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 […]
Unseasonal flowers
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, […]
Summer days
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 […]
Surprise tomatoes
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 […]
Happy frog
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 […]
Quiche for everyone!
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 […]
Hungry, hungry caterpillars
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, […]
Hops flowers
The fence at @annsplaceinc is full of hops flowers and foliage softening its appearance. As hops are wind-pollinated, few bees and other insects are attracted to it. Will I ever get around to making beer with them?
Spuds in a bowl
August is the heart of harvest season and the first of the potatoes have come in. It is a bit of a misnomer to call them a crop as I take a single old sprouting potato from our larder in June, cut out each eye letting them heal for a few days, and then place […]
Pollinator meadow
On a quiet morning, the pollinator meadow at McKeon Farm in Ridgefield is full of activity.