It's Garden Time

This is my happy place. Ranch wife, ranch mama. Raising cows and a feral ranch baby on the shores of the Laramie River. When I was younger, we had a garden, and I loved it! I loved watching how a seed could grow into a plant and then loved watching the vegetables as they grew bigger and bigger. Since moving to the ranch, we have been too busy to even attempt to plant a garden. The first year I was there, I had just moved down, the next year we had a wedding and the following year, we had a beautiful baby girl! I have barely even had time to plant flowers the last couple years! This year…that all changes. We have decided to build a greenhouse. One that will be big enough that I can fill it with all sorts of plants. Flowers, veggies and even herbs of the legal variety, of course!

Our first steps were to decide where we were going to build the greenhouse. We picked a spot in the corner of our front yard that is tucked away. This used to be the garden spot, so it was only fitting that we replaced it with the new and improved garden greenhouse. We then measured the space out and decided on the size greenhouse we could put there. After looking at kits, we made the decision to just build it from scratch. My husband, being the extremely handy guy he is, jumped right in and started making a plan! We have since trimmed the cedar tree down to make more space and have also picked up all the lumber we will need to get this project started. This weekend, the guys worked on getting the oak railroad tie foundation set and I have to say...it looks mighty nice!

Mr. Angus kept a close eye on the progress! He is such a great old man!

I don’t have a super green thumb (mine is more of a pale seafoam color) but I am super excited to get a plan together to start planting as soon as the greenhouse is complete. I’ve been trying to come up with different ideas and I definitely think we need a lot of fresh veggies! My first thoughts go to zucchini and squash as these are the foundation of some of our most common sides throughout the summer. That is when I can find them at the store. Now, that won't be needed, and we can have them whenever we want them! I have an awesome recipe for sauteed zucchini and squash that I will share below. It is inspired by one of our favorite restaurants and its one of my husband’s favorite side dishes that I make. I also use a ton of tomatoes and cucumbers, so I will definitely need to plant both of those in the greenhouse! We always keep well stocked on cherry tomatoes and English cucumbers here at the ranch! My husband loves to snack on them on a hot day! I would also love to try my hand at making pickles this summer!

We have so many projects that we are getting started this spring, but I am most excited for the greenhouse! Now that the foundation is set, it will be time to start building the walls. We are also making sure to put a few windows throughout so that I have a way to get a bit of breeze while I am working during the heat of the summer! I will keep you all posted as we start building it!! If you have any tips, tricks or advice about gardening, this seafoam thumb is all ears! This is the Laramie River Ranch Wife, signing off… from my happy place.

From my kitchen to yours:

Sauteed Zucchini and Squash

1 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds

1 medium squash, sliced into thin rounds

4 Tbsp butter

1 Tbsp vegetable bouillon

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp onion powder

In a sauce pan over medium heat, melt the butter and mix in the vegetable bouillon and garlic. Cook 1-2 minutes. Add the zucchini and squash and sauté until they start to soften. Sprinkle in the onion powder and cook for another couple of minutes. Enjoy!