Category: Package Guide

  • Gift Ideas for Gardeners, The Country Yuppie

    Gift Ideas for Gardeners, The Country Yuppie

    Having fun at home. Guest post by Danielle at The Country Yuppie.

    I was inspired to write a blog post with gift ideas for gardeners after I signed up for Tara’s seed exchange at her blog, She’s Rooted Home. If you want more info, head on over to her page and sign up; the more the merrier and partners are paired up twice a year in the fall and in the spring. I was paired with a sweet gardener in my area and I’ve been shopping like crazy so I thought it would be fun to share some of my finds with you!

    Personally, I tend to be a quality over quantity type person and I love getting gifts that I wouldn’t typically purchase for myself. So that is the approach I took for most of the gift ideas included here but I realize that some people like to give multiple gifts and “multiply” the fun! So I have both personalities covered.

    HAT

    First up, a great hat. I love wearing a hat not only to protect my skin from the sun but because I don’t have to do my hair! It’s a win win and just because we are getting dirty doesn’t mean we can’t look cute doing it. My favorite hat and the one I wear all the time is from Carly Jean LosAngeles. It is the Ventura Hat

    White summer dress and summer hat

    Don’t be discouraged if they are out of stock; just enter your email and they will send you a notification when they are restocked. I got mine a couple years ago and it is a staple for them. I’ve put this hat in a suitcase and it has held its shape nicely. I love it! I’m going to buy the light tan one next…or maybe the black…or both. If you are in a hurry and can’t wait for them to restock the Ventura, check out their other cute styles!

    TOOLS

    A good pair of scissors always comes in handy and I have multiple pairs because I always misplace mine. I love this pair of stainless steel scissors (left). Simple. Well-made. You can enjoy them for years…if you don’t misplace them! haha If you are looking for a budget friendly version, and aren’t quite ready to splurge on the stainless steel, head to Etsy and search for garden sheers. They have a lot of cute options in the $10 range! To the (right) I found these mint green sheers. The color is oh so fun and I like the thumb catch.

    Pretty garden scissors and sheers

    Next up, a scoop! Time to trade in the red solo cups or shallow hand shovels we’ve been using and upgrade to a practical tool that many gardeners forget to source for themselves. This scoop is on my personal wish list. Last but not least in the tool department, a square hoe from Magnolia. Efficiency is key in the garden because there is always so much to get done and this hoe will help gardeners get their plants in the ground quickly and in style.

    Pretty Gardening Tools

    SEEDS

    Well there couldn’t be a “seed exchange” without seeds! Lately I’ve been learning more about heirloom seeds and I’ve slowly been starting my collection. If you want to know more about seeds, check out my friend, Tiffany’s, post at Down a Cow Trail. There are a lot of great seeds sources but a couple of reputable online vendors you can check out are Seed Savers and True Leaf Market.

    Garden seed packet gifts

    HARVEST BASKET

    1. Colander Trug – This trug is a practical basket that is budget friendly. The plastic material has drain holes for rinsing your harvest and it is a nice size. This is a popular basket online and it took me some time to find one in stock at the right price.
    2. Wire Basket – I liked this basket because it is practical for the garden and easy to clean but can also be great to store harvest goodies on the counter. Dual purpose for the win!
    3. Woven Basket – This basket comes in two sizes. I kinda like the little one for berries and cherry tomatoes and it is a great basket to give your little ones to help them enjoy the harvest experience and feel like one of the big kids. *Wink*
    4. Harvest Apron – I thought this was a fun spin on a harvest “basket” and might be a great option for mamas who have their hands held by little helpers or are harvesting fruits and veggies that are a little higher up. Anthropologie has the half apron version.
    Garden Harvest Baskets for gardens
    Garden Harvest Basket gifts for gardeners

    CANVAS TOTE

    This tote by Martha Stewart is a gardener’s briefcase. Keep all your hand tools, twine, scissors, gloves, sunscreen and salt and pepper shakers in one place. Come to think of it, really cute salt and pepper shakers would be another fun gift idea. Please tell me I’m not the only one that eats tomatoes like apples. 

    Garden tote organizer gift for gardeners

    WATERING CAN

    I’m really into copper accents right now and love the glitz this watering can offers the home or garden. You could use it for watering potted plants and herbs or watering starter seeds. I love beautiful pieces that serve a purpose.

    copper watering can gift ideas for gardeners

    Well I hope some of these gift ideas for gardeners proved helpful for you. If you decide to gift any of of these items or maybe order a gift for yourself, I’d love for you to tag me over on instagram at the CountryYuppie and show me how you are putting these items to good use.

    If you happen to be harvesting any strawberries or spinach right now, check out my Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe.

    Happy gardening my friends!

  • Guest Post: 16 Seed Exchange Ideas To Send Your Partner

    Guest Post: 16 Seed Exchange Ideas To Send Your Partner

    Hi, I’m Samantha! I’m a wife of eight years and mom to two adventurous little boys. I recently left my full time job as a registered nurse and moved from Texas to the coast of North Carolina. I’m a passionate homemaker, crafty by nature and love sharing from scratch food, home decor and budget friendly DIY over on my blog, www.littlecottageonthecoast.com.

    Photo Credit https://amandaraylee.com 

    When Tara asked me to be her guest today, I was delighted. I jumped with excitement the moment Tara announced the She’s Rooted Home seed exchange. What a sweet way for everyone from brand new to experienced gardeners to come together and share their experiences and knowledge. Behind all the pretty little squares on Instagram, I’ve connected with some of the sweetest and most genuine friends. In addition to sharing seeds and tips, the seed exchange gives us each an opportunity to build new friendships. I’m thrilled to share a few ideas for what you could include in your partners package. First, I wanted to share a little about my personal gardening journey. 

    It all started a few years back. I had taken a trip to Magnolia in Waco, Texas and was captivated by their beautiful garden. Once I got home, I knew I wanted to start gardening, but didn’t have any idea where to start. Since we had a small yard, I planted in containers, not knowing how many wonderful things would actually grow. I’ll never forget getting to pick lemons from my Meyer lemon tree to make fresh squeezed lemonade. That season, my little container garden brought me a kind of joy that’s hard to describe. Gardening is so rewarding! If you’re new to gardening, my biggest advice is relax and have fun. You’ll learn so much along the way. 

    There are so many fun ideas for what you could include in your partners seed exchange package. Now that we’ve been matched with our partners, you probably know a little bit about them, their personal preferences and style. How fun to carefully curate a special package of goodies. When I sat down to think about what I would include in my package, I wanted to give practical items, but also things that reflect my partners style as well as special items you may not typically buy for yourself. Below are several pretty and useful goodies that are fun to use in the garden. 

    1. Linen apron– How cute is this linen apron? It’s pretty and functional, keeping you stylish out in the garden. 

    2. Plant spacing ruler-This spacing ruler and dibbler are so handy. This site has a great one and so many other great gardening supplies. A few days after seeing these, I passed the Target dollar spot and found one almost identical for only $3! You bet I grabbed one for myself and my seed exchange partner.

    3. Basil seeds– Basil seeds or another easy to grow herb seed is perfect for sending your partner. I love growing herbs in cute pots. A small pot is great for display on the kitchen counter or a sunny windowsill.

    4. Half apron-A half apron like this is easy to store and perfect to wear in the garden. It’s striped denim pattern is charming and it has plenty of pockets for toting around seed packets and small garden tools.

    5. Galvanized tray- This galvanized tray is so cute! The round feet and ruffled edge make it cute enough to leave on the counter top arranged with seed starts or as a saucer under a planter.

    6. Cupcake white cosmos– If your partner likes flowers, Floret Flower has so many wonderful seeds to choose from. These cupcake white cosmos are so darling. 

    7. Floral gardening gloves– Every gardener needs a good pair of gloves. These floral ones are pretty and practical.

    8. Gathering basket– A gathering basket is a great item to include in your package. Perfect for collecting fresh goodies from the garden, this one is roomy and works inside as decor too. 

    9. Gardening scissors-These are my favorite little scissors! They’re sharp, stylish and come in a small leather holder for storage. The perfect gift for someone with a cut flower garden.

    10. Peat pots– Including a few peat pots is great for a partner that’s starting seeds. There are so many options for these. They’re available in multiple shapes and sizes. You can choose a large package like these or grab a small pack for just a few dollars. 

    11. Ornamental Squash ‘Triamble’– The moment I saw these beauties over on floretflower.com, I knew they would be perfect for fall decor. 

    12. Watering can– This little watering can is perfect for starting seeds indoors. It’s miniature size and gentle flow are perfect for seedlings. 

    13. Twine– Garden twine can be used in so many ways. I love that this spool of twine comes on a wooden holder complete with scissors so you can grab it and go. 

    14. Terra cotta pots– These scalloped terra cotta pots are so delightful. The details are so pretty and they’re perfect for growing herbs on a windowsill.

    15. Plant mister-A mister is perfect for seeds and indoor plants. Aside from that, it’s pretty! One of those items I may not buy for myself but would love to receive. 

    16. Sunflower seeds– These white sunflowers are so beautiful! Floret does it again!

  • DIY Burlap Bird Seed Bag

    DIY Burlap Bird Seed Bag

    Hi friends!
    I’m Sylvie, and I’m so happy to share another DIY with you guys this week! If you’ve missed out on my last guest post where I show you another simple DIY on making a garden twine jar for your seed exchange box, make sure to check it out! I also introduce myself, if you are wondering a little bit more about who I am.


    When I first started gardening, I thought of it as growing plants and collecting bountiful harvests, but I soon realized that a garden is so much more than that. It requires nature to come into play, to attract bees, and butterflies which work to pollinate your plants to be able to harvest those tasty veggies!

    The first year I started including flowers, I was surprised with so many bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, chickadees, gold finches, sparrows, and four little swallows that hover over the garden all summer long. Nature is so incredibly magical and I want to inspire others to bring nature into their gardens. One of the best ways to do that is to feed your pollinators! Flowers are food for all of those little friends you want to invite into your garden. Birds do eat those pesky insects in your garden, but why not give them a little treat by setting out some seeds? It may even help attract new birds to your garden as well!


    Including a bird feeder in your seed exchange box is also a great way to help your partner attract more birds into their garden. I’m going to share with you a quick and easy way to include a small bag of seeds to go with your bird feeder!

    What you’ll need:

    • 1 12×12-inch piece of burlap
    • A 10-inch piece of twine
    • A paper tag or label
    • Letter stamps
    • Ink pad or paint

    Cut a piece of burlap according to size. You can also choose a bigger or smaller size depending on the amount of seeds you’d like to send! A 12×12-inch piece of burlap fits about 1.5 cups of seeds tucked inside.


    Next, punch a hole in your tag. Take your stamps & ink or paint and write down anything you’d like to label your seeds with. Once it’s dry, loop your twine through the hole of your tag.


    Lay your piece of burlap down and pour your seeds in the very middle. Take the opposite corners of the burlap and pull them up in the center, doing this with all four corners, and hanging on tight with one of your hands right above the seeds.


    Grab your tag with the twine, and loop it around the bag a few times underneath where you are hanging onto it. Tie a couple knots, and you can also finish up with a bow!


    All of the items used for this DIY can be purchased at a craft store for a couple dollars each!Amazon Links:
    Burlap: https://www.amazon.ca/Linen-Burlap-Fabric-40-Inch-Natural/dp/B00KSXGLGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=burlap&qid=1581967576&sprefix=butlap&sr=8-6&th=1&psc=1

    Twine: https://www.amazon.ca/Darice-Ply-Natural-Jute-28/dp/B00GHSMZUM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=twine&qid=1581967641&sr=8-3

    Tags: https://www.amazon.ca/Phenovo-100pcs-Paper-Blank-Rectangle/dp/B00X6UKRCM/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=brown+paper+tags&qid=1581967727&sr=8-9

    Letter Stamps: https://www.amazon.ca/Wooden-ABC-Stamps-30-Piece-Scrapbooking/dp/B06XPYBKNQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?keywords=letter+stamps&qid=1581967776&sr=8-10

    Ink Pad: https://www.amazon.ca/CARTERS-Stamp-2-75-Inches-Black-21081/dp/B00006IBQA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=ink+pad&qid=1581967821&sr=8-3

    PIN IT FOR LATER!!!

  • Seed Exchange Package Guide for the Homesteader

    Seed Exchange Package Guide for the Homesteader

    Seed Exchange package guide for the homesteading partner.

    A homesteads goal is to supply a families needs. Backyard chickens(egg layers and meat birds), raised garden beds, food from scratch and lots of homemade/handmade pieces, are all things you can find at a homesteading home. I compiled a small list of ideas that I think any homesteader would enjoy unboxing.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    #1

    #2

    #3

    What does homesteading mean to you? Do you have any favorite products that you use on the farm or homestead?

    PIN IT FOR LATER!!!

  • A Simple & Easy DIY For Your Seed Exchange Partner

    A Simple & Easy DIY For Your Seed Exchange Partner

    Hi friends! I’m so happy to have this little space on Tara’s blog to share with you a simple and easy DIY for your seed exchange partner!

    But first, I’m Sylvie! You can find me over at @smanderstrom where I share a piece of my everyday life in tiny squares. My little family and I live on a 1 acre homestead where we learnt that gardening is a hard labour of love. I spend most of my spring days starting tiny seedlings indoors and playing in the dirt prepping the soil of our 50×50 garden patch as well as a few garden beds. Our garden space grows every year as with my love for gardening and I can never seem to have a big enough garden!

    In the summer I love waking up to the sunrise, grabbing a mug with what my taste buds are craving in the moment and heading out to the garden to take a stroll while the sun glimmers and sparkles on the dewy plants. If I’m lucky, I may even be joined by a couple hummingbirds that like to flutter around with my company. The sound of the bees buzzing and the beautiful morning light in my garden is the perfect way to start my day.


    Before we dig in, Tara asked me to share my vision of a seed exchange box!

    My vision of a seed exchange box is to include some of my favourite must have garden items that I use all season long, as well as a few other items to help your garden thrive with friendly pollinators. I couldn’t imagine my garden without bees, butterflies & birds and I’d love my partner to experience a garden full of life!

    Flower seeds were the first to come to mind.


    They are the perfect way to attract all beneficial insects as well as birds. Cosmos, sunflowers, and zinnias being some of my favourites and these cut flowers are so incredibly easy to grow, even for beginners! Floret (USA friends) & Stems Flower Farm (Canadian friends) have beautiful unique varieties of flowers to choose from!


    If you’d like to add something a little more, why not add a few flower bulbs inside your box? Gladiolus are some of the easiest bulbs to grow and attract hummingbirds to the garden. They are incredibly beautiful and are one of my must-haves to plant every year!

    A small seed tin is also great for storing a few seed packets.


    I love to use this little tin to keep my seed packets dry when I make my way to my garden to direct seed. It also keeps them all in one place and if a package accidentally opens, I can find my seeds at the very bottom! I found this in a small local shop, but be sure to check out garden sections when you are browsing in stores!

    A little notepad is great for the garden.


    I love writting notes down whenever I check things out. I can take notes on how things are growing (which helps me better prepare for the following year), pests, or even things I need to do in the garden a little later. I picked this one up from Floret (on sale on Amazon right now!).

    A bird feeder is a great little addition to your box.


    A unique little idea that some may not think about, but what perfect way to attract those little flutterers to your homestead or local garden! You could even include a little bag of seeds to go along with it. I’ll be sharing a DIY on bird seed bags next week, make sure to check back!

    Garden twine.


    Twine may not be all that fancy, but it is incredibly versatile in the garden and can be used in so many different ways! I love using it to keep track of my rows when I direct seed in the garden! I also use it to tie plants to stakes as they grow and you can even use it to trellis peas or beans. Read below on how to make your own garden twine jar!

    DIY Garden Twine Jar

    This twine jar accompanied with twine scissors in the perfect addition to toss into you garden basket when heading to your garden!
    What you’ll need:

    • 1 mason jar
    • 1 roll of twine
    • 1 pair of twine scissors
    • Sticker labels
    • A fine tip marker

    The first step is to punch a hole in your mason jar lid. I like to live on the edge a little and I used a star screwdriver. I did this by putting the lid down on a cloth (shiny side up), then punching a hole, but you could also use a drill. Make sure the whole is large enough to pass your twine through. You may also have to sand down the underside of the lid where you punched the hole, just to prevent the twine from tugging on the edges.


    Next, cut a piece of twine from your roll long enough to wrap and tie you scissors around the rim of the jar.


    You can choose to take the strand of twine and pass it through the hole you made in your lid then simply tape it down with decorative tape, or you can just place the roll inside the jar and tighten up the rim.


    Loop your twine around your twine scissors and tie them around the rim.


    The last step is to make a pretty little label for your jar. You can get as creative with this as you’d like! I just used simple jar stickers and hand wrote on my label with a marker.


    Avery makes all kinds of labels that you can place in your printer and get creative with the templates. If you don’t have a printer, and can’t find sticker labels, you can make a pretty label that wraps around your jar with simple kraft paper. Handwriting your label will give it a pretty vintage look and you can tape it with pretty decorative tape at the back.

    You can purchase all of these items to make this DIY from a craft store. Many of these items can also be found on amazon.

    Mason jars: https://www.amazon.ca/Bernardin-Regular-Mouth-500ml-Jars-Box/dp/B00593JWSO/ref=sxin_5_ac_m_rm?

    Twine: https://www.amazon.ca/Giveet-Multi-Purpose-Industrial-Gardening-Applications/dp/B0722L3GMV/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=twine&qid=1581796159&sr=8-8

    Twine Scissors: https://www.amazon.ca/Vintage-Cross-stitch-Dresser-Embroidery-Scissor/dp/B07NS1CGLR/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=embroidery%2Bscissors&qid=1581964794&sprefix=embroidery&sr=8-4&th=1&psc=1

    Sticker labels: https://www.amazon.ca/Avery-Scallop-Labels-Inkjet-Printers/dp/B07N2XF3W6/ref=mp_s_a_1_27?keywords=brown+jar+labels&qid=1581796270&sr=8-27

    OR
    https://www.amazon.ca/stores/page/519DAFAA-644E-462C-A9AA-3E3786AFA694?ingress=2&visitId=37ebb309-278a-44d9-9a72-77e0c60ebadf&ref_=bl_dp_s_mw_19793402011

    PIN IT FOR LATER!!!