The weather outside is getting colder, and the days are starting to feel shorter. Autumn is slowly settling in, and I’ve been preparing myself for the usual quiet of the garden as the season changes. But today I had a lovely surprise. Some say that when the weather gets colder and colder, zucchini stops producing—but … More A Surprise in the Garden
I cut all the tops of the pumpkin plants, hoping they will grow strong and be ready soon. Tops look so beautiful, full of promise—I’m even thinking about putting them in a vase just to enjoy them indoors for a little while. There’s something magical about seeing the garden transition from summer to autumn, and … More Vacation Day 23 – Autumn Whispers in the Garden
Finally, the tractor arrived to collect the hay we had mowed. Here, there’s a law that hay must be properly cleared from the meadows — you can’t just mow and leave it on the ground. So it was such a joy to see the hay being gathered, dried, and then rolled into neat bales! The … More Vacation Day 19 – Hay, Zucchini, and a Busy Yard
This morning began with something simple and lovely: fresh salad, dill, and crisp cucumbers from our garden, mixed with a touch of salt and kefir. Light, refreshing, and just right—especially before enjoying a coffee with a scoop of ice cream. I love mornings like this—unrushed, soft, a little bit magical. Afterward, I headed out to … More Vacation Day 2: Ice Cream & Coffee, Furrows & Flower Namesakes
Every summer, like clockwork, my mother-in-law’s garden bursts into full bloom—vibrant colors, lush greenery, and a sense of calm that only a well-established garden can bring. And every summer, I walk through it feeling just a little bit… jealous. Not in a bitter way. More in the way a beginner artist admires a masterpiece. Her … More A Walk Through My Mother-in-Law’s Blooming Garden
Today I finally sat down and spent an entire hour replying to all the blog comments I’ve been meaning to answer for days. I truly didn’t expect it to take so long, but reading your thoughts, memories, and kind words always makes me feel like I’m catching up with old friends. Thank you for taking … More Catching Up & A Cry for Help
I just realised it’s the last day of June!!!!June brought steady rain and moments of celebration — a month of quiet wins and the familiar chaos of real life. Here’s a look back at the goals I set at the start of the month and what we managed to accomplish. But first June gallery! How the June … More What We Achieved in June
When it comes to making a ziedu vainags (flower crown), you don’t need wire, thread, string, or tape. Nature gives us everything we need. With just wildflowers and smilgas (bentgrass or other strong wild grass), you can make a crown that stays firm, holds its shape beautifully, and brings joy both in midsummer and long … More Make your own Flower Crown!
Yesterday was one of those rare days that felt like a gift. The sun finally made an appearance after a month of grey skies and drizzle. I didn’t even realize how much I had missed it until I stepped outside and felt its warmth on my face. And yes—believe it or not—I even got a … More A Sunny Day and Nature’s Goodies
I finally did it—I planted and seeded the furrows. This year I have 4! It’s ridiculously late in the season, I know. Normally by now, the garden would already be showing signs of life, and I’d be sharing photos of sprouting rows or eating baby carrots! But this year… this year has been strange. It … More Late Seeds, Soaked Soil, and a Bit of Hope
Saturday night turned into early morning. I couldn’t fall asleep—wide awake until 4AM. Maybe it was the full moon, maybe it was the one cup of cola I had (and I never drink caffeine!), or maybe just life’s current chaos, but sleep simply wouldn’t come. I had restless legs, and I stepped outside, thinking some … More 4AM: Can’t believe my eyes
I can’t recall a spring quite like this one—so cold for so long! These past few weeks have felt more like late March than May, and it’s starting to wear on me. By now, I’d normally be busy in the new garden (at least in the greenhouse), hands in the soil, finally planting out my … More A Cold Spring and Tomato Troubles
May brings fresh energy and blooming beginnings. This month, I’m focusing on garden tasks, creative projects, and grounding routines like journaling in my grimoire. With no big renovation plans (maybe just the bathroom…), I’m choosing to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the rhythm of spring—especially with Nelle turning thirteen! … More May Goals & Intentions
A 100 km trip for new trees brought more than just magnolia and cherry saplings—it stirred memories of last spring and a surprising sadness for a once joyful place. Now, with soil under my nails and hope in my heart, I plant anyway. … More A Spring Trip for Trees
Spring has arrived—or at least, that’s what the past few days wanted us to believe. The sun finally broke through, the air warmed up to a delightful +14°C (57F), even reaching +16°C (60F) in the afternoon. It felt like a reward after the long, dark winter. Birds sang louder, the soil softened, and the first … More The False Spring and the Inevitable Frost
I couldn’t make the title shorter, sorry :). As the days are still too cold in Latvia. We start sowing seeds late April or May outdoors. I can’t wait and I’ve been busy sowing seeds indoors and outside in water bottles – winter sowing. What I’ve planted so far. Winter Sowing ’ve already started a … More Starting the Season: What I’ve Sown Indoors and in Winter Sowing so far
This year, I decided to try something new in my garden: winter sowing! It’s something I’ve read a lot about but never attempted until now. The process involves sowing seeds in containers during the winter months, and letting nature take its course until spring arrives. While I’ll have to wait until April/May to see the … More Winter Sowing: My First Attempt
I had all my seeds in the shoe box and in the plastic box with the lid. It’s not like I can’t live like this, but it’s so good to have a beautiful box that is made specially for seed packet storage. I love small beautiful things that make everything MUCH BETTER! As you know, … More Galvanized v.s. Frog Seed Box
I only meant to buy one seed storage tin. Really, I did. But after spending far too much time browsing, I just couldn’t decide. So, instead of choosing, I bought both! 🎉 And honestly? No regrets. I now have two beautiful seed storage tins from Burgon & Ball, each with its own charm and purpose. … More I Couldn’t Resist – So I Got Two Seed Boxes!
January feels like the longest month for gardeners in Latvia. It’s cold and dark, and there’s nothing I can start indoors just yet. But February is so close, and with it comes the first chance to start sowing seeds. The gardening year of 2025 is just around the corner, and I’m beyond excited—especially because this … More Dreaming of Green: Counting Down to Seed Sowing
When we first bought our house, we weren’t exactly thrilled about living next to a dirt road. The dust would roll in every time a car passed by—especially in the dry summer. But we loved the house and the land, so we decided to stick with it. The dust is still an issue, but I … More Life by the Dirt Road: Unexpected Joys and Challenges
This summer was like a juggling act gone wild! Between renovations and work, my greenhouse turned into a jungle, but surprise! My little yellow tomatoes flourished amidst the chaos. They’re so tasty that the kids can’t resist munching them straight off the vine. As it turns out, chaos can be delicious—who knew? Note to self: more tomatoes next year! … More Summer Chaos, Renovation, and the Tastiest Tomatoes
The author discovers “cottagecore” through a quiz and learns it represents a simple, rural lifestyle filled with cozy, nature-themed aesthetics. This trend, which gained popularity during the pandemic, emphasizes vintage décor, gardening, and crafting. The author resonates with cottagecore, identifying more with country living than urban life. … More Cottagecore: The Quiz Nailed It, but I Had to Look Up the Word!
Six photoshoots in a the row and I lost my fight with weeds!! I didn’t started this day with coffee and breakfast. Went streigt to the garden! Weeding is fun but not when it’s overgrown! If I’m not blogging… weeds took me over! Ilze
Oh my, I toss and turn and couldn’t sleep tonight. I finally got out of bed at 5:32AM. Went for a walk and realise I will need spring onions for tuna salad… Well – to the garden I went 🙂 Fresh wind in my hair and refreshing dew drops on my feet! This lilac is … More The First crop
a day in the life of a latvian mom 