While many gardeners have been sprinkling coffee grounds, brewing compost tea, and painting pruning cuts, Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott has been busy destroying gardening myths like these. One by one, the fiery University of Washington Associate Professor and Extension Horticulturist has been debunking gardening beliefs and practices that don’t hold up to scientific scrutiny. Most recently, she has taken aim at… Read more →
“Why did the banana go to the doctor?” Mason asks. “I don’t know. Why?” “Because he wasn’t peeling well.” “Oof. Good one.” I think back to my favorite joke as a kid. I’m positive it will crack him up. “What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?” I say. “What?” “Finding half a worm.” “I don’t get it.” I… Read more →
The front garden has come a long way in just two years! I’ve had a blast trying out new plants and seeing what works in my sunny, summer-dry, winter-wet conditions (Portland, Oregon). Here are ten of my favorite, fun, slightly out-of-the-ordinary plants so far. Iris tuberosa. Formerly known as Hermodactylus tuberosus, this petite, quirky iris is commonly known as snake’s… Read more →
It’s late May, and it’s been months since my six-year-old neighbor, Mason, has visited the garden, so when his mom stops by to drop off some misdelivered mail, I’m eager to find out where he’s been. “Well, he’s asked about coming over, but…” Jessica hesitates, “…we didn’t want him to bother you. We know he can be a handful.” “Oh… Read more →
I love irises. Which is dangerous, because I happen to live in one of the hottest spots in the country for iris breeding, growing, and sales. Within an hour, I can be at Schreiner’s, Mid-America Garden, or Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm. Or Aitken’s Salmon Creek Garden, which is where I went today. Here’s what I saw. Salmon Creek Garden is… Read more →
Something a little different this time. A short story. Lily and Destin: A Love Story “Mom, you don’t even know him!” she said, her eyes filling with tears. Lily and her mother, Sophie, were arguing again about her boyfriend, Destin. “You’re a monarch. He’s a spider. It’s just not right!” she said, more loudly than she intended. Sophie’s voice softened…. Read more →
