Gardening, Michael Davis

Romancing the moon

2012-02-26T09:52:00.002-05:00

Curiosity has me watching the western sky at night as Jupiter sits nearby the moon.
Venus sits nearby also, and the two planets will meet for a miraculous display later
in March.
Surely we must take a few moments each evening to sharpen our awareness.
Just a few minutes and I feel better about myself.
Michael Davis, 2011

A flower a day keeps the doctor away

2012-02-13T11:02:00.001-05:00

Years ago, I read a book on how to improve your health in ten weeks. Daily walks, a few vitamin
supplements, breathing exercises and diet improvements , you've heard all this before.
But flowers? It's a fact that state of mind and happiness are two key factors in living a healthy lifestyle.
Put some fresh flowers on the table.
I for one think cleanliness and organization are of the upmost importance, but I agree that flowers
make your home richer and your life as well. Put those flowers on the table.
Michael Davis, 2011

Today's Garden Club

2012-02-13T10:31:00.002-05:00

During the day, being a member of the 'garden club' was quite a social accomplishment for any young lady.
Things change over the years, and the social recognition just doesn't hold much weight, but the
club idea is actually still brilliant. With these difficult economic times and the need to hold or increase home
values , gardening is certain.
It is often said, to be sucessful, one must surround themselves with sucessful people. Well the same holds
true with gardening. Creating a small garden club with a few friends is a great way to make gardening a part of your life. Sharing ideas, sharing plants, pooling projects, and touring other gardens will lead to true
wealth and happiness in your life.
Michael Davis, 2011

Financial planning for the garden

2012-02-13T09:41:00.001-05:00

A dollar saved is a dollar for the garden. Gardening requires a design and long range plan to eliminate waisted time and dollars. Choosing the correct plants and materials the first time requires some advice or
research.
Most outdoor furniture can be found at the antique store or second hand store. Never buy any piece that will not hold its value over time. Buy for quality, not appearance. You can always paint or repair some
pieces.
Sharing plants such as perennials with family and friends is a must. Remember, it should be a give and take.
The best gardeners combine their knowledge and collectables with a group of friends. Build relationships with others that share your same interest.
Get in the habit of maintaining your garden a few minutes each day, a few hours each week, and a few
weekends each year. Use those weekends for major projects and invite friends and family for support and
some good food.

Michael Davis, 2011

Chicken with saffron

2012-02-12T19:57:00.001-05:00

Cut several chicken breast into small pieces
Prepare enough rice for about 6 good servings
1 box or bag of brocolli florets

In a large pan, drizzle olive oil and heat to medium
cut up 1 medium onion, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
(add onion and garlic to pan after chicken is started)
add chicken and cook until done adding generous portion of saffron until chicken is golden in color
remove chicken and cook italian sausage until brown
combine chicken onion and sausage into pan, add broccoli, cover and cook until broccoli is tender.
salt and pepper
add rice and mix up a little
serve with bread of your choice

Michael Davis, 2011

Barbecue shrimp

2012-02-12T19:36:00.002-05:00

In a mixing bowl combine the following
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons of worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
1 stick of melted butter
2 tablespoons of maple syrup (substitute with duck sauce or honey)
2 tablespoons of cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon of oregono
1 teaspoon of rosemary
1 teaspoon course ground pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper or cayan pepper
2 teaspoons of salt
1 bayleaf
green onion finely sliced
1 small can of heavy cream
several good shots of hot sauce of your choice (about 1 tablespoon)
mix all ingredients and add 1 lb of large shrimp peeled , deveined, and no tails
transfer to casserole dish and heat at 400 for approximately 20 minutes
Serve over white rice with toasted french bread
(best when prepared with a small amount of crawfish meat and a bit of ham or spiced pork for flavor,
but certainly not required)

Michael Davis, 2011

Carrot cake from scratch

2012-02-12T18:34:00.001-05:00

3 cups carrots finely shredded
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup milk
2 cups sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons salt
4 eggs

combine ingredients with the exception of carrots to a mixing bowl and mix well with mixer
flour and butter 3 9 inch baking pans preheat oven 350
add carrots and preferably a small box of raisins
and add chopped walnuts in equal amount as raisins
cook 40 minutes, let cool before removing cake from pans

Icing
16 ounces convectionate sugar
1 stick butter room temperature
2 8 ounces packages of cream cheese (regular or low fat)
1 teaspoon of vannila
chopped walnuts optional
combine all ingredients and mix with mixer until smooth and creamy
spread frosting on each layer of cake after placing cake on cake plate

Very easy, not excessive sugar considering a cake from scratch
Best when refrigerated, a 5 star cake.
Michael Davis, 2011

Freeze Warning North Georgia

2012-02-10T10:41:00.000-05:00

This weekend temperatures are predicted to fall dramatically. More important are breezes that are
expected with the cold front. These are the typical conditions that can cause serious injury to flower
buds following a mild winter. It is possible that bark injury could also be a result of this type of situation
for susceptible plants.

Michael Davis, 2011

Distressing Cabinets

2012-02-08T22:03:00.000-05:00

While considering a new look for our less than desirable kitchen cabinets, I noticed Rustoleum had a new
kit that has been selling big. It turns out that the kit is basically just a short cut by eliminating the sanding
process. Deglosser is included in the kit as an alternative to sanding. The rest of the process is simply just
antiquing with paint and glaze. The glazing looks like your typical antiquing from the 60s.
Anyway, I chose to purchase a deglosser (liquid sandpaper) and used an oil base primer followed by a coat of flat black enamel paint. After two more coats of flat white, I sanded until some black was showing. I then put a coat of white soft gloss enamel and sanded again. I felt like the soft gloss which has more pigments would help with durability. I used a fine sand paper for the final sanding until enough black was
showing through. After a few days of good drying time, I used a sealer (satin finish) with 2 coats. After a
good week of drying, a very light sanding by hand with a very fine paper. White cabinets distressed with
black looks really good. A big improvement for our kitchen but very intense work. Black hinges and pulls
finish it off really well.

Michael Davis, 2011

Coffee grounds go to the garden

2012-02-08T18:34:00.000-05:00

I finally got tired of throwing coffee grounds in the trash and have been putting them to good use. What was I thinking? I put them in a bucket, and when the bucket is filled, off to the garden. I spread them around plants, mix them in potting soil for containers, and use them as compost. Good nitrogen source and may have some pest control qualities.
Michael Davis, 2011

The Magi, Christmas decor

2011-12-04T18:06:00.001-05:00

Two old boards that I painted for front entrance Christmas decor. I have always had some attraction
to the three magi and the star of bethlehem. I grew up with a very nice painting in our home of the three
wisemen (magi) that hung yearlong. My attempt to indulge in a little art.

Michael Davis, 2011

Great people, great minds and gardens

2011-11-28T08:46:00.002-05:00

Several great Americans come to mind. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington both displayed a skillfull sense of design and knowledge of plant materials. Elite home owners in Colonial Williamsburg layed out gardens with an English formality and a self sufficient style .

"No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. I am still devoted to the garden. But though an old man, I am but a young gardener." Thomas Jefferson
Michael Davis, 2011

Elementary painting in the garden

2011-11-24T09:15:00.000-05:00

Painting a blank white canvas with evergreen foliage and a red event.
Michael Davis, 2011

Thanksgiving decor

2011-11-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

We have been using these two old boards during different holidays. I have painted different holiday
themes on both sides, one for Halloween and one for fall and thanksgiving. I have two more boards
that are painted for Christmas and Easter. I'll be posting the Christmas theme soon.
Michael Davis, 2011

Writing with stone

2011-11-09T18:35:00.001-05:00

Notice the 4 pieces of stone placed to resemble a Japanese symbol or writing.
Nice touch for a very small Japanese accent piece. Using the curve to create a focal
point.

Michael Davis, 2011

The collumn

2011-11-06T15:15:00.000-05:00

This simple column sits tucked away in a natural setting. The icon painted on an old board
sits on a ledge bringing the garden to life. A work of art.

Michael Davis, 2011

Framing in a focal point

2011-11-01T17:05:00.001-04:00

This fountain in a small courtyard was a little obnoxious. A little late for vines to cover, but
framed in with vertical and horizontal plantings.

Michael Davis, 2011

Simplicity for a small space

2011-10-29T08:57:00.000-04:00

Sunken below a retaining wall and deck, this small space was struggling to support a fescue
lawn. Drainage issues and shade, major factors. We reduced the size of the lawn by edging
a new shape with some existing stone and planted hydrangeas around the border. Simplicity
for a small space, but now this garden of hydrangeas is a main focal point from inside. Turning
a space into a garden.
Michael Davis, 2011

Fall explosion

2011-10-25T20:36:00.001-04:00

Explosion of fall color from these Muhley Grasses
A great alternative to the miscanthus grasses or pennisetums. 2-3 feet maximum height before
flowering, pruned tighter during the winter months. In this case, matching color tones in stone
mulch and brick.
Michael Davis, 2011

Fall statement

2011-10-23T15:13:00.001-04:00

simple but bold statement for fall

Michael Davis, 2011

Greek architecture in America

2011-10-16T22:04:00.000-04:00

Recent visit to Nashville, and a replica of greek architecture for the arts.
Wish we could see more of this.
Michael Davis, 2011

Halloween Decor

2011-10-03T19:24:00.002-04:00

Two old boards painted with ghost and goblins
Almost a shutter effect for the front door.
Michael Davis, 2011

The micro space

2011-09-27T22:32:00.002-04:00

Must be partially hidden, unexpected, but impacts the garden at some point in time.
I recently transplanted some iris for another serious gardener. She wanted to tuck the
iris back behind some other plantings so they would only be visible during bloom time.
I thought to myself, brilliant!
Michael Davis, 2011

Southern Hospitality

2011-09-25T15:45:00.003-04:00

The Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia has it's unique history in the world of golf and defines private club. Having worked at the club during my college days, I spent a lot of time working around the clubhouse grounds. During the tournament, we set out tables and umbrellas on the turf next to
the live oaks behind the clubhouse overlooking the most beautiful golf course in the world.
No patio could possibly measure up.
Michael Davis, 2011

My grandmothers's bird bath

2011-09-25T15:10:00.001-04:00

My grandmother who lived in an apartment/flat (The Broadway apartments) in downtown Augusta, Georgia gardened in a 10 ft by 20 ft plot in front and along side an alley way. The focal point of the garden was a trash can lid that sat on an old bird bath pedestal. The old galvanized lid was filled with soil and planted with
perennial groundcovers and a few random flowers. I'm not sure if I got it at the time, but she was the genius
of her own garden.
Michael Davis, 2011