Our little backyard oasis

Due to the unusually AWESOME weather we have experienced lately, this will be the first year that we have the backyard up and running before the long weekend. Chris and I were so ahead of the game we had to wait for the garden centres to get their herbs in.

This will be my fifth year living in this apartment and Chris’ fourth, and every year we have tried growing stuff in the backyard — some successful, others not. By now we know what will and won’t work and just have to work with what we got, which is basically shade tolerant plants and herbs. The bane of Chris’ existence are two Manitoba Maple trees (his least favourite tree) which provide us with lots of privacy and shade in the back, but limits sun exposure.

A nice surprise this year though was our chives came back from last year, so we got that going for us. Even though the backyard is quite small and is hard to successfully grow stuff, I love the space we have. It’s perfect for us right now and is a nice retreat to hang out with friends, BBQ, play darts and read.

This year we planted rosemary, mint, cilantro, dill, basil and parsley. We planted two mint plants due to our Mojito consumption, hopefully it’s enough!

herbizzles before_herb_garden chris_transplanting annual_chives dartboard manitoba_maple buddha oskie_boy cilantro mint finished_herb_garden backyard_oasis

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Cuba in a cup

What a great weekend! Not only was the weather amazing, but Chris and I got so much done in the backyard, just need to plant some herbs and stuff and we’re done! We also finished staining the patio table Chris built, he’ll be posting that soon so check back this week.

After a long day of working in the backyard, there’s nothing better then finishing the day with a tasty mojito. Chris and I got hooked on this drink after our first trip to Cuba. I try to have the ingredients on hand at all times, but luckily if we ever need more limes or soda water our neighbours (who also love mojitos) usually have what we are missing.

Other than being deliciously refreshing, mojitos are so easy to make. Check out the recipe (if you can call it a recipe, haha) below. Cheers!

mojito_time

 

Mouthwatering Mojito

  • 1.5 – 2 oz’s  of rum (if using a smaller glass 1 oz)
  • A bunch of mint
  • Half a lime
  • Lots of ice
  • Soda water
  • Stiff straw (to drink and stir with)

Cut lime into wedges, I usually use a half lime per drink. Toss in the limes and mint and muddle. Next add the rum, then ice and then top with soda water; stir it up, pop in a straw and enjoy!

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