Winebox Gardener

Although I thought about starting a garden in my backyard in New Jersey (Zone 6a)for many years, it was a single wooden wine box that turned an idea into reality. The simple thought of growing herbs in a box quickly turned into my filling every sunny inch of space of my postage-stamp size lawn and turning it into a garden oasis.

Tip: You can find wooden wine boxes at most wine stores - usually for free - but sometimes for the price of a couple dollars each.

I grow mostly vegetables and herbs with some exception for fruits (when the squirrels and rabbits don't get to them first). I love learning from gardening communities (and lots of trial and error). I am not an expert. I'm just someone who has learned a lot already and I want to continue that path. Learning isn't much fun if you don't share what you learn, so that's where this blog comes in.

This blog isn't just for gardeners (although I hope it inspires some of you to try growing a plant or two). The recipes (food & cocktails) in the Recipes section of this blog contain ingredients that don't have to come from your own backyard. If you like visiting your local farmer's market (or even your grocery store) and would like to get some new recipes you can use with the great produce and herbs you get from your local growers, this blog will have plenty for you too.

In addition to gardening and cooking, I also love to visit and photograph my surroundings. I feel fortunate to have so many amazing places here in New York/New Jersey, where I live and work. Visits to local farms, farmer's markets, and taking bike rides through rural areas help me feel connected and refreshed. I'll be sharing these experiences with you in the Exploring section of the blog so that you might visit through proxy or be inspired enough to visit yourself.

With very few exceptions, all of the photographs on this site are ones I have taken myself. (For the photographers out there, I shoot with a Canon 7D and sometimes with my Lumix DMC-ZS15 compact camera.)

I hope this blog inspires you to grow, create, explore, and try something new. If you're feeling social, follow me using the social buttons above.

Happy Gardening and Happy Living!

- Catherine