As I develop my new garden lectures for the upcoming season, I am reminded of the phrase, “When the world ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden.” Somehow, thinking about something small, such as how to design a garden seems so trivial in the bigger scheme of things, until I talked with my friend Pam Montgomery, […]
The Garden Bench
Getting Started Knowing what to grow and when to start seeds takes a bit of practice, which is why I always start with a bench. Finding the perfect garden bench is the key to happiness. It is where all the major decisions are made throughout the season: how to combine tall peas with short spinach, where to […]
Applesauce Buckwheat Crepes
Pecan Lace Cookies
Pecan Lace Cookies are forever imprinted in my mind as the ultimate Christmas cookie, thanks to a generous neighbor. They are sweet, yet also healthy with nuts and oatmeal, and a far cry from the typical white sugar cookies that I made with my children. My first introduction to Pecan Lace Cookies was during a snowfall in […]
Planting the Seed
PLANTING THE SEED Ever since last spring, when Garden Design Magazine asked me to contribute 3 kitchen garden designs based on heirlooms for a future issue, I’ve been thinking about seeds. The designs were to be part of a larger issue, which focused entirely on heirlooms: heirloom plants, interviews with heirloom gardeners including Peter Hatch, […]
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
For my July birthday, I prefer sweet strawberries, ethereal whipped cream, and light, fluffy cream biscuits instead of cake. The ultimate summer dessert. 1 quart fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and halved 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or pastry flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 4 cups heavy cream, chilled 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted […]
Raspberry Peach Jam Recipe
While other people are waving flags at the Fourth of July town parade, I celebrate by filling flats at a pick-your-own berry farm. Once home, the canning kettle is dusted off and the mason jars come up from the basement. Recipes for jam should come with a warning label: “Danger, habit-forming process ahead. May result in eating […]
