As we moved into our home two years ago, the gardens that were once pristine were covered in cedar tree droppings, debris, pine branches, blackberries and a menagerie of who knows what. After much cleanup, I started to find so many delicate — and not-so-delicate but beautiful — plant species that it raised the question: […]
vegetables
Posted inAt Home
A Twist on the Mac-and-Cheese
Turning to easy recipes that require minimal cooking time can help take the stress out of busy back-to-school evenings while increasing the opportunities for sharing family moments together. Skip the long cook times of complicated dishes and instead turn to an option like this Skillet Macaroni and Cheese, a kid-friendly and parent-approved meal to turn […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Preserve Your Garden Produce for Delicious Winter Meals
All your hard work is paying off with a bountiful harvest. Fresh produce is filling your garden, countertops and refrigerator while the garden keeps producing more. Preserve some of your harvest to enjoy throughout the winter with some tried-and-true or updated variation of food preservation techniques. Hanging bundles of herbs to dry is a longtime […]
Posted inAt Home
Four Comfort Food Recipes for Your Next Lunch
As families spend more time at home, Americans are finding comfort in a surprising source: bread. In fact, a 20-year trend of declining grain food consumption has been reversed. A national study by the Grain Food Foundation suggests that the turnaround is more than a one-time sales blip due to pantry loading. In reality, consumers […]
Posted inGarden
The Garden of Lynn and Jim McIntyre
“Why would you want to buy that piece of swampland?” asked the strawberry farmer when Jim and Lynn McIntyre showed interest in a plot of land he had tried to cultivate. The land was full of rocks and wet clay, and a big section consisted of a 3-inch-deep peat-like layer. Full of scotch broom, with […]
Posted inAt Home
Update Classic Summer Recipes with Asian-Inspired Flair
A distinctive and unexpected ingredient like rice vinegar is an easy way to bring far-away flavors to your favorite summer dishes. This pantry staple adds an Asian-inspired flavor to recipes of all kinds, from marinades to high-end meals. Explore a new way to enjoy steak this summer with a recipe for zesty, marinated beef paired […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Victory Garden
“When the pandemic hit, I decided to plant a vegetable garden.” I’ve heard this from consultation clients and Plantrama listeners for the past three months, and my response is always the same. “Congratulations! You made a terrific choice.” I recognize that the stress of the COVID-19 crisis can easily prompt people to eat sweets or […]
Posted inGarden
The Garden Shed Takes Back Stage in the Garden
Every garden needs a work area: a “behind the scenes” staging space where all the glories of the garden are dressed, groomed and rehearsed until they are ready to make their entrance. This can be a spot tucked away out of sight with a simple table, a bag of potting soil and a stash of […]
Posted inHome
How to Become a Barbecue Master
It’s summer. That means long days, fun outings, get-togethers with family and friends — and, of course, barbecue. Mmmmm, barbecue: bold, smoky, sweet, tangy. The flavors are as much a part of summer memories as the smell of fresh-cut lawn and the feel of beach sand under the feet. But before you break out the […]