Phoenix Garden Party

<div style="text-align: justify;"> Saturday's Garden Party was so much fun! The Home Depot is hosting these #SpringMadeSimple events <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">all over the country this month and next</a>, where you can come and meet with a local blogger and learn about gardening from an expert.  I was in charge of the pot-painting table at Phoenix's Garden Party, and it was a blast to get to chat with local readers and do a little crafting. We used Sharpie paint pens to decorate little terracotta pots before planting them with succulents.</div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3471.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3471.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo jenny30.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/jenny30.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3483.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3483.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Our gardening expert talked to us about how to keep succulents alive and happy and he shared how to make these <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">really cool raised beds</a> planted with <i>SALSA</i> ingredients!! Genius. He also whipped up that stack of pots in about five minutes flat by stringing the pots on a dowel through the drainage holes. I thought that was pretty clever.</div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3480.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3480.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This is Jim, our gardening expert and all-around nice guy. He said succulents like to be flooded and then dried out. So rather than watering them on a schedule (like you might do with other houseplants), it's best to stick your finger in the succulent's soil and if it's completely dry for a knuckle or two, the plant is probably ready to be flooded again. Interesting, right?</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3484.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3484.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3465.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3465.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Jim was a wealth of gardening knowledge and was so fun to chat with while doodling on my pot. I went with a sort of marbelized pattern using my Sharpie paint pens. Those things are pretty amazing, btw. Have you tried them yet?</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo jenny5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/jenny5.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Michael and the girls came by toward the very end of the event and the girls jumped right in with coloring and planting.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-04-01at40522PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/ScreenShot2014-04-01at40522PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-04-01at40542PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/ScreenShot2014-04-01at40542PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Evie would have made a hundred pots if we had let her. She was totally in her element.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3503.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3503.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This was right as she was telling me about what she was going to draw on her third pot.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo jenny20.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/jenny20.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And this was right after I told her that two pots was plenty. #devastated</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3508.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3508.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It was a really fun event. Thanks to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">The Home Depot</a> for inviting me to host, and a BIG thanks to those of you that came out for the party - especially those of you that drove almost an hour from across the Valley. Nicest readers ever. :)</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> To sign up for the Home Depot's Garden club (which has all sorts of tips and tricks and ideas for gardeners of all skill levels), <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">head on over here</a>. PS I learned at the event that signing up for the Garden Club is the one of the only ways to get coupons to the Home Depot.  :)</div>

Phoenix Garden Party

Saturday's Garden Party was so much fun! The Home Depot is hosting these #SpringMadeSimple events all over the country this month and n...

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The Well is No Longer

<center> </center> <div style="text-align: justify;"> We have a giant ficus tree in the back yard that really needed a good trim because it was starting to touch the roof. We got a couple of bids (I was shocked at how much the price ranged!) and when the man we ended up hiring to do the trimming mentioned he did other types of removal jobs too, I got really excited.</div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo cIMG_3275.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/cIMG_3275.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <br /> About 0.0001 seconds later I blurted out "I have a well!"<br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo cIMG_3279.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/cIMG_3279.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <br /> Kyle took down the well's roof the same day and that ended up being the easy part. The brick base was really, really sturdy and completely full of dirt and very prickly plants. The girls spotted a little nest of (quail?) eggs though that was kind of cool. No scorpions that I could see, but there were a lot of spiders. Bleck.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3276.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3276.jpg" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Kyle ended up having to use this little lifter machine thing to get the brick up and out.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3376.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3376.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3379.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3379.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> After seeing all the work that went into this one, I was glad we hired a pro to take care of removing the well (let me know if you want Kyle's contact info- he's great!). I'm not sure we would have even been able to do it ourselves without the serious machinery. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3385.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/IMG_3385.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> There's still a project for me here though - I need to pick up three or four rolls of sod now to fix the smallish hole we have left in our lawn. I'd take a dirt patch over a faux well any day though. :) </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> (I can't believe it's gone! Yay!)</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> How was your weekend? Are you in the middle of any excited projects? I love hearing about what you guys have going on.</div>

The Well is No Longer

We have a giant ficus tree in the back yard that really needed a good trim because it was starting to touch the roof. We got a couple of ...

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Concrete Planters

<div style="text-align: justify;"> Oh man, I am getting SO excited for tomorrow's big event! Local friends, are you coming to the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">Phoenix Garden Party</a> that The Home Depot is putting on, hosted by yours truly? If you're going to be anywhere near the Glendale Home Depot tomorrow (Saturday) starting at 1 pm, please drop by! The event is going to be amazing and so fun (and it's FREE!). If you have a minute to RSVP, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">feel free to click on over here</a>, but it's not totally necessary. We would love to see any and all of you! I hope you can make it.</div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <center> </center> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo 282971_10152703850900031_854044833_n.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2018/282971_10152703850900031_854044833_n.jpg" /></div> <br /> To get myself all geared up for the big party tomorrow, I've been doing some gardening projects around my house. You all know I've been dying to try a DIY concrete planter for a while now. Well, this was the week! I felt the call of the DIY and I answered it with a big ol' bag of concrete.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo DIYCONCRETEPLANTERSLGN.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/DIYCONCRETEPLANTERSLGN.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <br /> So before I jump in to the tutorial, a little word to the wise - you might as well make five (or ten!) planters if you're going to the trouble (and mess) to make one. It's only a marginal amount of more work to make multiples, and I think these would make really cool hostess or house warming gifts! So why not?<br /> <br /> Here's the pretty simple how-to:<br /> <br /> <br /> Most importantly, you'll need a bag of this inexpensive, great and easy-to-mix concrete (huge thanks to my local Home Depot guy for recommending this particular brand. Dude knew his stuff!):<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2155.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2155.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <br /> And you'll need a lot of PLASTIC containers (metal will work - I used several - but wow, what a headache!). A little trip to my closest Goodwill store was pretty fruitful for container gathering!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo cIMG_3300.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/cIMG_3300.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <br /> The trick is to find containers that have an interesting shape or pattern on the inside, so that the outside of your planter will have a cool imprint or shape. You'll also want to find more simple containers that fit inside the bigger outer containers, but that leave at least an inch or two gap between the two.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2160.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2160.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Before you start, you'll probably want to wash all the containers and then give the insides a brushing of any type of oil or Pam you have on hand (this helps the concrete pop out easier later).</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2175.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2175.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <br /> Then it's time to mix the concrete, which might feel mildly terrifying, but I promise it's super easy. You'll want a garden trowel and long mixing utensil (I used an old metal serving spoon) and a 2.5 gallon bucket for mixing the concrete. Don't forget to put everything on a big tarp or heavy drop cloth. This is definitely an outdoor project, and gloves and masks are a must.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2187.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2187.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> You add concrete to water (or water to concrete) with the trowel, stirring, stirring, stirring, until you get something close to pudding consistency. This brand of concrete is quick set, so pretty much by the time it's completely mixed (lump-free), it's ready to be poured.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2197.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2197.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <br /> You'll need to pour the bottoms of the planters first. If you want a drainage hole, stick in a dowel or cut a piece of cardboard tubing down like we did to the exact depth you want for the bottom of your planter, and pour concrete around that.<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2206.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2206.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <br /> <center> </center> With this brand of concrete, which dries unbelievably fast, you'll have to work quickly. Once the bottoms are poured, you put the inner container in the outer container, resting on top of your drainage hole form. And then while holding the inner container centered and in place, pour concrete in the space between the inner and outer containers to make the side walls of your planter. You can use a cup to help pour the concrete in, if needed.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2217.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2217.jpg" /></div> <br /> Sort of shimmying the container after pouring helps the concrete settle and smooth out beautifully. And a couple of soft drops on the table or ground helps air bubbles come to the surface. This specific concrete will be dry in, like, an hour or less (but be careful - it gets crazy HOT while it's curing!). The planters will pretty much just plop right out of the container molds, especially the plastic ones. It's awesome.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2276.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2276.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2344.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2344.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The concrete is a really pale gray right now, but I know it will weather over time.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2289.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2289.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> These planters were both made with metal outer containers. The spiral one was a special sort of nightmare to work out of the mold! YIKES. But kind of cool right? The one on the left was made with a colander!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo cIMG_2354.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/cIMG_2354.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This one was made from the purple plastic container and it could not have been easier to get out! Easy breezy.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2423.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2423.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <br /> I started to get experimental after a few of the more simple planters. For one shallow container mold, I hot glued palm fronds to the sides of the outer container.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3302.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3302.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2171.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2171.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I love how organic and textural the pattern is! </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2418.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2418.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2400.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2400.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I found two glass spheres at Goodwill too and thought they would work well for making concrete garden sculptures. We filled one up all the way and a second one up about 3/4 of the way.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_3313.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_3313.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> When they were dry, we put them in a plastic bag and chipped off the glass.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2229.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2229.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I love them and I want to make a giant one!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2305.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2305.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> With the left over concrete in the bucket that was starting to dry up, I rolled out little balls and flattened one side before they dried.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2231.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2231.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I put a little construction adhesive on the flat sides and glued the little nubbins on to one of the planters we made from a plastic popcorn container. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2235.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2235.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> It's sort of funky, and I like it. :)<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2466.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2466.jpg" /></div> <br /> Everyone should have a concrete planter with nubbins. YOLO.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2446.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2446.jpg" /></div> <br /> If you're lucky enough to live in a place that actually gets moisture (slow single tear for myself), you can grow moss on your concrete planters with a little bit of moss from your yard thrown in a blender with buttermilk for a sec. You paint the mixture on the planters and the moss should grow pretty fast. I tried this in Brooklyn and was surprised at how well it worked on some too-new terracotta pots we had on the back porch.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt=" photo IMG_2256.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2019/IMG_2256.jpg" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Anyway, fun, right? I'm sort of feeling like concrete is my jam now. I want to concrete all the things.</div>

Concrete Planters

Oh man, I am getting SO excited for tomorrow's big event! Local friends, are you coming to the Phoenix Garden Party that The Home Depo...

Read more »