Sunflowers and more in a Portland garden

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I’m over-the-moon excited to have pictures from my home garden featured on Fine Gardening magazine’s website today.

As many gardeners know, growing is a year-round job (we’re planning and cleaning up, even in winter) and we don’t always get a chance to share. Often, we’re alone when we experience those magical moments….the sight of a hummingbird or dragonfly hovering near a flower bed; the first lush harvest of spring greens; the ripening rose of a tomato; the crinkled tips of kale, waving for your attention and just visible beneath the snow.

And sunflowers – don’t get me started. Next to daffodils, toddlers, and puppies, I think they’re some of the happiest things on earth.Continue reading “Sunflowers and more in a Portland garden”

A new planting year begins

It’s that time again. I’m clearing out the vegetable beds closest to our house. I’m rinsing out my  germination flats with bleach, and filling them with seedling mix. I’m fondling seed packets, and paging through piles of seed catalogs.

What will I grow? How will it go? How can I work with nature, and what is beyond my control?

So much. So much is beyond my control. It’s dizzying, it’s terrifying, what’s beyond my control.

And on some levels, it’s simplifying. Thanks to the lessons I’m learning as a therapeutic gardener, I’m recognizing better the parallels between daily life and gardening.

Continue reading “A new planting year begins”

Edible art

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From my garden (clockwise, from bottom): Starburst radishes, parsley seed, red-veined sorrel, snap pea, German chamomile flowers, apple mint, mustard mix, Redbor kale, borage flower, sage flower, New Red Fire lettuce. Tristar strawberry and nasturtium (middle).

Yes, you should play with your food! Mindful eating invites us to feast with all of our senses during our next meal or snack.

For families who want to have fun with gardening, check out this article: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/gardening-with-kids-how-it-affects-your-childs-brain-body-and-soul.

And here’s another blogger’s perspective on how mindful gardening can connect us to our bodies: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2016/sep/01/if-you-want-to-practice-mindfulness-the-garden-is-the-place-to-be.

Happy summer eating and gardening, friends.