A Walk Through the GREEN Garden

Dahlia bud

 

Clematis, past it's prime

 

Hens and Chicks...or just Hens?

Hydrangea

Lupine

Onion

Grass Flower and Butterfly Centerpiece Tutorial

I grew fifteen bowls of grass on my outdoor patio the past 15 days. 

I was getting a little nervous until I began to see some sprouts popping up.

These were made for the Teacher Appreciation Lunch at my boys' school.  I have seen the boxes of grass and thought they were so cute.  On Pinterest (shocking) I found an old wooden box with wheat grass and delicate butterflies hovering.

The old noggin starting cranking and after a couple so so ideas, I thought origami butterflies would be perfect.

The flowers must be credited to my Poppa.  I told him what I was doing and he said, "Butterflies don't like grass, they like flowers."  Touche Poppa, touche.

So this morning, I went around my house clipping tiny flowers and some weeds, to come up with this cute little bowl.

Here are the specifics:
I found plastic cereal bowls in the Fourth of July section at Dollar Tree, 3 for $1.00.  I bought 15, knowing I was only making 12, but just in case.  Thankfully, I did that because Millie ate one.

I purchased dirt from Lowe's specifically for grass starting.  I was under the wire in time, so I wanted to do everything I could to make the grass happy.  Regular dirt would work, too.

The grass seed was a quick growing regular grass seed mix.  I did not use wheat grass - I couldn't find it.  And, being Celiac, I have a distaste for anything called WHEAT.

In each bowl, I bet I used two hefty handfuls of seed.  The first handful I mixed into the top layer of dirt, the second was scattered on top.

The bowls were wet most of the time as we were experiencing tons of rain.  Make sure you keep these wet.

Origami:  I tested a bunch of origami butterfly patterns, but this one was the simplest and I really loved how it curved and the wings 'open' up at the last step.  I used small paper squares, 2 inch square.  Your first valley fold is the color of your wings. 

This is the origami pattern I used: CraftJr Origami Butterfly

The hot glue gun and some florist wire was all I needed to attach the wire to the butterfly at the top, using the final fold to help secure the wire in the butterfly.

Assembly:  I made a ton of butterflies.  They were easy, relaxing and I'm picky, so I wanted a bunch to choose from.  I used two for each bowl, I think that's sufficient.

I clipped flowers in my yard, including: Gallardia, Lady's Mantle, Lavender, Daisy (of the weed variety), Pansies and three other flowers that I have in my yard, but have no idea what they are called!  Regardless of the names, just make sure the stem is somewhat sturdy to make it through the wet soil.

Then, stick in the butterflies!  I like to have one appearing to be getting some nectar from the flower and the other on a longer wire fluttering above.

It was fun, and easy, as long as you have the forethought to get the grass started a couple weeks prior.

 Bowls without the butterflies

These flowers were from my russet potato plant.

It Has Begun

The neighborhood pool has been open for six days and my boys have been there at least four times.

Although this looks lovely and relaxing, it didn't last.

It was a struggle getting there as Big Boy had a meltdown about his brother and friend not being "friends".  Then, it was a struggle leaving the pool as Big Boy refused to get up from his sunbathing pose.  

I had taken out ground turkey this morning to thaw for tacos, one of their favorite dinners.  On the way home, I was told, "Here is the deal: we are having pizza, not tacos and we will have pizza tomorrow night and Saturday and Sunday.  I promise I will listen to you the first or second time you ask and will I still get Skylanders for my birthday if I'm good?"

How did this happen?  Where did my inquisitive, cute, kind little boys go?  

They got into a fight within ten minutes of returning home, capped with a round of door slamming.

The deal making needs to stop.  The demands need to stop.  The begging needs to stop.

We (I) need caring, compassion, consideration.  

I'd like this to be aimed at me, but I'd take a little showing towards others, too.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

New Business

Little Man is going to be an entrepreneur.

He is constantly thinking of new ways to earn money.

Without further adieu, may I present the "Plastic Recycled Overalls:  Adventure Pants"