When people see mushrooms in the garden, they worry. No need. Mushrooms are very beneficial in breaking down mulch or added compost so that it’s more accessible to plants roots. They’re also extremely helpful in rejuvenating toxic soil, for instance in cleaning up oil spills (hello, BP, you listening?). Paul Stamets’ book, Mycellium Running: How [...]
Everything this week went from late spring to the beginning of summer buds….this next week should be exciting, but until then……
It’s time and there are three ways to harvest your greens: Take leaves off the outside edge Remove the entire plant and break off the top leafy part composting the roots (this works best if the lettuce is planted close together) Cut the top 2/3 of the plant off about 2 inches above the ground, [...]
With a wet spring comes the possibility of standing water and baby mosquitoes, get prepared. Make sure all areas where water collects after a rain are taken care of. If they’re in the yard, add rocks and plants to use the water. Clean out the bird bath at least twice a week. Bugs don’t [...]
Most of you have probably gotten your tomatoes in the ground during one of our little warm spells. I just put mine in this weekend, just to be on the safe side. Helpful hints for transplanting your starts. Allow enough room between plants for growth (18-36 inches apart) Plant your starts deep and in full [...]
This weekend I spotted two friendly floating insects in the yard. I think they were both Eastern Tiger. Butterflies have good taste in beautiful plants, include any of the following, and surely you’ll spot a few in your garden this summer. Adults enjoy the nectar of: chives verbena marigold aster coneflower butterfly bush sage clover [...]
Compost easily in your garden. Take a look at Ecofilms’ Permaculture Garden Worm Tower! And thanks to Apartment Therapy for posting this!
The late tulips are in their prime, allium are flowering, and the salad mix is ready for eating!
The first time I ate a pansy was in a lollipop when I was young. High in vitamin C, give them a try in one of these recipes for a little Springtime in your dessert, breakfast, or lunch! Lemon Jellyroll Black Pansy Syrup (good on pancakes or ice cream) Pansy Honey Custard Pansy Wreath Cake [...]
7th Annual Spring Bonsai Show May 21 -22, 2011 A newer tradition for the Midwest Bonsai Society is their Spring Show. Displays of member trees Courtyard of vendors Demonstrations The Spring Show is held in the Burnstein Hall of the newly remodeled Regenstein Center at the Chicago Botanic Garden, and its timing corresponds with the [...]