by Jude Hsiang Humans began farming about 12,000 years ago in locations around the world after much earlier recognized plant materials that could be used for food, clothing, shelter, and wooden tools. One thing that sets humans apart from other creatures is our desire to beautify ourselves and our surroundings. Cave paintings using the minerals […]
by Jude Hsiang Gardens small and large are bursting with life now that the unusual spring rains which deplaned planting for many, have been providing more typical watering. Cucumbers and zucchini are appearing at local farmers’ markets and groceries and in our backyard and community garden plots. These plants are two of many in the […]
by Jude Hsiang Mid-summer cookouts will feature a wealth of garden produce: green salads with tomatoes, watermelon, and, of course, corn on the cob. Even the most confirmed meat eater looks forward to this special summer treat. We New Englanders are waiting for this season’s local sweet corn as we see corn in local groceries […]
by Jude Hsiang Six months ago, when gardeners began to dream of summer and pour over seed catalogs, tomatoes were at the top of many wish lists. Now those gardeners are tending their plants and watching as the little yellow flowers begin to develop into what the botanists call berries, but most of us think […]
by Jude Hsiang Some of the first local foods to enjoy each year are greens, which come from a variety of plants. Many of us have been enjoying a variety of leafy greens from our gardens for weeks now. If you missed the opportunity to plant them from February through April this year, some of […]
by Jude Hsiang Are you thinking about starting a garden? Here are a few things to think about before planting. Start small. Maybe a few pots of favorite flowers, herbs, or one cherry tomato. You can start with a few little plants at a garden center, get a few free seeds at a seed library, […]
by Jude Hsiang Terms for plants used by growers and botanists can be confusing. If a plant is labeled “annual” we might think that it will return every year like an annual canoe race. But annual plants live for only one growing season. They grow from seed, flower, form new seeds, then die. Those new […]
by Jude Hsiang After considering some spring flowering shrubs we’ll be enjoying soon, let’s think about shrubs that will provide us with floral displays during the coming months. Previously I wrote about the big-leaf hydrangeas because the correct time for pruning – if needed at all – depends on when the leaves appear on the […]
by Jude Hsiang Rhododendrons are popular shrubs that require little care once properly planted and established. They thrive in New England’s acid soil and prefer light shade, conditions many of us can provide. There are over one thousand species and include azaleas. Most are native to Asia, but there are several North American species. As […]
by Jude Hsiang Does your town have a Seed Library? Seed Libraries are found all over the world, enabling gardeners to save money and try new types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Alex Burbank is the new librarian at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, 35 Main Street, China Village. Although only open a few […]