Moving my garden to Idaho

Our new charming home in a cul-de-sac 

in a great neighborhood.

Dear friends, I appreciate your visit here and thank you for all the lovely comments. I apologize not being able to respond or visit your blog. There are many things going on. I'm taking a blogging break because we're moving out of state in a couple of weeks. Since we're moving sooner than planned, I'll be pretty busy packing. 
 

Most of you know from previous posts, my husband and I have been wanting to relocate. We found a 2-bedroom house in Garden City for rent in Boise, Idaho with a large backyard and a shed. It's a wonderful starter home for us newlyweds. The price was right and cost as much as an apartment. You can't find a house this nice and affordable in California, especially in Orange County.

Perhaps, I can create a shade garden in the side yard. I'm dreaming … the garden will take time, of course.
 

 The kitchen with the window has built-in shelves for growing culinary herbs.

 Wood floors throughout the cute house. I love it.

I didn't have my new camera at the moment therefore I'm not fond of the quality of this photo. Just to show you, I'm trying to acclimate the seedlings outside so they'll be ready when we move.

We must take all of my vegetable seedlings … yup, everything, including the raised beds and all perennials in the front yard. My tomatoes of 14 varieties are already 5 inches tall and my seven varieties of lettuce are growing fast along with cabbage, okra, peppers and eggplant. They're almost ready to be planted in their permanent place after I harden them off for a week or so. 

Peas, carrots, Swiss chard and spinach are germinating in containers outside. Four days ago, I sowed seeds of summer squash, cucumber and beans for an early start. Moving is going to be hectic but we're excited to leave.

Goodbye California, we're on our way to Idaho! I'll keep you updated as I write about our new home and garden soon.

My birthday and my garden

Columbine, a new addition waiting to be transplanted to another container. The work in the garden is endless yet enjoyable, spring season is indeed the busiest for gardeners! Before I share with you about my exciting birthday celebration, I will update you about the status of my organic garden edibles.

     

Various tomatoes I sowed from seeds in early March are thriving indoor, under the grow lights. I transplanted them into larger containers to allow more room for growth. Our mountain weather is beginning to warm up, at last. I need to wait a couple more weeks before it's safe to move tomatoes outside into the raised beds. My eggplant, okra, peppers and flowers seedlings are looking good too. 

 

Beautiful lettuce are almost ready to consume. I planted 7 varieties from seed, salad will never be boring!

 

Cabbage, a cool-season crop, is growing slowly but surely. Better results this time compared to last year when I started them late and they failed to grow.

My 31st birthday was April 7 and the celebration lasted for three days! It's a 2-1/2-hour drive from where we live to see family. I had a blast hanging out with my sisters I haven't seen in a while, they took me out to a yummy Mongolian grill dinner near Downtown Disney.

 

GardenWalk mall elevator with my sisters taking tons of silly pictures. From the left; Cecilia, center; Olivia, and me. 

The following day was a scrumptious Italian dinner in San Juan Capistrano with my husband's family, then we did presents and cake at home. I received everything from my birthday wish list – they were all gifts for the garden and I'm a happy girl! :)

Hubby and I went on a nice date the next day. We began with breakfast and headed to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Small water fountain I wanted for my little garden, dear hubby gave me with a Starbucks Coffee gift card for my birthday. I recently planted Japanese sweet flag grass and Fabiola water lily. According to the package, the flower is suitable for our climate zone. I have no idea if water lily will be successful here but I'm being spontaneous – you never know!

The garden utility bin my parent-in-laws gave me. Fabulous for keeping all the small garden tools organized with room for pots and soil. I love it!

I received nitrile gloves, it's strong but not bulky like ordinary garden gloves. My new trowel is well-designed, comfortable grip and the serrated edges is a plus. The soil scoop is very handy, I no longer have to use a plastic cup to scoop soil.  

Another great present, a table-top portable potting tray for indoor or outdoor use. No more messy newspapers on our dining table when I'm transplanting inside the cabin.

Books I requested from my wish list: 'From Seed to Skillet' by Jimmy Williams received excellent reviews. I'm currently reading this book and it's truly inspirational. I long to learn more about roses. 'Rose Gardening' by BHG is a wonderful reference. In addition to all my presents, I got a $100-gift card for Gardeners Supply and a $25-gift card to Lowe's. Yay!   

It's me transplanting pink jasmine to another container. I'm wearing the cute garden apron and hat I also received. The apron has plenty of pockets and perfect for carrying some tools. I'm thankful for all the generosity. This was the best birthday ever! 

Here's a short slideshow. I'm incredibly blessed with amazing family and my birthday was fantastic! 

Welcome spring

The weather is beginning to warm up in the mountains and it makes me cheerful. Please, no more snow! Last year was an exception when it snowed in the morning in the middle of May. My husband and I were at church, it was a cold day and we were astonished to see snow through the window.  

It was about 80F degrees the other day, I went outside to play. I have tons of things to do in the garden: cleaning, organizing, planting, etc. I'm going to be busy but I love it. I finally got around to sowing organic carrots, peas, spinach and Swiss chard from seeds too. 

My perennials haven't bloomed yet. I needed to see color so I bought a couple of plants for the front patio where we get partial sun and shade. Dear hubby built a window box for me. I transplanted two ivy and a trailing plant (I can't remember the name) that I already had into the window box. The new addition were coral bells and English primrose.

     

I planted Asian greens in a 10-1/2-inch galvanized container. I hope they grow so we'll have healthy stir-fry meals, yummy!

Perfect for small-space gardening.

I fell in love with this Oriental lily at the garden center. I have to get a new container to transplant it soon – another reason for me to go back!  

I couldn't resist – something new for my garden is Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus). I'm planting more annuals this year. 

I recently received this carrot grow bag from Gardener's Supply Company in the mail. My kitty, Lilo, always get excited when I get something new. 

A cat grow bag? She's super cute and spoiled! 

What's happening in your garden? Happy spring!