Leap Year Happenings 2016

Lots and lots going on currently,

so I am glad to have the extra day this year!
 

Preparation mode is in full swing with the Home and Outdoor Living Show fast approaching. 

Have you gotten your tickets yet? 
Follow the link in the picture to discounted tickets.
 

Plus, there are still a couple FREE ones left if you check the original post or Facebook...

 

Here are a couple teaser pics of what you'll see.

Don't forget the Seed Exchange is coming up, too!  RSVP on the Facebook event to get the latest updates.

If you listen to WHO 1040AM's Gardening Today Show next Sunday morning, you'll get to hear me talk about bringing more edibles into your landscapes!





I did get take a break from it all and got out in my own backyard today.  Although cooler than yesterday I took advantage of the decent weather and grafted some pear trees onto rootstock that I started from seed two years ago.



With all of this going on...
I am quite blessed to get suppers made for me!  My wife, of 13 years this week, found a great new way to prepare radishes.  Cooking mellows their strong flavor creating an almost potato-like addition to dishes.  With about 1/4 the calories and carbohydrates of potatoes they will keep your blood sugar from spiking the way it does with white potatoes.

Radishes are a great root crop that will mature quickly in your Spring gardens, with an early harvest allowing another warmer season crop in its place!  This Succession Planting increases your productivity in the same growing space.

Radish Sausage Skillet

 

Ingredients

4 chicken sausage, cut into bite sized pieces

1 large green bell pepper, diced

1/2 yellow, red or orange bell pepper, diced

1 onion, diced

1 lb of radishes, quartered

olive oil

salt and pepper

Instructions

In a heavy bottomed skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add the radishes to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Fry until cooked through, stirring often, for around 15 minutes.

In a separate skillet, brown the chicken sausage for around 5 minutes in 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium high heat.  Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.  Add the peppers and onions to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.  Cook for 5 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.  

Add the cooked radishes and sausage to the skillet with the onions and peppers and mix everything together.  Serve nice and hot!

Radish vs Potato

 

2016 Ready for Spring Seed Exchange

Can you believe the weather!?!? 
 

What a great way to end a week.  It sure got rid of all the snow we got last week, and has got me ready for Spring!  The official beginning is just over a month away, so what a perfect time to get together with friends and other gardeners in the area for a seed exchange!

I am so excited for our 2nd annual community seed exchange!

We will be starting seeds soon, maybe even on our new growing racks with seeds you saved yourself.

Ready for Spring                        
                       Community Seed Exchange
with Abundant Design, LLC

WHEN: March 19th, 2016
9:30am - 12:30pm
WHERE: Waukee Public Library
950 Warrior Lane
Waukee, IA 50263 (map)

(515) 987-1280

with Special Musical Guest Des Moines Downtown Farmer's Market Favorite

"Sweet Tater" TeRonde

 

 

What is a Seed Exchange?

A seed (& plant) exchange is exactly what it sounds like—a forum for swapping out seeds and plants with fellow gardeners, or those aspiring to be.  They allow gardeners to come together and share seeds, cuttings, and transplants from their own gardens to swap with others.  They are a great way to get rid of some of your extra seeds and get something new to grow — all for free!  It's also fun to chat with other gardeners, get some growing tips and build community.

 

Click Here  > >  RSVP  < <  Click Here

 

 

EVERYONE is welcome!

This event is for anyone who has seeds or wants seeds.  Expert gardeners.  Beginner gardeners. Aspiring gardeners.  Seed-savers. You. If you don’t have any seeds to swap, still come!  There should be plenty of seed to share with everyone as well as extra seeds available!


How it works

There will be two kinds of tables at the exchange but mostly Share Tables.  Share Tables are where you can place seeds for others to browse and take as needed, and for you to take items to try.  Everyone brings seeds to the swap and puts the seeds out on the large tables.  These areas will be free-sharing for all.  There might end up being a Barter Table.  These tables will be for your rarer items that you would trade if you got another more desired item.  If someone has rare or expensive seeds, they may be more specific in what they will accept in trades, and you can see if the person who brought them is interested in anything you brought.

Please do NOT let a lack of seeds to trade keep you from attending!

Most likely, people will just want to share their extra seeds, and they’ll let you take some even if they don't happen to need anything you brought.
 

 

What to bring

You can bring any kind* of seeds/plants to trade: flowers, vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials, bulbs — it doesn't matter. You can bring seeds you've collected yourself or leftover seeds from packets you have purchased.

It’s really pretty easy…

• Bring any extra seeds that are no more than two or three years old.
• Store-bought, mail-ordered or home-saved; all seeds* are welcome.
• If you are bringing seeds you saved yourself, please be sure they are from non-hybrid or knowledgeably hybridized plants, and were saved properly.
• You can bring the seeds in whatever packaging is easiest for you. If you can, make individual little seed packets for people to take. Please repackage large quantities of seeds into smaller envelopes or plastic baggies. 10-30 seeds are plenty. If you just want to bring your opened seed packet with leftover seeds in it, that's fine, too.
• If you bring seedlings make sure the plants are healthy and well cared for.
• Please clearly label all seed packets and plants with the variety name, year and source plus any special instructions or notes (for example, "These seeds need to be soaked before planting" or "My great-grandmother brought these seeds from the Old Country").
• Little envelopes and a writing utensil so that you can collect and label your “loot”

*please no seed saved or propagated from patented plants 

 

You do not need to be a seed starting expert — people will gladly share growing tips!

Watch my video for some easy plants to start with:

 

 

Here's a very thorough FREE download for more information on seed saving:

http://www.seedambassadors.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/seedzine4handout.pdf

Spring 2016 Countdown

" Have Your Lawn and Eat It Too ! " Feature Garden at the All New Des Moines Home + Outdoor Living Show

Last week I told you to stay tuned for a big announcement...

well here it is!

I am super excited, to announce that several months ago I got a call inviting me to do a feature garden at this year's ALL NEW
 

Des Moines Home and Outdoor Living Show! 

 

Come visit our 1700 square foot feature garden,

(near the top left on this map.)

"Have Your Lawn and Eat It Too!"

Various edible plants and design elements will be displayed that enhance the appearance, functionality and productivity of your space. 

The garden space will also feature ways to grow food in compact spaces, leverage synergies between different features and enhance the sustainability of your property.


While you're there take in some presentations on the Imagination Stage!

I will be presenting on how to "Have your yard and eat it too!" just before the Fabulous Beekman Boys on Friday, between them and the Property Brothers on Saturday, and then twice on Sunday.

Des Moines Home and Outdoor Living Show
Dates & Hours
Friday ​March 11, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday ​​March 12, 2016 ​​10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday ​​​March 13, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Admission
Adults (at the door) $10.00
Adults (Online only) $7.00
Children Ages 7-12 $4.00
Children Ages 6 & Under FREE

The first THREE people to email me right now with "Free Tickets" in the subject line will receive TWO tickets FREE!  Watch for more contests on this site and on our Facebook page as the date gets closer!

You can also get your tickets, with a bonus discount, through Abundant Design using the link below!

Be sure to use the Discount Code: SAVINGS

 

 

I can't wait to see you there!





Rain Barrels and More!

This week Abundant Design is happy to announce that we are working with Rain Barrels Iowa!

This relationship will allow us to provide their high quality rain harvesting systems and more to our customers. Their rain barrels, made from up-cycled (repurposed) food shipping barrels, will allow us to move faster on your projects and provide a nice looking option for your rain harvesting needs.

We've talked about the limitations of smaller rain barrels with the amount of rainfall we get in Iowa, but also how to use them for the most benefit (as well as proper maintenance).  This photo below from Rain Barrels Iowa shows an overflow system that directs the overflow to raised beds behind, where it can be used effectively.  They also have very large catchment options including 1000 and 2500gallon tanks.

Beyond rain barrels, they have 55gal rotating composters, garden tools and more.  I encourage you to check out their on-line store or their retail location at 4240 Clinton Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310.
Normal retail hours return in March (through September), but are available by appointment until then.

You can visit their booth at the Des Moines Home and Garden Show this week, too.

Stay tuned for another BIG announcement next week!

Honey, Sweet "Medicine"

Pollinators get a lot of attention these days, as well they should.  With stress due to habitat loss, viruses, fungi, parasites and pesticides, in addition to the normal perils of a bugs life, they could use a helping hand. 

Although not a native species to North America the Honeybee is probably the pollinator most talked about in the media.  Contributing to about $15 billion in increased agricultural value, they benefit directly or indirectly to every third bite of food we ingest.  See more in these food videos from Whole Foods.

But we have discussed pollinator health before with the Plant.Grow.Fly program and Monarch Watch posts. 

This week's topic is HONEY! 

Honey is the most recognized miracle product from bees.  A flower's nectar is changed by enzymes in the bee's saliva and concentrated back at the hive.  In our home, we use this delicious natural sweetener in place of table sugar in many recipes.  Grits aren't the same without some of it.  If you are ever at a Cracker Barrel for breakfast, make sure you don't skip the grits and try them with a spoonful of honey. 

Not only delicious and naturally sweet, honey has been used traditionally for a number of health supporting ways.

Skin Care - Honey promotes skin health and is a natural antimicrobial agent.  Massage some into damp skin to improve skin's health and appearance.  You can also mix granulated sugar into raw honey and use as an natural exfoliant.  Include a few drops of olive or grapeseed oil for a moisturizer.

Honey, Lemon and Thieves tea

Cough Relief - a Penn State study found that honey was a better cough suppressant than many over the counter medicines, although there was some controversy over the media's response. 
I know when I have a sore throat, cough or congestion hot tea made with honey and lemon is really soothing.

Allergies - Local honey can prevent or lessen symptoms with just a teaspoon per day.  Try starting a month before your symptoms typically appear for best effect.

Sleeplessness - A spoonful of honey at bedtime can help support a restful night's sleep.

Antimicrobial Ointment - With its antimicrobial properties, a bit under a bandage may protect cuts and minor burns better than an antibiotic cream.

Stomach Issues - Honey can aid in digestion, balancing both diarrhea and constipation.  It also inhibits growth of H. pylori, a bacteria linked to ulcers.


Honey has also been used for arthritis, leg cramps, pink eye and more.  Regularly consuming raw honey can boost white blood cell numbers and may improve immunity.

Special thanks to Nodaway Valley, The Birds and Their Bees, Keane Honey and Bec's Bees for all of the honey we have enjoyed the last few years.



Hives at the Forest Avenue Outreach garden

Maybe you are thinking bees might be a great addition to your yard or homestead.  If you live in Iowa you can find out if you can raise bees in your city at beelaws.org.  They have cataloged the city codes, with guidance and contact information if you have any questions.  If you are already an Iowa beekeeper look to Central Iowa Beekeepers or the Iowa Honey Producers Association.





There are many places to take some classes on beekeeping and you should always have a mentor to help you along as you begin.  Now is the time to order bees for this upcoming season.

Here are a few places you can order supplies and bees-

• Foley's Russian Bees  www.russianbee.com/   
• Kalona Honey Company www.kalonahoney.com
• Ebert Honey www.eberthoney.com
• P & P Honey & Bee Supply
• Spring Valley Honey Farms
• or the classified ad pages at the above organizations

Here is an interview with my friend Julia McGuire, a local beekeeper and advocate, on the Urban Farm Podcast.
http://www.urbanfarm.org/julia-mcguire/

Give it a listen and then watch the TED talk below about why our cities need honeybees.

This was a big information filled post this week.  If you can't get through it all at once, come back for the things you missed.

Stay sweet, stay healthy and have a great week!

Awarded Best Of Houzz 2016 - Press Release

Pretty sure this is Abundant Design's first press release!

 

I'm happy to have gotten to know my customers this last year.  To provide something enjoyable and productive for them, that is also great for the land, brings a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. 

 

I look forward to more projects in the year ahead!

 

 

Abundant Design, LLC of Waukee
Awarded Best Of Houzz 2016

Over 35 Million Monthly Unique Users Nominated Best Home Building,
Remodeling and Design Professionals in North America and Around the World

Des Moines, Iowa, January 12, 2016 – Abundant Design of Waukee has won “Best Of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The niche landscape design & install firm was chosen by the more than 35 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

“We can make something beautiful and productive, in a way that will actually improve the quality of our waters, fertility of our soil, and the health of our planet.” said owner and designer Jeff Reiland.

“Anyone building, remodeling or decorating looks to Houzz for the most talented and service-oriented professionals” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “We’re so pleased to recognize Abundant Design, voted one of our “Best Of Houzz” professionals by our enormous community of homeowners and design enthusiasts actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”

The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 35 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. A “Best Of Houzz 2016” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

Follow Abundant Design on Houzz
http://www.houzz.com/pro/abundantdesignllc


About Abundant Design, LLC
Abundant Design is a new and growing landscape design and install firm providing edible and sustainable solutions to homeowners, businesses and agricultural producers. Abundant Design provides consultations, design packages and full integration resulting in unique produce, wildlife habitat, nutrient conservation and land regeneration. Based in Waukee, Abundant Design serves the Des Moines metro and Central Iowa. For more information visit abundantdesign.com.


About Houzz
Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow and Tokyo. Houzz and the Houzz logo are registered trademarks of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.com.

# # #

 

Had a BLAST! Great Family Fun & Seed Bombs!

This weekend I had the opportunity to have a booth at the Waukee FamilyFest.

Each participating local business provided a game with prizes or crafts.  I drew some new coloring sheets featuring pollinators and the soil food web (you've probably seen the tree guild before).

 

The other activity we did was make "seed bombs" filled with flowers, wildflowers and butterfly larvae host plants.  This activity started out pretty slow, as pans of clay and dirt with a little box of seeds was not that eye-catching.  However, given a little time, the fading appeal of the bean bag toss and a growing muddy spot on our table the kids started to take notice!  The more dirty hands and smiles appeared, the more kids wanted to come over and give it a try.

Some kids preferred to put it all together in a plastic bag so they could keep their hands clean.  There were cookies and candy there after all :)


Other kids dove in with abandon, savoring the chance to get their hands covered with soil in the middle of Iowa's winter!  Maybe they longed for the sense of well-being that comes from soil contact.

There were also premade seed balls for the very little, or the very shy, so that everyone could get a chance to plant a place for butterflies and other pollinators this Spring.

In January in Iowa we have to be a little creative to get our gardening in!

If you missed out and want to try this at home, or if you think making seed bombs would be good for your classroom or kids club, watch the how-to video below!

Have a great week, stay warm and give these fun seed bombs a try!