Wasabi (Latin: eutrema japonicum or wasabia japonica), and the idea of growing it, brings back memories of my long deceased grandmother. She was a lifelong Montana rancher who passed in 1998—right about the same time that I discovered that pungent green paste called wasabi. My grandmother was an original horseradish hobbyist. I have many memories … Read more
If you are afflicted with melancholy at this season, go to the swamp and see the bravespears of skunk-cabbage buds already advanced toward a new year…Is it the winter of their discontent? Do they seem to have lain down to die, despairing ofskunk-cabbagedom? “Up and at ‘em,” “Give it to ‘em,” “Excelsior,” “Put it through”—theseare … Read more
This has been a rather stormy weekend, with some parts of the UK seeing winds up to 85mph. Compared to the hurricanes that batter parts of the US these winds are trivial, but we’re not really used to them here. I suspect that the winds have come from a different direction from normal because I’ve … Read more
Do you have beautiful conical evergreens on your property or in your garden? (ones that would make great holiday decorations?) Have they been poached for Christmas trees? Sadly, stolen Christmas trees are a real problem, and if you need help deterring poachers and thieves, there is an answer. Craig at Ellis Hollow just made the … Read more
When I first became passionate about gardening and horticulture in college, I would devour books and magazines about gardens and plants. I remember joining a magical garden book club where I think you bought one book, but that somehow got you an additional three free books. Did that exist, or am I having false memories? … Read more
While I was scrolling through the Library of Congress’s old photos in search of WPA workers (for this post), I came across 1942 images of people working in my town’s community gardens ( thus, gardenblog-worthy). The text for the photo above reveals that the gardeners are tenants (as all residents of the new town were … Read more
With the sun setting over the Pacific just beyond the mighty outcroppings of rock and groves of fir and redwood, we welcomed the adrenaline rush brought on by navigating the wild switchbacks on the road descending into Petrolia, California.Petrolia (pop. 400) is home to a general store and a church. It is situated in the … Read more
I admit I am a little fascinated by past generations of beautiful socialites (I find these slightly historical characters far more salacious and interesting than the more boring celebs that fill People Magazine). They were beautiful, worldly, rich, beautiful (did I say that already?), political, influential, literary, and incestuous as hell (amongst their elite group). And … Read more
Do you find the terms associated with seeds a little confusing? What do open-pollinated, hybrid, heirloom, and organic mean, and why does anyone care? Let me start by saying that there is absolutely nothing wrong with any seed choice you make. However, you might find you have a few preferences if you understand what these … Read more
It isn’t that I have a hard rule against it, but I don’t tend to buy tomatoes out of season. We were having burgers for dinner last night, though, and I just wanted a tomato on top. The last time I broke my rule, I tossed the whole thing out before I even served it. … Read more