.com is giving away a $5,000 yard makeover.  They will also be sending you celebrity  Taniya Nayak from HGTV to guide you with your yard makeover!  All you have to do to enter is submit a picture of your yard at Curbside Chaos.

While you are entering for a chance to win that fabulous yard makeover at Curbside Chaos, make sure to tweet too. For every tweet  "Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done." will donate $1 to Rebuilding Together.  An organization that his helping to preserve affordable homeownership, and rebuild communities. 

While you are at Curbside Chaos, check out there "Garden Guru" tool.  All you have to do is select your location, and your bulb preference, and it will give you an easy planting guide to follow.  Here is a screen shot of mine below.

Steps for better growth

• Start with firm, plump daffodil bulbs, free from cuts, bruises or mold. Plant in Fall (Sept 23-Dec 22), when soil has cooled off.
• Using a spade, dig a hole 3-6 inches deep and place the bulb pointed end up.
• Cover and lightly pack soil, then water thoroughly- and you’re done!

Tips: In areas with mild winters, plant later and chill your bulbs up to 8 weeks prior to planting. Plant in a sunny or partially shaded area. Space your bulbs 2-4 inches apart.

Don't forget to get your yard pic into Curbside Chaos for a chance to win by April 15, 2012.

Good Luck!

Win a $5,000 Yard Makeover From "Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done."

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done. for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
At "Dig, Drop, Done." you will learn all you need to know about bulbs, how to plant them, care for them, pick out your favorite ones, and even find incredible inspiration for using them.  I must admit, I have no green thumb, so I can use all the help I can get.  I always thought a bulb was just a seed, but it is so much more, it is actually a "self contained flower factory" as I learned from Marcy over at "Dig, Drop, Done." Another wonderful lady you will find over at "Dig, Drop, Done." is Juliana.  She has some great ideas for using  bulbs.  I love how they have used them in old water jugs (see picture below).  They also have some fabulous videos to watch, in one Evelyn had me cracking up, I could really relate to her quirky sense of humor.

How can you not love Evelyn, she is so adorable. She also has great advice on keeping pesky critters out of your yard.  Here in Northern Cali, we have a huge problem with deer eating our plants, I am going to have to try some of Evelyn's tips.

These bulbs really are so stunning. You will definitely want to  visit www.digdropdone.com to learn more.  Bulbs are not just for gardeners or people with green thumbs.  They can be really easy to work with.  They can be used for decorating both inside and out, and also make a lovely gift.
Now lets talk about what "Bulbs. Dig,  Drop, Done." is doing at Curbside Chaos.  They are giving away a $5,000 yard makeover!!!  That's not all, they will be sending celebrity Taniya Nayak to help you makeover your yard!  She will show you how to beautifully incorporate bulbs into your yard.  The goal is to teach everyone how bulbs can add simple beauty to your surroundings, with little effort on our parts.   To enter all you have to do is submit a picture of your yard at Curbside Chaos.
Want to make a difference well guess what, for every share on Twitter at "Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done." they will donate $1.00 to  Rebuilding Together, an organization that is helping preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities.   As of writing this they have already earned $4,998!  Wow let's keep tweeting for a good cause.  After you tweet, make sure to check out their "Garden Guru Tool"  found on the bottom left hand side of  their site.  You simply select your country, and location within that country, then choose the type of bulb you want to grow, and it will give you a planting guide, like the one it gave me below:

Steps for better growth

• Start with firm, plump allium bulbs, free from cuts, bruises or mold. Plant in Fall (Sept 23-Dec 22), when soil has cooled off.
• Using a spade, dig a hole 3x the width of your bulb and place the bulb pointed end up.
• Cover and lightly pack soil, then water thoroughly- and you’re done!

Tips: In areas with mild winters, plant later and chill your bulbs up to 8 weeks prior to planting. Plant in a sunny or partially shaded area. Space your bulbs 4-12 inches apart depending on the plant size

So make sure you visit www.digdropdone.com to learn more, enter to win at Curbside Chaos, and tweet at Curbside Chaos for a good cause.