Living Green wrapping up 2016

Hard to believe I've been writing this column for South Tulsa Living for well over a year now.  As we get ready to greet a new year and bid farewell to 2016, I look back on a year of 'Living Green One step at a time' columns with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment.  Once again, I want to say thank you to the publisher, Candy Trenary, and editor, Terri Jeffers, for allowing me huge leeway in writing anything my little heart desires.  They are both gracious and supportive in all ways and I am so lucky to know these women.

To read article, click HERE!

Beginning in 2017, I'll be contributing quarterly rather than monthly (March, June, September, and December).  Fewer articles, less writing, but researched, penned, and submitted with the same enthusiasm I currently maintain for all things living green, one of my favorite topics.

December's article was fun to write and even more enjoyable to photograph.  These decorations are so easy to make and can be put together quickly anytime you have need of an impromptu centerpiece. Use what you have on hand...glass jars, greenery clipped from outside, flowers in season, ribbon or twine...

Living Green...one step at a time

September's issue of South Tulsa Living was delivered to my mailbox just a few days after I returned from a lovely vacation in North Idaho and Washington State. Written and submitted prior to heading west, I knew the article needed additional photos to illustrate the amazing flexibility of these Yardfolia arrangements.  Thanks to my my beautiful Mommy and her pretty assortment of vases and flourishing backyard greenery, this was doable from 'the field.'  The magazine's layout did not disappoint.

Read original WORD document here!

a lovely display of 'Yardfolia'

Sometimes the most beautiful bouquet is right outside our door. It's almost as easy as having it come direct from the florist shop.  Okay, maybe not that easy.  But easy enough.

I have several gorgeous rosemary  (Rosmarinus officinalis) specimens in my yard.  They grow so well here in Tulsa that I am able to give them a good pruning now and then.  I've even planted an extra out back so that I might have these lovely bouquets whenever my heart desires.  And the aroma is a bonus!

You do not need rosemary to make your own yardfolia bouquet.  Experiment with other greenery from your own yard.  Just cut a few springs of something with an 'upright habit,' remove the leaves or needles on the lower part of the stem that will be sitting in water, place in a vase of fresh water and see how it does after a day or so.  If it doesn't droop for long...but perks up and gives you a nice fresh stand of greenery, consider it a success!   I love rosemary for its sturdiness and 'lastability!'