tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88339360859122994282024-03-13T10:00:28.069-07:00My Small Backyard GardenA blog space for sharing pictures and/or stories of my adventures in gardening.Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-19036676508189174232022-01-06T23:17:00.003-08:002022-01-07T02:52:49.531-08:00What I did With My Mulberry Harvest.<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally today, I had the last of my mulberry fruits harvested from this small, potted tree.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyOziU6ogNg0LIDEl-RJD091wlTTAA2eX3A5yZ5G0OOqe-bcmJLwLyEjSmHtwDi0_td3313Joi1OoEnnVslTw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had accumulated enough this time, so there began the second mulberry fruit spread- or jam-making adventure of my life! 😀</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrDlPM60LNj13SFmWjt3GMqaP3PLs8PECos6ohodt8xAy-otwlccpgAHruBFI3VlWJuwAzmCsisnB49ylRbP137F3NE1waHP2fV2RSRfK-DnObf1_c7YGGyFs_Ti_6tG-M06EIfSnaPkC86cinOU7Yn2krUGH7iYuBuKW2aRbMJq3wy1u8wkc4LMzsiQ=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1872" data-original-width="4032" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrDlPM60LNj13SFmWjt3GMqaP3PLs8PECos6ohodt8xAy-otwlccpgAHruBFI3VlWJuwAzmCsisnB49ylRbP137F3NE1waHP2fV2RSRfK-DnObf1_c7YGGyFs_Ti_6tG-M06EIfSnaPkC86cinOU7Yn2krUGH7iYuBuKW2aRbMJq3wy1u8wkc4LMzsiQ=w640-h298" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>This time I had a kaffir lime (harvested from the garden this past week) added in</span><span>. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXhlgPYnoScADRT0aVAOUfBD9H08rP-WgPBS7pOnkYhL-eJM-ObA0Op-juwcHO7c9Cxvj87vHiRxNsJhOjoJHXvX9spuXxcXv_p__J6Khvju3AOZjDvERMvQ8wDR9jfjETX4qHwfFvsdEiTUbhYn75KeH4zRAeVRXr447HuFVGumiPnVy3G14YOXzGdg=s2670" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1774" data-original-width="2670" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXhlgPYnoScADRT0aVAOUfBD9H08rP-WgPBS7pOnkYhL-eJM-ObA0Op-juwcHO7c9Cxvj87vHiRxNsJhOjoJHXvX9spuXxcXv_p__J6Khvju3AOZjDvERMvQ8wDR9jfjETX4qHwfFvsdEiTUbhYn75KeH4zRAeVRXr447HuFVGumiPnVy3G14YOXzGdg=w640-h426" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The outcome was satisfactory and slightly better than my first attempt's one, whereby I had used only mulberries and brown sugar. The jam, as expected, has a very rich fruit taste. The texture, though not as "smooth" as those store bought fruit jams, is not a problem to me.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients that I used ( I used whatever that were available at home):</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) mulberries from my garden (forgot to weigh first), crushed using a stone pestle.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">2) 1 kaffir lime (juice + part of the rind, cut into very tiny pieces).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">3) organic molasses sugar.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhebKU6Dy8Yt3xhkI8BNCtev0slzq2yw6V85OHmqmR7FPrkkHTqJv0ZO6CcSerlfP49K2kfwDKBDygWOb_UMl2mAekIg48xNnUXHwxD44fEVl8iPs7GyvRtJ-A5fbloHeTu9THKDI0XB63pm6vgaD_ViC-WCA-KUh0qcAAo_eBbapB5bR8aIHyzQjOJTg=s2766" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2766" data-original-width="1871" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhebKU6Dy8Yt3xhkI8BNCtev0slzq2yw6V85OHmqmR7FPrkkHTqJv0ZO6CcSerlfP49K2kfwDKBDygWOb_UMl2mAekIg48xNnUXHwxD44fEVl8iPs7GyvRtJ-A5fbloHeTu9THKDI0XB63pm6vgaD_ViC-WCA-KUh0qcAAo_eBbapB5bR8aIHyzQjOJTg=w432-h640" width="432" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is how I had the jam made (This is merely for sharing how I had made mine. If you want to learn, do learn elsewhere ya, cos I'm very much an amateur still.):</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) I had the crushed mulberries + kaffir lime juice (squeezed-in) + some kaffir lime rind pieces, all mixed together inside a stainless steel bowl.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">2) Then I got them double-boiled ( about 45 minutes or so ), before I had the molasses sugar added in.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">3) Thought it would better for the jam to be thick and not too runny, I had it transferred into a small cooking pot and had it further-cooked for a few more minutes (until it had finally thickened).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">4) Then I had the flame turned off.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">5) The jam was later transfered into a small bowl for storage.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwDNLdflE2nRlB-Irn0Y32tc-aKGHrQczF9eCJ0clpCdafiBpKluDRSiV85fjXs3W5FPeN0EG1uRIjDPzqwx0rnbGXCzwSZ3QB99kuPY-Jt6mAIZdntkcgkDvDaXVDdgcIig-aNluq3vmWKsupJA4jM5r6cAEoGY8y_4pjghfF5auPaxLyItpdEfaj_Q=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1872" data-original-width="4032" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwDNLdflE2nRlB-Irn0Y32tc-aKGHrQczF9eCJ0clpCdafiBpKluDRSiV85fjXs3W5FPeN0EG1uRIjDPzqwx0rnbGXCzwSZ3QB99kuPY-Jt6mAIZdntkcgkDvDaXVDdgcIig-aNluq3vmWKsupJA4jM5r6cAEoGY8y_4pjghfF5auPaxLyItpdEfaj_Q=w640-h298" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have since enjoyed the jam with my soda crackers. 👍😀 </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUDhfTvsn8d764rvsRf6Wjd6pJ3qklhqyJUFv56crxPs6toqSuIpImMkRlpx-NSQWvP4cvBUN4BkUJ8bpKT7MEfFDFR1NjOrFQcVXfuGqFZ5FYbQ7R176gcnjt1gmZ0IQwU1n0BBxwKJseFVvMwIaNZqK1lQGF8FAa7VKCpceDKk5j86MI7KmWjiEedQ=s2828" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1871" data-original-width="2828" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUDhfTvsn8d764rvsRf6Wjd6pJ3qklhqyJUFv56crxPs6toqSuIpImMkRlpx-NSQWvP4cvBUN4BkUJ8bpKT7MEfFDFR1NjOrFQcVXfuGqFZ5FYbQ7R176gcnjt1gmZ0IQwU1n0BBxwKJseFVvMwIaNZqK1lQGF8FAa7VKCpceDKk5j86MI7KmWjiEedQ=w640-h424" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-9423134568877284562020-09-12T20:07:00.003-07:002020-09-12T21:49:04.285-07:00At long last, a green privacy screen is on the way!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have long since wanted to have some kind of privacy screens; particularly at this part of my garden where my back neighbour can look straight into my garden through their dining hall's window.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1w8_FiS2aM/X12JqnLomYI/AAAAAAAAClo/Yv4bVdQmgtU4rUecIl630mYAtZI2OAdRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3016/IMG_20200912_161651.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="3016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1w8_FiS2aM/X12JqnLomYI/AAAAAAAAClo/Yv4bVdQmgtU4rUecIl630mYAtZI2OAdRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200912_161651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not that I think they want to see me on purpose. But the feeling that someone could easily see me from the other side of those forever closed, curtainless, black-tinted glass windows without me knowing it somehow makes me feel just not that comfortable.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I had, many a time, thought of using decorative items or pots of plants or even some climber plants to cover up the fence there but never once tried to make them happen.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">" Alright, I will do it tomorrow! " I used to always tell myself every time. But then, as expected of the lazy me, that tomorrow never did come.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, last week, those fast-growing accidental bitter gourds and hyacinth bean seedlings that I cared very much about had me dilly-dallying no more.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iy2b0kF_854/X12KKLwHbWI/AAAAAAAACl0/ppWmR9Oz8MQUVr9mX297w0eZR_bq6LjHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200907_143317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iy2b0kF_854/X12KKLwHbWI/AAAAAAAACl0/ppWmR9Oz8MQUVr9mX297w0eZR_bq6LjHACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200907_143317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B52vRuKYuoo/X12KWbRq4rI/AAAAAAAACl4/ICJ6xwuAsfMI41iBfANktT2HZW82ktpAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200907_143322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B52vRuKYuoo/X12KWbRq4rI/AAAAAAAACl4/ICJ6xwuAsfMI41iBfANktT2HZW82ktpAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200907_143322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pots were rearranged to make way and a vertical galvanised iron trellis was designed and constructed in a mere one day time for them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQLQNQdjQ94/X12KqAUmqqI/AAAAAAAACmE/ZbXlQ-eI7hUPaXUnA8zRxqccm7B3L8aNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200908_140400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQLQNQdjQ94/X12KqAUmqqI/AAAAAAAACmE/ZbXlQ-eI7hUPaXUnA8zRxqccm7B3L8aNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200908_140400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The trellis, when covered with the vines, would hopefully give me a bit of privacy and make me feel more comfortable should I decide to put my previously bought garden table set out there to work or have my meals whenever I stay over at the house.. 😀</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-15690657083453913972020-08-26T19:56:00.002-07:002020-08-26T20:02:21.468-07:00A Bit About My Soil Choice.<p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">As always, I got my soil supply from this place near our old family home this past Tuesday.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NViqeNtGYzM/X0cQ7dyJphI/AAAAAAAACik/R5IUvWkvk9oyF0Q3PzSDndzy09kFcTGygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200825_112024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NViqeNtGYzM/X0cQ7dyJphI/AAAAAAAACik/R5IUvWkvk9oyF0Q3PzSDndzy09kFcTGygCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200825_112024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love the soil here because it is good, natural, earth. Not chemically treated or fertilized. Thus, most rich in welcome soil creatures and microorganisms ( though it did once, almost scare me to death with a black, shiny-skinned, 2 inch-long centipede in it ). </span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGB7sY_eCe0/X0cR4ij3Q4I/AAAAAAAACi8/O-rQFCgwuJQNSIq6h19sWd3y-JAJZyYLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200825_144042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGB7sY_eCe0/X0cR4ij3Q4I/AAAAAAAACi8/O-rQFCgwuJQNSIq6h19sWd3y-JAJZyYLACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200825_144042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCtcWjAWdy4/X0cR9ygOT3I/AAAAAAAACjA/Bwr_CNsKtNoUyRhhPuRWA8B1qwtlUQ8eACLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200825_144059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCtcWjAWdy4/X0cR9ygOT3I/AAAAAAAACjA/Bwr_CNsKtNoUyRhhPuRWA8B1qwtlUQ8eACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200825_144059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kx8erUETSE/X0cSIhu_4CI/AAAAAAAACjM/IyWp7cJwuYAfbj9t-1jgQATUaPRgcNX9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200825_142255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kx8erUETSE/X0cSIhu_4CI/AAAAAAAACjM/IyWp7cJwuYAfbj9t-1jgQATUaPRgcNX9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200825_142255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also, because it is not pre-bagged in environmentally-unfriendly, suffocating and possibly toxic plastic bags.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The place is a small, home-based cow farm. Supplying soil is only a small part of the farm's business. They would only dig for the soil within ( sometimes outside ) their farm and mix it with cow manure ( often fresh one ), upon receiving orders from their customers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4NRRvjivzw/X0cSovub3BI/AAAAAAAACjc/jEN8aEmt-9gz8aLNNa5OHjR-0fJPEX__ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200825_112020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4NRRvjivzw/X0cSovub3BI/AAAAAAAACjc/jEN8aEmt-9gz8aLNNa5OHjR-0fJPEX__ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200825_112020.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">They sell their soil in loads and have them transported to their customers' places in bullock carts. It cost only RM 50 per cart-full load of cow manure plus top soil including bullock cart transport within the town.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cheap and convenient. Just a phone call to them would have the soil arrive at our place. But I took pity on those poor, old cows! So, I would go and take the soil from the farm myself every time instead, though it would mean having to clean my car a bit after that. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The farmer was often very accommodating to my request and prepared just a manageable one bag for me each time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the bag of soil ( in a recycled sack ) awaiting my collection outside their house, that he got for me on the morning I ordered this past Tuesday. It is only RM 10.</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lfg_pLsHM7Y/X0cTUTwUJzI/AAAAAAAACj4/WIjccZjIEeowxJpPOj_C9fcKRhNsaSNjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200825_112014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lfg_pLsHM7Y/X0cTUTwUJzI/AAAAAAAACj4/WIjccZjIEeowxJpPOj_C9fcKRhNsaSNjACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200825_112014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had since used it to partially fill up eight of my newly-bought pots and had some mixed fruit and vegetable seeds sown direct onto them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLyBlOhPUMQ/X0cTndMyb9I/AAAAAAAACkI/Ovp-OR-0zekIYZ6UkJqWWrMlbt4e1UCMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200825_135553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLyBlOhPUMQ/X0cTndMyb9I/AAAAAAAACkI/Ovp-OR-0zekIYZ6UkJqWWrMlbt4e1UCMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200825_135553.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idJ2zmqoCxo/X0cUVO3MoyI/AAAAAAAACk0/t-CFLwHBFFk7jyYjAz6dcaK6Xi6m7-AaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200825_135005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idJ2zmqoCxo/X0cUVO3MoyI/AAAAAAAACk0/t-CFLwHBFFk7jyYjAz6dcaK6Xi6m7-AaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200825_135005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEA5lt4ixSo/X0cT8DyzwXI/AAAAAAAACkU/m0ylrt4vx4szN6e6GawB1_WOk0_V8ZFHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200825_145455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEA5lt4ixSo/X0cT8DyzwXI/AAAAAAAACkU/m0ylrt4vx4szN6e6GawB1_WOk0_V8ZFHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200825_145455.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pray that some happy sprouts would emerge from them soon! Wish me luck! 😁</span></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p></p>Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-65558821424007372312020-08-23T03:46:00.002-07:002020-08-23T15:19:42.720-07:00My Little, Patio, Backyard Garden In The Rain ( August 23rd., 2020 ).<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8xywgsBUK4Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="8xywgsBUK4Q"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-19834175969240289072020-08-23T02:32:00.009-07:002020-08-23T15:32:13.023-07:00A Little Garden Makeover.<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Bird's-eye view of my 22ft. X 11ft. garden after the makeover:</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NESE3DugnfU/X0IgZTlrTOI/AAAAAAAAChY/p-O9DcVQ4XAj6YYSq1NRDUi7ioeYB2xFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200819_150055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NESE3DugnfU/X0IgZTlrTOI/AAAAAAAAChY/p-O9DcVQ4XAj6YYSq1NRDUi7ioeYB2xFACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200819_150055.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgrlQzgPDe4/X0IgU0hbb0I/AAAAAAAAChU/9O4_uRG_yBwjTkzM6UjzJYVf6lyH5fvHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200819_150010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgrlQzgPDe4/X0IgU0hbb0I/AAAAAAAAChU/9O4_uRG_yBwjTkzM6UjzJYVf6lyH5fvHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200819_150010.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7J9yiAX00T8/X0IgRph38ZI/AAAAAAAAChQ/tzmHVLT-sGkinlIWKiw4g9LLJpV7dUhWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200819_150003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7J9yiAX00T8/X0IgRph38ZI/AAAAAAAAChQ/tzmHVLT-sGkinlIWKiw4g9LLJpV7dUhWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200819_150003.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Read the little makeover story here:</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The worker at the hardware shop where I bought sixty, cheap sand bricks from some weeks back could not imagine how these, to him, most ordinary and unattractive sand bricks could make a garden looked great when I told him I was going to use them for a little makeover in my small garden.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Sand bricks - ready for the makeover:</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ompna9zeHYM/X0Iembo0U7I/AAAAAAAACgc/7IUKdWG4aNYW9Pl0sYKeZ47XUpz3oFaHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200805_112019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ompna9zeHYM/X0Iembo0U7I/AAAAAAAACgc/7IUKdWG4aNYW9Pl0sYKeZ47XUpz3oFaHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200805_112019.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was not surprising he could not imagine it. For after all, these bricks were not made for decoration purposes. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But, why, you might wonder. Why did I choose these bricks and not those more decorative ones like granite or red bricks etc. ? </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, I had two distinct reasons. These bricks were super cheap in cost ( only RM 0.24 per piece ) and look, and they came in the colour I wanted. So, they should perfectly blend in into my ordinary looking, concrete, patio garden. Or so I thought.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was right. The outcome was really good. To me, at least. Using them to edge the pot areas had indeed enhanced the overall look of my rectangular-shaped, concrete, patio garden.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The garden looked much more beautiful and neater than before. Not that I dislike an unorganized or a wild-looking one. But that, having it neat, just seemed most appropriate for mine. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Before:</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEnR47-chSE/X0Iq5ASnp_I/AAAAAAAACho/HfHMixKqR_UwEMAdueRgJuCv2SW4sXspwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200729_153314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEnR47-chSE/X0Iq5ASnp_I/AAAAAAAACho/HfHMixKqR_UwEMAdueRgJuCv2SW4sXspwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200729_153314.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>After:</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnk7JKhHOp0/X0Ie5Cgh7BI/AAAAAAAACgk/pC0T-tMTDfUkbMgVpTkla-X0NlpEoEyWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200805_114200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnk7JKhHOp0/X0Ie5Cgh7BI/AAAAAAAACgk/pC0T-tMTDfUkbMgVpTkla-X0NlpEoEyWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200805_114200.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And, with another twelve new pots added to it recently that resulted in the construction of a new pot area ( right in front of the garden's exit ), awaiting to be planted up, the garden is going to look even more fantastic and full soon! Hopefully! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Newly-bought pots:</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NRviQEdPSEY/X0IfPLLmmMI/AAAAAAAACg4/hGKhf_J1bQMA1Yi00HbkDjQ4Z9NshX6jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200814_105816.jpg" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NRviQEdPSEY/X0IfPLLmmMI/AAAAAAAACg4/hGKhf_J1bQMA1Yi00HbkDjQ4Z9NshX6jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200814_105816.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b><u>New pot area:</u></b><div><b><u><br /></u></b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qg3mZxlKTeg/X0IfYbR_P7I/AAAAAAAAChA/wwOhXclS4Gov0HbYDSxZm-oFou3Q_OvvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2602/IMG_20200814_133415.jpg" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qg3mZxlKTeg/X0IfYbR_P7I/AAAAAAAAChA/wwOhXclS4Gov0HbYDSxZm-oFou3Q_OvvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200814_133415.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">All for now! Thank you for reading this! Bye!</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-15622426042509834592020-08-09T03:28:00.008-07:002020-08-09T03:43:27.742-07:00What To Do When Your Periwinkle (Vinca rosea) Plants Are Not Looking Good Already ....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/agAeWYv7u6E" width="320" youtube-src-id="agAeWYv7u6E"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Hope these simple tips could help beginner Periwinkle gardeners or lovers! Happy growing your Perwinkles!</div> <p></p><p><br /></p>Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-30065747921418541122020-07-27T23:05:00.000-07:002020-07-27T23:09:17.151-07:00Mulberry (Part Five)-How I Prepared My Mulberry Tea Leaves In Tea Bags For Future, Easy Consumption.<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">I don't like to waste good stuffs. So, after I pruned my little potted Mulberry tree some two to three weeks back, I saved all the removed leaves. I dried, dry-fried and stuffed them all into two big, handmade tea bags given by a good friend so I could just add hot water onto them and enjoy anytime I want to without having to cook and sieve them. This video is all about how I prepared them so. </span></div>
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-5540712813744139172020-07-25T21:14:00.000-07:002020-07-26T05:32:38.205-07:00Mulberry (Part Four) - My Little, Potted Mulberry Tree Update (18 Days After Pruning).<br />
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<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here is how my little, potted mulberry tree looks like 18 days after I had it pruned. Can you spot all the newly-formed little fruits?
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<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, you can watch the previous pruning video here if you have not yet: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">And my other mulberry videos here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do stay tuned to see what I did next to the pruned off leaves the other day in the coming video!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every time, after I have all my mulberry fruits harvested, I would give my little, potted Mulberry tree a good trim to keep it in shape and short, and also to encourage more fruit formation in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watch the less than two minute pruning in the video below or on my YouTube Channel.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GEyG0dN0KVk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GEyG0dN0KVk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, do stay tuned for more update(s) about the tree and to see what I did next to the pruned off leaves in the next video!</span></div>
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-76775365370582225852020-07-05T23:52:00.000-07:002020-07-05T23:52:47.628-07:00Mulberry (Part Two) - How I Made My First Ever Delicious Jam In Life With The Mulberries I Picked.<br />
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Having picked the little mulberry fruits from my little, potted Mulberry tree ( Morus rubra ) at my small, patio, backyard garden, I headed straight back to my little kitchen which is just a few steps away and started playing with my first ever jam-making! </div>
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It was as much fun as picking the little fruits! I was especially curious and excited about how my very first one would turn out to be. Would it turn out spoilt and have all my precious little fruits wasted? Or how would I like it if it did set? </div>
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Find it all out here in the video below:</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hEQJogAdIN0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hEQJogAdIN0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Finally, hope you have enjoyed watching the video! Do stay tuned to see what I did next to the now fruitless tree. See you soon!</div>
<br />Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-9307170068359467442020-07-04T05:08:00.000-07:002020-07-04T05:08:09.632-07:00Mulberry (Part One) - Simply Enjoying The Little Fruit Picking From My Little, Potted Mulberry Tree.<br />
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I had two days of sheer joy, picking those little fruits from my little, potted Mulberry tree ( Morus rubra ) at My Small Backyard Garden the other day. The little fruits had yet to fully ripen on the tree so I couldn't just shake them off the tree. So, I picked them from the tree one by one with my hand and who knew, it was so much fun! And guess what, there were approximately 90 fruits altogether, which was quite an incredible number given the size of the tree. Do stay tuned to see what I did with the fruits and tree in the next and next, next videos!</div>
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-64169461274167123962020-06-27T00:32:00.000-07:002020-06-27T00:32:02.884-07:00How I Plant Up Four Fist Size Pots With Four Small, Dwarf Snake Plants.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vk5Y8JcaIGU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vk5Y8JcaIGU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-6826240233158139082020-06-21T03:00:00.000-07:002020-06-21T18:38:08.471-07:00GINGER - from Harvesting, Cleaning and Replanting to Preparing, Cooking and finally Enjoying IT.<br />
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<br />Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-7163585362785530882020-06-21T02:58:00.003-07:002020-06-21T02:58:47.414-07:00Composting - How I Usually Make My Compost [ The Easy, Lazy Way! ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-49107573560132704202020-06-02T20:02:00.000-07:002020-06-21T02:54:58.283-07:00Sometimes I just love to slow down and enjoy the flowers @ My Small Backyard Garden<br />
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<span id="goog_1575408444"></span><span id="goog_1575408445"></span><br />Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-35270002526181220912020-05-26T00:57:00.001-07:002020-06-21T02:52:18.652-07:00Harvesting and drying Mugwort ( Artemisia vulgaris ), AND making the herb throw pillow.<br />
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<br />Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-76631259044071482012020-05-25T22:33:00.000-07:002020-05-26T00:52:12.105-07:00Sorry for being so absent!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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HI ALL,</div>
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I am so sorry for being so absent lately. The reason being is that I have been and will be busy with work again.<br />
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Also partly because I have taken on a new hobby, like video-making in the garden. I will be posting them here soon.</div>
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I am afraid it will be quite a while before I would return to actual blogging.</div>
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Meanwhile you can find updates from my garden here:</div>
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1. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MySmallBackyardGarden/">https://www.facebook.com/MySmallBackyardGarden/</a></div>
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2. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6O6_2ozkksvnu7sUHwD5UA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6O6_2ozkksvnu7sUHwD5UA</a></div>
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See you all there!<br />
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-10128444715508920882020-04-09T23:29:00.000-07:002020-04-16T18:21:22.727-07:00Odd, difficult time, but I am loving it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The birds and the neighbouring cocks are already long awake these </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">days when I get up from my bed. I have plenty of time to laze as there are generally little matters that need immediate handling, if any. Work wise, I mean. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There has been very few orders received on my online shop eversince I had all my item selling prices adjusted back in early February after our local post had their postage rate increased. In addition to that, the current Pandemic situation has all parcel sending to Europe and the United States become impossible. Since most of my orders are from these countries, I am often left with no choice but to have them all cancelled, thus leaving me with almost nothing to do or handle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But come to think of it, it is not too bad a thing after all. I have more time to pamper myself with more sleep and doing things I do not usually have much time to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Being stranded here at our old family home where My Childhood Garden was, ....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1) .... I have been</b> spending lots of time outdoor ....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">.... enjoying walking meditation and chanting Amitabha Buddha's </span><span style="font-size: large;">name amidst a variety of bird songs and sounds of nature ....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">.... under our decades-old rambutan tree when the sun is up ...</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AoHgv2v5vQ/XowvTh2C0AI/AAAAAAAACOI/7NVKJnY0E94wG0Zo90ZZlOwAGAk11PueQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/P_20200407_100511.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">.... and round our whole garden when it is breezy, not hot and not raining in the evening .... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">.... on most days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must say I am loving this kind of life now. It makes me wonder why I have not realised this kind of peace and pleasure before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My only regret is not being able to travel to my own house, so could not see and tend to my plants at My Small Backyard Garden as and when I wish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2) .... I have</b> finally been granted with a temporary permit by Big Bro to grow a small patch of vegetables at the far end of our, now, under his care, sandy, fruit tree garden. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am hopeful it will be a success though for now, it seems a long way still to be considered so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tudqAsHgdE/XoyPW9hHvKI/AAAAAAAACP8/TC_7QZNlk6kl5szCeGJ0R--W3N5hg7RBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/P_20200407_185340_1.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With a snail spotted near it today, I think I can only expect for a miracle to happen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkLeySvwg-Y/XoyPZRwvYjI/AAAAAAAACQA/T5YISFv7wv4KRS5PkVz_wVfs-XswgAf_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/P_20200407_185348_1.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3) .... I have</b> found new joy in growing my own food without </span><span style="font-size: large;">having to dig a garden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">See picture below ....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I have been sprouting mung beans in a glass jar like this. Twice a week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And have since used them <i>( the sprouts ) </i>in my cooking. They are so very good to eat. Crunchy, fresh and yummy!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mung Bean Sprouts - Stir Fried With Eggs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4) .... And I have been</b> spending plenty of time reconnecting with my other siblings <i>( except Second Sis and Third Bro who prefer total social distancing )</i> who are locked down at their respective homes in Kuala Lumpur via WhatsApp every day. A lot of things have been shared so far but I am sharing just three here ....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>.... Jane</b> - For the first time in her life, grew something! See what she has got here ....</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, This is a soya bean sprout! Ha ha, perhaps she can be a soya bean sprout farmer after this lockdown!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>.... Fourth Sis and her daughter, Jia Ying</b> - All they are looking forward to everyday are no other than baking, cooking and eating! Here are some pictures of the food they had made and enjoyed ....</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vegetarian ' Nasi Lemak ' <i>( Coconut Milk Rice )</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They look yummy, do you not think so?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>.... Big Sis</b> - <i>( Shhhh, please .... and do not laugh .... I know I am bad for not asking her permission before sharing this picture of her! ) </i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She created this face protector last week and has since worn it many a time to the market. She has attracted quite some attention. People approached and asked her where she bought it from. She has thought of making and sending one to her son who is now studying in Singapore but I doubt he will want to wear it at all. Unless if everyone else in his campus is wearing the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>All for now! Thank you for reading this! Bye!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-style: italic;">P.S.</b><i> : (Whatever your religion is, let us all pray that this Pandemic be resolved and all those suffering from it will recover soon and the world at large be at peace. ) </i><b>Stay safe, everyone!</b></span><br />
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-91957729101700620612020-03-17T10:03:00.000-07:002020-03-18T22:07:41.163-07:00My beautiful Periwinkles were made " Skeletons " - Guess who the Culprit was? <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Periwinkles had been ever-beautiful, ever-flowering and ever-happy for as long as I could remember. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It never failed to be the first of all my plants to happily greet and cheer me up every time I stepped into My Small Backyard Garden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But not until sometime last week. When I had the " shock " of my life to be greeted by two " crying skeletons " instead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Poor me! All I could hear were sounds of pain, " Ouch, Ouch, Ouchhh ...... and Ouchhhh! " blurting out from my very mouth as I tried to figure out what had happened!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were lots of round, dark green, small bead-sized thing everywhere around the pot of " skeletons". But I had no idea at all what creature that could be, that was capable of gobbling up and turning all my Periwinkle leaves and flowers into something like that, almost overnight!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The silliness in me, had me imagined that pregnant, wild cat, which I had chased away days before for fear she would give birth to and raise her kitties at My Small Backyard Garden, coming back and destroyed them out of revenge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Silly indeed! As when I later stopped by to admire and smell one of my sweet-scented Jasmine <i>( Jasminum sambac ) </i>blooms , <i>....</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">.... my eyes suddenly happened to dart on this green, green guy <i>( a caterpillar ) </i>with monstrous eyes clinging onto a stem not too far off! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;">Immediately, I suspected it to be the culprit of the whole disaster. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif;">How right I was! Some googling later that day confirmed my suspicion! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did feel like throwing it far, far away. To an infinity place, if possible. But no. I could not. My garden was supposed to be a wildlife ( pests included )-friendly place. Moreover, knowing this guy would eventually morph into " an angel ", a beautiful butterfly or moth that I would love, I had to let it be where it was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As for the " skeletons ", I had them trimmed in a way so they could grow back nicely! Hopefully!</span></div>
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-72942096853418060242020-02-01T07:32:00.000-08:002020-02-01T22:45:44.424-08:00Celebrating Chinese New Year AND Enjoying Some Harvests FROM My Small Backyard Garden.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">That Thursday, the day before the eve of the Chinese New Year, M</span><span style="font-size: large;">e, Third Bro, Fourth Sis and Fourth Sis's daughter, Jia Ying </span><span style="font-size: large;">traveled back to Ipoh in Fourth Sis's car.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We exited to Gopeng from the North-South Expressway and stopped by at a friend's house there to take five of this homemade ' Nian Gao " <i>( Sticky Rice Cake )</i> which we had earlier ordered from her through the phone, before we headed north back to my home in Ipoh.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>' Nian Gao ' in Banana leaf wrap. Photo credit : Big Sis ( Wen Sim )</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For those who do not know, ' Nian Gao' <i>( translated as ' Year Cake ' ) </i>or Sticky Rice Cake is a type of traditional Chinese cake made from glutinous rice flour and lots of sugar, mostly eaten during the Chinese New Year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, does anyone of you remember these sweet potatoes which I had harvested back in early January? Which I had specially kept aside inside the refrigerator <i>( at our old family home in Batu Gajah where Big Bro and Second Bro stay ) </i>for our Chinese New Year sweet soup-making use?</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUXuRbjSos8/XjTiwjLQ91I/AAAAAAAACLI/Uve8YC_rKkUcI9Nv-rRYZC4x7o1upfgsACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/P_20200103_170042_1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, let me tell you, they did not eventually make it to the pot of sweet soup that we had. Instead, they went into the frying pan. Because Third Bro suddenly came up with the idea to have them and all the " Nian Gao ' sliced, dipped in plain flour batter and deep-fried to make fried sweet potato- ' Nian Gao ' ' sandwiches '. It was quite a brilliant idea. The ' sandwiches ' turned up, oh, just so heavenly delicious! It is a shame their look in the picture do not do them justice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have had lots and lots of wonderful times together everyday with our other siblings that came back to and long time no see relatives that visited us at our old family home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We might have had the simplest of foods on all days compared to most celebrating Chinese families in the whole world during this festive season but we were all most </span><span style="font-size: large;">contented</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><span style="font-size: large;">happy</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>One of our set of simple, home-cooked vegetarian dishes. Photo credit: Jia Ying</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">How time always flies when we are happy! Very soon, it was time for everyone to go back to their own homes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second Sis went back to Kuala Lumpur alone in her own car.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Third Bro, Fourth Sis and Jia Ying went back in the same car as we came back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While I decided to stay back in Ipoh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fourth Sis loved to eat some of the vegetables that I grew at my small backyard garden. So, I had some harvested for her to bring back to her home in Kuala Lumpur on the morning she was to leave.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ginger <i>( Zingiber officinale ),</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Daun Kaduk <i>( Piper sarmentosum )</i>, Red Stem Malabar Ceylon Spinach <i>( Basella alba ),</i> Spearmint <i>( Mentha spicata )</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and the <b>Thai Basil </b><i><b>( Ocimum basilicum )</b>.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ginseng Jawa</b></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b> ( Talinum paniculatum )</b>,</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mugwort </b><i><b>( Artemisia vulgaris )</b>,</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mulberry <i>( Morus alba )</i> leaves</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">and <b>many other</b> that I had aplenty in the garden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I had some of them harvested and cooked for myself to enjoy after she <i>( they )</i> had left! <i>( Sometimes I do like to pamper myself a bit. Ha ha! )</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ginseng Jawa</b> leaves were lightly stir-fried with garlic,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and the <b>Mugwort</b> leaves were mixed with egg to make omelette for a fine noodle soup treat,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">while the <b>Mulberry</b> leaves were used to brew a mug of cooling and nourishing, sweetened tea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of them tasted oh just so good! Beyond words! Yum yum! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, I hope it is not too late to wish all Chinese readers here, a very, very Happy Chinese New Year! And to everyone else, Stay Happy, Healthy and Safe always!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">All for now! Thank you for reading this! Bye!</span></b></div>
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-67416078982034005122020-01-29T03:08:00.000-08:002020-01-29T03:08:53.961-08:00Finally it rained, after a long dry spell!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A short video clip of <b>My Small Backyard Garden </b>in Ipoh this morning when it rained. <i>( Video captured from an upper floor's room. )</i></span></div>
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-82732246663153478892020-01-12T06:24:00.000-08:002020-01-12T21:43:34.189-08:00It was a busy, busy garden that day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>My Small Backyard Garden this past Thursday - Pictures taken after I had all the chores done.</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My Small Backyard Garden had been a particularly busy place and full of activities of all sorts this past Thursday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could be seen busy potting and repotting, fertilising, trimming and watering my plants the whole afternoon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Millipedes were seen busy wandering about the long, ground level and pot planters after I had all my plants fed with buffalo manure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some snails which were initially found resting under the damp, little spaces under the two compost bins and some pot planters, were seen climbing up the Daun Kaduk <i>( Piper sarmentosum )</i>, Frangipani <i>( Plumeria sp. ),</i> and Okinawan Spinach <i>( Gynura bicolor )</i> plants in broad daylight afrer I had their resting places disturbed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A garden lizard was seen running for its dear life when I got near the potted Coconut Palm <i>( Cocos nucifera ) </i>where it was found resting on, thinking I would bring harm of some sort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A beautiful, pure white butterfly was seen fluttering around the now starting to flower Thai Basil <i>( Ocimum basilicum )</i> plants on the long, ground level planter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At least two busy bees were seen busily buzzing around the remaining cluster of flowers of the potted Coral Vine<i> ( Antigonon leptopus ).</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lots of larvae, worms and insects were seen busying themselves in the soil and compost bins for food.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And finally, some forever unfavoured coo roo-c'too-coo</span><span style="color: #3c4043; font-family: "roboto" , "helveticaneue" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 31.0222225189209px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3c4043;"> </span>sounds and unwelcomed sights of the neighbourhood pigeons from and at</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> a neighbour's rooftop were heard at and seen from My Small Backyard Garden. Thank goodness they did not choose to land on mine!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ALL FOR NOW! THANK YOU FOR READING THIS! BYE!</b></span><br />
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-39108123217094964982020-01-05T00:19:00.003-08:002020-01-05T02:58:23.168-08:00Sweet Potatoes Again!<br />
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The recent dry and super hot days had my water-loving <b><span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Potato </span></b><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">( Ipomoea batatas )</span></b> </i>vines on the front planter looking extremely sad and <i>' thirsty '</i> when I returned to my home in Ipoh after my year-end retreat at a nearby Buddhist Society was over the other day. The pitiful sight of them had me wanted to pick up the water hose immediately and give them all a real good bath and drink. But, considering the fact that they were already five months old, I decided to have them all, removed and their edible enlarged roots <i>( sweet potatoes )</i>, dug up instead. Before I had the whole planter, with the newly-planted Sweet Potato cuttings and the three, five months old <b><span style="font-size: large;">Tapioca <i>( Manihot esculenta )</i></span></b> plants in it, thoroughly watered.</div>
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The dug up sweet potatoes weigh a mere 840 grams this time <i>( about half less than the last time )</i> but I am quite contented nevertheless. Because I had much of their leaves harvested and consumed this past five months. So the worth of growing the vines were definitely no less.</div>
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Yesterday, I had them all <i>( the sweet potatoes )</i> cleaned and kept inside the refrigerator for sweet soup-making on Chinese New Year day which is not too far off. </div>
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Till then only, could I get to have a taste them! Oh, how I wish now, that time COULD FLY!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ALL FOR NOW! </b><i>THANK YOU FOR READING THIS!</i> <b>BYE!</b></span></div>
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<br />Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-41715030167085700902019-12-19T05:51:00.000-08:002019-12-19T18:59:27.583-08:00My Burlap Garden Screen Project - It's Not Over Yet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the past months or so, I have been thinking about what perfect material I could use as my garden screen - one that I like and could work on, all by myself in order to screen-off my next-door house's unsightly backyard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, a fortnight ago, after opting out the commonly-used material like agricultural netting, artificial grasses or wall plants, bamboos, bricks, metal sheets, real plant climbers and woods, I settled for BURLAP. Not only that I thought it would be something easy for me to work on, but that I have always adored this amazing natural, fiber-made material. Not to mention also, because of its ease of availability.and super cheap price. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The grocery stores that I used to buy my foods from whenever I go back to my hometown have lots of its sacks for sale. Used ones though. So, after some measuring and calculating, I bought twelve burlap sacks from one of the stores last two weeks, costing me a mere RM 6.00 <i>( Six Ringgit Malaysia )</i> to begin my burlap garden screen project with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, I managed to give myself a whole day off from work to work on the sacks. I thorough-washed them clean by hand a few times in the hope to get rid of their ill-smell and chemicals, if any. Then I sun-dried them. Their texture seemed a bit different after wash but still beautiful. My only regret was having them folded when drying so there were lines on them that would not go away. When they were all somewhat dried, I put them up, one by one on my small backyard garden's fence, fastening them with thin wires as I went.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent quite some time doing all these. When everything was finally done, I stepped back and looked at my completed project. I was disappointed. I did not even want to take any picture of it. The outcome was not like what I had hoped for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was already feeling very sad and tired when I related this failed project to my sisters. Not only were there no consoling words from them but laughs and fun remarks! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>[ They all said, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>" Haven't we all told you, Burlap is not only UGLY but definitely not suitable as a garden screen? " </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>and,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>" Didn't your back neighbour laugh at you when you were doing all these? " ]</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever they said and however they laughed at me, I am determined to redo the whole thing the next time I am free. Perhaps, I would take them all <i>( the sacks )</i> down, straighten and better arrange them, before putting them up the fence again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wish me all the best then! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Note:</u> </b>As usual, I would be going for the year end Buddhist Retreat Camp again this coming Saturday. So, wishing everyone <i>( my dear blog readers and supporters )</i> here, <b>the MERRIEST of CHRISTMASES and the HAPPIEST of NEW YEARS!</b></span></div>
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833936085912299428.post-46365329309181251712019-12-07T01:53:00.000-08:002019-12-07T08:45:14.150-08:00My plants are enjoying the abundance of RAIN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a " non-resident " gardener, I depend very much on Mother Nature to take care of my plants. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Without " her " I could not possibly have ...</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">... these beautiful fruit, herb and vegetable plants ...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>... and ...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>... these wonderful blooms and buds ...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>... happily greeting me when I stepped into my small backyard garden in Ipoh this past Thursday.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How I appreciate " her " most kind works! Tirelessly " pouring " water from the sky almost every day especially! Oh, how my plants are enjoying them all!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you so much oh dear Mother Nature! Thank you!</span></b></div>
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Jade Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333511728871150769noreply@blogger.com6