start with good garden design, but once that is in place it is fun to fine tune with the extras that will give it style.
Resources & Tools
Farm to School Conference
I was struck through the heart with a dart at the 6th annual Farm to School Conference held in Burlington, Vermont on August 3-6th. I’d finally found my tribe: 800 educators, farmers, cooks, parents, school garden planners, politicians, advocates, artists, foodies – all dedicated to feeding children healthy food.
Beautiful Terra Cotta Pots
Earlier this spring, I returned after a lecture to a large collection of empty plastic garden pots on my front porch. There was no note, and judging by the plastic plant id tags that were left behind, the only clue I had was that this mystery gardener had been swept away at the nursery and […]
Seed Sources: The Best Culinary Choice
Looking for Wrinkled Crinkled Crumpled Cress, Purple Osaka and Horned Mustard, or maybe Persian Cress? Wild Garden Seeds grows certified organic seeds on a farm in the Pacific Northwest. Dedicated to open pollinated varieties and unusual, hard to find greens for the salad lover.
Timing is Everything.
Take your time before placing your seed order. Now that catalogs are staggering in, you may be tempted to get your order in fast, but I say take it slow and stretch out that good feeling. It pays to be on the look out for the more unusual varieties, the open pollinated heirlooms, the […]
Garden Sheds
What do you think, is it more economical to buy a pre-built shed or build one yourself? When I bought my house, it came with a sturdy, well built garden shed with a dry gravel floor. The elevated roof allows me to store bamboo poles and a door that closes firmly to keep out neighborhood […]
The Art of Growing Food
On-line Kitchen Garden Design Classes Learn to grow food For the past month, I find that I have been silently going through my changing season routine and working internally to get into a new groove. I go dormant like a plant and put my focus on survival, rather than growth. This often involves not being […]
Gifts from the Garden
Bags of sugar, ginger knobs and red skinned garlic clutter my counter next to an army of clean jars and lids. Fruit is chopped, and stirred with a wooden spoon as everything simmers and the kitchen fills with a spicy aroma. The first canning session of the year is like learning how to drive on […]
Support your Local Bookstore and Free Book Give-Away:
Support your Local Bookstore and Free Book Give-Away: Our local, family owned independent Northshire Bookstore is the heart and soul of our small town. Besides hosting fabulous author events and community gatherings, it also just a great place to hangout. When my book, The Complete Kitchen Garden debuted last March, they hosted a book signing […]
Self Preservation Plan
All summer, I have been diligent about putting food by. I call it the self preservation plan because there is something truly satisfying about a pantry filled with homegrown and home canned chutney, salsa, jam, pickles and bundles of herbs. I’ll admit, I am already longing for tangy berries, savory herbs and greens and fresh […]
Celebrate Beautiful Food.
Growing up in New England, I have always felt a special affinity with Thanksgiving. I can even claim ancestral connections with William Brewster, the minister on the Mayflower. Annual visits to Plimouth Plantation as a child, was a good way to create appreciation for the strength, courage and determination of the first settlers. The tiny […]
Stacking firewood and books
These days, with the garden demanding less time outdoors, the move indoors prompts me to surround myself with books. I naturally gravitate to books on garden design and food, yet lately have been drawn to read about the environment. I am focused less on what I know and more on my journey to learn something […]
