Growing edible plants.
I just planted my garlic and I’m so happy to be part of its story. I got it from a friend who had it from his father who kept it from the grandfather who came to our country from Czechoslovakia traveling through Ellis Island around the turn of the century. This garlic has been around. It started in central Europe, was carried to Michigan and … Continue reading Garlic from Father to Son
January begins with fireworks and resolutions. The first day is bright and promising, but by mid-month we grow tired of the gloom, the ice and those dark after-dinner dog walks. Have you ever tried to pick up poop in the pitch black nothingness? It’s tricky. But a walk through the school arboretum reveals wonderful textures and surprising colors. It reminds me that the plants keep … Continue reading A Promising Winter
Definition of a weed: any undesirable or troublesome plant, especially one that grows profusely where it is not wanted. Most people would think that Himalayan Blackberry would fit into this category. And usually they would be right. It grows all over Western Washington, forming dense, impenetrable thickets, with canes that reach 10-20 feet long. It was these long canes I was considering as I pondered my new raised vegetable beds. I needed a support for my peas, for my beans, … Continue reading Blackberry Trellis
My favorite garden at the 2014 Northwest Flower and Garden Show was designed by Kirsten Lints, CPH, Gardens ALIVE Design. Her long hours and hard work paid off, her garden won the best in show, or Founders Cup, as well as many other awards. The garden was sponsored by WSNLA and WALP, two Washington State Landscape Organizations. The garden install was led by Rob Boyker, owner … Continue reading An Interview With Kirsten Lints, Garden Designer
Rosemary is blooming true blue right now. Many flowers are described as blue, when they are actually purple, like the rose “Blue” Girl! There are a handful of beautiful blue blooms…meconopsis, delphinium and ceanothus…these have colors to match the sky on a clear summer day. But Rosemary is about the sea. The name is latin for ‘dew from the sea’ and brings to mind the … Continue reading Rosemary
Rainyleaf 