Flowers (annual and perennial), Herbs

Chamomile Plants

Chamomile plants are known for the relaxing tea in which the flower blossoms have seeped. As a flowering plant, they add beauty to any area they are growing. I grow some in a large pot and let the seeds germinate up the walk to the house. They self-seed in the oddest of areas, however, always add a perk of white and yellow wherever they are growing. The blossoms attract bees to your location.

Chamomile plants in a container

Take a snip the flowers off the plant and dry on cookie sheets or old window screens. Seep the dried blossom in tea eggs for a bedtime tea.

There are two types of this aster related family: Roman which is a low growing perennial and German which is the upright annual that is more of the sweet apple tasting brew is for teas.

I start the seeds indoors, plant in May, and it blooms in mid-June. Cut back after the first bloom to generate a second bloom.

In Germany, chamomile was used as a lawn before grass was common. The plant was considered a healing herb in early England and used in most of the British gardens.

Container gardening, Flowers (annual and perennial)

African Daisy or Cape Marigold

The African Daisy or Cape Marigold are commonly called by their fancy name “Osteospermum”. You commonly find these plants in the greenhouses coming mainly in yellow and purple but many colors in between. They make for great plants in containers. You must dead head these to keep them flowering all summer long.

African Daisy

This white one I grew from seed is a “wilder form” which should be hardier to wind and heat. The white bloom and shiny purple center are reminiscent of the true roots of this plant. The flower opens on sunny days and closes on cloudy days or at night. The newer varieties stay open more.

Whether grown in a container or ground, African Daisy needs a little water and some fertilizer and that is all. Too much water creates leggy, weak plants.

The plants where brought to Europe and America in the 19th century.

DIY Projects, Rural life

Chicken Coop

Thinking about raising chickens? First, think about your chicken coop. One thing to remember if you are buying one or building one is to give your chickens 4 square feet of space per chicken. More is better, after all, they are going to be pets and a happy chicken is an egg-laying chicken.

Now think of nesting boxes. These are where they are going to lay their eggs. Boxes should be a foot high, a foot wide, and a foot deep. Straw is a good medium in the nesting boxes. I like the use of milk crates, however, I have seen pics on using many other kinds.

Chickens need a place to rest at night. This roost needs to be away from the wall and the top roost should be away from the ceiling, so they do not hit their heads. Give them at least a foot apart so they do not crowd. You can make your own roost or use wooden ladders.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to provide proper ventilation. Provide cross wall ventilation by putting in windows and screens so you can open and closed them.

Make sure the coop is secured to the ground, so a wind does not tip it. Any gaps or holes should be covered with wire cloth so predators like rats and raccoons do not enter. Make sure the entrance latch is secure. If a child can open it, a raccoon can open it.

My neighbors have a chicken coop, where they let their chickens out (free-range) and towards night, they shut the door on the coop.