Get Outside!

 This is the time of year where I begin to get very excited.  Why?  Because I can finally get outside and into the garden.  Even though I realize that I have an overwhelming amount of work to do trimming and weeding, it's yet energizing and refreshing.  


Of course, I also regret not starting seeds indoors, but that's another story.


If you are like me and just getting outside, it's time to clear away all of the flower stalks that provided winter interest.  I know some gardeners do it in the fall, but I prefer to complete it in the spring.  This is also a great time to weed, but make sure you harvest the dandelions now, before they bloom!  The greens are great for salads or cooked like spinach as long as you get them early.  The roots can be dried and used, as well.  Dandelions are very nutritious, providing us with vitamins A & K.  In fact, people used to make a spring tonic with dandelions, giving themselves a shot of vitamins they had likely been lacking over the winter.


This is prime time for planting or transplanting perennials and shrubs, as well.  Everything is small and easier to divide and plant, and the roots are already full of power to propel your plants into new growth, so they'll be growing into hardy and healthy specimens.


What are you working on in your garden?


With all of that work, you'll be getting dirty, and you'll need soap for cleaning up.  Soap and Garden has just the thing--Gardener's Soap!  We have worked on this formula for several years, wanting to create a soap that cleans well, yet isn't like sandpaper to use and keeps your hands in the best shape possible.  The result is just that--cleansing without being harsh.


This soap comes in a few different varieties.  First, is our Original, made with gentle scrubbies, rich oils, and skin-loving essential oils.  It is great for both men and women.


Second, is our "Men's Only," a Sage & Cedar scent sure to appeal to any man.  It includes the great oils and scrubbies found in our original formula.


Third, since we had something just for our male gardeners, we had to create something special for women, and so our Summer Garden Spa Salt Bar was born.  Salt bars feature gentle exfoliation and a lotion-like feel upon use.  It's also very pink!


Last, we offer a "In the Garden" bar that is a floral blend, admittedly, quite feminine and lovely.


All of our bars include great oils and scrubbies and are priced the same as our other bars, $6/ each or 5/$25.00.


If that's not enough, our April Showers sale continues throughout the month of April.

<"In the Garden"
<"Sage & Cedar"

     Ladies Salt Bar >

April Showers Sale!

Yes, the April Showers have arrived in my region, and even though warm, sunny days are more to my liking, I take hope in the adage, "April showers bring May flowers."


I'm celebrating by offering you a  Shower of Savings!

5% off purchases $20 - $30
10% off purchases $31 - $40
15% off purchases $41 - $50
20% off purchases $51 & over
(before shipping totals)



Save on everything for the month of April!


Featuring Body Glow, a wonderful exfoliant for the shower.  It comes in a jar, so you can just scoop out what you need.  Start with your hands, working up your arms, gently massaging your skin.  Then, go to your feet and work your way up your legs.  Finally, massage your torso toward your heart.  Rinse.  This product will not "oil up" your shower, but it will help remove those dead skin cells from winter, and clean those gardening hands for those in milder regions.

Soap scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Rice Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs, Spun Sugar, Daybreak* (spearmint & eucalyptus), Oatmeal, Milk & Honey in scented or no scent added, Black Raspberry Vanilla, Midnight Merlot, Peppermint Breeze*, Cucumber Mint*, Biergarten, Busy Bee, and Rice Flower.  *denotes essential oils

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Not on my site, but available: 

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. 

Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00;  8 oz.  $11 -  In any scent listed above. 

Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12

Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

Look for Soap and Garden on Facebook and Twitter.  We just love gardeners!

September is here already!

Wow, this summer went by so quickly! Why? We were busy--the kids had a lot going on, we took a trip to MI, and I spent the first month in preparation for the CNY Soapmakers Gathering in July. Still, that didn't really explain it fully for me. I soon realized that the lack of true summer weather was why it hadn't been summer for me.

Some I talked to were just as happy for the cooler temps. My bank account was thrilled at lower cooling bills since we only used our a/c for a short time. Nevertheless, to me, summer is hot weather and sunshine, pools, sprinklers, shorts and tees, everything we experience most summers, not cold and rain.

So it goes though, and the old poem, "We'll weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not!" certainly rings true, and we count our blessings. Besides the lower electric bills, most perennials were quite happy, and I did very little watering.

Now, we are looking toward fall. In the stores, of course, it is fall. Displays feature orange, yellow, brown, and all things autumn. If I were go to Michaels, Christmas would be a prominent part of the store display, as well! Those with good garden harvests are preserving their yields. I'll be continuing to preserve my herbs until there's no more to harvest or until frost stops me. Once autumn arrives in earnest, I remember how nice it is to experience the changes: having everyone home together in the evenings, warm dinners, hot tea. . . it's not all bad!

Since autumn is on our minds, I'd like to feature some items that fit right in!

Soaps: apple cinnamon, pumpkin spice, toasted vanilla, and cinnamon & sugar - $6/bar
Room spray: See above scents. 4 oz./$8

Not on my site are:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

As soon as I figure out what to do with the card reader we just got, I'll post new pics! It should work this time, LOL.

Catching Up!

I guess it's been awhile! In reading my last post, I see that it was before the gathering that took place more than two weeks ago. I am happy to report that the CNY Soapmakers Gathering went very well. We enjoyed good attendance, many vendors were represented with their contributions to the goody bags and doorprizes, our demos were very informational, lunch was delicious, and everyone had fun. All of this and perfect weather at an ideal site. We could hardly ask for more. The weather in general hasn't improved tremendously, although we have reveled in a few sunny, warm days. Too often, though, it seems that if it isn't raining too much to go outside, the mosquitoes run me right back in. I can hardly wear enough repellent to keep them away. Nevertheless, I have to admit that my perennials are quite happy, even if I'm not as enthusiastic. I have posted a photo of my gaggle of geese (Gooseneck Loosestrife), my dog, Beau, with his new hairdo, and some recent soap batches. I've also included photos of the herbs Marshmallow and Mountain Mint. You may be surprised to learn that Marshmallow is an herb, and what's more, it was the basis for the confection we enjoy today. Historically, it has been used for inflammation, among other uses, and eaten by the Romans and other civilizations. Cosmetically, it makes products and the skin feel smoother. The botanical name is Althaea officinalis. Mountain Mint (my variety, Pycanthemum virginianum), is a more unusual type of mint. Even the taste and smell is different than the more traditional spearmint or peppermint. I like it because it is very sturdy, the flowers are beautiful and attract bees, and it dries well to use for potpourris and dried floral arrangements. I have only used it for culinary purposes, mainly tea. In reading up on it, however, I see that I should work to expand my use of it for myself and my family. Cosmetically, it may make the skin look fresher, used in soap or bath, and the mint aroma is very pleasant, of course. It's going on my "to-do" list!

So, what's on special for August? Everything! Anything is 10% off, no minimum order. Just put 10% off in the info. box, or email me, beth@soapandgarden.com, and I'll make sure you get your sale price. If that's not enough, you'll get a free bar of soap with every $20 purchase. It has to be something I have in stock besides Patchouli. See what's offered at www.SoapandGarden.com

Not on my site are:
Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.