Flowers from the garden

We planted these lilies a few years back. They started as artisan lilies which were bright yellow and orange. I cross-pollenated with a larger pink day lily and this was the result!

After four years of growing and no blooms, we finally have a blooming prickly pear cactus! Beautiful flowers!

Zesty Grilled Squash and Zucchini

1 bottle of zesty Italian dressing
3 large squash
3 large zucchini

Wash the squash and zucchini, cut off edges, and cut long ways into long, thin slices. Place in a dish and top with zesty Italian dressing and let marinate few an hour. Place on grill the farthest place from flame and grill for about 10 minutes on each side.

Sauted Onion and Squash

This is one of my favorites during the summer!

4 medium yellow squash
1 small onion
3 Tbsp. butter
1/3 cup of water

Wash and scrub the squash and cut off ends. Dice up squash and onion into small chunks. Heat butter in skillet on medium heat and add squash and onion and water. Cover and turn down heat to low. Stir occasionally and add a little bit of water if needed. Cook for 30 minutes or until squash in soft and fully cooked. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Drying Herbs in 5 Minutes

So, last summer I read on pinterest that it is possible to dry herbs (in small portions) in just five minutes. I'm happy to say I tried to and it IS possible! Who would have thought that it could be so simple.

Just line out a small portion of whichever herb you need dried on a paper towel and place in the microwave. Heat in 30 second intervals, checking on them each time, and arrange on the paper towel. It usually only takes a minute to a minute and a half to dry small batches. Once the herb is completely dried and crispy, it is ready to be stored!

It's really simple and works great for those climates that are extremely humid. I've tried this method with rosemary, basil, parsley, and mint and it has worked every time!

Mosquito Control

Take back your patio by planting some mosquito repellant plants! These plants are sure to repel those pesky little bugs!! Place planter in middle of deck or sitting area and be mosquito free all summer long!!

Companion Planting 101

Grow a bigger crop with more produce than ever before by simply planting veggies with their "companion plants".

Growing produce from kitchen scraps.

Did you know that there are plenty of different veggies that will regrow from the scraps that you usually throw away? Simply place roots in a shallow dish of water and place in a window seal. Before you know it you will have new produce. It's just that simple!