Are your basket chains rusty? Do they get all tangled up in storage? Is it difficult to hang heavy baskets because you need to take the weight in one hand while you hook the chain with the other, all while balancing precariously on a ladder? 

I have the solution! It took me ages but I finally found a source for good quality replacement chains for hanging baskets. These are chains which have been welded to a metal rod so in fact the chain is rigid. That makes hanging the baskets a whole lot easier since you only need one hand. The chains are coated so shouldn't rust and they even have a swivel under the hook so you can turn the baskets for ease of watering or to allow the sun to reach all the plants.   

They fit 12,14 or 16" diameter baskets and cost just $8 each + tax. Call or email if you are interested. 

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I'm planning to mass plant black eyed Susan's (Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm') and the basic pink coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)  in our new island border as butterflies love them - but the deer don't! If you happen to be dividing yours and have some to spare I'd love to take them off your hands. Email me!

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Garden Adventures - for thumbs of all colors, is a lighthearted, information packed blog for all gardeners and garden lovers. Laugh while you learn, pick up new ideas and be inspired by others is the theme as I cover everything from container design to slug patrol.

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Several years ago I included mini articles on favorite plants or gardening tips as part of these newsletters. So many of you emailed me to say how much you enjoyed them that "the blog' was born. Although I still have a few snippets  in these newsletters the real meaty stuff is to be found on the blog every week. Another good reason to subscribe!  

Remember my 'old' adventures at www.karensgardenadventures.com  has now moved to  www.lejardinetdesigns.com/blog.  Same fun but easier to find.

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Need the perfect gift? I highly recommend a set of Spear and Jackson hand tools. A hand fork and trowel are two tools I could never be without. I realize that a handfork is not as common in the USA as it is  in England, but I promise that once you try it you'll wonder why you didn't buy one years ago! It is quite different to a cultivator - use it to tease roots on pot bound plants, to dig out plants from your containers without cutting the roots and for weeding anywhere you are at risk of damaging the 'good' plants. Oh and they also spear slugs quite effectively....

If you live within gardening distance of Duvall hurry over to True Value. Nursery manager, friend and gardening guru Liz Schwartz has stocked these English tools just for you and her prices are very competitive.

Otherwise check out your local nursery or online store. Wrap them up in a bandanna for the hot summer days ahead and you've got yourself an unforgettable gift.

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The Plant Farm in Marysville, WA invited me to present a seminar at their nursery last month on 'Squish & Stuff - creating bountiful baskets and containers gardens'. Enjoy this 3 minute video clip  which they filmed a few days in advance.

Container Gardening with Karen Chapman

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Take a moment to sit back, enjoy photographs, see what has been happening in my own garden plus get links to the latest garden products: all in bite sized chunks. Always fresh - take a look!

P.S. You don't need a Facebook account to view a business Facebook page. 

Enjoy garden photographs on my virtual pin boards - visit Pinterest! You don't need an account to enjoy the boards, just a cup of tea will do as you sit back and get new ideas for containers ombinations and garden designs, pathways and art work. I add new images daily, both my own and others whose work inspires me. Hope you enjoy them - tell me which are your favorites boards.

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Time to put away the thermals and find the sunglasses! (I hope)