When someone mentions cactus, I bet most of you would first think of Prickly Pear. It is one of the most distinctive desert plants, and grows in a wide range of locations, but is typically considered a hot desert dweller. And for those of us who garden in the high country of Northern Arizona, some of you may not think of incorporating prickly pear initially. While our climate is considered a high desert, it might be surprising to know that many prickly pear varieties will not only survive in our four season climate, but truly thrive. |
July News & Inspiration: • 5 Reasons to Use Pots in your Garden Landscape • Artful Uses of Budget Friendly Garden Materials • Growing Cactus & Succulents in the High Desert • Welcome Monsoon! • 5 Ways to Celebrate National Simplicity Day • Celebrating Summer Solstice & Carl Sandburg • Gardens of Prescott: July Feature • Slow Down & Relish a Meal Outdoors • Stay Connected, join the conversation • What's Up Next at The Whiskey Porch? |
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It's another lovely rainy afternoon here in the high country of Northern Arizona. Hope it is too wherever you are.
~Miriam
Gardening, on a budget? Sounds like an oxymoron to me! Let's face it. We all start out with a fabulous idea for the perfect addition to our garden or landscape, and inevitably realize that it's more complicated and expensive that we imagined. Sometimes there's just no getting around it - some projects, whether you do-it-yourself or hire someone are just going to be pricey. A paver patio for example, or an elaborate gazebo. In the case of a paver patio there are definitely some materials choices that can be made, some very creative, but there's just nothing like the look and durability of a properly build paver patio. And that costs. |
But in most cases, there are often many budget friendly material options to achieving your garden addition. And, I'll just be really honest here, a lot of times it ends up looking (and lasting) like a thrown together project.
Even with cheaper materials it's really important to consider the longevity of the material as well as the way you build it to make it worth your while. Because, in the end you're time will be worth way more than the materials and you want to spend your time in a meaningful way so that you can enjoy your beautiful project for a good long while.
So, in the spirit of sharing some artful uses of unusual garden materials, I decided to put together this blog post to focus on a few that I think are worth considering. I've got 6 Budget Material ideas for you - let's get to it.
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This is a new summer monthly feature for us. #gardensofprescott
So, for the month of July, just to kick things off, I've decided to start with my own garden here at Juniper Hill Cottage - in downtown Prescott.
Although this is a standard sized downtown lot, we've packed a lot into the space including meandering walks, covered porches, patios and gazebos, tons of shade, and even a completely custom built kitchen garden where I am growing over 100 different herbs, almost entirely from seed.
One of the biggest highlights that make it feel luxurious is the creation of many small garden "rooms" and extensive integration with the massive old trees we are fortunate to have (13 of them at last count) and some outstanding views.
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Usually we plan our garden landscape around patios, arbors, outdoor kitchens, and the trees and shrubs that will decorate the space. But sometimes there is nothing better or more appropriate than incorporating carefully selected and placed pots. You can, of course, create a garden entirely out of pots - if you move often, or just don't have the space to plant in the ground. In this case, though, I'm thinking about the magic that happens when you add pots to an outdoor landscape - not as an after-thought, but as an integral and inspired part of the overall design. |
And after thinking about it, I realized that there are many great reasons to not only add pots to your landscape but actually use them strategically as part of your problem solving strategy as well as you creative design.
Here's 5 great reasons that I hope you'll consider.
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Every year, usually the week leading up to Independence Day in July, we support a state-wide effort called Indie Week which highlights and encourages Arizonans to support small, locally owned businesses in every way that they can.
This year, of course, nothing is normal. Indie Week kinda got squashed. And so it was brought back a bit late for the whole month of September to make up for it. We are proud members of Local First Arizona who sponsors this event and hope that you will support this effort, now more than ever.
It's fun, it's the right thing to do, and... you stand to win some cool prizes.
This year, of course, nothing is normal. Indie Week kinda got squashed. And so it was brought back a bit late for the whole month of September to make up for it. We are proud members of Local First Arizona who sponsors this event and hope that you will support this effort, now more than ever.
It's fun, it's the right thing to do, and... you stand to win some cool prizes.
here's how it works
- Indie Week XXL brings you a whole month to discover and support Arizona’s small, independent businesses — like us — and when we need it most!
- Join in on the fun by visiting localfirstaz.com/indie-week to download your #IndieWeekAZ Action Card, shop and live locally (which you may already safely be doing), and get rewarded for it!
- Cross just 5 calls-to-action off your card and get entered to win locally-curated prizes.
- Small businesses need your help this summer. Shop with purpose, shop for your community, and let’s come out of this stronger together.
*** HINT: We can help you cross-off the blocks with the red stars! *** |
Click this button to get all the deets, the prize list (serious cash) and find all the participating businesses. You can enter to win every week.
Thank you for your support.
Peace and contentment,
~Miriam
Swedish Lagom will help you embrace a simpler lifestyle.
Swedes have a few lifestyle concepts that might be part of the reason they are often considered one of the happiest places to live. This post is just a little introduction to "lagom".
Lagom is all about living in moderation. Finding a balance ... in life, at work, in your finances, and certainly with the size of your home. Thinking about the "whole" and not just the "self".
To be fair, this is an idea that's been hyped and also can be, ironically, overdone. But at it's core I think it has a lot to offer our American overly excessive way of life, if applied in a thoughtful way.
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Ibis-the-yellow-lab is helping me stay sane and focus on the positive and smile-worthy moments every day.
I've got some new content to share with you for this Midsummer Newsletter. You'll find original articles and inspiration related to cottages and bungalows, seasonal living, art, and simpler lifestyles.
I've got some new content to share with you for this Midsummer Newsletter. You'll find original articles and inspiration related to cottages and bungalows, seasonal living, art, and simpler lifestyles.
If you'd like to be in the know, may we suggest that you join our mailing list for up to the minute news and inspiration:
Okay, well that's all for now. Enjoy the 4th of July. Stay safe. Wear a mask!
Contentment & Possibility,
~Miriam
Contentment & Possibility,
~Miriam
Finally, coming up for air and getting the train back on the tracks! Our spring newsletter is here with an update for you on what we've been up to this winter. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
If you'd like to be in the know, may we suggest that you join our mailing list for up to the minute news and inspiration:
Stay well and may you find contentment at home,
~Miriam
~Miriam
Just published - our November news, inspiration and local goodness:
- Renovation Planning: 7 Key Steps
- Finding a Contractor in the Wild West
- 14 Ways to Embrace the Shorter Days of Autumn
- Explore the Arts Locally
- Size Matters: Does it Have to be Tiny?
- Event Roundup: Holiday Goings On in Prescott
- November Prescott Porch Feature
- What's Up Next at The Whiskey Porch?
don't miss the next one
If you don't want to miss these roundups, or other announcements, please join our mailing list.
You can trust that we won't spam you. In fact you'll only hear from us maybe a couple times a month. And you can always unsubscribe.
You can trust that we won't spam you. In fact you'll only hear from us maybe a couple times a month. And you can always unsubscribe.
Cheers and contentment,
~Miriam
Author
Hey there. I'm Miriam ~ and I've been doing this my whole life. It's my passion.
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