{Home on Wednesday} - Spring is for planting

A fun little weekend activity with my girl.  She has the attention span of a... nearly six year old, so it's good to find things which don't take long and have a few different steps.

Step 1. Add seed raising mix to trays.
Step 2. Place one seed in each section.
Step 3. Cover with 5mm seed raising mix.
Step 4. Water regularly.

I wanted to grow something under the plants along our back fenceline.  Nasturtiums are a great choice as they grow quickly and are quite hardy, PLUS the flowers can be added to salads for a pop of summer colour.  They have a slightly peppery taste which I really enjoy.

image from Sheridan Rodgers (links to recipe!)

I planted some of them out yesterday evening, so hopefully they will do their thing and grow like wildfire!

If you have stopped by, it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or just say hello so I know that you've been here. Thank you!

{Home on Wednesday} - Potted Daisies

Way back in 2009, we travelled to the south of France, along the French Riviera.  Somewhere along the way, by a shop doorway in one of the many villages we wandered through, I saw a daisy plant in a galvanised iron tub.  It's been an image that stayed with me the past few years, so I finally decided it was time I had my pot of daisies.

The Queenslander split front staircase at our home starts with two not particularly attractive concrete slabs.  Completely uninspiring, and just begging for some attention and some sort of makeover.  It was here I decided my potted daisy should go.

But, hey, why stop at one!  I now have eight tubs and pots in various sizes, evoking those memories every time I walk up the stairs.

And what's the best thing about daisies?  According to Miss TikiBoo, they are perfect for picking!

Here are some tips if you like this idea:

• Look around for different sized pots and buckets.  I visited several different nurseries and hardware stores to source mine.  They cost $9 - $15 each. My large tubs are actually designed to be tubs to hold ice and drinks, the medium pots are actually buckets and the smaller pots are from Ikea, similar to this.
• Make sure you drill holes for drainage in the base of each pot or bucket prior to planting.
• I selected Federation Daisies (Yellow - "Surfer Girl"; Pink - "Summer Pink" and a traditional white).  I also have a potted lavender in the arrangement.  Herbs would suit as well, and would add to the "cottage garden" feel.
• Daisies like a sunny spot, but will dry out quickly so don't forget to water regularly.
• If you "dead-head" (ie: cut off the withering flowers) your daisy plants regularly, it encourages your plant to continue blooming.

What have you done in your garden recently?

This post is the first in a new series I'm introducing to my blog "Home on Wednesday". Look out for my At Home posts each week to see how things are progressing around our home and garden!

If you have stopped by, it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or just say hello so I know that you've been here. Thank you!