Thursday, July 23, 2009

Rain, Rain Go Away! We have Festivals this weekend and Want to Play!

Keep your fingers crossed that the rain stays away this weekend - at least during the day. Celtic Chairde Creations has a busy weekend and we want to get out and meet everyone.

Saturday, July 25 is the Christmas in July Craft Show at the Emlen Physick Estate. From 10 to 4 we'll be on these lovely grounds with dozens of other crafters, getting in the holiday spirit!

On Sunday, July 26, we're in Lavallette at the Heritage Committee's Arts and Crafts Show. This is a great festival with over 100 craft vendors. We'll be there from 9:30 to 4:30, and it's always a great time. Get there early! See, for the past few years it's rained on this festival at about 2 - 2:30. We're looking to buck the trend this year, but the forecast isn't being cooperative.

So keep your fingers crossed for good weather and come and visit us at these great Jersey Shore spots.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Season of the Garden Pests! Phooey!


I love my garden. And this time of year, especially with the cooperative rain, it really starts to look lush. The Calendula is full and bright, the fennel is high and fluffy, the roses are still blooming, even as hips start to form on the rugosas, the chamomile is spreading it's cheer... you get the pictures. Many of you gardeners know, just as you look out and smile at the wonder, they appear. The pests - little buggies of all sorts including the evil Japanese Beetle.

Maybe not evil, but destructive for sure. Many of the herbs that get infused into our products come from my yard. I use no pesticides, but when I see these treacherous little herbivores, I'm tempted to head straight for the most lethal thing I can find.

I don't though. Through the years, I've discovered a few tricks that can help eradicated, or at least minimize the damage done by Japanese Beetles and some other garden bugs.


The most succes
s I've had is with almost as simple as soap and water.

You'll need:
a bucket
a gallon sprayer
2 tablespoons of liquid dish detergent
2 tablespoons of neem oil
Optional - 4 tablespoons of neem powder * see optional steps below.

This is a two step process. Fill the bucket about 2/3 of the way with water and fill the sprayer to the line indicated with water. Into each container add 1 tablespoon of the liquid detergent and 1 tablespoon of the neem oil.

When you find any Japanese beetles, pick them off and toss them into the bucket or knock them into the bucket. Although I prefer the "knock them in" method, it can be tricky because the little buggers might fly off. You can also use the sprayer to spray them into the bucket. This helps coat the plants with a light protective coating while knocking the pests into the prepared water.

Don't do this in the heat of the day or it might cause the plants to overheat. It's best to do it early in the day or on an overcast day. I've found that if I do this every couple of days for about two weeks, I protect the plants for the rest of the season. The bad part is that you may hurt some beneficial bugs at the same time. Sadly, I'd rather save my rose plants.

Now, if I can only figure out how to protect my yard from the blasted gopher.

* The option format, to add a little extra punch, is to make a strong tea with the 4 tablespoons of neem powder in about 2 gallons of water. Let the tea steep until completely cooled. Then strain and use the tea in the bucket or sprayer.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Summer at Allaire - Here we come!

It's time once again for the Summer Crafters Market in the Historic Village of Allaire at Allaire State Park. We love going to Allaire. It's such a beautiful venue - a meandering path under the towering trees, surrounded by history and nature. What's not to love!

The event starts at 10 am on Saturday, July 11, and goes until 4 pm. The rain date is the following Saturday, the 18th, should it be needed.

Over 100 crafters will be there presenting a wide array of hand made products. We'll have our wonderf
ul body products, including the sumptuous sugar scrubs, sun burn spray, lotion bars, gardeners salve and more!

We hope we'll see you there! Mention this post - and we'll even give you an extra treat. Happy summer everyone!

Monday, July 6, 2009

July Celebrates the Great Outdoors

I am jazzed for July! At last we have some great summer weather with sunshine and warm days. The gardens are getting ready for that big push towards harvest. The great outdoors calls us. And me - I'm ready to answer!

July is all about being outside. After all, it's National Grilling Month. My favorite place to get the best grilling tips happens to be Grill It with Bobby Flay. And the Grilling Companion has some great tips and recipes.

Of course, grilling is all about the food. July is also

Natio
nal Blueberry Month, National Horseradish Month, National Hot Dog Month and National Ice Cream Month. Ok, you can't grill ice cream, but it's a fabulous dessert for afterwards!

Did you know that cultivated, domesticated blueberries were started right here in New Jersey? Just check out the info and Whitesbog Village. Best if read while munching on some fresh blueberries since they are in prime season right now!

To expand on your ice cream palate, you might want to join the Ice Cream Festival in Toms River.

Just think, if you have grilled hot dogs with a horseradish mustard and blueberry ice cream for desert, you've just taken part in five national celebrations!
Make your grillfest in a park at sunset with someone you love, and you've added two more special celebrations - National Recreation and Parks Month and National Share a Sunset with Your Lover Month.

That's why I love July, it's a month filled with flavorful days of note that bring us together and bring it all outside.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Happy Fourth of July!


May you have a wonderful, fun and laugh filled,
Fourth of July weekend.


Let freedom always be the cornerstone to our country.