Birdseed!! This year I left the seed that had fallen from the birdfeeder alone and watched it grow into lovely plants. Usually I pull the sprouts as they appear. Just recently I cut the seed stalks and let them dry – I believe I have some millet and broom corn. They are very sturdy and will work great for crafts!
Birdseed growing …. 
I was working on some crafts last night and I came up with a great use for the Luffa Sponge (which I have to report is growing very well down south).
I was worried with the lack of rain down there, but we received some rain and they took off! I used luffa from last year as a base for dried flowers. Instead of using glue and/or foam to secure the flowers in place, I used the Luffa and it worked perfectly!
This is the start of the project. You can see the completed arrangement at The Crafty Garden along with a few other finished pieces. You will see three items which I purchased on Clearance at the local craft store. I check for clearance bargains whenever I shop and find some great material … the straw hat I purchased for a dime each (I bought six), the little wooden birdhouse was a dollar each (I bought five) and the teak birdhouse was a bit over 2 dollars each (I bought three) – it’s a beautiful piece! Make sure to check those Clearance aisles especially now with the change in season!
