Today, Katy shares tips for gardening on a budget:

Flowers and plants offer a visual reward, and my best friend (an organic farmer) posits that there's an alchemy that occurs when your hands touch the soil. I couldn't agree more, whether you have a lush garden (as my mother did) or a tiny suburban handkerchief plot (as I do!). I also happen to have a postage size budget and wanted to share these 9 tips for gardening on a budget:

1. Grow from seed. It's easy to get a lot for a little by growing from seed. When we manage to plan ahead of time, we start in February or March. We've tried morning glories, calendula, zinnias, and marigolds from seed in a condo with very limited space near windows with full sun (morning glories were especially successful!).

2. Use what you've got. If you're planting seeds, use yogurt cups, eggshells, and plastic bottles for growing containers. Kids love to plant seeds and see the results develop on the counter or windowsill. It's very exciting to wake up in the morning and see how much changes overnight, and it gives older kids a special sense of stewardship to watch over "their" babies and help care for them.

3. Consider a seedling/success tradeoff. If growing from seed isn't in the cards, the tradeoff of spending a bit more money on established plants is better odds of success that come with professionally grown seeds.

4. Build your knowledge for free. Don't be intimidated if your gardening experience is limited (or nonexistent!) -- the internet offers plenty of tips and techniques for gardening and plant selection. Local farms offer outreach programs and classes, and garden centers are staffed by seasoned gardeners and scientists happy to share their wisdom. In short, there is a lot of free information out there for gardening newbies and experienced green thumbs alike.

5. Plant easy, prolific perennials. Make the most of your purchases by planting easy, prolific perennials that will come up year after year. I use hardy daylilies, peonies, and hostas to form the budget-friendly, reliable backdrop against which to showcase my annuals.

L to R: perennial peonies planted in 2008, pink rosebush from previous owner, daylilies in bud from previous owner, 2014 pansies, knockout rose (my one splurge from last summer), purple and white pansies all along the edge, and another legacy plant from a previous owner, a pink azalea.

6. Peruse farmers markets. Farmers markets not only offer a great way to eat local on a budget; they also can be a good source for affordable plants. Most farmers markets will have at least one vendor selling plants throughout the season.

7. Connect with your local gardening resources. Find bargains via your local gardening clubs, meetups, and networks. My town gardening club offers plant swaps, so I've been able to divide up my thriving daylilies and trade them in for some great annuals from another gardener.

8. Check out Craigslist and Freecycle. Craigslist and Freecycle aren't just for finding and selling baby gear and furniture. I've found an abundance of free plants through these online services.

9. Let your gardening passion be known! Over time, my friends and family have learned that I love flowers and am trying to limit the acquisition of more stuff, so I get a lot of flowers/plants as gifts. Yay!

Want to see how I've put these tips into action? Here's how my 2014 garden acquisitions broke down:

• 2 morning glories (free, gift!)
• 24 pansies (~$20 on sale, Russo's)
• 6 perennial hostas (free, Craigslist!)
• 12 nasturtiums ($10, Waltham Community Farms seedling sale)
• 2 petunia patio pots (my big splurge; $30 at Russo's)
• Hanging begonia (Mother's Day gift!)
• 3 bags of mulch to slow down the ubiquitous weeds ($10 at Star Market)

2014 total: $70! WOO HOO!

Now, once you've got all of your supplies, there are three other things I recommend. First, map out a simple plan -- on paper, or better yet, by putting pots in the spots where you plan to dig. Second, get a second opinion if you're feeling unsure (I always count on my mom, my other gardening friends, and my neighbors for a second eye when I'm putting in a large perennial). And finally, let go of perfection! I give my little guys a lot of leeway when picking out spots for the annuals. A mistake is generally easy to fix when it comes to plants, and in Massachusetts the growing season is brief; the enjoyment of watching the kids take ownership is just as satisfying as a "perfect" planting.

Do you have other budget-friendly gardening tips? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

Image credits: Katy

During my postdoctoral fellowship, I earned the nickname Kohcumber because I snacked on cucumbers every single day at the lab. For some reason, I fell out of that (excellent) habit, but this week's Eat Seasonal feature on cucumbers is inspiring me to load up my next grocery cart with cukes! Cucumbers are in season in Massachusetts from June through August; here are 9 (actually, 10) great ways you can enjoy them:

1. Cucumber tomato bites = easy yet beautiful appetizer.

2. Korean cucumber salad is always on my mom's dining table!

3. This cucumber watermelon salad looks so refreshing and I love that it includes feta and walnut for salt/crunch contrast.

4. If you're looking for a show stopper, these beetroot and tuna cucumber rolls are gorgeous. The recipe is a little more involved, but I'd cut prep time down by using canned beets, chopped.

5. I love one pot (or one blender) recipes like this chilled cucumber avocado soup.

6. Tzatziki = refreshing condiment that's loaded with protein. Great as a veggie dip or as a condiment for your grilled fare!

7. You only need 4 ingredients for this cucumber basil sorbet. (Perfect excuse to bust out my ice cream maker!)

8. And you only need 3 ingredients for this cucumber lime margarita.

9. I want these 10-minute refrigerator pickles for my next burger.

10. And as an added bonus, if you get tired of eating cucumbers, try one of these 3 DIY cucumber facial masks.

Image credits: cucumber pile via FreeDigitalPhotos.net; all others via linked sites above

Today’s Dear Boston Mamas query comes from Kristen: 

Hi Christine, I'm hoping you can help me. Our family will be visiting Boston this July (from Canada) with our 19 month old daughter. We are staying near the Boston Common and are looking for some things to do with her. From my research the aquarium looks great, but the Children's museum seems to be for older kids. Can you suggest some things we should check out with her? I'm looking for attractions (outside/inside, paid/free) and any good restaurants to check out with her.

+ + + + +

Hi Kristen, I’m so excited for you to visit Boston -- you and your family will love it here! If you want to peruse further, I’ve written here, here, here, and here about visiting Boston with kids, but for ease of browsing, and given that you are staying directly in the city with a toddler, I have 8 specific recommendations:

1. Boston Common + the Public Garden. It’s great that you’re staying near the Common because you’ll have lots to do right there, what with the playground, spray pond, carousel, and Swan Boats. Be sure to snap a photo at the Make Way For Duckling statues, which are near the corner park entrance close to Charles Street. Speaking of which, if you have time to meander down Charles Street, be sure to hit these Beacon Hill gems, which include some kid-friendly food recommendations.

2. The Waterfront. The Aquarium is always a hit, and the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway offers wonderful space to run around, there's a carousel, and nearby Christopher Columbus Park offers access to a playground and water play. I recently ate at City Landing, right along the Greenway and it was super yummy (I highly recommend the yellow tomato bisque + avocado and crab salad); they also offer a kid's menu.

3. The North End. Not far from the waterfront is the North End, where you can grab pizza cafeteria-style, delicious gelato, and more. If spectacle is your thing, your travel timing accommodates, and your toddler doesn’t mind crowds, you might also have the opportunity to view a North End feast.

4. Cruise the Harbor. I’m actually thinking about going on a whale watch soon with my girls (ages 3 and 9), but if you want something a little less spendy you can cruise 20+ waterfront stops via water taxi for only $10 (kids under 12 ride free).

5. Play in the Back Bay. You’ll be very close to the Back Bay area (famous for Newbury Street shopping). Be sure to check out these Back Bay gems (which include kid-friendly dining recommendations), including the Esplanade Play Space and Clarendon Street Playground, which your toddler will enjoy.

6. Cultured craft time. If you’d like to merge culture (for you), crafts (for your toddler), and air conditioning (for everyone), family programming is regularly offered at the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Arts.

7. Feast at Flour. I really love Flour Bakery for a quick bite to eat that doesn’t break the bank but still feels special. There are three Boston locations: Fort Point, South End, Back Bay.

8. The Weekly Blueprint + Weekend Roundup. Finally, just before your trip, I recommend checking out the latest Weekly Blueprint (published every Monday; see example here) and Weekend Roundup (published every Friday; see example here). These weekly posts include a curated collection of special events for the upcoming week and weekend, making planning easy!

I hope this is helpful and that you have a wonderful time in Boston!

+ + + + +

Have a question for Christine? Drop her a line! And of course feel free to comment in if you have recommendations beyond those made above.

Image credit: 1) FreeDigitalPhotos.net; 2) Christine Koh

I felt silly going to the doctor. While I was in the ultrasound room, though, with the lady checking all along the big vein or artery or who knows what from my groin to my ankle and frowning and highlighting things and thumping my calf and listening to my pulse, my heart raced and I had to consciously breathe. So even though it will be a needless expense, maybe it wasn't a needless expense. 

In the end, this doctor trip was more for my anxiety disorder than my leg, though. No blood clot. Just #catastrophize.

I have, however, run 11 miles since the doctor, so there's that.

Holy cow you guys, I'm still recovering from the shock of yesterday! Laurel enlisted my in-laws to help her plan a surprise anniversary party for Jon and me. They invited/tracked guests down via stealthily passed notes, phone chains, and the white pages (!); Jon and I returned from a day out to a house full of friends, family, food, and fun. Incredible! While I soak this in, I'll get Monday going for you via the Weekly Blueprint:

June 10 + 12: Berklee Performance Series: Ana and Marco (Boston)

June 11: Basket bombing workshop. (Harvard)

June 11: Storytime in the great outdoors. (Hingham)

June 11: It’s time to play in the park. (Lincoln)

June 12: Spring into Summer tree walk. (Acton)

June 12: Inspire Arts & Music concert in the park. (Boston)

June 12: Sample historic beer in a historic place. (Boston)

June 12 - 14: Puppet show: Jack and the Beanstalk (Brookline)

June 13: Get filthy with messy, squishy Dirtopia. (Acton)

June 13: Follow the road to the cup at Boston’s #1 soccer party. (Boston)

June 13: STEM night at the museum. (Boston) 

June 13: Mike, the Bubble Man. (Boston)

June 13: Father’s Day storytime and activity. (Cambridge)

June 13: Friday evening hayride and campfire. (Lincoln)

June 13: Listen to the sounds of the night. (Norfolk)

June 13: Full moon family hike. (Worcester)

June 13 + 14: Hyper-local craft brew fest. (Somerville)

Image credit: Fruitlands Museum

Happy weekend, everyone -- I hope you're enjoying the beautiful weather! I'm sad to have missed a party for my sister Sharon's wonderful family today (the girls both woke up feeling sick) but everyone seems to be improving steadily. Meanwhile, if you're kicking back and relaxing, enjoy this roundup of fun reads/visuals that caught my eye this week via Hey Internet, Keep Being Awesome:

- Discussing #yesallwomen with the kids (emotional and essential read from my friend Gabrielle).

- Sharing a favorite motherhood tip re: self care during play over at Clementine Daily

- The anywhere workout.

- 20 things to start doing in your relationships.

- Cool Father’s Day gifts via my fine friends at Cool Mom Picks.

- Power popsicles.

- Parents worry too much about what their children read.

- Philip Seymour Hoffman on happiness.

- A good reason to stop drinking soda.

- LEGO to launch female scientist series after online campaign.

- Knowing my sons a little less.

Image credit: power popsicles via Pinterest

My daily footwear typically includes ballet flats or strappy sandals, neither of which are super functional during nature treks or muddy playground visits. To rectify this situation -- and given that we're going camping this summer -- during a recent 40% off sale (score!), I ordered these Lands' End trekker close toed sandals (along with these closed toed sandals for Laurel, who shares my footwear habits). THUMBS UP! These trekkers are lightweight and comfy, and I love that they come in my most favorite of colorways!

Want more Friday Finds? Of course you do! Check out: Misfit Shine, Smooth Move, Beyond Baby, Bella Sante HydraFacial, chair reupholstery tutorial, Mizuno Wave Prophecy, Jordana lip balm stains, La Fresh eco-wipes, ridiculously awesome pants, parachute cord crafts, Where Is The Cake?, and Travelpro luggage

Image credits: Lands' End

Happy Friday everyone, I hope you've been having a great week. Thanks so much to everyone who weighed in and shared via comment, Facebook, and Twitter to this post on compromise; it meant so much to me. Meanwhile, it looks like a beautiful weekend is coming -- enjoy this roundup of 25 weekend events, lovingly curated for your consideration. Have a wonderful weekend!

1. Arlington goes Greek. Opa! (Arlington)

2. Float your boat engineering challenge. (Boston)

3. World Oceans Day at the aquarium. (Boston)

4. Fight heart disease with Brigham and Women’s and ClimbAmerica! (Boston)

5. Celebrate Pride Day at Faneuil Hall. (Boston)

6.  Puppet show: A Woodland Cinderella. (Brookline)

7. Cambridge Arts River Festival. (Cambridge)

8. Fireflies for families. (Easthampton)

9. Bikes not Bombs bike-a-thon. (Jamaica Plain)

10. Family fun day at the wildlife sanctuary. (Lenox)

11. There’s always something new in the MAKEmobile. (Lincoln)

12. Spruce up your garden at this native plant sale. (Marshfield)

13. Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon. (Newton)

14. Teachers and Tea, women teachers supporting each other towards excellent teaching. (Norwell)

15. Roslindale youth arts festival. (Roslindale)

16. Salem Dog Festival. (Salem)

17. Matthew Aucoin presents Orpheus. (Salem)

18. Monsters in the Cliffs Story Trails. (Salem)

19. Assembly Row handmade arts market. (Somerville)

20. You can’t beat a food truck festival. (Somerville)

21. Learn more about ONE, and help fight against extreme poverty. (Somerville)

22. 60’s Rock Revival Festival. (Topsfield)

23. Winchester Town Day. (Winchester)

24. Flower power nature play. (Worcester)

25. Trustees National Trail Day. (Various locations)

Image credit: Food Truck Festivals of New England

After poring over this seasonal produce grid for the best way to order fruit and vegetable features, it's sort of awesome that it worked out to kick off the Eat Seasonal series with scallions. Also known as spring onions, this vegetable is a permanent fixture in my mom's kitchen. I can almost hear her chopping them as I type this! Scallions are in season in Massachusetts from May to September; stock up and try and or all of these six recipes:

1. This scallion pancake recipe takes mere minutes to prep and is a huge hit every single time I make it.

2. The 12-ingredient marinade for these scallion skewers is a little more involved than I would normally prep for a quick family dinner, but you could gain economy of scale by multiplying the batch and storing in your fridge (all ingredients are long pantry shelf life items).

3. This recipe for grilled cubanelles, tomatoes, and scallions is a done deal in 15 minutes. WIN.

4. If you like baking, these scallion and cheddar popovers are a simple, savory option.

5. I’m always on the hunt for good vegetarian recipes for Laurel; this mushroom and scallion frittata offers a good protein hit while using lots of scallions.

6. This 3-ingredient scallion ginger sauce can be your go-to condiment on top of, well, anything apparently.

Image credits: scallion thumbnail via FreeDigitalPhotos.net; all other images via linked websites