I have a lot of pictures of this plant, and for a good reason. Starting in mid-summer into early fall it is enshrouded in a cloud of deep-blue flowers with a halo of pollinators all around.
Continue reading Caryopteris x clandonensis “Dark Knight”
For the Love of Fruit
In all honesty, we could have just taken the plants back to the store. The Old Man claimed it was all trickery, but really he wanted the fruit, too.
Continue reading For the Love of Fruit
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Imposters!
I was nearly suckered as I was out in the garden taking some pictures. But something about it made me take a closer look. Something about those eyes…
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Fig (Ficus carica)
I have to say, I honestly feel sorry for anyone who’s never had the opportunity to eat a fresh fig. If that’s you, don’t despair, you still might be able to grow your own, even if you’re not in the ideal climate.
Continue reading Fig (Ficus carica)
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Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
Cabbage is one of those “cool weather” crops that has stymied me for a while. Being in zone 9 means that one has to take advantage of the fall season, just when you think you get to take a break from your summer garden, if you want to have success with these kinds of crops.
Continue reading Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
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What’s in My Lawn? (Not Grass)
I have spotted my neighbor on many occasions scanning his perfect front lawn and plucking out any offending non-grass plants that dared set root. That’s not us.
Continue reading What’s in My Lawn? (Not Grass)
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Laurus nobilis (Grecian Laurel or Sweet Bay)
You know, a recipe typically calls for 1 to 2 bay leaves. Then you do another dish, and another. Those leaves start to add up. They aren’t cheap. Growing your own is.
Continue reading Laurus nobilis (Grecian Laurel or Sweet Bay)
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Peas (Pisum sativum)
I disappeared once when I was about three. My parents frantically searched the house looking for me, only to find me in the garden… eating all the peas.
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Harvesting Grape Leaves
I have come to realize that so many of the foods I was **ahem** “not fond of” were ones that started with less than fresh ingredients. Count dolmades, a Greek delicacy made with grape leaves, as one of them.
Continue reading Harvesting Grape Leaves
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Dragonflies & Damselflies (Anisoptera & Zygoptera spp.)
My sons grew up believing that dragonflies would stitch their ears closed, courtesy of a fourth grade teacher they were all fortunate to wind up having. It took a while before they would uncover their ears when one would fly by.
Continue reading Dragonflies & Damselflies (Anisoptera & Zygoptera spp.)
Mostly Greek 