Monday, October 31, 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011

weekend gardening events


there is much to do this weekend in the garden and out, coast to coast.


Coastal Growers' Market Saunderstown, RI

Saturday, May 14, 2011 — Saturday, October 29, 2011

Designing with California Friendly Plants Irvine, CA
Saturday, October 29, 2011

Knowing Native Plants: Trees of BHWP New Hope, PA
Saturday, October 29, 2011

2011 Green Industry Conference Louisville, KY
Wednesday, October 26, 2011 — Saturday, October 29, 2011

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

today's problem: stink bugs

yes: they are trying to get inside your house now! the dreaded brown marmorated stink bugs are feeling the chill, and they want to come in doors to lay an egg! i am not big on killing things-especially with pesticides-but the horrible stink bug needs to go! i find myself hunting them down from the mini blinds, crushing them in tissues, and finally, flushing them down the toilet: yuch! this year, both maryland and virginia received special permission to chemically treat peach and apple crops from this dreaded beast: bad news for fruit lovers! but, this is what they did to my tomatoes this year.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

brookside gardens

today you can feel fall in the air.
the leaves are just beginning to get color and the wind is blowing them off of the trees and swirling them around the streets.
one of my favorite places to visit during this season is brookside gardens.
this public garden has so many lovely plantings set in wonderful vignettes which showcase all the beauty of autumn.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

bird feeder

i found this super bird feeder at cb2 and i couldnt be happier! it is made of enameled metal so it is easy to clean and the squirrels just slide right off! 

Monday, October 17, 2011

what to do with too much basil?

the vegetables and herbs i planted in containers are still overflowing with stuff even though it is mid-october. i have so much basil right now and no time to cook stuff: i dont want to waste it so what should i do? 

well, apparently, you can freeze it semi-processed and use it later!
so, i picked it, washed it, pulsed it in the food processor with olive oil, and stored it in air-tight containers: problem solved!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

foodscapes

lovely and fantastic fantasy world from artist carl warner.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

monach butterfly

temperatures may have dropped, but autumn hasn't set in yet and everything hasn't migrated south. not only did i see all kinds of bees today, but the dragonflies were on the move and this lovely monarch was on one of my buddleia...such a relief after four weeks of overcast skies!

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...