J* U i
WWW.JUSTOUT.COM
MARCH 18, 2011
H
ries yet bring a whole realm of flavor profiles to
the table. While I’ve killed yet another rosemary
this winter, I’ll he planting ‘Arp’ along with
chervil, basil, tarragon and sorrel. They’ll be
joining my favorite easy mainstays of thyme,
sage, parsley and mint.
But herbs are more than flavor savers and
I’ve been learning about herbal salves, bath
products and oils. On my radar this year are
hath salts mixed with lemon verbena and lav
ender, and coconut oil mixed with steeped rose
petals and chocolate mint to be used as lotion.
I always have a glut of all o f these herbs and
flowers from the garden and, instead of drop
ping a pile of cash at a bath boutique, I’m
concocting my own fragrant potions and
goods. Plus it just feels a wee bit witchy—and
in my book, that’s a good thing.
Tomatoes— Last year’s tomato season was
a sad flop. And for a whole year now, I’ve been
lamenting the absence of a big, ripe heirloom
tomato, picked fresh from the garden and
warmed by the sun, sliced and eaten in all of its
glory. Summer 2010 robbed me of this mo
ment, and I’m resolute that 2011 will not.
Walls of water, mulch and cages sturdy enough
to brace the monsters I’m determined to grow
are all on the agenda. I am prepared!
Salad bowls—W hether you’re dealing with
a small space or acres to garden, a pot of salad
greens close to your kitchen door is too easy not
to try. O ur cool springs and mellow summers
make it simple for the cooler weather needs of
salad greens, and I’m intent on planting a whis
»
Last year’s tomato season was a sad flop. And for a whole year now, I’ve
been lamenting the absence of a big, ripe heirloom tomato, picked fresh
from the garden and warmed by the sun, sliced and eaten in all of its glory.
key barrel full of lettuce. That, and the dark days
of winter have left me time to peruse my favor
ite local seed catalog,Territorial Seed Company,
and I’ve acquired a list for lettuce seeds with
names like “Flashy Trout’s Back,” “Devils
Tongue,” “Speckles” and “Drunken Woman
Frizzy Headed.” How can I not grow these?
Hint: Have a little bit of part shade? Lettuce is
what to grow there. Another hint: Arugula, the
darling of the restaurant salad plate, is as easy to
grow as a weed and, in fact, can be weed-like in
hunt
its prolific ability to reseed. I planted a row of it
two years ago and will never need to plant it
again. It shows up regularly and will appear in
salads and on grilled pizzas throughout the
spring and summer.
Keeping on top o f the weeds— It’s true:
Keep on top of weeds early in the season, there
will be less of them later on and in the follow
ing year. I’m determined to visit my garden
daily as a break from work and a stress reducer
while pulling weeds on a regular basis. I’m
| hoping to prevent a weekend o f backbreaking
§ work that leaves me cursing ever being a gar-
< dener to begin with. This year, the weeds w ill not
w in, I say. Repeat lOx.
Cultivating whimsy— I like to laugh, and
gardening can be too serious o f an endeavor.
I’m cultivating some surprises and humor in
my garden this year, and I have my eyes on fun
top dressings for pots like marbles and wildly
colored tumbled glass. This may not appeal to
the modern purist but, if done in a carefully
crafted color palette or limited areas of the
garden, if it brings a smile to the gardener’s
face, that’s always a good thing.
Speaking o f smiles, I can’t wipe the grin off
my face every time I see a miniature garden—
and, yes, I have plans. I’ve recently learned
there are whole genres o f miniature gardening,
ranging from gnome to doll to train to fairy
gardening. Did you hear that, Radical Faeries?
Yes! I’ve been planning some miniature sur
prises tucked into secret areas o f the garden
including a wee mountain house, paths and
perches. I’ll keep you posted on my wee prog
ress. I’m sure it will be a teeny tiny success.
See? I’m already having fun with just the word
potential o f miniature gardening.
Ready? Set? Garden!
L e A nn L ocher is a professional graphic de
signer by day, gardener by days end. She's also an
OSU Extension Master Gardener and would
love to hear what's up fo r your garden this year.
Reach her at sassygardener@gmail.com.
Beautiful Homes.
Beautiful Renovations
6
Gather
Treasures For The Home A Soul
3 P
3
w
f
II & G 's W elcome Y ourself H ome
Winter Clearance Sale
Check out our new spring collection o f local ait work.
In terio r D esign C onsulting Available
I N T HE PEARL - NO P PEARL PRICES!
CUSTOM HOMES (C: RENOVATIONS
C ustom O r d e r e d F u r n i t u r e in your home in as l i t t l e as 4 w e e k s !
1302 NW Hoyt
St., Portland • 503-227-3400 • huntgather.com
•
i ’
www.fazzhomes.com I 503-422-8892 I 360-571-7027
Like us for a chance to win a new iPad: facebook.com/fazzhomes