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Arbutus Gardens

As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise! Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'. The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples. I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree ( Oxydendrum arboreum ). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrou...
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Book review and give-away - "The Speedy Garden"

Congratulations to Eve on winning the book! Stay tuned for more contests in the future.

We all know that most gardening requires some patience - especially vegetable gardening. But wait one minute, here is a new book that offers crops that are ready to eat in a few days, weeks and even hours. Food journalists Mark Diacono and Lia Leendertz profile these tasty delights, show you how to grow them and provide recipes.

Beginning with "Soaks and Sprouts," the authors describe the best techniques for sprouting seeds in sprouting bags or trays. Pumpkin seeds, almonds, sunflowers, radish, mustard and clover sprouts are just a few that are profiled with tips on storing them and using them in recipes. 

Micro greens include coriander, fennel, basil, and other leafy greens that can be grown in trays in as little as seven days and are ready for salads and flavorings for other foods. Edible flowers are also covered - nasturtium, daylily, chives, marigolds, and lavender. 

 A chapter on "cut and come again salad leaves" demonstrates a method of growing greens in containers and harvesting the leaves so that the plants will sprout again. "Quick Harvest Vegetables" covers carrots, turnips, radishes and other fast growing crops.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. JTFebruary 5, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    I am always excited to learn something new about plants and gardening. I just read the other post about root cuttings and found it interesting. I am crossing my fingers and toes and hopefully I will win!

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  2. caitcaitoFebruary 6, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    I could so use this book!

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  3. UnknownFebruary 6, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Hi Phil,
    As an ancient gardener, I remember the admonishment of George Burns, who said "I'm so old, I don't even buy my bananas green." So this seems like a good book for me! Best to you,
    Shenandoah
    shenandoah@hushmail.com
    http://gardenaginginplace.com

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  4. EveFebruary 6, 2013 at 4:43 PM

    Looks like a fun book! I'm in!

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  5. JenFebruary 7, 2013 at 8:15 PM

    I can never have enough gardening books or cookbooks. Plus, I'm going to be giving edible gardening a more serious try this season... I'm in!

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  6. EveFebruary 12, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    Whooo Hoooo! Can't wait to get it! I'm gearing up for lots of veggies this year!

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