Book Signings / Waiting for Spring

 

All the Book Signings!

It never fails to amaze me how fast my calendar fills up after the holiday break. This year, I'm appearing at a few new venues, as well as an added appearance at Baldwinsville Public Library. You can see my current list of events at https://www.nickigreenwood.com/news/index.html#events.

(Not So Patiently) Waiting for Spring

I don't know about you, but this time of year, I am aching for spring to arrive. Officially, the Northern Hemisphere will welcome spring on March 20th, but sometimes, the snow lingers for weeks after the calendar date of spring. Flowers may wait until well after that.

How I combat the late-winter blahs? I decorate! Regardless of whether spring has "officially" arrived, I refresh the decor around the house with faux and real spring flowers and plants. I play birdsong on my speakers. If the temperature allows, I open windows to allow much-needed fresh air inside. Finally, there's always the satisfying feeling of spring cleaning. I will pick a room and refresh it, and at the same time I might clear out closets and drawers to donate unused items.

While those of you in the Southern Hemisphere are about to welcome fall (my favorite season), here in NY I can't wait for the weather to warm so I can get out into my garden. If you're in the North, Happy Spring! 🌸

Happy Holidays! / Updates at Greenwood House

The Holidays are Here!

Every year, our family hosts a Friendsgiving "Holiday Dinner" where we make the main dishes, and friends each bring a side to help celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. This was our 19th year, and it was a great time. Our house isn't often this full with people, and I love hearing the laughter and stories as we all come together over a delicious meal. (If you haven't tried BBQ Pit Boys Apple Cider Turkey, you definitely should. We make it every single year. 😋)

If you're looking for a unique holiday gift for the book lover in your life, you can order personalized signed copies of any of my books! Don't want to wait for a print book? Check out any of my books available in ebook or audiobook, and have them delivered straight to your loved one!

Or maybe, like me, you love watching those holiday movies. If that's the case, pick up either of my holiday novellas, THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL or THE GINGERBREAD SHRED, in ebook, or in print in HOLIDAY HEARTS!

What's Happening at Greenwood House?

On a sad note, we had to say goodbye to my soul dog, Macey, in October. She was with us for twelve and a half wonderful years, and I miss her terribly.

The house was so quiet the week after we had to let her go, and I was not in a good place. It's strange how you get used to the sounds of dog tags jingling and the ticking of claws on the floor. Not to mention how sad it is when you want to hug a furry family member and they're not there. Fortunately for us, I remembered that a good friend worked with Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter, and she found us Archie, a Shiba Inu mix with a great personality and extensive expertise in cuddling. Archie is now a happy part of our lives, and the house is full again with the sounds of fur family.

In between training and playing with our new pup, I've been writing in a new contemporary romance which I hope to have out next year (although I never count my chickens, because life). However you celebrate the season, I wish you a festive and happy one. Lift a cup of your favorite warm beverage, and toast good cheer to your friends and family. Happy Reading!

To Resolve or Not to Resolve?

Happy New Year!

 

How is it possible that it's 2024 already? The holidays have gone by in what seems like a rush, and Greenwood House has settled in for winter. Normally, I want to hibernate with the rest of the world here in NY, but it's also a time for planning and preparing. The Wandering Wordsmiths will soon be gearing up for this year's book signing season, so watch for new places where you can meet us.

 

 

I'll be winter sowing some plants soon for gardening in the spring. Here in NY, anything you can do to get a jump on the growing season is a good thing! Our growing zone was recently changed when the USDA redid their maps, which happens every ten years or so. We went from 5B to 6A, which isn't much, but my rosemary and sage are still going in the raised bed, if you can believe it. For now, I have cuttings taken from most of my herbs, as well as some grocery store parsley and scallions, that are awaiting the return of spring.

Making Your Plan

A lot of people make New Year's resolutions: quit smoking, start exercising, do that thing you've been putting off. Mine is, as always, to get a book out the door. THE GINGERBREAD SHRED made it out in time for Christmas, so it's time to turn my attention to other projects. I'm taking this month to rest, but come February, I'll be working on the sequel to FREAK FRAT and hoping to get it nailed down.

The truth is, you don't need to wait for January 1st to make a resolution. You can do it any year, month, week, day, or hour you want. And if you slip and have a cheeseburger on a gym day, that's okay. Just keep resolving. You don't even need to call it a resolution. Sometimes naming it as a resolution or promise puts the idea in your mind that once it's broken, you've lost. Maybe just call it a change or process. The occasional slip won't break you. It's just a step in the process.

The sequel to FREAK FRAT has been a years-long undertaking, and that's okay, too. Sometimes stories need time to marinate. I need to trust the steps in the process, too. Whatever you decide to do with your new year, I hope it's a good one. Happy New Year, and happy reading!

Goodie Haul: Beaver Lake Nature Center's 45th Annual Golden Harvest Festival

Goodies!

There's nothing like autumn in Central New York. While the trees haven't dressed out in their fall colors yet in Baldwinsville, NY, Beaver Lake Nature Center's seasonal spirit was in full swing last weekend at the 45th Annual Golden Harvest Festival.

I can't seem to attend a book signing at a craft fair or festival without finding a treasure (or several) to take home. This festival was no exception.

My first stop was Link's Stained Glass Creations, where I picked up this gorgeous autumn-toned piece for a window in my living room and a sweet bookmark-sized piece featuring pine trees, which now has a home in my office.

Next, I visited Woodpecker Turnings, where I scored a tiny Russian olivewood bowl, and a larger one of spalted maple. As a graduate from a forestry and agricultural college (and an all-around fan of nature, if my name wasn't any indication), I have a deep love of trees and woodworking.

 

Finally, I nabbed the cutest, tiniest little rattan basket for an empty hook in my living room, where it will now display seasonal flowers. Bouquet of Baskets offered hand-woven baskets of all sizes and in different shades. Anyone who's seen the inside of my house cannot deny my love of baskets and lanterns.

 
Buy Local, Buy Small

It's important to buy from local artisans and small businesses when possible. Not only are you supporting your local economy and human creativity, but you're also getting handcrafted, one-of-a-kind goods that you'll never find in those big-box stores. Your purchases also act as reminders of memories made with friends and family, as I have over my years of traveling to shows with The Wandering Wordsmiths. I love looking around my house and finding little reminders of good times. Who doesn't want more of those?

Hope to see you at a future event, readers! Until then, Happy Autumn from NY!

October Signings and Appearances

 
October Signings and Appearances

My autumn appearances are underway, with Beaver Lake Nature Center's 45th Annual Golden Harvest Festival just past (Photos of my purchases to come!) and the CNY Pagan Pride's Autumn Equinox Festival coming up this weekend on September 16th!

Autumn is a beautiful time here in Central New York, and the cooling temperatures are perfect for enjoying a day out. If you're looking for things to do, you can't go wrong attending one of these festivals.

The fun continues into October, too! I'm giving a workshop to a Baldwinsville, NY Girl Scout Troop, and then attending the 7th Annual Authors' Meet & Greet at Baldwinsville Public Library with fifteen other authors writing in a wide variety of genres. Books make terrific holiday gifts, and with so many authors in attendance, you're sure to find a personalized, signed gift for that hard-to-shop-for bibliophile in your life.

• October 15, 2023: 2:00PM-3:00PM
  WORKSHOP: “Kissing the Frog: A Crash Course in Editing” for Girl Scout Troop #10210 in Baldswinsville, NY. Click here for details on Nicki’s workshops!
• October 28, 2023: 12:00PM-3:00PM
  Book signing at Baldwinsville Public Library's 7th Annual Authors' Meet & Greet, Baldwinsville, New York. Click here for directions. Check out the PAC-B television spot!

Work in Progress

In the meantime, I'm nearing the end of my forthcoming Christmas novella, and I can't wait to share it with you. It'll be released in print as an anthology with THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL, so you can cozy up this holiday season with two sweet romances to warm your heart.

Fans of FREAK FRAT will be happy to know that my next project will be returning to Book Two in that series! The sequel needs some work, but it's getting there. If you haven't heard it yet, click the linked book title to learn where you can sample the FREAK FRAT audiobook! Narrator Derek Urichich does an amazing job bringing Joe and his friends to life.

Happy Autumn to all of you in the Northern Hemisphere (while our southern friends settle in for spring), and Happy Reading!

For the Love of Dogs

Leave 'em Home...

It's finally getting warm out during these spring days in New York. While I'm glad about that (and my garden is, too), I spotted an uncomfortable sight yesterday: two dogs, shut in cars in a supermarket parking lot. While the windows were cracked a bit, it was easy to see those poor pups weren't happy about the sun beating down on their vehicles. Fortunately, someone was already notifying the store staff about them, so they wouldn't be waiting for their owners' return much longer.

If you live in a sunny climate, please remember your car is essentially a mobile greenhouse in such conditions. Your dog can suffer heatstroke or even death if left in the car while you go into a store.

It's just not worth it. If you're headed to a place where your pup isn't welcome, leave them home where they'll be comfortable until you return, and ready to join you on your next pet-friendly adventure.

...Until They Can Come With You

Fortunately, there are lots of great places to bring your furry bestie. More and more establishments are welcoming dogs, because let's face it: everyone knows they're our family too.

The big box hardware stores near where I live all love to see people's dogs (maybe even more than the people). Parks and campgrounds welcome well-behaved pets. And don't forget the pet stores. They love to see your pets, dog, cat, or otherwise!

Boop That Snoot

Owning a pet has always meant taking on a big responsibility. Your dog will be with you for (hopefully!) years, and will return your care and diligence with a wagging tail and wet nose. If you're lucky enough to have a canine best friend, give their nose a kiss from me, because dogs are beyond awesome.

Buy It, It Likes You

 Get Up and Go

It’s been a long, looooong winter. By the time February rolls around, most of us in upstate New York are going a little stir crazy even if it’s been a pleasant holiday season. Between the worries of Covid and the contention with snow, cold, and gray skies, my family and I were feeling the need to get out, walk around, and maybe get in a little retail therapy. (It’s good for guys, too!)

Our location of choice today was Ithaca Commons in Ithaca, NY. This town has a special place in my heart, as my husband and I have made many fond memories there. I couldn’t have picked a weirder day. The weather, quiet but gray the entire drive down, turned whiteout in the time it took us to have breakfast at Collegetown Bagels (our favorite stop for a hearty breakfast sandwich. Take your time; there are a ton of delicious options!).

 

Individuality and Creativity

Ithaca is what a college town ought to be: diverse, active, and full of the creative energy that happens when class is in session. Even on a snowy day, the Commons was full of people walking, shopping, or enjoying a meal. Everywhere you look, you’ll find evidence of creative thinkers and people who make their mark, which is what I love best about this town. There’s art on the buildings (keep an eye out for the sunflowers!), and sometimes, you’ll find a humorous bit of personal artwork.

...But the Shops!

The best part of Ithaca Commons is the shops. Among those we checked out was Sunshine’s Creative Designs inside the Dewitt Mall. This shop had every gemstone and fossil you could possibly imagine, including a mammoth tooth, geodes, and several pieces of bismuth (yes, it really does crystallize that way naturally, and the rainbow color is the result of oxidation):

We visited Ithaca Guitar Works next, where my husband fell in love with a Gibson Les Paul Classic. (He played it the minute we got home.) The staff there are knowledgeable, helpful, and more than willing to let you test the merchandise. While Hubby tried out the guitar, I chatted with the guitar technician and learned a few things that may make it into a future book.

Next up, we stopped at Mockingbird Paperie, home of the most gorgeous stationery and wrapping papers ever. I consider it a mark of good parenting that when our 15-year-old son saw the calligraphy pens, he got all excited. The shop assistant was very helpful in explaining the care and feeding of these beautiful pens. My son and I walked out of Mockingbird Paperie with a pen and pewter stand each: a snake stand and clear pen for him, and a Buddha stand and iridescent pen for me. If we were indulging in such awesome pens, we needed stands that were equally awesome to show them off, after all, and the stands were perfectly suited to us. (He loves snakes, and I have a small collection of tiny Buddha figurines.)

While my son already has a leatherbound book in which to write, I needed one of my own, so the last stop of the day was the one where we started: 15 Steps. This store specializes in merch created by local and national artisans. The leatherbound journal in the tall white case had whispered at me when I first visited the shop, but at the time, I wanted to see what else the day’s travels had to show me. In kismet-like fashion, the pen and pen stand agreed that I needed to go back and get that journal.

It was still waiting for me by the time I got there, so I scooped it up, thanked the lovely staff for their help, and we came home to end the day with our prizes. Now, here I sit with the snow blowing outside, ready to write in the brand-new book that was totally meant for me.

Moral of the story? Every once in a while, it’s good for the soul to spend a little “mad money” on yourself. (Might want to wait until it’s not a blizzard out there, though.) Happy hunting!

Coming Soon: The Fudge Ripple Effect!

Who doesn't love going to the beach on a hot, sunny day and getting a frosty treat?

Coming Summer 2020, read THE FUDGE RIPPLE EFFECT, a sweet contemporary romance that looks at the ripples people make in each other's lives...and how one little drop just might be the beginning of an outpouring of love.

This short read is part of The Wild Rose Press's "One Scoop or Two" series, perfect for your summer beach reading. Stay tuned to my blog for upcoming news on this delicious new series. I'll post updates as soon as they come in. Happy Reading!

Fall Blessings

I am a very happy woman. Today not only marks the first day of fall, but the achievement of my more than three-month mission toward getting healthy. I finally reached my fitness goal today, losing over 27 pounds and two pant sizes since June 11th when I began tracking what I eat through My Fitness Pal.

Originally, when my doctor asked me to lower my cholesterol, I was a bit skeptical. I told her I don't want to go on medication for it, and she agreed. Five or so pounds ought to do it, she told me. I thought, "Five pounds? That's easy. That's water weight." I paid a little attention to getting more fiber into my diet, and less fast food. When I went back for my next cholesterol check, however, it was higher. Clearly, what I was doing wasn't working.

What Now?

I then decided that something had to change. Either I was going to have to adjust what I put into my body, or go on medication. Fortunately, my doctor was willing to let me try again to lower that cholesterol, medication-free. She suggested the My Fitness Pal app, which tracks nutrition and calories for you either by entering what you eat and the exercise you do for the day, or by scanning the bar codes on your food. All I had to do was plug in my current weight, then set a goal weight (which I estimated based on several online calculators for my age, weight, and body type). After that, I made sure to scan or enter what I ate each day, add the exercises and their duration, and log how much water I drank. How much easier can it get? This is nutrition management for the lazy!

Well, it worked. Here I am, on September 22nd, three months and eleven days into this lifestyle change, and I feel amazing. My knees and hips don't hurt, and I can keep up with my busy family more. It's also been a lot of fun to get new clothes at the Salvation Army, which I totally recommend for anyone in the throes of weight loss. I am the world's laziest dieter. I haven't even done much more exercise than usual. Walk the dog here and there. Swim at the beach. Nothing strenuous or arduous.

Glorious Food

I am a much more active participant in my food than I was. I can still eat the occasional fast food meal if I'm judicious about it. A cheeseburger with no bun or condiments. Salad, not fries, with no dressing or a homemade vinaigrette. Water, water, and more water. An egg white sandwich for breakfast instead of one made with a whole egg. Most fast food restaurants are totally willing to accommodate such requests. And I even managed to go out to dinner at the Olive Garden for my wedding anniversary.

But my favorite thing is to find new and delicious foods to eat. I found I love zucchini noodles better than store-bought pastas. Sheet pan chicken breasts and vegetables are so fast and easy to make. I actually enjoy cooking (Mom, don't keel over). I like figuring out healthier options, and my body has been responding to the improved nutrition.

Side Benefit: A Healthier Planet?

Eating better can also be healthier for the environment. I have a certain amount of calories allotted to me per day. I stick to the low end of what's allowed and try to fit in things that might be "missing" in my diet, such as more fiber or calcium. I am finding that the less "processed" a thing is, the better chance I have of getting more food containing fewer calories, with better nutrients. Lots of fresh vegetables, either purchased or out of the garden we put in this year. Lots of it is local if it doesn't come out of my own garden. As you know, if it's local, it's not only fresher but more environmentally friendly. It hasn't had to travel so far to get to you. And if it's less processed, it's cleaner food. I try to eliminate pesticides from most of the things I eat. Not only do I feel better, I am doing our planet a good turn, and that feels wonderful. It doesn't even have to be that expensive. Aldi is my go-to grocery store, with a growing range of organics at great prices.

Ready for the Challenge

The holiday season will arrive soon, with its slew of baked goods and rich foods, but I'm armed with three months of good data and prepared to take on this next hurdle. I can't wait to see what my next blood draw brings. My doctor is over the moon that her suggestion has worked like a charm for me. And if I can do this, and you've been wanting to, know that you definitely, definitely can. Be persistent, and take that jump with me. We've got this.

Back to School

Are you ready for the summer to be over? I am! It's been so hot in Upstate NY, we've been stuck indoors. It's hard to enjoy the fact that it's not snowing when you're not able to get outside anyway!

My son is now in sixth grade, and I'm not quite sure where the time has gone. I took a day off to myself today. It was a wonderful and much-needed moment of solitude. I spent half the day writing and learning how to better market my books, then grabbed myself an also much-needed haircut.

I am also gearing up for a very exciting book signing coming up October 20th in Baldwinsville, NY. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by, because there will be a dozen local authors in lots of different genres, and we're all looking forward to bringing you new stories and discussions (not to mention a few goodies)!

In the meantime, I'm ready for pumpkin season. Soon, the fall decorations will come out, and my favorite season will begin. Good food, friends and family, and a reminder to be grateful for the things that make life good. Happy September!

Notes from the Garden

It's been a very hot, humid summer here in Upstate New York. We broke down and put air conditioners in the bedrooms so we could sleep comfortably at night. The garden, however, seems unbothered by the heat as long as I water daily. In the big pot on the corner of my deck, I planted some lavender, and was pleasantly surprised by the return of some perennials from the previous year, including alyssum and a carnation. It made a sweet little arrangement, and now that the spring carnations have faded, I have a bunch of sunny red and yellow gaillardia putting on a show.  (This photo is from spring, taken from an upper window, so it's a bit blurry. Below and to the right are a low planter filled with culinary and creeping thyme, and a slightly taller pot chock full of chives.)

With the passing of spring, I was disheartened to see that my beautiful Pulmonaria was killed off by the harsh winter, but my garden had another surprise for me: it survived! There are many little shoots which have grown up in the old spot, and what's more, my Purple Coneflower gave me a volunteer seedling in the empty spot right behind it! Mother Nature continues to surprise and delight me. The bees like it, too. After the Lamium has fed all the bumblebees, the Coneflower begins putting on a feast for the honeybees. I hope they have a big, active hive somewhere nearby. 😊

This summer, I must be doing something right in my vegetable garden, because my tomato plants are taller than me! I have Roma, Heirloom, Sweet 100 Cherry, and Beefsteak tomatoes, and they are beyond delicious. The peas didn't make it, but my bush green beans are providing us with a nice bumper crop. We've all the got Romaine lettuce we can eat, and even a little supply of carrots. Mind you, all this comes from a little 4' x 8' raised garden bed that I do not weed, apply with pesticides, or otherwise fuss with other than to water each morning for fifteen minutes when I know it won't rain. You CAN farm in a small space, and it's extremely satisfying to get good food right from your own backyard. That, and there's no better balm to the spirit than getting your hands in the dirt to provide for your family or grow something beautiful.

This morning, when I went out with my son to pick tomatoes for dinner, Mother Nature had yet another surprise for me: a Northern Leopard Frog! Frogs are endangered due to pesticide use, as they are sensitive to chemicals in their environment. Our mulched beds are packed full of crickets, and I wondered if I'd lure at least a toad into my yard. Imagine my surprise when I found this guy peeking up at me from beside my garden bed! So happy to see he felt our little corner of the world was a good visiting spot. I hope you're enjoying the rest of your summer, in spite of the heat. I know I am!

Notes From the Garden

It's mid-August, and I can already feel autumn on the horizon. Central New York got a lot of rain this spring and summer. My vegetable garden is thriving (tomatoes galore and zucchini for days!), and my plants and flowers are showing me just what a wildlife habitat is all about.

I have never tried growing zucchini before, but with our family's discovery that we love zucchini noodles ("zoodles"), we decided to give it a try. They do like lots of water. Make no mistake: if you let them get away from you, as we did, you will find yourself with zucchini that are a foot and a half long, and they will keep on going if you don't cut them (or until the squash borers find them). The one on the far right is the size they are supposed to be at harvest, a nice, tender inch and a half in diameter. Meanwhile, my grape tomatoes have exploded, and are still cheerfully producing as many as we can eat. We have planted our beefsteak tomato plants too close together, so they aren't getting as large as I'd like, but they are producing some delicious, meaty snack-size tomatoes. As I harvested, a bumblebee visited the new flowers. (I made sure to thank him. 😉) Next year, we plan to expand our garden, space out our plants more, and maybe install some new vegetable varieties. This year was for fun and practice! Tomatoes are so good right off the plant, still warm from the sun.

 

Meanwhile, my butterfly garden has been playing host to all sorts of insects. The crickets serenade us each evening. Honeybees are enjoying my purple coneflower. I never use pesticides on my property, so I'm thrilled to have them visit in the hope that someone, somewhere, is benefiting from the delicious honey they provide (even if it's just the bees themselves!).

 

This evening, to my delight, I found a Cherry-Faced Meadowhawk Dragonfly resting on my tall phlox. He was hard to miss, being 2-1/2" to 3" in length. Most dragonflies seem to be rather skittish, but this fellow was clearly not bothered when I got right up close to him to snap a photograph on my phone.

I had thought my swamp milkweed was a goner, but it has managed to surprise me with a couple of hardy plants, one of which is now in bloom. It has been a great spring and summer for the gardens. My sedum is beginning to bud in preparation for fall bloom, and I'll be back with more pictures. See you soon!

Spring Fever Sewing

So, who out there hates those ugly black neoprene and nylon computer bags? Yeah, me, too. It's been an ongoing battle to find a bag that is a) cute, b) durable, and c) roomy enough for all my stuff. I've gotten tired of lugging my netbook, purse, and assorted books and notebooks around in separate bags, too.

I've been looking for a decent, pretty netbook sleeve since getting my netbook, and nothing has ever really wowed me. I've had the ugly black bag, a brown neoprene one, and everything in between. This, in addition to carrying a purse. Over the weekend, I happened across an adorable tote bag at Joann Fabrics. The inside, unfortunately, was one large space...and you know that means hunting for your stuff at the bottom of that inner-bag wasteland. Then I saw the butterfly fabric that matched it, and I knew I'd found something I wanted to use to make a sleeve that finally fit my netbook properly.

Assuming I could find a pattern, and sew it. Anyone who knows me is pretty well aware that I am not known for my sewing abilities, however, I have been known to sew a straight line when necessary.

I bought the tote, fabric, and notions, then went right to Amazon and found a tote organizer that will fit inside the tote. This is basically the "guts" of a purse, with separate pockets and whatnot for all your smallish things, while still allowing space inside your bag for something big, like a notebook or binder (or netbook sleeve and cords). Whoever invented this thing is brilliant, because now I can change out bags and just put the guts in whichever one I decide is "it" for the season. So, here is the pile of crafty stuff I started with:

I managed to find a very easy tutorial for a Simple Laptop Sleeve that didn't require a great deal of skill to construct. Elizabeth explains everything carefully, with step-by-step pictures. Positively wonderful.

So, after two evenings at the dining room table, I wound up with something beautiful that fits my netbook. What do you think?

If I can do it, so can you. Believe me! I was worried enough about the end result at first to want to farm it out to a quilting friend, but it really is that easy. I will try to edit this post with some better lighting so you can see the beautiful colors in this fabric. It didn't take much, either. You probably have enough scrap lying around to knock one of these together! I'm thrilled with the end result, and now I (and my "stuff") will be ready for spring!

Edit: Here are some pictures taken in better lighting, so you can see the finished product more clearly!

Happy Father's Day (and Happy Summer)!

Today is Father's Day, and also the first day of summer! Celebrate the fathers and father figures who make your life special today, whether it's taking them out to dinner or spending some quality time at home (and what better way to kick off summer than to grill something for them, for a change? LOL).

Whatever you do, enjoy your day. Cheers!

Speedy Seasons

Every year, it seems that the weather warms up in a hurry.  As much as I complained about the preceding winter, I'm ready to groan over how hot it gets ... normally.  This year, I welcome the sun and warmth, because even into mid-May, I'm remembering those snowbanks that went up over my head.

I know that once it hits those hot, humid extremes, I'll change my tune, but for now, the weather appears to be trying to behave itself.  I am enjoying watching my gardens flourish, and looking forward to the first vegetable harvest.  We've got tomatoes, peas, beans, lettuce, peppers, and spinach - not to mention a host of herbs and flowers to enjoy.

What do you plant in your gardens?   How do you spend your spring?  I'd love to hear.  In the meantime, enjoy the season!  No matter what, it goes by too fast.

Earth Day Project - Raised Bed Greenhouse

In Zone 5, where we're still wearing our parkas into April (that's New York, slathered in blue), it's hard to get a jump on the growing season.  Last year, by the time I put seeds into the ground, it was too short a season to get a meaningful booster crop for our dinner table.  This year, I decided to try my hand at making a cheapskate - er, economical - greenhouse or for our raised bed garden.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of scratch for a glazed greenhouse.  While it might be a dream come true to afford one, the reality is, the more you spend on the greenhouse, the less money you have to put something in it.  And isn't that the point of gardening?

My trip to the hardware store yielded the following items for under $30.00:

• One bag of assorted plastic clamps
• One package of 9' x 12', 2 mil clear plastic drop cloth
• Two ten-foot pieces of 1/2" PVC pipe (conduit is cheaper, but I needed something smaller-gauge so it was easier to bend)
• One 1" PVC cross

That's it - five items!  This is all you need to make a hoop house or cold frame for your raised bed garden.

To assemble the frame, insert each section of PVC pipe into the cross, making a large "X."  The cross is loose enough to admit both pieces of PVC, which will lie one top of the other inside the cross where they intersect.  The cross has no sharp edges to tear your plastic sheeting, and there's no tool-assisted assembly.  Tension holds it all together once you put it into your raised bed.

Next, carry the structure to your bed and sink the ends of the pipes down about 10" into the corners of your raised bed.  The farther down you sink it, the more secure your cold frame will be.  If your bed isn't as deep as mine, or you're concerned about wind, you can secure the ends by sliding them into metal, U-shaped pipe hangers or "hanger tape" (also available from your hardware store) screwed to the corners of your box.  I opted for a more low-tech solution, as my raised bed is deep enough not to make wind a concern.  There's no one right answer, as long as it works for you!  When you've set up the frame, it will look like this:

Next, open the package of poly sheeting and lay it over the frame.  It's better to err on the generous side, so you have enough around the perimeter to clamp some of the sheeting edges to your box, preventing air from getting into your raised bed and chilling your plants. Trim the sheeting to size.  My raised bed is about 4' x 4' and I was left with a section of about 4' x 12' - good for covering containered herbs on chilly days or putting over that compost pile to help heat and decompose the organic matter!

Once you've trimmed the sheeting, clamp the edges down to the box, being sure that you have enough hanging over the edge to prevent drafts.  Use as many of those clamps as you like, depending on your wind conditions.  I still have some left, which I'm sure the hubby can use!

After that, you're done!  The entire project took me under a half an hour, with no technical know-how or special tools.  The temperature inside the greenhouse is noticeably warmer than outside.  You can open some or all of the cover on warmer, sunnier days so you don't "cook" your plants.  You can also use this setup to grow a four-season harvest!  Leafy vegetables like spinach are great at surviving the winter and will satisfy that need for fresh greens when snow's on the ground.  There are many more vegetables that can be grown year-round.  Their vigor depends on length of daylight and protection from the moisture-stealing winter winds.  Check your library or the Internet for possibilities available for your agricultural zone.

When you're finished using the greenhouse (i.e. your zone has finally reached a warm enough daily temperature not to need it), simply break it down and store it.  It's that easy!  Happy gardening, and Happy Earth Day!