June’s Best: Gardening Progress, Home Finds, Engaging Reads & Entertainment – Your Monthly Good Things List

A monthly list of good things to do, buy, read, watch, and more, carefully curated to inspire and delight.

Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you, helping to support this content.

Happy June, everyone! For those of us who grew up in Oregon, June often meant a continuation of cool, rainy days and persistent gray skies, while summer seemed to blossom everywhere else. It was a time of hopeful anticipation, but rarely immediate sunshine. This year, however, has delivered a delightful surprise, breaking from our usual patterns and ushering in warmer weather much earlier than anticipated.

The western half of Oregon has truly embraced summer’s warmth, with temperatures soaring into the 80s and even hitting a surprising 90 degrees recently. While these heatwaves are often followed by a quick return to the more familiar 60s and 70s, this oscillation, though typical of spring, is accompanied by an unusually low amount of rainfall. Consequently, I’ve found myself diligently watering the garden for weeks now, a crucial task to ensure new seedlings thrive after planting. It’s certainly a departure from the typical “Juneuary” we often experience!

Despite the watering demands, the ability to spend more time outdoors is an absolute joy. There’s a palpable sense of renewed normalcy this year, a welcome change from the restrictions and uncertainties of the past. The simple pleasure of doing more things without a mask, embracing the outdoors, and connecting with the rhythm of nature feels truly liberating. I, for one, am wholeheartedly embracing this shift and all the good things it brings. So, let’s dive into this month’s curated list of delightful discoveries and experiences!

Cultivating Joy: Gardening Updates & Inspirations

This past month has been a whirlwind of activity, primarily centered around the garden. It’s a truly rewarding phase where all the planning and hard work begin to manifest in tangible growth and early harvests. We’ve been busy getting the vegetable garden fully planted, which is always a significant milestone, and already enjoying the fruits (and vegetables!) of our labor with fresh rhubarb, broccoli, and kale making their way to our table. Beyond the edibles, a new “sunken garden” project next to the farmhouse has also been a focal point, promising a beautiful display of herbs and flowers.

The Enduring Charm of the Vegetable Garden

Gardening, as any seasoned enthusiast knows, is a continuous journey of ups and downs, triumphs and challenges. This season has been no exception. April brought the frustrating sight of ground squirrels mowing down all our promising pea seedlings, and they continued their mischief in early May by feasting on some of the nascent lettuce seedlings. It’s a perennial battle, but one that adds to the rich tapestry of gardening life.

Despite these minor setbacks, the garden is truly coming alive. Our tomato plants are vigorously taking off, a testament to careful planting methods (if you’re looking for robust growth, you can see how I plant them so they thrive here). I’ve also sown a variety of beautiful flowers specifically for cutting, and their sprouts are now emerging, promising vibrant bouquets later in the season. The berry bushes are currently in full bloom, hinting at abundant harvests to come. There’s an undeniable encouragement in witnessing the garden transform and burst with life each day.

To share this journey more intimately, I’m committing to garden walk-throughs several mornings a week throughout the season on Instagram. If you’re on the platform, be sure to check out my stories for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our garden’s evolution.

This marks the second full year of planting the vegetable garden in its current, expanded layout. However, it’s truly year four since we first started, as the initial couple of years involved only a few beds without a deer fence, leading to minimal harvests! Our journey has involved thoughtful design and practical solutions, including building low-maintenance raised beds, installing a simple watering system, and creating cardboard-wood chip paths to manage weeds and improve soil health. You can explore the full progress of our raised bed vegetable garden here, discover how we built these efficient raised beds here, learn about our DIY garden watering system here, and get detailed instructions on how to lay cardboard-wood chip paths here.

Introducing the Sunken Garden

As for the new herb and flower garden, my excitement is practically overflowing! This area, which had been covered in black plastic since its excavation after our farmhouse foundation was installed, is finally coming to life. The transformation is remarkable, and it looks infinitely better now that it’s planted and beginning to green up.

Given the few steps required to descend into the garden from the main walkway and driveway, I’ve affectionately named it our “sunken garden.” This unique topographical feature creates a sheltered microclimate and adds a charming architectural element to our landscape. The garden is divided into four distinct quadrants, each being thoughtfully filled with plants not typically favored by deer – a crucial consideration in our rural setting. The aim is a beautiful, low-maintenance space that harmonizes with the farmhouse aesthetic while deterring unwanted visitors.

Our current plant selections for the sunken garden include a delightful mix designed for both beauty and utility:

• Shrubs: “Green Gem” Boxwood, chosen for its naturally smaller size (2-3 ft) and elegant oval shape, requiring minimal trimming. While not the dwarf variety I initially sought, its attributes are perfect for defining the space.
• Herbs: A fragrant collection including thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, catnip (for our furry friends!), lemon verbena, and an abundance of different lavender varieties, promising sensory delight.
• Perennials: Robust and beautiful options such as coneflower, black-eyed Susan, salvia, campanula, hardy geranium, coreopsis, and delphinium, all selected for their resilience and deer resistance.
• Annuals: Alyssum and zinnia, providing cheerful bursts of color throughout the season.

Looking ahead, I plan to introduce chives for culinary use, elegant iris, and cheerful snapdragons to further enhance the diversity and appeal of the garden. It will be incredibly rewarding to observe this area mature, seeing which plants truly thrive and how effectively our deer-resistant strategy works. This sunken garden is poised to become a cherished and vibrant extension of our home.

“A Woman’s Garden”: A Book Review

It was a truly happy day when the much-anticipated book from my talented gardening friend, Tanya Anderson, finally arrived! Its release had been unfortunately delayed by the pandemic, making its arrival even more special. The moment I opened it, I knew I was holding something special. I immediately grabbed a cup of tea and indulged in a preliminary flip-through, savoring the beautiful visuals and knowing I would soon dedicate more time to truly immersing myself in its pages.

Titled A Woman’s Garden: Grow Beautiful Plants and Make Useful Things, this book is an absolute treasure trove. It’s replete with large, stunning photographs that capture the essence of various gardens, offering virtual visits to inspirational, real-life gardening spaces. What sets it apart are the practical tutorials, guiding readers on how to create a myriad of useful items using the bounty of their garden produce. It truly encompasses all the elements I cherish in a gardening resource.

One particular section that captivated me was dedicated to edible flowers. I was genuinely surprised by the extensive list included – far more than the usual petals that come to mind. It opened up a whole new realm of culinary possibilities. Among the “make” tutorials, the idea for edible flower ice cubes immediately caught my eye. Isn’t that a brilliant concept? They look absolutely wonderful, instantly elevating even a simple glass of water into something elegant and special, perfect for entertaining or just adding a touch of beauty to your day.

I also found significant inspiration from a specific garden featured in North Carolina, which resonated with my own aesthetic preferences, boasting raised beds and wood chip paths. This gardener expertly utilizes herbs in numerous creative ways, sparking my own desire to delve deeper into growing medicinal herbs and experimenting with a few herbal concoctions. The book provides a gentle nudge towards exploring the holistic benefits and versatile applications of garden-grown plants.

Beyond its undeniable aesthetic appeal – and it is indeed a very pretty book – A Woman’s Garden is also profoundly practical and useful. It’s more than just a coffee-table book; it’s a guide that encourages hands-on creation and thoughtful cultivation. I wholeheartedly encourage you to check if it’s available at your local library, or better yet, grab a copy of your own to keep as a cherished resource in your gardening library. It’s a worthy investment for anyone who loves plants, crafting, and sustainable living.

Home Comforts & Practical Finds for the Farmhouse

The Perfect Light & Airy Desk Solution

In our farmhouse, there’s a particular nook around the staircase in the kitchen area that I envisioned as the ideal spot for my workspace. Having a desk nearby when I’m developing new recipes is incredibly convenient, allowing me to jot down notes, consult resources, and keep everything organized without leaving the heart of the home. However, finding the right desk for this specific location presented a unique set of challenges.

My primary concern was avoiding anything too bulky or visually heavy. I didn’t want a piece of furniture with solid sides or deep drawers that would obstruct the view of the stairs, make the space feel cramped, or appear like an imposing block of wood. The goal was something light, airy, and seamlessly integrated into the farmhouse aesthetic. Furthermore, the space had practical constraints: a floor vent needed to remain unobstructed, there was an under-stair storage access door to consider, and the coat closet door (just to the left in the photo above) absolutely had to open freely.

The search felt like it took forever. I scoured countless online retailers and thrift stores, armed with my precise dimensions, but consistently came up empty-handed. Nothing seemed to fit the bill – either too big, too heavy, or simply not the right style. The frustration was real.

Then, quite by chance, I stumbled upon the Ikea Ingatorp desk with drop-leaf sides, and it was an instant revelation. Its design is exactly what I had been searching for: light and airy, with elegant, simple legs that don’t visually compete with the staircase. Crucially, the ingenious pull-up sides make it incredibly versatile and useful. When I require extra workspace for spreading out ingredients or reference materials, I simply extend the right side, which typically remains lowered.

Most of the time, the desk is configured as you see it above, with the left side open to neatly house a basket of “very important things” – essentially, items I want close at hand but prefer not to have cluttering our beautiful quartz island counter! It truly is just about perfect in this spot, blending functionality with a charming, farmhouse-friendly design. It doesn’t overwhelm the space, respects the architectural elements, and provides the flexibility I need.

It does feature a rather flimsy-ish drawer and a dedicated spot for charging cords to thread through the tabletop. While the cord hole isn’t perfectly concealed, it’s not significantly different from simply running cords over the back, and honestly, it’s not something that detracts from my overall satisfaction. Given the unique size requirements, its incredible flexibility, and its charming aesthetic, I couldn’t find anything else comparable. I am genuinely so happy with this desk, and it proves that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best.

Oh, and it’s worth mentioning the logistics! The nearest Ikea is a journey of more than four hours round trip for us. So, I opted for delivery, which cost approximately $21 extra. A small price to pay for such a perfect solution, and well worth every penny to avoid the long drive!

Embracing Automation: Our New Robotic Vacuum

I honestly never thought we’d join the ranks of robotic vacuum owners. The idea always seemed a bit futuristic, and I confess, I’m still a little amused by it all! However, it has quickly become Brian’s absolute favorite new tool for maintaining the extensive 1000+ square feet of wood flooring on the main level of our farmhouse. With so much open space, keeping the floors pristine can be a chore, and the Roomba has stepped up to the challenge.

We opted for one of the more budget-friendly versions available through Costco: the iRobot Roomba i4 (4150) Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum. For those without a Costco membership, a similar version is often available at Target. Our Costco card, acquired when we purchased the farmhouse’s dishwasher last fall, brought the price down significantly, making it a very appealing deal. When I factor in the discount, the total cost was around $150, which, upon reflection, isn’t much different from what a good quality traditional vacuum might cost these days.

So, after some real-world testing, here’s a candid look at the pros and cons of this specific robotic vacuum, as I can only speak to our experience with this model:

PROS:

• Seamless Transitions: It navigates effortlessly from our hard wood floors to various area rugs without getting stuck or missing a beat. This adaptability is a huge plus.
• Under-Furniture Cleaning: One of its greatest strengths is its ability to easily vacuum underneath couches, chairs, and other low-clearance furniture, reaching dust and pet hair that traditional vacuums often miss.
• Effective Debris Pickup: We’ve been consistently impressed with its cleaning power. It effectively picks up all sorts of debris, from small rocks tracked in from outside to the surprising tufts of hair our dog frequently sheds (she doesn’t “shed” per se, but loses clumps of hair quite often!).
• Quiet Operation: This particular version operates with a relatively low noise level, allowing us to run it without it being overly disruptive to conversations or other activities.
• Hands-Free Convenience: Undoubtedly, the biggest advantage is the freedom it offers. You simply don’t have to push a vacuum around, freeing up valuable time and effort for other tasks.

CONS:

• Default Sweep Settings: The default setting dictates that it sweeps a room in “unlimited sweeps” over an extended period. This can be quite annoying; you might think it’s finished in a room you’re working in, only for it to return repeatedly. While fixable, adjusting this setting within the app can be a bit tricky to locate.
• Pet Interaction: Our dog, bless her heart, views the Roomba as a persistent intruder. She pretty much engages in a full-blown battle with it the entire time it’s running, growling and nipping at it. It’s amusing for the first couple of minutes, then quickly becomes tiresome!
• Incompatible with Certain Rugs: A significant drawback is its poor performance on jute or thick wool rugs. The rotating brushes tend to pull up all the little fibers and ends, quickly filling the dustbin to overflowing. This often results in the overflow being deposited around the edges of the rug, necessitating manual cleaning anyway. We now make it a point to close the door to our bedroom, where we have such rugs, and clean those areas by hand.
• Curtain Hazard: If you have white or light-colored, floor-length curtains, you absolutely need to pull them up and out of the way before the Roomba runs. The sweeper left noticeable dirt marks on the bottom of our new curtains, which was a frustrating discovery.
• Limited Reach: While great for open areas, the robotic vacuum cannot reach into tight corners, around table legs, or up stairs. You’ll still need a traditional vacuum or a handheld device for those dust bunnies that inevitably accumulate in less accessible spots.

Overall, it’s a tool that requires some understanding of its limitations and adjustments to your routine, but the convenience it offers for daily floor maintenance is considerable. If you already own a robot vacuum, I would genuinely love to hear your thoughts and experiences with your model in the comments below!

Vintage Style Glass Drying Rack: A Kitchen Workhorse

You know those charming metal bottle drying racks or mug holders that are often styled so perfectly on a coffee bar or an outdoor entertaining space, looking effortlessly chic? Well, mine isn’t quite as Instagram-ready in its daily use, but what it lacks in stylized perfection, it more than makes up for in sheer practicality and hard work. It is, without a doubt, one of the most indispensable and hardworking items in our farmhouse kitchen.

I’ve actually had ours for many years, a testament to its enduring utility, and it’s very similar to this reproduction vintage-style bottle drying rack currently available. My primary use for it is drying and holding the countless mason jars we utilize daily. These versatile jars are constantly in rotation for storing leftovers, whisking up homemade salad dressings, and even preparing our dog’s homemade food portions. The rack allows them to air dry thoroughly and efficiently, preventing water spots and ensuring they’re ready for their next task.

Beyond mason jars, it’s absolutely essential for completely drying the narrow-necked bottles I use for making kefir. These bottles, with their constricted openings, can take an eternity to dry properly on their own, often retaining moisture that can lead to mustiness. Having them upside down on the drying rack significantly expedites the drying process, ensuring they are perfectly clean and ready for the next batch of fermented goodness.

When we first moved into the farmhouse, one of my key goals was to minimize clutter and pare down the number of items permanently residing on our beautiful kitchen counters. This vintage-style drying rack was one of only four items that made the cut, deemed essential enough to warrant permanent counter space. (The others are a tray of frequently used oils, vinegars, salt, and pepper; our utensil holder; and the trusty KitchenAid mixer.) Its constant use clearly justifies its prime location.

Because I genuinely use it for drying bottles that still contain residual water, I’ve placed it on a lovely vintage platter that I’ve cherished for years. This not only adds a touch of character and charm but also catches any drips, keeping the counter pristine. If your intention is simply to store clean, dry jars or glasses, you could certainly place it directly on your countertop without the need for a tray.

The best part? Not only does it add a wonderful touch of character and vintage appeal to our kitchen, but this particular reproduction version is also incredibly inexpensive, making it an accessible and highly practical addition to any kitchen seeking both form and function.

May’s Literary Journeys: Book Reviews

May was a month for diving into diverse narratives, from entrepreneurial memoirs to deep historical dives and captivating fiction. Here’s a look at what graced my reading list:

Make Life Beautiful, Shea & Syd McGee

Make Life Beautifulby Shea & Syd McGee was an absolutely delightful book to listen to, perfectly accompanying my task of hemming curtains. It’s a fascinating memoir chronicling the genesis of Studio McGee, detailing their journey through initial struggles, unexpected pivots, and ultimately, their phenomenal success. As an online business owner myself, many of the twists and turns they navigated resonated deeply, offering refreshing insights into the entrepreneurial path. It’s particularly inspiring to hear about their unwavering dedication to each other and their family, even as their business scaled so rapidly and profoundly. The narrative is honest, engaging, and full of valuable lessons about perseverance and collaboration, both in business and in life.

Queens of the Conquest: England’s Medieval Queens (Book 1), Alison Weir

Queens of the Conquest: England’s Medieval Queens (Book 1)by Alison Weir marked my inaugural venture into her extensive bibliography. As a passionate history enthusiast, I’m genuinely perplexed as to why it took me so long to discover her work! This book, which delves into a crucial period of English history, offered a mix of utterly captivating and, at times, somewhat dense material. For instance, the story of how William the Conqueror managed to secure the hand of Mathilda (he physically beat her silly when she initially refused him, and she then *chose* to marry him!) was absolutely riveting and highlighted the brutal realities of power and marriage in that era. On the other hand, certain sections felt a bit like a “slog” – primarily due to the sheer number of women named Mathilda, which made keeping track of individual narratives a challenge! Nevertheless, as a whole, it was an incredibly enriching experience to explore this segment of English history specifically from the unique perspective of the women who shaped it. I genuinely appreciated Alison Weir’s meticulous research and the rich details she included, often bringing the past to life by connecting it to modern times – noting which castles still stand, which have vanished, and whose bones can still be seen. I am definitely looking forward to reading book two and exploring more of Ms. Weir’s extensive collection of English history books.

The Weight Of Ink, Rachel Kadish

The Weight Of Inkby Rachel Kadish has resided in my Audible library for what feels like years. I’d purchased it during a 2-for-1 sale after reading several glowing reviews, only to then forget about it. This intricate novel is masterfully set across two distinct time periods: contemporary London and London approximately 300 years earlier. The modern narrative follows an aging historian enlisted to examine ancient manuscripts uncovered during the renovation of an old house. Concurrently, we are drawn into the compelling story of the original transcriber – remarkably, a woman – who worked for a blind rabbi in the 17th century.

I finally decided to embark on this long listen while working on the sunken garden. While the beginning felt a little slow to draw me in, the narrative truly blossomed and became incredibly absorbing once we delved deeper into the life and work of the anonymous female scribe of the old manuscripts. The book intricately weaves fascinating historical details into its predominantly Jewish plot, offering insights into the intellectual and social landscapes of the past. There are also several engaging twists and turns, both within the contemporary storyline and the historical narrative, keeping the reader thoroughly invested. Some of the unearthed letters, when read aloud, can feel a bit cryptic and overly scholarly, which occasionally slowed the pace, but the overall story is exceptionally well thought out and beautifully written. My only minor lament, as is often the case with many books I adore, is that I wished the ending offered a touch more resolution. Nevertheless, it was a profound and intellectually stimulating read.

The Lost Letter, Mimi Matthews

The Lost Letterby Mimi Matthews was precisely what I needed after the intensity of the previous two books. I craved something light, quick, and comforting, and this short, clean Victorian romance fit the bill perfectly. It tells the sweet story of two almost-betrothed individuals whose paths diverged due to a misunderstanding – each believing the other had ceased communication. The narrative beautifully unfolds as they unexpectedly find each other again, their reunion catalyzed by the discovery of a single lost letter that unravels their erroneous assumptions. It’s a charming tale of fate, missed connections, and rekindled love, and I was thoroughly delighted to receive my much-desired happily-ever-after ending with this one!

Long Read in Process: The Neil Gaiman Reader: Fiction

Brian and I are currently immersed in The Neil Gaiman Reader: Fiction, a substantial collection that we’re about halfway through. This impressive volume features 52 short stories and excerpts from Gaiman’s longer works, all selected by his dedicated fans. We’re listening to it chronologically, beginning with his early work in 1984 and progressing all the way through to 2018. Given that the audiobook runs for a staggering 27 hours, it’s perhaps no surprise that I haven’t had a new co-listened title to share with you lately! It’s a wonderfully immersive journey through the imaginative universe of one of contemporary fantasy’s most celebrated authors, offering a comprehensive look at his evolving style and themes over decades.

Captivating Screens: TV & Movie Reviews

Our recent viewing experiences spanned a range of genres, from fantasy epics to sci-fi thrillers and animated adventures. Here’s what we watched and our honest take on each:

Shadow and Bone, Netflix (TV Series)

Shadow and Boneon Netflix is a compelling fantasy series adapted from a popular Young Adult book series. Our family watched it together and found it to be both fun and incredibly interesting. The show masterfully weaves together powerful themes of acceptance, love, family, and discrimination, all set within a richly imagined fantasy world that cleverly evokes the aesthetic of the turn of the 20th century. The world-building is intricate, and the characters are engaging, drawing you into their struggles and triumphs. While none of us were entirely satisfied with the ending – it felt a bit rushed and didn’t quite align with the established narrative arcs of the preceding episodes, almost fizzling out – we still thoroughly enjoyed the series as a whole and appreciate its imaginative scope.

Stowaway, Netflix (Movie)

Stowawayon Netflix came with such high hopes, largely due to its stellar cast, including the always-wonderful Toni Collette. The premise promised a tense sci-fi thriller, and indeed, there were some truly gripping action sequences brimming with suspense. However, despite these intense moments, much of the movie unfolded at a rather slow pace, which unfortunately diluted the overall impact. And then there was the ending – oh my goodness, it was just so bad. It felt like a significant letdown after the build-up, leaving us quite frustrated and wishing for a more satisfying conclusion to the ethical dilemmas and survival challenges presented throughout the film.

The Mitchell’s vs. The Machines (Animated), Netflix (Movie)

The Mitchell’s vs. The Machineson Netflix was recommended by our daughter, who had heard excellent reviews. It’s an animated film that is undoubtedly well-produced and boasts some genuinely clever themes and jokes that both adults and children can appreciate. The animation style is vibrant and unique, and the story explores relevant concepts of technology, family connection, and individual differences. Despite its technical merits and positive messages, for us personally, it felt a bit flat. Perhaps our expectations were too high, but it didn’t quite achieve the laugh-out-loud moments or emotional depth we anticipated. Nevertheless, it remains a fantastic PG-rated option for a family movie night, offering a wholesome and entertaining experience without anything objectionable.

Synchronic, Netflix (Movie)

Synchronicon Netflix is a kind of time-travel movie that, frankly, none of us particularly enjoyed. The science fiction elements of the plot simply didn’t resonate with us, especially towards the end, where the logic seemed to unravel. Furthermore, the narrative jumped around so much in the beginning that we found it quite challenging to piece together what was happening, leading to a sense of confusion rather than engagement. It required too much effort to follow and ultimately failed to deliver a cohesive or satisfying sci-fi experience for our family.

And that wraps up another exciting edition of the Good Things List!

If you’re eager to discover more of the things I’m currently enjoying and recommending, you can explore all the past Good Things Lists here. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts – whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations yourself, or if you have your own wonderful discoveries to share. Please leave a comment below with your insights and suggestions! Your input makes this community even richer.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission based on that sale. Rest assured, this does not change your price or affect your buying experience. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure for more information.