Vegetable Planter: Part 2

The second phase of my experiment in vegetable gardening (which maybe should have been the first) is planning out what I am actually going to plant. ​There is a ton of information on the web about when, how, what to grow and it can be rather overwhelming. I eventually found my way to the Missouri Botanical Garden website which allowed me to find specific information about growing in St.Louis and also helped to streamline the rather intensive process. In a nutshell, this is what I learned.

When: In Missouri, vegetables are classified as cool seasons, warm seasons or perennials. The cool season is planted in mid-March and then again in July or August. These plants can withstand frosts and some even have their flavor enhanced by it. The most popular vegetables in this category are: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, kale, collard greens, lettuce, onions, spinach, beets, swiss chard, carrots, radish, potatoes, and peas. Depending on how the next few months go I plan on trying to grow some brussel sprouts or broccoli come August.

The warm season vegetables are planted in late April to early May (mid-May this year as it has been unusually cool for this time of year). The most common species are tomato, pepper, eggplant, corn, cucumber, green beans, sweet potato, squash and melons. ​

Perennials grow all year round and include things like asparagus and rhubarb. ​

While the above types dictate the approximate dates in which vegetables should be planted each variety has its own specific timeline -some early and others late. One should also keep in mind the the last average frost date and the first killing frost date - in Missouri its April 15th and October 15th.​

How: There is really two options: a container or in the ground. Since we are renters, this really wasn't a choice for us. Unfortunately, this means we are limited on space and will have to invest more upfront for the cost of the container (completed) and its preparation -lining and finding soil (not done and will probably require a whole other post)​.

What: I had a rough idea of what I wanted to grow but not if it was possible. One this list was: tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, onions, and lettuces. What I discovered that is that I could grow everything (lettuce is a bit risky but I am going to try it anyways) except the onions. I also decided I would add sweet bell peppers and some strawberries and that I would get two separate pots to plant basil and dill. 

Thus after more research that would surely bore most of you I made a plan.

​images via Missouri Botantical Garden

Any experienced gardeners out there see any problems with the plan? ​Please let me know if you do!

Farm Table and Chairs

One of my favorite pieces of furniture in our home is our dining room table. Some of my not so favorite items are our dining room chairs or rather how the chairs go with the table.

Finding our table was almost magical. We had only three weeks, a rather tight budget and we knew pretty much exactly what we wanted - a big authentic farm table. And we were lucky enough to get it! Our table is a 8' long, finished in a dark coffee stain, and even came with a pamphlet illustrating its use in country schoolhouse in the Missouri Ozarks. 

​It has already been the center of some great dinners and I look forward to all that are yet to come. But there is a but - the chairs to be exact. Functionally and aesthetically they just don't work. The table is slightly taller than an average dining table - 4 inches to be exact causing our guests to feel like little kids at the grown ups table in their petite chairs. And visually the small scale combined with mismatched styles does nothing to counter the mass of the table. Thus we are in the market for new chairs. 

​In looking for new chairs, I know I want something to contrast the rustic feel of the table. When selecting furniture I always try to think about how it will represent us as a couple and as individuals. In the case of our dining room, the rustic table conveys our relaxed approach to our home as well as our love for simple shapes and things with character. For our chairs, I want to counter this with something more modern and softer in form. I also want them to be comfortable so that our guests feel free to linger and relax. Below are a few looks we are considering.

the lucy chair by bend seating

I like the color and material of these as well as their shape - geometric but still a little curvy. My main concern is comfort.

​the riviera side chair by serena and lily

​Again I like the color and material of these. I also like the bench and the end chairs. They also look rather comfortable. However, I wonder if they are a little busy for us.

​the scoop back chair by West Elm

I like the white. I also like how modern and simple they are but I think they are probably a little too stark for us. ​

​wishbone chair by Hans Wegner produced by Design Within Reach

I am a big fan of the Danish designer Hans Wegner and I would love to have these wishbone chairs in a natural finish. However, they might be too special for our casual get togethers and I could see myself obsessing about their care and maintenance.

I am not sure what we will end up going with - I probably need to plan out the room a bit more (sounds like another posting) but I will be sure to update when we do. ​

Realty Round Up: Webster Groves, MO

Realty Round Up will be a weekly column here at The Home Place  so all you real estate enthusiasts out there get excited. This is how it works - each week I will feature a different neighborhood some I have been to and others not. I will begin with a brief description of the place and what I like (or think I would like) about the area - favorite shops, parks, proximities etc. I will then select four currently listed properties (across four different price ranges) in the set location and feature them here. If you are at all like me I am always curious to know what it would be like to live someplace else and this column is intended to let us all dream a bit. I would love suggestions on where to feature so please comment and email. I hope you enjoy!

Webster Groves is a historic suburb located 10 miles southwest of downtown St. Louis and just a ten minute drive from our current house. Home to my favorite ice cream shop in St. Louis - Serendipity (second only to Seneca Farms in Penn Yan, NY) - I plan on frequenting the area much more regularly now that the weather is beginning to warm up. With its tree lined streets and abundance of historic homes, the town is beyond charming so much so that in 2008 Family Circle magazine ranked it as one of the Top 10 places to raise a family. It has two small downtown areas, Old Orchard and Old Webster, that are connected by Webster University, a private institution of roughly 21,000 students. Other notable places include:
- The Block Restaurant - half butcher, half neighborhood restaurant.
- Webster Groves Bookshop - an example of how I think all book stores should be
- Straub's - an iconic St. Louis fine grocer

House #1: $0 - $250,000

​information and images provided by Zillow

The biggest selling point for me on this house is its location as it is just one block from Old Webster. I also love the large covered outdoor space. In St.Louis it gets ridiculously hot and being in the shade is a must. ​

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

​information and images provided by Zillow

Again location is pretty ideal with this one as it is just a few blocks to Old Webster. Also I think you could do something pretty cool with this kitchen like paint the cabinets a color, change the railing on the stair and add a bigger table. Usually, I am a fan of large open plan kitchens but I like the cozy, almost den like feel of this one with its built in bookcase and casual dining arrangement.

House #3: $500,000 - $750,000

​information and images provided by Zillow

The biggest draw of this house for me is definitely its curb appeal and the backyard. Its elevation reminds me of the house from Father of the Bride and who doesn't love that movie. Also I really like all the big trees on the property .

House #4: $750,000 - $1,000,000

​information and images provided by Zillow

This is one big house and while I have no idea what I would do with this much space it could be great for a (extra) large family. I think its main pluses are that while being a sizable house it still has character and is welcoming and its abundance of windows as the presence of natural light can never be under appreciated.

Have a good weekend!​