American Spikenard

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American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to eastern North America. It is a member of the Araliaceae family and is sometimes referred to by other names, such as Indian root, life-of-man, and osha. Spikenard typically grows to a height of 3 to 8 feet (about 1 to 2.5 meters). It has … Read more

Black-capped Chickadee

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The black-capped chickadee might be one of the most recognized birds next to the Red Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Robins. The fluffy little Chickadee comes freely about dwellings even in towns and cities.

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DIY Lavender Fabric and Linen Spray

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Lavender is a scent that reminds me of summer. If you grow lavender in your flower garden and sit outside, that heavenly scent will drift in and out of your seating area. I find the scent of lavender to be calming, and there is scientific evidence to back that claim up, which is why I make up a batch of my DIY lavender fabric and linen spray and use it often.

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Pretty In Purple Lavender

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Pretty in purple lavender is available as wall art photography prints. All prints will arrive unframed and can be popped into your favorite frame to match your household decor. Notecards are 5×7 and have a 4×6 professional print on white cardstock with a border. I’m Obsessed With Lavender Lavender screams summer and is one of … Read more

Cozy Up with My Easy Stuffed Green Pepper Soup: A Summer Garden Delight for Any Day

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There’s something truly magical about a steaming bowl of soup that wraps you in warmth, no matter the season. Picture this: it’s a bustling summer afternoon in July, with the sun high in the sky and my garden bursting with vibrant green peppers swaying in the breeze. But even on those unexpected rainy days that sneak up on us, nothing beats stirring up a pot of Stuffed Green Pepper Soup.

It’s like a hug in a bowl—simple, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s become a family favorite because it’s as easy as fry, chop, measure, dump, and simmer. Plus, whether you’re plucking peppers straight from your garden or grabbing them from the store, this recipe works wonders. Let me walk you through it, step by step, with a few personal twists from my own kitchen adventures.

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Growing Garden Potatoes

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One of the staple crops in both home and community gardens is potatoes. Growing garden potatoes is not difficult if you have the knowledge upfront to make you successful. Growing Garden Potatoes Soil Preparation One of the most overlooked things when growing garden potatoes are soil preparation. After the first frost goes out, squeeze a … Read more

Enger Park Duluth

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Enger Tower at Enger Park in Duluth Minnesota

Enger Park in Duluth, Minnesota

Enger Park is one of the best free scenic stops in Duluth. Set high above the city, the park combines walking paths, a historic stone tower, gardens, and wide views over Duluth, Lake Superior, and the Twin Ports.

If you are looking for an easy place to stretch your legs and take in a broader view of the city, Enger Park is well worth adding to a Duluth visit. It is one of those stops that works for a quick visit, but it also has enough trails, overlooks, and gardens to justify a longer wander.

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January Phenology

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Well, Happy New Year! Hope you are settling into your new year. January 2022 – It’s cold! But, did we expect anything less from the Wisconsin winter? Welcome to the phenology posts. The posts will be a running listing of what you can expect to see with our plant life and animals over the year … Read more

Copper Falls State Park

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Bad River gorge viewed from a bridge at Copper Falls State Park in Ashland County Wisconsin

Copper Falls State Park in northern Wisconsin is known for its dramatic river gorge, scenic waterfalls, and forested hiking trails. Located near the town of Mellen in Ashland County, the park offers visitors a chance to explore rugged landscapes shaped by rushing water, dark rock formations, and dense northern forests.

The park’s most famous features include Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and the Cascades. Wooden bridges, stairways, and scenic overlooks allow visitors to experience several viewpoints of the Bad River gorge while hiking through the surrounding woods.

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Harvesting Sunshine: My Journey with Calendula Oil

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There’s something magical about a summer morning when the garden wakes up with dew-kissed petals and a gentle hum of bees. On days like this one in late July, I step outside with a mug of tea in hand, drawn to the bright orange blooms of Calendula officinalis nodding in the breeze.

It’s a plant that has woven itself into my own story of simple kitchen experiments and natural remedies, turning ordinary olive oil into a golden elixir. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, let’s explore how to make Calendula oil, straight from my sunny windowsill to yours..

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Rock Island Wisconsin

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Potawatomi Lighthouse on Rock Island in Door County Wisconsin at sunset

Rock Island is a 912-acre Wisconsin state park in Door County that takes two ferry rides to reach. The first ferry leaves Gills Rock for Washington Island. The second leaves Washington Island and takes visitors to Rock Island, where you’ll find hiking trails, shoreline views, a historic boathouse, primitive camping, and Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse station. … Read more

Growing Issues With Tomatoes

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If you grow tomato plants each year, you will eventually run into one of the following growing issues with tomatoes. Some you can prevent, others you can not. #1 Blossom End Rot of Tomato This problem is caused by a lack of calcium in the soil which is triggered by irregular moisture supplied to the … Read more

McClintock Park – Marinette County

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Wooden footbridge over the Peshtigo River at McClintock Park in Marinette County Wisconsin

McClintock Park is a scenic county park along the Peshtigo River in Marinette County, Wisconsin. This quiet stop is known for its series of wooden footbridges crossing rapids, forested river views, trout fishing, and primitive campsites.

If you enjoy short nature walks, rushing water, and peaceful woodland scenery, McClintock Park is worth a visit. The walk is not long, but the bridges, rapids, mossy rocks, and mixed forest make it a memorable stop in northeastern Wisconsin.

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