How is every ones gardens doing so far this year? I have planted a second run of cucumbers so far and need to be starting some fall items in the greenhouse. I want to start cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli at least. The garden harvests are in full swing now, we are getting alot of banana peppers and the tomatoes are finally changing colors!

This is the first year that we have watermelons! We have grown them before but they just never did well at all. We changed the location of them this year and i guess that is what we needed as there is watermelons setting on everywhere! I know son is excited as he LOVES watermelon and he has been checking the size of them almost everyday and so he wanted to take some pictures so everyone could see them.

I have been reading alot of magazines on what we can use herbs for besides cooking and have come across alot of good recipes for alot of different ailments. Here are a few that i have found!

Lavender and catnip dreamtime tea

For a deep, restful sleep, end your day with the healthy benefits of decaf green tea,combined with calming soporific herbs serves 1.

2 cups boiling water
1 decaf green tea bar
1/2 teaspoon fresh lavender buds
1/2 teaspoon catnip
honey

1. Pour water over tea bag, lavender and catnip, cover and steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bag

2. Pour mixture through a fine wire mess strainer into a cup discarding herbs. Serve with honey.


Here is a stress relief tea!

1 part Valerian
1 part chamomile
1 part passionflower
1 part skullcap
1/2 part lavender
1/2 part orange peel

1.Mix the herbs together in the amount you need. Use 1 teaspoon of the blend for each cup of water.

2. Pour boiling water over the herbs and steep for 10-15 minutes.