There are some garden plants that any new gardener realizes (after it’s too late) that if successfully grown, you will be completely buried in produce. Yes, there can be too much of a good thing… or maybe not!
Continue reading Tzatziki Flavored Cucumber Chips
I have a lot of plants in my garden that are “bee magnets”, but few will be carpeted in the buzzy little critters like my African Blue Basil. And then there’s pesto!
Continue reading African Blue Basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal’)
Each summer my exercise routine consists of repeatedly running frantically out of my kitchen to the backyard, flapping my arms and yelling “ch ch ch ch” to scare away the scrub jays from my nectarine tree. When I’m tired, I make the boys do it.
Continue reading Nectarine Sourdough Coffee Cake
The rise in popularity of and interest in growing heirloom fruits and veggies has extended to the herb garden. However, there are some that remain well-kept secrets that really shouldn’t be.
Continue reading Greek Sage (Salvia fruticosa)
There is a point each year where my garden looks a little like Monet’s famous garden, and I am clearly quite okay with that! Each spring I am graced with a spectacular and long lasting display of some of the most beautiful and diverse blooms I have. Continue reading Bearded Iris (Iris x germanica)
I guess this is the California version of the winter sleigh song, though if you go high up enough in the Sierra-Nevada mountains you will find snow. It’s just not where we were.
Continue reading Over the River-bed and through the Avocado Orchards to Grandfather’s House We Go…
You cannot have a true Greek village salad without cucumber, nor can you have true Greek tzatziki (cucumber and yogurt sauce). So can you be a true Greek gardener and not grow cucumber? I think not.
Continue reading Cucumber (Cucumis sativus Linnaeus)
For whatever reason, the first appearance of asparagus in my garden seems almost magical. One day it’s just empty dirt, the next day baby spears of deliciousness have erupted through the surface.
Continue reading Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
One of the characteristic seasonings of many Greek dishes is oregano. Not just any oregano, mind you, but one of the richly flavored varieties that grow wild in the rugged mountainous areas of Greece.
Continue reading Cretan Oregano (Oreganum onites)
Getting a properly ripened pear is tricky at best so I have learned to accept the fact that I may need to invest a little extra time if I want to enjoy these sweet and tender treats.
Continue reading Riesling & Honey Poached Pears
Mostly Greek 