Tomorrow is March 1, which means spring should be on its way. In New England, though, more snow is in the forecast. But that won’t keep my spring fever from motivating some garden planning. I learned last summer that while I’m a house-plant killer, I love the therapeutic time spent tending a garden.

Not only is it a good way to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life, it also makes for healthier summer dinners that come straight from the backyard. Plus, a garden offers great opportunities for homemade gift-giving - maybe a fresh summer salad to accompany homemade soup for new parents (we have lots ‘o friends having babies) or canned goods to give all year (see our green tomato chutney 2008 Christmas gifts). Oh, and did I mention it’s way cheaper to grow your own vegetables than to buy them at the store?

Check back in the coming weeks and months for inspiration in your own garden adventures, recipes, and encouragement.

If you haven’t happened upon Etsy before, you’ll keep going back. When I found Etsy over a year ago I was so inspired by what so many artists had committed to - buying and selling homemade. Since, I have been striving to give mostly handmade gifts to family and friends for birthdays and Christmas, and even baby gifts.

Not only are these gifts from the heart and one-of-a-kind, but they’re also better for the environment and friendlier on the budget. If making your own gifts isn’t for you, or won’t fit into your schedule, check out Etsy when you’re in need of a unique gift to give. I’ll be posting regular “Fave Finds” from Etsy, so check back regularly. And stay tuned for the opening of my Etsy shop, Simply Give, which will feature handmade greeting cards and art using recycled or reused materials.

I try to consider if I really need something before buying it. I also try to consider how it’s packaged (is it individually wrapped inside a package) and avoid over-packaged items when possible. Regardless, I still end up with plenty of “trash”. So, before it goes in the bin, I try to consider whether I can incorporate it somehow into a project. A few potential trash items that have recently evaded the rubbish pail for my future crafting needs…

1. endless catalogs (junk mail) to be later converted into greeting cards
2. garments - ripped or stained that cannot be donated - also for potential future greeting cards, or gift totes, etc.
3. jelly jars - the perfect organizing tool for small items like paper clips, or beads, or buttons!
4. lightbulbs - to upcycle into one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments
5. wrapping paper - endless uses - if it’s in good shape I sometimes re-use it as wrapping paper, or in my greeting cards, or in scrapbooking

What items can you save today from their rubbish pail demise?