Browse Every Blog, post, picture, and video Casey has made.
Mid July, Take Control of Your Plants!
Mid July, Take Control of Your Plants!
It is Mid July, do your window boxes look like this?
If so, then you are doing a terrific job, garden on! If not, then there is definitely something you can learn from me. Rather than write about everything I do, I thought, why not show you! I created a video that will give you the ultimate visual lesson. There are 3 steps I take to maintaining the unforgettable window box. What is so great about learning these three steps, is they not only work wonders for your window box, but these same 3 steps are what I use for all of my planters! Think of this as your must watch lesson during every growing season from here on out! I hope you enjoy your lesson! Take something from it, so you too, can have your own unforgettable window box this year!
Keep It Serene, Go Blue & Green, Casey’s Top Picks for Summer 2016
Keep It Serene, Go Blue & Green, Casey’s Top Picks for Summer 2016
As you all know, I have a passion for gardening. What you may not have known, is that I have an even bigger passion for decorating and design. I am very passionate about this home since my husband and I designed it together from scratch. I definitely found that I have my own style. You may like it, you may not. All I know is that, no matter what your style is, I always have at least one thing that will make you say,”Where did you get that?”. Now, I don’t buy a lot of decorations. Pillows? Yes. I’m a pillow nut! I have a whole closet full of pillows for every season, and yet, I always feel I need more. I mainly like to decorate with naturals. By bringing the colors and textures from outside into your home, you get a whole new feeling of cozy.
This Summer, keep it serene, GO BLUE & GREEN. Continue reading “Keep It Serene, Go Blue & Green, Casey’s Top Picks for Summer 2016” »
A Slice of Heaven at, The Garden of Eder: How to Plant and Care for Trees like, Professional Landscaper, Jeremy Eder
Birds chirping, bees buzzing and the tall grass blowing in the breeze, is all I heard as I walked the grounds at, ‘The Garden of Eder’. I stood still, closed my eyes and took a deep breath. There was a sweetness in the air with a hint of fresh pine. I was surrounded by trees on every side of me. The bees were so loud as they surrounded a beautiful pink 
flowering tree, a Horse Chestnut. I got up close and watched while they worked hard. Something red flashed past me, stealing my attention away from the bees. There it was, a beautiful red cardinal just perching above me. Even the birds seemed at peace at ‘The Garden of Eder’.
‘The Garden of Eder’, is located in the Town of Raymond, (5300 Hwy K). The grounds have been a nursery for almost a hundred years, but it has been in the Eder family for almost 45 years. 
They specialize in Landscaping and offer many different varieties of trees and shrubs. Michael and Kathy Eder are the owners of the business. They have two daughters, Rebecca and Jessica and one son, Jeremy.
Jeremy is who I had the opportunity of talking to. He and his sister Jessica, who is also a teacher in her hometown school, Raymond Elementary, manage ‘The Garden of Eder’. Now that their parents are retired, they reside near eldest daughter, Rebecca and husband, Matt Tegland. Rebecca and Matt, own and operate their own landscaping business in Minocqua, Ederland Gardens.
As I walked the grounds and got an official tour from, Jeremy, I could tell the property meant a lot to him. Every section of the property brought up good memories he had throughout his whole life. The old barn was definitely one of my favorite focal points. 
It’s old and worn, but stands proud upon that property point. I could tell that one of Jeremy’s favorite spots was overlooking the pond. It brought great memories forward for him, since that was where he stood and got married 6 months prior. When I saw him look out over the water, I could tell he was reliving that very memory, because he was smiling.
As we kept walking, we came upon a beautiful waterway. Jeremy’s dog, Luka, came running out, super excited to walk the grounds with us. She has become quite the fixture at ‘The Garden of Eder’. I just love how the water way looks so natural, like it has always been there.
What is most unique about the way everything is landscaped, is that it isn’t so uniform. There are so many different shapes and textures running through every landscaped area. If you notice in this picture on the left, they even throw in a few rocky sections to break up the steadiness in the garden. There are even big boulder rocks throughout with great natural placement.
Journey through, ‘The Garden of Eder’ with me. See it through my eyes. When you are finished, learn from, Jeremy Eder, a professional landscaper, on how to properly plant and take care of trees.
This is what Jeremy calls, a whip. That’s what a tree looks like in the beginning. He removed all the growth lower than his hand. By doing that, it helps shape up the tree.
This is a two year tree grown from the beginning, right on the property.
I was lucky that this Peony was in blossom the day I was there. I couldn’t even capture how beautiful it was in person.
The walkways were so beautiful. Having the grass in between just made it feel more natural.
I love these trees! These are going on my must have list! (Fern Leaf Beech)
I have never seen so many different pines. They have the best variety, and everything just looks so healthy.
One of Jeremy’s Favorite Trees, Weeping White Pine. Jeremy likes calling it the Snuffaluffagus tree.
Weeping White Pine
Wild Phlox decorated the wild wooded areas, and it smelled so sweet.
There were many tree stumps through out the property, giving it that natural feel.
There were acres, upon acres of new trees growing.
An old bus resides across from an acre of two year old trees.
When you think you are all done walking through, it just continues on.
Jeremy, walking the field of baby trees, with pal, Luka.
As soon as I came out of the wooded paths, this was my first view in the picture above. I knew I had hit the big tree gardens. There were so many different varieties! Walk through the big tree gardens with me, and see it through my eyes.
The Paths ran through and around the whole property. What I found, was that the paths always led you back, so you could never get lost. Once I got through the big tree gardens, I was back up by the store. That’s when I realized, there was a whole other section of pathways through all of their decorative trees and shrubs. So, of course, I couldn’t help myself! I walked through every little pathway. Walk through it with me and see it through my eyes.
Once I was finished walking through the decorative tree and shrub gardens, I was back up front, following the pathway that led me to the store.
(Above) Pathway into store
(Above) Inside the store they have many unique fixtures for your garden. They can also make great gifts for any gardener!
When you go and visit, ‘The Garden of Eder’, just walk right into the store. They are always eager to help you with a smile. They are the go to place for Landscaping and Landscape design. You can even go there if you just need one tree, mulch, shrubs, specialty trees or even if you just want to take a walk through the beautiful landscaped paths. It is a must walk through for everyone. Whether you are a gardener or not, ‘The Garden of Eder’, brings you peace and serenity through every last inch of their 50 acres.
Now here’s a gift for you below!
Your very own LIVE video. Professional Landscaper, Jeremy Eder, shares his knowledge with you on how to plant and care for a tree correctly.
‘The Garden of Eder’ planted a beautiful pine for me in my yard. Here was their process:
They dug the hole for the tree with a little space around it. You don’t want the hole too big otherwise that allows too much movement.
This is a large tree, so they used the skid to move it.
It took three guys to stabilize it, and get it properly positioned into the hole.
Jeremy checks and makes sure the tree is straight.
They filled in the hole with fresh top soil, and topped it off with a couple inches of mulch.
They usually cut the rope that wraps the tree before placing the tree in the hole, but this time it got over looked. Jeremy had to go ‘Teen Wolf’ on the skid and cut it off himself. (I mean, the 80’s flick, ‘Teen Wolf’, starring Michael J Fox).
And, of course, Luka found her way on the job site. Thank you, Jeremy Eder, for helping us choose the perfect tree for our courtyard. I look forward to working with you through my project, ‘Casa de Lawrence’.
The Garden of Eder
5300 Hwy K, Franksville, WI 53126
(262) 835.1000
Services
Landscape Design & Installation
Nursery Stock
Seeding/Sodding
Interesting & Unusual Trees and Shrubs
Walls & Patios
Gift Shop
Garden Walk Through
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The Unforgettable Window Box, Every Year
The Unforgettable Window Box, Every Year
Every Year, I have a successful window box. I never do the same combination either. I always like to switch it up with different flowering varieties and colors. You may be a person who is very successful with your window boxes, but remember, you can always learn more. You may even learn a tip that may take your successful window boxes to a whole new success!
If you are a person who isn’t very successful with your window boxes, then just soak in everything I’m about to share with you. It’s actually quite easy now that I am providing you with a step by step guide. By next year, you may have forgotten the steps. That’s ok! I’m here to help you! Think of me as your window box guide every year. Caseylynnlawrence.com is now your handbook to everything gardening!
Now lets get started on those window boxes! Continue reading “The Unforgettable Window Box, Every Year” »
The Chronicles of Casa de Lawrence, Part 1, The Raised Bed Wing PLUS My Garden Journal
The Chronicles of Casa de Lawrence, Part 1, The Raised Bed Wing PLUS My Garden Journal
My dream, for as long as I could remember, was to have a huge garden of my own. Not just any garden, but an entire garden landscape that stretches over 5 open acres. I want you to join me in my journey through out many years to come. This isn’t a 2-3 year project. This is my lifetime goal, and your lifetime garden lesson. By the time I have grandkids, I want them to beg to come over just to walk through grandma and grandpas gardens. Continue reading “The Chronicles of Casa de Lawrence, Part 1, The Raised Bed Wing PLUS My Garden Journal” »
SueSki’s Worm Farm Interview, My 7 Favorite Benefits From Using Worm Castings
SueSki’s Worm Farm Interview, My 7 Favorite Benefits From Using Worm Castings
Organic is becoming a big word in our society today. This year, is my year, to becoming closer to that possibility. Thanks to Sue Schimanski, ‘The Worm Lady’, for educating me on all of the amazing benefits and organic properties worm castings have to offer. You won’t want to miss out on this great information shared by, Sue, throughout our interview!
Sue sitting in front of her historic barn on the property of her business, SueSki’s Worm Farm.
I pulled up to a charming property that was just full of character. There was a sweet blue farm house, a big red barn and dozens of flower beds just looking to explode with color on that beautiful Spring day. I arrived at SueSki’s Worm Farm. As soon as I got there, I was greeted by, Sue Schimanski. Sue is the owner and operator of SueSki’s Worm Farm. She immediately started showing me around her property, which is filled with so much character.
Sue Loading up her largest bag of worm castings.
Now, I have known Sue for years. She is one of my mom’s friends. My mom would have a couple of friends over, Sue being one of them, for tea and talk at the kitchen table. I’d find myself occasionally joining them for tea, and listening to them talk. Their conversations were always interesting, but I’d probably appreciate those talks a lot more now that I’m a little older and willing to learn from someone as knowledgeable as Sue. Not only is Sue ‘The Worm Lady’, but she is also, what I consider, a master gardener. We can learn about so much more from Sue, but we will save that for future articles.
Step 1 It all starts with great soil.
Step 2 Separate the worms and soil from the castings.
Sue stands proud in front of her new larger machine, which represents the hard work and growth of her business, SueSki’s Worm Farm.
For as long as I’ve known Sue, I have never been to her worm farm. This was my first time visiting. I don’t know about you guys, but I am a sucker for big barns. This barn just stood as though it has seen it all. As soon as I walked inside, the old wood and beams were just shouting out history. Sue plans on utilizing this barn in the near future as her store to sell her worm castings out of. There was even talk about the possibility of other great items for future purchase as well, such as, bulbs, seeds and other novelty garden supplies. Next to the barn is a smaller shed. Which, isn’t small at all, but next to the historic barn, that’s the impression you get. At least, until you walk into the shed and see row after row of black pails. It was a whole worm community! Then there’s a whole other section to this shed where Sue creates her worm castings. The process is amazing. The work is really hard, but that doesn’t stop Sue. She is hard working and determined to continue growing her business and expanding over time.
Below I have listed my 7 favorite benefits of using worm castings in your gardens or containers. This useful information is straight from ’The Worm Lady’ herself. Whether you are a vegetable gardener, or a flower gardener, this knowledge will give your garden a boost this year!
- Worm Castings are a natural ORGANIC fertilizer/soil conditioner for your gardens or planters. When using worm castings, remember, a little goes a long way. When you purchase your castings from SueSki’s Worm Farm, you get a direction sheet on how to use your worm castings. That way, you will be using your worm castings like a pro, instantly! (Sue sells her worm castings at her place of business, SueSki’s Worm Farm, Address included at the bottom of this article. You will also find it at Wayne’s Daughter’s Greenhouses. If you aren’t local, look for someone in your area.
- Worm Castings will not burn your plants. What a relief, right? We all have stressed at least once, over how much fertilizer to add to our gardens, and if it’s too much. You never want to add too much fertilizer because it can burn your plants and kill them. Well, with worm castings, now you no longer have to worry about that!
- Worm Castings have no odor. Can I get an AMEN! Not only is there no odor, but worm manure has no pathogens or weed seeds that you would find in other manures used in garden beds.
- Worm Castings actually improve the structure of your soil and help keep it aerated. So stop adding just top soil in your gardens and just regular fertilizer. By using just top soil, it is so wet and heavy with no aeration, you will lose your plants to root rot if you have a wet rainy spell. Using just regular fertilizer is fine, but what is aerating your soil and helping oxygen get down low into that root zone? Nothing. That’s where Worm Castings come in and save the day! You get two for the price of one with worm castings. It acts as a fertilizer and as a soil conditioner.
Sue maintains a constant warm temperature of 70 degrees for her community of worms.
- Worm Castings can fight off plant diseases. It extracts toxins and harmful bacteria from the soil due to having fungicidal and insecticidal properties.
- Worm castings help your plants grow faster and bigger. Alright guys, go big, or go home! They contain natural growth hormones, and are packed with minerals that make your plants go va-va-voom!
- Worm Castings prevent pH levels from making it impossible for plants to absorb nutrients from the soil, by acting as a barrier in soil that has too high or too low of a pH level.
Sue packages and seals all of her own bags of worm castings.
After reading my 7 Favorite Worm Casting benefits, why would you use anything else other than SueSki’s Worm Castings? They are created, bagged and sealed directly by Sue, herself!
In the video above, Sue demonstrates the steps she takes to provide worm castings to her customers. Her dedication and hard work is put into every bag of worm castings, that she personally seals herself. I have never seen the process at which worm castings were created. Now that I have witnessed it in person, I am thoroughly impressed! You too, can witness this process in person when you visit SueSki’s Worm Farm. She gives tours to anyone who comes to purchase her worm castings. I feel this is great for families. It’s time to teach our kids the value of hard work, and what it takes to grow your own food again. For so many years the gift of growing your own food, had been lost. It has finally been found again. Growing your own food, has become a popular tradition once again, by families all over. Now you too, can teach your kids, how to grow organically so they can pass it on from generation to generation.
If you are interested in visiting SueSki’s Worm Farm, below you will find the address, hours of operation and Sue’s contact information. Happy Planting Y’all!
Sue sitting in front of her historic barn on a beautiful, sunny Spring day.
SueSki’s Worm Farm
12620 Bell Road
Caledonia, WI 53108
262.835.4235
sue23ski@yahoo.com
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am-6pm
SueSki’s Worm Castings are also available at:
*Wayne’s Daughters Farm & Greenhouses (Farm & City Locations)
*The Brookfield Farmers Market, Starts the first Saturday in May, through the last Saturday in October.
1 lb. Bag $1.00 each
5 lb. Bag $4.00 each
15 lb. Bag $10.00 each
30 lb. Bag $20.00 each
1-75 lb. Bag $40.00 each
2-75 lb. Bags $35.00 each
3-75 lb. Bags $33.00 each
4 or more 75 lb. Bags $30.00 each