Last updated: May 16, 2018
The term food deserts has made it into the common language of many American citizens as the conversation about health and obesity have come to the forefront.
in Go Green
Last updated: May 8, 2018
Did you know that Singapore is the greenest city in the world?
It was the enormous man-made trees, covered with growing plants and softly lit in the darkness that caught my attention at the beginning of a “Planet Earth” documentary featuring cities.
in Go Green
Last updated: May 3, 2018
What are invasive perennials?
It always starts out innocent enough. You think you have found the perfect plant for that spot in your garden that always looks bare or is hard to plant.
You find a perennial that boasts its hardiness and promises to be low-maintenance or no maintenance. The plant takes to the spot readily and all your cares are over!
What you may have just done, however, is plant a highly invasive plant that will end up taking over your garden and eating all your other plants.
Last updated: April 24, 2018
Have you ever thought about growing companion fruits? How do freshly picked strawberries and blueberries sound?
Regardless of their appearing in July 4th fruit spreads, you may know if you have grown or picked either of these fruits that they don’t ripen at the same time.
However, that is not what makes them ideal companion plants!
Last updated: April 17, 2018
Do you have a favorite summer vegetable or garden-grown fruit that you just can’t wait to come in season each year?
I know I do. Tomatoes, strawberries, and watermelons are at the top of my list. Actually, they are all so much better when homegrown; sweeter, crunchier, with more depth of flavor.
There are times I’ve tasted my homegrown produce and thought I really didn’t know that vegetable was so delicious. Most of the time supermarket staples aren’t even close to tasting the same. It’s a shame, too. I think more of us would enjoy vegetables more if they had a chance to taste them in their fullness.
There is a way!
Last updated: April 10, 2018
It’s the beginning of spring, but there are still several weeks of cold temperatures and gray days before things start to warm up – that is, if you live in the Midwest like I do.
In some places in the country, it’s already time to plant seeds, or it will be soon. However, did you know you can get a jump on your seedlings weeks before the ground outside is ready to accept them?
Did you know that you can get a jump on having fresh vegetables on your table from your very own garden?
Last updated: April 3, 2018
No doubt most of you are itching to be outside cleaning up your garden and getting to work on what you have planned for this year.
If you live in Michigan, you are probably looking glumly out the window at the snow swirling around outside right now. In addition, you may have looked at the 15-day forecast to see if any warm weather is on the horizon.
This time of year can be tough for everyone. It’s technically spring. However, spring is nowhere to be seen. It will come fast, though, and when it does you can be ready to pounce on that nice weather and sunshine to make the most of it.
Here’s a task list for helping your garden bounce back from winter.
Last updated: March 27, 2018
Many Detroit (and non-Detroit) natives may be familiar with Charlie LeDuff’s 2014 Detroit: An American Autopsy. Written in the wake of Detroit’s declaration of bankruptcy, which, if you have lived here for any length of time you know was only the final nail in the coffin.
Last updated: March 20, 2018
It’s no secret that more and more of our kids are spending less time outdoors and more time in front of a screen on any given day. The sad news is, so are adults, and we should know better.
People are busy, there is more homework, and parents are afraid to let their kids roam around the neighborhood by themselves.
Why not kill two birds with one stone and create a dream space for the kids. Maybe when you are done, you will want to be out there more, too, and invite the neighbors over while you’re at it!
Last updated: March 13, 2018
The book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, is inspiring for anyone who has ever considered a vegetable garden.
Kingsolver recounts how she, her husband, and their two daughters moved from Arizona where growing your own food is much more difficult and uses up much precious water. The family settled in Virginia on a family property in order to grow their whole food supply.