How many years did I drink bad coffee, then good coffee, until I finally learned about the beauty of a great cup of tea? When I was little, my grandmother would make me “coffee” to drink while we watched Lassie. It was probably 80 percent milk with a few drops of coffee, and a lot […]
How did I end up with a Lean-to greenhouse? In my early twenties, I moved out of the city with two small children and another on the way. My (then) husband and I purchased a small house. It was a 700 square foot “cottage,”. When things are tight, you can call it a “cottage” and […]
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. Conclusion? Growing from seed feels sweet and complete. Stealing away a few minutes to plant in our […]
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 […]
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 years (Now, for more than fifty, Ed.) We […]
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 I call these things “The Three Ws” because these strategies make gardening easier. Also, I love alliteration. Alliteration is a good way to remember important things. I wish someone in my early gardening experiences had addressed these “Love them/Hate them, they’re always with us” subjects positively. […]
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 […]
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 […]
