Seed Ordering Made Easy. Life is good! (Organic Gardening column #1336)
It was in the mid-1980s when I ordered seeds for the first time. What a mess! I was totally overwhelmed by all the confusing terms and…
Gardening
Gardening, Insights
True story: How raw potatoes healed 5 risky infections (Column #1354)
When it comes to comfort food, the potato holds the top spot. But there’s more to the potato than meets the fry…
Cooking, Gardening, Insights
How to eat a primrose– “Hot Wheels” the paraplegic rabbit loves ’em (Column # 1355)
Before I go any further… Hot Wheels is a paraplegic rabbit. And for eight days, he was left in our care while…
Cooking, Gardening, Insights, Making life better
On cleaning house, recipe for chocolate avocado pudding, the seed viability list [Column #1337]
Last Tuesday, Cindy and Bob (not their real names) participated in an event they call ‘Tackle Tuesday’ where they select a room and clean it from top to bottom. They both love to hike…
Gardening
The autumn garden and the sacred rhythm of rest [Garden column #1321]
Did you know that pound for pound, the leaves of most trees contain twice as many minerals as manure? Another icon of autumn is time, as in the passage of time. We become keenly aware of…
Gardening
How to identify, prevent, and treat gray mold on plants [garden column #1314]
Finding a perfect zucchini was a pleasant surprise, what with our wacky-weather summer. As I leaned in closer, feeling a little proud. That’s when I saw it, the gray color, not normal for
Gardening
How to compost leaves and make leaf mold (garden column #1320)
For many gardeners, the end of the gardening season is bittersweet. It’s hard to say goodbye to all your carefully-tended plant friends. On the other hand, there is plenty of good about this seasonal transition. In Kodiak, it means vibrant colors, the start of northern lights viewing, and silver salmon fishing. One more thing… Autumn
Gardening
How to grow spinach as a winter green (garden column #1318)
When we turn the calendar page from August to September, it’s easy to fall into thinking that gardening is all but over. Nothing could be further from the truth. In the fall, harvesting is part of
Gardening
Winter solstice in Kodiak, Alaska (garden column #1333)
Given a choice between celebrating the Winter Solstice or the New Year, the solstice would win, hands down. More significant to me is the return of light. And if you’re like most people, dispelling darkness in the middle of winter is a real thing. I think back to a conversation with my dear friend, Jill
Gardening, Insights
A raspberry story, a casserole recipe, and a garden flop (column #1317)
Today I’m celebrating! First, I’m feeling much better after my bout with COVID (thank you for asking). So good in fact,
Gardening
On baby slugs, and why you should love cress (Alaska gardening #1313)
What’s a summer garden without hiccups? Weeds double in height when your back is turned and since the baby crows have fledged, their parents dive-bomb
Gardening
The [coffee] joke’s on me, and how to predict the weather (article #1316)
During these times of climate change and COVID, it’s easy to take life too seriously. Any excuse to laugh feels like mountain-fresh air. Take last week when I’d lost all sense of taste and
Cooking, Gardening, Insights
I have COVID: 12 essential things I added to my self-care kit (Alaska gardening #1315)
It began as a tingling, prickly feeling in my fingers and toes as if they were going to sleep. “Wow, this is weird,” I thought.
Gardening
On marigolds, salmonberries, and pie [Alaska gardening column #1312]
On a recent Saturday, when the sun popped out from the gray, shredded clouds, I was standing in the greenhouse admiring the yellow marigolds. Looking more like tennis balls than flowers, marigolds
Gardening, Photography
Tips for garden photography on a sunny day [Alaska gardening column #1311]
When the weatherman predicts that the sun will come out, my camera often stays in. Why? Bright sunny days are great for picnics, hiking, and putzing in the garden. But they’re not so great for
Gardening, Insights
Planting for kids: How to cultivate joy [Alaska gardening column #1310]
“It’s been said that gardens and children need the same things — patience, love, and someone who will never give up on them.” [Nicolette Sowder] As a child, I spent many happy hours outdoors. I climbed trees, built stick forts in the woods behind our house, and harvested “wild” clay
Gardening
On biking cross country and slugs in the garden [Alaska gardening column #1309]
You’d think that riding your bike across the country would be a trip riddled with trials, tribulations, and fears. Things like running out of water, fierce headwinds, hail, diarrhea