Spring Images~

Tulips and Comfrey

Woodland Redbuds... gorgeous!

 

Chile Peppers… Ancient and Important

Several years ago the Journal of Science reported that the popular Chile pepper may be the oldest cultivated spice in the Americas. A 6,100 year old archaeological specimen, a bowl, was found intact. As scientists scraped the residue, they found it contained both Chile peppers and corn. In all, seven New World sites have found Chile pepper residues and also the remnants of corn. This would suggest that these two foods, still intimately paired in South American cuisine, have been used as staples since ancient times.

The study was conducted by a team of 15 scientists who found the residues in utensils in both the Amazon basin and on the coast of Ecuador. This was positive indication that cultivation occurred in coastal tropical cultures, which until now were considered primitive. The peppers were important enough to be traded across the huge mountain range to the home of the sophisticated and advanced Incas.

Additionally, the researchers believe further study may show that peppers have actually been used 1,000 years earlier than their current oldest specimen. The birthplace of agriculture has long been considered the Fertile Crescent of Mesopotamia. With this discovery the pepper will join the list of ancient spices cultivated there. The three oldest known spices are Capers which have been found at 10,000 year old sites in Iran and Iraq; Coriander found at an 8,500 year old site in Israel; and Fenugreek in Syria's Tell Aswad, which is 9,000 years old.

It is not known whether the Capers, Fenugreek, or Coriander were domesticated or wild, however it has been determined that the peppers and corn had been domesticated. To be considered domesticated, a population of plants must have their behavior, life cycle or appearance significantly altered as a result of being under the control of humans for multiple generations. Within decades of European contact, the New World plant was carried across Europe and into Africa and Asia where it was met with wild enthusiasm. Upon acceptance on these continents, it was further altered through selective breeding until today it exists in some form almost everywhere. The Chile pepper is an essential cooking ingredient in Hungary, where Paprika is a national symbol, in Ethiopia, with its signature spice Berbere, and in China, where entire cuisines are built around its heat. In our own Southwest, hanging peppers outside the kitchen is believed to bring good luck.

We have the foresight of our neighbors to our South to thank for this ancient and fabulous species of plant. They are easily grown here as our hot and dry summers are perfect for their temperment; they thrive here. If you are lacking a vegetable garden tuck one here and there among the flowers. The plants have varying degrees of heat… from mild to eye-watering so choose one that matches your tastes. Salsa anyone?

Photo Credit Dave Smith~ Tucson market selling hanging Peppers~

Trimming Fruit Trees

Flowering Crab in front of the cabin

Before fruit trees come out of dormacy, they probably need to be trimmed using the five ‘D' rule that applies to pruning. The D’s are dead, damaged, dying, diseased or deformed wood. Begin by removing all the water sprouts or suckers; the thin, whip-like wood that juts straight up from the main limbs but could never support any fruit. With a folding saw or running shears, cut down to the supporting branch and leave behind no trace of the sucker or its swollen base.

Then there is the possibility one needs to remove some large branches. First step back and evaluate the tree, or perhaps take pictures. One of the great things about the digital age is the fact one may take a photo and graphically “prune” out some wood before making any real cuts. With your favorite photo-editing program, crop or black-out the branches you think the tree would be better without. If the tree looks better without the branches then proceed with cutting them.

The basic idea is to open the center of the tree up from the congestion too many branches create which prevents light and air circulation. Never remove more than one third of the live wood in any year. Therefore, it will take at least three years to accomplish what you imagined when you “pruned” the expendable parts of the tree out of the snapshot.

When removing large branches, first reduce the weight of the limb by cutting off half of it. Pruning is a three-step process, to prevent tearing. The first cut is always an undercut, made no more than halfway through the branch from underneath. Next, an uppercut, from the top, just slightly farther out on the limb from the undercut, will leave a stepped-off stub.

If the limb is still very heavy and long, repeat the first two steps until you have still less weight. Then begin the final cut near the trunk, a one-step cut from above or below, depending on what angle suits the tree best. Make this just outside the branch-bark collar or ridge, which on many trees is a visibly raised spot where trunk and limb tissue meet. Never cut into the collar; but never leave a big stub, either. The tree will heal itself without wound paint if the collar is left intact. Finish with an application of dormant oil spray and look forward to a sizable harvest from you orchard.

Pear Trees in Bloom

The Tragedy in Japan

I cannot turn on the television anymore… the images of Japan seem surreal and the situation is too horrible for imagination. I can scarcely breathe when I see it. The world is witnessing a cultural catastrophe of significance, with scenes more horrific than the eruption of Vesuvius and destruction of Pompeii by the sheer magnitude of it. It is heartbreaking.

When Japan comes to mind, I never think of Tokyo and bustling technology; I think of gardens. For hundreds of years, the Japanese have taken horticulture very seriously and gardeners are among the most respected of artisans. Their successes include cultivation and hybridization of almost every plant we treasure and much of the Japanese culture is steeped in celebration of the Seasons with ceremonies honoring flowers. Their gardens are among the most cherished in the world and have been duplicated (in part) by everyone who has ever had a trowel and a vision. Their ancient culture is steeped in propriety, respect, and aesthetics.

When I was in high school my parents were a host family for the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. As a host family we were often called upon to take visiting foreigners into our home and entertain them by giving them a small measure of our culture. My Mother believed it was a good way for her three girls to meet people from different cultures and interact with them on an individual basis... she was right. Most of our guests were from Japan and we usually spent three to five days with them. The exception was the gentleman from Thailand, who lived with us for almost a year.

Often I would arrive home from school to find a group of Japanese tourists in the living room having tea. They would giggle and bow as introductions were made and always wanted to visit the Oklahoma Cowboy Hall of Fame as their first destination. (The wild west is infinitely fascinating to those who have never lived it.) In the evenings we would all roll up our sleeves and talk, translation book in hand, bowing to each other while chopping vegetables for the traditional Japanese meal they always insisted on preparing for us... so we would know their culture and cultures are always reduced to food! Always, always, they were polite, respectful, and truly a beautiful and joyous people that made the experience memorable.

We often kept in touch and when my parents traveled to the Orient, they stayed with many of our former guests. It was back in the pen-pal days so I exchanged letters with many and we became good friends during our respective college years. As our lives became busy, I lost track of them and wonder where they are now... I feel an overwhelming sadness for them.

The world will be changed forever by the loss Japan is experiencing; something fine and beautiful has been permanently altered. However I know the Japanese people are among the most resilient on Earth... things will change but somehow they will survive. After all, they are the creators of wabi-sabi.

St. Patrick, the Shamrock, and Oxalis

Oxalis is smack-dab in the center of the bed~ Click on pic to enlarge~

Spring is ushered in on March 21st with the Vernal Equinox...that brief moment in time when there are equal parts of both day and night. However it is also welcomed with the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17th . Those of Irish heritage will celebrate his saint’s day by wearing a shamrock, planting their potatoes, and possibly imbibing large quantities of alcohol.

Saint Patrick was born a pagan in Wales in 387 and died a Christian in 461. His rock-star status continues to this day with celebrations which have surpassed the Catholic faith and become secular. Saint Patrick converted the pagan Celts to Christianity and was adept at using their sacred beliefs and symbols to describe Christian concepts... thus he used the magical shamrock to clarify the trinity. Using the tri-leaf of the clover he explained that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were each separate entities but, as the stem suggests, all part of the whole. Early converts adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock as a sign of their faith.

When the English began confiscating Irish lands and outlawing Catholism and the Celtic language in the 17th century, the shamrock become the symbol of emerging nationalism and Irishmen wore it as a symbol of their heritage. Unfortunately it became a symbol of rebellion to the English and soon wearing a shamrock became crime punishable by hanging. However the Irish immigrants to America suffered no such persecution and in 1737 the residents of Boston celebrated the first Saint Patrick’s day with public celebrations, parades, and pub parties. Times do change so by the early 1900’s Queen Victoria had instructed all Irish soldiers to wear a shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day in memory of the soldiers who died in the Boer War… a custom which continues today. Additionally the Shamrock is the registered trademark of the Republic of Ireland and appears in the Royal arms of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and on a seemingly endless array of logos which include race horses and sporting teams.

In March the lovely oxalis, the largest genus of the wood-sorrel family, began appearing in the garden… calling to Irish descendants to remember their heritage. My twenty year old friend, a lovely pink, still blooms faithfully from spring throughout the summer and will rebloom in fall if cut back in August. For something new perhaps add a purple leaf with her halo of pale pink flowers that drift above the striking foliage… surely a stunning focal point for any garden.

They adore the shade, tolerate the heat, and even refuse to wilt if not watered regularly. Oxalis will reward the gardener with their easy-going nature and long life expectancy... happily, they will be permanent residents of the garden for many, many years.

Boost the Immune System Naturally

Echinacea purpurea...

The weather of late has been schizophrenic to say the least and the forecast predicts more erratic behavior in the coming weeks. With temperature fluctuations of 50 degrees or more within a two week span, about now it would be wise to look to nature to boost the immune system.

Until the advent of antibiotics, Nature provided all the ingredients to insure survival and health for the inhabitants of the planet. Here in North America our own Native Americans survived severely harsh conditions with an intricate knowledge of healthful foods. The Plains Indians ate as they nomadically traveled and the Apache alone had over 200 items in the yearly diet. Much of what they “found” along their path was both nutritional and medicinal.

An example of one of their naturally occurring health boosters are the Rose Hips found on wild bushes from Texas to North Dakota. Rose hips have long been a valuable source of Vitamin C, which easily boosts the immune system. The hips are the berries formed on the rose following flowering and contain as much ascorbic acid as an orange. In fact the portion of the orange containing the most health benefits is the bitter white inside the rind that most people discard. During WWII the federal government recommended that citizens add rose hips to their stews as a vegetable and recommended brewing it as a tea for the health benefits.

Another valuable immune boosting plant is the Echinacea. Results of archaeological digs indicate that Native Americans have used this marvelous plant for over 400 years. It was used to treat everything including infections, wounds, scarlet fever, blood poisoning, and diphtheria. Considered a valuable cure-all for hundreds of years, its popularity declined with the advent of antibiotics. Today Echinacea is used to reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold or flu, and the symptoms which accompany them such as sore throat, cough and fever.

Recent reports from the medical community have issued alarms that antibiotics no longer work; our systems are saturated with them. It is not necessary to actually take an antibiotic to ingest substantial amounts of them either. They arrive in our bodies from consuming milk and meat from cattle that are overly medicated, eggs from chickens that receive a daily dose, and so forth. I consider this medical warning a strong indication that we best seek natural cures that have been around for eons. Nature contains an arsenal of plants and herbs that were put here for us to use; grow and harvest some of the plants that kept our ancestors alive and well.

Making Lemonade From A Lemony Snicket~ Adapting

The Courting Swing in the North Field... September of 2007

Lemony Snicket Summer...a Series of Unfortunate Events.
September of 2007, Summers End... Thank God

In the past month, a total of five households have moved... all requiring our help, supervision, and energy. I hope they are happy!! By the way, did I forget to mention the riding lawn mower has been in the shop since early July? It came home once and we began mowing only to have it stop then shock the bejeebers out of Michael so it was back to the shop for the fourth time this Summer.

The yard looks like a scraggly field. My garden is overgrown and covered with Johnston grass, the flowers are all spent and the trees have made an impenetrable canopy that killed the lawn. The damn moles have eaten every one of my bulbs leaving enormous holes in the flower beds which became caverns after the recent flood; over thirty years of work ruined! Henceforth, I have decided we will abandon gardening and have a nice easy-to-manage Koi pond instead.

Our home is sitting here in a state of antique decrepitude waiting for our attention which is not forthcoming. The overgrown trees and lawn, the sinking patio bricks, the house and awnings needing paint, the summer pool a dingy green, ditches formed by washed-out walkways and the flooded storage barn will have to wait while we attempt to recover. So grand was the family exodus that it seemed we experienced an in-home reenactment of the Jews fleeing Egypt! The cob webs of their lives are all that remain and no one seems to want them or they too would be caught-up and packed! Stressful events? It is our everyday life and it will be different but somehow we will adapt...

Where did the time go? Darling Peter and I at Christmas, way back when (Please note overalls and the clip on bow tie) and in 2007...after he jumped from a plane~

Weddings, Barn Dances, and Babies...Often Change is Good!
Spring of 2011~

I had written in my journal of the Lemony Snicket Summer of 2007 so I could remember it amid the confusion and apparently it was just another chapter in our lives. In retrospect I can see I was in a state of mild depression over the move of my last child... and only daughter. She had rushed from home that summer in a fever of first love, 'packing' her closet in black plastic bags, dumping her drawers into boxes... her entire life here packed and packaged in only two hours. She wanted her own home.... and Alex.

At the time I saw no respite from the current events, however as Grandpa Dougherty always said, 'Things will work out.'...and they have.

On Our Way to A Wedding~

The households grew and prospered and we have welcomed new family members with a wedding each summer. John bought a lovely brick with a half acre to expand upon. Then Dolan and Tara bought six acres and refurbished the farm house that once belonged to a dear friend. Next Marshall and Andrea bought an historic 1930's bungalow and last year, with the tax incentives, both Patrick and Lize and Alex bought homes. Andrew lives with Patrick and his lady, Kimmer, and each evening at least four family members gather at one house or another for a sit-down dinner. Marshall and Andrea have given us our first grandchild who tickles me... and it seems she thinks I'm funny.

Darling Julia~

We painted the house!

Michael and I managed to paint the house with Michael hanging over the roof edge with a roller as I pointed to various trim. The gardens were redesigned, the brick walkway repaired, and I made a curved gravel pathway adjacent to the garden. The massive vegetable garden has become a croquet court and since the new families plant their own gardens, I can still enjoy shopping for produce at their houses. Our former swimming pool was transformed into a Zen-like aquatic pond with water lilies and a medley of frogs have taken residence and sing to us each Summer night.

The Frog Pond Fairy~

Even the contents of the storage barn have new homes. I called everyone and told them we were planning to 'clean out all storage' by gifting the contents to all comers. The guys, Lize, and my daughter-in-laws arrived in tandem and created individual piles, often trading during their process of acquisition. (How Tara ended up with eight of Grandmother's coveted 1930's grape-cluster capped wine servers remains a mystery.) By days end, the storage barn was empty and everyone was breathlessly gushing over their new acquisitions. For my children it was like meeting old friends as they rediscovered their childhood treasures.

Stored Items... gone!

The business expanded and the family works together each day.... building the tree saw that Peter and Patrick invented. (Although Patrick expanded on the original idea. ) Our newest hires are Lize and Alex' younger brother, Greg. With the downturn in the economy, we simply did what we know to do in such situations...we 'packed it in' and built the business at the base of the hill where the barn once stood. I was sad to see it go, but change is inevitable and adapting is necessary for happiness. It is very busy down there once again but instead of milking the cow, saddling horses, or hammering metal swords for make believe battles, there is fevered activity and the business is supporting the entire family in fine fashion.

The guys assembling one of the new buildings~

So once again, to my delight, everyone arrives each morning to gather for gossip and coffee before work. They gather here at days end to give their father and me (and each other) good-bye kisses before their evening departure. Things do change, but often change is not something to be feared, it is simply part of the process of living. And Grandpa was right...things did work out.

Birds, Bees, and Buds

Birds, Bees and Buds

Over the weekend, it became obvious that Spring made her grande entrance with the earliest flowers arriving at the garden party. To the utter delight of the gardener, the Jonquils, Daffodils, and early flowering shrubs have fearlessly begun their show. However the flocks of geese that were seen flying North last week were absent over the weekend. They knew instinctively they were flying into wintry conditions, so they have settled on local lakes and ponds to wait a bit.

The song birds have increased their activities with the arrival of mating season and since the trees have not yet leafed, we are allowed to watch feathered courtship rituals. Their songs have a new sweetness and they are darting about seriously flirting and ‘dating‘. The Titmouse, Chickadees, and Goldfinches are earnest, the lady Cardinals all look like teenagers, and the Woodpecker has begun rat-a-tat drilling to provide a home for babies. Once the trees have fully leafed, the sight and sound of our feathered friends will be minimized but right now they provide delightful entertainment in the garden.

This week the bees began their yearly activity and their numbers seem to have increased. The buzz in 2007 was all about the unprecedented loss of European honeybees with 70 percent of their colonies collapsing in Texas. CCD or Colony Collapse Disorder baffled scientists who studied everything from cell towers to climate change. Eventually it was determined the deaths were caused by a variety of factors, none of which was significant alone, however the combination proved fatal. Since a full third of our diet comes from insect pollination with bees providing eighty percent of it, Doomsday predictions were dire. Kevin Hackett, leader for USDA's Bee and Pollination Program, stated ‘without bees mankind will be reduced to a diet grain and water‘. With such a dreadful thought in mind, it was truly delightful to welcome them home!

It must be noted that early buds are swelling on the Maples and Elms and with them comes considerable pollen. Without going into intricate scientific explanations, it may be simply stated that the pollen of most trees, shrubs, and grasses is lighter than the pollen of flowers. It is carried by the wind as high as three miles up and as far as 100 miles from the original plant. Easily inhaled, it is the culprit of the condition called hay fever (or allergies) as it may irritate an individual’s throat and nose. With our typical breeze often increasing to driving winds, it is impossible to avoid this early pollen. As way of compensation, the pollen on flowers that arrive later in the season is generally much heavier… meaning it does not tend to blow about with such a vengeance. Thus as the season progresses, allergies will ease a bit. However annoying it may be now, it is necessary for the plant reproduction so we must be accommodating… while sneezing our way through spring.

Jonquils and Daffodils

Today hundreds of geese could be heard calling in the sky above as they traveled North. The sight of their familiar V shaped flight pattern is always a reminder that harsh winter has finally ended. Thank goodness!

The signs that spring has truly arrived are present with a walk through the garden. The early bulbs, always the first to arrive at the garden party, have begun to flower. Many of our flowers are named after Greek myths, the lovely Narcissus being one of them. Named for the legendary Greek youth who was so enthralled with his own beauty he became forever fixed looking at his own reflection in a pond, the flower lives up to the myth. (And who hasn't known such a man?) Paperwhite Narcissus, with multiple delicate and sweet-scented flowers to a stem, are a ‘must’ for early gardens.

Both the jonquil and daffodil are members of this royal family as well with easily recognizable differences. The daffodil has a long trumpet, the jonquil a short one, rising from the flower circle of six petals. Each stem provides one lovely flower. All of these bulbs multiply underground so they will continue to spread naturally if left undisturbed.

The bulb absorbs nutrients through its sword shaped leaves and sends them to the bulb to assure flowering the following year. For this reason the faded foliage must be left undisturbed. Many gardeners tie or braid the stems together to create a tidier look as the leaves fade and die and tying will give the adjacent flowers air and light. Once they are completely dry, they may be removed without harming the bulb or future flowers.

All of these early flowers do well in arrangements and are a welcome breath of spring when displayed in a vase. Combined together, they are spectacular.

Thoughts on Dying

I was very ill as a young girl and died at one point when I was ten. As I lay dying, I was lifted and began slowly floating upwards. I looked back and saw my bed as small as a match box with my tiny body in it... my were parents on either side of it weeping. I felt no pain and there was a lightness about me as I went higher and higher until I was called back by my parents. Suddenly, I was back in my body... I could feel the painful wheezing again.

My husband had undiagnosed peritonitis years ago. It is fatal in 24 hours and had remained undiagnosed for over 60 so his chances of survival were less than 1%. As he lay there, hearing all that was said in his conscious/unconscious presence, he felt no pain even though he could hear himself moaning. He was in a 'place' and knew that passing over would be so easy... it was such a small step. He heard my voice begging him not to leave and during the long night I saw a blue white light hovering above his feet. Slowly it traveled along his body, stopping at his head where it disappeared. I heard a voice as though through a thought that he would be allowed to stay. He awoke at first light and said to me, 'Help me up, I am going to live'.

Years ago I attended a 49, the Cheyenne ceremonies honoring the living warriors who returned from battle. As the evening deepened and the drum beat mesmerized, I had a trance-like vision. The ceiling to the building opened and my astral body traveled beyond the building, above the forests, to the mountains, the sky and further still into the star filled universe. Along the path, I heard the drum beat which echoed my heartbeat... it was the same heartbeat that emanated from everything that I passed along my journey. It is a continuum which connects all things with the beat of a single heart. I saw it all with awe and when I came back I felt peace, perfect peace, for three days. I have never felt such an emotion as I did then... the memory has faded over the years and I often wish I could feel that way again. Days later an elder told me I had received a blessing... and I do believe I did.

I have not been afraid to die since that time for I know that the energy that is 'us' unites with the universal energy of the whole. It is so far beyond earthly imagination of a heaven with golden streets or unification with loved ones. None of those human emotions are necessary... for uniting with the whole of everything is a joy beyond earthly comprehension. Death is not some txxserrible unknown to be feared, it is part of the journey... and such a small step over.

p

Absurd vanity... will I ever learn...

Cannot believe I did it again... I must be an idiot! Ouch!

Absurd Vanity
Okay, we all do stupid things out of pure vanity, but my latest takes the cake. I got these (heavy) large and stylish sunglasses in a valiant attempt to be 'with it'. I wore them for short spurts because they hurt behind my ears if I wore them for over an hour or so. As we were packing to send Michael's Dad off last weekend, all his siblings arrived in tandem so I wore them so my brothers/sisters in law would know how cool I am. I wore them Friday, Saturday and Sunday for about six hours each day. Okay you'd think.

NOT! I woke up Monday morning with a horrible pain at the bridge of my nose. I went to the mirror and almost fainted. My nose was huge!! Double the size at the bridge, with swelling all the way to my eyebrows; I looked Neanderthal. Apparently the sun glasses were the equivalent of pressing on the bone as one does when a nose bleed occurrs... for hours and hours. The kids tried to assure me it wasn't as bad as I thought, but I caught them making wincing faces behind my back... they were horrified.

The swelling at the bridge began 'falling' by yesterday until my lower nose looked like Bill Clinton's. (Sorry Bill) Needless to say, I haven't left the house. Today, it's still sore but on the mend. Am I an idiot or what?
Feel free to use this as a cautionary tale... vanity is pure folly.

*And no, I'll not post a pic. Stop laughing.

Enter Ms. Spring! ...And Weeding

Currant blooms~

Thankfully February is almost over and we see remarkable changes in the garden; spring is coming! The Currant bushes have tender green leaves and the Viburnum blooms are the size of a button. The tiny yellow Forsythia blooms, which are always the first to arrive at the garden party, are slowly covering the barren branches before the leaves emerge. Many gardens are sporting darling Crocus and Hyacinths which may be seen as low spots of scent and color. The buds on the early Jonquils and Daffodils are swelling and some have already opened. Tulips have pushed through the soil and a few purple blooms can be seen on the Vinca. The amazing leaves of the Surprise Flowers have broken through the soil as large clumps of yellowish spears, pushing with incredible strength to emerge. Tiny buds of miniature leaves can be seen on the Roses and their arrival truly marks the end of winter.

Woodland Violets~

Unfortunately all of the activity includes the rush of early weeds who have crashed the party like a crowd of raucous drunks. Weeding must begin in earnest with each warm day for if left to their own devices, they will overpower the true guests.

Hoeing is primarily used in the vegetable patch to remove weeds in a crowded space; the hoe can get in and about the vegetables easily without harming them. The hoe, like a good knife, is a balanced tool and this balance allows the gardener to literally drop the weight of it on the intruder without much physical effort. A gentle rhythm is used and is almost like a dance…slowly lift-drop, lift-drop. It is quite effective if done properly. Experts at hoeing are often amused by those who use a frantic chopping-action, which is a waste of energy and also employs the human back to do the job of an expertly maneuvered hoe.

For the flower garden, hand removal is the only logical answer. Experts agree that to truly remove weeds it is necessary to trace the stem of the weed below the ground to the base of origin, follow the outlying roots with the finger tips, then remove all of it in a slow steady pulling motion, root and all in its entirety. This will insure permanent removal of the culprit. It is difficult to feel the root system wearing gloves so many gardeners choose to weed gloveless… thus the term ‘green thumb’.

Weeding can be an almost a Zen-like activity… calming, unrushed, and quieting. When the soil is moist and the weather not yet hot, it can be a perfect way to spend an afternoon. The rewards of successful weeding are a stack of wilting weeds, a lovely garden and the satisfying feeling of a job well done. When the task is completed, reward yourself with the gift of an English trowel. They are relatively expensive but are the best in the world and will last a lifetime. Every gardener deserves one... maybe I'll gift myself this year.

*I suggest my 'weed test' before working all day... pick one and see how quickly it wilts. If it wilts almost instantly, you are free to weed like crazy. If remains somewhat perky for ten to thirty minutes, don't trouble yourself weeding... it will not be a fruitful endeavor. And don't plan to plant anything new on the good weeding days... whatever is planted or transplanted will have a difficult time and will not thrive.

Vegetables... Please Wash Them!

As the growing season approaches, we will no doubt be warned about tainted produce again. With the spinach recall of 2006, the culprit was finally assigned as hogs and rightly so... religious texts are full of references to the uncleanliness of hogs. Then several years ago the tomatoes were apparently poisonous, causing severe illness. What plants utilize from the soil goes directly into what they produce and so producers of the past were careful of what they applied to their crops. Today with much of our produce arriving from third world nations that are notoriously dirty, simple precautions must be taken to assure it is properly cleaned.

While watching a television special on fresh produce I noted workers were packaging strawberries in the plastic containers that arrive in the market while they were collecting in the field. Meaning that the strawberries arrive at the supermarket with whatever the worker had on his hands at the moment, and hopefully he did not have an illness. Additionally over the weekend I watched a television cooking show and noted the lady making the luscious cake did not wash either the strawberries or the blueberries she put between layers of whipped cream! Unfortunately many imagine that produce collected from the supermarket has been washed and sanitized before shipment. Try to assume produce is dirty upon arrival in the market; enjoy it after it has been properly washed under your own supervision.

Lettuce, tomatoes, squash and the like must be carefully washed, onions must be peeled, and celery and potatoes scrubbed with a vegetable brush, and so forth. Don’t wash off dirt…cut it out and toss it. My grandmother, an excellent cook and a thrifty lady, was an apparent recycler before her time. She used yesterday’s newspaper to peel into, then tossed it‘s folded contents in the trash.

Today, as in biblical times, we are warned not to use the same cutting board for meat and vegetables. Cooking kills much of the bacteria naturally occurring on meat but may be transferred to raw produce. We are encouraged to wash our hands between preparation of raw meat and vegetables as well. Wash the counter often and women are encouraged not to place their purses on the counter as purses are notoriously filthy on the bottom. (The very thought of what my purse has ‘seen’ makes me wince.)

With a little effort fresh produce may be confidently eaten and enjoyed for its wonderful health benefits. *Remember to plant potatoes on St. Patrick’s Day.

The Natural Person

*This was written awhile back, but it is still timely...

The Natural Person
After years of rushing about, I finally have some time to reflect and I have some odd realizations. As a young woman, I felt a strong urge to see what would happen if one placed children in a natural setting and allowed them to evolve on their own terms. I had seven in a row, and the results were astounding.

I took everyone out of school when the oldest were in fourth grade. The system was far too stifling for active minds and I felt they needed room to expand. This singular act changed the course of their lives in a most unconventional way. They were insulated from the negative impact of peer groups, religion, and society in general. From this isolation they formed a close bond with each other and nature; they became connected in a natural way and had no need to unlearn the lessons which bind and impact formation of a positive person.

When they were children, each time we welcomed a new arrival I told them I was having a baby for them...so they would have friends that loved them their whole lives. Each addition was welcomed and the current baby and other little children were drug around by older siblings with ultimate patience. Every day was met with unbridled enthusiasm because there was little structure and few demands; our creek and forest were their playground. We rang the 'dinner bell' and gathered three times a day for our meals, which were always taken together.

Reading was encouraged and they spent many hours pouring over the contents of our library; we have 5,000 books on any subject you would wish to study. We studied ecology by checking the creek for healthy plants and crawdads. We learned fractions by cooking, geometry by playing pool. We studied medieval history and made a walnut catapult, entirely pegged and workable. Swords were hammered, cloaks created, and horses were ridden bareback at break neck speeds while playing Three Musketeers or Robin Hood, or tag.

We sat in the topmost field and 'centered ourselves' to see if we could send the imaginary silver cord from the base of our spine to the center of the earth to bring the light of healing energy upward… and Andrew, at only five, could. We learned charity by taking baskets of food we had grown to those who were hungry, we hung prayer ribbons from the trees, raised abandoned baby animals and released them. We opened our door to starving artists, traveling minstrels, occasionally to down-and-out cowboys and Indians. We attended Native American Pow-Wows and even the secretive Sun Dance as invited guests.

Once, as an experiment, we decided to see how everyone would survive if something drastic happened and there was no shelter or electricity available. They created livable sod houses and built a dam on the creek. They believed that painting the window sills anti-voodoo blue would keep ill will away and that Nordic symbols on the gate will not allow evil to enter.

They could see spirits and thought that everyone could. They believed the elements are alive, and that every living thing has a soul. They pray to the angels for protection and instinctively placed food in the grave of the deceased so they may ‘eat on the other side‘.

These beliefs are ingrained in them by choice, not indoctrination, so I think they are fairly pure. Point being, when you allow the person to evolve naturally, they will find the ancient ways all by themselves, without coaching. The past holds the future and if left unimpeded, the natural person will emerge in surprising ways.

*With leaving home and the discovery of various peer pressures, they lost their way for a bit. Happily, they have found it again.... it wasn't lost at all~

Careful Shopping...

Her Permanent Residence...

Each of us have a choice how we live our lives. Simplicity suits me and was relatively easy for us. Since 1986 my personal ’statement’ to save our planet was to shop carefully. I have found that clothing, household items, cooking utensils, decorating items, shampoo, cosmetics, or anything else can be foraged outside of a conventional store for a fraction of the cost. So I shop yard sales when they are in season, decent thrift shops, community sales and auctions... and sometimes you are rewarded.

At yard sales I meet new people, chat, and look at gardens while I browse, often coming away with the gift of a plant cutting. I enjoy the limited selection and the feeling I am shopping an outdoor bazaar. I also find it amusing to ‘study’ people conducting a sale by looking at their books, which are a profile of their personality… like the little old lady who was selling the 'Harrad Experiment' or the Bible thumpers who read nothing but Satanic novels. Often I am amazed. The man who sold his great-grandmother’s rocking chair for $40 was an enigma as was the antique (signed) Houdin statue for $50... surely a once in a lifetime event I had been waiting for a long time.

About the Houdon...
That day we got started late and didn't really think there was anything we wanted or needed but compulsive people do things by rote so off we went at a little past ten. Besides the nonstop parade of pink plastic baby toys and clothing that should have been sent to the trash bin, there was depressingly little at the first eight sales we attended. I had prayed to the garage sale gods for something special...then as we rounded a corner, we spotted a nice home with a well-dressed elderly lady conducting a sale. She was downsizing she explained and getting rid of everything she no longer needed. Michael had made a bee line for something I couldn't see that was tucked behind a chair.
He asked, "Would you take less for your statue".

"No", she replied, "I really don't care if I sell her or not. I've always been so fond of her. I got her about 40 years ago at an antique shop in New York City. I like her so much and she has lived with me a long time. I wouldn't sell her if she was not too large for our new home. I think she is worth $50.00".
"Okay, he said, "I'll take her and I promise to give her a good home".

I noted his hand was shaking as her opened his billfold and when I glanced at the statue I almost dropped my teeth…she was gorgeous! He picked her up like she was a child and almost ran to the car, as if the lady would change her mind. He looked at me and mouthed, "Come on, come on“, gesturing frantically.

I turned from the front seat to inspect her and noted she was signed and numbered; I further noted the lovely detail and her face was exquisite. I called my friend Maria who is a conservator in Dallas, and she was speechless… "You got a Houdon, a Houdon for $50!" It seems our statue is one important lady.

The Reality of Careful Shopping:
When I shop this way, I (purposefully) don’t pay taxes since taxes have already been paid on what I buy, which is a statement unto itself, and I pay about 5 cents on the dollar.

We can each make a difference in our own way… and sometimes, sometimes, after many, many years...the garage sale gods may reward you!

The Garden As Exercise

Soon, very soon...
February Thoughts~ The Garden As Exercise

Sunday was a gorgeous day that reminded one there are only five more weeks of Winter before Spring makes her official entrance. It was perfect for being outside in the sunshine clearing twigs and snow debris from the beds and greeting the early arrivals in the garden. Undaunted baby-green tips were peeking up everywhere and one can feel the season is coming!

As a hobby, gardening ranks among the most popular activities with an astonishing 94% of Americans claiming it. The fact it burns calories and works muscles makes it a perfect low impact workout. As more and more Americans rush to the gym seeking health through exercise, the gardener simply needs to step outside the back door. Weeding or cultivating can burn 200 calories an hour, while hauling rocks can burn as many as 600. Turning compost is essentially the equivalent of lifting weights. Pushing the mower is the outdoor treadmill and raking is the gardener’s rowing machine. Our exercise machines are trowels, rakes, shovels, clippers, and wheelbarrows; our running track is the garden. And when compared to the sweaty filth accumulating in a modern gym, dirt seems miraculously clean.

Not only will gardening build strength, but it uses literally all of the major muscle groups. It brings cardiovascular benefits and several studies have suggested that gardening could reduce insulin resistance, a condition that may lead to metabolic syndrome or diabetes, both of which increase the risk of heart disease. Only 30 minutes a day in the garden will lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and will prevent or slow osteoporosis.

As with all exercise, it is important to begin gradually and it does seem, rather appropriately, chores in the garden seem to increase in intensity as the weather warms. In a study of heart attack risk assessment using 21,000 male Harvard alumni, it was reported that sedentary individuals had a 100 times greater chance of suffering a heart attack during strenuous activity than individuals who exercise moderately several times a week. Most of the active men listed gardening as their major form of exercise and it is amazing how many people in their nineties are still gardening. Our own Poet Laureate, Stanley Kunitz, still gardened until his death in 2006 at one hundred!

Everyone from small children to senior citizens may enjoy the garden making it a perfect family activity. It is claimed that the sensory pleasure of scented and colorful flowers reduces stress and will also provide a psychological benefit by giving one a fulfilling sense of accomplishment. Gardening is the best health secret on the planet… it is, however, addictive.

A very nice winter read~

My walkway project

While downsizing I added a path!

Early last Spring... the paths first year.

Late in the season.. spilling over the brick work.

Finished raking!

Snow, Snow and More Snow!

This is my road...
Needless to say, we're not going anywhere today, but it is beautiful~

Noxious Weeds... a reminder

The Musk Thistle

Gardening fads come and go with the popularity of plants and this years lovely garden or foundation plant may become, over time, an ecological nightmare. As is the case of Purple Loosestrife, which was an exceedingly popular choice for every landscape of the 1980’s. Still sold today in many states, including ours, the plant produces showy magenta-colored flower spikes for much of the season. Unfortunately, it has a nasty habit of overpowering its neighbors, impolitely taking much more than is allowed. It is the Loosestrife’s habit of producing 30 to 50 stems from a single rootstock that has been the cause of the current problems. Escaping from the garden setting, it has been guilty of overtaking pastures and woodlands where it chokes and eliminates the competition while providing no substantial benefit to livestock.

The same is true of the wildly popular Butterfly Bush. Often sold through magazines in the 1980’s, it was unknown at the time this native of China would escape cultivation. It has traveled to roadsides, bar ditches, and pastures, invading natural areas, competing with native vegetation. It does attract butterflies, but cannot be used for butterfly reproduction and unfortunately competes with native plants that do. The bush produces large quantities of seed, up to 3 million per plant, which are dispersed by wind or water. The seeds can remain dormant in the soil for years until conditions become favorable to germinate.

The hideous Musk Thistle has arrived in our pastures as well. Oddly, this thistle has adorned the national emblem of Scotland since the reign of Alexander III (1249-1286)and was used on silver coins issued by James III in 1470. Legend has stated that Norse invaders stepped on them and the thorns pierced their leather foot wear. The invaders cried out in pain, thus alerting the sleeping Scotsmen and assuring them a battle win. As can be seen in the photograph, the base of this dreadful plant is sturdy and incredibly thorny, topped by a pretty pink blossom that is lethal in her production of seeds. A single flower head may produce 1,200 seeds and a single plant up to 120,000 seeds, which are wind dispersed. The seeds may remain viable in the soil for over ten years, making it a difficult plant to control.

Invasive Species web sites for each state list many of the plant species we are to avoid, and they are certainly worth visiting before purchasing an addition to the garden. Some of the plants listed were quite surprising.

*Photo credit J.N. Stuart

Make your path sparkle!

I began to notice little packets of colored glass 'stones' at garage sales a few years back. Often used for baby showers or weddings, they were sold for pennies on the dollar and were well worth picking up to sprinkle on my pea gravel pathways... they sparkle in the sunlight!

Plan a Children's Garden... of Food!

Maybe this will be another 'Year of the Frog'! (Note the cape!)

With snow and ice on the ground and temperatures cold enough to chill one to the bone, it is difficult to imagine that spring is just around the corner. However if in doubt, check the potato bin for it is impossible to slow the internal clock that is telling them to sprout for spring. Even though it is still barren, the garden is hearing the same call as the spuds and action is occurring underground. Quite suddenly when one can not bear it a moment longer, spring will arrive with a whisper of tender green… winter never lasts forever, it simply seems so.

To occupy ones thoughts this month perhaps plan a place in the garden which includes vegetables for children. With poor eating habits a national concern, encouraging a love of fresh food begins with toddlers and habits established in childhood will last a lifetime. Besides providing sunshine and exercise, a garden inspires by giving children the joy of accomplishment as they plant, pick and eat what they have grown. The trusty radish is perhaps the most rewarding for first time child-gardeners because of its rapid maturity. Often called ‘quick grows’, they easily germinate within three to five days and are ready for harvest by three weeks!

Since children enjoy ‘grazing’ while playing outside plan to include some English peas. Among the oldest cultivated plants, peas found in a cave in Burma have been carbon dated back 9750 years indicating they have been used by mankind for quite some time. Rich in vitamins, they arrive at the garden party early and not only withstand cooler temperatures, they require them. With their cute little pod which resembles a ’carrying case’ and sweet little lines of baby peas, their appeal to youngsters is universal.

Carrots are good as well and provide a multitude of antioxidants and minerals. The old adage about eating carrots to improve vision is true as they are a rich in vitamin A, which is necessary for good eyesight. Besides possessing an attractive lacy top while the babies grow below, tender baby carrots have a sweet delightful flavor that includes a crunch!

Onions are a wonderful cool weather crop as well and watching sets come alive and grow is exciting. They have been a global sensation for over 5,000 years and have been consumed by all cultures. Onions have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and lower cholesterol. They may be boiled, with the strained water used to effectively reduce fever. The list of medicinal uses is endless, making them a very important addition to the diet.

When our last son was almost four, he was patiently watching a large onion grow. Each day he asked to pull it and each day we responded with ‘not yet‘. One evening we carefully dug it and replaced it with a nine inch, three pound onion we had purchased at the Farmer‘s Market. The next morning we told him ‘now’. The entire family was ‘in’ on the joke and gathered to watch as he tugged and struggled. He finally managed to pull our imposter, falling backwards in the process. He was totally surprised and delighted by his ‘big ol‘ onion‘! Nothing is better than watching a child’s joy over the discovery that food need not come from the store... it may be grown!

The award winning novel Holes by Louis Sachar features the curative powers of onions~

And what will poor Robin do then, poor thing?

As the weather continues on the downward spiral, feeding the birds becomes serious business for without our help, many may not survive the current temperature plunge. True bird aficionados feed year round, but I feel it is best to insist they forage until the weather no longer permits or food is no longer easily obtainable.

We all remember the haunting nursery rhyme:
“The North wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
And what will poor Robin do then,
Poor thing?”

The illustration accompanying this little ditty often displays a pitiful Robin lying on its back in deep snow with fixed eyes, twig-like claws, a beak barely opened… clearly dying from either starvation or hypothermia! Notwithstanding the implied cruelty of presenting such images to small children, the visualization of this “Poor Thing” easily instills enough guilt to encourage one to purchase a high quality bag of wild bird feed immediately!

Most birds like the commercial mixtures but if you want to splurge purchase additional sunflower seeds and thistle. Many beautiful songbirds spend the winter indulging in entertaining antics and now that the trees are bare, it is possible to see and hear them far better. Once you begin feeding you will discover the reason so many people find great enjoyment in bird-watching, for every bird has personality traits characteristic to their individual species.

With the onset of cabin fever this week, the birds have taken on substantial significance, providing a most welcome respite on seemingly endless boring days. The Blue Jays are excitable, boisterous, rather the bullies and always traveling in a gang. The Cardinals are polite, laid back and lacking in aggression. All species of the Woodpecker family demand and receive respect; their beaks are daunting and presence can clear the feeder immediately. The darling finches squabble and tumble about while the Black Capped Chickadee and timid Titmouse dart for sunflower seeds. The wonderfully enthusiastic Sparrows are mentioned in the Bible as one of God’s favorites.

Birds eat in regular intervals during the day much as we eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. For this reason the feeder is sometimes chaotically busy with all species feeding together in a feathered fluff of noisy competition while other times the filled feeder stands alone. The word spreads quickly among the bird community and bird feeders will find themselves at the height of popularity this time of year.

Lovely books which identify bird species are available at all of the public libraries and it is exciting to identify old favorites and new friends who visit your feeder. And since we have many more weeks of winter, plan to enjoy the bird show… from the warmth of your easy chair!

The Herb Garden.... The Basics

Planting an herb garden is immensely satisfying for besides providing visual beauty as the plants flower, they will provide seasoning for culinary delights, flowers for relaxing baths, and often offer medicinal properties as well. Either used while fresh, or dried for future use, herbs are among the most ancient plants to be utilized by mankind. And the satisfaction of planting and growing your own knows no bounds.


Mint has traveled everywhere~ interloped to fraternize with the Oregano... and the Larkspur was not invited~

The Mint family encompasses an enormous selection and a summer glass of iced tea is naked without a sprig. Spearmint, chocolate mint, peppermint and many other varieties are traditional garden constants. All are fond of warm climates, and may be found in most parts of the world. Most of the mints with the exception of ‘Apple Mint’ tend to travel along the edge of the bed so plan on their wayward wandering when planting them. Containment can become a taxing full time job unless they are allowed to roam. Apple Mint stays where she is planted and will remain lovely and carefree for years.

Apple Mint Below~


Lemon Balm is both an ancient herb and a favorite of bees. It was used among bee keepers in Greece where it was rubbed on hives to keep the bees from swarming by calming them. Taken as a tea, it has been touted to ensure longevity, ease fear, and cure headaches or fatigue. Very easy to grow, it is a native of southern Europe and North Africa, where it has been cultivated for over 2000 years. Today it enjoys continued popularity and brushing by it on an evening stroll through the garden brings a sensory delight.

Perhaps add the beautiful perennial Garden Sage for it has long been a staple in southern culinary. No turkey is complete unless stuffed with sage dressing and sage picked from your garden has a taste more flavorful than any which may be found in processed products. Following blooming slightly prune then allow the plant to recover before cutting stalks to dry. Wait to cut until the morning dew has dried and hang the stems in a dark closet until they have thoroughly dried. A garage or out building is the best place to dry so the leaves are not subject to accidental air conditioning. Once the leaves are crisp, strip them from the branch and seal in an air tight plastic bag.

Love my Sage~


Lavender is not to be forgotten, especially since this Mediterranean native adores our western Oklahoma climate. Dry, sunny, even rocky gardens appeal to this perennial favorite making it easy to grow here. It has been continually cultivated for over 2,500 years and its ability to dispel odor made it useful in Egyptian mummification. In Greece and Rome it was used to scent baths and ease fatigue and by Medieval times it was used as a deodorant and a way to ward off Black Death. Legend has Cleopatra using lavender’s sensual properties to seduce Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, which no doubt accounts for its time-tested popularity... which continues today.

Add Some Chives too~
Chives are not only beautiful, but provide sweet early snippets to add to salads, baked potatoes, and anything else that needs a zing!

Monet's Garden... and Adapting to Change

February is a time for planning what to do in the garden and often visiting famous gardens of the past provides inspiration. Viewing a book on Claude Monet, the French painter and father of the Impressionistic Painting Movement will provide inspiration for he was a gardener extraordinaire. His paintings of flowers and water lilies are legend and his own gardens were inspiration for them.

In 1883 he moved with his family to Giverney France where he rented an acreage complete with a ramshackle home and out buildings in various stages of neglect and decay. He enlisted the enthusiastic energy of his eight children and the family worked tirelessly for years to create an oasis of beauty. Over time various gardens were enclosed to have a certain view and therefore many gardens contain ‘flower arrangements’ throughout. Often captured in his paintings, his 'arrangements' became immensely popular. As his wealth increased, he purchased the land and adjacent acreages and the gardens continued to evolve.

Eventually the children grew and lost interest in the projects so an undaunted Monet simply hired seven gardeners to help him. His fantastic gardens contain a central walk (allee) with rose covered hoops. There is one section with seven two-tiered pergolas containing roses with Clematis hanging above, draping like lace curtains. A meandering pebble path overflows with nasturtiums which were an 'accidental mistake' Monet loved and repeated each year. Both rare and common species of flowers dance in magical tandem throughout the gardens. In his later years, he used much of his money to purchase rare and expensive species of plants and became ardently interested in botany.

His final project was a water garden complete with a traditional Japanese bridge and although he never traveled to Japan, woodcuts inspired him and the bridge is of his own design. The covered bridge absolutely drips with white and mauve wisteria providing a stunning seasonal effect. Monet endlessly painted his gardens, capturing light and motion, the flowering and falling of petals, the ripple of water… from every angle, through every season. His overwhelming passion for gardening, for art, for living has made his home a French national treasure with over a million visitors a year. (Second only to Versailles).

There is a virtual treasure trove of information about his gardens available both online and in libraries. Why not research the genius of Monet to stave off the house-bound boredom which is bound to emerge in February? Without doubt, even Monet was pleased February is a short month!


Our (Former) North Garden:
View from N. to S.~ preparing to plant the garden below~ Pictured from S. to N.




Footnote:
*I can relate to the enthusiasm of his eight children. Our own eight adored projects and our acreage continually evolved with their interests. The north field which was once a massive vegetable garden became a horseback riding ring, a go-cart track, a baseball diamond, and finally a golf course! However, as Monet discovered, children do grow into adulthood and leave home. Since hiring a staff of seven was impossible, Michael and I realized replanting two acres to gardens was too much for us alone... thus the downsizing article. Adaptation is the secret and the garden will evolve... bringing new joy in unexpected ways. Smaller ways~

Horseback riding was a passion for years!

Snow, Snow and More Snow... A Benefit for the Garden

Japanese gardeners refer to the snow formation above as sekka... snow blossoms. I had never seen them before our snowfall last winter... they are lovely.

Gardeners have long cherished snow as it forms a natural insulation for premature thawing. Since moisture in the soil expands as it turns to ice, a premature thaw followed by a freeze can cause the bed to heave disturbing the roots of small plants nestled there. It has been scientifically proven that a small layer of light fluffy snow can insulate the flower bed completely allowing for a tolerable temperature beneath it. Amazingly, a bone chilling temperature of minus 14 degrees Fahrenheit and a nine inch layer of snow can ensure the soil at the surface remains a relatively cozy 28 degrees. Snow also provides protection from drying winter winds and allows the bacteria in the soil to continue the work of decomposing organic matter leftover in the garden.

An odd benefit of pollution is the fact that snowflakes collect the airborne particles of automobile exhaust and add it to their composition as they fall. Most exhaust is composed of nitrates, which are the principal component of well balanced fertilizers. Today’s snow may be a noxious cocktail of chemicals that make for poor tasting ice cream, but its benefit to the garden is boundless.

The Japanese, famous for their dedication to gardening, have long revered snow and consider it integral to their garden displays. They have garden tours during the snow and even use yukimi (snow viewing lanterns) strategically placed about the garden for maximum effect. Snowflakes collected on tree branches are called sekka (snow blossoms). Trees are carefully pruned and supported with stakes to allow the canopy to collect the snow without collapsing.

In spite of the obvious inconvenience, our friends to the east may remind themselves that snow provides a multitude of benefits for the garden. It also gives stunning visual continuity and provides an unsurpassed aesthetic beauty during boring winter months... Snow is indeed a miraculous feat of nature.