Author Archives: dirtynailz

The snow continues to fall here in Rhode Island. In fact, we’re having another storm right now. If you live in a place that experiences cold, snowy winters, you probably can’t wait for this one to end. I am not … Continue reading →

These are some of my favorite catalogs. My preferences are based on past experiences with the merchants, and also on their ethical perspectives. I try to buy organic, and I certainly want open pollinated and usually heirloom varieties, so that … Continue reading →

While food shopping the other day, I came across a small, unassuming bouquet of narcissus. Mind you, the flowers were a bit banged up, but they were just opening and, at $4.99, I had to have them. I know they … Continue reading →

Here’s HerbDoc with exciting news for homegrown tomato lovers. (aren’t we all?) For all of those gardeners who lost their tomato crops to the late blight (Phytophthora) during the 2009 or 2010 seasons, Johnny’s Seeds has developed “Defiant” PhR (F1).  … Continue reading →

Well at last, there’s some long overdue recognition for a great annual, a garden workhorse, and an all around terrific plant. Ladies and gentlemen, the 2011 National Garden Bureau Plant of the Year for 2011 is…the zinnia! Think of the … Continue reading →

This is the view from my back window today. We are having another blizzard, and this one is the nastiest yet. I awoke several times in the night and heard rain hitting the windows, but it has turned back to … Continue reading →

Behold my humble geraniums. They were not always mine. I do not grow these in the summer. My mother-in-law grows them though, and at the end of the season there is always one she can’t bear to throw away. The … Continue reading →

In the third of her series of posts about common herbs, HerbDoc has some thoughts on one of the most popular – rosemary: One of my favorite herbs, rosemary, is still doing well outdoors even though temperatures have dipped as … Continue reading →

In this first post of 2011, HerbDoc talks about pomanders, and how to make them: Ahhhhh!  I love the spicy scent of pomanders and try to make several every few years.  What we think of as pomanders today, oranges studded … Continue reading →

HerbDoc recently had an unexpected – and welcome – visitor to her garden: It’s common to see various owls and hawks in this area, but I was amazed to look out my window the other day and spot this Red-shouldered … Continue reading →