Talya Tate Boerner - grace grits and gardening

Farm Art Friday: Frozen Field

February 27, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

I love the winter fields, resting for spring, waiting for new life. And these trees. Frozen, they bow to the earth. We may be growing weary of ole man winter, but there’s no denying the beauty of ice and snow. Tiring, sometimes dangerous, yet beautiful.

I’d love to see your winter pictures. Tag me on Instagram @gracegrits or post to Facebook.

Happy Friday! Stay warm, everyone.

[tweetthis]Frozen Farm Art Friday! Stay warm y’all. [/tweetthis]

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

Musical Pairing:

Frozen (you knew it was coming, right?)

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”

― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass

speaking of dentists and collard greens…

February 26, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

And speaking of dentists and collard greens… Were we? Well, I have been talking about dentists with my mother’s college roommate who hates hates hates going to the dentist. And collard greens, lots of people hate those too, but not me (keep reading for more on this tie-in). I’ve never minded the dentist and in fact, if I could get my teeth cleaned every month and have insurance pay for it, I would.

One of the absolute worst things about moving to another state has been having to change doctors. I loved my Dallas dentist and all the ladies who work there. If you live in the area and need a dentist, I highly recommend Travis Spillman / Dental Center of Lakewood. He isn’t one of those dentists who tries to refill every old filling in your head or sends you off with a detailed financial plan for future work. He’s a young (but not Doogie-young) guy with old school ways and a super cool office that includes flat screens in each examination room so you can watch television while getting your teeth clean. Nice.

Luckily, Dr. Spillman referred me to a dentist in Rogers. Todd Phelan, DDS. They went to dental school together. Yay. Having a referral makes changing much easier. Yesterday I went for my first cleaning. I’m telling you, it was a pleasure.

First off, when I first walked in, the background music was Talking Heads. Good music set the stage for what followed. (I once had a dentist who played opera and sang along with it. After a while, it got to me.)

Secondly, you know those two pages that must be filled out every time you walk into a doctor’s office? His was the best questionnaire ever. One of the questions was tell us a little about yourself. Another was what are your hobbies? Oh my, these are dangerous from a writer’s perspective. I filled the page down the margin, included a shameless plug for my blog, and even worked in how I love collards. No kidding. I’d eat them every meal if I could. And I could if I made them more often.

Third, the entire staff was so friendly. We have already bonded over a certain hilarious story I can’t discuss here but may have to write a short story about.

Fourth, the examining chairs vibrated. Yes. Massage examination chairs. Nothing weird, just a little relaxing vibration on the upper back, shoulders and head. Heaven at the dentist office and those words may never have been written together until now. Maybe this is normal for Northwest Arkansas, I don’t know, but the only place I ever experienced this in Dallas was at Fine Nails. And, I’ve been to some fancy schmancy doctor’s offices in Dallas, specifically those that charge half a semester of college for a root canal.

Fifth. I’m sure there is one, but I can’t get past those chairs. Well done, Dr. Phelan.

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]Heaven at the dentist office. Massage examination chairs! #ToddPhelan #NWA [/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:

Talking Heads – And She Was

How to Make a Terrarium and Survive Winter…

February 24, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

Yes, it may be cold outside, but we shall survive winter and not let our green thumbs get moldy. Can I get an amen?

Winter is the perfect time to tend to your house plants, divide/transplant those babies springing up in your pots, and create a terrarium. If you don’t have any houseplants (what!?), go buy some as soon as possible. Plants add life to our homes and help us ward off the winter doldrums. Plus there’s that whole oxygen thing. Good stuff.

Local nurseries sell tiny terrarium plants, but you can also buy them on-line. (Search ‘terrarium plants’ and see what you find.)

I’ve always wanted to make a terrarium, especially one in a glass cloche. I’ve been keeping my eyes open for these domed shaped beauties whenever I go to flea markets or antique stores, but they are impossible to find. Or, super expensive.

I finally bought one a few years ago. (They come in different sizes—mine is 7″ by 8.5″). If you need one, I noticed a small one sold by Crate and Barrel for $10.95.

Making a terrarium is not rocket science, but there are steps to follow and basic ingredients needed. If you don’t already have the things you will need in your potting shed / garage / wherever, head over to your local gardening center. I promise, they will be thrilled to see you, (especially this time of year), and more than happy to help you gather these ingredients.

River Rock
Charcoal
Potting Soil
Moss

Step One: Place a smooth layer of river rock on the bottom of tray or container to act as a drain field for excess water.

Step Two: Cover rock evenly with carbonized charcoal. Charcoal purifies excess water and prevents mold and fungus from growing (since there are no drainage holes).

Step Three: Add potting soil over the charcoal layer, 2 to 3 inches for planting. This was a bit tricky with a dome cover. I left a trench around the edge for the lid.

Step Four: Plant! Dig a hole with your finger and place plant into it. These are small 2″ plants. Not much digging required.

Step Five: Place sheet moss in water and get it moist. Cover soil with moss. Add decorations if you like. (Shells, marbles, etc.)

Step Six: Mist with water. Cover. Watch grow.

That’s a big marble in my terrarium. Looks odd in the pictures, I know.

Keep out of direct sunlight. You may need to uncover occasionally and add a spoonful of water. I’m hoping that eventually mine will take care of itself, but I haven’t had it long enough to know yet. In the month or so I’ve had it, I’ve only watered it a couple of times.

This would make a wonderful gift too.

Now, on to a few other ways to spiff up your indoor gardening and ultimately survive the long cold winter.

Place a glass bell cloche over a single plant to make it a focal point. This also reduces watering and provides heat. A mini greenhouse. I love this look.

Add small plants to vintage planters. I have a collection, many from my mother in law. Sentimental, kitschy and fun.

For something different, plant a tiny something in an unusual container. This miniature ficus is zen-ish. Anything that creates calmness can be a lifesaver when cabin fever sets in.