Time to implement your plans!

What to do with all that Basil?

The first thing you need to know is that you cannot keep your plant indoors. There is NOT enough light and you will get bugs. So, let's skip that nightmare and get to the better solution. 

Before the first frost....no matter how cold, Basil can't tolerate it and will turn black. That day is creeping up soon. Here are some solutions..........

1. Cut some basil and put it into a vase with water and use it for the week

2. Wash, dry and hang your basil for about 2 weeks. Harvest the dried leaves and place them into a jar. 

3. Freeze your basil.

•  Remove the leaves, wash, dry leaves in a salad spinner, if they are still wet, pat them dry with a paper towel. 
• Place leaves into a food processor and puree them
• Place basil into a ziplock bag, be sure that the air is removed and freeze. break off the portion you'll need for the next 6 months. 
• OR use small ice cube trays/candy trays (regular Ice cube trays may be too large)

When January comes around and you're making your favorite pasta sauce, you'll have the fresh taste of your summer basil!

Opa!

My Orchid wall is exploding! 

They are loving the high humidity....but oh! the morning rain was awesome!

Prairie Fire Crabtree in bloom

      Ta-da!
Prairie Fire crabapple!!

Creeping phlox!!

Creeping phlox rock! 

Great mat of color in the spring. Plant on bed edges and give them room. They prefer full sun....which isn't a problem in spring when trees are beginning to leaf out. The flowers last long enough to introduce the next round of perennial color. Consider switching up your plant pallet to have a color rotation throughout the summer. As one fades another is beginning! 

Crabapple 'Prairie Fire' disease resistant variety! One or 2 more weeks and we'll have tons of pink blooms!!!

My sour cherry tree has a flower....small white cluster near center of the photo!! Cherries are coming!

 Hostas are emerging ....get your mulch down now.....

Jacobs ladder is beginning to bloom....my favorite shade perenial! 

The quite calm of the design room 

I love the drawing table my husband built for me! He is so creative...thank you Schmoopy!!