Category Archives: Uncategorized

I debated about posting this, but after consulting with fellow bloggers, I decided to go for it. Below is the potato I dug in my garden. Mother Nature sure works in mysterious ways.

Herbdoc has seen some interesting insects around her garden this summer: It certainly has been a banner year for insects here in Rhode Island! Here are three I recently found in my yard. Black Swallowtail Butterfly caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes) – … Continue reading →

One way to cook garden-fresh Greasy Beans Continue reading →

Recently, I told you about the monarch caterpillar that had pupated among my string beans. I considered myself lucky to have found the chrysalis, but did not dare hope to catch the emergence of the butterfly. I was away for … Continue reading →

Here’s Herbdoc with another edible wild plant: Here’s an edible weed that I routinely yanked out of my vegetable garden until I met a mother of ten who cultivated a row!  She insisted it was edible and nutritious with a … Continue reading →

Back in April, I told you about my fondness for zinnias. I started two cultivars from seed – Cut and Come Again, and the newer Benary’s Giants. I promised to tell you how I liked the Benary’s, so here’s my … Continue reading →

I always allow some milkweed to grow in my vegetable garden. I don’t let it take over, but I want to provide a hospitable place for monarch butterflies. In case you didn’t already know, milkweed is the ONLY thing monarch … Continue reading →

This is a story about a university, its faculty, staff and students, the State of Rhode Island, some Master Gardeners, and a food bank. It’s also about testing new vegetable cultivars, and bringing many diverse interests together to grow good … Continue reading →

Recently, some friends and I went on the Newport RI “Secret Garden Tour.” A ticket purchased in advance was just $20, and the proceeds went to charity. It was also an opportunity to explore the historic and lovely “Point” section … Continue reading →

Herbdoc has some good news. I love good news. The Eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallapavo silvestris) was near extinction in the early 1900’s due to over hunting and loss of habitat.  In Rhode Island, The Department of Environmental Management’s restoration … Continue reading →