Each year, I typically vent about aphids and the cabbage butterfly. The insects have been pretty low key this year and haven't done much damage. This year, it's the four-footed pests that are out of control. Normally, the only thing I cover in my garden is greens to stop the cabbage butterfly from laying eggs on them and my strawberries to keep birds away. This year, I have had to cover a lot more because of rabbits and chipmunks. I purchased cloches to cover my basil and

About a year ago, my husband and I enjoyed a date night at The Loft Restaurant & Dairy Bar at Traders Point Creamery. For dessert, the waiter recommended the blueberry basil pie. I was hesitant at first because I had never heard of pie with basil in it and I wasn't sure if I would like this combination. I like to try new dishes, so I ordered a slice. It was delicious! In our garden, we have both basil and blueberries. I wanted to try and make a dish similar to what I had a

Yesterday was the fourth consecutive day of clouds and pouring rain. I love watching the rain and when it rains, I don't have to water the garden. Now, it's too much of a good thing. Our jack-be-little vine is stressed. The leaves are covered in white patches and the vine is beginning to die. Luckily, our sons will still have a few little pumpkins. Last year, they only had one and they didn't like that they had to share. At least this year, they will each have their ow

Garden Tour We started gardening in 2009 and we didn't add herbs until the following year. That year we only grew basil. Since then, we have added many herbs. Our goal is to become completely sustainable year round and no longer purchase herbs from the grocery store. During the summer, we use many fresh herbs. To be sustainable year round, we have to grow enough herbs to dry and jar. So far, we are certain we will have plenty of sage. Instead of posting tons of picture

My boys and I picked these Brussels sprouts from my parents' garden. I love Brussels sprouts, but my husband does not. He will eat them to encourage our boys to eat them, but he dislikes every moment. I wanted to find a recipe that would change my husband's mind about Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts gratin hit the right note with my family. Everyone loved it and seconds were even served. Click here for the recipe. #brusselssprouts #gratin #thyme #basil

This year in addition to growing regular basil, I also decided to try my hand at growing spicy globe basil. Spicy globe basil has smaller leaves that grows in a sphere shape. The taste is a bit stronger than regular basil. I have never made pesto before, but I love to eat it spread on top of artisan bread. I harvested both spicy globe basil and regular basil and made some pesto and it was delicious! Click here for the recipe I followed. #basil #pesto