The Gardeners' Sustainable Living Project was created to share ways that gardeners are actively practicing a greener lifestyle and contributing to protecting our environment. If you are a gardener, garden blogger, garden writer, garden media, garden merchandiser--you can join in and share what you do to help, rather than hinder, nature. Just because we are gardeners doesn't mean we're operating 'sustainably'. Let's find ways to garden by taking into account our impact on the environment and whether that has a positive effect on our health and that of Mother Earth.
Thanks to some wonderful sponsors and thanks to you, this is going to be educational and it's going to be fun! In the next few weeks I will be posting about some of the garden products that have been donated for this project, as many of them were also given to me to 'trial' and do a product review. So be sure to be 'on the lookout' for my reviews.
For this project, you will have a chance to win ONE of any of the following donated garden products: (If you want to skip the products for now, and just go straight to the directions, scroll down to the bottom of this post).
A Rain Barrel (Retail value: $98) from the Fiskars Company *Will mail to US only
*(Actual model being given away is not known. Above photos shows one of the models Fiskars carries)
A Dynamic Compost Mixer (Retail value: $98) from the Keter Company *Will mail to US, Canada and Europe
A Cobrahead hand weeder and cultivator (Retail value: $24.95) from Cobrahead *Will mail worldwide
A pair of Landscape Gloves (Retail value: $28) from West County Gardener *Will mail to US only
A 'Kombi' Combination Garden Tool (Retail value: $32) from the Kombi Company *Will mail to US only
A copy of the book Gardening Nude (Retail value: $18.95) by Shawna Coronado *Will mail to US only
A copy of the book The Green Gardener's Guide (Retail value: $16.95) by Joe Lamp'l *Will mail to US only
A copy of the book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Composting (Retail value: $19.95) by Chris McLaughlin *Will mail worldwide
A Garden Tote with Hand Tool Collection and Snips (Retail value $57) from Corona. *Will mail to US and Canada
A Magazine Subscription (Retail value: $19.95 to $24.95) to any regional gardening magazine published by State-by-State Gardening
A reusable, Stainless Steel Water Bottle (Retail value: $7.99) from Hip Mountain Mama *Will mail to US only
A jar of Green Cure Fungucide and Spray Bottle (Retail value: $22.95) from Garden Shoes Online *Will mail to US only
A Seed Keeper Deluxe organization system (Retail value: $39.99) from The Seed Keeper Company *Will mail to US only
An Organic Starter Garden Seed Collection (Retail value $14.00) from Botanical Interests *Will mail to US and Canada
An assortment of Plantable Greeting Cards (Retail value: $6.50) from Wall Flower Studio *Will mail worldwide
A 'Three Sisters Garden' Seed Pack (Retail value $6.29) from Renee's Garden *Will mail to US and Canada
Handcrafted bowls from gourds (your choice of ONE) from Gardening Jones *Will mail worldwide
An organic, reusable grocery/tote bag (Retail value $19.95) from my Thanks For Today 'Zazzle' Store *Will mail worldwide
A Snowdrop collection (Retail value: $67) featuring 5 varieties of Galanthus, from Carolyn's Shade Gardens *Will mail to US only
A copy of the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (Retail value: $26.95) by Barbara Kingsolver (donated by Pamela Hubbard of Pam's English Country Gardens) *Will mail to US only
A copy of the book Bringing Nature Home (Retail value: $17.95) by Douglas Tallamy (I will be donating this) *Will mail to US and Canada
*First, please note: This is NOT a 'contest'. There is NO competition. It is an event to SHARE. No posts or comments will be 'judged'. Prize winners will be selected entirely randomly. Your comments and/or blog posts will be counted only ONCE.
*Those who write blog posts are eligible for the Rain Barrel and Composter, in addition to all other prizes. Non-bloggers who leave a comment here will be eligible for all prizes, except the Rain Barrel and Composter. This is because the 'Grand Prizes' are open to Bloggers only.
Please stick to these requests in order to be eligible for prizes:
1. Create a new post (or use a recent post) on your active blog, sharing what you are doing in your yard/garden/home and/or plan to start doing, that is 'eco-friendly' and contributes to a sustainable lifestyle. You can also just leave a comment without linking to a blog post, to describe something you do to help Mother Earth.
2. If you do write a blog post, please mention this project by adding a reciprocal link--so others can read about this project on your blog using this link: http://thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/2011/03/gardeners-sustainable-living-2011-win.html
2. If you do write a blog post, please mention this project by adding a reciprocal link--so others can read about this project on your blog using this link: http://thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/2011/03/gardeners-sustainable-living-2011-win.html
3. Come back NLT April 15, 2010, by 11:59 pm and attach the link to YOUR post to the 'Mr. Linky' section, below, or leave your comment. Be sure to leave your email address if you don't have a 'link' back to your name, so I can get in touch with you, should you be a winner. *Winners will be announced on Earth Day, April 22nd, in a separate blog post.
Part of the fun of this project is that you will be entered in to a drawing for the above garden-related gifts and prizes. The other part of the fun is that you get to share with and get ideas from others.You do NOT need to be 'green' to join in--just interested and aware of our environment and willing to look at what you can do to contribute positively and eliminate or reduce unnecessary actions. Maybe you would like to share one thing or a dozen things. It's not necessary to 'rant' about your beliefs, although that is up to you. There are all kinds of gardeners...and everyone is welcome! I believe we can learn from each other. I don't consider myself to be very 'green' at all...but many of you are, so it's up to you how you want to approach this. Remember, it doesn't matter how long or short your blog post or comment is. Just say something! Being aware' of how we act, in relation to nature, is the first step.
This blog post will be open to leave your links/comments any time between March 15 and April 15, 2011. This giveaway was announced in February on the Facebook Events page
(You can read last year's (2010) project by clicking HERE...and scrolling down the page).
Have fun and good luck! I thank all commenters for your time and appreciate everything you do to help our earth! If you are a blogger I will visit your blog and read your post;-) UPDATE: Prize winners were announced on April 22, 2011...Earth Day. Here is the announcement post: Gardeners' Sustainable Living 2011 Winners.
Words and photos ©Thanks for today.™, by Jan Huston Doble @ http://www.thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/
Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.
Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.
Wow Jan! This giveaway is over the top wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first year starting seeds!!! I plan to have seedlings in abundance, for both myself, and the nursing home I work at. The nursing home residents love flowers, so I have planned some easy perennials to share with them. I want to spread the joy! Also looking at getting a rain barrel. Still researching ways to use less water on my container plants. Maybe crystals?
ReplyDeleteCheers, and hope to win those prizes!
Awesome!!! I love those prizes, especially the top two. I got my post ready yesterday, I'm rather proud that I'm so on top of things this year!
ReplyDeletehttp://cbmvwag.blogspot.com/2011/03/doing-what-we-can-to-save-earth-and-our.html
ReplyDeleteThanks again for hosting this wonderful event.
Great idea for a contest. Everyone is centered on giving back so we can all find our way to a better, cleaner, healthier earth.
ReplyDeleteI'm remembering a time last summer when it was afternoon before I got out to check on my little vegetable garden. It was flooded, the water was at least 3 inches deep, and it was moving. My neighbor had left his hose on overnight. The water was moving quite quickly to my rain garden, where it seeped into the soil. Yes! That's why I dug that garden. And, I did knock on his door to let him know he had forgot about the hose.
Jan I think this is one of the best projects for bloggers...even without the prizes...I will be leaving a link to my Monday blog next week...although tomorrows bit of a rant post regarding invasives would count as well...
ReplyDeleteJan, so glad there is a big window of time to put this post together. I will get something together and post it soon. You have a nice collection of prizes. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI started Square Foot Gardening last year and now have 2 4'x4' plots. I created watering frames to help get the water evenly onto each square from the rain barrel. I'm excited to see what enough water might help grow this year.
ReplyDeleteHey Jan, I have a 2-part post almost ready to go - will be back to link them when they go live. Thanks again for doing this. Anything we can do to raise consciousness and support sustainable living is a good thing for ourselves, our children, grandchildren, and our world.
ReplyDeleteCarol my original post for this wonderful project will be Monday but my post today was an after thought albeit an important one...so if you don't mind I will post 2 links
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and follow you!
ReplyDeleteLove gardening and always plant something special on Earth Day, April 22.
Happy Gardening!
I am pleased to be a participant in this unique communal cyberspace celebration of Earth Day. You do the planet a great service, Jan.
ReplyDeletethanks to you Jan today for bringing this to everyones attention! I had fun re-assesing the sustainable things I do and am looking forward to learning lots more from all the other contestants!
ReplyDeletehttp://elephantseyegarden.blogspot.com/2011/03/sustain-ability.html
ReplyDeleteCount me out for the prizes. I have pulled together links to the most interesting sustainability posts that have come up since you announced this year's project.
Oh, Jan what a wonderful line up of Sustainable information and garden products. I'm so pleased to have Authentic Haven Brand premium soil conditioner teas here to take part in your Gardeners' Sustainable Living 2011 contest.
ReplyDeleteI'm all about the Soil here! I will be tweeting your contest to help share with others Annie
My post (pt. 1) is up Jan. Thanks you for organizing this, and thanks to the sponsors for providing such cool prizes!
ReplyDeleteThe Grumpy Gardener (aka Sustainability Steve) would like you to know that you CAN have a lawn without being an eco-terrorist. Just water and fertilize wisely and don't bag those clippings! For more fascinating info that will literally save the planet from people like your neighbors, see this week's "Grumpy Gardener." ( http://grumpygardener.southernliving.com/)
ReplyDeleteThanks Darla! I'll be looking forward to your post;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosemary! I hope your seedlings thrive and produce loads of gorgeous flowers for you and the nursing home. I hope you'll come back & share photos! (Maybe you'll have to start a garden blog!)
Thanks Cinj! You were really on the ball this year! I enjoyed your post;-)
Thanks Jackie! You were able to reap multiple benefits by something that was originally a problem! So glad you had the rain garden there! It was in the right place at the right time;-) And so were you!
Hi Donna, thanks for a great post. I"m looking forward to the next installment;-)
Janet, I'll be eager to read your post when you are ready;-)
Suzanne, congrat's on your gardens and the watering solutions, that I hope, will prove fruitful for you this year! You should start a blog and show us some photos;-) Good luck with the growing this season!!
Linda, thanks for joining in. I loved part 1! I'm looking forward to the second installment!
Dear Anonymous, how nice that you plant something each Earth Day to commemorate the occasion. That's a wonderful way to honor our earth.
Allan, thanks for participating! Your post is terrific!
Hi Claire, thanks for joining in! I will be over to read your post & leave a comment soon! I am looking forward to learning from everyone too. That's the main thing I am taking from this. I love that people are so willing to share tips and ideas!
Hi Diana, you are sure you don't want to qualify for a prize? You have pulled together some great info! Thanks so much for joining in.
Annie, thanks for stopping by! I have brewed one 'batch' of your tea so far, and believe it or not, my indoor plants are getting blooms! I've had one of them in the pot for 3 yrs and this is the first time anything has formed on it! It's truly magical!! Thank you so much for donating & sharing with me;-)
Hi Steve, thanks so much for joining in and I will be over to read the Grumpy Gardener's take on 'gardening with grass'! Will 'Sustainability Steve' be your new handle for So. Living?! Grumpy might not like that too much;-)
Thanks for joining in, Donna! I'll be over to read your post ASAP!
ReplyDeleteGillian, sorry I called you Claire...got you confused with Curbstone Valley!! All is straight in my head now;-) (well, with regard to your name. Not sure about the rest of what's in my head!!)LOL
ReplyDeleteJan, I intend to do a post for your project. However, I was wondering if I could contribute a prize from my nursery. Carolyn
ReplyDeleteThrilled to have you participate AND to share a prize, Carolyn! I just sent you an email;-)
ReplyDeleteJan, so so happy to have stumbled onto your blog from another blog. Its fabulous full of helpful information for all us gardeners, thank you for the time you spend blogging, I know that it really takes time away from the garden! This is a super super giveaway, it must be the best one I have ever seen in the 3 years of blogging! I linked up a post above on the linky. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMeems, Tiny Gardener, Jezebel: thanks for posting and linking in...I will be over to read and comment on your posts later today;-)
ReplyDeleteWe're planning on installing a rain barrel this year. (It was in the plans for last summer, but as with many of us, the budget didn't stretch that far.)
ReplyDeleteI've also saved seeds from year to year and made my own seed bombs each spring and offer them to whoever can use them on our local Freecycle (and, anywhere else that's appropriate).
My garden isn't in a plot, but rather in containers around the yard (front and back) - easier on the old bones and creates curious interest which, in turn, promotes more gardens in the neighborhood.
Thank you for doing this...so great! Sustainable living is so easy, so good, and so noble..and once you start...a no-brainer!
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, good for you for installing a rain barrel, and for saving seeds, sharing with others, etc. Containers all around the yard, the porch/deck, etc. all do qualify as garden in my book and sometimes works better than in the ground. If they have wheels you can even move them around to get more or less sun, etc. How nice you are helping to promote more gardens and interest in your neighborhood!
ReplyDeleteSage Butterfly, thanks for adding your post; I'll be over to read your post soon:-)
Hey Jan, Part II is up this morning. (http://tinyurl.com/4gozmv9)
ReplyDeleteThanks again for hosting this project. I'm inspired and encouraged by all the posts I've read so far!
this is a great giveaway...thanks jan.
ReplyDeleteafter moving to the country 4 years ago we are continuing to move toward a self sustaining lifestyle. growing our own food is a family project.
http://thingsilove-marmee.blogspot.com/2011/03/rewards-of-day.html
Wow, quite the stash of garden items. And I see you got some great items including Moo Poo Tea! I am very excited to see such items for gardeners from evey walk of life—novice to long in the garden expert! Very cool!
ReplyDeleteBruce
Hi Jan: My post is up. Thanks again for the opportunity and for organizing this worthy event! And thanks to the sponsors! --Beth
ReplyDeleteI posted this morning but totally forgot to add it to your list! Luckily Africanaussie reminded me... :)
ReplyDeleteHi Marmee, Beth and Steve, so glad to have you join in! I'll be over to read and comment on your blog posts ASAP:-)
ReplyDeleteHi Bruce, Lookiing forward to your blog post!
One of the authors at our blog (GreenSpot-On) posted a piece on the blog about your endeavor. Her name is Daisy!
ReplyDeleteSince your project has already been posted about on the blog, I didn't want to post again about it but you mentioned commenting. I would also like to be included in the potential giveaway.
I am working with a very small urban gardening project and am using as many sustainable gardening tips as I can. I am trying my hand at composting more this year (my mom bought me a great composter for my birthday and I have already put material in and am hoping to be able to use it by planting time. I am reusing/recycling planters and so on to start my seeds. I also do not use chemicals/pesticides on my plants.
Still working on doing more, but I am definitely going to use tips from Gardener's Sustainable Living to ramp up my efforts to become a more sustainable gardener. Thank you for the information and this opportunity and I am going to add your link to our blog and hopefully send MANY more people your way.
Sincerely,
Khrysania@GreenSpot-On
GreenSpot-On Link: http://greenspoton.blogspot.com/
Hi Khrys,
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you, and Daisy, join in! Thanks so much for sharing!
I am learning to compost this year, too. I started last year, with a pile...which worked well...but now I have a tumbler which I can keep closer to the house. I wish you well with your urban gardening project and with all the seed planting you have going on. Whatever we can do to be more sustainable, no matter how small, is to everyones benefit. Using less (or no) chemicals is a big step in the right direction. Happy Spring;)
Hello! I currently have a blog, it is not necessarily a gardening blog. I am starting a gardening blog soon for physically challenged gardeners. I happen to be challenged and to remain a gardener I will have to make adjustments.
ReplyDeleteBy giving away these wonderful items, you're encouraging more people to become sustainable. A compost bin and a rain barrel seem so big - but start using them, and they become easy and routine. This is a great set of giveaways!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this Jan! I'm excited to be participating for the first time!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Susan! If you want to write a post about this on your current blog that would be fine. Or, just leave a comment describing something sustainable that you are doing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Daisy!
So nice to have you join in, Rose! I will visit and read your post soon;-)
Hi Bruce, and Chris,
ReplyDeleteHave read your posts and thank you for entering;-)
Hi Jan, I love this project! One of the things that my husband and I are trying to do is be more water wise. We created a rain barrel last summer, and this year we're using ollas for irrigation. Here's my first post about them:
ReplyDeletehttp://greenlovegrass.blogspot.com/
Jan, It's exciting to see all the wonderful posts this project has generated, as well as all the goodies you have to give away this year! :-) I've linked my post through Mr. Linky. -Jean
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, so glad you've joined in. I'll be over to comment ASAP.
ReplyDeleteJean, thanks for participating again this year! I saw your post last night and hoped you'd link it here! I'll be over to comment ASAP:-)
Just FYI, some bloggers have left more than 1 link to blog posts. I am honored that you have chosen to link to this project twice, having written 2 posts and mentioned my project, or, have more than 1 blog that you've written the same post on. That's fantastic and I appreciate it! But to be fair to the other entrants, I have had to delete 1 of your entries, so if you only see yourself there once, that's because I can only enter you once and it gets too confusing to see you there twice. When I'm trying to pick winners, I can only count each blogger once for the final results. Just so everyone is clear on this;-) It's only fair to the rest of the entrants and it makes it easier for me to give a number to each entrant. Thanks for your understanding:-)
ReplyDeleteJan, I apologize. I just realized I didn't have this year's link on my original post -- I had last year's! Oops! I think it's now fixed. Really looking forward to reading all of the ideas :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a super this to discover this morning on Facebook! I look forward to following your blog and wish the best of luck to all who entered the contest. Tomorrow begins National Gardening Month so HAPPY GARDENING ALL!
ReplyDeleteHi Patty,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your interest! If you are linking your blog, please link it to a specific post where you have mentioned this project & added a link to it on your own blog. Thank you & good luck;-)
Jan, what a GREAT idea! I got my post up and linked it in the first sentence. Made me think about how i garden, and i realized i do a pretty good job, LOL! saw this on fb from Patty :) Looking forward to more from you :)
ReplyDeleteDear Jan, Kudos to you for another great project. You are providing a wonderful service to the gardening community. Thanks for encouraging me to enter again. Love, P x
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, Nettie. Thank you for visiting and linking your post;-) I've left a comment for you there!
ReplyDeleteHi Pam, I'm so happy you joined in again this year. I will be over to read your post ASAP!
Hey Jan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this! Some great looking prizes!!
Your post is perfect for this, Alan...thanks for participating!
ReplyDeleteHey! You do have some grand prizes and I'll share on my facebook page. I do my part every day by trying to educate people on several fronts--and am proud to be considered one of your garden buddies.
ReplyDeleteI am now planting seeds in flower gardens and planting veggies.
ReplyDeleteLove following your blog and great information!
Anna, you are a special garden friend indeed...thanks for visiting/commenting and for sharing;)
ReplyDeleteDebbie, thanks for visiting and commenting!
How fun is this? Just in time, too, as I have a brand new yard to plan and plant!!! Thanks for TODAY, Jan!
ReplyDeleteI think this project is fantastic. I built a small potager with raised beds last yr. Also put out a variety of berries. I dont believe in using chemicals as we have way too much in our lives the way it is. I just saw a commercial the other day stating autism has increased over 600% in the last 20 yrs.Scary!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate sustainable gardening! I will be starting a compost bin (the one here would be perfect ;))for all my compost-able household waste and I plan to add that to my garden beds!
ReplyDeleteOops, you can reach me at neysa1@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, Jan. Not only are you giving away terrific prizes, but you are helping to spread more awareness of our environment. And that's why we're all outside gardening, isn't it? Because we love being outdoors in nature. Best of luck to you. Great idea. Teresa
ReplyDeleteJan, I've been inspired to comment by all of the lovely blogs that have linked to you, and I've been able to find more garden blogs in my area because of this. It's all about connections! Sustainability, to me, begins with a very personal paradigm shift, and then it can be spread to others. It can be hard to reach an understanding with people who feel that views are being pushed on them, so I try to instead spread the joy of nature to people, and hope that sustainable practices will evolve out of their love and respect for it.
ReplyDeleteI love to collect vegtables i have 30 kind of tomatos.I have 300 items So i need barel composter a lot.
ReplyDeleteelena
magisa_kirki@hotmail.com
What a cool contest! Especially love the compost system. I have started tons of seeds this season and I am in the process of getting the soil ready for planting!
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to have a sustainable garden which will produce beyond my wildest dreams. I love getting to know all the gardeners online, it's like a community full of green nighbors!
Sandy
www.twitter.com/Findsandy
Jan, thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice, chatty comment. Your name should be Joy instead of Jan because you are truly a joy and a treasure to the world of blogging.
ReplyDeleteI'm tempted to go right this minute to Carolyn's Shade Gardens and order the snowdrop collection.
Happy weekend to you and your family.
donna
Jan these prizes are great. I agree with Donna, I always enjoy your comments.
ReplyDeleteDear Jan, I think this is a great project of yours to increase awareness on sustainability. I don't want to enter the competition for any of those great prizes, because I certainly don't want you to have to send anything over to Germany, but I will mention your initiative on my blog. And some of the prizes (the seed organizer, for example) sound so interesting that I'm going to look into them. All the best, Barbara
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a list of giveaways, Jan. I've enjoyed seeing everyone's posts too, as I make my rounds of the blogosphere. Getting lots of great ideas! For example, today I was reading a new book "Garden Anywhere" - the author had taken wooden wine cases and used them as containers for growing lettuce on her patio. Old drawers can work, too.
ReplyDeleteHey Jan! I'm going to try to do a post again this year, but not sure if I'll get to it with the baby around. These are some freaking awesome prizes. I sure would like to win some new gloves if we can get them in a small size. I have such a bad case of poison ivy right now that I'm afraid to put my gloves back on!
ReplyDeleteYou are so awesome for hosting this and raising awareness about Earth Day :-)
Wow Jan what a terrific giveaway. I will have to enter a posting this year. I am working on some green soil enhancements so this could be written about for your Earth Day Project. We all are becoming more aware of the need to take care of this earth we live on.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot to keep track of... but I'm adding another comment, anyway! ;-) Thanks for being on top of the give-aways! I'd like to be included, so I added my name to Mr. Linky.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, As I've mentioned, many prizes are going to be shipped to Europe and beyond so there is no need to worry about shipping costs if the companies have already agreed to do oversees shipping.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, I've heard of doing things like planting in drawers, etc...It shows there's no reason why we can't have a garden--almost anywhere;-) I hope you'll enter the giveaway;-)
Ginger, you are understandably busy with little Clara;-) Sorry to hear about your poison ivy;( You can always just leave a comment with something you are doing right now and don't have to write a separate blog post.
Lona, good for you, I'm interested to learn about your green soil enhancements and am looking forward to it girl!
SG...Thanks for coming by! I clicked on your link but didn't see the post you'd entered for this giveaway. Was there a particular one? Otherwise, just leave a comment stating something you do and you'll be entered;-)
Hi sweetbay, hope you'll come back & leave a comment about something you do to help the environment and/or link a blog post;-) Thanks for the compliment...I always love your comments too!
ReplyDeleteJan, thanks so much for hosting this--I've really enjoyed reading all the linked posts and gotten some great ideas, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jan! Sorry I forgot about the blog thingie but that's been remedied this morning! This is such a cool project!
ReplyDeleteHi Daphne, thanks for stopping by and for writing a post and linking it...it's impressive;-) I'll leave a comment on it ASAP!
ReplyDeleteOh Debbie, your last post was fine...I had just asked you to refer to this project/giveaway in it. I honestly wasn't expecting you to write another post!! I'll be over to read it ASAP:-) Thanks hon.
ReplyDeleteGreat contest Jan. I like how you're helping the earth. A while back I did a post on chemical use. I don't use chemicals. That's how I help the earth. Looks like your meme is very popular.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteNew to gardening, started some seeds inside some other outside, still lots to learn, the plan is be able to make a pesto or a jam/jelly and share with friends and neighbors
ReplyDeleteVery excited to have found your blog and to follow along. I am in my third year of container gardening and hoping to double the amount of food I can grow! I found using my five gallon bucket self irrigating planters are the way to go in the AZ desert.
ReplyDeleteGiveaways are always so much fun - no matter who wins! I am coming to the end of my first year with a yard and I've been having a great time. I have a composter and a veggie garden of sorts haha. last summer i started some beautiful flowers from seeds a friend sent to me. now i have seeds to share with others. thanks for all you do.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan! I have been really enjoying reading of the linked posts for this giveaway! We are starting from scratch this year with a new organic garden focusing on heirloom vegetable, fruit and flower varieties.
ReplyDeleteGreen Sustainable LIving Great projects. Haven't started my vegetable garden here in Washington State yet. We are wet, wet, wet! However, I firmly believe that for improved health, earth health, ecology and because of the economy - Sustainable Living is a must in our days. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting this event! It's been wonderful reading what eveyone is doing! We live in a small town and most people think were nuts for all we do, but we love our way of life and wouldn't change it for anything in the world!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more posts about others on the same path we are!
Thank you!
Cher Kilgore and Family
http://lifessmallblessings.blogspot.com/2011/04/garden-planning-2.html
I try to do my part through lifestyle changes like recycle, use less disposable packaging, reusable grocery bags, CFLs and garden organically.
ReplyDeleteWonderful site.. we have been growing our own veggies and composting regularly ~ Using little to no plastic..someday none at all. Thanks for spreading awareness..
ReplyDeleteJan, it's a wonderful thing you've done. A gathering of like minds. It's lovely to see. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love to share my passion for heirloom gardening, saving & sharing seeds, as well as other gifts the garden can bring. Trying my best to live a green & eco-friendly lifestyle!
Hi Dee, so glad you stopped by;-) Thanks for leaving a comment about not using chemicals. A lot of people don't realize it's not difficult to garden without chemicals;-)
ReplyDeleteNorix, thanks for your comment. Good luck with those seeds & making that pesto and jam/jelly;-)
Hi Carole, thanks for your comment about your container gardening & self-irrigating planters. Sounds great!
Hi Jennie, seeds & composting are great ways to work with mother nature;-)
Hi Jessica, best of luck to you this year, starting from scratch with your heirlooms, etc in your organic garden!
Hi PeonyLady, good luck starting your vegetable garden. Hope the rain slows down so you can get it going.
Hi Cher, thanks so much for linking your blog post. I'll be over to read it ASAP.
Hi Hilery, thanks for your comment about ways you help the environment.
Hi Debra, thanks for your comment about growing veggies & composting, and reducing the amt. of plastic you use.
Such a wonderful opportunity to win one of these- thanks so much for hosting, Jan! All the links are amazing and have such great ideas. I look forward to coming up with something to contribute :). Happy spring to you, Jan.
ReplyDeleteTessa
Well, the comments are working...not sure why people can't leave them. It is necessary to scroll all the way down to the end of the comments section:-) You can't leave a comment near the Mr. Linky box.
ReplyDeleteAnyway,
Thanks for linking in, Debi!
Hi Tammy, best of luck with your potager and raised beds! Thanks for commenting;-)
Neysa, you will like composting. I don't know why I didn't start sooner. Thanks for commenting.
Teresa, it's fun to have gardeners come together and think about what they are doing to take care of our environment. It's all about sharing. Looking forward to your post next week;-)
Thanks Allison...glad you are finding more garden blogs to read! I am not a 'greenie' and probably on the mid to low end of sustainable myself, and I don't like being preached at either. Reading about what others are doing is what gets me inspired;-)
Elena, 30 varieties is a lot of tomatoes...good luck with composting!
Sandy, good luck with your seeds and planting this year. There are a lot of gardeners out there and it's fun to get to know them.
Donna, thanks! I think your name should be Joy, too;-) Leave a comment with something you do that's earth friendly & you'll be qualified for prizes here;-)
Sorry I do not blog. And I started gardening last year in containers. This year is in the yard!
ReplyDeleteI plan to use no chemicals that will harm the earth or humans. I have selected organic seeds. I will be using discarded water bottles to protect the seedlings and make mini greenhouses with.
I will be teaching my children about nature through gardening. I will be composting and using a water barrel. And I hope to have extra produce to bless others with.
Hi Tessa, I'm really looking forward to reading your post!
ReplyDeleteHi JavaDiva, Thanks for your comment. Good luck with moving your veg from containers to the yard! It sounds you have thoroughly thought it all out and have great plans. I wish you luck!
oops, sorry, Karen, I missed replying to your comment! Saving and sharing seeds is a great thing to do, along with the cool garden gifts you make. You do a lot a good for mother earth;-) I will count this comment for your entry unless you decide to make your link part of the project, then this comment will not count.(I can count only 1). I
ReplyDeleteLove this giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win such awesome stuff!! I've posted your link on my website - http://emily.kincke.com/contests/. We do so many sustainable things, what we've been wanting to do is simply compost. Now we just save our scraps and make vegetable broth or chicken stock, but I'd love to have compost to help my organic plants grow. Thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteHi Jan! I've just posted about the giveaway on my blog, as well as my post on sustainable living. This is a fabulous giveaway! WOW! Now, to read other posts. I know they're going to be inspiring! Thanks for doing this again!
ReplyDeleteHi Emily, thank you for your comment and for sharing the link with your readers;-) Best wishes with composting!
ReplyDeleteKylee! So glad to have you join in and share your blog post! Will be over to read and comment tomorrow...it's getting late now! Yes, this is so inspiring and the prizes are pretty cool! I'm lucky I got to 'trial' many of them since I can't win any of them in the giveaway:-) It's been fun for me and I hope for everyone else, too!!
Hi Jan, I just found your blog and am so glad! I've been an organic and sustainable gardener for years. Now I'm a manager at a senior complex, and we NEED a composter! >grin< Well, we do. If we don't win, we'll still win by reading all your great ideas. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing give away! I don't have a blog that is strictly about gardening but my garden is featured in many of my posts. I am a composter and I use a rain barrel:) http://gypsymare.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteHi Rosemary, Thanks for commenting & sharing about gardening organically.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, thanks for your comment about your gardening and rainbarrel use!
When we moved into our house, it had (and still has) no guttering. It's on the to-do list. We do want to put in rain barrels along with the gutters. But for now, I'm catching rain water in 20-gallon plastic Rubbermaid tubs, and they give me plenty for watering special plants and making compost tea. I move the water to the back yard with five-gallon buckets, and keep the tubs covered to prevent mosquitoes and leaf contamination. We also sheet-mulched the whole side yard, creating a space for flowers and vegetables while suppressing *most* of the weeds. We're trying to make it to at least partial sustainability, one baby step at a time...
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, I've just linked my sustainability post on the topic of wild bee hotels. Thanks again for initiating this great project.
ReplyDeleteWow, this sounds great! Moving to a new apt soon with a big garden, so I'm excited to get to work!
ReplyDeleteHi Michael, so nice to have you visit;-) Collecting the rain water as you do is a great thing...and as long as you keep it covered, I think it's ingenious of you! One day when you get your gutters installed a rainbarrel will be a welcome addition for you. It sounds like you are thinking about ways to care for the environment and are doing lots of things in your garden such as composting, saving the 'tea' and mulching. Good luck with it all this gardening season and thank you for your comment;-)
ReplyDeleteBarbara, thanks for linking--I ready your post & commented!
A, how nice to have a big garden area to look forward to as you move to a new apartment. Best of luck to you!
Thanks for creating this awesome project.. It's such a great way to share are sustainable practices and the giveaway is an added bonus! I've included my link and I can't wait to read the others!
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca, I'm so happy to have you visit and link your post. I look forward to reading it;-) Thanks for coming by!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! My journey toward a greener, healthier, more rewarding and more sustainable life has begun, but I still have so much to learn and do. I wrote a blog post recently about coming to a realization that something I thought I was doing right, I was doing wrong. Check it out here: http://gracesnatures.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-still-have-so-very-far-to-go-mea.html. This is definitely a learn-as-you-go effort.
ReplyDeleteJan, You already know that I got so excited about your project that I contributed a prize of snowdrops. Now I have linked my sustainable living post, which is my current post. Confused as to what happens if I post again--does the link still go to the right post? Anyway I have asked my customer/subscribers to participate in your project and also linked to some of the really good posts from blogging friends. Here is a direct link: http://carolynsshadegardens.com/2011/04/07/supporting-sustainable-living/. Enjoy, Carolyn
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, I re-linked it for you with the direct link from your post;) I can't wait to read it! I'm going out for a few hrs but when I get back I will be over! I'm so happy you were able to join in;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks to Carolyn@Carolyn's Shade Gardens, I wanted to post the following 'Green" ideas for fellow gardeners:
ReplyDeleteRather than purchasing bark chips to cover a walkway or to mulch planting beds, save all the dead fallen branches from your yard and create your own long lasting wood mulch. Simply snap or cut these branches into small pieces, 5" or smaller. It's aesthetically pleasing, and a more natural alternative than importing pine bark which is bagged in plastic and trucked enormous distances to your local garden center.
Once you have a zone established with this twig mulch, it's always at-the-ready to accept the dead wood that falls in a wind storm or after some garden pruning.
Another mulch tip if you've got access to woodlands with fallen trees: Harvest the bark of dead trees when it's ready to peel off the fallen trunks in sheets to use decoratively in your garden. Segments of sheet bark, when layed with care with regard to the directionality of the bark texture, can fill void spots in the garden with great style.
Oops, forgot to add my contact info if any questions or if I'm a lucky contest winner! You can reach me at:
ReplyDeleteemsternfels@msn.com
Wow! Jan, There are a lot of posts! I am putting one together too, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Maybe I need the deadline pressure, LOL
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, I am leaving a comment, so I'll be eligible for some of the prizes! Those two top prizes are very cool, though, so I'd like to be in the running for them too.
Thanks so much for organizing this!
Thanks for hosting this. I am a blogger @ http://lordofthegardens.blogspot.com/ and would like to join you all in trying to make earth more green.
ReplyDeleteI salute your efforts to raise awareness that each of us can contribute to protecting the earth and creating a healthier environment. This year I am making an effort to plant more natives and use all organic fertilizers. I also ripped out invasive nandina and mahonia in my garden, which was hard because they are so lovely!
ReplyDeleteHi Eric, so glad you came over from Carolyn's. Your mulch idea is great for those with lots of trees. Thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteHi Alison, thanks for your visit! I hope you'll make the deadline;-) If not, would you just please add a comment about something you do that is eco-friendly.
Hi Sarada, thanks for linking your blog post & sharing what you do that is helpful to the earth.
Hi Deb, thanks for your comment about using natives, etc! I am adding natives too and just love them...many of them are just adorable to look at (yet they are able to tolerate so much!). I followed your blog link but did not see a particular post that you were entering. If you want to include one, can you add the info about the giveaway to it...if not, I'll just count your comment here. Thanks;-)
I really enjoy reading your blog, Jan. I wish you could come see my southern California landscaping. We've a "park" in our very own backyard!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice site! I'm glad I followed a link over here, I see lots of useful information and will definitely visit again. As to what I've been doing in my garden to help Mother Earth, over the nine years I've been in my house I've converted almost all the lawn to flower beds (left a small circular patch in the middle), started composting and releasing native beneficial insects each spring, and collecting rainwater. As Virginia seems to get hotter and drier each summmer I am working to make my garden as drought-tolerant and water-wise as possible.
ReplyDeleteMany Thanks for organizing this.
ReplyDeleteI have listed my link and now i am reading others'
Thank you, Andrea...I'm glad you enjoy it;-) I wish I could see your garden too! If you want to be considered for the garden gifts could you just mention something you do that is 'eco friendly'? Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie, Thank you for your comment sharing some things you've been doing to help mother earth. I'm in VA too...where are you located? Where do you get your beneficial insects from? I've often thought of ordering a batch of ladybugs to combat some aphids that show up on my milkweed plants.
Hi Zindagi, thanks for visiting and sharing your link:)
Love this! I'm starting a compost pile this year, very excited about that. Also I'm continuing my efforts to plant native and drought tolerant plants. Also this spring I have been slowly enlarging my veggie garden bed. Less grass, more veggies!
ReplyDeletemy friend Lisa started her business(www.shoptgw.com) growing flowers sustainable and organic and invited me to help when I can.......it has been such a learning experience and I'm glad to know many others (including my friend Jan!) are also involved in this venture of sustainble gardening
ReplyDelete......one thing I do is contribute to my neighbor's compost pile and then I can also reap the benefits of great compost for use in my box gardens......amazing what we can do even in the city!
June Hartzler
Jan, thanks for inviting me to enter this fun giveaway! It is amazing to see the enthusiasm for sustainable gardening and living.
ReplyDeleteAs the owner of a landscape maintenance company, I realize that I have a particularly big opportunity to be organic and sustainable in my approach. So I've really begun in the last few years slowly integrating organic pesticides and reducing the other ones; I'm proud to say that even my die-hard chemical users have seen the difference in the health of their plants! I have not had anyone insist on my using chemicals now in almost two years; every one of my clients has been satisfied with my organic approach.
I thought that it would be harder to convince chemical users to ditch them, but just being consistent and positive in explaining the benefits of the organic approach has swayed people surprisingly effectively. I think it's all about education and attitude. People want to do the right thing and have healthy plants, they just don't know about the organic techniques that can allow them freedom from harmful chemicals.
Jan - I love what you are doing over here so much I've been tweeting it daily! ECO friendly is the only way to go. Recently, I've been working spreading the word on using what you have IN THE HOME to prepare dinners and do creative projects. We got in the habit of buying MORE STUFF that comes with MORE paper / plastic to do fun creative projects. BY training yourself to think of what you can do with what you have on hand actually makes living more ECO-Friendly for our family.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck to everyone who entered. This is a wonderful way to bring awareness to living green /natural.
We've been taking baby steps towards having our own organic garden. Composting has been a great benefit in adding nutrients back into the group from which we reap. The idea of a rain barrel is intriguing. I grew up in the city and nobody had a rain barrel.
ReplyDeleteYou can contact me on twitter @lindydnil
I'm starting a garden this year and can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Jan, for the invite. 'Old as dirt' myself and a gardener 'daughter of the Earth' for almost 40 years, I was eco-friendly before it became popular. Everyone wanted the 'perfect lawn/garden' and relied on chemicals/spray to ward away pests, etc. and wondered why one solution created another. (We all well know, killing bad pests also kills good predators ... it's the balance of nature that knows way better than we do). Pestiside-free was not even popular years ago but since I dine from the garden, eating flowers/herbs that must be pure, hand weeding a must, plus garden is a sanctuary for wildlife. So when a problem arises, I address it as simply as possible ... hey, a solution of cayenne pepper spray and a dish soap works wonders! As in life, a simple solution often works best ...
ReplyDeleteHi Jan - great contest and thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteI recently stopped buying bottles of water for walking, exercising, taking in the car, etc., and invested in a good quality, REUSABLE water bottle. Not only does this help Mother Earth, but I also think I drink more water...just because it's cool. :-)
Good luck with your give-aways...there are some beautiful things there. (Love the rotating composter!)
Thanks Jan. I am so excited that Internet has allowed a venue to share ideas that I have promoted since 1960.
ReplyDeleteWe started the first commercial Bio-control of Crop Insect Pest Company before Ecology, Sustainability and Green were even words in the vernacular.
Here is a blog post form last year form one of my "garden Blogs"
I enjoy seeing Joe Lampl here.
Small Plot Gardens is an example of one our Networked garden blogs.
\Thank you for your valuable service to the Sustainable Lifestyle
Wow Jan! Your blog is amazing. I've just started mine and added a link to the link section. What a great contest. Thanks for sharing and inspiring a new generation of backyard gardeners!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Becoming-Greener/203284423027369?sk=wall
Hi Megan, thanks for leaving your comment about what you are doing. Planting natives is a great way to help mother earth and the compost pile will do wonders for your soil. Good luck with your veggie garden;-)
ReplyDeleteHi June...it's great to have you visit! So glad you stopped by and shared what you do to help mother earth. Your friends sustainable, organic flower business sounds wonderful! I think it's important to think about where the flowers we purchase actually come from. I will have to look into that next time I'm in the market for sending flowers. Every time I get a bouquet of roses they're usually from someplace across the country-dipped in some chemical to preserve them-and I've even gotten my hubby aware of the fact to try to buy local. I love that you share your compost material with your neighbor and she shares the resulting compost with you...that's so cool. Thanks, June;-)
Hi Genevieve, I'm so happy you've stopped over to leave your comment about your practices of chemical-free gardening and how you have been able to teach your clients about how easy it really is to garden without them! I have been learning so much from gardeners and writers just like you (in fact, from your own lovely & helpful blog) and I am more and more finding that staying chemical free and organic is reaping tons of benefits. Thank you Gen;-)
Hi Bren:-) So happy you've come over and linked that blog post! I love your garden blog and all the green stuff you share with others. The idea to use what you have on hand sounds fairly commonsense but we often forget what we have that we could use and save money with! I have tons of things like construction paper and other items that are just lying around the basement that could easily be used for projects but what do I often end up doing? Going out and buying more 'stuff' as new projects come up! That's a great thought...and thanks for sharing Michael's note to me and the book I won. I cannot wait to receive it...and I'll be at Gardenchat tomorrow night to tweet with Martha's editor;-)
Thanks for starting this, Jan. Got my post up finally today on Rain Barrels.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a fantastic way to promote such a good cause. I come to you via carolynsshadegarden, I will be back.Living so far away, please do not put my name forward for the prizes, except the gardening in the nude, naw only joking about that, ouch. Alistair.
ReplyDeleteHi Melinda, Best of luck to you as you continue to learn about organic gardening. Compost is so good for the soil;-) Rain barrels are really great because the plants love rainwater over chemically-treated tap water.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your garden this year, Sarah;-)
Dear Joey, so glad to see your comment here, a true delight in the blogging world. Joey, you have known the secrets of a successful, healthy garden for a long time--and you are wise to remain chemical free. I never even looked into the issues until the last few years and now I realize I'll never go back. Simple is best. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and insights here!
Hi Nancy;-) Not buying those plastic water bottles has GOT to have an impact, Nancy! I agree 100% about the need to find other ways to carry our drinks with us. I so appreciate you coming by and leaving your comment;-)
Hi Jen, Thanks...and glad you are inspired! I am learning from everyone who stops by and feel inspired, too. Thanks for adding your link.
Kathy, I'm so glad you were able to join in here! I will be over to read your post ASAP! Thanks so much;-)
I may have already left a comment, Jan, but I can't remember:) My post is now up, too. Thanks for hosting this very worthwhile project once again!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I found your blog it is great I will pass it on to my friends!
ReplyDeleteDonna
Thank you for adding you blog link, Rose;-) I will be over to read it ASAP;-)
ReplyDeleteChuck, thanks for your comment and link.
ReplyDeleteAlistair, DieCut Lady-- thanks for stopping by;-)
This is great Jan, making us al think about what we can do to help our Earth. posted mine today!
ReplyDeleteJan, I finally got my post done -- Phew! Nothing like leaving it to the last minute. I added it to Mr. Linky.
ReplyDeleteyay - fun and meaningful project - can't wait to read the other posts. Thanks for hosting this great event and being generous with your stash of goodies! I just added my link. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for offering this giveaway and for inspiring us to be resourceful in and out of our beautiful gardens! Now that the weather's warmed up, I'm looking forward to planting the nasturtium seeds I harvested from last year's plants and getting some vegetables into the ground.
ReplyDeleteIn an attempt to be more self-sufficient, we have increased the size of this year's vegetable garden and have started raising chickens. An adventure for this city girl!
ReplyDeleteHey Jan, I finally got my post up at http://tinaramsey.blogspot.com/2011/04/sustainable-living-blogorama.html
ReplyDeleteWow on all the participants!
Great idea, Jan!
ReplyDeleteBeside using compost, saving water and giving usefull animals some home/space I try to tell in this post, how important it is, to have a more relaxed attitude. This will help mother nature because humans are the biggest pest for her!
Thank for hosting us and greetings from Berlin!
Gesine
Dear Jan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting! I am so glad you did this because it really got me thinking and trying to live more sustainably. Every little bit helps and even one person can make a difference.
I have enjoyed reading all the tips that other people are doing. Such a plethora of ideas! Thanks again.
Rosey
What a great idea! I'm happy to take part and look forward to learning from others.
ReplyDeleteFound out about this on Carolyn's Shade Garden's blog. As others have said Wow! what a contest. For being sustainable the biggest thing I do is compost. But I still put too much plant material in the trash. Difficult to store it on a small suburban plot. Another "green" activity I have is planning my office's annual plant exchange. The garden enthusiasts (and now some staff alumni) get together to share plants and a pot luck lunch. We just sset our date for June.
ReplyDeleteJan, thank you so much for hosting this event! It's a wonderful way for all of us learn from each other, as well as remind ourselves about the importance of living WITH nature. I can't wait to read more of the other posts!
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I've started to do is shop from local businesses. I grew up in a city and chain stores/malls were the norm. Now I realize that not only is it eco-friendly (lower transportation costs for goods and for me), it gives me a feeling of community that I never had. I know that my dollars contribute to another family's livlihood and I have a stake in their success. Best of both worlds.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great giveaway! As for what I'm doing, I'm clearing a spot in my backyard (with my landlord's permission) to start a vegetable garden. It'l going to be a partially raised one as red clay isn't the greatest soil to grow stuff in. :) I'm looking foward to growing some of my own veggies and fruits!
ReplyDeleteI also keep resuable shopping bags in my car and one attached to my backpack for easy reach. I love that thing.
WOW! You definitely have captured everyone's interest and the give-a-ways are fabulous. But especially your gourd bowls. My favorite is the blue one. So, what do I do that is eco-friendly: 1) use a clothes line rather than a dryer 2) gray water for our washer and intend to add the sink(s) and shower 3) only water our landscaping once a week even though we live in the desert 4) hmmm, I know there's more...thanks for the opportunity. May have to buy one of those gourd bowls if I don't win!
ReplyDeleteI love teaching kids about worm composting so I have been invited into schools and Earth Day celebrations. Kids love worms and cannot believe that the rich dark compost could have come from the garbage I show them. My grandkids think Im the coolest and I have heard them brag,"My grandma has worms!"
ReplyDeletetanya
Wonderful project, Jan! I learned about it from Carolyn Walker's blog, Carolyn's Shade Gardens. So many enthusiastic and enlightening comments here! I intend to grow more veggies and perhaps add a berry bush to my garden this year. I also want to reduce the amount of water I use and recycle more rainfall. I garden organically, with no chemicals and lots of compost. Several local nurseries are promoting their commitment to organic and earth-friendly gardening and I make it a point to tell them that's the reason why I'm a loyal customer! Many thanks for this project, Jan! Best wishes to all!
ReplyDeleteCompost, compost, compost. Feed the soil and it returns it to you in good eats for the body and visual beauty for the soul. Thanks for making the time for the blog.
ReplyDeleteJan my friend, you have a wonderful turn out for this posting!! Congrats.
ReplyDeleteMy posting is finally up.
http://thequeenofseaford.blogspot.com/2011/04/eeewwwwwwwww-worms.html
enjoy!
Hello Jan, we live in France and just love the time spent in our veggie garden and orchard. Where possible we re-use so we don't need to constantly buy new. I have just linked to my blog, a piece all about recycling in the garden.
ReplyDeleteJacqui
So glad I can make it to join this great party. Our Mother Earth will be delighted!
ReplyDeleteHi Jan! Thanks so much for hosting this! My post is about ways to reuse junk in the gardens. I have had this in my drafts folder for almost a year now, just never had time to finish it (too busy with other topics). Thanks for the inspiration to finish this post!! Here's the link... http://www.getbusygardening.com/2011/04/10-ways-to-reuse-junk-in-garden.html
ReplyDeleteAmy
Jan, my blog is all about images for now,so want to leave here my best for gardening (and more) in my terrace in a sustainable way: no chemicals at all, reasonable watering, best, adapattitiv plants to climate and reuse all I can to avoid waste. I hope I will have a grden by the end of the year and I can't wait to start producing my compost and using natives. Thank you for your initiative! Lula
ReplyDeleteI have taken my property out of grazing and am restoring it back to post oak savannah.
ReplyDeleteHello Jan,
ReplyDeleteA post from Annie @GreenSoil sent me your way.
I'm am a gardening enthusiast and the more we can learn from each other is so insirational to me. Here's a project I did this year to get seedlings started. http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/02/03/dreaming-of-dirt/
Happy planting,
Nicky
Just changing careers and building an urban garden and web presence. Looking forward to all the learning. My kids love eating fresh veges and can't wait for the bean teepee to get covered. By teaching them eco-friendly habits, the earth is better off for the long term. Cindy@homegrownfun.com
ReplyDeleteEvery year I try to do something new to be more "green". This year I have been collecting plastic store bags from friends and family. I cut them into strips and then knit them into a very durable, reusable shopping bag. None of the bags looks the same since you are using the colors from different store bags. Once finished I give them back to the family member or friend who gave me the bags so they will have a chic, reusable bag to use each time they go to a store. I'm making "green" converts one person at a time!
ReplyDeletePhew -- I made it -- number 65! Wow! I'm sorry it took me so long -- but what a wonderful, busy, sustainable spring it has been. Jan, thank you so much for all you have been doing to encourage sustainable living -- you are an inspiration and are greatly spreading change across the planet. Compost, too!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway. Sustainability has been a long standing practice for my gardening practices. Starting to see changes in the horticulture industry to practice sustainability.For my own part I will be removing more invasive plants like multiflora rose, privet and Elaeagnus that are invading my borders and woodlot. Will be expanding natural gardens, making more compost and protecting newly planted hickory varieties from deer.
ReplyDeleteJan thanks so much for hosting this. This is my first year participating and I am really enjoying reading all the blogs in participation of this event.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful contest! I make my own household cleaners, reusing old containers, to reduce consumption and conserve resources. I also use soapnuts for laundry - and compost them when I am done.
ReplyDeleteYou can reach me at jennifer@thesmartmama.com
Wow what a great way to celebrate Earth day! For earth day my family and I are doing an Edible front yard and planting a few new trees!We have been working hard to make our homestead green! Good luck to everyone!
ReplyDeleteThis is so fun! I just found your blog today and LOVE what I see. I just started my own garden blog TODAY. So I don't have a post to link just yet, but I will! I'll just say that we installed a rain barrel last year to help Mother Earth.
ReplyDeleteOk Jan, figured out the comment thingy. Bahjeebus you have a ton of responses!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! You know I love your blog, keep up the good work... and now, is this an annual event?
Grow Happy!
GJ
I will be closing the comments at 11:59 pm. Thank you all for your participation. Your comments and blog posts are fantastic and so interesting to read. Speaking of which, I think I need a 'blog secretary'! I still haven't made my way all the way through and left responses to you all. Please be patient, as I will get there. I will be a bit busy for the next few days so if you don't hear from me please don't feel badly...I will leave comments before the week is over. I will be writing a new post and making an announcement with the winners on Earth Day, April 22nd. Until then, have a great week and thank you so much for joining in and sharing your earth friendly ideas and practices. Jan
ReplyDelete