Plant American Black Currants
Early spring is the time to plant bare-root currants and gooseberries. Mine arrived a few weeks ago and are already planted, pruned and watered. (Miraculously.) They are thriving and starting to sprout green buds. Ornamental shrubs in the currant family like, Alpine currant (ribes alpinum) are utilitarian shrubs that tolerate urban conditions, take full sun or part shade, are disease resistant, low maintenance and make good hedges. We specified them often when I was working... Read More
Pasta With Spinach & Feta Cheese
Spinach and Swiss chard are the cool season vegetables that are abundant in the kitchen garden now. Lately I’ve been mad about spinach and I’ve been fixing it every which way. On Thursday, my good friend, Rob Lamp shot some footage for a short video we’re working on. That day we made Quick Spanokopita which you can find here. I have also been making spinach pizza with garlic and goat cheese. Today, it’s Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese. The fall... Read More
Sometimes I Write Fiction
Here is a photo of one of the watercolors in my new book, The Kitchen Gardener’s Handbook. It’s a bird’s eye view of a front yard edible and seasonal garden- in summer. One of many in the book. The paintings illustrate how the garden shifts through the year and one season is highlighted in each chapter. When I drew up the plan I carefully selected edible and non-edible flowering shrubs and perennials that will provide bouquets for the table or something to nibble... Read More
American Cranberry Bush Viburnum
Viburnum trilobum ‘Bailey’s Compact’ is planted right outside my potager picket fence. I am impatiently waiting for these native shrubs to grow into a nice hedge. I am also impatiently waiting for the shrubs to produce berries. I can’t quite understand it…. no bright red edible berries…. this season or last. Is the tag wrong? Do I need another American cranberry bush viburnum? Until I get it sorted out I am enjoying the vibrant fall color.... Read More
What’s Blooming in My Garden?
Wait, wait, wait for spring in the Midwest and then blink it is gone. So this is a way for me to remember. The peonies have been blooming for two weeks and though the most recent thunderstorm has sent them bowing to the ground there are many still to cut. I ran to the garden to pick a quick arrangement for the table. This is what’s in bloom this week. This moment. Peonies, of course. ‘May Night’ Salvia, ‘Huskers Red’ beard tongue, alliums, and ‘Walker’s... Read More
