With harvest season well under way, a particular nursery rhyme goes through my head as I begin to fill my basket with a particular type of produce. I will give you a hint using the words of Mother Goose: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. […]
You Can Recondition a Cast Iron Pan
Not too long ago I did something terrible to a well-loved cast iron pan. Believe it or not, I forgot to turn off the stove after I made a meal and the pan sat on the burner. For hours! Yes folks, it is time for another true confession. While I would love to say that […]
Clove Currant: An Heirloom Fruiting Shrub
There is an heirloom fruiting shrub that seems to be, as the saying goes, “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride”. It is never the one that people clamor for at the nursery, but plays a supporting role to raspberries and even gooseberries. If only people would stop searching for the most popular shrubs… this quiet […]
Creating Solitary Bee Hotels
For folks across the country, September heralds the change of season. Hot summer days are replaced with pleasant temperatures and cooler evenings. Leaves are showing the first blush of fall color. Warm season crops such as peppers and tomatoes are still producing. And the bees foraging in the garden are making a final push to […]
Skip the Bottle, Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
It is one of the most popular dressings. Every restaurant has it on their menu. It makes celery sticks palatable to picky eaters. And for the adventurous eater, a fine topping on baked potatoes. Friends, what I am talking about is buttermilk ranch dressing. While this is available in grocery stores across the country, it […]
Asian Pear: The Unsung Fruit Tree
When people think about planting fruit trees in their garden, popular fruits are at the top of the list. Apple. Cherry. Peach. Plum. Of course, it goes without saying that it also depends on what USDA hardiness zone in which you reside. But let me ask you this. Have you ever thought about planting an […]