Roxy's Doxies

10/07/2025

Mid-Year Harvest: Growth, Gratitude & Giving

As we reach the halfway point of 2025, I’m reflecting on the incredible growth—both literal and figurative—that’s taken root in the garden and in our community.

This season brought its share of challenges. A spring windstorm took out my original greenhouse, and the cooler-than-usual weather slowed things down. But with persistence (and a new greenhouse in place), we’ve kept growing—one seed, one story, one act of care at a time.

We’ve expanded to 28 raised garden beds, adding nine new ones to deepen our impact. Every inch is planted with 100% organic heirloom seeds, yielding a vibrant mix of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. So far, we’ve harvested rhubarb, strawberries, Bing and pie cherries, blueberries, and a steady supply of salad greens, Blue Lake Bush green beans, and two varieties of peas with several varities of tomatoes available soon. The apple trees are coming along beautifully and should be ready in another 4–6 weeks—pending Mother Nature’s final say. And figs will fall into place around September.

But the real harvest has been in connection and care. I’ve worked with 22 clients so far this year. While a few offered donations, the majority came seeking support—and left with dignity, nourishment, and choice. They were invited to take what they needed, no questions asked. That’s the heart of this work: addressing food insecurity with compassion and abundance.

And because wellness isn’t just about what’s on the plate, I’ve included fresh-cut flowers in every offering—small bouquets to uplift spirits and remind us of all that beauty belongs in every life.

This may look like “small potatoes” to some, but it’s been a season of hard work, healing, and hope. I’m deeply grateful for my health and the opportunity to serve my community.

Here’s to the next chapter of the season. Sasha's Urban Garden and Dogs'n Dirt

09/07/2025

Roxy’s Doxies House Rules

1. DON'T COME HOME smelling of other dogs

2. I CAN SLEEP ANYWHERE I choose even if it means you trip over me

3. DON’T CALL ME or lead me to a bath

4. LET ME OUTSIDE even though I just came in, there is an area I forgot to sniff

5. You MUST FEED ME every goodie you eat

6. DON’T SHHHH ME from barking when you’re on the phone, I heard the wind blowing leaves

7. If it lands on the floor, IT’S MINE

8. DON’T THINK you can leave a room without me

9. DON’T MOVE ME while sleeping in the middle of the bed, you have enough room on the edge

10. YOU WILL NEVER p*e alone again

May apply to other dogs however, Doxies take pride in their rules.

07/07/2025

Having some fun with my first Pea harvest of 2025. Follow the link for a short story of Jack and his pea harvest: https://designrr.page/?id=522043&token=2730966893&h=4681

02/07/2025

Well, it's done and off she goes! Lexi had her surgery earlier today and is now on her way to her new family. I am so blessed that you help me find these incredible families and they magically appear just when needed. Thank you everyone for such loving care of all my family members of Roxy's Doxies.

28/06/2025

Lighted Hearted ... smile https://www.facebook.com/reel/1456167282475251

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25/06/2025

The Dirt Diaries: Why Growing (Up) Isn’t What You Think ...

continued Lesson #3

3. Lesson Three: Prune to Thrive Pruning has taught me more than how to care for my fruit trees. Yes, there’s the technique—cutting back to open space for light and next season’s harvest—but the harder lesson has been pruning my personal life.
I’ve had to pull weeds that looked like wildflowers. Let go of habits and relationships I once nurtured. And honestly? It’s still hard. Some people I love feel like perennials—maybe just dormant, maybe worth one more season. But I’ve learned that growth sometimes means letting go, even when your heart whispers otherwise.

These days, I’m putting myself out there—making new friends, learning something new every day. Writing more. Sharing more. And to my surprise, some of my dachshund clients now follow me for my words, not just my wieners. I’m not just trimming back. I’m blooming into the woman I was always meant to be.

With intention, I surround myself with people who are authentic and grounded in integrity. We grow together, laugh together, love and cry when we need to. And we’re going to be okay
To be continued ...

23/06/2025

The Dirt Diaries: Why Growing (Up) Isn’t What You Think

Continued from yesterday ...

They say growth is beautiful. But let me tell you—it’s also muddy, unpredictable, and usually arrives wearing yesterday’s clothes. I used to think “growing up” meant having all the answers, a clean house, and a five-year plan. Turns out, it’s more like learning to dance in the garden while the compost is still warm. Welcome to The Dirt Diaries—a collection of messy truths, small victories, and unexpected blooms from a life rooted in resilience.

2. Lesson Two: Seed What You Want, Not What You’re Told Most of my life has been a caretaker. First of my brothers, then my husband and son. Then it was my aging mother over a 30-year period. Now it’s my turn to grow into my own caretaker. It’s challenging to stay on this journey based upon many more years taking care of others. Habits, it’s time to create new habits and do my best to continue that journey.

While in college I took an art class where a drawing of a handsome young man without his clothes was a requirement. This memory continues to bring a smile to my face. That was probably my first challenge as an adult investing in me. And then there was that one young man in my life, I wished he had been the one to pose.

Later in life came the WSU Extension Master Gardener program which continues to give me ongoing education opportunities as well as a problem solver for anyone gardener with a question. For the first time, I’m living with purpose and I’m happier for it. My garden has vignettes—small, intentional spaces, each with its own rhythm, beauty, and (sometimes) weeds. I’ve worked hard to earn this opportunity and I’m not letting this one slip away. How does your garden grow? What changes are you planning for your future?

To Be Continued ...

23/06/2025

Persimmon Tree Fruiting

In 2019, Mom asked me for a persimmon tree, so I planted a two-year-old facing east—morning and afternoon sun just like she requested. What I didn’t know at the time was that it can take 6 to 9 years to bear fruit.

Mom passed on December 4, 2022.

Today, I’m sending her a little message from Earth: “Hey Mom, look! Your persimmon tree is finally fruiting. Fingers crossed that this cool spring gives us a bountiful harvest. I’ll be on the hunt for that persimmon jam recipe you always wanted.”

Love you more. Always.

22/06/2025

The Dirt Diaries: Why Growing (Up) Isn’t What You Think

Welcome to The Dirt Diaries—a collection of messy truths, small victories, and unexpected blooms from a life rooted in resilience. They say growth is beautiful. But let me tell you—it’s also muddy, unpredictable, and usually arrives wearing yesterday’s clothes. They say growth is beautiful. But truth be told—it’s muddy, unpredictable, and usually shows up wearing yesterday’s clothes. I used to think “growing up” meant having all the answers and a five-year plan. It turns out, it’s more like learning to dance in the garden while the compost is still warm.

1. Lesson One: Start with the Compost There have been times when my life was nothing more than compost! I’m someone who enjoys structure. A clean house, bed made, and dishes put away! Neat freak I am not, but I’ve come to love a home that’s both lived in and loved — dogs, dirt, leaf-gifts and all. My home is filled with love and laughter. I'm okay when my dogs pull their blankies out to lay upon and I can deal with the dirt occasionally brought inside or the leaf one of them gifted me. Yes – I love a clean home, and my home is both loved and lived in.

Growing up, my childhood was always cleaning. As the only girl with three brothers, I was raised in the generation where the boys took care of outside chores and girls took care of the house. Having said that, I’m an outside girl all day and every day the sun comes up. Guessing that means I’m a tom-boy! There, I’ve said it. My love of horses that could trout me away from my challenges was a favorite. Spending time in the garden with my father was a close second. It turns out, it’s more like learning to dance in the garden while the compost is still warm.

To Be Continued ...

19/06/2025

“The Garden” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Many things the garden shows,
And pleased I stray
From tree to tree

Watching the white pear-bloom,
Bee-infested quince or plum.
I could walk days, years, away
Till the slow ripening, secular tree
Had reached its fruiting-time,
Nor think it long.

Solar insect on the wing
In the garden murmuring,
Soothing with thy summer horn
Swains by winter pinched and worn.

Lots of help from the Roxy's Doxies team in trying anything that fell to the ground. Lots of funny faces that I'll treasure a lifetime.

Fall 2024 I gave my fruit trees a hard pruning and the results are abundant. Strawberries are still coming in strong and blueberries in a few weeks. Freezer is looking good! What's in your garden this year?

17/06/2025

What are you harvesting today?

For me, it's strawberries and cherries, with a careful eye on the blueberries—that are almost ready. In the garden, I create lists: what I'm growing, what tasks need to be done along the way, and the expected harvest date.

In marketing, the process is similar:

1. Creative Concept—planting the idea
2. Defining Roles & Tasks—who's involved, what they do, and their deadlines
3. Completion—just like harvesting, it could mean a launch date, an installation, or an air date for a campaign.

I start simple, then layer in specifics—ship dates, publishing schedules, airtimes. Always start simple, then let the details build.

So, what are you harvesting this week? A new client? A campaign breakthrough? Growth often begins by asking, what does my client really need? For me, the question is, what organic vegetables will complement my perennial garden? The same principle applies when you’re expanding an existing foundation while opening new possibilities.

Tasks get more complex when more hands are involved, but keeping an open mind ensures fresh ideas take root. What season of growth are you in right now? I'd love to hear what you're harvesting this week!

12/06/2025

Lesson #22: Gardening with Purpose—Honoring Tradition, Embracing Change

Gardening has always been deeply personal for me – a connection to my father, a reflection of tradition. But this year, I’m challenging myself to take a more scientific approach, tracking results, studying my soil and adapting in real time. I’m a lifelong learner and am passionate about learning better ways to garden.

Brie Arthur’s The Foodscape Revolution book opened my eyes to the idea of integrating food crops with landscape plants, maximizing both beauty and function in the garden. The idea of creating a truly interconnected ecosystem sparked a shift in how I approach planting, making my garden feel more alive than ever. I fell in love with the thought of increasing my garden size while working as one.

Yet at times, I find myself struggling with garden memories while moving evolving into a better gardening. By working with nature instead of against it, I’ve seen my garden flourish in unexpected ways. Catching rainwater, amending soil, and letting Mother Nature take the lead in pest control—these practices keep teaching me something new. Native plants have become a key part of that lesson. They support local pollinators, strengthen ecosystems, and, surprisingly, some even make their way into my salads! I love this new direction I’m cultivating. I’ve learned that when I work with nature, versus against with harsh chemicals. I’m watching my garden flourish in unexpected ways which encourages ongoing learning opportunities.

What new habits are you introducing into your garden this year? Dogs’n Dirt is where I explore resilience, growth and lessons – both in the garden and in life. This is just one of many insights I’ll be sharing. If you’re on a similar journey, let’s learn together!