Few of us think much about our bank, other than depositing our checks and then writing checks to shop or pay bills. However in Jeffrey Hollender's book ’How to Make the World a Better Place, A Guide to Doing Good’ he has written a chapter on socially responsible banking. I had never considered choosing a bank as social responsibilty before and his position is thought provoking. He cautions that your money, however small the amount of time it is in a bank, is the base used by the bank to run itself, make loans, invest, etc. Since banks are allowed to loan out up to nine times the amount of deposit funds that they hold, this equates to nine times the actual consumer spending power of your money. Once in the hands of the bank... nine times the potential social, environmental, and even economic damage through their choices and activities.
Accordingly, we should all look at what our bank chooses to do with our (their collective) money. I changed banks once I began viweing the policies of my bank; it was racially and socially biggoted and even cruel to ’small’ people. The moral policies were much like those of the 'bad' teacher who only likes the football captain and the cheerleader. They chose to give 'special' lower interest loans to patrons who attended the 'right' church and who were members of the 'right' political party. As I looked further into their activities it was apparent that many of their chosen few were never out of funds, never foreclosed upon, and always granted easy signature loans. I suggest taking an unbiased look at your bank... it is your money after all.
*Get Jeffrey Hollander's book...How to Make the World a Better Place: 116 Ways You Can Make a Difference. It contains some wonderful ideas.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Crocus and Saffron
In the Garden
By Catherine Dougherty
At last February is over and since it is by far the most boring month for gardeners, saying good bye was easy. The lovely spring crocus are peeking above the ground, reminding us that the early arrivals will be punctual. Native to southern Asia, the Netherlands now control much of the market by producing hybrids of amazing breadth and color. The first crocus brought to the Netherlands were corms brought from the Holy Roman Emperor's ambassador in the 1560s. A few corms were forwarded to Carolus Clusius at the botanical garden in Leiden and by 1620 new garden varieties had been developed.
Hardy perennials, the plants grow from corms and are found naturally in a wide range of habitats, including woodland, scrub and meadows. However the most fascinating of all is the Crocus sativus, an autumn blooming species. Saffron, one of the most ancient and celebrated of all spices is produced from the scarlet stigmas. The origin of the word is Arabic for yellow, the color of the flower.
Research yields that Saffron-based pigments have been found in 50,000 year-old depictions of prehistoric beasts in Iraq. Sumerians used wild saffron in remedies and magical potions. Ancient Persians cultivated saffron for personal use or trade and by the 10th century B.C. saffron threads were woven into textiles, offered to divinities, and used in dyes, perfumes, medicines, and body washes. Thus, saffron threads would be scattered across beds and mixed into hot teas as a curative for bouts of melancholy. During his Asian campaigns, Alexander the Great used Persian saffron in his infusions, rice, and baths as a curative for battle wounds. Alexander's troops mimicked the practice and brought saffron-bathing back to Greece.
European cultivation of saffron plummeted following the Roman Empire's fall however the spread of Islamic civilization allowed reintroduction in Spain, France, and Italy. So popular became saffron as a medicine that during the Black Plague of the 14th century, demand for saffron-based medicine exceeded local availability and much of it had to be imported by ships from southern Mediterranean lands. The theft of one such shipment by noblemen sparked the fourteen-week long "Saffron War". The conflict and resulting fear of piracy spurred significant saffron cultivation in Basel, which grew prosperous from saffron alone.
Cultivation and trade then spread to Germany where the price of the spice tempted many growers to add various ingredients such as beets to the mix. These epidemic levels of saffron corruption brought on the Safranschou code, under which those convicted of saffron adulteration
were fined, imprisoned, and even executed. Soon after, saffron cultivation spread throughout England with the Essex town of Saffron Walden emerging as England's prime saffron growing center. As more popular spices such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and vanilla were discovered, saffron production decreased and only southern France, Italy, and Spain, have continued significant cultivation. It takes 75,000 blossoms or 225,000 hand-picked stigmas to make a single pound which explains the expense of this exotic spice made from the simple crocus.
By Catherine Dougherty
At last February is over and since it is by far the most boring month for gardeners, saying good bye was easy. The lovely spring crocus are peeking above the ground, reminding us that the early arrivals will be punctual. Native to southern Asia, the Netherlands now control much of the market by producing hybrids of amazing breadth and color. The first crocus brought to the Netherlands were corms brought from the Holy Roman Emperor's ambassador in the 1560s. A few corms were forwarded to Carolus Clusius at the botanical garden in Leiden and by 1620 new garden varieties had been developed.
Hardy perennials, the plants grow from corms and are found naturally in a wide range of habitats, including woodland, scrub and meadows. However the most fascinating of all is the Crocus sativus, an autumn blooming species. Saffron, one of the most ancient and celebrated of all spices is produced from the scarlet stigmas. The origin of the word is Arabic for yellow, the color of the flower.
Research yields that Saffron-based pigments have been found in 50,000 year-old depictions of prehistoric beasts in Iraq. Sumerians used wild saffron in remedies and magical potions. Ancient Persians cultivated saffron for personal use or trade and by the 10th century B.C. saffron threads were woven into textiles, offered to divinities, and used in dyes, perfumes, medicines, and body washes. Thus, saffron threads would be scattered across beds and mixed into hot teas as a curative for bouts of melancholy. During his Asian campaigns, Alexander the Great used Persian saffron in his infusions, rice, and baths as a curative for battle wounds. Alexander's troops mimicked the practice and brought saffron-bathing back to Greece.
European cultivation of saffron plummeted following the Roman Empire's fall however the spread of Islamic civilization allowed reintroduction in Spain, France, and Italy. So popular became saffron as a medicine that during the Black Plague of the 14th century, demand for saffron-based medicine exceeded local availability and much of it had to be imported by ships from southern Mediterranean lands. The theft of one such shipment by noblemen sparked the fourteen-week long "Saffron War". The conflict and resulting fear of piracy spurred significant saffron cultivation in Basel, which grew prosperous from saffron alone.
Cultivation and trade then spread to Germany where the price of the spice tempted many growers to add various ingredients such as beets to the mix. These epidemic levels of saffron corruption brought on the Safranschou code, under which those convicted of saffron adulteration
were fined, imprisoned, and even executed. Soon after, saffron cultivation spread throughout England with the Essex town of Saffron Walden emerging as England's prime saffron growing center. As more popular spices such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and vanilla were discovered, saffron production decreased and only southern France, Italy, and Spain, have continued significant cultivation. It takes 75,000 blossoms or 225,000 hand-picked stigmas to make a single pound which explains the expense of this exotic spice made from the simple crocus.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Trapped in the House!
In the Garden
By Catherine Dougherty
Last week I had written my article but had not yet ‘saved it’ when the power went off. Twenty minutes later it came on and as I finished writing, it went off again. I assumed it was not ‘meant to be’ and sat quietly the remainder of the day, listening to the wild birds squabble with the squirrel on the birdfeeder. Needless to say, this weather, with the never-ending overcast days of rain or snow, is rather depressing for the gardener.
Actually there is a syndrome/disorder for the way many of us are feeling about now. It is called SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as Winter Blues. There are various symptoms of SAD listed below, all of which result in seasonal depression.
1. Difficulty waking up in the morning and the tendency to oversleep as though in hibernation. *This is perhaps an unconscious effort to wait out the boring month of February by sleeping it away.
2. The predisposition to overeat, especially with a craving for carbohydrates which are a ‘comfort food‘. *Naturally this may lead to weight gain which is a further reason for depression.
3. A general lack of energy, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks, and withdrawal from social activities.
The odd thing about this syndrome is that it often appears in totally mentally healthy individuals who simply find themselves confined by winter. A trip to the tanning parlor will help immensely as light is the cure.
Another weather related syndrome some of us may be experiencing is called ‘Cabin Fever’. First recorded in 1918, cabin fever is a term for
a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group of persons are isolated and unable to leave a confined space for an extended period of time. Symptoms of cabin fever include restlessness, irritability, laughter, forgetfulness, excessive sleeping, and finally distrust of anyone they are trapped with. Often there is an urge to race outside even in the snow or dark as the individual assumes the unknown is far better than entrapment with their companions. Humorously it has been referred to as a reaction of extreme boredom.
It can safely be assumed that the recent power outages may have contributed to a rash of cabin fever for how many hours can one find entertainment sitting in the dark listening to clocks tick?
Take heart… all of this misery will end with the arrival of the Sun and surely it will be shining soon. Hand me a trowel!
By Catherine Dougherty
Last week I had written my article but had not yet ‘saved it’ when the power went off. Twenty minutes later it came on and as I finished writing, it went off again. I assumed it was not ‘meant to be’ and sat quietly the remainder of the day, listening to the wild birds squabble with the squirrel on the birdfeeder. Needless to say, this weather, with the never-ending overcast days of rain or snow, is rather depressing for the gardener.
Actually there is a syndrome/disorder for the way many of us are feeling about now. It is called SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as Winter Blues. There are various symptoms of SAD listed below, all of which result in seasonal depression.
1. Difficulty waking up in the morning and the tendency to oversleep as though in hibernation. *This is perhaps an unconscious effort to wait out the boring month of February by sleeping it away.
2. The predisposition to overeat, especially with a craving for carbohydrates which are a ‘comfort food‘. *Naturally this may lead to weight gain which is a further reason for depression.
3. A general lack of energy, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks, and withdrawal from social activities.
The odd thing about this syndrome is that it often appears in totally mentally healthy individuals who simply find themselves confined by winter. A trip to the tanning parlor will help immensely as light is the cure.
Another weather related syndrome some of us may be experiencing is called ‘Cabin Fever’. First recorded in 1918, cabin fever is a term for
a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group of persons are isolated and unable to leave a confined space for an extended period of time. Symptoms of cabin fever include restlessness, irritability, laughter, forgetfulness, excessive sleeping, and finally distrust of anyone they are trapped with. Often there is an urge to race outside even in the snow or dark as the individual assumes the unknown is far better than entrapment with their companions. Humorously it has been referred to as a reaction of extreme boredom.
It can safely be assumed that the recent power outages may have contributed to a rash of cabin fever for how many hours can one find entertainment sitting in the dark listening to clocks tick?
Take heart… all of this misery will end with the arrival of the Sun and surely it will be shining soon. Hand me a trowel!
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Garden and the Freeze
In the Garden
By Catherine Dougherty
Most of the nation has been gripped by sustained dangerously dipping temperatures accompanied by winter storms. In spite of this, the knowledge that spring is approaching, that each day receives two more minutes of daylight, gives the house-bound gardener the will to survive this tiresome time. Rather than pacing and continually looking out the window like a teenager trapped in Latin class, this is precious time that may be used to plan a magnificent garden for the next season.
It is possible that this ice cover has damaged many of the bulbs which usually survive here quite nicely if left in the ground for the winter. The dependable yet tender Cannas and Elephant Ears will probably not survive as will the Caladiums.
In quickly touring the garden it may be noted the early spring bulbs have begun to emerge, their tiny green stalks peaking above the snow covered ground. It is always somewhat alarming to see such new and tender foliage appear while we have so much of winter left. Fortunately most bulbs have a natural internal antifreeze which keeps them from freezing and their foliage can survive sustained temperatures as low as 10 degrees for several weeks. Since most of the ations temperatures dipped too low for an extended period of time, the bed should be lightly covered with hay before further damage may occur. The hay is assurance the frozen bed will not thaw on the next warm day only to freeze again with more cold air. Meaning the mulch does not keep the cold out as much as it protects from a damaging and premature thaw followed by more freezing temperatures.
The cold is a natural boon for the Peonies for it is necessary for them have a hard freeze in order to assure profuse blooming in the spring. Without a freeze, they will have lovely foliage but few blooms. Left undisturbed for many years, the Peony will become established, expand, and bloom perfectly for decades. The older a clump of Peonies, the better they become. Martha Stewart recommended dividing them every few years, however she was mistaken. In gardening, as in all important endeavors, it is prudent to seek information from many sources and often the little old lady with the fifty year old garden has more knowledge than all the experts combined.
Spring bulbs can survive the cold nicely until the blooms begin to appear in the spring. Several years ago we had a hard freeze just as our lovely early Iris blooms were “in the boot”, which means they were small, just emerging, about to swell and open. The entire bed froze so completely that all of the immature blooms became soggy mush and dropped off. We had to wait several weeks for the later varieties to begin their show.
For this reason it is wise to plant bulbs and tubers which bloom in succession. Plant early, mid and late blooming Iris, Tulips, and Daffodils and you will be assured a lovely show of blossoms even if Old Man Winter refuses to leave town and nips the early varieties.
After the ice and snow of last week, we wandered outdoors Sunday evening in the bitter cold and it smelled like Spring! I have no idea whether it was the moisture or the newness of the year, however the aroma was unmistakable; it was clean.
By Catherine Dougherty
Most of the nation has been gripped by sustained dangerously dipping temperatures accompanied by winter storms. In spite of this, the knowledge that spring is approaching, that each day receives two more minutes of daylight, gives the house-bound gardener the will to survive this tiresome time. Rather than pacing and continually looking out the window like a teenager trapped in Latin class, this is precious time that may be used to plan a magnificent garden for the next season.
It is possible that this ice cover has damaged many of the bulbs which usually survive here quite nicely if left in the ground for the winter. The dependable yet tender Cannas and Elephant Ears will probably not survive as will the Caladiums.
In quickly touring the garden it may be noted the early spring bulbs have begun to emerge, their tiny green stalks peaking above the snow covered ground. It is always somewhat alarming to see such new and tender foliage appear while we have so much of winter left. Fortunately most bulbs have a natural internal antifreeze which keeps them from freezing and their foliage can survive sustained temperatures as low as 10 degrees for several weeks. Since most of the ations temperatures dipped too low for an extended period of time, the bed should be lightly covered with hay before further damage may occur. The hay is assurance the frozen bed will not thaw on the next warm day only to freeze again with more cold air. Meaning the mulch does not keep the cold out as much as it protects from a damaging and premature thaw followed by more freezing temperatures.
The cold is a natural boon for the Peonies for it is necessary for them have a hard freeze in order to assure profuse blooming in the spring. Without a freeze, they will have lovely foliage but few blooms. Left undisturbed for many years, the Peony will become established, expand, and bloom perfectly for decades. The older a clump of Peonies, the better they become. Martha Stewart recommended dividing them every few years, however she was mistaken. In gardening, as in all important endeavors, it is prudent to seek information from many sources and often the little old lady with the fifty year old garden has more knowledge than all the experts combined.
Spring bulbs can survive the cold nicely until the blooms begin to appear in the spring. Several years ago we had a hard freeze just as our lovely early Iris blooms were “in the boot”, which means they were small, just emerging, about to swell and open. The entire bed froze so completely that all of the immature blooms became soggy mush and dropped off. We had to wait several weeks for the later varieties to begin their show.
For this reason it is wise to plant bulbs and tubers which bloom in succession. Plant early, mid and late blooming Iris, Tulips, and Daffodils and you will be assured a lovely show of blossoms even if Old Man Winter refuses to leave town and nips the early varieties.
After the ice and snow of last week, we wandered outdoors Sunday evening in the bitter cold and it smelled like Spring! I have no idea whether it was the moisture or the newness of the year, however the aroma was unmistakable; it was clean.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Entertaining Angels Unawares... a seasonal thought
Meeting an Angel Unawares
It was late December and our children were still little so naturally we were broke. Christmas was coming and although we were not extravagant, we still provided special food and thoughtful gifts for all eight of them. We were entering the on ramp on I-40 to go home from a grocery excursion and saw standing alone, an elderly gentleman leaning on a wooden crutch. He was about 70 with a stubble of beard; he was dressed in fairly ragged clothing, wearing an old gray hat. His belongings were in a small stained bag, and he had an old woolen blanket pulled tightly about him. I felt sudden sadness upon seeing him and asked my husband if we should stop. He said no because we had three of the children with us and he would have to squeeze him in the backseat with them. He said that surely someone would pick the old gent up for me not to worry. And yet both of us felt a nagging sadness at the old man’s plight.
The following morning we realized we had forgotten some necessary items and again made the twenty mile run to the adjacent town. It was overcast, drizzling and a very cold blasting North wind made conditions miserable. As we drove I asked my husband if he thought someone had picked up the old man. He promised me that surely someone had. We bought the last of our necessities and had only forty dollars left as we entered the on ramp.
Sweet Jesus, he was still there! How could he still be there? We stopped just beyond the old man and my husband got out of the car to help him to his seat. He settled in and I turned the heater to warp while he began thanking us. He said he was trying to make it the Indian Pueblos in New Mexico where he knew he could stay for the winter. He said was Canadian and had served in WWII for the US but had been denied benefits due to his citizenship status. He had fallen on hard times and just needed a bus ticket to get on his way but could find no help in getting one. He said had been standing on the on the on ramp for many days. My husband suggested that we take him to the Travel Plaza where all of the truckers stopped for gas and that perhaps he could find a ride from someone there. He gratefully accepted the idea and said he was warming up a bit. My husband stopped at the plaza and pressed our last forty dollars into the gentleman’s hand as he helped him into the building.
As we drove away we kept feeling a nagging worry and so after unloading our bundles, we drove the seven miles back to the plaza to check on him to see if he had obtained a ride. Our inquiries were met with puzzled looks for no one had seen him… not the people inside my husband had spoken to as he opened the door, not gas attendants nor any the truckers…no one. Only we had seen him.
As this recession deepens, let us remember that many times our sense of compassion, our sense of brotherhood and our ability to unconditionally share with those less fortunate than ourselves may be tested. And let us remember: ‘Forget not to show love unto strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares‘.
It was late December and our children were still little so naturally we were broke. Christmas was coming and although we were not extravagant, we still provided special food and thoughtful gifts for all eight of them. We were entering the on ramp on I-40 to go home from a grocery excursion and saw standing alone, an elderly gentleman leaning on a wooden crutch. He was about 70 with a stubble of beard; he was dressed in fairly ragged clothing, wearing an old gray hat. His belongings were in a small stained bag, and he had an old woolen blanket pulled tightly about him. I felt sudden sadness upon seeing him and asked my husband if we should stop. He said no because we had three of the children with us and he would have to squeeze him in the backseat with them. He said that surely someone would pick the old gent up for me not to worry. And yet both of us felt a nagging sadness at the old man’s plight.
The following morning we realized we had forgotten some necessary items and again made the twenty mile run to the adjacent town. It was overcast, drizzling and a very cold blasting North wind made conditions miserable. As we drove I asked my husband if he thought someone had picked up the old man. He promised me that surely someone had. We bought the last of our necessities and had only forty dollars left as we entered the on ramp.
Sweet Jesus, he was still there! How could he still be there? We stopped just beyond the old man and my husband got out of the car to help him to his seat. He settled in and I turned the heater to warp while he began thanking us. He said he was trying to make it the Indian Pueblos in New Mexico where he knew he could stay for the winter. He said was Canadian and had served in WWII for the US but had been denied benefits due to his citizenship status. He had fallen on hard times and just needed a bus ticket to get on his way but could find no help in getting one. He said had been standing on the on the on ramp for many days. My husband suggested that we take him to the Travel Plaza where all of the truckers stopped for gas and that perhaps he could find a ride from someone there. He gratefully accepted the idea and said he was warming up a bit. My husband stopped at the plaza and pressed our last forty dollars into the gentleman’s hand as he helped him into the building.
As we drove away we kept feeling a nagging worry and so after unloading our bundles, we drove the seven miles back to the plaza to check on him to see if he had obtained a ride. Our inquiries were met with puzzled looks for no one had seen him… not the people inside my husband had spoken to as he opened the door, not gas attendants nor any the truckers…no one. Only we had seen him.
As this recession deepens, let us remember that many times our sense of compassion, our sense of brotherhood and our ability to unconditionally share with those less fortunate than ourselves may be tested. And let us remember: ‘Forget not to show love unto strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares‘.
End of the Year and Seeds!
In the Garden
By Catherine Dougherty
Like the January Ice storm of 2001, Christmas of 2009 will not be soon forgotten. The blizzard that battered the city managed to make it a bit hazardous for us, but saved the huge wallop for those just to the east. It was ferocious in velocity and managed to play havoc on many planned Christmas celebrations this year. Apparently Mother Nature is not to be taken lightly.
With the coming New Year, many make resolutions to change old habits, add a healthful hobby, or improve oneself in some positive manner. The most recent statistics indicate gardening is the fastest growing (no pun intended) hobby in the United States. The reasons are numerous, but there is no doubt that the personal and financial rewards are the primary justification of this joyful pursuit. According to the Edible Gardening Trend Research Report, over forty one million American households grew a vegetable garden in 2009. That is a full 38%! Additionally 18% grew herbs and 15% grew fruits.
Besides experienced gardeners, there was a sharp increase among first time gardeners aged 24-44 with 7.7 million of them adding to the numbers. The main reason given to researchers was to add fresh vegetables to their diets in a cost efficient manner. In an unexpected response, the new gardeners reported the most valuable information and instructions on planting was given them from friends above all other sources. I found this refreshing and recalled the times I had stopped to admire a garden only to walk away with a start of a new plant and information I had never known before. Gardeners are such a kind and generous lot!
As the year closes, the seed catalogues have begun arriving. Once the seasonal energy has become somewhat diminished, it is delightful to make a cup of tea and relax by thumbing through them to decide what to add to the garden in the spring. With the emphasis on modified seeds, the heirloom variety is looking more promising than ever.
Many of our ancestors brought seeds with them from the old country and Michael and Margaret Ott were no exception. They brought two varieties from Germany in 1883... a pink tomato and a deep purple morning glory with a ruby star in her throat. As Grandpa Ott’s health faltered he gave some of his treasured seeds to his granddaughter Dianne and her new husband Kevin Wheatley. From this gift in 1972, the Wheatley’s began their journey of collecting and saving from obscurity priceless heirloom seeds by forming the Heritage Seed Exchange. Today, membership in the Seed Exchange is world wide and some of the infinite variety of our precious seeds has been saved by the Wheatley‘s diligence. These antique seeds are outstanding and affordable; I have never seen such color and texture! Inclusion of one of the heirloom varieties from the Seed Saver’s Exchange will add conversational interest and surprising taste to the garden so plan to order some!
Research Source: Garden Writer's Association, Growing Trends
By Catherine Dougherty
Like the January Ice storm of 2001, Christmas of 2009 will not be soon forgotten. The blizzard that battered the city managed to make it a bit hazardous for us, but saved the huge wallop for those just to the east. It was ferocious in velocity and managed to play havoc on many planned Christmas celebrations this year. Apparently Mother Nature is not to be taken lightly.
With the coming New Year, many make resolutions to change old habits, add a healthful hobby, or improve oneself in some positive manner. The most recent statistics indicate gardening is the fastest growing (no pun intended) hobby in the United States. The reasons are numerous, but there is no doubt that the personal and financial rewards are the primary justification of this joyful pursuit. According to the Edible Gardening Trend Research Report, over forty one million American households grew a vegetable garden in 2009. That is a full 38%! Additionally 18% grew herbs and 15% grew fruits.
Besides experienced gardeners, there was a sharp increase among first time gardeners aged 24-44 with 7.7 million of them adding to the numbers. The main reason given to researchers was to add fresh vegetables to their diets in a cost efficient manner. In an unexpected response, the new gardeners reported the most valuable information and instructions on planting was given them from friends above all other sources. I found this refreshing and recalled the times I had stopped to admire a garden only to walk away with a start of a new plant and information I had never known before. Gardeners are such a kind and generous lot!
As the year closes, the seed catalogues have begun arriving. Once the seasonal energy has become somewhat diminished, it is delightful to make a cup of tea and relax by thumbing through them to decide what to add to the garden in the spring. With the emphasis on modified seeds, the heirloom variety is looking more promising than ever.
Many of our ancestors brought seeds with them from the old country and Michael and Margaret Ott were no exception. They brought two varieties from Germany in 1883... a pink tomato and a deep purple morning glory with a ruby star in her throat. As Grandpa Ott’s health faltered he gave some of his treasured seeds to his granddaughter Dianne and her new husband Kevin Wheatley. From this gift in 1972, the Wheatley’s began their journey of collecting and saving from obscurity priceless heirloom seeds by forming the Heritage Seed Exchange. Today, membership in the Seed Exchange is world wide and some of the infinite variety of our precious seeds has been saved by the Wheatley‘s diligence. These antique seeds are outstanding and affordable; I have never seen such color and texture! Inclusion of one of the heirloom varieties from the Seed Saver’s Exchange will add conversational interest and surprising taste to the garden so plan to order some!
Research Source: Garden Writer's Association, Growing Trends
Monday, December 7, 2009
In the Garden...Forcing Bulbs
In the Garden
By Catherine Dougherty
December arrived with blustery winds, dipping temperatures, and the feeling that Winter is here. The last leaves have fallen and the stark sculptural beauty of the bare trees has a tranquil feeling. The overgrowth of the lawns and fields has disappeared and suddenly a quiet order has descended. It is the season of rest for the garden and gardener alike.
As December gets underway, it is always enjoyable to bring some Spring into the house by forcing some bulbs for the holiday season. It is not too late to start the darling Paper White Narcissus, which can always be counted on to bring both fragrance and cheer to enhance the Christmas festivities.
First select large, top grade, flawless bulbs which are free of sooty mold. Next you will need some great gravel, some polished rocks, or some colored glass stones for your bulbs to nestle in. Stones and rocks may be purchased quite affordably in the hobby department of any popular store. The variety is amazing so when selecting them, try to imagine the flowers spilling out above them.
Select a rather shallow container for your display. Pick one that will be beautiful as a centerpiece on the dining table or in the living room. Translucent clear red and green glass stones in a shallow crystal bowl are spectacular for the holidays. If you choose a glass bowl then you will have the added joy watching the roots as they begin to sprout and grow, slowly twining in and about the rocks. Fill the bottom of your bowl with the stones, making a bed about two inches deep.
Gently press your bulbs into the gravel about half way down the bulb mass. Try to space them about two inches apart remembering to place them in the center as well. After arranging your bulbs, fill your container with enough water to cover your stones and thoroughly wet the bottom half of the bulb. Keep this water level constant, adding a little each day if needed.
As the roots grow, the reed like foliage will appear and then suddenly several small shoots will grow from each bulb. The small, folded, baby blossoms will appear and slowly open over several days. When the blooms first appear, give the bowl a shot of gin. It will force the greenery to stand at attention and it will prevent the wilting foliage so prevalent in forced Narcissus. I have no idea why the gin works, but it does.
The flowers smell marvelous and last several weeks before it is time to discard them. Once they are forced indoors the bulbs are spent; we have in effect killed them. Toss them, guilt free, after their stunning display is finished. Naturally, the larger the container you choose, the more bulbs you will need and the more riotous your display will be. I always feel that more is better!
Monday, November 30, 2009
In the Garden... Winter Thoughts
In the Garden
By Catherine Dougherty
The past few weeks have been unusually dreary. With the clouds and drizzle, we feel as though we live in the Pacific Northwest rather than the central plains. The first few frosts simply nipped the garden and we had our first real freeze only last week. It is unbelievable that December is upon us.
I began rereading the Foxfire books again a few weeks ago. They were first published as magazine articles in 1966 but became so successful that the articles were published in a series of books. They are fascinating reading for in them one finds a multitude of little known and almost archaic information. Everything from forecasting the weather by observing the animals, insects, plants, or the patterns of fire to planting by moon signs, dressing a deer, building a log cabin, or making home remedies is covered, all of which seem timely as the recession deeepens.
The articles were initiated by Eliot Wigginton, a Cornell graduate with a master’s degree, who began teaching at a small school in Rabun Gap-Nacochee, Georgia. Deep in the Appalachians, the 240 pupil school was located in a rural community where the traditional culture was dying. After centuries of self-sufficiency, interest in maintaining the life style of the mountain people had ebbed and the next generation was opting for an easier life. As the elders died, the information they carried with them was gradually being lost forever. In the final days of that culture, Mr. Wigginton asked the students to collect stories and information from their grandparents for preservation. It is fascinating reading available at most Libraries and quite inexpensively online.
In keeping with that thought, we should recognize that much information known to our grandparents has been lost to us in our community as well. In the mid 1970’s we visited Marion Wise at his home east of town on many occasions. He was truly a remarkable man. Not only was he totally self-sufficient, but he had knowledge of the medicinal qualities of plants growing in his back yard and the fields beyond. He added a little of this and that to petroleum jelly and had a salve that truly cured skin cancer. Chew this for a cough, boil that for a headache; the information was priceless. I kept meaning to talk to him about his knowledge, to learn from him the old ways, but days turned to months and months to years between visits and suddenly he was gone. His home was sold and bulldozed, his garden became a cotton field, and it all of his secrets were lost to us forever.
Mankind depended upon remedies and concoctions from the garden for thousands of years for health and vitality. This knowledge was passed down from one generation to the next and everyone understood the connection between nature and mankind. Perhaps this winter, since flu shots are in scarce supply, we should think of adding Cranberries to our daily diets. They are a natural antiviral and boost the immune system. With a little vitamin C containing rose hips, a cup of red clover tea, and maybe a blackberry cordial if we’re feeling under the weather, we should survive the winter very nicely.
By Catherine Dougherty
The past few weeks have been unusually dreary. With the clouds and drizzle, we feel as though we live in the Pacific Northwest rather than the central plains. The first few frosts simply nipped the garden and we had our first real freeze only last week. It is unbelievable that December is upon us.
I began rereading the Foxfire books again a few weeks ago. They were first published as magazine articles in 1966 but became so successful that the articles were published in a series of books. They are fascinating reading for in them one finds a multitude of little known and almost archaic information. Everything from forecasting the weather by observing the animals, insects, plants, or the patterns of fire to planting by moon signs, dressing a deer, building a log cabin, or making home remedies is covered, all of which seem timely as the recession deeepens.
The articles were initiated by Eliot Wigginton, a Cornell graduate with a master’s degree, who began teaching at a small school in Rabun Gap-Nacochee, Georgia. Deep in the Appalachians, the 240 pupil school was located in a rural community where the traditional culture was dying. After centuries of self-sufficiency, interest in maintaining the life style of the mountain people had ebbed and the next generation was opting for an easier life. As the elders died, the information they carried with them was gradually being lost forever. In the final days of that culture, Mr. Wigginton asked the students to collect stories and information from their grandparents for preservation. It is fascinating reading available at most Libraries and quite inexpensively online.
In keeping with that thought, we should recognize that much information known to our grandparents has been lost to us in our community as well. In the mid 1970’s we visited Marion Wise at his home east of town on many occasions. He was truly a remarkable man. Not only was he totally self-sufficient, but he had knowledge of the medicinal qualities of plants growing in his back yard and the fields beyond. He added a little of this and that to petroleum jelly and had a salve that truly cured skin cancer. Chew this for a cough, boil that for a headache; the information was priceless. I kept meaning to talk to him about his knowledge, to learn from him the old ways, but days turned to months and months to years between visits and suddenly he was gone. His home was sold and bulldozed, his garden became a cotton field, and it all of his secrets were lost to us forever.
Mankind depended upon remedies and concoctions from the garden for thousands of years for health and vitality. This knowledge was passed down from one generation to the next and everyone understood the connection between nature and mankind. Perhaps this winter, since flu shots are in scarce supply, we should think of adding Cranberries to our daily diets. They are a natural antiviral and boost the immune system. With a little vitamin C containing rose hips, a cup of red clover tea, and maybe a blackberry cordial if we’re feeling under the weather, we should survive the winter very nicely.
Monday, November 23, 2009
In the Garden
By Catherine Dougherty
For our forefathers to have planned a holiday around giving thanks for nature’s bounty is indeed remarkably fortunate for us. In this hurried world of far flung families, Thanksgiving day combines two of the most important elements of mankind… food and the company of loved ones.
Since the dining is the center of the festivities, it is appropriate to decorate the table with interesting and eye catching elements. Whether one chooses to use Grandmother’s white linen tablecloth, placemats, or a roll of natural burlap rolled the length of the table, an impressive centerpiece is freely available and close at hand. One needs to look no farther than the garden, the bar ditch or a friend’s wooded field to gather items to use as decorations. With the mums still intact there are lovely additions from the field to include and they have changed to hues of yellow, orange and brown... perfect colors for a Thanksgiving arrangement.
Now that we have had a freeze, the field flowers and weeds have dried and stand in stark contrast to the more delicate plants that perished. Collecting then spraying them with inexpensive hair spray will keep them intact and eliminate any allergens still left on them. Pyracantha berries are glorious at this time of year and since they resemble baby pumpkins, they look adorable dancing along a table runner. Add acorns, maple leaves, and bittersweet twining among them for a show stopper. Additionally there are battery operated twinkle lights to lend additional magic to the table.
If one chooses a large centerpiece,it may be arranged from wispy native grasses, sumac, and seed pods and heads. The tallest must be placed in the center and then work outwards, placing the smallest at the outermost edge of your vase. Should one choose a Cornucopia, a Thanksgiving tradition, a variety of miniature pumpkins and gourds are sweet and inexpensive and may be mixed with highly colored natural leaves for a stunning effect.
Sprays of wildflowers and grasses look festive hung on doors secured by decorative ribbon or placed in baskets on porches, stairways and entrances. Using branches with colored leaves and straw-colored grasses and grains surrounded by fall pumpkins is also an excellent composition.
However one does not necessarily need to limit the theme to the natural colors. On impulse one year we spray painted our branches, weeds, leaves, gourds, and acorns gold. We even spray painted our shoes… it was a magnificent year!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
