One of the very first things you learn in agricultural school is the definition of a weed. According to knowledgeable professors wearing ties and mud boots, a weed is “a plant out of place.” This tidbit of wisdom shows up in books, slide shows, bulletin boards, and multiple choice tests. What this means is that […] Read more
The best thing about the dark months of winter is the truckload of seed catalogs that comes in the mail. I don’t know how it works, but if you order seeds from just one company, about 105 others will somehow obtain your mailing address. Someone must collect and sell this information because it happens like […] Read more
As an observer of nature, I’m always intrigued by the variation in plant performance. It seems that each year some plants thrive while others malinger. The same is true of bees and other pollinators. My husband calls it the “year of” syndrome. For us, this was the year of the pear. Right now, I don’t […] Read more
It is easy to forget that humans aren’t the only ones dependent on bees. A whole world of creatures out there needs bees to provide seeds, berries, and plants. After the bees were done with my sunflowers this year, I decided to let them stand for the birds. It didn’t take long before birds of […] Read more
One day in August I was sitting in an Adirondack chair midway between a busy bee hive and a large stand of lemon balm. I had a notebook and was trying to outline my next post. “You are so noisy, I can’t think!” I complained aloud. But I wasn’t addressing the hive, I was speaking […] Read more
A beekeeper friend in Seattle said she was disappointed that the pollinator garden she planted didn’t attracted her honey bees. I know the feeling. I too have felt chagrined when my bees have failed to show up for a feast I prepared. All that work for nothing. But I think we have to be philosophical […] Read more
Straw bale gardens are unique. They fit anywhere, support your plants, provide ample space for roots, suppress weeds, and raise your garden up off the ground where it is easier to reach. Plus, if you have bad things in your garden soil, like nematodes or potato scab, straw bales can provide a clean slate. And […] Read more