PODCAST: Join Jean & Walt as they chat it up about what’s happening at The Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market!

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Jean Roman

If you are a regular listener, you all know I love to share the back story with all of you on how I know and met my podcast guest… and this one is really near & dear to my heart.

I met this guy over a decade ago during my Mennonite days behind my table at the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market. He was a volunteer with the market and always was so happy & energetic about it. He had real passion is the best way to describe it. Of course that’s why we clicked! Our hearts were both in that happy place!!

We became fast friends and soon he became our new Market Manager. He & I talked a lot and he was always looking for information and tips on how to make the market successful… even great! To hear the rest, scroll down to listen!

Check out this incredible video created by Michigan Farmers Market Association (M.I.F.M.A.) in partnership with Taste The Local Difference with highlights from The Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market!

The FFAM was always a really good market, and by that I mean it was generally a busy market where vendors did really well. The customers were loyal and returned each week rain or shine.

I am super excited to announce I will be teaching gardening & cooking classes at the market once a month May through October.

To see more about the market click here: https://www.farmingtonfarmersmarket.com/

To see the complete list of classes I’ll be teaching at the market this summer click here: https://fordragonfliesandme.com/wheres-jean/

Check out these great shots of the market!

If you’re on the run and want to listen to the PODCAST check it out!

If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean

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Class at Goldner Walsh Garden & Home~ What is an Heirloom & why should you plant them?

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Jean Roman

What is an Heirloom & why should you plant them? May 6th, 10:00am

Have you registered for my upcoming class taking place at Goldner Walsh Garden & Home on May 6th, at 10am?

If not, click the button below to register!

Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, and self-professed Master Gardener will discuss the value of Heirloom vegetable seeds & plants regarding their bio-diversity, and natural disease resistance, along with some of her favorite varieties she has grown for over 20 years!

She will also discuss the benefits of companion planting and how Heirlooms benefit from it.

Click here to register

To see all of Jean’s Classes at Goldner Walsh!

For Dragonflies And Me

Weekly tips & tricks for your garden and home!

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2023 Class Schedule for The Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market!

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Jean Roman

Jean will be teaching monthly gardening & cooking classes May through October at the beautiful Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market!

Class Descriptions & Dates!

May 13th, Mothers Day Weekend

Container Gardening with Herbs: Learn how-to make & grow an herb garden planter!

The container gardener is limited only by your imagination! Whether you have a large garden, raised beds, or the smallest patio or balcony, Jean will show you how you can reap a crop of herbs. It’s all in the harvesting friends! Today Jean Roman will showcase how you can create thriving herb containers you’ll be able to bring in during the winter as well, if you choose! Whether you are an experienced or novice gardener, this class will be loads of fun with tons of great information!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Learn how to make easy freezer strawberry jam!

June 17th

It’s strawberry season in Michigan friends! Join Jean Roman as she teaches you how easy it is to make homemade freezer strawberry jam! Recipe will be included. Roman will have her popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats available at a discounted price for attendees today. Samples will be provided.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

How-to Make Homemade Pesto

July 8th, 2023

Easy & Delicious Pesto Sauce- How to make & preserve it! Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, & Self-professed Master Gardener will teach you how to make her delicious & incredibly easy Pesto recipe, and how to preserve it so you can have it all winter long. She will share tips on how to grow & stimulate continued growth of your plants. Roman will have her popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats available at a discounted price for attendees today. Samples will be provided.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Plan your fall garden now! Lettuces, spinach, kale, broccoli, & more!

August 5th, 2023

Did you know you can continue growing delicious, fresh veggies late into the fall? Well, you can even here in Michigan. All you need to know is the right crops to plant, and how to care for them. Join Jean Roman as she guides you through the steps of preparing for a bountiful fall garden.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

How-to Make Marinara Sauce

September 23rd, 2023

Homemade Marinara Sauce- How to make & preserve summer’s bounty! Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, & Self-professed Master Gardener will teach you how to make her delicious & incredibly easy Marinara sauce recipe from your homegrown tomatoes. Don’t grow your own? That’s ok, Jean will share how you can purchase large quantities at your local farmers market. She will have her popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats available at a discounted price for attendees today. Samples will be provided.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

October 15th

Fall Garden Clean Up: 10 Step How-to Fall Vegetable Garden Clean Up

Cleaning up your fall vegetable garden is an important step in preparing for next year’s crop. By removing dead or diseased plants, clearing debris, and adding compost and organic matter to the soil, you can improve the health of your soil and reduce the risk of pests and diseases for years to come. Jean Roman will go over her easy 10 Step How-to Fall Vegetable Garden Clean Up.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Are you looking for some fun? Well look no further…

Posted on April 16, 2023 by Jean Roman

If you haven’t been following me on my Facebook page, well then you’ve been missing a load of fun. I share links to all my blog posts, YouTube videos, Podcast recordings, Facebook live moments when I’m out & about.

Be sure to stop by so you don’t miss a beat! See you there friends, and be sure to “Hi!” in the comments!

CLICK each photo to see the blog post that goes with it!

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a 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.

Where do you find inspiration?

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Jean Roman

Are you following me on my Instagram page yet? Well friends I post fun recipe and gardening reels there I don’t share anywhere else. I do regular live posts of where I’m going and what I’m doing.

Be sure to FOLLOW me there so you don’t miss out on anything! See you there friends, and be sure to say hi!

Click each of the photo’s to see the topic!

plate of pasta with tomato sauce on dark table, top view

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

For Dragonflies And Me

Weekly tips & tricks for your garden and home!

Read all posts ↓

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a 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.

2023 Class Schedule for Goldner Walsh Garden & Home

Posted on April 7, 2023 by Jean Roman

Jean will be teaching monthly beginning in April classes at beautiful Goldner Walsh Garden & Home.

Class Descriptions & Dates!

Raised Bed Gardening

April 8, 2023

Raised Bed Gardening: Why raised beds are so much easier to use & grow your veggies in! Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, & Self-professed Master Gardener will show you why raised beds are more efficient to use for home gardeners. Raised beds offer less weeding, less watering, and eliminates the need for tilling! You’ll wonder why you haven’t been gardening this way!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Heirloom Vegetables

May 6, 2023

Heirloom Vegetables: What is an Heirloom & why should you plant them? Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, & Self-professed Master Gardener will discuss the value of Heirloom seeds & plants regarding their bio-diversity, natural disease resistance, along with some of her favorite varieties she has grown for over 20 years! She will also discuss the benefits of companion planting and how Heirlooms benefit from it.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Learn how to make easy freezer strawberry jam!

June 10th

Plan your fall garden now! Lettuces, spinach, kale, broccoli, & more!

July 15th

How-to Make Marinara Sauce

August 26, 2023

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

How-to Make Homemade Pesto

September 9th, 2023

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

October 15th

Fall Garden Clean Up: 10 Step How-to Fall Vegetable Garden Clean Up

November 2023

Stay tuned for more information coming for my November Class!

Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Gnocchi Soup

Posted on March 26, 2023 by Jean Roman

“Cooking for people is an enormously significant expression of generosity and soulfulness, and entertaining is a way to be both generous and creative. You’re sharing your life with people. Of course, it’s also an expression of your own need for approval and applause. Nothing wrong with that.” – Ted Allen

We just love soups! Really, we love any type of comfort food. One of my favorite types of pasta is Gnocchi, and when I saw this recipe, I knew I had to make my own version of it. I often see yummy recipes and then adjust them to make them my own suited to my family’s preferences.

The first time I had Gnocchi was from a co-vendor during my market vendor days. If you are in or around the Metro Detroit area, then you may have heard of Tracinas. They are by far the best I’ve ever eaten. You can find them at several farmers markets, and in some stores. Check out their website to see if there is a location near you!

Now let’s get rolling with this super yummy & easy to make soup recipe. Be sure to let me know what you think of it, and tell me what your favorite soup is. I love to hear your feedback. Enjoy friends!

Check out my recipe at my YouTube Channel!

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

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Our Favorite Recipes

Ingredients: Yields 4~ 2 cup servings

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite sized chunks~ about 1 ½ to 2 pounds
48 ounces or 6 cups chicken broth
1- 8 ounce package of Gnocchi
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrots, cut into ¼ inch coins
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shallots, diced
1 cup fresh spinach
½ cup diced Heirloom tomatoes or 1~ 8 ounce can of diced tomatoes
2 fresh garlic cloves minced OR 2 tsp jarred
2 TBSP white all purpose flour
1 tsp pink Himalayan salt
½ tsp fresh ground pepper
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried

Watch the final steps to preparing this super delicious Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Gnocchi Soup.

1. In a large stock pot, heat ½ the butter and ½ the oil; add all vegetables and sauté for about 5-7 minutes; add garlic and seasonings; blend well and sauté for an additional minute.

2. In a separate skillet, add the other half of the butter and oil; heat and add chunked chicken; cook on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned on all sides. Do not fully cook.

3. When chicken is done, add to the vegetable mixture; mix until well blended.

4. In a cup, take 1 cup of the broth and whisk flour into it until there are no lumps; add to chicken and vegetable mixture with remaining broth and cream; bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer and cook for half an hour.

5. Add spinach and gnocchi; cook according to package instructions.

Serve with a salad and garlic bread!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a 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.

Gardening 101 Day 18 Part 2~ How to Create a Vegetable Container Garden YOUTUBE VIDEO

Featured | Posted by Jean Roman

“I love things that are indescribable, like the taste of an avocado or the smell of a gardenia. ” Barbra Streisand

Welcome to Day 18 of my Gardening 101 Part 2 on how-to create a container garden. In Part 1 I discussed how to create an herb container garden, today let’s look at how to incorporate veggies into containers.

Many of the elements will be similar, especially in the types of containers, making this post a bit shorter. If you missed Part 1, just jump on over for an informative recap!

If you are a novice gardener you may be wondering how you can grow veggies in containers. You may be an experienced gardener who is considering the option of moving your veggies from a standard tillable garden to downsize or just utilize space more effectively.

If you’ve been eyeing up container gardening lately, then you’re probably wondering what it has to offer you. After all, growing in a garden doesn’t really work like that. As you all know I am a huge advocate for container and raised bed gardening. Raised beds are in reality just another form of containers, as I showed in Part 1. You can grow herbs and vegetables in a standard tillable garden, but that type of gardening takes so much more effort and planning. With container gardening, everything becomes simpler and more accessible than it is with other methods.

If you missed my two part series on the benefits of raised bed gardening, click these links. Part 1 and Part 2.

Have you been wondering how to get started with a vegetable garden, or just want to be able to grow your own vegetables at home? Well, a vegetable container garden might be just the answer you’re looking for. A vegetable container garden is essentially an easy way to extend the space of your yard so you can grow plants more effectively.

With this guide, I’ll be showing you everything you need to know about creating successful container gardens as well as the many benefits they have to offer. After reading through the following tips, you will understand why having a container garden is one of the best ways to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables all year round.

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

For Dragonflies And Me

Weekly tips & tricks for your garden and home!

Read all posts ↓

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://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!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a 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.

Have you checked out my NEW YouTube Channel yet?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Jean Roman

Jean is trying to grow her Subscriber base there, so please stop over and join her as she shares incredible content only found there! Don’t miss out friends! SUBSCRIBE HERE!

Jean Roman is a mother of six, published author, Podcaster, YouTuber, organic gardener, organizational guru, and influencer. A self-professed master gardener with over twenty years experience, she loves to write and teach about her passion and knowledge in organic gardening, the local food movement, food preparation & preservation.

Jean spent fifteen years as a Mennonite where she co-authored her cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats. Selling over twenty-thousand copies throughout the US & Canada, the book is cherished by many. Roman recently started her Podcast, sister to her blog. In addition to chatting about her beloved topics including gardening, cooking, & organization she shares topics including healthy lifestyles & entrepreneurship. Jean brings experts in these fields and shares a combined knowledge with her listeners.

The NEW sister, her YouTube channel is filled with great content including recipes, easy & fun how-to projects, gardening tutorials all only seen there! You can also listen to all of her Podcasts there!

Thanks in advance friends,
Until next time remember to eat fresh, shop local, and have a happy day!
Jean

Gardening 101 Day 2: Where do I order my Heirloom seeds from? See how-to on my YouTube Channel!

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Jean Roman

“Seeds are a gift of nature, of past generations and diverse cultures. It is our inherent duty and responsibility to protect them and to pass them on to future generations. They are the first link in the food chain, the embodiment of biological and cultural diversity and the repository of life’s future evolution.” — Manifesto on the Future of Seed

Now is the time when gardeners yearn and long for the arrival of those beautiful seed catalogs! As they begin to appear in our mailboxes we gather them together, cozy up with a fuzzy blanket on our favorite chair, a cup of java and notebook ready to start making our lists of ‘new’ varieties!

We flip the pages longing for the life that spring and summer bring. We pine away for the first shoots of rhubarb, then all too soon the green stalks of asparagus spring forth. Memories of summer… prickly cucumbers, the scratchy leaves of that notorious zucchini plant and getting our hands stained green from picking those luscious Heirloom tomatoes… those wonderful memories. Super Italian Paste for our homemade spaghetti sauces… Green Zebra, Pineapple, Paul Robeson and Yellow Brandywine to create a festive fresh salsa…oh my!

Would you like a chance to win a FREE copy of my popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats? Well, head over to my YouTube Channel and watch to learn how you can win a copy! It will be loads of fun!

Join me at my YouTube Channel to watch this great video on Where to order your Heirloom seeds from. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my blog here, at at my YT Channel so you don’t miss a beat!

Until next time friends,
Eat Fresh, Shop Local, & Have a Happy Day,
Jean