You may be lucky to have grown up with gardening parents, yet most of the truly fine gardeners I know still consider themselves amateurs. A good gardener is someone who makes it look easy, but the truth is that growing a garden is actually a lot of hard work. If gardeners gave up growing the […]
Ginger Rhubarb Chutney
Chutney is made with fresh fruit, ginger, hot chilies, and spices, and it is simple to make. You can follow a recipe, or keep basic proportions in mind: two cups of sugar, two cups of vinegar, and eight cups of sliced or chopped fruit and wing it. Add grated fresh ginger, raisins or cranberries, and […]
Quinoa and Arugula Salad Recipe
Quinoa (or Couscous) and Arugula Salad with Lemony Vinaigrette Serves 6 For a refreshing splash of summer, use this lemony vinaigrette dressing on a variety of spring greens; it is especially good for bringing out the tart notes in arugula. I often make this salad with Couscous, yet the Quinoa makes a nice alternative. 1 cup vegetable […]
Garden Tools
This time of year I have a special thing for garden tools. Having the right tool for the job is important, and I like to keep it simple with just a few hard working tools. No need clogging up the garden shed too much stuff. Pictured here are all my favorites: a large turning fork, […]
Cutting Mix Lettuce
Is there anything more delicious than the first salad of the season? Tender, delicate, buttery. The dressing has to be ultra mild, with a hint of lemon and very little salt. When you have lettuce like this growing in your garden, it’s best to adapt your dressing to be simple in order to highlight the […]
Seasonal reading
The upside to a late spring snowstorm and unseasonably cold weather, is that I have more time to stay indoors to read. I’m reading three wonderfully different and totally engaging books about gardeners. It’s a good reminder that I can always learn from other gardeners, and not just by visiting their gardens, but through stories, […]
My Garden Secret: Twine
Most people don’t talk much about twine. But there is so much to know. For one thing, when looking for the ultimate garden twine for the garden, the key word should be “biodegradable”. Some twine contains nylon for extra strength, but it simply won’t break down in the compost pile at the end of the […]
