My Patio

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HOW TO MAKE IT A GARDEN SANCTUARY

Not everyone has a patio, which is why, if you do have one, you should make it a garden sanctuary. We don't just mean your own beautiful and quiet place protected from the stress of your surroundings and cares of life - although it definitely should be that too. It can be a simple and relaxing space to weave your garden into gracious hospitality and fellowship with neighbors, family and friends - a patio where you can especially create an environment where you and others can experience and worship God.

COMPACT, SIMPLE, EASY, FUN

Create a Pizza Garden in just one 20 inch container and let the fun begin. Here is the steps that I did to create a unique growing experience on my patio.

I started with a a container that is about 20 inches wide and about 13 inches in height. I would recommend this size because of the amount of plants that will go in to create your pizza garden. I purchased good compost and container soil, mixed them up and filled my pot up.

I first planted a bush Roma Tomato plant at one of my local stores and planted it in the middle of the container.

Next I added in a basil plant. I prefer Genovese Basil but you could plant another variety such as sweet basil or a broad leaf basil.

I continued to surround my Roma Tomato and added Greek Oregano.

Next, I added English Thyme. Thyme is an incredible useful plant and here in my zone 7b in can stay in the container and will continue to thrive throughout the colder months.

The final plant to go in my pizza garden container is a Celosia Scarlet Plume. I was looking for a smaller flowerer to attract beneficial insects like a Sweet Alyssum but could not find one at my local store. So my plan is to cut back a few plumes and create a patio center piece when my celosia gets to large.

MY PATIO PIZZA PARTY

Lastly, I set my pizza garden container on my patio and place a bamboo stake near the Roma to secure as my Roma Tomato plant grows. I believe you don't have to everything perfect to entertain, you just have to start with the willingness to share your space. A pizza garden is a simple way to provide an opportunity for others to join in the fun in cooking with fresh ingredients. I find that would I provide a relaxed experience it helps to create an atmosphere of openness and opportunities to share Bible truths and the tranquility of caring for others.

My Pizza Garden is Growing

My pizza garden has been growing. Recently, I secured my Roma Tomato plant to the bamboo stake and trim off the lower limbs to allow more airflow and growth toward fruit. It all smells wonderful and I know our homemade pizza is going to be delicious.

I am looking forward to having others over to pick from my pizza garden and enjoy making a homemade pizza. Here's how I plan on making my pizza with others: I will start with a store bought pizza dough or make my own using a sourdough recipe. Once the tomatoes are picked, and cleaned we will cook down the Roma tomatoes to make a easy pizza sauce and we will add in to the sauce the Greek Oregano, English Thyme, and basil. You can find a lot of good pizza sauce recipe online. We will roll out the pizza dough, smother it with our pizza sauce, top with a good mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with crushed Greek Oregano, and English Thyme. And to finalize this "delizioso" dish we will add whole basil leaves on last and bake to perfection. I hope you will give this container garden idea a try and open your patio up to others. If you do we would love to see and hear your story.