Monthly Archives: December 2022

Cottage Garden How-to: Best plants & a few other tips!

Posted on by

“Love is like a beautiful flower which I may not touch, but whose fragrance makes the garden a place of delight just the same.” –Helen Keller

My favorite style of gardening is by far the beautiful and free flowing cottage type! Although I do prefer some semblance of organization, I embrace the free flow of the cottage garden… as long as she stays in the lines LOL!

Cottage gardens are calm, relaxing, and functional for any gardener… in my opinion!

Be sure to keep posted for next weeks garden how-to: Shakespeare Garden Design!

“The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is art’s aim. The critic is he who can translate into another manner or a new material his impression of beautiful things.”

Cottage Flowers

Certain flowers provide balance & fit the scheme of things best.
I love cottage garden flowers with their happy, free spirit. It’s as if they call out to their garden mother or father and lavish love to them through their beautiful blossoms.

Pro Tip: Some cottage type flowers include: Hollyhocks, Delphiniums, Foxglove, Bleeding Heart, Climbing Roses, Peony, Phlox, Lavender, Bee’s Balm, Zinnias, Lilacs, and of course one of my personal favorite, Lupines. 

I used to have a children’s story book called, The Lupine Lady by Barbara Cooney I used to love to read it to my children. It was just a happy book that I would recommend to anyone! 

Just like specific flowers fit best in a cottage garden, so do certain garden elements. For instance a white picket fence is a must have!

Here are few other unique garden junque items I love to use!

  • Stepping stones or slate slabs make a beautiful meandering path in any garden. 
  • Old wooden posts. 
  • Arbors and pergolas.  
  • Cool old mailboxes placed in a flower bed are absolutely adorable. 
  • Old galvanized buckets, wash tubs, and watering cans also make great art pieces in a bed. 
  • Use an old step ladder to be home to cute little terra cotta pots filled with beautiful posies!
  • I have an antique lightning rod in one of my raised beds that always strikes up a conversation with guests!
  • Bird baths.
  • Stone creatures, word signs, or other garden plaques.
  • Glass gazing balls.

The list could go on and on… let me know what you like to include in your gardens in the comments below!

If you would like to see more great ideas on other garden junque you can include in your gardens, check out my blog posts More Garden Junque Ideas: Garden Bikes and Yummy Fresh Chive Topper and more at More Garden Junque: Delightful Doors and Yummy Spinach Pie.

If you enjoyed this blog & bonus recipes, please LIKE, Follow & of course Share! Let me know what you think,  I love your feedback! 

Added bonus tip: To find recipes like the ones you’ll find in my posts, you can go to my blog at www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook go on over & give it a like & follow me for daily tips & tricks for the home and garden! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049613212778

Happy Day,

Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content without written permission.

Tuscan Soup with Italian Brats

Posted on by

“Comfort food is the food that makes us feel good – satisfied, calm, cared for, and carefree. It’s food that fills us up emotionally and physically. … Finding comfort in food is a basic human experience.” – Ellie Krieger

Our Favorite Recipes

1- 5 pack of Italian Brats- Mild or Hot OR 1 pound ground spicy Italian Sausage
½ cup diced red onion
2 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup milk
1 TBSP white all purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
3 medium potatoes, cubed
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
3 cups chopped kale

Pro Tip: This recipe is super easy to make vegetarian! Simply take out the meat & add a 5 Cheese Tortellini!

Add any other veggies you enjoy as well!

1. Cut brats into 1” coins.

2.Brown Sausage & onion in oil.

Pro Tip: Meat alternatives include either ground beef or pork. You can add a 5 cheese tortellini with the meat as well!

3. Destem kale & chop

4. Cube potatoes; place in a bowl of cold water and set aside.

Pro Tip: Use a French fry cutter to get perfect sized cubes. See my Cheddar Chowder blog for how-to!

5. Blend the flour in 1 cup of broth; Combine the broth and cream in a saucepan; bring to a boil; add broth/flour mixture and whisk until thickened.

6. Add cubed potatoes, the browned sausage, and the kale.

7. Stir in the spices and let soup simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally.

Pro Tip: For every additional cup of additional items add 1 cup broth and mix 1/2 tsp of flour in a half cup of milk.

If you enjoyed this recipe post, please LIKE, share, & of course follow me to receive notifications on all my posts. 

Follow me on Facebook for daily inspirations, & more tips and tricks for your garden & home!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049613212778

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Happy day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content without written permission.

Friendship Garden How-to & some fun tips! 

Posted on by

“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.” –Oscar Wilde

Friendship Gardens are designed with the intent to create memories of those who have shared some of their beloved plants with you over the years. This generally happens as we thin out our own, and then obviously want to share those. This is one of my favorite garden plots, and it is so easy to get started! 

First, create a list of a few of your gardening friends. Consider their garden’s and what plants they have to offer in the line of perennials.  

Pro Tip: If this is a new garden, when deciding where to install it, be sure to consider how much or little sun you will get there. Also consider water source.

Next, once you’ve decided on your garden location, size and have it prepared for planting, you can begin asking your friends for seedlings you’d like to remember them by.  They will be so touched they mean that much to you, they will gladly give you a ‘baby’.  But be careful, you may get a whole group ready to start ‘Plant Swapping’ and garden making~ now wouldn’t that be terrible 😉 !

Within your friendship garden, you can easily create a Sitting Area. This garden is for quiet times.  I’ve always made sure I have a special spot where I can look over the garden & watch the birds, bee’s and just relax.

Pro Tip: Be sure to incorporate bird baths & houses in your garden. It adds interest & helps our feathered friends.

Creating your sitting area, you will need to determine a few things:

First you will want to decide what type of seating you’d like, and what is most fitting for your style of garden.

Pro Tip: Take two tree stumps and a wood slab. Next, lay the board across the two stumps for a very rustic bench.

You can use whatever suits your fancy & taste for your quiet spot.  Take a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa and just enjoy the moment. 

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow & of course Share! Let me know what you think,  I love your feedback! 

If you aren’t following me on Facebook go on over & give it a like & follow me for daily tips & tricks for the home and garden!

Happy Day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content without written permission.

Chorizo Filled Portabello Mushroom Caps

Posted on by

“You are also far less likely to waste food when you have nurtured it from a seed into a plant.” — Darina Allen

Comfort foods come in all shapes & flavors… including a bit of spice. After all, something with a zip is sure to warm you up!

This is a recipe Dave & I came up with after picking up some Portobello mushrooms from my friend Dave, a mushroom vendor at The Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market.

If you like some spicy Mexican style goodness in the kitchen, you will love this recipe!

Our Favorite Recipes

Ingredients:

1 pound plain ground pork, beef, or chicken
1 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 fresh clove of garlic minced, OR 1 tsp jarred
1- 1.25 ounce package of Mild Chorizo seasoning mix
4 to 8 Portobello mushroom caps- quantity depends on how large.
1 cup shredded Mexican style cheese
2 TBSP shredded Mexican style cheese per mushroom cap
½ cup Queso Blanco Dip- I use Tostitos

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Pro Tip: You can purchase a ready made Chorizo mix, or make your own!
See recipe below!

1. In a large skillet, add oil, ground pork, Chorizo seasoning mix, and garlic; mix thoroughly; fry until done; drain off any excess grease.

2. Place meat into a large bowl and add shredded cheese & Queso; mix until well blended.

3. Place mushroom caps open end up in a baking dish; scoop ¼ to ½ cup meat & cheese mixture into each mushroom cap; sprinkle with 2 TBSP shredded cheese.

4. Cover and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Chorizo Spice Recipe

Ingredients:

1 TBSP chili powder
1 TBSP paprika
1 TBSP onion powder
1 TBSP garlic powder
2 tsp Mexican oregano
¼  tsp cayenne pepper 
¼  tsp pink Himalayan salt
¼  tsp black pepper
¼  tsp coriander
¼  tsp cumin
¼ all spice

Easy Recipe Add On Ingredients:

  1. You can add ½ cream cheese to the mixture as well.
  2. Switch up the pork for beef or chicken.
  3. Add ¼ cup corn & ¼ cup black beans- washed & drained.
  4. For extra heat, add 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced.

If you enjoyed this blog & bonus recipe, please LIKE, Follow & of course Share! Let me know what you think,  I love your feedback! 

Added bonus tip: To find recipes like the ones you’ll find in my posts, you can go to my blog at www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook go on over & give it a like & follow me for daily tips & tricks for the home and garden! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049613212778

Happy Day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content without written permission.

What is a Potager, AKA Kitchen Garden & How Do I Make One?

Posted on by

“Kiss of the sun for pardon. Song of the birds for mirth. You’re closer to God’s heart in a garden than any place else on earth. –~Dorothy Frances Gurney.”

Gardening is often a refuge for me & I am sure for others. It is a quiet place away from all demands of family and work. My goal is to help others fall in love with gardening, even if not as deeply as I love it. 

In that attempt, my task is to teach all of YOU how to create your own refuge and secret space. I want to instill this passion in every person dreaming of having a little spot of their own to grow in.  I want to inspire the avid gardener to create something new and different, and the experienced gardener a new design technique!
Despite the size, style or location of your garden, it should be an extension of your heart and soul. 

I hope today I’ll stir that up in you…

The Potager… AKA The Kitchen Garden

Historically the potager was most similar to the traditional English cottage garden.  It was based mainly on vegetables and other edible plants and herbs, often incorporating some cut flower plants for the household.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing with you how to create several styles of gardens. Basic how-to with tips & tricks on the style & elements that go with each! Next up will be my personal favorite, The Cottage Garden!

Here are a few tips and ideas on how to create your own Kitchen Garden!

Pro Tip: Did you know another name for a Kitchen Garden is a Potager?
“The traditional kitchen garden, vegetable garden, also known as a potager or in Scotland a kailyaird, is a space separate from the rest of the residential garden – the ornamental plants and lawn areas. It is used for growing edible plants and often some medicinal plants, especially historically.”
Source, Wikipedia 

*If at all possible, put your kitchen garden as close to the house near an entry door for the simple ease of gathering the bounty for your meals.

*There should be an accessible water source so a sprinkler can be used.

*Take before and after photos to monitor the progress and growth through the years.

*Sketch your garden plan layout and what you’d like to incorporate before you start. Get the proper info on each plant and know how much space you’ll need for growth habits. I’ve too often crammed things into thinking, “It’ll be fine…” not giving ample room. The end result is me climbing over and through a mass of plants.

*Use containers in your garden to help keep more aggressive and heavy re-seeders where you want them.

*Adding both non-edible and edible flowers will add practical functionality, beauty and charm!

Now that you’ve got the how-to on creating a kitchen garden, I hope you’ll start dreaming of your own refuge… your own secret place… your own garden.

If you enjoyed this post, please LIKE, Share , and definitely comment. Let me know what your favorite bird is. Do you have a recipe to share?

Follow me on Facebook for daily inspirations, & more tips and tricks for your garden & home!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049613212778

Happy Day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content without written permission.

Cheddar Chowder Soup: With or Without Meat

Posted on by

“Growing your own food may be one of the most powerful steps you can take for the health of yourself, your family, and your planet.” ― Lindsay Oberst (foodrevolution.org)

Our Favorite Recipes

It’s time for comfort foods, and soup is one of those foods we all love during these colder days of fall & winter!

This is by far one of my family’s favorite soups. It is very rich & hardy and the meat can be substituted or even illuminated for my vegetarian friends!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground pork, beef, or chicken
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced OR 2 tsp jarred
2 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp pink Himalayan salt
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
¼ cup butter
2 cups potatoes, cubed
2 cups carrots, cut into ¼ inch coins
½ cup minced red onion
½ cup diced celery
2 cups Velveeta type cheese
2 cups milk
2 cups water
¼ cup white all purpose flour

I generally prefer to purchase my meat from local farmers, but when I’m in a pinch I am thrilled I can purchase Heritage Breed pork from the grocery store. I buy this at Kroger’s!

1. In a large skillet, fry your meat in the olive oil; add garlic, salt & pepper; cook on medium heat until fully cooked & crumbly; when done drain off any excess grease.

2. While meat is cooking, cut all veggies; In a large pot melt butter; add potatoes, carrots, onions, & celery; cook on medium heat for 10 minutes until veggies are fork tender.

Pro Tip: I always try to use Heirloom veggies.. they are just so much more flavorful!

3. When veggies are cooked, add meat and all other ingredients EXCEPT water and flour; bring to a low boil.

4. In the meantime, add flour to water & whisk; Once soup mixture comes to a boil, whisk the water & flour mixture in, stirring until no clumps are visible; stir until thickened; turn down the heat to low and cook for 45 minutes to an hour until veggies are soft.

Pro Tip: Always whisk your flour in cool liquid and then add to your hot liquid. This eliminates clumps!

Pro Tip: I use my French fry cutter for recipes that call for cubed potatoes. This is a handy kitchen gadget and helps keep the potatoes uniform in size, therefore cooking more evenly.
First cut off one end of the potato making a ‘flat’ end; stand up on that end and carefully push the cutter down; you will need to cut them into the cubes once cut lengthwise, but it still saves time!

Stay tuned for more comfort food recipes coming!

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow & of course Share! Let me know what you think,  I love your feedback! 

Added bonus tip: To find recipes like the ones you’ll find in my posts, you can go to my blog at www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook go on over & give it a like & follow me for daily tips & tricks for the home and garden! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049613212778

Happy Day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content without written permission.

Are you looking for something special?

Posted on by

Something to make you smile…

If you enjoy daily information on gardening, cooking, organization, & fun photo’s, then come on over to my Facebook page!

Be sure to Like & Follow me so you don’t miss something special!

Happy Day Dragonfly Friends,
Jean!

Shakespeare Garden Design How-to & few other tips!

Posted on by

“A person who is growing a garden, if he is growing it organically, is improving a piece of the world. He is producing something to eat, which makes him somewhat independent of the grocery business, but he is also enlarging, for himself, the meaning of food and the pleasure of eating.” ― Wendell Berry

As I mentioned in the previous post, I’m going to share several types of garden design & themes during the cold days of December! Be sure to keep posted for next week’s garden how-to: Friendship Garden Design!

Gardens are such a joy and can be an inspiration to others.  When one walks through a garden they should be welcomed by a warm, fuzzy feeling that grabs hold of them to the point of not wanting to leave.  Quiet, rest and peacefulness ought to be the theme of every garden, and it can be accomplished simply by making it a small reflection of who you are. 

When your friends are there it should be a time of not just visiting, but sharing secrets of both joy and sadness; a place where memories are in the making.  A garden says so much about its creator~ favorite plants, colors, garden style~ mine is all cottage!  My hope is that these writings will stimulate that new, hopeful gardener to dive into a new project, or inspire the one that has it ‘all’ to do something new.  Gardening is meant to be a joy, so be joyful & garden!

Many people are moved by Shakespeare’s writings and find his work quite fascinating. Some may have even heard of a Shakespeare Garden Theme.  This garden represents plants that have been mentioned in many of his writings. 

As you will notice, many of the plants listed are herbs, and therefore an Herb Garden would be a great way to incorporate this into your yard! 

Remember, as with all gardens, consider your area, drainage, available sunlight or lack of, and the plants growing habits. 

As always, I suggest drawing it out and planning before you start~ this always saves a lot of disappointment.

Here are some specific plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s writings. Would you consider creating this garden theme? What garden themes do you currently have?

  • *Mustard     
  • *Strawberry
  • *Parsley     
  • *Calendula
  • *Bay           
  • *Carnation
  • *Burnet       
  • *Columbine
  • *Savory      
  • *Flax 
  • *Thyme       
  • *Pink Rose
  • *Marjoram  
  • *Hyssop
  • *Lavender   
  • *Johnny Jump Ups
  • *Lemon Balm  
  • *Myrtle
  • *Chamomile     
  • *Flax
  • *Rosemary     
  • *Mint

If you enjoyed this blog post, please LIKE, Follow & of course Share! Let me know what you think,  I love your feedback! 

If you aren’t following me on Facebook go on over & give it a like & follow me for daily tips & tricks for the home and garden! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049613212778

Happy Day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content without written permission.

Curry Chicken, Dave’s Easy Stove-top Method

Posted on by

“Growing your own food is like printing your own money”
Ron Finley

I just love that Dave enjoys cooking, & that he’s an amazing chef in the kitchen… plus he doesn’t mind helping me with my recipe blog posts. All of Dave’s recipes along with my new ones will be in my NEW Cookbook coming in time for Mothers Day! Keep posted for more info on that.

However if you need a great gift for someone, or just want it for yourself, grab a copy of my wonderful cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats & Treats! Click this link to purchase: https://fordragonfliesandme.com/purchase-my-cookbook…/

Now lets dive into this delicious recipe!

Our Favorite Recipes

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins or breasts equaling 4 cups cut into chunks +/-

1 medium red onion, diced, about ½ cup +/-

2 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Butter

1- 15 ounce can garbanzo beans (chickpeas)

2- 13.5 ounce cans coconut milk

2 cups carrots, cut into ¼ inch coins

1 fresh clove of garlic minced OR 1 tsp jarred

½ cup beef broth

1 TBSP yellow curry OR red if you want to make it spicier 

1 tsp pink Himalayan salt

1 tsp fresh ground black pepper

2 cups basmati rice, cooked- this will make 4 cups cooked

Did you know?

Curry is a blend of seasonings including cumin, ginger, turmeric, & red or green chilies. These are essential ingredients in most curries, however cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, coriander, fenugreek, mustard, clove, and nutmeg can be just as vital, along with fresh aromatics such as garlic, onion, cilantro, lemongrass, lime and lemon to name but a few. 

1. In a stock pot add carrots and onions to olive oil or butter; sauté on medium heat until carrots are fork tender, about 10 minutes.

2. Add chunked chicken, mix thoroughly with veggies.

Pro Tip: You can use beef or pork if you want to mix this up!

Pro tip: For a spicier curry, use red curry instead of yellow. 

3. Add coconut milk, beef broth, and curry, stir until evenly mixed. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour. Make sure chicken is cooked.
Add garbanzo beans and cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While mixture is cooking, prepare rice according to package instructions; set aside.

We use a rice cooker. This is something Dave introduced me & the boys to & we just love how easy it is!!

Pro Tip: If using rice cooker, rinse your rice 3x to wash off any hulls; you will see the water will run clear after the third rinse.

Cook your rice according to package instructions.

Serve curry over a bed of rice & enjoy!

Alternatives:

You can add just about any veggie you like, however you will need to add ½ cup more beef broth for every cup of added veggies besides what is listed here.

Other veggie suggestions: 

  • Bell peppers- ½ cup
  • Broccoli, cut- 1 cup
  • Cauliflower, cut- 1 cup
  • Peas- ½ cup 
  • Potatoes- chunked into 1″ cubes- 1 cup

If you enjoyed this post & thought this was a super yummy recipe leave me a comment.
…. and of course please LIKE, Follow & Share.

You can purchase my wonderful cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats & Treats again! Click this link to purchase: https://fordragonfliesandme.com/purchase-my-cookbook…/

Be sure to check out my Facebook page & follow me there for daily inspirations, lovely photos, & of course all kinds of great home & garden tips! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049613212778

Happy Day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content without written permission.

My Beautiful Christmas Tree by the Sea

Posted on by

“Yes, a Christmas tree is something we cannot do without. Because a tree with all the trimmings… Up the mountain, follow me! I’ll find one soon, you’ll see! You’ll see I’ll find the perfect Christmas tree!” – Stan Berenstain

Last week I shared my Holiday Decorating Tips, & promised I’d share with all of you my newest tree… my Tree by the Sea.

This tree was inspired by Dave & my trip to South Carolina this past spring. On our trip we visited many gift shops (LOL, of course) and I fell in love with all the ocean themed holiday ornaments! Sea turtles, mermaids, starfish, jellyfish, and so much more. I could have spent thousands on these little beauties. Right then & there I decided I was going to start purchasing our ornaments for our new tree!

I don’t have a lot of ornaments, so I purchased this super cute black plastic ornamental tree! Let me know what you think. Do you have a special tree dedicated to a specific theme? If so, share with me in the comments below!

If you missed my How-to Host the Best Holiday Cookie Exchange, click HERE!

Seashell, seashell, by the seashore…

I’ve always love the holidays. As a child I have so many wonderful memories of my grandmother and mother writing out Christmas cards, baking holiday cookies, and of course our Christmas dinner with all the fixings. Christmas is the most magical time of the year. It’s when family & friends come together from near and far… it’s not just for the fun, but more importantly the togetherness. It’s when we have a special opportunity to make loved ones feel special and share in the holiday cheer.

These are my newest ornaments, and I can’t wait to add these onto this years tree!

If you enjoyed this post, please LIKE, Share , and definitely comment. Let me know what your favorite bird is. Do you have a recipe to share?

Follow me on Facebook for daily inspirations, & more tips and tricks for your garden & home!

Happy Day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content without written permission.