Sage Hill Gardens – Page 12 – Sustainable Living With Healthy FOOD

Sunshine Blogger Award

Hmmm…to blog or swing??

Over a lifetime I’ve know many times that the brightest rays of sunshine come during the most turbulent periods of my life…..through hurricanes, injured children, a military child, loss on many levels that has rocked my core. I have never once ask “why me”….and I’m not going to ask now….to be singled out, chosen and given a beautiful, generous award for being a bright spot in someone’s day, or many day’s….I accept with a gracious gratitude from a well known and respected, in her business world as the BoomerBusinessCoach (Melodieann Whiteley) https://boomerbusinesscoach.blogspot.com/?
She is a power-house in what she does because she believes, in herself and others. Melodieann is also retired from the military…she also knows how to kick-ass if needed! Thank you Melodieann for thinking I’m worthy and for being a fabulous woman!

Melodieann wants to know “who or what inspired me to blog and where I find inspiration to do so.”
(Actually I’ve been blogging long before “Blogs” were popular…I have a zillion little notes over a lifetime of bits and pieces of information I felt was worthy of penning to paper. My inspiration comes from life…it’s a gift and I feel it should be addressed and documented in some way that impacts…someone, somewhere in someway !
Which answers the next question….what I want others to take away from what I share…..CONNECTION…..to a word or a world….one connection leads to another…and another.

Lastly, my favorite things to do when not working…..
(I find it hard to totally define one without the other…I bring my work into my private life and my private life into my work….(well to a point) but that’s none of your business!!
As of November 2018 all retail aspects of Sage Hill was retired….that means more travel time, going places, doing delightful things…then blogging about them! Be sure to Bookmark and visit often.
~~
Now…the best part. I get to nominate 2 bloggers who inspired, educated and guided me over the years. Many times without knowing how much of a role they played in my decisions……

Richard Rossbauer was/is among my first 3 internet connections. I built , with Richard’s guidance my first website…wow!! did I build that?? Yep, and it worked…not saying it worked well…another story for another time!
I’ve been seeking out Richard’s help on all things internet related since those early years (about 2003) Richard has a plethora of the best info on all things webby…safety being a huge priority! Get to know his work/website….you’ll be better for it.
https://www.facebook.com/richardpresents/
~~

Faye Durham…does this woman know stuff! I have contacted her so many times over the years with questions that were demanding, she never said no and she never failed to supply me with answers or a place to start. She is degreed’ and qualified to do what she does…. I love you dear friend.
https://kunzdurham.blogspot.com/? While we started this blog together, she is the sole owner and supplier now and has been for a few years.

Sunshine Blogger Rules…If you chose to accept.

Thank the person who nominated you and include a link back to their blog and IG account.
Answer the questions given to you by the person who nominated you.
Nominate other bloggers (2 – 4) and give them questions to answer.
Notify your nominees through social media or by commenting on their blog.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award Logo in your post.~~
Richard and Faye, my questions for you would be…

1. Is blogging as relevant to your business now as in the beginning?
2. Is there any one major point you believe makes or breaks a blog’s success?
3. On a scale of 1-10 …10 being a strong Yes….has your blogging made a difference in your internet success
4. What is your #1 picky peeve about blogging?

Easter…..The Real Meaning

The best way to understand the real meaning of Easter would be from Jesus, in His three words … the new covenant.

https://www1.cbn.com/devotions/The-Real-Meaning-of-Easter

Most all of us adapt to our current day forms of celebrations…….
Maybe that is OK as long as we don’t forget and fail to teach the real history, how and why the holiday came to be.

My oldest son loved holidays with all the trimmings…so naturally he enjoyed his basket and his little brothers basket! (circa 1966) his brother was a preemie of 5 months…no photo’s until his 6 month check-up.

A master-piece by Bradley and Jack…grandsons..about 2009 I think.

May your Easter Sunday be blessed with love and truth….

A Geranium is a geranium except when it’s a Cranesbill…

Let’s talk about….

Geranium’s, they are lovely and OK…but I am in love with the Cranesbill that grows wild and talks to me! shhhh….you must listen very carefully.

Despite their common name, scented geraniums are unrelated to the true geranium (Geranium maculatum), or cranesbill, whose lovely rose pink flowers are often found growing wild in temperate woodlands. They are, rather, members of the Pelargonium genus, which includes the beloved garden geranium that’s cultivated in window boxes and ornamental gardens throughout the country. Semi-woody and tender, these perennials are native to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and, if left outdoors, rarely survive the rigorous winters typical of most of the United States.

The leaf texture of the SG can be smooth, sticky or velvety. The back of the leaf is what releases the scent for which each geranium is named.

They are well suited for growing in container’s but do very well in the ground also. They thrive in sunny locations and need evenly moist soil, and they do much better from rooted cuttings than from seed.
It’s a good idea to water several hours before you plan to take cuttings.

While there are well over 100 varieties of the SG , for culinary use the rose, lemon and mint are most in demand.

They do attract some pest and careful attention is required if you wish to have healthy and thriving plants. Caterpillar’s, aphids, mealybugs, and white flies are just a few of the things you may find having lunch.

You can easily control the caterpillars by lifting off and placing some-place else.

I always grow an extra small patch of parsley for them to feed on, …..some will turn into beautiful butterflies you know, so please never kill them.

The other pest you can wash away with diluted alcohol and a Q-tip.
A good insecticidal soap will work also.

If you need a good book about these lovely plants:

“Knowing, Growing and Enjoying Scented Geraniums” (by) Jim Becker and Faye
Brawner.

Happy Gardening…..it’s time!

April Showers, April Fools, April is….

such an awesome month, we are all so anxious to get started in the garden and mother nature is just as anxious to hold us back! I suppose because she knows her work isn’t finished to put all things in place for good and abundant growing. It can really be a lesson in patience……

There are many things we can do in April that will help move things along rapidly when we do get the final go-ahead.

We can start pre-paring our soil for planting providing it isn’t too wet….never work your soil when it’s wet, it isn’t a good thing for many reasons. This is a great time to get the weed problem under control if you have them. One good way to avoid that problem is to grow in raised beds. Another benefit is it gives your garden very good drainage.

This is a good time to lay out new locations, build beds, move plants to other locations, and do some snipping and pruning of certain things. Also time to sew seeds in transplant trays for later planting.

Another must have project is to start a compost pile if you don’t have one.
It’s never too late to do this……it’s the best fertilizer you can find anywhere,
and of course if your growing by organic methods, compost is black gold!

I think April is my favorite month in the garden….not because it’s the most beautiful time but because the options are so many……just dream it and you can do it !
I would love to hear from you and know what you are planning for your garden this spring.

(Do you Know:) Oregano packs 42 times more antioxidants than an apple. You can grow all you need for a family kitchen in a large pot, reasonable water/nutrients and plenty of sun.

Have an “Awesome April”………………….

https://sagehillgardens.com/healthy-after

More Please…but of course!

So many of you know me so well…you know I spent the last 16 years developing and fine tuning a garden project. A project successful in so many ways. A project that will forever have threads running through my days.

Even with that truth…

I feel it is now time to move into another phase of my life…I will never stop playing/working in the gardens…however, my focus will now be on “more”
beauty, bliss and passion for the coming days/years that stretch before me .

A bit of edge to any day/day’s activity is energizing and requires thought and action…two requirements for an interesting life.

Sooo, don’t be surprised at anything you might see from me!!

*Beauty is not all about our face and Bliss is not a state of utopia….the two together is how we move through our time and gifts we leave along the way for others.

*Stylish is not “dressed up”…..it is dressed to feel good and bring confidence and pleasure to something we have to do every day…..So, since we have to dress daily…dress with purpose! Oh…and smile!

Artfully arranged, flowers on the table turn a simple meal into a dining pleasure. Soon the wild flowers will be plentiful….no need to buy ….

Charm And Romance In The Garden~

Some would say a ‘garden is a garden’….but I would say….each garden has its own special signature. Whether formal or cottage style, there are many touches that can transform the simplest to splendor and the formal to ease and comfort.

Cottage gardens began in England and were more for growing food than for simple pleasure.
As more and more food became available in markets the cottage garden became more ornamental. My first thought when Cottage gardening comes to mind is “overcrowded.” However, overcrowded can be beautiful if a little thought goes into the placement of the bulk of planting.
Fencing and hedges, paths and garden art can define areas of interest, leaving the rest for casual viewing and not so much close-up inspection.

If one is lucky enough to have plants from previous generations of family or friends…this can bring an element of meaning to be cherished and passed on to other family and friends who garden.

A Memory garden inside a garden is a special way to honor those who have gone from our lives.

Sage Hill Farms is named in memory of my mother….who thought she could not cook anything worthy of eating without Sage.

Don’t forget the critter garden when remembrance spots are planned…..children especially have a hard time adjusting to losing a pet, understanding why baby birds get tossed from their nest and die…butterflies with broken wings that render them helpless….knowing they are in a safe place that can be cared for makes these rough moments a bit easier to accept.

Whatever plans you have for your spring garden…make it you own, name it, treat it with the same love and attention that you expect for yourself….the rewards will be more than you can imagine.

Oh…and don’t forget to add herbs anywhere and everywhere. Garlic grows well among and is beneficial to roses. Basil is a lifeline for tomatoes.

Above all else, let your own personality guide you~

The Real Green Deal~

Fake news, fake politician’s, fake promises, fake medicine, fake food….and then there are….the Gardens at Sage Hill…..nothing fake here baby!

Happy spring in waiting….

In Search of the Patriotic Sunday~Sage Hills Patriotic Kitchen

My generation grew up patriotic, not something to call attention to, or to take a stand on…it was born in us, our heritage, our legacy…
God, family, country…..

Please join us for a Patriotic Sunday…..

Make certain your flag is flying high, your Bible is book of choice,
and dinner is served at noon…

God Bless~

A Note From Sage Hills Patriotic Kitchen~

There was a time when the dinner table served a dual purpose, one… to feed hungry folks and two, to discuss any and all important issues of the day.
In the south, football and all things pertaining to, certainly qualifies for that spot!
Nothing speaks football in the south better than Tailgating…I’ve heard it said in fact…it is akin to a military exercise!!

I do know these two truths are high on the event calendar.

Alabama has its RV Army, whose troops converge by the thousands on Crimson Tide games. They come with coolers, grills, TV’s enough food for …well, an army! ( I have seen the kitchen table a few times)

Tennessee has its Volunteer Navy, a fleet of various vessels that collects in equally impressive numbers around Neyland Stadium…one of only two college football venues accessible by water.

So, there you go folks…gather round the dinner table, give thanks to Almighty God for your freedom to yell…Roll Tide!

Amazing Grace-Sage Hills Patriotic Kitchen

Sage Hill’s Patriotic Kitchen is more than a place to cook and eat…although that is a priority…most days…..It’s also a place where honest, hard working people, dedicated to love of God, family, and country, come together to feast…not only with food, but with love and respect for all those whom have gone before us…paved the way…paid the price….left a legacy worthy of carrying on.
My patriotic kitchen has birthed good music, blues, country, and gospel…
Football is sometimes king and the southeastern conference is the kingdom….
In my Patriotic kitchen age matters…yes ma’am…no ma’am…please and thank you.
You can wear shoes or not, no one cares…but you will say grace and salute the flag…for you see…my Patriotic kitchen is a state of “Amazing” grace.