The weather is getting colder, but honestly… it is still way too warm for October. We even had 17°C at one point. Seventeen! In October. And I somehow managed to collect zucchini twice after I had already decided that the normal growing season was over. The garden clearly didn’t get the memo. The air is … More The Garden Is Waiting for Frost
Last goodies from the garden — the last corn, a few carrots and beets, a few last zucchinis, and apples. Also, was lucky to pick the last aromatic wild strawberries I seeded from the seed and autumn raspberries. Have you ever heard of Schisandra berries? Schisandra is such an interesting berry 🙂 I still don’t … More The Garden’s Last Harvest
I decided to make a garland from all my straw flowers. I’ve been collecting them from around the pool and bringing them inside to dry, and now I have a whole bunch of them sitting around waiting for a purpose. So — a garland. I want to hang it in the room and bring a … More A Straw Flower Garland to Brighten the Room
There is no autumn without apples, indeed! I had to pick a few from our garden because the branches were simply too full to handle. I was afraid they would break under the weight of all those apples. So, of course, the apples came into the kitchen. And makes mess… I’ve already made quite a … More There Is No Autumn Without Apples
Back in June, I planted straw flowers around the pool. At the time, they were still small and easy to overlook. I just wanted something cheerful around the edge — flowers that could handle the sun and, hopefully, give that slightly wild, summery feeling I like so much. And now, at the end of September, … More Update: Straw Flowers
There’s something so satisfying about collecting seeds from my garden to save for next year. A little piece of this year’s garden, carefully saved for the next season. I love the thought of planting these again and watching the cycle begin all over. Ilze
One of the things I love most about this time of year is bringing home little gifts from the garden. Last night, I came inside with an armful of fresh harvest – cucumbers, string beans, and everything needed for fermented food: horseradish leaves, blackcurrant leaves, and plenty of fresh dill heads. The zucchini plants have … More Little Gifts from the Garden
Last night, I didn’t fall asleep until 3 AM. The full moon was shining brightly outside the window. Usually, I enjoy those peaceful nights and somehow seem to sync with that quiet energy. This time, though, it was different. My mind just wouldn’t settle, and sleep refused to come. Perhaps that also set the tone … More Evening Watering in the Garden Heat
There is something incredibly satisfying about making a meal where almost everything comes straight from your own garden. Today’s dinner is a simple vegetable roast with chicken. The only thing I had to buy was the chicken. Everything else was grown here at home. The tray is filled with freshly dug potatoes, sweet carrots, beetroot, … More A Roast Almost Entirely From the Garden
There it is — the rain we desperately needed! It poured heavily for about 10 minutes, then continued at a gentler pace for another 30. It wasn’t a long storm, but it was enough to give everything in the garden a lovely, much-needed drink. The timing couldn’t have been better for the girls. They were … More Nature Took Care of the Watering
Sometimes a blog post doesn’t need a big story. Today, it’s simply me in my new dress, wandering around the garden. The dress made me feel happy the moment I put it on. It’s comfortable, feminine, and perfect for a warm summer day. The kind of dress that makes you want to slow down, stroll … More Just Me and My Garden
Yesterday I wandered around the garden with a basket in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, just checking on how everything is doing. I was happy to discover that my mint hasn’t started blooming yet. That means it’s still the perfect time to harvest it for tea. I always try to … More A Little Tour Around the Garden
Lately, I’ve been eating peas every time I walk outside. It’s become my little summer ritual. I’ll step away from my computer for a few minutes, wander into the garden, and pick a handful of fresh peas straight from the vines. They’re sweet, crisp, and somehow taste even better because they come with a short … More Stealing a Few Minutes
June is one of my favourite months in the vegetable garden. Everything suddenly seems to wake up and start growing faster every single day. The leeks are getting bigger and stronger now. They still have a long way to go before harvest, but it’s always satisfying to see them thriving after such a slow start. … More Garden in July
It’s so hot here in Latvia today — +29°C (84°F for my USA friends). I don’t think I’m built for this kind of heat! 🥵 On the bright side, it’s the perfect weather for everyone who needs to cut the grass and make hay. ☀️ This evening, the temperature finally dropped to +20°C (68°F), and … More Heat, Hay, Sweet Peas & a Friendly Stork
This morning, before I even picked up the watering can, something caught my eye on the greenhouse floor. A snake skin. For a second, I just stood there looking at it. It was much bigger than the one I found last year. Last summer, I only noticed the old skin after I had already watered … More A Snake Has Been Visiting My Greenhouse Again
Can’t wait to eat first peas Ilze
It’s peony season again. My mother-in-law has so many different peonies growing in her garden. Every year they put on a beautiful display, but this year one flower completely surprised me. My daughter brought me a single yellow peony. I had never seen a yellow peony before. Pink ones in every shade? Yes. White and … More A Yellow Peony
This is a wild animal. No one feeds it. No one pets it. No one tucks it into a cozy bed at night. And yet… I have to admit, I would absolutely love to give this adorable European hare a cuddle. 😊 Of course, I won’t. Wild animals should stay wild, and that’s exactly how … More A Wild Visitor I Always Love to See
It was finally time to clean up and set up the pool for another summer. Unlike many sensible people, we didn’t clean it properly in autumn. We emptied the water and left it outside all winter. With temperatures regularly dropping to -20°C here, I was too nervous about leaving water inside and hoping for the … More Pool Season Has Begun
Yesterday I was in the greenhouse, continuing the endless task of taking care of the tomatoes. While I was there, I decided to finally clean up one corner that had somehow become a “later” place. There were mostly cardboard from IKEA furniture and a few empty potting soil bags. Nothing exciting. Or so I thought. … More Surprise in the Greenhouse
This morning, I stepped outside with one simple goal — to see what food I could find in the garden. To my delight, there was plenty. I picked fresh rocket, radishes, dill, spring onions, and salad leaves for breakfast. There is something incredibly satisfying about gathering food just a few steps from the kitchen. It … More Shopping in My Own Garden
My very first harvest from the garden this year! I stepped into the greenhouse and suddenly realized how much the salad had grown already. And dill! And the best part — it had self-seeded. Without much planning or effort from me, there it was: soft green salad leaves and dill. Peaked at my rased beds … More My First Harvest This Year
After what felt like an endless stretch of cold, ice, and even snow, today finally brought a little bit of relief — a warm 17°C (62°F). It almost feels unreal to step outside without that biting chill in the air. Check the pic of Marley 🙂 This change means more than just comfort. At last, … More Finally, a Warm Day
The raised beds are ready. Weeded, mulched, and quietly waiting — just like me. Now it’s that in-between time where everything looks prepared, but not much is happening yet. The sun teases a little, but I know better. The last frost here usually lingers until late May, and anything not frost-tolerant still has to wait. … More Waiting for Warmth
The 100th day of the year has its own quiet rule in Latvian garden — peas go into the soil. No discussions, no overthinking, no checking the forecast for the tenth time. No matter what, the peas are going in. Some years the ground is still a bit cold, some years it’s perfectly ready. It … More Peas Go In on the 100th Day
For two days in a row, I had the same quiet visitor. Almost in the exact same spot, too. A snake. I have to admit — I love snakes. Not in the “I want one as a pet at home” kind of way… but out here, in nature, they feel right. Like they belong. Like … More The Same Visitor, Two Days in a Row
Last week was full of outdoor work. It felt like the garden was slowly waking up after winter. At the beginning of the week there was still plenty of snow around. It’s always funny how quickly things change at this time of year — one day everything is white, and a few days later you’re … More Cleaning the Greenhouse and Starting the First Seeds Outdoors
Spring is slowly returning, and the garden is starting to wake up! In this video, I take a walk around my garden to see what’s happening: my raised beds are beginning to take shape, snowdrops are starting to appear, and I check on the plants I sowed over the winter in my mini greenhouses. I … More Spring is here!
I have a small piece of news to share. YouTube After thinking about it for… well… for 13 years, I finally started a YouTube channel. At the moment there are only two videos there. One of them is in Latvian, but please don’t let that stop you from visiting anyway. You can still come along, … More Some news to share 🌱
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