Musings on horticultural therapy and the soothing effects of plants and nature
“Do you see the size of that bee?!” exclaims the attendant at the transfer station in town. “Is that a killer hornet?!” Turning my head toward the back of the pickup holding my garbage cans, I see a huge bee at least 1.5 inches long. “I’m closing my window,” says the bearded employee, shutting it […]
The threat of rain forces me to transform my garage into classroom for my Ann’s Place clients. Given the heat, it turned out to be a good decision for my session on flavored vinegars. “Before we start with flavored vinegars, I’d like all of you to try some of the artisanal vinegars that I make […]
This year I have been having great luck with all of my root vegetables: carrots, beets and radishes. This cherry belle radish, in particular, is the biggest I have ever harvested being larger than a cherry tomato and slightly smaller than a small cutting tomato. And it is absolutely delicious
Even though I needed to cancel my class on flower pressing a few weeks back because of the heat, I don’t let the materials go to waste. Both Charlotte and Juana decide to take material (and pens) into their own hands to customize a set of presses for their own use. I think they did […]
This year has been a strange one in the garden and the latest surprise is the emergence of a trio of blooms on one of our flowering quince bushes. Typically these bushes sport their red-rose-like flowers in mid-spring and then produce a few tiny fruits that never seem to make it to maturity. This year, […]
During these languid, slowing days of Summer, sometimes the best activity is no activity. Between the heat and humidity, it is prudent to be economical with movement, particularity in the afternoon. That is why perhaps the backyard is the best place to visit to throw down a blanket and watch the clouds roll by. High […]
I welcome most volunteers in the garden. Two of the best this year are a pair of tomato plants that have established themselves in a new bed I set up for saffron crocuses. I created this new space in early June after splitting up over 250 corms that needed replanting. To give the new bed […]
I discovered this pickerel frog the other day when I was watering my vegetable garden. Resting on a corner post behind the tomatoes, it seems to enjoy the slight sprinkle from my garden hose. I am always happy and grateful when I discover such creatures as it implies that Juana and I are good stewards […]
Swiss chard has grown spectacularly this year, far outperforming all the other vegetables that I have planted. The only problem for us is that neither Juana nor I are so fond of this healthy, leafy green that we can keep up with (and consume) its growth. A recent dinner for some friends, however, started us […]
Looking to grab some parsley for dinner, I spot a pair of black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars munching away. They have done a pretty good job at consuming the dill and coriander, leaving only skeletal remains. Approaching them, I can almost hear them crunching away. I grab a few leaves on the outskirts of the plant, […]