Why Start a Cocktail Garden?

A cocktail garden is more than just a trend; it's about bringing the freshest flavors right to your glass. Imagine plucking fresh mint or basil from your garden to whip up a refreshing drink on a warm evening. It's about sustainability, reducing waste, and enhancing flavors without any additives—perfect for those delicious mocktails!

Best Plants for Your Cocktail Garden

Here are some must-have plants for your cocktail garden that are perfect for both cocktails and mocktails:

Mint - A staple for classics like mojitos and mint juleps, but it also adds a fresh touch to any mocktail.

Basil - Try sweet basil in a strawberry basil lemonade that's perfect for any summer gathering.

Lavender - Ideal for adding a sophisticated twist to lemonades and teas.

Cilantro - Great for adding a kick to tropical drinks.

Edible Flowers - Such as marigolds and pansies, to beautify your drinks and salads.

Tips for Growing Your Cocktail Garden

• Location - Most cocktail garden plants require plenty of sunlight, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil - Opt for rich, organic soil that drains well to keep your plants healthy.
• Watering - Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Using a mulch can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Mocktails: My New Favorite

Cutting back on alcohol doesn't mean cutting back on fun. Mocktails have become my go-to, allowing me to enjoy all the flavors without the spirits. From a zesty virgin sangria to a soothing lavender lemonade, the possibilities are endless when your ingredients are just a few steps away in your garden.

Learn More

Want to dive deeper into creating your own cocktail garden or explore more about mocktails? Check out these resources:

- Plant a Cocktail Garden For the Freshest Drinks
- How to Plant a Cocktail Garden Full of Flavorful Garnishes for All of Your Drinks
- How to Plant a Cocktail Garden to Flavor Your Summer Drinks

Cocktail gardens bring a unique blend of mixology and horticulture to your home. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or a mocktail enthusiast like me, growing your own cocktail ingredients brings a lot of joy and satisfaction. Let's raise our garden-fresh drinks to a healthier, happier lifestyle!

Hey there, Besties! 🌟✨

Today, I'm bubbling with excitement to share a little secret of mine that adds a magical touch to our home – upcycling vintage picture frames! You know how I adore bringing new life to old treasures, right? Well, this time, it's all about those glorious, grand picture frames! 🖼️🎨

Vintage Frames: A Love Affair with the Past

There's something about vintage-looking picture frames that just captures my heart. Maybe it's their story, intricate designs, or just the charm they carry from a time ago. They're like little time capsules, adding depth and character to any space. 🕰️❤️

The Thrill of the Thrift: Finding the Perfect Frames

Imagine stumbling upon huge, majestic picture frames at a local thrift store. That's exactly what happened to me! It was love at first sight. But, oh, they needed some love and care. They were like hidden gems waiting to sparkle again. I knew I had to give them a new lease on life. ✨

The Transformation: Painting Magic

Here's where the fun began. I rolled up my sleeves and got my paintbrushes out. Choosing the perfect colors to complement their vintage charm was like picking out a gown for a ball – exciting yet crucial! Painting these frames wasn't just about changing their look; it was about enhancing their stories, making them a fitting part of our home's narrative. 🎨🏡

The Impact of 'Big' in Decor

Let's talk about size – because, in the world of picture frames, size does matter! I love huge frames. They're not just photo holders but statement pieces and conversation starters. When upcycled and hung on the walls, these large frames create focal points, adding a sense of drama and elegance to our cozy home. 🌟🖼️

The Joy of Upcycling

This project was more than just a decor update; it was a testament to the joy of upcycling. Giving a new life to something old is not just creative but also a sustainable choice. Every brush stroke felt like a small step towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle. 🌍♻️

Besties, the beauty of upcycling vintage picture frames lies in their ability to transform a space with history, charm, and a touch of your own personality. Whether you're a seasoned thrifter or just starting out, I encourage you to try this. Dive into the world of vintage frames and let your creativity flow!

Remember, each frame is a story waiting to be retold. Happy upcycling! 🖼️✨

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

Welcome to the most exciting time of the year - Seed Starting Month! Now, you might have heard the age-old gardening mantra suggesting to start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost. But, in true Tiff fashion, impatience is the name of the game, and I'm diving in headfirst to get my green babies started a tad early – we're talking 12-13 weeks early! Sure, it's a bit more of a juggle to keep those tiny seedlings thriving, but isn't there something magical about nurturing life from the very beginning?

Drawing inspiration from my dear dad, the original green thumb in the family, I'm embracing the seed starting season with all the zest it deserves. Last year, Dad beat me to the punch, embarking on his planting journey a few weeks before I did. And this year? He's already nudging me about getting those peppers started – those slow pokes really do take their sweet time! Little did he know that my pepper seed stash was ready to go in January. Oh, I'm all in on this assignment!

Every year, I promise myself to keep it simple, yet somehow end up surrounded by a lush jungle of pepper and tomato plants. So, a little shoutout to my local Besties – if you're in the mood to adopt some plant babies, hit me up!

In the spirit of fresh starts and healing, I'm channeling the power of gardening this season. The folks at Mind & Soil have really opened my eyes to the mental health wonders of getting your hands dirty and connecting with Earth. Gardening has always been my sanctuary, but it's my lifeline this year, offering a slice of purpose as I tend to my budding garden.

Speaking of getting things rolling, my mission this week is to whip my basement growing area into shape. Armed with peat pellets, a shiny new reusable seed starting tray (because, sustainability), and a heart full of hope, I'm ready to embark on this journey of growth and discovery.

Reflecting on last year's seed-starting saga, I'm reminded of the playful rivalry between my dad's earthy approach and my peat pellet preference. With the clock ticking towards planting season, it's game on, Dad – let's see who gets their garden groove on first this year!

For all my fellow plant enthusiasts out there, I'm dying to hear about your seed-starting stories. When do you plant your seeds? What's on your growing list this year? Let's share our plans, dreams, and maybe even a few gardening mishaps because isn't that what Earth School is all about?

Catch you on the flip side, Besties, and happy gardening! 🌱✨

Hey there, Besties! 🌟✨

I've got some exciting news from my little green corner of the world – our greenhouse finally has a roof, and it's absolutely fabulous! 🌱🏠

Choosing the Perfect Tin Roof for Our Greenhouse Dream

After much pondering, we decided on a tin roof for our beloved greenhouse. Why tin, you ask? Well, let me share a couple of reasons that sealed the deal for us:

1. The Classic Silver Look: There's something timeless about a plain silver roof, don't you think? While traditional metal roofing offers a rainbow of colors, tin's singular shade was just the classic touch we were looking for.
2. Budget-Friendly Roofing: All about savvy spending, we found that tin roofing was more wallet-friendly compared to metal or shingles. We wrapped up the entire project under $300, screws included! Talk about a bargain! 💸
3. Local and Convenient: Living close to a metal roofing manufacturer was the cherry on top. No long hauls for supplies, which was a huge relief!

The Installation Adventure

Now, you know we're all about DIY, but we called in the pros for this project. Metal roofing was a bit out of our DIY league, and let's not get started on my hubby's feelings about heights (especially with this surprisingly high roof!).

We hired a local expert, who, after a quick measurement session, had us all set for the install day. And guess what? My husband lent a helping hand, and together, they had our greenhouse crowned beautifully in just a few hours!

Almost There: Our Greenhouse Journey

We're still dotting the i's and crossing the t's on our greenhouse, but having a roof over it has me doing my happy dance. It's no longer just a structure; it's a haven in the making!

Stay tuned for more updates on our greenhouse adventure – where plants will thrive, and dreams will grow under our shiny new tin roof!

Happy Greenhousing, Besties! 🌿💖

Hey there, Besties! 🌟✨

I'm so excited. I just couldn't wait to share this with you - we're building a greenhouse! 🌱🏠

Embarking on a Greenhouse Dream Despite Soaring Lumber Prices

The journey to our little greenhouse has been filled with anticipation and a bit of a budget puzzle. With lumber prices hitting the roof, our greenhouse plans seemed a tad shaky. But guess what? We found a budget-friendly solution by sourcing rough-cut lumber from a local sawmill. Talk about a win!

The First Steps: Leveling and Laying the Foundation 

Our greenhouse adventure began with some groundwork. We're talking about leveling the area with stones and dreaming of turning it into a charming flower garden (because, let's be honest, mowing is not my cup of tea). We've covered the area around the greenhouse, but there's still some stone shopping.

The Framework: Building Tall Walls and a Sturdy Base 

Next up was constructing the platform, the stage for our greenhouse. And let me tell you, the walls? They're sky-high! I had this vision of incorporating old doors, meaning we needed towering walls to match.

Framing, Siding, and a Dash of Creativity 

With the walls up, it was time for framing and siding. We stuck with rough-cut lumber for that rustic charm. Initially, I planned to use old windows for the sides, but practicality won, and we opted for plastic pieces instead - easier installation and just as lovely.

Front View: Windows with a Twist and a Gorgeous Door

Our front view is nothing short of adorable. Initially plain, we decided to add windows, repurposing some we already had. And the best part? They come with hinges for that open-close magic! The door is another story - a stunning find from a local craftsman that adds so much character.

The Greenhouse Journey Continues 

We still have a way to go, but each step brings more excitement. I'm buzzing with ideas and can't wait to share our progress with you. Do you have questions about the greenhouse build? Drop a comment, and I'll cover them in an upcoming post!

Stay tuned, Besties, as we turn this dream into a lush, green reality. Here's to growth, both in our garden and in our hearts! 🌿💖

Happy Greenhousing and Creating! 🌼🔨

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

Our Tomato Trellis Adventure is in Full Swing!

Our beloved tomato plants are living their best lives this year, growing so magnificently that they're practically calling out for some extra TLC. Our little green friends are thriving. It's time to step up our support game!

Starting Strong with Tomato Cages and Stakes

Initially, we thought we were set with the tomato cages we had lying around and a bunch of stakes. Oh, how wrong we were! Our tomato family had bigger plans, quickly outgrowing these initial supports. Even our sturdiest cages were no match for these vigorous vines!

DIY Inspiration: Pinterest to the Rescue!

You know me, always on Pinterest looking for that next burst of inspiration. And voila! I stumbled upon a homemade tomato trellis that had me thinking, "This is it!" James and I were on board for this new project, ready to give our tomatoes the royal treatment they deserved.

Gathering Supplies: A Trip to Tractor Supply and More

Our shopping list? Simple but effective. We picked up posts from Tractor Supply and armed ourselves with 17 gauge electric fence wire – almost an entire roll of it! This sturdy setup promised to be the backbone for our ambitious trellis design.

The Great Build: A Saturday with James and Wires

James dedicated a Saturday morning to this project, stringing the trellis with the precision of a craftsman. We initially planned for posts at the ends of our tomato rows, but oh no, we needed more! Mid-row posts joined the party, ensuring our tomatoes had all the support they could dream of.

Designing the Trellis: Weaving Dreams into Reality

James wrapped the wire meticulously, creating a snug home between the plants. Our tomatoes could now rest easy on their wire cradle, growing tall and proud. We even integrated the cages into this design for extra love and support.

Tomato Trellising – A Labor of Love

We're now in the heart of the process, weaving our tomatoes around their new trellis. The scorching heat has made gardening a bit of a challenge, but we're sneaking in those precious early morning and nighttime hours to tend to our green babies. The trellis was our main goal, and now it's all about the gentle art of weaving.

Expect the Unexpected: Our Tomato Jungle!

Who would've thought? This is our fourth gardening season, and we're staring in awe at the most gigantic tomato plants we've ever seen. Little tomatoes are already popping up, promising a bountiful harvest.

Next Time: Early Trellising is Key!

If there's one thing we've learned, it's that building a trellis early on makes life so much easier. But hey, we're all about embracing the unexpected here at On the Creek. For now, our focus is on providing the best support for our overachievers – here's to a tomato-filled year!

Stay tuned for more updates, and don't forget to drop by our blog for all the juicy details! Until next time, keep shining and growing, just like our tomatoes! 🌱🍅