Tuesday, July 12, 2011

what's the weather?

the current weather is quite warm, even in the shade...i like it: maybe it will kill some weeds!

Friday, July 1, 2011

common good


you can be part of the common good by planting seeds at common good city farm...or learn how to plant seeds: the popular urban farm and education center also wants you to harvest your seeds, weed, compost and participate in the garden as community. help grow fresh fruit and veggies for low-income residents of dc while ruining your manicure, er, getting your hands dirty. orientation is tomorrow (and the first saturday of every month through september), sign up for specific times and tasks, then get to work. 

Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Wharf Farmers Market

farmer's markets are only getting better and closer to you these days... if you happen to work or live in southwest dc, grab a beer, listen to live music and buy some fresh organic veggies at The Wharf Farmers Market, today and every other thursday through september, 5-8pm at the 7th street landing @ 7th and water streets, sw dc.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

dividing plants

how cool are these oversized-plant space dividers from buzzispace?
via design milk (thanks!)

Friday, June 17, 2011

green roof

i love this modern house...and the green roof is amazing!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

sunset

after our extreme heat here in the mis-atlantic (which caused half my veggies to bolt) ended sunday evening, fantastic weather has been upon us! tonight's sunset was amazing, but rain is in the near future, and i am thankful!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

heat wave

we are busy setting records here in dc...damn, it's hot!

Friday, June 3, 2011

strawberry festival

well, it isn't exactly a festival, but the one strawberry pot has produced quite a few non-stink-bug-eaten berries this year, creating somewhat of a party- a festival of sorts-in my mouth.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

luna moth

i left the screen door ajar so oto could get in without knocking the screen out again, and this is what came in! it is a luna moth, one of the largest moths. thankfully, the big guy was on the screen so i could shut the door and he (or she) could fly away at will.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

radishes

i never liked radishes until i started eating at meylin's: the pickled vegetables are inspiring and delicious. so, now i am growing them. the radishes in my square foot garden needed big-time thinning as i planted the entire pack of seeds in 12 square inches (last year's seed). i now have a ton of radish greens...what to do?
apparently there are lots of things! i am not so big on the radish greens raw as they are a little furry, but...
braised radish greens
1. cook radish greens with olive oil, garlic and a dash of nutmeg until wilted and garlic is cooked.
2. add a dash of balsamic vinegar.
3. remove from heat.
4. salt.
5. pepper.
6. eat.

radish green soup
1. cook onions and/or leeks over low heat with olive oil until soft and slightly carmelized (10-15 minutes).
2. add radish greens and cook til wilted.
3. add 1medium/large chopped potato
4. add 8 cups of cold water and/or broth. bring to a boil and cook til potatoes are tender.
5. remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. salt and pepper.
7. smooth in a blender then strain through a fine sieve or chinoise.
8. stir in some lemon juice.
9. adjust seasoning
10. top with a dollop of greek yogurt topped and chopped chives.
11. eat.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

clematis flowers

Photobucket

i have never been able to grow clematis because i've never found the perfect combo of "cold feet and hot head" in my yard. my neighbors have, though and they've created quite a spring spectacle!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

yellow rose

roses are in full bloom around here. these yellow beauties stopped me in my tracks as i was walking the dog through the hood: gorgeous!

Friday, May 6, 2011

capitol hill house and garden tour

capitol hill restoration society's mother day house and garden tour is a great way to spend some time with the family...or not! after the tour, i will be buying fresh flowers and some potted herbs at the outdoor eastern market, and raviolis and cheese from the indoor food court...maybe a hand pie too.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

everything flowers

i love this beautiful book "everything flowers" by bay area artist clare rojos! if you happen to live in the city, you can meet her at the book signing tomorrow evening.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

happy greenery day!

it used to be a japanese holiday to honor emperor showa's birthday, but when controversy got the best of him, this day was renamed greenery day to honor his love of, well, greenery! we should all commune with nature today (and everyday) and be thankful for it's blessings: go green!

Friday, April 29, 2011

happy arbor day!

arbor day is not just for planting trees: it is also about caring for trees. so get outside and trim your loved ones...add some compost around their roots...give em a drink...show them you care.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

got beavers?

we do! i have seen beavers in rock creek park along the main branch before, but not in this spot: it's new! several small trees have been felled along our walking trail and some large tree roots have been striped of their bark, but i havent seen the actual beaver yet. looking forward to it... 

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

unique succulent planter

need a cool planter for your expanding succulent collection that's, uhm, different? why not a dinosaur?
why not, indeed!

Friday, April 22, 2011

a billion acts of green

you dont have to do a billion green things on earth day, but you could commit to just one. one simple act can help our lovely planet. so, head to the earth day 'billion acts of green' page and commit to install an eastern blue bird set up or eat more locally produced food or use less pesticides...whatever it is, make a commitment and follow through! i am going to (finally!) install my rain barrel, just in time for today's rain!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Friday, April 1, 2011

cherry blossom festival 2011

despite the chilly temperatures and gusty winds, the cherry blossoms at the tidal basin are hanging in there: peak bloom time is right now through sunday! if you havent seen this annual spectacle, you are missing out! driving there and parking is difficult at best; metro + walking is what i would recommend...there are tons of activities and events both saturday and sunday all around town, so go and enjoy the pretty pink blossoms!

Monday, March 14, 2011

winter is o-v-e-r!

other than last year's hellish winter (that doesn't make sense), i can never remember the crocus blooming so late: they are usually visible sometime in february-mid february. but, it's over now, winter is...next sunday is the first day of spring...and here's the crocus to prove it!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

plant a flower day

did you plant a flower today?
you should have: winters almost over and pansies make it for real.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

happy birthday, dr. seuss!

happy birthday to one of my favorite authors and tree huggers...