Musings on horticultural therapy and the soothing effects of plants and nature
It’s an early spargel season (or asparagus to those who don’t speak German). The last two weeks in the garden have been more than hectic as the temperatures turned a barren canopy and grounds into late Spring lushness. We have been eating greens from the garden for over a month as the claytonia explodes. Even […]
The irony was not lost on either Juana or I. After over six weeks in the tropics where the temperature never dropped below 70 degrees, we come back home to a Nor’easter and 6 inches of snow. The first thing we did upon arriving late in the day was to don our snow boots and […]
One of the great things about being in Florida this time of year is that strawberries are fresh out of the fields and available in farmer’s markets. I love to gorge myself on perfectly ripe, red and juicy berries. I can’t get enough. But to my surprise and shock, I recently spotted white strawberries that […]
The most obvious fruit to forage in the Florida Keys are coconuts. This Pacific invader is one of many plants that have taken their place in the landscape as part of the tropical vibe. In fact, they and their palm tree relatives take the place of the bags of grass and leaves that non-composting Northerners […]
While one may think that coconuts are the only things to forage in the Keys, there are lots of other options. The other day Juana and I stumbled upon some desert purslane nestled next to some wind-blown palm fronts and a stone-like sponge. Differing slightly by shape and taste, this wild succulent is just like […]
Just when all the gardens have been put to bed, it is time to order seeds for the coming year. I get most of mine from Fedco Seeds, which has a great selection of heirlooms as well as good prices. Before I order, I go through the seeds I still have from the prior year […]
The garden in December continues to deliver meals. This dinner—potato-leek soup,Swiss chard-ham quiche, radish and greens salad, potato bread—came out of the garden fresh as could be. The salad was particularly amazing with new greens emerging and the radishes holding up against the daily frosts. We still have some leeks in the garden that have […]
My September seeding of claytonia (miner’s lettuce) is paying off in the cold frame as its leaves are ready to munch on. Though some of the more delicate greens are fading, this one pops back even after the coldest of mornings. I place a heart-shaped leaf into my mouth and bite down. A slight sweetness […]
It is time to harvest the last of the leeks (Allium porrum). This vegetable takes longer than any other to reach maturity but it is worth it as it helps make a savory and yummy potato (Solanum tuberosum) leek soup. The top crust of the soil is frozen though below is still warm and grainy. […]
With Jack-o-Lanterns lined and lit up and candy in a bucket, Juana and I wait in vain for Trick-or-Treaters. Like many years prior, no children make the trek up our stairs to our front door leaving us with a pot of candy to consume. That’s why we now buy candy the we like best. Prior […]