Cornerstone Garden Farmers Market April 7th

Cornerstone Garden (formerly, My Secret Garden- 414, in the back) has begun a floriferous Farmers Market

The vendors set up in the rear of the garden shop. A quaint alley where there is plenty of space for additional participants. We are striving to keep variety unique and exclusive.

 The second Saturday of each month, Chihuahua Rescue will have doggies for adoption or fostering. Georgia the baby goat will be present each week.

 

Larry Kirwan will perform for the market tomorrow. His music is tranquil and if you have never heard a hammered dulcimer, come on down to Cornerstone Garden. Thanks Larry!

   Sweetgum Grove Farm provided upcycled earrings, purses, bags, pins and buttons.

   Cornerstone Garden offers fabulous pots, bluebird houses and hummingbird feeders. Come take a peak Saturday mornings from 8-12.

 We also have thyme and parsley.

Artemisia is a beauty, having medicinal properties and great in containers.

We also carry clothing for those needing some assistance in determining their body type. Each piece is labeled with the following:

 Lines include Neon Buddha, Comfy USA, Surrealist and more.

Other Farmers Market Vendors include:

• Le Petit Bakery- Dinner Rolls, Jams, Banana Bread, English Muffins, Scones and Breakfast Bars
• Alson the Artist
• Libby’s Perfect Portions-Cake Bites, Cookies, Brownies
• Organo Gold-  Organic Coffee and Hot Chocolate the doctor would approve of
• The Secret Tea Room Cafe- Hot Tea and Tea to Go. Grab and cup and a complimentary cookie
• The Fat Fighter- Health Coach (usually brings a yummy and healthy snack). She, herself has lost over 215 pounds and can help you reach your goal
• State Street Florist- Gorgeous Fresh Bouquets
• Cornerstone Garden Clothing Line-Clothing Complementing Your Body Shape
• Able Earth Clay Creations-Unique Birdhouses, Wind Chimes, Pet Tags and more

Other Vendors Joining us soon are:

• Riverbirch Vineyards
• Earth Things
• Sassy Gems, LLC by Geri
• Soap and Stone Essentials
• Green Box Gardens
• Running Dog Bakery
• Donna Hodges Jewelry
• Sweetgum Grove Farm
• Jewel’s Produce

You never know who will be playing for you

Come on over to 414 (rear) State Street in Greensboro, where Cornerstone Garden supports local businesses.

 

 At our farmers market, there are plenty of seating areas to enjoy the surroundings. Many customers ask if this is my home and they do not want to leave the serenity.

Here is a link to our first market, http://greensborogardens.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/cornerstone-garden-farmers-market-on-state-street/

We are looking for additional vendors. Please contact Diana@justacloudaway.com

 

 

DianaDigs Balloon Flower

The balloon flower (above)is commonly known in the landscape world, but its cousin is definitely worthy in my garden.

 Botanical name, Campanula glomerata is low maintenance and blooms for 2 months, at least.

This perennial needs some shade from the hot afternoon sun, drought tolerate, deer resistant and if deadheaded, will bloom again. It is not invasive and works well in cottage style gardens or other informal landscapes in the backyard.

The size of this perennial is about 18 inches around and fits into the front of a perennial bed nicely.

DianaDigs Campanula glomerata!

at Cornerstone Garden 414 State Street in Greensboro

 

Diana Digs My Secret Garden-3

 

414 State Street, formally known as, “My Secret Garden”.

A beautiful weekend to work on State Street. Much was accomplished like tilling the front terrace and removing unwanted plants.

4×4 caps were placed on the posts for iron fence, where pots will be installed later.

Every inch of this location will be taken advantage of. Cracks in the sidewalk, stairs and wall will be planted with crevice plants (not weeds).

 Several cascading plants will adorn the brick wall and bloom at various times of the year. Bulbs, annuals and perennials will add to the splendor. There will be a few spots open for people to sit as well.

Needed a nice entryway planter filled with perennials, sedum, annuals and the grass on top is called Amazon Mist.

   2 “Burgundy Cotton” Crape Myrtles were installed by the fence.

The project was supervised by my son.

We are getting there and hope to have our Grand Opening April 30th (after our April 16th event), just in time for Mothers Day plants, gifts baskets and more!

 Happy Planting!

Landscape Design, Installations, Consultations and Speaking Engagements

 

Why Schedule a Landscape Design Appointment

DianaDigsDirt Landscape Consultation Process

After the client answers a 25 question survey, an appointment is set. Diana prepares for a brief presentation with ideas generated from the questions and may bring color copies of appropriate landscape spaces from analyzing questionnaire.

If after a 1 hour landscape consultation, notes are taken by DianaDigsDirt and given to client. If we feel a design is needed because of the scope of work, the consultation fee is subtracted from the landscape plan.

  

 The landscape plan can start immediately after the consultation by plotting (taking measurements) of your house (if homeowner cannot provide a survey), existing trees and plant material to remain, outdoor structures, driveways, and usually takes another hour.

Diana returns to the office and begins drawing the base map on vellum, for which the design will be drawn from.

The utility companies are called, locating underground lines and marked with various colors of spray paint. She then takes a quick drive by to ensure design stays clear of underground lines.

Design is drawn reflecting mature size of plants, blueprints are made and plan is rendered. Upon presentation, additional color copies are presented giving homeowners a better feel of the final vision. In the general notes section, phases are suggested if the entire project cannot be completed in one season. The general notes section could include wood stain/paint colors, weed prevention plan, bulb planting, etc. These details also help if homeowners will install themselves.

Landscaping companies have their place in our community as do Landscape Designers. Most designers have gone through schooling of plants, design, construction, ecology and history. The plant education alone is very intense, where landscape designers can identify plant material in the winter months, hence designing can begin in late winter.

A one hour consultation by a landscape designer will save money in the long run, as stated by The Home and Garden Television Network. They educate homeowners on selection of plant material appropriate for the space, whether an erosive location, drainage issue, sun or shade, privacy, safety and so on. They also add the factor of aesthetics into the equation. 

Landscape designers look at underground utilities, family life, pets, wildlife problems and determine plant material to be installed conducive to hours per month the family would like to “work” in their landscapes. 

Call for a consultation and save yourself money one can spend elsewhere (consultations are $100)

DianaDigsDirt

Diana @ justacloudaway.com

 

 

Cleaning with Herbs in Greensboro

Diana Digs Dirt, but cleans with Green-The Clean G

    Harness the power of nature to clean!  Blending essential oils with vinegar and a bare touch of a surfactant (to mix oil with water in a manner in which it will not separate), these cleaners are natural, safe and effective  Eco-friendly or “green” cleaning is a truly pleasant experience with the aroma-therapeutic properties of the essential oils.

 

Some of the cleaners I have tried are:

• Citrus-Orange and Tea Tree Scent(this blend is proven to stop the spread of airborne viruses)
• Herbal-Basil and Thyme  Scent 

• Fresh-Rosemary and Spearmint Scent

They are fantastic, especially for those touched by S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) in the winter months. This type of aromatherapy can be enjoyed through the year.

The Clean G also offers beeswax candles. Couple of my favorites are Lavender Dream 

and Vitality

They firmly believe in the Reduce Reuse Recycle school of thought and work to decrease our consumption of packaging materials by buying in bulk as much as possible.
They reuse anything possible, including; shipping materials, packing peanuts and bubble wrap. If they cannot reuse something, they make every effort to Recycle it.

Nothing will go to the landfill that can be Recycled.

Thank you to The Clean G for supporting Just a Cloud Away, Inc.™ Journal

 

Composting Branches for Fence Material

OK, so we are not talking a permanent fence, but one that is original with tons of personality. Have the neighborhood kids collect branches and twigs that have fallen from high winds or ice storms. When pruning trees and shrubs, save them for your new compost fence.

First, select a location where this type of fencing will not look out-of-place. We have chosen a spot by the water outlet, where the landscaping is more informal.

Decide how long and tall you would like the fence to be. You could work in reverse by accessing the sizes of existing branches and limbs on your property. Tamp in metal or wooden stakes to hold your material in place.

Have the kids start gathering all the branches and limbs from your landscape.

Start laying the material.

This is also an affordable idea for those who have a small rodent problem, perfect for a garden area.

Don’t waste time bundling up for curbside pick up when you can easily create a functional compost fence.

I know the green metal stakes stand out a bit. I will eventually cover them with bark from a tree. You can also use rusty re-bar or actual branches.

This type of fence is nice to hide garbage cans too.

Children can erect their own forts in no time by creating 3 sides and draping a tarp on top.

To dress the fence up……

install small plants at the bottom and

potted plants

This project really excites the children

The compost fence above has been planted with morning glory vine and black eyed susan vine. These vines completely hide the fence during the growing season.

Over time your fence will decompose and add wonderful black soil beneath. Just add more branches on top of the pile as this occurs.

Send me pictures of your fences……

 

Green Weddings are Gorgeous & Reusable

“Green Weddings” are much more than Bohemian, budget friendly, or tree hugging styles, which may be associated with the term. Green Weddings can easily add elements to a wedding where meaning, style, color, ethnicity can be incorporated into the event and be reused or have been recycled from somewhere else.

The existing Magnolia Tree growing at the bride’s parents home can provide much of the greenery needed for the ceremony.

I had the pleasure of speaking at The Perfect Wedding Guide Luncheon November 3rd in Winston-Salem, NC-Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts and also created “Green Centerpieces” with colors of red, white, black and green.

Perfect Wedding Guide is the resource forthe  newly engaged, those renewing vows or second marriages.

Other wedding vendors were also represented at the luncheon.

One easy and quick centerpiece starts with a large white pillar candle. Take a strand of your English Ivy and use hot glue to adhere. This will keep for several days without wilting.

If kept outside, it will last for 2 weeks

The candle was placed in a white bowl with sea shells (the couple may have met at the beach) and red foliage from Nandina shrubs placed around shells. Magnolia greenery was placed around bowl to soften the edges and more shells were scattered on the table. Click here to make Chocolate Treats using Magnolia Leaves.

Red begonia plants were placed in black bags and more Nandina foliage was inserted. The coarse texture of the begonia combined with the finer texture of the Nandina is a great contrast. English Ivy was wrapped around the bag.

A chili pepper plant serves as the centerpiece here. White mums growing in the landscape were cut and placed into the soil within the pot.

The pot was placed in a black bag and wrapped with English Ivy.

Elizabeth Larson loved the centerpieces and could not go home without photographing them for her clients:)

 

Here is a hanging basket created in the spring and used for a November wedding. Yes, that is real moss.

The chain was detached and the pot was placed in a pretty glass bowl. We used dogwood berries attached to floral wire,  adding  red accents

The hanging basket was brought indoors after the wedding and placed in a warm bathroom

Artist’s Way Creation’s Catering and Bakery provided a delicious meal and several desserts

 

Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts is a modern and cutting edge venue for that metropolitan woman and bridal party

 

Recently engaged gals, contact me regarding your centerpieces at Diana@justacloudaway.com. Let’s see what plant resources you have to create your one of a kind tabletops!

Reserve a spot at our wedding workshop today and hear more about Green Weddings.

Happy Planting! DianaDigsDirt

 

Wedding Landscapes for Brides and Venues

Is someone you know engaged? Will your house be utilized in a portion of the wedding ceremony? Does the wedding venue emulate your style? You are invited to hear DianaDigsDirt speak on the topic of your most lavish day, creating the ambiance of perfection!

 

Diana spoke at the Perfect Wedding Guide Luncheon Yesterday and invites you to attend

  

The next Divine Weddings and Beyond Event is November 18th, please join us.

6-9pm at the Emerald Event Center 

2000 East Wendover Ave

Information will be provided on how to select wedding vendors and tips for throwing the wedding event of the year by adding your personality to shine through re

ating the perfect wedding including: • Landscape design to create the perfect wedding atmosphere.

 

• What to look for in a photographer and DJ and music performers.
• Shedding those pounds before the big day!
• Make-up tips for your wedding day, and everyday!
• Planning the perfect honeymoon!
• Personalize cakes, décor & food, reflecting their wedding theme
• GREEN Weddings

Wine, Refreshments & Snacks, Complimentary Cake Tasting

Door Prizes, Bridal Workshop, Makeover with

 

Professional Photographs and more!

 

 

Join us November 18, 2010

for a relaxing evening

 

with some of the area’s top

 

 

wedding professionals.

ursday, November 18th

6:00 – 9:00 pm

 

at the Emerald Event Center

2000 E Wendover Ave • Greensboro, NC

 

 

 

 

 

Medicinal Plant Workshop at Terragen Nurseries

We had a good turn out for the workshop and was able to beat the heat. Did you know that Rose Hips are high in Vitamin C?

The rose was discussed because several parts of the plant are useful.

The rose hips:

• Anti-inflammatory-arthritis
• Antioxidant/Flavonoids
• Mild Diuretic
• Cancer
• VERY high in Vitamin C

The petals:

• Antidepressant
• Mild sedative
• Antibacterial
• Quercitin
• Facial steam for dry skin

Sage, which is the purple spike flower, is used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease, high in beta-carotene and aids in treating migraines.

Hibiscus flower is a diuretic, mild sedative and cancer preventative because of the flavonoids

Below is the Passion Vine. In this region, it will cover an arbor or pergola in 2-3 months.

The flowers are gorgeous and have a light gardenia-like scent.

The vines and blooms can be dried and used to make tea. The benefits to drinking passion flower tea are:

• Calming anxiety-mild sedative
• Contains flavonoids-antioxident activity
• Contains serotonin-aids in treating depression
• Asthma

Below is the oregano plant or herb. This is a great choice for planters too. The entire dried plant can be used and good for:

• Its antiseptic properties
• Steam inhalation or congestion, sinus problems
• Headaches
• Anti-inflammatory-arthritis
• High in Beta-carotene and Vitamin C, K and Calcium

 

Hibiscus is the beautiful yellow blooms below.

2 weeds I will cultivate are Nettle and Red Clover. Depending on your specific needs, think about harvesting beneficial plants to improve your health.

Please consult your family doctor and most books recommend pregnant women stay clear of all homemade teas.

Happy Planting!

Diana Gardner-Williams

Landscape Design and Installation

 

Shade Moss Hanging Basket Craft

If you have a shady and wooded area, most likely you have moss, especially in the moist areas. Take your shovel and skim off a thin layer.

Be sure to collect different types of moss for added interest.

A hanging basket with coconut liner was purchased and the moss layer was placed into the basket. The liner was then placed on top of the moss. I also found  old rusty mesh wire and placed around the top of the basket (tell you why in a minute).

We have an abundance of horse rope (a weed) which has incredibly strong vines. A few vines were cut and stripped of leaves. They were then intertwined throughout the planter and rusty mesh wire. The mesh not only helps secure the horse rope, it increases the soil acidity (great for moss).

The horse rope will provide areas to intertwine cascading plants (later on, rooting over much of the basket).

Some plants used were divided from my existing plants, our woods and purchased a few annuals for color.

Creeping jenny, ferns, pachysandra, green and white sedum, begonia, and impatiens.

These types of hanging baskets need water, EVERY DAY. They also need to be displayed in the shade.

The moss hanging baskets would make an excellent addition to an outdoor wedding ceremony, especially at winery’s! Even used as affordable centerpieces when chain is removed.

Happy Planting!