Garden Notes : Member Updates

Each month team members offer personal gardening updates that captures the work of the seasons; prepping, planting, and harvesting.

We just added new plants in our tiny garden and it looks like snails are thrilled about it. They like them so much that every morning we find a new plant left with only stems. As much as we love snails, we can't leave them eat all our plants one after the other. A friend advised me to place some beer in saucer next to the plants to attract them. I'm going to give it a try and hopefully this will give enough time for the plants to grow and become stronger! :)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/purepixie

Chives blooming in my garden.
Update by www.etsy.com/shop/NeedlesAndKims

Blooming Mamou Plant
www.etsy.com/shop/gabriellesgarden

As I had mentioned earlier, I seeded and planted early again this year, with survival of the fittest in mind. I had just about given up on the potatoes, and some of the other seeds, and voila, they appeared. I really like my little greenhouse. It's perfect! I got some more grow boxes and hoping to do some transplanting this weekend, if there's time and weather allows for it. The one thing I'm most curious about now is how the garlic will come out. It's growing and thriving it seems. I know I'm gonna have to dig down around one bulb, just to see what's there. :-)
Update by www.etsy.com/shop/Friggjasetr

This is a flower growing in our garden. The name of the flower is sleutelbloem (dutch name), in latin Primula Veris and in English Primrose. The bloom of the primrose indicates that spring is awakening. As a medicinal plant, primrose is known as a mucolytic and expectorant remedy against coldsand bronchial catarrh.
Update by www.etsy.com/shop/Ishild

Herbs, flowers and bushes are our goal this Spring. We are cutting back the invasive plants and giving more room to the native plants of New England.
Update by www.etsy.com/shop/SarahWinterClothwork

Progress Report : Members News

Each month members share news of their business, craft, art, and projects and plans!

A) In May, I will be vending at the DC Craft Mafia's Spring Thing (http://www.craftmafiadc.com/?ai1ec_event=the-spring-thing&instance_id=) and Ballston Arts & Crafts Market (http://ballstonarts-craftsmarket.blogspot.com/)
B) Also, in collaboration with Karen Lee of EcoKaren, and team leader of Eco Etsy, I am launching Herban Crafts, a social enterprise offering earth-friendly craft kits. The inaugural set will be organic bath and body product kits. Profits from sales of the kits will fund a job skills/social skills training program for unemployed women living in transitional housing. I am launching a Indiegogo Campaign to raise funds for the initial set of kits. http://igg.me/p/99189?a=571127
I presented the idea on April 22 at the Global Health and Innovation Conference at Yale University. There many interesting presentations by social entrepreneurs in many different areas.
http://www.uniteforsight.org/conference/
http://herbancrafts.com
www.etsy.com/shop/herbanlifestyle

I have bee enjoying creating for my baby boy and falling in love with the softness of my undyed hemp fleece all over again. For him I made a hooded towel based on a pattern I had but the project ended up being way too big for his size. The picture was so cute though that I kept it as my new avatar!
www.etsy.com/shop/curlymonkey

Etsy Earth Team sponsored an Earth Day Giveaway.  We did not get as many entries as I had hoped but a few member’s reported more traffic to their sites, so that was a bonus. Three winners were chosen and packages will be shipped Monday, April 30.   I’m working on a few new products that will add a facial care line to my store and hope to have that available mid-May. Simply Rustic participated in the Sustainable Living Fair that was held Saturday, April 21st at the Northwoods Community Secondary School in Rhinelander, WI.  Met many wonderful people and made great contacts with other local sustainable businesses.
www.etsy.com/shop/simplyrustic2011

I was so looking forward to share with you a report and pics from my first market on Earth Day. Unfortunately it was canceled due to rain. I could have gone on Saturday, but had already promised a friend to babysit her pregnant due goats. She was attending the same market, and from what I understand it had been great. The weather was beautiful, and there had been a lot of people attending. I'm still working on trying to see if it makes sense to ship some of the items I had made for the show. Some of them are already up, others still in the works. I now have a liquid version of my Organic Eco Beans!! More to come on that. This weekend I'm hoping to start milking my Trinity (goat). By now the milk should be nice and sweet. Will use for own consumption, cheeses, yogurt, kefir, soaps etc. I only have one milker this time, so will be limited amount of milk. In regards to what to make it into, still haven't decided what's on top of the list. It's either going to be kefir (I'm a sucker for good kefir), yogurt or cheese.
www.etsy.com/shop/Friggjasetr

Question of the Month : Members Share

Each month members are asked a question concerning our theme, news, or current events.
Members were asked:  What do you think of the American Spring and the Occupy Movement? Do you have hope for change and are you witnessing more and more people realizing their power or are you seeing that many are not engaged in the times?

A few days ago Monsanto was threatening to sue Vermont state if the bill for mandatory GMO labeling passed. It didn't scare the people and the bill was voted. It shows that consumers are fighting hard for their right to make an informed choice.
www.etsy.com/shop/curlymonkey

I do have hope for change, and think these organizations are very important in getting more people involved with the changes they want. However, looking around, people seem to be mostly occupied trying to stay afloat these days. I do think there will be a gradual change though, but it will take time. It feels like the pendulum have started swinging the other way, it's just having a little bit of a hard time getting the momentum. Once it get's going though, nothing will stop it. :-)
www.etsy.com/shop/Friggjasetr

The American Spring is a good opportunity for people of good will to join together and let their voices be heard. After the long Winter it has been difficult to re-invigorate the movement, but I hope we are able to. So many of us are silenced by laws and circumstance. The discussion of our National Agenda has to include all of us, not just the rich and financially powerful.
www.etsy.com/shop/SarahWinterClothwork

On May 1 2012 I participated here:
http://www.occupyashland.org/community-forum/topic/may-day-general-strike/
www.etsy.com/shop/greensprings0

Poetry : Mary Oliver

Photo by www.etsy.com/shop/lookforfiddleheads

Freshen the Flowers, She Said
by Mary Oliver

So I put them in the sink, for the cool porcelain
        was tender,
and took out the tattered and cut each stem
        on a slant,
trimmed the black and raggy leaves, and set them all–
        roses, delphiniums, daisies, iris, lilies,
and more whose names I don't know, in bright new water–
        gave them

a bounce upward at the end to let them take
        their own choice of position, the wheels, the spurs,
the little sheds of the buds. It took, to do this,
        perhaps fifteen minutes.
Fifteen minutes of music
        with nothing playing.


Shared by www.etsy.com/shop/SarahWinterClothwork

Eco-Spotting : Members Report

Each month members observe their surroundings in to highlight good news, discoveries, beauty and progress!

photo by www.etsy.com/shop/earthenknit

This cute little marmot was spotted in Rocky Mountain Park near a scenic pullout. It was awesome to see her or him so close up! Bainbridge Island has just become the fifth city in WA state to ban the use of plastic bags.  Local businesses will be allowed to charge 5 cents per recyclable paper bag - incentive to help us remember to bring our cloth bags into the store!   I appreciate that my community has taken the initiative to help reduce pollution in this way. 
www.etsy.com/shop/sageandkai 

Not too long ago we received a hand-out from the land use committee in the town I live, in regards to removal of Barberry. I was so happy to see it, as it is such an invasive plant. I have a fair share on certain parts of the property, and in full swing getting rid of them. The following links might be useful for others as well.
http://www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/NewtownCT_BBoard/I03628A8A.1/Barberry%20Removal%20Hand-Out-1.pdf
http://www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/NewtownCT_BBoard/I03628A8A.0/Barberry%20Blitz%20in%20Newtown-3.pdf

I'm trying to go with native plants as much as possible. Awaiting a order for some Northeast pasture seeds to put down on lawn and pasture.
Reported by www.etsy.com/shop/Friggjasetr 

News from Jefferson Memorial Forest, one of my favorite local hiking spots. Metro Parks’ Louisville ECHO (Louisville is Engaging Children Outdoors) initiative is in its fourth year and has allowed nearly 1,000 students to explore the outdoors since its inception. Currently the program serves fourth-grade students from five elementary schools, providing multiple field experiences.
Reported by www.etsy.com/shop/NeedlesAndKims


On April 24, 2012.Mayor Vincent Gray released his draft Sustainable DC Vision Plan, as part of his initiative to lay out a vision and strategy for making the District the cleanest, greenest, most sustainable city in the nation. This initiative is the product of robust public participation, input from working groups, and feedback from business, institutions and governmental agency leaders.
During the press event and ribbon cutting, the Mayor discussed the draft Sustainable DC Vision Plan’s top priorities and highlighted a package of associated legislation. Located west of the Anacostia River just north of the John Philip Sousa Bridge, this portion of the trail is a much-anticipated connection over the CSX railroad tracks between S. Capitol Street and Benning Road. The Riverwalk is a key component of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative’s efforts to create a world class waterfront in our Nation’s Capitol and provide 20 miles of trails along both sides of the river. http://sustainable.dc.gov/
Reported by www.etsy.com/shop/herbanlifestyle 

Green Goals : Members Strive

Each month members asked about the greening of their households, issues and solutions.  

Members were asked:  When planting food, weather in your outdoor garden or in the windows, were do you get your seeds to assure that they are chemical free and safe? Are there brands that you know are scams and are there brands that you trust?

Photo www.lookforfiddleheads.etsy.com

The weather has been crazy here as everywhere else and it has been trying my patience.  I love organic gardening and in all reality I should not be planting for another month.  Last year at this time, we still had ice on the lakes and snow on the ground.  The ice has been gone since March 15 and snow around the same time…very unusual for northern Wisconsin.  I finally ordered my seeds and go through Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, www.rareseeds.com, and then we have a local greenhouse that I trust for everything else I need.  I will hopefully be planting some items this week that can tolerate a few colder nights.
www.etsy.com/shop/simplyrustic2011

For a few years I had a kitchen garden. In this garden I cultivated plants without the aid of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for weeds or pests. (and actually when is something really weeds or pests....? There are many weeds you can eat...).
I ordered my seeds from two fantastic stores who grown their seeds organically and without pesticides. In addition, they also had unusual plants, who were used to be cultivated but now almost not longer exist. The so called 'forgotten vegetables'. I was very happy with these stores. I give you two links so you can watch their websites.
http://www.bolster.nl/
http://www.denieuwetuin.be/
www.etsy.com/shop/Ishild


I have been part of a community garden since last spring and so far our front and back gardens have been very successful. This year we planted strawberries and herbs. I would love to get some sources we can trust in order to share with my neighbors for our next planting season!
www.etsy.com/shop/curlymonkey

I get most, if not all of my seeds from www.GrowOrganic.com Have been using them for several years and really like their selection and fully trust their labeling. Have actually gotten some young plants (blueberry) shipped from them as well. Very happy with their products. I don't buy either seeds or plants at Homedepot, Lowes, Walmart, Target or the likes. There are some local nurseries that I have to check out, in an effort to support local business as much as possible. From what I understand there are some great ones around. But I have to tour them myself. What's great to others might not be great to me.
www.etsy.com/shop/Friggjasetr

I barter for my seeds from fellow growers at the market.  My favorite seeds are the heirloom variety. www.etsy.com/shop/greensprings0 

Mothers Day Giveaway Winner

The winner for the Mothers Day giveaway is

Sheena Myers! 

Congratulations !!

Courtesy of Random.org, You won the Mother’s Day Giveaway!! 

Please email simplyrustic2011@gmail.com and we will get your package out as soon as possible!

Mothers Day Giveaway!

My Mother Kept A Garden

My Mother kept a garden,

a garden of the heart,

She planted all the good things

that gave my life it's start.

She turned me to the sunshine

and encouraged me to dream,

Fostering and nurturing

the seeds of self-esteem...

And when the winds and rain came,

she protected me enough-

But not too much because she knew

I'd need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example

always taught me right from wrong-

Markers for my pathway

that will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother's garden.

I am her legacy-

And I hope today she feels the love

reflected back from me.

~Author Unknown

Etsy Earth Team Members donated wonderful items that are handmade, organic, natural and/or made from recycled sweaters and would be great gifts for Mother’s Day or a wonderful treat for yourself.   Retail value over $100.  

The Mother’s Day Giveaway will run today, May 3 through Monday, May 7. 

Enter below, there are many options to enter but please take the time to check out the shops that are donating items.  One winner will be randomly selected Tuesday, May 8 and items will be shipped that day so you can receive them in time for Mother’s Day!

Thank You and Good Luck!

Beautiful Finds of the Month

Members present items inspired by our monthly theme. This month's theme is "We Love our Mothers"gifts perfect for women and pampering!

Eco-friendly luxury with Organic Cotton Washcloths by EarthenKnit

Rose Garden Soap by herbfriend

Luxurious cream with rose hip seed base oil and an exotic blend of organic essential oils by Friggjasetr

Blossom-shaped vanilla cocoa fizzing bath bonbons by herbanlifestyle

Reusable organic facial pads in a beautiful handmade gift bag by purepixie

A small shoulder bag to holding simple necessities by SarahWinterClothwork

Shoulder bag made from a recycled wool sweater and cotton crochet vest by NeedlesAndKims

Eco Friendly Soy Candle Tarts by greenleafcandles

Organic washable facial pads in hemp fleece by curlymonkey

My natural perfumes make fantastic gifts for moms by greensprings0

GREEN GOALS :: Members Strive

Each month members asked about the greening of their households, issues and solutions.  
Members were asked:  How many different types of cleaning products did you have in the 1990s and how many today? Do you think you could cut the quantity down even further? If so, which ones? 

I love the Self-Sufficiency series by Rachelle Strauss. There are books on every topic imaginable; beekeeping, cheese making, herb gardening and more. The household cleaning book really narrows down cleaning ingredients to about 12 natural items that clean everything. An excellent book for savings and health.
Lookforfiddleheads

I never really used many different cleaning products. Back home we didn't have nearly the selection there is here, and were pretty content with pineneedle soap and scrub for sinks,toilets and bathtubs.
When we moved to the US I was all over the place for a short time, as I had to try at least some of all the different  kinds that were out there. Now, as long as I have baking soda, borox, castile soap and vinegar, I'm pretty much set for all cleaning.
Friggjasetr

I wrote this article on Spring Green Cleaning Tips: http://nikki-nikkidesigns.blogspot.ca/2012/03/spring-green-cleaning-tips.html I have gotten rid of any cleaners that I had that were not eco-friendly and switched to using all natural products like vinegar and baking soda instead.
Nikkidesigns