The Incredible Edible Window Box

How perfect is this?

A completely edible window box. Just what I've been dreaming up for the shed. 

Buy one. Get one. 4 small plants in one container. 
I separated them to get more!

I added some Llama Beans to help keep moisture in the soil.

Water.

This is part of what I describe as "Purposeful Gardening". 

 Sweet violet, yellow and ivory violas, onion chives, and flat leaf parsley.

One box has Swiss Chard growing up already, so it will stay.

Incorporating plants that are useful yet 
beautiful into your landscape...or window  boxes!


Blessings from the Garden. 
ML

Nasturtiums

I've soaked 3 packets of nasturtium seeds and they are ready for planting.

Nasturtiums are my favorite flowering herb. Not sure if you can eat the roots, but for the most part, you can consume the entire plant. The large round wrinkly seeds are similar in taste to that of the herb Capers (also my maiden name!).

In Augusta and similar planting zones, you can plant nasturtiums in late summer and very early spring. Now is a great time for planting. I have one group peeking out of the ground after planting about a week ago. A bit of water and sun will drive the nasturtiums up quickly.

Order seeds online for a variety of color choices or pick up a couple of packets at your garden center. There are vine types too.

Before planting in containers or the ground, I prefer to soak the seeds in water over night. This speeds up the germination process. I plant nasturtiums in part sun. Last spring's planting lasted through the summer. Like most herbs, water when dry, provide adequate drainage, and give them some sun. Harvest the flowers and leaves in the morning or late evening when moisture content is at its peak.

The flowers have a delicate sweet scent, but definitely not over powering. I've not developed a "taste" for them. I suppose my appreciation for the lovely flower is too great.

Good Luck with your nasturtiums.
Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Spring Herb Planting

We are getting so close to planting time here in Augusta!  Veggies, herbs and flower plants are starting to make their way out of greenhouses and into the garden stores. 

While planning your purposeful garden this season, consider including a variety of herbs. I always tell people, particularly those with "brown thumbs", to grow herbs.

This week starts with a few hints about choosing and growing these delightful 
culinary treats. 









First, think of what herbs you enjoy in your food...
here are a few of my favorites:
   

•  Rosemary

• Basil
• Chives
• Oregano
• Lovage
• Bay
• Dill

This will give you a great start when shopping for herbs you'll really use from the garden.

Next we'll look at the 3 D's for growing herbs!


Blessings from the Garden. 
ML

Less is More...

Doesn't the "less is more" phrase fit into many categories?
Fashion. Cosmetics. Decorating. Landscape.
It's true.

Yes, my taste for landscape is evolving, and I am not perfect in my choices by any means, but...
some of the re-landscaping that is happening now in the "Garden City" is a bit harsh on the eyes.


It seems that some are planting for planting's sake- instant gratification, filling the space. Why not leave a bit of space for the eye to rest on a specimen tree or a perfect perennial? Like a piece of artwork in your living room. I could grasp this concept a bit better if one were covering the lawn to say goodbye to weekly mowing (check out Eat Your Yard!), but that is not the case.

My plans for re-landscaping or updating my landscape include plants that I will enjoy bringing indoors such as camellias, grasses, and a host of perennials. This takes some thought, though, not just random planting.

Less is more.
Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Purposeful Gardening: Herbs

Spoke to Spade & Trowel Garden Club this week about Herb Gardening. An excellent question from the audience:

"If fall is the best time to plant herbs, why aren't they in the garden stores?"

Well, if you are talking herbs used mainly for flowers, they are in the stores...however, the herbs for cooking? SCARCE...I ask that question every year about larkspur, poppies, cornflower,etc...and I see Christmas trees everywhere!








I called Bedford Greenhouses here in Augusta, and they DO have perennial herbs for you...A report from Joanne...


Three different types of parsley - flat leaf Italian, triple curl and Rialto ( a new variety with a really nice flavor). We also have cilantro which does much better in our cooler months than in the summer. Great sages - normal garden sage and also three other varieties that have variegated leaves and pretty colors during the winter. Two types of thyme - lemon and English.
And of course rosemary and chives. We have a little bronze fennel and basil left as well.

Lots of fall/winter veggies too.

So, go shop!
Blessings from the Garden.
ML