June’s Essential Favorites: Gardening, Sustainable Home & Entertainment Picks
A monthly collection of delightful discoveries, must-see attractions, worthwhile reads, and captivating watches.
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Ah, June! This month consistently brings an abundance of joy and beauty, making it one of my absolute favorites. The weather reliably transitions to a beautiful warmth (though sometimes we wait until the end of the month here in the Pacific Northwest!), turning our gardens into vibrant, flourishing havens. It’s a truly spectacular time to witness nature’s generosity as flowers burst into bloom and the first vegetables begin their enthusiastic growth.
Beyond the garden’s allure, June is also packed with cherished family moments. With my son’s birthday and Father’s Day, we always have wonderful get-togethers to anticipate, filled with laughter, good food, and shared memories. It’s these personal connections that truly make the month special.
Moreover, June offers a fantastic window to explore the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. We often seize this opportunity to visit our favorite spots before the bustling crowds of July and August descend, seeking the region’s prime summer weather. This year, we’re embarking on an adventure to one of America’s least-visited national parks, North Cascades. Renowned for its rugged terrain and breathtaking beauty, it promises an unforgettable experience. While Brian and I prefer a less “rugged” approach to camping and hiking, there are plenty of accessible, picturesque trails and sights to enjoy. I’m excited to share all about our trip next month!
In the spirit of embracing all the wonderful things June has to offer, I’ve compiled a list of my current favorites – from successful gardening endeavors and practical home solutions to compelling reads and entertaining watches. There are a few book reviews that I simply must tell you about, both good and, well, not so good!
My Curated List of Good Things This Month
A Thriving Deer-Resistant Garden in Early June
Witnessing this area now, lush and teeming with life, brings immense satisfaction. This is precisely the vision I held when I first designed and planted this garden bed: a vibrant tapestry of continuous blooms, with something new gracing the landscape each month of the growing season. It’s a delight to see that dream become a reality.
Our growing season kicked off robustly at the end of February with the cheerful emergence of daffodils, their various cultivars creating a beautiful display that lasted well into April. Following their departure, creeping phlox took center stage, painting the garden with its charming colors from late April through May. Throughout May, we also enjoyed the elegant rise of iris and the whimsical charm of foxgloves.
Now, as June unfolds, the garden is a symphony of new blooms. Our chives and pincushion flowers are in full, glorious bloom, adding both beauty and culinary delight. Meanwhile, the soothing aromas of lavender, the vibrant hues of yarrow, and the stately presence of salvia are just beginning to unfurl their blossoms, creating anticipation for the weeks ahead. This transition occurs as the last of the foxgloves gracefully conclude their stunning performance.
The beauty doesn’t stop there. We eagerly await the imminent blooming of black-eyed Susans, additional varieties of salvia, delicate feverfew, and classic coneflowers, which will ensure continuous color and interest throughout the summer. While this particular garden aims for a mix of herbs and flowers that deer generally avoid, it’s worth noting that our local, rather voracious deer sometimes surprise us by nibbling on things they “aren’t supposed to,” like chives!
In the photo directly above, on the right side, you’ll spot my dedicated culinary herb section. Strategically placed close to the back door, it offers easy access for snipping fresh thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage whenever inspiration strikes in the kitchen. It’s incredibly convenient and a joy to have fresh herbs readily available.
To add splashes of continuous color and fill in any gaps, I incorporate annuals such as sweet alyssum, vibrant zinnias, airy cosmos, and trailing verbena. While deer occasionally show interest in these, they mostly leave them untouched. This year, I’m experimenting with a new mix of verbena paired with calibrachoas – I’m curious to see how they perform! Adjacent to this annual display is a small dwarf spirea bush. Spirea is generally listed as deer-resistant, but much to my chagrin, our local deer have developed a taste for its tender new growth. It seems the battle against their browsing habits is an ongoing one!
My Exciting Next Garden Project: Embracing Symmetry and Whimsy
While I’m showcasing these charming rock wall beds, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to share a glimpse into a current garden project that’s still very much in progress. For a long time, the area on the left in the photo above was plagued by stubborn grass that never truly thrived, always looking sparse and unkempt. It was a constant source of frustration and detracted from the garden’s overall aesthetic.
Our solution? We’re currently in the process of thoroughly eliminating the persistent grass using black plastic, a method that effectively smothers it. Once cleared, this area will be covered with fresh gravel, precisely matching the existing gravel on the other side. This not only promises a cleaner, more manicured look but also satisfies my deep appreciation for symmetry in design. The transformation will create a harmonious and balanced visual flow throughout the space.
Looking ahead, I have exciting plans for this newly prepped area. I’ve acquired a couple of smaller ‘birdies’ garden beds, which will perfectly match the color of this recently installed one (which, I confess, is still awaiting its plants!). My vision includes creating a charming cattle panel arch positioned between these new beds. This arch will serve as a lovely framework for stringing solar fairy lights, adding a magical, whimsical touch, especially in the evenings. I can already picture how beautiful and inviting this section of the garden will become, offering a delightful new focal point and a cozy ambiance. It’s truly going to enhance the outdoor living experience here.
Discovering a Superior, Plastic-Free Cutting Board Replacement
In recent years, as I’ve delved deeper into the research surrounding microplastics and their pervasive presence in our bodies and environment, I’ve become increasingly committed to minimizing plastic wherever possible, especially when it comes to food preparation and consumption. It’s a small but significant step towards a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable home.
(On a related note, I’m also consciously shifting my wardrobe choices towards natural fabrics. The proliferation of polyester and “microfiber” textiles is particularly concerning, as they shed microplastics with every wash, directly polluting our water systems. Choosing natural alternatives is another way I’m trying to reduce my environmental footprint.)
My quest for a truly sustainable kitchen led me to re-evaluate my cutting boards. While I adore my traditional wooden chopping boards for most tasks, they aren’t ideal for raw meat due to the need for thorough, high-temperature sanitization in the dishwasher. My old plastic board, once a staple for raw meats, had to go. This necessity led me to discover an absolute game-changer: this innovative wood fiber board. It’s not only eco-friendly, non-porous, and BPA-free, but crucially, it’s also completely dishwasher safe.
I cannot overstate how much I love this board! It has undergone numerous cycles in the dishwasher without any warping, damage, or issues whatsoever. While it does show knife marks over time, this is a completely normal and acceptable sign of a well-used, durable cutting surface – certainly not a deal-breaker for me. I am incredibly relieved and delighted to have found such a practical and safe plastic alternative. Unlike glass cutting boards, which, for me, evoke the unpleasant sensation of fingernails on a chalkboard with every knife stroke, this wood fiber board offers a comfortable and efficient cutting experience.
Of course, there are several more expensive brands on the market, but the one I found on Amazon has proven to be exceptional in quality and performance. It’s available in three convenient sizes, ensuring there’s an option for every kitchen task (the one I purchased and am showcasing above is the smallest size, perfect for my needs). This find has truly elevated my kitchen routine and peace of mind.
The Frugal and Effective Power of Citric Acid for Cleaning
Before moving into our charming farmhouse, which is uniquely supplied by a spring-fed well, I had never truly encountered the challenges of hard water. It’s been quite a learning curve to understand and effectively manage the corrosive effects it has on everything from faucets to my hair (the mineral build-up was truly frustrating!) and, most notably, our household appliances.
The appliance most visibly affected was undoubtedly the dishwasher. It began to look incredibly unappealing, covered in a persistent, unsightly white mineral build-up. Worse still, our glasses consistently emerged cloudy and dull, no matter how much rinse aid I added. It felt like an endless battle against the residue.
Initially, I resorted to purchasing those small, pre-packaged dishwasher cleaning packets, like Affresh, which promised to tackle the issue. They offered some improvement, but the cost quickly added up. Then, I stumbled upon a revelation: these packets are, in essence, primarily citric acid! Armed with this knowledge, I promptly purchased a two-pound bag of food-grade citric acid – for the exact same price as just six of those small packets. The results have been astonishing; our dishwasher and, more importantly, our glasses, have never looked clearer or sparkled more!
Our simple routine now involves tossing about a teaspoon of citric acid into the bottom of the dishwasher before starting a cycle. This small addition completely prevents the accumulation of white residue, leaving everything pristine. And for those wondering about safety: yes, citric acid is completely safe! It’s non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and perfectly safe for use on dishwasher interiors and components. In fact, many appliance manufacturers often recommend using citric acid for cleaning and descaling, though usually in the form of their own branded, more expensive products.
This powerful yet gentle ingredient is also incredibly versatile. You can use it to effectively descale electric tea kettles and coffee makers, effortlessly removing mineral deposits and extending the life of your appliances. So, my ultimate frugal cleaning tip for anyone battling hard water or needing to descale appliances is this: skip the costly little packets and invest in a generous two-pound bag of citric acid. It’s an economical choice that will last you for months and deliver superior cleaning results!
May’s Reading Adventures: A Mixed Bag of Literary Journeys
Last month was a wonderfully diverse journey through the literary world, resulting in a mixed bag of reading experiences. Some books were truly captivating, while others, unfortunately, fell flat. Though I don’t anticipate any of these making my “best of the year” list, the act of reading itself is always a positive and enriching activity for me.
You can probably guess that I spent a considerable amount of time engaged in outdoor gardening, as I managed to finish eight books instead of my usual six! There’s nothing quite like listening to an engaging audiobook while I’m busy laying mulch or tending to new plantings; it transforms chores into an enjoyable, multi-sensory experience.
Making It So: A Memoir by Patrick Stewart. Full disclosure: I only completed about 75% of this book, but given its substantial length, I feel justified in counting it as “read,” chuckled. My primary familiarity with Patrick Stewart comes from his iconic role in Star Trek, so I found his early life, his path into acting, and his Star Trek years absolutely fascinating. The details of his childhood in 1940s rural England, which felt almost Victorian in its hardship—no running water, minimal heat, and a communal outhouse—were truly eye-opening. His family lived in essentially a single room serving as kitchen, dining, and living space, with tiny sleeping quarters upstairs. However, his later exploits, including marital infidelity and marrying someone significantly younger, diminished my desire to complete the remaining hours of listening. Despite this, the book offers intriguing behind-the-scenes insights into the English stage, with interactions involving legends like Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, though many of the English actors he frequently mentioned were unfamiliar to me.
Artemis by Andy Weir. Seriously, save yourself the time and completely avoid this book. Believe all the negative reviews you’ve seen, and whatever you do, don’t let a well-meaning spouse (ahem!) convince you to listen to it. You will regret the wasted hours. The main issue is the utterly unlikable, irritating first-person narrator who shows absolutely no growth or change from beginning to end, despite causing destruction and even leading to deaths. Her static and frustrating personality overshadowed any potential the story might have had. Moreover, the plot itself wasn’t particularly interesting, though it did feature plausible science, which Weir is known for, and the moon setting and habitats were somewhat engaging. I genuinely can’t comprehend how bad this book is, especially considering how much I adored his other works, The Martian and Project Hail Mary (both of which made my “best of” lists!). My only theory is that Artemis must have been an early, perhaps unpolished, draft he resurrected after the immense success of The Martian. Ugh.
A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin. This was a thoroughly enjoyable closed-door Regency romance that charmingly deviates from some of the genre’s more tired tropes. Our heroine is a desperate, genteel rural daughter burdened with immense debts after her father’s death and responsible for four younger sisters. She devises clever schemes and intricate plots to secure a wealthy husband, hoping to save her family home and provide for them all. The narrative skillfully highlights the societal pressures, the severe lack of options for women in that era, and the often-callous disregard for “fortune hunters,” giving depth to her motivations. Thankfully, Irwin’s witty prose and unexpected plot twists kept me thoroughly engaged and guessing. It’s a delightful read that, refreshingly, still delivers a satisfying happy ending.
Murderbot Diaries books 1 & 2 by Martha Wells. After the disappointment of Artemis, I was relieved that this series proved to be an absolute winner, a perfect palate cleanser for both Brian and me. We both absolutely loved these clever, fast-paced novellas (or short books!) centered around Murderbot, a semi-sentient security unit that has cleverly hacked its governor module. This allows it to do what it truly desires: watch endless space soap operas in peace. The premise is hilariously original, and the stories are incredibly clever. Each installment follows our “hero” as it invariably gets drawn into helping hapless humans, often reluctantly, using its formidable powers for good. We paused after book two but are definitely planning to dive back into the rest of the series soon!
Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobby Brown. This proved to be a good story, told with more heart than sophisticated literary flair. It’s based on Brown’s (the talented actor from Stranger Things) family history, with her providing the core information, though the book was actually penned by ghostwriter Kathleen McGurl, who receives a credit only on the title page. The narrative itself was compelling, and I learned about a harrowing true incident in London during World War II: the catastrophic loss of civilians who were crushed while desperately seeking shelter in a converted tube station during an air raid. The vivid details and heartbreaking aftermath of this event were incredibly moving. However, I found the writing style to be quite straightforward, lacking the narrative techniques that typically build suspense or deeper engagement. At times, it felt akin to reading a promising but early novel attempt by a high school student, despite the powerful underlying story.
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck. This undeniably peculiar book has garnered significant critical acclaim, having been mentioned so frequently that I placed a hold on it at my library and patiently waited months. The premise—a story where a man transforms into a shark, a mother becomes a Komodo dragon, and a woman is pregnant with twin birds—was, quite frankly, too bizarre for my personal taste. I simply couldn’t get past the surreal concept to appreciate the deeper commentary on themes like love, grief, aging, and illness that many other readers have found profound. While the depiction of a world where such mutations are “normal” and the medical systems in place to support them were conceptually interesting, the story ultimately didn’t resonate with me. I strongly suspect this might just be a personal preference, and if you have experiences with long-term illness, medical diagnoses, or appreciate highly unconventional narratives, this book might very well be for you.
How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key. The subtitle, “the most insane love story ever told,” certainly sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Apparently, Harrison Scott Key is a comedian of some renown whom I was unfamiliar with, and unfortunately, his particular brand of “humor” simply isn’t my style. The book was relentlessly sad, offering little in the way of genuine affection or hope until its very end, and even then, the sense of love wasn’t entirely clear. I had hoped for an uplifting, affirmation-filled narrative about marriage and the enduring reasons it’s worth fighting for, but this book did not deliver that experience. (Again, this book has received many positive reviews, so it’s quite possible my reaction is an outlier!) Your mileage may vary.
Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson. This sounded like a fun young adult (YA) audiobook to dive into, and while it was generally pleasant, it lacked a compelling plot and could have easily been told in far fewer pages (it wasn’t exceptionally long, but felt drawn out). I simply didn’t find the narrative particularly engaging, and I struggled to believe that such a confident, put-together college guy would embark on a wild goose chase for a girl who had dumped him and wasn’t liked by his friends. Furthermore, while the romance is described as “closed door,” the implication of the high schooler and college guy sleeping together without precautions, and then not ending up together (essentially a one-night stand), is always a turn-off for me in YA fiction. It left me feeling unsatisfied with the story’s resolution and character development.
Captivating Watches: My Latest Movie and TV Discoveries
Fall Guy, in theaters. Brian and I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed romantic comedy starring the charismatic duo of Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling. It’s a fun, entertaining ride with plenty of laughs and thrilling stunts.
Unsung Hero, in theaters. My mom and I went to see this inspiring film, which tells the remarkable true story of the family behind Christian musicians Rebecca St. James and the duo For King and Country. It’s a heartwarming and truly uplifting tale about overcoming adversity and finding success after facing significant challenges. Highly recommended for a dose of inspiration.
Unfrosted, Netflix. This comedy from the brilliant mind of Jerry Seinfeld, featuring the consistently hilarious Melissa McCarthy and a host of other well-known actors, was undeniably silly, but in the best possible way! It had us laughing out loud and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. And what’s more, it’s actually loosely based on a true story about the creation of Pop-Tarts – who knew?
Cha Cha Real Smooth, Apple TV+. Brian and I both found this sweet coming-of-age movie to be excellent. It explores real-life themes with authenticity, and the primary character’s growth throughout the film felt incredibly realistic and relatable. Beyond its thoughtful narrative, we also found ourselves laughing out loud on several occasions, making it a truly engaging and enjoyable watch.
That wraps up another edition of my Good Things List! I hope you’ve found some new inspirations.
If you’re eager to discover more of what I’ve been enjoying and recommending, you can explore all the previous Good Things Lists right here. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts – whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations or if you have your own suggestions to share. Please leave a comment below with your insights and recommendations!
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