The Making of our "Fixer Upper" inspired Miniature Garden...

 O.K.....let's face it...who isn't inspired by the incredible duo of Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna Gaines?  Well the answer is....no one.  They, with their amazing talent and joyful spirits, have simply inspired everyone!  I'm not a big TV watcher except for HGTV and of course my favorite show, along with the rest of the country is Fixer Upper! It's my Tuesday night date with the television plus all reruns of course!  

So since I have the wonderful pleasure of working in a greenhouse at Central Farmers Supply... Melissa, my good friend and partner in all things "dirt" decided to create a "Fixer Upper" miniature garden.  Inspired by Chip and Joanna's beautiful farm...we tried to incorporate elements that remind us all of a happy, peaceful place that anyone would love to call home.

 We started with an old galvanized wash tub that had the perfect patina for our mini garden (thanks Mrs. E) ...drilled in some holes to help with drainage...

Next, we turned over a pot to take up some space to save on soil plus it makes it not as heavy to move around...

...we added some quality potting mix...

We began to put together items that reminded us of Magnolia Farms...

...This was our "dry run"...

We planted the Pixie Plants in the garden first...our lil' garden only has a total of 6 plants...then we began to add in the Miniature Garden items...

Next we laid out our veggie garden and added the moss around some of the items we had placed...

We placed some plastic down for the walkways - this keeps the rocks from "sinking"...

We even planted small succulents in the mini pots...

Of course, we had to have a chicken coop and little rooster placed just to the left of the white farmhouse...

Just like at Magnolia Farms...a white arbor and chandelier - only thing missing from this is a farmhouse table and benches...we will have to work on that...

A cute little dog guards the mini greenhouse - now, if we could only grow Joanna's favorite pink roses in there...we'd be doing really good!

...Flower pots by the front door...

And their it is...even with its own windmill..

...Our Fixer Upper inspired miniature garden...we just love how it turned out...and the best part of it is...we get to share it with our customers each day and have lots of great conversations about how that show has made such a positive impression on so many people!

 So thank you Chip and Joanna....for sharing your talents, your family, your laughter and your beautiful home and farm with us all!  May God continue to bless you and your endeavors!  Looking forward to Season 4!

Cathy

It's Time to Sow Rye Grass!

 Happy Spring everybody!  It has been beautiful here the past few days and one thing I love to do to start off the spring season is plant annual Rye grass.  Last year I planted a small chicken feeder that I have but this year...

 I brought out the big one...I was lucky enough to score this old feeder last fall and I've used it many different ways already!  I love it!

So, I've shared with you all how to do this the last couple of years...but here is a refresher in case you missed it....but don't worry....this is easy breezy!

Start with some annual Rye grass seed - of course mine came from Central Farmers Supply and only cost around 75 cents a pound.  And believe me, one pound is way more than you will need!

Check your local farm or lawn and garden store for seed availability.

Then you need some quality potting soil...

Fill the container you like with soil....and remember to think outside the box.  You could use a basket...perfect for Easter, galvanized metal, pottery, suitcases...simply use your imagination.

Next, liberally sprinkle with Rye grass seed...

 Lightly cover with a little bit of soil...not to much though.   Quick Tip: When covering your seed...only use the amount of soil that would be equal to twice the thickness of your seed.

 Next...mist generously...place in a sunny window...and your seed will be up in about 3-4 days.  Remember, to keep it moist, not letting it dry out.

 In no time, and I mean that...like in 10 days...it will look like this!

 And then you will have to give it a hair cut because it grows so fast!

 You can tell in this picture...the one in the front has that neat short hair cut and the others are kind of wild - which ever you like.  But before long...your grass will be having a bad hair day!  You will be trimming it several times over the course of the growing period.

 Enjoy it...place a few eggs in it for a great Easter centerpiece.  Your grass will live indoors and look pretty for about a month!

 So...get to planting...Easter is right around the corner!

Happy Spring!

Cathy