As most of you know, the opening of the Kentucky Derby was two weeks ago. The long standing signature attire for opening day has always been elaborate head pieces. I enjoy watching just how creative these ladies get for this event. Its a spectacular show.

As a community of merchants here at Shab Row and Everedy Square, we also embarked on a friendly competition for the best Derby Hat creation. I really loved this activity, for me it wasn't about wining but more about creating something fun to show off on our May 1st Saturday event here in Downtown Frederick. Everyone had a great time and you get to really see the collection of creativity everyone around you possesses! If you didn't get to come out for our 1st Saturday event, here are my pics on the process of our "The Derby Horse Shoe Hat"...Enjoy!

If your like me and are trying to push winter and cold out of your mind... you plant! It's been really a chilly start to Spring, so here are tips to start your succulents indoors.

I've been planting succulents for a few years now. I think its become a bit of a hobby now that I've mastered not killing this hardy plant. Trust me, a mother of 2 toddlers and someone who works a full-time job and runs my shop  - its a miracle I can grow anything. But these little guys are perfect for any novice to expert. There is just something so whimsy about succulent plants. Here are some basic tips for keep your new succulents or existing on the right path to flourish. Tried and true right from my home to yours. Check out my thriving beauties. They got a taste of last weekends warm weather. 

Planting Advise:
Let the Sunshine In! Succulents are a dessert plant and need as much sun as possible. Plus the Vitamin D is good for you too!

Go for the basics first: Green plants do better indoors. The pink/purples and pastel shaded blues and greys are better suited outdoors. You have a better chance to get a good head start indoors if you stick to the green succulents. My gardenista/master gardener friend told me this little tidbit a few years ago.... and its been tried and true ever since. Save the more exotic colors when you've mastered the beginners.

Go for un-glazed pots... you have a better chance of full drainage if your pots are un-glazed. I've tried glazed pots and they seem to get waterlogged quickly. I've also used repurposed items such as vintage sieves, old tin cups and vintage storage tins which make for a lovely setting. If you do choose to use glazed vessels, make sure you use Succulent mix soils that are specially formulated for these desert beauties. They have a much lighter soil mix than your typical house plants. If you do use glazed, I usually place river rocks at the bottom to promote good drainage. If you see puckering in your succulent, it needs water. I water maybe once a week or a good mist is great too. 

Food and Feeding: I use a cactus and succulent liquid fertilizer once a month that I mix into the water I typically would water my plants with. No special feeding required. The liquid fertilizer reminds me of liquid mud and the succulents LOVE it. When  you see any dead or decaying growth, and it happens from time to time, remove it as soon as you can. Pest love to harbor in the decaying leaves and that could lead to a bigger problem down the road. Nutrients then can get the to good growth and help heal the plant. 

These are just a few things I pass along and I hope you enjoy getting your succulent green thumb started or use these tips to help get your existing succulent project thriving.  

Peace, Love and Pancakes...