Oh Jeanne

I looked back at when I first started this post.... 3rd of August!!!

with all intentions of putting it up before the next magazine arrived.

So now almost 3 weeks later I'm finally finishing it,

The magazine came a few days ago and for those of you

that preordered they should be arriving at your

door any minute now.

I had to order more and as of today all orders have gone out.

Thank you!!!

You may have seen these "teasers"

that we all get before the release but now

I can share a few more with you.

Charming outdoor spaces.

( Shrimp and Salmon with dill dressing)

And delicious recipes

This issue is more about kitchens this time.

Organizing is the key to a happy kitchen or should I say happy cook.

Every issue is packed with easy ideas and craft projects.

One that intrigued me was one that allowed me to use my

ever growing eucalyptus plant.

It long ago lost it's tag. It maybe around 10 years old.

I believe it's spiral eucalyptus and only a tender perennial

.....meaning simply it's not hardy enough to be grown outside.

For the longest time it struggled to live in the
too small a pot I had it in but once

it's roots made it thru the

bottom drainage hole it was a happy camper.

At this point I'm afraid to move it.

George calls it wasted space.

I don't agree because when I make bouquets to bring to friends

I often like to include a few branches.

Yes, I know I could buy them at the florist but it makes it more special(I think)

that it was grown by me!

Just wrapped around a basket for a simple decorative touch.

I also have this elongated type growing but nothing as large as the one in the picture.

In JDLiving they mention the species that can be grown in

Denmark.....Eucalyptus archeri, gunnii, pauiflora, and perriniana.

That got me to wonder if they can grow there maybe they can grow

in our cold climate ( Z-6)

The information online was a bit confusing which it often came be when you

try to research the hardiness of a plant.

The best source I found was

HERE

there you can find most varieties that can grow in

zone 8 (10-20 F) and colder.

The hard part maybe to find the plants.

Many are not grown in the US and too many are mislabeled.

Maybe you might know of places that sell hardy species.

If so, let me know!!!

Well, meanwhile until I can get my Eucalyptus grove growing:))

I think I'll try making some of these projects.

A notebook can easily be decorated and become quite personal

if you dress it with layered eucalyptus leaves. Make it while the leaves are fresh

and glue them on the book using arts and craft glue.

You can add a little card for explaining what the book is meant for.

Write by hand and make it look extra decorative be using a complimentary color.

A large heart

Craft a large heart from fencing wire and tie the ends using steel wire.

Using a glue gun fasten leaves directly onto the wire. You can

decorate the heart with a card, a little cross, a bit of lace or whatever

you like.

A wonderful wreath

Grab a length of steel wire, string pearls and leaves.

Alternate the fresh leaves and pearls.

Once you get the length you want, finish it up by tying the

two ends together. It looks wonderful when

left lying on a table.

The hostess gifts I often like to bring!

Flowers picked from my garden using eucalyptus as

a graceful filler.

What do you like to bring your hostess????

or better yet what do like to receive???

***

Hope you had a good weekend!

we finally received some long awaited RAIN today!!!

YAY