I am not much of a cook - but I make a mean margarita. A few weeks ago, when friends came over for dinner, we did some serious kitchen alchemy and invented this variation. We took the last of the lemon verbena from my herb container gardens, which were seriously limping along in the cold, and made a lemon verbena margarita.
The lemon verbena adds just a little something special to an already fabulous drink. Be cautious though, these drinks really pack a punch.
Wordless Wednesday Container Garden Pictures

Fall in Maine
Photo © Kerry Michaels
As some of you may already know, I am a houseplant disaster. My family has named my front hall the death zone, and all plants that enter there are in serious peril. This fall, I brought several large container gardens inside with mixed plantings. To be honest, already there have been a few casualties. I didn't think my astilbe would survive the winter, but it's only been a few weeks and it is already looking decidedly un-well.
However, I want to share with you a little glimmer of hope that my houseplant serial killing days may be over (ok, I see my children rolling their eyes and saying, "in your dreams, Mom").
But anyhow, I would like to report that the fuchsia that I re-potted and brought inside is about to flower! I am filled with excitement (and gratitude to this intrepid plant) and hope that I don't do the poor thing in before the blossoms unfurl.
I guess I had better check in with my friend and Guide to Houseplants, Jon VanZile for some advice. Fortunately, he is wise and extremely patient, and doesn't hold the fact that I seem to be houseplant challenged against me.
I have an Imelda Marcos sized love of shoes and I have seen a lot of them planted up with all manner of greenery. But none are as cool as shoes made by Italian artist, Carmel Walsh, who has really taken the planting of shoes and made it into an art form. No throwing some succulents in a pair of old galoshes for her - Carmel's are strictly couture.
For more views of Carmel Walsh's fabulous container garden footwear.