How to Build a Fairy Garden

Since Spring has decided to show up a little late this year and a lot of the ground is still covered in snow, we haven't had much of a chance to get out into the garden to get ready for the upcoming seasons.  So what do you do when you are itching to garden but the weather isn't cooperating?  Garden indoors!  We love creating terrariums and fairy gardens.  Our company stores in South Windsor, CT and York, ME have everything you need to build your own Fairy Garden at home.  Stop by and check out the gardens created by our in house team and then build your own at home following these 5 simple steps.

How to Assemble a Fairy Garden or Terrarium
1.  Place a layer of small stones at the bottom of your chosen vessel.
2. Add a layer of activated charcoal.
3.  Add a layer of Sphagnum moss to help with drainage.
4.  Add the potting soil and plants.  Choose small plants, ivy and different mosses that do not grow too fast. 
5.  Give your terrarium plants indirect sunlight and mist with water as needed.

An example of a completed Fairy Garden



 Small details make your garden unique!

 

 

 Your garden can be any size

 

 

 

 

Easter Tip - The Basics for Cooking & Serving Ham

Easter Sunday comes with all sorts of traditions, from egg hunts to Easter baskets and a nice big family meal.  Ham is popular main course here in the United States and because it is a meal many families only find themselves cooking once or twice a year, people find themselves intimidated by cooking and serving a ham that is just right.  Here are our tips for purchasing, cooking and serving a ham this Easter!

How much do I buy?
You should count on buying about 3/4 pound if the ham is bone-in.  If you choose a boneless ham, choose one that would allow for 1/3 pound per person. Of course, we love the leftovers, so be sure to account for that if you do too!

How long to I cook it?
Fully cooked hams can be served cold, but a glazed ham is delicious.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Place ham in a large roasting pan.  Cover tightly with a lid or foil.  Cook approximately 15 minutes per pound.  Remove from oven 30 minutes before the end of the cook time.  Brush glaze on the surface of the ham.  Return to oven uncovered, brush with additional glaze one or two more times for the remainder of the cook time.  The internal temperature of the ham should be 160 degrees F.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

Here is our favorite recipe for an easy Glazed Baked Ham.

What do I do with the leftovers?
Be sure to wrap your leftovers and store them in your refrigerator and then try one of these great recipes!

• Baked Herbed Eggs
• Breakfast Strata