Dirt Therapy

Every year I look forward to seeing this tree change color. It is located on Pine Street next to an architect's office and just one block from the campus where I work. It always has the most intense color I've ever seen. As I was lamenting the fact earlier that there wasn't much fall color yet, this tree seemed to turn overnight. There still isn't a lot of color (you can see that from the surrounding trees in the photo) but I'm happy that the most beautiful tree is spectacular as usual.

We've had patches of frost for the past two nights and it looks like winter is just around the corner. So, what has happened to the fall color? The trees are just showing scant changes in color. We have a nice collection of Japanese maples and they are usually spectacular by now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we will have some great displays before the cold weather strips the leaves. I've been working on making our front entrance a little more inviting. I've planted mums and pansies to add some much needed color. The pansies are still so small that they are not making much of an impact. I didn't think the coleus grew as well this year as they usually do. They are just now looking good but they will be toast after the first frost. Mexican Bush Sage ( Salvia leucantha ) is a must-have for the fall garden. Miscanthus grass is another great plant for the fall garden. Japanese Anemone "Honorine Jobert" - I forgot I had plan...

The first time I ever heard of patchouli was back in the late 80s when Madonna released her "Like A Prayer" cd with a patchouli scented insert. I still didn't know back then that patchouli was an herb from the mint family (Pogostemom cablin) . I was surprised when I saw this herb at a nursery back in the spring and knew that I had to try growing it. Like I usually do, I bought the plant first and then researched it afterward. I googled it and read that it wasn't the easiest plant to grow and was finicky about growing conditions. I stuck it in the vegetable garden without much fanfare and figured that it would probably croak within the week. Like other plants that flourish with neglect, the patchouli proved me wrong when it started growing like wildfire and quickly developed into a nice clump about two feet high and wide. I read that it develops flower spikes of very tiny pink flowers but so far, I've only seen foliage. Patchouli has a powerful fragrance - spicy a...

This unique and beautiful vine has been a success this year. I have grown it in the past but I have always put it in places where you couldn't see it easily. Since it is an evening blooming vine, it is not wise to put it on the other side of your lower 40 for viewing pleasure. I also find it sad that a plant might be blooming but there is no audience to enjoy the blooms. But I digress. This year I planted the seeds next to a gate right next to the street. I can see the blooms from our kitchen window and when I wander out into the vegetable garden to pick tomatoes or cut some herbs for supper, the blooms have opened. The blooms usually stay open late into the morning (especially with all the cloudiness we've had lately), so I see them as I'm heading off to work. Moonflower ( Ipomoea alba ) is a tropical beauty and is a perennial in warmer regions. It loves the heat and it usually doesn't begin to bloom until very late in the summer. Therefore, it is advisable to ...

I made these a few days ago for a function at work. This was the second time I've made them and they are so good. I first came across this recipe on the Martha Stewart Show last year. They are the creation of Patrick Lemble, pastry chef at The Four Seasons restaurant. I had never worked with almond paste before but it turns out it is not that big of a deal (except maybe on the pocketbook!) Pinched Orange Macaroons Makes 5 dozen. Ingredients: 2 large egg whites, separated 1/8 teaspoon pure almond extract 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted, plus more for rolling and coating 1 pound almond paste Zest of 1 orange 1 tablespoon orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with nonstick baking mats; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 1 egg white and almond extract. Add confectioners' sugar and almond paste; beat until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add orange zest and orange liqueur; beat to...