Spring! That's a word, in my mind, that is synonymous with 'wet.' With the recent rain we've had, my flower beds have been quite soaked and muddy. But that never stops me from working outside, as long as I have my garden Muck Boots to wear. They are 100% waterproof and perfect for soggy spring days, or after a summer thunderstorm when you just *need* to get out in the garden. With a thick sock inside, they feel comfy like slippers.  What I really like is that I can slip them on and off without even bending over. Plus, they are easy to scrub and wash off with the hose. No more wet feet! 

The Original Muck Boot Company

Look at the thoughtful Christmas gift I received from my grands, Jade and Blake! I was so surprised. What makes it so special is that Jade took all the photos to make this beautiful blanket. The blanket is very large, soft and cuddly... I love it! Who knew daylilies could keep you warm?

FYI –if you are interested, the blanket was ordered from Shutterfly.

Listen up daylily lovers. Not only is lemon juice great for making delicious lemon bars, it's a necessity for cleaning up your hands. After deadheading the mushy, drippy red and purple daylily blooms that stain your hands and fingernails, simply rinse your hands in lemon juice, then wash them with warm soapy water. Your hands will instantly look sparkling clean again!

Daylily pictured: Time Stopper

In 2016 I started using different plant labels and plant markers in my garden. It all started when I got a recycled Brother P-touch labeling system. I immediately made few labels and put them outdoors to test them over the winter before I made any major changes. The labels looked great in the spring so I went ahead and changed my labels. I tested the labels for another year, just to make sure they stood up to the elements, and they most certainly do. So now, in 2018, I feel comfortable saying 'thumbs up' to these labels.

The P-touch can use different colored and different sized labels, but I typically use the one-half inch size (.47" to be exact). I always order the white, laminated, indoor/outdoor labels. (The indoor/outdoor part is important if you plant to use these for your garden.) You can get some competitive pricing on eBay. P-touch has different type sizes so in case you have a plant with a really long name, you can still fit it on the label. My labeling system is older, but I'm sure there are many more features available on the newer models.

I also switched to Kincaid plant markers, which I had seen and liked in a garden that I visited. The Kincaid name plates are stainless steel and the posts are made of heavy-duty #10 gauge steel. The posts come in all sizes and shapes depending on your individual needs and likes. I purchased the eight-inch posts, which is just a personal preference. I like that that the markers aren't super obvious in my flower bed, but if I need to know a plant's name, I can easily find it. Every fall I put a tomato cage around each one of my daylilies to protect them over the winter from deer trampling. The cages provide a dual purpose in that the plant markers are protected as well. If any markers are out in the open, without protection, I usually push them down into the dirt for the winter.

So far, this labeling system has withstood the extreme fluctuation of temperature in Wisconsin and the weather has not had any effect on either the labels or markers. Both my labels and plant markers still look brand new, and not one has been crushed. In addition to me, three of my friends have also switched over to this plant marker and labeling system and we are all very happy.

Note: The labels are also great for household and garage use. They are an organizer's dream!

Brother P-touch label machines:  https://www.brother-usa.com/home/label-printers/series/p-touch
Kincaid Plant Markers: https://www.kincaidplantmarkers.com/

We are a Klean Kanteen family and have been for many years. As you can see, we have a variety of different sizes, colors, and styles. These insulated, stainless steel bottles are perfect for use while gardening, driving, or even just watching TV. ('Insulated' is the key word -- because there are non-insulated varieties available.) Even on super hot days, they are amazing at keeping water cold. You can fill them with ice in the morning, and the next day you may still find ice inside! They also keep coffee warm for about 6 hours. Plus, they are very easy to wash.

We have great-tasting well water at home; way better than the water at my work (that I can smell before I can taste). So I take my Klean Kanteen with me to work every day. I like the idea of being eco-friendly. Klean Kanteens are a part of my everyday life that I couldn't be without.