This site is an archive of ChiotsRun.com. For the latest information about Susy and her adventrures, visit the Cultivate Simple site.
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Delightful Dahlias

September 30th, 2014

I love dahlias, but have never grown them in my garden. Digging up tubers to overwinter seems a bit too much for me, but perhaps someday I’ll grow a few. When my mom and I were in Seattle, we went to Volunteer Park to visit the conservatory. While there we noticed that right across the street there was a dahlia exhibit maintained by the Seattle Dahlia Society.
Dahlias at Volunteer Park 9
There were dahlias of all colors, shapes, and sizes, each one nicely labeled. We really enjoyed looking at each and ever one.
Dahlias at Volunteer Park 1
Dahlias at Volunteer Park 2
Dahlias at Volunteer Park
Dahlias at Volunteer Park 3
Dahlias at Volunteer Park 4
Dahlias at Volunteer Park 6
Dahlias at Volunteer Park 5
Dahlias at Volunteer Park 7
Here in Maine we’re lucky enough to have the Endless Summer dahlia garden featuring tons of beauties, at least that’s what I hear. I didn’t get over to see them this summer, but it’s on my “must see” list for next year. A local friend was just telling me how wonderful it was. Perhaps I’ll visit next year and get a dahlia of my very own. If you’re looking for dahlias, consider ordering from Endless Summer and support a small business!

Do you grow dahlias? Do you have a favorite?

Taking a Day Off

September 29th, 2014

Mr Chiots and I were busy yesterday and I arrived home late, and tired. Too tired to write much, too tired to think about what to post. As usual, I’d never leave you without something.
Dexter (1)
This is Dexter taking the day off when he was grounded. He’s supposed to be back indoors by dusk, but the previous day he didn’t show up until around 11 pm. Since he missed his curfew he was grounded the next day and wasn’t allowed outside. Somehow I don’t think sleeping on the bed all day is much of a punishment.

Quote of the Day: The Land Institute

September 28th, 2014

“When people, land, and community are as one, all three members prosper; when they relate not as members but as competing interests, all three are exploited.”

The Land Institute from Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn, 2nd Revised Edition

farmers market 3
farmers market
Belfast Farmers Market 5
Belfast Farmers Market 6
farmers_market_apples
farmers market 2
One of the easiest ways to build community is to support local businesses and farms. Find a local farmers market, a small food co-op, shop at local businesses, eat at local restaurants and you’ll be amazed at how this brings prosperity to your local community. When the local community prospers all the members prosper and that includes you. Take some time today and think about how you can increase support for the small, local businesses and farms in your area and help bolster your community. It’s vital for us to keep our communities strong because it helps us be more resilient and the responsibility is ours to strengthen them!

Savory Egg Muffins

September 27th, 2014

Finding ways to make breakfast both quick and healthy can be a challenge. Around here, eggs are on the menu pretty much every day. I love making baked egg cocottes, but that’s a little time consuming for a weekday morning. This is where savory egg muffins come in, they’re full of healthy eggs and vegetables, you can even throw in ham, bacon, sausage, beans or another form of protein if you want more. Lately mine have been just eggs and vegetables.
egg muffins
They’re so simple: whisk 8 eggs in a large bowl, add 3 cups of diced vegetables or protein of your choice, stir, pour into greased muffin tin and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. I like to lightly cook my vegetables first, but that’s not necessary. You can also mix in cheese, chopped herbs, and other goodies. Earlier this week ours were filled with: onions, peppers, zucchini, parsley and parmesan cheese. They’re good hot out of the oven or even room temperature later that day.

What’s your favorite quick breakfast?

Friday Favorite: Potting Sheds

September 26th, 2014

I’ve always dreamed of having a proper potting shed, instead most of my potting is done on the kitchen table or kneeling on the ground outside. Some day I will have a potting shed, but that probably won’t be for a few more years. Until then I’ll enjoy potting sheds that I see out and about. Like this beauty spotted on one of my garden tours this summer.
potting shed (1)
potting shed (2)
Lovely isn’t it? I also took photos of everyones work and compost areas, you know those areas of the garden we all have but are less than perfect. I actually love seeing them and I’ll post photos of those later.

Do you have a dedicated potting ares?

About

This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.

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