Top Ten Posts of 2015

Top 10 posts of 2015 from cottage at the crossroads

As the end of the year draws close, I like to look back over the year to see which posts were the most popular on our blog. So I put together this list of the Top Ten Posts of 2015 so I could share that with you.

But before I do, I just want to thank all of you readers for taking the time out of your busy day to visit with us. It has always amazed me that people are interested in what we do, grow, or cook here at the Crossroads. We absolutely love your comments and questions, and although we haven't met most of you in real life, we consider you friends. Now, are you ready to see the posts that most people liked this year? Here we go with the countdown!

10. DIY Wooden Garden Obelisk

Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads

In 10th place is a post that Leo did last year describing how he made several DIY Wooden Garden Obelisks. These trellises are really quite easy to make, and if they aren't just perfect, the mistakes will be hidden as the plants grow on them! All 4 of the ones that Leo made are still standing in our garden today. Visually, they add a lot of interest and give support to vining plants. I guess a lot of other people thought they were an easy, DIY garden project, too!

9. Zesty Bread 'n Butter Pickles

Zesty bread 'n butter pickles | cottage at the crossroads

The 9th most visited post was Zesty Bread 'n Butter Pickles. This post was written in June of 2013 as I was trying to do something with a bountiful crop of cucumbers that summer. Adding a little kick to traditional bread 'n butter pickles turned out to be a real winner both traffic wise and taste wise!

7. Topsy Turvy Galvanized Buckets

Topsy turvy galvanized buckets | cottage at the crossroads

Who knew that when we created these Topsy Turvy Galvanized Buckets back in May of 2013 that they would receive so much attention? I think it was the combination of the beautiful orange flowers against the silver blue of the buckets that was so appealing. And I'm happy to say that the planter is still sitting on our back deck planted with cool season pansies and ornamental cabbages right now. ( Which reminds me that I haven't shown you guys that yet!)

6. Homemade Dill Relish

Homemade dill relish | cottage at the crossroads

Back in May of 2012, I published this recipe for Homemade Dill Relish and it gathers more steam each summer! It is a darn good recipe especially if people are wanting to get their feet wet with the whole canning process. You can't mess up this one!

5. Freestanding Deck in our Garden

An easy to make freestanding deck for your yard or garden | cottage at the crossroads

When Leo wrote his post Freestanding Deck in Our Garden in early spring of this year, he had no idea it would be so popular. But apparently a lot of people were looking for an easy way to build a deck. His great idea of using landscaping timbers as a base resonated with a lot of readers and pinners on Pinterest, and the deck has become one of our favorite places to sit.

3. 5 Tips for First Time Vegetable Gardeners

5 tips for first time vegetable gardeners | cottage at the crossroads

The post 5 Tips for First Time Vegetable Gardeners has done well since we wrote it. It's full of good advice for any one who's thinking about starting a vegetable garden. It has always been our goal on the blog to encourage people to grow some of their own food.

2. Fresh Cucumber Salad Dressing

Fresh cucumber salad dressing | cottage at the crossroads

Our second most visited post was Fresh Cucumber Salad Dressing that I published in 2012. The photos are horrible in the post but the recipe sure is a good one!

So, can you guess which post got the most traffic?

1. Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce

Homemade canned spaghetti sauce | cottage at the crossroads

Ever since I posted this recipe back in the summer of 2013, it has always been our number 1 traffic producer. It doesn't matter if it's summer or winter here, people constantly visit this post. Folks in the Southern Hemisphere will be ready to make the sauce soon since they are having summer right now. It really is mind-boggling to think that people in other parts of the world are reading my recipe and making my canned spaghetti sauce with their freshly harvested tomatoes!

In just a few days, we begin our 5th year of blogging. What's gonna happen around here at the Crossroads this year??? Stay tuned, and if you're not already a subscriber, just sign up to receive new posts as soon as they are published!

Here are a few of my yearly top 10 posts packed with crafts, recipes, and garden treasures.

Top 10 posts of 2017

Top 10 posts of 2018

Top 10 posts of 2019