My $75 Backyard Garden | DIY Raised Bed Garden Box

Every year I proclaim that I want to have a garden.  In our old Fairway home, I tried a little herb and lettuce garden by our back steps with no luck.  Too much shade.  In Concord, I had revived enthusiasm when I ordered heirloom tomatoes from Verrill Farm that resulted in a little luck... 2 tomatoes from 6 plants.  Again, too much shade.  This year in our new house, we have a substantial backyard with a great sunny spot that will (hopefully) work great for a small garden.



Growing up we always had a fairly large garden, the kids were enthusiastic about planting, but less enthusiastic about watering and weeding.  The first couple of harvests from the green beans, onions and tomatoes were exciting, but that soon faded as the cucumbers seem to multiply and the squash would take over the entire garden.  So, while planning this garden project, I was cautious of planting too much... as I know my 31-year-old self is basically the same semi-lazy 11-year-old during the summer months while the pool is open.  However, Emma LOVES to be outside, so I think this mini-garden will be just enough to keep me busy while she chases Mr. Darcy around with tennis balls.



I've included photos of the project, but I'll tell you - it was silly simple.  It took me a total of 2 hours start to finish (with a trip to Home Depot for an extra load of topsoil...) and cost about $75.  I watched this "This Old House" (my absolute favorite show!) "Gaden" video online before I started, but simplified it a little.  Because my box is smaller (6x4 vs. 4x10) I didn't feel the need to brace it.  I might regret it later, but for now, my 2 hour project looks perfect for me! 
 

Supplies :

2 - 2x10x10's (cut into 2 - 4ft & 6ft pieces)
Outdoor Wood Screws (decking screws)
Electric Screwdriver
30 Bags of Topsoil
1 Bag of Mulch

Plants:

10  Tomato Plants
1 Rosemary
2 Basil
3 Thyme
3 Chive
1 Oregano
1 Cilantro
1 Italian Parsley
Arugula
Leaf Lettuce
Radishes
Green Onions

The spot is shaded just in the morning, but has full sun from 10am - 6pm.  Hopefully, that will be enough... we'll see.

The wood frame is completed after joining all of the sides with 3 screws each.   The box measures 6ft x 4ft.

I feel almost silly typing the "instructions" - too easy.

Hauling 30 bags of topsoil = good morning workout




Planted!   The tomato plants line the back and the herbs are in the middle and front left.

I got the tomato plants from my cousin Bret's produce Farm, Fahrmeier Farms.  He recommended that I plant them very deep to create a strong root system.

My plants were already anxious for a good drink!  The right front side of the planter will have lettuces, radishes and green onions later this week.

Next step is to mulch and water.

Complete!

I like the dark brown mulch the best - it will help to keep out the weeds, help keep moisture in... and help it look nice!

I staked the tomato plants with wooden 6 foot stakes.  I'll tie them to the stick with twine later.

Watering time!

I'll keep you posted on the progress and status of the garden... wish me luck.

 

Mini "Sweetie Pie" Favors

 

Last weekend I hosted a baby shower at my house.  I made these mini pies in two different varieties for the favor.  My original plan was to put two in each bag (twin girls!!)... but they wouldn't fit in the bag!  So at midnight the night before the party, I threw in the towel and just did one pie per bag and called it good. 

This is how I presented the favors at the shower - all lined up in a basket.

Here are two of the Strawberry Pies.  They were very simple to make - just a little time consuming, crimping all of the little edges.  I used store-bought pie crust... to make 24 pies I used 4 crusts - just FYI, it does take more than you think it will.  I had to go to the store in the middle of my pie making for another crust.  I would've made my own in such a pinch, but my food processor bowl is broken!  Not to worry though, the new replacement bowl came Tuesday. 

The filling is just chopped strawberries with raspberry jam.  The raspberry really brings out the "berry" factor of the strawberries.

Mini Strawberry Pies
12 mini pies

2 store-bought pie crusts
2 cups of chopped fresh strawberries
1/4 cup of raspberry jam
1 egg
2 tablespoons of sugar

Line a mini or regular size muffin tin with a bottom crust of store-bought pie dough - consider lining the muffin tins with cupcake paper liners.

Melt the jam in the microwave for 30 seconds until it is pourable.  Poured it over the strawberries, then tossed them.  Fill each mini crust with strawberry filling.  In a small bowl beat an egg with a fork.  Brush the egg wash around the pie then top with another crust.  Pinch and flute or fork crimp the edges.  Brush the entire top with egg wash then sprinkle with sugar generously.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until brown.  You may need to cover the tops with foil to keep them from getting too brown before the bottoms are done. 

To make the base crusts, I used store-bought pie dough and cut out rounds using a glass bowl.  I found that pleating around the circle made it easier to fit it into the mini-muffin tin. 



 Half Apple Cinnamon and half Strawberry.

You can see here how big the bottom dough crust needs to be to be able to flute/crimp the edge.

 

I cut a smaller circle and used it as the top of the strawberry.  To do the edges, roll the sides up and in, then crimp using your fingers just as you would large pie.  Cut slits in the top for steam.  

For the Apple Pies, I did a fork crimped edge. 

Mini Apple Pies
12 mini pies

2 store-bought pie crusts
2 cups of chopped fresh strawberries
2 apples
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 tablespoon of flour
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 egg
2 tablespoons of sugar

Line a mini or regular size muffin tin with a bottom crust of store-bought pie dough - consider lining the muffin tins with cupcake paper liners.

Peel and dice the apples into a small dice.  Toss together the apples with sugar, cinnamon and flour.  Fill each mini crust with the apple filling.  In a small bowl beat an egg with a fork.  Brush the egg wash around the pie then top with another crust.  Pinch and flute or fork crimp the edges.  Brush the entire top with egg wash then sprinkle with sugar generously.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until brown.  You may need to cover the tops with foil to keep them from getting too brown before the bottoms are done. 

A tiny lattice would've been very cute, too.

They baked for almost 25 minutes - I wanted to be sure the bottom crust was nice and brown so they would come out of the pan.  I think next time I'd use cupcake liners to make sure they come out easily.

I lost a couple of pies because I couldn't get them out!  The apple were much easier to get out.

But the strawberry were my favorite - a great little summer treat!

I'll follow up with the packaging step-by-step next!

To see all of the photos from the Sugar & Spice Baby Shower, click here!
















Here is the easy-to-pin step by step!

Spinach & Strawberry Salad with Walnuts

This is the recipe for the Spinach & Strawberry Salad that we made for the "Sugar & Spice" Baby Shower last weekend - it soooo good!  Enjoy!
............

Just in time for Mother's Day, this recipe comes courtesy of Mike's Mom, Joy.  When we first started dating Mike requested that I make this very salad - the only salad that he likes.  It really is one of the best salads - there something about the dressing that is so delicious... especially mixed with the sweet strawberries.  Thanks for sharing your recipe Joy!

The Best
Spinach & Strawberry 
Salad


New! Printable Recipes, here.

Spinach + Boston or Leaf Lettuce (your choice!)
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese
1 cup toasted Walnuts

Red Wine Vinegar Dressing
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp white pepper

Sugar & Spice Baby Shower at Our House | Entertaining

I'm sorry I was gone most of last week, we had a very busy and fun schedule packed with a volunteer table design benefit, visit to a childrens' farmstead and a baby shower hosted at our house... I have a zillion photos to share this week...  as Emma would say, "Here go!" - a complete sentence in baby language.

Last things first, I just can't wait to share the photos from the Baby Shower Brunch I hosted at our house yesterday.  My friend, Susan, is pregnant with twin girls so a very girly, "Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice" shower was in order. 

 I love these invitations from Minted.  It really is the only way to go for custom invitations for a small number of guests.  I'm still enjoying these "Angel" peonies today as I type - my very favorite.

Before each event I host, I make these types of little sketches to help me envision what everything will look like.  It also helps me make my shopping list because I'm able to figure out what I'll need for linens, props and styling before the actual setup.

Because I tend to entertain in a very casual fashion (because I think everyone enjoys it more than fancy...), I designed the party to be special with plenty of flowers and girly touches, but relaxed with big bountiful platters of help-yourself food and drink and comfortable seating. 

 The night before I always set out everything I possibly can for the next day... especially in a brunch situation.  Hosting a party can go from fun to stressful if everything is rushed and left to the last minute.  I definitely learned this the hard way during my catering days.  I found that it took all of the fun out of my job if I was running late and rushing through everything.

I set this beverage table up in my kitchen - the table is usually used as my desk.

I also made the Sweetie Pie favors the night before.  Each bag contained either a Mini Apple or Strawberry Pie.  Here is the link to the Mini Pies step-by-step instructions and recipes!

 Here are the Strawberry Pies - I'll share the step-by-step and recipe later this week.  

UPDATE : Here is the link to the Mini Pies step-by-step instructions and recipes

Here is the dining room setup.  Because it was going to be a small casual brunch, we left he seating open - a fix a plate and "make yourself at home" type party.  To make the banners, I use the Rifle Botanicals Garlands I found at Paper-Source... only $16 and took just minutes to hang.  

 I'm obsessed with these - still haven't taken them down.  I plan to do one with E-M-M-A in her room later this week... and I might hang the "Sugar & Spice" one in there, too.

I really like casual centerpieces like this.  Everyone asked if I cut these from my garden - exactly what I want people to think.   

 But, no unfortunately I don't have any peony bushes in my garden... yet.

The pewter pieces are Match (wedding gifts), and the glass pieces are old candy apothecary jars.  I also placed some wrapped gifts for Susan amongst the flowers.

More uses for the Rifle Botanicals Garlands - I couln't help myself.  Easy Banners = Insta-Party

Last one...

Here is the beverage bar setup the morning of - Bellini's and Coffee.  We also had Sparkling Pomegranite Juice for the pregnant ladies... we had four out of ten guests that were pregnant!  Five babies and ten ladies.

 Stations make it so much easier for your guests to help themselves - I think it makes everyone more comfortable.




Bellini is a drink with Peach Puree (or juice) topped with Champagne or Prosecco.  I think it must be the "new" mimosa.

Brunch Menu...
recipe links coming later this week!

Upon arrival :

Bellini's
Coffee
Mini Vanilla Bean Scones (we called "Sugar & Spice Scones)
Brunch :

Cheddar & Chive Quiche
Strawberry & Spinach Salad
Fruit & Cheese Platters
"Homemade" Cinnamon Rolls

Favors :
Tiny Mini Pies - "Sweetie Pies"

Mini Vanilla Bean Scones (we called "Sugar & Spice Scones) 

Forgive the re-used photo from original post... I didn't have my camera out when the girls arrived and the fresh scones came out. 

The BEST Strawberry & Spinach Salad.

Bountiful fruit platter made by my Co-Hostess, Melissa.

Cheddar Chive Quiche (warning : old post from my sister's baby shower I hosted 3+ years ago!)

 "Homemade" Cinnamon Rolls (re-used photo from original post)

I was so glad to host the shower for Susan at my house - I can't wait to meet those little ladies in just a couple of months!

Here is the easy-to-pin strip!