Falaroy the elf discovered a small patch of vegetables still growing in December, after the seeds were planted in May. Allium all around! He knew this must be a powerful plant to survive through freezing temperatures, multitudinous slugs and an onslaught of weeds and fallen leaves. He’s going to cut a few leaves to store in his belt pouch. They might be handy to season … Continue reading An Elf in the Onions
I like this garden I drove by on Bainbridge Island. It has horizontal space, typical two dimensional boxes, but also adds in a vertical space, providing an opportunity for plants that might trail and spread to instead travel up and out (peas, tomatoes, pumpkins). It also gives support and an area to tie down tall unstable plants (flowering perennials, floppy shrubs). And with gates that … Continue reading Garden Fence
I make my way through this cold November gloom. Days of darkness with only nine hours of daylight this month. Wistfully I remember beautiful, bright June with sixteen hours of sunlight. Seven extra hours of symbiosis with nature. Life was lengthened, twinkling. Now though it’s bleak. Cold and wet with colors of detritus: brown, slate gray, sepia and beige. But the fortunate turn of events … Continue reading Thanksgiving Plants
Trying to squeeze a few more fresh salads out of the season? A simple cold frame can help. Often made from recycled materials, they can protect tender plants from heavy rains and frosty nights. I took this picture at the Seattle Flower and Garden show this year (no, that’s not my yard!). Continue reading Cold Frame
It’s a lot of work. It’s dirty. It’s dusty. It strains our muscles, makes us sore. It’s expensive. It takes time. It takes hours, days. It involves tools and equipment. It takes deliveries and trucks. It takes planning. It requires mathematical calculations. It commits us to lifting and hauling and shoveling and raking. I’m tired already! So…why do we mulch our gardens? Because it’s so … Continue reading Why We Mulch
Rainyleaf 