Mid-summer Garden Dreams I highly suggest a midsummer visit to Virginia’s State Arboretum in Boyce, VA. Why? By the time July hits, most gardeners are usually second-guessing most of the ambitious plans they had last December when they ordered seeds. We are either are up early weeding and watering those ambitions or saying we WILL […]
In this post, we will discuss apps, local classes local certifications, schools, conferences, public gardens and nature center programs, WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms), and intern and work suggestions.
This year (Back in 2007, Ed.) Michael and the girls asked me what I wanted for Mother’s Day. Since we’d fenced the front garden in, I could no longer see the big pond. If you read my post on Drought, you’ll know it had been pretty low anyhow. I wanted a smaller, more aesthetically pleasing […]
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) growing in a community garden in Charlottesville, VA Lately I have been on a kick, learning about how many great plants we have in Virginia. I especially appreciate ones that are not only native, but also ornamental, edible and/or medicinal. (This designation includes birds, any other pollinators and myself. This leads me […]
An awesome Old World Estate finds appreciation and rebirth in a New World A long time ago (last century, even) I lived in Richmond. Agecroft Hall (also in Richmond) Virginia just didn’t seem worth it. There was a place that wasn’t far from where I lived. That had promises of a magnificent garden and an […]
Unexpected delights Travelling to see the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum was an unexpected and surprising delight. Located adjacent to the administrative offices at the National Arboretum on the Northeast side of Washington, DC. I’d not spent much time on that side of the capital, but I had the opportunity to visit in early July. […]
Exploring in D.C. There are many reasons to visit the beautiful children’s garden in the National Arboretum, Washington D.C.. I had fun exploring the Washington Youth Garden in D.C. It’s only minutes from Virginia, so exploring at the National Arboretum (where the Washington Youth Garden is located) is quick, easy and inspiring! Please be aware […]
So close! This time of year, it’s good to take a delightful daytrip. My destination? The National Arboretum in Washington D.C. It is less than ten miles from Reagan International, and feels a world away from many of the other popular sites in the nation’s capital. Getting there From Charlottesville, Virginia, it’s an easy trip […]
Patience is a Slow Art…so is gardening Patience in gardening: I’d like to talk to new and seasoned gardeners. Those of you that may have planted a lot of things recently or in the past, and cannot believe things are just sitting there, and not growing. Not dying. But not popping up, either. I’d like […]
Let’s get it started: grow great popcorn Presently, we’re perfecting the art of planting, growing, harvesting & popping popcorn. I ordered Japanese popcorn seed from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange for the student garden last Spring (2023). We have grown other organic popcorn, including Cherokee corn from Morven Kitchen Garden (thank you, Fiona!). We have planted […]
“…a few strategies that you can employ no matter where you are, (as long as you have a good nearby outdoor space). I call this approach “Porch Permaculture””…
We only recommend products and services we wholeheartedly endorse. This post may contain special links through which we earn a small commission if you make a purchase (though your price is the same). Cultivating beginner mind Over the past 25 years or so, I have been a beginner at many things, as both a teacher […]
What I learned turning my typical mundane Virginia front lawn into a meadow Recently I decided that mowing a lawn was a waste of my time. I had admittedly decided that on several other (yearly) occasions before. I was finally attempting to change the parameters of my typical lawn care in a neighborhood situation. I was […]
In years past, late January was for sitting by the woodstove, snowed in (as we usually have our first big snow fall in Virginia the third week of January) seed catalogs spread out before me. I felt warmer from just dreaming of eating fresh food straight from verdant lush gardens in July. Following are the […]
Many years ago, I edited a newsletter for the Master Gardeners in Virginia Beach called ‘Gleanings’. I often asked other gardeners for submissions. Because assembling a newsletter was new to me, as well as growing things, I needed their support. Occasionally, generous people obliged me, which is how I learned of an excellent idea for […]
Mushrooms on pizza do not excite me. And happening upon a mushroom when I’d much rather find a fried sweet potato or cauliflower in my tempura is always unwelcome. But one Portobello burger can go a long way. Next thing you know, you are looking at seed catalogs and ordering what is known in shiitake farmer’s language […]
I promised to share my ten books for the gardeners in my life. Woohoo! Books are always helpful for gardeners, and any garden-related gift is timely, because gardens (for gardeners and everyone else) are gifts that keep. on. giving!!! We only recommend products and services we wholeheartedly endorse. This post may contain special links through […]
