How many years did I drink bad coffee, then good coffee, until I finally learned about the beauty of a good cup of tea? When I was little, my grandmother would make me “coffee” to drink while we watched Lassie. I think it was actually 80 percent milk with a few drops of coffee, and […]
In our early twenties, fresh out of the city with two small children and another on the way, my husband and I purchased a tiny house. It was a 700 square foot “cottage,” because when things are tight, you can call it a “cottage” and it somehow makes it seem more romantic. It was in […]
My mother once planted sunflowers that germinated overnight and grew to over eighteen feet tall. I’d heard about these sunflowers all my life and never realized how remarkable this was until I began growing things from seed myself. Stealing away a few minutes to plant in our first real garden was my main birthday wish […]
PLANTING A BUTTERFLY GARDEN Many years ago I edited a newsletter for the Master Gardeners in Virginia Beach called ‘Gleanings’. I often asked other gardeners for submissions, since not only was I new at assembling a newsletter, but also at growing things. Occasionally, generous people obliged, which is how I learned of an excellent idea […]
We begin the first pressing of the apples Over the river and through the woods (and down the road apiece) lies the 150-acre intentional community Springtree. Located on the banks of the meandering and historic Rivanna River, Springtree has been demonstrating so many of the ideals I strive for (and more) for more than thirty […]
Gardener’s best comfort and protection tips Not long ago, I asked some of my favorite gardeners to share their best tips and tricks for staying comfortable in the garden, and for working outside in general. Even though I have been gardening for almost thirty years, I was delighted to learn so many new things. My […]
Whether you live 45 minutes from the nearest store or within driving distance to three of our garden centers, chances are you appreciate free things. In this particular article, I will share with you at least 7 things you likely have in and around your home that you can use as free (or almost free) […]
Watering, Weeding and Weather Watering, weeding and the weather: as gardeners, some of us sure complain about these three subjects a lot. I call them “the Three W’s” because remembering them makes gardening easier. Also, I love alliteration. Alliteration is a good way to remember important things. I wish someone in my early gardening experiences […]
In years past, late January was when I would sit 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, dreaming of eating fresh food straight from verdant lush gardens in July. The game has changed a bit […]
I promised in my first post to share my ten favorite great books for beginner (or ALL) gardeners. Woohoo! Books are always helpful for gardeners, and any garden-related gift is timely, because a garden (for gardeners and everyone else) are gifts that keep. on. giving!!! We only recommend products and services we wholeheartedly endorse. This […]
